Author: space4knews

April 20, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah has instructed vice chancellors of universities and health-related educational institutions nationwide to immediately dismantle all political student and staff organization structures within their institutions under any circumstances. This directive came during an extensive discussion lasting approximately three and a half hours held on Monday at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office with vice chancellors from across the country.

Prime Minister Shah emphasized that political activities should not be conducted within educational institutions under any pretext and affirmed that no legal provisions should obstruct the removal of political organizational structures. He stated that hospitals, campuses, and schools are sacred spaces where no political party’s flag, influence, or organization should be allowed. If individuals wish to engage in politics, he suggested they separate themselves entirely from their professional duties and devote themselves fully to political activities.

During the discussion, Professor Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, voiced concerns about facing threats and attacks when attempting to remove student organizations. In response, Prime Minister Shah instructed that if any security issues arise while dismantling political organizations, the relevant ministry or his secretariat must be immediately informed.

Prime Minister Shah assured that the government remains committed to providing the necessary support, including security arrangements, and that police administration will fully perform its duties. He also urged vice chancellors to confidently fulfill their responsibilities. Furthermore, he issued strict instructions to adhere completely to the academic calendar and to publish examination results within one month.

Similarly, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, noted that the ministry has already directed the abolition of organizations affiliated with political parties and clarified that legislation does not impede this process.

During the discussion, Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal, Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, reported that student and staff organizations have gradually become inactive following the JNU protests and subsequent elections. However, Vice Chancellors Dr. Dhruv Kumar Gautam of Mid-Western University, Dr. Biju Kumar Thapaliya of Eastern University, and Dr. Hem Raj Pant of Sudurpaschim University stated that tension related to student politics persists in some constituent campuses. Vice chancellors from other universities and institutions expressed that political activities are minimal in their establishments and expressed confidence that strict administration can end politics in educational environments.

Despite Home Minister Sudhan Gurung declaring hundreds of ropanis of land and 89 tolas of gold in his public asset declaration, the source of funding lacks transparency. He failed to mention founder shares worth NPR 5 million in two microinsurance companies, raising legal questions. Although he claims the shares were purchased using loans, these shares are not publicly traded since they are not part of an IPO.

Kathmandu, 7 Baisakh – The assets declared by Home Minister Sudhan Gurung have come under scrutiny. He has shown ownership of hundreds of ropanis of land, exceeding legal limits, prompting questions as to why the government has not acquired this land. The minister’s declaration includes 89 tolas of gold, 6 kilograms of silver, and shares worth crores of rupees in various companies, but the sources for these assets remain unclear. Gurung claims to have acquired these through his business, ancestral property, and investments, describing the source as “lumpsum,” but has failed to clarify further.

Moreover, he concealed founder shares worth NPR 5 million, equivalent to 50,000 shares, in two microinsurance companies. He did not include 25,000 shares each in Liberty Microlife Insurance and Star Microinsurance in his asset declaration, raising questions about adherence to the code of conduct and legal norms. While he declared shares worth NPR 27.4 million traded in the securities market, he did not disclose the companies that issued these shares.

The ministry and government have not issued any formal response regarding the undisclosed shares. Government spokesperson Sasmita Pokharel, Raswap’s general secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, and spokesperson Manish Jha have all refrained from commenting. Meanwhile, following the controversy surrounding the appointment of his wife as a member of the Health Insurance Board leading to the removal of then Labor Minister Deepak Sah by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, discussions continue on how the Prime Minister will handle Gurung’s shareholding case.

Purchasing, owning, or selling shares is not illegal, but the source must be transparent and the legal process properly followed. Public officials are required to disclose their entire asset holdings according to the law. The microinsurance shares were not included when Gurung registered his assets after becoming Home Minister. He declared 57,000 founder shares in Lagum Premium Apartments, 30,000 in Hope Holdings, and 70,000 in Adventure Villa Pvt. Ltd., but the shares in Liberty Microlife and Star Microinsurance were omitted.

According to records from the Company Registrar, Gurung owns 25,000 founder shares in each of these companies, with a par value of NPR 100 per share. However, he did not specify any company names in his asset declaration.

Gurung began his political career during the Janabhiyog movement on 23 and 24 Bhadra 2082 BS. He is the founder of ‘Hami Nepal’, elected from Gorkha Constituency No. 1 as a member of Raswap, and was appointed Home Minister.

Minister Provided False Information in Explanation

Following questions regarding his investments in microinsurance companies, Gurung responded on social media claiming he purchased shares using loans. He stated that over NPR 20 million of his investments are accounted for in his asset declaration and included shares in two microfinance companies as part of that, but discrepancies exist between his declaration and his explanation.

In his asset report, he declared shares worth NPR 27,456,200 traded in the securities market, reportedly acquired through business, ancestral property, and investments. However, on social media, he claimed the source was a loan backed by a promissory note dated 29th Shrawan 2080 BS. He stated that the promissory note payments were made through banking channels and used for investment.

Nonetheless, his assertion that shares in two microinsurance companies are publicly traded is inaccurate as neither company has yet conducted an IPO, thus their shares are not listed on the market. This shows that Gurung has twice presented false information, attempting to portray non-IPO shares as being traded on the securities market.

Meanwhile, some media outlets and social media users have raised questions about the microinsurance investments. Remi Capfin Pvt. Ltd. has invested in founder shares totaling 335,000 in Liberty Microlife and Star Microinsurance, holding 6.19 percent shares in both companies.

According to Executive Director Suresh Bhusal, the investment was made using legally earned profits that have paid taxes, with no illegal funds involved. Company Registrar records indicate that the investments made by Remi Capfin, related to this matter, do not include any investment from Dipak Bhatt, who is currently under investigation for asset laundering.

Twenty-year-old bowler Hemant Dhami has made his T20 International (T20I) cricket debut against the UAE at the Tribhuvan University (Trivi) Cricket Ground. Hemant was recently honored as the best bowler in the recently concluded Prime Minister’s Cup One-Day Cricket Tournament. Kathmandu, April 20. The fast bowler, Hemant Dhami, stepped onto the field for his first T20I match against the UAE at the Trivi Cricket Ground. His exceptional performance in the recent Prime Minister’s (PM) Cup One-Day Cricket earned him the title of best bowler.

Although Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal announced that Nepali youth Amrit Jha, detained in Iran, had been released, his family insists he remains in jail. Amrit’s sister, Pooja, informed on Monday afternoon that her brother recently called her to confirm he is still imprisoned. “My brother just phoned me,” she said. “He asked, ‘What is being done to secure my release from Nepal?’ I replied, ‘We heard you have been released.'” Recounting her conversation with Amrit, Pooja added, “But that is not true. Only this morning, we received a letter from the court stating our case is still under investigation, which is why he is being held.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman has confirmed that the process for Amrit Jha’s release has begun. Amrit was part of the crew of a vessel owned by Black Sea Marine LLC, based in the UAE, and was detained while heading to Iran from Dubai to collect oil. Officials had previously stated that Amrit had been released and was in contact with the Nepali embassy in Qatar. They reported that Jha was held on Qeshm Island. However, Pooja claims that Amrit informed her he is still in Bandar Abbas prison, located in Hormozgan province, known among human rights activists as a detention center of concern in Iran.

“I was shocked when he called,” Pooja said. “We were happy upon hearing my brother had been released, but the next day, learning he remains jailed has left us with doubts.” Foreign Minister Khanal had announced on Wednesday afternoon that confirmation of release had been received. On Monday, attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri confirmed that appeals for Amrit’s release have begun but cautioned it might take some time. “The release process has started, but court procedures may take a while,” he said. “The embassy is covering the safe return expenses, and the ministry is actively involved in the efforts.”

Basanta Kumar Basnet, chief of Triyuga Municipality in Udayapur, stated he has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Service Department urging them to act to rescue Amrit but has yet to receive a reply. “I tried to meet with the minister but was unsuccessful. I sent a letter but got no response. Only the family was informed about the release; we don’t know what happened afterward,” Basnet explained. Amrit’s mother has said that her son has worked for a maritime company for nearly a decade.

The Foreign Ministry has yet to disclose details of other Nepalis stranded in Iran. It confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate a total of 11 Nepalis, including Amrit, stuck in Iran. With no commercial flights available due to the conflict sparked by attacks from the US and Israel, these individuals are unable to return home. According to the ministry, 10 Nepalis remain in Tehran, with a total of 11 including Amrit. Following India’s evacuation of its citizens and those from neighboring countries, Nepal has intensified efforts to rescue its nationals. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Friday, “Since the conflict began in Iran, we have evacuated 2,361 people—2,060 via Armenia and 301 via Azerbaijan.”

Many Nepalis had traveled to Iran seeking employment. Following Israel’s attack on Iran in June last year, India assisted in evacuating 11 Nepalis. At that time, diplomatic officials urged Nepalis in Iran to reach out, revealing 17 Nepalis were present, five of whom were detained on immigration violation charges. This time too, news had emerged of a Nepali detained in Iran even before the recent US and Israeli attacks.

What is the government’s plan? Efforts are underway to bring Jha from Qeshm Island, near the Hormuz Strait, the conflict’s hotspot, outside Iran, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri emphasized ongoing attempts to rescue Jha along with 10 other Nepalis. “We are working on various options to evacuate all 11 individuals,” he said. “The Nepalis in Tehran are willing to return. We are pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure their safe return.” Despite a ceasefire, the absence of commercial flights and closure of the Hormuz maritime route make evacuation by air or sea difficult. Nepal has requested India’s assistance for the rescue operation and urged that other stranded Nepalis also be brought home.

Nepali officials have noted that many Nepalis in Iran work primarily as chefs or cooks.

April 20, Kathmandu – The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has nominated six members to its Federal Leadership Panel. A decision was made during the central committee meeting held on Monday at the party’s central office in Bansthali, according to party spokesperson Manish Jha.

According to Manish Jha, the six members nominated to the panel are Tulsi Prasad Chaudhary, Ram Sih Tharu, Jeevan Dhami, Prema Chaudhary, Navaraj Rana, and Ekaraj Chaudhary. Earlier, members who initially came from the Ujyalo Party and later rejoined after Kulman Ghising left the party were also included in this panel within the RSP.

The Central Committee meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party began on 7th Baishakh in Kathmandu. Nine agenda items have been set for the meeting. Discussions are underway on the party’s activity briefing, reports from central members, and the draft procedural guidelines for the general convention. Other topics under consideration include granting voting rights to Nepalis residing abroad, approval of secretariat decisions, and amendments to the party statute.

Party spokesperson Manish Gyal provided information, stating that nine agenda points have been scheduled for today’s meeting. The session will include briefings on party activities and reports from central members, with arrangements made for 20 members to speak for two minutes each. Further discussions will address the draft procedural framework for the general convention, statute revisions, formation of local-level candidate clubs, and calls for applications.

The meeting is also addressing the issue of enabling Nepalis living abroad to exercise voting rights while overseas and approving secretariat decisions. The Rastriya Swatantra Party has put forward three different proposals on various subjects. Additional discussions will focus on correspondence received from various commissions, bodies, and officials; preparation of departmental project plans; policy deliberations; and amendments to the parliamentary party statute.

The Muslim Commission has submitted its annual report for the fiscal year 2081/82 to Dilliraj Bhatt, the Chief of Gandaki Province. Chief Bhatt stated that the commission was established to protect the identity, rights, and empowerment of the Muslim community. Acting Chairperson Mahmadin Ali expressed concerns over challenges in carrying out their work due to a lack of resources, budget, and authority. (7 Baishakh, Gandaki)

Today, the Muslim Commission presented its annual report to Gandaki Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatt. Acting Chairperson Mahmadin Ali submitted the report in accordance with Article 294, Clause (3) of the Constitution for the fiscal year 2081/82. Chief Bhatt emphasized that the commission was created to recognize the history and culture of the Muslim community and to protect, promote, and empower their rights.

Chief Bhatt highlighted the importance of various state commissions like the Muslim Commission in maintaining mutual harmony among Nepal’s diverse ethnicities, languages, cultures, and communities based on coexistence. He also informed that the matters mentioned in the report would be forwarded to the Provincial Assembly via the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers for discussion. Acting Chairperson Ali briefed Chief Bhatt on the commission’s activities, achievements, and future plans. He noted that although the commission is working to improve the situation of the Muslim community, it has been unable to function effectively due to insufficient resources, budget, and authority.