- Friday, 25 July 2025
Kathmandu, July 23: The ninth Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) concluded with the endorsement of a proposal to amend the party statute. An eight-point document was passed unanimously by the meeting.
The meeting, held at the party’s Central Office at Chyasal, Lalitpur, on July 21–22, endorsed the eight-point proposal focusing on various issues, including the amendment of the party statute, the country’s contemporary political scenario, performance of the government, and the party’s upcoming statute convention.
Similarly, the two-day meeting, chaired by party Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, decided to pay high respect to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
According to UML Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, a total of 264 central members expressed their views during the meeting, which concluded with the unanimous endorsement of the eight-point proposal. He informed party Chair and Prime Minister Oli addressed contemporary political developments and the upcoming statute convention, emphasizing the need for further strengthening the party.
During the meeting, UML Central Discipline Commission Chair Keshab Badal, Central Account Commission Chair Prof Dr Pushpa Kandel, and Central Advisory Council Chair Amrit Kumar Bohara presented reports from their respective commissions.
Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the draft proposal to amend the party’s statute, while General Secretary Shankar Pokharel shared updates on organizational matters. Gautam further said the meeting decided to send the proposed draft of the statute amendment by incorporating the submission received during the meeting to the party’s province and district committees for their feedback.
The meeting concluded that the incumbent coalition government, comprising the two major parties: the Nepali Congress and the UML is based on the seven-point agreement between them. It has delivered in the interest of the nation and its people, creating a foundation for political stability and good governance.
The meeting also called for further strengthening the existing coalition through a committed effort to effectively implement the seven-point agreement.
The proposal presented by the UML states, “The national economy has returned to its rhythm thanks to some important policy reforms. Initiatives to boost private sector’s confidence and increase foreign investment have been taken. The stalled development works have taken a pace. Works relating to exploration of petroleum products in Dailekh district that was highly prioritized during first tenure of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has reached its conclusion.” The UML acknowledged the exploration of methane gas in Dailekh district that can cater to the country’s need for some 50 years to be an encouraging finding.
The meeting assessed that the incumbent government had been successful in making Nepal’s presence, its agenda and role in the international forums more effective by enabling atmosphere in favour of Nepal’s external relations.
The proposal also noted the party’s active role in formulation of legislations against corruption, enhancing the effectiveness of regulatory bodies and raising awareness for promotion of good-governance in the society in line with the party’s fundamental values such as unconditional opposition to corruption and irregularities and unwavering loyalty towards good-governance and rule of law.
During the meeting, the central committee members also paid tributes to UML’s founding Secretary-General late Pushpalal Shrestha and reaffirmed party’s commitment to follow his ideals, thereby making communist movements in the country further stronger, united and decisive national force. The meeting also drew the attention towards resolving the longstanding problems across the Terai-Madhesh belt by immediately bringing into effect the climate action plans, special programmes for conservation and restoration of the Chure Area.
Furthermore, the promptness on the part of government was stressed to address the problems facing farmers in the country, uplift their living standards and to ensure food security. The meeting called on the government to accelerate distribution of relief materials to the survivors of the flash flood in Rasuwa district and reconstruction of houses damaged in the flood on July 8.
Additionally, the government was urged to coordinate efforts and make diplomatic initiatives with neighbouring country China to rebuild the Miteri Pul (friendship bridge) along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa that was washed away in the flash flood.
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Pushapal inspiring figure to forward socialism: Chair Nepal
Kathmandu, July 23: Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has stated that the existence of any party will not be put in peril simply because someone wishes it so.
Speaking at an event organized by the Pushpalal Memorial Academy at Pushpalal Memorial Park in Kirtipur Municipality-4, Nepal underlined the need for embracing the ideology of and inspiration from Pushpalal Shrestha in Nepal’s socialist movement. He described Pushpalal as a true political analyst of the time.
Senior party leader and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal said chronic capitalism continues to dominate the country despite the political transformation in the country.
Similarly, leader Bamdev Gautam highlighted that all achievements of the communist movement in Nepal are rooted in the foundational contributions of the late leader Pushpalal.
The event marked the 47th memorial day of communist leader Pushpalal.
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Revenue collection surpasses target at Madar customs
Siraha, July 23: The Madar Customs Office in Siraha district has witnessed a remarkable increase in revenue collection than the target in the last fiscal year 2024/25 BS.
The Office amassed Rs 20.7 million more than the target, collecting a total of over Rs 140 million in revenue, according to Toyanath Sapkota, Chief of Madar Customs.
Chief Sapkota shared that although the Nepali month of Mangshir (mid-November to Mid-December last year) only saw 94 per cent of revenue collection, almost of the other months in the last fiscal year recorded above the target revenue collection, achieving overall 122 per cent of its annual goal.
The revenue collection in the last fiscal year turned out to be the highest in the last four fiscal years, he informed.
According to him, more than Rs 110 million was collected in the fiscal year 2020/21 while revenue collection stood over Rs 90.3 million in 2021/22 and above Rs 90.4 in fiscal year 2022/23.
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No alliance in next election: General Secretary Thapa
Chitwan, July 23: General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has reminded that the mahasamiti meeting of the party had passed the decision to not forge alliance in the next election.
Addressing a talk programme on the 43rd BP Memorial Day here today, General Secretary Thapa said whosoever leads the party through 15th general convention, the party cadres and well wishers would not be compelled to vote other parties because there would not be electoral alliance anymore.
The talk programme was focused on ‘BP’s thoughts and party transformation’.
“Electoral alliance was made because of fear whether the party loses government leadership, and other parties would take lead. The fear and greed are associated with the alliance. Once the party gets rid of electoral alliance, the NC become robust,” he explained.
According to him, when party leaders and cadres establish themselves adherent to party principles, it would bear positive results in long run.
“The fear of losing government leadership by sticking to power must be binned,” he urged party leadership.
On the occasion, Treasurer Umesh Shrestha, central members Min Bishwokarma and Madhu Acharya underscored the need for adhering to BP’s ideology to strengthen NC.
Other local leaders including Pramod Hari Guragain, Suresh Acharya, Basanta Parajuli, Indira Marahattha, Uddhav Lohani, Govinda Sigdel, Pradip Wagle, Krishna Prasad Neupane, Ramesh Khanal and Rajeshwor Khanal suggested the party for correction.
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PM’s special address at HoR postponed
Kathmandu, July 23: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s special address at the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for today has been postponed.
Chief Whip of UML parliamentary party, Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, informed that the scheduled address of the PM was removed from parliament business today. However, the session of lawmakers’ questions and answers with PM runs as it is, he added.
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Four roadways blocked
Kathmandu, July 23: Currently, four roadways are blocked due to landslides triggered by the rains across the country.
The Police Headquarters informed the Koshi Corridor was obstructed at Bhotkhola Rural Municipality, while the Mechi Highway at Phidim Municipality and Hilihang Rural Municipality of Panchthar, the Pasang Lhamu roadway at Gosaikunda Rural Municipality of Rasuwa and the Jajarkot-Dolpa Bheri Corridor at Athbiskot Municipality of Rukum Paschim.
Meanwhile, six roadways blocked earlier have been opened for one-way traffic, the Police Headquarters added.
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Two dead, two taken ill after consuming wild mushroom in Rukum Purba
Rukum Purba, July 23: Two children died and two others of the same family from Rukum Purba district became ill after consuming a curry made of wild mushroom yesterday.
District Police Office, Rukum Purba confirmed the deaths of three-year-old Yojan BK and six-year-old Bhagya Rekha BK of Serabang in Bhume Rural Municipality-5.
Yojan died on Tuesday noon while Bhagya Rekha breathed her last at night while receiving treatment at Rapti Academy of Health Sciences in Dang district.
Similarly, mother Ram Kumari Sunar, 35, and her daughter Ayusha BK, 9, became sick and are in critical condition after eating toxic mushroom, police informed.
The family members had consumed the mushroom brought from jungle on July 18. They visited the District Hospital in Rukum Purba only on July 21 after they were fell ill severely.
The District Hospital then referred them to the Dang-based Academy on July 22 where the two died during the treatment. The injured ones have been sent to Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj for further treatment, police added.
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Stop encroaching upon Chure: DPM Singh
Dhanusha, July 23: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has said the conservation of Chure region is not possible until its encroachment is stopped.
Speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepali Congress (NC) Dhanusha District Executive Office on Wednesday, he reasoned that the existing water crisis in Terai/Madhes was largely due to Chure encroachment and exploitation.
He added that the government is serious on addressing the water issue in Madhesh, promising a substantive decision to this regard soon. Singh also utilised the press meet to say that unhealthy competition within the party would not do good for anyone, but weakens party.
The DPM who is also the former General Secretary of the NC stressed the need of cooperation and coordination in the party to further consolidate it. Stating that achievements will fall under risk if the NC weakens, he called for further strengthening the party for what he said institutional development of federal democratic republic.
The chiefs of local governments present on the occasion thanked the Minister for the allocation of ever-highest budget to the local levels this time.
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Cabinet declares Madhesh Province crisis-ridden zone
Kathmandu, July 23: All eight districts in Madhesh Province have been declared crisis-ridden zones. A meeting of the Council of Ministers, based on a proposal by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, made this decision today.
Earlier, the government had proposed to declare the districts in the Terai/Madhesh region as crisis-ridden, taking into account the insufficient groundwater recharge caused by drought and the depletion of water resources due to unchecked encroachment upon and exploitation of the Chure region, leading to a severe shortage of drinking water. The proposal also cited that depleting water levels in rivers and canals have adversely affected the irrigation system in Madhesh.
On Tuesday, the Madhesh Province government had decided to recommend the federal government that the province be declared a crisis-hit region, a move supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Clause 14(2) of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074 BS, requires the Province Disaster Management Committee to recommend to the Government of Nepal if there arises a situation, warranting the declaration of a disaster-risk condition in the affected area.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the proposal was submitted to the Federal Council of Ministers to name the entire Madhesh Province a disaster-affected area for a period of three months from the date the notice is published in the Nepal Gazette.
As per official data from the Madhesh Province government, rice plantation has been possible only in 46 percent of the total arable land in the province. Since the domestic agricultural system is largely dependent on rain-fed farming, the prolonged drought in Madhesh, a major hub for rice production is likely to reduce yields this season.
On the other hand, the depleting water table in the region has caused a crisis of drinking water in several places.
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Lawmakers demand end of corruption
Kathmandu, July 23: Lawmakers from different political parties drew the government’s attention to take concrete measures to end corruption.
In the meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) held today, Rajenendra Lingden said, “Time has come for launching probes into a dozen of ministers besides bureaucrats in relation to corruption. A high level judicial investigation commission is imperative to conduct a thorough investigation into the corruption.”
Unless political sector is brought to scrutiny, bad governance does not subside, according to him.
Binda Basini Kansakar expressed worry over depleting water resources in Bara, Parsa and Mahottari districts of Madhesh Province, resulting into severe problem of drinking water and irrigation. “While the country is facing such problem, why some ministers were making foreign tours,” she wondered. Other ministers implicated in bribery seeking need investigation, she added.
Jwala Kumari Sah stressed the need for unity among all political parties- big and small- to ensure positive changes in people’s life and country.
Prabhu Shah drew government’s attention that farmers were desperately waiting for irrigation, chemical fertilizers and electricity.
“Where did the Education Bill vanish,” Aman Lal Modi questioned.
Narayani Sharma informed that three persons were missing after a tipper accident in Bheri Corridor. Government needs to search for the missing ones, she added.
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Cabinet decisions: Approval to sign Letter of Exchange
Kathmandu, July 23: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, today made public the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers meeting held on July 20.
Minister Gurung shared that the government had approved the signing of ‘Letter of Exchange’ with the Chinese government regarding the implementation of the Bone marrow Transplantation Medical Centre Project at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital at Bharatpur, Chitwan.
In a press conference organized at his office, Minister Gurung mentioned that the government decided to form a talk team led by Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Finance to hold a talk with the World Bank on accepting USD 10 million grant assistance for the public finance project.
Also the Spokesperson of the government, Gurung informed that the Cabinet decided to approve participation of ministers and secretaries of various ministries in international events.
According to which Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Ramnath Adhikari was permitted to participate in the Second United National Food System Summit Stock Take to be held in Ethiopia and Minister of State for Forest and Environment Rupa BK for an event in Zimbabwe.
Other major decisions of the Cabinet include approving voluntary retirement request submitted by Deputy Attorney General Dr Tek Bahadur Ghimire effective from July 18.
The government also decided on promotion of some civil employees.
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PM insists on job creation at home, reiterates commitment to end corruption
Kathmandu, July 23: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reminded government’s priority to discourage youths from travelling abroad with creation of sufficient jobs at home and engage the migrant returnees in productive sector.
In his response to the concerns showed by lawmakers during a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Prime Minister said the government had announced a period from 2082 to 2092 BS as the Internal Employment Promotion Decade.
Agriculture, industry, tourism, energy and infrastructure development, the major areas for Nepal’s development, are attracting a significant investment from both the government and private sectors and they are highly capable for providing job opportunities, according to the Prime Minister. The government head further added that the government had pursued a policy of restructuring the Prime Minister Employment Programme as the National Employment Programme, making it more skill and employment-oriented.
Entrepreneurship development programmes through startup and innovations are in operation, targeting the ‘Gen Z’ population, he added. Likewise, Oli said that under the ReMi Project, reintegration and entrepreneurship promotion programmes have been implemented in 20 local levels of Koshi and Madhesh provinces targeting youths returned from foreign migration.
Reiterating his commitments against corruption, he said corruption is intolerable.
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Justice to conflict survivors, key priority of government: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 23: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government is responsible and sensitive regarding the need to conclude the transitional justice process with a guarantee of justice to the survivors.
Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers in a meeting of the House of Representatives today, Prime Minister Oli said that concluding the remaining tasks related to transitional justice and bringing the peace process to a conclusion is a high priority of the government.
Expressing the government’s commitment to well recognize the contributions and sacrifices of martyrs, those forcibly disappeared, and conflict survivors, he said that work is in progress to conclude the peace process as soon as possible.
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HoR meeting agrees to consider Ship (Operation and Management) Bill
Kathmandu, July 23: A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) unanimously here today, approved the proposal seeking consideration on the Ship (Operation and Management) Bill-2081 BS.
The Bill had originated in the National Assembly.
Along with the endorsement of the proposal to consider the Bill, parliamentarians wanting any amendment to the Bill can register their proposal at the Federal Parliament Secretariat, it has been said.
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PM calls for unity, reconciliation for political stability
Kathmandu, July 23: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that unity and collaboration between the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), despite their distinct political ideologies, have enabled the nation to successfully face each critical juncture.
Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers during a session of the House of Representatives today, Prime Minister Oli was of the view that such collaboration has led to political stability and transformative achievements, institutionalizing these accomplishments.
He said that both political parties were able to steer adverse political developments in the right direction by following the paths laid out by BP Koirala and Pushpalal Shrestha. He claimed that the NC-UML coalition government has been successful in terms of achieving political stability and promoting prosperity in the country.
Oli also took the opportunity to pay tribute to veteran communist leader Pushpalal and Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister BP Koirala, whose memorial days were observed yesterday and today, respectively.
He called on political leaders to focus on unity and reconciliation, rather than on ‘difference’ and ‘division,’ emphasizing the message of harmony conveyed by the two leaders.
The Prime Minister, who is also the Chair of CPN (UML), said that Pushpalal, a relentless fighter for the cause of the nation and its citizens, was even denied the right to spend his final days in his homeland by the then autocratic regime.
He added that Pushpalal’s vision for a joint people’s movement was realized through the collaboration between the Nepali Congress and the then United Left Front Nepal in 1990, which led to the establishment of a multiparty democratic system.
A similar form of collaboration in 2063 BS reinstated the dissolved parliament, bringing about a qualitative transformation in the political system. Such unity and transformation paved the way for suspending the centuries-old monarchy and enabled the situation wherein a people-elected Prime Minister could exercise the rights of the head of government, according to the Prime Minister.
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