KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has seen a consistent decline, falling for the third consecutive day, reflecting ongoing market volatility.
Despite fluctuations throughout the day, with a turnover of Rs 6.65 billion, the market’s performance remained weak, indicating investor caution.
The removal of the “9% NIC Asia Debenture 2081/82” from NEPSE further reflects adjustments in the market.
On a broader scale, economic and developmental issues, such as the recommendation to raise doctors’ salaries and the ongoing plight of locals affected by the incomplete Kamala Bridge, highlight the growing concerns about governance and infrastructure priorities in Nepal.
These developments underscore both the financial market’s current challenges and the government’s struggle to address critical public service needs.
NEPSE index falls for third consecutive day
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced a decline on Monday, dropping by 15.54 points (0.59%) to close at 2,594.13, following a loss of 25.41 points in the previous session.
Opening at 2,610.05, the market saw fluctuations throughout the day, reaching a high of 2,615.55 and a low of 2,580.74.
Total turnover for the day was Rs 6.65 billion, with 64,278 transactions involving 13,870,579 shares from 322 listed companies.
The market capitalization stood at Rs 43.02 Kharba, while the float market capitalization was Rs 1.44 trillion.
Over Rs 100 billion estimated for post-disaster reconstruction process
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) has estimated that over Rs 100 billion could be required to rebuild disaster-damaged infrastructures across the country.
The NDRRMA presented a projection of around Rs 101 billion and 120 million at the 16th meeting of the National Disaster Council.
The meeting also approved a comprehensive plan for post disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
With the approval of the plan, the process to sign an agreement with the beneficiaries for commencing reconstruction process will begin from January 14, informed Dr Bhisma Kumar Bhusal, Joint-Secretary at the NDRRMA.
9% NIC Asia Debenture 2081/82 Removed from NEPSE
A total of 3,000,000 units of the “9% NIC Asia Debenture 2081/82 (NICAD8182)” have been delisted from NEPSE.
The “9% NIC Asia Debenture 2081/82” reached its maturity today, Poush 29, 2081.
The debenture offered a 9% annual return to its unitholders and will now proceed with refunding the principal amount and distributing the interest to unitholders through its branch offices.
Recommendation for doctors’ salaries to reach Rs 250,000
A committee tasked with studying areas requiring immediate improvement, including the standardization of service facilities for health workers, including doctors, has submitted a report to the Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel.
The committee, coordinated by the Ministry’s Additional Secretary Dr. Tanka Barakoti, presented its report to Minister Poudel on Monday. The report recommends setting the monthly salary of doctors between 100,000 and 250,000 rupees.
Kamala Bridge continues to cause hardship for locals
A concerning trend has emerged recently, where newly appointed ministers are focusing on spending billions of rupees in their constituencies, often prioritizing personal interests over the urgent development needs of the country.
A glaring example of this oversight is the Kamala Bridge, which has remained incomplete despite its importance.
The bridge, which spans the Kamala River between Dhanusha and Siraha districts, has been under construction for 13 years but remains unfinished.
This 470-meter bridge, regarded as the “lifeline” of Madhesh Province, continues to cause hardship for local residents.
Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation calls for implementation of regulations
The Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation has reiterated its call for the strict implementation of the Cargo Vehicle Loading Regulations Procedure-2074.
Citizens’ Investment Fund approves 13 percent dividend
The 30th Annual General Meeting of the Citizens’ Investment Fund approved a proposal to distribute a 13 percent dividend from the profits of the last fiscal year, 2080/81.
The meeting, held on MOnday, approved the distribution of 7 percent in bonus shares and a 6 percent cash dividend from the 869 million rupees allocated in the income distribution statement for the last fiscal year.
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