KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you key developments from across Nepal, covering politics, business and economy, sports, entertainment, and other major events of the day.
President issues ordinance on Constitutional Council
President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council after it was recommended for the second time by the government. The ordinance, titled Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures), was issued on Tuesday following a renewed Cabinet recommendation. Earlier, President Paudel had returned the same ordinance last week, urging the government to reconsider it. However, the government resent the ordinance on Monday without any amendments.
President calls Federal Parliament session for May 11
President Ram Chandra Paudel has summoned a session of both houses of the Federal Parliament for May 11. According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the session will begin at 2:00 pm at the Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar, in accordance with Article 93(1) of the Constitution, following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers. The statement, issued by presidential spokesperson Ritesh Kumar Shakya, confirms that the session will convene on the scheduled date.
Supreme Court seeks documents on eviction of squatter settlements
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to produce official documents detailing the procedures and decisions used in clearing squatter settlements. A single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel issued the order on Monday, directing authorities to submit records related to the eviction process in five key areas. The court has specifically sought clarification on how mandatory legal procedures were followed, in line with provisions outlined in the government’s 100-point governance reform document, constitutional guarantees, and the Right to Housing Act. It has asked for decision documents explaining the basis and method adopted during the eviction.
PM Shah vows to end partisan influence in education, bureaucracy
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government has taken firm steps to free educational institutions and the civil service from partisan political influence. In a message posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Shah said the long-entrenched culture of “partyization” has weakened the system and eroded public trust. He stressed that merit and competence will now be the sole basis for evaluation and advancement. “Over the years, access and political affiliation were valued more than ability and performance, which undermined public confidence in the system,” Shah wrote. “Therefore, a clear decision was necessary—party flags in educational institutions and political patronage in the bureaucracy will no longer be tolerated.”
Ordinance allows projects in forest areas under specific conditions
The government has introduced a new ordinance allowing development projects to be carried out in forest areas, even if they affect such areas, under specific conditions. The provision comes through an amendment to the Forests Act 2019, enabling projects of national priority, those approved by the Investment Board Nepal, nationally significant projects, and mineral-based industries meeting national standards to operate in national forests if no alternative location is available. Under the ordinance, the Council of Ministers can grant approval for the use of national forest land in such cases.
Nepali Congress accuses government of using ordinance to control constitutional bodies
The Nepali Congress has accused the government of introducing an ordinance to control constitutional bodies by appointing loyalists. Speaking after a meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Coordination Board in Sanepa, parliamentary party leader Bishmaraj Angdembe said the ordinance related to the Constitutional Council was an attempt to influence state institutions. He argued that calling a parliamentary session only after issuing the ordinance reflects the government’s intent. The party plans to raise the issue strongly in Parliament, in coordination with other opposition groups.
Govt renames Land Revenue Office as Land Administration Office
The government has renamed the Land Revenue Office as the Land Administration Office, revising existing land-related laws through a recent ordinance. Under the amendment, the term “Land Revenue Office” has been replaced with “Land Administration Office” in both the Land Revenue Act and the Land (Survey and Measurement) Act. The change was introduced through an ordinance amending several Nepal Acts. Similarly, the post of Land Revenue Officer has been redefined as “Land Administration Officer” under the revised legal provisions.
Court refuses to keep businessman Shekhar Golchha in custody
The Kathmandu District Court has refused to grant permission to keep businessman Shekhar Golchha in custody, effectively paving the way for him to be investigated without detention. Following the court’s decision not to extend his remand, authorities will now continue the investigation while keeping him outside custody. Golchha, who was arrested in connection with two separate cases related to securities and insurance offences, has already completed his statement, while the bail hearing is yet to take place.
Driver arrested for forcing microbus through risky BP Highway stretch in Kavre
Police have taken a microbus driver into custody for attempting to forcefully drive through a high-risk section of the BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok district. The incident occurred between Laskot and Ghumaune in Roshi Rural Municipality–7, where security personnel had already restricted movement due to safety concerns. Despite repeated instructions from Nepal Police and traffic police to halt at a safe point, the driver allegedly proceeded recklessly into the swollen stretch. According to the District Police Office, Kavre, the driver was detained for endangering passengers and violating safety directives. Further investigation into the case is underway.
Govt to begin refund of savings from troubled cooperatives by May end
The government is set to begin returning deposits of savers affected by troubled cooperatives by May, officials have said. The move comes after the Problems Cooperatives Management Committee, which began work on April 22, completed initial data collection of cooperatives and depositors to prepare for repayment. According to the committee, around 76,000 depositors are owed approximately Rs 46 billion in total. Most of them are small savers. Depositors have been classified into two categories—those who have saved less than Rs 500,000 as small savers and those above that threshold as large savers.
Gold price down Rs 3,800 per tola
The price of gold and silver declined in the domestic market on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Gold price dropped by Rs 3,800 per tola, with the federation fixing the rate at Rs 291,000 per tola for the day. The precious metal was traded at Rs 294,800 per tola on Monday. Similarly, silver price also fell by Rs 150 per tola. It has been set at Rs 4,840 per tola on Tuesday, down from Rs 5,030 per tola recorded on Monday.
Parliament session proposed for May 11
The government has recommended that the President call a session of the Federal Parliament on May 11. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Tuesday at Singha Durbar decided to recommend the President Ram Chandra Paudel to summon the parliamentary session at 2 pm on that day. Speaking to journalists after the Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel said the recommendation had been formally made to convene the federal legislature.
Nepali Congress calls Parliamentary Party meeting for Wednesday
The Nepali Congress (NC) has called a meeting of its parliamentary party. According to parliamentary party leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe, the meeting will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday at the parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar. The meeting is expected to discuss contemporary political developments, including the use of dozers in squatter settlements, among other issues.
RSP tells ministers to prioritize governance over party work
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has asked its leaders holding dual responsibilities in both party and government to focus primarily on governance, amid concerns over workload and effectiveness. Party chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader as well as Prime Minister Balendra Shah are leading the party and the government respectively. While the party has a policy of limiting dual roles, several leaders currently hold positions in both structures. General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti is serving as chief whip in the parliamentary party, while multiple secretariat members are also ministers. Leaders say such dual roles could affect performance and outcomes, prompting the party to direct them to prioritize ministerial and parliamentary duties over internal party work.
Govt sacks over 30 officials from tourism, aviation bodies
The government has removed more than 30 officials serving in various bodies under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the ministry said all office-bearers appointed in key institutions, including Pashupati Area Development Trust, Nepal Airlines Corporation, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal Tourism Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and the Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, have been relieved of their positions. The ministry stated that the decision was taken in line with Sub-section (1) of Section 2 of the Ordinance on Special Provisions Related to Removal of Public Office Bearers.
NC President Thapa steps up meetings with top leaders on party strategy
Gagan Kumar Thapa, president of the Nepali Congress, has intensified meetings with senior party leaders to discuss internal strategy and current political developments. According to his personal secretary Shankar Kuinkel, Thapa is scheduled to hold separate meetings on Tuesday with senior leader Shekhar Koirala in the morning and former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka in the evening. Thapa had informed party office-bearers about the planned meetings during the Central Working Committee meeting held on Monday.
RSP to organize two-day orientation for its MPs
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is set to organize a two-day training program for its MPs. Training Department chief Bipin Acharya said the program will be held on May 9 and 10 at the parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar from 11 am to 5 pm. The party had previously conducted a residential orientation for MPs before their oath-taking. This session will focus on parliamentary practices and enhancing MPs’ effectiveness in Parliament.
Vehicular movement banned from 5 pm to 5 am on BP Highway stretch
Authorities have imposed a night-time restriction on vehicle movement along the Khurkot–Bhakunde Besi section of the BP Highway, citing rising safety risks during the monsoon season. Issuing a notice on Tuesday, the District Administration Office, Kavre, said all vehicular movement will be completely prohibited from 5 pm to 5 am along the stretch. The administration also warned that even outside the restricted hours, traffic may be temporarily halted at any time depending on rainfall, flood risks in the Roshi River, and overall weather conditions.
Govt to begin refund of savings from troubled cooperatives by May end
The government is set to begin returning deposits of savers affected by troubled cooperatives by May, officials have said. The move comes after the Problems Cooperatives Management Committee, which began work on April 22, completed initial data collection of cooperatives and depositors to prepare for repayment. According to the committee, around 76,000 depositors are owed approximately Rs 46 billion in total. Most of them are small savers. Depositors have been classified into two categories—those who have saved less than Rs 500,000 as small savers and those above that threshold as large savers.
Authority orders road closures on high-risk routes, warns action against violators
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has directed all District Administration Offices to halt vehicular movement on high-risk roads to ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles. The authority has also instructed officials to take action against drivers and vehicle owners who defy restrictions imposed on unsafe routes. The move follows a recent incident in Kavre, where rising water levels in the Roshi River led to a dangerous situation after five vehicles proceeded despite warnings and became stranded in floodwaters. All 89 passengers were later rescued safely.
Anti govt protests intensify nationwide as evictions spark backlash from squatters
Protests by landless squatters and informal settlers have intensified across Nepal following government notices ordering the clearance of settlements built on public land. Demonstrations were reported on Tuesday in Kohalpur of Banke, Gulariya of Bardiya, and Jhapa, where protesters chanted slogans such as “Stop bulldozer terror” after authorities moved forward with plans to demolish their homes. Similar protests had erupted on Monday in cities including Pokhara, Hetauda, Ghorahi, and parts of Bardiya, signaling a widening wave of unrest against the eviction drive.
Kulman Ghising meets displaced squatters
Chair of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Kulman Ghising, met with landless squatters on Tuesday to understand their concerns following ongoing eviction efforts. Ghising visited displaced families currently sheltered at Radhaswami Satsang Bhawan, where he interacted with affected individuals and gathered information about their living conditions and immediate needs. The meeting comes as the government intensifies its campaign to clear squatter settlements built on public land. Evictions are underway in various parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.
Driver arrested for forcing microbus through risky BP Highway stretch in Kavre
Police have taken a microbus driver into custody for attempting to forcefully drive through a high-risk section of the BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok district. The incident occurred between Laskot and Ghumaune in Roshi Rural Municipality–7, where security personnel had already restricted movement due to safety concerns. Despite repeated instructions from Nepal Police and traffic police to halt at a safe point, the driver allegedly proceeded recklessly into the վտանգ-prone stretch. According to the District Police Office, Kavre, the driver was detained for endangering passengers and violating safety directives. Further investigation into the case is underway.
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