- Sunday, 9 November 2025
Kathmandu, July 18: The Land Revenue offices across the country collected Rs 51.42 billion in revenue in the last fiscal year 2081/82 BS. This is the huge amount collected from the land revenue offices that maintain the entire details of the nation’s land administration.
Minister for Land Reform, Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation Balaram Adhikari claimed that the ministry and its line agencies carried out impressive performance in the fiscal year 2081/82 BS.
According to Minister Adhikari, the Land Problem Settlement Commission, Special Survey and other agencies distributed a total of 27,358 land ownership certificates last year and the new land measurement directive has been issued and budget allocation is made for the establishment of land bank for the current fiscal year.
Sharing his progress as a minister in the past one year, Minister Adhikari shared that the National Cooperative Regulation Authority was established adding that this would ensure institutional reforms in the cooperative sector and would offer lasting solution to the issues surfaced in this field.
Similarly, cash deposit of Rs 3.71 billion of 8,156 depositors was repaid from the troubled cooperative institutions during the last fiscal year.
Minister Adhikari has included the ministry’s achievements to the tasks of identity card distribution for economically-poor household and revenue exemption to women and people with special abilities in land registration and other activities.
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02- Chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places in four provinces today
Kathmandu, July 18: There are chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali provinces today.
The monsoon wind has its influence throughout the country at present with the monsoon low pressure trough somewhat closer to its average position, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said.
As the weather remains generally cloudy throughout the country, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali provinces and at a few places of rest of the country, according to the Division.
There is also a possibility of light to moderate rain and snowfall at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous region of the country while some places of Tarai belt of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces would like to experience storm.
Tonight, the weather will continue to remain generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Koshi and Madhes provinces.
In view of a risk of floods, landslides, and debris flow, the Division has urged the residents to apply precautions and safety measures in urban and Tarai regions.
It has been informed that water levels in large and small rivers and rivulets could rise, potentially affecting daily life, agriculture, health, tourism, and transportation on roads and air traffic near river areas.
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03- UML dismisses provision of age limit for party leadership
Kathmandu, July 18: The CPN (UML) has passed a proposal to end the provisions of 70 years of age bar and two-term cap in the party leadership. A secretariat meeting of the party held under the chair of party chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli concluded last night took this decision.
UML assistant general secretary Pradip Gyawali said that the two decisions were made by giving a final touch to the statute amendment proposal tabled by party vice-chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel for the second statute convention.
The statute convention of the UML is taking place from September 5-7 in Lalitpur.
The amendment proposal tabled by vice-chairman Paudel would be taken to the politburo meeting today and then to the central committee meeting.
Likewise, the UML will have now 15-member office-bearers, 84-member politburo committee and 251-member central committee.
Gyawali shared that the UML will have two types of party members — general members and organized members.
The new decisions would be implemented after their approval from the party’s statute convention.
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04- Nelson Mandela International Day being observed today
Kathmandu, July 18: The world is marking the Nelson Mandela International Day by commemorating the South African leader’s contributions to freedom and peace.
The United Nations is marking this Day since 2009.
Mandela dedicated his life for the lifelong struggle for humanity, human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, peace, justice and unity.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has stated that Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life showed how one person can transform oppression, struggle and subjugation into reconciliation, social justice and unity. “His legacy is a call to rekindle our global commitment to peace, justice and human dignity. This year’s theme reminds us that the power to end poverty and inequality is in all our hands,” the UN Secretary General stated.
He knew that ordinary people could bend the arc of history, and that lasting change started not in capitals and boardrooms, but in neighbourhoods and communities, the UN Secretary General added.
“On this important day, and every day, let us all be guided by Madiba’s lifelong commitment to freedom, justice, equality and the rights that belong to every person on earth.”
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05- Progress sans labour not possible, states PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 18: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that progress without labour and prosperity without labourers respect was not possible.
The PM mentioned so in his social networking sites while expressing happiness for the rise in workers’ minimum wages.
Effective from the first day of the fiscal year 2082/83 BS, the government has hiked the minimum monthly wages of the employers. The new agreement has come into effect from Thursday.
As agreed between the government officials, employers and labour unions, the workers’ minimum wage is fixed Rs 19,550 per month. Prior to this, the minimum monthly wage for workers was Rs 17,300.
The agreement was reached at a tripartite meeting held at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security on Thursday.
“Prior to this, we took step to secure the future of labourers by implementing the contribution-based social security scheme. So far, 2.1 million workers have been enrolled in the scheme,” the PM wrote on his Facebook wage.
PM Oli termed the decision to hike the minimum wage for workers as a strong backing.
As per the agreement, the monthly basic wage will be Rs 12,170 and dearness allowance will be Rs 7,380. The minimum wage was reviewed as per Section 107 of the Labour Act, 2074 BS, which requires that the minimum wage for workers should be reviewed every two years.
The business fraternities have also welcomed the agreement and described it as necessary step to maintain sustainable labour relations. The agreement reached through transparent discussions and flexibility of all parties is acceptable for all sides concerned.
Similarly, the representatives of the trade unions have termed the agreement as a victory for the workers, as it is for the first time that an agreement on the minimum wage has been reached by including workers’ voices.
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06- Pregnant women given cash support for nutritious food to lower MMR
Tanahun, July 18: The Vyas Municipality in Tanahun district provided cash support to 243 pregnant women in the last fiscal year for nutritious foods to promote good health and ensure the safety of both newborns and mothers.
Chief Administrative Officer of the Vyas Municipality, Kashiram Gaire, stated a total of Rs 1.22 million was distributed among 243 pregnant women to reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR).
Gaire added that each pregnant woman from an economically disadvantaged household received Rs 5,000 under the maternal nutrition programme. By giving the cash, the pregnant women were encouraged to avoid malnutrition and ensure a safe pregnancy.
The cash was given to the pregnant women after eight months of pregnancy, following the submission of health checkup documents from at least three visits to public health care institutions in the municipality.
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07 – Bridge over Kulung rivulet constructed at Rs 77 million
Damauli (Tanahu), July 18: A concrete bridge has been constructed over Kulung rivulet in Bhimad municipality-1.
The construction of 72.20-meter long bridge was started in third week of Asoj, 2081 and completed before the deadline, according to the Infrastructure Development Office.
Two-wheelers have started using the newly constructed bridge. However, the bridge has not been formally inaugurated.
Gandaki Province government had invested Rs 77.3 million for the construction of the bridge. The bridge was constructed 25 years after the road construction.
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08- Rahughat Hydro power project’s deadline extended for third time
Myagdi, July 18: The deadline for Rahughat Hydropower Company being constructed in Myagdi has been extended for the third time.
The 40-megawatt under-construction project is being promoted by Raghuganga hydropower project, the subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Jayprakash Associates (JP), an Indian company, was awarded the contract for Rs 6 billion on November 17, 2017 according to which the project ought to be accomplished within 45 months.
Unable to complete the project within the stipulated time, the deadline was extended for the first time in February 2022 while the second deadline expired on June 27 this year.
The deadline has been extended for the third time till November 27, 2025 at the recommendation of the consultant company, said Ganesh KC, the Managing Director of the Hydropower Project.
The much-awaited hydropower project has recorded 90 per cent physical progress as of now. The contractor company has attributed delay in the timely completion of the project to COVID-19 pandemic, flood and landslide and shortage of river-based construction materials.
Also, an Indian company- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), which had inked an electromechanical agreement with the Hydropower worth over USD 12.93 million in October, 2019 could not carry out the import and installation of equipment for hydro project as per the target.
The contract with BHEL expires on December 31 this year.
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09- FSP treatment to be availed from 377 hospitals: Health Insurance
Board
Kathmandu, July 18: Those over 9.3 million insured individuals under the government’s health insurance scheme can now avail First Service Point (FSP) treatment from any 377 public hospitals across the country.
The Health Insurance Board here today announced that these policy owners can receive treatment from any healthcare facilities listed in the Board’s FSP list from this July 17 regardless of their place of residence.This recent provision seeks to make health insurance services more accessible, efficient and citizen-friendly.
This announcement marks a significant shift from earlier provision which required the insured person to get services from the pre-designated FSPs only.
With the new provision in place, Bikesh Malla, Information Officer at the Board, explained with an example that a person insured in Jhapa district in the far eastern part of the country can receive treatment from a hospital, listed as FSP, in the far-western district Kanchanpur.
“The scope to access to services from the FSP has been expanded,” he said, adding that insured individuals receiving treatment at the FSP will be eligible for treatment at referral hospitals.
At present, there are 377 health institutions designated as the first service point and 98 as referral health institutions, according to the Board.
The Board has designated federal hospitals, specialist hospitals, specialty hospital and health academies as the referral health institutions.
The Board has called on all local level government to establish at least one health institution as the FSP for which Information Officer Malla also urged the local authorities to submit applications requesting the establishment of such facilities at their nearest public health institutions.
The health insurance programme launched from Kailali district since 2016 has been providing healthcare services to those economically disadvantaged citizens.
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10- Finance Ministry issues 95-point guidelines for budget execution
Kathmandu, July 18: The Ministry of Finance has issued 95-point guidelines for the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26), circulating them to all relevant ministries, departments, and bodies.
The Ministry issued guidelines regarding the implementation of the budget on Thursday, clarifying about what should and should not be done concerning budget authorization, programme approval, budget allocation, transfer and implementation of projects, fund transfer, and programme amendments, among other topics.
The ministry has also issued a circular on working responsibly for the implementation of provisions related to financial transparency, accountability and monitoring.It has been said that the procedures for the implementation of the plans and programmes included in the budget for the current fiscal year should be prepared by the end of this Nepali month Shrawan.
Similarly, the guidelines requires the bodies concerned to arrange for the selection of the project leader based on internal competition to effectively implement the project and complete it within the specified time.
It has been stated that the standards should be prepared and implemented so that the project chief is not transferred throughout the project duration, except in cases where the minimum score specified in the agreement is not achieved.
The budget implementation guideline also mentions that if costs increase due to not making timely decisions during project implementation, the responsible officials should be held accountable.
Circular has been issued through the budget implementation guidelines to make arrangements for carrying out work in three ‘shifts’ to intensify the work of the project. Likewise, it has been instructed to create, modify, and localize the sample tender documents related to public procurement.
“The payment for the work done by all entities must be compulsorily cleared within the month following the end of the quarterly period. No amount added from an allocation or transfer in any activity can be redirected or transferred to another activity,” the guidelines states.
After the decision to reduce the funds once for any activity towards capital expenditure by amending the programme for any capital activity, further budget allocation, transfer, or programme amendment proposals will not be allowed for the same activity.
The budget implementation guidelines states that the procurement process should only proceed after completing preparatory work such as site management, ensuring the removal of trees and other permanent structures that need to be removed from the construction site, land acquisition, and obtaining approval for the environmental impact assessment report that needs to be conducted in accordance with current laws.It is also mentioned in the budget implementation guidelines that frugality should be adopted in expenditures prudently.
“Administrative expenses such as water, electricity, communication fees, rent, fuel, maintenance costs, miscellaneous and office supplies costs, allowances, training, workshops, service fees, travel expenses, etc must be managed with maximum frugality. Austerity in public expenditure should be maintained in accordance with policies to make public spending economical and effective,” reads the guidelines.
It has been stated that when conducting programmes such as meetings, conferences, workshops, and interactions at government expense, the assembly halls of government agencies should be used.
The Finance Ministry has issued a directive to compulsorily auction goods like vehicles, furniture, computers, laptops that are not in a condition of operation even after repair and maintenance, within six months.
An arrangement has been made to purchase new vehicles only in necessity and the consent of Finance Ministry should be taken before purchasing such things.
A prior consent of the Finance Ministry should be taken before going on a foreign visit. It is said that the Finance Ministry would not give permission for foreign visit at government’s source except the situation of mandatory representation in high-level diplomatic visit and in international organisations which Nepal is a member.
Similarly, a prior consent should be taken from the Finance Ministry while making decision or presenting a proposal in the cabinet on the issues that create financial liability except the issues included in the approved budget and programmes as well as the government offices should use vacant government buildings with priority for office purpose as much as possible.
The budget implementation guidelines mentioned that an arrangement should be made to submit the annual financial details at the concerned Government Treasury and Financial Comptroller Office within 12 days of the ending of fiscal year.
Likewise, the Finance Ministry should be informed compulsorily before seven days if a payment of more than Rs 1 billion should be paid to manage cash flow. The issues like making arrangement to spend budget in accordance with allocated budget by carrying out online monitoring of development projects, preparing a progress report with sectoral achievement indicators carrying out regular monitoring and review of budget implementation as well as sending a report with problems and its reasons surfaced in implementation of budget to the National Planning Commission and Finance Ministry are mentioned in the guidelines.
While transferring fiscal equalization grant, first and second installment would be paid as per the estimation as well as third installment based on the ratio of revenue target or collection of last day of Poush, according to the Finance Ministry.
Similarly, the fourth installment would be re-determined and transferred based on revenue target and collection up to last day of Chait.All the remaining amount of conditional, supplementary and special grants should be returned to Federal Reserve Fund through the concerned Treasury and Financial Comptroller Office if all conditional, supplementary and special grants amount is not spent by the end of Asar of the fiscal year.
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11- NTB to spend 70 per cent of its budget for international marketing
Kathmandu, July 18: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has approved a budget of Rs 1.59 billion for current fiscal year 2025/26.
A recently held meeting of the executive committee of the Board passed the budget for current fiscal year, said Coordinator of Budget Formulation Sub-Committee, Rishi Ram Bhandari.
The budget and programme of the Board has a target of establishing Nepal’s image in international tourism community by developing safe, reliable and attractive tourism destinations, he mentioned.
Bhandari shared, “The Board has set a target of making overall tourism sector dynamic by increasing tourist arrival at least by 15 per cent in current fiscal year.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, mentioned that the budget was focused on the areas and programmes making significant contribution in tourism promotion.
The budget would be useful for creating employment opportunity and sustainable development of tourism sector by increasing national production and foreign exchange earnings through development, expansion and promotion of tourism business, he opined.
The Board would organise promotional programmes in at least 50 source markets, to produce additional 5,000 human resources for tourism business and protecting 25 new tourism infrastructures for tourism expansion in current fiscal year.
Out of total budget, 70 per cent would be spent for international marketing for service expansion of the Board and establish an office in India. India is the major tourism source market of Nepal and more than 400,000 tourists visited Nepal from India in 2024.
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12- Minister Panta and Israeli Ambassador to Nepal discuss resumption
of ‘Israel Internship Programme’
Kathmandu, July 18: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Panta and Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, have discussed resuming ‘Israel Internship Programme’ for the Nepal’s agriculture students.
In a meeting held between the two here today, Minister Panta expressed appreciation for Israel’s continued support to Nepal over various period.
Israeli Ambassador Bass, appraising the Minister about the programme being implemented since 2001, informed that more than 4,000 Nepali students have participated in the Programme so far and gained practical agricultural experience in Israel.
He also mentioned that many of those students had made a significant contribution to Nepal’s agriculture sector upon their return.
Nepali students have been banned from travelling to Israel following the Hamas attack (on Israel) on October 7, 2023.
The Israeli envoy, emphasizing the continuation of the Programme, cautioned that if this procedural delay continues, it could deprive nearly 1,000 Nepali interns from accessing this valuable opportunity.
He called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to take prompt action for timely registration of the students through the university system and facilitate their travel to Israel.
In this context, the Minister clarified that there are no longer any obstacles for the return of the students going for internship in Israel.
The Minister has also proposed the Israeli government to consider increasing student quota for the next fiscal year to address the growing demand of the interns.
It may be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal has already issued a notice to continue the process of sending Nepali students to Israel, citing the positive security assessment from the Nepali Ambassador to Israel and response from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel.
In this regard, all concerned authorities have been urged to expedite the student registration process, notify aspiring students about this latest development and coordinate with the university.
Present in the meeting were Joint-Secretary and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Shiva Kumar Sapkota and representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal.
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13 – RBBL disburses first round of financial grants to energy-efficient
industries
Kathmandu, July 18: In a significant step toward promoting sustainable industrial practices in Nepal, Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has successfully disbursed the first round of financial grants to industries adopting energy efficiency measures.
The disbursement event was held today at RBBL’s Head Office in Kathmandu.A total of 10 industries received grant support totaling Rs 29 million (approx.) after implementing key energy-saving measures identified through energy audits. These efforts are expected to bring measurable reductions in energy consumption (approx. 36,788 MWh of annual energy savings over lifetime), directly contributing to Nepal’s climate action commitments and the broader agenda of sustainable industrial growth.
The grant scheme managed by RBBL is part of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) project which is jointly financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
This initiative supports industries with significant energy-saving potential in adopting efficient practices fostering green growth and livelihood improvements across the country. It offers partial grant coverage of total investment costs encouraging implementation of energy audit recommendations, conducted by certified local auditors. The scheme prioritizes energy efficiency, decent work practices, and compliance with environmental compliance, the RBBL said in a press release.
This first disbursement marks the formal rollout of the REEEP-GREEN grant facility, paving the way for broader adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies within Nepal’s industrial sector.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of RBBL, Devendra Raman Khanal reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustainable finance and a green economy.
The event was attended by Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Rudra Khanal; Delegates and officials from the European Union, German Embassy and GIZ Nepal; energy consultants; private sector associations and industrialists.
This financing initiative aligns with broader national objectives to promote sustainable industrial practices by integrating circular economy principles, adhering to environmental standards and fostering decent work practices. The benefits realized from the grant supported measures will serve as a demonstration of concept to develop business cases for loan and blended financing supported interventions in the public and private sector. This will encourage more industries and enterprises to adopt energy efficiency measures and also promote sustainable development in Nepal.
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14 – Government’s budget spending recorded at 1,523 billion, revenue at
1,219 billion in last FY
Kathmandu, July 18: The government’s revenue and expenditure both have appeared weak in the last fiscal year 2024/25.
The statistics shared by the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO) shows the government’s revenue has shrunk to 82 per cent and expenditure to 81 per cent compared to the annual target.
The government had brought a budget of Rs 1860 billion 303 million for the last fiscal year.
By the end of Ashad (July 16, 2025), Rs 1523 billion 106 million 800 thousand has been spent. This is equivalent to 81.87 per cent of the annual target.
Rs 1,140 billion 664 million 500 thousand was allocated towards the current expenditure heading for the last fiscal year, out of which 85.95 per cent, which is Rs 980 billion 282 million 100 thousand, has been spent.
Similarly, an allocation of Rs 352 billion 354 million has been made under capital heading, out of which 63.2 per cent or Rs 222 billion 682 million 300 thousand has been spent.
The FCGO stated that out of the budget allocation of Rs 367 billion 284 million 500 thousand allocated under the financial management heading, 87.14 per cent, which is equivalent to Rs 320 billion 424 million, has been spent.
The government’s revenue is also significantly lower than the target. For the last fiscal year, the government had set a target of collecting Rs 1,471 billion 629 million 500 thousand, but only managed to collect 82.88 per cent of the target, which amounts to Rs 1,219 billion 718 million 600 thousand.
Comparing the government’s income and expenditure, the government has spent Rs 303 billion 380 million more than its income.
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15 – PM Oli stresses on fostering Nepal-China friendship across
generations
Kathmandu, July 18: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need of fostering Nepal-China friendship across generations. He clarified that the government of Nepal would not leave any stone unturned for the activities to be carried from the side of Nepal in order to advance the relationship.
Addressing the Nepal-China Cultural Summit, 2025, organised by ‘Phoenix Inspiration’ on the occasion of 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations here today, Prime Minister Oli opined that organising such programmes on the occasion of 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two ancient nations has given an extraordinary message for expansion of mutual cultural relations.
“It will help grow mutual friendship and multi-dynamic relations across the generations,” he mentioned.On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli honoured Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, with Youth Empowerment Award, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha and Birendra Raj Pandey with the Business Leadership Award as well as Anuradha Sharma with the Education Excellence Award.
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16 – Report on Saurya Airlines crash submitted
Kathmandu, July 18: Nearly after a year of its formation, an investigation committee formed to probe the crash of Saurya Airlines’s 9N-AME aircraft has submitted its final report today.
Committee’s Chairperson Ratish Chandra Lal Suman presented the report to Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey amid a programme organized at the latter’s office.
Receiving the report, Minister Pandey acknowledged that the report was submitted without any reservations and pledged to implement the recommendations furnished in the report.
The Ministry made the report public releasing it through its website immediately after the Commission submitted it.
It may be recalled that the aircraft departing for base maintenance from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Pokhara had crashed nearby the runway in Kathmandu’s airport on July 24 last year, resulting in deaths of 18 people onboard.
However, pilot Manish Shakya had miraculously survived the fatal crash. On the same day, the incumbent government had formed an investigation committee led by former Director General Ratish Chandra Lal Suman to probe the crash.
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17 – Chair Dahal assures of taking initiative to resolve problems of Hetauda cement industry
Kathmandu, July 18: Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed commitment to take initiatives to resolve problems of Hetauda cement industry.
Receiving a memorandum submitted by representatives of joint trade union at the CPN (Maoist Centre) Headquarters, Parisdanda, today, Chair Dahal said he would make possible efforts to resolve the problems of the industry.
He recalled that he at the time when he was leading the government had discussed time and again to revive sick industries, expressing commitment to take necessary initiatives in the capacity of leader of the opposition party to resolve the problems seen in Hetauda cement industry and demands of trade union.
Sharing that the CPN (Maoist Centre) has been enquiring and taking initiatives for the restructuring and reform of government industries and factories, Chair Dahal assured that he would always be with the activities to be carried out in favour of the working class people and country.
The memo demands to take initiatives to stop activities carried out against consumers’ welfare, to resolve problems of the industry as there is negligence in operation of industry as well as demands of the employees are ignored.
Leaders of trade union including CPN (Maoist Centre)’s central committee member and Makawanpur District In-charge Bijay Gautam, were in the
delegation.
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18- Inclusive Rural Development Projects to be implemented in eight
municipalities of Bardiya
Kathmandu, July 18: An agreement (MoU) has been signed between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the Republic of Korea for the implementation of the Inclusive Rural Development Project (IRDP) in Bardiya District.
Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Ghanashyam Upadhyay and the Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae Young, signed the agreement in a MoU signing ceremony at the Ministry of Finance today.
The Korean government is to provide assistance equivalent to 8 million US dollars for this project through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The project will be operational until December 2029. It will be implemented in eight local levels of Bardiya district.
The objective of this project, which will be implemented in Geruwa Rural Municipality, Badaiyatal Rural Municipality, Rajapur Municipality, Barbardiya Municipality, Madhuwan Municipality, Gulariya Municipality, Bansgadhi Municipality, and Thakur Baba Municipality, is to support rural communities through increasing agricultural production, establishing value chains, enhancing roads and infrastructure, creating market access, fostering entrepreneurship development, and generating employment.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration will play a role in policy coordination and guidance for the implementation of the project, while the eight municipalities of Bardiya at the local level will act as implementing bodies.
While signing the agreement, Korean Ambassador Park Tae Young said that this project focuses on people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable development. He noted that the project will create long-term opportunities for local communities while maintaining environmental balance.
Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay expressed confidence that the project, which will be operated with Korean assistance, will empower local governments and communities and help build an inclusive and economically strong society in accordance with the policies of the Government of Nepal.
Similarly, he expressed optimism about implementing this as a pilot project on how to benefit from a decentralized governance system.
Muhung Kong, Director of KOICA for Nepal, expressed optimism that positive and outcome-oriented achievements will be made from the project with the cooperation of local government and other stakeholders.
KOICA has been providing significant support in areas such as agriculture, health, technical training, rural infrastructure, and information technology in Nepal in the past.
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HoR committee directs for construction of underpass or flyover on Ring Road
Kathmandu, July 18: The Committee on Infrastructure Development of the House of Representatives (HoR) has directed the government to ensure the construction of a flyover or underpass as part of the second section of the Ring Road widening project in Kathmandu.
A meeting of the Committee held on Friday, instructed the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to incorporate the construction of the necessary flyover or underpass at an appropriate location in the detailed project report (DPR) of the second phase of the road expansion.
Committee Chairperson Dipak Bahadur Singh also stressed the need for the prompt implementation of the second phase of the Ring Road widening project.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Debendra Dahal, pledged that works to upgrade the Kalanki–Maharajgunj section of the Ring Road will begin soon. He stated that preparations are underway to widen the 7.2-kilometer stretch along the Ring Road.
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20- Indo-Nepal relations multifaceted: Chair Thakur
Mahottari, July 18: Chairman of the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Nepal, Mahantha Thakur, has said Indo-Nepal relations have remained intimate since ancient times. Speaking at a programme organized in Jaleshwar on Friday, Chairman Thakur reminded that the two-country relations are multifaceted.
The programme was organized by the Nepal-India Friendship Association, Madhesh Province to hand over awards to the winners of essay competition, on ‘Nepal-India Friendly Relations’.
Chairman Thakur further viewed India is the closest friendly nation and the bilateral relations are expanded to the people to people level between the two countries.
On a different note, leader Thakur mentioned that former king Gyanendra’s activities are anti-democratic. Playing religious card to regain power is irrelevant, he stressed.
His party was struggling against the ruling class for the rights of Madhesh and the Madheshi people, and that the peaceful struggle will continue until those rights were achieved.
At the event, 24 students from Dhanusha and 18 from Mahottari districts were honoured and awarded with bicycles, trophies, and certificates.
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21- Govt committed to protecting democracy: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 18: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said government was committed to protecting democracy because the democracy was brought through struggles for human rights, peace and social justice.
Inaugurating the international conference of the Progressive Legal Practitioners here Friday, PM Oli reminded that present leadership had played a significant role in bringing democracy and protecting human rights. So, there is no point in questioning its role, he added.
“We’ve been working as per UN Charter, UDHR, international human rights instruments, and balanced foreign policy,” PM Oli said, adding that Nepal has enmity with none but amity with all.
According to him, Nepal government is for peace and democracy. “We are devoted to resolving the problems facing people in daily life. Full realization of human rights is impossible till the eradication of poverty. For this to happen, elevation of the lifestyle of marginalized people along with justice and equity is prioritized.
PM Oli assured that government would receive genuine suggestions of the conference.
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22- Don’t deviate from party policy, RPP asks cadres
Kathmandu, July 18: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has called on party line to strictly adhere to party policies, ideology, principles and overall interests.
A meeting of the party’s disciplinary committee chaired by RPP Vice Chair Roshan Karki urged the party leaders and cadres against deviation. The committee held a meeting to this regard at party’s central office, Dhumbarahi on Friday.
According to a press note issued by Party Spokesperson and Publicity Department Chief Mohan Kumar Shrestha, the meeting wanted that no member gave expression or issued statements written or oral, on social media, or through other media that go against the party line.
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23- Lingual diversity is Nepal’s beauty: NC President Deuba
Lalitpur, July 18: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said Nepal’s lingual diversity has played a vital role in protecting and promoting national identity.
Speaking at a reception organized by the Central Executive Committee of the Nepal Democratic Federation of Indigenous Nationalities on Friday, Deuba stated, “Lingual diversity is the beauty of Nepal, and the participation of all castes and communities is essential for nation building efforts.”
Also addressing the event, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, said the art and culture of each caste and community along with Nepal’s ethnic and linguistic diversity, have gained global recognition. He added that a new cultural policy would be formulated, reflecting the sentiments of ethnic communities. “Culture includes both tangible and intangible aspects,” the Minister reminded, adding that the Ministry has received a total of 105 applications for the listing of intangible heritage.
He echoed the need for collective efforts to protect both tangible and intangible cultural heritages.
NC central member Jeeph Chhiring Sherpa spoke the urgency of developing policies aimed at protecting the languages, religions, cultures, civilizations, customs, and identities of Nepal’s 124 ethnic communities. He urged the party to take the lead in this initiative.
Head of the Indigenous Nationalities Department of the NC, Dilman Pakhrin, argued that the Interim Constitution of Nepal–2007, promulgated under the leadership of the late NC veteran Girija Prasad Koirala was the first to constitutionally ensure the rights of indigenous nationalities, women, Dalits, and the working class.
President of the NC Bagmati Province Committee, Indra Bahadur Baniya, said the NC has consistently worked for the economic prosperity and welfare of the people. He acknowledged the significant role of indigenous nationalities in driving the country toward development.
NC Mahasamiti member Gyaljen Sherpa stated that the party had the capacity to accommodate all indigenous nationalities within its organizational structure. He highlighted that indigenous nationalities constitute 37% of the country’s population and stressed that ensuring their meaningful representation in all state mechanisms, along with political empowerment, should be a priority for all concerned stakeholders.
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24- Statute amendment agenda dominates UML politburo meeting
Kathmandu, July 18: The politburo meeting of the CPN UML discussed a proposal for amendments to the party statute. At the meeting held at party office in Lalitpur on Friday, Vice Chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the proposed amendments on Friday.
Lal babu Pandit, Dr Rajan Bhattarai, Kashinath Adhikari, Kiran Gurung, Sherdhan Rai, Khagaraj Adhikari, and Karna Bahadur Thapa spoke on the statute amendment proposal. During the meeting, Prime Minister and Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli spoke on the current political developments, government activities, and the party statute.
Head of the UML publicity department, Rajendra Gautam, informed that the party’s main focus at present is the statute convention.
Chairman Oli urged party leaders to play a constructive and positive role in the process of drafting party statute. The proposed statute amendments include the removal of the age limit of 70 years and the two-term limit as stated in Article 64 of the party statute (2078 BS amendment).
Similarly, the amendment proposal is for the number of central committee members at 251, including 15 office bearers. The proposal also establishes a three-tier structure, consisting of the Standing Committee, the Politburo Committee, and the Central Committee.
The meeting proposed two types of party members: general members and organizational members. After removing the members affiliated with sister organizations, only those trained by the party will be recognized as organizational members. In the politburo meeting, General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel presented the organizational report, highlighting that the party’s organizational strength is increasing with a 15 percent rise in organizational membership.
“Based on current party membership and renewals, there has been nearly a 15 percent increase. Data collection is ongoing, and we will release all records once it is finalized,” Pokhrel said.
The meeting will convene again at 11:00 am on Saturday. The second Statute Convention of the UML is scheduled to take place on September 5 to 7 in Godavari, Lalitpur.
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25- Chairman Dahal bats for change in electoral system
Kathmandu, July 18: Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has stressed the need for change in current electoral system to end corruption. Receiving a memorandum submitted by the Nepal Voters’ Rights Forum on Friday, he said his party had been consistently voicing for the change in the electoral system.
“There is a clear stance of the Maoist Centre on the amendment of current electoral system in the constitution. Expensive electoral system is the reason behind deepening corruption,” he said, “A fully proportional parliament and a directly elected executive presidential system are essential.”
He emphasized the need for full inclusion and proportional representation based on population. Referring to the issues raised by the forum, Chairman Dahal mentioned that he is positive and urged readiness for a movement if necessary for a change in the system.
“This initiative of the forum is positive. Change is not possible just by making the leaders understand these demands and suggestions. If it is necessary to establish the demands and issues of the people, we are ready to campaign, you should also be prepared for that.”
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26- Govt. working for safeguarding the Constitution: Home Minister
Kathmandu, July 19: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the government has been working for the protection of the Constitution.
At a discussion of the National Assembly Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee related to law and order today, he shared that the government has laid high emaphasis on safeguarding the main law of the land.
Noting that there are three key challenges to the security, the Home Minister informed the Ministry is mobilizing its subordinate agencies in a coordinated manner to that end.
Drug abuse, road accident and suicide are the three major security challenges persisting in the country, he explained.
He further said that the security is the pre-requisite for democracy and development. “Preparation has been made in a way to hold a meeting with the stakeholders on border security this month. The meeting is expected to be helpful in resolving the border problems”, the minister briefed.
The Minister added that the government is introducing the Act to govern police organizations as it has been so far regulated through a rule.
The Minister opned that the local level should take initiative for resolving the problems resulting from the Chhaupadi practice.
On another note, he said that necessary arms would be purchased for the police from the budget appropriated in the current fiscal year as per the law while emphasizing on the infrastructure development and arms procurement for security.
The government is ready to bring policy reforms based on the recommendations of the high-level committee in regard to the visit visa scam, the minister mentioned.
Committee President Sonam Geljen Sherpa informed htat the meeting was held with all stakeholders for addressing the issues related to law and order.
Also speaking oin the occasion, Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi said enterprise center with medication camps and psycho-social counseling will be put in place in the prisons to promote self-correction and righteousness.
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27- Unity among ideologically close communist parties a must: Chair Nepal
Kathmandu, July 19: Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal has stressed the need of unity among the groups bearing close political thoughts and principles and the communist parties.
At an assembly organized here today to announce the unity between the CPN (Unified Socialist) and CPN National Unity Campaign, he underlined the importance of unifying all scattered communist forces to strengthen the left and revolutionary movement for country’s development and people’s prosperity.
Stating that the unity and collaboration with the parties having identical policies and objectives is meaningful for consolidating the party organization, he expressed the confidence that the unity with the Campaign would make the party robust.
He ruled out any chance of unity with the CPN (UML) because of the expression of its leaders, and asserted that the ideological and principle deviation within the CPN (UML) is a key impediment for integration.
Also the former Prime Minister, Nepal claimed that his party’s ideological stance has played a pivotal role in the national politics of the country.
Senior leader Jhalanath Khanal also echoed the necessity of the unity among the left parties which had fought against autocracy in the country.
He added that possibility of unity with the CPN (UML) should be kept alive when there emerges polarization among all left forces in the country.
Campaign Coordinator Bamdev Gautam said he came to join the CPN (Unified Socialist) with the 75-member central committee and expressed happiness over the merger.
They were immersed to the CPN (US) for building socialism in the country, Gautam said, adding, “I will consider my life fully successful when I see socialism in my life time and involve in the socialist systems”.
Leader Gautam expressed the commitment to play constructive role to make the party organization dynamic.
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28- ‘Make Nepal standard mandatory for goods to be imported’
Kathmandu, July 18: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said the ‘Nepal Standard (NS)’ mark should be made mandatory for all goods imported to Nepal.
Speaking at the 115th meeting of the Nepal Council for Standards held on Friday, Minister Bhandari said many countries require imported goods to meet national standards, and Nepal should adopt the same practice. “This is important for the welfare of consumers,” he viewed.
Nepal imports a wide range of products- from daily consumer goods to industrial equipment. According to the Minister, substandard imported goods have negatively affected public health, the economy of consumers and the national economy. “Therefore, enforcing the NS mark on imported goods is essential,” he iterated.
The Minister also shared the Ministry’s priorities include formulation and implementation of effective market policies and strengthening of the Nepal Council for Standards (NC) monitoring system.
The meeting discussed procedures for granting the NS mark to domestic products, improving NS criteria, enhancing market monitoring, and controlling the import of substandard goods, it has been reported.
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29- Thapa calls for reviewing implementation of federalism
Lalitpur, July 18: Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has stressed the need to thoroughly review the implementation of federalism.
Speaking at a programme organized by the Nepal Democratic Federation of Indigenous Nationalities in Sanepa, Lalitpur on Friday, Thapa called for evaluating both the achievements and shortcomings in the enforcement of federalism in a comprehensive way.
He also stressed the need to make both federal and province parliaments more inclusive and called for reforms in the electoral system. Thapa added that indigenous nationalities are among the most affected by the impacts of climate change and said this issue should be a key agenda for their communities.
Meanwhile, NC Joint General Secretary Bhishmaraj Aangdembe called on indigenous nationalities to unite further in the fight for their rights.
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