KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Lawmakers allege conspiracy in tampering Civil Service Bill’s cooling-off clause
The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has concluded that officials from the committee’s own secretariat, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs may have conspired to alter a key provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
During a meeting on Wednesday, the committee agreed that language in the bill regarding the two-year “cooling-off period” for retired or resigned civil servants had been tampered with before the bill was presented to Parliament — weakening its original intent.
Speaker initiates consultations for parliamentary probe committee over cooling-off clause controversy
Following the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee’s decision to form a parliamentary investigation committee over alleged manipulation of the “cooling-off period” clause in the Federal Civil Service Bill, Speaker Devraj Ghimire has begun consultations with major party whips.
According to sources, Speaker Ghimire held preliminary discussions with Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada, CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire, Maoist Center MP Hitraj Pandey, and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar.
The discussion focused on the potential structure and terms of reference of the proposed investigation committee.
National Assembly passes budget and customs bills
The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Appropriation Bill by a majority vote, marking a crucial step in implementing the national budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel tabled the bill, which had been sent from the House of Representatives with recommendations. The Assembly approved it through a majority vote. In addition, the Assembly endorsed proposals to consider two other budget-related bills: the Finance Bill and the Loan and Guarantee Bill. Both are essential components of the broader budget framework. A major highlight of the day was the unanimous approval of the Customs Bill, 2023, which was also presented by Finance Minister Paudel.
Speaker under fire over alleged manipulation of Civil Service Bill
Controversy has erupted in the Federal Parliament after allegations surfaced that the two-year cooling-off period provision—unanimously passed by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee—was altered before the Civil Service Bill was sent to the National Assembly.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire’s role in forwarding the bill has come under scrutiny amid calls for accountability and transparency.
Raising the issue in a committee meeting on Wednesday, CPN-UML lawmaker Krishna Gopal Shrestha questioned Speaker Ghimire’s hasty move to table the bill in the National Assembly, bypassing objections and calls for investigation from several members of parliament. He accused the Speaker of ignoring due process and contributing to a breach of parliamentary ethics.
Mohan Basnet accuses Gagan Thapa of influencing CIAA investigation
Nepali Congress leader Mohan Bahadur Basnet has accused the party’s General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa of influencing the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to launch an investigation against him.
Speaking at the Central Working Committee meeting on Wednesday, Basnet alleged that it was due to Thapa’s actions that the CIAA had taken steps to investigate him. A central committee member who attended the meeting told reporters that Basnet expressed his anger openly toward Thapa.
Gagan Thapa calls Basnet’s accusation undignified and politically immature
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has strongly rejected accusations made against him by party leader and former minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet, calling them “filthy, undignified, and politically inappropriate.”
Responding during the party’s Central Committee meeting, Thapa said, “I won’t dirty myself by engaging with filth. I choose not to be dragged down.”
“My father used to say — always respond to accusations. But my mother would say — never stir filth, or you’ll be covered in it. Today, I’m listening to my mother.”
Basnet, who is currently out on bail in the Teramocs procurement case, had accused Thapa of influencing the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to launch a probe against him.
Bidya Devi Bhandari’s political comeback sparks leadership debate in UML
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s announcement that she has renewed her membership in the CPN-UML and is returning to active politics has triggered significant ripples within the party, igniting internal debate over future leadership and succession.
Bhandari’s decision has energized a section of the party dissatisfied with the current leadership, with some leaders already projecting her as a potential candidate for the next party chair. Though the party’s 11th National Congress is still some time away, this early positioning has created visible unease among senior leaders, especially those aligned with incumbent chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari returns all state facilities
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has formally requested the government to withdraw all state-provided facilities granted to her as a former head of state. According to sources close to Bhandari, she submitted a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking to return all privileges effective from today.
Acting PM Singh calls for action against those behind Civil Service Bill tampering
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has said that those involved in manipulating the Federal Civil Service Bill must face action.
Speaking at the inauguration of a newly constructed municipal building in Kageshwari Manohara Municipality on Wednesday, Singh acknowledged concerns about irregularities in the bill and emphasized that an investigation will be conducted.
“Whoever is found guilty should be held accountable,” he said.
Tarun Dal’s general convention set for December 12–14
The Nepali Congress has decided to hold the general convention of its youth wing, Nepal Tarun Dal, from December 12–14 this year.
According to the party, the term of the current central committee of Tarun Dal has been extended until the convention, in line with the directive committee’s proposal to mandatorily conduct the event within that timeframe.
Maoist Centre tells Ramhari Khatiwada to resign on moral grounds
The CPN (Maoist Centre), the main opposition party, has demanded the formation of a high-level parliamentary investigation committee to probe alleged tampering in the Federal Civil Service Bill, especially the controversial removal of the “cooling-off period” provision.
The party also stated that the resignation of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada is a personal decision.
Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the House committee, Maoist Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey said that while Chair Khatiwada should take moral responsibility, whether or not he resigns is ultimately his own decision.
Rajendra Lingden says RPP is preparing for a new phase of protests
Rajendra Lingden, chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), stated that the party is still in preparation for a new phase of movement aimed at ending the current status quo and advancing the country through fresh agreements and understandings.
Speaking at a program organized by the party on Wednesday in Kathmandu, Lingden acknowledged that previous movements failed to yield effective results due to weak organizational structures and inadequate communication with the general public.
NEPSE surges over 34 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index climbed by 34.42 points, marking a 1.29 percent increase and closing at 2,694.82 points. A total of 317 companies saw active trading, with over 30.1 million shares changing hands in 89,468 transactions, amounting to a total turnover of Rs 9.74 billion.
Lawmaker suspects top bureaucrats behind cooling-off period tampering in Civil Service Bill
Rajendra Pandey, a member of the House of Representatives’ State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, has raised serious concerns over the alleged manipulation of the federal civil service bill—specifically its “cooling-off period” provision—suggesting that top bureaucrats including the Chief Secretary may have played a covert role.
Speaking during Wednesday’s meeting of the parliamentary committee, Pandey, a leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist), claimed there are growing suspicions that Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal and several other senior secretaries acted behind the scenes to dilute or remove the cooling-off period clause in the bill.
“We are beginning to feel that the Chief Secretary and other secretaries may have operated from behind the curtain,” said Pandey. “It was publicly reported that these officials threatened to resign if the cooling-off period was not scrapped. Perhaps they realized they couldn’t directly change it and so worked from below to undermine it.”
Lawmakers demand swift action on Daunne road expansion
Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have called for the immediate expansion of the Daunne section along the Butwal–Narayangadh stretch of the East-West Highway, citing frequent landslides, floods, and severe traffic congestion that continue to inconvenience travelers.
During a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee on Wednesday, MPs expressed concern over the 14-kilometer Daunne segment in Nawalparasi, where ongoing road work has significantly disrupted travel, especially during the monsoon season. They urged that the construction work be accelerated and completed without further delay.
Narayangadh–Butwal road hits 69% completion as fourth deadline extension approaches
The much-delayed Narayangadh–Butwal Road Expansion Project has reached 69 percent physical progress as the third extended deadline nears its end, according to Shiva Khanal, information officer for the project’s eastern section.
The contract for the road expansion project was signed on February 7, 2019, with China State Construction Engineering Corporation starting construction with a target completion date of August 7, 2022. However, repeated delays led to deadline extensions—first to July 23, 2024, and then again to July 23, 2025.
As the latest deadline nears, the project has achieved 69 percent physical completion. A proposal for a fourth extension is now underway, with the contractor requesting an additional 576 days. However, the project office is planning to grant only one more year for completion.
Civil Service Bill tabled in National Assembly
The Federal Civil Service Bill was tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday amid growing concerns from lawmakers over alleged irregularities in its drafting process.
During the meeting of the upper house, National Assembly Secretary Dr. Surendra Aryal formally presented the message from the House of Representatives regarding the bill.
However, during the zero hour, several lawmakers voiced strong concerns over suspected political meddling in the bill. National Assembly member Rukmini Koirala demanded a full investigation, alleging that the bill had been manipulated and calling for the facts to be made public.
Sheikh Hasina sentenced to six months for contempt of court
Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced in absentia to six months in prison for contempt of court, marking the first conviction since she was ousted during a student-led uprising in August 2024.
The 77-year-old former leader, who fled to neighboring India amid escalating protests last year, has defied repeated court orders to return and face charges.
“She will serve the sentence the day she arrives in Bangladesh or surrenders to the court,” Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam told reporters following the verdict.
Nepal’s Germany ambassador to also cover Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Czech Republic
President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed Nepal’s ambassador to Germany, Dr. Shail Rupakheti, as the non-resident ambassador to Ukraine, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic.
According to the Office of the President, this appointment was made under Article 282, Clause 1 of the Constitution of Nepal.
Former Constituent Assembly member Ramayodhya Yadav passes away at 72
Former Constituent Assembly member Ramayodhya Yadav passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 72.
He had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related complications and died at Healthcare Hospital in Birgunj, his son Dr. Jitendra Yadav confirmed.
A resident of Kawahi Jagat village in Subarna Rural Municipality-2 of Bara district, Yadav was elected to the second Constituent Assembly in 2013 from Bara Constituency-1 as a candidate of the Nepali Congress.
Study begins for copper mining in Myagdi’s Okharbot
A preliminary study has begun for copper mining in Okharbot, located in Malika Rural Municipality of Myagdi district.
M/S Dongyi Minerals Pvt. Ltd., which has obtained permission from the Department of Mines and Geology, is currently preparing a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) report as part of the first phase of exploration and potential mining operations.
The copper deposit is situated on the border of wards 3 and 4 of Malika Rural Municipality.
Footpath and wooden bridges now make Bukipatan more accessible
Once a remote and little-known destination, Bukipatan in Dhorpatan has seen a rise in tourism thanks to recent infrastructure development.
Just five years ago, Bukipatan was difficult to reach, with only shepherds and their livestock navigating the narrow trails. Now, it is emerging as a popular spot for nature lovers and trekkers.
In response to the growing number of visitors, new trekking infrastructure has been built, including a footpath, rest areas, and wooden bridges.
Nepal secures $36.1 million Green Climate Fund grant to combat glacial flood threats
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a grant of $36.1 million to help Nepal mitigate the growing threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), a major and accelerating climate risk in the Himalayan region.
The decision was endorsed at the 42nd GCF Board Meeting held Tuesday in Papua New Guinea, where Nepal’s proposal titled “Protecting livelihoods and assets at risk from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and climate change-induced flooding in glacial river basins of Nepal” received unanimous approval.
Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, GCF alternate board member representing Least Developed Countries (LDCs), confirmed the approval of the project and said Nepal’s initiative was among 17 endorsed out of 19 proposals submitted to the meeting.
Labour Minister vows to assist in formulating modern employment strategies
Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, has expressed his ministry’s commitment to supporting local governments in formulating refined and strategic employment plans tailored to their specific potential.
Responding to queries raised during the National Assembly session on Wednesday regarding the ministry’s budget allocation, Minister Bhandari said the federal government would assist provincial and local levels in identifying their unique employment prospects and devising modern and strategic plans accordingly.
He announced that starting from the upcoming fiscal year, the government would enhance the capacity of the National Vocational Training Institute to ensure skilled manpower is available to employers across the country.
Govt to allocates budget to revive abandoned projects: Minister Dahal
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal has said that this year’s budget includes allocations aimed at addressing incomplete and abandoned infrastructure projects across the country.
Responding to questions raised in the National Assembly during discussions on the Appropriation Bill, Minister Dahal admitted that many roads and bridges have either been left incomplete or are in a state of disrepair despite substantial construction already being completed.
With key cities missing budget deadline, will there be accountability?
A total of 38 local governments across Nepal, including Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, have failed to present their annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 within the legal deadline.
As per the Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangement Act and the Local Government Operation Act, local governments are required to table their annual revenue and expenditure estimates before their respective assemblies by Asar 10 each year.
However, this year, 23 municipalities and 15 rural municipalities failed to meet this statutory requirement, according to data provided by the Municipal Association of Nepal and the National Association of Rural Municipalities.
NP Saud call for promotion of underexplored tourist destinations
Nepali Congress lawmaker NP Saud has called on the government to prioritize the promotion of lesser-known but promising tourist destinations across Nepal, stressing that the country’s tourism sector remains underutilized despite its vast natural and cultural wealth.
Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Saud expressed concern that Nepal’s immense potential in tourism has not yet been systematically harnessed.
“Geographically, Nepal is a uniquely diverse and beautiful country. We need to strategically highlight and promote this identity,” he said, adding that the country holds significant opportunities for tourism diversification. “However, we are still struggling to overcome long-standing challenges.”
Man stabs father-in-law to death in Dhanusha over land dispute
A 65-year-old man was stabbed to death by his son-in-law in Dhanusha district on Wednesday morning, reportedly over a domestic land dispute, police said.
According to the District Police Office, the victim, Basudev Prasad Bimal, a resident of KuwaRampur in Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City-15, was attacked at around 10 a.m. at his own home by 48-year-old Bechan Mahaseth, his son-in-law from Kurtha, Janakpurdham-21.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Barun Bahadur Singh, spokesperson for the District Police Office, said that the fatal attack stemmed from a long-running family disagreement over property.
Govt to prioritize large reservoir-based hydropower projects: Energy Minister
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the development of large-scale, reservoir-based hydropower projects across the country.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly during discussions on the Appropriation Bill 2025, Minister Khadka said the government is actively working to mobilize investment and advance construction of major projects such as Karnali, Upper Karnali, Bheri, and Jagdulla. These efforts, he said, are aligned with the annual government policy and programme.
Regarding the Jagdulla Hydropower Project, Minister Khadka informed lawmakers that the contract bidding process has been completed and a notice of intent has already been issued following bid evaluation. He also highlighted that an agreement to develop the Upper Karnali project was signed with India’s GMR Group under the Electricity Act 1993 and the Public-Private Partnership Act.
Local authorities vow action against industries polluting Sirsiya River
Authorities in Bara and Parsa districts have pledged to take legal and punitive action against factories that have continued to discharge untreated chemical waste into the Sirsiya River, defying repeated requests from local administrations and governments.
The Sirsiya River, once considered a cultural and ecological lifeline of Birgunj, has turned into a polluted waterway due to rampant dumping of industrial waste from factories operating in the Bara–Parsa Industrial Corridor.
Chief District Officer of Parsa, Ganesh Aryal, said that several industries have violated their initial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) commitments and continue to dispose of waste directly into the river. “Industries identified as major polluters back in 2010 have failed to install waste treatment plants, citing financial constraints. We are now prepared to bring them within the legal net,” Aryal said.
Panchkhal Municipality introduces free blood for residents
Panchkhal Municipality has introduced a new initiative to provide free blood to its residents. The municipality has signed an agreement with the Nepal Red Cross Society to ensure that no one in the area loses their life due to a shortage of blood during medical treatment.
Mayor Mahesh Kharel stated, “We have entered into this agreement with the Nepal Red Cross Society to make blood more accessible and to save lives.”
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