Kathmandu, July 22: The monsoon wind has its influence throughout the country at present with the monsoon low pressure trough to its average position, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said.
According to the Division, there are chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces today. As the weather remains partly to generally cloudy throughout the country, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and the hilly regions of the country, according to the Division.
The weather is predicted to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country tonight. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain at some places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and the hilly mountainous regions of the country tonight.
The Division has forecast that there are chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces tonight.
In view of the risk of floods, landslides, and debris flow, the residents in the concerned areas have been urged to apply precautions and safety measures.
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National Assembly meeting today
Kathmandu, July 22: The National Assembly (NA) is holding its meeting at 1:15 pm today in the Federal Parliament Building.
In today’s NA meeting, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhagawati Neupane is scheduled to table the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2080 proposing to send it to the Legislation Management Committee for clausewise discussions.
Similarly, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is also scheduled to table the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2081 proposing to send the bill to the Legislation Management Committee for clausewise discussions.
Furthermore, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Minister for Home Affairs would respond to the lawmakers’ concerns to the ministries concerned.
Likewise, three parliamentary committees of the House of Representatives (HoR) are also holding their meetings today.
Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, Women and Social Welfare Committee and Education, Health and Information Technology Committee are holding their meetings today.
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43rd BP Memorial Day being marked today
Kathmandu, July 22: The 43rd Memorial Day of the first elected Prime Minister, BP Koirala, is being celebrated today by organizing various programmes across the country, recalling BP contributions to Nepal’s political, literary and social sectors.
Born on Bhadra 24, 1971 BS, Koirala passed away on Saun 6, 2039 BS. The founder of the Nepali Congress, BP Koirala, had also established his fame as a proponent of the principles of ‘nationality, democracy and socialism’ and ‘national reconciliation’. Koirala became the first elected Prime Minister of Nepal in Jestha 2016 BS after the parliamentary elections of 2015 BS.
He has also contributed significantly to the field of Nepali literature. A pioneer of psychological realism in Nepali literature, Koirala has to his credit one and a half dozen of works including ‘Tin Ghumti’, ‘Modi Aayin’, ‘Hitler Ra Yehudi’, ‘Sumnima’ and ‘Narendradai’ among others.
During his premiership, BP pushed forward the land reforms programme of abolition of birta system and the notion that the tillers should own the land.
On 1 Poush, 2017 BS, after the popularly-elected government was overthrown by then King, Koirala and other leaders were imprisoned in the Singhadarbar. A month later, he was imprisoned in Sundarijal jail along with other leaders.
Koirala, who was released from prison for health reasons in 2025 BS, lived in exile in India for eight years. After analyzing that nationality weakened while in exile and fighting for the restoration of democracy, he returned to Nepal with the policy of national unity and reconciliation on 16 Poush, 2033 BS.
The Sundarijal Prison, where the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament and Ministers of the first elected government were imprisoned, has been now transformed into the BP Museum. The museum shares a collection of important things of BP’s life. In addition to the important materials of BP’s life, the tanker used in the revolution of 2007 BS, the plane of Nepal Airlines Corporation, which was hijacked by the Nepali Congress to raise funds for the revolution in 2029, are also kept in the museum.
On the occasion of BP Memorial Day, Nepali Congress, sister organizations and BP Museum Management Committee will organize different programmes, Chief Secretary of the NC Central Office, Krishna Prasad Paudel told the RSS.
Likewise, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has organized a programme to distribute the BP Koirala National Prize, BP Museum’s Archeological Officer Bhisma Baskota said.
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72% paddy plantation completed so far this year
Kathmandu, July 22: The country recorded 72 per cent of paddy seedlings plantation till the third week of the month July, which is 12 percent point less compared to the same period of the last year.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said that paddy plantation is done in around 1 million hectares of land so far.
As per the reports collected by the ministry on Sunday, paddy plantation is happening in some parts of the country.
Ministry’s Information Officer Mahananda Joshi said paddy is usually grown on about 1.4 million hectares of land in the country.
Among the provinces, Sudurpaschim is leading with 97 percent of its target already completed, covering around 171,000 hectares of land while paddy plantation is completed in equal 88 percent of the target in Lumbini and Karnali provinces, according to Joshi.
He said the ministry has estimated that the paddy plantation is expected to reach 98 percent of the target by mid-August.
Spokesperson Joshi said the Tarai region is the most fertile and produces about 70 percent of the country’s total paddy, while the hilly regions contribute the remaining 30 percent.
During the previous Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/24, the country had witnessed a total rice production of 5.724 million metric tonnes. Unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, excessive rainfall, and droughts create adversities for paddy plantation, deferring the plantation schedule in some areas.
According to the ministry, a 10 percent change in rice production can lead to about a 1 percent change in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This year, an estimated 6 million metric tonnes of rice will be produced, yielding approximately 3.5 million metric tons of edible rice, it has been said.
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Cardamom worth Rs 7.67 billion exported from Kakadbhitta customs point
Jhapa, July 22: Altogether 4.29 million plus kilograms of cardamom worth Rs 7.67 billion was exported from the Kakadbhitta customs point in Jhapa district in the Fiscal Year 2081/82 BS, the customs office shared. Cardamom export earnings totaled Rs 7.67 billion – the highest amount received from among the exported goods from the Kakadbhitta customs point in the year.
Cardamom is a high-value product produced in the districts of the eastern hills Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Tehrathum, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur.
The cardamom produced in the hilly districts of the Koshi Province are exported to India via Kakadbhitta customs point after being processed.
Information Officer of the customs point in Kakadbhitta, Ishwar Kumar Humagain, shared that iron plate, tea, ply wood and Chhuri are the major exports followed by cardamom.
He said that iron plate worth Rs 4.42 billion and tea worth Rs 4.21 billion were exported last fiscal year from Kakadbhitta. According to Humagain, exports of tea increased by 32.5 percent in the last fiscal year compared to the previous year.
Tea, cardamom and ginger are the key cash crops produced in the hilly districts of the Koshi Province.
Likewise, a large volume of ply wood was exported in the last fiscal making it one of the top exportable goods from Nepal. Ply wood worth Rs 3.32 billion was exported from Kakadbhitta customs point.
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UML Central Committee to begin shortly
Kathmandu, July 22: The ongoing Ninth Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) is beginning at 11:00 am today at the party central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur.
The central committee members would share their views at the meeting, the party’s publicity and publications department chief Rajendra Gautam said.
Altogether 49 central committee members expressed their views on Monday, the first day of the meeting.
On Monday, the central committee members shared their opinions on the party’s statute amendment report presented by Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudel and the organizational proposal report presented by General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, both of which will be presented at the Second Statute General Convention of the party.
As shared by Gautam, the central committee members from Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces are scheduled to put forth their opinons today.
The central committee members from Gandaki Province, Madhes Province, Kathmandu Valley Special Province, and the Liaison Coordination Committee expressed their views on the reports on Monday.
The majority of central members supported the proposed amendment to the statute, which was forwarded by the party secretariat and politburo meeting.
According to Gautam, the meeting is likely to end today itself by issuing a declaration along with the contemporary issues.
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Gandaki province Chief Minister Pandey leaves for China visit 6p
Gandaki, July 22: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, today left on a week-long visit to the neighbouring country China.6p
Chief Minister Pandey is leading a five-member delegation to participate in a programme being organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-China diplomatic relations, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.6p
Chief Minister Pandey has designated Minister for Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives, Padma GC Shrestha, as the Acting Chief Minister during his absence.6p
Chief Minister Pandey was bid farewell at Pokhara International Airport by provincial government ministers and senior officials. The delegation is scheduled to return to Nepal on July 28.6p
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Nepal’s politics is built on BP’s reconciliation policy: NC President Deuba
Kathmandu, July 22: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said Nepal’s politics is built on the foundation of the national reconciliation policy adopted by BP Koirala.
The late BP Koirala is the founder of the Nepali Congress and the first people-elected Prime Minister of Nepal.
At a programme jointly organised by BP Memorial Hospital, BP Memorial Foundation and Sports Department of the Nepali Congress on the occasion of 43rd BP Memorial Day here today, NC President Deuba opined that BP Koirala’s reconciliation policy is still relevant.
He remembered that BP Koirala stood firmly in favour of democracy by sacrificing his life for the nation and the people.
“In fact, BP’s message that the country will be sovereign and prosperous only from a strong Congress and the reconciliation between national forces is still relevant,” he argued.
President Deuba mentioned that BP Koirala was of the firm opinion that national unity, country’s prosperity and social harmony are greatest things than political interest.
He stated that BP Koirala was not only a shining star of politics, but also of literature, as well as a thinker of democratic socialism.
BP’s political and literary thinking is also the guidelines for building a modern Nepal and he was always on stance that democratic system along with economic equality was indispensable to the country, added the NC President.
Deuba recalled that BP Koirala had returned to Nepal at a time when he was in exile and struggling against the then authoritarian Panchayat system from India analyzing the weakening of nationalism, adding the Nepali Congress is in present situation due to BP Koirala’s ideals and values established from his sacrifice and contribution.
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Chinese delegation pays courtesy call on PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 22: A delegation led by chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Chen Xiaodong, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today.
During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, discussions were held regarding the mutual relations between the two countries, the bilateral agreement reached at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, and the implementation of previously signed agreements on development cooperation during the high-level visits between the two countries, stated the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
On the occasion, PM Oli stated that there is a long and friendly relationship between Nepal and China, reiterating on Nepal’s commitment to the One China policy.
He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for prioritizing the construction of physical structures damaged at the border between the two countries in Rasuwagadhi due to the recent flash floods, and mentioned that the Nepali side has also expedited the necessary efforts to that end.
He emphasized the need to move forward without interruption in the operation of the Kimathangka and other border transit points with China, as well as in the projects under the ‘Belt and Road Initiative Framework’ to make Nepal land-linked from being land-locked.
Prime Minister’s chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, economic development advisor Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Chen Song were present in the meeting.
The delegation on Monday called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and discussed about the projects operated with the support of the Chinese government and those that will be implemented in the coming days.
On that occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed regarding the project related to ‘bone marrow transplantation’ at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan, and to conduct a feasibility study for the expansion of the Civil Service Hospital.
Similarly, a memorandum of understanding on human resource development between the two countries and a ‘minute’ regarding the feasibility study for the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung cross-border electricity transmission line was also signed during the meeting with the DPM and Finanec Minister Paudel on Tuesday.
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Minimum wage of workers increased by Rs 2,250
Kathmandu, July 22: The minimum wage of workers has been increased by Rs 2,250.
A meeting held between the government, employers and trade unions on July 16 had agreed to fix the minimum wage to Rs 19,550 for two years and recommended it to the government for the same.
It was recommended to the government on July 17 and published in the Nepal Gazette, the government’s official notice, on July 21. As per the Article 107 of the Labour Act, 2074, there is a provision of revising the minimum wages of workers in every two years.
This is the first time that the minimum wage of labourers was determined based on tripartite agreement. After the agreement, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, shared that it was positive to determine the minimum wages of workers on consensus as it was necessary that all sides should seriously and responsibly involve in its effective implementation.
Similarly, Coordinator of the Minimum Wages Determination Committee and Joint-Secretary at the Labour Ministry, Pradeep Koirala, opined that consensus was forged after consultation, coordination and intensive discussion for long.
Likewise, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Dhakal, shared that consensus was necessary on the matter of minimum wages to maintain a long-lasting labour relation and it was acceptable for all through flexibility from all sides.
Earlier, the minimum wage was Rs 17,300.
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President Paudel unveils National Land Cover Map of Nepal
Kathmandu, July 22: President Ramchandra Paudel has unveiled the ‘National Land Cover Map 2020/2022’ at the President House, Shital Niwas here today.
The land cover map published by the Forest Research and Training Centre under the Ministry of Forests and Environment was handed to the President by the Centre’s director Dr Rajendra KC.
On that occasion, President Paudel said that the forest cover should be maintained in the field as it is on the map and paper. He emphasized the need to adopt all kinds of measures to protect the forest from deforestation and to earn from the forest.
According to the land cover map, the forest area in the country is 46.08 percent, while in it is 58.62 percent Bagmati Province.
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New bird species recorded in Nepal
Kathmandu, July 22: A new species of bird has been recorded in Nepal from the Manohara area of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality. The bird, identified as the Siberian Sand Plover, was spotted at an altitude of 1,319 metres above sea level. Locally, it has been named ‘Siberiyali Rajputrika’.
A team of ornithologists comprising Kumud Parajuli, Supradipta Neupane, and Shatrughan Pandey first observed the bird a month ago on June 20. They photographed the bird and made a preliminary identification as a Siberian species.
According to the Nepal Bird Record Committee, further studies and consultations with international ornithologists confirmed the bird’s identity. Committee Chair Dr Tulsi Subedi stated that this identification process led to the official recognition of the species in Nepal.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Siberian Sand Plover is classified as an endangered species. Its migration patterns have shown that primarily found in Siberia, the bird later travels to countries such as China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Timor, Australia and New Zealand.
With this addition, the total number of bird species recorded in Nepal has now reached 902.
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Nepal Participates in Unistream Social Innovation Delegation in Israel
Kathmandu, July 22: A delegation from Nepal has participated in the “Unistream Social Innovation Delegation 2025,” taking place from 19-24 July in Israel. The event is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel.
The delegation brings together emerging talented individuals in the field of innovation from around the world, including participants from Nepal, South Korea, India, Serbia, and other nations, for a week-long immersion into Israel’s vibrant social innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the Embassy of Israel here stated in a press release today.
Representing Nepal in this special international delegation is Umesh Jang Rai, Team Leader for Biomedical Engineering Research and Innovation at the National Innovation Center (NIC), Kirtipur, Kathmandu. In 2022, the Embassy of Israel has established a Research &Development Hub and a full-fledged Israeli-styled high-tech classroom at the NIC to foster innovation, collaboration, and digital learning in Nepal.
Participants of the delegation have been engaging in a diverse schedule of professional visits, insightful meetings and networking opportunities with key figures of Israel’s innovation initiatives. The itinerary highlights a visit to the Israeli NGO- Save A Child’s Heart, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, the Unit 8200 Accelerator, and the Sderot Medical Center.
Delegates will also attend the Unistream Competition at Expo Tel Aviv. Besides, they will visit Kibbuttzim KFAR AZA- one of the sites of Hamas October 7 attack and meet with a survivor of the attack. Additional engagements feature meeting with prominent Israeli Innovators, visit to Technion University, DruzeTech and the Druze community, it is said.
Participants will further explore various leading social techs such as Hilma, Shalva National Center, and the PICO Kids. The experience will be complemented by cultural visits to the historic Old City of Jerusalem and Jaffa by the Mediterranean Sea, offering participants a broader understanding of Israel’s cultural and social landscape.
The visit builds upon the growing collaboration between Nepal and Israel. Just days prior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel hosted a high-level 14-member delegation from Nepal, from 12-18 July, 2025, in conjunction with Muni Expo 2025, the flagship annual event of the Federation of Local Governments of Israel.
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Development of energy sector aligns with BP’s dream for prosperous Nepal: Minister Khadka
Kathmandu, July 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has remembered the late BP Koirala as a symbol of awareness and a staunch advocate for the rights of the Nepali people.
Speaking at an event held in Sundarijal today to mark the 43rd memorial of BP Koirala, Minister Khadka said that efforts are underway to bring prosperity to the country which was the dream of BP Koirala.
“BP always prioritized party ideology, democratic values, and national interests over personal comfort and gain,” the Minister said. “The transformation of Nepalis from a ruled class to empowered citizens began with BP’s commitment and sacrifices. Despite enduring imprisonment and torture, he never wavered in his dedication to the people and the nation. He earned the people’s trust and laid a strong foundation for us to follow.”
Minister Khadka added that BP Koirala’s political philosophy clearly reflected the idea that the state is responsible for fulfilling its citizens’ basic needs. He added that BP dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation and its people.
Highlighting the connection between BP’s ideology and national development, the Minister said that the growth of the energy sector aligns with BP’s vision of a self-reliant Nepal.
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Two Chinese citizens nabbed with 2 kilo gold, Rs 2.4 million cash
Kathmandu, July 22: A team from Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has nabbed two Chinese citizens with two kilogrammes of gold and Rs 2.4 million cash.
Information Officer of the Office and Superintendent of Police, Kaji Kumar Acharya, said a 34-year-old and a 46-year-old woman from China were arrested from a hotel in Thamel.
He added that further investigation into the case was underway.
Meanwhile, police have made public two persons, who were arrested on the charge of cheating Rs 2.164 million by promising foreign employment, today.
They are Junu Rana Magar, 29, of Barpak Sulikot rural municipality-4 in Gorkha district, currently living at Kathmandu Metropolitan City-15, and Sudeep Kumar Yadav, 33, of Gulariya municipality-2 in Bardiya district, currently living at KMC-32.
Junu had taken Rs 310,000 by promising to send a person to Slovakia while Sudeep Rs 1.854 million by promising to send another person to Serbia for foreign employment. Magar and Yadav both remained out of contact.
Both of them have been sent to Department of Foreign Employment, Tahachal, for necessary investigation and action.
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NA Session: Lawmakers express concern over climate crisis and governance gaps
Kathmandu, July 22: In today’s National Assembly meeting, lawmakers raised their concerns over various pressing issues including climate change, natural disasters, and the need for inclusive governance.
During a special hour, Narayan Datta Bhatta of the Nepali Congress said that despite differing political ideologies, all parties share common goals: public service, national interest, and unity. He urged the government to address the growing crisis caused by landslides in the hills and floods in the Terai, which are severely affecting daily life. Bhatta also expressed concern over what he termed “unnecessary meddling” regarding the ‘cooling-off’ provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
Renu Chand of the CPN (Maoist Centre) questioned the delay in tabling the Integrated Election Management Bill and criticized the lack of priority given to the Social Network Bill and the School Education Bill. She advocated for a mandatory 33% candidacy provision for women in elections. “Women have contributed equally to movements that secured citizens’ rights, yet they still have to struggle for equal representation and rights,” she said.
Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) of the CPN (Unified Socialist) drew attention to Nepal’s growing vulnerability to climate change. She cited recent disasters such as flooding in Rasuwa, destruction in Dolpa, drought in the Madhesh, and the resulting food crisis as direct consequences. She urged the government to respond with comprehensive programmes involving active participation from youth and women.
“The government must move towards a disaster-resilient and climate-responsive governance system,” she asserted.
Similarly, Mohammad Khalid said that the consensus on political stability, good governance, prosperity, and constitutional amendment which was reached during the formation of the present coalition government is far from being implemented.
Even after a year of the government’s tenure, there has been no increase in employment, no significant progress in agricultural production, and public debt has been rising, he stated.
He raised the issue in Parliament about the lack of rain in Madhesh even until the first week of Saun and the extreme scarcity of irrigation and drinking water for the monsoon crops due to the drought.
Lawmakers Tula Prasad Bishwakarma, Rajendra Laxmi Gaire, Urmila Aryal, Gopal Bhattarai and Padam Bahadur Pariyar voiced their concern on several issues of public concern and drew the government’s attention towards addressing them.
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BP Koirala eulogized as influential political leader
Kathmandu, July 22: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has stated that the ideology of democratic socialism embraced by BP Koirala holds not only national relevance but also global significance.
Speaking at an interaction programme on “BP as the Foundation for National Development and People’s Progress”, jointly organized today by BP Memorial Hospital, BP Memorial Foundation, and the Sports Department of the Nepali Congress, Dr Koirala argued that the country continues to be guided by BP Koirala’s ideology. The event was held to mark the 43rd death anniversary of BP Koirala.
“It is often claimed that the Nepali Congress has deviated from BP’s ideology, but that is not true. Even today, the nation moves forward based on BP’s idea of democratic socialism,” he said, adding that BP Koirala had earned international recognition for his political philosophy.
Dr. Koirala also took the opportunity to urge the Nepali Congress President to take the initiative in withdrawing the ‘take and pay’ provision related to the ‘cooling-off’ period in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwaprakash Sharma underscored the urgency of resolving the dispute surrounding the ‘cooling-off’ clause, asserting that the current coalition government must act decisively to meet the aspirations of the people.
Similarly, NC Spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat and Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel praised BP Koirala’s political ideology, which they said centered on democratic values, economic prosperity, socialism, and pluralism.
“Nepal’s political history began with the history of the Nepali Congress,” Minister Paudel added.
Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary stressed the importance of internalizing BP’s thoughts to guide the country toward sustainable development.
BP Memorial Hospital Chairperson Umesh Jung Rayamajhi highlighted BP Koirala’s contributions to the fields of education, literature, and healthcare, stating that these sectors remembered for his lifelong service to society.
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NA members draw government’s attention for resolving drinking water problem
Kathmandu, July 22: Lawmakers have drawn attention of the government to resolve the drinking water crisis of in the Tarai.
Speaking in an emergency hour of today’s National Assembly meeting, they demanded to address the problems invited due to crisis of drinking water.
On the occasion, Ananda Prasad Dhungana, pointed out the need of resolving the drinking water problems in a long-term manner, not only for the time being.
“Land areas remain barren. There is a situation where the people of Tarai will not get even drinking water. A long-term plan should be made to end such problem,” he added.
Similarly, Shekhar Kumar Singh mentioned that it was necessary to address the problem of drought as it is not only the problem of Madhes and it might be seen from Mechi to Mahakali in coming days.
“The federal government should make arrangement of drinking water and irrigation facility as soon as possible,” he argued.
Lawmakers stress on arresting corruption
Lawmakers speaking in a meeting of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, have emphasized that the government should be serious about controlling corruption, citing the increasing incidents of financial irregularities and corruption in recent time.
Uday Bahadur Bohora has demanded the resignation of Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari, stating that audio evidence has already been made public indicating his involvement in corrupt activities. Bohora has called for an impartial investigation into this matter.
Kamala Panta expressed objection, stating that the proposal for amendment of the committee’s rules submitted by the members of the Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee has not been heard. She emphasized the need to make the committee effective and sustainable.
Likewise, lawmakers Jagat Bahadur Parki, Durga Gurung, Narayan Datta Mishra, Bhuwan Sunar, Madan Kumari Shah ‘Garima’, Mohammad Khalid, Yubaraj Sharma, Rajenra Laxmi Gaire, and Suresh Kumar Ale Magar aired their views on several issues of public concern.
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Five bridges along Bheri Corridor will be built within two years: Minister Dahal
Kathmandu, July 22: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has said five bridges, out of 13, under the Jajarkot-Dolpa section of the Bheri Corridor will be built by the next two years.
In his reply to a query from lawmaker Maya Prasad Sharma in a meeting of the National Assembly (NA), the Minister assured this.
“By this period, the bridge above the Jhimri Khola (Stream), Nalagad Stream, Chaukha Stream, Tatra Stream and Tatu Stream will be constructed,” he said.
As the Minister informed the Upper House, YP Construction Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the contract in 2068 BS (2011–12) to construct the bridge above Bheri River along the Pushpalal Highway (Mid-Hill Highway), connecting Rukum West and Jajarkot, with a completion deadline of three years.
However, progress has been minimal with a single pillar and a few towers have been built so far. Additionally, under the Bheri Corridor that connects Chhinchu to Dolpa, 13 bridges, including one at Pasagad, are required to be constructed along the Jajarkot–Dolpa road section.
According to the Minister, the company’s failure to progress the bridge construction on Bheri led to the termination of the contract with the recommendation to the Public Procurement Monitoring Office for blacklisting the company on November 29, 2014.
The first attempt for the subsequent contract management through the bidding turned failed as the quoted amount was higher than the estimated cost, and in the second attempt, no bidders approached,” he said.
Now, the process is going on to review the cost estimation and the project is expected to resume in the current fiscal year 2082/83 B.S. (2025/26 A.D.) following the contract management.
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Amnesty International (AI) releases new report on homelessness in Nepal
Kathmandu, July 22: The Amnesty International (AI) has today released a new report entitled “‘Nowhere to go’: Forced evictions in Nepal”.
This report presents the findings of AI’s research into forced evictions in Nepal, focusing on five evictions that took place between 2020 and 2024.
The report highlights the ‘devastating impact’ on already marginalized communities, including Dalits and Indigenous Peoples, which are disproportionately affected by the forced evictions, the AI said in a press release.
It also reveals what it called the authorities’ failure to uphold legal safeguards and address gaps in regulations needed to implement provisions in the Constitution and the 2018 Right to Housing Act that are aimed at preventing forced eviction.
“There is an ever-widening gap between the legal protections promised in Nepal’s constitution and the reality for marginalized communities in the country, who continue to live in fear of being evicted with no due process, no regard for their precarious circumstances and no hope of compensation to help rebuild their lives elsewhere,” said Nirajan Thapaliya, Director at Amnesty International Nepal.
“The authorities are failing in their legal duty to protect the rights of the landless, some of the most vulnerable in society.”
The report focuses on emblematic cases of forced evictions between 2020 and 2024 that took place across Nepal including in Kathmandu, Siraha, Sunsari, Jhapa and Kailali districts.
Together they represent diverse regions and types of eviction. In some cases, evictions took place as a result of development projects in urban settings, in others forced evictions were carried out in conservation areas in community forests and national parks, the report points out.
Other government failures include the failure to uphold specific protections for groups vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization, such as older people, children and persons with disabilities. In addition, authorities failed to follow procedures stipulated by the Lands Act relating to the identification and verification of landless Dalits and residents of informal settlements.
Moreover, authorities also failed to engage the affected communities in a process of genuine consultations prior to the evictions and provide them with adequate notice, requirements set forth both in Nepal’s Right to Housing Act and international human rights standards.
“The Nepali authorities must safeguard the right to adequate housing, end the practice of forced eviction and ensure due process when evictions are deemed necessary. Without urgent and coordinated action to implement the right to adequate housing and establish regulatory frameworks, the cycle of forced evictions and human rights violations in Nepal will persist,” said Nirajan Thapaliya.
The research draws on field investigations conducted during two research trips to Kailali, Siraha, Sunsari and Jhapa districts in 2024, alongside sustained documentation and advocacy efforts by AI Nepal through its partner civil society organisations, the Amnesty International stated.
The five eviction cases documented in the research are: Kusum Khola, Madi Municipality of Chitwan district (18 July 2020); Chaukidanda, Ghodaghodi Municipality, Kailali district (1 May 2021); Thapathali, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu district (28 November 2022); Purano Airport Area, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, Kailali district (23June 2024); and Bhajani, Bhajani Municipality, Kailali district (25 June 2024).
The research featured 16 focus group discussions and 15 individual interviews, including interviews with officials from federal authorities such as the Land Issue Resolving Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, as well as provincial and local authorities.
The report also incorporates recommendations to the Government of Nepal, to the federal, provincial and local government, to the national human rights institutions, to the parliamentary committees and to the judiciary.
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‘Social Networking Sites should be made balanced, responsible’
Kathmandu, July 22: National Assembly Vice Chairperson Bimala Ghimire has stressed the need of a regulatory system to make social networking sites balanced, responsible and transparent and human rights friendly.
At a programme ‘Discussion on the bill designed to operate, use and regulation of social networking sites-2081’ organised by Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) here today, Ghimire shared that it was necessary to regulate the social networking sites through the bill rather than controlling it.
“The use of social networking sites has become an integral power of information, communication, ideology and movement,” she mentioned, adding it was our shared responsibility to develop a fair, transparent, responsible and human rights friendly regulatory system rather than completely banning it.
The NA Vice-Chairperson urged to discuss on all aspects of the bill in the committee and table in the parliament as the inclusive, democratic and responsible bill by incorporating the suggestions of stakeholders and experts as well as international practices.
Stating that the bill has incorporated appropriate legal provisions, she expressed the belief that cybercrime taking place through the use of social networking sites could be controlled once the bill comes as an act.
Similarly, Chairperson of Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Kamala Panta, Chairperson of legislative Management Committee, Tulasa Kumari Dahal and Chairperson of Public Policy and Delegated Committee, Maya Prasad Sharma put forth their views on the occasion.
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