- Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Kathmandu, July 6: Information and Communication Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said that the government has adopted a policy to develop the Security Printing Center as a self-reliant, professional, and result-oriented institution.
In today’s meeting of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, while responding to questions raised in the Assembly earlier, he informed that a budget of Rs 220 million has been allocated for the Security Printing Center in the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27.
“The government aims to reduce dependence on foreign printing by carrying out security-related printing domestically,” Communication Minister Dr. Timilsina said.
MP Roshni Meche questioned the justification for allocating Rs 150 million for the purchase of a ‘Mobile Frequency Monitoring Van’ under the Ministry of Information and Communication, and Rs 220 million for the security printing press, while students in remote areas still cannot easily get notebooks and books.
Responding to Meche’s question, Communications Minister Dr. Timilsina mentioned that while preparing the budget for the current fiscal year, he personally participated in detailed discussions for every item under the ministry and clarified that not even a single rupee collected from the people’s taxes would be misused.
The Minister said that the allocated budget would be spent only according to the set objectives and standards, and emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring frugality, transparency, accountability, and good governance in spending.
Similarly, he clarified that the need for educational materials and investment in communication infrastructure are not alternatives to each other since they fall under different budget headings, have different natures, and serve different purposes.
He also mentioned that strengthening the technical infrastructure of the communication sector is equally important.
Minister Timilsina stated that 2.4 million smart vehicle driver licenses and 3.5 million postal stamps have been made available to the relevant authorities after printing them at the Center.
He informed the upper house of the Federal Parliament that the budget received by the Security Printing Center for the upcoming fiscal year was not for operating expenses but was a capital investment made to fulfill legal obligations.
“According to the legal provisions regarding security printing, the only responsible body for printing and producing national security documents is the Security Printing Center,” he asserted.
He said that preparations are underway to produce additional security documents like excise duty tickets, citizenship, and national ID cards from the Center starting from the upcoming fiscal year, and that the existing production capacity cannot meet the growing demand.
Communications Minister Dr. Timilsina emphasized that if the Security Printing Center operates with professionalism, we can start producing the security documents that are currently printed overseas right here at home.
This shift would save foreign currency, generate revenue from printing services, and ensure a solid return on investment. He pointed out that this initiative isn’t just about spending; it’s a strategic investment aimed at resource creation.
Minister Timilsina highlighted the government’s long-term vision to develop the Security Printing Center into a self-sufficient, professional, and profit-driven entity, believing that this will enhance the state’s financial capabilities and lay a stronger foundation for further investments in vital social sectors like education and health.
He also noted that investing in communication infrastructure will play a crucial role in boosting revenue, expanding technical capabilities, and enhancing national security over time.
In discussing the upcoming ‘Mobile Frequency Monitoring Van’ that the Ministry of Communication plans to introduce next fiscal year, he clarified that this isn’t just any ordinary vehicle; it’s essentially a mobile laboratory designed for monitoring the ‘Radio Spectrum.’ Since radio frequencies and electromagnetic waves are invisible and can’t be measured directly, a cutting-edge system is essential for effective monitoring.
He pointed out that every country is required to have a radio frequency monitoring system, as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Given the significant investment needed to set up a permanent monitoring system across Nepal, Minister Timilsina announced plans to acquire a mobile frequency monitoring system that can be deployed in various locations as needed.
According to Communication Minister Dr. Timilsina, this system will play a crucial role in managing the limited natural resource known as the ‘radio spectrum.’ It will help identify unlicensed telecommunication systems, FM stations, television broadcasts, and wireless devices, while also controlling frequency interference affecting legitimate service providers.
Similarly, Dr Timilsina said that the system will be useful for regulating and monitoring modern wireless services including 4G and 5G mobile services, ‘digital’ broadcasting, improving the quality of telecommunication services, controlling the use of illegal devices and increasing revenue from license and spectrum fees.
He informed that the government is directly receiving about four billion 150 million rupees annually from frequency and spectrum management and this sector is indirectly contributing about 1.5 percent to the country’s gross domestic product.
The Communications Minister mentioned that after the new system comes into operation, it will be easier to control the use of frequencies without a license and to collect more revenue and to identify and resolve harmful frequency interference that is against the technical standards.
Additionally, it aims to reduce international frequency interference in border areas and ensure that international obligations are met effectively.
Dr. Timilsina also mentioned that the mobile frequency monitoring van currently in use was purchased back in 2001 with support from a World Bank loan aimed at improving the telecommunication sector.
He expressed his commitment during the meeting to thoroughly examine the issues, suggestions, complaints, and concerns related to the ministry and to pursue solutions proactively.
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12- Speaker makes ruling to Government
Kathmandu, July 6: Speaker at the House of Representatives (HoR), Dol Prasad Aryal, has ruled on the government to address the concerns raised by MPs during the emergency and zero hours of the HoR sessions.
In today’s session, he emphasized, “I urge the government to provide updates on the steps taken to mitigate the loss of life and property caused by floods, landslides, and inundation across the country, along with details on disaster management and preparedness.”
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13- Kathmandu Valley Police calls for unified efforts against narcotic drugs, human trafficking
Kathmandu, July 6: Chief of Kathmandu Valley Police Office (KVPO), Rani Pokhari, Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Police Sushil Singh Rathore has emphasized the importance of collective efforts to curb narcotic drug abuse and human trafficking.
Addressing the launch of a week-long campaign against human trafficking and drug abuse at New Bus Park (also known as Gongabu Bus Park) in Gongabu, Kathmandu today, AIG Rathore asserted that close cooperation between police and public is imperative to build a safe a crime-free society.
Shedding light on the objectives of the newly launched campaign, Rathore said that the campaign would help curb the growing problem of drug addiction among youths and combat hidden cases of human trafficking.
He urged all stakeholders to unite against both crimes.
The New Bus Park Police Unit and the Gongabu Community Service Centre jointly launched the campaign to raise public awareness and protect young people from narcotics addiction and trafficking-related crimes launch the campaign.
During the week-long campaign, various awareness programmes will be conducted at hotels, restaurants, dohori places, schools and other public places in the New Bus Park area, it was shared.
Kathmandu District Police Chief, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dilip Ghimire, echoed with AIG Rathore and stressed collective efforts to address drug abuse and human trafficking around the bustling Gongabu Bus Park.
Likewise, Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs Chairperson Punya Prasad Sitaula urged transport operators to remain vigilant, noting that public vehicles are sometimes misused to smuggle narcotics.
Similarly, Tokha municipality-9 Chairperson Ram Bhakta Ghimire reaffirmed the local government’s cooperation with police to keep the Gongabu area crime-free.
The programme saw participation of students from Maharshi School and College and BST College from Gongabu area in the campaign.
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15- Labour Minister reiterates govt’s commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Labour Ramji Yadav has emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment.
While responding to the queries of lawmakers in today’ National Assembly meeting, he highlighted the importance of ensuring safe and dignified foreign employment while also focusing on increasing domestic job opportunities. Through the Remi project, the government has provided orientation and counseling services to over 20,000 individuals in the Koshi and Madhes regions, assisting those who have returned from abroad.
Notably, 1,066 returnees have found employment, and 936 have developed business plans with local government support. Minister Yadav underscored the need to connect the skills and experiences of returning citizens with national development initiatives, particularly through the Prime Minister’s Employment Programme. He mentioned ongoing efforts to collect integrated data on employment issues and reported inspections of 1,321 establishments for labour exploitation, resulting in fines.
The government has declared the decade starting in 2083 as the ‘Employment Promotion Decade’ and is preparing a draft for the National Employment Policy, 2083 to update the existing framework. Additionally, the minister announced the initiation of policy-making related to the ‘care economy’ and stressed the importance of a robust labour inspection system to enforce labour rights effectively.
He advocated for the inclusion of informal workers in social security and indicated that the ministry’s budget is now focused on programs that maximize outcomes from limited resources. The expansion of youth employment and empowerment initiatives will involve collaboration with various ministries and agencies across sectors such as education, industry, agriculture, and tourism.
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16- Basic framework of constitution should be retained: SSP Chairman Rai
Kathmandu, July 6: Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party (SSP), Harkaraj Rai has said that the constitution could be amended by retaining its basic structure.
Speaking at today’s House of Representatives (HoR) meeting, he said we need to be serious about the issue of constitutional amendment. “We can amend other matters while keeping the basic structure of the constitution intact. We need to be serious about amendments, if this is not understood, there is a risk of problems,” he said.
The SSP Chairman thanked the government for its 100-day efforts towards promoting good governance, controlling corruption, and providing effective services.
Mentioning that he visited the Mahakali region some time ago, Chairman Rai urged to speed up the construction of the Darchula–Tinkar road. He also expressed the view that national pride projects should now be focused on border areas.
Chairman Rai drew the government’s attention to arranging for the rehabilitation of squatters and people living in unorganized settlements, suggesting that land ownership documents be provided to such people as soon as possible.
He suggested making the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan a university and proposed decentralizing health services.
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17- HoR meeting: Lawmakers urge timely payments to dairy farmers
Kathmandu, July 6: Members of Parliament (MPs) in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) raised a range of public concerns including ensuring timely payments to dairy farmers.
They also drew the attention of the government on issues such as road safety on the Karnali Highway, healthcare services, disaster risks and consumer protection among others.
Speaking during the Zero Hour of the today’s session, lawmaker Madhu Kumar Chaulagain of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) urged the government to implement the investigation report on alleged irregularities at the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC).
He also called on the government to ensure that dairy farmers receive payments on time.
Other lawmaker from the ruling RSP, Basu Maya Tamang, called for action against consumer fraud, saying many households were receiving under-filed cooking gas cylinders.
Similarly, another RSP lawmaker Bidushi Rana urged the government to improve telecommunications services in remote areas of Karnali Province.
RSP lawmaker Bina Gurung demanded that Ghandruk be developed as an international tourist destination.
Buddha Ratna Maharjan of the same party highlighted the recurring transport disruptions caused by landslides and poor road conditions in Bagmati rural municipality of Lalitpur district.
Voicing his view from the same party, Bharat Prasad Parajuli, called on the government to expedite the process of providing land ownership certificates for landless people.
RSP’s Madhav Bahadur Thapa expressed his concerns that shortages of medical supplies in public hospitals were affecting treatment services while Raj Kishor Mahato Koiri from the same party echoed similar concerns as Thapa and apprised that Lower House that shortages of cancer medicines had affected thousands of patients across the country.
Another RSP’s parliamentarian Ranju Neupane raised concerns over recurrent monsoon flooding in Kathmandu constituency no. 1, while Lawmakers from opposition parties such as Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML also brought to the fore a host of contemporary national issues and demanded prompt action on the part of the government to address them.
Towards this, NC lawmaker Bharat Bahadur Khadka drew attention to delays in rebuilding homes for survivors of the Jajarkot earthquake.
Fellow NC lawmaker Man Maya BK emphasized the urgency for stronger measures to end violence and discrimination against the Dalit community.
Also, airing the views from the same party, lawmaker Mohan Acharya alleged that communities affected by an under-construction hydropower project in Rasuwa district had not received the benefits they were promised.
Likewise, CPN-UML lawmaker Rajendra Kumar Rai mentioned that around 7,000 dairy farmers in Dhankuta district were yet to receive payment for the milk they had supplied to the state-owned corporation.
Another lawmaker from the UML, Ringala Yadav, said that the government should not overlook the contribution of residents of Susta in safeguarding Nepal’s territorial integrity.
Other lawmakers expressing their views in the Zero Hour included Ramesh Prasai, Mohanlal Acharya, Dr Firdaush Alam, Reena Upreti (KC), Rukmini Devi Koirala , Renuka Kauncha and Bhumika Shrestha among others also drew the attention of the government towards various local and national issues.
Emergency Hour
Likewise, MPs representing Karnali Province in today’s HoR meeting univocally urged the government to intensify the search for a passenger bus that plunged into the Karnali River in Dailekh district five days ago.
During the Emergency Hour, they pressed the government to prioritize the upgrading of the Karnali Highway and devise a comprehensive plan to reduce the growing number of road accidents.
MPs elected from various constituencies in the Province expressed deep concern over the frequent road accidents along the Highway.
Towards this, NC Chief Whip Basana Thapa said that it was unfortunate that authorities were unable to determine what happened to the passenger bus travelling from Surkhet district to Kalikot district, despite five days of search efforts.
She further said, “This is not a new tragedy for us. Blood is being spilled on Karnali’s roads almost every day.”
According to her, the roads in Karnali Province have virtually ceased to be roads. “Every journey forces people to risk their lives. How long should the citizens endure this?” she questioned the government.
Another lawmaker from the same party, Khadga Shahi, demanded the government to inform Parliament about the latest developments in the search operation for the missing passenger bus.
Likewise, CPN (UML)’s Yashuda Kumari Baral pointed out the need for a special programme to upgrade the Karnali Highway and curb road accidents.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s lawmaker Gyan Bahadur Shahi asserted that it was astounding that neither the bus nor its passengers had been found five days after the vehicle plunged into the Karnali River in Dailekh district.
He also demanded action against those responsible for any negligence.
Lawmaker from the ruling RSP, Ramesh Kumar Sapkota, voiced similar concern over the rising number of accidents on the Karnali Highway.
He demanded a prompt probe into whether the road meets the required construction and safety standards.
It may be noted that a passenger bus with registration number Karnali Province 02-001 Kha 1055, travelling from Surkhet to Kalikot, had veered off the road at around 11:30 am in Sangetada, ward no. 7 of Chamundabindrasaini municipality in Dailekh district and plunged into the Karnali River five days ago.
With the bus still missing, lawmakers from Karnali Province renewed their call in unison/solidarity for an update on the search efforts and urged the government to expedite the long-overdue upgrading of the Karnali Highway to improve safety and prevent similar tragedies.
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18- NC does not hesitate in praising government’s ‘positive’ works: NC leader Angdembey
Kathmandu, July 6: The leader of the main opposition party, Nepali Congress’ parliamentary party, Bhishma Raj Angdembey, has made it clear that his party will not be stingy in praising positive works of the government.
Taking time from the Speaker in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he stated that he would view the government’s efforts over the 100-day period positively.
MP Angdembey said, “The government has been active on issues like good governance, corruption control, administrative reforms, service delivery, and some structural reforms. Where there has been positive work, the Nepali Congress does not hold back from praising it. Because when the government succeeds, ultimately the ones who benefit are the Nepali people and Nepal, the country.”
He viewed that in a democracy, the government’s evaluation comes from the citizens’ experiences, and that the government’s assessment should come from respect for the constitution, accountability to parliament, and the credibility of public institutions.
“Asking questions in a democracy is not opposing, it is a responsibility. We need to move forward by building a common understanding on matters of national importance. We support the government for strengthening the democratic system and making justified amendments to the constitution. If the government reaches out for national consensus, Congress is always ready to play a positive role.
We want the government to succeed because when the government succeeds, it is the Nepali people who succeed. It will bring change to the lives of the Nepali people,” he said.
Leader Angdembey urged for a lasting solution to the squatter problem. He also suggested that all parties in parliament, parties outside parliament, various parties, and constitutional law experts should engage in dialogue in drafting the constitution. The NC parliamentary leader said that the process of constitutional amendment should be moved forward in a cross-party manner.
He emphasized that the government needs to come up with an effective plan to control elephants, after a single elephant attack killed 25 people and four members of the same family lost their lives in a tragic incident.
“In such a situation, just distributing relief doesn’t fulfill the state’s responsibility. There should be an immediate implementation of long-term policies to protect citizens’ lives and crops from wild animals, an effective rescue mechanism, and arrangements for quick intervention,” he demanded.
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19- Health Ministry committed ensuring fundamental rights related to health
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has affirmed the government’s commitment to the effective implementation of constitutional rights related to health.
During a National Assembly meeting addressing the questions raised by MPs on the topics related to the Health and Food Safety Ministry in the Appropriation Bill, 2083, she highlighted that a substantial budget of over Rs 99 billion has been allocated for the health sector in the upcoming fiscal year.
Minister Mehta emphasized that investing in health is crucial for the nation’s future and for enhancing human capital, as it not only boosts productivity but also alleviates the financial burden of healthcare on citizens. He noted the government’s aim to meet the 10 percent target set by the ‘National Health Finance Strategy’ to realize these fundamental rights.
Furthermore, she indicated plans for a gradual increase in the health budget in subsequent years, alongside the completion of 109 local basic hospitals and the ongoing construction of 336 more facilities.
The primary objective outlined is to strategically map and develop health services at local levels, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all three tiers of government in managing completed basic hospitals. A budget has been allocated for the upcoming year to facilitate the integrated operation of basic health services.
In an effort to enhance the production and distribution of essential medicines, the ministry has initiated a direct purchase system in collaboration with Nepal Aushadhi Limited, ensuring these medicines will be provided free of cost.
Minister Mehta highlighted the government’s commitment to health insurance, noting that over Rs 23 billion has been disbursed for this purpose. Coordination with relevant agencies is underway to manage the budget effectively and secure sustainable financial resources for outstanding claims. The minister also emphasized the role of information and communication technology in improving health services and service delivery.
Furthermore, she reported that private hospitals are required to allocate 10 percent of their approved bed capacity for free treatment, a provision that is being actively enforced. To enhance accountability and service quality, electronic attendance has been mandated in all federal hospitals, ensuring the presence of health workers and promoting cleanliness and service standards in government facilities.
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20- Home Minister Gurung reviewing Jhapa’s border security and elephant-affected areas
Surunga (Jhapa), July 6: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung met with the officials of the district-based security agencies to take note of the border security situation and the areas affected by wild elephants.
Home Minister Gurung, who arrived in Jhapa on Sunday night, had a meeting with Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal, Chief Superintendent of Police of District Police Office Jhapa Basundhara Khadka, Superintendent of Police of Armed Police Force Ambika Prasad Joshi and Chief of National Investigation Department in Jhapa Umesh Pandey.
During the meeting, discussions were held with the security agencies on the overall security situation of the district, border management, smuggling control, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other contemporary security challenges.
Later today, Home Minister Gurung visited the elephant-affected area of Bahundangi in Mechinagar Municipality-4.
During the travel, he also reached Santapur in Buddhashanti Rural Municipality-6, and met Aniket Chaulagain, who was injured during the Gen-Z movement, and inquired about his health condition.
Home Minister Gurung inspected the Jorsimal Checkpost of the Armed Police Force Nepal in Ittabhatta, Mechinagar Municipality-7.
He then reached the Kakarbhitta border post in Mechinagar-6 and conducted an on-site monitoring of the overall security arrangements at the border post and the passenger check-in booth. Gurung inspected the Mechi Customs Office and inquired about the revenue collection, customs management, and the movement of people through the border post.
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21- Senior Citizen Day Service Centers to be establish in 50 local levels: Minister Badi
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security, Sita Badi, has expressed her commitment to make the Senior Citizen Day Service Centers more effective in the days to come.
Responding to questions raised during the discussion on the appropriation related to her ministry in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, she said that new centers will be established in partnership in 50 local levels. “The location for the establishment of the service center will be decided based on the needs and recommendations of the local level. The ministry will prepare the necessary procedures and facilitate it.”
She mentioned that the ‘Special Protection Directive-2082’ has been approved with the goal of making Nepal a country free of street children within the upcoming fiscal year.
Minister Badi said that programs such as skills development, entrepreneurship, self-employment and access to technology, and skills testing have been launched for the economic empowerment of women. “The government is taking incidents of violence against women very seriously and sensitively,” she said, and clarified that the economic empowerment program for women and girls affected by and vulnerable to violence has been included in the budget for the new fiscal year.
An integrated law against gender-based violence will be formulated to prevent sexual exploitation against women in the name of religious, social, cultural, traditional and customary practices.
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22- New programmes being introduced in science and technology sector: Minister Pun
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, has said that the trend of going abroad would be stopped gradually if an environment to make youths active is created in the country through innovation.
Responding to queries raised in course of discussion on ‘Appropriation Bill, 2083’ in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, he shared that a separate ministry has been established after a long effort and budget in this sector is increasing.
Pun clarified that he was compelled to join politics after previous governments had given less importance to science and technology.
One per cent of capital expenditure (Rs 4 billion) has been allocated for the ministry, he said, adding he has been urging the provinces and local levels to allocated one per cent of their capital expenditure in the sector of science and technology.
The Science and Technology Minister underlined that the ministry has been making preparation for the formulation of rules and laws as well as doing an organization and management survey.
The Bill related to National Forensic Lab is under consideration and budget for Nepal Academy of Science and Technology would be increased, he viewed. “Investment in science and technology sector should be increased for country’s prosperity. Scientists and learned people who are abroad should be brought back to country. We are working on it.”
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23- ADB President Kanda calls on Finance Minister Dr Wagle
Kathmandu, July 6: Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda called on Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle today to discuss various areas of cooperation and the support being provided by the Bank to the development endeavours of Nepal.
During the meeting held at the Finance Ministry in Singha Durbar, Finance Minister Dr Wagle thanked President Kanda for the support received from the bank for Nepal’s development and urged for continued support.
According to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat, on the occasion ADB President Kanda expressed the commitment that the bank would continue to provide support for Nepal’s development with high priority.
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24- Rainfall in hilly areas of country including Kathmandu
Kathmandu, July 6: Light to moderate rain is currently taking place in various hilly areas of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.
Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said that the low-pressure line of the monsoon is currently located in the southern and western regions of Nepal, bringing rain to the regions.
Likewise, senior meteorologist Min Kumar Aryal said that there is a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in the hilly regions of the country in the next three days. Although the monsoon winds are affecting the country, the system is not very strong, so the possibility of widespread heavy rain is low.
According to the Department, light to moderate rain is currently taking place in Chitwan and Dolakha of Bagmati Province, Solukhumbu and Morang of Koshi Province, Rolpa, Arghakhanchi and Palpa of Lumbini Province, Mugu of Karnali Province, and Kailali of Sudurpaschim Province.
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25- Some bills will be tabled in parliament soon: Minister Gautam
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, has shared that the some bills would be tabled before the federal parliament within the current fiscal year.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on ‘Appropriation Bill, 2083’ in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, Minister Gautam mentioned that activities to determine the list of essential laws are underway.
She viewed that the government has given high priority in order to take the remaining process of transitional justice to a conclusion soon, adding necessary budget has been allocated for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons.
Minister Gautam clarified that the government has formed a separate fund for providing compensation to the victims, adding drafts of ‘Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons Regulations, 2083’ and ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission Regulations, 2083’ have been prepared and tabled before the council of ministers for approval.
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26- 40,500 metric tons of fertilizer supplied in 19 days
Kathmandu, July 6: Paddy transplantation has begun across the country with the onset of monsoon this year.
And farmers have not faced shortage of chemical fertilizers like in previous years. More than 40,500 metric tons of chemical fertilizers have been sold and distributed in the first 19 days of the month of Asar.
According to government data, a total of 40,569.25 metric tons of chemical fertilizers have reached farmers’ fields through Agricultural Inputs Company Limited and Salt Trading Corporation.
“In the past years, farmers were forced to suffer due to lack of chemical fertilizers during the main paddy transplanting season,” says Deepa Dahal, press and research expert to the Prime Minister. “But this time, the government has made the supply management, storage and distribution scientific and efficient, so farmers are easily getting fertilizers at the time of demand.”
Out of the total distribution, the Agricultural Inputs Company Limited has handled a large share of the distribution by supplying 26,994.65 metric tons of fertilizer while the Salt Trading Corporation has addressed the market demand by supplying 13,574.6 metric tons of fertilizer to the consumers. The fertilizers made available include urea, DAP and potash.
Press and research expert Dahal says, “The fact that nearly five thousand metric tons of fertilizer reached the hands of farmers without any obstacles on Asar 15 is in itself a strong proof of the effectiveness of the government mechanism and its accountability towards farmers. The Prime Minister’s Office is continuously monitoring and coordinating to prevent a shortage of fertilizer in the coming days as well.”
Due to timely budget assurance, preparation of the foreign procurement process, and continuous monitoring of depots in each district, the stock of chemical fertilizers has been sufficient this year.
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27- Education in top priority of govt, Minister Pokhrel says
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokhrel has said that sufficient budget was allocated in the education and sports sector since it is a top priority area of the government.
Responding to the lawmakers’ concerns on Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS in today’s National Assembly meeting, Minister Pokhrel said that the education and sports sector was prioritized with top budget on the basis of available resources in the country.
He added that Rs 218.30 billion has been allocated in the education and sports sector for the upcoming fiscal year, which is 10.28 percent of the national budget.
The Minister argued that though the budget in this sector for the upcoming fiscal year is 0.47 percent less compared to the current fiscal year, the total amount is more by Rs 7 billion.
Pokhrel was of the view that budget in the education and sports sector will be sufficient while calculating the budget of school nurse programme, teaching grant quota, laboratory and school infrastructure development relating to information and communication together.
The Education Minister stated that among the budget 69.49 percent is allocated to school education, 11.04 percent to higher education, 2.56 percent technical and vocational education and training, 1.74 percent to sports and 15.17 percent to management.
Likewise, Minister Pokhrel said that Rs 350 million has been allocated to conduct the SEE from the province-level.
Pokhrel stated that Rs 1.07 billion has been allocated for the management of smart board in all community schools that have run secondary level adding that this is a move to make a jump towards digital learning.
He also mentioned that mapping of the schools and their restructuring will be carried out in the upcoming fiscal year to merge the schools.
Minister Pokhrel opined that the universities should reduce their huge dependency on government by framing the investment modalities but added that the government would manage the minimum costs required for the universities. He also reiterated that the academic calendar will be implemented in the universities and world-class curriculum will be implemented in Nepal’s universities.
In order to encourage the athletes, the record breakers in different sports will be awarded and honoured, he said.
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28- HoR discussion on the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention
Kathmandu, July 6: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives discussed the ILO Forced Labour Convention 29 and its protocol of 2014.
In the meeting, Minister for Youth, Labor and Employment Ramji Yadav had presented a proposal seeking a general discussion on ILO Convention no. 29 and its protocol of 2014′ and ‘ILO Convention no. 81 relation to Labour Inspection.’
Responding to the questions raised during the discussion, Minister Yadav said that a plan for the implementation of the ILO convention and its protocol would be formulated after considering the suggestions received.
Minister Yadav said that the settlement of labor-related cases has gained momentum, and the process of relief, rescue and compensation has been increased. He shared that Rs. 120 million in compensation has been provided in the last three months.
Taking part in the discussion, various MPs emphasized on the effective implementation of labour laws as well as decent workplace environment for workers and an investment-friendly environment for trade and business in the country.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday.
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29- Nijgadh airport will be developed as alternative airport: Minister Poudel
Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Poudel, has said the government is active to protect and promote culture as well as for the development of tourism sector.
Responding to queries raised in course of discussion on Appropriation headings related to his ministry under Appropriation Bill, 2083 in National Assembly on Monday, Minister Poudel mentioned that the ministry has given top priority to development and expansion of the civil aviation sector.
He viewed that an arrangement would be made in coming tourism act and regulations, where one would not be allowed to climb Mt Sagarmatha without climbing mountains above 7,000 meters, adding the government is committed to reduce pressure upon Sagarmatha in coming days.
The Tourism Minister stated that more than 132,000 Indian tourists had visited Muktinath area last year, underlining that the government has emphasized on cooperation among government, private, non-government and donor agencies and diaspora to increase tourist arrival and for tourism promotion.
He clarified that the ministry plans to forward Nijgadh airport as an alternative international airport. Sharing that a tourist resting place has been constructed at the land located in Ayodhya provided by Indian government to Nepal, he expressed the belief that it would further boost Nepal-India relations.
The Tourism Minister briefed the parliament that the government has been taking diplomatic initiatives to settle ‘air route’ for Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International airports.
The NA will meet next at 12:15 pm tomorrow.
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30- ADB to provide 165 million USD loan to Nepal
Kathmandu, July 6: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide a loan of 165 million USD to the Government of Nepal.
Two separate loan agreements were signed between the Government of Nepal and the ADB at a program organized at the Ministry of Finance on Monday. The loans will be used for the modernization of drinking water, sewage management, and customs administration.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle and ADB President Masato Kanda. Finance Secretary Dr Ghanashyam Upadhyay signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Nepal while ADB Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud Cauchois signed it on behalf of the ADB.
According to the agreement, concessional loan of 115 million USD will be mobilized for the Integrated Water Supply and Sewerage Management (Sector) Project and 50 million USD policy-based loan for the modernization of customs administration, boost trade and support job creation.
The concessional loan is expected to help improve resilient water supply and sanitation services and strengthen institutional capacities in rapidly growing municipalities across Nepal. The water supply project is also expected to directly benefit more than 850,000 people in 13 municipalities.
Likewise, the policy-based loan supports subprogram 2 of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Customs and Logistics Reforms Program, building on earlier efforts to advance customs processes and develop the logistics sector in the country.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Dr. Wagle highly appreciated the support received from ADB for Nepal’s sustainable development and expressed confidence that this partnership would be further strengthened in the coming days. ADB President Kanda expressed his commitment that the bank is always ready to face internal and external economic challenges by continuing its six-decade-long cooperation with Nepal.
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31- Savings of 248 depositors of Shiva Shikhar Cooperatives refunded
Kathmandu, July 6: The Problematic Cooperatives Management Committee has refunded the savings of small depositors of Shiva Shikhar Cooperatives Limited.
Two hundred forty-eight depositors have got their savings returned, according to the committee. The cooperatives has refunded savings of 1,117 depositors so far.
In the first-phase, savings of small depositors have been returned while the savings of other depositors would be refunded after classifying depositors on the basis of the amount of the savings.
The government has clarified that the amount is being refunded to depositors after loan recovery and property management from the troubled cooperatives.
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32- ‘Caste-based discriminatory mentality responsible for stalled enlisting of Dalit surname’
Kathmandu, July 6: Stakeholders have argued that a caste-based discriminatory mentality was responsible for delayed in advancement of the enlisting of Dalit surname.
They said that the final task of enlistment has not reached the conclusion despite formal recommendation to the government for seven times.
At an interaction programme organized by Active Dalit Journalists Association-Nepal, Chairperson of National Dalit Commission, Devraj Bishwakarma, said that the task of enlistment process was affected as there were some issues after some surname of the non-Dalit community were included in the list.
He, however, said that the enlistment process has now advanced and expressed confidence that the government will take decision soon.
Likewise, Commission’s Secretary Jhanak Bahadur Khatri said that the issue is under the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Development, hoping that the government will take decision soon.
On the occasion, Commission’s Chairperson Bishwakarma stated that 62 of the complaints lodged in the Commission were cleared.
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33- Teramocs Procurement Scam: Three including then NTA Chairman Jha convicted
Kathmandu, July 6: The Special Court on Monday handed down its verdict in Teramocs Procurement Scam by convicting the then Chairman of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) Digambar Jha on the charge of corruption.
A bench of Special Court judges Hemanta Rawal, Dilliratna Shrestha and Umesh Koirala convicted the then NTA Chairman Jha and members Dhanraj Gyawali and Tika Upreti on the charge of their involvement in corruption, Court’s Information Office Parbati Hitan said.
All three convicted ones have been fined Rs 50,000 and the six months of jail sentence. For Jha, the court ordered six more months of jail sentence.
However, 17 other individuals including former Minister for Communications Mohan Bahadur Basnet were acquitted of the charges.
The then NTA Chairman Purushottam Khanal, directors Dipesh Acharya, Achyutananda Mishra, Surendra Lal Hada and other officials, suppliers and the local agent of the company were also acquitted of the charges.
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