Minister Rana holds meeting with her Chinese counterpart

 Kathmandu, may 30

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held a bilateral meeting in Hong Kong on Friday.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of Dr Rana’s visit to China’s Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, to attend the signing ceremony of a treaty on the establishment of an International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), in the capacity of a representative from an observer nation.

She is in Hong Kong upon the invitation of Minister Wang.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the ongoing celebrations of the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China being marked this year along with the bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.  

FM Dr. Rana expressed Nepal’s expectation for continued Chinese assistance in the days to come, especially in economic, technical, technology transfer, and foreign direct investment sectors. She also expressed gratitude for the past and ongoing development supports to Nepal from China as well as the latter's participation in the recently concluded Sagarmatha Dialogue held a couple of weeks ago in Kathmandu.

Likewise, she reiterated Nepal’s consistent adherence to the One-China Policy and affirmed that Nepali territory would not be allowed to be used against China under any circumstances.

"The meeting also touched upon recent high-level visits between the two countries, including the official visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to China in December last year, and the implementation of the agreements and understandings reached during that visit," read the statement.

FM Dr. Rana invited Chinese Foreign Minister Wang to visit Nepal during the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral relations between Nepal and China. In response, he accepted the invitation and confirmed his intention to travel Nepal, said the MoFA.

She added that since the year 2025 is being celebrated as Nepal Visit Year to mark the anniversary, Nepal is keen to welcome a higher number of Chinese tourists this year.

Likewise, Minister Wang expressed China’s readiness to cooperate with Nepal in the areas of climate change mitigation and environmental protection.

According to the statement, he reaffirmed that China’s support to Nepal would continue in the future and noted that coordination between the two countries could be further strengthened through the newly established international mediation organisation under China’s initiative.

Minister Wang also urged Nepal to move forward with the implementation of agreements and understandings reached during Prime Minister Oli’s visit to China.

He also extended invitation to FM Dr. Rana, on behalf of the Chinese government, to participate in the Global Forum on Women’s Leadership.

Earlier, Dr. Rana participated as observer in the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). In a statement, the Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong informed that 32 countries signed the convention which was convened by China.

The IOMed which is established in line with the UN Charter aims to resolve disputes between states, a state and a national of another state, and private parties through mediation.

FM Dr. Rana will return to Kathmandu on Saturday.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 May 2025. 

3rd edition of 'Bhojan Lipi: Swaad' tomorrow

Kathmandu, May 30

The third edition of the culinary series 'Bhojan Lipi: Swaad', curated by international chefs Ghanshyam Kandel and Durga Khadka, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, (June 1) at Nepal House, Hattisar in Kathmandu.

The Nepali Cuisine Promotion Campaign has been organising various awareness programmes to promote Nepali food and flavours at both national and international levels.

According to the campaign’s coordinator, Devi Prasad Sapkota, there are plans to organise up to one hundred editions of 'Bhojan Lipi: Swaad' both within Nepal and abroad. The campaign has also encouraged farmers across the country to associate with the initiative in order to support the marketing of their agricultural products. Talks are underway with farmers of various parts of the country.

The third edition of the campaign will also feature musical performances, with Sadhana Kala Kendra, set to present traditional melodies using instruments like the sarangi, bansuri (flute), and madal, centre’s founder Milan Moktan informed at a press conference organised in Kathmandu on Friday.

Two editions of 'Bhojan Lipi: Swaad' have already been organised under the campaign’s coordination. Dishes have been prepared using agricultural produce from 30 districts so far, including Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, Dolakha, Dhanusha, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Baglung, Rolpa, and Jumla.

Speaking at a press conference, Rudra Sharma, Head of Nepal House Restaurant, expressed his pride in collaborating with an initiative so closely connected to Nepali soil and its farmers.

Prominent chefs such as Govinda Narsingh KC, Ganesh Dhakal, Laxman Prasad Bhandari, Shivahari Ghimire, Purna Shrestha, Ajuvi Chamling, Ingwa Subba, and several other veteran and emerging culinary experts will showcase their skills at the event.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 May 2025. 

Finance Minister unveils Rs. 1,964.11bn budget

Development allocations up, reforms get priority

Economic growth target is 6%, inflation to be contained at 5.5%

Kathmandu, May 30:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Thursday unveiled the budget of Rs. 1,964.11 billion for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/26.

Of the total allocation, Rs. 1,180.98 billion (60.1 per cent) is allocated for recurrent expenditure, Rs. 407.89 billion (20.8 per cent) for capital expenditure, and Rs. 375.24 billion (19.1 per cent) for financing arrangements.

This estimated expenditure is 5.6 per cent higher than the allocation for the current fiscal year and 18.2 per cent higher than the revised estimate, addressing the joint session of the Federal Parliament, DPM Paudel said.

The size of the budget of the current FY 2024/25 is Rs. 1,860.40 billion. Likewise, sectoral allocations include Rs. 1140.66 billion (61.31 per cent) for recurrent expenditure, Rs. 352.35 billion (18.94 per cent) for capital expenditure, and Rs. 367.28 billion (19.74 per cent) for financing.

Out of the total allocation for the next fiscal, Rs. 417.83 billion has been earmarked for fiscal transfers to provincial and local levels.

Among the sources to cover the estimated expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year, Rs. 1,315 billion will be raised through revenue, and Rs. 53.45 billion through foreign grants, leaving a deficit of Rs. 595.66 billion.

“To cover this deficit, Rs. 233.66 billion will be raised through foreign loans. Remaining Rs. 362 billion will be managed through domestic borrowing," said DPM Paudel.

The shortage of resources has persisted over the years, which is evident in the identical scenario in the budget of 2024/25 as well. This year, there is a budget deficit of Rs. 547.67 billion, and the government plans to raise Rs. 217.67 billion from foreign loans and Rs. 330 billion from domestic borrowings.

 

GDP growth estimated at 6%

Through the new budget, the government aims to achieve an economic growth rate of 6 per cent while the inflation will be limited at 5.5 per cent. For this year, the government had a target of 6.5 per cent GDP growth, but according to the estimates of the National Statistics Office, the country will achieve 4.61 per cent growth.

"I expect that the implementation of this budget will accelerate economic reform and create a favourable environment for achieving high and sustainable economic growth. I believe this budget will play a vital role in increasing private investment, expanding economic activities, fostering entrepreneurship, and diversifying the economy to create employment opportunities,” DPM Paudel said.

He also expressed his hopes that the budget will succeed in strengthening revenue mobilisation, maintaining budgetary discipline, and focusing government investment on high-return sectors. According to DPM Paudel, this will bring greater momentum to the economy and accelerate the pace of development.

He accorded priority to education, home affairs, physical infrastructure and health.

The government has removed 4,654 development projects that found their entry to the budget of this year to streamline project management.

A new standard has been enforced whereby no new infrastructure project implemented by the federal government will receive an allocation of less than Rs. 30 million. This is expected to aid in resource management for national pride and nationally prioritised projects and enhance implementation efficiency. Line ministries will be made more accountable to improve budget execution capacity and increase capital expenditure.

Likewise, the projects that have completed preparatory steps such as land acquisition and forest clearance will be moved to the procurement phase. To accelerate project execution, contract agreements will include provisions for three-shift work arrangements.

 

Facilitation to development

The Finance Minister said that to ensure timely, cost-effective, and quality completion of infrastructure projects, the Public Procurement Act will be amended, and the electronic procurement system will be upgraded.

To further ensure the smooth operation and management of development projects, standard bidding documents will be developed, revised, and localised, while project chiefs and contractors will be made more accountable for results.

Procurement preparation for the programmes and projects included in the budget can begin immediately, and contracts can be signed within the current fiscal year once the budget is approved, said DPM Paudel.

Similarly, he has stopped the trend of transferring budget from the national pride and high-priority projects, except in special circumstances. Projects costing above Rs. 250 million will be monitored via the National Dashboard System.

The government is also set to mobilise development assistance for large infrastructure projects like Dudhkoshi and Upper Arun through co-cofinancing from multiple donor agencies based on financial feasibility.

The projects operated with foreign aid will be recognised as national priority projects and will receive clearance to use forest areas accordingly. This move is expected to speed up project implementation.

It has announced several methods to ensure the development projects are completed in time and within the stipulated budget size. If project costs increase due to delayed decisions, responsible officials will be held accountable. Projects with over 80 per cent work progress will not face funding shortages.

Those responsible for preparing flawed designs and specifications leading to abnormal liabilities will be held accountable and brought within the legal framework, said DPM Paudel.

“As per the Constitution, legislation will be enacted to strengthen budget discipline across federal, provincial, and local governments. Standards for public expenditure will be drafted and applied at all three levels,” he announced.

 

Austerity measures announced

To ensure grants provided from the public treasury reach target groups and to eliminate duplication, a national grant policy based on production incentives will be formulated and implemented at all levels of government. The maximum limit for grants to be mobilised by the government will be set at 50 per cent of the total project cost.

The Finance Minister also said that the salaries and benefits of office bearers and employees of institutions, boards, committees, and public bodies receiving state-funded facilities will be reviewed and harmonised. A recommendation committee will be formed to submit a report with suggestions within three months.

To cut down the expenditures, the age threshold for receiving senior citizen allowance has been increased to 70 years. No foreign visits at the government expenses would be permitted except in cases of high-level diplomatic visits or mandatory representation in international organisations where Nepal is a member.

Likewise, without a decision of the responsible authority that a task cannot be completed within existing structures, no consultancy services will be allowed. Except for large and complex projects, supervisory consultants will not be hired.

“No consultancy services will be permitted for drafting Acts, regulations, policies, procedures, or standards,” read the budget document.

The contingency limit in construction works will also be reduced - for projects with cost estimates up to Rs. 1 billion, the contingency will be capped at 3 per cent and for those above Rs. 1 billion, at 2 per cent.

Citing resource constraints, DPM Paudel did not announce an increase in the salary of the civil servants, instead hiked the allowance to Rs. 5,000 from Rs. 2,000.

He also said that the housing programme for civil servants, teachers and security personnel will be implemented in all seven provinces, and houses will be provided to them on a loan at subsidised interest rates. 

 

Fertiliser plant to get traction

The government has allocated Rs. 28.82 billion for subsidies on chemical fertilisers for the upcoming fiscal year. Paudel said that the supply of chemical fertilisers will be increased to 600,000 tonnes from the said allocation of budget.

Necessary preparations will be made to establish a chemical fertiliser factory through the Investment Board Nepal.

The government has proposed to promote production on arable land around the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway and Madan Bhandari Highway.

The budget said that arrangements will be made to mandatorily test quality and pesticides on food grains, vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy products before selling them in the market.

Records of government and public land will be updated and protected. The government has said that land banks will be established in at least 100 local levels in the upcoming fiscal year.

The budget proposes to give high priority to legal, policy and procedural reforms necessary to promote private investment and create employment by improving the business environment.

The industries that have been granted permission to establish new industries in special economic zones and industrial areas will be given a rent exemption for the first three years. The monthly rent of the special economic zone will be reduced from Rs. 20 to Rs. 5 per square meter.

It has been proposed in the budget to encourage industries operating in the Kathmandu Valley to relocate to industrial areas outside the valley.

The budget has proposed that Nepal will be developed into an excellent destination for foreign direct investment.

 

DTAAs for FDI promotion

Investment promotion and double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) will be made with countries with investment potential.

An automated single point service centre will be established under the Investment Board Nepal and viability gap funding will be arranged to attract investment in projects in priority areas. Project development agreements worth Rs. 700 billion will be signed with the private sector and construction work of projects worth Rs. 400 billion will be started within the fiscal year 2025/26.

The budget proposed that quality standards will be determined in accordance with international standards and mutual recognition will be established with export destination countries.

Easy supply of food and salt will be ensured in remote and hilly areas. Storage capacity will be expanded for easy supply of fuel, said the DPM Paudel. The government has taken forward the construction of the Siliguri-Chaarali cross-border petroleum pipeline and storage facility.

Nepal will be branded as a safe and attractive tourist destination through infrastructure development, expansion of quality services and marketing.

The government has adopted a policy of providing income tax and electricity tariff exemptions to hotels and resorts like manufacturing industries.

Around Rs. 4.15 billion has been allocated to develop the Tribhuvan International Airport into a boutique airport by expanding its capacity to manage the increasing passenger traffic. Similarly, the Pokhara International Airport will be developed into a tourist hub.

Easy access of citizens to public information will be maintained. Transparency and accountability will be enhanced by promoting press freedom.

Partnerships will be formed with the private sector in the construction, operation and infrastructure development of data centers.

"An information technology park will be established in Kathmandu. A feasibility study will be conducted to establish a data center in the mid-hills to attract foreign investment in the information technology sector. Land, uninterrupted power supply and security will be provided to domestic and foreign companies wishing to establish a data center," read the budget.

The use of social media and digital platforms will be made dignified and systematic, said the budget.

"To sustainably solve the unemployment problem, the skills and competencies of young manpower will be developed in accordance with the demand of the labor market. I have allocated Rs. 1.99 billion for the operation of the National Employment Promotion Programme," said DPM Paudel.

 

Employment portal to be launched

An employment portal will be launched to update the details of skilled people looking for employment and connect them to the labour market.

Likewise, bilateral labour agreements will be signed with additional countries through labour diplomacy.

 Additional agreements will be signed with destination countries to ensure safety and service facilities at the workplace of women going for foreign employment.

To produce the necessary manpower based on the demand of domestic industries, "On the Job" and "Apprenticeship" programmes will be launched by revising the curriculum.

All Nepalis will be included in the life-cycle-based social security system. People who earn regular income will be included in contribution-based social security programmes.

The budget has focused on the construction of large reservoir projects. Private sector investment will be encouraged in hydropower surveying, production, transmission and distribution, said the budget.

"Micro and small hydropower, solar and wind energy will be developed for energy mix," said the budget.

Carbon emissions will be reduced by increasing the production and consumption of alternative energy, he DPM Paudel.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 May 2025 (jointly prepared with Laxman Kafle). 

Economy to grow by 4.6%

Kathmandu, May 29

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the Economic Survey for the Fiscal year 2024/25 at the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament on Thursday.

He had presented the annual economic report before the estimates of income and expenditure for the next Fiscal Year 2025/26.

"This survey highlights the state of national development during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, as well as that of the previous fiscal year," he said while informing the House that the economic growth for this year would stand at 4.61 per cent.

With this growth, the size of Nepal’s economy is estimated to reach Rs. 6.107 trillion in the current fiscal year. During this period, the agricultural sector is projected to contribute 25.16 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the industrial sector 12.83 per cent, and the services sector 62.01 per cent.

Likewise, the per capita gross national income has increased to USD 1,517. The average consumer inflation rate has remained at 4.72 per cent.

At the provincial level, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki and Bagmati are expected to exceed the national average growth rate of 4.61 per cent.

According to the Economic Survey report, by the end of Falgun (mid-March) in the current fiscal year, federal expenditure had increased by 4.7 per cent and federal revenue by 12.6 per cent.

There has been a notable rise in foreign aid commitments. During this period, the federal government's fiscal deficit stood at Rs. 16.19 billion, compared to Rs. 70.36 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. By mid-March, Nepal’s outstanding public debt had reached Rs. 2.676 trillion, equivalent to 43.8 per cent of the GDP.

Similarly, by mid-March, all local levels have at least one bank branch. On average, one branch of a bank or financial institution now serves 2,527 people.

During the same period of this year, remittance inflows grew by 9.4 per cent, reaching Rs. 1.051 trillion. Both the current account and balance of payments remained in surplus. Foreign exchange reserves are at an all-time high, sufficient to cover 14.3 months of goods and services imports. Investment approvals totalling Rs. 4.766 trillion have been granted by the Department of Industry and the Investment Board Nepal.

Export and import of merchandise increased by 11.2 per cent and 57.2 per cent during the period compared to the corresponding period of the last year 2023/24, respectively.

DPM Paudel informed that the access to electricity, including alternative energy sources, has reached 99 per cent of the population. The total installed electricity generation capacity has reached 3,602 megawatts.

The length of the road network—comprising both strategic roads built by the federal government and local roads—has reached 36,132 kilometres. Internet penetration now stands at 144.23 per cent, while 72 per cent of households have access to digital television.

Likewise, the Human Development Index (HDI) has risen to 0.622.

During the same period, access to basic drinking water services reached 96.85 per cent of the population. The number of beneficiaries receiving social security allowances stood at 3.70 million.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 May 2025. 

Prabhu adds H125 helicopter to its fleet

Kathmandu, May 29

Prabhu Helicopter Limited has added a second Airbus H125 helicopter to its fleet. The helicopter, with call sign 9N-ANT, is manufactured by the French aerospace company Airbus.
The H125 model was chosen for its exceptional reliability, safety, and efficiency in operating across Nepal's remote and high-altitude regions, according to Subhash Amatya, Chairman of Prabhu Helicopter.
The company said in a statement on Wednesday that the H125 (AS350 B3e) helicopter is equipped with advanced technology and has a seating capacity for five passengers. Known globally for its excellent performance at high altitudes, the Airbus H125 is widely used and recognised for its versatility and safety.
"The company aims to deliver high operational standards while fully complying with regulatory requirements for services including tourism, emergency medical evacuation, cargo transportation, and humanitarian rescue missions," read the statement.
Following the completion of necessary administrative and technical processes, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has approved the inclusion of the new H125 helicopter in Prabhu Helicopter’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing it to commence commercial operations.
Established a decade ago, and initially operating with a single Robinson helicopter, Prabhu Helicopter expanded its services by adding four more Robinson helicopters.
Five years ago, the company introduced its first Airbus helicopter. Based on extensive operational experience and in response to Nepal’s challenging geography, the company later decided to upgrade its fleet by phasing out all Robinson helicopters in favour of high-performance Airbus models, said the company. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 May 2025. 

On Brahma Muhurta

 I've begun to hate the religious preachers, motivational speakers and life coaches, of late," one of my friends who is a doctor at a government hospital said to me the other day. 

"Why so?" I inquired. 

His frustrations were vented due to the gurus' obsessions with 'Brahma Muhurta' and the way they define and impose its value upon the commoners as a 'heavenly time' for spiritual practices, meditation and intellectual works, including literary creations. Quite contrary to me, my friend was an early riser until he was midway through his MBBS studies. As his medical practices began, time management became a thing beyond his control. Studies, practices, social life and, although rare, recreations brought a disruption in his life. He could no longer wake up before daybreak and use 'Brahma Muhurta' for his personal benefits. 

According to Hindu philosophy, 'Brahma Muhurta' is the time of the daybreak (48 minutes before the sunrise) – a calm and fresh creator's hour. Many argue that the human mind remains calm and pure during this time, so it is ideal for meditation, creation and self-reflection. Teachers from school-level to universities in Nepal and India suggest that their students wake up before this hour and study for better retention, absorption and creation.

"Don't you see these gurus are mocking people like us – doctors, nurses, police and many others who have to remain on duty the whole night? Instead of getting good sleep for us, we are trying to make sure you get a good sleep," he said. He had a point. I haven't seen those professionals ruined in their personal, social or psychological lives just because they couldn't be ready for the 'Brahma Muhurta'. Furthermore, what about the people of the land where there is no day or night? For example, in Norway, people experience no sunset for two-and-a-half to four months.

Some parts in other Nordic countries, northern Canada and Russia also experience the same. People have to draw a heavy black curtain to create the darkness required to have a good night's sleep there. What people elsewhere haven't even thought of: people in those near-arctic regions have several weeks-long polar nights with absolutely no sun. It's night all the time, twenty-four/seven! 

There is no 'Brahma Muhurta'. It seems that the religious and philosophical scriptures exclusively talk about this part of the world and suggest the lifestyles and remedies mostly suitable for the people here. And problems with the religion are that most of the major religions - Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism - originated from this part of the world. Despite the claims by the religious preachers, the ancient or medieval practices don't fit into the fast-paced, technology-assisted modern lifestyle.

So, the geographical location or professional engagement, as well as personal choice, can deprive you of the 'Brahma Muhurta'. However, wait, you need not to worry. Many experts have suggested that you can create your own 'Brahma Muhurta' and create a time-space for your growth and creation. And that time should not necessarily be of the daybreak, it can be midnight or midday as well. Remember that the biological clock functions uniquely for every individual. You can create one or repair the existing one. 

Acharya Rajneesh also propagated the idea of 'one minute meditation' as per which you don't need to rise before 'Brahma Muhurta', perform various rituals and get ready for the meditation (yoga). Whenever – and wherever – you get a minute's time, you can perform the yoga method that suits your environment and physical situation. Rajneesh has suggested several such yoga methods for busy people.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 May 2025. 

Nepal, New Zealand agree to increase trade volume

 Kathmandu, May 29: 

Nepal and New Zealand have agreed to explore avenues to increase the bilateral trade volume and enhance the economic engagements. 

A delegation-level bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters, held in Kathmandu on Wednesday evening, also underlined the importance of cooperation in tourism considering it as an important pillar of economy in both the countries. 

“We underscored the need to share and exchange our experiences, knowledge in the field,” FM Dr. Rana said in the press briefing following the meeting with the visiting delegation. 

Both the leaders appreciated the role played by Nepali diaspora in New Zealand in bringing two countries and peoples closer and underlined the importance of people-to-people connections for sound and sustainable bilateral relations between the countries.

Seeking to further the meaningful cooperation in the areas like agriculture, trade, investment tourism, education and multilateral engagements, they stressed on regular exchange of high-level visits and expressed our commitment to maintain the momentum created in recent years. 

In the Fiscal Year 2023/24, Nepal exported goods worth Rs. 153.8 million to New Zealand and imported merchandise worth Rs. 2.14 billion. 

Likewise, cooperation enhancement on multilateral platforms was another area of discussion during the meeting. “We laid emphasis on further strengthening our cooperation through multilateral forums including the UN on various global issues such as climate change, sustainable development and multilateralism,” said FM Dr. Rana. 

FM Dr. Rana and DPM Peters recalled the contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in initiating and elevating Nepal-New Zealand relations through their ascendance to Everest and continued subsequent activities that brought our two countries and peoples closer. Hillary and Norgay reached the top of the world on May 29, 1953. 

DPM Peters said that the Himalayan Trust, established by Sir Hillary, is a symbol of deep development cooperation between the two nations. 

According to him, New Zealand will support Nepal in education, development and trade. “We both share interests in regional and global security. We have strong commitment to multilateralism and addressing global challenges together,” said DPM Peters. 

DPM Peters arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday on a two-day official visit. This is the highest-level visit from New Zealand to Nepal. 

Earlier, in the afternoon, DPM Peters called on President Ramchandra Paudel at his office in Shital Niwas on Wednesday afternoon. According to a statement issued by Ishwari Prasad Pandey, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the President, bilateral relations between Nepal and New Zealand and issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting. 

President Paudel said that such high-level visits will further strengthen the historical friendship between the two nations and bilateral cooperation. He also expressed his confidence that people-to-people relations between the two countries would be solidified through Himalayan Trust, educational exchanges and cooperation at various international platforms. 

Likewise, DPM Peters also called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar. According to PM Oli’s Secretariat, the two leaders discussed the potential for collaboration in the fields of agriculture, tourism, education, trade, and investment.

Prime Minister Oli informed that the current government, under the national aspiration of a Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali, has prioritised stability, development, good governance, social justice, and social transformation. Deputy Prime Minister Peters praised Nepal’s efforts towards development and prosperity, emphasising the need for collaboration on common interests of small nations in the international forums.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 May 2025. 

FM Rana leaves for Hong Kong

Kathmandu, May 28

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba left for Hong Kong on Wednesday to participate as observer in the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), she is visiting Hong Kong at the invitation of Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.

The signing ceremony is scheduled to be held there on May 30.

FM Dr. Rana is leading a delegation comprising senior officials from the MoFA and Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong.

She will return to Kathmandu on May 31.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 May 2025. 

BusSewa launches India ticketing

Kathmandu, May 28

BusSewa has launched an online ticketing service for passengers travelling by bus from Nepalgunj to India’s major religious and commercial centres - Delhi and Haridwar.

It informed in a statement on Wednesday that the service has been introduced in collaboration with Bheri Yatayat Pvt. Ltd., which operates luxury buses on these routes from Nepalgunj.

BusSewa has already been providing online ticketing services to various major destinations across Nepal from east to west, including the capital Kathmandu. "Now, responding to passenger demand, the company has extended this service to destinations in India as well," read the statement.

To book a ticket, passengers can log into the BusSewa mobile app, select their destination, travel date, and time, and then reserve a seat on a Bheri Yatayat bus. Tickets can also be booked via the BusSewa web portal by visiting bussewa.com on any web browser.

Seats marked in blue indicate availability, and passengers can choose the most convenient seat and make payment online to confirm the booking.

BusSewa also confirms ticket bookings via SMS. Passengers can either show the digital ticket received or the confirmation SMS when boarding the bus.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 May 2025. 

IBN moves forward on fertiliser plant, SEZ

Kathmandu, May 27

The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has decided to move forward by reviewing the final detailed feasibility study report concerning the establishment of a chemical fertiliser plant in Nepal.

The 63^rd meeting of the IBN, held at the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday evening, decided to form a task force to review and reassess the report received from Germany’s DIAG Industries GmbH and to recommend appropriate options. The company had initiated the feasibility study following the Board's decision made in June 2020, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, also decided to process the proposal received regarding the detailed study, development, and operation-management of the Panchkhal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Project through a competitive process in line with the Swiss Challenge model.

Furthermore, the board resolved to form a task force to study the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) and Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs) signed to date with various countries, and to present a report to the IBN regarding the possibility of entering into similar agreements with additional countries.

Likewise, a committee has been formed to assess the proposal related to the 'Deep Sea Bed Mining' project, examining its economic and technical aspects in line with relevant international laws, national policies, and legal provisions, and to present a report to the Board.

The meeting authorised the Board’s office to issue a survey licence for a green hydrogen project in Nepal, in line with the proposal received for the study and establishment of a related industry.

In a bid to expedite operations more efficient and effective, a decision was made to delegate some of the Board’s authorities to Chief Executive Officer Sushil Gyawali.

Additionally, the meeting recommended to the Government of Nepal the formation of a Project Review Task Force in accordance with the provisions of the Project Development Agreement for the under-construction Arun-III Hydropower Project. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 May 2025. 

Kantipur Pharmaceuticals to issues shares for public

Kathmandu, May 27

Kantipur Pharmaceuticals Lab Limited is set to issue its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

It signed an agreement with Elite Capital Limited for the underwriting of the shares on Tuesday.

A formal agreement was signed between the capital and the company for the same. The agreement was signed by Navaraj Paudel, Managing Director of Kantipur Pharmaceuticals, and Dinesh Acharya, Executive Chairman of Elite Capital.

Elite has underwritten 1.7 million ordinary shares worth Rs. 170 million. Kantipur has a paid-up capital of Rs. 630 million.

Kantipur Pharmaceuticals has submitted an application to the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) – the capital market regulator, to issue the IPO. Muktinath Capital is acting as the issue manager.

The shares will be issued at a face value of Rs. 100 per unit.

Established in 2018, the company is engaged in research, production, and distribution of veterinary medicines and nutritional supplements for animals and birds.

Currently, the company has received production approval for 61 pharmaceutical products from the Department of Drug Administration. Among them, 13 products have obtained marketing authorisation and are currently being sold in the Nepali market.

The company said that the process is ongoing to obtain marketing authorisation for the remaining products. Additionally, the company is also producing and distributing 21 other nutritional supplements.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 May 2025. 

GAN, Solidaridad Asia sign MoU to sustain garment sector in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 27

As Nepal is seeking to diversify its exports, move up the value chain, and secure better market access while it is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status and is in need to comply with EU’s Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive and other international frameworks, the Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) has launched an initiative to promote sustainability in the sector in partnership with Solidaridad Asia.

The two organisations have expressed their commitments to jointly launch initiatives in the circular economy, particularly focusing on decarbonisation within the Textile and Readymade Garments (RMG) Industry, optimising water usage, and reducing chemical reliance.

With the same objectives, a workshop on 'promoting sustainability in Nepal's textile and readymade garments sector' was organised jointly by Solidaridad Asia and GAN in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

President of GAN, Pashupati Dev Pandey, said that Nepali garment products need greater advocacy and positioning at the national and international markets.

"We also need to diversify our production and exports both to maintain sustainability in the industry in the long-run," he said.

"By focusing on capacity building, compliance support, access to technology, and knowledge sharing, this partnership will help bridge existing gaps and empower our industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-driven global market," he added.

Stating that Nepali producers believe in their natural strengths in ethical manufacturing, handicraft skills, natural materials, and environmental stewardship which position them to excel and remain competitive, Pandey said that Nepal's garment industry should not only adapt to rapidly evolving global apparel landscape but also lead.

The GAN and Solidaridad Asia had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December last year to collaborate in the sustainability initiatives of Nepali garment sector.

According to GAN, the MoU reflected their shared vision of transforming Nepal’s RMG sector to meet the emerging global due-diligence requirements, especially those laid out by the European Union and other key markets.

Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia, said that it is necessary for textile and RMG to reduce energy consumption, chemicals use in dyeing, and carbon emission.

Market landscape has changed significantly. Now the producers have to reduce the cost of production while keeping the quality aspects intact and pay attention to the conservation of environment, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Hem Raj Dhakal, said that the government of Nepal and producers should concentrate on harnessing the benefits leveraged by the ongoing tariff war in the international markets.

Shahamin Zaman, chair of International Supervisory Board at the Solidaridad Network, said that the successful sustainability initiatives in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh can be replicated in Nepal to promote business growth and development.

According to her, the organisation has successfully helped in reducing the cost of production in those countries. Nepal needs to apply smart solutions in textile and RMG sector to cope up with the challenges that would be created with the country's graduation to the 'developing country' next year.

Chandi Prasad Dhakal, former president of the FNCCI and Vice-Chair of SAARC Chamber of Commerce in Nepal, stressed on greater resiliency in the garment sector. "I hope that this initiative will help to forge greater regional collaboration and create win-win situation for all of us," he said.

Nepal has 500 active textile industries including spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing. More than 70-75 per cent of textile and garment trade happens between Nepal and India.

Prakash Jha, Technical Advisor to the GAN, said that Nepali producers should enhance their expertise in the production of traditional garment, and promote 'made in Nepal' products.

However, challenges like high logistics cost while importing and exporting goods including garment and textile products, and smuggling of finished goods are having negative impacts in the business. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 May 2025. 

Labour Minister demands fair treatment for Nepali migrant workers

Kathmandu, May 27

Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari has said that the labour destination countries must not treat Nepali migrant workers as slaves.

Speaking at the inauguration of a residential training programme on the development, negotiation, and implementation of labour agreements, jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Swiss government, and the International Labour Organisation's International Training Centre (ITC) in Dhulikhel on Tuesday, Minister Bhandari said that Nepal always expects dignified treatment for its migrant workers from the destination countries.

 “When a country lacks its own labour force, it takes in workers from Nepal who are making significant contributions to the development of those countries. This is something the destination countries have also acknowledged,” he said.

Minister Bhandari said that destination countries should ensure that Nepali workers are entitled to the same basic rights as local citizens.

“Nepali workers who are contributing to the development of those countries must not be treated like slaves. They deserve to be granted basic rights equal to those of local citizens and to be treated with dignity,” he said.

According to Minister Bhandari, Nepal is signing various labour agreements or understandings with destination countries to address issues such as minimum wages for Nepalis, health security, insurance, social security, decent working conditions, and fair recruitment processes.

He added that the Government of Nepal is working to ensure safe migration and emphasised the need for labour agreements that guarantee protection at every stage - from the time workers leave their homes until they return after completing their work abroad.

Speaking at the event, Labour Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Pushkar said that international fundamental human rights should never be compromised during the negotiation of labour agreements with destination countries.

“There can be no bargaining when it comes to ensuring the safety and rights of workers, which are based on universal human rights principles. However, there can be further discussions regarding matters such as social security," he stated.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 May 2025. 

Japan visit fruitful: FM Rana

Kathmandu, May 25

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba said that her recently concluded five-day visit to Japan was fruitful.

Upon her return to the country last night, she informed that during the visit, she held several important meetings, including with the Foreign Minister of Japan, and discussed Nepal-Japan cooperation and various development projects, noting that these engagements were beneficial for the country, the Minister's Secretariat informed in a statement on Sunday.

She also took part in an international conference on senior citizens held in Tokyo.

FM Dr. Rana said, "During this visit, discussions were held on various aspects of Nepal-Japan relations, including Japanese assistance and projects in Nepal. The conference on senior citizens also provided an opportunity to learn about the policies adopted by other countries regarding senior citizens, as well as their conditions and management systems."

A bilateral meeting between FM Dr. Rana and her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya took place on May 21 in Tokyo. On that occasion, discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest and concern, including Nepal-Japan bilateral relations.

Likewise, on May 22, she also held talks with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the meeting, Minister Dr. Rana expressed gratitude for the long-standing support extended by the Japanese government through JICA in Nepal’s economic, social, and other sectors, and discussed the projects currently being implemented or completed with JICA's support.

Earlier, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina had paid a courtesy call on FM Dr. Rana.

Upon her return to Nepal on Saturday night, she was welcomed at the Tribhuvan International Airport by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other officials. She had departed for Japan last Monday.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 May 2025. 

Risk weight for margin lending to be dropped to 100%

Kathmandu, May 25

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has said that the existing risk weight for margin lending (loan against shares) would be reduced from 125 per cent to 100 per cent.

The central bank has pledged this policy amendment in the third quarterly review of the Monetary Policy of the current Fiscal Year 2024/25 published on Sunday.

Considering the liquidity situation in the financial system and reforms made by the central banks in the tools used in open market operations, arrangements would be made for financial institutions to maintain a daily minimum cash reserve of 90 per cent of their total deposits and other financial resources.

The current provisions regarding mandatory cash reserves and statutory liquidity arrangements have been maintained.

Likewise, the existing lower and upper limits of interest rate corridor – 3.0 per cent for deposits and 6.5 per cent for bank rate – as well as 5.0 per cent policy rate is kept intact.

The NRB also said in the review that with the aim of improving the investment climate, provisions including the Foreign Exchange (Regulated) Act, 2074 and the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075, along with subsequent amendments, have been incorporated to issue 'Nepal Rastra Bank Foreign Investment and Foreign Loan Management Bylaws, 2078'.

"Work is being carried out to formulate a policy framework to criminalise cheque bouncing under the Banking Offence and Punishment Act, 2064," read the report.

To maintain inflation within the desired range of 5 per cent, the monetary policy aimed to control the expansion of money supply. As a result, as of nine months, consumer price inflation stands at 4.57 per cent, said the NRB.

"The current account remains in surplus due to a significant increase in foreign exchange remittances. As of nine months, the forex reserves are sufficient to cover the import of goods and services for 14.2 months," read the report. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 May 2025. 

New Zealand DPM Peters coming to Nepal

 Kathmandu, May 25

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters is paying an official visit to Nepal on May 28-29.

During the visit, he will pay courtesy calls on President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Sunday.

Similarly, he will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. He will also reach Solukhumbu to celebrate the Everest Day on May 29 – the day marks the first ascent to Sagarmatha (Everest) by Tenzing Norgay and Sir. Edmund Hillary of New Zealand.

It is the first ever visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand to Nepal. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 May 2025. 

NPC to promote direct domestic investment

Kathmandu, May 25

Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, said that the NPC aims to promote direct domestic investment.

Speaking at a stakeholder discussion workshop on the promotion of internal employment and reintegration of returnees from foreign employment, organised by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security in Lalitpur on Sunday, he said that although institutions are willing to invest, obstacles such as lack of encouragement and the creation of hurdles have emerged.

He also added that the planning body is working closely on these matters.

Prof. Adhikari mentioned that the NPC is identifying the operational obstructions, overlaps, and issues of synergy and trade-offs in running organisations in an orderly manner. According to him, it is preparing operational procedures to remove such obstacles and has already initiated coordination and relevant work in this regard.

He also remarked that any institution that does not create employment for even two individuals should not be granted tax exemptions. He said that tax concessions should only be granted to those making large investments and creating employment.

He noted that the Commission would also provide strategic guidance on where and in what sectors investment should be made in the future. Although the unemployment rate has recently decreased, he stressed the importance of taking measures to avoid an increase in the unemployment rate in the future. According to Prof. Adhikari, the 16^th plan has set a target to bring the unemployment rate down to five percent.

He stated that at one time, the unemployment rate in neighbouring India was higher than that of Nepal, but recently, Nepal’s unemployment rate has surpassed India's. Stressing the potential for job creation in the mining, hotel and restaurant, real estate, construction, and hydropower sectors, he urged that these areas should be prioritised for investment in the coming days.

The Vice-Chair further said that by increasing investment in sectors such as agriculture, construction and small and cottage industries, individuals can be made labour-oriented, thereby accelerating the rate of employment generation. For this, the private and cooperative sectors should be encouraged, he said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 May 2025. 

President appoints non-resident ambassadors

 Kathmandu, May 25

President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Sewa Lamsal as the non-resident ambassador of Nepal to Luxembourg and Dr. Shail Rupakheti to Hoy Sea, Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovak Republic.

He made the appointments on Sunday as per the recommendations of the Council of Ministers, the Office of the President informed in a statement.

Lamsal is Nepal’s Ambassador to Belgium and Dr. Rupakheti to Germany. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 May 2025. 

Foreign Service Day observed

Kathmandu, May 24

Gyan Chandra Acharya, Nepal's former ambassador to the United Kingdom and United Nations Under-Secretary General, said that Nepal should adopt active, balanced and dynamic foreign policy in the rapidly changing international scenario, which is not easy.

"It demands meticulous planning and execution," he said while speaking at the Nepal Foreign Service Day 2025 organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kathmandu on Saturday.

Acharya also suggested to uphold the pride of Nepal as one of the oldest countries in this part of the world.

Rudra Kumar Nepal, former ambassador, said that the MoFA has an expertise and professionals to handle the foreign affairs to achieve the national goal and meet the national interest.

"There is a need for innovative approaches in diplomacy like the recently held Sagarmatha Sambaad," he said.

Likewise, Foreign Secretary, Amrit Bahadur Rai, said that leadership in the foreign service is about being the first to rise in a crisis and the last to retreat from responsibility.

Addressing the senior officials, he said that top diplomats are not merely supervisors, they are architects of unity, mentors of purpose, and builders of high-performing teams.

"In diplomacy, learning flows not just through instruction, but through osmosis — your juniors absorb as much from your tone as from your tasking, from how you act as much as what you assign," he said.

According to Rai, the Foreign Service Day is about the reflection, celebration and recognition of contribution in the foreign service.

"We must equip ourselves with strategic foresight, solution-oriented thinking, and bridge-building skills. We must continue to uphold our independent foreign policy, rooted in the UN Charter, non-alignment, Panchsheel, and our constitutional values," Rai maintained.

He also said that they must be bold in negotiation, principled in partnership, and visionary in strategy.

On the occasion, the MoFA welcomed the newly recruited officers of the Ministry with certificate of acknowledgement.

The MoFA had celebrated the first Foreign Affairs Service Day in 2022.

The celebration is made to mark the Nepal Foreign Service (Formation and Classification) Rules, 1961. May 24 is marked every year as the Foreign Service Day in remembrance of the day when the Foreign Service was legally codified in Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 May 2025. 

Indo-Nepal CSR Summit calls for stronger policies

Kathmandu, May 24

With an aim to strengthen the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and foster cooperation between Nepal and India, Bifcap Nepal organised an Indo-Nepal CSR Summit in the capital on Friday.

Speaking at the summit, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Rana Magar, noted that CSR funds in Nepal have not been spent effectively, and corporate houses have not paid enough attention to this area.

She emphasised that CSR programmes could have a significant impact and benefit many Nepali communities. "We are debating on forming a CSR policy. Corporate communities also need to debate this. CSR is not just about money; it is also a business duty and social service," she said.

Ravi Kumar Rayavaram, Vice President of the Nepal India Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director of Surya Nepal, suggested that collaboration in CSR among Surya Nepal and other large Nepali corporations could contribute to sustainable development.

Member of Parliament and former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Uday Shumsher Rana, suggested the corporate sector to collaborate with the local governments to implement effective CSR programmes.

Manoj Regmi, CEO of Bifcap Nepal, announced that funds generated from the CSR Summit would be used to provide financial literacy to 400 entrepreneurs in three districts of eastern Nepal: Bhojpur, Khotang and Solukhumbu.

He also revealed plans to host an Asia CSR Summit next year.

Representatives from various Indian organisations participating in the summit sessions highlighted the need to make CSR modalities more effective to establish significant social service programmes in society.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 May 2025. 

Meeting of Nepal-China cooperation mechanism held

Kathmandu, May 24

The second meeting of the Mechanism for Facilitation on the Implementation of Nepal-China Cooperation Programmes and Projects in Nepal took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kathmandu on Friday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Amrit Bahadur Rai, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, who led their respective delegations, the MoFA informed in a statement.

The Nepali delegation included senior officials from various ministries and agencies responsible for the implementation of Nepal-China programmes and projects. The Chinese delegation comprised senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

According to the MoFA, discussions focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing economic and development cooperation programmes and projects between Nepal and China. Measures to accelerate their timely and effective implementation were also identified.

Established under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 21, 2018, this mechanism provides a platform to assess the status of ongoing programmes and projects, identify any challenges, and prioritise measures to address them.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 May 2025. 

Education budget shrinks, gender gaps widen

Allocation to education drops to 11% from 15% in a decade

 

Kathmandu, May 23

One of the largest challenges Nepali education sector facing is declining budget allocation in recent years.

Budget allocation to the education sector has witnessed a sharp drop in the last decade – it came down from 15.02 per cent in the Fiscal Year 2014/15 to 10.95 per cent in 2024/25, concluded a study on the Gender Responsive Budget (GRB) conducted by Action Aid International.

On the contrary, according to the Classification of the Functions of Government, the share of public service type expenditure rose significantly from 32.76 per cent in 2014/15 to 44.49 per cent in 2018/19.

The study led by Dr. Menuka Karki was published at a programme in Kathmandu on Friday.

Recommended benchmark for budget allocation in education is 20 per cent.

The study found that while more than half of the budget responding to gender is called directly responsive, most local government spending on education is simply gender-neutral. 

It also concluded that provincial disparities are extremely high in education sector. The SEE results for 2022 and 2023 show a stark contrast between Bagmati and Karnali provinces.

In Bagmati, 47.44 per cent of students achieved a GPA between 3.6 and 4 while only 1.18 per cent of students in Karnali reached this GPA range, read the report.

Similarly, the institutional schools have a higher number of teachers per school compared to community schools. "In 2023, out of 36,032 schools, 75.9 per cent were community schools that were employing 63 per cent of all teachers. But institutional schools which make up to 20.5 per cent of all schools, employ 36 per cent of the total teachers," the report said.

According to it, community schools face increasing enrollments compared to institutional schools up-to secondary level. However, institutional schools witness a slight increase in enrollment at the higher secondary level (class 11 and 12) compared to class 9 and 10. "This is driven by the availability of specialised subjects like science and management, which are more commonly offered in institutional schools up to secondary level."

Citing the budget allocation for 2021/22, Dr. Karki said that although about 8.64 per cent of education expenditures were classified directly supportive of women, 91 per cent as indirectly supportive and 0.5 per cent as gender-neutral, a deeper analysis showed that the classifications are inconsistent and often ad hoc, relying on subjective central-level estimates rather than systematic scoring mechanisms.

She suggested more systematic and transparent process to ensure meaningful gender responsiveness in education budgets.

 

Local levels' budget is largely gender-neutral

Speaking on the occasion, Economist Dr. Dilli Raj Khanal, said that the overall budget allocation trend in education is disappointing.

"Very limited budget is directly gender responsive. In 2023/24, only 8.83 per cent of the local level budget is directly gender responsive while above 76 per cent is gender-neutral," he said.

Dr. Khanal suggested for a legal framework for the GRB - "This will lead to integrate it more forcefully in both planning and fiscal system of all governments."

According to him, simply allocating funds is not enough, a gender-responsive decision-making process is essential for effectively addressing gender inequality. The GRB process in Nepal needs to be more focused, data-driven, and empirically based for its impact on gender equality that could also ensure achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 5 - achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

The study also pointed to the need for alternative arrangement through budgetary provision to address the scarcity of teachers due to maternity leave by female teachers.

 

Need for enhancing women's role in development

Speakers of the programme demanded more resource allocation to gender and promotion of gender equity by enhancing women's role in development process.

Ammar Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Education, Health and IT Committee of the House of Representatives, said that the lawmakers should be sensitised on the issues and agenda of the GRB to make it more effective and result-oriented.

Former Minister Rekha Sharma said that the government need to give priority to the holistic development of education. "We are more focused on infrastructure and hardware development in education sector while human development and quality issues have taken a back seat. This is unfortunate," she said.

The GRB system was introduced in Nepal by the Ministry of Finance through the budget of Fiscal Year 2007/08 but, still, gender budget indicators are not embedded in key planning frameworks like the Annual Strategic Implementation Plan or Mid-Term Expenditure Framework which has limited their integration into programme designs.

The GRB has five indicators with each of them carrying 20 per cent share. They are: participation of women in plan formulation and implementation, empowerment of women, benefits for women in programme and certainty in control including programmes for other target groups, increasing women's employment and income generation, and qualitative improvement in the use of women's time and reduction in workload.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 May 2025. 

Promoting Buddhist tourism in Lumbini is govt priority: Minister Pandey

Kathmandu, May 23

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said that the government is committed to making Nepal a centre for Buddhist culture heritage and an attractive destination of spiritual tourists.

He made this remark while inaugurating the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) 2025 on Friday.

The BITM organised with the aim of establishing Nepal as a world centre for Buddhism, spirituality and peace tourism will continue till May 25

The BITM is an annual event organised by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA).  

"The time has come to spread the message of peace that began in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, from Nepal to the world again," Minister Pandey said.

He said that Lumbini will be developed as an 'International City of Peace' and the government is committed to this.

Similarly, priority has been given to Buddhist tourism in Lumbini, focusing on major circuits including Kapilvastu, Ramgram, Devdaha, and Tilaurakot.

Minister Pandey said that work was underway to establish regular flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport and increase easier access to the road network to promote Buddhist tourism.

He said, "Referring to the latest dialogue with the UNESCO representative, we have urged them not place Lumbini on the list of dangerous sites. In addition, the government is taking initiatives to include Tilaurakot in the UNESCO potential list."

He urged those wishing for world peace to visit Nepal, as the country is on a journey towards a new era of peace and prosperity.

On the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal, urged stakeholders to promote Nepal as a premier Buddhist tourism hub.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage, including the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, and other sacred sites like Tilaurakot, Ramgram, Bouddha and Swoyambhu.

“This mart will be instrumental in promoting Nepali Buddhist tourist destinations at an international level and extend the stay of tourists in Lumbini,” Dhakal said.

He highlighted the potential of service and trade exchanges between international buyers and national sellers in the tourism sector.

Dhakal also urged for the further development of BITM, which began in 2019 under the leadership of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), as a strong brand to establish Nepal as a key destination for Buddhist tourism.

He underscored the need to build a Buddhist Circuit connecting Nepal’s sites with pilgrimage locations in India to attract the large Buddhist populations in neighbouring countries.

“If we can encourage Buddhists worldwide to visit Lumbini at least once, it could transform Nepal’s tourism landscape,” he added.

Highlighting infrastructure challenges, he called for the effective operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport, which has faced operational delays despite significant investment.

He also raised concerns over connectivity issues and high airfare costs, exacerbated by government-imposed VAT on tickets. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 May 2025. 

FM Rana urges for Japanese investment in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 23

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, on Friday.

The meeting took place at JICA’s headquarters in Tokyo, during which discussions were held on various matters of bilateral relations and mutual interest between Nepal and Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

During the meeting, Dr. Rana expressed appreciation for JICA’s assistance in areas such as economic growth and poverty alleviation, disaster risk reduction, climate change, and the strengthening of good governance and democracy through its fundamental cooperation policy for Nepal.

She also commended the recent support provided by the Japanese government through JICA in various sectors of Nepal, including the construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel, the reconstruction and maintenance of the Sindhuli-Bardibas road, among others.

The meeting also included discussions on Nepal-Japan relations, JICA’s ongoing support to Nepal, climate change and its impacts, disaster management, good governance, and issues related to senior citizens, read the statement.

On the same day, at a luncheon hosted by the Japan-Nepal Development Forum, led by former Vice-Minister for Finance of Japan, Motoyuki Odachi, in her honour, FM Dr. Rana urged and encouraged Japanese investors to invest in Nepal as there exists immense potentials in the priority sectors of Nepal’s development, adding that the Government of Nepal is committed to ensuring the safety of their investment.

Earlier, she addressed the annual conference of the Foundation for the Welfare and Education for the Asian People (FWEAP) on May 21 in Tokyo. Addressing on the topic of Social Isolation and Loneliness among older people, she stated that the existing institutional frameworks and legal provisions of Nepal give protection to senior citizens along with key issues and future pathways for action, read the statement by the MoFA. 

Earlier, on Thursday, FM Dr. Rana held an official meeting with her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. During the meeting, Iwaya expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations based on the traditional friendship between Japan and Nepal.

FM Dr. Rana expressed her hopes that Nepal would receive an enhanced level of development cooperation from Japan in Nepal’s effort for graduating from LDC category next year 2026.

Mentioning that the two countries share age-old socio-cultural ties inspired from the teachings of Gautam Buddha, she further said that the presence of a large Nepali community, which is the fifth largest among foreign residents in Japan, has been a remarkable aspect of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Likewise, on Tuesday, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Akiko Ikuina paid a courtesy call on FM Dr. Rana and discussed the matters for further enhancing the mutually rewarding relationship and the celebration 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.

The Foreign Minister of Nepal is in Tokyo for a four-day goodwill visit. She will return to Kathmandu on Saturday. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 May 2025.