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A chargesheet has been filed at the Kaski District Court against Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, along with five others, accusing them of cooperative fraud, organized crimes and money laundering. The case centers on the alleged embezzlement of funds from the Surya Darshan Cooperative in Pokhara, with claims that a portion of the funds was diverted to Gorkha Media Pvt Ltd.

Chief District Attorney Kamala Kafle stated that the case implicates 44 individuals and organizations. This follows an earlier charge against GB Rai, chairperson of Gorkha Media, and 18 others, bringing the total number of defendants to 63. The damages sought from Lamichhane and his co-defendants amount to approximately Rs 1.51bn.

The government attorney’s office alleges that Lamichhane and his associates operated as an organized group to defraud the cooperative and launder the misappropriated funds. Evidence includes checks issued under the cooperative’s name, linking the funds to Gorkha Media. Lamichhane has denied involvement, claiming that the checks were misused without his consent during his tenure as the managing director of Gorkha Media Network (GMN). However, police investigations revealed loans, including Rs 4.6m each from Swarnalakshmi Cooperative, used to purchase vehicles in the names of Lamichhane and Rai.

A parliamentary panel formed under CPN-UML MP Surya Thapa found funneling of Rs 224.6m from six cooperatives, including Surya Darshan, into GMN. The panel recommended legal action against Lamichhane and others, leading to arrests and ongoing legal proceedings. Lamichhane’s wife, Nikita Poudel, has also been implicated, with allegations of illegally amassing Rs 280m. Four others—Padma Banjade, Rojak Joshi, Radha Pachhai, and Geeta Pachhai—have been named for property confiscation.

Assistant District Attorney Shantidevi Sharma clarified that if their assets are proven to be linked to criminal activities, only the claimed amounts will be seized without additional penalties.

The investigation, based on reports from Pokhara Metropolitan City and a parliamentary committee, exposed widespread misuse of cooperative funds. The panel’s report was submitted to the government, which directed agencies to expedite action.

Lamichhane was arrested on Oct 19 after the Kaski District Court issued an arrest warrant against him. The opposition Nepali Congress had made cooperative fraud a key issue in parliament, making way for the formation of a special probe committee under Thapa. Nepal Police, following directives from Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak, has sought international assistance, after which INTERPOL issued a diffusion notice for Rai, who remains at large.

Nepal’s mental health crisis is a ticking time bomb, and the government is doing nothing to defuse it. While politicians line their pockets, thousands of Nepalis are dying from preventable suffering. This is not just gross negligence—it’s a national disgrace.

A reality check

The severity of Nepal’s mental health crisis is heavily undermined. The statistics alone should spark an outrage: nearly 10 percent of Nepalis are living with mental health disorders, ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (Nepal Health Council in 2021).

The tragic reflection of our society is mirrored by adolescents, a demographic with the highest vulnerability to death by suicide. From 2022 to 2023, on average, 19 people died from suicide every day in our country, and countless others have continued to silently endure debilitating mental health challenges without access to care or support. 

According to reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nepal has one of the highest rates of psychological distress and disorder in the demographic of South Asia.

Adding insult to injury, the government allocates less than one percent of its health budget to mental health services. This abysmally low investment paints a clear picture of where mental health ranks in the country’s list of priorities: at the bottom.

The compounding factor lies in the country's education system and healthcare system, where there is no awareness regarding mental health crises and the country lacks the infrastructure and human resources to deal with these psychological disorders.

Systemic failure

Nepal’s healthcare system is laughable to be brutally honest. Mental health services remain concentrated in a handful of urban centers, leaving rural populations entirely neglected. For many Nepalis, accessing care is not just difficult—it’s impossible.

The situation is further worsened by a lack of professionals in the given area. As per reports by WHO (2021), for every 100,000 Nepalis, there were only 0.17 psychiatrists, 0.03 psychologists and 0.21 mental health nurses. Moreover, a concerning number of the available professionals that we do have are arguably not qualified to diagnose or treat patients. There is a glaring lack of a formal licensing board that standardizes counseling and therapy practice and regulates practitioner behavior. This absence of professionals and professionalism leaves individuals to struggle in silence until it is often too late.

Even in urban areas, the services available are prohibitively expensive for most Nepalis. Mental healthcare is treated as a luxury reserved for the wealthy, rather than a fundamental right for all citizens. The government’s promise to integrate mental health into primary healthcare remains nothing more than hollow words. Most primary healthcare centers don’t even have the resources or training to handle basic mental health cases.

Physiological and psychological health are treated with different intensities and attitudes in Nepal. While it is easy to almost unconditionally nurture and care for someone with a broken arm, it’s often much harder to even acknowledge when someone is struggling on the inside.

Societal stigma

Societal stigma plays a vital role in the current situation of Nepal’s mental health crisis. Mental illness is often perceived as a personal failure or a fatal flaw in character, a punishment for bad karma, possession by spirits, or even bluffing to dodge responsibilities. Such regressive beliefs isolate those who are already vulnerable, forcing them to suffer in silence.

Families hide mental health issues out of fear of ostracization. Communities badmouth “crazy” individuals, dismissing their struggles and calling them names instead of being empathetic, let alone offering help. This stigma creates a suffocating environment where people would rather endure silently than seek support, fearing that a diagnosis will label them as a “psycho”  for life.  The wider society has already consolidated the complex and diverse spectrum of psychological disorders into psychosis—most representations of mental illnesses in media are often portrayed through debilitating conditions such as schizophrenia and other delusional disorders, where affected people are always hallucinating, acting aggressively, catatonic, harming themselves or others or not maintaining personal hygiene. However, books like the DSM-5 and ICD-11, which have been continually revised by leading experts, suggest that there are multiple mental health disorders that each have their own onset, severity, prevalence, and prognosis which can greatly vary according to the set categories.

The lack of open conversation about mental health perpetuates this toxic culture. Schools avoid teaching students about emotional well-being, and the media rarely portrays these issues with the sensitivity they deserve. Instead of being a society that supports and uplifts, Nepal has become one that shames and silences its own people.

Governmental apathy

The government’s efforts toward the mental health crisis are outright shameful and borders on recklessness. The National Mental Health Policy, created in 1996, is tragically outdated and barely implemented. It exists more as a formality than as a functional framework to address the crisis.

The promises to integrate mental health into primary healthcare by politicians remain unfulfilled. Hospitals and clinics lack the resources, trained staff, and infrastructure needed to support even the most basic mental health services. 

This apathy directly costs lives. Suicide rates are climbing, untreated mental illnesses are becoming more severe, and the stigma around mental health continues to grow unchecked. Yet policy makers remain silent, hiding behind empty rhetoric while their citizens suffer.

The message is clear: the government has chosen to abandon its people in their time of greatest need. This neglect is not just a policy failure—it is a betrayal of the fundamental duty to protect and care for the nation’s citizens.

What shall we do?

Boost the budget’s allocation

It is impossible to address mental health without a substantial financial commitment. Mental health services must get a significant amount of the government's health budget. Building infrastructure, employing experts, and providing treatment subsidies to those who cannot afford them.

Increase the infrastructure for mental health

To guarantee accessibility across the country, all district hospitals should have mental health units. They should educate primary care providers on how to identify and handle common mental health conditions. There must be a provision of at least mobile mental health clinics for isolated and rural locations.

Start campaigns for public awareness

There must be bureaucratic and civil interest in running and participating in national campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues via social media, television, and radio. We should make an effort to de-stigmatize mental illness, promote candid discussions, and spread the word that getting assistance is both necessary and normal.

As much as we would like to point fingers and shift the blame onto a particular body or individual, it is obvious that we are just as much at fault when it comes to society’s unwillingness to change. Our compliance and comfort in the fact that the system continues to alienate and vilify people who clearly need support has led to a divide that threatens to unravel our moral fabric. Unless we persistently challenge our crude ideologies and those in power who seek to reinforce them, we will never truly be able to progress as a collective or achieve equity.

Ujain Shrestha

A-levels 

Islington College, Kathmandu

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 13. 53 points to close at 2,583.29 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 2. 69 points to close at 443. 08 points.

 A total of 9,180,718-unit shares of 319 companies were traded for Rs 4. 51 billion.

Meanwhile, Support Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SMB), Barahi Hydropower Public Limited (BHPL) and Nyadi Hydropower Limited (NYADI) were the top gainers today with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL) was the top loser as its price fell by 6. 40 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 28 trillion.

A chargesheet has been filed against Rabi Lamichhane, the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), at the Kaski District Court. Lamichhane is presently in the police custody in Kaski for his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of cooperative funds.

District Court's information officer, Suraj Adhikari, said other accused in the misappropriation of cooperatives funds faced the chargesheet along with Lamichhane.  "Now the verification of the documents is going on and they will be registered today itself." 

Lamichhane is alleged of embezzlement of the funds of Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Savings and Cooperatives Limited and he remains in police custody since October 18. He was apprehended from Kathmandu and was escorted to Kaski.

He is being investigated for accusations of misuse of cooperative funds in other districts as well.

Christmas is around the corner and while many of you might not necessarily be celebrating it in the grand way you tend to mark Dashain and Tihar, it’s the perfect occasion to bring some positivity and cheer into your life as well as ready your home for the new year. We aren’t going to tell you to bring in a tree, not even those plastic or synthetic ones that seem so popular these days, so hear us out. It’s about adding little touches to your home to bring in a festive feel. Here are five things you can do.

Put up the lights

The easiest way to do up your home for any festival is to decorate with lights. String lights lend a warm, inviting charm to your home but if that feels like too much work, you can buy some inexpensive battery operated candles and use that around your home—light one on the coffee table, put a few in the dining space, or on the window sill and watch your space come alive. You can also put these in decorative lanterns and jars. These days, you also get many funky displays of light that cast festive patterns on the wall or the ceiling. Consider using one for a lively space.

Use personalized decor items

A fun thing to do during the weekend as a family is to make some paper cranes or butterflies and string them up to hang around the house. You can also make many cool crafts and decor items with ribbons and threads. Instagram and YouTube have many tutorials that can help. Macrame can be another good option as you can use these all year round. Learn to make an evil eye or a dreamcatcher. Another great idea is to bring out your old photos and create a collage of memories. You can include heartwarming notes and cards that you have received over the years as well.

Bring the outside in

One of the best all-time-decor ideas is to bring in flowers and plants. Put mismatched jugs along the dining table and fill them up with fresh flowers. You can intersperse these with candles for a regal touch. However, you don’t have to use fresh flowers if they seem too much of an investment. You can use dried stems and leaves and display them interestingly in huge glasswares. Dried foliage displays can look pretty cool if done right. You might also want to consider making an impromptu tree by bringing in a spiky plant inside and doing it up with quirky trinkets.

Create a book tree

This one makes for a really interesting display. Everyone who visits your home is bound to appreciate it and, we can assure you that, you will also be quite taken by it. Gather books of different sizes and widths. Create a circle at the base using the heavy ones and add layers making a pyramid shape. Stack a book on top of two books, creating a gap between them and when you finally reach the top add a star or a bow. You can also put up string lights once the tree is ready for some extra panache.

Get some festive bedding

We spend a lot of time at home in the bedroom but it’s one of the most neglected spaces when it comes to holiday decor. But you can benefit greatly by giving your bedroom a festive flourish. Wrap garlands around the windows or the headboard for an easy decor spruce up. Invest in some bright and cheery holiday pillow and duvet covers. Put a small table-top tree or some other decoration on your nightstand. Consider displaying a wreath over the headboard or next to the bed for a final touch.

The Muglin-Kathmandu road will remain closed for three hours daily from today.

According to the Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project, the under-construction road will be closed from 11 am to 2 pm every day from December 22 to 28 for its up-gradation.

Issuing a notice, the project has urged the drivers coming to Kathmandu via the highway to follow lane discipline.

Vehicles engaged for essential services such as ambulances, police vehicles and fire engines will not be stopped during this period.

According to Bijay Darai, engineer of The Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project Western Section, heavy vehicles going from Naubise to Gajuri will be stopped at Galchhi-Baireni and light vehicles at Jarekhet. The vehicular movement will be halted to expedite works for improving the Pokharebhir mode.

Similarly, vehicles from Chitwan to Naubise will be stopped at Chalise and Ghatbesi. Vehicles from Muglin to Malekhu will be stopped at Majhimtar and Charaundi bazaars to expedite works to improve the Bishaltar mode.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 100 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 149, 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 148, 500 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 30 and is being traded at Rs 1, 790 per tola today.

Media Action Nepal (MAN) marked its 9th Foundation Day and 3rd Convention on December 21, 2024, in Kathmandu, celebrating nearly a decade of championing independent, inclusive, and accountable media to strengthen democracy in Nepal. The event featured the election of new leadership, strategic plans for the future, and recognition of contributions to press freedom and media development.

Over 65 attendees joined the event, which featured a presentation highlighting MAN’s nine-year journey. The organization has published 26 reports and directly benefited 7,073 journalists through research, policy discussions, capacity building, and monitoring press freedom violations.

Priyanka Jha was elected as the new Chairperson, supported by Mim Bahadur Pariyar (Vice President), Bal Krishna Sah (Secretary), and Laxmi Khatiwada (Treasurer). Ganesh Prasad Ghimire, Yam Bahadur Dura, and Triguna Bhattarai were elected as members. The executive committee appointed Laxman Datt Pant, MAN’s founding Chairperson, as Executive Director, ensuring continuity in leadership.

On the occasion,  province coordinators—Hadis Khuddar (Madhesh), Narendra Dhakal (Koshi), and Lalit Bahadur Budha (Karnali)— were awarded for their exceptional contributions to media development and reappointed for the next four years.

At the inaugural session, Laxman Datt Pant stressed the urgent need to address growing threats to independent media. He warned of increasing impunity for crimes against journalists and the misuse of disinformation laws to suppress press freedom.

Two separate panel discussions examined challenges facing journalism and digital disinformation. Experts called for strengthened investigative reporting, fair wages, and innovative strategies to adapt to evolving media landscapes. Gham Raj Luintel emphasized innovation in converging media; senior journalist Namrata Sharma stressed the need for robust investigative reporting; and Rajan Pokhrel, Editor of the Himalayan Times highlighted leveraging technology for accuracy and speed. Chandra Shekhar Adhikari raised concerns about job insecurity in the media, while Santosh Sigdel underscored the role of fact-checking tools in combating disinformation. Rabi Raj Baral advocated for editorial gatekeeping, and Manjima Dhakal and Mahesh Kushwaha discussed responsible journalism and the challenges posed by generative AI in amplifying echo chambers.

Meanwhile, newly elected Chairperson Priyanka Jha pledged to uphold MAN’s mission to defend independent media and foster accountability. She emphasized promoting responsible journalism and expanding MAN’s reach in the coming years. The convention concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing challenges, fostering inclusive governance, and enhancing the media’s role as a democratic pillar.

The convention concluded with a strong commitment to tackling emerging challenges, fostering innovative and inclusive governance, and enhancing the role of media as a cornerstone of democracy in Nepal. Media Action Nepal continues to amplify its global presence through active participation in influential alliances like the Consultative Network of the Media Freedom Coalition, GFMD, and ACOS Alliance, reinforcing its leadership in global media advocacy.