Lumbini govt plans to build intl birthing centre

Investment Board clueless about the project

 

Kathmandu, Nov. 28

The provincial government in Lumbini has said that it will implement International Birthing Centre project in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a world heritage site.

The facility is being developed targeting people who want to give birth to their babies at Lumbini, where Lord Buddha – proponent of Buddhism – was born. According to Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), tourists and people from various countries had expressed their wish to give birth to their babies in Lumbini.

Many people, mostly Buddhists from across the world, have expressed their desire to give birth to their babies in Lumbini wishing that they would be born with some of the qualities of Lord Buddha.

Santosh Kumar Pandeya, Minister for Internal Affairs of Lumbini Province, said that the provincial government had given high priority to the project and sought support from the federal government and the National Planning Commission (NPC).

"This is the provincial pride project which can transform the development and economy of Lumbini by attracting tourists as well as expecting mothers from all around the world who wish to give birth to their children in this sacred land," he had said while speaking at an interaction programme organised by the NPC in Lumbini earlier this month.

The provincial government of Lumbini had announced to implement the IBC project in Lumbini through its budget of the Fiscal Year 2021/22.

However, the concept of the Birthing Centre in Lumbini was in the talks since 2015 after the Public Health Ministry of Thailand showed its interest in establishing such a facility. In response to the Thai government's intent, then local bodies – Masina and Ekala village development committees – had initiated a process to find land to build the hospital. Currently, Masina is in Lumbini Cultural Municipality-18 and Ekala in Ward 10.

Initially, seven bigahas of land in Masina and eight  bigahas in Ekala was proposed to be provided to the hospital while the locals had also expressed their readiness to provide additional private land if needed.

The project that is proposed by the Lumbini government will be a 30-bed maternity hospital which is likely to be operated by the provincial government with the support from the LDT, said Dhundi Raj Bhattarai, Treasurer of the Trust.

According to him, the modality of operation is yet to be finalised. "The provincial government is ready to welcome foreign investment or other support to develop the project. Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea could be potential source for the support," said Bhattarai.

 

IBN completes pre-feasibility

But the provincial government is implementing the project without consulting the Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) which has recently completed the pre-feasibility study of a similar project – Gautam Buddha International Maternity Hospital Project.

"The facility will be a 200-bed state of art health care facility that offers affordable, holistic and patient-centric healthcare promoting medical tourism specifically through maternity and related services by capturing the essences of giving birth at the pious birth place of Gautam Buddha," reads the project document published by the IBN.

The hospital will be developed in about 10 acres of land at Tarkulaha in Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality of Rupandehi district. It will have features like obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric, IVF (Invitro Fertilisation), cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, orthopedics, urology, pathology, renal sciences, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, and emergency and trauma centre.

There will be antenatal and neonatal care unit, Mayadevi wellness and meditation centre, supporting medical infrastructure and services, guest house and apartment.

The total cost of the hospital project which will be developed in the Public-Private Partnership modality is estimated at US$ 39 million (NPR 5.1 billion). It will be constructed in five years.

 

Missing coordination

Joint Secreatry of the IBN, Amrit Lamsal, said that there was no communication between the Lumbini provincial government and the IBN. The IBN had begun  to work on the project recently and concluded the pre-feasibility study just a couple of months ago.

However, the provincial government has not presented the operational modality of the hospital. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health and Population of the province couldn't provide the details of the project.

Meanwhile, federal Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, urged the Buddhists from across the world to support in establishing 'Mayadevi Maternity Home' in Lumbini.

Speaking with the local stakeholders in Lumbini on Tuesday, he said that the hospital would be a tribute to Mayadevi who died while giving birth to Lord Buddha. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 29 November 2023.

FNCCI to host Nepal-Dubai Business Forum

 Kathmandu, Nov. 28

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) is organising Nepal-Dubai Business Forum in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 30 November.

Prime Minister Pushpakmal Dahal Prachanda will be the chief guest of the event which is being held with the support and cooperation of Nepali Embassy in the UAE, the FNCCI informed in a statement on Tuesday. About 100 business persons from both countries are expected to attend the conference.

"The Forum will discuss the expansion of economic and business relations between the two countries, investment promotion and expansion of the labor market, market expansion and potential of Nepali agricultural products in the Middle East," said the FNCCI.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the business body, expressed his belief that the business conference will help in attracgint investment from the Middle East to Nepal and promoting the export of Nepali agricultural products to the countries there.

It is believed that the doors of mutual cooperation will be opened in the energy and tourism sectors from the conference.

Earlier, the FNCCI has organised business conferences in India and China in the presence of PM Prachanda.

Following the Business Forum, the delegation of the FNCCI led by Dhakal is scheduled to participate in the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 28) which will be held in Dubai on December 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, PM Prachanda is leaving for Dubai on Wednesday leading the Nepali delegation to the 28^th COP.

He is scheduled to attend the high-level session of the CO28 World Climate Action Summit on 1 and 2 December and deliver Nepal's naitonal statement on the second day.

PM Prachdna will also attend the UAE's 52^nd Union Day celebrations and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony to be hosted by the UAE.

On the second day of the conference, he will host a high-level side event entitled 'Call of the mountain: Who saves us from the climate crisis?' to raise the voice of Nepal on climate changes as well as promote the mountain agenda in the COP negotiation process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal had informed the other day.

PM Prachanda will also hold bilateral meetings with the heads of states, heads of governments and high dignitaries attending the conference. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 29 November 2023.

Govt gearing up to host third investment summit

Kathmandu, Nov. 26

The Government of Nepal is planning for a new edition of investment summit on 21-22 April, 2024 in Kathmandu.

Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on Sunday announced plans to host an investment summit to attract investment from native investors, Non-Resident Nepalis, and foreign investors. He is also the coordinator of the Steering Committee of the event organisation.

Speaking at a press conference organised at the Ministry of Finance to announce the event, he informed that the new investment summit would make a significant departure from past formalities, "This time, the conference is geared towards engaging genuine investors."

The government has also planned to hold bilateral meetings with potential investors before the summit.

"Our strategy is to focus on quality over quantity, aiming to involve potential investors rather than a broad audience," said FM Dr. Mahat while emphasizing the government's commitment to safeguarding foreign investment through the implementation of the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA).

According to him, the planned conference is not a mere formality; its purpose is to present proposals to capable investors, secure their investments, and monitor and actualise investment commitments.

Preparations for the conference are underway, with a comprehensive approach that includes not only foreign but also Nepali and Non-Resident Nepali investors.

Dr. Mahat highlighted the involvement of foreign embassies in mobilising support for the investment summit. Operational aspects, legal reforms, and communication with investors will be managed by the implementation and technical committees.

In the first meeting of the steering committee, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati said that legal and procedural obstacles have hindered the promotion and realisation of investment. He emphasized the impact of geopolitical interests in investments, suggesting a focus on Middle Eastern countries.

Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, a Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC), called for a critical review of past investment summits, urging a needs-based approach rather than a country-centric focus.

Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Maha Prasad Adhikari, suggested that a tight timeframe should be designed for the preparations of the summit, and feasibility study should be conducted in multiple projects particularly in sectors beyond energy.

Commerce Secretary Narayan Duwadi stressed the need for thorough preparations for government facilities to promote investment. He said that since the facilities announced by the law have not been able to win the confidence of potential investors, so the country needs to adopt a research-based approach to convince investors.

Former Chairman of the Board of Investment, Radhesh Pant, advocated for a results-oriented conference, proposing the implementation of hedging and credit rating. He urged immediate resolution of 10 identified problems, strengthening the Investment Board, and securing permanent staff for sustained project finance.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), recommended a preliminary conference and encouraged foreign investors to express interest in the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) in Nepal.

Former President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Hari Bhakt Sharma, expressed disappointment over unfulfilled promises from previous conferences, and highlighted the urgency of addressing land-related challenges.

Sharma proposed extensive coordination through the investment board, engaging a reputable consultant to create a globally recognized report within the short four-month preparation period.

Earlier, Nepal had organised two investment summits in 2019 and 2017.

The summit in 2019 had secured pledges for investment in 17 large-scale projects while the one in 2017 had witnessed the pledges of US$ 14 billion investment. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 27 November 2023.

Fettered Airport

 On May 16, 2022, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba inaugurated Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa, commencing flight operations with Nepal Airlines Corporation and Jazeera Airways. Jazeera had expressed interest in running three weekly commercial flights. Despite initial activity also from Himalaya Airlines, the $76 million (NPR 10 billion) infrastructure, funded by the Asian Development Bank and the OPEC, has remained unused for over a year and a half.

The GBIA, located at the gateway to Lumbini, faces challenges such as air entry routes, the absence of an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and insufficient passenger traffic. While promoting the airport to the Nepali diaspora, Buddhist countries and key tourist markets could address the passenger issue, the former two challenges are economically and technically linked to India. Nepal has faced long-standing denials from its southern neighbour for a new air-entry route that would enhance accessibility for international aircraft to both GBIA and Pokhara International Airport.

While India has gestured positively about providing air entry routes via Biratnagar and Janakpur for high-flying aircraft entering Nepal, it has long been against the entry route in western part of the country. Since Nepal's major tourist and labour markets are in the western part of the world, it desperately needs the air entry route in the west which would immediately activate the GBIA as well. Nepal's bilateral negotiations with India for the past many years have failed to persuade the southern neighbour to open the new route, which it says goes above its military establishments across the border. 

Likewise, a lack of the ILS facility has created difficulties in conducting flight services at the GBIA during the winter when the visibility becomes poor due to hazy weather and fog. Indian reservations over it are based on the ILS signals reaching the Indian territory. Jazeera and Himalaya had suspended their international flight service due to low visibility which could have been resolved if the airport had ILS. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, after his official visit of India in May-June this year was allegedly misguided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to announce that Nepal had got the permission to operate the ILS at the GBIA. Later Tourism Ministry clarified that Nepal had not received such permission. 

While confusion still prevails about operating the GBIA, Nepali leaders and bureaucrats are yet to realise that for any airport infrastructure to be completed, only the construction of physical structure or hardware is not sufficient but the software including the entry route and operation of radio waves should be ready. As the airport facility has not achieved full operational status, it cannot be deemed 'completed,' despite the unveiling of stone carvings bearing the names of a few leaders during inauguration ceremonies.

So, until and unless India provides new air entry route through western Nepal and permits the installation of ILS, the GBIA will remain incomplete. The occasional flight operations are being conducted on the partially completed airport. This is the infrastructure that took almost two years to complete the remaining two per cent physical construction works after completing the 98 per cent. 

The GBIA serves as a glaring example of how government officials and political leaders may 'misguide' or 'cheat' the public. The consequences of this failure are substantial, with a multi-billion rupee cost and the imminent collapse of hundreds of hotels and other tourism businesses. This dire situation stems from the government's inability to bring the GBIA into full operation. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 23 November 2023.

Dissent voices, explosive poems

 Here is a poet who dissents on virtually everything, save for the concept of mother. In an attempt to convey his perspectives on the existence of the self, individuals, and society through various fragments, he articulates fervour in his poems. It is not necessary to have conceptual coherence and chronological presentation in poetic expressions. Since poetry is born through the articulation of the spontaneous overflow of emotions, there is less time to stick to the rules of the craft. 

Since Gopal Prasad Rimal introduced prose poetry in Nepali literature in 1962 through his timeless creation of 'Aamako Sapana' and Bhupi Sherchan elevated it to a new height with his 'Ghumne Mech Mathi Andho Manchhe', numerous poets have taken this form of expression to articulate their emotions and feelings. This trend has been enlivened by multitudes of poets, and Amar Aakash has joined the bandwagon with his maiden anthology of poems, 'Tungna'.

Hunger, sleep, birth, death, music, nature, and mother have found a voice in the 40 poems of the book. It seems that he is trying to explain the fragments of life in the mundane world, where everything has a transitory existence. The very first poem of the book expresses disapproval of the social norms that fix a personal space for the poet. He declares himself a forest flower that undergoes rain, sun, and frost to be stronger, and he challenges those who try to fix him in a vase at the cost of the services with soft hands. 

Readers can find meaningless existence in many of his poems. This meaninglessness is the result of failures to make an impact on society or life. Likewise, separation, tragedy, love, and memory have found centre stage in his poems. The prevalence of death described in 'Nidra (sleep)' could scare the readers.

It's further impossible. 

To meet oneself in disguise as a 

hunter.                                                      (Bisangat)

Meanwhile, he balances this cynicism with the glorification of every birth. In 'Janma Katha (the story of birth),' he said that every life is special and spiritual. In another poem, 'Messiah Puppy', he enlists the reasons for which people commit suicide and tells the story of a life saved by a puppy while committing suicide.

According to him, a poem must carry meaning and establish a relationship with the human conscience and civilization. For him, plain detailing of nature and chatter of personal expressions of anger, dissatisfaction, and murmurings of depression-filled opinions are not poems. Yes, some speech could have the characteristics of a poem. He also maintains that thinking that is harmful to human beings and their conscience, such as worship of death, glamourization of scarcity, Cinderella thought, and aimless expression of anger, are not poems for him. "It took a decade for me to understand the poem. I don't know how long it will take to be a poet," he writes in the preface of the book.

Socrates' tongue

Marx's pen

Guevara's journey

Each is a poem.

Illuminated by cognition.

(Saundaryashastra)

It seems that the poet has a particular detestation for cities, although he was up brought in the cities, mostly in the capital city, Kathmandu. He doesn't like the way people behave or don't behave in private and public. The city in his poem is apathetic and has a routine life that is meaningless and destinationless. There is no faith among the people, so they are unhappy, and they are lonely.

City cries: a sign

City laughs—a doubt                        (Shahar)

 

People like dummies. 

Dummies like people.

Kathmandu is encircled by four passes.

It keeps going up in the lift.

Keeps coming down.

Peeps the mountain through one window

She watches the Himalaya and sighs.

(Portrait Kathmandu)

In another poem on Kathmandu, Amar expresses worries over the loss of culture, especially music, religious processions, traditional houses, open space, and noise. According to him, where there is no noise, there is no god, and where there is no music, there is no god. In another poem, Kathmandu turns into a 'black ghost'. He has the same feelings for other cities, like Narayangadh.

Where is the loud sound of Dhime?

on land without noise 

Gods don’t dwell. 

Kathmandu is the city of gods.

No gods are here.

This is not Kathmandu.                        (Yen)

'Tungna' is critical of the deteriorating humanity that keeps licking each other with tongues full of rust and damaging Buddha's reputation with termite-infested minds. Many of his poems juxtapose life with death and ask many questions about whether a certain situation or activity is life or death. He takes the help of myths to create a link between the thoughts in his mind and social behaviour, which were never in harmony. 'Ratnapark' could be a perfect example of Amar's sharp observation of society and environment, where he presents every object in the park from unique perspectives with powerful metaphors and similes—for example, land like a bald head, life spreads like a cigarette, or a beetle nut spread on a winnowing fan. In summary, it is a showpiece from our ancestors.

Amar's poems are brilliant, and they will surely shake you from deep inside. He takes a toll on his surroundings, challenges your long-cherished notions and perspectives, and leaves you flabbergasted. He sees things from a perspective that couldn't be yours, but ultimately persuades you to think along the lines of the poems. 

He has taken the traditions of Gopal Prasad Rimal, but it seems that he is a true successor of Bhupi Sherchan, although his poem doesn't apply the coherence that is found in the creations of the former two. A respected film critic, his poems are translated and published in English and German. 'Tungana' will not only mesmerise and influence the readers but also establish Amar as a strong voice among contemporary poets and poetry.

Published in the Friday Supplement of The Rising Nepal on 24 November 2023.

Stakeholders voice for industrial promotion

Kathmandu, Nov. 25

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal said that the government would continue the process of implementing reforms in the business and investment in the country in order to promote the private sector and attract investment.

Speaking on the occasion of the 9^th Industry Day programme organised by the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) in the Capital on Saturday, he maintained that the Ministry is serious about addressing the challenges faced by the private sector.

According to Minister Rijal, the policy reforms implemented by the government would help in promoting private sector business.

Speaking at the programme, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that industrial development is the first condition to make a country self-reliant, create employment and make the country prosperous through export promotion.

But the national economy of Nepal is in a critical juncture, industries are running below 30 per cent of their capacities and many small and medium enterprises have been closed or are on the verge of being collapsed, he said while demanding that procedural reforms are needed for the development and promotion of domestic goods.

"As a good provision of a law is contradicted by another law, many businesses and industries have not been able obtain the facilities announced by them. In order to protect domestic industries, rules and procedures should be reformed," said Dhakal.

According to him, high customs duty on raw materials than the finished goods, poor infrastructure and industrial infrastructure had detrimental impact on industrial development in Nepal.

President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, said that the policies are more favourable to encouraging imports rather than promoting domestic industries.

"It is our demand that the government's policy should be to increase domestic production and consumption, replace imports and encourage exports," he said.

According to him, the CNI had suggested the government to identify at least 10 products that have high potential in the country, protect them and become completely self-sufficient in them.

He said that high cost of land has also been an obstacle to industrial development in the country.

"More than 50 per cent of the total investment in industry is required to be invested in land. In this situation, it is very difficult to start a new industry. Despite continuous announcements, new industrial areas have not been added for decades," he said.

According to him, doing business is very difficult, and it is even worse in a country with unstable policies like Nepal.

Meanwhile, our Hile Correspondent in Dhankuta district reported that the entrepreneurs in the district have complained that most of the domestic industries in the hilly areas are on the verge of shutting down.

Speaking at a programme organised by Dhankuta Cottage and Small Industries Office on the occasion of the Industry Day, they complained that this problem has arisen because they are unable to compete with imported goods and are far from access to technology and markets.

Dhaka cloth entrepreneur Rabija Limbu complained that her product was sold well until a few years ago, but now it has stopped selling because the cost is high and there are cheaper low-quality products available in the market.

Similarly, entrepreneur Kashi Raj Niraula stated that dairy entrepreneurs also have to abandon their occupation. He said that due to the increase in the price of milk products, the product was stored in the warehouse.

There is also a complaint that the condition of agricultural entrepreneurs is also the same. Niraula said that unless there is a sustainable market management, entrepreneurs will be in trouble.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 26 November 2023.

Qatari State Minister Calls on PM

 Kathmandu, Nov. 24

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, called on Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Friday morning.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), matters of mutual interest including trade, investment, development cooperation and employment of Nepali nationals in Qatar were discussed in the meeting. .

The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar’s mediation in humanitarian pause in Gaza and release of hostages.

 On the occasion, the Prime Minister requested for cooperation of the Government of Qatar in securing the release of Bipin Joshi from the captivity of HAMAS, a Palestinian rebel group that launched attack on Israeli since October 13.

Earlier, Al-Muraikhi also called on Minister for Foreign Affairs N.P. Saud, at the latter’s office.

 During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on the existing state of bilateral relations and agreed to explore the prospective areas including investment in Nepal, cooperation in the field of education and sports, exchange programmes, scholarships, employment of skilled and semi-skilled Nepali nationals in Qatar, among others.

Besides complimenting Qatar’s role in easing the situation in Gaza and the release of the hostages, FM Saud reiterated the request for Qatar’s facilitation for the early release of Bipin Joshi.

The Qatari side informed their continuous efforts in releasing the hostages and easing the humanitarian situation, informed the MoFA.

The Qatari delegation led by Al-Muraikhi also held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Bharat Raj Paudyal, at his office earlier in the morning on Friday.

"Both sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations. While expressing satisfaction on the progress made in different sectors, the Foreign Secretary requested for enlisting Nepal in the skilled category for labour supply to Qatar, provide special access to Nepali products in Qatari markets and extend development cooperation through Qatar Fund for Development," read the statement issued by the MoFA.

Al-Muraikhi and his delegation left for Doha this evening after completing the two-day official visit to Nepal. Foreign Secretary Paudyal and other senior officials of the Ministry bade farewell to the visiting guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 25 November 2023.

Int'l contractors' meet concludes in capital

 Kathmandu, Nov. 24

The 46^th International Conference of the IFAWPCA is concluded in the capital by issuing a 14-point Kathmandu Declaration.

The International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' Associations (IFAWPCA) is an umbrella organisation of construction professionals from 18 countries in Asia and the West Pacific region.

In the concluding session of the conference held on Friday, Ravi Singh, President of the Federation of Contractors Associations of Nepal (FCAN), who is also the President of the IFAWPCA, issued a 14-point Kathmandu Declaration that includes issues of quality and resilient construction and project cycle facilitation.

The Declaration urged to take immediate measures to address the issues in sustainable infrastructure development. "Although sustainable infrastructure plays an important role in economic development, due to increasing population, urbanisation and climate change, challenges have been added to the objectives of the sustainable infrastructure, so necessary steps should be taken immediately," read the document.

It further said that building a structure to deal with natural calamities is the need of the day, and attention should be paid to the overall project cycle in the construction of physical infrastructure.

Points such as building climate-friendly infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions, and adopting appropriate international practices in project preparation are also included in the Declaration.

It also includes issues that should be given high priority in the areas of energy, transportation, etc., along with urban infrastructure. It states that a stronger partnership should be maintained between IFAWPCA member countries.

President Ramchandra Poudel inaugurated the conference which was organised with the theme 'Partnership in sustainable infrastructure' on Wednesday. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda addressed the conference on Thursday and highlighted the importance of quality public infrastructure in the overall development of the country.

More than 450 representatives from Nepal and abroad participated in the conference, including the ministers.

In the closing session of the IFAWPCA conference, President Singh and General Secretary Birendra Raj Pandey honoured the best construction companies of Nepal. Kalika Construction Pvt. Ltd. won the Gold Award in the Civil Engineering category and Bishnu Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd received Silver Award.

Samanantar Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. won the Gold Award in Building Construction category while New Technical Infra Pvt. Ltd. won the Silver Award.

Singh also honoured former President of IFAWPCA, Ganesh Lal Shrestha and General Secretary Pandey, who participated in the conference for the tenth time.

Meanwhile, the incumbent President of IFAWPCA, handed over his responsibility of the chairmanship to Kenneth Lu from Singapore. The 47^th conference of the organisation will be held in Singapore in April 2025.

The 47th IFAWPCA will be held in April 2025 in Singapore. Nepal previously organized the 30th IFAWPCA conference in 1999.

Earlier, Nepal had organised the 30^th IFAWPCA Conference in 1999. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 25 November 2023.

Dabur donates Rs. 2.5 million to PMDRF

Kathmandu, Nov. 24

Dabur Nepal has donated Rs. 2.5 million to the Prime Minster Disaster Relief Fund for the relief of the earthquake victims in Jajarkot and Rukum West districts.

Ishori Rana, Chairperson of the company, and Harkirat Singh Bedi, Business Head, along with senior officials of the company handed the cheque bearing the amount to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Friday.

A 6.4 magnitude quake jolted two districts on November 3, killing 153 people and destroying thousands of houses.

"Dabur Nepal expresses sorrow for those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake and wishes speedy recovery of the injured. Dabur Nepal stands in solidarity with the people of the earthquake affected districts in this time of crisis," the company said in a statement on Friday. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 25 November 2023.

Surya Nepal, Bijaya Shah become highest tax payers

Kathmandu, Nov. 23

Surya Nepal is honoured by the government for paying the highest amount of tax in the last Fiscal Year 2022/23.

Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat honoured the company at programme organised by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on the occasion of the National Tax Day 2080 on Thursday morning in Kathmandu.

Surya Nepal has topped the list of high tax payers in two different categories. It has also been recognised as the one that filed the taxes on time.

Bijaya Bahadur Shah has become the highest tax paying person in the country.

Nepal Telecommunication Company (NTC) Limited has become the company to pay the highest income tax while Dabur Nepal Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded for exporting goods of largest amount among the Nepali exporters.

Likewise, from special industries category, Asian Paints has filed the largest amount of taxes, and from the banking sector, Global IME Bank topped the list.

The IRD awarded the highest tax payers OCB Feeds Pvt. Ltd. from agriculture and livestock, Chhimek Laghubitta from microfinance, Life Insurance Corporation Nepal from insurance, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital from health and education, Manakamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd. from tourism, Bhatbhateni Supermarket from goods trading, Nepal Stock Exchange from mid-scale tax payers, Bhotekoshi Power Company from energy, and IME Limited from remittance.

Addressing the programme, FM Dr. Mahat said that the flexible monetary policy adopted by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has caused some discomfort in the economy by increasing flow of loans in unproductive sectors.

According to him, the expansionary monetary policy increased the transactions in real estate and stock market as the bank loan was available in lower rate, and it is now having repercussions on the economy. 

He claimed that the short-sighted policies of the government and the NRB have increased investment in unproductive sectors such as land, houses, vehicles, view towers, stock market and crypto currencies.

"There is laxity in the economy of the world, and we also experienced that laxity which was created due to the internal and external reasons," he said while maintaining that the economy is now moving in a positive direction and the government is encouraging investments and promoting job creation, production growth and use of green energy.

Instructing the employees of the tax administration not to cause trouble to the taxpayers under any pretext, he asked the IRD to make arrangements to honour the best taxpayers in the small and medium enterprise sectors.

Acting Director General of the Department, Arjun Prasad Bhattarai, said that the scope of revenue has been expanded, and by the end of the last Fiscal Year 2022/23, 1.876 million business permanent account numbers and 3.649 million personal permanent account numbers have been issued. The total number of registered tax payers has crossed 5.554 million.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that the central bank and the government should join hands to improve the current situation in the economy. He said that increasing bad loans in banks and financial institutions have added to the worries of banks.

Dhakal also urged the NRB to announce special financial instrument for the small and medium enterprises without disturbing the current system. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 24 November 2023.

Nepal welcomes agreement in Gaza

 Kathmandu, Nov. 23

The Government of Nepal has welcomed the agreement on humanitarian pause in Gaza paving the way for the release of hostages and supply of humanitarian materials.

Nepal compliments the diplomatic efforts of all the countries and parties primarily Qatar, the United States of America and Egypt in reaching this understanding, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal said in a statement on Thursday.

Nepal also has reiterated the call for the immediate release of Nepali national, Bipin Joshi.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 24 November 2023.

'Construction professionals have key role for vibrant economy'

 Kathmandu, Nov. 22

President of Nepal, Ramchandra Paudel, has said that it is necessary for those involved in the field of physical infrastructure development to take special precautions in order to deal with the increasing natural calamities caused by the climate change.

Inaugurating the 46^th conference of IFAWPCA, the umbrella organisation of Asian and West Pacific construction professionals in the capital on Wednesday, President Paudel said that along with the development of physical infrastructure, attention should also be paid to other aspects related to it.

He stated that the IFAWPCA member countries are suffering from natural calamities due to climate change. President Paudel recalled that the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, who recently visited Nepal, also gave high importance to the climate change agenda.

He drew the attention of all concerned for the creation of nature-friendly sustainable infrastructure by imbibing the belief that 'as long as the earth exists, we exist'.

Similarly, President Paudel said that as the role of construction professionals is very important to keep the world economy running, he expects a positive role from the construction professionals to bring the troubled economy on the right track.

Addressing the opening session of the conference, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, expressed his belief that there will be important discussions on current issues related to the construction industry in the conference. Minister Jwala said that IFAWPCA's role in expanding relations between member states is commendable.

Ravi Singh, President of the Federation of Construction Associations of Nepal (FCAN), who is also the Chairman of IFAWPCA, urged the representatives of member countries to come to Nepal to make investment, and said that there is a lot of potential for investment in Nepal in infrastructure as well as in many other sectors like agriculture, tourism and information technology.

Singh said that the Federation is ready to provide necessary assistance to those affected by the recent devastating earthquake in the western region of Nepal. Birendra Raj Pandey, advisor of the Federation and General Secretary of the IFAWPCA, said that the role of member states is very important in making IFAWPCA a dynamic organisation.

General Secretary of the FCAN, Roshan Dahal, informed that the Kathmandu Manifesto will be issued after intensive discussions on various aspects of the construction industry among infrastructure experts and stakeholders including international delegates in various forums of the conference which will last until Saturday.

Businessmen who contributed to the construction industry were honored during the conference. More than 450 people, including 240 from abroad, have participated in the conference, which started with the slogan of partnership in sustainable infrastructure. Earlier, Nepal had organised the 30^th IFAWPCA Conference in 1999.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 23 November 2023.

Qatari State Minister Al-Muraikhi arriving today

 Kathmandu, Nov. 22

State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi is arriving Kathmandu on 23 November 2023 for a two-day official visit, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Wednesday.

During the visit, Al-Muraikhi is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud.

He will have a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Bharat Raj Paudyal.

State Minister, Al-Muraikhi will depart from Kathmandu on 24 November 2023.   

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 23 November 2023.

Chobhar Dry Port leased out for five years

 Kathmandu, Nov. 22

Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB) has awarded the management and operation responsibility of the Chobhar Dry Port, the only dry port in the country away from the border points, to the TransNepal Freight Services JV, Biratnagar for the next five years.

The company is the joint venture of the TrnasNepal Freight Services Pvt. Ltd. Nepal and TRS Lift and Shift Services Pvt. Ltd. of India. It will operate the facility at the cost of Rs. 28.8 million for five years on revenue sharing model.

According to Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the NITDB, it’s a kind of arrangement in line with the Public Private Partnership (PPP). if the revenue goes above the set amount, there would be a revenue sharing of 60-40 per cent where the NITDB would be entitled of 40 per cent of the revenue.

He said that the NITDB can't operate the facility according to its own regulations. It has been operating the Chobhar Dry Port as per stop-gap arrangement for two years as the company couldn't forecast the traffic flow to the port. Other six dry ports have also been operated by the private sector.

Gajurel stated that the dry port cannot be operational until the Kathmandu Terai Expressway is ready. "There is a clear provision that the management and operation of the dry port must be carried out through a company selected through a competitive system according to the current Terminal Leasing Regulation, 2070, so the selected company is tasked to operate on lease for five years in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, said Gajurel. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 23 November 2023.

Migrant reintegration scheme on anvil

Kathmandu, Nov. 22

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is preparing a groundbreaking Gender-Responsive Migrant Reintegration Guide tailored specifically for Nepal's private sector.

The guide is said to be aligned with government directives and is expected to address the intricate challenges faced by returning migrant workers, with an emphasis on gender dynamics, said the FNCCI's President, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, at a workshop organised in the Capital on Wednesday.

FNCCI's guide aspires to be a significant contributor to the holistic development of returnee migrant workers, spotlighting the role of the private sector in shaping gender-sensitive reintegration initiatives for sustainable economic growth and development in Nepal.

According to the FNCCI, since the economic reintegration emerges as a linchpin for the sustainable development, tailored reintegration strategies are imperative, given challenges such as social alienation and unfamiliar economic landscapes.

Experts suggested for the establishment of Entrepreneurship Incubation Centers, aligning with global best practices to stimulate innovation and collaboration. Furthermore, strategic collaboration with industries is proposed to develop tailored skill development programmes, ensuring strict adherence to the Foreign Employment Act, 2064, said Hari Paudel, coordinator of the Develop Migration Reintegration Guidelines Nepal project.  

FNCCI is also suggested to engage with financial institutions to institute microfinance schemes specifically tailored to benefit returnee women entrepreneurs, drawing inspiration from successful international models.

In addition, the recommendation also include the creation of technology-driven job matching platforms, the formation of public-private-community partnerships focusing on industrial zones, and the provision of comprehensive counseling services through FNCCI chapters. The utilization of FNCCI's expansive global network for market linkages is encouraged, along with advocacy for specialized funds dedicated to women's empowerment within the framework of the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund (FEWF).

 According to the FNCCI, the reintegration framework is designed to ensure the seamless access of returnee migrant workers to social security schemes, the enhancement of their skills, and their successful integration into the local job market.

The framework further seeks to enhance the settlement of returnee migrants into communities by establishing mechanisms for psychosocial care, victim protection, and the effective operation of cooperative societies.

Speaking at the interaction programme, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Kewal Prasad Bhandari, said that the country should create an environment to hold the returnee migrants who return to Nepal with special skills and promote self-employment here.

Since countries like South Korea and Japan and organisations like the International Labour Organisation and United Nations are supporting the returnee migrant workers in Nepal, the government is also putting in efforts to forge collaborations with the private sector and development partners to support them in livelihood and integration aspects, said Bhandari.

According to him, since about two thirds of the population is involved in agriculture, reintegration programmes could begin from this sector.

President of the FNCCI, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that since there is no guidelines is created for the private sector in the country so far, it would help the private sector, government and the returnee migrant workers.

Entrepreneurship promotion is at the core of FNCCI's agenda, he said.

The guideline is also supported by the ILO.  

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 23 November 2023.

Upper Balephi signs PPA with NEA

 Kathmandu, Nov. 21

Golyan Group has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for the Upper Balephi Hydropower Limited.

The Power Purchase Agreement for Upper Balephi Hydropower Ltd. was signed on November 21, 2023, by Kulman Ghising, Managing Director of the NEA and Umesh Kasaju, Chairman of Upper Balephi Hydropower Ltd. on Tuesday in the presence of Prawin Aryal, CEO of energy businesses of Golyan Group.

This PPA solidifies a commitment to developing and delivering clean, reliable energy to meet the growing demands of the country, said the Group in a statement on Wednesday.

The Upper Balephi is a Run-Of-River project situated in the Jugal Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchowk District. The project is located approximately 126 km northeast of the capital and about 40 km north of the Kodari Highway. The Gross Head of the Project is 438.5 m, with a design discharge of 12.70 cubic metre per second and an installed capacity of 46 MW.

The Project is expected to generate Dry Energy of 86.019 GWh and Wet Energy of 188.69 GWh.

According to the Group, it has invested in renewable energy with a plan to contribute 900 MW, aiming to enhance the country's sustainability portfolio in the next decade.

The Group is also part of the development of the Upper Balephi (A) Hydropower Project, a 36 MW venture situated in the same vicinity of Sindhupalchowk district. This project was successfully commissioned in November 2022. The required commercial operation date (RCOD) for the UBHPP project is set for May 9, 2027.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 22 November 2023.

Nepali youths launch Ramailo app

Kathmandu, Nov. 21

A group of Nepali youths has developed and launched a mobile app for short videos. Responding to the increasing popularity of short reels among the younger generation, Idea Jar Company introduced the app named 'Ramailo.'

With the rise of short video platforms on social networks, foreign apps were the only option for Nepali users previously. However, now a Nepali mobile app is available for users, and the company hopes for the positive reception from the Nepali audience, said the Idea Jar in a statement on Tuesday.

At a time when the government faces challenges in regulating social networks like TikTok and Facebook, the company asserted that a homegrown app would be easier to regulate. The 'Ramailo' app offers features such as watching and uploading videos, exploring content, liking, commenting, sharing, and live streaming. The company also plans to remunerate content creators based on the content's quality and popularity.

According to the company, 'Ramailo' app is accessible to citizens above the age of 13, and the company claims it addresses issues present on other social media platforms. The company has established 'community guidelines' for users, and any content contrary to these guidelines will be reviewed and appropriate action will be taken.

Similarly, the app also aims to assist the government in bringing disorderly or illegal activities during video production within legal boundaries. The company stated that reported videos will undergo investigation, and if necessary, content removal and account suspension will be enforced.

"Following the recent ban on TikTok in Nepal, the 'Ramailo' app could potentially become a preferred platform for Nepali users. Success for this locally developed app could reduce the flow of Nepali money from advertisements to other countries and enhance the protection of Nepali users' data, according to the company," said the company.

The app is available on the Google Play Store while it will be available on App Store soon.

The company encourages users to report any issues promptly, emphasizing ongoing development based on user suggestions. A dedicated hotline for government agencies will be established later as app usage increases to facilitate regulation.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 22 November 2023.

MoCIT urges not to use free VPN, Open DNS

 Kathmandu, Nov. 21

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has requested not to use unsafe networks like free VPN (Virtual Private Network), and Open DNS (Domain Name System) that accepts queries from any source.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said that although the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have closed the social media application TikTok considering the social harmony and citizens' safety, some users have continued using it through the free VPN and Open DNS.  

"Since the use of free VPN and Open DNS could result in the theft of individual data, increased malware activities, loss of privacy, hacking of email account, reduction in internet speed, stealing of money form the bank account and becoming a pray of blackmailing, it is requested to all not to use such networks," read the statement.

The Ministry also stated that it is committed to protect the constitutional provisions of fundamental rights of freedom of expression and opinion and right to communication. One must not forget that only accurate and authentic information will help in the implementation of constitutional rights and it is the duty of the government to discourage misinformation, it further said.

The government has banned the use of TikTok in Nepal since November 13. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 22 November 2023.

Govt seeks cooperation to improve economy

 Kathmandu, Nov. 21

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said that the economy is still under pressure and there is a need for greater and cooperation among the stakeholders to find solution.

"Although some indicators of the economy are positive, the economy is not free from pressure. It is necessary to have more intensive discussions to resolve the problems of the economy," he said at a high-level discussion with political parties, private sector and other stakeholders.

He informed that the government is thinking about the current state of Nepal's economy and possible ways to move forward with pragmatic solutions.

According to PM Prachanda, although several indicators of the economy have been positive since last year, the economy has not yet reached a point where it is free from pressure. "Therefore, it is necessary for us to come to a proper conclusion with serious discussion. If we do not face it together, the crisis will deepen," he said while adding there is no need to worry much as the government is serious in managing the crisis with the cooperation from the private sector and other entities.

The Prime Minister said that although problems related to cooperatives, microfinance, bank interest rate, businessmen's loans have arisen in the past due to various reasons, some people are trying to gain political advantage by showing this problem. He said that efforts are being made to spread mistrust and chaos in the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Dr. Prakash sharan Mahat, said that the government will not listen to those who say they will not pay back the loans they have taken.

He asserted that the government will work proactively in the areas of promoting hydropower, agriculture, tourism, IT, and small industries and businesses with a long-term thinking vision.

"We discussed about facilitating businesses that are in trouble. But demands of those who are not ready to pay back their loan will not be heard. Debt must be paid. The government is ready to give some time to facilitate those who are in difficulties," said FM Dr. Mahat.

Governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Maha Prasad Adhikari had presented the current status of economy and said that the external sector has become strong while the financial system in the country has enough liquidity. Most of the participants were optimistic that the country's economy will become more dynamic in the days to come.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that despite about Rs. 500 billion liquidity in the country's financial system, record high inflow of remittance and tourists, and year-long positive balance of payment status, the government is under pressure due to the current account deficit, poor revenue collection and pathetic use of development budget.

Likewise, the inflation rate has not gone down from 7 per cent in the past 20 months, industries like cement and iron bars are running below 30 per cent of their capacity, small and medium entrepreneurs have been shutting down their businesses, and youth involved in agriculture and small businesses have been leaving the country, he said.

The private sector is also facing the challenges like the contraction in demand and many have been seeking way out from their businesses.

Dhakal said that these impacts were the result of apprehension of high economic expansion in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic and both the government and Nepal Rastra Bank opted to reduce the expenditures and financial facilities.

He urged the government to support the private sector in building the confidence by increasing the capital expenditure and creating investment friendly environment. He also suggested to increase the utilisation of the fund that the government raised through domestic borrowing.

"When we have reached the point from where we need to expedite the efforts to bring the economy back to the track, anarchical activities have begun to happen. It must be curbed at any cost as it could potentially harm the foreign investment as well as the tourists," said Dhakal.

The private sector entrepreneurs have also said that the government and central bank should work to facilitate the cottage, small and medium industries. Likewise, the central bank should find ways to bring down the interest rates on fixed deposits. Business sectors like agriculture, tourism infrastructure and ICT need refinancing and concession in taxes.

Likewise, President of the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN), Ganesh Karki, said that all hydroelectricity projects should have the opportunity of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

He also said that if the country has to achieve the national target of 28,000 megawatts of electricity in the next decade, the government should do the PPA with all the projects and some policies related to land and forests should be scrapped.

According to him about Rs. 4.6 trillion is needed to achieve the target of 28,000 MW so there should be a single-digit interest rates for the loans mobilised to energy sector while foreign direct investment should also be attracted. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 22 November 2023.

Social justice drive unprecedented: PM

 Kathmandu, Nov. 19

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asserted that the social justice and good governance campaign initiated by his government is unprecedented in history. Addressing a public meeting held in Maikot, Rukum East, on Sunday, he stated that the government has launched a campaign to curb regular gold smuggling, and the case is currently under consideration in court.

According to the Prime Minister's secretariat, Prachanda mentioned that relief has been provided to thousands of people through a campaign against land mafia. He emphasised the need for meaningful support from the people in this endeavor. He stated, "Until we eliminate feudal despotism, broker capitalists, and bureaucratic capitalists, the Nepali people cannot be truly considered free. Hence, the constitution stipulates that the state should be oriented towards socialism."

PM Prachanda also contended that the government's activities have demonstrated that only a Maoist-led government can effectively control anti-national activities such as corruption and smuggling. He highlighted that justice has been delivered to victims by enacting laws against loan sharks, remnants of feudalism in Terai-Madhes for an extended period.

Reflecting on his assumption of the Prime Minister's responsibilities, he shared, "I believed that I had to lay the foundation of socialism in the country differently and resolve remaining differences among the people." He explained, "Based on this perspective, I formulated a slogan for social justice, good governance, and prosperity, resolving to work distinctively and build the foundation of socialism in a novel way. Subsequent to making that resolution, reforms and groundwork for socialism have commenced in various fields."

The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to prioritize the development of Rukum East during his tenure. He claimed that Nepal's reputation has suffered due to corruption and asserted that the current government has made significant strides in combating corruption through the Good Governance Campaign.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 20 November 2023.

Worldlink receives Digital Transformation Award from ASOC

 Kathmandu, Nov. 19

Internet service provider company, Worldlink Communications, has received the Digital Transformation Award from the Asian-Ocean Computing Industry Organization (ASOC).

The company informed in a statement on Sunday that the ASOC presented the award to it on November 14, 2023 in an event held in Seoul, South Korea.

Brain Sen, President of the Association handed over the award to Laxman Yadav, Director of World link. The company was honored with this award for contributing to the digital transformation of the country by developing important infrastructure to bring high-speed internet to various remote areas of the country including Karnali, read the statement.

24 different countries including New Zealand, Japan, Australia, India, Singapore, China and Nepal are members in the association. This award is given every year to the service providers of each member country.

Earlier in 2018, Worldlink was honored with the Association's International Outstanding User Organization Award.

Worldlink has been providing internet including net TV to more than 800,000 households across the country. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 19 November 2023.

TikTok regulation is technically tough: MoICT

 Kathmandu, Nov. 18

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has cited the technical difficulty in regulating the content posted on TikTok, a social media application that the government banned on November 13.

Among many other things about regulation, the most important one is the technical aspect related to language, the ministry said on Saturday.

Currently, about 90 to 95 per cent of TikTok content in Nepal is made in Nepali. Even if it is to be regulated through machine learning, this is not immediately possible due to the language barrier, and it seems that a lot of time and money will have to be spent to develop the technology that understands the Nepali language, according to MoCIT.

“It seems that huge amount of TikTok content is being produced from Nepal even now. Looking at this volume, regulation without technology is almost impossible. Therefore, no matter how much regulation is talked about for the time being, it seems to be a big problem to implement it in practice,” stated the MoCIT.

“Therefore, the government has decided to close TikTok in Nepal only until the environment for the actual implementation of the regulation is created, which is correct by all accounts,” it further added.

Meanwhile, the ministry also defended its move to ban the social media app citing the high consumption of internet bandwidth by the TikTok.

“About 25 to 30 per cent of the total international internet bandwidth entering Nepal was being consumed by TikTok which is more than single consumption of any platform,” it informed.

At present, around 2.2 TBPS of international bandwidth is being received through various network service providers. For that volume of bandwidth, which costs 3-4 US dollars per MBPS, millions of rupees a month needed to be paid to the foreign supplier.

In addition to reducing such expenses and providing high-speed internet service to the users, the service provider has claimed that it kept a CDN (Content Delivery Network) server to cache the data of the platform that consumes high bandwidth.

According to the MoCIT, all the big internet and telecom companies have claimed to use the CDN server of Akamai and TikTok's parent company ByteDance for TikTok, however, even the service providers themselves do not have the exact details of what percentage of data is being browsed from TEDA CDN server and what percentage of data is being browsed from international bandwidth.

It is said that 99 per cent of the content available on Akamai is TikTok. However, ByteDance decides how much traffic to channel to Akamai and how much to send directly. Looking at it this way, it seems that saying 'CDN server is used' is not an exaggeration, maintained the ministry.

Earlier, experts and organisations including the CAN Federation had expressed serious objections to the government’s move to ban the social media platform.

The CAN Federation, in a statement, had said that it would be counterproductive to ban the social media platform without taking initiatives of content regulation. It doubted the motive of the government on the move to ban TikTok and suggested to regulate and manage the use of social media since the speed of the information technology couldn’t be obstructed.

The CAN Federation also expressed its readiness to support the government in every possible way for technical oversight.

Earlier, the TikTok had expressed its astonishment on the ban.

Sending an email to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), the telecom sector regulator, on November 13, the company expressed its surprise on the move while also asking for the reasons for it stating that bans on the social sites were ‘misguided’.

The NTA had informed the TikTok about the government’s decision on October 27.

The email sent by TikTok’s Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia, Ferdous Mottakin, stated that the ban would not only hamper the company’s investment plans but also have a severe economic impact on the Nepali content creators.

“Nepali businesses, who already rely heavily on TikTok, use our platform to market their products and keep their businesses afloat. As a result of this ban, these businesses will be significantly affected as well,” read the email.

The company also claimed that user safety is its top priority. “We address content and behaviour that violate our Community Guidelines through a combination of policies, technology, and moderation, which may include removing contents and accounts,” it said.

Earlier, on October 5 this year, the TikTok and NTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly conduct an internet safety awareness campaign in Nepal. The company was also registered in Nepal as a digital service tax payer on August 29 this year.

“We opened up the access of the ‘Trust and Safety Enforcement Tool’ to the Government of Nepal on June 7, 2023 to ensure the government can report any content that they find is violative of local laws. We proactively removed 2.98 million videos from our platform in Nepal between October 2022 to June 2023 for violating our Community Guidelines,” the TikTok said.

Meanwhile, a section of civil society has been arguing that the ban on the social media platform has violated the citizens’ right to expression.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 19 November 2023.