The first meeting of the House of Representatives will be held on Chaitra 19 (March 31), and the election process for the Speaker will commence on the same day. According to the rules, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be completed within 15 days after the first meeting. Although the rules stipulate that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be from different parties and different genders, there is a possibility that both positions could be filled by members of the same party if there is a single candidate.
Chaitra 17 (March 30), Kathmandu – Preparations are underway to advance the Speaker election process from the first meeting of the House of Representatives, which is scheduled for Chaitra 19. According to Ekram Giri, Deputy Secretary and Spokesperson of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be completed within 15 days following the first meeting. Discussions are ongoing on moving forward with the Speaker election process.
Rule 7 of the House of Representatives Rules of Procedure outlines provisions related to the Speaker’s election. According to this rule, the election of the Speaker after the House election will be conducted on the date and time set by the senior-most member. Notification regarding this will be published by the General Secretary or, in their absence, the Secretary. A member must propose another member for the post of Speaker. If there is only one candidate, that person will be declared Speaker unopposed after endorsement by three supporting members. However, if there are multiple candidates, proposals and support must be submitted according to the registration process, followed by a brief discussion before the Chair submits the matter for a formal decision. The candidate who obtains majority approval will be declared Speaker.
The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) holds 182 seats in the House of Representatives. The Nepali Congress has 38 seats, CPN-UML 25, Nepali Communist Party 17, Labour Culture Party 7, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) 5, and there is one independent MP. Based on this parliamentary composition, Raswapa is positioned to secure the Speaker post. Within Raswapa, there is discussion about nominating Deputy Speaker Dipak Prasad Aryal as the Speaker candidate.
Following the Speaker’s election, the Deputy Speaker will be elected on a date and time designated by the Speaker. Spokesperson Ekram Giri noted there is a provision that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must come from different parties and different genders. “The Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be from different parties and different genders,” he said, “but if there is a single candidate, they may be from the same party.” According to Raswapa leaders, no concrete discussion regarding the Deputy Speaker has taken place yet. The House includes six parties including Raswapa.
After the election, the Speaker will take the oath of office and secrecy before the President, while the Deputy Speaker will take the oath before the Speaker in the presence of the President. Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are members of the Constitutional Council, which gives special significance to the party representing the Deputy Speaker position. According to Article 284 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Constitutional Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, operates to recommend qualified candidates for appointments to chief justice, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies. Appointments to these positions follow parliamentary hearing committee approval after recommendation by the Constitutional Council.
Security officials have reported that a total of 933 cases, including 379 in the Kathmandu Valley, have been registered nationwide concerning various offenses related to the destruction that occurred on Bhadra 24 during the Gen Z movement. As of Chaitra 15, 963 suspects connected to various criminal incidents have been arrested; among them, 191 remain in custody for further investigation. The remaining 474 have been released on bail. Approximately 700 of those arrested have been charged with criminal disturbance, while 20 individuals face charges of culpable homicide, according to a spokesperson for the Nepal Police.
Following the inquiry commission led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, which recommended action over the events of Bhadra 23, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested Saturday morning, shortly after the formation of the government headed by Walendra Shah. The commission had suggested a separate investigation into the destruction, arson, and vandalism on Bhadra 24; however, the government has yet to finalize the mechanism for this inquiry.
According to the police, cases have been filed against 963 individuals under 13 different types of charges related to the Bhadra 24 incident. A total of 802 cases have been registered under criminal disturbance. There are four cases under culpable homicide, involving 20 suspects who have been arrested. In the Kathmandu Valley alone, 379 cases have been registered, and police records indicate that 420 people have been arrested across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
Nepal Police spokesperson Abinarayan Kafle stated, “Once the inquiry commissions submit their reports, charges in the culpable homicide cases may be filed at any time. Based on all complaints received regarding offenses under the Criminal Code such as arson and vandalism, 933 cases have so far been registered.” The government has decided to establish a high-level committee within a week to investigate the incidents of Bhadra 24.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the process to withdraw American troops from Iran will begin soon. Iran’s Defense Minister Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed Tehran’s readiness to end the conflict. In the last week of February, the U.S. and Israel jointly launched attacks in Iran, and tensions in the Middle Eastern region have escalated following the death of Ali Khamenei. Kathmandu, March 31.
Trump has shown initiative towards ending the ongoing conflict with Iran. He announced that the United States will soon start the process of bringing its troops home from Iran. According to Trump, the U.S. military will be prepared to leave Iran within the next two to three weeks. He shared this information from the Oval Office.
However, he did not indicate any prior agreement or deal before the war concludes. Iran’s Defense Minister Masoud Pezeshkian also clarified that Tehran is ready to end the war. He stated that Iran is eager to bring the conflict to a close if assurances are given that hostilities will not recur.
Israel’s perspective, however, remains different. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not set any deadline for ending the conflict. He mentioned that it is not possible to provide a definitive ‘deadline’ for when tensions with Iran will cease. In the last week of February, the U.S. and Israel conducted joint attacks in Iran. This sequence of events has heightened insecurity across Gulf countries as well.
Summary: The Rastriya Swatantra Party has initiated internal discussions regarding the nomination of Indira Ranamagar as the Deputy Leader of its parliamentary faction. Preparations are underway for appointing the party Vice Chairperson DP Aryal as Speaker, while Kavindra Burlakoti is being considered for the position of Chief Whip. Priority will be given to former MPs for selecting chairpersons of parliamentary committees, and the chairperson of the Women and Social Affairs Committee will be chosen from among female parliamentarians.
Kathmandu, 31 March: Following the completion of the government formation process, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the largest party in the House of Representatives, has begun internal consultations about assigning responsibilities within its parliamentary faction.
The RSP has already appointed senior leader Balendra Shah as the Parliamentary Party Leader, who has since become Prime Minister. Discussions are now ongoing about who should assume the role of Deputy Leader of the parliamentary faction.
According to a top party leader, internal talks are focused on appointing Indira Ranamagar as Deputy Leader, though no final decision has been made. Ranamagar was also considered for ministerial and Speaker positions; however, ministerial appointments have been finalized while DP Aryal, the party’s Vice Chairperson, is expected to become Speaker, leading to her nomination as Deputy Leader for the parliamentary faction.
Indira Ranamagar, elected from Jhapa-2, previously served as Deputy Speaker and was a proportional representation MP in the last parliament when she also held the Deputy Speaker post for RSP.
As one senior leader stated, “Indira Ranamagar’s name has been discussed within the party for the Deputy Leader position of the parliamentary faction.” Previously, Birajbhakta Shrestha served as the Deputy Leader of the parliamentary faction for RSP. The Deputy Leader is elected by the parliamentary party leader and authorized to assist the leader and preside over meetings in their absence.
According to the party’s statutes, the federal parliament leadership includes positions such as parliamentary party leader, Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, Whip, and Treasurer. The Treasurer post is rarely appointed; in the previous parliament, the Janamat Party held this position.
Discussions on assigning parliamentary responsibilities are ongoing following government formation. Reliable sources indicate that Vice Chairperson DP Aryal will almost certainly become Speaker. Aryal, a founding Vice Chairperson of RSP, previously served as acting Speaker, is a former Labor Minister, served as a proportional representation MP in the last session, and this time was elected from Kathmandu-9.
Kavindra Burlakoti, founding co-General Secretary of the party who won this time from Gorkha-2 after previously losing, is being considered for Chief Whip. Party sources also suggest Nisha Dangi is likely to be appointed Whip; she was a proportional representative MP and member of the Infrastructure Development Committee, now elected from Jhapa-1.
Within RSP, talks are ongoing regarding the selection of parliamentary committee chairpersons. There are currently 10 parliamentary committees in the House of Representatives, with the possibility of adjustment in their number during the rules formulation process. Holding nearly a two-thirds majority, RSP can reduce or increase committees as it desires. It is customary for the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee to come from opposition parties, although in the previous parliament, the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (UML) refused to appoint opposition members to that post.
According to an RSP leader, priority will be given to MPs from the previous parliament for committee chairperson roles. He mentioned that Manish Jha, Ganesh Parajuli, and Hari Dhakal – all Secretariat members and with Jha also serving as party spokesperson – are likely to be appointed as committee chairs. The chairperson for the Women and Social Affairs Committee will also be a female MP.
RSP MPs have been requested to express their preferences for committees they wish to join, encouraging consideration of their expertise and interests.
Image caption, The nearly 36 km wide Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden
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Iran’s threat to close a key Red Sea shipping route has raised concerns of further disruptions in global trade.
Iran has already impacted the Strait of Hormuz by restricting the passage of vessels through the Persian Gulf. It is now threatening to disrupt trade from the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which links the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, all the way to the Suez Canal.
Iran has also warned that if the US military establishes a presence on land, it may open “other fronts.”
“Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered one of the world’s most strategic waterways and Iran has both the desire and capacity to put it at risk,” Tasnim, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated source, quoted a military informant as saying.
Iran warned that if the US attacks Kharg Island, a key oil terminal, it would cause disruptions at Bab al-Mandab. Earlier, former US President Donald Trump had indicated plans to control Iranian oil and occupy Kharg Island.
Why Bab al-Mandab Is Important
The Bab al-Mandab Strait lies between Yemen on the Arabian coast of the Red Sea and Djibouti and Eritrea in Africa. Ships traveling from the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden to the Suez Canal must pass through this route.
The strait is approximately 115 kilometers long and 36 kilometers wide. Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, it has been the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia and remains vital to global trade.
The Red Sea corridor is currently one of the busiest in the world, with about a quarter of global maritime traffic passing through it.
Due to frequent closures at the Strait of Hormuz caused by conflicts, the Bab al-Mandab Strait carries around 20% of the world’s oil shipments. If it were shut down, global oil transportation would be further impacted by 12%.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, Middle Eastern and Asian countries export nearly 500,000 barrels of oil daily through this passage heading westward.
Additionally, about 8% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through this route.
With disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea’s strategic role has grown stronger. Saudi Arabia uses Bab al-Mandab as a transit path for its oil through the Yanbu port and also transports millions of barrels via pipelines in its eastern regions.
Beyond oil and gas, this waterway is a key commercial link between East and West, with dozens of cargo ships traveling daily.
Image source, Suez Canal Authority via European Pressphoto Agency
Image caption, In 2021, the Evergreen ship blocked the Suez Canal
When the Panamanian-flagged Evergreen container ship blocked the Suez Canal in 2021, it caused a major global supply disruption that delayed shipments and raised prices. A similar blockade in Bab al-Mandab could have equally severe consequences.
The Role of the Houthis
Any potential attacks on Bab al-Mandab are expected to be carried out by the Iranian-backed Houthi political and military groups based in Yemen.
Speaking to Reuters under condition of anonymity, a Houthi leader said their group was “militarily prepared” to target Bab al-Mandab with Iran’s support.
On March 28 of this year, the Houthis launched an attack on Israel—their first involvement in the US-Israeli conflict. Israel reported intercepting two missiles launched from Yemen.
The group controls the Red Sea coastal areas of Yemen and has previously targeted Bab al-Mandab during the Gaza conflict. More than 100 commercial vessels have been attacked with missiles and drones by the Houthis, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four crew members.
Image source, Houthi Military Media via Reuters
Image caption, In 2023, Houthis hijacked the cargo ship ‘Galaxy Leader’
In November 2023, the Houthis hijacked a Japanese-operated, British-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea using helicopters.
Although the Houthis claimed to target only vessels connected to Israel, these attacks were widely viewed as indiscriminate, leading major global shipping and oil companies to suspend traffic in the region.
The situation eventually calmed after US claims of Houthi surrender and their denial, but experts warn that tensions could escalate again.
“If the conflict prolongs, there has always been a possibility of Houthi involvement,” says a senior international correspondent.
He adds, “So far, the Houthis, who dominate northwest Yemen, have not caused any significant obstruction in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.”
On February 26, the US Maritime Administration issued a notice stating: “Following the October 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the Houthi terrorist group has not attacked commercial vessels, but risks to merchant ships and US assets in the region persist.”
Pressure on Global Shipping
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption, Dozens of ships carrying thousands of tons of cargo pass through daily
The Arabic name Bab al-Mandab means “Gate of Tears” or “Gate of Sorrow,” reflecting the perilous conditions here—including storms, unpredictable weather, piracy, and conflict.
Between 2008 and 2012, there were numerous maritime attacks in and around this passage, particularly hijackings by Somali groups demanding ransom.
These incidents prompted international communities and shipping companies to strengthen security measures in the area.
If Bab al-Mandab closes, it would deepen the energy market crisis already challenged by the Strait of Hormuz issues.
During prior disruptions on Gulf land routes, Brent crude oil prices surged from about $70 to $115 per barrel.
From consumer goods to agricultural products, global trade has already been impacted. Further problems on another maritime route could drive prices higher and cause serious economic consequences in the conflict with Iran.
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March 31, Kathmandu: The Central Disciplinary Committee of the Nepali Congress is scheduled to meet today. This meeting was convened after the faction led by former party chair Sher Bahadur Deuba and Shekhar Koirala initiated parallel activities. Krishna Prasad Dulal, the party’s acting general secretary, informed that the meeting will take place at 1 PM at the party’s central office in Sanepa.
Last Saturday, former Home Minister and Congress leader Ramesh Lalhak was arrested, after which Purna Bahadur Khadka issued a statement as acting chairperson. The Congress party has taken this matter seriously. Despite the special general convention having already elected Gagan Thapa as party chair and the Election Commission recognizing this, the Deuba faction’s Khadka statement raised issues regarding the renewal of active memberships. On Tuesday, Khadka convened a Central Working Committee meeting elected by the 14th general convention. He organized programs involving Shekhar Koirala and Shashank Koirala, which angered the Congress leadership. Additionally, Khadka has called a district chairpersons’ gathering for Chaitra 19 (April 1). Considering these actions, the disciplinary committee is set to discuss these matters in today’s meeting, according to a party leader.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has made official identification mandatory to ensure more disciplined, transparent, and systematic service delivery. According to the government cabinet decision dated April 26, five departments have strictly enforced rules prohibiting unauthorized individuals from accessing their services. The new policy, effective from today, mandates that only the proprietors, employees, or official representatives of establishments may be present, excluding the general public seeking services, the ministry announced. April 30, Kathmandu.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies along with its subordinate departments and offices have implemented new measures to make service delivery more orderly, transparent, and efficient. As per ministry directives, it is now mandatory to be an official person holding valid identification to access services from the Department of Industry, Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection, Office of the Company Registrar, Department of Mines and Geology, and Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology.
This strict policy follows the implementation of item number 21 of the ‘100-Point Government Reform Agenda’ approved by the cabinet on April 26. Deputy Secretary of the ministry, Netra Prasad Subedi, stated that the directive issued in the secretaries-level meeting on Tuesday aims to ensure a dignified environment for service provision in all departments and offices.
According to the new arrangement, apart from the general public seeking services, only the proprietors, employees, or official representatives of the respective establishments may be present in departments and subordinate offices. Those accessing services must carry mandatory official identification cards that clearly reveal their identity. Offices are not obligated to provide services if identification is not presented. This measure is expected to reduce unnecessary crowding at government offices and completely discourage the influence of intermediaries.
March 30, Kathmandu – A youth has been arrested on charges of assaulting a senior citizen while on the road. The arrested individual has been identified as Ram Sharan Sharma Bajgain, also known as R.B. Sharma, a resident of Godawari Municipality-10, Takhel, Lalitpur. The incident occurred during protests by UML (Communist Party of Nepal, Unified Marxist–Leninist) activists opposing the arrest of UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The senior citizen was assaulted near the vehicle parking area at Patan Hospital on March 29. Bajgain is currently held in custody at the District Police Office in Lalitpur, where investigations are ongoing.
Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut is set to retire on 31 March 2023 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.
During his one and a half year tenure, there were no allegations of economic interest or undue influence affecting the judiciary.
However, weaknesses were observed in controlling judicial irregularities and leading the constitutional bench effectively.
March 31, Kathmandu — Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut is retiring on Tuesday after reaching the age limit of 65. He was appointed as Chief Justice on October 17, 2024 and led the Supreme Court for one and a half years.
At the start of his tenure, the Supreme Court building was set on fire amid the Janajati movement protests. Despite challenging circumstances, he led the judiciary for seven months during this tumultuous period.
Raut’s approximately 18-month tenure has received a mixed evaluation. While weaknesses in judicial leadership and irregularities maintained through silent consensus were curtailed during this period, significant challenges remain.
There were no allegations against him regarding the distortion of justice for economic gains or bias in adjudication during his tenure. Analysts, however, point out that he showed limited progress in keeping the judiciary independent from executive influence and in advancing long-term constitutional verdicts and judicial interpretations.
Raut served as a Supreme Court judge since August 2, 2016 and was actively involved in committees studying judicial distortions and discrepancies. He also contributed to committees formed by the Bar Association.
Throughout his career, he was seen as someone who earnestly sought judicial reforms and was known for responding firmly to protect his reputation at critical moments.
‘Integrity Unquestioned’
He was never accused of engaging in economic interests or favoritism. This reputation is considered his strongest asset and has earned him the firm acceptance of his supporters. He continued the tradition established by his predecessors, Vishwambhar Prasad Shrestha and Hari Krishna Karki, of safeguarding justice from economic influence.
In matters of influencing cases or favoritism, he is generally regarded as more impartial than Vishwambhar Prasad Shrestha and comparatively close to Hari Krishna Karki.
Apart from Sushila Karki and Hari Krishna Karki, recent Chief Justices have mostly been appointed from judges who rose through the lower courts. Since Raut’s tenure, judges from legal practitioner backgrounds have led the Supreme Court for around 11 years.
According to a senior former Supreme Court judge, among Chief Justices who have stayed clear of economic controversies over the last decade, notable names are Sushila Karki, Vishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, and Prakash Man Singh Raut. Others have not been able to avoid disputes and allegations.
Senior lawyer Tikaram Bhattarai said, “There has never been any doubt that he entered the court with a clean record. Not raising questions about integrity and honesty in financial matters is a major accomplishment.”
However, he did not succeed in controlling distortions and problems within the judiciary. Issues involving questionable cases extending to lower courts remained unaddressed during his tenure.
Former Attorney General Dr. Dinmani Pokharel said, “There was no visible strong step taken by him to stop irregularities inside the judiciary. The public expected more proactive action.”
‘More Active in Expression than in Judgments’
One Supreme Court justice observed that Raut was more active on social platforms and public forums than in judicial rulings. His statements on Facebook, public assemblies, and media failed to significantly influence judicial decisions or legal opinions.
“He was energetic in advocating freedom of expression, rule of law, judicial independence, and separation of powers, yet this energy was not equally reflected in his judgments,” the justice noted.
During his tenure, his perspectives and opinions were less visible in many key Constitutional bench cases. In controversial matters such as the appointment of 52 constitutional office holders, he was often in the minority.
Bar Association President Vijay Prasad Mishra likened Raut’s tenure to “an attempt to sing a sweet song amid chaos.”
He said, “It is difficult to sing a good song amid turmoil; even if the melody is sweet, the surrounding people may not hear it clearly.”
Raut did not respond firmly to executive interference and pressures on the judiciary. In some cases, government influence was reportedly visible even within the judiciary itself.
Though he made statements and engaged in dialogues, critics say his initiative and follow-up in action were weak.
Dr. Pokharel notes that while criticism about insufficient focus on the quality of judicial appointments is valid, it is positive that Raut avoided unnecessary controversies with the executive in a difficult environment.
Reflecting on his achievements, Bar President Mishra added, “Raut indirectly led the 109-day movement against the malpractice of Chandra Shamsher Jabara and resolved the Bar-Bench dispute.”
However, following the events of September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24), the judiciary’s morale has been unsettled and public support has diminished, Mishra says. He believes it will take more time for the judiciary to return to normalcy.
“It is satisfying for us that he was appointed Chief Justice from the Bar without any economic controversy and was unquestionably selected,” Mishra emphasized.
The government’s 100-point reform agenda approved on March 26 does not prioritize improvements in public transportation.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has committed only to initiatives such as operating electric blue buses and preventing gender-based violence.
Experts emphasize the need to dismantle transport cartels, introduce nighttime services, and enforce stricter regulations in public transportation.
March 30, Kathmandu — One of the most complex issues faced by the general public is public transportation. This is believed to be one of the key reasons why the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a significant number of votes.
However, the 100-point administrative reform agenda approved by the cabinet led by Balendra Shah on March 26 does not give priority to substantial reforms in public transportation.
The cabinet-approved agenda largely reflects only the blue bus service initiative that RSP had included in its manifesto, which many consider insufficient. The manifesto sets a primary goal of operating 25 electric blue buses within the first 100 days.
Additionally, there is a pledge to provide free bus service for women’s safe travel across all seven provinces. Apart from this, the manifesto includes just two measures: installing CCTV cameras in vehicles to prevent gender-based violence in public transport.
The quality and safety of public transportation in Nepal are highly complex issues. According to Nepal Police data, seven people die daily in road accidents. While two-wheeler vehicles cause more accidents overall, the fatality rate in public transport accidents is higher. Using public transportation in urban areas remains particularly challenging.
Experts point out that until a well-organized urban transport system is established, public suffering will not be alleviated. Enforcing strict rules such as boarding and disembarking only at designated stops, limiting passengers to the number of seats available, and prohibiting vehicles from stopping outside scheduled times could bring improvements.
Consumer rights activist Madhav Timalsina says significant change cannot be expected from the current public transport structure. Adding school children to buses primarily used by office workers results in severe overcrowding during midday and evening hours.
This overcrowding makes traveling highly uncomfortable for passengers who cannot find seats.
He suggests that schools should operate their own vehicles and that strict regulations should bar students from using public transport.
Currently, public transport is heavily controlled by entire organizations through informal agreements, forcing buses to pick up passengers only at fixed locations and making other vehicles wait, which wastes passengers’ time.
According to Timalsina, removing these organizations would allow drivers to operate more vehicles at essential stops, reducing seat shortages. He stressed that the government must take a strong role in implementing these reforms.
Public transportation in Nepal generally ceases operations after 8 p.m. “The absence of nighttime public transport is one of the biggest injustices by the state,” he said. “Not everyone can afford private vehicles, and taxis or private transportation at night are expensive.”
He emphasized that the government must make nighttime public transportation safe and reliable. Moreover, unprofessional and unpleasant behavior by drivers and conductors often deteriorates the travel experience for passengers.
Ignoring these issues could lead to reduced public trust and lowered expectations from the government, he warned.
Both short- and long-distance public transportation sectors face problems. Drivers tend to focus more on fare hikes than on improving service quality.
They attempt to conceal problems by blaming poor infrastructure, roads, and police inspections. The private sector monopoly and lack of government regulatory power are primary reasons for the dire state of public transportation.
What Does RSP’s Manifesto Include?
RSP’s manifesto pledges to completely eliminate transportation cartels and monopolies in long-distance bus services and promote healthy competition with safe services. It commits to making city bus services in major urban centers effective, safe, comfortable, and reliable.
The plan proposes developing a centralized ticketing and fare distribution system under integrated management.
It also includes customs exemptions to promote electric bus use and preparing sustainable master plans for public transportation development on key routes in Kathmandu Valley and the Terai region.
To improve road safety, the manifesto promises GPS tracking on all public vehicles, AI-based traffic cameras, digital fine systems, and strict enforcement of speed and lane discipline. There is a commitment to reduce accidents within the first year and to develop infrastructure ensuring pedestrian safety.
Wrestler Bhagwati Khadka has been arrested from Shantinagar on charges of character assassination of a woman. According to Cyber Bureau SP Dilip Kumar Giri, she has been remanded by the Kathmandu District Court for four days for further investigation.
Bhagwati Khadka was arrested following a complaint filed by the victim woman at the Cyber Bureau. SP Giri stated that Khadka had defamed the woman through social media.
The government has set a deadline to prepare three bills within 30 days and established specific time limits for the lawmaking process. Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, is working with ministries involved in the governance reform agenda. The government plans to draft the Federal Civil Service Bill within 45 days and the Information Technology and Electronic Governance Bill within 60 days. Kathmandu, 17 Chaitra — The government has now initiated a process to enact and amend laws within defined timeframes. The governance reform agenda, consisting of 100 key points, prioritizes the establishment of deadlines for legislative tasks. Minister Gautam stated that she has coordinated progress with ministries included in the governance reform’s 100-point agenda.
To expedite the bills and related work submitted by various ministries, a fast-track desk has been established within the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Additionally, the respective ministries have taken the initiative to advance their own legislative work. Every draft law proposed by ministries is only registered with the Cabinet after receiving legal advice from the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Despite the constitution being promulgated 10 years ago, many laws related to its implementation have yet to be enacted. Minister Gautam emphasized that special attention is being given to this issue. Since taking office on 13 Chaitra, she remarked, “This time, we must work with utmost speed. In the past, the necessary laws were not enacted sufficiently. Our ministry will now work through continuous coordination.”
She expressed confidence that Parliament will also advance legislation swiftly alongside the government. “Members of Parliament are eager to work on legislation. They too must operate at a fast pace. Both Parliament and the government must therefore move quickly,” Minister Gautam said. The government is also preparing to issue the National Integrity Policy within 30 days. The policy, aimed at promoting integrity, protecting whistleblowers, and managing conflicts of interest, will be published within 30 days, after which related legislation drafting and amendment processes will proceed.
The government plans to draft three bills within 30 days and has set deadlines for the legislative process.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam has advanced work with ministries under the governance reform agenda.
Aiming to prepare the Federal Civil Service Bill within 45 days and the Information Technology and Electronic Governance Bill within 60 days.
March 30, Kathmandu – The government has initiated a process to draft and amend laws within specified deadlines. According to the 100-point governance reform agenda, legislation priorities have been assigned corresponding time frames.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam has disclosed that progress has been made regarding ministry-related tasks outlined in the 100-point governance reform plan.
A fast-track desk has been established within the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to expedite bills and related work submitted by various ministries.
Additionally, the concerned ministries are advancing their legislative initiatives on their own accord.
Draft laws proposed by each ministry are submitted to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for legal advice prior to being registered in the cabinet.
Even after ten years since the promulgation of the constitution, many laws required for implementation remain unestablished. Minister Gautam emphasized special attention to this matter. After assuming office on March 27, she stated, ‘This time, we must work with great urgency. In the past, necessary legislation was not adequately developed. Our ministry will ensure continuous coordination moving forward.’
She expressed confidence that Parliament will also move promptly alongside the government, adding, ‘Parliament members are equally eager to develop laws. They too must expedite their work. Both Parliament and government must advance swiftly.’
Three Bills Within 30 Days
The government has planned to draft three bills within 30 days.
Redundancy, complexity, and unnecessary procedures across all public bodies have caused delays and increased costs in service delivery. To address this, related organizations will conduct comprehensive reviews to eliminate redundant and repetitive processes.
The government is committed to limiting decision-making approvals to no more than three levels and streamlining service delivery through business process reengineering.
Necessary procedures, standards, and monitoring mechanisms will be developed and enforced within 30 days. Draft amendments to laws will also be prepared within the same timeframe if necessary.
The government is preparing to issue a National Ethics Policy within 30 days.
The reform agenda includes the commitment to promote ethics, protect whistleblowers, manage conflicts of interest, and advance related law formulation or amendments within 30 days through the National Ethics Policy.
Aim is also set to enact laws within 30 days to prevent delays in national and priority infrastructure projects.
To prevent repeated failures in contracting, policies are proposed for direct implementation of projects failing more than twice through a government infrastructure construction company.
Necessary resources, tools, personnel, and equipment for the company will be arranged alongside the legislation drafted within 30 days.
Civil Service Bill Within 45 Days
The government plans to prepare the Federal Civil Service Bill within 45 days.
The goal is to free public administration from political interference, making it impartial, neutral, and citizen-focused. Civil servants, including employees, teachers, and professors, will be required to remain free from any direct or indirect association with political parties, groups, or vested interests.
The bill will include provisions for strict departmental action if civil servants violate rules.
Minister for Federal Affairs, Administration, Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Pratibha Rawal
The government aims to abolish party-based trade unions in public administration, eliminate undesirable interference and informal pressure, thereby enhancing decision-making and service delivery efficiency.
The Federal Civil Service Bill will be legally enacted to facilitate these reforms within 45 days.
The constitution mandated staffing at all three levels of government in 2015, yet the Federal Civil Service Bill has not been enacted until now. Earlier parliamentary attempts failed to pass the legislation.
Six Bills Within 60 Days
The government plans to draft the Information Technology and Electronic Governance Bill within 60 days.
Details of the bill’s content have not been fully disclosed, but it is included in the governance reform agenda.
According to the plan, all digital infrastructure will be consolidated under the Prime Minister’s Office. The existing Information Technology Department will be dissolved and replaced with an ‘Information Technology and Electronic Governance Office’ under the Prime Minister’s Office.
This initiative is listed as item number 39 in the reform agenda.
In brief, it mandates establishment of the new office within three months and consolidation of all public IT bodies under this office.
The new structure aims to address fragmentation, poor interconnectivity, lack of standards, and weak institutional coordination in Nepal’s IT and electronic governance systems.
It also targets overcoming limitations such as shortage of skilled personnel, technical capacity deficits, and inefficiencies in service delivery, establishing integrated, secure, proficient, and results-oriented digital governance.
The government is preparing to draft five additional bills within 60 days.
Among these, bills related to urban development and waste management are slated to be tabled in the federal parliament after cabinet approval.
Policies and laws related to digital governance and personal data protection are also planned to be drafted within 60 days.
This will facilitate citizens’ access to services through a single digital platform, aiming to reduce redundancies, inefficiencies, and costs in service delivery.
A legal and institutional framework to establish an independent regulatory body for information technology and digital governance is also scheduled to be legislated within the 60-day timeline.
Additionally, to eliminate delays caused by various legal and procedural obstacles in projects, a draft umbrella law on project facilitation is to be prepared within 60 days.
The government also aims to introduce a Corporate Social Responsibility Bill within 90 days.
Based on the 100-point governance reform agenda, this bill will be presented to parliament within three months.
It plans to centralize the social responsibility funds of industrial establishments into government-designated funds for investment in priority sectors and complete necessary legal reforms and drafting within the same timeframe.
The government aims to implement the ‘Government Courier Service’ within 100 days, delivering passports, citizenship certificates, and licenses directly to citizens’ homes.
The Nepal Postal Services Department has prepared the necessary framework for implementation and submitted it to the ministry for discussion.
Experts emphasize that online system upgrades, postal service modernization, and inter-agency coordination are essential for the plan’s success.
March 30, Kathmandu – Even for a simple recommendation letter, one must wander corridor to corridor within ward offices. Afterwards, to acquire citizenship, passports, or licenses, citizens often have no choice but to queue in the district headquarters or the respective government offices.
Although the slogan ‘Singha Durbar (the central government) in every village’ was chanted years ago, practically, only complicated processes and circulars from Singha Durbar have trickled down to rural areas.
Even in today’s digital age, moving files from one government office room to another requires intermediaries and ‘extra fees’. Without paying bribes, services remain inaccessible, and citizens frequently return home empty-handed after waiting in long lines all day.
Despite tremendous technological advancements, citizens continue facing hardships to access basic government services. IT experts attribute these problems to the lack of essential infrastructure for online services in most government offices.
Against this backdrop of age-old inefficiencies, the government led by senior CPN-RSP leader Balendra Sah has announced an ambitious plan.
The government’s 100-day agenda states, “Citizens will no longer have to chase government desks; passports, citizenship certificates, and licenses will be delivered to their homes.”
Point 27 of this agenda states: “Postal services will be modernized and developed into a ‘Government Courier Service’ to provide government services at citizens’ doorsteps.”
This means you will no longer need to rush to offices or stand in queues to receive your passport, citizenship certificate, or driving license; these documents will be delivered directly to your home through government postal services.
The government aims to roll out this plan within 100 days, reviving the sluggish postal service and transforming it into a state-of-the-art Government Courier Service.
While the plan to turn the outdated postal service into a ‘smart delivery center’ appears revolutionary amid technological progress, its implementation remains challenging.
For many Nepalese accustomed to standing in passport department queues from early morning, the promise of home delivery within 100 days may seem hard to believe, yet it also raises hopes of easing their burdens.
Will the government truly overcome technological shortcomings, the absence of a structured addressing system, and inter-ministerial coordination challenges to realize this plan within 100 days?
The idea of home delivery for government services is attractive and citizen-centric, potentially saving time and costs. However, there is public skepticism regarding the postal service’s capacity to deliver on this promise – “Is our postal service ready?”
Currently, the growing reach of private courier companies and technological developments have overshadowed the government postal service, which suffers from inefficiency and a lack of professionalism due to its inability to keep pace with the times.
Experts say the postal service has failed to compete with private couriers due to extreme delays, lost parcels, and reliability issues. Decades-old laws, limited access in rural areas, and weak customer service have further deteriorated its structure.
IT specialist Manohar Bhattarai notes that while this objective is possible and practiced globally, fully implementing it within 100 days in Nepal presents a formidable challenge.
He emphasizes that both the online document issuance system and the postal service itself need improvement for the plan to succeed.
Although the government has demonstrated political will with this declaration, clear policies and implementation strategies have yet to be publicly communicated, Bhattarai adds.
Rapid Preparations Underway for Implementation
Following the government announcement, the Postal Services Department has accelerated preparations for implementation. The department is optimistic that leveraging its extensive network and experience reaching remote areas inaccessible to private couriers will ensure the plan’s success.
The department has already submitted the required operational framework to the ministry for discussions.
According to Director Lilaraj Paudel, key challenges include manpower shortages, insufficient vehicles, and the lack of reliable address identification systems.
Currently, the department faces a significant shortage of vehicles, hindering its ability to deliver documents door-to-door nationwide.
“We have adequate manpower, but lack sufficient resources and means to provide the service,” he said. “The scarcity of motorcycles or four-wheeled vehicles remains the main problem.”
Another major issue is the management of accurate addresses for recipients. There is no clear system to verify the addresses provided in online forms.
For example, if a person applies for a passport at the District Administration Office or passport department from Chabahil, there needs to be a verified system to identify the exact home delivery address, he explains.
At present, the department delivers passports to 33 district administration offices, from where citizens pick them up themselves.
Paudel dismisses complaints about missing parcels as “rumors.” No official report of lost mail has been filed, and compensation arrangements exist for services like EMS.
He also claims that some private courier companies even utilize government postal services for sending parcels abroad.
The department currently has a tracking system from office to office and suggests developing it further to enable tracking up to the citizen’s home.
Positive Plan Requires Outsourcing and Clear Procedures for Success
Administration expert and former chair of the Public Administration Reform Commission, Kashiraj Dahal, describes the plan to deliver passports, citizenship certificates, and licenses at home as positive and democratic. However, he stresses the need for solid preparations and clear administrative mechanisms for effective implementation.
According to him, this plan embodies the democratic principle that “the government reaches the people’s homes” and needs to be enforced effectively.
“This is a positive arrangement that will end the hassles citizens have faced in the past,” he said.
Given that IT development has diminished the traditional role of postal services, elevating it to a modern courier service is a timely and appropriate step.
While the 100-day timeframe is ambitious, Dahal believes it is not impossible. He recommends initiating a campaign immediately and then institutionalizing the plan.
“There might not be sufficient manpower to simultaneously cover all 77 districts, but where access is easier, the campaign can start and later be expanded,” he added.
To address resource and manpower shortages, Dahal suggests collaboration with the private sector (outsourcing) as an optimal solution.
“If needed, existing courier companies can be contracted to handle responsibilities,” he explained.
Since sensitive documents like passports, citizenship certificates, and licenses will be delivered at home, security and accountability are equally critical. Thus, a clear administrative framework is vital.
“The terms for entrusting institutions must be explicit, including provisions for compensation in case of loss,” he stressed.
Successful implementation requires strong coordination between the passport department, Department of Transport Management, the Ministry of Home Affairs agencies, and the Postal Services Department.
“Only through inter-agency coordination and a unified procedure can the plan succeed,” he concluded.
Local Technology the Best Solution
Richan Shrestha, founder chairman of NAS IT, states that though technically challenging, the government’s plan to deliver documents door-to-door is achievable. Nepali startups have developed effective solutions that outmatch foreign technologies.
He notes that the biggest challenge is Nepal’s lack of a structured addressing system, but domestic solutions can address this.
“Local startups like Galli Maps and Bato Kata Ho have already developed address management solutions; they require encouragement and support,” he said.
To make the delivery process transparent, a ‘real-time tracking system’ is essential and not difficult to implement.
“Services like Pathao have demonstrated successful models; technology exists here but needs adaptation for postal services,” he added.
He argues that challenges in extending services to rural areas can be addressed gradually in phases.
Starting in densely populated urban areas to test the technology and then expanding to rural regions is a feasible approach.
“We may not complete everything within 100 days, but we can certainly start,” he affirmed.
He believes if the government collaborates with local startups, the plan will succeed and provide significant relief to citizens.
A student examines official documents at Lalitpur District Postal Office. Photo: Sant Gaha Magar
March 30, Hetauda – The Nepali Congress, currently leading the government in Bagmati Province, has decided to limit the number of ministries from 14 to just seven. The decision was made during a meeting of the Congress parliamentary party in Bagmati Province on Tuesday, which agreed to establish only seven ministries aside from the Chief Minister’s office and the Council of Ministers.
The meeting, chaired by party leader and Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya in Kathmandu, also resolved to consolidate the existing seven directorates into two and to abolish five directorates entirely.
Furthermore, a draft proposal suggesting a reduction of 701 staff positions in the provincial government has been prepared and submitted for approval after consultation among coalition partners. Currently, Bagmati Province is governed by a coalition of the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML). The CPN-UML had previously proposed the reduction of the number of ministries during their party meetings.
On February 10, a provincial administrative restructuring review committee submitted a report to the government recommending that only eight ministries, including the Chief Minister’s office, are necessary. This committee was headed by former government secretary Bimal Wagley, with members Reshmi Raj Pandey, Gopikrishna Khanal, Jeevprabha Lama, and provincial secretary Purna Bahadur Darji serving as member secretary.
The expert panel advised that directorates, boards, and similar structures are unnecessary and proposed cutting 701 staff posts from the provincial government. The committee recommended maintaining the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers’ office along with the Ministries of Finance and Planning; Industry, Culture, Tourism and Transportation; Agriculture, Livestock, Land Management and Cooperatives; Physical Infrastructure Development; Forest and Environment; Urban and Local Development; and Health and Social Development.
Presently, Bagmati Province’s government consists of 14 ministries including: the Chief Minister’s Office; Internal Affairs and Law; Finance and Planning; Agriculture and Livestock; Drinking Water, Energy and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure; Forest and Environment; Labor, Employment and Transportation; Industry, Commerce, Land and Administration; Culture, Tourism, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation; Social Development; Health; and Youth and Sports.
Additionally, the Congress parliamentary party decided to urge the provincial government to convene a provincial assembly meeting within a week and resolved to stake their claim to the position of Speaker of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly.
