- Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Birgunj (Parsa), June 24: The Birgunj Metropolitan City has announced a budget of 3 billion 224 million 849 thousand rupees for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.
In the Metropolitan City’s 17th municipal assembly held on Monday, the deputy mayor of the metropolis, Imtiyaz Alam, has presented the budget along with the estimates of income and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Birgunj Metropolitan City has allocated Rs 2 billion 265 million 49 thousand, which is 70.24 percent of the total budget, for current expenses in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. The metropolis has allocated Rs 923 million 400 thousand, which is 28.64 percent of the total budget, for capital expenditure and Rs 306 million 400 thousand, which is 1.12 percent, for financial management.
The metropolitan city has set a target of collecting 1 billion 150 million rupees from internal revenue in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It is said that an amount of Rs 1 billion 373 million will be received from the federal intergovernmental fiscal transfer.
Similarly, it is estimated that from the federal revenue sharing, there will be revenue collection of Rs 237.8 million, from intergovernmental fiscal transfers of the province Rs 50 million, and from provincial revenue sharing Rs 106.7 million.
It is estimated that an amount of 250 million rupees will be raised from property registration fees and 150 million rupees will be borne from cash reserves.
Deputy Mayor Alam said that the main priorities of the upcoming year’s budget include education, health, agriculture, tourism, sanitation, environmental protection, quality physical infrastructure, and digital-friendly service delivery.
The next fiscal year’s budget is more by Rs 330 million than the current fiscal year’s budget. The budget for the current fiscal year 2024/25 was 2 billion 894.8 million.
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Landslide obstructs North-South Koshi Highway
Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), June 24: The Khandbari-Kimathanka section of the North-South Koshi Highway has been obstructed due to a dry landslide at the Phyakre River in Makalu Rural Municipality-5.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Daksha Kumar Basnet of the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, confirmed that the mudslide occurred around 6:00 am today, hitting the river bridge and thus blocking the highway.
As a result, transportation along the Khandbari-Kimathanka route has been disrupted, affecting access to several wards in Makalu as well as the Bhotkhola rural municipality.
Until the filing of this report, efforts to clear the landslide debris were already underway.
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Ruling parties agree to pass budget
Kathmandu, June 24: A meeting of the ruling parties held today concluded with an agreement to endorse the Appropriation Bill, 2082 BS, which has been tabled in the Federal Parliament.
Held at the call of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the meeting decided that lawmakers from the ruling coalition will vote in favour of the bill, which is essential for the passage of the national budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
After the meeting, Chairman of the Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party, Mahantha Thakur, said the major ruling parties, the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress (NC), have already reached an agreement on the ‘Take and Pay’ provision included in the budget. He added that today’s discussions primarily focused on ensuring the budget’s endorsement.
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20-year Sagarmatha Tree Plantation Mega Campaign announced
Kathmandu, June 24: The Ministry of Forests and Environment has announced the launching of the 20-year Sagarmatha Tree Plantation Mega Campaign at the call of ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ programme.
A ministerial decision was taken on Monday to launch the mega campaign at the call of Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu from May 16-18, 2025, according to the Ministry.
As per the decision, saplings would be planted at appropriate land from Asar 14-Saun 15 every year till 2045 from 2025 and the saplings so planted would be protected. The Sagarmatha Sambaad had called to save mountain as the snow on the mountains has started melting which would cause huge adverse impacts on lower coastal areas.
Forests and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri shared that the mega campaign would be one of the important efforts to save the Himalayas. The mega campaign would be inaugurated on Asar 14, the National Tree Plantation Day, added the Ministry.
Saplings of different fruits and local trees would be planted across the country under the mega campaign.
Nepal has made international commitment to achieving net zero emission by 2045 and it is expected that the mega campaign would help contribute in achieving the target.
Different bodies have been requested to participate from their respective places to make the campaign further effective and make it successful.
The Ministry had decided to request all stakeholders–federal ministries, bodies, all province governments (Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, Forest Ministry), all local governments, federation of community forest users committees, partnership and private forests active in forest sector, the private sector, civil society and media sector to participate in the mega campaign.
The mega campaign was named as ‘Sagarmatha Tree Plantation’ as it has been launched after holding the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’.
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HoR meeting underway
Kathmandu, June 24: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has commenced.
Soon after Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced the commencement of the meeting, lawmakers of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) had protested by standing up from their respective seats.
Soon after this, Speaker Ghimire allocated time for Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to speak and lawmakers of both parties took their seats and created environment to run the HoR business.
Demanding the time, Home Minister Lekhak has been responding to various queries raised by lawmakers in the discussion held on the Appropriation Bill, 2082.
An agenda has been set today to answer the queries raised by lawmakers on the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Home Ministry, Finance Ministry, Ministry for Communications and Information Technology, Urban Development Ministry, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Office of the National Planning Commission, Office of the President and Vice-President during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill.
The clauses of the Appropriation Bill, 2082 would be presented for the decision after the response of the Prime Minister and Ministers.
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ACC U-16 Cricket: Nepal cruises to second consecutive victory
Kathmandu, June 24: Nepal registered its second consecutive win in the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup Cricket Tournament underway in Malaysia.
In today’s match held at the Malaysia-based Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Oval, Nepal secured its victory over Japan by nine wickets. Earlier, Nepal had defeated Singapore by six wickets in their opening fixture. With two straight wins, Nepal has accumulated four points to lead the Group ‘A’.
In the today’s match, Japan won the toss and opted to bat first. It was all out for 80 runs in 34.3 overs. Nepal met the target of 81 runs in 14.2 overs at the loss of one wicket.
In Japan’s innings, captain Charlie Harahinze top-scored with 36 runs, followed by 13 runs from Gabby Harahinze.
Nepal’s bowler Shubham Khanal alone took five wickets followed by two from Abhay Yadav and one each from Sushil Bahadur Rawal and Captain Bipin Prasad Sharma.
A total of 10 teams are participating in the tournament. Group ‘A’ consists of Nepal, Singapore, Indonesia, Bhutan, and Japan, while Group ‘B’ includes host Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Maldives, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Nepal, the reigning champion of all three previous editions of the tournament, will face Indonesia on June 29 for its third match and Bhutan on July 1 for the fourth one.
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Passengers stranded at TIA have started to fly towards Gulf countries
Kathmandu, June 24: Passengers, who were stranded at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) since Monday night with the cancellation of flights to the Gulf countries, have begun to fly to their destinations as flights are now operating.
Passengers were stranded at the airport after the Nepal Airlines plane scheduled to fly to Doha, Qatar, on Monday at 11:30pm, was canceled due to the developing situation in Qatar. Similarly, many passengers were stranded when the Qatar flight of the Himalaya Airlines was also canceled.
Flights were canceled in Gulf countries after Iran launched missile attack on Qatar.
The TIA Office has reported that passengers of the flights that were canceled last night have started heading to their destinations today since Qatar’s airspace has been opened now. The flights that were stopped last night were scheduled for 12 noon today.
According to Jagannath Niroula, the general manager of TIA, the flights to Qatar operated by Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines were canceled last night. As a result, hundreds of passengers heading to the destination were stranded at the airport.
The flight from Qatar to Kathmandu has also been canceled today. The flight that was supposed to arrive in Kathmandu at 8.00am has been reported as canceled by Qatar.
General Manager Niraula expressed confidence that regular flights will now start as Qatar has already opened its skies.
Subas Dangi, the spokesperson of Nepal Airlines Corporation, said there were 269 passengers on the Corporation’s flight to Doha on Monday. The entire process at the airport has been completed to send them to their destination today.
It is reported that regular flights to Gulf countries will be delayed due to the situation in Qatar.
The flights were canceled at the last hour after receiving information about an attack, while preparations were being made to board passengers on the plane on Monday night. Most of the stranded passengers comprised those going for foreign employment.
Thirty airlines, including three from Nepal, have been operating international flights from TIA.
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Probe committee formed regarding visit visa scam: RSP, RPP express disagreement on it
Kathmandu, June 24: The government has formed a high-level study and investigation committee under chairmanship of former Chief Secretary, Shanker Das Bairagi, regarding immigration and visit visa scam.
Demanding the time with Speaker Devraj Ghimire in the beginning of today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak responded the queries of lawmakers put forth on contemporary issues.
On the occasion, he shared that Joint-Secretaries of six ministries are the members of the probe committee.
They are Tirtha Raj Chilwal (Finance Ministry), Aruna Joshi (Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry), Ram Krishna Lamichhane (Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation), Mani Ratna Koirala (Foreign Ministry), Pradip Koirala (Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security) and Ananda Kafle (Home Ministry).
Minister Lekhak mentioned that the committee was formed as per the commitment to take concrete initiative for policy-level, legal and structural reforms in order to resolve visit-visa related problems seen since the past.
Earlier, ruling parties and opposition parties had agreed to form a high-level probe committee regarding the visit visa scam.
However, the two opposition parties—Rastriya Swatantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, have expressed their disagreement on the high-level study and probe committee.
Putting forth his view, Dr Swarnim Wagle said the committee formed under chairmanship of former Chief Secretary Bairagi is not acceptable to them.
He added that it was necessary to form the parliamentary probe committee under coordination of incumbent or former justice.
Similarly, Gyan Bahadur Shahi of RPP demanded to investigate on 14 home ministers appointed in last 18 years regarding visit visa scam.
“We cannot accept this committee. This committee cannot provide justice. This matter is above political and power interest. Action should be taken against all guilty whoever they are”, he argued.
Lawmakers of two parties boycotted the meeting after putting forth their views.
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Maoist Centre welcomes formation of probe committee on visit visa scam
Kathmandu, June 24: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has welcomed the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the visit visa scam.
Speaking during a session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the party’s deputy general secretary, Barshaman Pun, thanked the government for forming the committee in response to the party’s demand.
“Systemic issues should be gradually reformed to further strengthen democracy,” Pun said, expressing hope that the committee would conduct an impartial and thorough investigation to find a long-term solution to the problems in the visit visa system.
He also added that the party expects the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to play an effective role in addressing the matter.
During the session, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed the HoR that a high-level study and parliamentary committee has been formed under the chair of former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi. The committee includes joint secretaries from six ministries.
They are They are Tirtharaj Chilwal ( Finance), Aruna Joshi ( Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs), Ramkrishna Lamichhane ( Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation), Mani Ratna Koirala ( Foreign Affairs), Pradip Koirala ( Labour, Employment and Social Security) and Ananda Kafle ( Home).
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Minister Bhandari stresses on policy-level provisions to address foreign employment cheating issues
Kathmandu, June 24: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, has pointed out the need of making policy-level arrangement to address the issues of cheating taking place in the name of foreign employment.
Responding to queries on different headings of the ministry under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Bhandari mentioned that additional responsibility would be given to District Administration Office in order to address the cases related to foreign employment cheating.
Around 36,000 such cases have now been registered at the Department of Foreign Employment, he shared, adding that activities have been forwarded to assign additional responsibility to District Administration Office by expanding institutional structures.
Stating that of the total population of the country, around 11.6 per cent population is in foreign employment, Minister Bhandari argued that it has become more challenge to create internal employment immediately.
“The Ministry is effortful to involve capable and skilled human resources in employment in the country by developing country’s human resources”, he opined, adding that technical study was underway for the development of National Labour Market Information System, which would be a means for the migrant workers to establish direct contact with their motherland.
The Labour Minister mentioned that an arrangement has been made to send workers to Europe in an institutional manner from coming July.
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NC Chief Whip fully confident of ‘Visit Visa Scam Probe Committee’
Kathmandu, June 24: The Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, has said that he is completely confident that the high-level investigation committee formed by the government regarding the visit visa issue will work responsibly.
In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Chief Whip Ghimire emphasized that the opposition parties that have boycotted the house should repose trust in the committee and allow it to carry out its works.
He said, “How long can we continue boycotting the House like this? How can we function without trust in the government in parliamentary practice?”
Chief Whip Ghimire urged the parties boycotting the House over the visit visa issue to support the committee.
He stressed that it is the duty of the parties towards the people. Ghimire stated that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is also conducting an investigation into the visit visa case.
Meanwhile, Thakur Gaire, the youth leader of the CPN (UML) and member of the House of Representatives, has demanded action against all those involved in the visit visa case.
Seeking time in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he said, “The visit visa issue has seriously caught the attention of the entire Nepal and the Nepali people. Many Nepalese have been cheated and suffered in the visit visa case, and many have lost their property; nobody should escape from this responsibility of finding out the culprits, and no innocent person should be let off.”
“The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has started its investigation into this scam and its works should not be hampered with the formation of another investigation committee,” MP Gaire said and emphasized the need for legal reforms to prevent incidents like the visitor visa case from happening again in the future.
He said, “The parliament should have been discussing on urgent issues of the people, the issue of resolving the economic crisis should be discussed, there should be adequate debate about the budget, discussions about good governance and prosperity should take place, but discussions are being held on other topics.”
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Home Minister briefs HoR session about task of high-level probe committee on visit visa
Kathmandu, June 24: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, addressing today’s session of the House of Representatives, informed the lower house about the mandate of a high-level committee formed to investigate the recent visit visa scam.
Speaking during the session, Minister Lekhak said the committee was constituted on Monday with a broad mandate to assess issues surrounding immigration management, visit visas, and other relevant concerns. He assured that the committee’s work would proceed without interfering in the ongoing investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) related to the scam.
“The committee is tasked with studying and investigating matters related to immigration, including visit visa procedures and other associated issues. It is expected to submit a report with concrete recommendations in these areas.”
The committee will also have the responsibility to propose amendments if deemed necessary to existing laws, regulations, procedures, standards, and policies to streamline immigration management, visit visa issuance, and the movement of people in and out of the country.
According to Minister Lekhak, the committee will submit proposals for improving the structural setup and human resource management within the immigration system. It is also expected to recommend reforms and effective measures to enhance coordination and cooperation among the relevant agencies involved in immigration affairs.
In the process of preparing its report, the committee will go through international best practices on immigration management. It will also suggest ways for making the immigration system more technology-driven, user-friendly, efficient, and fast to improve public service delivery.
Additionally, the committee will recommend strategies to clearly define and streamline the roles of all stakeholders and relevant institutions, proposing measures to ensure that records of arrival and departure of individuals are maintained securely and accurately, according to the Minister.
The committee has been granted the authority to set working procedures on its own and may consult with representatives from government and non-government sectors area to gather information and suggestions as per the requirement. The final report shall be submitted to the government within next three months. “
During the session, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed the HoR that the high-level study and parliamentary committee has been formed under the chair of former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi. The committee includes joint secretaries from six ministries.
They are Tirtha Raj Chilwal (Finance), Aruna Joshi (Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs), Ramkrishna Lamichhane (Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation), Mani Ratna Koirala (Foreign Affairs), Pradip Koirala (Labour, Employment and Social Security) and Ananda Kafle (Home).
Budget allocation done within the limits of available resources: Home Minister
Meanwhile, the Home Minister has stated that the budget allocation has been made within the limits of available resources.
Responding to the queries raised by the MPs regarding the allocated budgetary headings related to the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he stated that due to budget constraints, it was not possible to address all the demands.
“Obviously, we have many demands and needs. But we have limited means and resources. In this context of constraints, we must prioritize the available resources and means to achieve maximum results,” said the Home Affairs Minister.
In the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83, a total allocation of Rs 208 billion 248 million 5 hundred thousand has been made for the Ministry of Home Affairs, and out of this Rs 192 billion 918 million 700 thousand has been allocated for recurrent expenses and Rs 15 billion 329 million 800 thousand has been allocated for capital expenses, he informed.
“This amount is more than the allocation of the last fiscal year. In this, 109 billion is allocated for social security and protection alone. This is 52.3 percent of the total allocation,” said Home Minister Lekhak.
He stated that a large amount is required for the salaries and allowances of security personnel, and since a large amount will also be spent on other mandatory obligations, only the money saved from the budget allocated for the salaries and allowances of security personnel can be used for other expenditures.
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Next decade will be IT Decade: Communications Minister Gurung
Kathmandu, June 24: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has asserted that the next decade would be the information technology decade.
Responding to lawmakers’ queries during the deliberations on headings of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Gurung said that programmes have been formulated in order to use new technology developed in information technology sector maximum.
“The government has a goal of developing IT sector as the export industry by attracting private sector towards the sector, creating employment and self-employment opportunity and using IT maximum in service delivery”, he argued.
The government was fully committed towards freedom of expression and press freedom, shared Minister Gurung, adding the ministry has a plan to achieve socio-economic transformation and economic prosperity through IT.
He opined that the ministry was committed to promote good governance and e-governance and it would bring integrated action plan of annual programmes from the beginning of the coming fiscal year to achieve the goals of determined indicators as well as the programme would be reviewed regularly.
The Communications Minister expressed the view that activities including expansion of BTS and FTTH would be forwarded as per the need in order to provide quality telecom service across the country, stating that the government would amend Advertisement (Regulation) Act, make advertisement market systematic regularly, promote business environment and make coordination with province governments, local levels and bodies concerned to ensure general consumers’ welfare in coming fiscal year.
Minister Gurung shared that Rs 280 million has been allocated for public welfare advertisement for the coming fiscal year, clarifying that the ministry would distribute grants to media-related organization as per Grant and Financial Aid Disbursement Procedure, 2080 in order to promote media-related organisations.
Stating that Gorkhapatra corporation has been publishing and disseminating news and contents in 45 mother languages, 25 from Public Service Radio Nepal, 14 from Nepal Television and three from Rastriya Samachar Samiti to establish access of all citizens to mass media, he opined that news and contents would be published and broadcasted in additional languages in coming fiscal year.
Ninety-two year old contents of Gorkhapatra Daily have been archived digitally as well as 55,431 audio contents of Radio Nepal have also been archived to keep them safe for coming generation, he argued.
The Minister went on to say that it has been scheduled to disseminate disaster early warning information from upcoming fiscal year via the Radio Nepal and telecommunications SMS system.
Similarly, Minister Gurung assured that the role of Press Council Nepal will be more effective to promote media credibility, taking time to say that the National News Agency (RSS) provides news services 24 hours, ensuring timely and fact-based news for the media and the mass.
According to him, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy is in the approval phase and an AI Center will be established in the upcoming year to promote, regulate, and facilitate the use of AI. The policy aims to integrate advanced technology in IT sector.
He apprised the House that broadband internet service has already reached 6,566 ward offices at various local levels, and efforts are ongoing to extend it to the entire wards in the coming fiscal year.
More, 4,272 health centers and 5,341 community secondary schools have already access to broadband internet facility which will be further expanded in the upcoming year, according to the Minister.
He said the bill regarding the information technology and cyber security has already been registered in the parliament and the National Cyber Security Center has been established to prepare cyber resilience.
Pledging to revise and implement the concept of digital Nepal framework, he said a system has been developed to integrate most government facilities into the Nagarik App with the objective of increasing citizens’ access to government and public services and scaling of efficiency of such services.
As stated by the Government spokesperson, “One Local Level, One Smart Post Office” programme will be implemented from the upcoming fiscal year and the construction of an advanced fill studio has already begun in Banepa of Kavrepalanchok.
“Nepali filmmakers will be encouraged to follow the latest technologies and best practices from the international film market. In accordance with the Security Printing Act, 2081 (BS), related infrastructure is being built within the country to print materials of sensitive nature within the country,” he said.
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Budget presented with the aim of achieving maximum results, insists DPM Paudel
Kathmandu, June 24: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been presented with the aim of achieving the maximum results based on reality.
In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, while answering questions raised during the discussions on the budget allocation of the Ministry of Finance under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, he clarified that the budget allocation was done realistically in terms of resource and expenditure management.
“The budget has not taken the risk of hitting an accident in the name of taking a big leap and the mindset of enjoying the status quo. The budget has been presented with the aim of achieving maximum results in today’s circumstances being based on the reality,” said the Finance Minister.
He urged the lawmakers to take the budget as a realistic and policy-based budget.
Deputy Prime Minister Paudel indicated that the economy, which was stagnant, is gradually becoming dynamic, stating there is a positive improvement in the overall indicators of the economy.
Mentioning that achieving 6 percent economic growth is possible through effective implementation of the presented budget, he said, “The goal of economic growth is achievable. The target is within the capacity limit.”
Highlighting the significant role of elected representatives in policy-making and development, he said that fulfilling the commitments made to the people is a shared responsibility.
He clarified that preparations are underway to amend the Public Procurement Act to address the issues seen in development projects. Emphasizing the need to stop the trend of reducing capital expenditure and increasing ordinary expenses, Finance Minister Paudel shared that a proposal for a significant increase in capital expenditure has been put forward for the upcoming fiscal year.
“A 17 percent higher allocation has been made for capital expenditure compared to the current fiscal year and there is a slight increase in current expenditure, which is a mandatory obligation. But there has been a significant increase in capital expenditure. This practice must be strengthened and continued in the coming days,” he said.
Stating that the government has adopted a policy to widen the tax base by promoting economic activities, he clarified that the government’s policy is to increase voluntary tax participation by making collective reforms and simplification in tax laws.
Deputy Prime Minister Paudel said arrangements have been made for subsidies for sugarcane farmers. “To make the subsidies transparent, an integrated national subsidy policy is necessary. The limit of the subsidy will be determined according to that policy, which will be formulated by the National Planning Commission,” he said.
The Finance Minister stated that the government has provided significant flexibility and facilitation for the remaining payments to the contractors in the current fiscal year, and measures will be taken in the upcoming fiscal year to ensure that the problems seen in the past do not recur.
Stressing on modernization of agriculture and the promotion of productive sectors to increase internal employment, he stated that foreign employment would be made safe, organized, and dignified, and the benefits derived from it would be channeled into increasing production.
Finance Minister Paudel expressed confidence that the luxury tax imposed on gold jewelry will control the illegal transactions seen in this business.
He said, “Since this is an indirect tax, it will be paid by the consumers rather than the gold traders. Its implementation will help control the illegal trade seen in gold and will bring transparency.”
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Japan hands over medical equipment to Bayalpata Hospital
Kathmandu, June 24: The Government of Japan has provided medical equipment to the Bayalpata Hospital in Sanfebagar Municipality, Achham District. The handover ceremony of the medical equipment took place today. Charge d’Affaires of Japan to Nepal, Mr. Tamura Takahiro, attended the ceremony.
Under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Government of Japan, a grant of USD 66,263 (approximately NPR 8.9 million) was provided for the installation of medical equipment for trauma care and orthopedic surgery at Bayalpata Hospital, the Embassy of Japan said in a press release today.
The hospital is operated by the NGO Nyaya Health Nepal in collaboration with the provincial and local government authorities as a core medical institution for Achham, Bajura and Doti districts of Sudurpaschim province and Kalikot and Dailekh districts of Karnali province.
On this occasion, Charge d’Affaires Tamura expressed his appreciation to all those involved in the project and their efforts in working for the completion of the project.
The Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu has expressed the hope that this support will improve the medical environment, promote access to quality health care in rural areas of the country, and further strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal.
GGP was established to implement projects directly benefiting the people at the grassroots level for the socio-economic development of the country. Since 1991, over 200 GGP projects have been implemented in Nepal.
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Upcoming FY’s budget is balanced, PM says
Kathmandu, June 24: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has argued that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year is balanced to the maximum extent possible.
Responding to the queries of House of Representative (HoR) members in today’s HoR meeting, Prime Minister Oli assured to maintain balance in the budget allocation in coming days adding that all lawmakers cannot be made content due to lack of sufficient capacity of the state.
“We need prompt and wider development but the budget is limited. So, all lawmakers could not remain satisfied in budget. Attention will be paid in coming days to maintain balance between demand and supply,” the PM said answering the questions of lawmakers in the budget allocation for Office of the President, Office of the Vice President and Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and its line agencies.
The Prime Minister argued that Nepal needs investment from the private sector as well as the FDI to maintain balance between demand and supply. “The need, analysis and planning for the investment would be made from the Investment Board of Nepal,” Prime Minister Oli added.
The Prime Minister also urged the stakeholders not to make trivial comments in parliament to weaken democracy and nationality adding that parliament is a platform to translate people’s sacrifices, struggles and dreams into reality.
Prime Minister Oli said that the government would work for constitution’s amendment to further strengthen this system. He also called for further strengthening this system and constitution and stated that any sorts of disrespect to the martyrs’ and people’s sacrifices and this system were intolerable.
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Ministry working for development of emerging cities: DPM Singh
Kathmandu, June 24: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has said that work is being done to make cities safe, clean and sustainable, including through the formulation of the Human Settlement Development Policy, Waste Management Bill, Urban Development Bill, and Bagmati Civilization Bill.
Continuous attention has been given to policy-level reforms with the Urban Development Policy, 2081 being approved and implemented, he said while responding to the queries raised by the lawmakers during the discussion on various topics of the Ministry of Urban Development under the Appropriation Bill, 2082 in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives,
Minister Singh also said that in the new FY a total of Rs 91.3417 billion has been allocated for the programs to be implemented by the federal government, Rs 9.8962 billion for the the provinces and Rs 15.91 billion for the programs to be implemented by the local level.
He said that although the density of human settlements has been increasing since the beginning of planned development there is no separate institutional structure to lead urban development in the long term. “A budget of Rs 400 million has been allocated to continue the program to pay the liabilities of 8,350 households that have not been completed yet under the Janata Awas Program.”
Deputy Prime Minister Singh also shared that more than 11,000 suspension bridges have been constructed so far by the federal, provincial and local levels, while budget has been allocated for the construction of 200 suspension bridges in the coming fiscal year.
He also clarified that the program for the new FY has been proposed by giving priority to urban centers as the transformative strategy of the 16th Periodic Plan aims to develop major urban centers and provincial capitals as economic centers.
A budget of Rs 2.83 billion has been allocated to develop the country’s major tourist cities including Pokhara, Janakpur and Lumbini, Devdaha, Sainamaina, Tilottama, Ramgram and Siddharthanagar as disaster-resilient and livable cities by building integrated urban infrastructure.
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Appropriation Bill Passed by House of Representatives
Kathmandu, June 24: The meeting today of the House of Representatives passed the Appropriation Bill, 2082.
A proposal tabled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel seeking endorsement of the ‘Appropriation Bill, 2082’ was passed by a majority of the House. Earlier, Speaker Devraj Ghimire presented the sections of the Appropriation Bill, 2082 for a decision.
The proposal to deduct expenditure by MPs Dr Amaresh Kumar Singh, Prabhu Sah, Durga Rai, Prem Suwal, Aman Lal Modi, Janardan Sharma, Bimala Subedi, Rekha Sharma, Chitra Bahadur KC, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Hitraj Pandey, Ram Kumar Rai, Devendra Poudel, Madhav Sapkota, Ranendra Baraili, Gyanu Basnet Subedi, Urmila Majhi, Hit Bahadur Tamang, Ammar Bahadur Thapa, Tshiring Lhamu Lama (Tamang), Narayani Sharma, Ganga Karki and Lekhnath Dahal was rejected by a majority of the meeting.
The government had presented the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 in a joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on May 29.
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National Best Farmers of the Year Awarded
Kathmandu, June 24: President Ramchandra Paudel presented the National Farmer Award to Suresh Kumar Mehta of ‘Arya Krishi Farm’ and Ramesh Sah of ‘Ramesh Krishi Farm’ from Koshi Province, Bharat Kumar Yadav of ‘Shambhunath Fishery’ and Hira Bahadur Thapa Magar of Nijgadh Banana Agriculture Farm from Madhesh Province.
Similarly, Chet Prasad Dhakal of Kalika Livestock Development Center and Dayaram Machamsi of Greenline Agro Pvt. Ltd. from Bagmati Province, Tshiring Gurung of Nwanghisi Agriculture and Livestock Organic Farm and Batuli Tiwari of Mitra Vatika Agricultural Farm from Gandaki Province, Jayapal Maurya and Subash Kurmi of Shanti Unnat Animal Husbandry and Fish Farm from Lumbini Province.
Govinda Oli and Bharatnath Yogi from Karnali Province, and Prem Prasad Joshi of Khaptad Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Farm and Lok Bahadur Thapa of Kailashedhari Agriculture and Poultry Farm from Sudurpaschim Province were honoured with the awards presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
All the awardees received a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
Returnees should be attracted towards agriculture: President Paudel
Addressing the Award distribution ceremony, President Paudel has said that the agriculture sector can play an important role in creating employment opportunities in Nepal for the youth who are leaving for foreign employment.
President Paudel mentioned that the youth should be encouraged by conducting youth-focused startup programs with agriculture as a priority. Our policymakers, government and professional organizations should pay special attention to creating an environment that will attract youth returnees in the agriculture sector.
Stating that it is essential to ensure justice and income for the poor, and respect for those who work, President Paudel said that the goal of a federal democratic republic can be achieved by paving the way for industrialization and building an economically prosperous Nepal through the development of agriculture, tourism, water resources, and industry.
“There is ample potential in the agricultural sector and the country’s needs after the political change are economic prosperity, development and peace, he said while urging the policymakers, planners and the government to come up with special programs to increase production and employment in the country, reduce imports and increase exports.
He also pointed out the need for comprehensive policy reforms in the agricultural sector, which he said has the potential to bring out people from the vicious circle of poverty
On the occasion, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari said that the contribution of farmers has provided important guidance towards making Nepali agriculture self-reliant, production-oriented and modern.
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Two bills approved in the House of Representatives
Kathmandu, June 24: The meeting of the House of Representatives has approved two bills today.
In the meeting, the proposal presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel seeking consideration over the ‘Economic Bill, 2082’ was unanimously approved.
Similarly, the meeting unanimously approved the ‘National Debt Collection Bill, 2082’, also presented by the Finance Minister.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives will be held on June 28.
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16th meeting of Nepal-India Consultative Group on security issues
concludes
Kathmandu, June 24: The two-day Sixteenth Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (INBCGSI) concluded in Pune, India on Tuesday.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu stated that the delegations comprised officials from the respective Foreign and Defence Ministries as well as Directorates of the Indian Army and the Nepali Army.
It is said that both sides held productive discussions on a wide range of issues relating to security and defence cooperation such as equipment supplies, training, joint military exercises, disaster relief operations and military exchanges.
The delegations also visited key public and private defence sector manufacturing facilities to explore possibilities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The Nepali delegation was led by Gahendra Rajbhandari, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Indian delegation was led by Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs of India.
The INBCGSI was established in 2003 and is the umbrella institutional mechanism between Nepal and India that coordinates bilateral defence and security cooperation.
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Gharpajhong to organize ‘environment and climate change’ summit
Mustang, June 24: Gharpajhong rural municipality in Mustang is set to organize an ‘environment and climate change’ summit.
In a bid to draw global attention to climate change, which has become a worldwide concern of late, the rural municipality has announced to host the environment and climate change conclave with participation of the chiefs of all 753 local governments.
Unveiling the annual policy and programme, and budget in the meeting of the 16th municipal assembly today, Gharpajhong Chairperson Mohan Singh Lalchan made the announcement to host the event.
It is aimed to impart a message en masse to reduce the effects of climate change that has been taking toll in the environment sector across the globe.
“The rural municipality has tailored some plans to execute several public awareness raising programmes in a way to eliminate negative impacts of climate change”, he shared, adding, “The conclave with representation from all local governments of the country would adopt a common declaration on alleviating climate change effects as an outcome document”.
The idea of organizing the event has been included in the policy, programme and budget, chairperson Lalchan informed.
It may be noted that the rural municipality had conducted a campaign to lessen the effects of climate change and protect the environment in the current fiscal year.
Vice-chairperson of the rural municipality, Jamuna Thakali informed that necessary budget has been appropriated for tourism promotion and environment protection in the upcoming fiscal year.
The rural municipality has unveiled its annual budget of Rs 320.6 million for the fiscal year 2025/26.
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Hetauda tables budget of Rs 2.9 billion
Makawanpur, June 24: Deputy Mayor Rajesh Kumar Baniya presented a budget of Rs 2.9 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 at the municipal assembly of the Hetauda Sub-municipal Corporation today.
Earlier, inaugurating the municipal assembly, Mayor of Hetauda Meena Lama said that a policy has been adopted to transform Hetauda into a city with modern facilities and to implement the development of agricultural production, tourism, art and culture in the long-term through the project bank.
She mentioned that the Hetauda will formulate a master plan and implement it to enhance the city to the level of an industrial development village, upgrade Hetauda Hospital, and provide quality healthcare services to the poor Dalit, indigenous peoples and nationalities.
Deputy Mayor Baniya, Ward No. 4 Ward Chair Navin Kumar Sigdel others said that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year should rise above party interests and meet the needs of the people of the sub-metropolitan city by developing physical infrastructure as well as connecting economic prosperity with good governance.
The budget made public today will be discussed and passed in the municipal assembly meeting starting from July 11, said Sabin Neupane, spokesperson of the sub-municipal corporation.
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Maoist Centre Chair Dahal, CPN (US) Chair Nepal meet
Kathmandu, June 24: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal held a meeting and discussed about the country’s contemporary political situation.
During the meeting held in Singha Durbar on Tuesday, discussions focused on polarization of communist forces, review of budget, country’s political developments and ending parliamentary deadlock.
CPN (Maoist Centre) leaders Narayankaji Shrestha, Dev Gurung and CPN (US) leaders Rajendra Pandey, Ghanshyam Bhusal and Beduram Bhusal were present at the meeting.
CPN (US) leader Damodar Aryal said that efforts for unification of communist forces, international political situation, the visit VISA scam and performance of the incumbent government were also discussed.
According to Aryal, possibilities of unification of CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (US), the ideological bases and the procedures were also reviewed.
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‘Affiliated institutes need to run programme based on students’ number’
Kathmandu, June 24: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant has said that the affiliated institutes of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) should run nursing programme with the rise in the number of its students.
At the 208th Council meeting of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training on Tuesday, he stressed the need to prepare a common proposal and submit it to the cabinet meeting for policy decision to collaborate with the public hospitals under the federal and provincial governments.
On the occasion, Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel noted coordination should be established with the hospitals under the province rather the hospitals under the federal government while stating there are some complexities in applied practice in health sector.
He also echoed the need of policy decision claiming the arrangement of permission of Certificate level and Bachelor’s level in one hospital for applied practice of nursing.
Also present on the occasion were secretaries of the ministries, vice chairperson of Medical Education Commission, member-secretary and other office-bearers of the CTEVT.
Commission’s Vice-chairperson Dr Anjani Kumar Jha spoke of the need of a general hospital rather than the specific one for the practice of nursing education.
Today’s meeting of the Council held discussion on the issues, including change in the names of educational institutes, change in ownership and shift in location, resumption of adjourned programmes and adjustment of institutes, allocation of authorities, completion of affiliation and approval process, among others.
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