Submit your Article

The government has managed to utilize just 11.58 percent of its capital budget in the first five months of the current fiscal year.

According to the Financial Comptroller General Office, only Rs 40.8bn of the Rs 352bn allocated for capital expenditure has been spent between mid-July and mid-December.

Low capital expenditure has long been a persistent issue for Nepal, with an average utilization of just 60 percent over the past four years. In 2023/24, the government spent only 63.47 percent of the capital budget. Of the Rs 302bn allocated for capital spending in 2023/24, government offices were successful in spending only Rs 191.73bn.

As of mid-December, no ministry has surpassed 17 percent in capital spending. This reflects the inability of government agencies to effectively execute their budgets.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies recorded the lowest spending, utilizing just 1.1 percent of its Rs 2.1bn allocation. The ministry has been able to spend only Rs 23.2m till mid-December. Officials of the ministry have attributed the dismal progress to delays in releasing payments for completed projects.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport led capital expenditure among ministries, spending 16.56 percent of its Rs 143.79bn budget. The development-intensive ministry has spent Rs 23.69bn between mid-July and mid-December.

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation was next with 16.02 percent capital budget utilization. The ministry spent Rs 108.7m out of Rs 678.8m capital budget allocated in the current fiscal year.   

Capital spending by the Ministry of Finance stood at 7.05 percent of its Rs 13.79bn capital budget allocated for 2024/25. The ministry was successful in spending Rs 972.4m till mid-December..

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation performed relatively better in capital expenditure, spending Rs 5.25bn (14.52 percent) of its Rs 36.18bn allocation.

Likewise, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development utilized 13.81 percent of its Rs 3.78bn budget, spending Rs 521.8m in the first five months of the current fiscal year.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation achieved 8.16 percent capital budget spending progress over the first five months of 2024/25. Out of Rs 2.75bn allocated, the ministry was successful in spending Rs 224m by mid-December.

The Ministry of Urban Development managed to spend just 6.62 percent of its Rs 63.18bn budget, or Rs 4.18bn, in the review period.

The Nepal Police have collected over Rs 2.24 billion in revenue from different fines and penalties in five months of the current fiscal year 2081/82 BS. 

As part of their special action plan, the Nepal Police have launched a drive to take various actions and prevent illegal activities.

Spokesperson of Nepal Police, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bishwa Adhikari said that the revenue was collected from 10 different categories including seizure of illegal goods, traffic action, unlawful money transfer, gold and river-based mining.

Spokesperson Adhikari informed that Rs 905.7 million (40.42 percent) revenue was collected from the seizure of illegal goods.

He informed that Rs 520.7 million was collected from traffic fines, Rs 427.4 million from the implementation of the court verdicts, Rs 262.9 million from the recovery of illegal gold and silver and Rs 43.7 million from the recovery of illegal currency.

Similarly, Rs 29 million was collected from undisclosed sources and Rs 12 million from the seizure of illegal timber and Rs 18.3 from the control of illegal money transfer/trade, the Police Headquarters shared.

According to the details from July to December, Rs 11.6 million was collected from illegal livestock control campaigns and Rs 9.2 million more revenue was collected from illegal river-borne mining.

As a young boy from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur in Sudurpaschim province, Nepal, I never thought I would one day attend an international event like COP29. My journey has been filled with hard work, determination, and a desire to make a difference in addressing climate change, even from a local level.

Currently, I am an undergraduate student of Forestry at Agriculture and Forestry University, Hetauda, and I lead a youth network called Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), Hetauda. Over the past three years, I have worked on several climate-related activities, including school campaigns, community awareness programs, plantation drives, cycle rallies, climate marches; hosted conferences on climate change; and led unique projects like trading plastic for plants. These actions were my way of contributing to climate action, but I always wondered what it would be like to join a global platform like COP.

A big moment in my journey was when I got the chance to be part of the organizing team for the Bagmati Province Youth Summit, 2081. This experience taught me the importance of planning and working smartly, which helped me grow both personally and professionally. My mentor, Nishchal Baniya, founder of Bagmati UNESCO Club, was a key part of this transformation. Under his guidance, I was offered the role of Vice President of Bagmati UNESCO Club, which gave me more opportunities to develop leadership and advocacy skills.

With his support and the help of the Youth Council in Action for Nation, I earned a badge to attend COP 29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan. But arranging the money for the trip was a big challenge. Coming from a middle-class family, it seemed nearly impossible to fund an international trip. Though my local and provincial governments gave me good wishes, they couldn’t provide financial help. In the end, my parents stood by me and encouraged me to go, even though it was a big expense for them.

Going to COP 29 alone was both exciting and nerve-wracking. The event was huge, and the busy atmosphere made me feel out of place at first. Luckily, I met my friends Aakriti Dotel, Parima Limbu, and other members of Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) Kathmandu, which gave me some comfort. Our senior, Avishek Shrestha (Program Coordinator of DBI), guided us on what to do and helped us understand why we were there.

One of the things I noticed at COP 29 was the difference in opportunities. Maybe I don’t know the full picture, but it felt like people working at the grassroots level often don’t get access to these international platforms. On the other hand, people from urban areas like Kathmandu seem to have more chances to join such events.

This made me think about how important it is to create fair opportunities for everyone, no matter where they are from. Everyone who works for climate action deserves a chance to share their work, learn more, and connect with others.

Grassroots youth like me need to attend COP29 to bring local perspectives to global discussions, learn from experts, and build connections. This empowers us to return home and inspire our communities towards sustainable action. This creates a more equitable climate movement that truly reflects the diversity of those impacted by climate change and empowers all voices to be heard.

I was inspired by the youth from various countries. They were so passionate and focused on making real changes in the fight against climate change. The discussions, exhibitions, and meetings I attended gave me valuable ideas and lessons that I can now use in my own community.

Attending COP29 wasn’t just an event for me—it was more of an investment in my growth and learning. It has made me more committed to climate action and helped me see the bigger story of the global climate movement. I am now more determined to use my knowledge to help my community and push for equal opportunities for everyone in this field.

My experience at COP29 has taught me that impactful climate advocacy doesn't depend solely on location or resources. It's about unwavering self-belief, staying committed to your environmental goals, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. I hope my journey inspires other young people to champion climate action, regardless of their background. By embracing local solutions and connecting with global movements, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

Abhishek Chand

Undergrad student

Agriculture and Forestry University, Hetauda

In Nepal, the media plays a pivotal role in shaping society’s values, yet it often falls into the trap of limiting women to outdated, restrictive stereotypes. From TV shows to advertisements, women are frequently shown in narrow roles—either as devoted mothers, obedient daughters-in-law, or passive figures whose worth is defined by their appearance. These portrayals not only misrepresent the diverse reality of women’s lives but also reinforce the harmful idea that women’s place is limited to the home or that they are secondary to men.

These stereotypes have a profound impact. In a country where women are proving their mettle every day in education, business, and leadership, the media still often portrays them as silent supporters or objects of desire. This does a disservice to women who are challenging norms, pushing boundaries, and contributing to society in meaningful ways. It also sends a dangerous message to young girls, telling them that their value is tied only to their looks or their roles as caregivers, not their abilities or ambitions.

The problem isn’t just about what’s shown—it’s about what’s not shown. Women are rarely depicted as leaders in business, politics, or innovation. Their success stories are buried, while the same tired clichés are recycled in the media. When women are consistently shown as weak or dependent, it’s no wonder that they continue to face resistance in real-life leadership positions.

It’s time for change. The media needs to reflect the full spectrum of women’s lives—women as professionals, as leaders, as entrepreneurs, and as changemakers. It needs to portray women as capable, strong, and in control of their own destinies. This requires moving away from outdated narratives that restrict women’s potential and embracing stories that celebrate women’s contributions to society, no matter their role.

As consumers, we must hold the media accountable. By supporting content that portrays women as complex and multifaceted individuals, we send a message that the media needs to evolve. Women are breaking barriers every day, and it’s time for the media to reflect that progress, not hinder it.

The time has come to dismantle the stereotypes that hold women back. The media can be a powerful tool for change, but only if it chooses to portray women as the leaders, innovators, and visionaries they truly are.

Parusha Khadka

Undergrad student

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

It’s been nine years we haven’t met. 

I remember the fights when we were eight. 

The moments with you were all great. 

Without you, every single day I am pissed. 

I want to meet and tell you what I missed. 

On that day I’ll be very blissed. 

When I see those besties you come to my brain. 

In my journey you were titled as “main”. 

I wonder will I get to see you ever again? 

What if you have already forgotten me? Oh no! 

In my heart a mixed feeling will overflow. 

Then I will tell myself I have to get up and grow. 

Shakshi Ojha

Grade XI

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that reconstruction of physical infrastructures damaged by earthquake, and floods and landslides is progressing at a rapid pace.

Addressing the 28th meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) today, Home Minister Lekhak said that the assessment of the damage caused by the disaster and reconstruction works would be speeded up.

"Today's meeting decided to start the disaster damage assessment (DDA) work on the damage caused by the earthquake, and floods and landslides in Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Jajarkot and to proceed ahead with the reconstruction works in the areas where the DDA has already been carried out," he said.

Home Minister Lekhak said that decisions have been taken on the legal and economic issues required for the reconstruction in places where the DDA has been conducted.

"The disaster risk reduction and management standards have been passed some time ago. We have approved the work procedure in this regard today. Assessment of disaster damage of the Jajarkot earthquake will begin from the first week of February," he said.

According to him, this decision shall be presented in the meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council scheduled to be held at 7 pm today at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will preside over this meeting.

Minister Lekhak said that the reconstruction work will be expedited after today's council meeting takes a decision.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 5.32 points to close at 2,591.56 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 0.67 points to close at 442. 89 points.

A total of 9,386,721-unit shares of 327 companies were traded for Rs 3. 86 billion.

Meanwhile, Upakar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (ULBSL), Dordi Khola Jal Bidyut Company Limited (DORDI) and Green Ventures Limited (GVL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Narayani Development Bank Limited (NABBC)(ANLB) was the top loser as its price fell by 8.99 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 29 trillion.

The National Dalit Commission of Bagmati Province has submitted its report for the fiscal year 2080/81 BS to Bagmati Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota.

The Commission spokesperson Sundar Purkuti submitted the report to the Province Chief.

According to Article 294 (3) of the Constitution of Nepal, the report of the National Dalit Commission has been submitted. The Commission has submitted the report prepared with seven chapters and six schedules.

It includes the introduction of the Commission, provisions related to the rights and interests of Dalits, the situation of Dalits and their representation in state bodies, the implementation status of the annual program of the Commission, the recommendations and suggestions of the Commission and the status of implementation, opportunities, challenges and future directions of the Commission.

The caste discrimination and untouchability practice in Nepal and the related legal system from the beginning and end of untouchability, the provisions against untouchability and discrimination in international law, the provisions related to Dalit rights in the Constitution and laws of Nepal, the law for the end of caste discrimination and untouchability, the efforts of the state through laws, other laws and regulations among other issues were discussed in the report.

Spokesperson Purkuti said that the report covers the policies and readiness of the government to end all kinds of caste-based discriminations, prejudice, superstition, crime, exclusion, deprivation and violence through the constitution, laws, and laws and enable them to lead a dignified life.

He said that the details and population of the Dalit community in the National Census, 2078 BS,, human development index, annual income, education, health and sanitation are still lagging behind the Dalit community were incorporated in the report.