- Friday, 15 May 2026
Kathmandu, May 15: Emphasis has been laid on active and meaningful participation of all bodies concerned to make arrears clearance and financial governance effective.
An annual report for fiscal year 2081/82 recently released by Arrears Settlement Monitoring Committee formed under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal states that although a policy was adopted to keeping financial governance in centre, no expected achievement was gained in lack of expected participation and activeness of stakeholders.
The report stressed the need of increasing cooperation and collaboration among all bodies keeping arrears settlement in priority in coming days.
As per the 62nd annual report of the Office of the Auditor General, out of total audit carried out in 2080/81, the arrears stood at Rs 91.59 billion, which was more by 9.45 per cent as compared to the previous year.
The report stresses on the strict implementation of laws, rules and criteria to make use of public funds, financial accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline.
The Committee pointed out the need of meaningful use of allocated budget, strengthening effective monitoring and auditing system to reduce arrears.
It also requested the bodies concerned to responsibly shoulder the financial responsibilities to make arrears settlement systematic, result-oriented, and adopt fiscal discipline and financial responsibility.
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19- Jurisdiction for newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
Kathmandu, May 15: The government has formed a new ministry focusing on science, technology and innovation by allocating specific jurisdiction and targeted areas. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has been formally established as per Government of Nepal (Division of Work) Regulations, 2083 BS, which was decided by the Council of Ministers on 13th May and published in the Nepal Gazette.
The government’s decision to advance the science and technology sector through a separate ministry is seen in connection with the long-term development strategy of the state to advance in line with the latest development of science and technology across the country. Currently, Prime Minister Balendra Shah is holding the responsibility of this ministry.
The newly formed ministry has been given the authority to develop policies, laws and standards related to science, technology and innovation. Likewise, it has been arranged that the responsibility of scientific research, space science and astronomy related studies and research will also be under this ministry.
The government has stated that the ministry has been formed with the aim of institutionalizing the discovery, research, innovation, promotion and development of science and technology. According to which, the Ministry will collect, process, survey and set standards for science and technology related data. Similarly, the responsibility of establishing, managing and regulating the statistical system related to the quality and use of nuclear technology and radioactive materials has also been assigned to the new ministry.
This ministry will also look after the use, promotion, control and regulation of biological and nuclear technology. Ozone layer study, solar radiation measurement and information flow, calibration and verification of scientific equipment, use and regulation of chemical substances are also included in the scope of the ministry.
The government has also prioritized the management of nuclear energy and nuclear materials. The Ministry will discover, recover and manage nuclear materials and waste resources and will also be responsible for policies, laws, standards, implementation and regulation related to nuclear energy.
Matters related to Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Nepal Forensic Science Laboratory, Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum will also be under this ministry. Innovation, technological development and industrial modernization have also been kept as top priorities of the ministry.
The ministry has been given the responsibility of studying, researching and using the latest concepts such as ‘Industry 4.0’ and ‘Industry 5.0’ in the industry and business sector from the development, improvement and use of goods and services, processes, technology and design.
Similarly, the Ministry has also assigned the authority to draft and sign treaties, agreements, contact and coordinate with national and international organizations related to science and technology. Since the science and research sector in Nepal has been affected by lack of budget, policy ambiguity and the problem of skilled manpower migration for a long time, it is expected that the targeted results could be achieved in this sector after the formation of the new ministry.
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20- Office of Auditor General submits annual report to President Paudel
Kathmandu, May 15: The annual report of the Auditor General for the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25) has been submitted to President Ramchandra Paudel.
Auditor General Toyam Raya presented the report to the President at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
On the occasion, President Paudel expressed concern over the increasing arrears and stressed the need for public bodies to maintain accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline.
“The officials of the public bodies should be more accountable to move towards maintaining financial discipline by eliminating arrears,” he said. President Paudel expressed his confidence that the country’s aspirations for stability, peace, good governance, development and prosperity would be fulfilled if economic discipline is maintained by discouraging wasteful expenditure.
The Head of the State also expressed confidence that the contents of the report would inspire the relevant bodies and stakeholders to be more accountable.
President Paudel emphasized that while the role of the Office of the Auditor General will be important in maintaining fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency while reducing financial irregularities, the office should be more active towards enhancing institutional capacity, professional interest and maintaining internal governance in the future.
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21- Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line construction gets momentum
Kathmandu, May 15: Construction of ‘400 kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Duhabi transmission line, which was obstructed due to dissatisfaction of locals since long, has started again.
The construction of the project has been accelerated after the initiative of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The construction of the project was halted due to compensation issues and land dispute.
Tower construction of the transmission line has moved ahead after land-owners accepted the compensation following continuous discussions and coordination, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority.
The project was affected for years due to obstruction of tower construction at Hatiya area in Hetauda under transmission line, which was started in 2012.
Out of 288-kilometer project, 154-kilometer Dhalkebar-Inaruwa section has already come into operation. However, construction of 134-kilometer Hetauda-Dhalkebar section faced delay due to compensation dispute.
Out of 14 towers to be constructed at Hetauda area, three have been constructed so far. Similarly, activities are underway to erect two towers and construction of remaining structures has reached final phase, added NEA.
Officiating Executive Director of the NEA, Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, mentioned that activities are underway to distribute land compensation.
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22- Drivers of 17 vehicles booked for operating vehicles with poor mechanical condition
Kathmandu, May 15: The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office (KVTPO) has booked drivers of 17 vehicles for operating vehicles in poor mechanical condition.
The action was taken against the drivers as part of a vehicles special checking campaign to reduce vehicle accidents and make road safety effective in the Kathmandu Valley.
The KVTPO conducted a special vehicle checking in the entrance area of Tribhuvan University (TU) in Kirtipur. According to the traffic police, during the campaign, the technical and mechanical condition of 47 vehicles was tested and 17 vehicles were found not meeting the required standards.
According to the Valley Traffic Police, during the inspection, handbrakes were missing in some vehicles, lights were damaged, tires were over-drawn and other technical problems were seen.
Spokesperson of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Police Superintendent Naresh Raj Subedi, said that operation of vehicles in poor mechanical condition is becoming a serious challenge for road safety therefore immediate action was taken against the drivers operating such vehicles.
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23- Minister calls for an end to wastage of excess electricity for lack of transmission line
Kathmandu, May 15: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has said that the situation of electricity being wasted due to the lack of transmission lines should come to an end.
Minister Shrestha stated this today during an inspection of the central office of the National Transmission Grid Company Limited.
“The situation where the excess electricity produced goes to waste due to the lack of transmission lines must end; the government is with you, work effectively to achieve results,” Minister Shrestha said on the occasion.
He stated that the construction of transmission infrastructure is the government’s main priority for the overall energy development of the country.
On the occasion, Minister Shrestha instructed the company to move forward with a clear vision and achieve the targeted goals on time. He clarified that there should be no shortage of budget or skilled personnel required for the company’s performance. He urged the employees to work with high morale and assured that the government would provide all necessary support.
On the occasion, Sagar Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transmission and Grid Company, stated that the Company is working to develop Nepal’s hydropower sector and ensure energy security.
Ministry’s Energy Secretary Chiranjivi Chataut, Administration Branch Chief Rudra Singh Tamang, among other officials, accompanied the Minister during the inspection visit.
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24- Coordinator Shah calls for positive dialogue
Kathmandu, May 15: A taskforce formed to prepare discussion paper for constitution amendment has called Gen Z representatives for positive dialogue.
Making clear on some confusions surfaced in the issue of discussion scheduled for today with the Gen Z representatives, the taskforce coordinator called for positive discussion.
Taskforce Coordinator Asim Shah shared that the main purpose of the taskforce is to give completion to the discussion paper incorporating the suggestions of all stakeholders, adding Gen Z representatives are invited for the discussion for this purpose.
Coordinator Shah made it clear after some Gen Z representatives expressed their dissatisfaction over the issues signed with erstwhile government in the context when they are called for discussion at 5:00 pm today. Stating that the past agreements signed with erstwhile government are in the phase of implementation, he argued that formation of Gen Z Council has reached final stage. Coordinator Shah urged the Gen Z representatives not to mix today’s meeting with other issues as the meeting has been called with a special and different purpose of gathering suggestions for constitution amendment.
Coordinator Shah requested all invited Gen Z representatives to participate in the discussion thinking their rights and responsibility. The taskforce had started consultation with stakeholders from April 8.
It has already held discussion with constitution experts, former administrators and experts of communications sector as well as would hold consultation with other stakeholders in coming days.
The taskforce comprising representatives of different political parties stressed the meaningful participation of Gen Zs to ensure ownership of all classes and communities in the constitution.
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25- UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal Yahia calls on President Paudel
Kathmandu, May 15: The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Nepal, Ms Lila Pieters Yahia has paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday.
According to the President’s Office, during the meeting held at the President’s Office Sheetal Niwas, they discussed issues including increasing mutual cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations.
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26- Arrears reach Rs 755 billion; Rs 88.09 billion added in a year
Kathmandu, May 15: Total arrears of the country have reached Rs 755 billion.
It is stated in the Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS submitted to President Ramchandra Paudel today.
The Office of the Auditor General, also the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Nepal, audited accounts worth Rs 9484.5 billion of the federal, provincial, and local levels, organized institutions, and other agencies and committees designated by federal law in the fiscal year 2081/82.
According to Auditor General Toyam Raya, the accounts and related statements of 179 offices and agencies/bodies were not submitted due to the Uprising and events on September 8-9 last year so financial audits of Rs 147.9 billion were not conducted.
The audit revealed arrears of theoretical nature amounting to Rs Rs 88.09 billion requiring various policy and systemic improvements. He informed that federal government offices have arrears of Rs 53.49 billion, provincial offices Rs 5.23 billion, local level offices Rs 19.05 billion, and committees and other institutions Rs 10.32 billion.
From the examination of past arrears and settlements carried out this year, an amount equivalent to Rs 14.63 billion has been recovered. This year audits were conducted for 3,050 federal ministries and agencies amounting to Rs 2917.95 billion.
Audits of 1,124 provincial ministries and agencies totaling Rs 320.30 billion, and local level amounting to Rs 1100.92 billion have been completed. Likewise, audits totaling to Rs 9484.5 billion, including that of 577 committees and other agencies totaling Rs 447.77 billion, and of 44 institutions designated by federal law for 54 fiscal years amounting to Rs 4688.96 billion, were undertaken, the Auditor General informed.
The Ministry of Finance has been found with the highest arrears which accounts for 70.37 percent, the OAG Report stated. Likewise, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport ranks second followed by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
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27- Third quarterly review of Monetary Policy unveiled; Major policy arrangements remain unchanged
Kathmandu, May 15: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has unveiled its third quarterly review of the Monetary Policy for the current fiscal year 2082/83, keeping most policy arrangements unchanged.
The central bank has stated that it has continued the course of flexible monetary policy adopted since the beginning of the current fiscal year, considering the foreign exchange reserves and the projections according to the inflation target, as well as the situation of low economic growth.
According to the review, the existing arrangements regarding the interest rate corridor, bank rate, cash reserve requirement (CRR), and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) have been kept unchanged.
However, the provisions related to Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) provided to banks and financial institutions will be reviewed to make the interest rate corridor more effective, the central bank noted.
Based on the preliminary estimate of the National Statistics Office, Nepal’s economic growth rate for the current fiscal year is expected to be 3.85 percent, the central bank stated. The share of investment in total gross domestic product (GDP), according to the central bank, has increased in the current fiscal year.
Gradual improvement in aggregate demand is expected with the expansion of wholesale and retail trade, domestic and foreign tourism, hydropower, financial and insurance sectors, transport and storage, and information technology sectors.
As the government has prioritized administrative, economic, and legal reforms, continuity in the current monetary policy direction is expected to help increase investment and support the expansion of economic activities.
The central bank has indicated a risk of upward pressure on prices due to global geopolitical tensions albeit inflation remains below the target. The average consumer inflation up to the third quarter of the current fiscal year has stood at 2.39 percent, and the annual average inflation is projected to remain within the targeted limit.
In this context, the central bank has stated that the current account, net positions, and foreign exchange reserves are on the rise due to a significant increase in remittance inflows. However, since nearly 40 percent of remittances in Nepal come from West Asia, it has been noted that ongoing tensions in that region could put pressure on remittance inflows, trade deficits, and foreign exchange reserves.
According to the review, although non-performing loans of banks and financial institutions have slightly increased, it is expected that with improvements in economic activity, repayment of such loans will also improve.
The central bank has stated that as of the end of Chaitra 2082 (mid-April 2026), the ratio of primary capital and capital fund to risk-weighted assets is within regulatory standards, indicating overall financial stability. The financial system has maintained a highly liquid state for the past three years, noting that such circumstances could have an impact on macroeconomic indicators, the review report stated.
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28- One dies, two taken ill after consuming wild mushroom
Bharatpur, May 15: A child died after consuming wild mushroom in Chitwan district today. The victim was 6-year-old Namuna Chepang.
Namuna and her family members had eaten a curry made of wild mushroom on Tuesday evening. She was a Grader II student at the Rastriya Secondary School, Hattibang. Sajan Chepang and Manita Chepang were also taken ill after consuming the wild mushroom.
Namuna’s lifeless body has been brought at Bharatpur Hospital for postmortem, Chitwan.
After the villagers got information about the tragic incident on Friday morning, they brought Sajan and Manita to the hospital for treatment, said School Principal, Lok Bahadur Magar.
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29- Japanese Ambassador pays courtesy call on Speaker
Kathmandu, May 15: Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Maeda Toru, has paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal today. During the meeting held at the Speaker’s Office in Singha Durbar, discussion featured the topics like long-term friendly relations between Nepal and Japan, mutual cooperation and bilateral interest.
In the meeting, Speaker Aryal reminded that he would play a role to make Nepal-Japan ties stronger, deeper and result-oriented during his term. He appreciated Japan’s support to Nepal in sectors of infrastructure, education and technology and hoped such cooperation would continue further in the coming days. Information on the meeting was shared by the Speaker Aryal’s personal secretariat.
Ambassador Toru reciprocated that Japan values greatly its relations with Nepal and pledged strengthening of mutual cooperation between the two countries in the days ahead.
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30- Israeli Ambassador calls on Vice President Yadav
Kathmandu, May 15: Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, called on Vice President Ramsahaya Prasad Yadav at the latter’s office in Lainchaur today.
The meeting featured the topics like bilateral relations, economic cooperation, labour migration, education, training and so on, it is said.
The Vice-President said Nepal and Israel observe deep ties based on friendship, goodwill, mutual understanding and support since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on June 1, 1960. Suggesting limitless potential for the expansion of assistance in the areas of economy, trade, tourism and investment, the Vice-President expressed his belief that both nations could reap mutual benefits through the identification and utilisation of such opportunities.
He thanked Israel government for ensuring job opportunities to Nepali workers and informed Nepal highly acknowledges the continuity of scholarship schemes, vocational trainings and capacity-enhancement programmes provided by Israel to the Nepali students and professionals.
“The support that Israel has handed to Nepal in the areas of education, agriculture, cooperative development, police and military training are commendable,” the Vice President said, adding that the collaboration especially for agriculture technology, research and capacity development would play a vital role in modernizing Nepal’s agriculture sector and improving food security. He also hinted at the abundant possibilities for collaboration in the university, research and innovation systems of both nations.
Stating that Nepal and Israel continue to maintain close collaboration and support in various regional and international forums including the United Nations, the Vice- President expressed his hope that such constructive support would further strengthen in the days to come.
Nepal which is closely observing the latest developments in the West Asia is always committed to the principles of peaceful co-existence and continuously supports efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and mutual understanding.
The Ambassador shared Israel’s willingness to support Nepal’s agriculture, beekeeping and pisciculture. He said various Nepalis had acquired skills in Israel under the ‘Learn and Earn’ programme implemented by the Government of Israel, adding that such skilled workforce is now engaged in Nepal’s various sectors.
He shared that Israel wishes to provide work opportunities for Nepalis in the future as well, while extending technical support in various areas.
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31- Minister Dr Timilsina underlines responsible journalism
Kathmandu, May 15: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has assured that government would not take any move that breaches the fundamental rights of citizens like freedom of press and expression.
“Government is fully aware that press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democratic system. However, it is for the initiatives to make media sector more responsible, dignified and professional,” he reminded a delegation of Sancharika Samuha, a group of women journalists at the Ministry, Singh Durbar today.
The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to press freedom. But it is imperative for media and citizens both to realize responsibility while exercising freedom of expression. “Media carries social responsibility when it exercises freedoms. Sensitivity in news production and presentation is equally vital,” he viewed.
According to the Minister, the media sector has witnessed a host of challenges in recent times, and the Ministry is serious for reform in entire communication field. “For this to happen, cooperation between the organizations working for journalists’ rights and the State is necessary so that journalism could be made further credible, dignified and professional,” he said, underlining urgency of fact-based and responsible journalism to boost democratic system.
In his observation, some media were presenting content on women, children and social issues in a very reckless and insensitive manner, which he asserted, would create negative impact on social psychology. “The growing trend of sensational and insensitive media presentation on sensitive issues needs to be eliminated,” he urged the media persons. The journalism requires further responsibility also in the wake of increasing influence of content produced and disseminated via social media and digital platforms. The recent trend of click bait, inflated presentation and spread of baseless information are sheer digression from journalistic norms and code of conduct, the essential canon of journalism.
The Minister however pledged efforts to enforce the provisions relating to minimum wage of journalists as mentioned in the Working Journalists Act. The Ministry was for ending the trend of non-payment to working journalists. The problems of unsafe environment and violation of labour rights at media houses would be addressed gradually. Minister Timilsina informed that the government was for making the distribution of government advertisement systematic, transparent and standard. The trend of distributing advertisements based on one’s undue access should be ended, he reminded.
Chairperson of the Sancharika Samuha, Kamala Panthi, shared the problems faced by media sector in the country of late. The profession was getting unsafe. Many journalists were reporting that they were unpaid by the media houses, while the female journalists are bound to work in an increasingly hostile situation.
She sought government’s seriousness against discrimination against female journalists. Issues of workplace risk and online harassment also warrant attention. Panthi also complained that some media outlets were presenting news in an exaggerated and sensational manner, thereby belittling women rights and dignity.
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32- Demand of effective monitoring of nighttime business
Gandaki, May 15: The tourism-related organisations in Pokhara City, including the Hotel Association here, have demanded an effective monitoring of late-night commercial activities.
A delegation led by Hotel Association, Pokhara visited Kaski’s Chief District Officer Rudra Devi Sharma on Friday and handed over a memorandum to her to this regard. The memorandum sought stricter inspection and control of ‘malpractices’ being carried out in the name of after-hours business.
The delegation urged the District Administration to ensure an effective implementation of a 42-point code of conduct related to the nighttime business. The code of conduct was issued on March 17, 2024, allowing the operation of business for 24 hours provided they comply with the regulations
It was argued in the letter of attention that there was poor implementation of the code of conduct, resulting in increasing noise pollution and irregularities, and even posing a security threat. The authority has been demanded shut down such businesses after 2:00 am.
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33- NAC owes over 55 billion to EPF, CIT
Kathmandu, May 15: The total amount of loans owed by Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Citizens Investment Trust (CIT) has reached Rs 55.47 billion. It includes both principle and interests. The loans were taken to purchase airbuses.
It was stated in the 63rd annual report of the Office of the Auditor General.
The national-flag carrier had in 2013 taken a loan of Rs 22 billion from the EPF and Rs 12 billion from the CIT in 2018 to purchase A-320 and A-330 aircrafts. Now, it owes Rs 31.33 billion to the EPF and Rs 21.12 billion to the CIT.
The loans were secured under the government guarantees.
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34- Cost of national pride projects soars to Rs 2415 billion
Kathmandu, May 15: A government report has revealed that the national pride projects which were forwarded to involve people in the development process and ensure rapid economic development have failed to deliver as per expectation.
The 63rd report of the Office of Auditor General (OAG) disclosed that the government has invested Rs 504.55 billion in national pride projects. So far, only three of these projects have been completed. The annual document paints a grim picture on the status of 27 national pride projects compared to the investments on these.
The revised estimated cost of the national pride projects now stands at Rs 2415.69 billion. Of these projects, only the Gautam Buddha International Airport, the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project and the Pokhara Regional International Airport have been completed.
Five projects have achieved 80 percent or above physical progress. Four projects have made 50 to 80 percent progress. The number of projects recording less than 50 percent progress stands at nine, while four have no physical progress at all and two others are awaiting start.
There is no mention of the progress made by the Pashupati Area Development Trust, which was scheduled to be completed by the fiscal year 2078/79, according to the annual report. Most of the projects have been extended repeatedly but not completed within the stipulated time. It has dashed the achievements as per investment. Strict implementation of project timeline is pointed out by the OAG report.
Recurring extension of projects is an entrenched problem. It has resulted in increasing cost, questioning overall effectiveness.
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35- Seventh edition of Janakapur Literature Festival begins
Mahendranagar (Dhanusha), May 15: The seventh edition of the ‘Janakpur Literary Festival’ commenced in Janakpur on Friday.
Chief of Madhes Province, Dr Surendra Labh Karna, inaugurated the event at the Janakpur-based Mahendranarayan Nidhi Building. The event is organised by the Mithila Foundation.
On the occasion, the Province Chief was of the view that the festival has its significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of the language, literature, art and culture of the Mithila region. Describing the literature as a reflection of society, he said such event would contribute to connecting young generations to their traditional customs, art and culture.
Litterateurs, writers, artists, journalists and intellectual personalities are attending the three-day programme which features open discourses on various issues spanning good governance and tourism to heritage conservation. Poetry recitations, cultural presentations, and literary interactions are included in the festival.
The festival which is considered as a significant forum for promoting language, literature and culture will see panel discussions on 13 topics which include ‘Janakpur’s Connectivity and Future of Tourism’, and ‘Nepali Feminist Writing: Struggle to Creations’, among others.
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36- SC denies interim order on Lalibazaar film
Kathmandu, May 15: The Supreme Court (SC) has refused to issue an interim order in a writ petition filed, demanding that Nepali film Lalibazaar not to be released.
A division bench comprising SC Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Sunil Kumar Pokharel on Friday upheld the order issued by the High Court, Patan.
Earlier, the High Court had denied issuing an order as demanded by a petitioner, clearing the obstruction for film screening. One Roshani Nepali had approached the court, seeking to halt the film’s release. “The SC has endorsed the High Court’s verdict on the Lalibazaar,” said SC Joint-Spokesperson Nirajan Pandey.
Film producer Max Dipesh Khatri claimed that the film contains no scenes or dialogues capable of hurting the sentiments or dignity of any community or class. The film revolves around the story of a mother and daughter from the Badi Community.
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37- Every citizen in Karnali deserves insurance service: CM Kandel
Kankrebihar (Surkhet), May 15: Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamalal Kandel, has said every citizen in Karnali deserves insurance facility. “Insurance should be established as a scheme of friend to the needy people,” CM Kandel said at a programme organized by the Nepal Insurance Authority in Birendranagar on Friday.
People in the remote parts of Karnali Province have no access to insurance service, so it needs expansion, he said, adding that the positive aspiration of Karnali people to insurance should be addressed. According to him, insurance scheme can attract more people once the institutions and individuals providing financial services are trustworthy and financially disciplined.
He urged the Authority to provide prompt services to Karnali people with simplified payment process. The CM shared information that the Karnali Province government has introduced group accident insurance in order to address the loss of lives and property in natural disasters. An agreement was signed between the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers and the National Insurance Company Limited to forward the scheme for a year.
In the agreement period of one year, over 1.6 million citizens from Karnali Province are covered by the insurance scheme. Rs 200 thousands have been determined as per person insurance amount. Total insurance premium the Office of the Chief Minister is going to pay Rs 15.7 million, according to CM Kandel.
The families covered by the insurance scheme can claim it in case of the loss of family members in natural disasters. The concerned households, however, should apply within 35 days of the accident to secure insurance. If the 35-day time is missed, there is provision to claim it within 180 days upon the recommendation of the concerned office, District Administration Office or the local government after furnishing logical explanation for the delay.
One must be a permanent resident of Karnali Province to avail this safety scheme. Importantly, the permanent citizens of Karnali who die due to natural disasters anywhere in the country have also been covered in this facility.
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38- SC orders banker Pande’s release
Kathmandu, May 15: The Supreme Court on Friday issued an order to release Jyoti Prakash Pande, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd.
In response to the habeas corpus writ petition, a division bench of Justices Sharanga Subedi and Shanti Singh Thapa issued the order to release Pande on bail date.
After CEO Pande was arrested by Central Bureau of Nepal Police over the Smart Telecom case three days back, Pande’s spouse, Niru Dahal, had filed a petition a day later, arguing that he was held illegally.
With this investigation into Pande would be forwarded without taking him in detention.
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39- NDFN hails sign language interpretations of parliamentary sessions
Kathmandu, May 15: The National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN) has welcomed the introduction of sign language in the live telecast of the Federal Parliament sessions starting from May 11. It has called on all the stakeholders concerned to extend further cooperation in increasing the deaf community’s access to information and communications.
In a press statement issued on Friday, NDFN stated that the use of sign language in live broadcasting of the parliamentary sessions was expected to improve the deaf community’s access to information related to parliamentary business, including government’s policies and programmes, budget, lawmaking process, and discussions on issues of national importance and contemporary significance.
It has recalled that the inclusion of sign language interpretation in such broadcast was a long demand of the Federation itself. NDFN also thanked the Speaker of the House of Representatives for initiating the service, congratulating the entire deaf community on the occasion.
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