Author: space4knews

May 15, Kathmandu – The National Sports Council (NSC) officially lifted the suspension imposed on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) last Friday. The ban was originally placed on March 24 (Chaitra 11) due to the failure to complete the ‘early election’ process.

Following discussions involving Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel, NSC Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta, and ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai, NSC agreed to revoke the suspension. Member Secretary Mehta stated the government’s decision to lift the suspension was made in the best interests of Nepalese football.

The NSC had conducted virtual talks with FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and ANFA regarding the suspension. Since no definitive resolution was reached, the NSC proposed a joint physical meeting with ANFA to address the matter.

However, ANFA insisted on lifting the suspension before any meeting could be held, which led to NSC’s decision to revoke the ban. This decision has also averted the threat of sanctions from FIFA, which had previously warned that failure to lift the suspension would lead to penalties.

“Without lifting the suspension, dialogue with FIFA and AFC was not possible. There is a prohibition on talks during the suspension,” explained Member Secretary Mehta. “Now, with the SAFF Championship upcoming, all these factors influenced the government’s decision to lift the ban.”

The NSC had repeatedly instructed ANFA to postpone the early election and conduct tiered elections as per directives. Defying this, the council had suspended ANFA for three months on March 24, just two days before the scheduled election.

ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah responded by stating they would proceed based on agreements reached through discussions with the government and FIFA. “After our virtual meeting, FIFA expressed concerns regarding Nepal’s football situation. Taking into account the discussions and FIFA’s suggestions, the government, FIFA, and ANFA will collectively determine how to move forward.”

Shah also highlighted the challenges arising from differences between state regulations and FIFA rules, saying, “We are obliged to follow national laws domestically, while adhering to FIFA regulations internationally. There are some discrepancies between the two which we aim to reconcile through discussions so that all activities, including elections, can progress smoothly.”

During the nearly two-month suspension, Nepalese football was nearly halted. Due to ANFA’s suspension and ongoing disputes, female footballers missed the FIFA series held in Thailand. The Nepali team was also unable to participate in the friendly match against Hong Kong on home soil. Both men’s and women’s leagues were suspended, leaving the domestic football scenario in limbo.

Shah expressed ANFA’s commitment to resuming suspended competitions and upcoming activities after thorough discussions. “The initial focus will be on the SAFF Championship. We will work on strategies to help the Nepali team succeed,” he noted. “There are pending competitions which we will review and decide on moving forward.”

The NSC had given numerous directives to ANFA to delay the early elections and proceed with tiered polls, but noncompliance led to the suspension imposed two days before the election date.

“Football development and sustainability should be prioritized over issues of power. Through this approach, managerial improvements and effective work are possible,” said Vikram Lama, President of the Nepal Football Players Association.

Subsequently, the ANFA leadership team had traveled to Jhapa intending to hold elections but postponed them at the last minute. According to sources, the suspension revocation came after an oral agreement to conduct unconditional tiered elections.

“Focus on Football Development, Not Power Politics”

Vikram Lama urged the new ANFA leadership to work patiently and prioritize football’s interests. “There are competitions on hold. We need to plan how to proceed, devise strategic plans, and assess the state of Nepali football,” he said.

Lama stressed focusing on football development rather than power politics. “If we prioritize sustainable growth in football, rather than political dominance, we can improve management and achieve positive results.”

May 15, Kathmandu – The Government of Nepal amended the division of work rules on April 13 and subordinated the National Investigation Department (NID), the country’s only intelligence agency, to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

According to the organizational division list published in the gazette under item 28 of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, this department will now function under the Prime Minister’s Office.

This is not the first time that the NID has been placed under the Prime Minister’s Office. During Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s tenure, the agency was transferred from the Home Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office.

However, even before six months had passed, on November 20, 2025 (Nepali date: 5 Mangsir 2082 BS), the department was reassigned back under the Home Ministry, and shortly afterwards, shifted again to the Prime Minister’s Office.

At that time, Home Minister Sudan Gurung had raised the issue in parliament on March 2, advocating that the intelligence agency should remain under the Home Ministry only.

“The NID was placed under the Prime Minister’s Office in 2018 (2075 BS), but before that, it was under the Home Ministry. Due to effective information collection, analysis, and coordination with other agencies, the government decided that the agency should remain under the Home Ministry, which led to the amendment ordinance,” said then-Home Minister Gurung.

Within a month and a half of this statement, senior leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah from the same party brought the intelligence agency back under his own office.

During a meeting of ministers who insisted on the agency remaining under the Home Ministry, the government’s Good Governance Roadmap 2082 (2025 AD), published on March 29, recommended placing the intelligence agency under the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister’s Office asserts the transfer follows this roadmap’s recommendation to make the agency stronger by bringing it under its supervision.

The 802-page roadmap, prepared under the coordination of Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki, clearly suggests placing the intelligence agency under the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The department should not be shifted repeatedly between ministries but be permanently placed under the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure stability,” the roadmap reads.

It also directs the transfer process to be completed within three months to ensure institutional stability.

Only a month and a half later, the intelligence agency was under the Prime Minister’s Office again. Considering past experiences, former intelligence chief Deviram Sharma welcomed this decision.

“It was right to place it under the Prime Minister’s Office during Oli’s tenure. The interim transfer to the Home Ministry caused confusion. Now, this is again the correct decision,” Sharma said.

Competition to Empower the Agency

The struggle to position the intelligence agency as a powerful institution has led various leaders to attempt to assert control over it. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has now brought the agency under his direct supervision, as former Prime Minister Oli had done on February 28, 2018 (16 Falgun 2074 BS).

The intelligence agency, considered the government’s eyes, ears, and nose, is crucial for the government’s success through its information.

Oli had claimed that when the agency was under the Home Ministry, it was ineffective and had effectively become privatized under his direct control.

Former AIG Devaraj Bhatt emphasized the need to analyze how much power the agency gained in the eight and a half years it remained under Oli’s supervision.

“Oli moved it to his own wing because it had become ineffective under the Home Ministry – but did it improve? Did it become stronger? The answer, if sought, would be even worse,” Bhatt said.

He added that the crucial factor is not just where the agency is placed but how it is shaped. The character of the agency often tends toward misuse tailored to personal interests rather than institution building.

Despite claims of strengthening the intelligence agency, during Oli’s tenure shortcomings were evident; for instance, the agency failed to detect the indigenous peoples’ uprisings in mid-September 2020 (23-24 Bhadra), resulting in a breakdown of security systems and the collapse of the two-thirds government within two days.

During this period, it was publicly revealed that the agency had been involved in phone tapping of political leaders.

On January 27, 2021 (14 Poush 2077 BS), Maoist leader Barshaman Pun accused Oli of deploying the intelligence agency to tap the phones of political party leaders.

He claimed at an event in Rolpa Livang that “all leaders’ phones are being tapped, making it impossible to discuss confidential matters, and media is being used to intimidate leaders.”

Pun also made serious allegations that businessmen’s phones were intercepted.

Former chairperson Sushila Karki, after making the agency powerful under the Prime Minister’s Office, had reinstated it under the Home Ministry due to concerns about misuse.

Now, with plans to strengthen the agency and place it again under the Prime Minister’s Office, fears about potential abuse are rising.

However, some intelligence personnel and officials claim this transfer is the first step toward strengthening the agency, and the new government is actively working on this.

“The Prime Minister is fully committed to empowering the intelligence agency. We have been given the task and are working on it. We believe that being under the Prime Minister’s Office will make the agency stronger,” said an intelligence official.

The agency has been misused during elections, from biased intelligence gathering favoring certain parties to monitoring opposition activities. This pattern of politically motivated abuse has been prevalent, including during the Lokman Singh Karki case, where the agency was reportedly used to intimidate individuals.

Where Should the Intelligence Agency Be Placed?

The tug of war over control of the intelligence agency has led to ongoing debate about the appropriate supervisory body. Historically, the agency has been shifted between the Police, Home Ministry, and Prime Minister’s Office.

Experts continue to debate which ministry is the best fit. Since Nepal currently lacks an external intelligence wing and the NID handles only internal security, some recommend it remain under the Home Ministry.

Others insist the intelligence agency must be under the Prime Minister’s Office. Former AIG Bhatt explained, “In principle, it should be under the Prime Minister’s Office, but in practice, the Home Ministry is more appropriate.”

While external intelligence should be overseen by the Prime Minister’s Office, the NID’s internal focus makes the Home Ministry a practical choice.

Even under the Prime Minister’s Office, the agency functions somewhat like a branch of the Home Ministry and acts under the Home Minister’s orders.

The Home Ministry even maintains a Superintendent of Police post within the intelligence agency. Former intelligence chief Deviram Sharma insists, “The head of the government must have the right to receive the first information. Therefore, the intelligence agency should be placed under the Prime Minister’s Office.”

He also advocates for two separate intelligence agencies: one for internal and one for external intelligence. External intelligence, he argues, must be under the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Where was our intelligence when the Lipulekh agreement was signed between India and China?” he questioned. “Maintaining the status quo is not acceptable.”

In India, for example, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) handles internal affairs, while the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) leads external intelligence.

“In this globally interconnected village, Nepal needs at least two intelligence agencies,” he added.

Small incidents in foreign affairs increasingly impact Nepal, and strategic importance demands external intelligence capability. Currently, the country relies heavily on media for external intelligence.

History and Politicization of the Intelligence Agency

Though intelligence activities existed prior, the formal establishment of Nepal’s National Investigation Department originated in 1951 (2008 BS), then known as the Central Intelligence Bureau.

After the enactment of the Police Act in 1955 (2012 BS), the Nepal Police was formally established. Initially, the intelligence bureau was a division within the police department.

In 2015 BS (1968 AD), after six years under the police, the intelligence department was separated and renamed Nepal Intelligence Department, becoming an independent agency though still staffed by some police officers.

In 2018 BS, it was re-integrated under the Nepal Police Headquarters.

In 2023 BS (1966 AD), the agency was transferred to the Home Ministry, with its service conditions closely aligned to police regulations.

In 1983 BS, there was an attempt to rename it the Nepal Public Relations Headquarters, dividing it into (a) internal and (b) external intelligence divisions.

In 1985 BS, it was renamed as the National Investigation Department, and special service laws were passed to improve its function.

The department retains this name today and from 1990 onwards focuses solely on internal intelligence, as Nepal currently lacks an external intelligence agency.

In 1989, Home Minister Yograj Upadhyay eliminated external intelligence activities, stating such intelligence was unnecessary after democracy was established.

Political Interference by Oli and Bamdev

The intelligence department has a long history of being transferred and misused for political ends.

After the 1994 election (2051 BS), the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) became the leading party, and during Manmohan Adhikari’s premiership, KP Oli, as Home Minister, appointed DIG Govinda Karm Thapa as intelligence chief in 1995 (2052 BS).

Despite Thapa’s limited qualifications, Oli appointed him reportedly for political revenge, replacing Vishnuraj Pant.

Following this, in 1996 (2053 BS), Bamdev Gautam intervened and attempted to appoint Nepal Police IGP Achyut Krishna Kharel as intelligence chief.

However, Kharel was removed from the post within 36 days, during the time when former Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand led the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party.

At that time, Home Minister Bamdev Gautam appointed Kharel while the standing intelligence chief was Haribahadur Chaudhary, who was ineffective and then transferred.

Kharel himself declined to be present at his transfer.

These events highlight a clear pattern of misuse and politically motivated replacements of intelligence chiefs.

May 15, Kathmandu – An elderly man has died after being hit by a motorcycle in Lamjung.

The incident took place on the road at Ramchok Besi, Besishahar Municipality-11, where the motorcycle bearing the registration number ग.प्र.०१–००१ प ०१६९ was traveling from Udipur towards Ramchok Besi and struck a pedestrian.

The victim, 74-year-old Mohanidhi Sedhai, who lived in the same area, died on Friday morning, according to the central news desk of Nepal Police.

He sustained serious injuries and succumbed to them while undergoing treatment at Lamjung Provincial Hospital.

The police also reported that the motorcyclist injured in the accident is currently under treatment at the same hospital.

May 15, Kathmandu – Funds spent from the state treasury in violation of existing laws and regulations are now approaching an amount equivalent to nearly one fiscal year’s budget.

According to the 63rd annual report submitted to the President by the Office of the Auditor General on Friday, the total amount of unclaimed public funds to date has reached NPR 1.543 trillion.

In the last fiscal year alone, unclaimed funds increased by nearly NPR 300 billion, compared to NPR 1.284 trillion the previous year.

The current fiscal year’s budget is NPR 1.964 trillion, meaning unclaimed funds now represent roughly 80 percent of the annual budget. This marks a 50 percent increase compared to five years ago.

Auditor General Toyam Raya presented the audit report for the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25) to the President. The report analyzes expenditure from the state treasury and the effectiveness of public entities under eight major areas and provides recommendations.

“This year, some local governments have reduced unclaimed funds, which is a result of institutional reforms,” Auditor General Raya said at a press conference.

Audit scope includes verifying whether ministries have legally utilized their allocated budgets and examining the justification and proper use of expenditures. The Auditor General also audits revenue administration to determine whether taxes have been properly collected.

Unclaimed amounts are declared when expenditures are unlawful, unjustified, or when required documentation is missing. The auditor also tracks if revenue collection has occurred as required.

How much was added to unclaimed funds in the last year?

According to Auditor General Raya, NPR 8.809 billion was added to unclaimed funds last year. Funds pending action amount to NPR 236 billion. Together, these irregularities total approximately NPR 324 billion.

However, the audit office has begun to distinguish between unclaimed funds and arrears. Based on decreasing arrears year-over-year, irregular amounts are estimated at around NPR 325 billion.

The Auditor General’s Office treats remaining balances, revenue arrears, foreign grants and loans, and accrued interest on overdue loans as arrears in annual audits.

Toyam Raya named ministry secretaries, local government chief administrative officers, and department heads as accountable officers for financial management.

“We have clearly stated who is responsible in the annual report. What more can we do beyond that?” he said.

Unclaimed funds nearly equal to national budget

Last year, unclaimed funds stood at about NPR 1.2 trillion, increasing by nearly NPR 300 billion this year. The auditor’s office found that NPR 237 billion in revenue arrears were added this year, indicating unpaid tax liabilities.

Outstanding tax and revenue arrears across the country have reached NPR 709 billion. Taxpayers’ reluctance and cases pending in court contribute significantly to the arrears burden.

Last year, tax arrears were NPR 472 billion, which has increased by about 50 percent this year. Additionally, accrued interest on overdue tax liabilities has reached NPR 52 billion.

During the JNU movement last September, numerous government offices were damaged or set on fire, resulting in the destruction of records from 179 offices, preventing audits from being conducted.

The Auditor General’s Office reported that audits amounting to nearly NPR 1.4 billion are pending. Raya considers this a notable achievement given the circumstances.

Specifically, NPR 147.89 billion remains un-audited, but Raya clarified these amounts were excluded from unclaimed funds or amounts pending closure due to exceptional situations.

Types and distribution of unclaimed funds

Out of the NPR 8.809 billion unclaimed last year, NPR 5.348 billion is with the federal government, representing over half of the total. Local governments hold NPR 1.9 billion, while provincial governments have the least, at NPR 522 million.

The Auditor General classifies unclaimed funds into three categories: collectible, regularizable, and advances. Collectible unclaimed funds amount to NPR 3.264 billion this year.

Regularizable funds exceed NPR 5 billion; these can be cleared upon completing necessary procedures and submitting documents.

Due to missing paperwork, NPR 3.6 billion remains unclaimed, while advances given before work commencement have contributed to NPR 517 million.

The ratio of unclaimed funds to total expenditure from the treasury has remained stable over the past three years, with 1.69 percent three years ago, 1.21 percent two years back, and 1.84 percent last year.

The report excludes unclaimed funds related to organized institutions where boards resolve discrepancies internally.

Raya noted it is impossible to review all documents simultaneously; audits focus on sectors identified as high-risk and vulnerable.

According to the report, the Ministry of Finance holds the largest share of unclaimed funds — about 70 percent of total — followed by ministries of Physical Infrastructure, Land Management, Forest and Environment, and Communications and Information Technology.

Madhesh Province reportedly has the highest unclaimed funds among provinces, while Koshi Province has the least. The Ministry of Finance’s unclaimed amount stands at NPR 3.763 billion whereas the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure’s is about NPR 750 million. Inclusion of revenue arrears further increases the Ministry of Finance’s unclaimed figures.

Approximately 5,500 government offices have undergone audits. However, audits of some offices could not be completed due to record damage caused by the JNU movement.

The Office of the Auditor General has fully implemented an online auditing system and adopted a policy of conducting audits through both field visits and online methods focusing on high-risk sectors.

Key issues identified

The auditor’s report highlights that nearly NPR 200 billion in tax disputes are currently pending in administrative reviews, tax adjudication bodies, and the Supreme Court. These unresolved disputes affect about 10 percent of the annual budget and hinder tax revenue collection.

Last year, approximately NPR 4.72 billion was reappropriated in the budget, with influential ministers adjusting the budget near the fiscal year-end to favor certain programs. Only NPR 80 million was reappropriated by mid-July.

Over the past 15 years, 27 projects have been declared as national pride projects.

Among them, Upper Tamakoshi, Pokhara, and Bhairahawa airports have been completed, while the Melamchi drinking water project is in its first phase. Other projects remain incomplete or not yet initiated. The progress of 17 transformative projects is similarly limited.

Auditor General Raya stated that identified problems have been categorized into eight sectors: governance, economy, public administration, public asset management, public finance, development management, information technology, and good governance, where corrective suggestions have been provided.

He added, “We have recommended necessary reforms within these sectors.”