KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NEA staff clash with govt over special treatment for industries
Employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have raised their voices in protest against the recent government directive requiring reconnection of electricity lines to industries within 24 hours, even if the industries have unpaid dues.
In a letter submitted Monday to the Minister of Energy and the NEA Board, the NEA Employee Welfare Council and the National Employees’ Union called for the government to mandate payment of outstanding dues before reconnection.
The letter emphasizes that NEA disconnects power lines for general consumers if bills remain unpaid for over 60 days, asserting that the same rule should apply to industrial clients.
Minister Gurung warns defiance of Cabinet decisions as inexcusable
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has stated that disregarding Cabinet decisions is inexcusable.
Speaking on Monday, Minister Gurung said that the Nepal Electricity Authority has no choice but to implement the government’s directives on the dedicated feeder and trunkline tariff disputes.
Minister Gurung’s comments followed a warning from NEA employee unions, who threatened to protest if lines were reconnected to industries without recovering dues.
Lal commission report on NEA’s tariff dispute made public
The report of the Lal Commission, formed to resolve the tariff dispute concerning the dedicated and trunk lines of the Nepal Electricity Authority, has been made public.
The report was made public on Monday, a significant time after being submitted to the government.
Based on this report, the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday has decided to collect the outstanding tariffs and reconnect power lines to the industries within 15 days.
Ministry directs NEA to collect tariff dues and reconnect lines within 15 days
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has sent a letter to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) directing it to collect outstanding premiums for trunk and dedicated lines based on “Time of the Day” (TOD) meters.
The ministry announced this action during a press conference on Monday, emphasizing that the Cabinet’s decision must be implemented.
According to ministry spokesperson Chiranjeevi Chataut, the letter mandates NEA to collect all dues and reconnect power lines to industries within 15 days.
President Paudel and UN Secretary General Guterres hold brief meeting
President Ramchandra Paudel and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres had a brief meeting.
They met on the aircraft from Doha, Qatar to Baku, Azerbaijan to participate in the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-29).
During the meeting, there was a brief discussion between them about the problems caused by climate change.
COP29: Climate catastrophes in Nepal; call for global support
On the afternoon of August 16, a sudden flood struck Thame in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu, catching residents off guard.
The locals never expected such an abrupt deluge, and in an instant, their village was transformed into a swamp.
For Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, President of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, that day feels surreal. “We are in the grip of climatic risks,” Tashi says.
Rabi Lamichhane to be transported to Rupandehi for statement
Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), currently in Kaski Police custody, is set to be taken to Rupandehi on Tuesday to take his statement.
Lamichhane has been detained for 24 days under investigation for the misappropriation of cooperative funds.
On Sunday, the Kaski District Court authorized an additional 13 days of detention.
Gold price down Rs 1,000 per tola
The price of gold has decreased by Rs 1,000 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market today.
The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silber Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has been determined at Rs 165,000 per tola today.
It was traded at Rs 166,000 per tola on Sunday. Similarly, the price of silver has decreased by Rs 5 per tola.
Discussions underway for constitution amendment: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli has said necessary discussions are underway for economic reforms and an amendment to the Constitution.
The Prime Minister expressed his inability to give time to the media due to time constraints and his busy schedule for today.
On the occasion, he was received by Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, CPN (UML) Koshi Province Committee in-charge and former Chief Minister Sherdhan Rai, party’s province Chair Ghanashyam Khatiwada, Morang’s Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Bhattarai, chiefs of security bodies, party’s senior office-bearers and cadres.
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