- Saturday, 14 February 2026
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The National Assembly (NA) Chairman, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has said that the 19th session of the NA made significant achievements despite a tough political situation in the post Gen-Z Movement and a brief time for the NA session.
In today’s NA meeting, Chairman Dahal stated that the total time for the NA session was brief but had a prideful impact in terms of performance.
The first meeting of the NA’s 19th session had commenced on January 18 and convened for total 27 days with nine meetings, Chairman Dahal mentioned.
According to Chairman Dahal, the NA session has sent the Intangible Cultural Property (Protection) Bill 2081 to the Legislation Management Committee for clausewise discussions and the Tourism Bill 2081, the Film Board Bill 2081 and National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081 have been sent to the House of Representatives (HoR) for endorsement.
In the meantime, the government has recalled Social Network Bill 2081.
Likewise, the Ordinance Relating to the Amendment of the Voter Namelist Act 2073, HoR Member First Amendment Ordinance 2082 and the Ordinance on Nepal Special Assembly Act (Second Amendment) were tabled in the NA meeting and approved unanimously.
The NA Chairman informed the meeting that question-answer programmes with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration and Ministry of Finance were conducted to hold the government accountable to the parliament.
During the same period, NA members Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Bhagawati Neupane and Bamdev Gautam tendered their resignation, and NA Member Baldev Bohora elected from Sudurpaschim Province passed away, the NA Chairman shared the NA meeting.
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24- I plan to work for public welfare, Dr Wagle says
Tanahun, Feb 13: Vice President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Dr Swornim Wagle has expressed his commitment to work closely with the community people for their development.
Meeting with his voters at Bhanu Municipality-5 in Tanahun district on Friday, Dr Wagle stated that he is contesting the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) with a plan to work for public welfare.
Saying that he had a close association with the local people after his election in the by-elections, Dr Wagle urged the local community not to describe otherwise for his stay in Kathmandu since the major tasks of the federal parliamentarians were to focus on Acts and laws.
He also admitted that his party could not do such remarkable works since there was no RSP-led government at the federal, province and local levels.
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25- JSP’s election manifesto for inclusive socialist governance
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal has launched its manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5.
The manifesto includes objective of creating a people-centric state through social justice, inclusivity, equal opportunities and transparent government. All citizens should have access to free health services, the document reads, adding that establishment of healthcare is entirely the state responsibility. The party is for providing quality and accessible medical treatment.
The JSP has pledged to guarantee free education from early childhood to higher and university levels. Free legal aid to all citizens is vital to reinforce law and justice.
As part of its flagship programme, the JSP aims to reduce poverty below 10 percent within the next five years, enhance public investment in education and health, reach the literacy rate to 90 percent, enforce initiatives to eradicate gender inequality, streamline environmental protection as per policy and budget and guarantee inclusive practice in development programmes.
As per manifesto, the primary objective of the party is to build a welfare state for the people and establish an inclusive socialist democratic governance system. During the manifesto launch, party Chairman UpendraYadav stated that the party would move ahead by translating these commitments into actions.
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26- NC to unveil resolution paper for election on Sunday
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to make public its resolution paper for the upcoming House of Representatives election coming Sunday. The HoR election is being held on March 5.
The resolution paper would be made public amidst a programme at party central office, Sanepa at 2:00pm on Sunday, according to NC Spokesperson Devraj Chalise.
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27- Minister Khanal for public disclosure of information on ministers’ property
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Minister for Finance Rameshwor Khanal said making public the information on ministers’ assets is a good practice.
Minister Khanal said it during an interaction themed ‘Use of RTI in media: Practice and challenges’ jointly organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and the National Information Commission in the federal capital on Thursday.
“Although there is a practice of collecting the details of the ministers’ asset, there is no practice of making them public,” the Minister said, calling for reconsidering such practice. Kanal opined that it would be better if such details were disclosed in the way the Cabinet decisions are made public.
The Minister stressed that the right information and transparency are essential to steer country’s economy forward. He argued that the right to information was not only meant for the journalists but also for all citizens.
Noting the instances of non-journalists misusing the information obtained through the exercise of RTI, Minister Khanal observed that the citizens could truly be well-informed if accurate information would reach them.
Furthermore, the Minister asserted that accurate information is crucial for proper functioning of the national economy; and making information public was mandatory to ensure equal rights in business and economic activities.
Also speaking in the interaction, Chairperson of Press Council Nepal, Dr Kumar Acharya, mentioned that the Council has been consistently at work to implement the RTI. He said that broader discussions among the stakeholders could be held on this issue to strengthen its application.
Chief Information Commissioner, Dr Suresh Acharya, informed that the Commission often receives application for review on the cases where requested information is denied by authorities. Acharya shared that the Commission was working on amending the laws related to RTI that conflict with the Constitution.
He echoed the concern of Minister Khanal over the misuse of information obtained through the use of RTI law. Shedding light on the objectives of the interaction, FNJ President Nirmala Acharya said that the interaction aimed to assess the current status of RTI use and whether it is being properly exercised or not. The interaction also seeks to help reduce the spread of false and misleading information, she added.
Also presenting views in the interaction, Chairperson of the Public Service Broadcasting, Dr Mahendra Bista, viewed that by seeking information that authorities are reluctant to provide and by proactively disclosing them would significantly contribute to promoting the transparency and reducing misinformation.
Likewise, former President of FNJ, Taranath Dahal, was of the opinion that 80 per cent of information should be freely accessible while 20 per cent should require formal requests. He urged the journalists to request for the information which are hidden so that citizens would be informed well.
Similarly, an RTI expert Yakraj Pathak presented a working paper on ‘RTI: Media and Practices’ observed that despite prevailing culture of hiding information, the practice of seeking information is gradually increasing.
However, he pointed out rising concerns surrounding RTI, such as low information seeking, limited public awareness, insufficient exposure of irregularities, inadequate use of information as a tool against corruption and lack of systematic data management and insufficient fact-based investigative journalism.
In his working paper, he unveiled the facts and figures regarding the status of RTI use, according to which, during the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, 42.21 percent of the RTI applications were registered at the local levels.
Also, 21.10 per cent similar appeal were filed on education, health and sports followed by 15.20 percent in administration and 7.73 percent in banks and financial institutions.
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28- Orientation to RSS journalists on election
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The has organized an orientation for its journalists on election in the wake of upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election the country is all set to hold on March 5.
The orientation was inaugurated by Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari. It is organized also as part of the 65th anniversary celebration of the RSS at its central office, Bhadrakali on Thursday.
Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari remarked that both the Commission and the RSS share a mutual responsibility to ensure that the HoR election is held in free and fair atmosphere where the news and information are clean and credible.
During the orientation, Joint Secretary at the Commission, Yagya Prasad Bhattarai, delivered a presentation on the election code of conduct.
RSS Executive Chairman Dharmendra Jha stated that the RSS organized the orientation in light of its duty regarding the election. He highlighted the importance of journalists delivering balanced news, which provide clean and accurate information to the public at such critical time.
General Manager at RSS, Sandip Rai, noted that journalism has a vital role in promoting clean, fair and free elections.
The event was facilitated by RSS Election Desk Chief Yekraj Pathak.
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29- President Paudel directs security chiefs for robust security arrangements
Kathmandu, Feb 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has directed the security chiefs to ensure a robust peace and security situation for holding the House of Representatives (HoR) election in a free, fair and safe atmosphere.
For the adequate security in place, government provides necessary resources including the workforce, President Paudel reminded.
At a meeting the chiefs of all four security agencies had with him on friday, the Head of State reminded that only election is the proper medium to have people’s mandate in a democracy. “So, election gives a proper outlet to the present situation,” President Paudel stressed.
In the meeting held at his residence, Shitalniwas, the President expressed belief that government and security bodies would leave no stone unturned to hold the HoR election successfully.
This information was shared by President’s Press Advisor Kiran Pokharel. Also in the meeting was Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. Chief of the Nepali Army, Ashok Raj Sigdel; Inspector General of the Nepal Police, Dan Bahadur Karki; Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Raju Aryal; and Chief of the National Investigation Department, Tekendra Karki, were present in the meeting.
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30- Launch of RSS Podcast: A new dimension in RSS news service
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The State-run national news agency of Nepal, , has been gradually adding dimensions in its news service.
On the occasion of its 65th anniversary and the World Radio Day, the RSS made an official trial of ‘RSS Podcast’ on Thursday. The podcast service was inaugurated at the RSS Central Office, Bhadrakali. Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari inaugurated the new service.
The podcast features experts’ views on current affairs twice a month. In the inauguration, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari observed RSS is known for its significant role in sustaining Nepali journalism, and it has national and international networks, earning public trust.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend my gratitude to everyone who care for Nepal irrespective of the places they are staying and support news that is based on facts,” he mentioned.
During the launch event, Executive Chairman of RSS, Dharmendra Jha, announced that the podcast was on test from today in honor of the World Radio Day. The materials produced by RSS will provide voters with accurate information as the country approaches elections.
RSS had previously launched its video service on July 17, 2022, during which interviews with various politicians and subject experts were conducted.
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31- HoR election: Printing of ballot papers over for 133 constituencies
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the printing of ballot papers for 133 constituencies of 63 districts has been over for the March 5 election to the House of Representatives.
According to Assistant Spokesperson at EC, Prakash Neupane, the ballot papers were printed for the constituencies of the districts like Dolpa, Mugu, Jumla, Kalikot, Humla, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Rukum (West), Salyan, Surkhet, Bajura, Achham, Bajhang, Doti, Dadheldhura, Darchula, Baitadi, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Panchthar, Ilam, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Khotang, Dhankuta, Baglung, Gulmi, Jhapa, Gorkha, Myagdi, Parbat, Bardaghat Susta Paschim (Nawalparashi), Morang, Udayapur, Mustang, Lamjung, Tanahu, Syangja, Bardiya, Rukum Purba, Dang, Banke, Nawalparashi Bardaghat Susta, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Rupandehi, Rolpa, Manang, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk, Kaski, Kapilvastu, Dolakha, Nuwakot and Kavrepalanchowk.
Ballot paper printing now remains only for 14 districts in and around the Kathmandu Valley, added the EC.
Assistant Spokesperson Neupane said that the Commission expects the remaining printing works to be completed within three days. The printed ballot papers have already been packed into 15,371 boxes.
At present, around 1,000 boxes of ballot papers are being packed daily while the printing continues at the rate of 1.1 million to 1.5 million of ballot papers per day. The electoral essentials are being printed at the Janak Education Materials Centre, Bhaktapur since January 30.
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32- Elections essential to establish discipline within boundaries: Officiating Chief Commissioner Bhandari
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged all segments of society to assist in ensuring that the upcoming House of Representatives elections are conducted in a clean, free, fair, and fearless manner.
During the launch of the ‘RSS Podcast’, which began testing today in celebration of the 65th anniversary of the RSS and World Radio Day, he emphasized the importance of this election for fostering discipline and good governance in the nation.
Bhandari remarked, “This election aims to restore the disrupted discipline and to elect honest representatives who will promote good governance. To ensure the victory of clean and honest candidates, he encouraged participation in the electoral process and urged citizens to exercise their voting rights in a manner that ensures their votes are valid.
Acknowledging the significant role played by the media in facilitating a successful election following the announcement of the date, Chief Commissioner Bhandari expressed that the current environment has been shaped by collective efforts, asserting that the election is the only viable option. He noted that numerous revolutions, people’s movements, and uprisings have occurred within the same century, urging everyone to contribute to holding this election, which was declared post-rebellion, in a clean, free, and fearless atmosphere.
He stated that the government has provided all necessary resources to the commission for the election, clarifying that the commission is advancing with the electoral process using the same resources.
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33- PM Karki congratulates Bangladesh for successful election
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Prime Minister Sushila Karki congratulated the Bangladeshi government and the people there on the successful conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections.
“I extend my heartiest congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a remarkable victory in the elections. I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our neighbourly ties and consolidate cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” PM Karki mentioned in social media post on Thursday.
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34- Time to make election successful: Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged all sectors and professionals to extend cooperation so that the upcoming House of Representatives election could be conducted in a clean, free and fair manner.
During the launch of the ‘RSS Podcast’, which went on test on Friday, Bhandari emphasized this election for fostering discipline and good governance in the country. RSS Podcast was launched on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the RSS and the World Radio Day.
The Officiating Chief Election Commissioner viewed, “This election aims to restore discipline and elect honest representatives who will promote good governance. To ensure the victory of clean and honest candidates, he urged the citizens to exercise their voting rights.”
Bhandari reminded the role of media in facilitating the conduct of election. He said the current atmosphere is created by collective efforts. He shared that the government had provided adequate resources to the Commission for the election, clarifying that the Commission was advancing the electoral process accordingly.
Meanwhile, in a different programme, Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari said mass media and journalists have vital role in making aware the voters by disseminating accurate news and information on election.
During an orientation programme on ‘election and mass media’, Bhandari argued a favourable atmosphere has been created for the HoR election scheduled for March 5. So, none should engage in the activities that foil this favourable atmosphere.
He, however, cautioned that political parties and candidates may violate election code of conduct, so alertness is imperative. Election to bolster democracy: Chair Jha
On the occasion, RSS Chairman Dharmendra Jha argued mass media and journalists have significant role in creating favourable atmosphere for election, a historic event. The dissemination of right information and news to voters encourage the latter to exercise their rights in a free and fair atmosphere.
Election is imperative to bolster democratic system, he said, adding that media should prepare and disseminate credible information that ultimately helps in electoral integrity.
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35- NCC delegates call on PM Karki
Kathmandu, Feb 13: A delegation of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan and the Maldives paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shushila Karki on Friday.
The courtesy meeting organized as a part of the youth exchange programme among the participating countries was held at the official residence of the PM, Baluwatar.
The delegation included 20 members from India, 12 from Pakistan, nine from Bhutan and five from Maldives.
On the occasion, PM Karki expressed her confidence that the youth exchange programme would further strengthen friendship, mutual understating and youth-level cooperation among the participating countries.
She also wished the visiting delegates a pleasant and memorable stay in Nepal. Army organizations of various countries conduct training and exchange programme with the objective of producing disciplined, responsible, dedicated and capable young leaders.
In Nepal, the NCC has been annually providing junior and senior divisional training to around 7,710 secondary and higher secondary level students.
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