- Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the government is working with priority for the safety of Nepalis in areas affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, while taking the potential impacts seriously.
Responding to queries raised by MPs during the discussion on the appropriation bill in today’s House of Representatives meeting, she said, “The ministry issued travel-related information with detailed contact details on June 15, requesting Nepalis currently in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution from a safety perspective.”
Minister Rana said that the Nepali ambassadors in the respective countries have been instructed to coordinate for the safety of Nepali citizens. Mentioning that an ‘online portal’ was launched on June 17 to collect details of Nepalese citizens, she informed that 885 individuals have registered their information on the portal so far and the registration process is increasing.
The Foreign Affairs Minister stated, “On June 18, all Nepali missions in the Gulf have been instructed to facilitate the process of providing online visas and other assistance for Nepalis who wish to travel to safe locations or neighboring countries, in light of the current suspension of air routes in those countries.”
In this context, she mentioned that the Jordanian government documented on June 19, 2025, the need to provide necessary assistance to foreign nationals coming from Israel to their borders. Minister also stated that the Nepali embassy has communicated with ILO and IOM regarding facilitation on this matter. Minister Deuba informed the parliament that a request was made to the Indian government to rescue 16 Nepalis in Iran, and with the help of the Indian embassy in Iran, the process to bring back 11 of them to Nepal has begun.
The remaining five are detained due to immigration laws, and the ministry is working through the Nepali Embassy in Doha to complete the paperwork for their return home. She also mentioned that efforts are underway for the prompt rescue and repatriation from Israel and Iran through coordination with the relevant bodies and the formation of a rapid response group. Foreign Minister stated that the Nepal government has been continuously pursuing diplomatic efforts at both bilateral and multilateral levels for the release of Bipin Joshi since the beginning.
The Minister added that Nepal has pursued an economic diplomacy as one of the major tools of its foreign policy and its missions abroad are being encouraged to get engage in trade, foreign investment, tourism, and technology provision.
Likewise, as he said, efforts are underway from the diplomatic missions to promote cultural and tourism diplomacy, adding that the Ministry is undertaking necessary works for the sustainability of Nepal’s graduation from the category of the least developed country to a middle- income developing country. Nepal is scheduled to observe its graduation from the LDC to the developing nation in 2026.
She made it clear before the session that the appointment of ambassadors is taking place as per the existing rules and in the deputation of labor attachés, the Ministry follows the recommendations of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.
As the Minister said, the number of missions and human resources for foreign services has been increased following the Ministry’s Organisation and Management Survey. In addition of these, digital archiving and data management are among the priorities of the Ministry.
The total budget allocation to the Ministry in the upcoming fiscal year has slightly increased compared to the previous year. However, budget for other headings except the capital expenditures has deceased.
According to the Foreign Minister, as of today in the current fiscal year, revenue of Rs 8.10 billion has been collected while the total expenditures amounted to Rs 6.78 billion. “The capital expenditures amount to 50.09 percent.”
Similarly, the Ministry remains highly vigilant in preventing any issues that could affect national security and interests. In line with our foreign policy, the Ministry is firmly committed to ensuring that Nepali territory is not used against any neighboring country, the Minister added.
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HoR Meeting: RSP and RPP boycott, discussions continue
Kathmandu, June 23: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has begun. The opposition parties, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), continue to protest demanding the formation of a high-level investigation committee regarding the ‘visit visa’ issue and the resignation of the Home Minister.
Both parties have boycotted today’s meeting. Speaking during the emergency hour in today’s meeting, RSP MP Shiva Nepali demanded an investigation into the human trafficking occurring in the name of visit visas, alleging that efforts are being made to suppress the voice of opposition parties in Parliament.
The RPP has reiterated its demand for the formation of a high-level parliamentary inquiry committee or a judicial commission today as well. In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, there is an agenda for various ministers to respond and clarify to questions raised during the discussions on the Appropriation Bill.
The agenda includes responding to queries raised about the budgets for the upcoming fiscal year concerning the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Ministry of Health and Population, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation under the Appropriation Bill, 2082.
Likewise, the ministers will respond to the questions raised during discussions on various headings of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, the Ministry of Women, Children and the Senior Citizens, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, the Ministry of Water Supply, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
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Tea exports increase by 40 percent via Mechi customs office
Bhadrpur (Jhapa), June 23: Export of tea has increased by 40.50 percent in the 11 months of the current fiscal year 2024/25.
According to the Mechi Customs Office, tea worth 3 billion 866 million rupees has been exported until the month of Ashad (Mid-June). During the 11 months of the current fiscal year, 14,463.33 metric tonnes of tea has been exported, as informed by Ishwar Kumar Humagain, the information officer at the Mechi Customs Office.
In the fiscal year 2024/25, tea worth Rs 2 billion 752 million was exported. According to the office’s statistics, cardamom exports have decreased by 3.80 percent until the end of the month of Jestha (Mid-June) in the current fiscal year. In the 11 months of the current fiscal year, cardamom exports worth Rs 7 billion 181 million have been recorded.
In the last fiscal year, cardamom worth Rs. 7 billion 452 million was exported during the same period. The main exported items include veneer sheets at 67 percent, iron sheets at 9.6 percent, plywood at 11.60 percent, and molasses which saw a 400.50 percent increase in exports, the Office said.
Similarly, export of cement clinker decreased by 12.60 percent, ginger by 59.70 percent, Amriso (broom grass) by 15.2 percent, and Chhurpi (traditional hardened yak cheese) by 7.7 percent. In the current fiscal year’s 11 months, goods worth Rs 23 billion 283 million 556 thousand have been exported through the Mechi customs.
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Bhaktapur Municipality announces budget of Rs 2.47 billion with prime focus on education
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaun), June 23: Bhaktapur, the historic and smallest municipality in Nepal, has announced a budget of Rs 2.473 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.
The budget was presented today at the 18th Municipal Assembly by Deputy Speaker of the Municipality, Rajani Joshi. Bhaktapur Municipality, which spans just 6.88 square kilometers, lies within Bhaktapur District, Nepal’s smallest district, covering an area of 119 square kilometers.
In recognition of Bhaktapur’s cultural and historical significance, the local government has allocated the budget across various sectors with a strong emphasis on education, health and heritage preservation.
Of the total budget, Rs 1.52 billion (61.67%) has been allocated towards current expenditures while Rs 804.8 million (32.54%) has been set aside for capital expenditures. Similarly, Rs 143 million (5.78%) has been allocated under financial management.
Among the budget key priorities, the education sector has received the highest priority, with Rs 544 million (21.85%) of the total budget earmarked for its development. According to the local representative, this reflects the sentiments of the locals.
To enhance local healthcare services, Rs 50 million has been allocated for the enhancement of Khwopa Hospital and Rs 7.5 million has been set aside for the construction of the Khanchapukhu Health Post.
In line with Bhaktapur’s identity as a city of living heritage, Rs 3.75 million has been allocated for the enhancement of local ghats (cremation grounds), Rs 30 million has been designated for the reconstruction of Thanthu Palace and Rs 10.6 million has been allocated for the restoration of a local religious site.
As she said, the budget reflects the municipality’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while investing in education and healthcare for sustainable development.
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Jeep safari to be suspended in CNP from June 29
Chitwan, June 23: The jeep safari services operated inside the Chitwan National Park (CNP) here are to be suspended from this June 29 in view of the monsoon.
The safari has been closed because it becomes difficult for vehicles to enter the park during the rainy season.
CNP closes the jungle safari every year during the monsoon season. As the monsoon ends, the safari is opened around the mid-September when the festivals begin. If the monsoon prolongs, the opening time is also postponed accordingly.
Avinash Thapamagar, the CNP Information Officer, said the jungle safari will be reopened after repairing the roads damaged during the monsoon due to rain.
Although the jungle safari inside the park will be stopped, he mentioned that jeep safaris will continue in the community forest of the park buffer zone.
He said that tourist activities including trekking inside the reserve and observing the crocodile breeding center will be regularly conducted.
Dr. Ganesh Pant, the CNP Chief Conservation Officer, said there is a practice of closing jungle safari in such parks around the world for a few months every year. He added that due to this, the wildlife inside the sanctuary will not be disturbed and living will be made easier.
It is said that during the monsoon season, floods occur and rivers swell, trees fall, roads become slippery and muddy, and with the growth of grass and shrubs, even wild animals cannot be seen easily.
Thirty-two jeeps are operated from Sauraha area, 10 from Kasara, seven from Meghauli, and five from Amaltari providing jungle safari to tourists.
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Laws related to federalism as soon as possible: NA Chair Dahal
Kathmandu, June 23: Chairman of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has expressed his commitment to make efforts to bring the laws related to the implementation of federalism as soon as possible.
During a meeting today with a team led by Dharma Raj Pathak, Chairman of the Social Development Committee of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly, he mentioned that efforts will be made to bring the civil and police-related laws as soon as possible that are associated with the implementation of federalism.
Provincial assembly members Om Bikram Bhat, Khushiram Tharu, Jhapad Bahadur Saud, Kailash Chaudhary, Maya Pant and Janaki Devi Kunwar, who were part of the team, emphasized the need to fully implement federalism during their meeting with Chairman Dahal.
They also raised issues to address provincial concerns while formulating laws related to the implementation of federalism and the need to empower provinces with resources, means, and rights.
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CPN (UML) issues whip to pass Appropriation Bill
Kathmandu, June 23: CPN (UML) has issued a whip to all members of its parliamentary party to vote in favour of the Appropriation Bill, 2025/26.
In the whip issued by the chief whip of the UML parliamentary party, Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, all members have been instructed to be present and vote in favour of the proposal.
The budget bill for the fiscal year 2025/26 presented by the Government of Nepal in the federal parliament on May 29 will be submitted for decision in the meeting of the House of Representatives tomorrow, Tuesday.
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Access to basic drinking water to be provided to cent per cent population: Minister Yadav
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has reiterated on the government’s target of making basic drinking water accessible to the cent per cent population.
In response to the questions raised during the budget discussions in the House of Representatives today, Minister Yadav stated that the goal is to provide access to basic drinking water to 100% of the citizens and to improve the quality of drinking water services.
“As per the concept of balanced development, priority is given to the provinces ranking low in the human development index, and continuity is given in the budget for the development and expansion of drinking water and sanitation permitted by limited available resources,” he said, adding that programmes focused on drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are being implemented in Karnali and Sudurpaschim, while arsenic reduction-focused programmes and projects are prioritized in the Madhesh province.
Minister Yadav said since approximately 66 percent of the country’s total population is urban and the remaining is in urbanizing areas, it is essential to manage the increasing demand for drinking water due to changing lifestyles and to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services.
According to the Water Supply Minister, there are positive results such as a significant decrease in child mortality rate caused by waterborne diseases in Nepal, an increase in average life expectancy, improvement in public health leading to an increase in productivity and household income, environmental improvements, and enhanced living conditions for women, especially girls, along with increased access to education for them.
He said that the drinking water and sanitation sector has been established as a cost-effective sector in terms of investment for the nation.
Minister Yadav added that arrangements have been made for the federal government to implement large-scale projects that ensure safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for all citizens, benefiting the public immediately.
“So far, about 98 percent of the population has access to basic drinking water, and about 28 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water services. According to the sustainable development goals, there is a challenge to provide 99 percent of the population with access to basic drinking water and 90 percent to safe drinking water by 2030,” said Minister Yadav.
Stating that there are only five years left to achieve the sustainable development goals, and due to insufficient budget allocation and a small organization, there are many tasks still pending, and for this reason, he urged everyone to prioritize this area.
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National Cooperative Federation draws Prime Minister Oli’s attention
Kathmandu, June 23: National Cooperative Federation, Nepal today drew the attention of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on the need to avoid contraction in the cooperative sector during regulation. In a meeting held today at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, a team led by Federation President Omdevi Malla raised demands including that the guidelines and standards issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank and the Cooperative Authority are unbalanced concerning the 10 percent deposit and 15 percent loan arrangement under the resource collection limit, and that there should be provisions allowing transactions to be made within three months of membership.
Prime Minister Oli assured that the government will facilitate the management according to the laws, policies, and directives that will be introduced for the smooth operation and management of the relevant sector.
He has suggested modifications to some provisions of the bill brought to replace the ordinance introduced to amend certain Nepal cooperative laws.
Khagaraj Adhikari, head of the Central Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation Department of the CPN (UML), former president of the federation Keshav Badal, and Secretary of the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Kedar Nath Sharma were present on the occasion.
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Energy and irrigation are top priority for prosperous Nepal: Minister Khadka
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has said energy and irrigation are the areas of the government top priority when it makes efforts towards a prosperous country.
In his response to lawmakers’ queries on the government’s policies and programmes and the budget regarding the Ministry for the fiscal year 2082-83 BS today, the Minister said the budget for the Ministry for the upcoming fiscal year amounts to Rs 38.46 billion.
He pledged to implement the government policies, programmes and the budget in an effective way. As he said, the establishment of a reliable and sustainable hydrology and meteorological forecasting system, the further systematization of mountains and glaciers, the expansion of the deep tube well, the implementation of integrated river basin irrigation and water resources management programme and the projects of national pride will be carried in the upcoming fiscal.
Bagmati irrigation project, Sunsari Morang irrigation project, Praganna and Badkapath irrigation project, Greater Dang Valley irrigation project, and the Bheri corridor irrigation and river management project are the top priorties of the government.
River control efforts, land management, and water resource conservation have been prioritised in the budget. As he said, the government plans to expand irrigation facility to additional 14,000 hectares of land in the upcoming fiscal.
Similarly, the use new technologies will be gradually promoted for river control efforts, and the budget has been allocated to meet the target of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035 as per the River and Water-Induced Disaster Management Policy, 2080 (BS), the Minister added. Out of the total electricity generated, 13,500 megawatts will be domestically consumed while the remaining 15,000 megawatts will be exported.
As he assured, a new Act related to renewable energy and energy efficiency will be formulated and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre will be institutionally restructured.
As the Minister shared with the gathering, 97 percent of the population in the country has access to electricity, and the government has set the target of increasing this access to 97.5 percent in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Minister further said it has been realised that it would be it would be appropriate to sign power purchase agreements under the ‘take or pay’ provision for small hydropower projects of up to 10 megawatts and large ‘run-of-river’ projects with assured consumption or export potential.
Similarly, the government has established investment frameworks for major reservoir-based projects, including Dudhkoshi, Upper Arun, and Nalgad, and announced that construction on these projects will proceed. As the Minister said, a public-private partnership model will be applied for the development of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project.
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US Ambassador Thompson pays courtesy call on Vice President Yadav
Kathmandu, June 23: Ambassador of the United States of America to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav at the Office of the Vice President at Lainchaur today.
During the meeting, along with exchanging greetings, discussions were held on various aspects of Nepal-America relations, bilateral cooperation, diplomatic partnership, and future possibilities, the Vice President’s secretariat said.
Vice President Yadav stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947, Nepal and the United States of America have enjoyed a cordial and mutually respectful relationship.
He said, “Democracy, human rights, and freedom are our shared values, which have strengthened our relationship.”
Vice President Yadav on the occasion expressed gratitude for the development assistance provided by the American government to Nepal since 1951 and stated that America’s contribution to socio-economic development and democratic consolidation is commendable.
He added that he is optimistic about the resumption of infrastructure projects being operated under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and programmes being conducted through USAID.
On that occasion, Ambassador Thompson stated that the MCC, USAID, and other development projects are positively progressing on the path of continuity. He mentioned that the Nepali community in America plays a very active and vibrant role, stating that Nepal and the United States can work together to accomplish significant tasks.
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NA session: Lawmakers demand updates of those Nepali affected by Iran-Israel war
Kathmandu, June 23: In a meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today, the lawmakers demanded updates about those Nepali affected by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
Most of the lawmakers speaking at the session today advised the government to take diplomatic initiatives to know about the Nepalis residing in these countries and appeal to the world community for an end to war and for the peace.
The lawmakers also expressed views that the line ministers should apprise the House about measures implemented for disaster risk reductions, relief and rehabilitation works. They were airing their views in a special hour of the upper house session.
Additionally, the session advised the government to develop strategic plans to address the challenges Nepal will face after graduating from the category of Least Developed Countries (LDC) to a middle-income nation, noting that the country will lose certain international support and facilities following the transition.
Concerns were also voiced over the removal of grants for sugarcane farmers in the upcoming fiscal year, and the government was criticized for its failure to adequately address farmers’ urgent needs for agricultural fertilizers.
Women lawmakers highlighted ongoing issues related to superstition-based violence, including witchcraft accusations and dowry practices. They also expressed alarm over the ‘rising’ trend of sex-selective abortions and demanded timely government intervention to curb the practice.
Among those who spoke during the special hour were Nara Bahadur Bista, Mohammed Khalid, Kiran Babu Shrestha, Dr. Bedu Ram Bhusal, Sharada Devi Bhatta, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Urmila Aryal, and Indira Devi Gautam.
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New ambassadors present credentials to Prez Paudel
Kathmandu, June 23: Newly appointed ambassadors of different countries to Nepal have presented their letters of credence before President Ramchandra Paudel at separate programmes organized at Sheetal Niwas today.
The new ambassadors presenting their credentials to the President include Resident Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman, Non-Resident Ambassador of Republic of South Africa to Nepal, Anil Sooklal, Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Nepal, Clemente Pedro Francisco Camenha, and Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Nepal, Mariano Agustin Caucino.
High-ranking officials of the government of Nepal were present on the occasion.
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RSS General Manager Rai bid farewell
Kathmandu, June 23: General Manager of Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Siddharaj Rai completed his four-year term today.
Rai was appointed General Manager Rai of the new agency on 10 Asar 2078 BS.
At a farewell program held at the central office today, RSS Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha said that the RSS has progressed relatively well during this period and General Manager Rai played an important role in it. He mentioned that General Manager Rai made an important contribution to increasing the visibility of the news agency.
General Manager Siddha Raj Rai said that the RSS has been on the path of progress and described RSS as having great potential, which should be utilized by its journalists and employees.
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Butwal budget for FY 2025/26 priorities education, health and employment
Lumbini, June 23: Butwal Sub-municipal Corporation has unveiled a budget of Rs 3.36 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.
Presenting the budget estimates at the Butwal Municipal Assembly today, Deputy Mayor Sabitra Devi Aryal said that special priority has been give to education, health, employment, tourism and agriculture.
Butwal has allocated funds to run learn and earn programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students who will be mobilized in different sectors including traffic management. Likewise, budget statement mentions that Rs 10 million will be allocated for the implementation of the program in collaboration with the private sector, Rs 5 million for the implementation of tourism promotion programs to establish Butwal as a tourist destination and Rs 11.5 million to make Butwal a cultural city.
Likewise, Rs 10 million has been allocated for the Butwal Farmers Our Pride program under the agricultural reforms program, Rs 50 million for the Educate Daughters program, Rs 3 million for clothing and educational improvement for underprivileged children, Rs 10 million for digital learning portal and computer education improvement in community schools, and Rs 70 million for improving local curricula.
A budget of Rs 300,000 has been allocated for women’s cervical, breast cancer screening, video X-ray and other health tests, and Rs 600,000 for the operation and management of hospitals built in Butwal ward nos. 13 and 17.
Funds have also been allocated for women entrepreneurs, to promote traditional professions of the Dalit community, for promoting green roads, for management of cowshed, for the purchase of tools for farmers’ groups, for the incentive of dairy farmers, and for the operation of night markets at Kalikapath, Amarpath and Traffic Chowk.
Similarly, Rs 15 million has been allocated for the management of the survey of unorganized settlements and squatter areas.
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PM urges youth for forward-looking, progressive approach
Kathmandu, June 23: Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has said that the road to transformation and progress would be slow if youth were misguided.
Addressing the second plenary of central committee meeting of National Youth Federation Nepal on Monday, PM Oli said that the youth should back right ideology and leadership, not an individual one.
Saying that the Federation has an unusual responsibility, the UML Chair asked the new leadership of the Federation to frame its entire planning to maintain records for making a history.
Oli stated that the Federation, as a youth wing of UML, should stand for social justice, national interests, good governance and scientific perspective.
The youth should not be intolerant to the individuals who could take right leadership and the youth should be innovative to gain new achievements, according to the PM.
“The nation will take the right path if the youth advance through right track. Transformation and progress will be slow if youth are misguided. We should work to engage youth towards entrepreneurship,” the PM stated.
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Basic hospitals will be brought into operation from July 17: Minister Paudel
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has expressed commitment to bring basic hospitals into operation from the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Responding to queries related to Ministry of Health and Population raised during discussions on the Appropriation Bill, 2082, Minister Paudel mentioned that around 700 such hospitals would be brought into operation from July 17. “Basic Hospital Operation Standards 2081 has been approved and implemented. A total of one billion rupees has been allocated for its implementation”, he shared.
The Health Minister shared that the Ministry has started preparation to recruit 2,500 human resources every year in order to recruit 12,000 human resources gradually in five years managing from the budget of the coming fiscal year.
The Ministry has also started organization and management (O&M) survey of health sector, he added, a budget of insurance programme has increased as compared to current fiscal year in order to make health insurance systematic.
Sharing that Rs 100 million has been allocated for reimbursement of the treatment of burn injuries for free to poor citizens, Minister Paudel claimed that arrangement of enough budget has been made to end the situation of people having to die due to lack of treatment of burn injuries due to financial inability.
Preparation has been made to conduct treatment of pediatric diabetes in all provinces free of cost, he argued.
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HAN for a hotel-friendly monetary policy
Kathmandu, June 23: The Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has suggested Nepal Rastra Bank to introduce a monetary policy that will effectively implement the programs announced for the tourism sector and hotel industry in the budget for the fiscal year 2082/83.
A delegation of HAN met Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr Bishwanath Poudel today and urged him to adopt an appropriate policy for the broader development of the tourism and hotel industry.
On the occasion, Association Chair Binayak Shah handed over a suggestion letter, including to recognize the hotel industry as a national priority industry, and that it should receive exemptions and facilities similar to special industries and manufacturing industries. It also mentions that interest should be fixed at a base rate of not more than one percent in the case of loans.
Chair Shah said that policies that would help promote regional tourism, such allowing tourists from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to pay their local currency should be adopted.
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Participatory system needed in budget-making, Minister Pandey says
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said that participatory approach should be embraced in making plans during budget formulation.
Responding to the lawmakers’ questions on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget in today’s House of Representatives (HoR) meeting, Minister Pandey said that a trend of selecting plans in budget should be established. “All areas and community’s participation and prioritization should be there in making plans and the budget allocation should be done accordingly,” he added.
He also pledged to take initiative for the implementation of all plans under his ministry adding that the records of all plans are kept in a systematic way. Pandey said that budget for the Ministry has been allocated in all districts except Manang and Rukum Paschim.
Likewise, Pandey shared that budget allocation is there for the development of seven hill stations in seven provinces and the private sector would also be taken on board for this.
On the occasion, Minister Pandey shared that modality for the construction of much-hyped Nijgadh Airport and its operation modality would be advanced simultaneously.
He shared that Rs 580 million has been allocated to run special programme in 10 underprivileged districts.
Minister Pandey added that focus is shifted on policy and structural reforms and the drafting of the culture policy was in the final stage while tourism policy and civil aviation policy are being drafted.
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Marketing of domestic liquor a special priority, says Industry Minister
Kathmandu, June 23: The government is going to take institutional initiatives to generate income by promoting and marketing domestic liquor.
While answering the queries raised by the lawmakers during deliberations on the FY appropriation for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Damodar Bhandari said that necessary budget has been allocated to implement the promotional program for this purpose.
In the current fiscal year, special priority has been given to the field of mine exploration. Minister Bhandari said Rs 500 million has been allocated for entrepreneurship development, technology upgrading, and concessional interest subsidy for entrepreneurs. In addition, programs and funds have been allocated for young entrepreneurs.
He mentioned that the Ministry has a policy to relocate industries running inside Kathmandu valley to industrial zones outside the valley, by providing them with incentives for the same. Arrangements have been made to provide land on free lease to such industries.
Initiatives are being taken for legal and structural reforms to implement the government’s commitment to strengthen public-private partnership through the budget. A framework has been developed to operate the Dhaubadi Iron Company under public-private partnership.
He mentioned that the process of developing Simara Special Economic Zone and Panchkhal Special Economic Zone under the public-private partnership model will be expedited.
The government is moving forward with various plans to create employment through industrial infrastructure construction, promotion of small and medium industries, industrial village development and skill development programs.
Minister Bhandari also shared that the government has introduced the Economic Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2076 and the Industrial Business Act, among other acts, to ensure effective implementation of industrial and employment-oriented projects and increase capital expenditure.
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Appointment of judges in accordance with constitution, laws: Minister Chaurasiya
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, has clarified that it was not possible to appoint judges going beyond the constitution and laws.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2082, Minister Chaurasiya mentioned that all possible efforts have been made to maintain the prestige of the judiciary.
He pointed out the need of carrying out study regarding whether legal arrangement was necessary regarding resolving the civil disputes through the judicial committee as there is arrangement of judicial committee under Article 217 of the constitution.
Minister Chaurasiya shared that one billion rupees along with regular budget has been allocated for Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission for Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons to investigate armed-conflict incidents, provide relief and compensation.
“The Supreme Court has digitized judiciary sector—filing cases through online, getting information about cases through online and conducting arguments on cases through video in order to provide justice in a smooth and fast manner”, he argued.
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10 poems recommended for prize
Kathmandu, June 23: The Nepal Academy has recommended 10 best poems for the prize.
A total of 10 poems from among the poets who participated in National Poem Festival organized here on Monday on the occasion of 68th anniversary of the Academy were selected for the prize based on the recommendation of evaluation committee.
“Chhutijaneharuko Namma’ of Abinash Bhattarai of Siraha, ‘Pitaji Aha Ke Chhalau’ of Karnal Sanjay of Morang, ‘Prithiviko Krandan’ of Kishan Poudel of Makawanpur, ‘Bhaleko Moun Bidroha’ of Goma Shrestha of Lamjung, ‘Aujar’ of Chandramani Chapagain of Nawalparasi, ‘Timro Gaunko Sunyata’ of Tulasi KC of Rukum West, ‘Achel Harek Rat Pahad Runchha’ of Mirma (Rama Subedi) of Makawanpur, ‘Nepal mero Ghar’ of Samuel Koirala Bishwokarma of Sunsari, ‘Heu Sa Le Tanachwagu Maun Mhagas’ of Sandhya Maharjan of Lalitpur, and ‘Jeevanko Mahak’ of Srijan Abiral of Chitwan were recommended for the prize.
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Govt. making efforts for capacity building of sportsmen, Minister says
Kathmandu, June 23: Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary has said that the budget of the upcoming fiscal year would be implemented by considering the laws, budget implementation plan of action, set milestones and fiscal discipline.
Responding to the queries by lawmakers under the heading of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget in Monday’s House of Representatives (HoR) meeting, Minister Chaudhary said implementation part of the budget would be improved through regular monitoring, assessment and progress report while ensuring the transparency in the spending.
The Minister shared that the Ministry has announced different schemes including cash incentives, prize, sports goods and training programme to increase the confidence and involvement of youth in the sports sector.
Experienced trainers have been managed, sports-science based training and sports infrastructure development and upgradation have been ensured for the capacity building of sportspersons, he added.
Arguing that youth’s exodus could have serious impacts on the country’s socio-economic balance, Minister Chaudhary said the Ministry was working to embrace strategy to make youth self-dependent and entrepreneur.
Likewise, he shared that the medal winning sportspersons would be provided with cash, incentives, scholarships to their children and different schemes of social security by recognizing their contributions to the country at national and international levels.
Minister Chaudhary said that the government was ready to organize 10th national games and the construction of physical infrastructures has been prioritized.
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