PM Oli raises Lipulek issue with Chinese President Xi

Clear objection to the agreement reached between China and India to use Nepali territory

 

Beijing/Kathmandu, Aug. 30

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has raised the issue of Lipulek – a border pass in Nepali territory in India-encroached Kalapani region – during the bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In the meeting held on the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 on Saturday in Tianjin of China, he asserted that the territory belongs to Nepal and the Government of Nepal registered its strong objection to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipulek, the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing informed in a statement.

The statement by the Embassy underscored that the Prime Minister made it clear the area lies within Nepalese territory, and the Government of Nepal has lodged a strong objection to the agreement.

During the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India on August 18 and 19, the two countries reached an agreement to reopen the historic Lipulek Pass. The two countries had agreed to open the Pass for trade during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in 2015, but was shut after their armies clashed in Laddakh in 2020. 

As this happened without Nepal's notice, the government sent a diplomatic note to the governments in New Delhi and Beijing. It had done the same in the past as well.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai informed that Prime Minister Oli, during his meeting with President Xi, explicitly conveyed Nepal’s objection to the agreement reached between China and India to use Nepali territory.

He stated that, according to the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, all land to the east of the Mahakali River clearly belongs to the sovereign nation of Nepal. Citing Prime Minister Oli, Secretary Rai added that Nepal believes China will extend its support to Nepal in this matter.

 

Hope to accelerate BRI projects

Expressing hope on accelerating implementation of projects already agreed, including under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), PM Oli requested for support in such areas as fertiliser, petroleum exploration, human resource development, climate resilience and people-to-people connections.

In response, President Xi Jinping expressed China’s willingness in supporting Nepal in fulfilling its aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

According to the Embassy, he also stated that China will cooperate with Nepal in multilateral forums including UN and SCO, and reiterated China’s continued support in Nepal’s development including through implementation of high-quality BRI projects that have been agreed between the two countries.

Likewise, the two leaders discussed various aspects of Nepal-China relations and expressed their commitment to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in the days ahead.

Prime Minister Oli thanked for China’s continuous support in Nepal’s development endeavours. He extended his best wishes for the success of SCO Summit 2025 and requested the President of China for support to Nepal’s membership aspiration in the SCO.

During the meeting, Nepal was represented by former Deputy Prime Minister and Nepali Congress lawmaker Purna Bahadur Khadka, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, Prime Minister’s Economic and Development Adviser Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, CPN-UML lawmaker Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Foreign Secretary Rai, Nepal’s Ambassador to China Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli, along with senior Chinese officials.

 

PM Oli's itinerary

PM Oli and his delegation reached Tianjin on Saturday afternoon on a five-day visit to China. Upon arrival at the Tianjin Binhai International Airport, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Sun Meijun, Minister and Secretary of CPC Committee of the General Administration of Customs of China, Yu Yunlin, Chairman of Tianjin People's Congress, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song and Dr. Oli, Ambassador of Nepal to China.

The Embassy informed that PM Oli is scheduled to meet with some world leaders on the sidelines of the SCO Summit and attend Welcome Banquet and Gala performance to be hosted by President Xi and first lady Peng Liyuan.

He is scheduled to address the SCO Plus Summit as a guest speaker. The summit will see the participation of heads of state and government from 20 countries, including the ten full members of the SCO, as well as leaders of ten international organisations.

Established in 2001 as a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, Nepal joined the SCO in 2016 as a dialogue partner. Oli is the first head of government from Nepal to take part in an SCO meeting.

On September 2, Prime Minister Oli will also hold bilateral talks in Beijing with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Likewise, he will hold separate bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Cambodian Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Similarly, on September 3, Prime Minister Oli will attend a commemorative ceremony and military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Second World War.

 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 August 2025. Written jointly with Karun Aryal in Beijing.

PM Oli arriving in Tianjin to attend SCO Summit today

Beijing, Aug. 29

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, a delegation led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is arriving in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Saturday to participate in the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and to attend the 80th anniversary commemorations of China's victory over Japanese colonial rule and the World Anti-Fascist Day.

The summit, to be inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, will feature participation from the heads of state and government of 20 countries, including the 10 full member states of the SCO, as well as leaders of 10 international organisations.

The summit will take place in Tianjin on August 30- September 1. Invitations have been extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, among others.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Lu Bin provided this information during a press conference. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is also expected to attend the summit.

Nepal joined the SCO as a dialogue partner in 2016. The organisation, established in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, now includes India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus as full members.

The SCO, a political, economic, and international security organisation covering the Eurasian region, has Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Maldives, Myanmar, the United Arab Emirates, Armenia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait as dialogue partners. Mongolia and Afghanistan are observer states.

Prime Minister Oli and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Saturday. On September 1, Prime Minister Oli will address the summit as a guest speaker.

On September 3, PM Oli will attend a memorial ceremony and military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japanese colonialism and the World Anti-Fascist Day.

Leaders from 26 countries are expected to attend the ceremony, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, the Presidents of Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, and the Maldives, as well as the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Pakistan.

During his visit to China, Prime Minister Oli is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several other heads of state and government.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 August 2025. Inputs from Karun Aryal.  

Investors urged to invest in Sudurpaschim

Kathmandu, Aug. 29

The government has called on domestic and international investors to channel investment into the tourism sector of Sudurpashchim, describing the far-western province as a 'virgin land' brimming with opportunities.

Speaking at an interaction programme in Kathmandu on Friday, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey urged investors to seize the chance to develop tourism infrastructure in the region.

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry, the Sudurpashchim Provincial Government and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) ahead of the upcoming Sudurpashchim Investment and Development Conference.

“Sudurpashchim is a province where nature, culture and adventure come together to offer unique experiences. Through this conference, we are inviting investors to help unlock its vast tourism potential. The government is committed to resolving legal hurdles and introducing investor-friendly policies to create a conducive business environment,” said Minister Pandey.

He also announced that an NTB office would be established in the province this year to support its tourism drive.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim, Kamal Bahadur Shah, stressed that the provincial government was eager to welcome private sector participation. “We want to promote Sudurpashchim’s prospects at both national and international levels. We are prepared to guarantee legal safeguards and investment security for the private sector,” he said.

The Sudurpashchim Investment Conference will be held in Dhangadhi on November 17-18. In preparation, provincial representatives have been meeting with government agencies and industry bodies in the capital to highlight opportunities in various sectors, including tourism.

Speaking at the event, industry leaders, including President of Hotel Association Nepal Binayak Shah, CEO of NTB Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents Yubika Rajbhandari, Vice-President of Nepal Mountaineering Association Thakur Raj Pandey, CEO of Siddhartha Hotel and Group Krishna Neupane, General Secretary of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal Ram Prasad Sedhai, and Chair of CNI Tourism Committee Pampha Dhamala, expressed their readiness to invest, while urging the government to identify clear policy directions and priority areas.

The government has recently announced that mountaineering in Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces will be free of charge for two years, while Dhangadhi Airport is undergoing upgrades and the construction of Kanchanpur Airport is nearing completion. Officials also highlighted the province’s religious and cultural significance, alongside its natural attractions, as key drivers of future tourism growth.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 August 2025.  

NIBL Equity acquires 28.8% stake in Himalayan Java

Kathmandu, Aug. 29

NIBL Equity Partners has acquired a 28.8 per cent stake in popular coffee chain Himalayan Java. The two companies signed an investment agreement at a programme held in Kathmandu on Thursday. NIBL Equity’s CEO, Shiwant Bahadur Pande, and Himalayan Java’s founder, Gagan Pradhan, signed the agreement.

They said that the purpose of the partnership is to take and promote a Nepali brand and its originality in the global market. Pande said, “We want to establish Himalayan Java in the international marketplace, which is also our long-term commitment.”

Similarly, Pradhan said that the investment by NIBL Equity Partners has boosted their confidence in reaching the global market. He added, “This partnership marks an important milestone in our journey. We are committed to creating jobs within Nepal and driving sustainable growth through professional training.”

The key objective of this collaboration and investment is to expand Himalayan Java globally, beginning with Asia and Australia. It will also support the opening of new outlets within Nepal. NIBL Equity Partners has said that its investment is part of a strategy to take Nepali brands abroad.

Established in 1999, Himalayan Java currently operates more than 70 outlets in Nepal, along with 18 Himalayan Java Express outlets and two high-end Gallery by Himalayan Java outlets.

The investment is expected to increase Himalayan Java’s sales, enhance opportunities for international export, and create significant prospects for farmers, roasters, baristas and franchise partners within the chain, according to NIBL Equity Partners.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 August 2025.  

Dr. Salil Rupakheti appointed non-resident ambassador to Serbia

Kathmandu, Aug. 29

President Ramchandra Paudel has appointed Dr. Shail Rupakheti, Nepal’s Ambassador to Germany, as the non-resident ambassador to Serbia.

The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Cabinet, in accordance with Article 282, Clause 1 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Office of the President informed in a statement on Friday.

Dr. Rupakheti currently serves as the Residential Ambassador of Nepal and will now take on additional responsibilities as Non-Resident Ambassador to Germany.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 August 2025.  

SCT selected member of PCI Security Standards Council

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Smart Choice Technologies Ltd. (SCT) is selected as a member of the first-ever PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) India–South Asia Regional Engagement Board (REB) for the 2025–2026 term.

SCT is the only organisation from Nepal to be appointed among the 27 leading organisations across the region including payment giants like Google and NPCI, India, the company informed in a statement on Thursday.

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is a global forum that develops and promotes international payment security standards, ensuring safer transactions and stronger protection against cyber threats worldwide.

By forming its first REB in India–South Asia, PCI SSC is expanding its global collaboration to reflect the growing significance of this region in digital payments.

The 27-member board includes major banks, payment processors, technology providers, and financial service leaders from across India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian markets. SCT’s appointment highlights Nepal’s growing presence in the global payments landscape.

"As a member of the Reginal Engagement Board, SCT will advise PCI SSC on regional payment security challenges and opportunities, and provide feedback on standards and programme development," read the statement.

It will also act as an ambassador to increase education and awareness of PCI SSC standards and best practices across South Asia.

“We are honoured to represent Nepal on this prestigious global platform. This recognition underscores SCT’s commitment to advancing secure digital payments in Nepal and South Asia. We look forward to contributing our expertise and strengthening collaboration to build a more resilient payment ecosystem in the region,” said Manoj Ghimire, CEO of SCT.

SCT is Nepal’s first domestic card network and a licensed Payment Service Operator enabling secure and innovative payment solutions across the country. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2025. 

PM Oli to depart for China on August 30

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli is embarking on a visit to China from August 30 to September 3 to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He is invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping and will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with President Xi in Tianjin. He will address the SCO Plus Summit in Tianjin on September 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of SCO Summit, the Prime Minister will meet some world leaders attending the Summit.

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli will meet with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng in Beijing on September 2.

According to the MoFA, he will also participate in commemorative events to be organised in Beijing to mark the 80^th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3.

The entourage of the PM will comprise Raghuji Pant, Minister for Education, Science and Technology; Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Purna Bahadur Khadka, Member of the Parliament; Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister; Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Member of Parliament; and high-ranking government officials.

PM Oli and his delegation will return to Kathmandu on September 3.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2025.

Tech Market launches waste management system

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Nepal Tech Market has introduced a new waste management system designed to support municipalities, businesses, and households in handling waste through digital tools.

According to Chief Technical Officer of the company Mangal Pradhan, the system incorporates global technological trends with a focus on usability.

The company said in a statement on Wednesday that the system includes features for waste collection, tracking, and online payment. The system has received responses from users, and the company is working to improve customer experience, it informed.

The system is targeted at waste management companies, households, hospitals, hotels, schools, government offices, and other institutions. "It enables communication between waste producers and waste management organisations. Municipalities are provided with a dedicated dashboard to monitor local waste management activities within wards and municipalities," read the statement.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, CEO of Delight Solutions, parent company of Nepal Tech Market, said the system was developed considering consumer needs and market demand. He added that artificial intelligence has been integrated to enhance efficiency in waste management processes.

The company provides a range of IT services including customised software development, financial data management, and payment gateway integration.

With this launch, Nepal Tech Market has entered the digital waste management sector, expanding its service portfolio beyond conventional IT solutions.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2025.

Minister Bhandari thanks Korea for EPS

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari has thanked the South Korean government for operating the Employment Permit System (EPS) in Nepal, which provides job opportunities for Nepali youth.

During a discussion at the ministry with a delegation from the South Korean Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Human Resources Department on Wednesday, Minister Bhandari said that young Nepalis who have benefited from the EPS programme have also contributed to South Korea’s development.

South Korea has become an attractive employment destination for Nepali youth.

According to him, over 100,000 applicants applying for 5,000 available positions clearly demonstrates the high level of interest among our youth to work in Korea.

Minister Bhandari's secretariat informed in a statement that he emphasised that young workers should be sent abroad not only for employment but also to acquire work discipline, advanced technical knowledge, and skills. He expressed confidence that, after gaining experience and returning with some capital, these workers would contribute to Nepal’s development.

“Employment without skills is not possible,” said Minister Bhandari, adding that transferring Korean technology to Nepal and producing skilled manpower is a priority. He also mentioned that the government plans to gradually set standards and quality for private training providers.

He noted that Hyundai Motor Company’s planned automobile assembly in Nepal underscores the need for high-quality training and skilled personnel.

The South Korean government continues to support the development of skilled manpower in Nepal through various initiatives.

Nepal and South Korea have signed an agreement to provide high-quality training in four areas—automobile, welding, plumbing, and electrical work. The programme aims to produce skilled manpower with South Korean assistance, the ministry stated.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2025.

President Paudel seeks support of Jordan King in identifying Bipin's condition

Kathmandu, Aug. 26

President Ramchandra Paudel has written to King Abdullah II of Jordan on 24 August, requesting his support in identifying Bipin Joshi’s condition, ensuring his safe release, and facilitating his return to Nepal.

In his letter, President Paudel has stated that Nepal and people here would highly value all humanitarian and diplomatic measures taken by Jordan towards this end, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Tuesday.

Joshi is said to be held captive by the Palestinian armed group Hamas since its attack on Israeli territory in October 2023, killing over 1000 people including 10 Nepali citizens and abducting several others. Joshi, who was in Israel participating in government-to-government 'Learn and Earn' agriculture training programme, was among the people abducted by Hamas and his whereabout is still unknown.

Since then, Nepal has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure his release.

In the letter, President Paudel also conveyed his appreciation of the longstanding friendly relations between Nepal and Jordan, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

"He praised King Abdullah’s leadership in promoting humanitarian values, conflict management, and inter-cultural harmony in the Gulf region and globally," read the letter. It further noted the scope for expanded cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, labour migration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people relations.

According to the MoFA, the appeal followed recent meetings of Joshi’s mother Padma Kumari Joshi and sister Pushpa Joshi with Nepal’s President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister upon their return from Israel, where they had raised the issue with senior Israeli officials.

Despite ongoing bilateral, regional, and international efforts, Joshi’s whereabouts and condition remain unconfirmed. The government has reiterated its commitment to continue pursuing all possible avenues to secure his release and safe repatriation.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba had reached out to countries meditating ceasefires with Hamas to request for their special efforts for Joshi's release. The MoFA had talked with Israel and countries meditating the ceasefire – Qatar and Egypt, and international and regional forums for the same. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 August 2025.

Oppo launches Find N5 in Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug. 26

Oppo has introduced its new flagship foldable smartphone, the Find N5, in the Nepali market. The device, priced at Rs. 249,999, is available in a 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant with 0 per cent interest EMI options through authorised retailers.

The Find N5 features an 8.12-inch inner display and a 6.62-inch cover display, both supporting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the company informed in a statement on Tuesday. It has been certified by TÜV Rheinland for reduced crease visibility. The device supports the OPPO Pen for digital writing and drawing.

In terms of durability, the Find N5 has an IPX9 water resistance rating and uses a Titanium Flexion Hinge that is smaller but tested for stronger performance. OPPO claims an enhanced frame structure with increased drop resistance.

For imaging, the Find N5 introduces the Hasselblad Master Camera System on a foldable device. It includes wide, ultra-wide, zoom, and periscope lenses, along with features such as RAW image capture, portrait mode, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording at 4K resolution.

The device runs on ColorOS 15, offering AI-based tools such as Call Summary for transcription, Dual-Screen Interpreter for translations, and AI editing features. It also supports cross-device integration with Mac through O+ Connect and iOS via Touch to Share.

"The OPPO Find N5 is now available across retail outlets in Nepal, with financing plans requiring a 40 per cent down payment and repayment over 12 months," read the statement.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 August 2025.

GAN demands Textile and Clothing Development Council

Kathmandu, Aug. 26

The Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) has called for the establishment of a Textile and Clothing Development Council to support the country’s apparel industry and strengthen exports.

The proposal was made during a discussion with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) held in Kathmandu the other day. The discussion reviewed the current state of Nepal’s garment industry, its challenges and emerging opportunities, GAN said in a statement.

GAN highlighted the growing scrutiny of transshipment issues under United States customs regulations, describing it as a major challenge for Nepali garment exports. It said that a specialised council could provide structured support to the industry, helping it respond to market changes and seize opportunities in international trade.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari said that preparations were underway to make the upcoming Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) dialogue between Nepal and the United States more productive.

According to him, the government was aware of the risks posed by transshipment concerns and was working to address them. The minister also emphasised the role of export-oriented industries, including garments, in creating employment, supporting economic growth and improving the trade balance.

Director General of the Department of Industry, Rajeshwar Gyawali, said that long-standing processes to certify consumption levels of raw materials used in garments had been completed. He assured continued government support to the exporters.

Participants of the meeting said that the government’s plans and commitment to exports had given them encouragement to push ahead with efforts to expand production and international trade.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 August 2025.

Broadway Infosys wins digital talent development award

Kathmandu, Aug. 24

Broadway Infosys, a leading computer training institute based in Kathmandu, has won the Digital Talent Development Award from the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA).

The award ceremony was held in Taipei, Taiwan, acknowledging the institute’s outstanding contribution to developing skilled IT professionals, informed the Federation of Computer Association of Nepal (CAN Federation) in a statement on Sunday.

According to it, the award reflects Broadway Infosys’s significant achievements in technological innovation and IT skill development. The institute was selected from 130 exceptional submissions across 13 categories, representing the collective efforts of 80 WITSA member countries, each striving to shape the future of the digital world.

This global accolade reaffirms Broadway’s commitment to providing high-quality, industry-oriented IT education and to consistently nurturing the next generation of digital professionals in Nepal and beyond.

The award also symbolises the growing strength of Nepal’s IT ecosystem, highlighting how local efforts are creating globally competitive talent, said CAN Federation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 August 2025.

Minister Pandey stresses full focus on budget execution

Kathmandu, Aug. 24

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey has directed the ministry and its subordinate bodies to focus fully on implementing the budget of the current Fiscal Year 2025/26, even if it means recruiting additional technical manpower.

Addressing the Ministry-Level Development Action Committee and the progress review meeting for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 on Sunday, Minister Pandey emphasised that the projects must be implemented in a way that they would be completed on time with the desired quality standards.

“We must prioritise budget implementation, even if it requires adding more technical personnel. When there is an imbalance between physical and financial progress, it becomes difficult to obtain a true picture of the project status. Therefore, projects that cannot be implemented should be dropped from the outset,” he said.

Minister Pandey stated that strong coordination among all three tiers of government is essential to bring the meticulously prepared plans of the ministry into practice. He instructed subordinate departments not to delay service seekers’ files and to work actively. He also made it clear that employees who do not work effectively should consider being moved elsewhere.

He said the merger of the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) and the Nepal Mountain Academy couldn’t be implemented since their nature of work is different.

The meeting presented reports on the budget and expenditure status of the ministry and related agencies, the 16th Plan and annual performance indicators, national pride projects, progress of other plans, grievances and arrears, the implementation status of policies, programmes and the budget speech, key achievements, and existing challenges.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 August 2025.

NIA directs insurance companies to provide clear, timely information to clients

Kathmandu, Aug. 24

The Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) has directed all insurance companies to provide timely and clearly understandable information, via electronic means or in writing, to the insured individuals regarding the loan amount provided against the insurance policy, the method of interest calculation, the loan repayment schedule, and the consequences of non-repayment.

This directive was issued in response to complaints that insurance companies have not been providing adequate information to the insured regarding the outstanding loan amounts and the method of interest calculation during loan recovery, the NIA said in a statement on Sunday.

As a result, deductions from the final maturity payments or claim amounts have caused difficulties for the insured and beneficiaries.

"Insurance companies must ensure that, when providing loans against insurance policies, the insured is mandatorily informed—through SMS, email, or letter—of the loan amount, the method of calculating interest, the repayment schedule, and the consequences of non-payment, in a manner that is clearly understandable, at least thirty (30) days before the end of the interest payment period," read the directive.

The NIA also reminded insurance companies that it is their duty to issue reminders or notices to draw the attention of the insured regarding the recovery of loans and interest.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 August 2025.

Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2025 set to dazzle from September 5

Kathmandu, Aug. 24

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Nepal Art Council (NAC), in collaboration with all four metropolitan cities of the Kathmandu Valley, are set to organise the first-ever Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2025.

The festival will take place from September 5 to 26 across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur.

Sagar Shumsher Rana, President of the NAC, said that such cultural festivals are of great significance not only in Nepal but also internationally, and the aim is to elevate the event to a global platform. According to him, the festival is designed to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Likewise, CEO of the NTB, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that while Nepal is often recognised as a destination for adventure tourism, this festival seeks to portray the country as a rich repository of culture and heritage.

“We must preserve our unique culture and promote the grandeur of our heritage worldwide. We believe that a festival of this nature will not only increase tourist arrivals but also contribute to economic growth,” he said.

Chairperson of the Festival Organising Committee and President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Binayak Shah, highlighted Nepal as a top destination for a ‘lifetime experience’,  and said, “This festival, initiated under our efforts to link tourism with festivals and cultural events, is expected to contribute to the growth of tourism.”

Festival Coordinator Ayusha Shrestha said that the festival, running for three weeks, will feature 40 different events. Commencing with Indra Jatra, the festival will serve as a comprehensive celebration of the Valley’s heritage, art, and culture.

According to the organisers, the festival will feature cultural exhibitions, displays of art and craftsmanship, music and dance performances, traditional cuisine, and opportunities to experience Nepal’s living culture.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 August 2025.  

Paudel's Tech-driven Leadership In Finance

 In 2012, Khilendra Paudel served as branch supervision manager at IME (M) Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and identified the significant potential of technology to revolutionise business operations, particularly within the financial sector. The IME (then known as International Money Express) was the first remittance company of Nepal and began to revolutionise the industry by formalising the inflow of remittance, which has become the backbone of the economy for the last couple of decades. Although he had a brief stint in a managerial position at the IME before his departure to Malaysia, the industry was yet to adopt the latest innovations in business. 

Paudel was elevated to Manager of IME Limited in Nepal by the end of 2013 and promoted to Senior Manager, then General Manager in 2019. When he was appointed the CEO of the country's first and largest remittance company in 2022, he had already travelled to many countries to expand the business and observe the application of technology and strategy in the remittance sector. 

During his trips, observations, and interactions with peers and experts abroad, he noticed that they had been diverting their focus, investment, and strategies to technology and reshaping business. "They were investing in technology-driven evolution of their businesses, which had not only reduced the cost of business and enhanced the efficiency but also helped make the services customer-centric," he said. 

It's not that the IME was lagging in technology adoption, but there was much to be done. Sooner or later, the company had to compete with domestic remittance companies and international giants – the sector would be one of the significant financial service businesses in the coming years. 

With the realisation of the same, Paudel began to work with his team at the IME to make the remittance seamless and real-time so that the money could be instantly received at any other location after sending from one location. He now thinks his gradual yet significant elevation to a higher job portfolio might be backed by his interest, knowledge, expertise, and vision to bring in and implement the financial and technological solutions. 

At the IME, he worked on solutions like digitalised services to transition the traditional remittance operations to digital, mobile, and web platforms, which enabled faster, safer, and transparent money transfer. Likewise, an integrated real-time tracking system was also introduced, which, according to Paudel, was launched to ensure transparency and trust between the senders and receivers. "We also developed strategic global partnerships and integrated IME's systems with global remittance and fintech platforms for seamless international transactions. There was a digital expansion of the agent network to support agents across the country," he said. 

Meanwhile, the company implemented the digital KYC (Know Your Customer), real-time AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks, and an automated settlement system, which significantly improved the company's operational efficiency. The fintech policy dialogues organised by the Nepal Rastra Bank and other policy bodies also updated Paudel about the customers' needs and the business's requirements that needed to be addressed immediately to stay ahead in business. As a result, the IME launched products tailored for migrant workers and their families, combining remittance, savings, and bill payment features. 

"If you have a good team and strategy and effective guidance by the company founders – Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Hem Raj Dhakal – there are fewer chances of failure," shared Paudel.

After serving IME for more than 11 years, he accepted a challenge to prove his mettle in the insurance sector and joined IME Life Insurance Limited as Deputy CEO a year ago. This sector has faced multiple challenges, from insurance literacy to technology adoption. While joining the company, he expressed his commitment to building further strategic business partnerships and technological advancement in the insurance sector.

What follows the insurance business with him is the passion for technology and consumer care and a vision for the digital transformation of this sector. "No business or activity related to public affairs could be sustained for long if it's not technology-driven. Consumers want timely service at their location digitally. All insurance services, ranging from buying a product and paying premiums to obtaining maturity benefits, should go digital and faceless as far as they can go," says Paudel, adding that most of the insurance industries in India and China have become faceless. 

He wants to collaborate and coordinate with the industry, regulator, and other stakeholders, so he has discussed technological upliftment in the Nepali insurance industry with the Nepali Insurance Authority. The technological development in the past five to 10 years has built the foundation for further advancement. However, he feels a need to launch an education campaign at the government level. 

According to Paudel, Nepal's future hinges on how fast and effectively the industry embraces digital transformation—especially those like insurance that touch every household. The global trend is heading toward AI-driven, mobile-first, and experience-centric solutions. The Nepali insurance industry is in that direction but must act with speed, innovation, and integrity. "Having led digital change in remittance and insurance, we have only scratched the surface. Through collaboration across sectors, we can create a Nepal that is not just digitally connected but digitally empowered," he said.

With strengths in combining strategic corporate moves, operational discipline, and technology enablement and a keen understanding of digital ecosystems, he always focused on designing products and processes that create real impact—be it helping migrant workers send money home easily or enabling insurance customers to manage their policies without paper or in-person visits.

Paudel's passion lies in leveraging technology to simplify complex financial services and make them accessible to the masses. He has consistently voiced the need for digitalisation in insurance to ensure transparency, reduce fraud, and improve claim settlement procedures. His interests also extend to financial literacy and youth empowerment, so he often participates in events that aim to bridge the knowledge gap between financial institutions and the public.

Born in Baglung and educated in management atTribhuvan University, Paudel was professionally trained at Harvard Kennedy School in policy design and financial service, as well as at the Indian Institute of Management and the Institute of Bankers Malaysia. He was presented with the South Asia BFSI Tech 24 award and the Ingenious CEO of 2024 for his contributions to the technological development in finance.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 August 2025.  

व्यवसायको औपचारिकीकरण जटिल

 राजस्वमा वृद्धि गर्न नेपालमा सरकारले हरेक वर्षको बजेटमा गर्ने वाचा हो, करको दायरा विस्तार गर्ने । त्यसको अन्तर्य हो, करको दर नबढाउने तर कर आउने क्षेत्र विस्तार गर्ने वा करको दायराभन्दा बाहिर रहेका उद्योग व्यवसाय तथा पेसाकर्मीलाई दायरामा ल्याउने । तर पछिल्ला दुई/तीन दशकमा सरकारको यो चाहना र योजना नारामा मात्र सीमित भएको छ । समयक्रममा सरकारको राजस्व प्राप्तिमा क्रमिक सुधार देखिए पनि मुलुकले जति आम्दानी गर्नुपर्ने हो त्यो हुन सकेको छैन । यसो हुनुका पछाडि धेरै कारण छन् । त्यसमध्येको प्रमुख कारण हो–धेरै व्यवसाय तथा आर्थिक गतिविधि अनौपचारिक रूपमा सञ्चालन हुनु ।
सात वर्षअघि केन्द्रीय तथ्याङ्क कार्यालयले गरेको राष्ट्रिय आर्थिक गणनाले नेपालमा सवा नौ लाख साना ठुला उद्योग तथा व्यवसाय रहेको र त्यसमध्ये आधाजसो कुनै पनि निकायमा दर्ता नभइकन अनौपचारिक रूपमा चलेको देखाएको थियो । त्यसबेला ४९.९ प्रतिशत व्यावसायिक प्रतिष्ठान दर्ताबिनै सञ्चालनमा रहेका थिए । यससँगै अर्धऔपचारिक व्यवसाय पनि यहाँ सञ्चालन भइरहेका छन् । उदाहरणको रूपमा नदीजन्य निर्माण सामग्रीका उद्योग तथा व्यवसायलाई लिन सकिन्छ । कि त ती उद्योग नै अनौपचारिक छन् कि त्यसको ढुवानी गर्ने साधन अनौपचारिक रूपमा चलिरहेका छन् । यस्तो प्रवृत्तिले राज्यले राजस्व गुमाएको छ, ग्राहकले गुणस्तरीय वस्तु वा सेवा पाएका छैनन् भने व्यवसायले समाज र वातावरणप्रति निर्वाह गर्नुपर्ने दायित्व पूरा गरेका छैनन् । 
यसरी व्यवसाय गर्नेलाई मात्र नाफा हुने, अरूको हितको प्रत्याभूति नहुने भएकाले व्यवसायलाई औपचारिक गर्नु आवश्यक छ । अनौपचारिक उद्योगले रोजगारीमा योगदान गरे पनि त्यहाँ श्रमिकको हितको सुरक्षा नहुने बरु थप शोषण हुने गरेका प्रशस्त दृष्टान्त छन् । यद्यपि मौसमी रूपमा चल्ने केही व्यवसाय तथा कतिपय लघुउद्यमको हकमा भने केही विकल्प खोज्न सकिन्छ । विभिन्न सरकारी तथा गैरसरकारी अध्ययनले कृषि, यातायात, निर्माण र आतिथ्य एवं पर्यटनमा अनौपचारिकताको मात्रा अन्य क्षेत्रमा भन्दा बढी रहेको देखाएका छन् । यद्यपि त्यसलाई सम्बोधन गर्ने गरी सरकारले कुनै योजना बनाउन भने सकेको छैन । 
यस्तो परिप्रेक्ष्यमा १६ औँ योजना (आर्थिक वर्ष २०८१/८२ देखि २०८६/८७) ले २०८७ असार मसान्तसम्ममा औपचारिक व्यवसायको सङ्ख्या ८५ प्रतिशत पु¥याउने महत्वाकाङ्क्षी लक्ष्य लिएको छ । १६ औँ योजनामार्फत अनौपचारिक अर्थतन्त्रको आकार घटाउँदै लैजाने लक्ष्य लिएको योजना आयोगले सरकारलाई विभिन्न उपाय पनि सुझाएको छ । यद्यपि सो योजना लागु भएको दोस्रो वर्ष आइपुग्दासम्म सङ्घीय सरकारले त्यस दिशामा ठोस काम गर्न भने सकेको देखिँदैन भने अनौपचारिक क्षेत्रमा रहेका व्यवसायलाई दर्ता गरी कर, नियमन तथा पारदर्शिताको दायरामा ल्याउने प्रयास पनि कमै मात्र भएको छ । सरकारी निकाय दर्ता नभई चलेका व्यवसायलाई औपचारिक हुन आह्वान गर्ने कार्यमा मात्र सीमित छन् । 
व्यवसाय दर्ता नगरी सञ्चालन गर्दा कर तिर्नु नपर्ने, श्रमिकको पूर्ण जिम्मेवारी लिनु नपर्ने, पारदर्शी हुनु नपर्ने, गुणस्तर कायम गर्नु नपर्ने जस्ता तात्कालिक फाइदा हुन्छन् तर दीर्घकालमा त्यसले व्यवसायको श्रीवृद्धिमा कुनै सहयोग गर्दैन । उदाहरणका लागि गुणस्तर कमसल भएको उत्पादन वा सेवा बिस्तारै उपभोक्ताको रोजाइमा पर्न छाड्छ र अन्ततः उत्पादन वा कम्पनी नै बन्द गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ । त्यस्तै कर नतिरिकन भएको आय अवैधानिक हुन सक्ने जोखिम पनि उत्तिकै हुन्छ भने त्यस्ता कम्पनीले दक्ष र गुणस्तरीय कामदार नपाउने अवस्था पनि सिर्जना भएको देखिएको छ । 
अनौपचारिक रूपमा चलेका उद्यम तथा व्यवसायले बैङ्क तथा वित्तीय संस्थाबाट ऋण पाउँदैनन् । धितो राख्नका लागि उल्लेख्य सम्पत्ति रहेका व्यवसायीले व्यक्तिगत रूपमा ऋण झिकेर व्यवसायमा लगाएको पनि देखिएको छ तर त्यसरी लगानी गरेर सञ्चालन गरेका व्यवसायले सरकार तथा केन्द्रीय बैङ्कले घोषणा गरेका कुनै पनि वित्तीय सुविधा, कर छुट तथा अन्य सहुलियत पाउँदैनन् । यस्ता सबै सुविधा सरकारी निकायमा दर्ता भएर विधिवत् चलेका उद्यमलाई मात्र दिइन्छ । कोभिड–१९ महामारीमा दर्ता नभएकै कारणले लघु, घरेलु तथा साना उद्योगले सरकारले प्रदान गर्ने भनिएका कुनै पनि सुविधा वा छुट पाउन सकेनन् । सारा समस्याको सामना आफ्नै बलबुताले मात्र गर्नु प¥यो । 
यसरी औपचारिक हुँदा प्रशस्त फाइदा हुने अवस्था रहँदारहँदै व्यवसायहरू किन दर्ता भएर कानुनी रूपमा चल्न चाहँदैनन् त ? त्यसको पहिलो कारण हो, औपचारिक रूपमा व्यवसाय चलाउनुका फाइदाबारे अनौपचारिक क्षेत्रका उद्यमीहरूलाई सूचित, सचेत र शिक्षित गर्न नसक्नु । धेरै व्यवसायीलाई यस्ता फाइदा तथा अनौपचारिकताका हानिबारे पर्याप्त ज्ञान नभएको देखिन्छ । आममानिसलाई वित्तीय साक्षरता, बिमा साक्षरता तथा पुँजीबजार साक्षरताका कार्यक्रम प्रशस्त आयोजना गरिए पनि उद्यमशीलता तथा व्यावसायिकताको विकासका लागि साक्षरताका कार्यक्रम हालै मात्र थालिएको छ । 
व्यवसायी औपचारिक हुन नचाहनुको दोस्रो कारण हो, जटिल र लामो दर्ता प्रक्रिया । खास गरी लघु, साना तथा मझौला उद्योगहरू कर कार्यालय, स्थानीय सरकार तथा अन्य नियामक निकायबाट छुट्टाछुट्टै स्वीकृति लिनुपर्ने झञ्झटमा फस्न नचाहेको देखिन्छ । विभिन्न सरकारी अड्डामा धाउने आवश्यकताले उनीहरूलाई औपचारिक हुन निरुत्साहित गरेको छ । कतिपय लघु, घरेलु तथा साना उद्यमीहरू साक्षर मात्र भएको हुनाले उनीहरू विभिन्न प्रकारका कानुनी प्रक्रियासँग त्रसित पनि हुने गरेका छन् । 
तेस्रो कारण हो, कर तथा नियमनको बोझ । खास गरी कम नाफाको मार्जिनमा चलिरहेका व्यवसायहरू औपचारिकीकरणसँगै आउने सम्भावित अतिरिक्त वित्तीय दायित्वप्रति चिन्तित देखिन्छन् । यो चिन्ता निराधार पनि छैन । व्यावसाय औपचारिक हुनासाथ आयकर तिर्नुपर्ने, कर्मचारीलाई सामाजिक सुरक्षा कोषमा आबद्ध गर्नुपर्ने, नवीकरण तथा लेखा परीक्षणका लागि थप शुल्कहरू तिर्नुपर्ने जस्ता कारणले उनीहरू व्यवसाय दर्ता गर्न चाहँदैनन् । यस्ता कारणले व्यवसायको लागत निकै बढ्ने अनुमान लघु तथा साना उद्यमीहरूमा व्याप्त छ । 
त्यसै गरी चौथो कारण हो, सरकारप्रतिको अविश्वास । औपचारिक व्यवसायले सरकार तथा अन्य निकायबाट प्रत्यक्ष सहयोगका साथै वित्तीय पहुँच, तालिम तथा अन्य सहायताका लागि योग्य हुन    सक्छ तर अधिकांश अवस्थामा सरकारले दिने सुविधा ठुला तथा मझौला उद्योगहरूका लागि मात्र उपयुक्त भएको देखिएको छ । लघु तथा घरेलु उद्योगहरूले यस्ता सुविधा बिरलै पाउँछन् । उनीहरूमा यस्ता सुविधा आफूले पाउँछु भन्ने भरोसा पनि छैन भने त्यस्ता सुविधाका लागि चाहिने अनावश्यक मात्रामा कागजपत्र तथा झन्झटिलो प्रक्रियाले उनीहरूलाई निरुत्साहित गर्ने गरेको छ । नेपालमा सरकारले दिने भनेका सुविधा वा सहुलियत सरकारमा रहेको दलाल व्यवसायी र दल निकटका कार्यकर्ताले मात्र पाउँछन् भन्ने आमधारणा छ । 
व्यवसायी अनौपचारिक रहनुको पाँचौँ कारक बनेको छ, विभिन्न तह र निकायबिचको समन्वय । स्थानीय र सङ्घीय सरकारमा दर्ता हुनुपर्ने, कर, वातावरण र स्थानीय चासोलाई सम्बोधन गर्न विभिन्न निकायमा धाउनुपर्ने र एकै खालका दस्ताबेज विभिन्न विन्दुमा पटक पटक पेस गर्नुपर्ने परम्पराले लघु, घरेलु तथा साना व्यवसायीलाई औपचारिक हुन प्रेरित गर्न सकेको छैन । व्यवसायको नियमन र अनुगमनमा धेरै निकाय संलग्न हुँदा अनुपालन लागत बढेको छ । 
सर्सती हेर्दा अनुभूति नहुने तर समाजमा जरा गाडेको परम्परा पनि व्यवसाय दर्ता नहुनुको छैटौँ कारण हो । नेपालका कतिपय जाति र समुदायमा महिलालाई व्यवसायमा प्रवेश गर्न नदिने, गर्नै चाहे पनि घरबाटै ससानो स्तरमा मात्रै गर्न सक्ने स्थिति अद्यपि कायम छ । कतिपय समुदायमा व्यवसाय गर्नु आफ्नो धर्म नै होइन भन्ने मानसिकता रहेकाले उनीहरूले आफ्ना सन्तान र त्यसमा पनि महिलालाई औपचारिक रूपमा व्यवसाय गर्न प्रोत्साहन गर्दैनन् । 
व्यवसायको औपचारिकीकरण जटिल प्रक्रिया हो; जसका लागि प्रणालीगत, आर्थिक र सामाजिक–सांस्कृतिक चुनौतीलाई तत्कालै सम्बोधन गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ । त्यसका लागि नेपालमा स्थानीय सरकारको प्रयास प्रभावकारी देखिएको छ । उनीहरूले स्थानीय वातावरण र अवस्था हेरी प्रोत्साहन र दण्ड जरिबानाको शैली अपनाएका छन् । जसले गर्दा तिलोत्तमा नगरपालिका (रुपन्देही) जस्ता स्थानीय तहमा ८० प्रतिशतभन्दा बढी व्यवसाय दर्ता भइसकेका छन् । यसर्थ सङ्घीय र स्थानीय सरकारको समन्वयमा व्यवसाय दर्तालाई सरलीकरण गरी पारदर्शी, एकद्वार र द्रुत बनाउनु सबैभन्दा प्रभावकारी कदम हुने छ ।
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 July 2025.  

Poor Leadership Cripples Public Enterprises

 Of the 45 public sector enterprises (PSEs) operating in Nepal, 17 are running at a loss. In Fiscal Year 2023/24, the public enterprises in the industrial, commercial, public utility, service and financial sectors earned a net profit of Rs. 42.63 billion. But the top five profit makers – Nepal Oil Corporation, Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Telecom, Citizen Investment Trust, and Deposit and Credit Guarantee Fund – make almost 84 per cent of this profit, while the rest made a combined profit of Rs. 6.94 billion.

Meanwhile, other offices performing general administration tasks have long been failing to provide timely service and meet public expectations, which has contributed to increasing public frustration and decreasing the credibility of the state. Administrative offices and state-owned enterprises seem sluggish. While multiple reform plans and strategies have been announced, their implementation remains rather pathetic.

Management failure

The miserable state of PSEs results from management failure, which is due to incompetent, inefficient, and visionless leadership. Many of the public sector companies are on the verge of going belly up because of direct political interference in the appointment of the managers and the vested interests of regulating bodies in micromanaging the business or industrial entity. The terms of reference of the job or qualification criteria are bent to present the lucrative posts to the henchmen of certain leaders. The managers, who snatch the positions from deserving candidates through their political connections, have less to do with the prosperity of the institution. 

They create an island for themselves and always remain in a coterie of 'yes men'. They live in an ivory tower and look down on the subordinates and 'foot soldiers' who struggle hard to take the enterprise on the path to success. This type of manager tends to show their allegiance to their political masters, remain indifferent to the career growth and capacity building of the staff of the organisation, and ignore the customer and market interests and business growth. However, they might exhibit a sort of loyalty to the trade unions affiliated with their respective political parties at the cost of the overall organisational benefits. Political patronage has become the largest bane of the PSEs in Nepal.

These managers can never be true leaders; instead, many of them end up becoming power brokers at their level or fundraisers for their political masters and parties. They are risk-averse and are myopic in terms of organisational or business transformation. Their lack of knowledge about the business and products of the enterprise, innovations in the sector, and the status of competition in the market sustains the fear of taking any risks. This is the era of global competition, and any company or product has to either compete at the international level or face the influx of international products in the domestic market, or experience both.

These challenges demand that the managers of the PSEs possess knowledge and expertise in marketing, human resource management—with the capability to find and develop talent within and outside the organisation—collaboration and cooperation with different stakeholders of the business, and the ability to work on both short- and long-term strategies. But the managers in the PSEs are initially overconfident about solving the challenges in the enterprise, simply because they have connections with high political offices. In reality, it doesn't happen. Decisions should come through a due process defined by laws, which bar the ambitious managers, many of whom have been parachuted into the organisation and feel alien throughout their tenure, from making decisions haphazardly. 

Even their political masters suggest that they must not go beyond the legal framework. Those who are catapulted to the post for the first time find themselves ping-ponged between Singha Durbar and their workstation. Some managers just have the posts but lack the decision-making authority. They can't solve the problems of their staff and customers. If a leader doesn't have the right and power (resources included) to solve the challenges faced by the subordinates, he or she bears no authority to direct them to put in additional efforts for exclusive results. Meanwhile, many of the PSEs are headed by acting chiefs. 

Assigning the 'acting' post instead of full-fledged responsibility for the job might have repercussions on the confidence and decision-making ability of the manager. Several such enterprises have had 'acting' chiefs for the last many years who are not fully satisfied with their job title but carry out the day-to-day responsibilities while not taking initiatives for long-term business growth and solutions. Many of the PSEs, therefore, lack O&M policy and strategy, hindering healthy organisational growth.

Pain points 

To make the PSEs more competitive, sustainable, and economically rewarding, managers should be ready to hear from the foot soldiers – the lower rung of employees – and address the pain points at various levels. The power of communication should not be ignored, as it is not only useful in mapping the environment in an organisation and building rapport with the entire team, but also in finding the pain points, managing resources, and solving problems. Effective communication within and outside the institution can also help find new insights, navigate through complexities, and address conflicts.

Having said that, the ultimate basic requisite to have good leaders in PSEs is to bring in the managers who match the requirements of the post and can fulfil the demands of the market. One should always be reminded that serving the consumers is the ultimate goal of the company they are leading. Failing in this objective means failing on every front.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 August 2025.  

Unemployment measurement remains a puzzling job

Kathmandu, Aug. 23

In 2017, there were approximately 20.7 million people of working age, of whom 7.1 million were employed, while 908,000 (11.4 per cent) were unemployed, according to data from the Nepal Labour Force Survey (NLFS) Report 2017/18. The NLFS considers citizens aged 15 and above as part of the labour force.

However, the National Census 2021 reported that of the 23.958 million economically active population (aged 10 years and above), 37.46 per cent remained without any work. According to the census conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), 40.99 per cent reported working for more than six months, 11.40 per cent worked for a period of 3–6 months, while 10.14 per cent worked for less than three months. Even if the 12 per cent share of the 11–15 year age group in the population is taken into account, the share of the unemployed population remains quite high.

Meanwhile, the Fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS) 2022/23 reported that the headcount rate of the unemployed population stood at 24.73 per cent, while 20.96 per cent were inactive.

As the various surveys and censuses apply different methods and parameters, they produce different, and often contradicting, data sets on employment and unemployment.

Although the NSO and economists maintain that the final say on employment status should be made by the NLFS, they agree that it may not provide a comprehensive analysis of the ground realities in a country where one-quarter of the national economy relies on agriculture, yet nearly three-fifths of the economically active population is engaged in it.

Estimates from the national accounts for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 show that Nepal's agriculture sector contributed about 25.6 per cent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the share of industry and services stands at 12.4 per cent and 62 per cent, respectively. In contrast, the NLFS 2017/18 reported that one in every five people employed in Nepal worked in agriculture, the largest employing industry.

The NLSS defines persons in employment as individuals of working age who, during a short reference period (7 days), were engaged in any activity to produce goods or provide services for pay or profit. It includes those 'at work' (i.e., having worked for at least one hour in a week) or 'not at work' (due to temporary absence from a job). According to this definition, the unemployment rate measures the proportion of the labour force that is actively seeking work.

 

Data not portraying actual scenario

Nepal uses the method prescribed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the NLFS, which is globally recognised. However, in an economy like Nepal’s, where informality is high and the largest share of the population is engaged in low-paid or unpaid agricultural work, the unemployment statistics are unlikely to reflect the actual scenario.

Lok Bahadur Khatri, Information Officer of the NSO, explained that support workers, who help even in commercial establishments and agriculture, are considered employed if they work for about 14 hours per week. Since many of these workers are non-wage earners, their contribution to the national economy is not calculated, making their 'employment status' misleading.

The unemployment data from the NLFS 2017/18 reflects only those actively seeking work and does not include those who are idle and not engaged in any work.

Suman Raj Aryal, Secretary of the National Planning Commission (NPC), said that although current statistics may not accurately reflect the actual unemployment status in the country, they were collected and analysed using internationally prescribed methods by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS). He stressed that the frequency of data collection should be increased to ensure statistics that better reflect reality.

"Having accurate statistics allows for the development of effective and impactful plans for development. If we have disaggregated data on unemployment, the government can develop targeted policies and programmes to address the needs and bring the concerned stakeholders together," said Aryal.

 

Formalisation is solution

Aryal added that while the informal sector exists in all economies, Nepal has an exceptionally high rate of informality. According to the Economic Census 2018, of the 923,356 business institutions in operation at the time, 49.9 per cent were operating without being registered with any government authority.

The informality of jobs is especially high in agriculture and the Micro, Cottage and Small Enterprises (MCSEs) sector, which also employs a large number of workers. Economist and former NPC member, Dr. Ramesh Paudel, acknowledged the reliability of the NSO’s statistics but said that the unemployment data does not reflect the ground realities.

He argued that the most appropriate way to obtain reliable data is by formalising economic activities. "Although the existing data shows that 40-50 per cent of the economy is informal, more than 60 per cent of economic activities in the country occur informally," said Dr. Paudel, adding that in such a situation, generating reliable data is highly challenging.

Both Secretary Aryal and Economist Dr. Paudel opined that there needs to be a robust data recording system. They also agreed that increasing the frequency of data collection, or making it real-time, could address many of the issues.

 

500,000 labour force enter market

The country largely relies on estimates regarding the labour force. According to government estimates, more than 500,000 people enter the labour market every year, while only about 100,000 jobs are created in the public and private sectors. The government annually announces initiatives to employ large numbers of youth, such as the Prime Minister Employment Programme (PMEP), but such initiatives have had limited effectiveness as they often provide seasonal or short-term work.

For instance, the government announced the employment of 200,000 individuals under the PMEP for 2024/25 and the creation of jobs for 100,000 youths under various programmes of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In 2023/24, the government targeted the creation of over 250,000 jobs, while the target for 2022/23 was around 200,000.

As such short-term work cannot serve as an alternative for sustainable income, youths are less inclined to engage with such initiatives.

 

MoLESS installing system for reliable data

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) is in the process of installing a nationwide system to collect real-time data on labour and employment. Krishna Prasad Sapkota, Joint Secretary and Chief of the Internal Employment Management Division at the Ministry, said that the system has already been installed and is operational in 691 local bodies. Within a couple of months, it will be expanded to all 753 local units.

"Following the operation of the system, we will have reliable data on employment and unemployment. It will also provide disaggregated data by sector," he said.

According to Sapkota, the web-based platform will also maintain data on employers, educational institutions, training providers, and partial employment. Since this system will integrate all systems and applications implemented by MoLESS and various departments under the Ministry, it is expected to address the existing weaknesses.

Currently, all local bodies have labour and employment centres, with one employment coordinator employed at each centre.

 

Informal sector dominates

According to the NLFS 2017/18, the trade industry had the second-largest share of employment (17.5 per cent), followed by construction (13.8 per cent). The informal sector accounted for a larger share of 62.2 per cent. Close to a quarter of all employed individuals (23.8 per cent) were employed in service and sales occupations, followed by elementary occupations, which accounted for just over 20 per cent.

In terms of gender, females reported a higher unemployment rate of 13.1 per cent, which is 2.8 percentage points higher than the male unemployment rate. There are significant disparities in other labour market indicators between females and males. For example, the female employment-to-population ratio (EPR) is 22.9 per cent, which is 25.4 percentage points lower than the male EPR.

The female labour force participation rate (LFPR) was 26.3 per cent, compared to the male LFPR of 53.8 per cent. There were also geographical disparities in labour market outcomes, with Bagmati reporting the lowest unemployment rate (7 per cent) and Madhes reporting the highest (20.1 per cent).

According to the survey, the most common method for job seekers in Nepal was seeking help from relatives and friends, with at least 57 per cent of those looking for work doing so by contacting their relatives and friends.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 August 2025.  

FM Dr. Rana urges Vietnam for flights to GBIA, PIA

Kathmandu, Aug. 23

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, to help create conditions for flights from Vietnam to Nepal’s Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport (PIA).

During her courtesy call to VP Vo in Kathmandu on Saturday, she requested Vietnam’s support in the post-2026 context, as Nepal prepares for graduation from the status of Least Developed Country (LDC), according to a statement issued by the FM Dr. Rana's secretariat.

Pointing out that the number of tourists travelling between Nepal and Vietnam had grown significantly in recent years, FM Dr. Rana expressed the view that both countries should seize this opportunity and collaborate in advancing the tourism sector.

VP Vo arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday morning for a 3-day official visit at the invitation of Nepal's VP Ramsahay Prasad Yadav.

Likewise, FM Dr. Rana stressed the need to highlight the cultural ties between the two countries, underlining Buddhism as a strong bond that further deepens relations between the peoples of Nepal and Vietnam. Referring to the large number of Vietnamese citizens who visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, she said that the two countries could work together in the field of promoting cultural tourism.

She also sought Vietnam’s backing for Nepal’s candidacy for membership of the Human Rights Council for the term 2027–2029 and for the Economic and Social Council for 2029–2031. In response, Vice President Vo expressed Vietnam’s commitment to support Nepal.

The meeting recalled that Nepal and Vietnam have long extended cooperation and mutual support at both bilateral and multilateral levels, and it was agreed that the two countries should continue to work together on global agendas such as South–South cooperation and climate change.

As members of the G77 and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Vice President Vo and FM Dr. Rana said that Nepal and Vietnam are working in unison to safeguard the interests of developing countries.

VP Vo's visit marks the first-ever highest-level engagement from Vietnam to Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 August 2025.  

Shortage of Twin Otters hits flight service to remote districts

Kathmandu, Aug. 22

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey said that a shortage of Twin Otter aircraft flying to the Himalayan and hilly districts is causing disruptions to regular air services.

Speaking at a discussion programme at the Surkhet Airport on Friday regarding the operation of flights to various districts in Karnali, Minister Pandey highlighted this issue.

Responding to questions raised during the discussion, Minister Pandey clarified that the shortage of Twin Otter aircraft has made it difficult to expand services to remote districts. He said, "We will reach a conclusion on whether operations from Surkhet as a base are feasible only after conducting technical discussions with the concerned agencies."

Minister Pandey said that to address the current shortage of Twin Otter aircraft, the ministry has proposed purchasing seven Twin Otters—one for each of the seven provinces. Expressing confidence that new aircraft would be procured transparently and services would b expanded in cooperation with the private sector, Minister Pandey said, "The issue cannot be resolved with just the two Twin Otters currently available to Nepal Airlines. We must add new aircraft with a long-term vision."

Highlighting that although the country has 53 airports, only a limited number of aircraft are currently operating, Minister Pandey said, "Nepal has 53 airports, but the number of Twin Otter aircraft is decreasing. If this continues, life will become even more difficult for the people in remote areas. Except for Humla and Lukla, most other airports have become almost inactive."

A delegation led by Karnali Province Chief Minister, Yam Lal Kandel, had drawn the attention of the federal government to the irregularity of flights operating from Surkhet as a base.

Participants in the discussion stated that air services are vital in the hilly districts of the province, where road networks have only recently been established and geographical challenges remain considerable. Chief Minister Kandel expressed that the provincial government is prepared to cooperate and urged the development of a clear action plan. He emphasised the significance of fulfilling commitments made at the time of obtaining permissions and proposed establishing Surkhet Airport as a ‘Twin Otter hub’.

A representative from Sita Airlines indicated that the absence of sufficient passengers hampers the operation of regular flights. He clarified that while some flights are currently conducted from Surkhet, they are only feasible when adequate demand exists from areas such as Jumla and Simikot.

He called for the provision of special subsidies to facilitate flights to remote districts.

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Pradeep Adhikari, stated that there is potential to develop Surkhet Airport into a regional hub. He noted that regular flights to various remote districts could be operated from Surkhet in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and other private entities.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 August 2025.