Author: space4knews

Pratibha Rawal, appointed minister on Chaitra 13 (March 27), initially held responsibility for two ministries: Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, and Federal Affairs and General Administration. Following the government’s decision to reduce the number of ministries, these two were merged. Currently, they function as a unified Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration. Rawal’s ministry is directly connected to citizens and government employees. Tasked with delivering justice to squatters, landless people, and cooperative victims, Minister Rawal is also engaged in reforming the permanent government staff administration.

Focusing on the work accomplished in her ministry during the government’s 100-day administration, Rawal spoke with journalists Sant Gaha Magar, Krishna Gyawali, and Lilu Dumre, stating, “When I took on the responsibility, I had two ministries. Most of the tasks outlined in the 100-point action plan for these ministries have been completed. Some tasks will require coordination with other ministries as well. We plan to publicly detail what specific work has been done item by item.”

Rawal added, “There are many important tasks. Among them, the one I find most critical is the removal of the trade union provisions within the civil service. This arrangement was causing significant harm to the employee system and damaging the overall administration’s reputation. Therefore, we are working to eliminate that old framework and establish a new, fair mechanism.”

Expressing pride in initiating the process of refunding small savings of cooperative members within 100 days, she said, “I have conducted all my work transparently so that no one can question it. My main priority is not to rush to show results but to produce quality outcomes.”

Regarding landless people, Rawal announced that an historic start has been made to distribute land ownership certificates from yesterday, and the transfer of Land Revenue and Survey offices to the local level has begun. “Our primary goal is to reduce public visits to these offices by advancing digitization,” she explained.

On squatter management, Rawal stated, “We are regularly updating and publishing information on the collection and management of squatter contributions. We will provide frequent updates on how many applications have been received and verified.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to squatters, Rawal said, “The government has pledged to cover monthly expenses for squatters housed in holding centers. Currently, squatters are also being accommodated in an apartment in Nagarjun.”

She further revealed ongoing intensive discussions between the Land Problem Resolution Committee and Kathmandu Metropolitan City aimed at managing landless citizens and squatters, with special priority plans for squatters displaced from areas such as Thapathali. “According to government plans, we first collect contributions and then manage squatter affairs. We started collecting contributions just yesterday,” she noted.

Rawal also stated that despite the Land Commission’s dissolution and replacement by a committee, significant progress is being made, with land ownership certificate distribution having commenced even before 100 days had passed. “Yesterday, we began distributing certificates to landless Dalits in Bardiya,” she said.

Addressing concerns about prime ministerial influence, Rawal confirmed that there is no interference in her ministry’s affairs and that implementation of the Rawal Commission report is proceeding in phases. “Correspondence has been sent to freeze all lands identified by the commission,” she informed.

She added, “Verification has been completed to determine how many squatters in the holding centers are genuine, and work is underway to decide where to allocate land to them and how to manage their situation.”

Terai, Madhesh, Hills, and Mountains. The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. This Nepal is made up of hundreds of ethnic groups. Every Nepali has a broad chest. I am Nepali, my nation is Nepal. A nation dearer than life itself.

Gadhimai, Dentakali, and Chinnamasta’s peaks. The landscapes of monasteries, temples, gompas, and mosques. The windows of Arniko, Buddha, Bhrikuti, and Sita. Rivers, waterfalls, streams, ponds, and lakes. I am Nepali, my nation is Nepal. A nation dearer than life itself.

Jitiya, Gaura, Eid, and Lhosar. Agriculture, the unparalleled treasure of sages. Kandevyakur, Danfe, and Munal. Dashrath, Bhakti, and Gangalal. I am Nepali, my nation is Nepal. A nation dearer than life itself.

Docha, Daura, Dhoti, Kurta, and Suruwal. Like a rainbow, a wall of many languages. Madal, Nagar, Damphu, and Kartal. The flag inscribed with the sun and moon is magnificent. I am Nepali, my nation is Nepal. A nation dearer than life itself.

June 19, Pokhara – The government’s annual development program includes an allocation of 500,000 rupees for the preservation of Bhusal Chowk and Surendra Bhusal’s house in Bihadi-4, Parbat. While last year’s funds were directed toward community settlement preservation, this year’s budget is designated specifically for the protection of a private residence. The Land and Watershed Management Office, Parbat, is tasked with implementing this house preservation project. However, the office chief, Shambhu Prasad Mishra, expressed concerns, stating that although he has seen the site, the budget allocation under an individual’s name could raise questions regarding project implementation. “Last year, the budget was for preserving Bhusal Chowk, but this time it is specifically allocated for a private house,” Mishra explained. “The house is precariously situated near a cliff and is structurally unstable. It remains unclear how the budget allocated in an individual’s name will be effectively utilized.”

The individual, Surendra Bhusal, mentioned in the annual development program, is the son of the ward chairperson of the same ward, Vishnu Prasad Bhusal, and also serves as the president of Nepali Congress in Bihadi. The annual development program issued by Gandaki Province shows a scattered pattern of budget distribution that includes not only individual house preservation but also temples and community buildings. While scientific research, technology, and academic institutions such as Gandaki University have empty research funds, the government has allocated budget for constructing buildings of non-academic spiritual institutions with the term “university” included, such as the Brahma Kumari Ishwariya University. The development program for the fiscal year 2083/84 introduced by Gandaki Province focuses more on distributive schemes rather than initiatives aimed at boosting the provincial economy.

The governing slogan of “Prosperous Gandaki, Self-Reliant Province” contrasts with the significant portion of the budget expended on unproductive, distribution-focused, and petty projects. Although the provincial government should prioritize knowledge, science, technology, and strategic tourism infrastructure, millions of rupees have been spent locally on small-scale construction of temples, gompas, and mother groups likely intended to strengthen the electoral base. Gandaki Province has allocated approximately 280 million rupees for temples, community buildings, and other related structures. Notably, two separate ministries have also allocated budget under the temple category.

19 Asar, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress MP Durga Gurung emphasized the need for the government to take appropriate and effective steps in the electricity business. She expressed this view during the budget discussion and deliberation on the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation at the National Assembly session on Friday.

MP Gurung highlighted that the electricity produced is not being fully utilized due to a lack of adequate transmission lines and proper storage arrangements, urging the government to take necessary initiatives. “Even today, many hydropower projects have not been completed within the scheduled time. There are delays in transmission line construction, land acquisition issues, and obstacles in environmental impact assessment processes,” she explained. “As a result, the electricity produced is not being fully utilized. This cannot be attributed merely to administrative shortcomings but indicates serious weaknesses in the utilization of national resources. The government must take appropriate and informed steps in the energy sector.” MP Gurung also pointed out the need for special government attention to increase electricity consumption capacity.

As Ravi Lamichhane became a member of parliament, discussions about the Blue Bus service, which began operating in Chitwan three years ago, have resurfaced. On 19th Ashar in Kathmandu, questions have emerged regarding whether sexual and gender minority (transgender) passengers will be allowed to board the forthcoming Blue Bus service dedicated to women. Sunil Babu Pant, a rights activist for sexual and gender minorities, highlighted this issue. He raised the question: in a bus reserved for women, will trans women who were assigned male at birth but identify as female, and trans men who were assigned female at birth but identify as male, be permitted to travel?

Expressing his view on Facebook, Sunil Babu emphasized the need for the government to establish clear guidelines on this matter. His concerns caught the attention of Bhupendra Aryal, Executive Director of Sajha Yatayat, who assured that the issue is being taken seriously. Prior to commencing the service, clear provisions regarding these circumstances will be included in the operational guidelines. Aryal explained that the decision to launch the Blue Bus service is not solely Sajha Yatayat’s but is part of the Nepal government’s 100-day work plan.

Aryal informed that while the government will provide budget and policy support, Sajha Yatayat is proceeding with arranging operation through its own buses. Currently, the modality for service operation is being prepared. The service will start only after formal budget approval and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nepal government and Sajha Yatayat. “Though there is talk of starting the service from the 1st of Saun, technical procedures are still incomplete,” Aryal stated. “Service commencement will follow once budget is formally secured and operational guidelines are finalized. There is a strong possibility the service will launch within Saun.”

Beyond the matter of transgender passengers, Aryal stated that clear protocols are needed for other situations involving people accompanying women passengers. He explained: “What if a woman is traveling with her husband? What if a woman boards with her five- or seven-year-old son? What if an elderly woman needs assistance and brings her son along? These practical questions have also arisen.” According to Aryal, all such cases will be comprehensively addressed in the operational guidelines. Regarding transgender passengers, legal identification will serve as the basis. “If the individual possesses legally certified identification or relevant documents, those will be used,” he added. “Since this issue has been raised promptly, we aim to include it within the guidelines and seek solutions.”

Aryal further stated that suggestions from sexual and gender minority communities and other stakeholders will be incorporated during guideline formulation. “Now that the question has arisen, it is essential to resolve it. We are moving forward to develop practical and inclusive guidelines by incorporating all complaints and suggestions received thus far,” he commented. According to Sajha Yatayat, the final operational guidelines will be published after signing the necessary MOU with the government, only then preparing to launch the Blue Bus service.