Nepal grapples with severe air pollution: Report

Kathmandu, June 17

Air pollution has emerged as the leading cause of death and disability in Nepal.
It has become a crisis that is significantly shortening the lives of its citizens and inflicting substantial economic damage, stated a World Bank Report 'Towards clean air in Nepal: Benefits, pollution sources, and solutions' released in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The report revealed alarming statistics, indicating that the average Nepali's life expectancy is reduced by 3.4 years due to polluted air, leading to approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually.

The pervasive nature of air pollution surpasses other critical health risks such as malnutrition and tobacco use, making it the country's foremost environmental and public health challenge.

According to the report, the Kathmandu Valley and Tarai region are the major air pollution hotspots in the country, and these areas have shown no significant improvement in air quality over the past decade.

"The primary pollutant of concern is Particulate Matter (PM2.5​), microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which can deeply penetrate the lungs and other vital organs, posing a severe threat to human health," read the report.

Current PM2.5​ concentrations in these regions far exceed the World Health Organisation's (WHO) ultimate annual mean target of 5 μg/m3, as well as its initial interim goal of 35 μg/m3.

The economic repercussions are equally staggering, with the cost of poor air quality estimated to exceed 6 per cent of Nepal's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year. This economic toll is a result of reduced labour productivity due to increased health-related absences and impaired cognitive function, as well as significant negative impacts on the tourism and aviation sectors, said the report.

If immediate and decisive action are taken, air pollution would further intensify and reach 52 μg/m3 in the Kathmandu Valley and 42 μg/m3 in Tarai by 2035, causing tens of thousands of additional premature deaths, particularly among children and the elderly and further straining the healthcare system, thus, hindering economic growth.

 

Transboundary pollution

The report noted that major sources of pollution in the Kathmandu Valley are industrial production, cooking, and mobility. Industrial fuel combustion, primarily from boiler usage, is expected to rise significantly.

Likewise, seasonal forest fires, prevalent from February to May, also contribute substantially, ranking as the fourth largest local source of annual average air pollution exposure.

A significant portion of Nepal's air pollution originates from outside its borders. Transboundary air pollution has a considerable impact on air quality in both the Kathmandu Valley and, more acutely, the Tarai region.

Almost a quarter of the pollution in the Kathmandu Valley is from outside the Valley, with more than half of that originating from other countries. The situation is even more critical in the Tarai, where two-thirds of PM2.5​ exposure crosses international borders, largely due to its proximity to the Indo-Gangetic Plain Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) area, a region known for high agricultural and industrial emissions.

 

35 by 35

According to the report, the Government of Nepal has expressed a strong commitment to improving air quality, setting an ambitious target to achieve an annual average PM2.5​ concentration of 35 μg/m3 by 2035.

This '35 by 35' aspirational goal aligns with the WHO interim target 1 for PM2.5​ and has been endorsed by other countries in the IGP-HF region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan.

The report identifies three priority measures crucial for achieving this target in the Kathmandu Valley: cleaner production technology, cleaner cooking, and cleaner Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs). These measures are not only among the most cost-effective but also offer the highest pollution abatement potential, read the report.

The report also noted that while these measures are vital for the Tarai, they are insufficient on their own due to the significant transboundary pollution. Achieving the '35 by 35' target in the Tarai necessitates collaborative action with neighbouring countries.

It advised that Tarai should focus on local priority actions while engaging in regional coordination efforts to strengthen common pollution control measures across the IGP-HF region.

According to the report, to enable air quality management (AQM), Nepal should enhance air quality monitoring and communication, strengthen governance and enforcement, establish supportive economic framework to redirect revenue from environmental tax to clean transitions, provide incentives to industries in cleaner technologies, and ensure adequate infrastructure for cleaner technologies.

Speaking at the report launch programme, Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, said that clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today.

According to him, from setting stricter industrial emission standards to promoting electric transport, the government is committed to cleaning Nepal’s air.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 June 2025. 

ADB unveils Nepal country partnership strategy

Kathmandu, June 17

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled its new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Nepal for 2025–2029.

The strategy launched on Tuesday has set a comprehensive agenda to support the country’s inclusive, resilient, green, and employment-intensive economic growth, the ADB informed in a statement.

According to the ADB, the strategy focuses on three strategic priorities: private sector–led, employment-intensive, green economic transformation; inclusive and quality human capital development and public services; and environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

“As Nepal advances toward graduating from least developed country status, the CPS will support the country’s transition to a more sustainable and inclusive growth model,” said ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois.

He maintained that this model prioritises productivity gains and job creation through domestic private investment and foreign direct investment, improved access to quality infrastructure, skills development, deeper integration with regional and global value chains and exports, while also strengthening resilience to disasters and climate change.

"The CPS is aligned with Nepal’s 16^th periodic plan, which seeks to promote good governance, social justice, and shared prosperity, and the government’s Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) approach," read the statement.

The strategy incorporates cross-cutting themes such as digital development, good governance, and capacity building for federalism, and empowerment of women and disadvantaged and vulnerable groups to ensure that development benefits reach all segments of society.

The ADB said that it’s investments will be delivered through investment projects, policy-lending, and sector development programmes that combine policy reforms, institutional strengthening and investments.

The CPS was prepared through a joint strategic approach with the World Bank Group country partnership framework which creates opportunities for continuous deep collaborations between the two organisations.

The ADB and the World Bank Group together account for around 70 per cent of Nepal’s development financing, according to the multilateral donor.

"A low-risk Group A developing member, Nepal will be eligible to access concessional ordinary capital resources (COL) and ADB expects to mobilize about US$2.3 billion (COL) between 2025 and 2029 and selective grants from the Asian Development Fund 14 which are allocated on project basis for specific thematic priorities," informed the ADB.

Commitment of these funds is guided by government priorities, project readiness, and the country's performance. ADB will also support the mobilisation of additional resources through cofinancing, innovative financing solutions, exploring mobilization of funds from green bonds and the issuance of thematic and local currency bonds (such as Nepali rupee-linked bonds) to international investors.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 June 2025. 

Prabhu and Chhimek open sale of promoter shares

Kathmandu, June 17

Prabhu Bank Limited and Chhimek Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited have opened the sale of their promoter shares.
Sealed bids have been invited from Tuesday for the sale of 9,882 shares of Prabhu Bank and 244,480 shares of Chhimek Laghubitta – a microfinance institution.
The companies have set a minimum price of Rs. 100 per share for Prabhu and Rs. 390 per share for Chhimek through auction.
Interested bidders must apply for a minimum of 1,000 shares of Prabhu and 50,000 shares of Chhimek before June 24. Applications should be submitted to the sales manager, Muktinath Capital Limited.
According to the companies, individual or institutional bidders must submit, along with the application form, a copy of their registration certificate (in case of institutions/companies), tax clearance certificate, a copy of the board decision authorising the purchase of shares, and documents verifying that the institution has been operating at a profit for the past two fiscal years.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 June 2025. 

Agrawal funds for NAFIJ fellowships to journalists

Kathmandu, June 17

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) and Rajesh Kumar Agrawal – President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Executive Director of RMC Group – for the ‘Shrawan Kumar Agrawal NAFIJ Fellowship’ on Tuesday.

They agreed to establish an endowment fund of Rs. 700,000 for the fellowship. The MoU was signed by NAFIJ President Menuka Karki and Agrawal.

Agrawal had announced to establish the endowment fund for the fellowship in memory of his late father during the 15^th Annual General Meeting of Nafij held in December last year.

Shrawan Kumar Agrawal died in August last year. He was a senior industrialist – founder of RMC Group - and Constituent Assembly member. He also served as the chairman of Marwari Sewa Samiti.

This will be the first endowment fund to be established at NAFIJ for awarding a fellowship.

According to the agreement, President Agrawal will personally contribute Rs. 700,000 to the endowment fund. NAFIJ will provide an annual fellowship of about Rs. 50,000 to one financial journalist from the fund. The fellowship will be awarded for investigative reporting in economic journalism, as mentioned in the agreement. NAFIJ will also assign a mentor to the fellowship recipient.

Agrawal expressed his belief that this initiative would further encourage financial journalists. Likewise, Karki said that the fellowship will be implemented from the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 June 2025. 

Six provinces oresent budgets with mixed priorities

Karnali delays amid political discord

 

Kathmandu, June 15

Six out of seven provincial governments tabled their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26, with total outlays ranging from Rs. 31.97 billion (Gandaki) to Rs. 67.47 billion (Bagmati). Despite varying fiscal sizes and priorities, all provinces emphasised capital expenditure over recurrent spending and aligned their policies toward infrastructure development, employment generation, and sustainable growth.

Madhes allocated the highest proportion (64 per cent) to capital expenditure with an aim to boost agro-industrial development and youth entrepreneurship, while Koshi's nearly balanced split between recurrent and capital budgets is said to have growth approach. Sudurpaschim and Lumbini prioritised agriculture and tourism alongside physical infrastructure, whereas Gandaki stressed foreign investment, regional competitiveness, and private sector engagement. Likewise, Bagmati's focus are scattered across tourism, sports, agriculture and health.

Most of the provinces rely heavily on federal revenue-sharing, conditional and equalisation grants, and unspent balances from the current fiscal year. Internal revenue mobilisation remains modest across all provinces, with some provinces like Koshi and Gandaki planning to bridge gaps through internal borrowing.

In contrast, Karnali failed to present its budget due to a political impasse, as the opposition CPN-Maoist Centre boycotted proceedings over disputes concerning project transparency.

 

 

Koshi: Rs. 35.88 billion

The Koshi Provincial government has unveiled a budget of Rs. 35.88 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.

Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of Koshi Province Ram Bahadur Magar presented the budget of the province at the meeting of the Provincial Assembly Sunday.

Of the total budget allocation, Rs. 18.67 billion (52 per cent) has been allocated under the heading of recurrent expenditure, Rs. 17.10 billion (47.7 per cent) under the heading of capital expenditure and Rs. 100 million (0.3 per cent) under financial management.

Of the total allocation, Rs. 4.7 billion is allocated for financial transfers to the local levels.

The annual budget of the province for the next fiscal year has been increased by Rs. 600 million (1.7 per cent) as compared to the initial budget of the current fiscal year.  

This estimate is 1.7 per cent higher than the current fiscal year's allocation and 12 per cent higher than the revised estimate, said Minister Magar while presenting the budget.

The provincial government has allocated Rs 4.777 billion for financial transfers to the local level.

The Koshi government had unveiled a budget of Rs. 35.25 billion for the current fiscal year.

Of the estimated sources of expenditure for the coming fiscal year, around Rs. 32.74 billion will be managed from revenue collection and financial transfer.

The province has set a target to mobilise Rs. 5.50 billion from the internal revenue of the province, Rs. 12.39 billion from revenue sharing, Rs. 8.98 billion for fiscal equalisation received from federal government, Rs. 4.57 billion for conditional grant, Rs. 391 million for supplementary grant, Rs. 557 million for special grant and Rs. 356 million for the royalties, he said.

Of the remaining shortfall, Rs. 3.13 billion will be spent from the remaining cash balance.

The government has allocated Rs. 10.57 billion for infrastructure development, Rs. 4.73 billion for drinking water, irrigation and energy, Rs. 2.18 billion for agriculture and industry, Rs. 2.97 billion for tourism, forest and environment, Rs. 2.97 billion for education, science and social services, Rs. 3.51 billion for health and Rs. 960 million for peace and security.

Magar said that the budget has been prepared with the aim of maintaining high economic growth of the province by improving education, health, infrastructure development and increasing agricultural production and reducing migration.

Gandaki: Rs. 31.97 billion

The Gandaki provincial government has presented a budget of Rs. 31.97 billion for the next fiscal year 2025/26. 

Minister for Economic Affairs of Gandaki Province Dr. Tak Raj Gurung presented the budget at the meeting of the Provincial Assembly.

The provincial government has allocated around Rs. 12.63 billion (39.5 per cent) under the heading of recurrent expenditure, Rs. 19.09 billion (59.7 per cent) under capital expenditure and Rs. 250 million (0.8 per cent) under financial management.

Minister Gurung said that Gandaki Province would receive Rs. 7.73 billion from the federal government as fiscal equalisation and Rs. 9.79 billion from revenue sharing.

While presenting the budget, he estimated that the province would receive Rs. 498 million from royalty, Rs. 3.35 billion from conditional grants, Rs. 639 million from supplementary grants and Rs. 498 million from special grants. 

He estimated that the internal revenue of the province will be Rs. 5.45 billion.

There will be a cash balance of Rs. 2.24 billion from the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year, he said. 

The Gandaki provincial government has planned to fill the deficit of Rs. 1.75 billion from internal borrowing.

The size of the provincial budget has been reduced by Rs. 1 billion for the next fiscal year as compared to the budget presented for the current fiscal year. The government had presented a budget of Rs. 32.97 billion for the current fiscal year 2024/25.

The objectives of the budget are to increase employment and income through sustainable economic growth, develop quality and modern infrastructure, and create skilled and productive human capital in modern technology.

Minister Gurung has said that the Invest Gandaki programme will be implemented as an intervention programme to build a strong regional economy.

The budget stresses on job creation and poverty alleviation by attracting foreign investment in agriculture, tourism, energy, and forestry and mining industries.

Lumbini: Rs. 38.91 billion

The Lumbini Provincial government has presented a budget of Rs. 38.91 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.

Minister for Economic Affair and Planning of Lumbini Province Dhanendra Karki has presented the annual income and expenditure estimates of the province for the next fiscal year at the meeting of Provincial Assembly Sunday.

Minister Karki allocated a budget of Rs. 12.01 billion (30.88 per cent) for the recurrent expenditure, Rs. 23.47 billion (60.32 per cent) for capital expenditure and Rs. 3.42 billion (8.80 per cent) for fiscal transfer to local levels for the next fiscal year.

The province has set a target to mobilise Rs. 7.78 billion from the internal revenue of the province, Rs. 11.86 billion from revenue sharing received from the federal government and Rs. 415 million from royalties to be received from the federal government.

Similarly, the provincial government has estimated to generate revenues of Rs. 2.829 billion from local levels.

This size of the budget for the fiscal year 2025/26 has been slightly increased as compared to the budget of the current fiscal year 2024/25.

The provincial government had presented a budget of Rs. 38.97 billion for the current fiscal year.

The Lumbini provincial government has resolved to achieve the long-term aspiration of a prosperous Lumbini, happy citizens.

For this, the budget has prioritised increasing production and productivity in agriculture, access to quality education and health services, entrepreneurship development, sustainable infrastructure development, inclusive development with social justice, and the creation of productive employment, thereby contributing to the reduction of economic inequality and poverty.

The budget and programmes have been focused on poverty reduction and economic stability to achieve high and sustainable economic growth.

The provincial government has allocated a budget to advance the process of forming the Lumbini Development Authority to find its own existence in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Finance Minister Karki said that the budget has been allocated for the Lumbini International Buddhist Summit with the slogan "Take a step towards Lumbini".

A budget of Rs. 4.72 billion has been allocated for productivity and sustainable development of agriculture. The goal of the budget is to modernise and commercialise agriculture and increase its productivity.

 

Madhes: Rs. 46.98 billion

The government of Madhes Province has announced the budget of Rs. 46.98 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26. 

Minister for Finance of Madhes Province Sunil Kumar Yadav presented the budget of the province at the meeting of the Provincial Assembly.

The government has allocated Rs. 16.72 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 30.26 billion for capital expenditure. 

The share of recurrent and capital expenditure in the budget estimate is 35.89 per cent and 64.11 per cent respectively.  

The size of the budget of the Madhes Province for the next fiscal year has increased by 6.17 per cent as compared to the current fiscal year.

The budget size of the province for the current fiscal year was Rs. 43.89 billion.

The province has set a target to mobilise Rs. 9.50 billion resources from the internal revenue of the province, Rs. 12.73 billion from revenue sharing, Rs. 12.35 billion from revenue distribution received from the federal government, including Rs. 7.72 billion from fiscal equalisation and Rs. 4.26 billion from conditional grants, Rs. 394 million from special grant and Rs. 358 million from supplementary grant.

Of the remaining shortfall, Rs. 10.38 billion will be spent from the remaining cash balance of the current fiscal year and Rs. 2 billion will be raised from internal borrowing.

Minister Yadav said that the budget will focus on maximum utilisation of available resources to reduce dependence on the federal government by investing in agriculture, tourism and agro-based industries, agricultural modernization, production and productivity growth, youth entrepreneurship, innovation and employment generation, and making the economy of Madhes Province self-reliant, prosperous and strong.

The budget for the upcoming fiscal year is directed to minimise negative impacts of climate change by minimising exploitation of natural resources and making sustainable and equitable use of available natural resources in the process of development and construction.

The budget is oriented towards creating an investment-friendly environment and encouraging the private sector to carry out development and construction works through public-private partnerships, thereby creating employment opportunities in the province itself, he said.

The necessary budget has been allocated for the promotion of the major tourist destinations of the entire Madhes Province, as well as Janakpurdham, at the international level, including India, with the main theme of "Visit Madhes".

----------------------------------------------------------

 Provincial Budget Table (Amount in Rs. Billion):

Province	Budget (Rs.)	Recurrent Expenditure (Rs.)	Capital Expenditure (Rs.)	Transfers to Local Level (Rs.)
Koshi	35.88	18.67 (52.0%)	17.10 (47.7%)	4.77
Madhes	46.98	16.72 (35.9%)	30.26 (64.1%)	-
Bagmati	67.47	26.04 (38.1%)	41.43 (61.0%)	-
Gandaki	31.97	12.63 (39.5%)	19.09 (59.7%)	-
Lumbini	38.91	12.01 (30.9%)	23.47 (60.3%)	3.42 (8.8%)
Sudurpaschim	33.47	10.21 (30.5%)	19.83 (59.3%)	3.43 (10.2%)

----------------------------------------------------------

Sudurpaschim: Rs. 33.47 billion

Minister for Economic Affairs of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Government Bahadur Singh Thapa unveiled a budget of Rs 33.47 billion for the FY 2025/26 at the provincial assembly on Sunday.

Out of the total budget, Rs. 10.21 billion (30.49 per cent) is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Rs. 19.83 billion (59.25 per cent) has been set aside for capital expenditure. Likewise, Rs. 3.43 billion (10.24 per cent) is allocated for inter-governmental fiscal transfers, and Rs. 10 million for financial management.

Minister Thapa informed that Rs. 1.65 billion is expected to be generated through internal revenue mobilisation next year. Furthermore, the province anticipates receiving Rs. 9.87 billion from revenue-sharing, Rs. 80 million from royalty-sharing, and Rs. 8.93 billion as financial equalisation grants - all from the federal government.

The province also expects to utilise Rs. 7.66 billion in unspent funds from the current fiscal year, Rs. 4.16 billion through conditional grants, Rs. 602.6 million in supplementary grants and and Rs. 516 million in special grants from the federal government.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development received the highest allocation of Rs. 15.40 billion. Minister Thapa also announced budget provisions for the Chief Minister's Housing Programme.

Rs. 704 million is earmarked for programmes to promote the cultivation and commercialisation of legumes, oilseeds, spring rice, and livestock farming. The province aims to develop itself as a seed and seedling hub, with corresponding budgetary allocations made.

Likewise, Rs. 3.30 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives. The government has also earmarked funds for the development of Bankabir as a tourist destination, and for the conservation of Tharu Maruwa culture and the endangered dolphin species.

Minister Thapa has earmarked Rs. 2.34 billion for the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment. Likewise, Rs. 230 million has been allocated for establishing one model provincial school in each of the 32 constituencies.

Rs. 76.5 million has been set aside for MBBS scholarhips, while the Ministry of Social Development has received a total of Rs. 7.07 billion. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law has been allocated Rs. 360.4 million.

 

Bagmati: Rs. 67.47

Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of the Batmati Province, Kundan Raj Kafle, announced a budget of Rs. 67.47 billion for FY 2025/26. This marks an increase of Rs. 3 billion compared to the current FY's budget of Rs. 64.54 billion.

For the upcoming year, Rs. 26.04 billion (38.06 per cent) is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Rs. 41.43 billion (61.04 per cent) has been earmarked for capital expenditure. To meet the expenses, the provincial government has set a target to collect Rs. 28.87 billion through taxes and Rs. 6.79 billion from other sources.

Presenting the budget at the Bagmati provincial assembly, Minister Kafle said that Chitwan would be developed as a tourism hub and a film city will be established at Dangduge Hill in Dolakha. The minister prioritised agricultural production, introducing a 'One Ward, One Agriculture' programme.

The government will manage the market for agricultural produce and arrange agricultural ambulances. Efforts will be made to boost dairy production, organise the milk market, and upgrade the powdered milk factory.

The provincial hospital will be developed as a trauma centre. Free insurance will be provided for economically disadvantaged citizens. A budget of Rs. 350 million has been allocated to the Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences.

Likewise, the ongoing programme at the provincial hospital, which serves as a guardian to orphaned children, will be continued. The Ministry of Social Development has been allocated a budget of Rs. 4.35 billion.

In the sports sector, Rs. 90 million has been allocated for the construction of a stadium in Godawari of Lalitpur district. Further allocations have been made for stadiums in Makawanpur and Dolakha, and for the construction of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur. Similarly, a multi-purpose sports ground will be built in each electoral constituency. The Ministry of Sports received an allocation of Rs. 1.16 billion.

The government will discourage the opening of new road tracks. Programmes such as the Janata Aawas and the replacement of thatched roofs will be continued. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure has got a budget allocation of Rs. 24.80 billion.

Priority will be given to lift irrigation projects. The Narayani–Khageri irrigation system will be further improved. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Irrigation received Rs. 7.28 billion.

 

Karnali: Budget delayed

Meanwhile, in Karnali, main opposition CPN Maoist Centre caused delay in the budget presentation.

The CPN Maoist Centre said that it would not allow the government unless the party was apprised of projects included in project banks of the provincial government. The Karanli provincial government decided to include all major projects of the province in the project banks and allocate the budget accordingly.

But the main opposition accused the government of not informing them about the budget. Although efforts were underway to forge consensus, no agreement was reached by 10 pm on Sunday.

Constitutionally, province governments should unveil budget on Asar 1 (June 15).

(Prepared jointly with Laxman Kafle with inputs from Abinash Chaudhary in Dhangadhi, Shaligram Nepal in Chitwan, Phadindra Adhikari and Ramesh Poudel in Pokhara, Laxman Paudel in Bhairahawa and Dharbendra Kumar Jha in Janakpurdham)

 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 June 2025. 

4th edition of 'Bhojanlipi Swad' on June 29

Kathmandu, June 15

The fourth edition of 'Bhojanlipi Swad', a culinary event based on the cooking skills of international chefs Ghanashyam Kandel and Durga Khadka, is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu on June 29, which is also National Paddy Day.

The event is being organised by the Nepali Cuisine Promotion Campaign to coincide with the Paddy Day.

According to the campaign coordinator, Devi Prasad Sapkota, the programme will focus on the promotion of dishes made from paddy and dairy products. The exact time and venue will be announced in a few days, he said at a press conference organised in Kathmandu on Sunday.

The food festival will also feature the promotion of seasonal agricultural produce such as buttermilk, honey, ghee, mustard oil, and Nepali coffee. Earlier, the third edition of the event was held in Kathmandu on June 1.  

Chef Kandel, the creator of 'Bhojanlipi Swad', said that it is appropriate to connect Nepali cuisine with Nepali culture and spirituality. Emphasising that people today seek more than just taste, he expressed his belief that Nepali food could offer the world a precious, medicine-like gift.

He is a researcher of both Nepali and international culinary tastes, and has recently published a world-class cookbook titled 'Timur'. Additionally, a co-authored Bhojanlipi cookbook with fellow chef Durga Khadka is due to be released soon.

Chef Kandel has contributed to the hospitality sector by training hundreds of chefs in more than 40 restaurants, both in Nepal and abroad.

The campaign has been further enriched by the experience-sharing of prominent Nepali chefs including Govinda Narasingh KC, Ganesh Dhakal, Laxman Prasad Bhandari, Shiva Hari Ghimire, and the younger generation such as Purna Shrestha, Ajubi Chamling, and Ingwa Subba. This collaboration has helped the campaign gain national and international recognition in a short time, said Kandel.

According to Sapkota, the campaign plans to organise 100 editions of Bhojanlipi Swad in Nepal and abroad.

So far, dishes made from agricultural produce of 35 districts, including Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, Dolakha, Dhanusha, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kaski, Myagdi, Baglung, Rolpa, and Jumla, are featured in the campaign.

The campaign aims to gradually incorporate agricultural produce from all 77 districts of Nepal. Sapkota called on farmers across the country to join the campaign as a means of marketing their products.

According to him, hotel entrepreneurs from various parts of the country have shown keen interest in hosting future editions. The campaign also plans to work directly with farmers to present their products as delicious dishes in major cities. It will coordinate the marketing of produce such as grains, fruits, milk, fish, and meat.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 June 2025. 

CIT, Rurukshetra agree to implement pension scheme for CHV

Kathmandu, June 15

The Citizens Investment Trust (CIT) and Rurukshetra Rural Municipality in Gulmi district have entered an agreement to implement the Citizen Pension Scheme for Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs).

The initiative aims to provide social security to women working at the grassroots level in public health, the CIT informed in a statement on Sunday.

The agreement was formally signed by CIT Executive Director Parbat Kumar Karki and Rurukshetra's Chairperson Yadu Gyawali.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Karki assured that contributions made under the scheme would remain secure and that eligible participants would receive pension benefits upon retirement. He also urged self-employed individuals and other locals to join the scheme to secure their financial future.

Likewise, Gyawali welcomed the initiative and expressed confidence in active participation from the community. “This scheme will serve as a significant milestone in recognising the invaluable service of our health volunteers and ensuring their long-term welfare,” he said.

As per the agreement, a monthly contribution of Rs. 830 per health volunteer will be deposited into the CIT from the municipality-operated Volunteer Welfare Fund. The fund is managed under the FCHV Welfare Fund of the rural municipality.

Withdrawals, loans, or disbursements from the individual accounts under this scheme will be permitted only on the recommendation of the municipality. Upon reaching the age of 60, participants will be eligible to receive either a lump-sum amount or a regular pension, in line with the Pension Scheme Operational Procedure, 2076 BS.

Moreover, volunteers who have completed five years under the scheme will be eligible to take a loan of up to 80 per cent of their accumulated savings, again based on the municipality’s recommendation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 June 2025.