Submit your Article

Almost a decade has passed since an earthquake-ravaged Nepal adopted a federal democratic constitution, exhibiting strong political will in the face of adversities, seismic or otherwise. The charter aside, the country has not been able to introduce laws that can make way for a smooth transition from an ages-old unitary system of governance to a federal system.

Let’s go 15 months back, at least, when the National Assembly, the upper chamber of the bicameral parliament, drew the attention of the government of the day, directing it to do the needful for making laws. The directive and successive governments’ commitments to drafting the laws aside, there are, at present, only two regulations under the consideration of the lower chamber of the parliament (the House of Representatives): School Education Regulation, 2080 and Federal Civil Service Regulation, 2080. The process of making scores of laws is ‘moving’ at a snail’s pace, giving an indication of the status of implementation of the new constitution.   

Out of these laws, the Center has been literally sitting on the task of making around 40 laws, followed by provinces (24) and local levels (6).  

The laws awaiting the light of the day cover a wide range of important topics such as citizenship, right to property, acquisition and compensation, and impeachment motion. 

They come under the ambit of different ministries such as home, law, justice and parliamentary affairs, and finance. 

Department ministries aside, it is the ultimate responsibility of the top government leadership to draft these laws and present them in the Parliament, making way for enlightened discussions, changes and authentication. 

Delays, inadvertent or otherwise, in introducing laws will only come in the way of devolution of state powers so crucial for taking the state at the doorsteps of the citizenry. Not only that, such delays will only bolster forces opposed to federalism and the new constitution, thereby contributing to a growing disenchantment against the system and its destabilization. 

So, the onus is on the government leadership to take decisive steps toward implementation of the new constitution by giving momentum to the stalled lawmaking process. 

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Annapurna Media Network Chapter, held its general convention on Dec 12, and unanimously elected its new leadership team. 

The elected office bearers include Ramkala Khadka as President, Sunita Karki as Vice-president, Madan Chaudhary as Secretary, Purushottam Ghimire as Joint Secretary, and Sirjana Subedi as Treasurer. 

Pratik Ghimire, Giriprasad Bhusal, Nitu Ghale, Aajabi Poudyal, Bibhor Adhikari, and Abhishek Maharjan were elected as members. The newly formed team will work towards addressing the pressing issues faced by journalists and strengthening the chapter’s role in advocating for media rights and professional development.

Annapurna Media Network (AMN) is set to organize a one-day conclave on law titled ‘LawScape 2025’ on 10 Jan 2025. The event aims to bring together government dignitaries, legal experts, academics, and policymakers to discuss and explore key aspects of Nepal’s evolving legal framework. On Thursday, AMN unveiled the official logo for LawScape 2025. 

The conclave is designed to foster dialogue on significant legal issues and provide a platform for policy recommendations to strengthen Nepal’s legal framework through collaboration among stakeholders.

LawScape 2025 aims to reflect on Nepal’s legal and political developments over recent decades, including the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal in 2015. It seeks to address pressing challenges such as ensuring constitutional integrity, addressing transitional justice, modernizing laws for emerging sectors, and aligning with international standards.

The event will feature five sessions covering topics such as constitutional challenges, travel law, criminal law, cybercrime, transitional justice, corporate law, and international law. This comprehensive exploration of Nepal’s legal landscape will address both domestic and international perspectives.

During the logo unveiling ceremony, AMN Chairperson Capt Rameshwar Thapa stated, “Every citizen should understand the constitution in straightforward terms. To achieve this, we need experts who can simplify its complexities. This conclave aims to make the constitution more accessible.”

General Manager Manoj Basnet shared that the day-long event will include five sessions, each featuring one moderator and four speakers. “We expect around 200 participants, including international speakers and guests from the US and India,” he added.

Bhupal Luitel, News Chief of Annapurna Radio Nepal, remarked that the outcomes of the conclave could provide valuable feedback for the government and law commissions. However, he acknowledged that addressing such complex issues in a single day is a challenge. “This initiative is crucial in the current context and has great potential for shaping a better future,” Luitel said.

Shambhu Katel, News Chief of Annapurnapost.com, highlighted the uniqueness of the initiative: “While organizing various types of conclaves is common, focusing specifically on law is rare in Nepal. This makes it a significant and noteworthy event.”

Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of The Annapurna Express, emphasized the importance of a knowledge-centric approach over a business-oriented one. “It is our responsibility to engage and inform the public. Media houses often organize such conclaves, and it is crucial to continue doing so,” Bhattarai noted.

Suresh Poudel, Creative Director of AP1 HD Television, stressed the importance of meaningful presentations and innovative approaches. “The event must aim for a fruitful and impactful conclusion. Thinking outside the box in design and organization is essential,” Poudel said.

Akhanda Bhandari, Editor-in-Chief of Annapurna Post, underscored the significance of the conclave in the current political climate. “This event can help the general public better understand the law and the constitution. We plan to invite the Prime Minister, the Law Minister, and the Chief Justice to ensure their participation and input,” Bhandari added.

Janakpur Bolts defeated Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament on Thursday.

In the second match of the day held at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Janakpur achieved the target of 102 runs set by Kathmandu in 15.5 overs at the loss of five wickets.

James Neesham top-scored with 27 runs for Janakpur while Harsh Thakar contributed 25 and Lahiru Milantha scored 16.

For the bowling side, captain Karan KC took two wickets while Gerhard Erasmus, Dipesh Kandel and Shahab Alam claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, electing to bat first after winning the toss, Kathmandu were all out for 101 runs in 19.3 overs. Gerhard Erasmus was the top scorer with 20 runs for Kathmandu. Captain KC (19) and Stephen Eskinazi (17) were the remaining two who could score in double figures.

For Janakpur, Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla took three wickets each. Similarly, Mohammad Mohsin took two wickets, Arniko Yadav and Kishor Mahato took one wicket each.

Pokhara Avengers defeated Biratnagar Kings by 13 runs in the super over in today's first match of the Nepal Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament held at the Kirtipur-based TU Cricket Ground.

Chasing a 140-run target set by Biratnagar, Pokhara made 139 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing six wickets, and the game entered the super over.  This is the first super over match of the NPL so far.

Pokhara had batted first in the super over while Biratnagar skipper Sandeep Lamichhane was bowling.

Raymon Reifer of Pokhara hit a six in the first and second balls respectively. Sandeep maintained a dot in the third ball. Reifer scored a four in the fourth ball. Sandeep conceded one run each in the fifth and the sixth ball. Biratnagar was chasing a target of overall 19 runs in the super over.

Martin Guptill and Nicholas Kirton of Biratnagar took the batting order in the super over. Pokhara brought Reifer for bowling. Martin Guptill made one run in the first ball while Kirton made one run each in the second and third ball. Kirton played dot ball in the fourth ball while scoring one run in the fifth ball.

Reifer threw wide in the fifth ball and kept the last ball as dot ball; thereby Pokhara clinched a 13-run win over Biratnagar in the super over.

Before this, Andries Gous made the highest 39 runs for Pokhara who were chasing a 140-run victory target. Similarly, Raymon Reifer made 34 runs. Captain Kushal Bhurtel scored 31 runs while Dinesh Kharel and Michael Leask each hit 11 runs.

Pratish GC took four wickets for Biratnagar while Chris Sole took two wickets for Biratnagar.

Batting first after winning the toss, Biratnagar made a total 139 runs in 20 overs at the loss of seven wickets. Scott Edwards made the highest 45 runs for Biratnagar, hitting five fours in 35 balls. Similarly, Lokesh Bam scored 26 runs, Bashir Ahamed 21 runs and Kirton 19 runs.  

Sagar Dhakal and Raymon Reifer each took two wickets for Pokhara while captain Kushal Bhurtel and Dinesh Kharel claimed one wicket each.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 33. 42 points to close at 2,682.29 points on Thursday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 6. 44 points to close at 458. 22 points.

A total of 12,371,318-unit shares of 304 companies were traded for Rs 6. 14 billion.

Meanwhile, Trishuli Jal Vidhyut Company Limited was the top gainer today with its price surging by 8. 55 percent. Likewise, Janaki Finance Company Limited (JFL) was the top loser as its price fell by 9. 99 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 44 trillion.

The gold is being traded at Rs 154, 200 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 925 per tola today. 

Banks and financial institutions have Rs 671bn in lending funds, yet loan disbursement remains stagnant, leaving Rs 400bn in excess liquidity, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

“The government can currently borrow from banks at an average rate slightly above four percent,” an NRB official said. “This window is temporary, so the government should consider raising internal loans to boost spending.”

The Public Debt Management Office’s 2023-24 report shows the average internal loan interest rate is 5.27 percent, recently dropping below five percent. Funds raised should prioritize development and infrastructure, the NRB official emphasized.

“The government’s spending patterns are flawed,” he added, citing the establishment of Public Service Commissions in all provinces and new Planning Commissions as unnecessary burdens.

Public debt has risen to 44.14 percent of GDP from 42.67 percent last year. As of Oct-Nov,
Rs 2.51trn in public debt comprises Rs 1.26trn in external and Rs 1.25trn in internal debt, split nearly evenly. Some loans are used to repay older debts, with the ratio expected to drop to 42 percent by the fiscal year’s end.

Economists criticize the focus on debt repayment over capital expenditures. “Public debt is high but manageable,” said Finance Ministry spokesperson Mahesh Bhattarai. “During economic stagnation and bank liquidity surplus, borrowing for development can ease bottlenecks.”

Contractors report delayed payments, with Rs 18bn owed for completed projects and over Rs 40bn in claims pending, which could invigorate the economy if settled. However, the government’s capacity to increase internal borrowing is constrained. Internal loans should remain five percent to 5.5 percent of GDP, aligning with this year’s budget target.

Nepal’s debt-to-GDP ratio has exceeded 60 percent in the past, but while rising, it remains below critical levels. Studies show high ratios slow economic activity. Nepal benefits from concessional external loans under two percent interest but risks exchange rate fluctuations, causing a Rs 59.15bn loss in 2022-23 and a Rs 4.23bn gain in 2023-24.

Internal loans, though costlier, carry no exchange rate risks and generate revenue through taxable interest. Banks, while exempt from direct taxes on treasury bills and bonds, pay 30 percent corporate tax. Current liquidity presents a fleeting opportunity for internal borrowing.

Experts advise directing such funds to impactful and feasible projects, as internal loans lack the project-specific restrictions of external borrowing.