Author: space4knews

The results of the Falgun 21 elections and the consequent changes in power dynamics represent not just an ordinary political event but a disruption of Nepal’s seven-decade-long traditional political landscape. This impact is expected to last for at least two decades. The outcome has placed Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest democratic force, at a historic crossroads requiring deep reflection.

Within the parliamentary setting where Congress has become a minority, intense debate and pressure inside the party will determine Nepal’s future political trajectory. The recently expressed view of leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala — “Yesterday, fighting with leftists was easier; today, competition with liberal democrats is more challenging” — vividly demonstrates shifts not only within Congress but throughout Nepal’s political sociology.

It appears Congress is now recognizing the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a competitor. This is not merely an electoral defeat but signals that Nepalese politics has transitioned from ideological battles to contests of efficient governance. Recognizing this, Congress must focus on how to secure and strengthen the growing liberal dominance instead of viewing declining votes negatively.

Signs of Liberation from Communist Roots

Nepal’s political history has long been shaped by communist-led class and collective consciousness rooted in anti-establishment sentiments. Rage against injustice and discrimination largely centered on leftist slogans. With communists traditionally receiving high votes, a substantial portion of society was considered influenced by leftist ideologies.

However, the recent election results have weakened this traditional leftist stronghold. As political scientist Francis Fukuyama argues in his book The End of History and the Last Man, liberal democracy represents the final phase of mankind’s ideological evolution. This appears validated by voters choosing a new, technology-friendly, dynamic liberal party over communist aggression. Vote shifts from Congress to emerging liberal parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party symbolize a significant democratic achievement.

Drawing on Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony—where an ideology becomes sustainable once it enters common social consciousness—Nepal’s current political shift is expanding liberal democratic awareness. With the combined vote shares of Congress and Rastriya Swatantra Party amounting to two-thirds, liberal democratic dominance is rising, delivering a substantial blow to communist factions. Leftist leaders increasingly identify the alliance of liberals and democrats as their greatest challenge.

During the first parliamentary session, CPN-UML’s parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa expressed concern over “new reactionaries emerging under the protection of Western powers threatening the country’s achievements,” reflecting the defensive posture of communists today.

Congress’s commitment to institutional decorum and respect for rule of law sets a positive example for new parties. While questions against Congress leaders like Balkrishna Khan were met with a respectful response without street protests, demonstrations erupted over cases involving leaders like Ravi Lamichhane and CPN-UML, highlighting Congress’s practice of institutional restraint.

Attempts by communist factions to revert to old class struggle rhetoric fail to resonate, as evidenced by the electoral outcome which effectively rejects outdated ideological frameworks. Congress President Gagan Thapa notably regards Congress not as a museum preserving past achievements but as a laboratory for new ideas. This optimistic stance embraces the rise of new political forces as opportunities for reform rather than threats.

The welcoming of sociopolitical change internally within Congress, especially through youth leadership’s acceptance of the expanding liberal space, is key to permanently overcoming the oppositional discourse dominated by communists. Parliamentary leaders from both Rastriya Swatantra Party and Congress have emphasized mutual respect and responsibility, illustrating a reliable balance between the two parties.

Congress’s Responsibility: A Mentoring Role

The Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by Balendra Shah who now serves as Prime Minister, occupies a central position in Nepali politics—a unique development. Yet, popularity alone carries risks of sliding towards elected authoritarianism or “soft dictatorship.” When a leader places personal popularity above state institutions and legal processes, democracy itself is endangered.

In this context, Congress’s role gains immense importance. The Rastriya Swatantra Party comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Congress must leverage its parliamentary experience to unify these divergent elements under shared democratic values and culture.

Congress’s demonstration of institutional discipline and respect for procedures serves as a crucial lesson for emerging parties. For instance, Congress respected judicial decisions without staging protests in sensitive cases, unlike protests that erupted concerning other parties’ leaders.

The essential teaching Congress must impart is the value of “institutional patience.” Just as red dye stains other fabrics, Congress’s democratic values and tolerance should permeate into the Rastriya Swatantra Party. As former British Prime Minister Tony Blair modernized and liberalized the Labour Party through the “Third Way,” Congress too must become a mentor to transform the Rastriya Swatantra Party from a critic into a responsible democratic force.

Some may fear that aiding the Rastriya Swatantra Party might weaken Congress’s competitive position; however, it is crucial first to create a broad space for liberal democrats before engaging in fierce competition. Had communist dominance or authoritarianism continued to control the political landscape, both Congress and the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s existence would be at risk.

Congress must now abandon divisions and embrace the historic role of guardian over liberal dominance, ensuring progress for both itself and Nepal’s democracy.

Therefore, expanding liberal dominance is the present priority. Healthy competition and genuine development emerge only when democratic culture flourishes and the rule of law strengthens. Safeguarding the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a democratic entity against authoritarian threats will be Congress’s greatest triumph. Only then will Nepal’s politics shed communist roots and enter a new era.

Diplomatic Rebalancing

The formation of a new government under Balendra Shah’s leadership and the ascendancy of liberal democratic forces have generated enthusiasm among democrats worldwide. This shift has been positively received by global powers, restoring balance to Nepal’s historically uneven diplomatic relations. Numerous countries have extended congratulations and support, injecting fresh energy into diplomatic circles.

Countries such as the United States, India, and members of the European Union have expressed confidence that Nepal’s emergence of liberal powers will lead to greater transparency and predictability in the country’s future. This presents a historic opportunity to recalibrate Nepal’s diplomatic stance.

Regarding China, liberal dominance holds particular significance. China has consistently prioritized Nepal’s stability and security. While some misconceptions suggest that only communist parties maintain close ties with China, in reality, only open, transparent, and liberal democracies can address China’s long-term interests institutionally.

Communist governments face risks of internal conflict and factionalism which may destabilize external relations. Conversely, a strong democratic government can balance neighborly relations in the state’s best interest. For China, stable and prosperous neighbors represent the best security guarantee. The synergy between the Balendra Shah government and Congress’s support is set to elevate Nepal’s international credibility.

A Test for Congress in Securing Liberal Dominance

The establishment of liberal dominance in Nepal marks a new chapter in its politics. Regardless of where votes shift, as long as democratic values are maintained, the country moves toward prosperity. If Congress fails to transfer its experience, political refinement, and dignity to new forces, the political instability and economic challenges that have persisted for years will continue.

Congress must now choose to cease internal strife and become the protector of liberal dominance. This decision is pivotal for the progress of both Congress and Nepal’s democracy. The broader the space for liberal democracy, the stronger and healthier the competition, which paves the way for real development and prosperity. Protecting the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a democratic entity and shielding it from authoritarian threats will be Congress’s primary achievement.

This path alone will enable Nepal’s politics to break free from communist roots and usher in a new, modern era. Moving forward, cultural transfer and preservation of democratic values should take precedence over power struggles. The satisfaction expressed by democrats worldwide and diplomatic circles affirms that a new chapter of prosperity is beginning for Nepal.

March 8, Kathmandu – Following the discovery of suspicious transactions involving former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, his wife and former Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, and their family, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation has issued arrest warrants against the couple.

The department secured arrest authorization from the Kathmandu District Court for Sher Bahadur Deuba and Dr. Arju Deuba.

A source affiliated with the district court stated, “During the investigation of their movable and immovable assets, irregular earnings were found, leading to further inquiry on charges of money laundering.”

Officers from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation and technical support personnel from the Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau have been collecting information about assets reportedly concealed by the Deubas. A police officer disclosed, “As a result, when certain immovable properties were identified, further procedures were initiated.”

According to sources within the department, over the last year or so, the approximately 73 ropani of land acquired by Sher Bahadur and Arju’s sole son, Jayveer, in the Kathmandu Valley and nearby regions, has been the most questionable. The sources explained, “During investigations initiated through that land acquisition, other suspicious transactions were also uncovered.”

A few days ago, the department dispatched security personnel to the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha to prevent the destruction of fire-damaged debris.

Except for brief periods during the Shah regime, Sher Bahadur Deuba has continuously held public office since the restoration of democracy, serving as Prime Minister five times.

Since the 2070s BS, Dr. Arju Deuba also entered Congress politics directly, having been elected to parliament twice and serving once as Foreign Minister.

The Deubas, who have not been known to engage in professions outside politics, have faced dozens of complaints filed with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority and the Department of Money Laundering alleging illicit wealth accumulation. According to sources, no substantive investigations had been conducted until now.

Sources connected to the Money Laundering Investigation Department stated that investigations are currently underway concerning the land purchased by Jayveer, properties owned by the Deuba couple, and related bank accounts. The department noted that there is no record of Jayveer entering Nepal through official airport channels following the recent political movement.

The department is also preparing to investigate the land and house in Budhanilkantha, which the Deuba family claims was purchased by Dr. Arju’s maternal family and gifted to them, a contention upheld by her secretariat.

The Deubas are currently in Hong Kong for medical treatment. Bhanu Deuba, personal secretary to former Prime Minister Deuba, responded that he is not aware of any government investigation or arrest authorization against them. He said, “They are both abroad for treatment, and I have no further information.”

What Crime Triggered the Money Laundering Investigation?

According to amendments made two years ago to the law governing money laundering investigations, no individual may be investigated for money laundering without evidence of involvement in a predicate offense.

If there is a primary allegation, investigations on suspicion of accumulating unexplained wealth may proceed accordingly.

Nevertheless, to date, Sher Bahadur and Arju Deuba have not faced any criminal investigations or registered cases. However, accusations persist that they amassed wealth through abuse of political power and influence.

During Sher Bahadur Deuba’s tenure as Prime Minister, allegations surfaced that Arju operated parallel underground gangs and misused public office appointed positions and state functions for personal benefit.

Arju’s name was also linked to allegations of illegal wealth acquisition and the fabricated refugee case. Following the recent political movement, the department sent some debris found at the Deuba residence, damaged by arson, for laboratory analysis.

Numerous Complaints Remain Pending

Last week, Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and met with Chief Commissioner Prem Kumar Rai in the latter’s office. Gurung expressed interest in the investigation of sensitive complaints and pledged support if needed.

Senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs have indicated that documents detailing transactions between Nepal Telecom officials and the Deuba family during the annual maintenance contract (AMC) for Nepal Telecom’s billing system were submitted to the CIAA.

A supplier based in Singapore’s information technology sector also provided detailed documentation of these transactions to the CIAA; however, despite repeated discussions, the commission has been unable to conduct a thorough investigation or take action.

The former Secretary of Communications, Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, who facilitated the contract, later became Chief Secretary. The government then managed to appoint him as Chief Secretary two days before his scheduled retirement by involving National Security Advisor Shankardas Bairagi and the then administration led by Prachanda. The Deuba family reportedly played a role in this appointment.

Sunil Paudel and Bikal Paudel, who actively assisted with Aryal’s appointment, are currently in custody on corruption charges. Approximately a dozen related corruption cases involving them are pending at various courts from the Supreme Court to the Special Court. Following irregularities in the billing system contract, the CIAA has not pursued further investigations into remaining complaints.

Jayveer Deuba is also accused of misusing state power to influence several government decisions. His name is linked to entities such as the Security Printing Press, Payment Gateway, and Nepal Telecom’s billing system.

The CIAA has conducted formal correspondence and investigations into these irregularities involving certain individuals and politicians. The cases against former Nepal Telecom Managing Director Sunil Paudel and former Executive Director of the Security Printing Press, Bikal Paudel, include these details.

In the case against Sunil Paudel, the CIAA noted that “Sunil Paudel was found to have associations with various government and non-government agencies, national servants, domestic, and foreign individuals,” prompting the appointment of a dedicated investigation officer.

Similarly, in the case against Bikal Paudel, the CIAA reported to the Special Court that “Bikal Paudel had connections with various government and non-government agencies and national servants, domestic and foreign political and business figures,” necessitating the appointment of a separate investigation officer.

Although the CIAA planned to investigate others involved in both cases, the names have not been disclosed. Department sources revealed that Dr. Arju Deuba and Jayveer have been linked to these irregularities and that further details have emerged with ongoing investigations.

March 8, Kathmandu. The Property Laundering Investigation Department obtained arrest warrants on Wednesday from the District Court in Kathmandu against Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Dr. Arju Rana. The probe, initiated on suspicions of illegal wealth accumulation, will investigate various decisions and activities made during Deuba’s tenure in power, along with associated files.

Furthermore, if illegal wealth accumulation is confirmed, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) may conduct a separate corruption investigation.

Incident 1

Among several issues linked to Deuba, high-ranking officials from investigative agencies recently discussed the Nepal Telecom billing maintenance contract. It appears members of Deuba’s family were involved in this contract in some manner.

Questioning the billing maintenance contract, the CIAA filed corruption charges on May 8, 2025 (Jestha 25, 2082 BS) against 18 individuals. Allegations included political pressure and collusion that extended the old contract rather than initiating a new billing system tender process. The CIAA concluded that corruption amounting to NPR 334.8 million had occurred.

The CIAA prosecuted former Nepal Telecom managing directors Sunil Paudel and Sangeeta Pahadi, among others. However, officials on the policy-making board who decided the maintenance contract were not implicated in corruption allegations.

Incident 2

According to CIAA-affiliated officials, when a plan emerged to extend the old billing system maintenance contract rather than adopting a new system, some Nepal Telecom employees were reluctant to advance the file. Subsequently, managing director Sunil Paudel summoned them and directed that files of high political interest should not be delayed.

Since former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s wife, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, and their son Jayveer expressed interest in the file, Paudel instructed that immediate decisions be made.

A Nepal Telecom employee secretly recorded this discussion and handed over the audio to the CIAA. However, this detail was not mentioned in the CIAA’s charge sheet.

Incident 3

The Property Laundering Investigation Department, Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, Ministry of Home Affairs officials, and others were briefed regarding irregularities in the Nepal Telecom billing contract.

According to disclosures by some Nepal Telecom employees and telecom industry businessmen, payments made to the maintenance contractor allegedly reached political levels.

After some IT businessmen based in Singapore submitted this information to the CIAA, citing the absence of investigations, they sought the attention of other agencies.

Recently, a CIAA official stated that complaints frequently arise linking Deuba’s family to the Nepal Telecom billing contract.

“When everyone claims to possess details and proof related to the transaction at the CIAA, we invited them to review the files,” the official said. “Yet, no one has provided specifics on the accounts, locations, or methods of these transactions.”

Bikal, Sunil, and the Deuba Family

Vikal Paudel, an IT contractor who gained access to Singha Durbar through political influence, secured appointments based on this leverage. During this time, he served a long tenure as executive director of the Security Printing Press while his associate Sunil Paudel was appointed Nepal Telecom managing director from the National Information Technology Center at Singha Durbar.

The CIAA arrested both Vikal Paudel and Sunil Paudel on January 24, 2024 (Magh 10, 2080 BS), based on complaints of illegal property acquisition related to contracts and appointments in the IT sector.

The CIAA seized their mobile phones and gadgets and conducted investigations.

During the probe, suspicious contacts with senior politicians and their relatives—including the Deuba family—were revealed. Sources affiliated with the CIAA reported, “Unusual communications surfaced between them and several individuals including the Deuba family.”

According to sources closely involved in the IT investigations, Vikal knew some relatives connected to Deuba’s in-laws. Using these contacts, Vikal fostered relationships with members of the Deuba family. Notably, Jayveer, Sher Bahadur’s son, played a role in facilitating Sunil’s appointment as Nepal Telecom managing director.

Upon discovering suspicious conversations during the investigation, the CIAA corresponded with the Singaporean government to gather evidence. As per the mutual legal assistance process, information exchange took place through the Ministry of Law’s focal person.

“It appears that discussions to extend the billing system contract were settled before Sunil Paudel was appointed managing director,” the source said. “Once appointed, he approved extending the problematic billing system—already under revenue leakage and scrutiny—for six additional years.”

At the time of Sunil Paudel’s appointment, then Communications Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki and Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal initiated changes to appointment directives. Later, the Deuba government formalized these changes through cabinet approval, which favored Sunil’s appointment.

After becoming managing director, in mid-January 2024 (Poush 2080 BS), Nepal Telecom extended the existing billing system’s contract by six years instead of adopting a new system. According to CIAA sources, “Dialogues and communications between the Deuba family and Sunil-Vikal intensified thereafter.”

Jayveer’s Interest in Billing

Nepal Telecom has been using the current billing system since 2012. Although the system should have been replaced after 8-9 years, it continued for over a decade, leading to issues such as call failures, service interruptions, and abrupt disconnections.

On July 20, 2021 (Ashad 4, 2078 BS), Nepal Telecom’s board decided to initiate tendering for a new billing system. Investigations by the Ministry of Communications two years earlier had revealed revenue leakage through the billing system and recommended moving to a new system.

Repeated complaints about revenue leaks and service disruption led the board to instruct management to swiftly transition to a modern billing system. The board also resolved that the outdated system should not be extended under maintenance contracts but rather subjected to new tender processes.

After a management change at Nepal Telecom, efforts were made to maintain the old billing system. This plan met opposition from board members Phanindra Gautam (joint secretary at the Ministry of Law) and Ambika Paudel, representing general shareholders. Gautam even threatened to submit a dissenting opinion if a new tender was not pursued.

To prevent obstacles to the decision, then chief secretary Shankardas Bairagi pressured Gautam not to obstruct the extension process. When Gautam held firm, he was recalled and replaced by another joint secretary, Sushil Koirala.

According to sources, chief secretary Bairagi had requested other board members’ cooperation, highlighting the Deuba family’s interest in Nepal Telecom’s billing. Following board member turnover, the old billing contract was renewed.

Alongside Gautam, another board member, Ambikaprasad Paudel, voiced opposition to extending the old contract and subsequently abstained from meetings when continuation was decided.

On January 8, 2023 (Poush 24, 2079 BS), a four-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) was signed with Asia Info, the company providing billing system services.

A senior Nepal Telecom official said that technical staff raised concerns with Sunil Paudel about the legality of the contract and the risk of CIAA scrutiny.

Paudel assured them that arrangements had been settled at higher levels and instructed them to proceed as directed. Telecom sources claim Sunil told them, “I have arranged matters with Jayveer sir and a secretary; there is no need to worry.” The audio recording of this conversation reportedly reached the CIAA.

A senior technical official at Nepal Telecom stated that Jayveer frequently called several senior officials involved in the board and contract process to express continued interest in expediting the stalled billing contract file.

Ultimately, a maintenance contract nearly worth NPR 315 million was awarded for six years without competition. Upon noticing unusual details, the CIAA began investigations.

On May 8, 2025 (Jestha 25, 2082 BS), corruption cases alleging irregularities amounting to NPR 334.8 million were filed against Sunil Paudel, Sangeeta Pahadi, and others. The case against 18 accused, including the Chinese company Asia Info, remains under consideration at the Special Court.

Jayveer’s Response: ‘Contract Fully Compliant’

Following reports linking the Deuba family, especially Jayveer, to irregularities in Nepal Telecom’s billing, multiple attempts were made to contact Jayveer in April 2024 (Baisakh 2081 BS).

Though Jayveer did not communicate directly, he sent his response via an official in former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s secretariat.

According to Jayveer, he was not involved in any contract, transaction, or deal related to Nepal Telecom. He claimed that Vikal and Sunil were close to the then UML minister Gokul Baskota rather than the Nepali Congress and were controlled by them.

Nevertheless, Jayveer defended the billing maintenance contract. “There was no irregularity in such a contract,” an official from Deuba’s secretariat quoted him as saying. “The Asia Info company that received the contract refused to accept it for only one year, leading to the six-year maintenance contract.”

The official from Sher Bahadur Deuba’s secretariat has been in contact recently but requested not to be linked with this past matter as they are no longer serving in the secretariat.

March 9, Dharan – Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, home to approximately 200,000 residents, currently lacks a municipal hospital. Residents are compelled to visit BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences even for basic treatments. With around 4,000 patients daily, long queues for basic services are a common occurrence at this hospital.

The BP Institute serves as the primary point of care for the general public covered by health insurance. However, this service is only guaranteed for another three months. After that period, uncertainty looms regarding where insured individuals will obtain first-contact services.

Once those three months elapse, Dharan’s two hundred thousand citizens will need to visit other government hospitals to get first-contact referrals and pay fees set by BP Institute to receive treatment.

The lack of a government hospital within the municipality to provide initial referrals under health insurance has brought the old Dharan hospital’s land into dispute.

Controversy intensified when a proposal emerged to establish a municipal hospital on the site of the old Dharan hospital—a facility founded during the Rana regime but now dilapidated. Notably, the hospital land is currently registered under BP Koirala Institute.

After news circulated via social media and other channels about plans to merge Panchayat Basic School (Bhakari School) in ward 16 with Chandra Sanskrit Secondary School and run the Dharan municipal hospital there, discussions about the land ownership became widespread.

Representatives of political parties and local citizen leaders have been pressuring Dharan’s acting Mayor, Eindra Bikram Beghale, to reclaim the old hospital land for establishing the municipal hospital.

Most stakeholders in Dharan are demanding the land of the old hospital be returned to the municipality for construction of the municipal hospital on the same site. They have expressed doubts about the proposal to use the Bhakari school premises and are prepared to travel at their own expense to relevant ministries and launch protests to reclaim the old hospital land.

Responding to suggestions from civil society, acting Mayor Beghale stated, “I too support having the municipal hospital at the site of the old hospital. But we cannot ignore the fact that in 2017 (2074 BS), the land was registered under the BP Koirala Institute.”

History of the Old Dharan Hospital Land

During the Rana prime minister Juddha Shamsher’s era, in 1935 (1992 BS), social worker Subba Ratna Prasad Shrestha facilitated bringing doctors from Kolkata to Dharan to make healthcare accessible.

Shrestha is regarded as the developer of Dharan market. After doctors arrived, the decision was made to build Dharan hospital near Chhata Chowk on donated land. Initially, a small hospital began operations. Though there is no firm record of the exact land area donated, about one bigha and thirteen kattha is noted under Shrestha’s name.

In the 1950s, this hospital was declared a government hospital. Local expert Dr. Rajendra Sharma noted, “In 1973 (2030 BS), the land was officially surveyed and registered under Dharan Hospital.”

When BP Koirala Institute was established in Dharan in 1993 (2050 BS), municipal hospital services were also transferred to BP Institute. As it operated under the Ministry of Health, ownership of the hospital land was also transferred accordingly.

With efforts from the Rana government and the public, wealthy businessman Jagannath Dedraj’s family of Biratnagar donated NPR 211,000 on January 1, 1970 (Magh 18, 2026 BS) to construct Matrisewa Sadan (Maternity Ward).

The foundation stone was laid by then Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista and inaugurated on May 20, 1972 (Jestha 7, 2029 BS) by Queen Aishwarya in the presence of King Birendra. This building now lies in ruins.

The hospital was upgraded to the Eastern Regional Hospital and later with the establishment of BP Institute in 1993, services and machinery were moved to the BP Institute in Biratnagar.

The municipal officials, political parties, and citizens of Dharan gradually neglected the old hospital. The land was underutilized, some parts encroached upon with houses built, the maternity ward became dilapidated and overgrown, turning into a hub for drug abuse and other undesirable activities.

As a municipal hospital became necessary in Dharan, preparations were underway to operate it at the old hospital site near Chhata Chowk, only to discover the Ministry of Health transferred the land to BP Institute in 2017.

Currently, stakeholders are pressuring Mayor Beghale to restore ownership of the land to Dharan municipality for operating the municipal hospital.

Mayor Beghale requested BP Koirala Institute’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Bikram Shrestha, to return the land; however, the Vice Chancellor expressed inability to do so.

Notably, Vice Chancellor Shrestha is the grandson of Subba Ratna Prasad, who originally brought doctors from Kolkata to start modern health services in Dharan during the Rana era.

Mayor Beghale’s Letter to the Prime Minister

Under pressure from civil society, Dharan’s acting Mayor Beghale has written to Prime Minister Balendra Shah requesting the return of the old hospital land to establish the Dharan municipal hospital. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat has acknowledged receipt of the letter.

Following suggestions from civil society and intellectuals including Dr. Rajendra Sharma, who advised that ministry or cabinet approval is necessary for reconstruction on the old hospital land, Mayor Beghale addressed his letter to the Prime Minister.

The letter requests arrangements to return the old Dharan hospital land currently registered under BP Koirala Institute to Dharan municipality. Mayor Beghale explained, “The letter was sent with the aim that no one be deprived of health services by securing the old hospital land.”

According to the cabinet decision dated August 27, 2018 (Shrawan 11, 2075 BS), the land was officially transferred under BP Koirala Institute’s name, which causes legal complications; therefore, assistance from the Prime Minister is sought to resolve the issue.

Mayor Beghale added, “A deleg ation from Dharan is preparing to travel to Kathmandu regarding this matter. Since the decision to return the land can only be made by the cabinet, the letter was written to the Prime Minister.”