- Thursday, 18 June 2026
Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has said the government has given high priority to education and sports sector.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers on allocation headings of Education Ministry under Appropriation Bill, 2083, in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Pokharel maximum budget has been allocated for education and sports sector based on available sources.
“Out of the total national budget for fiscal year 2026/27, Rs 218.30 billion has been allocated for education and sports sector, which is 10.28 per cent of the total budget,” he mentioned.
Though this budget is less by 0.47 per cent as compared to current fiscal year in terms of percentage, the proposed budget has increased by seven billion rupees rather than of current fiscal year in terms of results, argued the Education Minister.
He underlined that the highest 69.49 per cent budget has been allocated for school education, 11.04 per cent for higher education, 2.56 per cent for technical and vocational education and training, 1.74 per cent for sports and 15.17 per cent for management.
He shared, “Out of Rs 151.69 billion budget allocated for school education sub-sector, Rs 10.45 billion has been allocated for infrastructure development.”
Minister Pokharel stated that in the upcoming year’s budget, funds have been allocated for skills development training suitable for the latest market demand for 7,660 people, and Rs 350 million has been allocated to conduct the SEE exam at the provincial level.
He stated that out of the Rs 624 million allocated for the provincial level under the school education sector plan, Rs 276 million was allocated for physical infrastructure and Rs 275 million for teacher training.
Minister Pokharel informed that, based on the number of students, a total of Rs 2.37 billion has been allocated for school infrastructure grants in partnership with local bodies, excluding 19 districts including Gorkha affected by the earthquake and Bajhang, Jajarkot, Rukum West, Manang, Mustang affected by the western Nepal earthquake.
The Education Minister mentioned that a budget of one billion 70 million rupees has been arranged for the management of smartboards in all community schools operating at the secondary level to progressively move towards digital learning.
He stated that the arrangement for a daytime snack has been continued for students studying from early childhood classes to grade 5 in community schools.
Minister Pokharel stated that the budget proposal has been presented prioritising research, making higher education competitive, improving the quality of school education and maximising the use of available resources for the expansion of technical education.
He said, “According to the available resources, budget has also been allocated for buildings, library, laboratory, information technology and educational materials.”
Minister Pokharel informed that notable steps will be taken in the coming fiscal year to ensure qualitative spending by maintaining structural and institutional reforms as well as efficient allocation.
The Education Minister stated that the government is clear that it is necessary to study the scholarship amounts given at all levels and the targeted groups in the coming year and make them reasonable.
Minister Pokharel clarified that programmes such as residential scholarships for children with disabilities, provision of affordable digital textbooks, and the operation of integrated and special schools have been continued.
He informed that Rs 590 million has been allocated for the next fiscal year for the development and expansion of market-oriented educational programmes, grants for entrepreneurship development and implementation, performance grants to higher educational institutions, and development and grant activities for educational institutions based on information and technology.
The Minister expressed the view that universities should move towards self-reliance by setting investment models instead of being too dependent on the government, but he also informed that the government will manage the minimum expenses required for universities.
He shared that the current enrolment rate at the basic level is 97.7 percent and the completion rate for that level is 74 percent. According to the Minister, various efforts have been made to bring children who are out of reach of basic education into school.
The Education Minister mentioned that cash prizes have been arranged for the players who win first place in the national sports competition to boost the players’ morale, as well as for those who secure first, second, and third places in the President Running Shield competition and players who set new national records.
He clarified that the Nepal government has made arrangements in the National Sports Development Regulations to honour athletes who win international competitions and enhance the nation’s prestige with a cash prize.
—
14- UAE Ambassador pays courtesy call on Speaker Aryal
Kathmandu, June 18: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nepal, Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi, paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal today.
During the meeting, they discussed the various issues including Nepal-UAE bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, trade, investment, tourism, labour, technology, air service and artificial intelligence.
On the occasion, Speaker Aryal shared that UAE is an important partner of Nepal in terms of Nepali workers, trade and investment, pointing out the need of further expanding economic and development partnership of the two countries.
He requested the UAE government to reconsider and simplify the system of asking mandatory police report from Nepali citizens in course of visa process for UAE. The Speaker mentioned that the government has forwarded activities in order to make service delivery more effective, transparent, digitalized and citizen-friendly.
Stating that Nepal is committed to build an environment conducive for investors, Speaker Aryal urged for expansion of collaboration in investment, infrastructure, and tourism, energy and technology sectors in line with UAE Vision 2031.
He expressed happiness over obtaining permission to operate Pokhara-Dubai-Pokhara direct flight from coming September 23, expressing belief that it would make significant contribute to connecting Pokhara with international air network.
Speaker Aryal also urged the UAE Ambassador to think about the possibility for the resumption of Dubai-Bhairahawa-Dubai flight.
Similarly, Ambassador Al Shamsi opined that Nepal-UAE relations is friendly, cordial and multi-dynamic, adding UAE government is positive to further strengthen trade, investment, tourism, energy, technology and people-to-people relations.
Further opportunities would be explored in the areas of expansion of cooperation and mutual interest with Nepal, he viewed.
—
15- Home Minister says govt. has goal of zero human casualties in monsoon-related disasters
Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung has said that the goal during monsoon-related disasters is zero human casualties.
Addressing a special meeting held at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the Home Minister insisted that since the ministry supports zero human casualties in disaster management and preparedness, programmes should be carried out accordingly.
Identifying areas affected by floods, landslides and natural disasters and giving instructions to advance policies and programmes accordingly, he said, “It is necessary to work in a way that reduces loss of life and property by collaborating and coordinating among agencies involved in relief and rescue with an integrated approach. We should no longer hear news of anyone losing their life unnecessarily due to disasters.”
In the meeting, Home Minister Gurung urged for moving beyond traditional working methods and said, “We always tend to get involved in rescue and relief only after a disaster has occurred, which has led to relatively disappointing results. Now it’s necessary for all involved parties to focus on being alert and prepared before a disaster strikes.”
Commenting on the extreme misuse of helicopters in the past under the pretext of inspecting flood and landslide affected areas, Home Minister Gurung clarified that no one is now allowed to misuse state property by taking helicopter trips with irrelevant or unauthorised officials.
He made it clear that he is not in favour of misusing state property by taking a helicopter (for inspection of flood or disaster-affected areas) and said that strict measures will be strictly enforced so that no one other than security personnel involved in relief and rescue can take a helicopter for that purpose.
The meeting was attended by the heads of all three security agencies as well as senior officials and staff working in disaster risk reduction.
—
16- Investment in innovation sector helps improve country’s economy: Minister Pun
Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, has shared that country’s economy could be improved by investing in innovation sector.
Responding to queries raised in course of discussion on Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation under Appropriation Bill in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Pun suggested all three-tier government to allocate one per cent budget of their capital budget for science and innovation development.
He mentioned that providing means and resources along with appropriate environment for human resources having innovative idea for creative works is innovation.
Pointing out the need of cooperation and collaboration of all to make innovation effective, the Science and Technology Minister underlined, “Laws, acts and rules related to innovation should be made to start the activities related to science and innovation.”
He shared that preparation has been made to make nine regulations related to innovation based on the regulations of Science and Technology Statistics Act, Nepal Government Work Division Regulations, 2083.
The Ministry has a plan to introduce Science, technology and Innovation Act, 2083, Science Act, Atomic Energy Act, National Research and Development Act, as well as other necessary acts, he mentioned.
Minister Pun viewed that infrastructure development and formulating laws are necessary to make Ministry’s activities effective.
Expressing the view that developing country like Nepal should emphasized on innovation, he added, “Youths will get employment in the country due to this and country’s economy will grow.”
—
17- Minister informs HoR, Rs 88.33 billion budget allocated for Intensive Urban Programme
Kathmandu, June 18: Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has said that under the Intensive Urban Programme, which covers urban and market areas, markets in about 300 towns will be made systematic and well-managed.
Responding to questions raised by MPs in today’s House of Representatives meeting regarding the ‘Appropriation Bill 2083’, he informed that a total of Rs 88.33 billion has been allocated for the programme along with a three-year action plan.
Minister Lamsal informed that the budget has been arranged to reduce the procurement process period from 18 to 21 months down to six to seven months.
He mentioned that since the programme has a three-year goal with a set timeframe, it seems large, which is why the annual budget appears small.
Minister Lamsal clarified that even though the amount appeared lower in the ‘red book’, the total amount of the three-year budget was planned at around Rs 500 billion for the then physical infrastructure sector and Rs 650 billion for the existing urban sector.
According to him, although the ‘budget book’ shows Rs 286 billion, a total of about Rs 1,150 billion will be allocated over three years with a project plan.
Responding to complaints about not paying attention to road safety and not covering roads and bridges in rural areas, Minister Lamsal informed that high importance has been given to road safety, decoration, and convenient structures.
Responding to questions about why road maintenance hasn’t been prioritised, Minister Lamsal informed that funds have been allocated under three budget headings for road repairs.
Minister Lamsal said that the goal is to provide clean drinking water to 65 percent of the population in three years and 90 percent in five years, and that a budget of at least Rs 10 crore has been sent to 15 branch offices for neglected and essential projects.
—
18- Advertisement Board urges not to disseminate misleading advertisements on social media
Kathmandu, June 18: The Advertisement Board of Nepal has warned action against circulation of misleading and baseless advertisements through social media.
Issuing a public notice today, the Board directed to immediately stop such activities, as advertisements for medicinal products and substances that are prohibited by existing law, lacking necessary labeling, branding, and official certification, on social media are on the rise.
Board’s Chief Administrative Officer Devi Pandey Khatri informed that complaints have also been received regarding misleading promotion of various medicinal substances through social media, misguiding the general public, committing fraud, and violating basic standards directly related to public health.
Such advertisements, according to the Board, negatively affect consumers’ health and also increase the risk of financial fraud based on false claims.
The Board stated that promotions claiming to grow hair, make hair long or thick, relieve bone and nerve pain, reduce body fat, cleanse kidneys, remove toxins from the body, and other similar medicinal products are being widely circulated through social media.
Scientific evidence, official approval, or necessary proof regarding the effectiveness of these substances however are not publicly available, it is stated.
The Board has warned advertisers, advertising agencies, content producers, sellers, digital platform operators, and social media users, not to publish or broadcast any advertisements that go against Section 5 of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076, and other existing laws.
—
19- ‘Energy sector prepared as a prime basis for economic transformation’
Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has claimed that the energy sector has been established as a prime basis for economic transformation.
He said this while responding to the queries raised by lawmakers during discussion on the Energy Ministry’s allocation under the Appropriation Bill, 2083 in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR).
Minister Shrestha shared that sufficient amount of budget has been allocated to advance electricity production, trade, infrastructure development, and industrialization in an integrated manner.
“Transmission lines and substations, considered the backbone of sustainable power supply, have received a high priority from the government,” he added.
The government has appropriated a total budget of Rs 114.028 billion for the Energy Ministry for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84, it is stated.
He shared that out of the total earmarked budget Rs 70.124 billion has been allocated for energy, and Rs 43.903 billion for water resources and irrigation.
The ministry is working with a plan to complete 12 strategically important transmission lines within the next fiscal year, including nine lines of 132 kV, two of 220 kV, and one Nepal-India electricity transmission and trade project.
“Believably, the upcoming fiscal year will be fruitful for Nepal’s energy sector. Around 7,048 circuit kilometers of 66 kV and above transmission lines will be completed by the end of the current fiscal year,” Minister Shrestha informed.
The government is currently at a departure point for the transformation of the energy sector, he shared, adding that they have focused on quickly completing the long-stalled and prioritized projects this year instead of just allocating the budget.
He added that in the upcoming fiscal year, 670 megawatts from hydropower projects and 370 megawatts from solar projects, totaling 1,040 megawatts of electricity, will be connected to the national transmission system.
Minister Shrestha also mentioned that the target is to increase the installed electricity capacity to 30,000 megawatts in the next 10 years.
“The government is focusing on strengthening the transmission and distribution system more than production to prevent wastage of generated electricity and ensure sustainable supply to consumers,” he said.
—
20- CNI demands continuous power supply to industries
Kathmandu, June 18: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has urged the concerned side not to disrupt power supply to the industries until the legal dispute over power tariff to industrial estate was settled.
Some industries have already paid the tariff as per Supreme Court’s decision, while others are at work to clear the outstanding tariff. So, the industries are for unobstructed power supply.
The Industrial Estate Management Ltd had issued a notice on June 8, directing the industries to clear remaining tariff within a week. It mentioned that over 300 businesses and enterprises in the estate were due to pay more than Rs 880 million power tariff for using the physical infrastructures.
CNI reminded that industries focused on production deserve protection and incentives. All sides are requested to extend support to ensure regular power supply to the industries for smooth operation.
As per SC verdict issued on March 25, 2025, the new lease of the estate could be enforced only since July 6, 2002. Although the businesses and enterprises had agreed to enforce the new lease, the Industrial Estate Management Ltd moved the Supreme Court, seeking review of its decision.
“CNI requests estate management to supply electricity continuously to the industries in estate till the Supreme Court’s issues a verdict on review petition,” the press statement read.
—
21- Minister Chaudhary vows farmer-friendly policy to enhance dairy industry
Patan (Lalitpur), June 18: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has announced plans to enhance effectiveness of the National Dairy Development Board by ensuring legal amendments. Empowerment of Board and introduction of farmer-friendly policies are equal priorities, she added.
During a discussion with dairy farmers in Lalitpur today, Minister Chaudhary shared government’s commitment to establish a fair price mechanism for milk, which would take into account production costs and market circumstances. The new pricing would also help secure timely payments for dairy products, according to her.
She, however, admitted political influences and the challenges posed by middlemen in the dairy sector. The Minister spoke for incentives in major areas such as electricity to support livestock farmers.
On the occasion, acting executive director of the Board, Dr Balak Chaudhary, underlined urgency of regulatory and monitoring measures to wipe out sales of substandard milk
General manager at the Dairy Development Corporation, Dr Sharan Kumar Pandey, shared initiatives taken for the support of dairy farmers and improvement in related industries.
Other speakers called for restructuring of the Board in order to build up its regulatory role and ensure quality in dairy products. Leaders from the dairy and agricultural fields urged the Board to expand its jurisdiction to cover agricultural commodities and provide subsidized loans so that local farmers and businesses could be propped up.
—
22- HoR meeting: Economic diplomacy, promotion of soft power in priority
Kathmandu, June 18: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said economic diplomacy and promotion of soft power were prioritized by the government for the coming year.
In response to the lawmakers’ queries relating to the budget allocation under heading of Foreign Ministry today, Minister Khanal reiterated, “Government is giving a special focus on economic diplomacy, promotion of soft power and effective mobilization of public diplomacy so that Nepal’s image would be bolstered in the international arena.”
Digitization and software upgrade in consular service would be an equal priority, according to him.
With firm commitment to the Constitution, foreign policy and established norms of international relations, the government is working actively to achieve good governance and economic prosperity, the Minister reminded, adding, “The Constitution has established the UN Charter, non-alignment, concept of the Panchashil, international law and the principle of world peace as the foundational principles of Nepal’s foreign policy. On the basis of these principles, an independent and balanced foreign policy is adopted, and it takes into account the supreme interests of the nation.”
According to him, there are 44 Nepali missions, 31 embassies, three permanent missions and 10 consulates general in various countries and cities at present. Nepal has so far established diplomatic relations with 183 countries, he shared before the HoR meeting.
The Ministry has received total budget of Rs. 8.73 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84.
The Minister further shared that the government reinforces bilateral relations by prioritizing visits, dialogues, and organizing regular meetings of the established mechanisms. It also promotes regional and international cooperation. The passport distribution will be made easy, fast, predictable and technology-friendly, he said, adding that buildings would be constructed for three foreign missions, and mobile camps related to passports and consular services run through the Passport Department, Consular Services Department and the missions.
The priority programmes as the Minister shared included the rescue of stranded workers through the missions; legal assistance, compensation and repatriation schemes; ‘Lumbini Fellowship’; conduct of the ‘International Dialogue Series’ including the second edition of Sagarmatha Sambad; promotion of Nepal through the missions, including Sagarmatha Day/Wellness Day and Nepal’s tourism, culture and Buddha Jayanti.
Minister Khanal argued that the activities carried out by the Foreign Ministry is sensitive. Foreign employment would be made more systematic, safe and dignified. Government extends assistance, rescue and recovery of bodies in case of death of Nepali citizen abroad.
Employer companies made responsible for emergency support to migrant workers
He also reminded the provision that makes the employer company obligatory to take necessary actions for the support in case of urgency to return home and to rescue in case of deaths of migrant workers. It however applies for those who received labour permit and opted for overseas jobs or those who have legally obtained labour permit from related Nepali missions abroad by September 30, 2024, the Minister explained.
Khanal made it clear that if it is impossible to bring the dead bodies back home through employer company on any condition, there is a provision for the Foreign Employment Board to release the budget for it.
The lawmakers were informed that related Nepali missions were already directed for necessary coordination for the rescue of and assistance to Ujjwal Kunwar of Dhading, who was allegedly held hostage in Cyprus, and to bring home the body of Dipak Dhami of Bajhang, who died in Japan. He said that Sharmila Darji, who had gone to Kuwait to work as a domestic help, was returned to Kathmandu on June 15 at the initiative of the Nepali Embassy, Kuwait.
Minister Khanal refuted the reports that there were hundreds of Nepali women in Kuwaiti jails. “At present, total 63 Nepali citizens are imprisoned in Kuwaiti on various charges, of which, seven are women.” According to him, some 70 women rescued by the Nepali Embassy are in the process of returning to Nepal.
He claimed that following its formation, the government has been working untiringly by according much importance to foreign policy and international relations, and keeping in focus the promotion of national interests and the country’s image. The Foreign Minister stated that the Ministry was performing its duties effectively within its jurisdiction and would continue doing so in the days ahead. The parliament would be shared the achievements gradually, Khanal stated.
—
23- Huawei regional president Terry calls on Minister Dr Timilsina
Kathmandu, June 18: A delegation led by president of the Asia Pacific Region of Chinese company, Huawei, Terry He, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, on Thursday.
During the meeting held at the Ministry, president Terry viewed Nepal was at a significant juncture of digital transformation and Huawei has the modern technology, experience and resources to forward it, where collaboration could be mulled. He informed that Huawei was ready to collaborate in multiple frontiers to make Nepal’s Digital Nepal campaign further effective.
Modernization of telecommunication infrastructure, clean energy technology, establishment of modern data centres, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and the expansion of digital infrastructures were forwarded by Huawei. Considering these issues, the company wants to cooperate with Nepal in a sustainable manner, he explained.
On the occasion, Minister Dr Timilsina said reform in telecommunication sector was also in Nepal’s high priority. Quality and reliable telecommunication services are being expanded across the country. As Huawei has constructed telecommunication infrastructures and is also providing technical services in Nepal for a long time, there should not be any circumstance to question the company’s services and performance. He urged the company to immediately resolve the problems if any by keeping in priority the transparency and efficiency.
Both sides should work in coordination to address customers’ complains when it comes to assistances provided by Huawei, Minister Dr Timilsina said, adding, “There are many complaints from citizens on Nepal Telecom’s services. If there are any technical hitches or others, the telecom and Huawei should settle those by coordinating promptly. Assurance of quality services must be paid heed,” he said.
The Minister further underlined that all commercial activities conducted in Nepal must be fair, transparent and accountable. The middlemen system must be dismantled and citizens’ aspiration kept in centre, he added.
—
24- HoR passes Appropriation Bill, 2083
Kathmandu, June 18: The House of Representatives (HoR) has passed the Appropriation Bill, 2083. A proposal seeking passage of the Appropriation Bill was presented by Finance Minister Dr SwarnimWagle which was endorsed by majority of votes/voices from parliament meeting on Thursday.
Before the vote, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal presented chapter two to eleven of the Bill for consideration.
HoR Members, including Kriparam Rana, Parbati BK, Jog Kumar Barbariya Yadav, Santosh Subba, Nita Ghatani, ParashuramTamang, Arjun Kumar Karki, Narendra Kumar Kerung, Ramesh Kumar Malla, Sajida Khatun Siddiqui, Yubraj Dulal, Yashuda Kumari Baral, Guru Prasad Baral, Mohammad Istiyak Rai, Balawati Sharma, Bishnu Maya BK, Yagya Bahadur Bogati, Ain Bahadur Mahar, Pushparaj Kandel and Padma Kumari Aryal, proposed curtailment in the expenditures proposed in the appropriation section. But their proposal was rejected by the majority of votes.
On May 29, Finance Minister Dr Wagle had presented the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, 2083/84 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament.
Deliberation on budget allocation under various headings (Prime Minister’s Office, ministries/commission) of the Appropriation Bill was held in HoR meeting on June 15 and 16, while relevant ministers responded to the lawmakers’ queries on June 17 and 18.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled for Friday, June 19.
—
25- Constitution amendment team discusses with former PM Dr Bhattarai
Kathmandu, June 18: The constitution amendment taskforce coordinated by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s political advisor, Ashim Shah, held a discussion with former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai at the latter’s residence. The meeting was held as part of the consultation on preparation of discussion paper on constitution amendment.
The team led by Shah reached Dr Bhattarai’s residence for the discussion on Thursday.
Earlier on June 11, the team had held a discussion with former Prime Ministers- Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal.
—
26- Budget gives priority to Karnali, Madhesh and Sudurpaschim: Finance Minister Dr. Wagle
Kathmandu, June 18: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle said the sector-wise budget has been appropriated placing priority to Karnali, Madhesh and Sudurpaschim regions which have been lagging behind from social, economic and human development index.
Responding to queries in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives regarding heading-wise allocation of the Ministry of Finance under the Appropriation Bill, 2083, Finance Minister Dr. Wagle expressed confidence that the subsidies provided to farmers for fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, and the value chain would help uplift the targeted groups.
Sharing information that the nutrition allowance for Dalit children has been increased two-fold through the budget, Finance Minister Dr. Wagle clarified that the existing social security programme have not been reduced anymore.
“All previous programmes introduced in the name of poverty alleviation remain unchanged,” he said.
It has been accepted that poverty does not sustainably decline by merely distributing cash, the Finance Minster noted.
“The goal of the budget is not to keep people in a state of receiving aid, but to put them in a position to earn for livelihood,” Finance Minister Dr. Wagle said.
He further shared that the budget has adopted a strategy to modernize agriculture, manage irrigation, provide crop insurance, ensure worker safety, develop skills, promote industry, foster a digital economy, and create employment through private investment.
“The most effective way to reduce poverty is through stable income and employment. Without boosting the private sector’s morale, jobs would not be created,” he said, adding the budget therefore has focused to that end. —
27- HoR meeting: Minister Guatam pledges timely enforcement of court orders
Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, has pledged to enforce court orders on time.
During a discussion on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Thursday, Minister Gautam reminded government’s commitment to addressing the legal, procedural and institutional hurdles before effective implementation of court decisions. Detailed plans to improve access to verdict statement, boost essential resources and create a digital tracking system for case management were underway, according to her.
The Minister shared ongoing collaboration among the judiciary, the ministry and relevant agencies for enhancing enforcement of court orders.
In response to the queries from HoR members, Minister Gautam viewed the right to justice is more than receiving a verdict, so it requires timely implementation. She also reminded Article 126 of the Constitution that requires all citizens and state agencies to adhere to court decisions.
She also informed that detailed information of the activities done for peace process in the last two decades was prepared. Government is committed to conclude the transitional justice as soon as possible, the Minister informed. According to her, the government allocated Rs 219 million for the transitional justice commissions. Even a separate fund was created for victim compensation, with Rs 9.1 million for the management of investigation, verification and reconciliation concerning disappeared individuals.
According to her, a bill to amend the Civil Code, 2074 was drafted and public inputs were being collected by posting the draft on the ministry’s website.
—
28- Home Minister directs for disaster preparedness
Kathmandu, June 18: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung on Thursday directed all concerned agencies to identify disaster-prone areas and ensure preparedness accordingly.
At a discussion organized in Singha Durbar on monsoon preparedness and necessary responses, Home Minister Gurung reminded the concerned bodies that they could identify areas vulnerable to floods, landslides, inundation and drought so that preparedness could be in place on time.
It is the first need to convey disaster-related information to the general public as soon as possible, Minister Gurung said, adding that a mechanism could be created to immediately mobilize resources for disaster response. Systematic information and communication counts much, so cooperation among multiple agencies, departments and organizations could contribute to this, according to him.
Citizens in need of special attention and assistance must be paid heed while providing shelters and distributing relief.
The interactive discussion was attended by the chiefs and representatives of 11 different thematic areas, including government ministries/agencies, United Nations agencies, Nepal Red Cross, three security agencies and other concerned organizations.
The representatives of the thematic sectors shared information on preparedness and ongoing works in their respective sectors, especially for the monsoon period. Issue like prediction of scant rainfall and increased heat for this year’s monsoon featured in the event.
—
29- Diplomatic efforts on to remove barriers on tea export: Foreign Minister Khanal
Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal said that diplomatic efforts are underway to remove barriers emerged in the export of Nepali tea.
A delegation headed by FNCCI Chair Anjan Shrestha today asked Minister Khanal to take initiatives to resolve through diplomatic means the obstacles faced in exporting Nepali-produced tea to India.
The delegation drew Minister’s attention to the problems the Nepali tea industry has faced due to the new regulations set by the Indian Tea Board.
On the occasion, Minister Khanal responded that the government is serious about the obstacles in Nepali tea exports and that diplomatic discussions are ongoing with the Indian side on this matter.
“We have already initiated talking with Indian officials to resolve the issues in tea exports,” he said, adding, “Concrete diplomatic efforts are being made to find a solution. According to the information received from the Indian side, it is expected to be resolved soon.”
Minister Khanal also mentioned that discussions with the Indian side are ongoing for long-term solutions to such problems in the export of tea and other goods.
—
30- No interference with CIAA from Property Probe Commission: Finance Minister Dr Wagle
Kathmandu, June 18: Finance Minister Dr SwarnimWagle has informed that the newly established Property Probe Commission was aimed at fulfilling public demands of curbing corruption and promoting good governance.
The initiative is in line with the commitment shown by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) during the elections. It focuses on investigation of the assets held by officials holding political and public posts, Minister Dr Wagle reminded.
In response to lawmakers’ queries on the Appropriation Bill at House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, Finance Minister Dr Wagle made it clear that the Commission was not a permanent body but would probe into the concerned officials’ property and recommend the government for action if anything illegal was found.
He assured that the Commission would not interfere with role of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), which operates as a constitutional body. The Finance Minister expressed confidence that the establishment of this property commission would reinforce the principle that public officials are subject to scrutiny in terms of income and asset, thereby discouraging the misuse of power for personal gain.
—
