KATHMANDU: Discussions between the government and transport entrepreneurs, held until late Monday night, have been positive and focused on resolving ongoing issues.
The talks concluded with the preparation of a draft six-point agreement. Transport entrepreneurs had launched a protest against the Gandaki Province government, objecting to proposed regulations that would allow private vehicles to operate on a rental basis.
Rabindra Acharya, a member of the government negotiation team and Information Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated that it was agreed to forward the guidelines introduced by Gandaki Province to the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
Additionally, a formal request will be made to the Gandaki Province Office via the Prime Minister’s Office.
Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs and a member of the negotiation team, said that the protest would only be suspended once the Gandaki Province government removes the disputed provision from the regulations. Until then, the movement will continue.
Reports indicate that another meeting will be held today (Tuesday), as Monday night’s discussions on the Gandaki Province guidelines ended without a final resolution.
Earlier, a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs at 8 AM on Monday had formed a government negotiation team led by Krishna Raj Pant, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. Eight government representatives are part of the team.
On the other side, transport entrepreneurs formed a nine-member negotiation team led by Bijay Bahadur Swar, President of the National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs.
Following initial talks at the Home Ministry, further discussions were held with Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal.
The final round of negotiations between the two teams concluded late Monday night at the Ministry of Transport, resulting in the six-point agreement.
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