Govt has no intention to handover salt distribution to private sector: Minister Bhandari

Kathmandu, May 19

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, said that reports suggesting the government intends to hand over the iodised salt supply to the private sector are misleading and baseless.

Speaking at an interaction programme on consumer protection jointly organised by Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC) on Monday, Minister Bhandari clarified that the government has not made any such decision.

The STC is supplying the iodised salt at subsidised rates across the country.

“The government makes decisions in a transparent manner. We are currently in the process of preparing the budget and the policy and programme has already been announced. But no decision has been made regarding transferring the salt trade to the private sector,” Minister Bhandari said.

Likewise, he said if there have been instances where STC failed to deliver or faced issues in transportation, those concerns could be discussed and addressed. “If there are complications, we can discuss how to resolve them. But it is unfortunate that such unfounded reports have been published,” he said.

Minister Bhandari also stated that the distribution system for the iodised salt had been planned in coordination with local authorities, based on estimations of annual salt requirements calculated from household population figures. “We estimated the salt needs based on the average household size and coordinated accordingly,” he said.

During the programme, Minister Bhandari also highlighted the significant role STC has played in promoting local agricultural products and ensuring the availability of essential commodities.

According to him, the corporation has been instrumental in maintaining a stable supply chain, particularly during major festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, by operating subsidised fair price shops.

“During last Dashain, STC ensured an adequate supply of sugar, preventing any potential shortage. We are in discussions on how to facilitate closer cooperation with institutions like STC to streamline the supply chain. As a key commercial arm in the implementation of government policies, STC plays an essential role,” he said.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at resolving various issues within the supply chain system.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO of the STC, Urmila Shrestha, expressed her commitment to supply quality goods to Nepali consumers at the reasonable rate.

The STC also supplies wide ranges of consumer goods including sugar, wheat flour, rice, lentils, edible oils, chemical fertilisers, construction materials, cooking gas, coal, tea and soap. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 May 2025.