- Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Kathmandu, May 30: The government has allocated Rs 28.82 billion for the procurement of chemical fertilizer in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 BS and the volume of the chemical fertilizer would be increased to 600,000 metric tons.
Unveiling the annual budget for the FY 2082/83 in the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel made the announcement to allocate Rs 28.82 billion in grant for the import of chemical fertilizer.
Likewise, necessary preparations would be advanced from the Investment Board of Nepal for establishing the chemical fertilizer factory.
Minister Paudel stated that Rs 400 million has been allocated for the Organic Agriculture Promotion Programme to ensure higher agricultural productivity by maintaining the quality of soil.
As announced by the finance minister, promotion of agricultural production would be done along the Mid-Hill Highway and Madan Bhandari Highway.
Similarly, budget has been allocated for expansion of cash crops, animal husbandry, high-end fruits, forest products, agriculture forest system and others, according to the finance minister.
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Republic Day marked in Abu Dhabi
Kathmandu, May 30: The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi has marked the Republic Day by organizing a special event on Thursday.
On the occasion, Nepal’s Ambassador to UAE Tej Bahadur Chhetri, newly-appointed Consul General in Consulate General of Nepal in Dubai Hari Prasad Odari, representatives of different social organizations based in UAE and others were present to mark the Republic Day.
During the event, Ambassador Chhetri said that it was the responsibility of all to maintain peace, prosperity and good-governance for sustainable development while institutionalizing republic.
Likewise, Odari said that may this day inspire all to internalize the norms and values of the republican system.
Representatives of different political parties, National Coordination Committee of Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA), UAE and other social organizations extended best wishes on the occasion of the Republic Day and called for making contributions for the nation’s prosperity.
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Birgunj industrialists encouraged from new budget
Birgunj (Parsa), May 30: The business leaders and industrialists in Birgunj have shared their positive responses to the upcoming fiscal year’s budget saying that the new budget was encouraging to open new industries in the country.
Unveiling the annual budget for the FY 2082/83 BS in the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has announced to waive rental fees for first three years to run new industries in the special economic zones and industrial estates targeting the new licensed companies.
The finance minister said, “The rental fees of per square meter will be slashed to Rs 5 from Rs 20 per month in special economic zone and the industries from the industrial estates would be given facilities equal to that of the special economic zones if they exported more than 30 per cent of their total productions.”
Chairman of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries Hari Gautam said the new budget has made efforts to boost up confidence of the private sector. “The budget is not as we expected. But, attempts have been made to address some of the demands of industrialists and business community,” Gautam said.
According to Gautam, the decision to scrap the advance income tax levied on customs was a positive move.
Likewise, he said that the government decision to keep the tax rate unchanged on electronic vehicles should be taken positively.
Also commenting on the budget, economist Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary said that the budget has placed the private sector as a driving force for the nation’s prosperity, which is a positive move.
The provisions of one stop services for company registration and exit would offer additional support to uplift the private sector, Chaudhary added.
The budget has stated that the Amlekhgunj-Lothar petroleum pipeline expansion and construction of fuel storage would be advanced in the new fiscal year.
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04- Narayanghat-Butwal road section obstructed
Nawalparasi, May 30: The vehicular movement along the Narayanghat-Butwal road section is now fully obstructed after the floods collapsed diversions at Chormara and Dumkibas areas in Nawalparasi (Bardhaghat Susta Purba) last night.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Yadav Dhakal said that the diversions made at Chormara and Dumkibas for alternative routes collapsed after the floods, causing a complete halt to the vehicular movement along the route.
Currently, efforts are ongoing to construct an alternative route.
As the highway is blocked since last night, hundreds of passengers have been stranded off the road at Chormara and Dumkibas areas.
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05- Economic freedom a must for women empowerment: Vice President
Kathmandu, May 30: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said that economic freedom should be compulsorily implemented as a precondition for women empowerment.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 7th National Women’s Rights Day today, the Vice President said that this day should be accepted as an opportunity to raise voices for gender equality and women empowerment, and against discrimination, inequality and violence taking place against women.
Yadav viewed that education and skills development, economic freedom, political participation, women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, legal reforms and rights, health and reproductive rights should be made mandatory for women empowerment.
The Vice President has expressed the confidence that this day has played vital role in implementing the constitutional rights in regard to gender equality and spreading social awareness.
The National Women’s Rights Day is being marked today with the theme of “Respect for Women’s Rights: Our Campaign for Self-Reliance.”
This day is observed to commemorate the passage of four special resolutions on women’s rights by the House of Representatives on May 30, 2006.
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06- Experts discuss poultry business
Chitwan, May 30: The experts from Nepal and India have discussed the issues of sustainable development and economic gains from poultry farming at a seminar held in Chitwan on Thursday.
Seven experts including two from Nepal and five from India presented their papers at the seminar organized by India’s Poultry Review and Nepal Veterinary Poultry Association, according to Prof Dr Subir Singh of University of Agriculture and Forestry.
A total of 103 scientists, entrepreneurs, educationists and policy experts were present at the event from Nepal and India.
On the occasion, development and impact of environmentally-friendly feed technology, management of infectious disease and their prevention and control strategies were discussed.
The participants stated that discussions and exchanges at the event offered knowledge, skills, and experience on the poultry business.
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Why public domain is not a cup of tea for women
Pabitra Guragain/RSS
Kathmandu, May 30: “Most women work a shift at the office or factory and a ‘second shift’ at home,” The Second Shift, a book by socialist Arlie Russell Hochschild with Anne Machung famously cites. Originally published in 1989 and updated in 2012, the book examines the double burdens faced by working women in the United States.
But the recent study here in Nepal shows that this is not just a specific case in the United States. ‘The Second Shift’ continues to reflect the reality for working women especially the married and mothers across various fields- whether in journalism, politics or academia.
An academic gathering held here Friday was univocal on it. The event brought together journalists, academics, rights activists, and gender studies scholars.
The discussion themed “Challenges on Work-Life Balance of Women in Media and Politics” focused on the difficulties and quandaries women face in balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and how they strive to excel in their careers despite numerous impediments.
Drawing on two academic research studies, the participants highlighted that although women have increasingly entered the public sphere-be it journalism, politics or academia-the traditional household chores remain largely their responsibility. “This forces them to straddle professional obligations alongside domestic routines,” the gathering underscored.
“Society expects us to do everything: be great at work, take care of our families, and still to put together. It’s duress indeed,” one of the citations from the research work is sufficient to prove that how the women are pressurized to perform double shifts, becoming a ‘super woman’ at the cost of extreme time poverty, mental stress, fatigue, exhaustion and burnout by overlooking their personal needs.
According to a research focused on women journalists in mainstream media, women besides being obliged to be the performers of “second shift”, face numerous forms of gender-based discrimination and violence within newsrooms, finding additional challenges in balancing work life. Expressing their concern over this situation, the participants argued that until over 50 percent of the population is continued to be undervalued in each aspect of the life, the goal to gender equality envisaged by the Sustainable Development Goals remains elusive.
“Women journalists feel underprivileged compared to their male colleagues, they perceive leadership as favoring men, with their ideas often going unheard and relegated. These women are not only deprived of fair pay but also suffer from delayed pay, fueling constant economic insecurity,” the research mentioned. It further explores how family, media, society, and political leadership exploit women’s labour from home to workplace, undermining their presence and nipping in bud their roles in the public sphere.
Against this backdrop, they urge media institutions to invest more in women journalists, acknowledge their unique needs arising from biological and socially prescribed roles, and implement gender-sensitive policies.
In large, they demand that media houses mandatorily implement Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policies to ensure both the quality and quantity of women’s presence in the media.
Another research which is about women’s leadership in politics (local level) explores that women leaders at the local levels are over-burdened by household responsibilities and unable to actively take part in the regular meetings and enhance their understandings. They have ‘no real say’ at the decision-making level; they have been compelled to work merely as subordinates and at the command of mayor or ward chair who are majorly men. Among them, the status of Dalit women members is more appalling. “The entire system is rigid against them.”
In her keynote speech on the research findings, Associate Professor Pushpa Ghimire referenced spillover theory, explaining that if one sphere-private or public-is unsupportive of women, negative impacts inevitably affect other fronts. She emphasized the need for positive and encouraging environments in both domains to ensure women’s meaningful and quality presence in the public life.
From an economic perspective, she argued that globalization and privatization require multiple earners per family for survival, yet women are still expected to fit domestic roles, leading to intra-role conflict. “Are women supposed to carry these overloads? Where do their human rights persist in this situation?” she questioned.
Founding mothers of gender studies, including Dr Mira Mishra, Dr Bindu Pokharel, Dr Meena Poudel, Santosh Giri Gurung, and Neera Shrestha, underlined the importance of research in interjecting feminist ideas within major academic disciplines.
According to Chief of the Department of Gender Studies, Jamuna Siwakoti Uprety, the event coinciding with the 7th National Women’s Rights Day aimed to create a pressure for mainstreaming gender discourses in academia through discourses, dialogues and sensitization. The programme was supported by the Sandhaann, an initiative to explore feminist perspectives.
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20- Ambassador Lamsal presents credentials to Lebanese President
Kathmandu, May 30: Nepali Ambassador to Egypt, Sushil K Lamsal, presented his letters of credence to Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal to the Republic of Lebanon amidst a special ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Beirut on Friday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Lebanon, Youssef Rajji, and other high-ranking officials of the Lebanese government were present on the occasion.
Prior to the ceremony, the national anthems of Nepal and Lebanon were performed by a military band, followed by a Guard of Honour, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal in Egypt.
After presenting his credentials, Ambassador Lamsal called on President Aoun and conveyed to him the warm greetings and best wishes of President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel for his personal good health and happiness, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Lebanon. Ambassador Lamsal highlighted the growing potentials of bilateral exchanges between Nepal and Lebanon in various sectors, and expressed the hope that the ties between the two countries would continue to grow and diversify in the days ahead.
Congratulating the Ambassador on his assumption of responsibilities as the Ambassador of Nepal to Lebanon, President Aoun extended his sincere greetings and best wishes for the personal good health and happiness of Nepali President as well as for the peace, progress and prosperity of Nepali people. The Lebanese President expressed the view that the friendly relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen in the days ahead.
Earlier today, Ambassador Lamsal met Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Rajji, and presented to him the copies of his Letters of Credence as Ambassador of Nepal of Lebanon. Matters pertaining to Nepal-Lebanon bilateral ties, including the promotion of trade, investment and tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, were discussed during the meeting.
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21- Monsoon enters 15 days earlier than expected time
Kathmandu, May 30: This year’s monsoon has entered Nepal 15 days earlier than the expected timeline.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the monsoon entered the country on Thursday night through the eastern region and has subsequently spread over most parts of the Koshi Province.
Department’s Director General Kamal Ram Joshi said that although June 13 was the expected date for the monsoon’s arrival in Nepal, it actually began early on May 29.
It is expected to take some time for the monsoon to prevail in remaining parts of the country. Currently, the influence of westerly and local winds persists across Nepal. Meteorological stations in Koshi Province have recorded light to moderate rainfall so far.
This year’s monsoon is likely to bring above-average rainfall. It is expected that the eastern part of the Karnali Province, the northern part of Lumbini, and most of the Gandaki Province will receive 55 to 65 percent more rainfall than average.
Meanwhile, the southern part of Sudurpaschim, the western part of Lumbini, the northeast part of Gandaki, and the northern parts of Bagmati and Koshi Provinces are expected to experience 45 to 55 percent rainfall above the average.
Additionally, there is 35 to 45 percent chances of average rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of Madhesh Province, while the remaining parts of the country are also expected to receive 35 to 45 percent above-average rainfall.
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22- Speaker holds discussion with chief whips and whips
Kathmandu, May 30: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has discussed with Chief Whips and Whips of the major political parties representing the Federal Parliament towards making parliamentary practice further effective and efficient in coming days.
Speaker Ghimire urged the Chief Whips to create environment conducive to run parliamentary proceedings in a regular manner.
Chief Whip of the CPN (UML) Mahesh Kumar Bartaula informed that the Chief Whips presented their opinion on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the parliament at the discussion held at the Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar today.
He further shared, “The parties, including main opposition were urged to extend support regarding the enactment of budget presented in the parliament on Thursday and operation of House proceedings in a smooth manner”.
Bartaula expressed the confidence that the deadlock surfaced in the parliament would end being based on the discussions and consultations to be held among the political parties.
Likewise, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress (NC), Shyam Kumar Ghimire shared that the discussion was centered on preparing the calendar of the meeting to be held from June 3 onwards.
“Also discussed was the agenda on how to advance the budget and appropriation bill presented in the parliament. The Business Advisory Committee’s meeting will endorse the calendar”, he added.
Similarly, Chief Whip of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Hitraj Pandey said the Speaker had taken advice on the preparation of work calendar for upcoming meeting of the House. “His party allowed the presentation of the budget for the implementation of the Constitution taking into consideration the country, the people and the constitutional arrangement”.
Chief Whip of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Santosh Pariyar stressed that the government should carry out investigation into the cases of corruption and irregularities. The parliament will resume only after the resignation of the Home Minster and formation of a probe committee”.
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23- Minister Dr Rana holds bilateral meeting with Chinese counterpart
Kathmandu, May 30: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi in Hong Kong today.
Dr Rana is currently in Hong Kong, China’s Special Administrative Region, to attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation at the invitation of Minister Wang.
During the meeting, issues related to Nepal-China relations, mutual interests, common concerns as well as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China were discussed, according to the Minister’s private secretary.
Highlighting Nepal’s deep rooted relations and friendship with China, Dr Rana expressed her gratitude for China’s longstanding cooperation and coordination in Nepal’s development journey.
She expressed Nepal’s expectation of China’s continued support in various areas of economic, technical, technology transfer, and foreign direct investment in coming days.
Additionally, she reiterated Nepal’s strong commitment to the One China Policy, ensuring Nepal’s steadfast approach in not allowing its territory to be used against China.
Dr Rana also thanked the Chinese government for its representation in the recently concluded “Sagarmatha Sambaad”, a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum committed to deliberating on the most prominent issues of global, regional and national significance.
She also acknowledged the exchange of the high-level visits between Nepal and China for the past few years, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent official visit on last December, which saw the signing of various agreements.
Dr Rana extended an invitation to Minister Wang for an official visit to Nepal to mark the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.
She expressed Nepal’s willingness to welcome more Chinese tourists to celebrate the anniversary.
Minister Wang, in response, congratulated the Government of Nepal for successfully concluding the Sagarmatha Sambaad. He expressed China’s readiness to cooperate Nepal in mitigating impacts of climate change and protecting environment.
He reiterated China’s continued support and commitment to cooperate with Nepal in the future through the international organisation for mediation to be established under the leadership of China.
He urged Nepal to move forward with the implementation of the agreements reached during Prime Minister Oli’s recent visit to China. He also accepted Dr Rana’s invitation to visit Nepal.
Lauding the ongoing and proposed programmes under the leadership of Dr Rana in Nepal’s diplomatic sector, Wang extended a special invitation to Dr Rana on behalf of the Government of China to participate in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment being held in China.
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24- Budget is largely balanced: Nepal Chamber of Commerce
Kathmandu, May 30: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has commented that the budget unveiled by the government for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS is largely ‘balanced’.
Although the executive’s budget proposal has been prepared and presented in an effort to address current economic complications of the country, its implementation is full of challenge, the Chamber noted.
“It seems challenging to meet the target of raising revenue of Rs 315 billion as well as foreign loan and grants. Revenue collection appears to be tough if the economic activities are not expanded”, reads a statement issued by the Chamber.
The Chamber further stated that the budget has laid focus on facilitating trade and business, promoting industrial investment and boosting confidence of private sector.
Not including the projects below Rs 30 million in the federal budget is taken positively, the statement added.
The Chamber of Commerce also appreciated the budget for laying high emphasis on the sectors such as information technology and tourism promotion. ‘It is welcoming to envision the establishment of welcome and service centre targeting tourists arriving via surface routes”.
Likewise, the Chamber took the proposal of reviewing the legal framework on land acquisition and ceiling as a positive move.
“Matters related to the implementation of economic sector recommendation commission is appreciative. Budget provisions such as formulation of credit transactions law, collective amendment to the law on division of property among creditors of bankrupt businesspersons, inflow of remittance through banking system, investment to the productive sector and integrating all payments made through public agencies in electronic system are positive”, it is stated.
The Chamber has underlined the need for introducing monetary policy accordingly to facilitate the target to keep six percent economic growth and 5.5 percent inflation within the border.
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25- ‘Maintain auditing standard’
Kathmandu, May 30: Speakers at a programme in the federal capital have underlined the need of maintaining standard in auditing so that it would help foster financial discipline.
Standard helps ensure uniformity, so the job of auditors should keep intact professionalism, they viewed.
Addressing the 7th general convention of the Auditors’ Association of Nepal (AUDAN) in Kathmandu on Friday, Auditor General Toyam Raya said AUDAN has a significant role in making business fair and transparent. Maintaining standard in auditing ensures uniformity, he reminded.
Everything that runs on public fund needs auditing, he said, adding whether public schools were audited properly.
He urged AUDAN to work perfectly so as to maintain fiscal good governance and discipline. Raya also released the AUDAN journal on the occasion.
The Auditor General, however, admitted that old laws were hindering this sector from thriving. “We have made over 20 standards and OAG has begun paperless auditing as well,” he informed, urging AUDAN to ensure standard and satisfaction to clients and government.
According to him, delayed auditing is a serious problem. Lifelong learning is imperative to whet professional auditing, Raya suggested.
In the same programme, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Chandra Dhakal, said fair practice is key to industrial and business growth. So, auditors can contribute significantly to ensure fair practices in businesses.
Chairman of AUDAN, Kedar Nath Paudel, said recognition to auditors is essential. The faulty provisions in law need amendment to make auditing a dignified profession. Loopholes in legal provision could falsely implicate auditors in business wrongdoing, so advocacy for correction is urgency, he added.
Over 600 representatives of AUDAN come from across the country are attending the convention to elect new leadership. The general convention is held in every three years.
Founding Chairman of AUDAN, Kamal Kharel, made it clear that the organization had no political influence, as it was an umbrella organization of professional registered auditors of Nepal.
Other speakers expressed worry over outflow of Nepali chartered accountants. Time has come to make new laws favourable to this profession, they argued, adding that discussion is needed on limited liability partnership act.
Challenges of effective enforcement of the Nepal Financial Reporting Standard (NFRC) were also mentioned during the event. Clearing hurdles before NFRC was needed, the speakers argued.
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26- Prohibitory order in Narayanhiti Palace Museum area
Kathmandu, May 30: The Kathmandu Administration has issued an order to prohibit protests in the Narayanhiti Palace Museum area.
Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Rishiram Tiwari informed that the protest activities such as hunger strike, sit-in, picketing, procession, rally, demonstration and gathering of more than five persons are prohibited in the stipulated area from May 31 to June 7.
According to him, the order prohibits protest activities in the area from Keshar Mahal Chowk to Narayanhiti Palace Museum’s South Gate up to Jay Nepal Mode, and from Mahendra Salik to Narayanhiti Palace Museum’s South Gate.
In recommendation of the District Security Committee Kathmandu as per the Local Administration Act, Clause 6 (3)(a), the order was enforced in the museum area in addition to the areas prohibited earlier, he informed.
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18th Republic Day: Clean politics imperative to cement system
Kathmandu, May 30: The Constituent Assembly had declared Nepal a federal democratic republic on May 28, 2008, thereby formally abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy.
It was a historic moment, making Nepalis sovereign and ultimate source of power. The announcement of the system was further bolstered with the new constitution of 2015 and the three tiers of government in place subsequently. Two rounds of election have been held in these governments since the promulgation of constitution in 2015.
It is indeed a radical change that the country has got President as the Head of the State. The President is not a descendent of ruling dynasty but a son of a common Nepali elected through the parliament. Similarly, the constitution is a solid basis, forwarding the federal structure where people’s concerns are paid heed by the government at their doorsteps along with their participation in the development activities.
As in the past, the Republic Day is observed with fanfare across the country. It is being observed in the Nepali missions aboard. The historic movement is celebrated for it empowered Nepalis. Mostly importantly, the progressive constitution we ever have made the citizens the source of State authority.
At a time when Nepal celebrates the Republic Day, the promises made for the development, good governance and prosperity cannot be forgotten at all. In addition to the jubilation over the system that made Nepalis supreme, it is also a time to reflect the past, correct mistakes and make headway accordingly.
Good governance for development
At present, Nepal has no option but cement the system and spur economic activities by ensuring clean politics. Since the country was announced the Republic with the formal abolishment of 240-year-old monarchy, various slogans have surfaced, ranging from ‘New Nepal’ to present ‘Prosperous Nepal: Happy Nepali’. Over this time, not only the Nepali Congress and the CPN UML, but also the political force come in the background of armed revolution – CPN (Maoist Centre) – have led the governments. The so called new forces also got the opportunity to get ministerial posts. However, the new political forces swaying the public largely through digital publicity and critical reaction to old parties were enfeebled in a short time over their leadership crisis.
Irrespective of the efforts made so far by the political parties, there are still the complaints, corruption and bad governance, taking toll on the system and disenchanting people. This is a serious issue our political parties need to pay heed.
Another permanent government or the bureaucracy which was flogged by politicos for being static even after the change in system has not been able fully ensure smooth public service. Worryingly, the government offices are still full of administrative hassles, which was reminded vividly even by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recently. He shared various incidents reflecting hassles at essential services. The Head of the Government underlined the urgency of correcting administrative malaise.
One after another, political leaders falling from grace in collusion with bureaucracy is a blight to Nepal’s journey to good governance and development. It needs ceasing.
Although politics and bureaucracy are not sole protectors and promoter of system, their role and responsibility counts much for they have more rights and authority to handle the state affairs. Clean collaboration among the politicos, lawmakers and bureaucrats are therefore often underlined to enhance the democratic values and cement system where citizens are in centre.
Foil anarchy
The republic system gained with much struggles, hardship and people’s sacrifice, warrants adequate attention from other sectors as well that makes effective the three-tiers of government, keeping them accountable to public. As the major actors, the leaders must realize the fact that inaction and ignorance to bolster republic system may result into further dismay in public, thereby creating space for unruly elements. The fresh March 28 anarchy orchestrated by the supporters of former king is a stark reminder. It took a heavy toll –even an on-duty journalist was charred to death in the fire the protestors set in a building during demonstration, and physical property vandalized and damaged in the federal capital, Kathmandu, itself. The scourge within the federal capital must serve as a wake-up call for all the republican forces- mostly the political parties including the CPN UML, Nepali Congress, Maoist Centre, CPN (Unified Socialist) and Madhes-centric ones to stay aware of those acting to fuel instability.
Boarder consensus, public trust
Consensus and unity among the political parties that organized people for the establishment of republic through various struggles and movements over decades is prerequisite. The major duty at present before politics and any public institution is to garner and retain public trust. Once the public trust in politics, government institutions, media, academia, CSO is kept intact, the machinations to enfeeble the system automatically lose vigor. It is one of the keys for them to keep anti-republic elements at bay.
At the same time, limiting national affairs to political supremacy is detrimental to democratic republic, because citizens are the ultimate source of power, while political leaders are their representatives. So, keeping in centre citizen’s need and aspiration- good governance and development- will help correct political deviation.
Future works
In addition to the day-to-day administration and urgency of governance reform, our leaderships need to show capacity to navigate the pressing issues Nepal is facing- digital and AI disruption and climate crisis- to advance the development and economic activities wisely. However, the efforts of a single party or section are not enough to face these global issues which are impacting Nepal disproportionately. Nepal is in the front row of the impact of climate crises with inadequate resources to minimize the risks, while sufficient capacity building is equally essential to negotiate digital spheres and AI disruption so that Nepal can leverage the tech fronts for broader welfare.
Similarly, the achievement of SDGs and LDC graduation are other significant areas warranting special focus. Setting slogans of sweeping change and ambition on the one hand and forcing citizens to pride on incremental change is not enough to share on republic achievement. Formation of capital, employment generation, and enhancement of quality education at school and colleges, and bridging divides in multiple fronts is essential.
The democracy that focuses on citizen’s welfare and development with the creation of just society helps strengthen republic. Earning public trust and shunning factionalism by political parties and building image by public institution and self-correcting mechanisms are also vital to protect and promote the Federal Democratic Republic.
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08- Singer Rana to be conferred ‘Prem Dhoj National Music Award-2082’
Kathmandu, May 30: The Golden Voice Prem Dhoj Pradhan Memorial Foundation has announced to present honour and award to four senior personalities of Nepali music sector on the occasion of birth anniversary of singer Prem Dhoj Pradhan.
The prize and honour would be awarded at Chautara of Sindhupalchowk, the birthplace of late Pradhan, on June 10, said Foundation Treasurer, Bhuwan Maskey. The award is presented in every two years.
An executive committee meeting held under chairmanship of founding chair of the Foundation and spouse of Pradhan, Kiran Pradhan, took the decision in this regard.
This year’s ‘Prem Dhoj National Music Award-2082’ would be presented to singer Mira Rana. The award carries a purse of Rs 101,000.
Similarly, senior music director, Mohan Krishna Karki Dhali, would be honoured with the ‘Prem Dhoj Pradhan National Musical Instrument Award-2082’ and singer Suraj Kumar Thapa would receive ‘Prem Dhoj Pradhan National Youth Music Prize-2082’.
The award carries a purse of Rs 50,000 each.
Likewise, the Prem Dhoj-Kiran Pradhan National Talent Music Award-2082 would be presented to a singing talent of Sindhupalchowk, Chandra Singh Ghale.
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09- Government spells out plans in budget statement to stimulate economy
Kathmandu, May 30: The government has set a goal to invest various meaningful efforts to energize the country’s economy.
These initiatives are outlined in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented in the joint meeting of both houses of the federal parliament on Thursday.
It is stated in the budget statement that removing the country from the risk of being included in the grey list related to money laundering is an important agenda for the government to enhance the credibility of the economy.
The Finance Minister also mentioned plans to advance further economic reform programmes to achieve a higher rating by utilizing the encouraging results obtained from the first sovereign credit rating for external capital mobilization.
Public investment will be focused on productive areas, attracting private capital and technology, aiming for a qualitative increase in economic activities in the context of the private sector being encouraged by reforms made to the laws through ordinances to boost morale and create an investment-friendly environment.
The goal is to establish the private sector as a key driver of economic prosperity by making further policy, legal, and procedural reforms in areas that contribute significantly to economic growth, while gradually implementing the recommendations of the High-Level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission, 2081 BS.
The government has a plan of diversifying sources, professionalize revenue administration commercial and strengthen revenue system to address possible shortfall of investment after upgrading to developing country in 2026 as well as to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.
The public debt would be mobilized in high-yielding areas as well as high importance would be given for the implementation of prioritized and result-oriented projects. Similarly, the government has also plan of utilizing innovative and possible instruments of alternative finance in order to bridge the gap of development finance.
The budget has incorporated a plan of laying emphasis on trade balance through increasing export of competitive goods and service as well as promotion of consumable goods, attracting the skilled and specialized Nepalis, who are in foreign employment, to become entrepreneur and self-employed in the country and giving high-priority to create youth-targeted employment promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The government is firmly devoted to gain more results on the foundation of positive outcome achieved after formation of the incumbent government, to bring positive change in people’s life, to raise hope among the general people,” shared Finance Minister Paudel.
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10- Public transport service disrupted in Gandaki Province
Gandaki, May 30: Public transport services have been disrupted in Gandaki Province today due to the shutdown of the service by disgruntled transportation entrepreneurs causing inconvenience to the passengers.
The transportation entrepreneurs protesting the motor vehicles regulation and management legislations recently issued by the Gandaki Province government to legalize ‘ride-sharing services and self-drive’ have called for closure of the public transport services.
The entrepreneurs associated with the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) have demanded repeal of the newly introduced legislation, arguing it is illegal for red-plate vehicles to carry passengers according to the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act-2049 BS.
According to the Section 8 of the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act-2049 BS, private vehicles registered for private use cannot be used for transport services.
Furthermore, the Section 12 of the same Act further stipulates that the vehicle registered for one purpose cannot be used for another.
Pokhara Taxi Pvt Ltd President Shovakanta Poudel shared that the taxis, buses and transportation services have been completely shut down in the Province since today morning due to their protest.
The irate entrepreneurs have protest programmes in different phases, according to which they will shut-down public services in the Province from today and extend it nation-wide from June 2, informed Poudel.
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11- Farmer making ‘good’ income producing cheese from goat milk
Waling (Syangja), May 30: A farmer here has started making a decent income by producing cheese from goat milk.
Dil Bahadur Gurung of Bhirkot municipality-8 started earning tens of thousands of rupees of income producing cheese from Saanen breed of goat. He had started business by registering the ‘Juna Goat Farm’ in 2070 BS.
Gurung has produced cheese from goat milk for the first time in the district at a time when other farmers in the district produce cheese from the milk of cow and buffalo. There are now 52 goats in his farm.
Of them, 16 goats give around 10 litres of milk every day and around one-and-half kilogrammes of cheese is produced from it.
“I have been selling cheese produced here at big hotels in Pokhara. It is sold at Rs 2,000 per kg in the market,” Gurung shared.
Though he had faced some problems in the beginning, in recent period he has been earning up to Rs 300,000 each month after selling cheese.
Gurung mentioned, “There is a high demand of cheese produced from goat milk. I am planning to add the number of goats in order to meet the demand of cheese.”
He learned the skill of making cheese from goat’s milk in Bandipur, Tanahun. He mentioned that he began to produce cheese of goat milk commercially at home by practicing the skills he had learned there. He added that work is underway to enhance the quality of the currently produced items, improve packaging, and do branding.
Gurung, who had been working in the wiring profession in India in the past, returned home with the idea of pursuing a different business than others. With that thinking, he started goat farming 12 years back with 12 goats.
“I had invested Rs 350,000 for purchasing goats and shed construction. I had progressed by joining the model goat village campaign for the youth, and I am currently earning from the initial investment made this month,” he shared.
The chairperson of the Model Goat Village Campaign, Sushil Aryal said that the work Gurung is carrying out is different and exemplary for other youths as well.
“If we work with the ‘out of the box’ thinking, there is plenty of potential in Nepal. Many people are not even aware that goat milk can be utilized, but he has been doing well by learning the methods of its use through our campaign,” he said.
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12 – Senior journalist Chalise no more
Kathmandu, May 30: Senior journalist and litterateur Bijay Chalise passed away today at the age of 74.Chalise, who was suffering from cancer, breathed his last at the Nepal Medical College at Attarkhel today morning.
His cremation will be held at Gokarneshowr Ghat in Kathmandu today itself, according to the family source of the deceased.
Chalise had assumed the role of Chief Editor of the Gorkhapatra Daily and later led the state-owned Gorkhapatra Corporation. He is also a founding Chairperson of the Press Chautari Nepal.
Chalise has penned altogether 50 books on various genres of literature including stories, novel, travelogues, book on journalism and children’s literature.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
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13 – Implementation of budget starts right from today: Finance Minister Paudel
Kathmandu, May 30: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that he will attach first priority on the implementation of the budget presented in Parliament for the upcoming fiscal year.
He presented the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the joint meeting of the both houses of Federal Parliament on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference organized by the Ministry of Finance regarding the budget for the fiscal year 2025/26 today, the Finance Minister stated that the budget implementation would not be delayed and that the implementation process would begin right from today. He said he will not wait until the Nepali month Saun, when the new fiscal year starts in Nepal, for the implementation of the budget.
“The question of budget implementation is challenging. This budget is not brought to please the ears of the citizens. Its effective implementation will take place. From today, my focus will be on the execution of this budget,” he asserted on the occasion.
Stating that the Ministry of Finance has already started working on creating a practical and objective implementation plan for the budget, DPM and Finance Minister Paudel said, “We do not need to wait until Shrawan for the implementation of projects where preparatory work has been completed. We can proceed with the process right now.”
Finance Minister Paudel claimed that this time the size of the budget is not very ambitious and it is objective in terms of revenue and expenditure.
He mentioned that a policy has been adopted in the budget to increase capital expenditure, keep current expenditure within a certain limit, and increase the amount of financial transfers going to provinces and local levels.
Finance Minister Paudel also stated that he is optimistic that the revenue target set through the budget will be achieved by the end of the upcoming fiscal year. He added that the estimates for internal loans were made within the limits set by the Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission.
According to him, some topics of policy reforms have also been moved ahead through the budget statement and that a policy has been adopted to mobilize resources through alternative financing for the economic development and prosperity.
Finance Minister Paudel mentioned that the budget has been set in a realistic way by defining the limits of consultation services so that the province and local levels can also formulate the budget accordingly.
He stated that efforts have been made to link the national identity card with social security and other facilities, and that the value-added tax on digital payments and the advance income tax imposed at customs points have been removed.
Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shivaraj Adhikari, stated that it is important to understand how the implementation of the budget progresses and what its results look like.
He stated that efforts are being made for policy, practical, and structural reforms to make budget implementation effective.
“The Planning Commission will coordinate with all ministries and agencies in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the budget. We will start discussions with all ministries soon to create a budget implementation action plan,” he added.
The NPC Vice Chair expressed hope that the upcoming budget would also focus on the implementation of the 16th periodic plan.
Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr Biswo Nath Poudel said that it is positive of the budget to introduce various laws related to monetary policy management and to establish an asset management company for banks and financial institutions.
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14- Government prioritizes early warning system for disaster risk reduction: Minister Khadka
Kathmandu, May 30: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said that the government has prioritized the early warning system to reduce damage from flooding.
Speaking in the meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee convened in Singha Durbar today, he mentioned that the government has prioritized the early warning system to minimize the damage caused by rainfall-induced disasters.
“The government is working on the idea that if information about floods and landslides can be communicated to elected representatives working at least at the ward level, it can help in reducing damage. As this year is expected to receive more rain than usual, the government is striving to strengthen the early warning system accordingly,” he added.
He mentioned that if more information about the weather forecasting system is obtained through the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, it would help in reducing damage.
Minister Khadka said if the representatives and the government are responsible in a timely manner, it will help reduce damage. He also stated that the ministry is working on how to enhance the bill on electricity development.
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15 – Lawmakers insist conflict victims should get to feel justice
Kathmandu, May 30: Lawmakers have laid emphasis on the need of taking transitional justice to conclusion making the victims feel the justice.
They said so during the discussion about the activities carried out so far regarding peace process, transitional justice and future course of action of the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons and Truth and Reconciliation Commission organized by Federalism Enablement and National Concern Committee today.
On the occasion, lawmaker Indira Devi Gautam stressed that the office-bearers of the commissions should carry out activities seriously making the victims feel the justice.
She mentioned the guilty of violation of serious human rights should brought under the ambit of law.
Similarly, Jaga Prasad Sharma pointed out that political parties should carryout activities rising above the partisan interest to take the transitional justice to logical conclusion.
Likewise, Manrupa Sharma shared that family members are still waiting for their disappeared persons and disappeared persons are not still declared deceased.
Chairperson of Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, Lila Devi Gadtaula, expressed commitment to carryout activities making the conflict victims feel the justice and every activity carried out by the commission would be victim-friendly.
There are 2542 complaints in the commission and identity card has already been distributed to 1,339 victims.
Similarly, Chairperson of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Mahesh Thapa, said they would provide justice to the victims who are waiting for transitional justice.
He clarified that study would be carried out about the complaints filed so far. The Commission has 6,400 complaints.
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16- Bhotojatra festival to be observed on Sunday, public holiday in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, May 30: The Bhotojatra festival will be observed on coming Sunday. The cultural festival includes the ritual of displaying of the legendary gem-studded Bhoto or vest believed to belong to the Rato Matsyandranath, the deity of good harvest.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has, through a notice today, declared a public holiday in the three districts of the Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur – for Sunday on the occasion of the Bhotojatra.
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17 – All republican forces should be united to protect constitution: Minister Sudi
Kathmandu, May 30: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Nawal Kishore Sudi, pointed out that all republican forces should be united for the protection of constitution.
At a programme organized by the Ministry here today on the occasion of the Seventh National Women Rights Day-2082, Minister Sudi shared that political parties in favour of republic, civil society and general people should join hands together to protect the present political system, adding there have been different criticism about this political system.
It was the need of hour to protect the gained achievements including federal democratic republic, inclusive proportional system and secularism, he mentioned.
Minister Sudi stressed the need that all women should struggle being united for the additional rights by protecting the guarantee of 33 per cent participation rights in the parliament, adding Nepal could not be prosperous until the women become financially capable and get rights equal to men.
The Ministry has been launching different programmes for the women’s entrepreneurship to make them financially capable, he opined, stating that there should be positive change in attitude towards women along with implementation of their constitutional rights.
Kiran Kumar Shah, the chairperson of the House of Representatives, Women and Social Committee, said that the committee has been working to eradicate harmful social practices as child marriage, chhaupadi, and witchcraft practices, which still remain as remnants in society.
He expressed the view that for the prosperity of the nation, the constitutional and legal provision should ensure 50 percent participation of women in every structure of the state based on the population of women.
The Acting Chairperson of the National Women Commission, Krishna Kumari Poudel Khatiwada, emphasized the need to constitutionally ensure 33 percent participation of women in the executive as well, just like in the legislature.
Similarly, there is 41 percent participation of women at the local level. Various programmes have been organized across the country under the main slogan ‘Respect for Women’s Rights: Self-reliance is Our Campaign’.
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18 – RSS photo exhibit inspired me to visit more Nepal’s tourism destinations: Indian
Ambassador
Kathmandu, May 30: Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, admitted that the photo exhibition at the RSS inspired him to visit more tourism destinations of Nepal.
Indian Ambassador Srivastava made the remark today while observing the photo exhibition themed ‘Mountain Tourism: Our Pride, Our Identity’ organized by the at its central office at Bhadrakali.
While observing the 100 pictures displayed at exhibition showing images of Nepal’s striking mountains, alluring mountain cultures and traditions, trekking trails, glacial lakes, flora and fauna and cultural festivities, the Indian Envoy mentioned that he has visited some of the places in the photos.
He revealed, “By looking at these picture, I have only been able to visit ‘a bit’ of Nepal and I should be able to ‘do more’ during my stay in Nepal.”
The Indian Envoy during his ‘maiden’ visit to the RSS’s office, acknowledged the importance of the photo exhibition on mountain and adventure destinations in encouraging internal and external tourism.
Expressing his happiness over his visit the RSS office, he shared his joy to learn about various aspects of the RSS including the ongoing photo exhibition.
The exhibition, featuring photos taken by RSS’s journalists and photojournalists over different period of time, was jointly inaugurated by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey on May 25 in commemoration of the Republic Day-2025.
“This is my first visit to the RSS office and this important exhibition encourages internal and external tourism,” he said.
Recognizing the RSS as an established news organization of Nepal, the Indian Envoy viewed that the collaboration and cooperation between the RSS and India’s news agencies like Press Trust of India (PTI) and Asian News International (ANI) should be further strengthened.
He also emphasized enhancing cooperation between journalists of India and Nepal.
The Indian Envoy, accompanied by Political and Press Counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Nepal, Gitanjali Brandon, was welcomed by RSS’s Executive Chairperson Dharmendra Jha, General Manager Siddha Raj Rai, Chief Editor Uttam Silwal and RSS staffs and journalist.
Chairperson Jha, joined by the RSS journalists, also briefed the Indian delegates about the displayed photos.
Jha, on the occasion, extended his thankfulness to Ambassador Srivastava for gracing the RSS Office and observing the photo exhibition.
He also gave the Indian delegates a tour of the RSS’s ‘Media Museum’, curating some of the tools used by RSS since its establishment in 1962 to disseminate the news and discussed the areas of cooperation between the RSS and India for more effective and systematic operation of the RSS.
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