Litmus Industries begins aluminum rod production

Kathmandu, Mar. 28

Litmus Industries Limited has inaugurated Nepal’s first aluminum rod manufacturing plant as part of its new initiative, Litmus 2.0.

The production plant in Ramgram, Hakui of Nawalparasi, will help in reducing the import of aluminum rods, the company said in a statement.

A furnace firing ceremony was held on Wednesday to mark the launch of the production.

Currently, Nepal imports aluminum rods to meet the growing demand in the wires, cables, and conductors sector. “The establishment of this plant will significantly reduce import dependency by ensuring a steady and high-quality supply of aluminum rods within the country. By localising production, Litmus Industries aims to help decrease Nepal’s trade deficit and retain valuable revenue within the national economy,” read the statement.

The company also said that the plant is expected to develop skills and technical expertise in Nepal’s aluminum and electrical industries.

It termed the industrial initiative a major achievement for Litmus Industries Limited as well as a strategic milestone for the nation’s manufacturing sector.

By promoting local production and industrialisation, this initiative is poised to attract both domestic and foreign investments, further strengthening Nepal’s economic stability, it said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 March 2025.    

MoF stresses fiscal discipline and policy focus for FY 2024/25 budget

Kathmandu, Mar. 27

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has concluded discussions with 16 ministries regarding the formulation of budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024/25.

As part of this process, a discussion was held with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation on Thursday, the MoF informed in a statement.

During these discussions, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel urged that policy shifts be prioritised over mere budget figures.

According to the statement, he emphasised the core principles and spirit of federalism, the roles of the federal, provincial, and local governments, and the need to transfer programmes and projects currently under the federal government to the appropriate provincial and local levels.

He noted that federalism cannot be strengthened if the federal government continues to carry out tasks meant for the provincial and local levels.

Likewise, DPM Paudel called for a review of all past programmes and plans, focusing on federal projects while discontinuing, reducing, or adjusting certain programmes. He stressed the importance of continuing only essential programmes and incorporating smart initiatives that align with the changing times and public needs. He also requested that projects costing less than Rs. 30 million should not be included in the budget.

Similarly, DPM Paudel highlighted the need to prioritise projects and programmes that are ready for study and implementation. He urged ministries to submit realistic proposals that do not require reallocation or adjustments in funds.

He assured that the upcoming budget would be disciplined and realistic, taking into account available resources while addressing public aspirations and national priorities.

About a couple of days ago, the MoF had held discussions with sectoral ministries, emphasising budget allocation and capital expenditure.

The ministry has been conducting separate consultations with relevant ministries, and the National Planning Commission. It believes that better coordination among these three entities—ministries, the commission, and the MoF—will enhance a sense of ownership in implementation and yield better outcomes.

Previously, the MoF had held discussions with ministries related to physical and urban development, communications, education, defence, home affairs, sports, land reforms, agriculture, drinking water, federal affairs, industry, health, energy, and women and children.

Further discussions will be conducted with the remaining ministries as part of the budget preparation process.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 March 2025.    

House should not be obstructed over irrelevant issue

Kathmandu, Mar. 27

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the opposition parties have disrupted the Parliament by making unnecessary fuss over an irrelevant issue.

Speaking at the inaugural programme of the 8^th International Women's Entrepreneurs Trade Fair on Thursday, Prime Minister Oli said that the House should not be obstructed over the transfer of an employee within a particular institution by turning a non-issue into a subject of debate.

He expressed concern that the House had been disrupted to influence the passage of bills meant to replace ordinances, which were set to be approved by March 31.

“A person who has worked in the same institution for years has been given responsibility, which should be appreciated. However, instead of praising what deserves praise, false appreciation has been given where it is not due. Similarly, baseless criticisms have been directed where they are not warranted,” said Prime Minister Oli.

According to him, attempts are being made to create terror under the guise of protests.

On March 28, there will be rallies and gatherings at two locations in Kathmandu. They will take place and conclude. That is all. There is no need to exaggerate this into something bigger than it is.

PM Oli said that colonial and feudal structures had held back Nepali society as a whole, with women being even more disadvantaged. However, he noted that through struggle and sacrifice, society had transformed and progressed on the path of development.

He further stated that while the country had been significantly underdeveloped during the Panchayat era, it was now moving forward with comprehensive development.

In particular, he emphasised that under his leadership, large-scale and strategically important projects had advanced, leaving no reason for despair.

Also speaking at the programme, senior social activist Anuradha Koirala and others were honoured by the Prime Minister. The trade fair, which runs until March 31, features an exhibition of Nepali goods produced by women entrepreneurs. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 March 2025.    

ILO and NHRC sign MoU to promote labour rights

Kathmandu, Mar. 26

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in promoting and protecting fundamental labour rights in Nepal.

Labour rights are fundamental human rights, ensuring dignity, equality, and protection for all workers, the ILO said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by Numan Özcan, Country Director of the ILO Country Office for Nepal, and Murari Prasad Kharel, Secretary of the NHRC.

"It marks a crucial step towards ensuring decent work conditions and fostering social justice in Nepal," read the statement.

Recognising the intrinsic link between labour rights and human rights, the MoU aims to advance the objectives outlined in international labour conventions and recommendations. According to the ILO, the partnership will focus on promoting fair and inclusive employment practices, protecting migrant workers, and reinforcing national mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing labour standards.

Strengthening NHRC’s ability to monitor and investigate labour rights violations under national laws and ILO conventions and developing initiatives to support human rights defenders, and other stakeholders in advancing labour rights and gender equality are the priorities of the MoU, according to the statement. 

Likewise, implementing the fundamental labour rights in Nepal, safeguarding the rights of Nepali migrant workers and conducting studies on labour and migrant workers' rights and ensuring compliance with fundamental labour rights are the other priorities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kharel reaffirmed NHRC’s commitment to strengthening labour rights as an essential component of human rights.

Likewise, Özcan said, "The MoU is a commitment to work together to protect the rights of workers and ensure that labour rights are treated as human rights. When people are denied fair wages, forced to work in unsafe conditions, or silenced, it is not just a labour issue but a human rights issue."

Chairperson of NHRC, Top Bahadur Magar, emphasised that the MoU aims to promote and implement fundamental labour rights. He pointed out that Article 34 of Nepal’s Constitution guarantees every worker the right to fair labour practices, dignity, fair treatment, and social security, reinforcing the shared commitment of NHRCN and the ILO in these areas.

The MoU, set to remain in effect for five years, signifies a strategic effort to foster sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This collaboration underscores the shared vision of NHRC and the ILO in advancing labour rights, reducing inequality, and ensuring the well-being of workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors such as migrant labour.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 March 2025.    

PM Oli to leave for Thailand on April 1

Kathmandu, Mar. 26

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is paying an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 1 to 5 April 2025.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Wednesday that he is embarking on the five-day visit of Thailand at the invitation of the Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

This will be the first-ever Official Visit by the Prime Minister of Nepal to Thailand.

During the visit, PM Oli will hold official talks with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and discuss various areas of bilateral relations between Nepal and Thailand.

Following the official bilateral engagements, the Prime Minister will lead a Nepali delegation to the Sixth Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to be hosted by the Government of Thailand on 4 April in Bangkok.

PM Oli will address the summit on the same day, informed the MoFA.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BIMSTEC member states on the margins of the summit.

PM Oli will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, and high-ranking government officials, representatives of private sector and media persons.

PM Oli and his delegation will return to Nepal on April 5.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 March 2025.    

IME, IXI launch technical school in Kathmandu

 Kathmandu, Mar. 25

IME Group and IXI Corp have launched Kathmandu Technical School (KTS) to meet the demand for skilled manpower in the job market.

Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, officially inaugurated the school at a special ceremony held on at the premises of KTS in Dhumbarahi of Kathmandu.

This school will provide training in over three dozen employment-oriented and self-employment-oriented disciplines, including hospitality, culinary arts, caregiving, barista training, and bartending. It aims to produce more than 100,000 skilled professionals over the next decade.

In its two-and-a-half-decades-long business journey, IME Group has established and operated numerous industries and projects across various sectors, including banking and finance, insurance, tourism and hospitality, tourism infrastructure, hydropower, and manufacturing.

More than 25,000 people are directly employed by companies under the IME Group, and the group has also supported an equal or even greater number in becoming self-employed.

IXI Corp is engaged in alternative investment, alternative energy, alternative education, technology, and public policy sectors.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Minister Bhandari stated that only the combination of skills, employment, entrepreneurship, and capital could resolve the problems of unemployment and poverty. Therefore, the government has prioritised partnerships with the private sector.

He highlighted that the production of technical manpower is a government priority and expressed the government's readiness to support the private sector in skills development and technical workforce production.

The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and IME Group, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that this school would play a crucial role in providing employment and self-employment opportunities to thousands of youths.

He also urged the government to encourage and support the establishment and operation of technical schools and training centres.

“Even if someone chooses to go abroad instead of seeking employment or self-employment within Nepal, having skills ensures better job opportunities and higher wages. This will also have a positive impact on the country’s remittance earnings. Our goal is to empower young people with skills,” he said.

Manoj Poudel, Chairman of KTS, said that the school aims to provide world-class training and education to young people. “This school will not only prepare individuals for employment abroad but will also create various opportunities within Nepal,” he said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 March 2025.    

E-governance blueprint should be more inclusive

 Kathmandu, Mar. 25

The Information Security Response Team Nepal (NPCERT) and the Centre for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation (CSRI) Nepal have provided their recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and security of the government's E-Governance Blueprint 2081.

These two institutions have shared their perspectives and suggestions to make the blueprint more inclusive, effective and future-oriented.

The E-Governance Board, under the Prime Minister's Office, had introduced the draft of the E-Governance Blueprint with a strategy to enhance economic transparency and competitiveness through electronic governance.

In the process of collecting feedback from stakeholders, CSRI Nepal and NPCERT have emphasised the need to focus on strengthening institutional structures, cybersecurity and risk management.

The NPCERT has highlighted the necessity of clarifying the roles of government bodies while stressing the need to strengthen institutional structures and enhance cybersecurity. It has suggested establishing a central body based on legal frameworks to effectively monitor e-governance programmes and improve coordination between ministries and departments.

To make the E-Governance Blueprint clearer and more specific, NPCERT has recommended aligning it with the Digital Nepal Framework.

Likewise, it has proposed the establishment of a national data centre, strengthening the cyber security centre and promoting cloud computing. It also suggested implementing data protection laws and ensuring the security of digital identity systems.

Similarly, CSRI Nepal has emphasised the ethical use of digital services and the importance of fostering public trust. According to it, maintaining trust between the government and citizens is essential, as digital services can play a crucial role in citizen empowerment.

To bridge the digital divide, CSRI Nepal has called for improvements in internet and other infrastructure in rural areas, along with the implementation of digital literacy programmes across all seven provinces.

It also advocated for the use of technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that response systems are secure and transparent.

CSRI Nepal has also suggested updating the National Penal Code and other legal provisions to align Nepal’s cyber laws with global cybersecurity practices.

Moreover, it has proposed the establishment of IT departments in all ministries, collaboration between federal, provincial and local governments to develop a digital ecosystem, and entrusting universities with the responsibility of incorporating digital governance into academic curricula.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 March 2025.