Author: space4knews

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) attempted to reassure government employees via social media on Tuesday morning; however, his message failed to satisfy them. Uttam Kumar Kutuwal, president of the Nepal Civil Service Union, responded, “Though assurances were given on Facebook, an ordinance has been introduced that curtails our rights. It’s like allowing someone to eat first but then shooting them—if you want us dead, then let us starve.”
Following the government’s ordinance that dissolved the employees’ official trade unions, six employee organizations announced on Monday their intention to approach the courts. Kutuwal affirmed their resolve, saying, “We must be allowed to speak out and demand our rights. No country has ever forcibly taken away such rights; it is tragic that Nepal is doing so. We will pursue legal remedies for this.”
Bhagwati Nyaupane Dahal, president of the Nepal Civil Service Organization, also stated that legal consultations and preparations are underway, and they are ready to take the matter to court soon. She remarked, “We expected the Prime Minister, who said ‘let the government talk,’ not to suppress our right to speak as he has.” The employee organizations allege that their rights are being stripped in violation of the constitution, regulations, laws, international norms, practices, treaties, and agreements.
However, Prime Minister Balen has stated that the ordinance does not deprive employees of their rights. The amendments made through the ordinance include provisions for the civil service to address grievances. According to these, any employee facing issues can submit complaints orally or in writing to their office head. If the decision is unsatisfactory, they may request a review; if unresolved, they may pursue legal action. The Prime Minister commented, “This does not take away rights but strengthens professional independence. From now on, appointments, transfers, and promotions will be based on law, capability, and efficiency—not party affiliation.”

In Sundarharaicha Municipality-7, Salkapur of Morang district, a collision between a truck and a motorcycle resulted in the death of 20-year-old Anish Budhathoki. Two others injured in the accident have been sent to Nobel Hospital in Biratnagar for treatment. The police have taken the truck driver into custody and are conducting the necessary investigation.

On 22 Baisakh in Kathmandu, a fatal accident occurred in Morang when a truck and a motorcycle collided. The vehicles involved were a truck with registration number Pr.1-01-001 Kh 4303 and a motorcycle registered as Ko.10 Pa 8128, which collided on the road in Sundarharaicha Municipality-7, Salkapur, causing the accident on Tuesday afternoon.

The motorcycle rider, 20-year-old Anish Budhathoki from Chatharjorpati Rural Municipality-1, Dhankuta, was seriously injured and initially taken to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar. However, according to police sources, he died during treatment. Two other individuals riding the motorcycle were injured and have been transferred to Nobel Hospital in Biratnagar for medical care. The police have detained the truck driver and are carrying out the necessary investigations.

News brief following the parliamentary review. The Council of Ministers meeting has commenced on 6 May at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers office. The Council had also convened yesterday. 6 May, Kathmandu. The Council of Ministers meeting has started. A short while ago, the meeting began at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers office. The Council had met the previous day as well.

A United Airlines aircraft collided with a utility truck and an electric pole while landing at an airport outside New York City. The incident was captured on a dashcam mounted on the service truck at Newark Liberty International Airport. The collision occurred as the truck was moving along a road near one of the airport’s runways.

The plane, arriving from Venice, was carrying a total of 231 passengers and crew members. The aircraft came to a safe stop, but the truck driver sustained minor injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. The U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating aviation accidents has ordered United Airlines to provide the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. Meanwhile, the airline’s maintenance team has begun assessing the damage to the aircraft.

The Kathmandu District Court has refused to extend the detention of industrialist Shekhar Golchha for further investigation. Presiding Judge Mona Singh’s bench issued an order not to extend the arrest warrant. Consequently, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) is required to continue its inquiry with Golchha out of custody.

On 23rd Baishakh, Kathmandu: The Kathmandu District Court declined to prolong the custody period of industrialist Shekhar Golchha for investigative purposes. Following this ruling, the Central Investigation Bureau must proceed with the investigation without holding him in detention. Judge Mona Singh’s bench specifically rejected any extension of the previously sanctioned arrest period.

The order stated, “There is no reliable evidence suggesting that investigative circumstances necessitate keeping defendant Shekhar Golchha in detention; therefore, per Section 14(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code of 2074, an extension of detention for investigation shall not be permitted.” Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had raised concerns about why the investigation into securities fraud was being conducted in custody despite bail and surety provisions being in place.

Kathmandu police have submitted a report to the government attorney’s office recommending the registration of murder charges against 10 individuals who attacked Shobha Pathak. Pathak was staging a sit-in protest at Maiti Gaun, demanding the reappointment of Sudhan Gurung as Home Minister. During this protest, a group including Ambika Basnet, wife of UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet, assaulted her. The police have taken these 10 individuals into custody, conducted a detailed investigation, and after reviewing the report, the attorney’s office has announced plans to proceed with filing charges in court. Dated: 22 Baisakh, Kathmandu.

According to SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai of the District Police Office, Kathmandu, the investigation was completed and the report submitted to the government attorney’s office today, Tuesday. Based on the findings, it has been recommended to file charges of attempted murder against the 10 individuals. Pathak had been protesting at Maiti Gaun demanding Sudhan Gurung’s reappointment as Home Minister. It was at this location that Ambika Basnet and her group attacked her. Following the investigation and custody of the 10 persons including Ambika Basnet, police have recommended filing charges on the grounds of attempted murder. Upon review of the report, the government attorney’s office will initiate legal proceedings in court.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued directives to all District Administration Offices to halt vehicle movement on hazardous roads and ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles. The authority has instructed that drivers and vehicle owners who violate the prohibition on movement in risky areas should face legal action.

On Monday evening, as water levels rose in the Roshi River in Kavre, posing potential risks, five vehicles were stopped for safety, leaving passengers temporarily stranded in floodwaters. All 89 passengers were safely rescued. Following concerns raised about passenger safety due to the actions of some drivers, Deputy Secretary of the Authority, Ram Bahadur KC, informed that the authority has directed an analysis of local conditions and road risks to enforce vehicle movement restrictions as needed. The authority also urged adherence to weather forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the related advisories, warnings, and information issued accordingly.

Summary: The government has annulled civil servants’ trade unions through an ordinance, yet employee organizations continue active operations. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has expressed readiness to take necessary action, monitoring employee group activities closely. Meanwhile, the employee organizations have issued warnings of protests, demanding the restoration of trade unions and have threatened phased agitation if the government does not reverse its decision.

Kathmandu, 22 Baisakh – Despite the government’s abolition of civil servants’ trade unions via ordinance, employee organizations have been systematically maintaining their activities. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has indicated it is closely monitoring these developments and prepared to take strict measures as needed.

Following the issuance of the ‘Ordinance to Amend Certain Acts’ by President Ramchandra Paudel on Sunday, the arrangement for employees’ trade unions was officially nullified. Although the Civil Service Act prohibits any form of employee organizations, several party-affiliated employee groups released a statement on Monday. Due to these statements issued under the name of government employees, the ministry has taken the matter seriously and increased surveillance.

An official from the ministry remarked, ‘The Civil Service Act 2049 is overseen by this ministry and explicitly bans employee trade unions. Employees must focus on serving the public rather than participating in party politics. If such activities continue, we will take stringent action as necessary.’ Since the ordinance invalidates all types of employee organizations, the ministry has stated that it will seek explanations and issue warnings if any further statements or activities are conducted under employee organization names.

The chairpersons of several prominent employee groups, including Bhawani Nyaupane Dahal of Nepal Civil Servants Organization, Uttam Kumar Kutuwal of Nepal Civil Servants Union, Ambadatt Bhatt of Nepal National Civil Servants Organization, Yam Bahadur Khatri of Unified Government Employees Organization, Vijay Kumar Yadav acting chair of Nepal Madhesi Civil Servants Forum, and Sita Gurung of Independent Civil Service Employees Organization, have jointly demanded reinstatement of trade union rights in their statement.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in a statement released on Tuesday morning, emphasized that the decision to abolish trade unions was not targeted against any party but was an effort to preserve the system. He stated, ‘This is not against any political party; it is a step taken to protect the system and the future. It will free the country from partisan control and bring institutions into a proper framework. It aims to eliminate partisan influence from education and employee systems.’

After six employee organizations warned of agitation if trade unions are not restored during a meeting on Monday, the ministry has taken this threat very seriously. Sources within the ministry said, ‘We are monitoring activities conducted under employee organization names and have held discussions on the matter.’ Given that trade unions have been abolished, the ministry has assured that it will take appropriate action against any organized activities.

The six employee organizations have threatened phased protests if their demand to revoke the abolition of trade unions is not met. They have collectively issued a statement urging the government to reinstate trade union rights. They warned that if the government disregards their demands, they will collaborate with all relevant parties to engage in phased nationwide agitation, including legal measures.

File photo Summary with editorial review. Ashokkumar Chaudhary, Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has released the report card for his first month in parliament. The report card highlights his raised issues and participation during the first session held from March 2 to March 16. April 5, Kathmandu. Ashokkumar Chaudhary, MP of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has unveiled his parliamentary report card covering his initial month in office. The first session of the House of Representatives, which began on February 21, concluded between March 2 and March 10. In this period, Chaudhary documented his raised topics and participation in various parliamentary activities in the report card. Furthermore, on April 17, the election for chairpersons of the parliamentary thematic committees took place, resulting in Chaudhary’s election as the chair of the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee. Elected from Sunsari Constituency No. 3, Chaudhary had previously been a member of the House of Representatives as well. Earlier, he was elected through proportional representation, while this time he secured a direct election. View the report card below: