- Monday, 10 November 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 6: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) parliamentarian Manish Jha raised concern about alleged negligence in constitutional appointment involving Krishna Prasad Neupane in the Language Commission.
In the Emergency Hour of the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting today, lawmaker Jha argued that this was a clear reflection of mismanagement within the country’s administration. “The fact that another person named Krishna Prasad Neupane has been working in the Language Commission for three years clearly shows how the country is being run,” asserted Jha.
Citing the mention of word ‘Human Trafficking’ in the page no 46 of the report regarding the visit VISA scam, he demanded that those involved in the human trafficking should be brought to book.
Furthermore, he demanded resignation of the President of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, raising ethical concerns over the ‘cooling-off period’ issue.
Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentarian Roshan Karki said that the fourth (RSP) and fifth largest parties (RPP) in the parliament have long opposed the misuse of visit visa.
She viewed that the parliament ought to address the concern raised by even a single parliamentarian. She expressed displeasure that despite two parties protesting for a long time, the parliament failed to address.
Furthermore, she blamed that the inaction on the part of the parliament showed that the parliament seems to be accountable only to the government.
MP Karki also accused that Nepalis were trafficked in foreign lands in the guise of visit visa and thus called on the government for immediate action to curb such activities.
The RSP and RPP parliamentarians have continued their boycott of the Houe today again.
As soon as the HoR Speaker Devraj Ghimire commenced the meeting, the lawmakers from RSP and RPP stood up from their respective seats in protest.
Speaker Ghimire then allocated time for Jha and Karki to speak during the Emergency Hour. After Jha and Karki delivered their statements, parliamentarians from the protesting parties walked out of the meeting hall.
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Karnali PA to be prorogued from midnight
Kankrebihar (Surkhet), Aug 6: The meeting of the Karnali Province Council of Ministers held this morning has decided to recommend ending the sixth session of the second term of the Provincial Assembly from this midnight.
The cabinet also decided to depute Provincial Secretary Dholak Raj Dhakal, based at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, as Secretary to the Ministry of Social Development, shared the provincial government spokesperson Binod Kumar Shah. Similarly, following the Supreme Court’s order, a decision was taken to recommend to the federal government to designate Luhadah in Ward No. 4 as the administrative center of Junichande Rural Municipality of Jajarkot district,
The meeting has also approved the ‘Journalism Award Distribution Procedure, 2082’. Spokesperson Shah shared that the meeting decided to form a Karnali Province Monitoring Committee under the coordination of the Secretary of the Governance Reforms Division under the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers to monitor the implementation of the provision of an Information Officer in the provincial government offices.
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NPL: 150 cricketers shortlisted for auction
Kathmandu, Aug 6: In preparation for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the final list of 150 players eligible for the upcoming auction.
Originally, 458 players had registered their names for consideration in the auction. The final selection was made based on the interests of the eight teams participating in the NPL, as well as recommendations from the CAN technical committee.
The shortlisted players have been categorized into three groups. Category ‘A’ includes eight players: Arjun Saud, Dilip Nath, Dev Khanal, Pawan Sarraf, Sharad Bheshwakar, Mohammad Adil Ansari, Surya Tamang, and Suman Gautam.
Category ‘B’ includes 35 players, among them are Anil Kharel, Arjun Kumal, Deepak Bohora, Krishna Karki, and Prajwal Thapa. The remaining 107 players have been placed in Category ‘C’.
According to CAN, the player auction for the franchise-based T20 cricket tournament is scheduled for August 9.
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Rhino found dead in Chitwan
Chitwan, Aug 6: A male rhino, estimated to be around 20 years old, was found dead at Bhairavpur in Madi Municipality in Chitwan district this morning. The rare wild animal is suspected to have died of an electric shock.
Abhinash Thapa Magar, Information Officer at the Chitwan National Park, shared that the rhino’s dead body was discovered in a paddy field around 9:30 AM this morning. Magar confirmed that the horn and hooves of the rhino remained intact, ruling out poaching.
According to him, an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the incident and those responsible for it. Park authorities are probing to ascertain the reason behind it.
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Four key agendas for the UML’s upcoming second Statute Convention
Kathmandu, Aug 6: The ruling CPN (UML) is preparing to discuss four major agendas during its second Statue Convention scheduled for coming September 5-7.
According to Rajendra Gautam, Chief of UML’s Publicity Department, several important reports and documents will be presented and deliberated during the three-day event.
These include political report, organizational report, statute amendment proposal and reports of the party’s four advisory council and three commissions, shared Gautam.
Gautam further informed that party Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to present the political report while party Vice-Chairperson and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel will submit the statute amendment proposal.
Likewise, General-Secretary Shankar Pokharel will propose the organizational report, he added.
As per the statue convention’s agenda, reports will be presented by Central Discipline Commission’s Chairperson Keshav Badal, Account Commission’s Chairperson Dr Pushpa Kandel, Election Commission’s Chairperson Dr Bijaya Subba and Advisory Council’s Chairperson Amrit Bohora.
The UML has already held discussion on the statue amendment proposal within its secretariat, politburo and central committee and has sent it across all subordinate bodies for feedback.
A committee led by Vice-Chairperson Paudel will finalize the amendment proposal draft, incorporating the suggestions from the party’s subordinated bodies, it was said.
The statute convention will take place at the Sunrise International Convention at Godawari of Lalitpur. A seven-member publicity sub-committee, coordinated by Chief of Publicity Department Gautam, has been formed to oversee the publicity of the event.
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Nepal, an appropriate location for data centre, says CIT Minister Gurung
Kathmandu, Aug 6: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that the ‘digital divide’ has become a very serious problem all over the world, and ways to reduce it a matter of concern for everyone.
Sharing experience of his participation, in four international conferences on IT and related issues held in the recent past in Nepal, Japan, Switzerland and China, with RSS Sub-editor Madhu Shahi, Minister Gurung said as digital divide is also an issue linked with the Sustainable Development Goals no one should be left without access to the internet and information technology,
Stating that physical infrastructure is necessary for the development of the information technology sector in Nepal, Minister Gurung said he has called for investment from countries and organisations alike taking part in those conferences. “We also lack skilled human resources in IT sector, including those required to form a research group to start the ‘5G’ network,” he said. Therefore, I have called for support for the development of the information technology sector in Nepal at all the international conferences and meetings I have attended.
Urging for support in the establishment of a data center in the cold areas around the mid-hill highway of Nepal, during the conferences Minister Gurung argued that it would be appropriate to establish a data center in such elevation since there is no need to use additional electricity for cooling. “If this happens, Nepal can develop as a ‘hub’ of information technology,” he added.
Sharing that Nepal has started a digital literacy campaign in 35,000 secondary schools in the country, Minister Gurung said he has urged international organizations such as International Telecommunications Union to support the campaign.
As access to the Internet has now been established as a human right, Nepal is also continuously waging a campaign to increase internet access to every citizen in the country.
Stating that he spoke about Nepal’s efforts to have its own satellites during the ITU conference in Geneva, Minister Gurung shared that all the required basic and policy aspects for satellites will be developed this year. “We have also obtained a satellite orbital slot that matches the latitude and longitude of Nepal.”
The Minister who represented Nepal in the recent ‘World AI Conference 2025: High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance’ held in Shanghai of China said that Nepal’s participation was highly recognized during the event where Chinese Premier Li Qiang put his comprehensive and valuable statements on the use of AI, its development and innovation. As the Minister said, China has suggested about the possibility of an ‘unilateral use of AI by specific countries, further leading an increased gap between the rich and poor nations, a major hurdle to sustainable economic development and its stability.
During the event, the Chinese Premier echoed the need of a coordinative development mechanism for AI innovation and its implementation to prove that ” AI is for All’. As the Minister, he realised that such approach is capable of directly benefiting Nepal like country when Nepal prioritised the implementation of the Digital Nepal Framework.
This framework has proposed to use AI for agriculture, health, tourism, agriculture, environment, industries as well as disaster management, he added.
The Minister shared with the Conference that e-governance, the establishment of data center and the knowledge park are priorities of Nepal. As the Minister said, through China’s journey towards innovative prosperity, it has been proved that IT is a major basis for nation’s development.
He said, “Nepal could learn from China that visionary government and leadership are essential for development,” adding that a stable, competent, and efficient bureaucracy is equally necessary for any nation to transform into a prosperous and well-governed country.
He also acknowledged that Nepal is far behind of China in terms of IT innovation and its use. As a result, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has been drafting the AI policy and it has planned to conclude the drafting all relevant laws, acts and policies within the current fiscal year.
Speaking about government initiatives aimed at developing Nepal as an ‘IT Hub,’ he said that the government has prioritized infrastructure development, a pre-requisite to achieve this goal. He also highlighted the importance of having a stable government, similar to that of China, to successfully realize any long-term development vision.
Talking about the significance of the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS) for achieving e-governance, the Minister argued, “We have failed to make significant progress in development due to our tendency to limit ourselves to small goals.” As he said, offices at all levels from federal to local have been urged to connect with the GIOMS. He also encouraged adopting ambitious plans without hesitation.
“Uniformity across our official websites is essential. We have planned to implement the GIOMS campaign nationwide. If successfully executed, it will mark a significant achievement in maintaining governance, delivering public services promptly, and increasing revenue collection,” the Minister concludes.
During the recent past, CIT Minister Gurung attended the 34th APTT Wireless Group (AWP-34) hosted by the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) from March 31 to April 4 in Kathmandu, the Asia-Pacific Telecommunication Ministerial Meeting (APT-MM 2025) in Tokyo, Japan on May 29, 30, and 31, the ‘World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plus 20 High-Level Event 2025’ held in Geneva, Switzerland from 7-11 July 2025 and the ‘World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance’ 2025 held on July 26 in Shanghai, China.
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LLDCs must not be left behind in the global trading system: PM Oli
Awaza (Turkmenistan), Aug 6: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and leader of the Nepali Delegation to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), has said LLDCs face a complex web of challenges for trade potentials.
Lack of direct access to the seas, high transit costs, poor infrastructure, long and uncertain transit routes, limited market access, over-reliance on a narrow range of primary commodities, vulnerability to global shocks, climate change-induced disasters are among those challenges that resulted in underdeveloped and vulnerable economies of these countries.
The Prime Minister said this while chairing the High-Level Thematic Roundtable 2: Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration for Landlocked Developing Countries held today under the Conference in Awaza of Turkmenistan.
“In this interconnected and interdependent world- trade is a powerful engine of economic growth. It can significantly contribute to socio-economic development of LLDCs, like others. But, despite their huge trade potential, LLDCs account for just over one percent of global trade in goods. And this imbalance stems not from a lack of ambition or effort, but from structural barriers,” he said in his opening remarks.
In this context, the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs has come with concrete measures for turning landlocked countries into land-linked ones by building infrastructures, investing in smart trade corridors, developing transport and logistics industries, digitalizing trade and customs processes, promoting trade of ICT products and services, deepening regional integration and fostering meaningful partnerships, he apprised the meeting.
He advised that with sincere implementation of these measures, LLDCs can harness their trade potentials for inclusive and sustainable development. “For this, we need to strengthen cooperation and partnership at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.”
As he stressed, we must deliver on the promise to double the share of LLDCs in global trade, expand their service exports, and foster more diversified and resilient economies. “We need to implement this Program of Action to bring prosperity to more than 570 million people living in LLDCs.”
He further stressed that “trade and transit rights of the LLDCs are a moral responsibility of all” and they need greater solidarity, enhanced financial and technological support, as well as fair and equitable trade opportunities.
Echoing the urgent need for collective push for fairer trade terms and transit regimes is urgent, he stressed that “LLDCs must not be left behind in the global trading system.”
He reminded the gathering that the Sevilla Commitment, adopted in June this year, also acknowledges the LLDC Programme of action and expresses a strong commitment to its full and effective implementation. He added that, in this context, the roundtable serves as an important reminder for urgent actions, calling for renewed commitment and global solidarity.
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PM lauds Awaza Programme of Action as instrumental for structural transformation
Awaza (Turkmenistan), Aug 6: “Geography should never limit human ambition, especially in today’s interconnected and technologically advanced world. Yet for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), geographical constraints remain a significant structural barrier to progress,” said Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Attending the Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation held on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) here today as the chief guest, he said that these challenges are further intensified by a confluence of global crises—geopolitical tensions, food and energy insecurity, rising inflation, and shrinking fiscal space.
In the face of these compounding pressures, the LLDCs are striving to mobilize domestic resources, attract foreign investment, and secure development assistance. However, progress is faltering: Official Development Assistance and Foreign Direct Investment flows to LLDCs are on a persistent decline, according to the Prime Minister who leads the Nepali delegation to the Conference.
He added that development cooperation is often misaligned with national priorities, limiting its long-term impact.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that meanwhile, the accelerating impacts of climate change continue to disproportionately erode the hard-won development gains of LLDCs. In this challenging context, the Awaza Programme of Action brings much-needed optimism and direction. “It presents a forward-looking and practical roadmap—anchored in structural transformation.”
In his opening remarks to the ministerial meeting, he said, “In this endeavor, South-South Cooperation can be instrumental to support LLDCs.”
The partnerships under South-South Cooperation enable LLDCs to exchange knowledge and mobilize resources to deliver measurable and lasting results, he stressed. “Rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared ownership, South-South Cooperation promotes peer learning, capacity development, and technology transfer tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of LLDCs—helping to build a more equitable and inclusive growth.”
Highlighting four strategic actions to deepen South-South cooperation for the successful implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action, he said:
“First, we must harness South-South and triangular cooperation to promote regional integration by investing in resilient physical and digital infrastructure.
Second, we must work collectively to develop trade and transit corridors, modernize infrastructure, and harmonize customs procedures to enhance cross-border trade and investment.
Third, it is critical to establish the Infrastructure Investment Facility for LLDCs, enabling us to finance priority development projects.
Fourth, we must embrace and accelerate digital transformation to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy.”
Expressing Nepal’s commitment to working in close partnership with fellow LLDCs, transit countries, and development partners to unlock our collective potential, he said, “Together, we can build bridges of opportunity, break barriers of exclusion, and deliver prosperity to our people.”
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Prime Minister Oli invites President of Turkmenistan to visit Nepal
Turkmenistan, Aug 6: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has invited President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow to visit Nepal.
During a meeting held between the two leaders here today on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), Prime Minister Oli invited the President to visit Nepal next year.
Giving a brief response to media persons of both countries after the meeting, Prime Minister Oli said that discussions were held on issues including bilateral interests, cooperation and collaboration and further strengthening the relations between the two countries.
On the occasion, he praised the development achieved by Turkmenistan in a short period of time and also shared about Nepal being upgraded to a developing country by 2026.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Oli thanked President Berdimuhamedov for the grand hosting of the UN conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the city of Awaza.
Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet with heads of state and government of other countries later today.
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20- Law Minister assures of no bill capable of affecting society adversely
Kathmandu, Aug 6: Minister for Law, Justice and Federal Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, has said no bills that can negatively affect the society will be presented in the House.
In his replies to concerns from lawmakers in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Law Minister assured of no-enactment of laws capable of jeopardizing the social fabric of the country.
As he said, the proposed amendments to the legal age of marriage, polygamy, advanced bail and the pardon to be granted by the President will be finalised based on the recommendations and submissions from the relevant bodies.
A Bill Committee of the Council of Minister on Tuesday discussed the proposed draft in regard with the amendments to Criminal Code- 2074 BS (2017) and other laws, deciding to form a subcommittee within the committee to further study on the proposed provisions for amendments.
It was realised that further discussions and amendments to the proposed draft was needed, he added.
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21- President stresses on recognition, support for athletes
Kathmandu, Aug 6: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged the State to secure the future of athletes by providing them opportunities within the sports sector itself.
Speaking at a reception held in honor of Rabindra Dhant, the newly crowned Matrix Fighter Night (MFN) champion in India, the Head of State stressed the need for the Sate to motivate and recognize sportspersons while focusing on the overall development of sports in the country.
It may be noted that Dhant created history as the first Nepali national to win the MFN title, beating Indian opponent in the final.
He said, “Our athletes have potential to set records and achieve great success provided we give them opportunities to compete in national and international competitions as well as equip them with necessary facilities and honour their accomplishments.”
Acknowledging the role of sports in the development of individuals’ physical, mental and over all personality, the Head of the State expressed his confidence that the government, sports organizations and agencies would work more effectively towards the development of the sports sector.
Dhant, also popular known as ‘Bajhang ko Bagh’ (Bajhang’s Tiger), remarked that it was a matter of pride for all Nepalis that he won the title of Bantamweight Champion by the dent of his skills, strength and power.
President Paudel, on the occasion, extended his gratitude to all those who contributed to Dhant’s outstanding success.
Dhant secured the historical victory by defeating the defending champion Chungreng Koren of India in the Matrix Fight Night Bantamweight Championship which was held in Greater Noida in India on August 2.
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22- MCC passed with commentary due to Maoist party: Chair Dahal
Kathmandu, Aug 6: CPN (Maoist Center) Chair and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the MCC Nepal compact was passed with explanatory notes as a result of the emphasis by his party.
Unveiling a book ‘MCC in Nepal’ written by Nirmal Lama Memorial Foundation Chair Leelamani Pokharel here today, he said that the MCC Nepal compact is in Nepal’s favor as it was passed with explanatory notes. “Without the Maoists, it was likely to be passed verbatim, but we did not allow that to happen. Now there is room for discussion on it.”
He also said that the book released today is a valuable reading material for those advocating for as well as against the MCC compact.
Maoist Center leader and author of the book Pokharel shared that his party passed the MCC Nepal compact with explanatory notes under compelling circumstances and that the book has been written by covering all its aspects including security challenges.
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01- Department of Information postpones renewing online media
Kathmandu, Aug 6: The Department of Information and Broadcasting (DoIB) has informed that it would no longer register and renew online media. Issuing a notice on Tuesday, DoIB said it stopped registering and renewing online media in the wake of changed rule.
DoIB issued such notice after the government decided to get the online media registered from the District Administration Offices. The government made such provision by amending Some Nepal Act.
Earlier, DoIB was registering and renewing the online media as per Online Media Operation Directive, 2073.
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02- HoR meeting at 1:00pm
Kathmandu, Aug 6: The House of Representatives (HoR) is meeting at 1:00pm today.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Damodar Bhandari, is scheduled to present a proposal seeking consideration on ‘Industrial Property Bill, 2082’ in the HoR meeting.
Similarly, the tentative schedule mentioned that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel would present a proposal, seeking consideration on ‘Amendment to Customs Bill, 2080 by the National Assembly’.
Various Committees under the HoR are also meeting today.
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03- Govt drawn attention against polygamy
Kathmandu, Aug 6: The Nepal Women Association has drawn the government’s attention against the efforts being made for law allowing polygamy.
The Bagmati Province Committee of the Association submitted a memorandum before Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, urging him not to draft the law that encourages polygamy.
Nepali women have been suffering much from patriarchal oppression for long, the Committee reminded, adding that the achievements made through various struggles and sociopolitical movements must not be jeopardized. It further expressed worry over the decreasing representation of women in politics due to electoral alliance.
The efforts being made against women empowerment are therefore deplorable, the Committee added.
Association’s Chair Bimala Chaulgain informed that entire Nepali society was alarmed over the efforts to draft a law with the amendment of Criminal Code, 2074, thereby allowing polygamy.
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04- Heavy rainfall likely in Koshi, Sudurpaschim provinces
Kathmandu, Aug 6: The monsoon wind is active across the country at present. The Weather Forecasting Division said Koshi and Sudurpaschim provinces are likely to have heavy rainfall today.
The weather service has appealed to all concerned to be aware in the daily life, and in the sectors of health, transport and aviation in the wake of adverse weather.
Currently, low pressure belt of monsoon is towards Tarai region of Nepal- on the northern side of its average range. It results into the cloudy weather in most of the hilly regions across the country.
Few places in Madhes Province are receiving moderate rainfall now.
The moderate rainfall is predicted also in some places of hilly regions in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces today.
It will be generally cloudy in the country coming night.
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05- Wild elephant terrorizes Laljhadi people
Kanchanpur, Aug 6: The locals from Jai-Parsiya of Laljhadi rural municipality-4 in the district have been terrorized after a wild elephant entered settlement on Tuesday.
As the male pachyderm was found prowling on street and agricultural fields, people worried over their safety.
However, they managed to chase away the elephant towards the Shuklaphanta National Park. A local Laxman Rana said they were gripped with fear if the pachyderm returned their village again.
“Last year, a person lost his life in the elephant attack. The wild animal also damages crops every year,” he shared, adding that they were demanding support from the concerned local bodies to chase away the prowling animal.
Rural municipality chair Nirmal Rana also informed that the wild elephant had entered via Laljhadi conservation area terrorizing the villagers.
Chief of Laljhadi Sub-Divisional Forest Office, Karun Kar Joshi, said there were five elephants in the conservation area. As the elephants could enter nearby settlements at any time, the concerned people were alerted over it.
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06- Jayprithvi Highway obstructed
Baitadi, Aug 6: The Jayprithvi Highway has been obstructed due to landslip triggered by the incessant rainfall. The debris deposited on the road disrupted vehicular movement since early this morning.
Spokesperson at the District Police Office, Balram Pandeya, informed that the Highway was blocked due to the landslip occurred at Ramilapur of Sigas rural municipality-9.
The passengers are stranded following the traffic disruption.
However, efforts are on to remove the debris for reopening the busy highway in Sudurpaschim Province, the police added.
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07- One dies in police firing made to curb smuggling
Rajbiraj (Saptari), Aug 6: A person died in a firing opened by the police persons while curbing smuggling in the border area last night.
The dead one was Lalu Yadav, 36, from Kamalpur of Rajgad rural municipality-2.
The police had conducted a search operation based on a tipoff relating to illegal import and hoarding of alcohol. The search operation, however, resulted into polices’ clash with locals. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Kumar Basnet, informed that they had to open firing for self defense after the locals picketed them and pelted stones.
Yadav had received injury in legs. The injured Yadav breathed his last on the way to Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital, Rajbiraj.
In the search operation, the police recovered 80 cartons of bottles of alcohol with varieties of brands from Nepal-India border.
Four days back, the police had arrested two persons in possession of heroin from Chhinnamasta rural municipality-1.
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08- X-ray machine left idle for a month, patients deprived of service
Jumla, Aug 6: The Karnali Academy of Health Science (KAHS) has failed to provide x-ray services to the needy patients for a month.
Those in need of x-ray and ultrasound services are badly impacted for lack of the essential medical system, which is left unused for not having a skilled workforce in place.
Although there is an x-ray machine at the Hospital, it was left idle because there was no radiologist to operate it, according to Dr Dabal Bahadur Dhami, Officiating Vice Chancellor of KAHS. The Hospital has advertized for a radiologist but none had come in contact so far, he added.
However, the health facility informed that it brought to use the CT scan, who was also disrupted for a week.
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09- Farmers demand continuity of grant on sugarcane
Mahottari, Aug 6: The farmers producing sugarcane have been agitated after the government cut the grants it was providing in their produce.
They have been demanding continuation of government grants so that it, though minimum, would help them secure return of their investment in the cash crop.
There are nearly 15,000 farmers engaged in sugarcane cultivation in Mahottari district.
As the government made a budgetary provision, cutting the grants of Rs 70 per quintal of sugarcane they were receiving earlier, it has been a matter for severe concern. The financial backing was received for the produce they used to sell to the sugar mill.
Agitated tillers in Tarai also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli via the Office of the Chief District Officer on Sunday. On Tuesday, they even held a demonstration at the gate of the Everest Sugar Mill, Gaushala.
Chair of the Sugarcane Farmers’ Association, Naresh Singh Kushwaha, said, “We’ve been drawing government’s attention over the erasure of grants in the budget for this year. We hope the government pays heed to our plight.”
Another member Maha Shankar Thing complained that the amount provided in grant for the fiscal year, 2081/82 was also not received yet. Quick release of the grant is essential, he added. The Federation also urged the government to hold dialogue with sugarcane farmers, industrialists and government representatives every year before fixing sugarcane price.
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