Author: space4knews

Radhika Basnet from Chitwan claims she was removed from her position after exposing irregularities in the health insurance program. The District Liaison Branch Office in Chitwan stated that she was dismissed citing performance-related issues. The Health Insurance Board mentioned that formal decisions take time and that no official details have been received from the ward.
On 20th Baishakh, Kathmandu – Radhika Basnet, a health insurance registration assistant from Khairahani Municipality-4 in Chitwan, has filed a complaint with the Health Insurance Board alleging that she was removed due to raising concerns about corruption within the health insurance program. In a discussion with the media, Radhika accused that she was dismissed without any prior notice and on the basis of political bias. She had been working as a registration assistant since 2073 BS.
According to Radhika, officials from the district liaison branch, local representatives, and health branch officers colluded to remove her without informing her.
“The registration officer and district coordinator Ramesh Dhamala of the Health Insurance Board’s liaison branch office in Chitwan have made false and baseless accusations against me without cause,” Radhika stated. “I was dismissed based on political prejudice in coordination with the ward chairperson of Khairahani-4.”
In her complaint, Radhika noted that the decision to remove her was coordinated by the chief and deputy chief of Khairahani Municipality, the head of the health branch, and the ward chairpersons. She alleged that she was removed to appoint their own people and to carry out illegal activities grounded in political and financial transactions.
Radhika has been consistently questioning and exposing irregular activities in the health insurance program. Her complaint highlights that she faced pressure for raising concerns about irregularities in the registration process, form registrations, and conduct towards service recipients. She asserts that some officials demand money from service recipients under the pretext of registering insurance forms, pressuring citizens to complete forms at the office, and also exerting financial pressure on registration assistants.
She further accused acts such as registering males as females, marking citizens who paid fees as receiving free services in the system, depriving registration assistants of necessary materials, and imposing various forms of pressure during the work process. After exposing such irregularities, she claims she faced mental pressure and was dismissed without any explanation.
In her complaint, Radhika has requested the Health Insurance Board to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the entire matter, take action against the guilty parties, and create an environment for her reinstatement. She has also warned that she will pursue other legal and social avenues if appropriate measures are not taken.
“I have no objection to action being taken within the framework of laws, directives, and financial procedures if wrongdoing is found,” Radhika said. “However, I object to being dismissed and having my contract terminated without explanation or notice from the Chitwan liaison branch office. This process, enforced forcibly to fulfill selfish interests, is illegal and against the law.”

April 20, Kathmandu – The government has sent letters to both India and China objecting to the operation of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route passing through the Lipulekh area, which lies within Nepalese territory. The government has raised objections to conducting the pilgrimage via Nepal’s Lipulekh region. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that after consulting all political parties, Nepal’s position has been communicated to both countries.

“Regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage planned through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh, the Government of Nepal has reiterated its firm stance and concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in an official press release.

The release reminded that according to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal. The Nepalese government emphasized it remains fully clear and unwavering on this matter. “Nepal has previously urged the Indian government not to undertake road construction, cross-border trade, or pilgrimage-related activities in the area,” the release noted. Nepal has repeatedly informed both countries regarding the status of this territory. “It is also evident that friendly nation China has been formally notified about Lipulekh being Nepalese territory,” the government said.

“In the spirit of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, based on historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence, the Nepalese government remains committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic means,” it added.

India recently reopened the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through the Lipulekh pass, with the pilgrimage scheduled to run from June to August 2026. In a statement issued on April 30, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said 20 groups will undertake the journey this year. Ten groups will travel via the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand, while another ten will take the Nathu La pass route through Sikkim. Each group will include 50 participants. Interested pilgrims can apply online through the official website, with the application deadline set for May 19.

The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage holds religious significance and annually attracts thousands of devotees. However, Nepal was unaware that the route would pass through its territory. It has also come to light that India and China had previously agreed to promote trade via the Lipulekh pass without informing Nepal. The pilgrimage had been suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed last year. In December 2024, during talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s National Security Advisor, an agreement was reached to reopen the route.

The press release outlined the following points: 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of questions and concerns raised in the media regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage planned through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh. 2. The government remains fully clear and steadfast that according to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal. 3. Nepal has repeatedly conveyed its firm stance and concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels. 4. Nepal has continuously urged the Indian government not to initiate any road construction, border trade, or pilgrimage activities in the region. 5. China has been formally notified that the Lipulekh area constitutes Nepalese territory. 6. The Nepalese government remains committed to resolving border issues with India diplomatically, respecting their close and friendly relations grounded in historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singha Durbar, April 20, 2083 (Nepali Calendar)

Police raided 57 massage centers across Kathmandu and Lalitpur, detaining a total of 258 individuals. Among those arrested were 240 women and 18 men. Authorities stated that the detainees are suspected of involvement in illicit activities. The operation took place on April 20 in Kathmandu.

The Crime Investigation Office of the Kathmandu Valley conducted the raids on Sunday, targeting massage centers in locations including Thamel and Boudha in Kathmandu as well as various areas within Lalitpur. Following the raids, police confirmed that 240 women and 18 men were taken into custody on allegations of engaging in unethical conduct.

President Ramchandra Paudel has returned the ordinance concerning the Constitutional Council for reconsideration. The ordinance, which encapsulates decisions passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament, was sent back by the President for review. Kathmandu, 20 Baisakh. Earlier, President Paudel had returned a bill passed by both houses of Parliament, citing incompatibility with the multi-party system. Similarly, when this type of ordinance was presented again, it was returned once more.

“The President has returned the ordinance for reconsideration to protect the spirit and essence of the Constitution and democracy and to uphold the multi-party system,” said Kiran Pokhrel, the President’s press advisor. According to the Constitution, decisions must be made by a majority, and no law can amend this arrangement. However, since the current ordinance provides that decisions by the six-member Constitutional Council can be made by just three members, the President has sent it back.

The Constitutional Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, consists of six members, including the Chief Justice, the Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the leader of the main opposition party, and the Deputy Speaker. Under the prevailing Act, a quorum for the Council’s meeting requires the presence of the chairperson and four members. The bill passed by the previous Parliament had contemplated four members for a quorum. When President Paudel returned that bill, he explained that improper institutionalization of power separation, control, and balance could occur, proposals might become arbitrary, and the constitutional sanctity of consensus or majority in recommendations and decisions would be violated.

The President stated, “If, without any logical basis or reason, a bill amending the law is accepted allowing decisions to be made with just half of the chairperson and members based on special circumstances, it would inherently empower the minority; therefore, reconsideration is necessary.” When the ordinance related to the Constitutional Council was previously presented under the Sushila Karki-led government, the President also did not approve it. Now, with the Balen-led government issuing an ordinance allowing decisions by only three members of the Council, the President has again sent it back for reconsideration.

Since road construction is not yet fully completed, disruptions during travel on the BP Highway are expected to continue. This issue is certain to recur throughout the upcoming rainy season.

The Central Secretariat meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to dissolve the Rasuwa District Committee. Party spokesperson Manish Jha informed that this decision follows the recommendation of the Bagmati Province Committee. Leaders mentioned that after receiving fewer votes in Rasuwa compared to other areas in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21, a new district committee will be formed.

On April 20, Kathmandu – The Central Secretariat meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has resolved to dissolve the Rasuwa District Committee. The meeting, held on Sunday at the party’s central office in Bansthali, made this decision, according to party spokesperson Manish Jha. He stated that based on the recommendation of the Bagmati Province Committee, the Rasuwa District Committee will be dissolved and a new committee will be established through a new process. Leaders explained that the new district committee formation is planned following the district’s relatively low vote count in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21.

President Ramchandra Paudel, upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, has promulgated Ordinance 083 to amend several Nepal Acts. Kathmandu, 20 Baisakh. On Sunday, President Paudel issued the ordinance to make amendments to various Nepal Acts.

Local residents and devotees have demanded the eviction of 14 houses built on encroached land within the Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple area. The encroachment has caused disruptions to religious activities and a shortage of space during festivals. The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority had committed to organizing the temple area by demolishing houses and relocating roads. April 3, Kathmandu.

Structures erected by encroaching on the land surrounding Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple have prompted requests from locals and worshippers for their removal. The temple holds significant religious, cultural, archaeological, and historical value, and devotees have long appealed for the clearance of encroached buildings. The limited space caused by these encroachments has created difficulties for various religious and cultural activities conducted in the area.

Located in Gokarneshwar Municipality Ward No. 4, the temple area experiences problems annually during the festival on Bhadra Krishna Aunsi (a specific lunar day). Similarly, during Ashwin Krishna Paksha (the period of ancestral rites), the restricted space in the temple precincts also causes complications. On Paush Krishna Aunsi, thousands of devotees seek shelter in the temple vicinity. Ward Chairperson Jayaram Mahat reported that 14 houses have been constructed on public land within this area.

Above the temple, there is approximately 650 ropani of community forest land. The Yagya Dol (Jagadol) community forest currently hosts construction of the National Martyrs and Civil Servants Memorial. Recently, the 14 houses on public land adjacent to the temple have been granted usufruct rights to a cooperative secondary school, as informed by Sudarshan Sigdel, chairman of the community forest user group. Despite previous efforts, the area has not been successfully regulated.

The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority received proposals to organize the Gokarneshwar temple area. At that time, the Development Commissioner Bhaikaji Tiwari pledged support for managing the temple precincts by demolishing houses and rerouting the road leading to Sundarijal. However, Komal Bahadur Bisht, chairman of the Gokarneshwar Temple Restoration and Roof Reconstruction Committee, stated that the ward did not cooperate then, hindering progress. The ward office noted that the residents occupying the temple land also own houses and land elsewhere. While encroachments are being cleared in other locations, locals and daily visiting devotees demand the removal of these structures to preserve the temple area.

The Kenyan authorities have confirmed that sudden flooding caused by continuous heavy rains this week has resulted in at least 10 fatalities. Seven of these deaths occurred in the eastern region, where two key bridges were also destroyed, severely disrupting transportation.

According to the National Police Service, most of the human losses have been reported in the eastern part of the country, where flooded roads have been blocked and a significant number of people displaced, causing serious challenges for many communities. The official statement confirmed 10 deaths so far, with the highest toll—7 deaths—occurring in the eastern region.

The collapse of two major bridges due to flooding has led to significant disruptions in transportation and goods movement along the coastal and eastern areas. Authorities have urged residents, especially those in high-risk and affected areas, to remain vigilant, stay away from flood-prone zones, and follow directives issued by local government bodies. Earlier in March, similar floods in Kenya resulted in at least 112 deaths. Experts have warned that the risks of such natural disasters are increasing due to climate change.