- Saturday, 20 June 2026
Kathmandu, June 19: The House of Representatives has approved the proposal to consider the ‘Finance Bill, 2083’.
Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives unanimously approved the proposal put forward by Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle.
Clarifying the issues raised by MPs in the general discussions on the proposal, Finance Minister Dr Wagle assured that the fees and taxes as provided for in the budget will be spent in the respective areas concerned.
“Since all the state’s taxes are collected into a single consolidated fund, there is no need to create separate funds for different projects and programmes,” he explained.
The Finance Minister said individuals earning an annual income of 1 million rupees are given income tax exemptions and explained that tax rates are set with careful thought to build a long-term economy.
Stating that they support a liberal economy with social justice, he said this budget is based on the principle of the ‘capable giving to those who cannot manage’.
“The current government has dared to include in the budget issues that may be seen as unpleasant in the short term but will benefit the country and the people in the long run,” he said.
Finance Minister Dr Wagle said that necessary arrangements have been made to marketise and modernise the electricity sector. He also added that the government has been moving relentlessly for good governance and believed that the more formal the economy becomes, the faster its improvement will be.
He clarified that there has been no budget cut in the welfare programmes introduced by previous governments in the name of the poor and minorities.
MPs Khushbu Oli, Ganesh Parajuli, Pushparaj Kandel, Ganesh Bahadur Bishwakarma, Harkraj Rai, Gangalaxmi Awal, Indira Ranamagar, Krishnahari Budhathoki, and Guru Prasad Baral participated in the discussion on the proposal and expressed their views.
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15- 46th National Athletics Championship kicks off in Surkhet
Karnali, June 19: The 46th National Athletics Championship, 2083, kicked off at Birendranagar of Surkhet today.
Province Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning and Central Chairperson of Nepal Athletics Association, Rajeev Bikram Shah, inaugurated the championship organised by Nepal Athletics Association in coordination and cooperation with Karnali Province Sports Development Council.
On the occasion, Minister Shah shared that the national-level athletics championship was organnised for the first time in Karnali with a target of developing Karnali as the hub of sports.
“Sports sector has significant role in country’s economic prosperity, social development and tourism promotion. Karnali is a potential land that has crucial contribution to making the country known in national and international arena from sports. It is the matter of pride for the nation that national-level sports are being conducted in the province, which is geographically remote and backward,” he argued.
There are 28 events towards men and women category in the championship. Seven province teams, Nepali Army, Tribhuvan Army Club, APF, and Police Club are participating in the championship.
Total 240 athletes—120 men and 120 women, are competing for 28 gold medals.
Rajan Rokaya of the Nepali Army and Santoshi Shrestha of Bagmati Province secured first position in the 10-kilometer race organised today under the championship. The winners would receive Rs 15,000, trophy, medal and certificate.
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16- NA meeting: MPs demand food, accommodation and medicines to displaced squatters
Kathmandu, June 19: Members of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, have demanded arrangements for food, shelter and medical treatment for the homeless squatters who were removed from riverbanks including the Bagmati River last April.
During the zero hour of today’s NA meeting, Gomadevi Timalsina claimed that the homeless kept in the ‘holding centre’ did not even get medicine and water.
Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) said that no proper arrangements have been made for squatters even after two months.
Jayantidevi Rai demanded that arrangements be made to provide justice to victims of domestic violence. Durga Gurung complained that the policies and programmes coming from the local level were not included in the budget, but instead were considered depending on political proximity.
Nara Bahadur Bista expressed his objection over calling officials of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority to the Prime Minister’s office and making them work under pressure for nine hours last Monday.
Narayan Datta Mishra mentioned that even though large settlements were managed for resettling the freed Kamaiya, there were problems because there were no job opportunities for them.
Bhuvan Sunar said there has been no legal action against the injustices happening to the Dalit community, including observing the death rituals of his daughter who is alive and kicking, and who was entering inro an inter-caste marriage in Bardiya.
Yuvraj Sharma was curious about what was being done regarding the closed tea industry while Rajendra Laxmi Gaire drew the government’s attention to the minister’s alleged derogatory statements about construction entrepreneurs.
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17- HoR passes proposal seeking consideration on National Debt Recovery Bill, 2083
Kathmandu, June 19: The House of Representatives has unanimously passed the proposal presented seeking consideration on the National Debt Recovery Bill, 2083.
Today’s HoR meeting passed the bill tabled by Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle. Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on the proposal, Finance Minister Dr Wagle shared that provision has been made to take loans based on existing financial capability in the budget of coming fiscal year.
Stressing that burden of loan should be compared in the proportion to the size of the economy, he mentioned that the country outstanding loan stands at Rs 3,000 billion.
The Finance Minister opined, “The incumbent government brought the budget remaining within financial discipline and the budget is balanced. We will implement the budget raising internal revenue.”
Lawmakers—Aren Rai, Parashu Ram Tamang, Krishna Hari Budhathoki, Harka Raj Rai, Guru Prasad Baral, Paras Mani Gelal, Badan Kumar Bhandari, Dipak Kumar Sah (Sunsari), Hari Mohan Bhandari, Gyanu Poudyal, Surya Bahadur Tamang, put forth their view, taking part in the discussion on the proposal.
The HoR shall next meet at 11 am on June 25
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18- Government makes public 150 decisions made by various Cabinet meetings
Kathmandu, June 19: The government has made public 150 decisions taken by the Council of Ministers on various dates.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports, Sashmit Pokharel, made public decisions made on various dates of Baisakh and Jesth months. He shared it in a press conference today.
As per the information shared by Spokesperson Pokharel, the government on June 12 had given permit for capacity expansion of the national identity management system. Mid-Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project was allowed extension of time to reimbursement of land used from forest sector.
On June 9, various 16 decisions were made by the Cabinet meeting. Some of those were- endorsement of recommendation criteria for Nepal Administrative Staff College, 2083; approval in principle for formulation of bill on Nepal tourism, hotel and mountaineering institute; and approval in principle for formulation of bill on human burn control and punishment.
On June 2, the Cabinet meeting decided to form a recommendation committee under coordination of secretary at Home Ministry for the appointment of executive chief at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The government also banned the strikes and sit-ins the essential services.
The Cabinet meeting held on May 19 approved the Civil Servants Welfare Fund (first amendment), 2083; approved 977 quotas under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, Land Related Rules (21st amendment), 2083; and Child Regulation (first amendment), 2083.
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19- Three-day Astrology Conference kicks off in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, June 19: An astrology conference has started in Brahmananda Saraswati Nagar, Dakshinkali, Kathmandu from today. The three-day conference has begun with the slogan ‘Astrology is not just a means of prediction, it is the subtle science of nature, consciousness and life’.
The conference is organised by the Nepal Maharshi Vedic Foundation, with co-organisation by the Nepal Calendar Determination and Development Committee, the South Asian Astrology Federation, and Nepal Astrology Council.
About 200 astrologers are participating in the conference. There is enthusiastic participation from astrologers, Vedic scholars, researchers, academics and spiritual practitioners from across the country.
The conference, which has become a shared platform for deep discussions, knowledge, experience and research on the scientific basis of Vedic astrology, its usefulness in today’s society, research possibilities and the preservation and promotion of sage-traditional knowledge, is believed to further strengthen the rich tradition of Vedic astrology and provide a positive direction in society.
While inaugurating the programme, Foundation President and former State Minister of Home Affairs Deepak Prakash Baskota expressed confidence that the three-day conference would help further study, research and enrich the field of astrology.
It is said that the goal of the conference is to make astrologers capable of making good predictions by teaching them transcendental meditation along with practice.
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20- NA endorses proposals related to several ordinances
Kathmandu, June 19: Today’s meeting of the National Assembly has endorsed proposals relating to several ordinances.
A proposal presented by lawmaker Samjhana Devkota that the ‘Cooperative (First Amendment) Ordinance 2083’ be not passed was rejected by a majority of lawmakers in the Upper House meeting.
Then, the meeting endorsed the Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration Pratibha Rawal’s proposal that the ‘Cooperative (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2083,’ be passed by majority.
Lawmaker Mina Singh Rakhal’s proposal that the ‘Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Related to Health Science Institution, 2083,’ be rejected was rejected by majority.
Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta’s proposal seeking passage of the ‘Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Related to Health Sciences Academies, 2083,’ was endorsed by majority.
Likewise, a majority of lawmakers rejected NA member Ranjit Karna’s proposal seeking rejection of the ‘Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2083’.
On behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam’s proposal to approve the ‘Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2083’ was approved by majority.
Lawmaker Roshni Meche’s proposal to reject the ‘Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2083’ was rejected by the meeting with a majority.
Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle’s proposal to approve the ‘Prevention of Money Laundering (Prevention) (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2083’ was approved by majority.
On behalf of Prime Minister Shah, Law Minister Gautam presented the Tharu Commission’s annual report 2081/82 in the meeting.
NA’s next meeting shall take place at 1.15 pm on June 25.
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21- Charge sheet against RSP President Lamichhane on organized crime withdrawn
Kathmandu, June 19: The District Court Kathmandu has allowed to withdraw the charge sheet against Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane on organized crime.
A single bench of Judge Atmadev Joshi today issued the order to withdraw the case in connection with the organized crime related charges against President Lamichhane.
‘It has been instructed to amend the charge sheet related to the organized fraud case, maintaining the charge on the accused for fraud but not on organized crime, as per the Clause 36 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 2074.’, it is stated in the court order.
The order also mentioned that there appears to be no legal restriction under Clause 116 (2)(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 2074 to withdraw or amend the charge in cases other than certain issues including money laundering.
The order further stated, ‘Considering the notion that the Code of Criminal Procedure, Penal Code, and the Victim Protection Act accept victim-oriented justice, the court has to balance criminal jurisprudence, prosecutorial autonomy, victims’ rights, and public interest in cases where long criminal processes, harsh charges, and obstacles to settlement might hinder justice with compensation to the victim.’
The District Government Attorney’s Office, Kathmandu had filed a request to amend the charge sheet in the case of cooperative’s deposit fraud and organized crime. Earlier, the organized crime cases against Lamichhane were allowed to be withdrawn by the Kaski and Parsa district courts.
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22- BAFIA amendment draft is ready: Governor Dr. Paudel
Kathmandu, June 19: Governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr Biswonath Paudel, argued that the central bank of the country should be enabled with authority so as to make the banks and financial institutions robust and efficient.
He said the central bank should be endowed with the special and decisive rights to enable its role.
At a meeting of the Finance Committee under the House of Representatives, he pitched for a legal basis with authority to the central bank to make immediate decisions for depositor protection and financial stability.
Governor Paudel informed that drafts to amend six spectacular laws, including the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, Banking and Financial Institutions Act, Banking Offences and Punishment Act, Financial Consumer Protection and Payment and Settlement Act, have been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Finance.
Highlighting that Nepal has over 22 billion dollars in foreign exchange reserves, he cautioned that even a slight decrease in US interest rates could cause significant loss.
Paudel suggested instituting a ‘Sovereign Wealth Fund’ to reduce risk and opt for safe investment options. Although agricultural loans have increased from 2.5 trillion to 7.1 trillion rupees, assessing their real utilization is necessary, he argued.
He expressed the commitment that the upcoming monetary policy will be presented in tandem with the government’s budget and fiscal policies.
On the occasion, lawmakers asked the reasons for slack on demand for loan despite positive provisions in the monetary policy.
The lawmakers were also concerned about the role the central bank should play to boost investment in productive industries.
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23- Govt makes public 150 decisions made by various Cabinet meetings
Kathmandu, June 19: The government has made public 150 decisions taken by the Council of Ministers on various dates.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports, Sashmit Pokharel, made public decisions made on various dates of Baisakh and Jesth months. He shared it in a press conference today.
As per the information shared by Spokesperson Pokharel, the government on June 12 had given permit for capacity expansion of the national identity management system. Mid-Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project was allowed extension of time to reimbursement of land used from forest sector.
On June 9, various 16 decisions were made by the Cabinet meeting. Some of those were- endorsement of recommendation criteria for Nepal Administrative Staff College, 2083; approval in principle for formulation of bill on Nepal tourism, hotel and mountaineering institute; and approval in principle for formulation of bill on human burn control and punishment.
On June 2, the Cabinet meeting decided to form a recommendation committee under coordination of secretary at Home Ministry for the appointment of executive chief at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The government also banned the strikes and sit-ins the essential services.
The Cabinet meeting held on May 19 approved the Civil Servants Welfare Fund (first amendment), 2083; approved 977 quotas under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, Land Related Rules (21st amendment), 2083; and Child Regulation (first amendment), 2083.
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24- Efforts on to ensure rights, justice to women suffering sexual violence in conflict: Chair Baskota
Kathmandu, June 19: Chairperson of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives, Samikshya Baskota, has shared that the state mechanism was making necessary efforts to ensure rights and justice to the women who suffered sexual violence during conflict.
At a programme organized on ‘identity of survivors in democratic state’, focusing justice at multiple levels- social, legal and personal- chair Baskota argued the state should be serious towards the rights and the justice to the women who were afflicted with sexual violence in the decade-long conflict in Nepal.
Advocate Khim Lal Devkota and former secretary Uday Sapkota mentioned that though various initiatives were taken in the past for the justice to such women, some significant works are yet to be done.
According to advisor to the Aparajit Foundation, Devi Khadka, many women subjected to sexual violence during the conflict, have still not received proper justice. We have been raising voices before different bodies for their justice, but awaiting proper address.
The Aparajit Foundation based in Lalitpur held the programme in Kathmandu on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
The women participating in the event also voiced for legal justice and drew the attention of the government to take effective measures for it. Women surviving sexual assaults in different parts of the country during the armed insurgency (1996-2006) and the stakeholders took part in the programme.
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25- Minister forms 5-member taskforce to investigate grants released to agriculture, livestock in a decade
Kathmandu, June 19: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has formed a 5-member taskforce to investigate grants released to agriculture and livestock in the last decade.
The taskforce is coordinated by joint secretary at Ministry, Badri Prasad Dahal, which will furnish a detailed study report to the Ministry within six months. It is tasked to review the previous reports, take stock of misuse of grants and recommend for timely reform.
The agriculture sector, which makes up nearly 25 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), receives grants from government under various headings every year. The grant is provided for agricultural growth and commercial agriculture.
It is often argued and blamed that the real farmers and marginalized ones had no access to the grants provided previously owing to poor monitoring and enforcement. The taskforce will study and identify the misuse of grants, make a gap analyses and forward recommendations accordingly. Even the best practices on grants would be recommended to the government after the investigation. The taskforce is asked to report to the Ministry secretary at least twice a month or based on need.
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26- Films reflect culture, collective memory: Minister Dr Timilsina
Kathmandu, June 19: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said film industry is not only a means of entertainment but also an expression of society’s collective memory and cultural identity.
During his address to the National Film Award and Honour Ceremony, 2083 BS organised at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas on Friday, he said, “History alone is not sufficient to understand a nation. Multiple genres of films, culture and social lives also matter, warranting analyses to truly understand the nation, Dr Timilsina added.
“Films are a medium of visualising deeper dimensions of the nation, reflecting the society’s psychology and envisioning future potentials,” the Minister reminded. He went on to say that art and creations are means of connecting the divided society with a thread of humanitarian relations, co-existence and empathy, for the artists are the personalities with highly sensitive perspectives.
According to him, honouring artists means recognising the society’s creative strength and owning cultural existences, adding that at the moment, he realized that not people but the society and culture are being honoured.
The Minister also took time to say that despite adversity, Nepal’s film industry has continued to make steady progress, founding on the tremendous efforts and contribution of previous generations. He added that the government is committed to introducing a timely and applicable Film Act that addresses the contemporary needs. Stating that the government is sensitive to the issues, challenges and expectations of the film sector, he said it was prepared to address these through continuous discussions and dialogues.
He made it clear that the government is not for commanding and controlling the creative sector. Instead, such efforts are for creating an atmosphere for the development and promotion of this field.
On the occasion, noted actor Madan Krishna Shrestha was hounoured with the ‘Dirgha Sadhana Samman’ presented by the Film Development Board.
Likewise, Unako Sweater (The Woolen Sweater) received the ‘Best Film Award’, Nabeen Chauhan was honoured as the ‘Best Director, Neer Shah as the ‘Best Actor’, Miruna Magar as the ‘Best Actress’, Deepak Prasad Acharya and Yama Thapa as the ‘ Best Writers’. Indira Dhime Maicha received the ‘Best Indigenous Film Award’.
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27- Films should adhere to research and creative faculties: President Paudel
Kathmandu, June 19: President Ramchandra Paudel has said those involved in film sector should continue study, research and creative works being abreast with technological progress.
In his address to a ceremony held for conferring various awards relating to film production, direction and acting, the Head of State viewed film industry could also think how it could contribute to national economic development. “If the far-flung rural pristine scenes are captured in the film along with stories and experiences of the people living there, it helps boost Nepal’s image in the international arena and establish distinct identity in global market,” he suggested.
He reminded that films are not mere entertainment but also strong mediums of awakening, transformation, consciousness and patriotism among citizens. It helps preserve our original language, culture and traditions, the President said, making it clear that films introduce the nature and social life of the Himalayas, hills, and southern plains in the country and beyond border. So it is also the foundation for building a collective identity.
The President emphasized need of making every possible measures to give the film industry a new height by implementing institutional reforms in line with the recent developments- policies, laws, facilities and concessions. Roles of artists and stakeholders count much to this end, he said, adding that the film sector deserves respect and it has a secure future as well.
“Modern digital technology has ensured much convenience to the works ranging from film production to distribution. However, technology should not be misused against our original story, human creativity, cultural identity and the intellectual rights of the creator,” President Paudel underlined.
The Head of State further said he wants to see the stories of women, children, Dalits, indigenous people, Madhesi, people with disabilities and diverse geographies and communities presented well in the motion pictures in a respectful, sensitive and realistic ways.
On the occasion, notes actor Madan Krishna Shrestha was honoured with the ‘Dirgha Sadhana Samman’.
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28- Cabinet decisions: Dr Gopal Bhatta appointed SEBON chair
Kathmandu, June 19: The government has decided to appoint Dr Gopal Prasad Bhatta as a chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON).
Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, shared this information following the meeting of the Council of Ministers held in Singha Durbar today.
The Cabinet meeting also decided to allow presentation of a bill on making effective the then provisions of Nepal Special Service Act, 2042 in the federal parliament. The bill designed to amend and integrate the laws relating to Rastriya Sewa Dal will also be presented in the parliament as per government decision, according to Minister Dr Timilsina.
An approval in principle was given by the government for formulation of a bill to amend and integrate the existing laws on cooperatives for bringing reform in cooperative sectors. Even an approval was given to make a separate law on the Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Regulation and Supervision).
The Cabinet meeting further decided to present the substitution bill designed to amend Some Nepal Act regarding the Cooperatives Act, 2074; Public Procurement Act, 2063; Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2064; and Academy of Health Sciences in the federal parliament.
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29- Central zoo closed for two weeks owing to bird flu detection
Kathmandu, June 19: The Lalitpur-based Central Zoo has been closed for at least two weeks in the aftermath of the confirmation of bird flu infection (H5N1) in some fowls.
Issuing a notice on Friday, the National Trust for Nature Conservation announced the closure of the zoo until a next notice. It is said the decision was taken bearing in mind the public health safety.
The bird flu test conducted on carcasses of crow and pigeons found inside the sanctuary confirmed the fowl infection. “We are consulting veterinaries and related experts about the measures to be taken for further prevention. We have implemented necessary measures for keeping other birds and animals safe from the potential risk of the flu,” said Trust spokesperson Rachana Shah.
For the time being, the facility has been closed for visitors for at least two weeks and the decision thereafter will be taken on the recommendation of experts and the basis of risk assessment. Surveillance for health updates of other animals has been increased with the implementation of other measures for the infection control, she added.
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30- No police torture to Bishwakarma during detention in Sindhuli: Home Minister Gurung
Kathmandu, June 19: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has made it clear that the probe committee formed to investigate the death of Shri Krishna Bishwakarma during police custody in Sindhuli found no evidence of physical and mental torture by the police persons to the late Bishwakarma.
Responding to the queries raised by lawmaker Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar in the meeting of the National Assembly on Friday, Home Minister Gurung informed that the report showed the police did not mete out any physical or mental torture to Bishwakarma when he was in detention. The Minister also shared that the Dalit cell was brought into action in Nepal Police.
NA Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal read out the letters received from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in the meeting.
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31- Minister Paudel pledges promotion of Nepali art, culture
Kathmandu, June 19: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel, has said the government was fully committed to the preservation and promotion of Nepali art and culture.
Speaking at the 54th anniversary celebration of the Sanskritik Sansthan (Cultural Corporation: Rastriya Nachghar) here Friday, the Minister said Nepali art, culture and traditions have played instrumental roles in making Nepal’s identity’s globally known. He observed, “Nepal is rich in art and cultural diversities. Artists in this sector should be equally aware of culture, nature and challenges.”
Sansthan’s general manager Kiran Babu Pun informed the organization has been continuously working for preservation and promotion in the field of Nepali art, literature and culture since its establishment.
On the occasion, folk duet singers Purushottam Neupane, Ram Prasad Khanal and others were honoured. Various prizes were distributed to the winning teams of the National Folk Duet Singing Competition- 2026 organised on the occasion of the organisation’s anniversary.
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32- Adventure tourism spurs economic activities: Minister Chaudhary
Kathmandu, June 19: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Geeta Chaudhary, has said that adventure tourism involving motorcycling contributes significantly to the promotion of agriculture, tourism and rural economy.
Inaugurating the ‘Ninth Mango Ride-2026’ organized by ‘The Himalayan Motorcycle Experience’ (THME) in the federal capital on Friday, Minister Chaudhary expressed her belief that such programmes would be beneficial in highlighting the tourism potential of Terai region. Unlocking tourism potential is linked to spurring activities that contribute to local economy. She, however, stressed youth participation in agriculture for economic growth.
The organizer shared that the digital platforms were effectively advertising Nepali culture, tourism and new touristic destinations across the globe. The event organized every year since 2015 would be effective to popularize Nepali culture and tourism.
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33- Finance Minister stresses budget implementation, result-based service
Kathmandu, June 19: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has said the government would move ahead by incorporating experiences and expertise of civil servants. He directed the bodies concerned to ensure result-based service delivery.
In a discussion on the mid-term expenditure framework and preparation for budget implementation for the fiscal year 2083-84 BS held at the National Planning Commission on Friday, the Finance Minister reminded the government aims to involve civil servants in the ‘mega campaign’ of nation-building by entrusting them with greater responsibilities.
“We are always with the nation’s servants who are committed to giving their best for the nation and we stand by the resourceful ones,” the Minister said. “We have realised that there is fear and confusions within bureaucracy. But don’t waste time on such concerns. Even after you retire, we will continue head hunt for state responsibilities in case of need,” he said.
Sharing about the government plans to depoliticize civil service, security bodies, health, and education sectors, thereby liberating them from the ill influence of political interests, Wagle said such move was already begun with the dissolution of trade unions.
“The incumbent government, founded on broad public support and a strong mandate, feels a moral obligation to deliver results. We wish to perform with a new spirit and it must start from Saun 1, the very first day of the upcoming fiscal year. The Finance Ministry will implement transformation agenda,” he underlined. Stressing that tendency of leaving the goal of capital expenditures unmet should not recur, he said in the upcoming fiscal, the government won’t accept the same level of performance characterizing the previous years.
Minister Dr Wagle also directed the bodies concerned to perform in line with the government’s spirit and vision, the budget, policies and programmes, and the 100-point governance reform agenda, guided by a clear five-year roadmap. “The budget was passed yesterday. It is needed to wipe out the narrative that budgets are introduced but never implemented,” he argued.
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34- Schools in Bheemdatta Municipality to remain closed for 12 days due to scorching heat
Kanchanpur, June 19: Bheemdatta Municipality in Kanchanpur district has announced a 12-day holiday for both community and institutional schools within locality owing to rising temperatures.
According to Chief Administrative Officer at Municipality, Mahesh Bahadur Bam, the local government decided to implement 12-day closure beginning from June 22. This holiday will be adjusted within the school’s annual vacation calendar.
In recent days, increasing temperatures here have made it difficult for students to attend school. The municipality said the decision was taken bearing in mind the students’ health and safety.
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35- Government courier service gains pace, documents at citizen’s doorsteps
Kathmandu, June 19: The government courier service launched through Department of Postal Service has gained pace, with numerous citizens receiving official documents at their doorsteps.
The driving license, health related documents, educational certificates and other official documents are not ferried to individual’s postal addresses. The new form of service delivery was launched in the wake of introduction of 100-point agenda on governance reform. The present government had introduced the agenda immediately after its formation.
Director general at the Department of Postal Service, Manmaya Bhattarai Pangeni, informed that the government courier service had gained a significant progress, while few works are in final stage.
According to Pangeni, since the formation of the new government to June 18, total 181,843 copies of passports were transported to the concerned district administration offices through the postal offices. Of these, 4,642 passports were delivered to the doorsteps of the service seekers. A total of 578,053 driving licenses received from the Department of Transport Management were sent to the concerned districts through the General Post Office. Of these, 1,081 licenses have been delivered at doorsteps of service seekers various districts, including Kaski, Morang, Banke, Parsa, Sunsari, Kalikot and Bajhang.
Minister for Information and Communication, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has given a special focus on materializing activities which are related to the Ministry and mentioned in 100-point reform agenda. The government courier service came into effect following the concept of smart postal service.
Linking various government officials/departments and even the universities is going on for the government courier service. Transport of total 266 types of educational certificates has already begun, while agreement with Tribhuvan University for linking service in final stage, director general Pangeni added.
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36- RSP General Convention: Leadership thru consensus, says general secretary Shah
Chitwan, June 19: General secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Bhupdev Shah, has said the selection of the party’s new leadership will be based on consensus.
Talking to media representatives at the venue of the general convention here Friday, Shah discussed the ongoing preparations for the event, which aims to elect new leadership, formulate policies and programmes.
Unity among party leaders and members was instrumental in achieving near two-thirds majority in the recent general election, he said, reminding the importance of unity in the party. “We will make every possible effort to elect leadership through consensus. However, once the consensus eludes, we advance for the democratic process,” Shah stated.
Party president Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah will jointly inaugurate the convention. The RSP general convention is taking place from June 21 to 23.
Chitwan: Provenance of RSP
The RSP has chosen Chitwan district for the general convention, as it is the party provenance.
President Lamichhane has been elected to the House of Representatives from this district three times, securing significant majority of votes every time.
Meanwhile, the local administration has beefed up security targeting the RSP general convention. The Prime Minister, Ministers, leaders from various political parties and foreign guests are attending the event.
Chief district officer Ganesh Aryal shared that all preparations regarding the security arrangement and traffic management were completed.
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37- Govt committed to resolving land-related issues: Minister Rawal
Kathmandu, June 19: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, has said the government is committed to addressing land-related issues.
In her replies to concerns from lawmaker Bhuwan Kumar Sunar in a session of the National Assembly on Friday, the Minister said the lawmaker’s concerns were about the tenancy right. The government was planning for making farmers real owners to the land.
“The Clause 25 of the Lands Act- 2021 BS has ensured the tenancy rights and the government is committed to implementing it,” she reminded. According to the Minister, works have begun to address lands issues in some areas.
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38- Arika secures bronze medal in Asian Karate Competition
Kathmandu, June 19: A Nepali player Arika Gurung has secured a bronze medal in the 22nd Senior Asian Karate Competition held in Bali, Indonesia.
Gurung defeated a Kazakhstani player in 68-kg plus category with 11-2 points, according to coach Kushal Shrestha.
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