Author: space4knews

Land survey professionals in Parsa have initiated an indefinite strike to protest against the crackdown on middlemen in government offices. The movement began following the arrest of three individuals from the Pokhariya Land Revenue Office, prompting dissatisfaction among the professionals. Currently, Parsa hosts 121 land service centers and over 400 land survey professionals, while the strike has disrupted public services and government operations.

March 23, Birgunj — In response to ongoing raids targeting middlemen within government offices, land survey professionals across Parsa district have commenced an indefinite strike. Under the call of the Nepal Land Survey Legal Professionals Association, surveyors providing services at the Land Revenue, Survey, Land Reform, Court, and District Administration Offices have completely halted their work.

According to Surendra Prasad Yadav, president of the Parsa chapter of the association, the strike was triggered by dissatisfaction with the arrests and actions taken against middlemen amid recent allegations. The arrest of three individuals at the Pokhariya Land Revenue Office particularly intensified the anger among professionals. They claim that fully licensed land service centers and survey professionals are being unjustly targeted and penalized.

The professionals have strongly objected to the actions taken by the government and police administration, demanding the immediate release of those arrested. The association reports that Parsa currently has 121 land service centers and more than 400 active land survey professionals. Due to the strike, both service recipients and government office functions have been adversely affected.

March 23, Kathmandu – A drafting committee has been formed to prepare the new rules of procedure for the House of Representatives. The proposal to establish the drafting committee was put forward by Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Kavindra Burlakoti during the House meeting held on Monday, and was approved by the assembly.

A 15-member committee has been constituted, including MPs from all parties represented in parliament. Ganesh Parajuli has been selected as the chairperson of the committee.

The committee members include Ojaswi Sherchan, Khagendra Sunar, Khusbu Oli, Gajala Samim Mikrani, Tapeshwar Yadav, Dhruvraj Rai, Nisha Dangi, Nishkal Rai, Walavati Sharma, Madhu Chaulagain, Yagyamani Nyaupane, Rekha Kumari Yadav, and Sulabh Kharel.

National Independent Party MP Nisha Dangii clarified during the House of Representatives session that while competition among parties is expected, conflict should not occur. She emphasized, “We must approach every step with the mindset that we are here not to govern but to serve.” March 6, Kathmandu.

Addressing Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, she stressed that cooperation is essential for national interest, stating that competition is acceptable but conflict should be avoided. She added, “Differences in opinion are natural, but collaboration in national interest is necessary.”

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has highlighted efforts to unnecessarily instill panic in the stock market and urged investors to remain calm. He stated that the government will take legal action only against those engaged in unethical activities and plans to make the stock market a model area for digitalization. He emphasized the country’s priority to remove Nepal from the grey list and clarified that investigations into issues like asset laundering are being conducted based solely on facts. This was reported on March 23 from Kathmandu.

During a meeting with economic journalists from the Economic Journalists Society (SEJAN), Dr. Wagle clarified that attempts are being made to create unwarranted fear in the stock market, but investors should not be afraid. He assured that the government has no intention of imposing punitive measures on investors, and only those involved in unethical conduct will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. “Compared to other sectors in Nepal, the stock market is more organized and transparent,” he explained. “The paperless system, transactions through banks, direct transfer of dividends to accounts, transparent tax systems, and traceability of buyers and sellers make this system reliable.”

The Finance Minister described the government’s initiative to regard the stock market as a model zone for digitalization and stated that any found guilty of insider trading, market manipulation, or other unethical practices will face legal penalties. “There is no need for investors to panic at this time; we will continue working toward improvements in the stock market,” he said. He noted that the restructuring report of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is being studied to advance reforms. “We are committed to implementing points 33 and 34 of the National Independent Party’s manifesto, which reflects our openness toward the stock market,” he added, expressing confidence that better days lie ahead for the market.

Dr. Wagle also stressed that the government’s current priority is to lift the country from the grey list. “There is a perception that discussions on this matter exist only on paper and are not implemented in practice, but we have reached the implementation phase,” he stated. He clarified that investigations related to asset laundering and financial crimes are grounded strictly on evidence. “We have no desire to harass any institution or individual; we adopt an open market-based economic policy, which is not lax,” he emphasized. He further explained that since legal proceedings are carried out through the courts, any actions will be taken in accordance with the law, without targeting anyone specifically.

Yubaraj Dulal, a Member of Parliament from the Nepal Communist Party, has advised the government to make productive use of time and avoid wasting it on stunts. Speaking at the House of Representatives session, he stated, ‘I want to address the government. The government must focus on action. However, it should not waste time by engaging in stunts.’ On 20 Chaitra in Kathmandu, he emphasized that the implementation of the constitution granting rights to the oppressed classes will bring equality.

Dulal noted that if the state continues to waste time through tests and stunts, it will be unable to address the sentiments of the new generation. He highlighted that the government’s apology to previously discriminated groups and communities, particularly the Dalit community, is a positive development. He added, ‘The constitution was created to confer rights to the oppressed, and its genuine implementation will foster equality in society.’

Extending his congratulations to Dol Prasad Aryal on his election as Speaker, Dulal expressed his expectation for impartiality. ‘This should not become a place for the unnatural exercise of majority power,’ he said. He further remarked that the Janajati (indigenous) movement is not against the system itself but seeks change in the existing circumstances and should be treated accordingly.

The hearing on the writ petition for habeas corpus filed on behalf of Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli is ongoing in the Supreme Court. The bench, comprising Justices Vinod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel, is presiding over the case.

Earlier, on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24), the Genaji Movement Investigation Commission had recommended an investigation against Oli and Lekhak. Today, the Supreme Court is continuing to hear the petition regarding their detention. The bench had postponed the hearing on Sunday, but it has resumed today with the same justices.

The commission, led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, was formed to investigate incidents related to the Genaji Movement and recommended investigation against the then Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Both leaders were arrested on March 27 (Chaitra 14) in the morning. The habeas corpus petitions were filed by Oli’s wife, Radhika Shakya, and Lekhak’s wife, Yashodha Thapa, respectively.

March 6, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress leader Dilendra Prasad Badu has emphasized the need for leaders and activists to actively participate in the 15th General Convention to strengthen the party, ensuring it remains fully disciplined and united, while entrusting responsibilities to a new generation. In a statement released Monday via the social media platform Facebook, he urged leaders and members to advance toward the 15th General Convention as per the party’s public schedule.

“At a time when democracy and its achievements face increasing challenges, and when it is essential to advance the new generation along the democratic path as a constructive and responsible opposition, it is necessary for Nepali Congress to become stronger, more accountable, and united,” the statement said.

Regarding the party’s Supreme Court’s interpretation and orders, he clarified that whatever the ruling may be, it must be accepted by all. He added, “It is not appropriate to waste time in speculative analysis over potential consequences that might arise by delaying the election process or holding a special convention while awaiting court decisions or scrutinizing the background.”

Highlighting internal weaknesses within the party along with changing voter preferences as reasons for election results falling short of expectations, Badu described the outcome as historically weak. “This is a bitter truth. Given the current circumstances, the party chairperson has already publicly accepted moral responsibility for the results,” he wrote.

March 23, Kathmandu – The newly elected officers and committee members of the Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs Federation took their oath of office and secrecy on Monday morning at the federation’s central office in Anamnagar. All office bearers, including the president, pledged to uphold the dignity of the federation and commit themselves to advancing the construction sector while protecting the rights and interests of the entrepreneurs.

The general assembly elected a new leadership team for the upcoming term. Former presidents of the federation, entrepreneurs from various districts and provinces, and representatives of relevant stakeholders were present at the oath-taking event. The newly elected committee has begun its duties immediately, with an expectation to prioritize addressing current challenges in the construction sector, payment issues, and policy reforms.

Entrepreneurs commented that the 13th general assembly has sent a new message of unity and cooperation among professionals. Nikolash Pandey was elected as the president of the Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs Federation, while Shivahari Ghimire was chosen as the general secretary. The provincial vice presidents elected are Dhirendra Dahal for Koshi Province, Shambhu Thakur for Madhesh Province, Balkrishna Thapa for Bagmati Province, Khimprakash Malla for Gandaki Province, Sahadev Khadka for Lumbini Province, Him Bahadur Budha for Karnali Province, and Prakash Bahadur Shetty for Sudurpashchim Province. Additionally, Mangala Shahi was elected as deputy general secretary for policy, and Santosh Sah as deputy general secretary for internal affairs. Ganga Pokharel was elected as vice president for women, while Ujwal Gautam and Upendra Ghising were elected as treasurer and deputy treasurer respectively.

Constitutionalist Bipin Adhikari has cautioned that despite the current government holding a near two-thirds majority, there remains a significant risk of authoritarianism. Adhikari warned that tendencies to violate legal procedures and weaken the separation of powers could undermine democracy. He emphasized that rather than constitutional amendments, the effective implementation of existing laws and improvements in political culture are essential. 23 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

Adhikari noted that even with overwhelming parliamentary support and public momentum, the government’s approach risks growing authoritarian tendencies. He warned that efforts to bypass legal processes and erode the principles of separation of powers endanger the very foundation of democracy. He further highlighted that advancing investigations based solely on “public pressure” could also weaken democratic institutions.

In an interview with a Nepali news agency, Adhikari stated that mere arithmetic majorities cannot legitimize government authority. He expressed concern that unchecked exercise of power and disregarding constitutional limits could lead the government to repeat past mistakes. Warning against compromising procedural justice, he likened such moves to a “Hitler-style” trajectory and urged leadership to proceed cautiously.

While optimistic about the present members of parliament and government, Adhikari remarked, “They were not elected with corrupt money, giving them moral capital.” He added, “If this capital is employed lawfully, the government can become effective.” However, he recommended slowing down decision-making processes to avoid long-term negative consequences from hasty actions.

Referring to examples like V.I. Lenin, Adhikari pointed out that even those who gain power through democratic processes face the threat of becoming authoritarian later. “No matter how positive the outcomes, if the process is flawed, sustainability is not possible,” he said, stressing, “The rule of law and operating within constitutional boundaries is the long-term solution.”

While the government has taken an aggressive stance on high-profile corruption cases, Adhikari criticized shortcomings in the investigation procedures. “Our system tends to imprison first and then seek evidence, which is dangerous,” he remarked. He stressed that arrests without proof violate judicial principles, urging courts to prioritize adequate evidence from the outset and ensure investigations adhere strictly to legal norms.

Though debates on directly elected executives or presidential systems are longstanding, Adhikari called them risky. Citing former US President Donald Trump, he said, “Powerful executives in the wrong hands are difficult to control.” He acknowledged that although the French model shares power between president and prime minister, it requires a mature political culture. In a diverse country like Nepal, inclusive representation provides government legitimacy, making the parliamentary system more suitable, he concluded.

Adhikari emphasized prioritizing the implementation of the constitution over amendments. He believes immediate constitutional changes are unnecessary and what Nepal needs most is effective enforcement. He stressed the importance of reviewing how the constitution is applied in practice before considering alterations, stating, “Legal changes without improvements in political behavior and culture will not bring solutions.”

He criticized the practice of bringing parliamentarians directly into ministries as a “gross ignorance” of the parliamentary system. According to him, the core role of parliament is to monitor government work and ensure accountability, not to be directly involved in implementation. He warned that this practice undermines the separation of powers.

Regarding the government’s decision to restrict government advertisements exclusively to state-owned media, Adhikari warned that this move could weaken private media. He stressed that media is fundamental to democracy and while transparency in advertising is important, controlling the media is unacceptable. The government recently decided to allocate official advertisements solely to government media outlets.