Author: space4knews

The government continues its campaign to clear encroachments on public land, including demolition of schools built on such land. In Balaju, the Shri Buddhajyoti Bal Udyan Basic School, which has been operating since 1996 (2053 BS), was recently demolished. Although over 120 students were immediately transferred to Tarun Secondary School, no long-term resolution has yet been reached.

Kathmandu, 19th Baisakh – As part of its initiative to clear encroached land, government authorities have resumed demolition work, including targeting schools situated on government property. On Saturday morning, a bulldozer dismantled the building of Shri Buddhajyoti Bal Udyan Basic School located in Balaju.

The school offers education from grades 1 through 8 and has more than 120 students, Principal Shantaram Shrestha informed. A demolition notice was issued on 15th Baisakh for buildings in Sukuwaasi settlement of Balaju-19. Despite requests to halt the demolition due to the school being on government land, authorities did not heed these appeals, the principal said. “Schools are supposed to be built on government land. We urged them not to demolish the school,” Shrestha explained. “Our requests were ignored even though they lacked a legal basis.”

Following the municipality’s notification about the demolition, the school’s materials were moved to the nearby Tarun Secondary School, which is currently serving as a temporary refuge. However, Principal Shrestha emphasized that a permanent solution has yet to be found, saying, “We relocated all the school belongings and instructed the students to attend classes there. But there is uncertainty about how education will proceed.” The 16-room school mainly accommodated children of laborers, according to the school.

Kathmandu, 3 May – Nepali Congress Chairman Gagan Kumar Thapa has stressed the need to institutionally preserve the party’s proud history, core values, and the contributions of its veteran leaders. Addressing the book launch and commemorative event based on the biography of leader Daman Pakhrin on Saturday, Chairman Thapa cautioned that the narrative equating “old” with “bad” is detrimental to the nation and society.

“The tendency to view the old as outdated or corrupt while considering only the new as good destroys society’s experience and wisdom,” Chairman Thapa stated. “If the younger generation stops taking pride in their history, culture, and ancestors’ contributions, the very existence of the nation could be at risk.” He highlighted that the Nepali Congress’s legacy is rooted in the sacrificial histories of fighters and revolutionaries like Daman Pakhrin, Durga Nand Jha, and Ram Narayan Mishra, making it the party’s primary responsibility to safeguard this heritage.

Speaking on internal party strengthening, Chairman Thapa directed Nepali Congress representatives holding public office to maintain good governance. He emphasized that no one should deposit illegal funds in any leader’s or party’s account, and that the party should be operated strictly through the levy system. “No individual responsible from the local to the provincial government level should be involved in any financial irregularities. The party will adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding good governance,” he affirmed.

Chairman Thapa also announced plans to tour all seven provinces from next week to engage with provincial and local government leaders regarding policies, programs, budgets, and governance. He emphasized that the party will conduct substantive dialogues with representatives from local governments in all provinces about the current economic crisis and provincial priorities.

Highlighting the need for broader unity within the party, Chairman Thapa expressed his readiness as leader to be generous and flexible to include everyone. “We must not only unite our comrades within the party but also bring in the large groups outside the Congress and the younger generation,” he added. “From elderly members aged 80 to youth in their twenties and thirties, providing proper space to all will be our priority to make the Congress a party representing all castes, communities, and age groups.” He also pledged that the party will take special initiatives to organize institutions established in the names of different leaders.

Dhangadhi, 19 Baisakh – The Sudurpashchim Province government has utilized only 25 percent of its budget for the current fiscal year to date. For fiscal year 2082/83, the provincial government allocated a total budget of NPR 33 billion 4 crore 32 lakh 1 thousand 98. Out of the allocated budget, only NPR 8 billion 29 crore 76 lakh 94 thousand has been spent so far, which accounts for 24.82 percent of the total budget, according to the Provincial Controller Office in Dhangadhi. With just about two and a half months remaining in the fiscal year, the government is obligated to spend approximately 75 percent of the allocated budget, meaning it needs to spend more than NPR 25 billion 13 crore.

As in previous years, the province has expended more on recurrent expenditures than capital expenditures. The recurrent budget allocation was NPR 13 billion 58 crore, of which only NPR 4 crore 69 lakh 55 thousand has been spent, showing a utilization rate of 34.56 percent. However, capital expenditure progress lags behind 50 percent. Out of the NPR 19 billion 83 crore allocated for capital expenses, only about 18.16 percent has been spent. According to the Provincial Controller Office data, the government has expended NPR 8 billion 29 crore on capital projects. The low capital spending indicates slow progress in development and construction work throughout the province.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development, responsible for implementing development projects, holds nearly half of the total budget. The ministry was allocated more than NPR 15 billion 28 crore, but only NPR 3 billion 22 crore has been spent so far, representing just 21 percent utilization. This reflects sluggish progress in roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure works under the ministry. The Ministry of Social Development has a budget of NPR 8 billion 94 crore and has spent about 32.51 percent of it.

Expenditure progress for the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office stands at 29 percent, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs has spent 34 percent. Of the NPR 3 billion 63 crore budget transferred to local levels, 33.85 percent has been used. However, the budget allocated for economic diversification and financial arrangements has not been spent yet. Overall, the provincial government’s budget utilization shows far weaker progress in capital expenditure compared to recurrent spending. With less than three months remaining in the fiscal year, the low spending signals weaknesses in project selection, contract procedures, administrative delays, and implementation capacities.

Chief Controller of Accounts at the Provincial Controller Office, Vasudev Joshi, noted that various factors might have affected budget utilization. “Procedural delays are natural since the government included many new projects in the budget. Additionally, the GNJI agitation and subsequent budget cuts may have also hindered expenditure,” Joshi explained. With very little time left before the fiscal year ends, rushing to spend the budget could negatively impact quality work, as has been seen in the past.

April 20, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire has accused political parties of turning the National Assembly and District Coordination Committees into reserve groups. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Saturday, he stated that these institutions are being misused as platforms to discourage individuals who were defeated in elections or have been deprived of political opportunities for years. “The National Assembly has been made a reserve group in politics,” said Ghimire. “There is a tendency to sideline those who have no role in the party, have lost elections, or have been denied opportunities for years by placing them in the National Assembly. This practice has undermined the institution’s dignity and prestige.”
According to General Secretary Ghimire, the practice of sending long-neglected or election-defeated individuals to the National Assembly has weakened the institution’s dignity, reputation, and effectiveness. He emphasized that such practices have devalued the role of the upper house. He further remarked that political parties have failed to provide proper representation, resulting in the selection of members incapable of fulfilling their duties in the National Assembly.
He also accused the District Coordination Committee (DCC) of falling victim to similar trends. He noted a growing practice of managing individuals who have failed to secure key local or provincial positions by placing them in the DCC. “The District Coordination Committee has also been turned into an extra group. If someone fails to become a mayor, rural municipality chairperson, provincial assembly member, or parliamentarian, they are simply placed there to be sidelined,” he said. “The role there is limited to sitting around, riding in vehicles, and receiving a modest allowance.”
Ghimire stressed the need for empowering the District Coordination Committees with authority. Although the constitution assigns responsibilities, these bodies have not become effective due to a lack of adequate power and resources. “Only by empowering the District Coordination Committees with authority and resources through constitutional amendments can their relevance be ensured; otherwise, it will not be possible,” he clarified. He underscored that all political parties must seriously commit to strengthening state institutions to make them robust and effective.

Kathmandu, 2 May – President Ramchandra Paudel has issued a special ordinance on Saturday concerning the removal of public officials. According to this ordinance, 110 different laws will be amended, resulting in the removal of 1,534 public officials from various regulatory bodies, public institutions, and other government entities.

Who are the officials to be removed? Based on a draft of the ordinance obtained from a special source within the President’s Office, amendments to the Nepal Airlines Corporation Act will lead to the removal of the chairman, vice-chairman, directors, and general manager. Amendments to the National News Agency Act will result in the removal of directors. The Employees’ Provident Fund Act amendments will remove the chairman, directors, and administrators. Similarly, changes to the Gorkhapatra Corporation Act will cause the removal of the chairman and directors.

Moreover, the chairpersons and members of the Nepali Language Publication Institution and the Film Censorship Committee, as well as those appointed under the Communication Institution Act, will be relieved from their positions. The chairperson and members of the Teachers Service Commission, the scholarly committee’s chairperson and members of the Guthi Committee, along with their chairpersons, members, and administrators, will also be removed. Officials of the National Nature Conservation Fund such as chairpersons and members, executive directors of the Nepal Administrative Training Centre, and executive directors of the Nepal Electricity Authority will be removed as well. Officials of the Lumbini Development Fund, Nepal Sanskrit University and its service commission, Pashupati Area Development Fund, Technical Education and Vocational Training Council will similarly face removal.

Siriously, officials of the Ayurveda Medical Council, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, National Seed Vision Committee, Nepal Drinking Water Corporation, and Nepal Health Sciences Academy are also subject to removal. Officials of the Citizen Investment Trust, Press Council, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Agricultural Research Council, National Dairy Development Board, Kathmandu University, National Tea and Coffee Development Board will be removed. Furthermore, all officials of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Breastfeeding Protection and Promotion Committee, Local Development Training Academy, Social Welfare Council, Tribhuvan University, University Grants Commission, Nepal Scouts, Purwanchal University, Journalists’ Minimum Wage Determination Committee, Nepal Nursing Council, and Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute will also be removed from their positions. Likewise, officials of the Nepal Health Professionals Council, B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Pokhara University, Telecommunications Authority, and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal will be relieved of their duties.

A ward member from Kharpunath Rural Municipality-4 in Humla, Makkabahadur Rokaya, has been arrested by the police for possessing an illegal firearm. Rokaya was apprehended with one unlicensed firearm, 12 iron pellets, 7 stone pellets, and 110 grams of gunpowder. Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Khadka reported that a dagger inscribed with “Sten Lal Steel” was also found concealed during the arrest.

The 63-year-old ward member was detained on Saturday, according to the District Police Office of Humla. The seized gunpowder weighed 110 grams in total, with a net weight of 90 grams, and was found hidden along with the firearm and ammunition. Further investigation regarding Rokaya is currently underway, police officials added.

A village tourism fair has been organized in Bandipur, Gandaki Province, where about two dozen homestays are showcasing local products to attract tourists. Yashoda Rimal, Minister for Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province, emphasized the need to link local communities with tourism by considering tourism as a main foundation for village development. Deepkaraj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted that such fairs help spread tourism awareness and enhance professionalism. April 30, Pokhara.

Wrapped around the neck is thread spun by villagers, and on the chest are fiber charms, alongside local items found on the nearby grassy hills. Tilmaya Gurung invites visitors saying, “Come to Kaulepani village, this is your invitation.” Traditionally, in Kaulepani, young women used to place such charms on men during the Rodi cultural ceremony. It was believed these charms provided protection and divine safeguarding. “This tradition was fading, but now when we bid farewell to our homestay guests, we follow the practice of sending them with these charms,” Tilmaya explained the custom.

At the Kaulepani stall near the old market of Bandipur, Tilmaya and Shanti warmly introduce domestic and foreign tourists to the village’s unique features. “If you plan to bring a group, please inform me in advance. I have facilities to accommodate up to 90 guests across 15 houses,” Tilmaya told Nepali visitors. “Come to our village, where the Himalayas are clearly visible, and you will have a wonderful time.” Fifteen members from the Tangting Homestay in Kaski rented vehicles to arrive here from Damouli Bazaar. The homestay’s stall is located near the stage of the village tourism fair organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board, Bandipur Rural Municipality, and the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal.

Representatives of community homestays from across Gandaki Province have gathered in Bandipur, the tourist city of Tanahun. The village tourism fair has been running here since Friday. At the fair, nearly two dozen homestay representatives from Gandaki are selling local products, promoting their village’s unique qualities, and working to attract tourists. They are also exchanging experiences. This fair has been held twice previously in Pokhara, but this time it is being hosted in Bandipur, Tanahun.

The Nepali Congress has scheduled a meeting of its Central Executive Committee on Baishakh 21 at 1 PM in Sanepa. Officers and members of the Central Executive Committee have been requested to attend the session. Acting General Secretary Krishnaprasad Dulal has not disclosed the agenda of the meeting. Kathmandu, 19 Baishakh – The Nepali Congress has decided to hold the Central Executive Committee meeting on Monday, Baishakh 21. Acting General Secretary Krishnaprasad Dulal informed that the meeting will take place at the party’s central office in Sanepa at 1 PM on Monday. Officers and members of the Central Executive Committee have been invited to participate. No information regarding the agenda has been made public.

19 Baisakh, Ilam – We want to build a better future, but why do we look back to the past? Why is it necessary to study history? Addressing this question posed by Sujit Mainali, Warid Vaidya from Ilam stated, “The key point is that history helps us understand ourselves. Knowing who I was and where I came from is extremely important.” Vaidya, a former head of Mahendra Ratna Multi-purpose Campus and an author and historian of the book ‘History of Ilam,’ expressed this view during a session that began with a discussion on the history of the Eastern hills. The fifth edition of the Ilam Literary Festival 2083 focused on the theme “The Story of Our Roots, A Discussion on Our History,” where Vaidya participated alongside writer Mohan Mainali.

Mainali added, “To move forward, sometimes we must take a step back and see what’s behind us. We must study history to make life easier. History should be made a compulsory subject in schools.” He further noted, “If we had studied the history of water well, there wouldn’t have been issues with the ‘short route from Jhapa to Ilam through Belase.’” Mainali, the Madan Puraskar-winning author of the book ‘Mokam Ranmaidan,’ emphasized that history is an essential subject to study.

The discussion also touched upon the theme of ‘Himalpari, Himalwari’ (Mountain and Hills), along with Nepal-China relations, which was addressed by journalist Sudhir Sharma. “The present is a continuation of history. Without understanding history, it’s difficult to comprehend current realities. Although Nepal’s documented history is not very old, China possesses written materials from much earlier,” Sharma explained. He stressed that policymakers and citizens alike must study history to guide the country on the right path. As the author of ‘Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroh’ (Monks, Trade, and Rebellion), Sharma emphasized that a thorough study of history is indispensable to avoid repeating past mistakes and to formulate strong national policies.

Journalist Deepak Sapkota, also part of the panel discussion, argued the significance of history as a subject. Speaking on the first day of the festival about “Digital Masubhat and We Journalists,” editor-in-chief Basanta Basnet highlighted the necessity of reading and promoting history education. On the second day of the festival, Satendra Jawegula held a discussion with Dr. Yogendraman Shrestha, Purna Gautam, and Tanka Gautam about the challenges surrounding the education bill. Likewise, Dr. Hem Bhandari led a discussion on borderland literature with Vinita Kshetri, Krishna Baral, and Gyanendra Yaksos. The second day also featured a poetry recital program.

Development of Ilam through Orange Economy and Green Economy: On the second and final day of the Ilam Literary Festival 2083, Nishkal Rai, Member of Parliament from Ilam-1, shared perspectives on the concept of “Developing Ilam through Orange Economy and Green Economy.” He emphasized that Ilam is not just about scenic beauty but also rich in culture and civilization, stating that sustainable resource use without harming nature constitutes the green economy. Although green economy initiatives have begun, Rai suggested that Ilam must focus on tourism development through the orange economy going forward. “Our culture, traditions, music, and art are also economic assets. It is not only tea production but also its story and brand now—these stories must be marketed,” he explained. Rai pointed out that tourists come seeking not only places but experiences and indigenous narratives, making storytelling tourism necessary to promote. He expressed that Ilam needs to leverage creative economy or orange economy to market its offerings effectively.

Mentioning that Ilam has a solid foundation for eco-tourism, Rai noted that selling culturally connected experiences can help extend tourists’ stay. “Implementing orange economy practices could increase tourism in Ilam by two to four times,” he projected. The two-day Ilam Literary Festival concluded successfully with various discussions, literary readings, and award presentations covering topics such as poetry, tourism, and narrative writing.

April 19, Kathmandu – Following the certification of the ordinance related to the removal of public officials by the President, the names of individuals politically appointed in various institutions have been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. According to sources in Singha Durbar, the lists have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office department-wise. Currently, the Prime Minister’s Office is in the process of sorting these names. “Names of all persons appointed by each ministry have been received at the Prime Minister’s Office,” an official confirmed.

With the ordinance now in effect, discussions are underway on whether to send letters to those individuals to request their resignation or to consider their appointments automatically revoked. Some appointed officials were preparing to resign on Saturday and had even held collective meetings. However, after President Ram Chandra Paudel promulgated the ordinance, those officials have reconsidered resigning. “We had a collective meeting to decide on resignations, but then we received news of the ordinance being issued by the President. After that, resignation no longer seemed appropriate,” said an official from a university. “We have also received notifications that letters from the Prime Minister’s Office will be forthcoming.”

On Saturday, President Paudel issued Ordinance 2083, which amends several Nepal Acts concerning the Health Science Institute, establishes special provisions on the removal of public officials, and modifies some university-related Nepal Acts. University officials have been resigning en masse. Several university officials had already resigned before the ordinance’s promulgation. Professor Dr. Devaraj Adhikari, Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, also resigned before the ordinance was issued, informing that he stepped down on Friday. Appointed in Magh 2079 (January–February 2023), he said, “I resigned yesterday before the ordinance was issued.” Additionally, Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal, along with other officials, have tendered their resignations. On April 17, Vice-Chancellor Aryal, Education Director Professor Dr. Khadga KC, and Registrar Professor Dr. Kedar Prasad Rizal all resigned. At the time of reporting, Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice-Chancellor of Sanskrit University, also resigned on Friday. Furthermore, Professor Dr. Dhanshyam Bhattarai, Chairperson of the TU Service Commission, has resigned as well.

President Ramchandra Poudel has promulgated a special ordinance concerning the removal of public officials, the Special Arrangement Ordinance for the Release of Public Officials, 2083. This ordinance amends 110 laws and arranges for the dismissal of a total of 1,534 public officials. The officials included range from bodies such as Nepal Airlines Corporation to the National Medical Education Commission.

The ordinance, issued on 19th Baishakh in Kathmandu, outlines a list of officials to be relieved from various regulatory bodies, public institutions, and other state organs. The entities listed include: Nepal Airlines Corporation, National News Agency, Employees Provident Fund, Gorkhapatra Corporation, Nepali Language Publication Institute, Film Censorship Committee, Communications Institute Act, Teacher Service Commission, Guthi Institution and its committees, National Nature Conservation Fund, Nepal Administrative Staff College, Nepal Electricity Authority, Lumbini Development Fund, Nepal Culture University, Pashupati Area Development Fund, Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, Ayurveda Medical Council, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, National Seed Committee, Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Nepal Health Science Academy, Citizen Investment Trust, Press Council, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Agriculture Research Council, National Dairy Development Board, Kathmandu University, National Tea and Coffee Development Board, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Breastfeeding Protection and Promotion Committee, Local Development Training Academy, Social Welfare Council, Tribhuvan University, University Grants Commission, Nepal Scouts, Purbanchal University, Journalists’ Minimum Wage Determination Committee, Nepal Nursing Council, Nepal Chartered Accountants’ Institution, Nepal Health Professionals Council, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Pokhara University, Telecommunications Authority, Nepal Civil Aviation Authority, Executive Director of Municipal Development Fund, Industrial Enterprise Development Institute, International Financial Transactions Promotion Committee, Building Construction and Management Strengthening Committee, Nepal Engineering Council, Nepal Veterinary Council, Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, Shaheed Gangalal National Heart Center, Nepal Pharmacy Council, National Indigenous Nationalities Upliftment Institute, Road Board, Securities Board, Competition Promotion and Market Protection Board, Information Technology Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal, Lumbini Buddhist University, National Institute of Medical Science, Public Procurement Review Committee, Information Commission, Foreign Employment Promotion Board, Plant Quarantine Committee, Nepal Trust Board of Directors, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Nepal Academy, Sudurpaschim University, Mid-Western University, Agriculture and Forestry Science University, Karnali Health Science Academy, Commission for Investigation of Enforced Disappearances, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, National Youth Council, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal Open University, Deposit and Credit Protection Fund Management Committee, Special Economic Zone Authority, Central Labor Advisory Council, Social Security Fund, Disaster Management Authority, Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, Health Insurance Board, Rajarshi Janak University, National Committee for Persons with Disabilities, National Cooperative Regulation Authority, Investment Board, National Public Health Committee, Nepal Medical Council, National Medical Education Commission, Pesticide Management Committee, National Council on Environment Protection and Climate Change Management, Industrial and Investment Promotion Board, Federal Land Use Council, Advertising Board, Atomic Research Center, National Sports Council, Vidushi Yogmaya Himalayan Ayurveda University, Insurance Authority, Nepal Accreditation Center, Railway Board, Animal Health and Service Professionals Council, Madan Bhandari University, Food Hygiene and Quality Recommendation Committee, Shaheed Dashrath Chand Academy of Health Sciences, Security Printing Press, and Public Service Broadcasting Corporation.

File photo 19 Baishakh, Kathmandu. Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswpa) Chairman Ravi Lamichhane has called for a secretariat meeting tomorrow. The meeting is set to take place in the party’s central office at Wanesthali in the morning. All secretariat members have been directed to attend the meeting mandatorily. The first agenda item will focus on discussing the framework for selecting local level candidates for the year 2083. Additionally, the second agenda will cover the procedural guidelines for the general convention 2083, the third will address amendments to the parliamentary party’s statute, and the fourth will include various other topics.

The 13th Executive Committee meeting of the Nepal Badminton Association has appointed Secretary Benu Raj Khatri as the association’s spokesperson. Additionally, the association has decided to hold the 42nd National Badminton Championship 2083 from Baishakh 29 to Jestha 3 at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangasala.

The championship will feature participation from a total of 10 teams, including squads from all seven provinces as well as three departmental teams: Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force. Subcommittees have been formed to manage various aspects of the competition’s organization.

The meeting assigned Secretary Benu Raj Khatri the responsibility of officially communicating the association’s positions as its spokesperson. It was confirmed that the 42nd National Badminton Championship 2083 will take place from Baishakh 29 to Jestha 3 at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangasala, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.

For effective management, multiple subcommittees have been established to oversee preparation, coordination, and operation of the event. Besides the seven provincial teams, the three departmental teams – Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force – will also participate. Newly appointed spokesperson Khatri stated that preparations to conduct the championship at a high standard have already begun. The association expressed confidence that this championship will help identify talented players and make a significant contribution to their development.