KATHMANDU: The government has decided to strengthen the supply of essential commodities and intensify market monitoring ahead of the upcoming festivals to prevent shortages, hoarding, black marketing and unjustified price hikes.
During a weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the government said market monitoring would be intensified through coordination among federal, provincial and local authorities, taking into account potential supply chain disruptions during the festival season and following disasters.
Meanwhile, announcing the decisions of the 75th meeting of the Central Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, the government said measures would also be taken to maintain peace and security, ensure smooth public transport services and strengthen surveillance in disaster-prone and other vulnerable areas amid increased festival crowds.
The government has also directed concerned agencies to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, including healthcare, drinking water, electricity and sanitation, throughout the festive period.
Recommendation to issue three ordinances
Meanwhile, the government has recommended that the President issue three ordinances to amend existing laws related to land, disasters and forests.
The proposed ordinances are the Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Relating to Land, 2083; the Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Relating to Disasters, 2084; and the Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Relating to Forests, 2083.
Rs 17.3 billion collected in Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund
A total of Rs 17.3 billion has been collected in the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund so far, according to the government.
Of this amount, Rs 1 billion has been released to the Disaster Management Fund under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Hello Government receives 1,767 complaints
The government’s Hello Government grievance-handling service received 1,767 complaints during the past week.
The major complaints concerned unpaid wages and Dashain allowances for workers, LPG shortages, rising vehicle fares and the failure of businesses to issue bills.
Meanwhile, the National Vigilance Centre has directed the concerned authorities to take action in accordance with the rules against 1,167 employees found violating office attendance schedules and failing to wear prescribed uniforms during inspections at various government offices.
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