Author: space4knews

The new government’s 100-point action plan on public administration reform includes a measure to transfer funds from dormant bank accounts to the state treasury. The spokesperson for Nepal Rastra Bank has stated that implementing this measure will require necessary legal amendments. The 78th point of the cabinet-approved action plan states: “To effectively utilize the state’s dormant resources, banks and financial institutions must collect details of accounts inactive for 10 years or more, and any unclaimed funds after completing legal procedures should be transferred to the state treasury. Additionally, other sources should be identified and managed, with this process to be completed within 90 days.”
Central bank officials report that there are “more than 10 million” such accounts, containing “billions of rupees.” Nepal, with a population of nearly 30 million, reportedly has over 60 million bank accounts, according to Nepal Rastra Bank.
Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Gurupraj Paudel emphasized that legal provisions must be added and amended to implement the government’s announcement, noting that the government is expected to propose such changes. Krishna Raj Acharya, an economics professor at Tribhuvan University, commented that while the proposal is theoretically sound, Nepal needs to consider its international financial commitments and established global practices.
“Furthermore, transferring individual savings to the state treasury is not a straightforward matter. The existing 20-year dormancy period is being reduced to 10 years, so further clarification is needed on this,” said Professor Acharya. However, he added, “This is a beneficial measure for a country like Nepal. For nations with weak economies, such small sources provide an effective means to mobilize resources.”

March 30, Kathmandu – The Nepal Press Union, the common institution representing Nepali journalists, is celebrating its 71st founding anniversary today. On this occasion, the union has organized various programs across the Kathmandu Valley and nationwide. President Nirmala Sharma issued a message highlighting the responsibility of accountable journalism. She appealed to everyone to ensure the public’s right to accurate information and to fulfill the role expected by society.

With a history spanning seven decades, established as the country’s oldest and leading civil organization, the union has continuously worked to protect press and expression freedom while dedicating itself to the welfare of working journalists, President Sharma stated in her congratulatory message. “We are prioritizing efforts to establish strong democracy and the rule of law through professional and accountable journalism,” she wrote in the message. “The union has played a prominent role in protecting human rights, safeguarding citizens’ right to accurate information, and addressing public interest issues.”

Emphasizing that journalists and journalism are inherently linked to democracy, President Sharma said, “In some instances, it may be necessary to express opinions on public interest matters beyond professional responsibilities.” She added, “It is our duty to resist any attempts by any arm or level of the state to curtail or control constitutionally guaranteed press and expression freedoms under any pretext.” “Even a decade after the implementation of the democratic constitution, incidents compromising press freedom are increasing, and the union remains committed to opposing such violations,” she stressed.

Following the recently concluded House of Representatives election, the union has expressed confidence in the newly formed government holding nearly a two-thirds majority to end the longstanding political instability. Likewise, President Sharma urged the government to bring forward media-related and other essential laws after consulting with the union and stakeholders, as these have long been pending. She also highlighted the need to boost morale by ensuring compensation for media houses and journalists who suffered during the Janjati movement struggles and various accidents, based on data collected by the union.

With the advancement of information technology, the use of social media has increased the challenge of the spread of misinformation. In this context, President Sharma stated it is the union’s responsibility to uphold its dignity and bring the legacy to new heights by practising responsible journalism. She further noted that the union is actively working to strengthen relationships with national and international organizations to ensure the physical and professional safety of journalists. Additionally, she informed that the union has initiated efforts to include all media outlets and working journalists in the Social Security Fund.

The Nepali Congress has called a Central Disciplinary Committee meeting for Wednesday, Chaitra 18, at 1 PM. Acting General Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal informed that the meeting will be held at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss matters related to the party’s internal discipline.

Judges currently reside in the old ministerial residence located in Pulchok, Lalitpur. As the government begins allocating Pulchok quarters for newly appointed ministers, some judges residing there are planning to relocate. The presence of both ministers and judges in the same compound raises concerns about potential impacts on the administration of justice, prompting preparations for alternative housing arrangements. After the ministers moved to the Bhaisepati residence, the Pulchok quarters were designated for judges and the Chief Registrar. However, the Bhaisepati residence became uninhabitable following arson during the January movement. Kathmandu, 15 Chaitra.

Since the government started accommodating new ministers at Pulchok quarters, certain judges have started planning their relocation, at least temporarily. The prospect of ministers and judges sharing the same compound led to efforts to devise alternative arrangements, as it might affect the impartiality and functioning of the judiciary. Ministers shifted to a newly established, well-equipped residence in Bhaisepati, after which the Pulchok residence has been occupied by judges.

The arson attack during the January movement caused significant damage to the new ministerial residences in Bhaisepati. Except for the Defense Minister’s residence, all others became unsuitable for habitation. Following the January movement, the interim government designated all ministerial residences as minister quarters. A Supreme Court judge stated, “Currently, renovation and repainting are underway in at least five houses in the Pulchok quarters. Some ministers will move in soon,” he added, “While those of us living outside have no problem, judges residing there have started feeling uncomfortable.”

According to a judge residing at the Pulchok residence, judges are discussing two options. One is to live nearby, though frequent visits and meetings raise concerns about potentially compromising judicial independence, so efforts to regulate this matter are ongoing. “Such arrangements relate to the code of conduct, so it would be difficult to live that way,” the judge explained, “but moving out from here is also problematic, so we remain uncertain.” There are currently 19 buildings in the Pulchok quarters, connected to the Harihar Bhawan compound. Since the Chief Justice resides at the Baluwatar residence and some judges live in their own homes, not all quarters are in use.

March 29, Kathmandu – Birajbhakta Shrestha, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, engaged in discussions with senior officials of his ministry regarding the overall status, progress to date, existing challenges, and the forthcoming work plans. According to his secretariat, Minister Shrestha closely examined the progress of various projects and programs under the ministry, emphasizing the importance of making service delivery more effective, transparent, and citizen-oriented.

The minister highlighted that achieving the government’s goals for sustainable development in the energy sector, optimal utilization of water resources, and expansion of irrigation systems to boost agricultural production requires clear action plans, timely implementation, and a responsible work approach. Additionally, he underscored the need to cultivate coordination, discipline, and a result-focused work culture within the ministry. Minister Shrestha instructed staff to perform their duties with complete commitment, integrity, and high morale.

Emphasizing prioritizing results that citizens can directly perceive, he noted the necessity for all parties to unite in advancing towards self-reliance in the energy sector. Minister Shrestha expressed his commitment to enhancing the ministry’s overall efficiency by converting upcoming challenges into opportunities and ensuring effective coordination between policy, planning, and implementation.

The District Court of Kathmandu has issued an order mandating effective medical arrangements for the treatment of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Oli is currently undergoing monitoring with a Holter monitor to evaluate heart rhythm issues. He has previously undergone two kidney transplants and has been diagnosed with gallstones.

March 29, Kathmandu – On Sunday, the District Court of Kathmandu directed authorities to ensure adequate medical care for former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, who is in police custody. Since Saturday morning, Oli has been receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (Maharajgunj). The attending physicians report that his health condition is stable. A Holter monitor has been placed on him to continuously monitor heart irregularities.

Doctors admitted Oli to the hospital Saturday morning after detecting an irregular heartbeat. Cardiologists and thoracic vascular transplant specialists at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center have been overseeing his care. While X-rays revealed gallstones, medical teams plan to decide by Monday whether surgery is necessary.

Due to his history of two kidney transplants, doctors have placed Oli under close observation. After his arrest Saturday morning, police transferred him to the hospital for medical examination. On Sunday, the District Court extended his detention and reiterated the need for appropriate medical arrangements. Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa confirmed that Oli will remain hospitalized.

The government has decided to eliminate partisan trade unions within public administration and end political interference, mandating civil servants to perform their duties without affiliation to any party or interest group. Conflicting views have emerged between supporters and opponents of trade unions as the government prepares to draft a Civil Service Bill within 45 days.

Kathmandu, 15 Chaitra – Among the 100 administrative reform agendas ratified by the cabinet on the day the government was formed under senior Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balendra Shah, the 12th point highlights the plan to abolish partisan trade unions in public administration. The aim is to end unwanted interference and informal pressure, thereby streamlining decision-making and service delivery. The government intends to maintain public administration free from political influence, ensuring it remains impartial, neutral, and accountable to citizens.

Accordingly, “Civil servants, including teachers and professors, will be required to perform their duties without any direct or indirect affiliation to political parties, groups, or interest centers; legal action will follow any violations.” However, discussions around abolishing partisan trade unions have revealed divided opinions.

Administrators and former employees largely support the government’s move, while union-affiliated staff members oppose it. Administration expert Kashiraj Dahal remarked that calls to remove partisan trade unions have existed for some time but never succeeded. “All parties have experienced the influence of trade unions during their governance, but none managed to remove them. This decision should be welcomed and implemented,” he added. Some former employees also argue that party-affiliated unions are unnecessary.

Revenue officer Shailendra Singh considers failure to dissolve party-aligned unions a barrier to civil service reform. “Apart from party-linked unions, faction-based unions have also emerged. Official trade unions are acceptable, but the sooner party-affiliated unions are dissolved, the better it is for everyone,” he asserted.

Party-affiliated unions legally incorporated under the National Trade Union Network include Nepal Civil Service Employees Union, Nepal Civil Servants Organization, Nepal National Civil Service Employees Organization, Unified Government Employees Organization, Madhesi Civil Service Employees Forum, and Independent Civil Servants Employees Organization.

After the government’s decision, the Civil Service Employees Union chairman Uttam Kutuwal noted ongoing internal consultations, stating, “We are not a partisan trade union but a national-level trade union defined by law.” Similarly, Lalbabu Yadav, chairman of the Madhesi Employees Forum, denied that his organization is partisan. Registered in Magh 2065 (Nepali calendar), it advocates for the rights and interests of Madhesi, Tharu, Muslim, and Dalit employees. “Being a partisan organization is not desirable, but unions formed for protecting employee rights are necessary,” Yadav explained.

Bhavani Nyaupane Dahal, chairperson of the Civil Service Employees Organization, mentioned that legal consultations are underway and all trade unions are preparing a joint stance. They appear to disagree with the government’s decision. “We have attained trade union rights through struggles, and many comrades lost their jobs for this cause. We are ready to correct shortcomings but abolition is unacceptable,” she stated.

Party-aligned employee organizations began to proliferate following 2048 BS (Nepali calendar). The Nepali Congress-led government at the time reversed disciplinary actions against nearly 1,000 employees who were punished during labor movements. After the political parties formed, employees reportedly stopped respecting political leadership.

Some union officials even reportedly showed disrespect towards the prime minister. Former Prime Minister Sushila Karki noted employees’ non-compliance. Former Public Service Commission chair Umesh Prasad Mainali explained that post-2046 BS political changes saw the creation of party-affiliated employee organizations aimed at fueling and suppressing employee movements alternately. According to Mainali, these organizations neglected their duty to work for employee welfare and instead focused on transfers and promotions. Political parties began to accept their recommendations, weakening discipline.

Mainali also noted that the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) had the most influence among employee organizations. “UML was more proactive than other parties. While nepotism existed in Congress, UML relied more strongly on party loyalty and aimed for partisan infiltration of administration,” he said.

Implementation Challenges of the Abolition Decision

Article 34(3) of the Constitution of Nepal guarantees every worker the right to form and join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining. Additionally, Section 53 of the Civil Service Act 2049 outlines trade union provisions. Proponents of trade unions argue these legal provisions necessitate their continued existence.

Former chair Punya Prasad Dhakal emphasized management’s role, stating, “An official trade union is necessary. The Constitution and national and international laws must be respected.” Constitutional expert and administrator Kashiraj Dahal clarified that national and international laws ensure rights for labor and capital-related trade unions but that policy-making officials should not have trade unions. “If all employees are given trade union rights, then judges and security personnel would also need to be accorded such rights.”

The government plans to draft a federal Civil Service Bill within 45 days. The bill had previously stalled during the federal parliament’s legal process. However, implementation is expected to face significant challenges. Administrator Dahal recommends thorough legal amendments to ensure effective policy implementation following the government’s decision.

March 24, Kathmandu – The court has authorized the continued detention of CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, along with Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, for further investigation. On Sunday, Judge Anand Prasad Shrestha of the Kathmandu District Court issued an order to extend their custody by 5 days, according to information provided by Deepak Kumar Shrestha. The government prosecutor had requested custody for up to 10 days for investigative purposes.

The protests of September 7 and 8, known as the Janajati agitation, were subject to suppression. At the time, KP Sharma Oli was the Prime Minister and Ramesh Lekhak was the Home Minister. The commission formed to investigate the repression during the agitation recommended criminal proceedings against Oli and Lekhak. Based on these recommendations, the necessary arrest warrants were issued and both were taken into custody on Saturday morning. Lekhak appeared in court in person today, while Oli joined virtually from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital due to health concerns.

Mahesh Basnet, Secretary of the CPN-UML, has claimed that there is a conspiracy to arrest him. He stated that this plot is aimed at weakening the movement against party Chairman KP Sharma Oli. Basnet revealed that a false complaint was lodged against him three years ago, which police later confirmed as fabricated. He added that a supplementary complaint has since been registered and the case is currently under review.

Basnet accused Home Minister Sudan Gurung of orchestrating efforts to file information against him, saying, “There is a conspiracy to arrest me to undermine the retaliatory protests against our Chairman, KP Sharma Oli.” He explained that three years ago, a fake individual was presented by a third party to lodge a false complaint against him, which was subsequently proven fake through police investigation.

He further stated, “This act is a wrongdoing executed under the authoritarian style of the government led by Balendra Shah and the leadership of Home Minister Sudan Gurung.” Basnet denied rumors claiming he was unreachable or absconding, calling such reports entirely false and misleading. He also accused these rumors of being spread deliberately to confuse public opinion.

Members of the Koshi Province Assembly have demanded the release of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The assembly members allege that these leaders were arrested as a form of political retaliation, criticizing the commission’s report formed to investigate the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 as biased. They have also warned of the risk that the new government may destabilize the country by taking political revenge against opposing leaders.

Biratnagar, 15 Chaitra – Lawmakers from Koshi Province have called for the immediate release of former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak. Both were detained on Saturday on charges related to the suppression of events that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24. During Sunday’s provincial assembly session, members condemned the arrests as politically motivated and demanded their release.

Assembly members Dolma Tamang, Sirjana Rai, Kishorchandra Dulal, Meena Shrestha, Geetadevi Regmi, Khageshwari Paudel, and Home Bahadur Thapa stated that the new government’s move to initiate arrests is inappropriate and urged immediate release. They cautioned that such actions might lead to instability within the country. Speaking at the session, UML member of parliament Tilakumar Menyangbo described the arrests as objectionable and highlighted the risk that the commission’s report, tasked with investigating the Bhadra 23 and 24 incidents, could push the country toward conflict.