Author: space4knews

Gagan Kumar Thapa, the President of the Nepali Congress, met with Purn Bahadur Khadka at Khadka’s residence in Golfutar on the evening of April 18 at 7 PM. Thapa’s secretariat confirmed the meeting but did not disclose details of the discussions. Following the Supreme Court’s order, leaders aligned with Khadka have been engaged in ongoing talks, emphasizing the need for a respectful resolution.

Earlier in the afternoon, leaders supporting former president Sher Bahadur Deuba also convened discussions. They expressed their acceptance of the court’s order but insisted on securing a dignified status. Meanwhile, in the evening, Thapa visited Golfutar to meet with Khadka for further talks.

The Nigerian team Just Zone FC claimed the championship in the MT Arena First Khajura Gold Cup football tournament held in Khajura, Banke. In the final, Just Zone defeated India’s JVM Club Lucknow by a 4-0 margin to become the champions. The winning team received a cash prize of NPR 400,000 along with trophies, medals, and certificates.

On 6th Baisakh (April 19), in Nepalgunj, at the mini stadium in D-4, Khajura Rural Municipality, the Nigerian team Just Zone emerged victorious in the final held on Sunday by beating JVM Club Lucknow 4-0. For Nigeria’s win, Club Kon scored two goals, while Edward Thomas and Olawi Afiz each scored one. Along with the title, Just Zone received NPR 400,000 cash, trophies, medals, and certificates, while the runners-up JVM also received NPR 400,000 in prizes.

Kshitij Magar from JVM Lucknow was declared the Best Midfielder, and Naveen Mahto from Four Brothers FC, Nawalparasi, was honored as the top scorer. The prizes for the winning teams were supported by Lilbahadur Thapa, a native of Khajura now living in the United States. The tournament organizer and New Danphe Sports Club president Balaram Khatri stated, “Lilbahadur Thapa, currently residing in the US for foreign employment, personally contributed this amount.”

Khajura Rural Municipality, Lumbini Province Sports Council, MT Arena, and other organizations provided financial support for the successful conduct of the competition. The awards for the winning team and outstanding players were presented by Khajura Rural Municipality Chairperson Dambar Bahadur Vik, Vice-chairperson Manju Mall, and others. At the closing ceremony, Chairperson Dambar Bahadur Vik called the tournament a historic achievement and expressed Khajura’s readiness to make the next edition even grander.

Road upgrading works on the Kagbeni–Chhusang section under the Kaligandaki Corridor in Mustang are progressing rapidly. The project aims to complete the enhancement of the road, which connects the Korala checkpoint, within two years. So far, five thousand cubic meters of gabion walls and two thousand cubic meters of retaining walls have been installed.

On 6th Baishakh, Mustang – The Beni–Jomsom–Korala road project under the Kaligandaki Corridor, which links neighboring countries China and India, is swiftly paving and upgrading the Kagbeni–Chhusang section. The work, interrupted due to severe cold, snowfall during the winter, and the House of Representatives election on Falgun 21, has now regained momentum.

The project office reported that the nine-point-eight-kilometer stretch is undergoing intensified upgrading. Approximately 98 percent of the road from Thasang-4 Ghaso to Korala checkpoint and Kagbeni has been blacktopped by the project. The plan includes proper upgrading and asphalt paving of the road up to Nepal–China’s northern Korala checkpoint, for which the federal government allocated a budget last year.

For asphalt paving and road widening of the Kagbeni–Chhusang section connecting Korala checkpoint in Mustang, the project signed a contract on Asar 26 last year with Toksar Effata/Buddha JV Construction at a cost of NPR 288,796,000. The contract specifies completing the road enhancement, including asphalt paving, within two years. According to the contract, the Kagbeni–Chhusang road should be finished by Asar 24, 2084 BS, project chief Tejaswi Sharma informed.

Although the contract was signed by late Asar, work was halted for five months due to adverse weather and elections, Sharma noted. With the end of winter and the start of summer, the construction company has resumed work. Currently, about 20 percent physical progress has been achieved on the under-construction Kagbeni–Chhusang section. The road, approximately 11 meters wide with 8 meters of asphalt paving, is being constructed. Sagar Shrestha, a representative of the contractor, said that paving and road structure work is underway in Baragung Muktikshetra-3, Tangwe area, which connects to Korala checkpoint.

To upgrade the road, construction of five thousand cubic meters of gabion walls and two thousand cubic meters of retaining walls has been completed. Work including grading, drainage construction where necessary, and other road structures is ongoing. With fuel prices dropping and supply stabilizing, the company aims to complete paving from Kagbeni to Tongwe within five months, Shrestha added. Over 80 workers are deployed daily to meet the project deadline. Shrestha further stated, “We have arranged all necessary equipment and crushers for constructing road structures and paving. Since work is not feasible during winter, the working period each year is limited to seven months.”

The Kagbeni–Chhusang stretch in Baragung Muktikshetra-3 suffered some minor damage from floods and landslides during Asar and Saun. Floods caused erosion in some parts and damage to the road base. In preparation for further upgrading and asphalt paving of the road to the much-discussed northern Korala checkpoint, two phases of initial environmental impact assessments have been completed for the Chhusang–Gham and Gham–Korala sections. Lopzang Chomfel Bisht, chairperson of Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, said that if the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, under the Finance Ministry, allocates budgets for paving the road up to Korala, the road access in Upper Mustang will improve significantly. The project estimates that upgrading and paving the Chhusang–Korala road will cost over five billion NPR.

The government is moving forward with the process of adjusting the number and boundaries of local levels across the country. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has prepared a draft standard and is seeking suggestions on the matter. This standard stipulates that decisions will be based on population, geography, administrative convenience, infrastructure development, economic capacity, natural resources, and linguistic-cultural composition. When changing the number and boundaries of local levels, a committee led by the District Coordination Committee must be formed and submit a report within three months. (Kathmandu, 6 Baisakh)

Under this process, the government has drafted and publicly released criteria related to the reclassification of rural and urban municipalities for feedback. The criteria include the adjustment of the number and boundaries of rural municipalities, municipalities, and wards, as well as the merger of units or the reclassification of municipalities. According to the proposal, all seven provincial governments are required to provide suggestions on these standards.

The draft identifies six key bases for adjustments or mergers of rural municipalities and municipalities. Among these, population, geography, and administrative convenience are the primary factors. In addition, the status of infrastructure development, economic capacity, and availability of natural resources will be considered when determining changes in number and boundaries. Linguistic, cultural, and community composition also form part of the criteria. According to Kalanidhi Devkota, Executive Director of the Nepal Municipal Association, the ministry has received 97 requests related to ward division and boundary adjustments from Tribeni Municipality in Bajura to Ilam.

In an article published a few days ago, Devkota stated that many standards were not adhered to during boundary changes made a decade ago, and some decisions lacked logical basis. For example, although Simikot in Humla, Chame in Manang, Jomsom in Mustang, and Dhunche in Rasuwa are district headquarters, these places are still classified as rural municipalities. Conversely, in Rautahat, 16 municipalities were established solely based on population. He said it is natural to question why district headquarters remain as rural municipalities and why dozens of municipalities were created in some districts based only on population criteria.

Lahan Municipality distributed relief materials including tarpaulins, rice, salt, and cooking oil to Musahar families affected by the storm that struck Saturday evening. Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary prioritized immediate shelter arrangements for the victims and pledged to establish long-term housing within one week. The municipality has also advanced plans to construct 500 houses in a second phase for landless and squatter families.

6 Vaisakh, Siraha – The storm that hit Saturday evening caused significant damage in the Musahar settlement. In Lahan Municipality–2, Kalabanjar, 21 Musahar families lost their tin and leaf roofing. During an on-site inspection, Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary distributed essential supplies such as tarpaulins, rice, salt, and cooking oil to the affected families.

On the occasion, Mayor Chaudhary stated, “Providing immediate secure shelter to families affected by the storm is the municipality’s top priority. We have supplied tarpaulins to keep the affected households safe. Within the next week, we will provide tin sheets to establish long-term housing.” He also informed that a plan to build 500 houses in a second phase is underway for long-term management of landless and squatter families.

“We are planning to relocate squatter families to safe locations,” Mayor Chaudhary added. Currently, 42 families reside in the affected settlement. Additionally, the storm caused damage to seven houses in Lahan–24 and one house in Lahan–19.

Leaders within the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have expressed dissatisfaction with the selection of ministers, parliamentary committee chairs, and party secretaries. The unilateral approach to appointments by Prime Minister Balen Shah and Party Chair Ravi Lamichhane has sparked internal discontent. Despite a parliamentary party meeting assigning the responsibility of ministerial selections to the chairperson and senior leaders, many leaders are pressuring for a more democratic process.

Kathmandu, 19 April – Within RSP, discontent points to the naming of ministers, parliamentary committee chairs, chief secretaries, and secretaries without adequate internal consultation. Party chair Ravi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balen Shah, who is also a senior leader, reportedly decided on names without party discussion. While leaders hesitate to openly voice their disagreement, some members informally admitted, “Whatever these two elder brothers decide, we have to accept.” Here, the “two elder brothers” refers to Lamichhane and Shah.

Dissatisfaction Over Ministerial Selection Process

On April 1, fourteen ministers including Prime Minister Shah took their oath of office. However, party leaders pointed out the absence of any formal party decision on these names. “We only learned about the ministers through the media and at the swearing-in ceremony. There was no internal party discussion,” a central member and MP stated. The issue is not personal, but the lack of consultation is considered problematic.

Some leaders and MPs voiced concerns over how the selection process was conducted, emphasizing that two individuals made decisions alone. “Usually, the decisions are made by these two elder brothers, and what they say is the final word,” another MP remarked. Many were surprised when the ministerial list was announced. Dissatisfied leaders call for adherence to democratic procedures, pointing out that many aspirants deserved consideration based on their vision and mission, but decisions were finalized unilaterally.

However, RSP spokesperson Manish Jha denied any controversy or dissent over the selection of ministers. He defended the process, citing the parliamentary party meeting on March 25, which authorized the chairperson Lamichhane and senior leader Shah to make these appointments, thus making objections inappropriate. “Once the parliamentary party meeting gave the leaders this authority, there is no procedural error,” he said, adding that dissatisfaction is natural in such a large party, which now has 182 members compared to four in the previous LSP party.

Several MPs proposed providing opportunities to both new and experienced politicians. Some dissatisfied leaders recalled how, within just 14 days, ministers had to be reshuffled due to the absence of prior consultation. “If ministers were selected aligned with a vision and mission, such early changes would not have been necessary,” complained a directly-elected MP.

Prime Minister Balen Shah dismissed Labor, Employment, and Social Security Minister Deepak Kumar Sah on April 9; the next day, a parliamentary party meeting was held. During that meeting, Chairperson Lamichhane announced preparations to appoint Ramji Yadav as Labor Minister and Gaurikumari Yadav as Minister of Industry. “The chairperson read out the names without any questions,” a participant said. “The ministers are qualified, but the party must be consulted.”

On April 9, Gaurikumari Yadav appeared bewildered when her name was proposed as minister. She admitted she had been surprised and was unsure whether anyone else shared her name. “When my name was announced, I was checking if someone else with the same name existed,” she said outside the party office. “Had I known earlier, I would have secured citizenship papers, but I came empty-handed.”

There are many new MPs in RSP this term, with limited acquaintance among themselves. “We are not informed beforehand that we are to become ministers; this kind of process is unprecedented,” another discontented MP explained. While some MPs propose giving chances to experienced as well as new members, many veteran MPs have been excluded from government positions and parliamentary committees. Twice directly elected Tosima Karki, proportional MPs from the previous house Manish Jha, Indira Rana, and Nisha Dangi have not been included in government or committee chair roles. Similarly, former independent MP Amaresh Singh, now elected under RSP, has also been left out of leadership posts.

Challenges Within Parliamentary Committees

The parliamentary party meeting on March 17 selected committee chairs, with Chairperson Lamichhane announcing names for 11 committees in brief, concluding the meeting swiftly. “There is no second discussion at these meetings. The chairperson reads out names quickly, no leader speaks, and the meeting ends,” a member reported.

There is also discontent over the appointments of chief secretary and secretaries. “Many are unhappy, alleging bias,” said one dissatisfied MP. “Names were changed abruptly, with one person’s name announced in the morning and a different one at the meeting.” On the same day, the party selected Ganesh Parajuli as deputy leader of the parliamentary party, but the meeting did not inform members. “We only learned after going home that he had been appointed,” most MPs reported. “Party decisions should not be notified from outside.” Some leaders have also expressed frustration on social media over one individual holding multiple posts; leader Pramod Nyaupane commented, “Whoever’s not in charge is left with more offices, while others have to sit under someone’s shadow.”

Spokesperson Manish Jha called on members to focus on party-building rather than dissatisfaction. “There is much work ahead beyond ministries and committees. Lawmaking remains. The party must be institutionalized. If everyone goes to the Singha Durbar, who will manage the base?” he asked rhetorically. “This is RSP’s third time in government, yet I remain busy organizing the party. I will support the chairperson. There are no grounds for dissatisfaction.”

The Nepali Congress has called a meeting of the Central Discipline Committee at 3 PM on Monday, 6th Baishakh, at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The committee secretary, Dinesh Thapa Magar, has issued the notice convening the meeting. The session is scheduled to be held at the party’s central office in Sanepa.

A committee has been formed at Police Headquarters, coordinated by AIG Rajan Adhikari, following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs to propose improvements. There is dissatisfaction regarding the proposed bill increasing the authority of the Chief District Officer (CDO) while weakening police powers. Kathmandu, 6 Baisakh — After the dissolution of parliament, the Police Headquarters in Naxal has formed a committee to study the inactive Police Bill, known as the proposed Federal Police Act. The bill had become inactive following the dissolution of parliament after the Jana Andolan movement on 23 and 24 Bhadra. After the House of Representatives election on 21 Falgun, the Police Headquarters established the committee to review the bill.

The committee was formed under the coordination of Rajan Adhikari, Chief of the Crime Investigation Department and Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG). Police Headquarters sources informed that members include SPs from the legal branch and other police officers. The committee was formed after the Ministry of Home Affairs requested suggestions for improvements to the Police Bill. According to SSP and Nepal Police Deputy Spokesperson Deep Shamsher Jabara, alongside AIG Adhikari’s committee, the Police Investigation and Planning Development Directorate is also working on the matter.

Nepal Police has voiced concerns over certain provisions in the Police Bill. The Headquarters opposes the attempt to revoke powers held since the Police Act of 1956 (2012 BS). According to the draft, Section 7 outlines arrangements for deployment, direction, control, and supervision. The responsibility for peace and security in districts lies under the Chief District Officer (CDO). Under Section 8 of the Police Act of 1956, police have been working under the orders of the CDO for peace and security.

However, Section 7 (2) of the proposed bill states, “In matters relating to peace, security, good governance, crime prevention, and control, police personnel shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the Chief District Officer.” This provision indicates that police intelligence personnel must operate under CDO direction not only for maintaining peace and security but also for crime prevention. Police officers argue that this increases the CDO’s authority while weakening the police force.

Additionally, Police Headquarters is dissatisfied with efforts to transfer police powers to the Armed Police Force. Section 8 of the proposed Armed Police Force, Nepal Bill authorizes the Armed Police to take responsibility for international border security and control border-related crimes. Subsection (t) of Section 8 allows the Armed Police to detain, search, and conduct preliminary investigations into illegal activities in the international border area and hand over offenders to relevant agencies for legal action. The police have expressed dissatisfaction with this and suspect attempts to cede their powers to the Armed Police Force.

Two laws concerning police integration were enacted in 2076 BS. The “Bill on the arrangement of integrating police personnel into Nepal Police and Provincial Police” received presidential assent on 28 Magh 2076 BS. Similarly, the “Bill relating to the operation, supervision, and coordination of Nepal Police and Provincial Police” was also ratified on 28 Magh 2076 BS. Following the enactment of the police integration laws, the necessary Organizational and Management survey (O&M) has been approved by the Council of Ministers.

According to the organizational and management survey approved by the Council of Ministers in Mangsir 2077 BS, a total manpower of 24,816 is to be allocated to the central police and 54,072 to the seven provinces. However, this process has not yet started. The issue of which level the security agencies should fall under has been repeatedly raised in previous parliaments. To resolve integration complexities, the then government registered the Nepal Police Bill in the House of Representatives on 15 Magh 2081 BS. The bill introduced by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was registered on 16 Magh 2081 BS and general discussion was completed on 5 Falgun 2081 BS.

During the discussion, MPs raised challenges related to security coordination that could arise following constitutional implementation and police integration. However, the bill did not progress on schedule and was eventually passed to the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee on 11 Falgun 2081 BS. After limited committee discussion, the bill did not become law. After the election on 21 Falgun, efforts are underway to revive this issue in the new House of Representatives. The Ministry of Home Affairs is working on four bills including the Nepal Police Bill, Armed Police Force Bill, Immigration-related Bill, and Intelligence-related Bill. It is anticipated that police integration will move forward after the Federal Police Act comes into effect, and currently, there are no legal barriers to integration.