Author: space4knews

April 17, Tehrathum—A three-day handicraft symposium and painting workshop held here with the aim of highlighting the indigenous arts, traditions, and cultural heritage hidden within Tehrathum’s hilly terrain has ignited a new wave of creative awareness at the local level. This initiative, designed to connect traditional skills and native identities with modern forms of expression, has conveyed the message that art is not only a means of creation but also a mirror reflecting society and identity.

Organized by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts based in Naxal, Kathmandu, in collaboration with Manglung Municipality, the workshop saw enthusiastic participation from artists, students, and art enthusiasts from various parts of the district.

Throughout the three days, the program focused on practical exercises in handicraft production and painting, utilizing local resources and materials. Participants practiced capturing the historic sites, rural lifestyles, and indigenous culture of Tehrathum on canvas. In this regard, Jung Pahadi, a member of the Sculpture Department at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, explained that the event was organized to showcase local art, skills, and historic heritage through painting—to promote tourism.

According to him, activities like these not only bring to light neglected potentials but also positively impact the local economy. Naradmani Hartmchhalli, the Chancellor of the Academy, emphasized that art serves as a powerful medium for social unity and cultural preservation, stating that such programs are conducted with the purpose of connecting communities through art.

He further noted that sustainable cultural development is achievable only through the combination of traditional values and modern creativity. Another key aspect of the workshop was its emphasis on promoting indigenous themes. Sanjay Bantawa, Head of the Painting Department at the Academy, pointed out that creative works grounded in the local environment, culture, and lifestyle truly reflect the community’s authentic identity. “Art based on indigenous themes preserves our originality and helps transmit it to future generations,” he remarked. This workshop functioned not only as a skill-development platform but also as an important stage to showcase the talents hidden within Tehrathum. It is anticipated that continuous local initiatives like this will contribute to the preservation of art and culture as well as to tourism promotion.

Bhim Bhandari, who returned from Bahrain due to health problems, has become self-reliant through the goat farming business he has been operating for the past eight years. Currently, there are 150 native Khari goats in Bhandari’s shed, and annually 15 to 20 young goats are sold. Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality has provided vaccines against the pandemic-related infection and technical services, while the Bhandari couple has requested free treatment and livestock insurance. April 17, Myagdi.

Bhim Bhandari, 39, from Faleyagaun Ward No. 3 of Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality, initially went to Bahrain seeking employment but had to return home within four years due to health issues. Despite the responsibility of managing three children, elderly parents, siblings’ education, and household chores, Bhim did not lose hope after returning from abroad. Unemployed upon his return, he devised a plan for goat farming. The mobile goat farming business he started eight years ago has provided him self-employment and financial independence.

“When I returned from abroad, I was worried about how to cover household expenses,” he shared. “After starting goat farming in a mobile shed, I felt I no longer depended on others for employment and running the household.” Bhim has continued the goat farming tradition inherited from his forefathers by managing it systematically. The herd, which began with 50 goats, now has 150 native Khari goats. His wife, Bipana, also supports him. The Bhandari couple sells 15 to 20 young goats, as well as some breeding and mother goats, annually and are satisfied with the goat farming business.

The draft of the national commitment document presented by the new government depicts Nepal as a ‘buffer state.’ Diplomatic experts have expressed concerns that this characterization could undermine the country’s sovereignty and have called for corrections. Small countries situated between two competing powers are often described as ‘buffer states’ to reduce the risk of direct conflict between those powers. However, the government’s recently released commitment document transforms Nepal from a ‘buffer state’ into a ‘Vibrant Bridge’ connecting India and China, emphasizing a dynamic linkage.

The terminology has drawn dissatisfaction from diplomatic experts, including two former foreign ministers, who have indicated that the term will likely be removed before the document is finalized. A former foreign secretary cited examples where both India and China rejected the concept of a trilateral partnership, stressing that Nepal should prioritize its national interests when setting policies. Although informally used, the term’s appearance in an official document has highlighted a narrative of creating trilateral cooperation between China, India, and Nepal, expanding relational networks, and positioning Nepal as a bridge between the two powerhouses—an idea previously expressed by Kathmandu’s top leadership.

However, the inclusion of Nepal as a ‘buffer state’ in the government document, prepared based on all parties’ manifestos, has triggered dissatisfaction among diplomatic experts regarding the move initiated by the government led by the National Independent Party. Diplomat Dinesh Bhattarai, who has advised two former prime ministers, remarked, “Historically, we are a sovereign nation and have never wished to exist under anyone else’s security umbrella.”

April 17, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee has set the wholesale prices for agricultural produce today. According to the committee, the prices are as follows: Large Indian tomatoes at NPR 80 per kilogram, small local tomatoes at NPR 44 per kilogram, small Indian tomatoes at NPR 44 per kilogram, small Terai tomatoes at NPR 48 per kilogram, red potatoes at NPR 24 per kilogram, red potatoes (Indian variety) at NPR 24 per kilogram, and dried onions (Indian) at NPR 37 per kilogram.

Additionally, local carrots are priced at NPR 50 per kilogram, Terai carrots at NPR 35 per kilogram, local spinach at NPR 60 per kilogram, local cauliflower at NPR 55 per kilogram, Jyapu cauliflower at NPR 70 per kilogram, red radish at NPR 35 per kilogram, hybrid white radish at NPR 30 per kilogram, long bhanta at NPR 60 per kilogram, and short bhanta at NPR 70 per kilogram.

Further prices include podded bodi at NPR 100 per kilogram, pea pods at NPR 80 per kilogram, local ghee beans at NPR 60 per kilogram, hybrid ghee beans at NPR 50 per kilogram, red kidney beans at NPR 120 per kilogram, tatesi beans at NPR 120 per kilogram, black-eyed peas at NPR 228 per kilogram, bitter gourd at NPR 80 per kilogram, and bottle gourd at NPR 20 per kilogram. Local parwar is priced at NPR 100 per kilogram, chichindo at NPR 70, ghironla at NPR 50, ripe pumpkin at NPR 60, long green squash at NPR 30, short green squash at NPR 40, okra at NPR 80, bitter melon at NPR 90, pindalu at NPR 50, and skus at NPR 60 per kilogram.

Other vegetable prices are: spinach at NPR 60 per kilogram, palungo (a leafy green) at NPR 100, chamsur at NPR 120, torisag at NPR 40, methi at NPR 120, green onions at NPR 80, bakula at NPR 50, small mushrooms at NPR 180, large mushrooms at NPR 400, royal mushrooms at NPR 300, and shiitake mushrooms at NPR 1,000 per kilogram. Kurilo is priced at NPR 450 per kilogram, niguro at NPR 80, broccoli at NPR 60, beetroot at NPR 50, saagwan at NPR 120, koirala at NPR 370, red spinach at NPR 40, jiri saag at NPR 120, gathkobi at NPR 50, parsley at NPR 2,280, saunf leaves at NPR 110, mint at NPR 150, gantemula at NPR 50, tamarind at NPR 180, tama (fermented bamboo shoots) at NPR 150, tofu at NPR 150, and gundruk (fermented leafy greens) at NPR 250 per kilogram.

Fruit prices include jhole apples at NPR 250 per kilogram, Fuji apples at NPR 320, lemons at NPR 320, pomegranate at NPR 380, green grapes at NPR 230, black grapes at NPR 350, Indian oranges at NPR 160, and green watermelons at NPR 45 per kilogram. Groundnuts are NPR 160 per piece, local cucumbers at NPR 55, hybrid cucumbers at NPR 30, local cross cucumbers at NPR 50, cucumber kumar at NPR 110, Nepali nuts at NPR 70, Indian nuts at NPR 90, and kiwi fruit at NPR 400 per kilogram. Avocado is priced at NPR 800 per kilogram, ginger at NPR 100, dried red chili at NPR 450, fresh green chili at NPR 90, bullet chili at NPR 70, mache chili at NPR 90, Akbare chili at NPR 380, sheep chili at NPR 110, and green garlic at NPR 120 per kilogram.

Other condiments include fresh coriander at NPR 100 per kilogram, dried Chinese garlic at NPR 228, dried Nepali garlic at NPR 140, dried chhapi at NPR 120, fresh chhapi at NPR 90, dried mutton (fish) at NPR 1,000, fresh rau fish at NPR 340, fresh bachuwa fish at NPR 310, and fresh chhadi fish at NPR 300 per kilogram.

April 17, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign exchange rates for today (Friday). According to the prescribed rates, the US dollar is priced at a buying rate of NPR 148.82 and a selling rate of NPR 149.42 per unit. Similarly, the European euro has a buying rate of NPR 175.40 and a selling rate of NPR 176.11, the UK pound sterling at NPR 201.60 buying and NPR 202.41 selling, and the Swiss franc at NPR 189.94 buying and NPR 190.71 selling.

The Australian dollar is set at NPR 106.73 for buying and NPR 107.16 for selling, the Canadian dollar at NPR 108.38 buying and NPR 108.82 selling, and the Singapore dollar at NPR 117.02 buying and NPR 117.50 selling rates. The Japanese yen (per 10 units) is priced at NPR 9.36 buying and NPR 9.40 selling. The Chinese yuan stands at NPR 21.82 buying and NPR 21.91 selling, Saudi Arabian riyal at NPR 39.67 buying and NPR 39.83 selling, and Qatari riyal at NPR 40.82 buying and NPR 40.98 selling.

According to the central bank, the Thai baht has a buying rate of NPR 4.66 and a selling rate of NPR 4.68, UAE dirham NPR 40.52 buying and NPR 40.68 selling, and Malaysian ringgit NPR 37.64 buying and NPR 37.79 selling. The South Korean won (per 100 units) is priced at NPR 10.08 buying and NPR 10.12 selling, the Swedish krona at NPR 16.22 buying and NPR 16.28 selling, and the Danish krone at NPR 23.47 buying and NPR 23.57 selling.

The exchange rates for the Hong Kong dollar are NPR 19.02 for buying and NPR 19.09 for selling. Kuwaiti dinar is set at NPR 486.02 buying and NPR 487.98 selling, Bahraini dinar NPR 394.54 buying and NPR 396.13 selling, and Omani riyal NPR 386.54 buying and NPR 388.10 selling. Additionally, the Indian rupee (per 100 units) is priced at NPR 160.00 buying and NPR 160.15 selling.

The Nepal Rastra Bank has stated that it may revise these rates at any time as necessary. Exchange rates provided by commercial banks may differ. Updated exchange rates are available on the central bank’s official website.

It is believed that the United States is engaging in talks for a second phase of ceasefire negotiations with Iran. Despite a 20-hour meeting last Sunday that yielded no conclusions, a ceasefire has held for two weeks. The day after the inconclusive talks, President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz targeting Iran. How should this initial failure in talks be understood, and what are the prospects for future negotiations? Are Iran and the US moving toward a controlled conflict or an uncontrollable full-scale war? Below are four potential scenarios discussed.

1. A Weak Ceasefire as a “Strategic Move”
The ceasefire established after several weeks of fighting demonstrated both sides’ desire to control the crisis. However, from the beginning, there were divisions over its terms, geographic scope, and the areas covered by the ceasefire. Some analysts interpret violations of the ceasefire not as signs of a durable agreement but rather as a strategic pause imposed on the conflict. “When the fighting began, the possibility of agreement was virtually nonexistent,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior researcher at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “These are all principles, positions, and policies over which the US and Iran have long disagreed. The war immediately did not reduce those differences; in fact, it intensified them,” he told BBC News Persian.

2. “Proxy War”
Another likely scenario—perhaps the most probable—is a return to “controlled fighting.” This would mean that neither side engages in full-scale war but does not entirely halt military actions. Limited attacks focused on infrastructure, military targets, and supply lines could continue. In such a scenario, the role of proxy groups becomes significant. Iran-backed groups near Iraq and other borders may increase their activities. While the intensity of direct combat may not grow, the geographic scope of the conflict could expand.

3. Quiet Diplomatic Continuity
Following the failure of the Pakistan-hosted talks, diplomatic efforts cannot be concluded as dead or completely halted. Since Pakistan facilitated the dialogue, it may continue exchanging messages between Tehran and Washington to maintain diplomatic engagement in the coming days.

4. Continuation of the Naval Blockade
The US President has ordered the US Navy to block ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a blockade on Iran. This move aims to shut down Iran’s oil trade, dealing a significant blow to its economy, while also placing pressure on China, a major buyer of Iranian oil.

Ultimately, these scenarios could produce a zone of blurred lines between war and peace. The failure of the Pakistan talks does not signify a diplomatic end nor the inevitability of an extended war. Instead, it signals a continuation of an ambiguous status quo.

It is believed that the United States is engaging in talks for a second phase of ceasefire negotiations with Iran. Although the 20-hour discussions last Sunday yielded no conclusive results, a nearly two-week ceasefire remains in effect. Just one day after the inconclusive talks, President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz targeting Iran. How should the failure of these initial talks be interpreted, and what are the prospects for future negotiations? Are Iran and the US heading toward a controlled conflict, or an uncontrollable large-scale war? Four potential scenarios are discussed below.

1. A Weak Ceasefire as a “Strategic Move”
The ceasefire reached after weeks of fighting demonstrated both parties’ desire to control the crisis. However, from the outset, there were divisions regarding its conditions, geographic scope, and the targeted areas excluded from the truce. Some analysts interpret violations of the ceasefire not as signs of a sustainable peace but as a tactical pause in ongoing combat. “At the start of the fighting, the possibility of an agreement was almost non-existent,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Researcher at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “All these principles, stances, and policies have long been points of disagreement between the US and Iran. The war did not immediately reduce these differences; instead, it intensified them,” he told BBC News Persian.

2. A “Shadow War”
Another possible—and perhaps the most likely—scenario is a return to a “controlled conflict.” This means that both sides will avoid full-scale war but will not completely cease military operations. Limited strikes targeting military infrastructure and supply routes could continue. In this context, proxy groups play a significant role. Activities by Iranian-backed groups near Iraq or other border areas may increase. Although the intensity of direct fighting may not rise significantly, the geographic scope of the war may expand.

3. Quiet Diplomatic Continuity
Following the failure of negotiations in Pakistan, it would be premature to conclude that diplomatic efforts have ceased or that talks are completely stalled. Since Pakistan facilitated the previous discussions, it may continue to act as an intermediary, enabling message exchanges between Tehran and Washington in the coming days to persist efforts toward dialogue.

4. Continuation of the Naval Blockade
The US president has ordered the US Navy to block vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a naval blockade on Iran. This move aims to shut down Iran’s oil trade, severely damaging its economy, and also exerts pressure on China, a major purchaser of Iranian oil.

Ultimately, these scenarios suggest that the line between war and peace may remain blurred. While the failure of the Pakistan talks does not signify a diplomatic dead end nor an inevitable prolonged war, it does indicate a continuation of an uncertain and ambiguous situation.

The Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Municipality Association have concluded that the federal government’s decision to start the academic session late and declare Sundays as holidays will negatively impact educational achievements. In response, the National Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Nepal Municipality Association have submitted a four-point memorandum to Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel. The federal government has issued directives to commence admissions from Baisakh 15 and classes from Baisakh 21. April 17, Kathmandu.

The Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Municipality Association have expressed concerns that delaying the start of the academic session and declaring Sundays off will adversely affect educational outcomes. On this matter, the National Federation of Rural Municipalities and the Nepal Municipality Association submitted a four-point memorandum to Education, Science and Technology Minister Sasmita Pokharel on Thursday.

Representatives from the municipalities believe that the decision to hold classes only from Baisakh 21 and make Sundays holidays will prevent schools from conducting the legally mandated 220 days of instruction annually. They expressed worries that this will result in an incomplete curriculum and reduced learning achievements for students. The memorandum, signed by Federation President Bhim Prasad Dhungana and Rural Municipality Federation Chairperson Laxmidevi Pandey, emphasizes that educational activities have been carried out only within the legal framework granted to local governments.

The letter also requests the Education Minister to initiate prompt enactment of the Education Act by the federal parliament to avoid operating schools without formal legislation based on the current orders and directives. According to a 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the federal government on Chaitra 13, internal examinations for students up to Grade 5 are planned to be discontinued starting from the upcoming academic session. Additionally, federal directives stipulate that admissions can only begin from Baisakh 15 and classes from Baisakh 21.

The Armed Police Force Nepal, Number 1 Barah Battalion, has apprehended four individuals in Sunsari’s Barju Rural Municipality-6 for possession of a rhino horn. Armed Police Deputy Superintendent Shyam Karki informed that alongside the detained, one rhino horn and two motorcycles were seized. The names of the arrested individuals are being withheld, and due to the extensive network involved, investigation is ongoing, the Armed Police stated.

April 17, Sunsari – On Thursday night, four people were taken into custody with a rhino horn from Barju Rural Municipality-6 in Sunsari. The operation was conducted based on a confidential tip-off by the Pakli team of the Armed Police Force Nepal, Number 1 Barah Battalion, according to Armed Police Deputy Superintendent Shyam Karki of Armed Police Force, 4th Battalion, Sunsari.

After receiving information that a rhino horn was being transported from Jhapa, authorities intercepted and detained four individuals near the lake in Barju-6. Deputy Superintendent Karki noted that one horn and two motorcycles were recovered from those arrested. The identities of the detainees remain confidential due to the extensive network associated with this case, and investigations are ongoing, hence the decision not to disclose their names.

In Bandipur Rural Municipality-4, Bimalnagar, Tanahun, along the Prithvi Highway, 61-year-old Khudbahadur Thapa from Gorkha lost his life after being struck by a truck. The truck, carrying gas cylinders and traveling from Damauli to Anbukhaireni, hit him while he was crossing the road.

The injured man was rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Damauli for treatment, where doctors declared him dead at 5:48 PM on Thursday evening.

According to the District Police Office Tanahun, the deceased has been identified as Khudbahadur Thapa. The truck involved in the incident, bearing the license plate number Pra 3-01-003 Ka 4898, as well as its driver, have been taken into custody by the police.

The Supreme Court has ordered the release of former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka on bail in connection with a money laundering case. Arrested on March 28, Khadka was the subject of a writ petition for habeas corpus filed by his wife, Vinita Thapa. The bench comprising Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Shrikant Paudel ruled in favor of Khadka’s release, stipulating that he must seek permission before traveling abroad.

Deepak Khadka, a leader of the Nepali Congress, had been taken into custody for investigation related to the money laundering case. Following his arrest on March 28, his wife Vinita Thapa filed a writ petition for his immediate release. The Supreme Court bench led by Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Shrikant Paudel heard the petition and ordered his release on bail, with the added condition that Khadka must obtain court permission prior to any foreign travel.

During the Janajati General Movement protests, Khadka’s residence was targeted by demonstrators who carried out vandalism and arson. Videos circulated on social media showed Nepalese and foreign currency notes burning at his house, with some footage also depicting protesters taking bundles of intact notes. The investigating department previously collected charred currency pieces and ashes from around the site as part of their inquiries. Khadka’s arrest was made to facilitate further investigation into these matters.

The Ministry of Health has launched the ‘Free Health Portal’ to provide details of 10 percent of hospital beds available free of charge across the country. So far, 23 hospitals have reported that out of 5,325 beds listed on the portal, 621 beds are designated as free, with only one currently in use. Private hospitals have expressed difficulties in implementing the 10 percent free bed policy due to the lack of clear guidelines. Kathmandu, April 16.

Hospitals are now required to allocate 10 percent of their beds for underprivileged, helpless, and abandoned patients, and this information is being made publicly available through the online system. By operating the ‘Free Health Portal,’ the Ministry of Health and Population has ensured that real-time data regarding available free beds and patients receiving treatment can be accessed nationwide. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Dr. Sameer Adhikari, the portal provides easy access to information about the number of free beds available in hospitals, who is receiving treatment there, and how many beds remain vacant.

The ministry states that the portal has been introduced to effectively implement legal provisions and to publicly disclose the actual status of free services available at hospitals. According to ministry statistics, approximately 7,000 beds across federal, provincial, and local health institutions will be made available free of charge to impoverished and helpless citizens. Dr. Adhikari further notes that needy patients wishing to avail themselves of free treatment services can do so through the hospitals’ social service units.

Dr. Padam Khadka, president of the Association of Private Health Institutions of Nepal (APHIN), the umbrella organization for private hospitals, highlighted that implementing the 10 percent free bed mandate is challenging without clear regulations. He stated, “Only after the government establishes clear policies on how to enforce this, how costs will be managed, and which services will be offered free of charge, can practical implementation become possible.”

3 April, Kathmandu – Following strong pressure from 14 joint professional health organizations, the government has decided to grant two public holidays per week to hospitals and health institutions. According to this decision, outpatient department (OPD) services at government hospitals across the country will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, emergency and inpatient services will continue to operate 24 hours a day, as stated by the Ministry of Health and Population.

The decision was reached after discussions at the ministry involving Health Minister Nisha Mehta, Health Secretary Dr. Vikas Devkota, and representatives of the 14 professional organizations. According to ministry sources, there is consensus on granting a two-day weekly holiday. “The agreement between the Ministry of Health and the professional organizations is to close services on Saturdays and Sundays,” the source said. “The ministry is preparing an official press release and the formal announcement will be made shortly.”

With OPD services being closed for two days, the government is preparing to expand emergency service capacity, according to ministry insiders. The pressure group led by Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, President of the Nepal Medical Association, had been advocating for health workers to receive the same two-day weekly off as other government employees. They cited increasing workloads and mental stress as reasons and had even issued warnings of protests. Previously, the Cabinet had decided on 22 Chaitra 2078 (early April 2022) to grant all government employees two weekly holidays. However, the Ministry of Health instructed hospitals to continue OPD services on Sundays, which displeased health workers. Following the joint protest threat by health professionals against this stance, the government has now decided to implement the two-day holiday policy at hospitals as well.

Summary: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the government has established a five-member Asset Investigation Commission chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari. The commission is mandated to investigate the assets of high-ranking politicians and officials who have held public office since 1991 (2048 BS). The commission has the authority to collect and analyze data, submit reports to the government, and recommend further investigations.

On April 16, Kathmandu – Following the formation of the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the first cabinet meeting announced the creation of an Asset Investigation Committee under the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office. Within three weeks, the government decided to form a five-member Asset Investigation Commission chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari. The commission also includes two former judges of the Appellate Court, one former Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police, and one Chartered Accountant. Although the government has not officially announced the commission’s full mandate, previous guidelines specify that it will investigate assets of senior politicians and officials from 2048 BS onward. The investigation will occur in two phases: from 2062/063 BS to the present and from 2048 BS up to that period.

What is Asset Investigation? How Does the Commission Work and What Recommendations Can It Make? Journalist Krishna Gyawali prepared an insightful Q&A on this topic: The Asset Investigation Commission, also known as a Fact-Finding Commission, is established to investigate complex matters where regular state mechanisms face challenges. These commissions are formed under the 1969 (2026 BS) Asset Investigation Commission Act. Possessing judicial authority similar to courts, such commissions can summon individuals, record statements, and demand evidence. They also have the power to arrest or fine those obstructing investigations. The commission collects and analyzes data, then submits findings to the government and may recommend further inquiry. The commission is led by a chief justice-level member, includes experts from relevant fields, and all officials swear an oath of confidentiality. The government cooperates with the commission’s work.

Differences Between General Fact-Finding Commissions and Asset Investigation Commissions In Nepal, investigative commissions are commonly formed in response to criminal incidents or human rights violations. However, in 2001 (2058 BS), a special Asset Investigation Commission chaired by Supreme Court Justice Bhairav Prasad Lamsal was formed specifically to examine the assets of public officials. Unlike other commissions that investigate criminal conduct, the Asset Investigation Commission focuses on scrutinizing public officials’ properties.

The Connection Between Political Change and Asset Investigation It is a longstanding practice to investigate the assets of former leaders after political transitions, particularly targeting wealth accumulated through misuse of public power. Despite demands to investigate Panchayat-era leaders’ assets since 1989 (2046 BS), concrete implementation was lacking. The Lamsal Commission of 2001 represents such efforts. Although the Maoist peace process included provisions for investigating corruption and illicit assets, enforcement was limited. Recently, political developments have revived interest in asset investigations.

How Is Asset Investigation Conducted? The commission requires senior public officials to submit detailed asset declarations, comparing declared income with acquired assets to detect unnatural wealth accumulation. Officials holding public office since 2001 (2058 BS) must submit asset details; the commission uses this information to analyze discrepancies. Suspicious cases may lead to witness statements. The Constitution upholds citizens’ right to own property legally, but public officials must only acquire assets through legitimate means. The commission evaluates the validity of assets primarily by comparing them to declared lawful income and recommends further investigation if irregularities appear.

Criteria for Asset Evaluation Since the Lamsal Commission in 2001, evaluation standards have been refined based on the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Supreme Court rulings, and judicial principles. A baseline estimate assumes that public officials can save up to 70% of their salary and allowances. Assets exceeding this threshold are considered suspicious. Under the Corruption Control Act 2002 (2059 BS), illicit accumulation of assets carries penalties including imprisonment from one to three years and fines, with possible additional penalties and asset confiscation. The commission’s mandate extends even to judges and military officers.

Implementation of the Commission’s Reports Other agencies use the commission’s collected facts and evidence to initiate investigations and take legal action; the report alone does not trigger cases. Senior lawyer Rajup Prasad Chapagai explains that the commission itself cannot file cases but recommends further investigation when suspicions arise.

Rationale for Establishing a Powerful Commission Following political interference that hindered normal agencies’ effectiveness, the government formed this special commission. Senior lawyer Harihar Dahal notes the commission’s role focuses on data collection and analysis; it does not prosecute cases. Investigations proceed based on the commission’s recommendations.

Significance of the Lamsal Commission Report Established in 2001 and led by Bhairav Lamsal, this commission uncovered illegal wealth of key politicians and administrators, but political opposition limited its impact at the time.

Who Falls Under the Investigation Scope? The first phase includes former prime ministers, senior officials, and members of constitutional bodies. Some ex-politicians among them are already linked to economic controversies.

Challenges and Ease of Asset Investigation Around 2001/02, amassing wealth while holding public office became a prevalent phenomenon in Nepal, often viewed as a symbol of social prestige. Recently, corruption and hiding assets abroad have intensified. Agencies like the CIAA have pursued numerous corruption and asset-related cases, filing various financial crime charges. Journalist Haribahadur Thapa suggests the new commission may facilitate some aspects but faces significant challenges given the increasingly sophisticated methods used to conceal assets.