KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Indra Bahadur Baniya sworn in Chief Minister of Bagmati Province
Nepali Congress leader Indra Bahadur Baniya took the oath of office and secrecy as the sixth Chief Minister of Bagmati Province. Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota administered the oath to Baniya on Tuesday. Earlier on the same day, Devkota appointed Baniya as Chief Minister under Article 168(2) of the Constitution. Baniya is now the sixth person to hold the position of Chief Minister in Bagmati Province.
Polygamy provision in draft bill under review: Law Minister
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya has said that the ongoing debate surrounding proposed changes to the Criminal Code regarding polygamy will be addressed through thorough discussion and consensus. Speaking to the media following a meeting of the Bill Committee held Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, Minister Chaurasiya said a sub-committee will review the concerns raised about the issue and come to a concrete conclusion. The committee met at the request of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who called for further deliberation on the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code Act, 2017, which includes a controversial provision that would legally permit polygamy under specific circumstances.
Probe committee submits report on Civil Service Bill tampering
The parliamentary investigation committee formed to look into alleged tampering with the cooling-off period provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill has submitted its report to Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire. The committee, led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Jeevan Pariyar, concluded that Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, along with committee secretary Suraj Kumar Dura, bore responsibility for the controversial changes made to the bill. The report, submitted on Tuesday, identifies both individuals as key actors in the incident. While the committee stopped short of accusing Khatiwada of procedural misconduct, it held him morally responsible for failing to prevent the alterations. Speaking to Khabarhub, Khatiwada acknowledged the committee’s findings and said he accepted moral and political responsibility, even though he insisted that he personally supported the inclusion of the cooling-off period provision from the beginning.
‘Cooling-off period’ report: Ramhari Khatiwada and committee secretary Dura held responsible
The parliamentary special inquiry committee formed to investigate changes made to the Federal Civil Service Bill regarding the “cooling-off period” has finalized a unanimous report, holding two key individuals accountable. According to a committee member, the report names Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, and Suraj Kumar Dura, the committee secretary, as responsible for the insertion of language that effectively nullified the cooling-off period provision. The committee reached consensus after two days and two nights of extensive discussions, finalizing the report on Tuesday early morning.
Khatiwada denies tampering allegations, says clause was approved with consent
Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Ramhari Khatiwada, has clarified that he supported the inclusion of the “cooling-off period” provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill from the very beginning. In his statement to the parliamentary probe committee led by lawmaker Jeevan Pariyar, Khatiwada said the clause was introduced after thorough deliberations during one of the most significant lawmaking processes following the promulgation of the constitution. According to him, clause-by-clause discussions on the bill began on September 5, 2024, and a subcommittee was entrusted with the responsibility to review the provisions.
Ramhari Khatiwada accepts moral responsibility in cooling-off clause controversy
Nepali Congress lawmaker and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on State Affairs and Good Governance, Ramhari Khatiwada, has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding the removal of the cooling-off period provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2023. Khatiwada, whose name has been mentioned in the investigation report led by NC MP Jeevan Pariyar, said that although he does not believe he committed any wrongdoing, he is ready to take moral responsibility as the committee chair. The investigation committee, comprising seven members, found both Khatiwada and committee secretary Suraj Kumar Dura responsible for manipulating the draft bill to remove the cooling-off clause, a provision meant to prevent civil servants from immediately transitioning into political appointments after leaving the bureaucracy.
Chief Secretary admits lobbying against cooling-off period in Civil Service Bill
Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal has admitted that he actively lobbied against the inclusion of a “cooling-off period” in the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2023, and has continued to oppose it until the bill is formally enacted into law. During a statement given to the parliamentary special investigation committee formed to look into the controversy surrounding the bill, Aryal said he has consistently advocated against the provision, viewing it as contrary to the rights of government employees.
MP Rajendra Pandey names officials behind cooling-off period omission
Unified Socialist Party lawmaker Rajendra Pandey has publicly named three government officials whom he claims were directly responsible for the controversial removal of the cooling-off period provision from the Federal Civil Service Bill. Pandey, who is also a member of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, made the allegation during deliberations over the report submitted by the parliamentary special investigation committee, which recently concluded that a serious error had occurred in the drafting process of the bill.
Probe committee cites global practices to justify cooling-off period in Civil Service Bill
The parliamentary special investigation committee formed to look into the manipulation of the Federal Civil Service Bill has underscored the necessity of enforcing a cooling-off period for retired government officials. The committee’s report cites international practices from seven countries to demonstrate why such a provision is critical to maintaining the integrity of Nepal’s bureaucracy. The committee has elaborated on the risks posed by allowing high-ranking civil servants to take up government or political appointments immediately after retirement. Drawing on global examples, it has warned of potential misuse of influence, access to sensitive information, and conflicts of interest if the cooling-off period is not legally enforced.
Committee Secretary says cooling-off clause based on ministry draft
Suraj Kumar Dura, Secretary of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of Parliament, has clarified that his endorsement of the Federal Civil Service Bill, particularly the contentious cooling-off period clause, was based on a draft approved by the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. Appearing before the parliamentary probe committee led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Jeevan Pariyar, Dura stated that he had signed the draft report only after it was finalized in consultation with the concerned ministries. “The final draft of the report was circulated to all relevant parties,” Dura said in his statement. “Both ministries had reached a consensus on the language, so I, representing the Secretariat, agreed as well.”
Parliamentary probe reveals corruption linked to no cooling-off period in Civil Service Act
The parliamentary probe committee examining errors in the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2023, has revealed that the absence of a clear cooling-off period or mandatory rest duration in Nepal’s civil service system has led to a corrupt and unethical governance structure. The committee’s report highlights an unholy alliance between political leadership and senior bureaucrats, resulting in the monopolization and misuse of state resources by the same individuals. The report notes that while Nepal’s civil service laws, including the Civil Service Act, 1993, and its regulations, contain some indirect references to rest periods for government employees, there is no explicit legal provision for a cooling-off period. This lack of clarity has allowed some senior officials to obtain important government appointments before completing their full tenure, often using questionable methods.
RPP lawmaker claims major parties weakened probe committee’s report on cooling-off period controversy
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker and member of the parliamentary special investigation committee, Roshan Karki, has claimed that pressure from major political parties prevented the committee from producing a stronger report on the controversial removal of the cooling-off period provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill. Speaking to journalists at the Parliament building on Tuesday after the committee submitted its report to the Speaker, Karki said, “Because of the arrogance of the major parties, we could not arrive at the kind of conclusion we had hoped for.”
Parliamentary committee to move forward with parallel discussion on Civil Aviation Bills
The International Relations and Tourism Committee under the House of Representatives has decided to advance discussions on the two interrelated civil aviation bills, one concerning the division of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), and the other related to the proposed Nepal Aviation Service Authority, through a parallel deliberation process. The decision was made during a meeting of the committee held today at Singha Durbar, where members agreed that both bills are complementary and should be discussed side by side for comprehensive understanding and legislative clarity. Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, proposed the joint discussion approach, stating that proceeding with only one bill would necessitate analysis of the other as well. His proposal was unanimously endorsed by committee members.
Govt launches mediation teams to break local budget stalemates
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has launched a rapid intervention to break a budget impasse that has stalled governance in a number of municipalities and rural municipalities well into the new fiscal year. Acting under the directive of Minister Bhagawati Neupane, the ministry will deploy three facilitation teams from August 5, led by joint secretaries Kaliprasad Parajuli, Prakash Dahal, and Rudra Singh Tamang, to conduct on-the-ground consultations with local governments. The move comes after weeks of concern that some local governments, including sub-metropolitan cities, municipalities, and rural municipalities, have yet to pass their annual budget and programs for the current fiscal year, in direct violation of constitutional and legal deadlines.
NC leader Dila Sangraula slams proposed legal recognition of polygamy
Nepali Congress central committee member and head of the party’s Professional and Intellectuals Department, Dr. Dila Sangraula, has strongly objected to the government’s proposal to amend the law in a way that could grant legal recognition to polygamy. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Sangraula, a former president of the Nepal Women’s Association, said polygamy remains a criminal offence under Nepal’s Penal Code and any attempt to amend this provision would be unacceptable. “Polygamy is a criminal act,” her statement read. “This proposed amendment runs counter to Nepal’s social, cultural, and moral foundations. At a time when the country faces numerous pressing issues, it is unclear why the government has chosen to ‘play an untimely flute’ by raising this matter now.”
RPP and RSP continue boycott of HoR
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) continued their boycott of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, reiterating their demand for a parliamentary probe into the alleged visit visa scandal. RPP lawmakers walked out of the House after Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire allowed party MP Deepak Bahadur Singh to speak. In his remarks, Singh reiterated RPP’s position that the issue must be investigated through a parliamentary committee, as the party has been demanding since May 27. “We are boycotting the House proceedings and also giving up the allowances we are entitled to during the boycott,” Singh told lawmakers.
Prakash Man Singh directs nationwide readiness for monsoon emergencies
Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh on Tuesday directed all government agencies to remain on high alert as monsoon-related disasters escalate across the country. At a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Urban Development, Singh was briefed on the current monsoon situation and potential disaster risks by key officials including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Defense Minister Man Bahadur Rai, Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, and Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Dinesh Bhatta. During the meeting, Singh instructed authorities to maintain a high level of preparedness, minimize potential damage, and remain ready for rapid search and rescue operations. He also stressed the importance of an effective early warning system through SMS alerts, local media, and security agencies, especially in high-risk areas.
Biplav-led CPN dismisses reports of merger with Maoist Centre
Amid ongoing talks of possible unification with the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) held an informal Standing Committee meeting on Tuesday morning, concluding that no formal agreement on party unification has been reached. According to sources, the meeting dismissed recent media reports claiming a merger deal had been finalized as mere rumors, and said such baseless claims cannot be the foundation for political unity. Instead, the meeting focused on building a new political center under what it called clean leadership of General Secretary Biplav. The party reaffirmed its commitment to launching production-oriented programs aimed at effective political intervention in the coming days.
Earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolts Myagdi
An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck Nepal’s Myagdi district on Tuesday afternoon, with its epicenter recorded near Gurjakhani. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre (NEMRC) in Lainchaur, the tremor occurred at 1:03 PM local time. The seismic event was relatively moderate in intensity, and there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
This is what Nepal’s East-West Railway looks like after a decade
Progress on the government’s ambitious East-West Railway project has significantly slowed down, largely due to unresolved land compensation disputes and financial constraints. Despite being designated a National Pride Project, the East-West Railway has made only marginal headway since its inception over a decade ago. According to recent updates, just 3.4 percent of the 925-kilometre railway line—from Kakkadbhitta in the east to Gaddachauki in the west—has been completed so far. Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Devendra Dahal recently acknowledged the stalled progress, telling a meeting of the National Concern and Coordination Committee under the National Assembly that the project has become a “neither chewable nor swallowable” burden for the government, mainly due to a lack of funds.
Govt considers rerouting East–West electric railway to avoid land compensation costs
The government is preparing to change the alignment of Nepal’s ambitious East–West electric railway after concluding it cannot afford the massive cost of land compensation. Instead of acquiring large swathes of private land, officials are now weighing a plan to build the line along the East–West Highway corridor, a shift that would require a new feasibility study and potentially abandon more than a decade of prior planning work. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has begun internal discussions on the rerouting option, according to senior officials.
Landslide blocks Butwal–Narayangadh road section for over 24 hours
The Butwal–Narayangadh road section along the East-West Highway has remained blocked since Monday morning due to a massive landslide in the Daunne hill area, preventing vehicular movement for more than 24 hours. The landslide, triggered by continuous rainfall, occurred at Daunne hill in Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality–2 of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East). According to Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal of the District Police Office, the ongoing rainfall has made it difficult to resume traffic. “The road has become dangerously slippery in the uphill section due to the rain and landslide,” SP Dhakal said. “Even though gravel was placed to ease the movement near the under-construction bridge by the Bishwakarma Temple in Daunne, it hasn’t been effective in reopening the road.”
Gold price reaches Rs 198,500 per tola
The price of gold in the Nepali market surged by Rs 1,900 per tola on Tuesday, reaching an all-time high. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is now being traded at Rs 198,500 per tola. On Sunday, the last trading day, gold was priced at Rs 196,600 per tola.
Family law amendments ignite clash over gender equality in Nepal
Nepal’s family law is once again in the spotlight, as the Ministry of Law’s latest proposals to amend the Criminal Code and Civil Code spark debate over the principles that should guide marriage, divorce, and women’s rights in the 21st century. The Ministry insists the changes are aimed at upholding constitutional equality. Critics, however, warn they risk dismantling long-standing protections for women, protections embedded in Nepal’s legal system for decades as part of its distinctive blend of tradition and modernity. At the heart of the dispute lies a fundamental question: should Nepal’s marriage laws be based on absolute gender equality in the Western sense, or should they preserve the country’s unique legal philosophy, which grants women specific protections even if it means treating them differently from men?
‘Yartung’ festival begins in Muktikshetra amid joyous start of winter
The cultural and religious festival ‘Yartung’ has begun in Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality of Mustang. This year, the celebration commenced in Khinga village, Ward No. 1, with locals marking the start of the festival on Monday with great enthusiasm. The word ‘Yar’ means rain, while ‘Tung’ means end—symbolizing the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the winter season. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated after the monsoon crops like urad and jain are harvested and the rice fields have been planted. For centuries, Yartung has offered locals a relaxed and festive period before winter sets in. According to Ward Chair Pramesh Gurung, the Yartung festival includes prayers for nature and world peace. The festival is observed on different dates across 19 villages within Waragung Muktikshetra and Upper Mustang, but the official celebration starts in Khinga village. The Gurung, Bista, and Lowa communities continue the festival in other areas following Khinga’s lead.
KMC faces criticism after cement reappears in area meant for water recharge
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has come under fire after locals observed fresh cement being laid over an old pitch surface in an area that was previously earmarked for water-recharge-friendly redevelopment. Months ago, KMC had launched a project to remove concrete from heritage zone roadways with the stated goal of constructing water-rechargeable infrastructure to allow underground water replenishment. The initiative was widely welcomed as a step toward environmentally sustainable urban planning.
Finance Minister says Nepal aiming to exit FATF grey list ahead of schedule
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has stated that the government is making coordinated and intensive efforts to remove Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list ahead of the scheduled timeline. Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Paudel expressed confidence that Nepal’s dedicated actions would lead to an early exit from the grey list. “Due to Nepal’s organized and intensified efforts, the country will be removed from the grey list ahead of schedule,” he said.
Embossed number plates made mandatory on vehicles
The Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ministry, led by Minister Devendra Dahal, has decided to make the installation of embossed vehicle number plates mandatory across Nepal. The decision was taken during a thematic committee meeting attended by provincial ministers and secretaries. Starting October 17, all vehicles registered, transferred, or renewed at provincial Transport Management Offices must be fitted with embossed number plates.
Comment