- Monday, 14 July 2025
Kathmandu, July 14: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has urged its party members to actively mobilize for humanitarian assistance during disaster. Today, issuing a press statement, acting chair of the party, Dol Prasad Aryal, called upon all levels of the party’s committees, departments, and members to actively engage in reducing potential disaster and to support the victims.
The party has further urged the concerned sides to be ready for rapid rescue, effective distribution of relief, and other humanitarian assistance efforts.
RSP has urged party cadres to maintain continuous coordination with local governments, district administration offices, security agencies, and local disaster management committees for disaster preparedness.
“In the context of the Meteorological Department having already predicted above-average rainfall during this year’s monsoon, it is emphasized that we all need to be extra attentive and prepared,” reads the press release.
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High-level Nepali delegation to participate in Muni Expo Conference 2025 in Israel
Kathmandu, July 14: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel is hosting a high-level 14-member delegation from Nepal, on an official visit to Israel from 12-18 July, 2025, in conjunction with Muni Expo 2025, the flagship annual event of the Federation of Local Governments of Israel, taking place from 15-17 July, 2025.
This is the first time such a delegation- comprising senior officials responsible for policy and planning from Nepal’s Ministry of Urban Development, the National Planning Commission, as well as Mayors from various municipalities, will participate in a focused programme on municipal innovation and urban resilience, the Embassy of Israel here stated in a press release.
Muni Expo, Israel’s largest and most significant event of its kind, brings together mayors, municipal leaders and policy makers from around the globe. This year’s theme, “Local Compass,” will explore key issues such as crisis response, local-national coordination, and combating anti-semitism.
Delegates will interact with over 150 Israeli and international companies and startups, gain insights into innovative and groundbreaking municipal projects, and build global partnerships.
In addition to attending the Muni Expo, the Nepali delegation will visit several key sites and institutions including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv- Jaffa, Yad Vashem- The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Shafdan Wastewater Treatment Facility, Municipal Innovation Center, and the Police Station in Sderot.
These visits aim to provide first-hand exposure to Israel’s advanced urban management technologies and innovative infrastructure solutions.
The delegation will also visit the Nova festival site, where on October 7, 2023, the Hamas terrorist group carried out a brutal attack killing hundreds of innocent people. Hamas terrorists also murdered 10 Nepali nationals on the same day in Kibbutz Alumim. Hamas and other terror groups still hold 50 hostages, among them Mr. Bipin Joshi, said the press release.
The visit marks a significant step in growing cooperation between Nepal and Israel in the fields of sustainable urban development, capacity building, and knowledge exchange at the municipal and national levels. The Embassy of Israel believes that there will be continued collaborations in a wide range of sectors, bringing mutual benefits to both the countries.
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About 59 percent rice plantation completed so far across country
Kathmandu, July 14: About 59 percent of this season’s paddy plantation has been completed across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
As of July 13, rice has been planted on around 816,405 hectares of land. This is about 8 percent less than the same period last year.
Among the provinces, Sudurpaschim is leading with 93 percent of its target already completed, covering around 164,000 hectares of land while in Karnali Province, paddy plantation so far spreads on 64,000 hectares, reaching 83 percent of the target. In Lumbini, it is 73 percent, with 223,000 hectares of land planted with paddy.
Last year, by this time, the country had reported about 67 percent paddy plantation.
Paddy plantation is still ongoing in many areas and is expected to reach around 98 percent by mid-August.
Ministry spokesperson Mahananda Joshi said the Terai region is the most fertile and produces about 70 percent of the country’s total rice, while the hilly regions contribute the remaining 30 percent.
During the previous fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24), the country had witnessed the total rice production of 5.724 million metric tonnes. Unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, excessive rainfall, and droughts create adversities for rice plantation, deferring the plantation schedule in some areas.
In Nepal, paddy is usually grown on about 1.4 million hectares of land. With the use of improved knowledge, skills, modern technologies, and better seed varieties, rice production is expected to increase in the coming years.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, a 10 percent change in rice production can lead to about 1 percent change in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This year, an estimated 6 million metric tonnes of rice will be produced, yielding approximately 3.5 million metric tons of edible rice, it has been said.
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Home Minister directs for investigating alleged travel of additional to Spain
Kathmandu, July 14: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed for an investigation into alleged involvement of unauthorized people during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Spain.
On Sunday, the Home Minister issued directives to Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa to determine whether people except those in the official delegation had travelled to Spain during the Prime Minister’s visit.
“They have been instructed to investigate whether anyone traveled to Spain on a visit visa apart from the official delegation,” the Home Minister said.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police will be deployed to carry out the investigation. If anyone is found guilty, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.
It may be noted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had travelled to Spain on June 28 in the course of attending the Fourth United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD-4) in Spain that was held from June 30 to July 3.
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Division Forest Office using drones to monitor forest areas
Chandrapur (Rautahat), July 14: The use of drones has eased the monitoring of the forests in Rautahat. The Division Forest Office of Rautahat, Sahiya sub-division forest office, has begun using drones to control poaching and timber smuggling.
For the past three months, monitoring has been conducted in the forest areas using drones effectively.
Binod Jethar, a forest officer, said since drones have been used for monitoring, smuggling of timber, forest products and river resources has been controlled. With the help of drones, monitoring of a 10-kilometer forest area has become easier, and it has significantly contributed to forest conservation, according to Jethar.
He stated that the use of drones has made it easier to track smugglers. He informed that due to drones, the smuggling of river products in Dhansar River has also been controlled. Hundreds of bicycles are found going into the jungle under the guise of fire wood collecting. And they are found collecting Saal woods, and carried to various brick kilns in Rautahat by the smugglers.
Hemant Prasad Sah, the chief of the Division Forest Office in Rautahat, informed that the drone is monitoring the forest areas of Sahia, Chocha, Dhansar, and Gaidatar in Rautahat. He mentioned that currently only one drone is used in monitoring the forest and they were planning to add more drones in the days to come.
There are 30,170 hectares of forest area in Rautahat. Among them, 8,231 hectares are government-managed forests, 11,927 hectares are managed by partnership forests programmes, 1,052 hectares are managed under block forest management, 8,257 hectares are community forests managed by 43 groups, 51 hectares are religious forests managed by four groups, and 656 hectares are protected by private forests, he reported.
He said that during the current fiscal year, more than 12 hectares of encroached forest land in various locations of the district have been cleared for tree planting. Meanwhile, the Division Forest Office, Rautahat, has also reported that it produced 818,078 seedlings of various species during the current fiscal year, according to Forest Officer Sah.
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Economic indicators turn positive: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 14: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the country’s economic indicators have turned positive during the first year of the current government’s tenure.
He claimed this via social site today, adding that national development projects have also started gaining momentum during this period.
“We are about to complete one year in government. During this time, economic indicators have turned positive, and national development projects have taken pace,” he wrote.
He further added that with the amendment of laws, the culture of working online has been growing. “There are still lots of works to be carried out and the government focus remains firmly on that,” he added.
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Fourth International Watercolour Festival to take place in Kathmandu on October 7-11
Kathmandu, July 14: The International Watercolor Society Nepal (IWS Nepal) is going to organize the ‘Fourth International Watercolor Festival, 2025’ from October 7 to 11 in Kathmandu.
The Society President NB Gurung said that a festival is being organized at various locations in Kathmandu (Tokha, Tarakeshwor and Budhanilkantha Municipality).
He mentioned that this time the festival will be organized as an Asian edition. According to him, artworks of over 100 artists from 16 different countries will be showcased at the festival. Artists from Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mongolia, Japan, Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka will participate in the festival.
The International Watercolor Society Nepal, established in 2016, is a branch of the International Watercolor Society that has its presence in over 120 countries.
Gurung said, “Since its establishment, the Society has been organizing programmes for the development of Nepali art and tourism. Previously, the Society has conducted various national and international level art exhibitions, workshops, and onsite painting workshops.”
The Society organized the first international water color festival in 2016 in Kathmandu and Ghandruk, Kaski. Similarly, the second international water color festival was held in 2018 in Kathmandu and Lumbini. The event saw the participation of 275 artists from 39 countries.
An international water color festival was held in Pokhara in 2022 also. The third international water color festival was held in Kathmandu in 2023.
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PM Oli inaugurates TUTH extended service building
Kathmandu, July 14: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated the extended service building of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) today.
The building, constructed with the support of Bhat-Bhateni Super Market, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Oli during a programme held in Maharajgunj on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the Hospital today.
Addressing the programme, Prime Minister Oli said: “The government has been working under the slogan of ‘Healthy Nepal’; hence, attention should be given to diet, lifestyle, and rest to ensure there are as few patients as possible, and when illnesses occur, quality and accessible services should be provided.”
He praised the Bhat-Bhateni Super Market entrepreneur couple, Meen Bahadur Gurung and Sabitri Gurung, for generously donating to social causes despite earning their wealth through hard work.
“Some spend their money in casinos, while the Gurung couple donates to build hospitals. Let those who spend at casinos reform, and may the Gurung couple’s capacity for donation continue to grow,” the Prime Minister said on the occasion.
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Mid-West University’s budget approved
Kathmandu, July 14: The 17th Senate Meeting of the Mid-West University that convened here today approved a budget of Rs 1 billion 367 million 721 thousand for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26).
The meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar approved a budget and the programme presented by the University’s Registrar, Prof Dr Shobhakar Kandel. The budget includes Rs 462.5 million towards capital expenditure and Rs 905.221 million for operational expenses.
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Minister proposes minimum monthly salary of 1,000 dirhams for Nepali workers in UAE
Kathmandu, July 14: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nepal, Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi, paid a courtesy call today on the Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari.
During the meeting, the two discussed matters concerning the welfare of Nepali migrant workers in the UAE. Minister Bhandari stressed the need to revise the minimum wage for Nepali workers, proposing a minimum monthly salary of at least 1,000 dirhams. He also called for mandatory provisions of accommodation and food allowances equivalent to 400 dirhams.
In response, Ambassador Al Shamsi welcomed the proposal positively and assured the Minister of his full support in its implementation.
The Ambassador also expressed his interest in the Nepal Government’s pilot project introduced for sending female abroad as domestic helps. Minister Bhandari informed him that all internal preparations for the project have been completed, and the deployment process will commence following the final decision from the House of Representatives (HoR) Committee on Industry, Commerce, and the Labour and Consumer Welfare.
Furthermore, Minister Bhandari shared that the Government of Nepal is advancing the digitization of all labor-related services and facilities, hoping for continued cooperation and support from the UAE Government towards that end.
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We will oppose corruption and ill-governance from streets and parliament: RPP Chair
Kathmandu, July 14: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden has said that his party will protest against corruption and misgovernment in the parliament and on the streets.
At the beginning of today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), he questioned what the Good Governance Commission under the leadership of the Prime Minister is doing while issues of corruption and mismanagement are becoming apparent in the country.
“Ministers are coming under scrutiny one after another in various scams, if they have any morality and commitment to good governance, shouldn’t the ministers resign?” Chairman Lingden said, adding that his party will strongly protest this from the parliament and the streets.
The leader of the RPP parliamentary party in the HoR, Lingden, said it is not appropriate to forcibly conduct meetings while the opposition parties continue to protest in Parliament demanding the formation of a high-level committee to conduct an impartial investigation into the ‘Visit Visa’ case.
“The Speaker must also take the initiative to address the voice of the people. Efforts should be made to address the issues raised by the opposition parties,” he added.
Lawmaker Ashok Kumar Chaudhary from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) said that a fair investigation should be conducted into the questions raised against the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, and the Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, and they should be answers.
MPs from RSP and RPP have walked out of the meeting expressing their views on behalf of their respective parties.
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Vice President Yadav attends National Day celebration of France
Kathmandu, July 14: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav today attended a reception hosted by French ambassador to Nepal, Virginie Corteval, on the occasion of France’s National Day.
The reception was held at the French Embassy in Kathmandu. On the occasion, ambassador Corteval remarked that the 76-year-long diplomatic relations between France and Nepal have continued to grow stronger. She added that during the recent bilateral consultations, both countries discussed enhancing cooperation, particularly in the area of climate change.
France observes July 14 each year as its National Day, commonly known as Bastille Day.
The ambassador also highlighted ongoing events organized throughout this year to mark the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna Peak. She reiterated France’s continued commitment to support Nepal’s development efforts in all possible ways.
It may be noted that a French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog made the first successful ascent of Annapurna Peak (8,091 meters) in 1950.
Ministers, former Prime Ministers, lawmakers, heads and officials of diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu, and other distinguished members of society were among those present at the reception.
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HoR session: MPs draw government’s attention on various issues
Kathmandu, July 14: Members of Parliament have drawn the government’s attention to ensure that Nepal gets water for irrigation as per the Gandak agreement.
During today’s emergency hour session of the House of Representatives, CPN (UML) MP Achyut Prasad Mainali pointed out the situation where arable land in the Terai/Madhesh region remains fallow due to the lack of irrigation facilities, and urged all three levels of government to ensure proper irrigation arrangements over there.
He mentioned that farmers in the Terai/Madhesh, which is a major area for farming, are compelled to rely on rainfall for planting.
“By this time, only 35 percent of the planting has been completed. This has created a situation where production will decline in the coming days, leading to food shortages. All levels of government need to coordinate to solve the farmers’ problems,” said MP Mainali.
MP Mainali mentioned that due to not receiving the water as per the Gandak Agreement, 37,000 hectares of arable land based on that canal system has become unproductive. “The Gandak Canal construction started in 2016 and was completed in 2021. Although there was an agreement to receive 850 cusecs of water, only 550 cusecs is being sent now,” he said, “Local authorities are making efforts to implement the issues mentioned in the agreement, but these efforts have not materialized. Nepal has been deprived of the water benefits it should receive from the Gandak Canal.”
Nepali Congress MP Dev Prasad Timalsena highlighted the increasing scarcity of drinking water in the Terai-Madhesh region and urged the government to pay attention to ensure proper water management. “During the month of Ashad, the Terai-Madhesh is dry, planting has not been possible, and farmers lack fertilizers and seeds; the government should also pay attention to this,” he said.
Similarly, Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre) MP Devendra Paudel drew the government’s attention to the issue of some Ministers’ audio material regarding bribery transactions. “The Prime Minister must respond in a manner that the public can know immediately,” he said.
Nepal Communist Party (Unified Socialist) MP Methmani Chaudhary urged the government to focus on enhancing the Chakarchauda border point in Mayadevi Rural Municipality, Kapilvastu, to facilitate commercial activities and religious tourism.
Congress MP Maina Karki demanded that the government provide appropriate compensation and relief to the family of Shishu Chand, who died due to electrocution during the expansion of electricity in Nalagad Municipality, Jajarkot.
UML MP Bhagwati Chaudhary stated the need to regulate the ‘visit visa’ and emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of household female workers while opening up foreign employment opportunities.
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Health insurance programme will be reviewed, says PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 14: Prime Minister KP Sharma has said that the government would review the government health insurance programme.
During his address to a function organised on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) here today, the Prime Minister said in some case, the insurance facility was found to be misused. It will be reviewed to ensure that it fulfills its intended purpose and benefits the people meaningfully, according to him.
The Prime Minister also urged TUTH to intensify its efforts in supporting the government’s “Nirogi Nepal” (Healthy Nepal) campaign and in delivering quality healthcare services to those in need. He stressed that the hospital should continue to play a leading role in the production of skilled human resources and in improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
“People’s trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals increases when they fall ill. They come to hospitals with the hope of receiving proper care and recovering. It is your responsibility to honor that trust,” he told the healthcare professionals on the occasion.
He said that nurses are provided with special roles and responsibilities in patient care and recovery, recognizing their indispensable contribution to the healthcare system.
On the occasion, Meen Bahadur Gurung, Managing Director of Bhatbhateni Super Market, who financially assisted for the construction of the TUTH Extended Service Building, which was also inaugurated today, was honoured.
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Leader of the main opposition party calls on govt to immediately bolster disaster response
Kathmandu, July 14: Leader of the main opposition party and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed deep concern over the recent incidents of floods and landslides, emphasizing that the government must strengthen disaster response immediately.
Addressing a session of the House of Representatives (HoR), the lower house of the Federal Parliament today, the former Prime Minister said that an inter-country disaster information-sharing system and international cooperation are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with glacial floods, increased river flows due to river blockages, and the Himalayan environment.
Recalling the incident last year in which citizens died without rescue for four hours in the capital, Chair Dahal urged the government to seriously prepare this year to prevent further damage.
He stated that an inter-country information system and international cooperation are necessary to mitigate the risks of glacial floods, increased water flow due to river blockage, and the threats to the mountain environment.
Similarly, he commented that the people’s trust in the government is waning, accusing it of failing to ensure good governance.
The leader of the main opposition stated that not only the general public but also the activists of the ruling parties are dissatisfied with the government’s activities, saying, “In this one year, whose trust have you won and which class has benefited? The government’s activities have raised serious questions about public trust.”
He accused the government of failing to establish good governance by citing examples of irregularities such as in the Securities Board, Bhutanese refugee issue, land scandals, waiver of electricity dues, protection of land mafias, and manipulation in transfers and appointments.
Former Prime Minister Dahal alleged that the budget is not about fulfilling the dreams of the people, but rather a bargain for interest groups.
He expressed dissatisfaction that the government has not shown interest in programmes such as the management and branding of domestic liquor, which are considered important for a self-reliant economy and legalization of cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes.
Chair Dahal accused the government of being indifferent towards youth employment and nation-building, emphasizing the need for serious discussions on the budget-making process, policy priorities, and inclusiveness.
He expressed dissatisfaction about the interference, since the formation of the present government, in the people-oriented programmes initiated by the previous government, and mentioned that the number of cases being closed for investigation is increasing.
Since the formation of this government, the investigations related to corruption initiated by the previous government have been weakened and stopped, Chairman Dahal said, adding: “Files on corruption are being closed; corruption is increasing further, activities related to money laundering are on the rise, and how will the country come out of the gray list?”
Mentioning that efforts have been made to weaken and halt investigations related to corruption initiated by the previous government since the formation of the government, Chairman Dahal said, “Corruption files are being suspended, corruption is thriving more, activities related to asset laundering are increasing, and how will the country come out of the gray list?”
Chairman Dahal raised the point that the country is currently in the list of intensive monitoring for money laundering, i.e., the ‘gray list’, and stated that the government needs to take serious and effective steps to come out of it.
He expressed the view that the issues surfaced in the visit visa and the immigration system at Tribhuvan International Airport should be considered not merely as administrative shortcomings but as serious matters for national investigation. He mentioned that the major opposition parties and other opposition factions had attempted to bring the government’s attention to this issue through serious discussions, which led to the obstruction of Parliament.
However, he clarified that the opposition parties decided to allow the house to function due to the constitutional obligation to present budget on the 15th of Jestha.
Dahal recalled the political journey of the past, stating, ‘Our party and leadership have historical experiences where we had to play the role of opposition while being in the ruling side after the 12-point agreement, and when in opposition, we had to take responsibility for the ruling side’s actions in the national interest.’
He reminded the opposition’s responsible role in presenting bills in Parliament, including those related to federal civil service, school education, and citizenship, stating, “We have removed obstacles with the aim of passing the bills that we ourselves have brought to the house with great effort.”
Chairman Dahal mentioned that he has the courage and vision to bring about historical changes in the country and to outline a clear framework for the future, recalling the contributions of Maoist leadership from the establishment of the republic and constitution to achievements in the energy sector.
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Minister Gurung urges for launch of NTV World by September 19
Kathmandu, July 14: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has advised the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Nepal, to make necessary arrangements to ensure that the NTV World channel begins operation by Asoj 3 (September 19).
During his visit to Nepal Television at Singha Durbar today to inspect preparations for the launch of NTV World, the Minister said that the new channel will serve as a bridge connecting Nepal to the global community, promoting the country’s image internationally.
Communications Secretary Radhika Aryal called for designing NTV World’s programmess and content in a way that preserves and highlights Nepal’s originality and unique identity.
PSB Chair Dr Mahendra Bista stated that the PSB management is actively working to fulfill the vision and objectives behind the launch of NTV World. He also acknowledged the Ministry’s continued cooperation in this endeavor.
Similarly, Dr. Tanka Upreti presented a working paper outlining the preparations for NTV World’s operation, focusing on its operational model, proposed content, and other key aspects.
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Developing model garden of orange in action
Chitwan, July 14: As many as 17,500 plants were distributed to farmers of Ichhakamana Rural Municipality in Chitwan.
Agriculture Section of the Rural Municipality has distributed saplings of orange to the farmers of wards 2,3,5,6 and 7 as part of the orange promotion programme.
Section Officer Samikshya Paudel informed that 2,000 colony plants and 15,000 seed plants were distributed to the farmers.
The saplings were distributed with a plan to expand orange area and develop a model garden. The province government, she said, has extended support to the orange promotion programme.
With this, the orange cultivated area has increased. “The area of orange has expanded. The orange plantation area has increased to 90 hectares this time from 85 hectares earlier”, she informed.
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Heavy rainfall predicted in some areas of four provinces
Kathmandu, July 14: There will be generally cloudy weather throughout the country due to the influence of monsoon winds.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology informed that the monsoon low-pressure line is located slightly north of the average position in the east.
Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur in some areas of the mountainous regions of the country,, including Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim Provinces, and in a few places in the remaining provinces.
There is also a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, while light to moderate rain or snowfall is predicted in a few places in the high mountainous and Himalayan regions of the country.
Similarly, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some areas of Kosi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, and in a few areas of the remaining provinces tonight.
There is also a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places of Koshi and Lumbini provinces.
The Department has indicated chances of light to moderate rain/snow in a few areas of the high-hilly and Himalayan regions of the country.
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Adolescent girl shot dead
Inaruwa (Sunsari), July 14: A person has been shot dead in Harinagar Rural Municipality-6 of Sunsari last night.
The deceased has been identified as Archana Khatun, a 17-year-old girl from Harinagar-6, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yogaraj Khatiwada.
It has been reported that 25-year-old Ajaj Miya from Araria, India, opened firing at her on a domestic dispute.
The police informed that Archana died on the spot after she was shot. Accused Miya fled the scene after the incident and is currently on the run.
Search for the absconding is underway. The police have intensified search and surveillance along the bordering areas, including Supaul in India and Harinagar in Sunsari.
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Government in a year: Economic sector sees discernible progress
Kathmandu, July 14: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel said the government’s first year went productive.
Talking to RSS on the occasion of the completion of a year after assuming the ministerial berth, Paudel claimed the formative period of the government went well from economic, social, cultural and educational fronts.
“The incumbent government has made sea change in policy for creating investment-friendly environment. Reform in legal framework has also gained momentum”, he noted.
The government has introduced the Economic Procedure and Financial Responsibility (First Amendment) Act, 2081, Act to Amend Some Nepalese Laws related to improving the economic and business environment and enhancing investment, the Privatization (First Amendment) Act 2081, the Customs Revenue Act 2081, the Banking Crimes and Punishment Act 2082, and the Customs Act 2081.
Similarly, the government has come up with the Appropriation Act 2082, the Act to Raise National Debt 2082, the Finance Act 2082, the Alternative Development Finance Operational Bill 2081 (presented in the House of Representatives), the Internal Revenue Operational Strategy 2081, standards for making public expenditure economic and effective 2081, and the Foreign Aid Operational Policy 2082.
However, there are challenges for the economy such as revenue collection against targets, increasing capital expenditure, and exiting from the grey list, the DPM added.
Ministry of Finance has formed a high-level economic reforms recommendation commission and made the commission’s report implementable, he explained.
Minister Paudel shared an increasing trend of hearing of grievances and demands from the private sector.
In regard to the economic growth rate, the previous year’s liability of over 30 billion rupees has been paid off and the payment issue has been resolved, he mentioned.
In the current fiscal year, a projection of 4.61 percent has been made, while last year it was 3.87 percent, the finance minister shared.
The multi-year contract process has been organized and execution friendly, he said, adding the size of the economy has increased by four trillion.
“Revenue growth has reached Rs 197 billion; remittances have increased by 15.5 percent, reaching 1,532 billion rupees from 1,327 billion rupees last year”, the minister shared.
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Free health insurance in Kaligandaki for equal access to health services
Waling (Syangja), July 14: The Kaligandaki Rural Municipality has brought all the rsidents here to the domain of free health insurance.
The rural municipality has paid a total of 10.72 million rupees as insurance for 4,543 households in the municipality during the current fiscal year 2081/82.
The Kaligandaki Rural Municipality has provided free health insurance to all its citizens with the aim of improving access to health services for the residents.
With the provision of free health insurance, the municipality has paid 10.7272 million rupees to the health insurance office in Syangja during the current fiscal year 2081/82, informed Durga Pandey, who is working on the municipality’s free insurance programme.
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