KATHMANDU: Kamal Thapa, the chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal, has expressed concern over the government’s indifferent approach to resolving issues related to cooperatives and microfinance, cautioning that failure to address these problems promptly could lead to an explosive situation.

Thapa stressed the importance of timely and appropriate resolution of these issues, warning that neglecting them could have adverse effects on the economy and create negative impacts in the overall economic sector.

He criticized the government for not prioritizing cooperative-related matters, highlighting the complexities that arise when the cooperative sector faces challenges.

Discussing the topic during the program, Thapa underscored the government’s responsibility to collaborate with stakeholders to address the issues affecting around 7.3 million families connected with cooperatives.

He expressed concerns about injustices faced by cooperative operators, savers, and borrowers, urging the implementation of agreed-upon solutions to uplift the cooperative sector nationally.

Speaking at the event, Om Devi Malla, the president of the National Cooperative Federation, expressed readiness for a positive role in problem-solving but highlighted the government’s lack of attention to the issue as a major concern.

During the program, the Chief Secretary and Finance Officer, along with cooperative operators, employees, and affected parties, presented their perspectives on the challenges and solutions related to cooperatives.

RPP Nepal’s Cooperative Department organized the program, and Rajkumar Khadka, the head of the department, briefed the government about the event’s outcomes.