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Author: space4knews

रास्वपा परित्याग गरेकी ममता शर्मालाई कांग्रेसले बनायो केन्द्रीय सदस्य

After Leaving Rastriya Swatantra Party, Mamta Sharma Appointed as Central Committee Member by Congress

May 25, Kathmandu – Mamta Sharma, who left the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) during the House of Representatives election period and joined the Nepali Congress, has been nominated as a central committee member by party president Gagan Thapa. On Tuesday, President Thapa nominated Sharma as a member of the Central Working Committee. Krishna Prasad Dulal, acting chief secretary at the Nepali Congress central office, confirmed the nomination of Sharma to the central committee. Sharma was the founding chairperson of RSP’s Madhesh Province chapter. During the election period, she left the party and joined Congress, citing that RSP had acted against its rules and regulations.

Council of Ministers Expanded in Madhesh: Five New Ministers Appointed

May 25, Janakpur Dham – The Madhesh Province government has expanded its Council of Ministers. On the recommendation of Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, Province Chief Surendra Labh Karn has appointed five new ministers to their respective posts. Yuvraj Bhattarai from the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has been appointed Minister of Finance, Mohammad Samir from UML as Minister of Physical Infrastructure, Sharadadevi Thapa as Minister of Labor and Transport, Lakhandas as Minister of Youth and Social Welfare, and Manoj Singh as Minister of Education and Culture. Additionally, Nagendra Shah from the Congress party has been appointed Minister of Health, replacing Jungle Lal Rai who previously held the position and has been removed. The newly appointed ministers took their oath of office and secrecy today.

संशोधनको समय नदिई सभामुखले पास गरे कोशीको नीति तथा कार्यक्रम

Koshi Province Assembly Passes Policy Program Without Allowing Amendment Time, Speaker Faces Backlash

A dispute has erupted in the Koshi Province Assembly after the government’s policy and program was passed without allocating time for amendments. Indrabahadur Angbo, the leader of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) parliamentary caucus, accused the Speaker of stripping lawmakers of their right to propose amendments, going against parliamentary norms and traditions. The assembly was suspended until 11 a.m. Wednesday after the Speaker and opposition members clashed during an extended question-and-answer session that disrupted proceedings.

May 26, Biratnagar – The Koshi Province Assembly passed the provincial government’s policy and program without granting time for legislators to submit amendments. The policy, submitted to the assembly on May 20, underwent discussions starting May 23. During the session held on Tuesday afternoon, Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki responded to questions raised by legislators. However, Speaker Ambar Bahadur Thapa declared the policy and program decisively passed on the basis of consensus.

Opposition parties protested, claiming the session was disrupted because the policy was passed without allowing any amendment proposals. NCP opposition lawmakers alleged that the Speaker deliberately ignored parliamentary values by denying time for amendments and then pushing through the program. A lengthy question-and-answer exchange ensued between opposition legislators and the Speaker. Following the Speaker’s announcement that the policy program had been passed unanimously, opposition members questioned his role in the process.

While the policy program had been tabled in the assembly on May 20 and discussion had taken place, Indrabahadur Angbo, leader of the main opposition NCP parliamentary group, said the Speaker did not provide time for registering amendment proposals. When questioned, the Speaker responded that the program had been passed in accordance with the 2017 provincial assembly rules. Former Chief Minister and NCP legislator Rajendra Rai reminded the assembly of parliamentary tradition and asked the Speaker, “When reading a bill or policy program, should we be allowed to submit amendments, or is it the Speaker’s prerogative to allot us time?”

Speaker Thapa defended his decision by citing Rule 37 of the 2017 Provincial Assembly Rules, stating, “Every honorable member is expected to have studied the rules. It is accepted that members themselves will present any amendments. This understanding forms the basis of the unanimously adopted rules.” Opposition members continued to voice their objections. Opposition leader Angbo declared that their right to amend had been denied. “Previously, we submitted amendments within the time given by the Speaker,” Angbo said. “On what grounds does the Speaker claim that opposition support or opposition to the policy was assessed? The policy should not be passed without allowing time for amendments.”

Under parliamentary tradition, a minimum of 72 hours is generally provided for amendments to policies or bills, although this period can be reduced when warranted. The hasty process without granting such time in Koshi Province sparked controversy. As questions mounted in the assembly, the Speaker found himself in a difficult position and postponed the session until 11 a.m. Wednesday. “We are surprised that the provincial policy program was passed unanimously for the first time without any amendments,” Angbo said. “The main reason for opposition resistance was the denial of amendment proposals. Why did the government rush this process? Why did the Speaker rush such an important matter?”

How Can Nepalese Abroad File Complaints Through the Government’s ‘MOFA Mitra’ App?

The Consular Services Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has launched the ‘MOFA Mitra’ mobile application to address and resolve issues faced by Nepalese living abroad. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal formally inaugurated the app through a program aimed at enhancing consular services with digital technology, making them more accessible and efficient. According to Durpada Sapkota, Director General of the department, complaints and requests registered through the app will now be directly forwarded to the relevant Nepalese missions abroad without first passing through the department. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha.

The government has introduced the ‘MOFA Mitra’ app specifically to assist Nepalese overseas in resolving their problems and complaints. Developed by the Consular Services Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this mobile app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices. Navinkumar Jhaka, Information Technology Officer of the department, explains that the app features four main services: search and rescue, management of human remains, insurance/compensation claims, and complaint/problem reporting. Users can easily track the status of their submitted requests and receive updates on investigations and actions taken through the app.

Additionally, the app provides comprehensive contact information for Nepalese missions abroad and travel advisories. By registering their passport number and date of birth, users can conveniently file complaints, grievances, and requests. Those facing difficulties abroad — including those stranded or missing — can submit online applications for search and rescue operations. In cases of death, provisions exist to manage repatriation of remains, insurance claims, compensation demands, and other related issues. Furthermore, users can stay informed about progress made in handling their submissions, the department notes.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal officially launched the app at an event held at the department. He emphasized the critical importance of using digital technology to make consular services more accessible, citizen-friendly, effective, and technology-oriented. The app is expected to facilitate seamless communication, coordination, and rapid information exchange between Nepalese citizens abroad and Nepalese missions. Minister Khanal highlighted that the app will play a vital role in effectively addressing consular service-related complaints and problems.

‘नेपाललाई युरोपेली संघको हवाई सुरक्षा कालो सूचीबाट हटाउन पर्याप्त प्रगति भएको छैन’

समाचार संक्षेप सम्पादकीय विश्लेषणसहित। नेपालको हवाई क्षेत्रको विश्वास पुनर्स्थापना गर्नु नेपाल र युरोपेली संघको साझा लक्ष्य रहेको बताउँदै, राजदूत वेरोनिक लरेन्जोले भनेकी छन्, “युरोपेली संघले कहिल्यै सेवा प्रदायक र नियामकको छुट्ट्याइको कानूनी रूपमा माग गरेको छैन।” उनले नेपाललाई हवाई सुरक्षा सूचीबाट हटाउनका लागि नियामक प्रणालीमा महत्वपूर्ण सुधार आवश्यक रहेकोमा जोड दिइन्। १२ जुन, काठमाडौँ – नेपालमा युरोपेली संघका राजदूत वेरोनिक लरेन्जोले नेपालको हवाई क्षेत्रको विश्वास पुनर्स्थापना गर्नु नेपाल र युरोपेली संघको साझा उद्देश्य भएको बताइन्। उनले नेपाललाई युरोपको हवाई सुरक्षा कालो सूचीबाट हटाउनका लागि हवाई सुरक्षा सुधारमा पर्याप्त प्रगति आवश्यक रहेको स्वीकार गरिन्। २६ मेमा नेपालमा भ्रमण गरिरहेका युरोपेली संघका सदस्य राष्ट्रका मिशनका प्रमुखहरूसँगको पत्रकार सम्मेलनमा बोल्दै, राजदूत लरेन्जोले नयाँ नेपाली सरकार हवाई सुरक्षा सूचीको विषयलाई गम्भीरतापूर्वक लिइरहेको उल्लेख गरिन्। उनले भनिन्, “नयाँ सरकारको आगमनसँगै, मैले हवाई सुरक्षा सूचीको बारेमा पहिलेभन्दा धेरै पटक सोधिएको छ।” २०१३ देखि, नेपाली एयरलाइन्सलाई युरोपेली हवाई क्षेत्रमा उडान गर्न प्रतिबन्ध लगाइएको छ। अधिकांश नेपाली विमान युरोपमा निर्मित भएको र नेपालले अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय हवाई यातायात मानकहरू लागू गरेको भए पनि प्रतिबन्ध किन जारी रहेको भन्ने प्रश्नमा, राजदूत लरेन्जोले समस्या विमानको उत्पत्ति भन्दा पनि समग्र सुरक्षा निगरानी प्रणालीमा रहेको स्पष्ट पारिन्। उनले भनिन्, “यहाँका अधिकांश विमान युरोपेली हुन् – एटीआर र एयरबस युरोपेली कम्पनीहरू हुन्।” यद्यपि युरोपमा निर्मित विमान र युरोपमा प्रशिक्षित पाइलटहरू हुनु भनेको नागरिक उड्डयन प्राधिकरण र एयरलाइन्सले सबै सुरक्षा मानकहरूलाई पालन गरिरहेको भन्ने कुरा होइन। उनले थप जानकारी दिँदै भनिन्, “युरोपेली संघले कहिल्यै नेपाललाई सेवा प्रदायक र नियामकलाई छुट्ट्याउन कानूनी रूपमा माग गरेको छैन।” लरेन्जोका अनुसार, २०२३ मा गरिएको मूल्यांकनले नेपालले हवाई सुरक्षा सूचीबाट हट्नका लागि आवश्यक प्रगति गर्न सकेको छैन भन्ने निष्कर्षमा पुगेको छ। यद्यपि नागरिक उड्डयन प्राधिकरणले त्यसपछि सुधारात्मक कार्य योजना तयार गरेको थियो, कार्यान्वयनमा अपेक्षित प्रगति भएको छैन। उनले भनिन्, “पछिल्ला दुई र आधा वर्षमा कार्य योजनामा धेरै कम प्रगति भएको छ, र अब यसमा अगाडि बढ्नका लागि काम आवश्यक छ।” उनले सुधारहरू पाइलट लाइसेन्सिङसँग मात्र नभई निरन्तर प्रशिक्षण, प्रमाणन प्रणाली र हवाई निगरानी प्रणालीसँग पनि जोडिएको बताइन्। उनले भनिन्, “२०१३ देखि, हामीले नेपाललाई यी सुधारहरू लागू गर्न र एयरलाइन्सले न्यूनतम सुरक्षा मानकहरू पूरा गर्न मद्दत गर्न प्राविधिक सहयोग प्रदान गर्दै आएका छौं।” राजदूत लरेन्जोले नयाँ नियुक्त भएका महानिर्देशकसँगको सहकार्य बढी प्रभावकारी हुने आशा व्यक्त गरिन्। उनले भनिन्, “नयाँ महानिर्देशकको नियुक्तिसँगै, हामी सुधारात्मक कार्य योजनामा प्रगति गर्नका लागि नजिकबाट काम गर्ने आशा गर्छौं।” उनले थपिन्, “एकपटक आवश्यक आधारभूत काम पूरा भएपछि, नेपाललाई हवाई सुरक्षा सूचीबाट हटाउने प्रक्रिया फेरि अघि बढ्न सक्छ।” उनले नेपालका हवाई यातायातमा जारी प्रतिबन्ध युरोपेली संघका लागि पनि अनिच्छित रहेको र नेपालको हवाई क्षेत्रको अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विश्वास पुनर्स्थापना गर्न आवश्यक रहेकोमा जोड दिइन्। उनले भनिन्, “यो अवस्था हाम्रो लागि पनि अनुकूल छैन।” नेपालको हवाई क्षेत्रको विश्वास पुनर्स्थापना गर्नु हाम्रो साझा लक्ष्य हो। यो पर्यटन विकासका लागि अत्यन्त महत्त्वपूर्ण छ।

गेडागुडी र भटमास बढी खाँदा उच्च रक्तचापको जोखिम ३० प्रतिशत कम

Consuming Chickpeas and Lima Beans Can Reduce the Risk of High Blood Pressure by Up to 30%

Regular consumption of foods derived from chickpeas and lima beans has been shown by new research to be highly effective in reducing the risk of high blood pressure. A comprehensive report published in the BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health journal indicates a significant decrease in the likelihood of developing hypertension among those who consume these foods frequently. Scientists have drawn clear conclusions after analyzing multiple global studies.

The research found that individuals who eat a substantial amount of chickpeas experience a 16% reduction in the risk of high blood pressure. Similarly, those consuming larger quantities of lima beans and related dishes showed a 19% decrease in risk. The greatest benefits were observed with a consistent daily intake of these foods. Specifically, consuming about 170 grams of chickpeas daily was associated with nearly a 30% reduction in hypertension risk.

Likewise, consuming 60 to 80 grams of lima bean products per day resulted in a 28 to 29% lower risk. However, scientists noted that increasing lima bean intake beyond this amount did not yield additional benefits. For context, 100 grams of chickpeas or lima beans is equivalent to roughly one cooked cup or 5 to 6 tablespoons.

The study incorporated data from 12 long-term investigations conducted across countries in America, Europe, and Asia. Chickpeas and lima beans are rich in nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which play a vital role in regulating blood pressure. Despite these advantages, especially in Europe and the United Kingdom, the overall consumption of chickpeas remains low. Nutritionists suggest that this research strongly supports prioritizing chickpeas and lima beans as primary protein sources in daily diets.

Government Proposes Expanding Nepal Rastra Bank’s Board of Directors to Nine Members

The government has proposed increasing the number of members on the Nepal Rastra Bank’s Board of Directors from seven to nine. A bill to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2058 has been prepared and registered in the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament. According to the bill, the number of non-executive independent directors, currently three, would be raised to five.

May 25, Kathmandu – The government has put forward a proposal to expand the membership of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors. Under the proposed amendment to the Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2058, the Board, which presently consists of seven members, will be increased to nine members. The bill proposing this change has already been registered in the House of Representatives.

The bill specifies that, in accordance with Section 20 of the Act, the Nepal government will appoint five non-executive independent directors representing various sectors who meet the required qualifications. Previously, three well-known non-executive directors from the fields of economics, monetary policy, banking, finance, and commercial law were appointed. The governor will serve as the chairperson of the Central Bank’s Board, with the Finance Secretary and two Deputy Governors included as members.

Woman Missing for Four Days Found Dead in Reed Area of Bakraha River; Husband Under Suspicion

May 25, Biratnagar – The body of 43-year-old Savita Kandangwa Limbu from Laxmijhar, Ward No. 1, Urlabari Municipality of Morang, was found decomposed along the bank of the Bakraha River. Following the discovery of Savita’s deceased body, the police have taken her husband, Dil Bahadur Limbu, into custody.

Savita left home at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. It is reported that there was a minor dispute within the family before she left. She remained out of contact for four days, during which her family reportedly did not inform the police.

After the body was discovered on Tuesday morning, the police began investigating her husband, Dil Bahadur, on suspicion. During police questioning, Dil Bahadur claimed he had left following a routine argument and stated that he was searching for her himself. According to police, local residents grazing cattle found the body along the reeds of the Bakraha River this morning. The body was found face down, and identification based on clothing confirmed it was Savita.

DSP Santosh Shrestha, spokesperson for Morang Police, said the body was extensively decomposed and dried, and that the autopsy report would clarify the true circumstances of the incident. The body has been sent to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar for post-mortem examination.

Savita’s family of origin has demanded an investigation into her husband Dil Bahadur and other family members.

‘विदेशका दूतावासहरूमा समेत बयान र बकपत्र गराउने सुविधा दिनू’

Supreme Court Directs Diplomatic Missions Abroad to Facilitate Statements and Depositions

The Supreme Court has instructed Nepalis living abroad to be allowed to provide statements and depositions for ongoing cases through the Nepalese embassies or diplomatic missions in their respective countries. The Court emphasized that the use of information technology should not be restricted within the justice system but instead adapted in line with technological advancements and social needs. Following this order, delays in cases pending in Nepal due to defendants’ overseas locations are expected to end, and legal proceedings are anticipated to progress more effectively. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha.

The Supreme Court ruled that Nepalis residing abroad must be able to appear at Nepalese embassies or diplomatic missions to provide statements and depositions in cases being heard in Nepal. This decision came in response to an appeal against an order in a corruption case under adjudication in a special court. The Supreme Court’s directive prohibits barring Nepalis abroad from offering statements or depositions through embassies or diplomatic offices. This ruling facilitates participation for Nepalis overseas involved in Nepalese legal proceedings.

The path is now open for individuals accused in criminal cases who currently live abroad to be included in the legal process. Although for some years, statements from defendants and depositions from witnesses have been submitted to courts by means other than in-person appearances, and some foreign-based lawyers have even been allowed to participate in arguments in special and other courts, until now, overseas Nepalis were not permitted to provide statements or depositions to courts.

The Supreme Court interpreted the growing use of information technology as a development that should be embraced liberally. With rapid digital transformation underway, the Court concluded that instead of restricting technology’s use, it should be regulated appropriately. The joint bench of Justices Hari Phuyal and Bal Krishna Dhakal noted in the order, “As technological growth and utilization reduce geographical barriers, employing it to facilitate justice delivery will be a positive reform for Nepalese courts.”

Seventy Nepali Drivers Stranded in Saudi Arabia for Four Months Face Work and Salary Issues

Seventy Nepali drivers who traveled to Saudi Arabia through Al Shahid Overseas from Kathmandu have been stranded for four months without work or pay. Some of these stranded drivers have been assigned labor tasks without safety equipment, while others face problems with food and accommodation. These victims, who paid millions of rupees seeking foreign employment, have filed cases in the Saudi labor court to seek justice.

More than fifty Nepali drivers stuck in Saudi Arabia have remained without work for nearly four months. They were sent through Al Shahid Overseas, located in Chandol, Kathmandu Metropolitan City–4. The overseas agency had advertised for 50 experienced Saudi-based drivers and 150 Nepali license holders. Among the 64 individuals who went to Saudi through Mehn Human Resource Company as heavy drivers, most Nepalis have not secured employment.

Having obtained labor permits in February, these drivers have yet to receive any job assignments. They are grouped and placed in various locations. Only a few with heavy driver licenses from Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries have been put to work, while those holding Nepali licenses or light vehicle Saudi licenses remain unemployed to date. According to the manpower advertisement, monthly salaries for Saudi license holders were set at 1,600 Riyals plus trip allowances.

The contract signed by Al Shahid Overseas, representing Mehn Human Resource Company, specified a monthly salary of 1,800 Saudi Riyals for heavy drivers, an eight-hour workday, six working days per week, one day off, a two-year contract term, and provision of food and accommodation by the company. When informed about their difficulties in Nepal, the manpower director, Mr. Raut, assured the workers that solutions were underway, according to the stranded laborers.

Two Women Killed by Tree Uprooted in Storm in Rolpa

In Thawang, Rolpa district, a storm uprooted a tree that fatally struck 60-year-old Ruju Jhangri and 50-year-old Manbuji Jhangri. The two women were returning home after visiting a patient at Thawang Basic Hospital when the tree fell during the storm. Ruju died on the spot, while Manbuji succumbed to her injuries en route to Pokhara for medical treatment. The incident occurred on May 25.

Inspector Sunil Thapa Nepali, spokesperson for the Rolpa police, confirmed the deaths caused by the fallen tree in Thawang. The victims, Ruju Jhangri (60) and Manbuji Jhangri (50), were residents of Helowang, Thawang Rural Municipality-2. While Ruju passed away immediately at the scene, Manbuji died while being transported to Pokhara in Kaski for medical care.

Both women had visited a patient at Thawang Basic Hospital in the evening and were on their way home when the storm brought down the tree onto the road, trapping them underneath. Upon receiving the report, a police team led by Inspector Ramchandra Bagale from Thawang Area Police Office promptly arrived at the scene and carried out the rescue operations.

करोडभन्दा कमका योजना नबन्ने, चुनावसम्मै गठबन्धन – Online Khabar

Fifteen-Point Agreement Among Three Political Parties in Madhesh Province to Maintain Alliance Until Election

Three coalition parties in Madhesh Province have reached a 15-point agreement to continue their alliance until the upcoming election. According to the agreement, starting from the next fiscal year, the cabinet will be reduced to nine members, and projects under one crore rupees will not be initiated. The government expansion process, which was on hold, has resumed following the signatures of Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, UML’s Saroj Kumar Yadav, and NCP’s Yuvraj Bhattarai. Dated 12 Jestha, Janakpur Dham.

The three ruling parties in Madhesh Province have finalized a 15-point pact. The government expansion had been stalled for three days due to dissatisfaction within the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Against this backdrop, today the three parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and NCP—agreed to maintain the current government leadership until the election and not to approve projects costing less than one crore. Following this understanding, the process of government expansion is now moving forward.

The agreement emphasizes quick action based on mutual coordination and understanding among the coalition parties. It also commits to working in a manner that allows the general public to directly experience good governance. The parties decided that the development budget for fiscal year 2083/084 will allocate no less than one crore rupees per project.

Furthermore, from the upcoming fiscal year, the cabinet will be streamlined from its current size to nine members, including the Chief Minister. The agreement stipulates that the Chief Minister’s position will be shared, with the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress each receiving three ministries, and the Nepal Communist Party two ministries. Development projects will be implemented through an open and competitive process, with construction activities advancing at the start of the fiscal year.

Seven Milestone Budgets in Nepal’s History

Summary: Swarna Shamsher presented Nepal’s first-ever budget on 21 Magh 2008 BS (1962). Then Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari, through the fiscal year 2051/52 budget, introduced social security allowances and the ‘Build Your Own Village’ program. State Minister for Finance Mahesh Acharya implemented economic liberalization and open market policies during the fiscal year 2048/49 budget. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha — Before Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle addressed questions related to the policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 or discussed concerns on the principles and priorities of the appropriation bill, he often recalled the budget presented by Swarna Shamsher on 21 Magh 2008 BS, recognized as Nepal’s very first budget.

When opposition members criticized the budget with traditional connotations, Minister Wagle responded, “The terms regarding the budget remain the same as those included in Swarna Shamsher’s budget in 2008 BS.” He did not consider criticism arising solely from terminology logical, emphasizing that policy improvement requires more than just words.

Since the 2008 BS budget, Nepal has witnessed few historic budgets marking significant economic shifts. Ahead of today’s new budget presentation, this article reviews seven landmark budgets from the past 75 years that have shaped Nepal’s economic history. While political climates have provided opportunities to finance ministers like Wagle to introduce vital budgets, how they leverage these opportunities remains to be seen.

2008 BS: Nepal’s First Official Budget
Presented by Swarna Shamsher on 21 Magh 2008 BS, this budget was Nepal’s first official fiscal plan. Under Rana rule, governance was limited, and financial matters remained obscure. After democracy was established in 2007 BS, Swarna Shamsher noted in the budget that due to democratic and accountable governance, the nation and the world could now access information on national revenue and expenditures. Being the first democratic finance minister, he expressed pride in presenting this historic budget.

The budget estimated revenue at NPR 2.9 crore and expenditures at NPR 2.46 crore in 2007 BS. The total size was NPR 5.25 crore, with expected revenue of NPR 3.05 crore. This budget represents a pioneering step in granting economic autonomy to the people previously exploited under the Rana regime and remains engraved in Nepal’s history in golden letters.

2016/17 BS: The First Budget by an Elected Government — Initial Tax Identification
The first budget introduced by an elected government came in 2016/17 BS. Then Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Swarna Shamsher presented the budget to parliament on 25 Shrawan 2016 BS. The budget highlighted that despite democracy, political instability over the prior 7–8 years had not significantly improved living standards. During this period, Nepal’s five-year plans had also commenced. This budget marked the government’s first imposition of income tax, targeting business profits and wages. The BP Koirala-led administration also imposed land revenue taxes. The budget size stood at NPR 24.89 crore, prioritizing agriculture, drinking water, rural development, and commerce.

2041/42 BS: Liberal Financial Policies — Opening the Door to Private Banks
On 26 Asar 2041 BS, Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani unveiled a historic budget embracing liberal financial policies for 2041/42 BS. This budget announced private sector-friendly initiatives. Confronting inflation, declining foreign exchange reserves, and economic challenges, Dr. Lohani advocated policies encouraging financial sector competition through new bank establishments. The budget included amendments to the Commercial Bank Act, facilitation of finance company formation, and mandatory investment in agriculture. The budget size was NPR 680 crore.

2048/49 BS: Economic Liberalization and Open Market Economy Policies
Presented on 27 Asar 2048 BS by State Minister for Finance Mahesh Acharya under the leadership of Girija Prasad Koirala, this budget was a significant document for economic liberalization. It promoted increased private sector involvement and encouraged private development in sectors such as trade, electricity, banking, aviation services, and media. The budget initiated reductions in public sector investments through privatization and management reforms. Permissions were granted for private finance companies and commercial banks, and foreign exchange provisions were eased. The budget totaled NPR 2.664 billion.

2051/52 BS: Social Security and the ‘Build Your Own Village’ Initiative
The fiscal year 2051/52 budget was presented twice: initially on 31 Asar by Mahesh Acharya and later resubmitted by the minority UML-led government on 11 Poush by Bharat Mohan Adhikari as a supplementary budget. This budget sloganed making villages centers of development and adopted a policy of directly allocating budgets to Village Development Committees. As a pilot for social security, relief programs for senior citizens began in five districts and were expanded the following year to provide monthly allowances for citizens over 75 in 75 districts. This budget also initiated legal reforms to optimize public resource use and improve project implementation. The budget size was NPR 4.269 billion.

2065/66 BS: Ambitious Budget and ‘Leap in Economic Growth’
After the 2062/63 BS (2005/06 AD) popular movements, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, from the first elected government following the movement, presented the ambitious budget for 2065/66 BS. He stated that “some risks must be taken to leap from one era to another.” This budget set a target for producing 10,000 megawatts of electricity for the first time. It called for establishing an investment board and declared that former royal assets would be utilized for public benefit. Social security allowances were categorized, and policies for various communities were introduced. Emphasizing infrastructure development and equalizing employee salaries, the budget size was NPR 23.6 billion, significantly larger than previous ones.

2072/73 BS: Ram Sharan Mahat’s ‘World’s Best Finance Minister’ Budget
Amid post-2015 earthquake recovery, Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat introduced the 2072/73 fiscal budget. Procuring aggressive international commitments totaling $400 million through conferences, he steered rapid reconstruction efforts. The budget symbolized not only recovery but also the expansion of financial inclusion and promotion of investment. A National Reconstruction Fund was established, with NPR 7.4 billion allocated. Financial assistance for private housing construction was introduced, along with announcements for investment conferences. The budget amounted to NPR 8.19 billion.

Two Bills Introduced by Prime Minister Passed in House of Representatives

12 Jestha, Kathmandu – Two bills introduced by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) have been passed by the House of Representatives. The meeting of the House held on Tuesday approved the ‘House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Bill 2083’ and the ‘Voter List (First Amendment) Bill 2083’. Both bills were registered in the House of Representatives by Prime Minister Balen on 25th Baisakh.

The bills were passed during the House meeting held on Monday. These bills will now be submitted to the National Assembly. Once approved by the National Assembly, they will return to the House of Representatives. After the House approves any amendments made by the National Assembly, the bills will be certified by the Speaker and sent to the President’s office. Upon presidential certification, these bills will be enacted into law.

गुजरातमाथि एकपक्षीय जित निकाल्दै बेंगलुरु फाइनलमा

Royal Challengers Bangalore Advance to IPL 2026 Final with Dominant Win Over Gujarat

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore have secured a place in the IPL 2026 final. In the first qualifier match held on Tuesday, Bangalore clinched a commanding 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans. Chasing a massive target of 255 runs set by Bangalore, Gujarat was bowled out for 162 runs in 19.3 overs. Rahul Tewatia’s half-century was the lone consolation for Gujarat; he scored 68 runs off 43 balls. Additionally, Jos Buttler contributed 29 runs while Sai Sudharsan added 14 runs.

For Bangalore, Jacob Duffy took 3 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya claimed 2 wickets each. Josh Hazlewood took 1 wicket. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangalore posted a strong total of 254 runs for 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Rajat Patidar played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 93 runs off 33 balls, striking 9 sixes and 5 fours. After losing the first wicket at 20 runs, Patidar added 73 more to stabilize the innings, putting Royal Challengers in a commanding position. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya both scored 43 runs apiece. Venky Iyer contributed 19 runs, while Jitesh Sharma remained not out on 15 runs.

For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder took 2 wickets each, and Prasidh Krishna claimed 1 wicket. With this win, Bangalore has directly qualified for the final, while the defeated Gujarat Titans still have one more opportunity to reach the final. On Wednesday, the Eliminator match will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. The winner of the Eliminator will face Gujarat for a place in the final.