Author: space4knews

April 15, Kathmandu – CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey has questioned the rationale behind leftist unity. Reflecting on past unification efforts, he noted that discussions on leftist unity have resurfaced, prompting skepticism. Commenting on the initial alliance between CPN-UML and the then Maoists, Pandey described it as motivated by positional gains and personal interests, and raised questions about the purpose of unity going forward.

“Some of our comrades, citing a crisis in leadership, are once again scrambling for ‘left unity,’” he said. “Yesterday, unity was forged for attaining positions; today, perhaps, it is to preserve their waning existence. But is party unity meant to uphold clear principles and ideology, or simply to fulfill the interests of a few individuals?” Pandey emphasized that instead of focusing on unity alone, it is crucial to consider how to strengthen CPN-UML’s cohesion.

He stressed that unity without shared ideology and clear objectives is meaningless and called for party reconstruction that incorporates capable and skilled individuals, especially youth. “We have bitterly experienced the failure of unity based on no ideological foundation in the past. Remaining silent was our mistake then, but staying quiet now would be a grave folly,” he stated. “We must summon the courage to lead CPN-UML forward on a new path defined not by power struggles and self-interest, but by rules, good governance, and result-oriented leadership.”

Candidates for the seven vacant Deputy Inspector General (DIG) positions in the Armed Police Force have been instructed to submit detailed reports of their performance. A circular has been issued to this effect. A committee, led by the Home Secretary, will be formed to oversee the DIG promotions, and candidates are expected to be prepared to deliver PowerPoint presentations as part of the process. Currently, 13 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) are competing for these seven posts, and the prolonged halt in promotions has adversely affected professional development. (2 Baishakh, Kathmandu)

All candidates for the vacant DIG positions in the Armed Police Force have been directed to provide a comprehensive list and description of their completed work. The Armed Police Headquarters has requested the SSP candidates to submit their performance details. According to sources, the candidates have already submitted the required documents and information as per the instructions. “Following the ministry’s directive, we asked the candidates to provide details of their work. They have fully submitted the requested information,” a source at the Armed Police Headquarters said.

Additionally, candidates have been instructed to prepare presentations. They have been advised to be ready to present their achievements and future plans. Previously, there was no requirement to submit performance reports or deliver presentations. However, after the elected House of Representatives decided to implement promotions based on merit and performance standards under the new constitution, the Armed Police Headquarters has initiated the necessary preparations.

A committee for the DIG promotions will be formed under the leadership of the Home Secretary, which will include the Home Secretary, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Armed Police, and an Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) who will act as the member secretary. According to sources, the committee is preparing to require candidates to deliver PowerPoint presentations. However, no date has been set or announced yet, one of the DIG promotion candidates revealed.

During the ongoing Information Zen Ji movement, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, who appeared highly active in the arrests ordered by the Prime Minister and himself, continues his tireless efforts. He frequently visits various subordinate offices within the capital and is also noticeably active outside the Kathmandu Valley. Among the current government ministers, his heightened external engagement stands out. As a result, some have described him as the most active single minister in government actions. However, his activism has not been without controversy. Lawmakers from his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWAPA), have also expressed dissatisfaction.

Why have complaints about the Home Minister been raised to Prime Minister Balendra Shah? After being elected as an MP, Sudhan Gurung immediately began visiting various offices and ministries to draw attention to issues concerning the general public. After becoming Home Minister, he even posted a video showing himself personally clearing vehicles on the road to ensure smooth passage, aimed at sparing citizens from difficulties abroad. A few days ago, at 10:06 PM, he shared a photo on his Facebook page with the ministry secretary, writing: “Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha has been working according to the commitment he made after assuming office. Late nights, overtime, and zero complaints.”

Some critics have described his various activities as mere ‘stunts.’ Questions have also arisen during the RASWAPA parliamentary party meetings. Among those voicing concerns was Madhu Kumar Chaulagain, an MP from Kavre, who stated, “Instead of engaging in extensive nationwide activities prompted by dissatisfaction, the MPs and representatives from those areas should have been better informed about these issues.” He added, “It would have been better to include or notify the local representatives beforehand.”

April 15, Kathmandu – The government is preparing to introduce and amend over 100 new laws. The process of identifying pertinent subjects has been completed. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, 103 topics for new laws and amendments have been identified. Based on priorities, 22 ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, are actively working on these legislative initiatives. The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs is monitoring whether the legislative framework and procedures for these laws have been fully followed. This ministry is also supporting other ministries in drafting laws according to priority.

Among the list of over 100 proposed laws and amendments, the government plans to pass 40 to 45 bills in the upcoming session of the Federal Parliament. In this context, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is currently amending the Public Procurement Act 2063 and has already drafted the bill. Having completed all necessary procedures to avoid delays, the bill is now set to be submitted to the Council of Ministers. After approval, it will be presented to Parliament. Upon parliamentary approval and presidential certification, the bill will become law.

Each ministry has set priorities for the bills they intend to introduce. The Ministry of Finance is preparing to present the Nepal Rastra Bank Act amendment bill. Since the original enactment in 2058 BS, the Nepal Rastra Bank Act has been amended nine times, first in 2063 BS and subsequently in 2066, 2072, 2073, 2074, 2075, 2076, 2080, and 2081 BS. The current government also plans to amend this act. The Ministry of Finance is proceeding with the amendment process after securing approval from the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs; however, specific details of the amendments have not been disclosed. Furthermore, the ministry is working on the tenth amendment of the Employees’ Provident Fund Act 2019, for which the draft has been prepared and public consultation is underway. The proposed changes include broad expansion of the fund’s structure, operational scope, and investment policy.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies is set to introduce an amendment bill to the Companies Act. Originally enacted in 2063 BS to promote investment through economic liberalization and boost national economic development, this law has undergone three prior amendments. The fourth amendment aims to simplify and enhance transparency in company formation, operation, and management.

Both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Energy are drafting four bills each. The Ministry of Home Affairs is working on bills related to Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, immigration, and intelligence services. Bills concerning the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police were introduced in the last parliament but became inactive following the dissolution of the House of Representatives on September 12 (Bhadra 27). The Nepal Police bill addresses police restructuring efforts. Despite ten years since federal governance was established, security agencies have faced challenges adapting to federalism. This bill was introduced in the previous parliament but did not become law. The current government has prioritized its passage.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is prioritizing four bills related to water resources, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and electricity and irrigation development and management. The draft for the renewable energy and energy efficiency bill has already been completed.

Amrit Jha, a Nepali youth who was detained by Iranian authorities, has been released today. Jha had gone to Iran to transport fuel just before the potential outbreak of war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. He was serving as the captain of a vessel owned by Dubai’s Black Sea Marine LLC and was arrested while returning to Dubai with oil.

On Wednesday, Iran released Amrit Jha, according to Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. “He has been released. We have communicated with our consular officials in Iran,” Khanal stated. Government officials have also informed Jha’s family about his release.

Jha’s brother-in-law, Rajesh Jha, confirmed receiving the news of Amrit’s release from government officials just recently. Amrit had traveled to Iran to deliver fuel ahead of growing tensions between Israel, the US, and Iran. Working as a ship captain for a Dubai-based marine company, he was detained en route back to Dubai with oil cargo. Amrit had gone to Dubai two years ago seeking foreign employment and was captain of a vessel under Black Sea Marine LLC. Several Indian nationals were reportedly detained alongside him.

Following the recent public disclosure of assets by ministers in the new government, many have started discussions about land ownership limits. According to current Nepali law, no individual is allowed to own more land than the area specified by the state. The Land Related Act, 2021 defines the maximum landholding an individual or their family can possess as the land ownership limit. Ganesh Prasad Bhatt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, explained that not only the Land Related Act, 2021 but also an amendment made in 2058 BS (2001-2002 AD) has imposed stricter limits on landholding compared to previous regulations. Although the Land Related Act, effective from Mangsir 1, 2021 BS (mid-November 1964), has undergone several amendments, its fifth amendment specifically revised the old landholding limits to new regulations solely for the purpose of land ceiling enforcement.

As per the Land Related Act, 2021, land ownership limits vary depending on the region. From Mangsir 1, 2021 BS until Shrawan 32, 2058 BS (approximately mid-November 1964 to mid-September 2001), individuals were permitted to own up to 25 Bighas (approximately 16.7 hectares) of land nationwide. However, the fifth amendment reduced this ceiling to 10 Bighas. For example, in the Kathmandu Valley, individuals could previously hold up to 50 Ropanis (approximately 2.5 hectares), but after the amendment, this limit was halved to 25 Ropanis. Elsewhere in the hill regions outside Kathmandu Valley, the previous limit of 80 Ropanis has been decreased to 70 Ropanis. The Act also allows for additional landholdings for the individual’s immediate family for residential purposes. In the entire Terai region, including the inner Madhesh, the limit was reduced from 3 Bighas to 1 Bigha. In Kathmandu Valley, an additional 8 Ropanis could be held previously, which the amendment now caps at 5 Bighas, and outside the valley in hill areas, the former limit of 16 Ropanis is now restricted to 5 Ropanis.

The Act also specifies restrictions on land held under the status of a tenant (mohis). According to the Land Related Act, 2021, a tenant can only hold land in a limited capacity: (a) up to 4 Bighas in the entire Terai region including inner Madhesh, (b) up to 10 Ropanis in Kathmandu Valley, and (c) up to 20 Ropanis in hill regions outside the Kathmandu Valley. There are some provisions for exemptions under specific circumstances where the government can grant concessions. Spokesperson Bhatt also noted that Articles 7 and 10 of the Act specify situations where the land ceiling limits do not apply.

Officials from the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation have stated that with the country’s shift to digital systems, the regulation process has become simpler. “Previously, without a digital system, we had limited knowledge and had to require the involved parties to declare land transactions,” said spokesperson Bhatt. “Now, if a landowner attempts to transact land exceeding the ownership limit, our digital system automatically detects and blocks such transactions.”

BBC is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce by nearly two thousand employees, according to British media outlets on Wednesday. ITV News and the Press Association news agency have stated that this would be the largest staff reduction by the BBC in 15 years. However, the BBC has not officially confirmed these job cuts, and has yet to respond to requests for comment from AFP.

April 16, London – Various British media sources reported on Wednesday that the BBC is undertaking significant staff reductions. According to ITV News and the Press Association, this would mark the biggest cut in broadcasting jobs by a single organization in approximately 15 years. Despite these reports, the BBC has not officially confirmed the proposed job cuts, and no immediate response was received following AFP’s inquiries.

Fourteen joint professional organizations active in the health sector have issued a strong warning to the government to implement a two-day weekly leave for healthcare workers. The group, formed under the coordination of Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, President of the Nepal Medical Association, has demanded the application of two days off per week in the health sector. They have urged the Ministry of Health and Population to immediately rectify its decision to not implement the two-day leave, which contradicts the cabinet’s directive. (2 Baishakh, Kathmandu)

The joint professional organizations have called on the government to enforce two days off weekly for healthcare workers as well, threatening to launch a collective protest if their demands are not met. In a statement issued by the joint group led by Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, they emphasized that the two days off per week granted in the public sector should be equally applied to employees working in the health sector. The group’s member secretary is dental hygienist Michael Devkota.

“Due to a long-standing shortage of essential manpower and weak organizational structures in the health sector, doctors and healthcare workers are burdened with excessive workloads, resulting in mental stress and various problems,” the statement reads. The organizations claim that the Ministry of Health and Population’s decision to not apply the two-day leave in the health sector, contrary to the cabinet’s directive, is legally unenforceable. They have demanded immediate correction of this decision by the ministry.

After the ministry urged health institutions to operate outpatient department (OPD) services even on Sundays, pressure has increased on government hospitals. Some hospitals have already begun regular services. The joint organizations have warned that if the demands of healthcare workers continue to be ignored, they will announce a coordinated movement within the health sector.

The government has established a five-member judicial commission, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Singh Bhandari, to investigate the assets of individuals holding public office. This commission will be responsible for investigating the assets of principal political officeholders and senior officials in public service from 2048/49 to 2062/63 BS. The commission’s role is investigative only and it cannot impose penalties; any action must be recommended to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). If illegal asset acquisition is confirmed, penalties include imprisonment from one to three years and fines.

On 2nd Baisakh in Kathmandu, the government decided to form a judicial commission to scrutinize the wealth of those holding public offices. In a Wednesday cabinet meeting, it was resolved to form a five-member commission headed by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Singh Bhandari. Other members include retired judges from the Appellate Court, Purushottam Parajuli and Chandiraj Dhakal, former Nepal Police Deputy Inspector General Ganesh KC, and Chartered Accountant Prakash Lamsal.

Although the government initially planned to create an asset inquiry committee under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the cabinet chose instead to form a more powerful investigative commission similar to earlier ones. The commission will examine the asset details of those who held public positions during the period from 2048/49 to 2062/63 BS. According to the government’s 100-point action plan, the investigation will proceed in two phases; the first phase covers assets from 2048/49 to 2062/63 BS.

The second phase plans to examine asset declarations from the 2006 People’s Movement (Janandolan II) back to 1991 (2048 BS). The commission holds the authority to collect, analyze documents, records, and information required to make recommendations. Its jurisdiction will be comparable to the commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki that investigated the suppression and destruction during the NGO movement.

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 BS, prohibits individuals in public office from illegally accumulating assets. Those who acquire assets unlawfully or live beyond their known means can face prosecution. While the law does not apply to individuals outside public office, if their unnatural assets are found and proven alongside other crimes, they can be investigated for money laundering.

If illegal asset acquisition is confirmed, the accused faces imprisonment from one to three years, fines, and compensation payments. Confiscation of illegal assets is also mandated. The commission cannot investigate sitting judges or military personnel but can do so following their retirement, as the CIAA retains that authority.

Rajendra Singh Bhandari began his career as an Administrative Service Section Officer in 1965 (2022 BS) and retired as a Supreme Court justice in 2007 (2064 BS). While the commission formed by the government investigates public officials’ properties, it does not have authority to enforce penalties or conduct prosecutions and must instead refer such matters to proper authorities.

The last time such a commission was formed was on 20 Falgun 2058 BS by the then Deuba government to investigate the assets of those in public service after 1991 (2047 BS). That commission was chaired by sitting judge Bhairav Lamsal and included former Justices Uday Raj Upadhyay and Gyanendra Bahadur Shrestha as members. Based on its report, corruption cases were filed against many ministers and public officials involved during the restoration of democracy.

Rajendra Singh Bhandari joined the administrative service as a section officer in 1965 (2022 BS) and retired from the Supreme Court in 2007 (2064 BS). His judicial career spanned district, regional, special, and appellate courts before reaching the Supreme Court. From 2004 to 2007 (2061 to Magh 2064 BS), he served as a Supreme Court justice. After retirement, he has led five investigative commissions, including one probing the murder of businessman Ramhari Shrestha of Koteshwar during the Maoist peace process.

Other commissions led by Bhandari investigated the killing of Pradip Kumar Khadka by police firing, the murders of athletes Nirmal Pant and Pushkar Dangol, and the shooting incident at the Central Jail. He also headed the commission investigating the assassination of Faizan Ahmad, the General Secretary of the Islamic Federation. A former justice and active member of the Former Justices’ Forum, Bhandari also works as a conciliator and arbitrator at the Supreme Court.

April 14, Kathmandu – Shikhar Municipality in Doti has formally requested the federal government not to mandate school closures on Sundays. On Wednesday, Mayor Dirghabahadur Balayar sent a letter to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, emphasizing that declaring Sundays as holidays would reduce the available school days to just 138 per year.

Mayor Balayar’s letter highlights the difficulty municipalities and schools face in preparing academic work plans and schedules if Sundays are observed as holidays as directed by the federal government.

Holiday Calculations – The municipality’s letter presents a detailed analysis showing that out of 365 days in a year, 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays would be non-working days. Adding 32 public holidays declared by the province brings the total days off to 136. According to Rule 85(2) of the Education Regulations 2059, there are provisions for five days off from Gaura Festival (Ghatasthapana) to Purnima, 45 days for winter or rainy season breaks, and an additional five days for local holidays, amounting to 55 days of legally mandated leave.

“This leaves only 174 days when schools would be open,” the letter states. Mayor Balayar cautions that this scenario risks violating Rule 84(5) of the Education Regulations, which mandates a minimum of 220 school operational days annually. “Under Nepal’s current school curriculum, at least 180-190 days of teaching are compulsory,” the letter adds. Out of the 174 potential school days, 21 days are allocated for exams conducted three times a year. Furthermore, at least 15 days before April 28 and after the end of Chaitra are not available for teaching.

With Sundays as holidays, only 138 days remain for actual teaching, the municipality argues. The letter further states, “Considering time taken for extracurricular activities, exam preparation leaves, result publication, teacher leaves, and student absenteeism, the effective time for education within the academic session becomes critically limited.” This raises concerns about the feasibility of effectively managing and conducting the academic session.

The decision to send feedback to the federal government was approved during a municipal executive meeting, as reported by Mayor Balayar.

In light of these scheduling pressures, the municipality has urged the Ministry of Education to find an immediate solution. Mayor Balayar noted the municipality is prepared to independently decide to keep schools open on Sundays if no resolution is reached, even if that contradicts federal directives. “We are concerned about our schools and children and want to ensure adequate schooling throughout the year,” he said. “We hope the federal government addresses this issue, but if not, we have the constitutional authority to decide independently.” The letter has also been shared with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, the Small Thimi Education and Human Resource Development Center, and the Education Development Coordination Unit in Doti.

The case against the Gandaki Province Public Service Commission for allegedly recommending a non-Dalit candidate under the Dalit quota is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court. The National Dalit Commission has sent letters to the public service commissions of all seven provinces, requesting the removal of certain castes/surnames from the Dalit list and the cancellation of related certificates. As the case is pending in the Supreme Court, the final decision will come from there, with the authenticity of the Dalit quota under dispute. April 15, Kathmandu.

A controversy has arisen over the result for the position of Health Assistant (HA) in the Health Inspection Group, fifth level, under the Public Service Commission. After allegations were made in the Supreme Court that a non-Dalit was recommended under the Dalit quota, the appointment has become disputed. According to the result published by the Gandaki Province Public Service Commission on July 16 last year, Mukesh Sahani Malah from Parsa was declared passed under the Dalit quota and recommended for Mahashila Rural Municipality in Parbat district.

However, Dev Krishna Mandal of Tiraht Rural Municipality-2, Saptari, who was first on the alternative list for the same position, has claimed that this recommendation violates rules and has petitioned various authorities seeking justice. Mandal submitted written applications to the National Dalit Commission, the Public Service Commission, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, arguing that a non-Dalit was recommended under the Dalit quota. His case has been under review at the Supreme Court for about eight months.

Meanwhile, on July 24, 2022, the National Dalit Commission sent an ‘urgent’ letter to the public service commissions of all seven provinces nationwide. The Commission informed that during its meeting on July 13, 2021, it decided to remove certain castes/surnames—including Patwa, Chitlar, Bin, Mukhia, Malah (Sahani), Lohar, and Godhriya—from the Dalit list under the Terai-Madheshi community category. The letter instructed the relevant bodies to revoke Dalit certificates issued to individuals with these surnames and to ensure that members of non-Dalit communities are not recommended under the Dalit quota.

The Commission reported receiving complaints that some District Administration Offices have issued Dalit certificates to individuals of these surnames, and based on those certificates, candidates participated in Public Service Commission exams and were even recommended under the Dalit quota. There is concern that some individuals may have also received social security allowances using those certificates. In this context, the Commission communicated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the Public Service Commission, and the provincial commissions, requesting them to cancel those certificates and prevent non-Dalit community members from being recommended under the Dalit quota.

After Dev Krishna Mandal’s petition, the National Dalit Commission on August 18 requested further clarification from the Gandaki Province Public Service Commission. In response, the Commission replied within six days, clarifying that Mukesh Sahani had submitted documents fulfilling the minimum qualifications along with a Dalit certificate issued by the Parsa District Administration Office; consequently, his application was accepted, and after completing the entire examination process, he was recommended. The ambiguity regarding the authenticity of the Dalit quota and the caste list has rendered the issue controversial. Since the case is under consideration in the Supreme Court, the final verdict is expected from the Court.

Mandal stated, ‘I feel I have been subjected to injustice. I have been appealing to various authorities for the past eight months. The Supreme Court has extended deadlines repeatedly. Non-Dalits should not be allowed to benefit under the name of Dalit. I am truly suffering from injustice.’