Candidates vow to tap ICT's power for development

Kathmandu, Feb. 27

Political parties said on Friday that the development of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector should move towards implementation and beyond inclusion in election manifestos.

Speaking at the second edition of Digital Leadership Dialogue organised by ICT Foundation Nepal in Kathmandu, leaders of several parties acknowledged that the time has come to translate manifesto commitments into action.

They said IT has now become a shared national agenda rather than only an electoral issue.

Their commitments included promoting digital governance, infrastructure development, reducing the digital divide, strengthening skills development, improving digital literacy, and prioritising STEM education.

Anand Raj Khanal, President of Nepal Digital Lead and former Senior Director of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, said that while political manifestos prioritise ICT, they lack a realistic assessment of current challenges.

"Future-oriented commitments would remain unfulfilled if present issues are not addressed," he said.

Shree Gurung of the Ujyalo Nepal Party proposed allocating at least one per cent of national income to innovation, start-ups and technology. According to him, Nepal’s green energy and water resources could support the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

Gajendra Budhathoki of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party said that long-term investment in IT has been limited and attributed existing progress largely to private sector efforts. According to him, resources needed for ITC sector development could be managed by checking the revenue leakage.

Keshav Aryal of the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party stressed the need for individuals with ICT expertise in policymaking roles.

Likewise, Dr. Netra Timilsina of the CPN-UML called for increased state investment in digital infrastructure. Dr. Beduram Bhusal of the Nepali Communist Party acknowledged weak implementation of past commitments.

Similarly, Rajan Koirala of the Rastriya Swatantra Party said that time has come to materialise the commitments made by the political parties and the government. He expressed concerns over the human resource mismatch as well.

Dr. Amita Pradhan of the Nepali Congress also emphasised implementation and policy strengthening while also creating basic mechanism for the ICT development.  

Bijay Babu Shiwakoti of the Gatisheel Loktantrik Party urged utilisation of the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund for expanding digital infrastructure. He also said that the government should implement programmes to support start-ups and youth entrepreneurship in IT sector.  

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 February 2026.     

STC Auto launches Ampere

Kathmandu, Feb. 27

Indian electric scooter Ampere has been introduced in the Nepali market.

The scooters are produced by Greaves Electric Mobility and brought to Nepal by STC Auto Solution Pvt. Ltd. STC Auto Solution has launched two Ampere models - Nexus and Magnus Neo scooters.

The company informed that Ampere scooters use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The scooters have been tested in temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. "The LFP batteries have a lifecycle of up to 2,000 charge cycles and come with a warranty of either 75,000 kilometres or five years," said the company.

The scooters feature a reinforced chassis, twin suspension and integrated smart technologies.

The company said that Magnus Neo is equipped with a 2.5 kW motor and a 2.3 kWh lithium battery pack. The company claims a range of up to 100 kilometres on a single full charge.

The scooter has a loading capacity of 150 kg, and a ground clearance of 165 mm. It offers low, high and reverse riding modes. The price has been set at Rs 300,000.

Likewise, the Nexus model is powered by a 3.9 kW motor and a 3 kWh LFP battery pack. "It delivers a range of up to 107 kilometres on a single charge. The battery can be fully charged at home in approximately three hours and 30 minutes," said the company.

The mid-mounted motor scooter offers five riding modes, including reverse. It features alloy wheels, disc brakes, full LED lighting, a USB charger and connectivity functions. The model has been launched at a price of Rs. 335,000.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 February 2026.     

Dhakal calls for postponing Nepal’s LDC transition

Kathmandu, Feb. 27

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has called for postponing Nepal’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a 'developing nation'.

Nepal is scheduled for graduation in November 2026.

Speaking at a meeting with newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator Lila Peters Yahya in Kathmandu on Friday, Dhakal said that Nepal remains structurally unprepared for the transition.

According to him, the FNCCI has formally requested that the graduation be deferred by three years, until November 2029, following extensive consultations with the business community.

"The objective of this request is to ensure that Nepal’s graduation is sustainable and beneficial to the population, rather than symbolic. Nepal only recently met the per capita income threshold and continues to face high economic vulnerability," said Dhakal.

He added that while banks have liquidity and private sector investment appetite remains weak, a premature graduation could create additional challenges.

Referring to Bangladesh’s request for a similar extension, he said Nepal’s private sector demand is also relevant. Bangladesh and Laos are scheduled to graduate together.

Dhakal highlighted challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, stating that around 300,000 agro-based industries could be affected by rising costs and the withdrawal of trade preferences in European markets following graduation.

Likewise, Yahya suggested that discussions involving the UN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the government and private sector could help reach a conclusion on the proposed extension.

She also emphasised the need for predictable policies and trust in national institutions to support economic development, the FNCCI informed in a statement.

She suggested aligning strategies for import substitution and export promotion accordingly and expressed interest in the upcoming elections and the post-election economic outlook.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 February 2026.     

Bardaghat SME Village seen as growth engine

Kathmandu, Feb. 26

Investors have expressed confidence that the Bardaghat SME Village will contribute to the economic development of Nawalparasi.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), with support from the Bardaghat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Bardaghat Industry and Trade Association, and the CNI Youth Entrepreneurs Forum in Bardadhat on Thursday, they said it would help in creating employment and using local raw materials.

Acting President of the CNI, Nirvana Chaudhary, said the organisation has remained committed to promoting entrepreneurship and that the Bardaghat SME Village should be developed as a pilot project and model industrial village. He stated that the initiative could help promote small and medium-sized enterprises in the area.

Chaudhary also noted that industrial villages are necessary as a significant portion of investment is required for land acquisition when establishing industries. He said the presence of large industries and road infrastructure in Nawalparasi has created conditions favourable for the development of small and medium enterprises.

Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Shekhar Golchha, noted that unemployment remains a major issue in Nepal and that many young people have gone abroad for work, adding that industrial development is necessary to create jobs and support economic growth.

He said industrial villages could support industrialisation and added that the Golchha Group is positive about bringing industries to the area.

Likewise, Former CNI President Vishnu Kumar Agarwal said the contribution of manufacturing industries to gross domestic product has declined to about five per cent. He said efforts are needed to increase the sector’s share and referred to industrial parks in Bangladesh and India as examples. He also said there are plans to expand the MAW Skill Academy to the area, which already operates in Kathmandu and Janakpur.

CNI Vice-President Rohit Gupta said he was able to establish the Kajaria Tiles industry in Bardaghat within a year due to local support. He stressed the need to develop the SME Village alongside large industries.

President of the BCCI, Lekh Nath Neupane, said industrial villages are essential to promote small industries. Similarly, Bardaghat Industry and Trade Association Vice-President Lilahari Paudel said the area’s proximity to the Indian border facilitates the import of raw materials and export of finished goods.

CNI Lumbini Province President Ejaz Alam said the area’s infrastructure and proximity to Rupandehi make it suitable for industrial expansion.

Similarly, CEO of Nabil Bank, Manoj Gyawali, said the presence of more than 250 financial institutions has improved access to finance and that the bank has been supporting entrepreneurship and skills development.

Chair of the CNI Youth Entrepreneurs Forum Lumbini, Rajan Kasaju, said young people are starting businesses in Nepal and stressed the need for policies to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce outward migration.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 February 2026.     

Dominance of the 40–49 Age Group Among Candidates

• 3,406 candidates are contesting under the first-past-the-post (direct) system. Of these, 3,017 are male, 388 are female, and 1 candidate represents ‘other’ groups.
• Under the proportional representation system, 3,135 candidates are in the electoral race. Among them, 1,772 are male, and 1,363 are female.

 

Kathmandu, Feb. 26

Elections for the 275 members of the House of Representatives (HoR) are being held on March 5. Fresh elections have been called after the HoR, formed following the 2022 elections, was dissolved after the Gen Z-led protests of 23 and 24 Bhadra.

Under the first-past-the-post (direct) electoral system, 165 members will be elected, while 110 members will be chosen through the proportional representation system. Altogether, 6,541 candidates are contesting under both systems, of whom 275 will be elected.

In the direct category, 65 political parties are contesting under 61 election symbols. Likewise, in the proportional category, 63 political parties are contesting under 57 election symbols.

There are 3,406 candidates in the direct elections - 3,017 men, 388 women, and 1 candidate from the ‘other’ groups. In the proportional system, 3,135 candidates are contesting, including 1,772 men and 1,363 women.

In both electoral systems, the highest number of candidates falls within the 40–49 age group. In the direct system, there are 201 candidates under the age of 30, and 749 candidates aged 30–39.

The 40–49 age group accounts for 1,077 candidates. There are 894 candidates aged 50–59, 395 aged 60–69, 83 aged 70–79, and 7 candidates aged over 80.

Similarly, in the proportional system, the 40–49 age group dominates. There are 168 candidates under 30, 686 aged 30–39, and 991 aged 40–49. A total of 741 candidates are aged 50–59, 419 are aged 60–69, 118 are aged 70–79, and 12 are over 80.

Among the total candidates, approximately 31 per cent belong to the Khas/Arya community. Specifically, 34.50 per cent are Khas/Arya, 27.30 per cent are from indigenous nationalities, 24.87 per cent are Madhesi, 6.75 per cent are Dalit, 3.99 per cent are Muslim, and 2.58 per cent are Tharu.

In the upcoming election, the total number of registered voters stands at 18,903,689, of whom 9,663,358 are men and 9,240,131 are women. For the election, 10,967 polling stations and 23,112 polling centres have been designated.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 February 2026.     

Jyoti Group, Rich's India to collaborate on food service

Kathmandu, Feb. 25

Padma Jyoti Group has expanded its collaboration with Rich’s India to strengthen the development of Nepal’s food service and culinary sector.

The two companies said in a statement that the expanded agreement aims to improve customer engagement, support chef training, and introduce global culinary trends suited to the Nepali market.

Rich’s, part of Rich Products Corporation, was established in 1945 and has operated in India for more than 30 years. The company is known for its non-dairy whipped toppings and products used in bakeries, desserts and food service. It has been present in Nepal for about two decades. "The new agreement is intended to expand its activities beyond distribution and focus on technical support and market development," read the statement.

Under the collaboration, the companies plan to provide technical training, product demonstrations and knowledge-sharing programmes for chefs, bakers and food service operators across Nepal. According to Padma Jyoti Group, the initiative is expected to help professionals adopt international practices and maintain consistency in food quality.

The Group said it will use its distribution network and market presence to support the expansion. The partnership will also provide technical guidance and product support to businesses in the retail, bakery and hospitality sectors.

The group entered the fast-moving consumer goods sector in 2007 through Sun International Incorporated, which distributes ice cream and frozen desserts across Nepal. The company has expanded its distribution network in recent years.

According to the Group, the partnership reflects its focus on bringing international food products and practices to Nepal.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 February 2026.     

Missions struggle to find resources to rescue Nepalis from scam centres

Kathmandu, Feb. 25

The rescue of Nepali citizens who have been involved in online scamming centres operating in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and other east Asian countries is affected by lack of financial resources.

It also has delayed the rescue operation and repatriation activities.

"Officials from the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok need to travel to other countries like Cambodia and stay there. If we make any correspondence instead of visiting the respective country to complete the rescue and repatriation, the entire process is delayed," Prakash Adhikari, Chief of South East Asia and the Pacific Division at the MoFA said at a programme organised at the Ministry on Wednesday.

Since the mission doesn't get additional budget to conduct such activities and has to manage with meagre resources available, it sometimes requests the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and local non-government organsiations (NGOs) to facilitate in the process.

NRN's support is sought while rescuing Nepalis from the online scamming centres in Cambodia and Laos while local NGOs helped in similar operation in Myanmar, said Adhikari. The mission, that also has the responsibility of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), is understaffed.

The process of repatriation is also delayed if Nepalis weren't sent to Nepal immediately. If the repatriation is delayed even by a day, they had to undergo an anti-human trafficking screening which generally takes about a month.

"If we could hold an immediate dialogue with the Thai authorities and repatriate our citizens on the same day via connecting flights, they need not to wait for the screening," said Adhikari. This screening is also conducted to check if the victim is genuine and hadn't acted as an agent to the scam centres.

Adhikari informed that on an average it takes 2.5 months to 3 months to bring back a Nepali national after rescuing from the scam centre. This period could be longer in case of Cambodia since Nepal doesn't have its mission there and needs to rely on Nepali community or NRNA.

According to Adhikari, as per the rule, support can't be mobilised from the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund if the workers hadn't obtained labour permit from the government.

However, since it is the duty of the country to rescue its official in trouble abroad, the MoFA is in dialogue with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security to manage resources. Discussions now are focused on forming a joint mechanism to create a fund and facilitate the rescue and repatriation activities.

"We are also studying the effective mechanism implemented by other countries," said Adhikari.

Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, Spokesperson of the MoFA, said that although the concerned agencies are coordinating for such operations, it is yet to be effective.

Likewise, Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, Chief of Labour Migration and Nepali Diaspora Coordination Division, said that hundreds of Nepalis are employed by the scam centres. "It is difficult to locate them and reach out to our people as they are in conflict-prone areas and the operators use satellite phone," he said.

The number of Nepalis rescued by the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok has been significantly going up in the past three years. In 2023/24, the Embassy rescued and repatriated 68 Nepalis from the scam centres. The number went up to 156 in 2024/25 while in the past seven and a half months of the current year, 168 individuals were sent back to Nepal. The crisis came to the surface in 2022.

About 248 Nepalis are waiting rescue in Cambodia.

Many individuals are required to pay substantial fines during the return process from Cambodia and, in some cases, serve long prison sentences in accordance with Cambodian immigration laws.

Bhattarai said that most of the Nepalis recruited by the scam centres were educated with most of them completing the bachelor's level and speaking in English.

For example, one of the four Nepalis rescued earlier this month had completed undergraduate studies in Thailand and had been working as a hotel receptionist, but reported travelling to Myanmar after being lured by the prospect of higher earnings.

"Another individual from Dang said that he had previously worked as a computer operator at a government office in Dang for several years," the Embassy had informed in a statement.

The Embassy and the MoFA have repeatedly urged Nepalis not to fall for offers of lucrative employment in Myamnar, Cambodia and the Golden Triangle region of Laos under the pretext of travelling to Thailand.

"The worrisome matter is, educated youth who know that it is risky to travel to the countries that haven't signed labour agreement with Nepal, even with individual labour permit," said Bhattarai.

He suggested that Nepali going abroad for job and education purposes should inform the respective mission upon their arrival and inform their family and friends back home.

Likewise, they should file a complaint at the police in Nepal after reaching here. But according to the MoFA, a very small number of rescued individuals has filed such cases. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 February 2026.