Stakeholders Seek Policy Remedies For Prosperity

Public and private sector stakeholders of the economy have unanimously voiced that while there is immense potential for business and development in Nepal, immediate remedies are required to address policy instability and remove procedural constraints. 

Deliberating at the first-ever 'Gorkhapatra Discourse on Recovery and Resilience, the government, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the private sector concluded that there is a need to address the structural constraints that are impeding the economic growth, business development and entrepreneurship promotion.

The discourse was organised on the occasion of the 125 years of the publication of Gorkhapatra daily and the completion of six decades of The Rising Nepal in publication. This is the first time that the state-owned Gorkhapatra Corporation has created a platform where the public and private sector openly debated about facilitating business and development amidst the sluggish economic growth and low morale in investors and businesspeople. 

According to the speakers, the government should immediately work on reforming laws related to forest and mining, business exit, taxation and profit expatriation of the businesses and industries established with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). 

Operating an enterprise means creating jobs for youth, utilising domestic raw materials and supporting the creation of a value chain of products, as well as contributing to national revenue and economic growth. 

Participating businesspeople said that they felt a lack of respect for the private sector from the other sections of society. According to a study conducted by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the International Finance Corporation a couple of years ago, the private sector contributes 81 per cent to the GDP and more than 85 per cent to the overall job creation. 

The private sector mobilises Rs. 5,562 billion in credit from the banks and financial institutions (BFIs).

"A politician might leave his profession, but an entrepreneur can't just leave the business since it entails employment, back-forward agents and financial management," said Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President the FNCCI. 

He pointed to a harsh reality that, despite having better investment opportunities compared to its South Asian peers and countries elsewhere, Nepal has failed to attract both domestic and foreign investments. 

Demand to address policy instability

President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal urged the government and the central bank to review the monetary and fiscal policies from the COVID-19 pandemic era and rectify every policy miscalculation that acted as speed-breakers to investment and economic growth.

"Lack of far-sightedness on the part of the policymakers and NRB resulted in multifaceted problems and challenges in the financial sector, business and trade. But while the government has to promote the private sector during the time of crisis, it has curtailed the facilities and incentives for the manufacturers and exporters," he said. 

Likewise, Dilli Ram Shrestha, Director of Ncell, said that FDI has largely been a topic of lip service rather than problem-solving. He particularly pointed to the provision of Article 57 of the Income Tax Act 2002, which needs an immediate amendment. 

According to Article 57, if an entity’s ownership changes by 50 per cent or more within the previous three years, it is treated as having disposed of its assets and liabilities. Following such a change, the entity is barred from claiming or carrying forward prior interest, losses, adjustments, insurance credits and foreign tax credits. The income year is divided into separate periods before and after the ownership change.

Business people said that tax issues shouldn't reach the court as it directly impacts the business confidence. They maintained that it is untoward that sometimes the tax issues begin after three years of the completion of the audit report. 

Promotion of technology is key 

While Nikita Acharya of Urban Girl suggested finding strategies to promote startups, Subash Sharma of F1Soft said that promoting digital technology in the public and private sector could speed up the progress. 

According to Sharma, entrepreneurs do not wait for policy but initiate their enterprise in the sectors of competitive and comparative advantages. e-Sewa, a venture of F1Soft, was launched in 2009, while the regulatory framework was enacted in 2016. “The government's job is to facilitate and promote the development of digital technology and its adoption. It must promote innovations introduced by the private sector,” he said. 

Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, said the government’s future focus is on ‘connectivity expansion, smart technology and integrated planning’. 

Reviewing Nepal’s 75-year infrastructure journey, he noted that road length has grown from just 360 kilometres in 1951 to nearly 100,000 kilometres today. Calling nationwide road access a major achievement, he said, “Out of 753 local bodies, only 18 lack road connectivity.” He also highlighted that 95 per cent of households now have piped drinking water, while admitting that road quality and safety still need improvement.

Hydropower expert Suman Joshi stressed the urgency of modernising energy infrastructure, warning that reliance on “mechanical technology that is more than 50 years old” has reduced productivity. She criticised fragmented planning and the absence of an Integrated Energy Plan.

Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolis Chiribabu Maharjan pointed to governance challenges, calling the Public Procurement Act 2007 a ‘barrier to development’. “We should have the authority to reward good performers and penalise poor ones,” he said and urged stronger coordination and empowerment of local governments.

Utilising excess liquidity in large energy projects

Executive Director of the NRB Guru Prasad Paudel argued for fiscal stimulus to absorb excess liquidity. “Despite abundant liquidity and lower borrowing costs, the private sector remains reluctant to invest. In such a scenario, increased government spending could catalyse private sector expenditure and revive economic momentum,” he said. 

Chief Executive Officer of Nabil Bank, Manoj Gyawali, said the decline in credit demand is the cumulative outcome of past policy and sectoral weaknesses.

Excessive lending to unproductive sectors such as real estate and the share market, inadequate portfolio reviews, implementation of working capital guidelines, and problems in the cooperative sector have collectively weakened business confidence, he said.

However, Gyawali suggested utilising excess banking sector liquidity—available at low cost—for developing a reservoir-based hydropower project.

Participants of the discourse expressed concerns over the accumulating foreign exchange and excessive liquidity. The financial system of the country has above Rs. 1100 billion liquidity and forex equivalent to Rs. 3,851 billion – sufficient to cover the goods and services import for 17.4 months. 

Meanwhile, loan defaulters have increased, so the number of blacklisted individuals. 

Need of ‘Development Decade’

Ministers who spoke at the national-level discourse accepted that there are problems with taxation, processing investment applications, forest management and resource mobilisation. 

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kul Man Ghising said that the government is working to address the policy challenges in forest management and mining. 

"We need to implement a 'Development Decade' and create ease in policies on forests and the use of natural resources," he said.  

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha said the government is committed to boosting private sector morale and creating a positive investment environment. He assured that organised crimes during the Gen-Z movement would not be tolerated and that the government would ensure private sector security, clarifying that no agreement permits such acts. 

Minister Sinha said that beyond holding elections, the government’s core responsibilities include good governance, peace and security, zero tolerance for corruption, improved service delivery, and an enabling industrial environment. 

Likewise, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Sing Bhandari stressed that development rhetoric should be changed to have the youth in Nepal and attract investment from the private sector. “We are living with the notion that there are no jobs, so we go for foreign employment, and there is no investment climate, so we refrain from investing in Nepal. We must act proactively to change this rhetoric,” he said. 

Reassessing roles of stakeholders

Finance Secretary Dr. Ghanashyam Upadhyay said that innovative and strategic planning is needed to bring the country out of the vicious cycle of under-development and poor economic growth. 

He said that the main challenge is converting accumulated cash into productive capital. 

“Restoring private sector confidence is essential, as political instability, policy shifts, natural disasters, and disruptions have weakened business confidence,” he said. "The time has come for politicians, bureaucrats, the private sector, and experts to reassess their roles in restoring business confidence and mobilising idle liquidity." 

He also underscored the need for the government to improve its spending capacity to stimulate private investment, noting that political interference in budget formulation and delays in project preparation have hindered economic progress.

Economist Dr. Paras Kharel identified declining gross capital formation and low development spending as major contributors to the economic slowdown. He emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework and called for a thorough review of the private sector credit portfolio.

Director General of the Department of Industry Rajeshwor Gyawali assured that the government is committed to protecting investment. Stating that data indicate a favourable environment for private investment, he agreed that attracting foreign investment requires political stability and strong legal provisions.

The discourse featured three sessions on three of the most pertinent issues of the day – development of smart infrastructure, building private sector confidence, and capital mobilisation and policy facilitation. 

General Manager of the Gorkhapatra Corporation Lal Bahadur Airi said that the summary of the debates would be submitted to the relevant government agencies.  

The event was inaugurated by Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav while Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal and Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel expressed their commitment to policy reform and facilitation to promote the private sector and investment. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily's Friday Supplement on 19 December 2025.

Seeing Nepal’s Action Hero Up Close

Book: Yugdekhi Yugsamma: Jiban, Cinema ra Samaj - Rajesh Hamal sanga Yagyesh (Biography). Publisher: Fine Print. Pages: 200. Price: Rs. 848. ISBN: 978-9937-790-68-0. 

'Paribhasha' is the only movie I watched twice in the cinema hall. I was a school student in Janata Vidyalaya Tansen during the 1990s. I liked the 'redeemed villain' played by Rajesh Hamal. Although Tulsi Ghimire's 'Lahure' was the first movie that I watched, 'Gopi Krishna' was the one I liked the most. For sure, the double role played by Hamal and the monkey had a long-lasting imprint on the mind of a child. Furthermore, the hero in 'Gopi Krishna' was a macho and had a larger-than-life image compared to the heroes of contemporary movies. The first movie shooting that I observed was 'Deuki' – another film played by Hamal. 

During my high-school days in Tansen, two actors dominated our talk – Rajesh Hamal and Dhiren Shakya, both from Palpa. I knew it then that Hamal's father, Chuda Bahadur Hamal, who went to become Nepal's Ambassador to Pakistan, taught at the Padmodaya Public School, which was on the way to my school. We were proud that such a 'great hero' was from our city. And this feeling never went away. As I grew up, I found many other ways to appreciate the actor – he was well-read (During our intermediate studies, we used to say we were studying the same subject as Hamal studied), well-built and well spoken. He could talk about people, culture, literature and cinema. And literally, for a long time, he remained unmatched, at least in the Nepali cinema industry. 

When journalist Yagyesh authored a book on Hamal, I was quick to get a copy and instantly savored it with much enthusiasm and emotion. 'Yugdekhi Yugsamma – Jiban, Cinema ra Samaj' (Rajesh Hamal Sanga Yangesh) is probably the first biography of any Nepali cinema artistes that hit the market in a rather unusual form of presentation – interview format. 

Hamal has long been synonymous with Nepali action hero – especially for the millennials. He entered the industry with long hair, a robust body and action skills. He powerfully drew the rural audiences to the cinema halls and even during the decade-long armed conflict, he managed to save his popularity and relevance. As he reveals in the book, he was welcomed and cherished by both the guerrillas and the security personnel. 

The book breaks multiple myths. First, people don't like to read interviews because they are boring. Personally, reading conversations is not a choice for me as well. Yangesh's skill and expertise are demonstrated in the presentation of the interview-format biography of the most-favourite artiste of Nepali cinema so far. When I was in the university, I used to regularly read the Indian film magazine 'Filmfare' as I found the language, style and presentation of the content readable and entertaining. 'Yugdekhi Yugsamma' follows a similar style and tone, albeit in the Nepali language.

 Although the entire book is a giant interview of a person, readers don't stumble on questions or answers; they flow with the story as it shuttles them between the past and the present. It's a time-travel roller coaster. All the conversations are in-depth and well researched but presented in a lighter tone and readable language. You don't feel you are reading an interview all along but are immersed in the story, ignoring the questions. 

Second, cinema professionals don't know much about life and society. Hamal's understanding of society, cinema, politics and human relations has already left many astounded. He has earned a great respect from people for his opinions expressed at various literature festivals and talk shows. He sounds even better in the book. 

His neutrality in terms of political philosophy and good understanding of the major political philosophies like communism and democracy amuse readers. He surprises you with his take on 'formula film', spirituality, and religion. 

The third, film artists are privileged people who have nothing to worry about. Hamal's life was topsy-turvy during his adolescence and youth. His father didn’t talk to him, he spent more time out of the home, drank a lot, found love multiple times but none stayed with him, and his relationship with his brother was unworkable. But he is among the few artistes who have best understood the film industry vis-à-vis Nepali society, people and politics. 

The fourth, biographies present only a selective perception of the writer and vital parts that readers want to know are omitted. Since Hamal talked to Yangesh about his life, experiences and feelings, the latter asked probing questions that might have made other celebrities uncomfortable. But the actor has open-mindedly responded to every type of question. He is happy to share that his fans chanted 'Rajesh Hamal – Jindabad' in Bhairahawa long time back, waited for the whole day outside a cinema to have a glimpse of their favourite actor, and his shootings were disturbed due to their massive turnout. 

Meanwhile, he also shares childhood memories -- that he ate all the chickens in Rajhar village of Nawalparasi in pursuit of being like Dara Singh, an Indian wrestler of his time. The book can be a window to peep into the Nepali cinema industry from 1990 to 2015 and develop an understanding of what to expect from it. It is entertaining to read Hamal's view on his typecasting, resemblance to Mithun Chakraborty of Indian cinema, 'Mahanayak' title, and some of his popular dialogues. 

You may disagree with me at some points since the book seems to be a tale of a lonely man who is at the top and looking at you, society and cinema from there. Although his bird’s-eye view might seem insufficient to explain the things wholly, you might wonder – although the book gives many reasons – why didn't this 'Mr. Know All' even try to make things better, remake Nepali cinema and redefine his relations with his colleagues, and above all, his family. At times, he seems to have attained the 'Sthitpragya status' – the one who is not affected both by grief and happiness, and is beyond emotions – as mentioned in the Bhagwad Gita. 

I enjoyed every part of the book from the beginning to the end and liked the way Yagyesh drives the conversation with the 'top-guy' of Nepali cinema. But even after reading the 300-page book, I am left with many questions in my mind. I would like to know Hamal's personal relations with his colleagues in the cinema, intimate moments with his mother, relations with school-mates, college friends and producers, details on his relations with his wife Madhu before marriage and cinema stereotyping. I am sure, he is saving all this information for his autobiography. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily's Friday Supplement on 28 November 2025.

An Account Of Trans-Himalayan Relations

 Nepal and Tibet have shared a relationship of both affection and animosity for millennia. Formal exchanges between the two began with the spread of Buddhism, which was further cemented by the marriage of Lichchhavi Princess Bhrikuti to Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century. The 33rd King of Tibet, who was also married to the Chinese Princess Wencheng, founded the Tibetan Empire and introduced Buddhism to his kingdom. While the two countries were long-standing trade partners, they also fought several wars over the mountains of the mighty Himalayas and Tibet, and signed a number of treaties.

However, the Himalayas themselves, along with the lack of reliable connectivity and infrastructure, discouraged people-to-people interaction and seamless trade. As of November 2025, both trade passes between Nepal and China at the Tibetan border – Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani – remain inaccessible. The Kathmandu–Kodari Highway and Syaphrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road have been damaged by floods and landslides, while the Miteri Bridge at the Rasuwagadhi border was swept away by floods during this monsoon.

Thus, even today, Tibet has remained an enigmatic Himalayan Shangri-La for Nepali people. It was even more so in the 1970s, when road access was poor despite the opening of the Kathmandu–Kodari Arniko Highway. Sociologist and diplomat Dor Bahadur Bista recounts the hardships of reaching Lhasa and life in the Tibetan capital in his book Report from Lhasa, the Nepali translation of which has recently been published. Translated by Birat Anupam into fine, accessible Nepali, the book narrates the arduous journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa across the formidable Himalayan range.

A sociologist and anthropologist by education and profession, Bista was appointed Consul General at the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa by King Birendra in 1972. The Nepali Consulate General in Lhasa had been formally established in 1960, following the 1956 Nepal–China Treaty of Peace and Friendship and subsequent agreements. After arriving in Lhasa, Bista did not merely fulfil his duties by idling in the office and engaging in occasional diplomatic and ceremonial activities in the sacred city. He reached out extensively to government offices and representatives of Beijing in Lhasa, to the Nepali community – both the traders from Nepal and the half-Tibetan children born of Nepali men and local women – and sought to address their concerns. The warmth extended by the people of Tibet towards the visiting Nepali diplomat was exceptional and heart-warming, evident from the very start of his journey.

Bista frequently recalls references by Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, who upheld the philosophy that the sovereignty of a nation can never be measured by its geographical size. The hospitality and last-minute support extended by the authorities in Tibet and Beijing during his sudden trip to Beijing – where he was included in the delegation for the official visit of Nepali Prime Minister Kirtinidhi Bista in November 1972 – serve as further proof of this principle. Although flights from Lhasa to major Chinese cities were rare and travel was difficult, Chinese authorities not only secured him a seat on a plane but also ensured he was accompanied throughout his journey. During my own stay in Beijing in 2024, I too witnessed the respect and priority given by the Chinese government to heads of state and government, even from smaller and island nations such as Nepal and Nauru.

Bista also takes readers on a tour of the Himalayas and the historical and cultural monuments of Beijing. En route to Lhasa from Kathmandu, the mesmerising Himalayan range both fascinates and troubles him. His astonishment is natural when, after crossing the mountains, he finds that they appear on the southern side – the exact opposite of what one sees from the north. Bista and his family travel through snow-clad mountains and, at times, cave-like tunnels formed by heavy snow. They breathe a sigh of relief upon reaching Shigatse, after crossing a high pass at an altitude of 4,500 metres.

Bista provides a vivid account of how Tibet was changing at that time, transforming from a theocratic society into a socialist one. Where once hundreds of statues of Buddha, gods and demons lined the roads and adorned houses, when he reached Lhasa, the pagodas and billboards were instead filled with messages from Chairman Mao. 

Even the elderly, who had once bestowed blessings for long life and good fortune, now wished for Mao’s longevity and exchanged his quotations. Numerous communes had been established around the city, which was once one of the oldest Buddhist strongholds. The book also takes readers to the world-famous Potala Palace and the shrines of the Lamas, astonishing them with their magnificence and serenity.

The book tells a story that can never be seen again: hardships in Lhasa that will never be experienced again, journeys that will never be undertaken again, and a social transformation that will never happen again. It stands as a testament to Nepal–Tibet, or Nepal–China, relations, which have long been cordial and vibrant. Bista’s writings are drawn from lived experience, with little adulteration by opinion, political statements, or personal bias – whether towards communism or Buddhism. Yet, what shines through unmistakably are his feelings towards the people and the environment.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily's Friday Supplement on 14 November 2025.

Task Force urges NRB to revive concessional loan schemes to stimulate economy

Kathmandu, Dec. 23

The Banking Sector Reform Recommendation Task Force (BSRFRF) has urged the banking sector to immediately resume concessional loan programmes by taking responsibility for remaining government subsidies, to be reimbursed from dividends, to revitalise economic activity.

“Adopt a policy of granting regulatory relaxations to uplift the sluggish economy without compromising the interests of depositors,” recommended the Task Force led by former Chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and economist Dr. Rewat Bahadur Karki, and comprising former President of the Nepal Bankers’ Association Bhuvan Kumar Dahal and Executive Director of the Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Guru Prasad Paudel.

The Task Force was formed on 13 June 2025. It submitted its report to the Governor of the NRB, Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, on Tuesday.

It said that it is necessary to provide additional credit based on business potential and collateral enterprises seeking to restart or scale up in the post-COVID scenario, and to arrange for the restructuring and rescheduling of secured loans while prioritising depositor interest.

Other suggestions include increasing limits for group-based loans and collateral-based entrepreneurial loans provided by microfinancial institutions, reviewing and reforming the rules regarding the blacklisting of borrowers, and ensuring easy access to business loans up to Rs. 500,000 in rural areas and Rs. 1 million in urban areas with appropriate collateral.

“Review priority sector lending by studying demand in essential areas like education, health, and transport, and provide incentives for these sectors. Adopt policies to encourage sectors identified under the Green Taxonomy,” the Task Force directed the NRB.

Likewise, the Task Force has recommended developing a mechanism for effective coordination with the private sector to promote economic expansion and development.

For better regulation and supervision, it asked to take steps to structure the Board of Directors of banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to minimise conflicts of interest that arise when an individual is both a banker and a large businessman.

Adopt a policy to prioritise risk-based effective supervision and place high importance on healthy regulation and customer-friendly banking, it said.

According to the Task Force, the NRB should implement ‘Basic Regulation, More Supervision’ concept by classifying the BFIs into first, second and third tiers based on defined standards. It also suggested the NRB to rewrite directives and circulars to apply separately to first, second and third-tier institutions as required. Currently, the NRB issues a single circular for all classes of BFIs.

Likewise, it has pointed to a need for a separate legal regulatory body for microfinance institutions due to their unique model and expansion. Until then, regulation should be strictly handled by the Microfinance Department of the central bank. A separate regulator for non-banking institutions such as the Employees Provident Fund, Citizen Investment Trust, and Social Security Fund has also been recommended.

To facilitate effective credit flow in rural areas and revitalise the village economy, the Task Force has suggested the governor visit rural regions every month to interact with stakeholders on economic potential and credit demand.

It has also asked to appoint a team of ‘financial gurus’ (comprising a successful businessman, a non-resident Nepali and a banker) in interested local municipalities, and task such teams with identifying opportunities for high-value addition agriculture and industry rather than traditional farming.

Similarly, recommendations on mergers include making arrangements for the institutions with cross-holding to undergo mergers, facilitating the speedy completion of the merger process and granting the merging institutions the authority to decide on swap ratios and processes as per prevailing laws.

The Task Force has also offered recommendations on removing Nepal from the ‘Grey List’ of the Financial Action Task Force. “There is a need to develop the Financial Information Unit (FIU) at the NRB into a separate, independent entity as per the fifth amendment of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Despite the separation of the FIU, the NRB must play a special and more powerful role in removing Nepal from the Grey List,” reads the report.

It has pointed to the possible conflict of interest between the NRB and Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) and suggested to recall NRB representatives from the Board of Directors of the latter.

To support capital market development, the Task Force has recommended to facilitate the entry of Non-Resident Nepalese (NRNs) into the secondary market through banking and foreign exchange policies, and initiate government action to reduce the capital gains tax for NRNs from 25 per cent to 7.5 per cent - matching the rate for local Nepali investors.

Take necessary steps for Rastriya Banijya Bank to go public with a 30 per cent IPO as per previous cabinet decisions, it has said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 December 2025.

Nabil Bank named Best Transaction Bank in Nepal

Kathmandu, Dec. 22

Nabil Bank has been awarded the 'Best Transaction Bank in Nepal' under the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025. The award was presented in recognition of the bank’s international-standard, technology-friendly, and customer-centric services in the transaction banking sector, it said in a statement on Sunday.

The award was given for the bank’s effective digital payment services and facilities provided to individual, institutional, and SME customers in the field of transaction banking. “The bank has maximised the use of technology to make its services simple, secure, and efficient, thereby making daily business operations easier for its customers,” read the statement.

“This recognition is the result of our continuous hard work, commitment to innovation, and the trust of our customers," said Manoj Kumar Gyawali CEO of the Bank.

The Euromoney Awards, which evaluate the global banking and financial sector, are considered a prestigious and respected recognition. This award honours institutions that lead in service excellence, innovation, strategic clarity, and customer experience.

Founded in 1992, this award is the first of its kind in the global banking sector, recognising banks' quality service, creativity, and expertise in customer relations. The award is operational in over 100 countries worldwide.

Nabil Bank serves more than 2.5 million customers through its 268 branches and 321 ATMs across the country.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 December 2025.

PM Karki stresses on preserving culture, tradition

Kathmandu, Dec. 21

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasised the importance of not forgetting one’s traditions and culture. While some harmful practices within culture need to be eliminated, it is essential to maintain one's unique traditions and costumes, she said during her meeting with the delegation from the Tamu Hyul Chhonj Din Gurung National Council on Sunday.

The council members were dressed in traditional Gurung attire, which the Prime Minister praised. According to her secretariat, PM Karki said that it would be appropriate for government employees to wear their traditional dress at least one day a week in government offices.

“Some societies are currently searching for their identity. In the name of modernity, many are forgetting their originality. They don’t even know what their identity is. But we Nepalis have a strong sense of identity. We have diverse, unique cultures and traditions that must be preserved,” said PM Karki, and added, “Perhaps we should think about making arrangements for government employees to wear such attire one or two days a week.”

The council has also invited Prime Minister Karki to be the chief guest at the Tamu Lhosar event to be held on the 15^th of Poush (December 30).

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 December 2025.

Entrepreneurs, veterans honoured with ICT Awards

Kathmandu, Dec. 20

The ICT Award 2025, organised by Living with ICT and ICT Foundation Nepal in Lalitpur the other day, honoured outstanding startups, innovations, entrepreneurs, individuals and institutions for excellence in the ICT sector across 17 categories. 

In individual categories, Dinesh Silwal won the Nepali Diaspora ICT Award 2025, while Bibhushan Bista received the Entrepreneur ICT Award.

Likewise, Dr. Alan Bailochan Tuladhar was honoured with the Pioneer ICT Award, Ram Krishna Pariyar with the Professional Excellence ICT Award, and Munni Rajbhandari with the Woman Icon ICT Award.

Under institutional categories, the Social Security Fund won the Digital Governance ICT Award. NMB Bank received the Digital Services ICT Award (Enterprise Sector), while Ambition Guru won in the Neo Sector. Narayani Secondary School, Chitwan, won the Digital Education ICT Award (Public Sector), and Kopila Valley School, Surkhet, won the Private Sector Award.

In startup and innovation categories, Arkbo Technologies won the in Drive Startup ICT Award, QuickCCA the Product ICT Award, Mindbridge the Rising Star Innovation ICT Award, and Kataho the Social Innovation ICT Award. Trip Turbo received the Hamro Pay Public Choice ICT Award, while Bangladesh-based PriyoShop won the South Asia Startup ICT Award 2025.

Seven startups from seven provinces were also recognised under the Province Startup ICT Recognition.

From Koshi Province, Medicab Technologies received the recognition, while Janaki Soft International was honoured from Madhes. Cloud Mandap was recognised from Bagmati Province, Brand Builder from Gandaki Province, Golden Technosoft IT Solutions from Lumbini, Everest Wireless Network from Karnali, and BG Infotex from Sudurpashchim.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel highlighted that ICT can no longer be ignored, noting the establishment of an AI Council and AI Centre within three months of the government’s formation and the ongoing preparation of a digital roadmap. 

Likewise, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha stressed that ICT has become essential for competitive and sustainable industrial development.

ICT Award Founder and Chair Rajan Lamsal said the platform has been working for a decade to identify, connect and strengthen Nepal’s ICT ecosystem. 

The organisers said the award process included six months of evaluation, multiple pre-events, public voting in selected categories, and jury assessments by national and international experts. The grand finale was broadcast live through television and digital platforms.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 December 2025.

Minister Kharel pledges to resolve MDMS stalemate

Kathmandu, Dec. 20

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has said that the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) has been entangled in a web of corruption and expressed his determination to tear through that web.

Inaugurating the second convention and third general assembly of the Kathmandu chapter of the Nepal Mobile Entrepreneurs’ Association in Kathmandu on Saturday, he said that he would work to resolve the issue.

Speaking at the programme, President of Nepal Mobile Entrepreneurs’ Federation Bharat Bhattarai said the MDMS has created confusion in the sector, and maintained that the system either be fully implemented or scrapped altogether. He also stressed the need to test the quality of mobile phones and accessories available in the market.

Kathmandu district president of the Federation Suresh Baniya said that legalising the trade of second-hand mobile phones would expand Nepal’s revenue base and help ensure that money remained within the country. He added that while some mobile accessories are produced domestically, imported goods continue to be prioritised, and urged the government to give preference to Nepali products.

Likewise, Minister Kharel said that the mobile phone business is not only boosting the national economy but is also playing the role of a social bridge by connecting people and relationships.

He stated that millions of young people from Gen-Z are engaged in the mobile business sector across the country, which has also created employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of youths within Nepal.

According to him, the government is prepared to address the problems faced by mobile entrepreneurs.

Highlighting that the mobile business has generated domestic employment for millions of young Gen-Z youths, he expressed confidence that the government would take initiatives to address the concerns of business operators.

Stressing that the country demands change, he said that the current situation, where more than 2,000 youths leave the country every day, must be reversed through collective effort. “The reason this country has not progressed is not a lack of good intentions, but the tendency to search for ‘our own people’, driven by individual, factional and vested interests. Let us think carefully when casting our votes, so that we do not end up regretting for five years after voting for the wrong candidate,” he said.

Similarly, Minister Kharel said the government is working to promote good governance, control corruption, and create an environment conducive to holding elections on time.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 December 2025.

Chinese language training concludes

Kathmandu, Dec. 20

A Chinese language training programme aimed at producing skilled human resources to cater to Chinese tourists in Nepal has concluded in Kathmandu. The training, organised by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and the Nepal–China Cultural and Educational Council (NCCEC), concluded on Friday.

The annual programme provides Chinese language training to more than 50 Nepali tourism entrepreneurs and students. It was launched following the signing of a bilateral assistance agreement between Nepal and China, signed after a meeting between then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the former’s visit to China.

Since its inception, the initiative has played a significant role in strengthening tourism ties and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

As part of the ceremony, graduates of the programme demonstrated their Chinese language skills through cultural performances and martial arts displays. Speakers at the event noted that the confident presentations and linguistic proficiency of the participants clearly reflected the effectiveness of the training, the NTB informed in a statement.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief of Mission  Zhou Pan expressed his pleasure at the enthusiasm and dedication shown by Nepali students towards learning the Chinese language and culture.

He remarked that proficiency in Chinese opens the door to the world’s largest tourism market and expressed confidence that such training would benefit Nepal’s tourism industry and its broader economy. Referring to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, he noted that tourism has been given special priority, with positive impacts expected to extend to Nepal as well.

Dr. Harish Shah, President of the Nepal–China Cultural and Educational Council, highlighted the growing importance of the Chinese language in international trade and tourism, stating that it would bring long-term benefits to Nepal’s tourism sector. Likewise, Director General of the Department of Tourism, Ram Krishna Lamichhane, emphasised that such language training is highly useful in promoting Nepal as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists and is vital to achieving the government’s goal of increasing tourist arrivals from China.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 December 2025.

Restoring private sector's confidence need of the hour: Gorkhapatra discourse

Kathmandu, Dec. 19

Amidst the uncertainty following the attacks on businesses, investments and private properties during the Gen-Z protests, economic slowdown that persisted for a couple of years, excess liquidity, and stunted economic growth, the private sector said that it is ready to move ahead hand in hand with the government.

Stating that most of the economic indicators of the economy are positive, the private sector leaders demanded reforms in tax, customs and forest laws, as well as respect for the business community.

Despite four major shocks during the last decade – devastating 2015 earthquake, border blockade, COVID-19 pandemic and Gen-Z movement – the private sector quickly recovered, exhibiting an impressive resilience and confidence.

Speaking at the first-ever national-level 'Gorkhapatra Discourse on Recovery and Resilience,' organised by the Gorkhapatra Corporation (GC) the other day, business leaders said that the government and the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) should be proactive in addressing the private sector demands and constraints affecting the business environment.

The rhetoric of 'The government should give only when the private sector demands' should be changed. According to recent statistics published by the NRB, the private sector has utilised Rs. 5,562 billion in loans from the banks and financial institutions by mid-November. This is above 91 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – Rs. 6,107 billion – of the country.

Likewise, according to the latest study conducted by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) with the support of the International Finance Corporation, the private sector contribution to the national economy amounts to 81 per cent, and the employment share is 86 per cent.

According to Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, despite its role as a major employer and taxpayer, the private sector feels publicly vilified and politically exposed. This perception gap has made businesses frequent targets during social unrest.

The private sector's heightened confidence in investment and doing business results in better revenue collection, job creation and economic prosperity. Thus, the government should give priority to the Public Private Partnerships in large development projects, said Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the FNCCI.

A national narrative recognising the private sector as a job creator, taxpayer and service provider is essential to counter hostility and misinformation.

Even during the period of uncertainty and fear, customs and excise revenues have gone up by around 10 per cent in recent months. Meanwhile, the number of tourists has also gone up significantly. This can be cited as evidence of expanding economic activity and a partial rebound in private sector operations. However, this growth is largely attributed to the growing consumption, which is largely satisfied by imported goods.  

However, despite ample bank liquidity, large-scale investment remains stalled due to legal and structural barriers. The CEO of Nabil Bank, Manoj Gyanwali, said that it is high time the government utilised the excess liquidity in large infrastructure projects, such as reservoir hydropower projects. This is a pragmatic suggestion because if the government takes away a large sum of money from the BFIs during normal times, funds would be scarce for the private investors.

But now, the BFIs are unable to mobilise their deposits, and overall liquidity has reached Rs. 1100 billion while the foreign exchange reserves are equivalent to Rs. 3055 billion.

The government can also facilitate the hydropower projects of more than 3,000 megawatt capacity so that they can be developed at the earliest.

Likewise, even after a prolonged financial distress, the central bank has taken no concrete resolution mechanism for blacklisted entrepreneurs, prolonging stagnation and discouraging reinvestment. However, signalling a positive step, the Governor of the NRB, Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, has expressed his commitment to having an immediate review of the issue.

The national debate organised on the occasion of the first newspaper of the country, Gorkhapatra, in its 125^th year of publication and the first broadsheet English daily, The Rising Nepal, entering its 61^st year in print, also solicited solutions from the government ministers and entrepreneurs.

Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Infrastructure Minister Kul Man Ghising, Industry Minister Anil Kumar Sinha and Labour Minister Rajendra Singh Bhandari maintained that there are constraints to investment and business and that the government would take concrete steps at the earliest.

Minister Ghising said that the laws related to forests should be massively reformed and the next 10 years should be announced as 'Development Decade'.

Entrepreneurs demanded that the outdated and impractical laws be repealed or amended in a single, time-bound reform package to unlock stalled investments and infrastructure projects.

Regulations should follow innovation, not obstruct it. Clear, timely and adaptive regulatory frameworks are essential for fintech, digital services and emerging industries, they said.

According to them, a calibrated easing of contractionary policies is needed to revive credit flow, reduce interest burdens and stimulate private investment without destabilising macroeconomic fundamentals. Likewise, an immediate solution to the blacklisting crisis should be sought. A special restructuring and rehabilitation mechanism should be introduced for distressed but viable businesses to prevent permanent economic scarring.

Minister Sinha's commitment to taking strict action against vandalism and arson and to restoring investor confidence and protecting productive assets will reassure the private sector if the government makes quick moves in this direction.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 December 2025.

CNI, NIFRA to collaborate in building industrial zones

Kathmandu, Dec. 19

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA) have agreed to establish and operate industrial zones.

The agreement has been signed to construct and manage industrial zones under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, as announced by the government, CNI informed in a statement on Friday.

Dr. Ghanashyam Ojha, Director General of CNI, and  Surya Bahadur Tamang, Deputy CEO of NIFRA, signed the agreement.  

As per the agreement between the two institutions, the industrial zone in Shaktikhor will be prioritised for construction and operation under the PPP model. Similarly, the construction and operation of industrial zones in Mayurdhap of Hetauda and Motipur of Rupandehi will also be carried out through cooperation between CNI and NIFRA.

In line with the government’s announcement to allow the construction and operation of industrial zones under the PPP model, CNI has reached this understanding with NIFRA to begin the development of these zones.

With this agreement, the private sector will jointly urge the Government of Nepal to allow the construction and operation of industrial zones under the public-private partnership model.

On the occasion, President of CNI  Birendra Raj Pandey stated that initial work would soon begin in collaboration with NIFRA for the construction and operation of industrial zones. He described the agreement between CNI and NIFRA as highly significant.

CEO of NIFRA Krishna Bahadur Adhikari mentioned that NIFRA views this agreement with CNI as a starting point for the development of industrial zones. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would advance the PPP concept with the support of the Confederation.

General Manager of Industrial Zone Management Limited Padam Oli said that the agreement would send a positive message, as the government had announced the inclusion of the private sector in the development and operation of industrial zones under the PPP model.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 December 2025.

Stakeholders, experts agree on policy remedies for prosperity

Kathmandu, Dec. 18

Public and private sector stakeholders of the economy have unanimously voiced that while there is immense potential for business and development in Nepal, immediate remedies are required to address policy instability and remove procedural constraints.

Deliberating at the first-ever 'Gorkhapatra Discourse on Recovery and Resilience, the government, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the private sector concluded that there is a need to address the structural constraints that are impeding the economic growth, business development and entrepreneurship promotion.

The discourse was organised on the occasion of the 125 years of the publication of Gorkhapatra daily and the completion of six decades of The Rising Nepal in publication. This is the first time that the state-owned Gorkhapatra Corporation has created a platform where the public and private sector openly debated about facilitating business and development amidst the sluggish economic growth and low morale in investors and businesspeople.

According to the speakers, the government should immediately work on reforming laws related to forest and mining, business exit, taxation and profit expatriation of the businesses and industries established with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Operating an enterprise means creating jobs for youth, utilising domestic raw materials and supporting the creation of a value chain of products, as well as contributing to national revenue and economic growth.

Participating businesspeople said that they felt a lack of respect for the private sector from the other sections of society. According to a study conducted by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the International Finance Corporation a couple of years ago, the private sector contributes 81 per cent to the GDP and more than 85 per cent to the overall job creation.

The private sector mobilises Rs. 5,562 billion in credit from the banks and financial institutions (BFIs).

"A politician might leave his profession, but an entrepreneur can't just leave the business since it entails employment, back-forward agents and financial management," said Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President the FNCCI.

He pointed to a harsh reality that, despite having better investment opportunities compared to its South Asian peers and countries elsewhere, Nepal has failed to attract both domestic and foreign investments.

 

Demand to address policy instability

President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal urged the government and the central bank to review the monetary and fiscal policies from the COVID-19 pandemic era and rectify every policy miscalculation that acted as speed-breakers to investment and economic growth.

"Lack of far-sightedness on the part of the policymakers and NRB resulted in multifaceted problems and challenges in the financial sector, business and trade. But while the government has to promote the private sector during the time of crisis, it has curtailed the facilities and incentives for the manufacturers and exporters," he said.

Likewise, Dilli Ram Shrestha, Director of Ncell, said that FDI has largely been a topic of lip service rather than problem-solving. He particularly pointed to the provision of Article 57 of the Income Tax Act 2002, which needs an immediate amendment.

According to Article 57, if an entity’s ownership changes by 50 per cent or more within the previous three years, it is treated as having disposed of its assets and liabilities. Following such a change, the entity is barred from claiming or carrying forward prior interest, losses, adjustments, insurance credits and foreign tax credits. The income year is divided into separate periods before and after the ownership change.

Business people said that tax issues shouldn't reach the court as it directly impacts the business confidence. They maintained that it is untoward that sometimes the tax issues begin after three years of the completion of the audit report.

 

Promotion of technology is key

While Nikita Acharya of Urban Girl suggested finding strategies to promote startups, Subash Sharma of F1Soft said that promoting digital technology in the public and private sector could speed up the progress.

According to Sharma, entrepreneurs do not wait for policy but initiate their enterprise in the sectors of competitive and comparative advantages. e-Sewa, a venture of F1Soft, was launched in 2009, while the regulatory framework was enacted in 2016. “The government's job is to facilitate and promote the development of digital technology and its adoption. It must promote innovations introduced by the private sector,” he said.

Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, said the government’s future focus is on ‘connectivity expansion, smart technology and integrated planning’.

Reviewing Nepal’s 75-year infrastructure journey, he noted that road length has grown from just 360 kilometres in 1951 to nearly 100,000 kilometres today. Calling nationwide road access a major achievement, he said, “Out of 753 local bodies, only 18 lack road connectivity.” He also highlighted that 95 per cent of households now have piped drinking water, while admitting that road quality and safety still need improvement.

Hydropower expert Suman Joshi stressed the urgency of modernising energy infrastructure, warning that reliance on “mechanical technology that is more than 50 years old” has reduced productivity. She criticised fragmented planning and the absence of an Integrated Energy Plan.

Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolis Chiribabu Maharjan pointed to governance challenges, calling the Public Procurement Act 2007 a ‘barrier to development’. “We should have the authority to reward good performers and penalise poor ones,” he said and urged stronger coordination and empowerment of local governments.

 

Utilising excess liquidity in large energy projects

Executive Director of the NRB Guru Prasad Paudel argued for fiscal stimulus to absorb excess liquidity. “Despite abundant liquidity and lower borrowing costs, the private sector remains reluctant to invest. In such a scenario, increased government spending could catalyse private sector expenditure and revive economic momentum,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Nabil Bank, Manoj Gyawali, said the decline in credit demand is the cumulative outcome of past policy and sectoral weaknesses.

Excessive lending to unproductive sectors such as real estate and the share market, inadequate portfolio reviews, implementation of working capital guidelines, and problems in the cooperative sector have collectively weakened business confidence, he said.

However, Gyawali suggested utilising excess banking sector liquidity—available at low cost—for developing a reservoir-based hydropower project.

Participants of the discourse expressed concerns over the accumulating foreign exchange and excessive liquidity. The financial system of the country has above Rs. 1100 billion liquidity and forex equivalent to Rs. 3,851 billion – sufficient to cover the goods and services import for 17.4 months.

Meanwhile, loan defaulters have increased, so the number of blacklisted individuals.

 

Need of ‘Development Decade’

Ministers who spoke at the national-level discourse accepted that there are problems with taxation, processing investment applications, forest management and resource mobilisation.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kul Man Ghising said that the government is working to address the policy challenges in forest management and mining.

"We need to implement a 'Development Decade' and create ease in policies on forests and the use of natural resources," he said.  

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha said the government is committed to boosting private sector morale and creating a positive investment environment. He assured that organised crimes during the Gen-Z movement would not be tolerated and that the government would ensure private sector security, clarifying that no agreement permits such acts.

Minister Sinha said that beyond holding elections, the government’s core responsibilities include good governance, peace and security, zero tolerance for corruption, improved service delivery, and an enabling industrial environment.

Likewise, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Sing Bhandari stressed that development rhetoric should be changed to have the youth in Nepal and attract investment from the private sector. “We are living with the notion that there are no jobs, so we go for foreign employment, and there is no investment climate, so we refrain from investing in Nepal. We must act proactively to change this rhetoric,” he said.

 

Reassessing roles of stakeholders

Finance Secretary Dr. Ghanashyam Upadhyay said that innovative and strategic planning is needed to bring the country out of the vicious cycle of under-development and poor economic growth.

He said that the main challenge is converting accumulated cash into productive capital.

“Restoring private sector confidence is essential, as political instability, policy shifts, natural disasters, and disruptions have weakened business confidence,” he said. "The time has come for politicians, bureaucrats, the private sector, and experts to reassess their roles in restoring business confidence and mobilising idle liquidity."

He also underscored the need for the government to improve its spending capacity to stimulate private investment, noting that political interference in budget formulation and delays in project preparation have hindered economic progress.

Economist Dr. Paras Kharel identified declining gross capital formation and low development spending as major contributors to the economic slowdown. He emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework and called for a thorough review of the private sector credit portfolio.

Director General of the Department of Industry Rajeshwor Gyawali assured that the government is committed to protecting investment. Stating that data indicate a favourable environment for private investment, he agreed that attracting foreign investment requires political stability and strong legal provisions.

The discourse featured three sessions on three of the most pertinent issues of the day – development of smart infrastructure, building private sector confidence, and capital mobilisation and policy facilitation. General Manager of the Gorkhapatra Corporation Lal Bahadur Airi said that the summary of the debates would be submitted to the relevant government agencies. 

The event was inaugurated by Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav while Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal and Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel expressed their commitment to policy reform and facilitation to promote the private sector and investment.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 December 2025.

Decades on, directives to use domestic goods in govt. offices remains spurned

Kathmandu, Dec. 17

Following repeated demands from the private sector that the public institutions buy the goods and services made in Nepal, the government implemented the Directives for the Use of Domestic Products in Public Institutions in 2014.

But it failed miserably with very few public institutions actually following the directives. Government agencies continued to procure foreign goods and services even for their day-to-day use, ignoring the domestically produced items.

According to the Directives of 2014, public entities must purchase local goods, as far as they are available, in accordance with the directives. Only in cases where such goods are not available can they purchase foreign-made goods. Such goods should have obtained 'Nepal Standard' from the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM).

Manufacturers of such goods should be registered with the government, materials should be produced locally using traditional skills and technology, and their certificate of origin should be endorsed by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) or the Federation of Nepalese Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI)'s district branches.

According to the Public Procurement Act 2007, constitutional bodies, courts, ministries and their departments and offices, commissions, public commercial institutions, including banks owned or controlled fully or in majority by the government, academies, councils, universities and academic institutions, provincial and local governments, development boards, and other government-specified bodies are 'public entities'.

As the directives remained largely unimplemented for about a decade, the government came up with a new version in 2024.

But the new policy was also received coldly by the public institutions.

"It's frustrating to see our efforts going in vain for such a long time. It's been about two decades since we began to demand the directives -- since 2007," said Umesh Prasad Singh, President of the FNCSI.

 

Missed opportunity

According to Singh and many other businesspeople, had the directives been implemented, it would have provided relief to the entrepreneurs in a great deal during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. Since the directives had a provision that the public institutions should buy domestically produced goods even if they were 15 per cent more expensive, it would have helped Nepali producers flourish.

Chairman of the FNCCI's Industry Committee, Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, stated that there was no visible progress in implementing the directives. "The private sector is facing hard times for the last couple of years. I wonder why such good initiatives have not been the priority of the government," he said. 

The issue of implementing the directives was raised with Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Infrastructure Minister Kul Man Ghising, and Labour Minister Rajendra Singh Bhandari by the Chamber of Industries Morang on Tuesday. While the ministers assured them to address their demands, the process of implementing the directives is still in limbo.

According to the Directives of 2024, the government has to develop an online platform, 'Swedeshi Utpadan', to keep the detailed record of the certified products produced by Nepali producers.

 

Software development in limbo

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has the responsibility of developing the portal. But it is in dilemma about whether to expand the existing platform being operated by the Department or create a new one.

"The Ministry has suggested going for the first option, but our assessment has shown that it will be insufficient to accommodate all the requirements. We are yet to decide it since developing a new software costs a huge amount of budget," said Bharat Prasad Acharya, Director of the DoCSCP.

The DoCSCP also maintained that there has been no preparation for the required standards of the said portal as well.

But Singh said that the public institutions continue to procure foreign-made goods in pursuit of commission. "This is high time to implement the directives because many of the public institutions are in the process of reconstruction after the destruction during the Gen-Z movement in September this year," he said.

 

Portal is the basic requirement

Jitendra Basnet, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), said that the entire implementation of the directives has been hampered by the unavailability of the portal.

"We have concluded orientation at the provincial level. The issue has been raised multiple times at the minister or secretary-level meetings," he said while stressing the need for cross-checking and monitoring of the implementation of the directives.

The MoICS has also written to the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) to facilitate in promotion of the use of domestic goods and services.

Meanwhile, many private sector producers have reached the Ministry to include their products in the appendix of the directives, which contains the general list of made in Nepal goods.

According to Basnet, the MoICS is in a mood to amend the directives to accommodate the demands of the private sector.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 December 2025.

India to build two health posts in Indrawati

Kathmandu, Dec. 16

India is supporting Indrawati Rural Municipality with Rs. 40 million to build two health post buildings.

Jhamka Nath Nepal, Chairman of Indrawati Rural Municipality and Shri Narayan Singh, First Secretary, Embassy of India in Kathmandu jointly laid the foundation stones for the construction of two Health Post Buildings at Ward No.3 and Ward No.6 of Indrawati Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk District, on Tuesday.

According to the Embassy, these Health Posts will have two-storeyed buildings with suitable facilities. These projects have been taken up as High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), and will be implemented through the Indrawati Rural Municipality. 

Chairman of the local body and other stakeholders appreciated the development support being extended by India. They expressed confidence that the new health infrastructure created would help enhance accessibility to health services in the region, read the embassy issued by the Embassy. 

"The implementation of HICDPs reflects the continued support of India in bolstering the efforts of Nepal in achieving growth and development, apart from augmenting infrastructure in priority sectors," it said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 17 December 2025.

TRN faces challenge to prove its relevance in AI age

Kathmandu, Dec. 15

The Rising Nepal (TRN), the first broadsheet English daily in the country, has completed six decades’ journey in publication and will turn 61 on Tuesday, December 16.

Published by the state-run Gorkhapatra Corporation, the longest running English newspaper in Nepal was launched by then King Mahendra on December 16, 1965 (1 Poush 2022 BS) with the objectives of catering to the need of English readers within the country and inform foreigners about Nepal and its culture.

TRN is the second longest-running newspaper in any category in Nepal after the Gorkhapatra daily that is running in its 125^th year of publication. The Gorkhapatra, initially a weekly newspaper, was published during the days of Rana Prime Minister Dev Shumsher, who, unlike other 'rulers in the waiting' Ranas, wanted to give impetus to education and development.

Likewise, the government also needed a broadsheet English newspaper to publish advertisement in English language as those needed had to reach out to the broadsheets in India for that.

Since TRN was launched during the Panchayat era when the King was all-in-all and was a state-run daily, its editorial line largely aligned with government narratives. While it exercises greater freedom and responsibilities in the republican era, issues of national unity, development, foreign affairs, culture and environment continue to get priority in the coverage. At times, TRN enjoyed greater editorial freedom even compared to its sister publication – Gorkhapatra.

Now, it accords priority and provides space for parliamentary affairs, economic policy, private sector issues and social change while also maintaining the status quo for official information and documenting the historical events. Meanwhile, it contributed to shaping Nepal's international events through steady and continuous coverage of diplomacy, tourism, investment and development cooperation – catering to the need of diplomatic community in Kathmandu, and development partners.

While stressing on analysis, interpretation and long-form writing, former editors of this daily maintained that offering quality content in print and online format can save it from the downward slide. "The optimum utilisation of available space catering to prospective readers is a criterion inherently tied to the readers’ interests. The ultimate target of news outlets is catering to the collective interests of reading, listening, and viewing audiences, and not to the exclusive attention of powerful personalities or a celebrity type," former Editor and Professor P. Kharel wrote in his article published in TRN.

Head of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the Tribhuvan University, Dr. Kundan Aryal recalled how TRN was learning, reading and teaching material before the use of internet for these purposes. "It was a mandatory reading for the students of journalism and English literature," he said while stating that it is a challenge for TRN to prove its relevancy in the new age of technology and Artificial Intelligence.

Well-wishers of the TRN, some even visiting the Office, suggested for technological improvement and enhanced accessibility of the print and online version of the medium. It was among the few media that went online as it began online publication on a trial basis on February 23, 1997.

TRN publishes thematic pages on business, opinion, international, art and culture and sports, and a 4-page weekly Friday Supplement. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 December 2025.

Minister Kharel meets late Rajak's family

Kathmandu, Dec. 13 

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has held discussions with the family of the late journalist Suresh Rajak, who was recently declared a martyr by the government.

He visited Rajak’s home in Tahachal in Kathmandu on Saturday, where he met and discussed matters with the family, his secretariat informed in a statement.

On the initiative of Minister Kharel, the Cabinet has declared late journalist Rajak a martyr.

On March 28 this year, during a pro-monarchy demonstration held at Tinkune in Kathmandu, journalist Suresh, who was working as a video journalist for Avenues Television, died while capturing visual footage. While filming inside a house that had been set on fire by demonstrators, he was burned to death. Following the incident, Rajak’s family had been demanding that the deceased journalist be declared a martyr.

Minister Kharel said that Rajak would never be forgotten by the Nepali people, as he sacrificed his life while working in the communications sector to uplift society and keep citizens informed. He also stated that the government would always be ready to support journalist Rajak’s family.

After Rajak’s death, his family members and relatives had been demanding that he be declared a martyr and that the incident be investigated. On the initiative of Minister Kharel, employment has also been arranged for Suresh’s wife.

Suresh’s elder brother, Ramesh Rajak, said that despite repeated follow-ups for nearly seven months, the previous government had not taken any action, and that the current government’s decision to declare Suresh a martyr had provided consolation to the family.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 December 2025.

Nepali goods exhibited in Chongqing

Kathmandu, Dec. 13

The Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu hosted an exhibition of Nepali products and a conference on bilateral relationship between Nepal and China in Chongqing to commemorate 70 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.

The series of events began with the exhibition of Nepali niche products, including tea, coffee, felt, pashmina, incense, singing bowls, thangkas, and others, at the second ILSTC High-Quality Products Exhibition and Cooperation Fair on December 11 in Chongqing.

A segment on cultural exchange included playing the traditional instrument ‘Guqin’ from the Chinese artistes and two ethnic dance performances from Nepali university students, the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu informed in a statement.

Earlier, on Friday, a conference on ‘Bridging the Himalayas: Unleashing the treasure of civilisation’ was hosted by the Consulate and International Communication and Cooperation Alliance (ICCA) at the World Financial Centre in Chongqing with the support of Yuzhong District Government of Chongqing.

Deng Guanghuai, Executive Deputy District Chief of Yuzhong District Government, Chongqing, Fan Min, Deputy Director General-Level Inspector from the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipality, and business people attended the event.

Speakers charted out the history of Nepal-China relations and avenues of future cooperation between Nepal and Chongqing. Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, President of Nepal-China Executive Council, spoke on the economic and trade exchanges between Nepal and China. Nepal’s tourism attractions were also highlighted by Laxman Gautam, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 December 2025.

Levrat calls for donor support in empowering minorities

Kathmandu, Dec. 12

Nepal must close the gap between clear constitutional and legislative provisions and their meaningful implementation to effectively prohibit discrimination against persons belonging to minorities, including Dalits, a United Nations expert said on Friday.

"Minorities' and Dalits' unhindered access to education is the gateway to building skills and confidence, and breaking through cycles of poverty that have prevented them from realising the full enjoyment of their rights and their meaningful contribution to society as a whole," said Nicolas Levrat, the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, in a statement at the end of his visit to Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction with journalists, Levrat urged the donor community to efficiently support Nepal in designing and implementing empowering programmes conceived with and for the benefit of persons belonging to minorities.

Presenting preliminary findings of his assessment of the legislation, status of practice in Nepal, he called for a partnership with local authorities who have the means to deliver effective support to minorities and Dalits in the communities where they reside.

In the last 10 days, Levrat conducted meetings with minority stakeholders, communities, government institutions – including federal and provincial ministries, civil society organisations and various commissions and concluded Nepal has effectively implemented international obligations to the human rights of minorities.

According to him, there are no proper standards to measure the relationship or impact of economic-social empowerment on reducing discrimination and creating an equal society.

"There are no clear standards, we are working on them," he said.

"In this period of political transition, it is time to rebuild trust in the Nepali social contract. Minorities and Dalits must feel that they can trust state institutions to protect them, and Nepalese society as a whole must trust that their contributions enrich and uplift society," said Levrat.

According to him, minorities and Dalits must have trust in themselves to advocate for and realise their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Stating that the situation of Dalits has improved in the last one-and-a-half decades and this is not enough, he underscored the prevalence of intersectional discrimination – women and girls within the minority groups are facing additional discrimination and often are the victims of violence.

He also maintained that the state institutions must better reflect the diversity of Nepali society in their composition and leadership.

"Minorities must be able to recognise themselves in those exercising power. They must feel heard and understood by public servants - including teachers, judges, and the police - in their mother tongue language," he stated. 

The expert expressed profound concern about the high rate of impunity for crimes against Dalits, such as violence linked to inter-caste marriages.

"Access to justice must include well-functioning enforcement mechanisms and sanctions of perpetrators. It will lead to the dismantlement of a system and mindsets that have enabled caste-based violence and discrimination as well as a culture of impunity," said Levrat. 

He warned about the curtailment of religious freedom, through selective use of the anti-conversion provision, leading to discrimination against religious minorities.

He welcomed the draft of a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation protecting ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, including those affected by forms of intersectional discrimination such as Dalit women, the Badi community, the Tharu community, minorities belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, minorities with disabilities, Madhesis, Muslims and Christians, the UN Human Rights said in a news release.

The Special Rapporteur will present a full report to the Human Rights Council in March 2026.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 December 2025.