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The contribution-based Social Security Fund (SSF) has managed to enroll over 900,000 contributors and more than 18,000 employers in its four years of operation.

The SSF was established on 27 Nov 2018 as per the Contribution- based Social Security Act, 2018, and it operates as per the Contribution-based Social Security Operation Guidelines, 2018. The fund began enrolling contributors and employers from the first day of the fiscal year 2019/20.

Although the SSF had set a target of enrolling 30,000 employers by 2022/23, it only reached 19,439. Likewise, it had set a target of enrolling 500,000 contributors by 2022/23, but it easily surpassed this goal. It has enrolled 928,493 contributors so far.

The number of contributors started increasing after the government made it mandatory for foreign migrant workers to enroll with SSF. So far, the fund has enrolled 466,622 migrant workers. About 90 percent of the migrant workers are contributing regularly to the SSF.

The SSF has mobilized Rs 44.85bn from the contributors, with most of them subscribing to the Old Age Protection Plan of the SSF. According to the fund, it has raised Rs 37.35bn alone from contributors subscribing to the Old Age Protection Plan.

Other schemes offered by the SSF include the Medicine, Health and Maternity Protection Plan; Accident and Disability Safety Plan; and Dependent Family Protection Plan. The SSF has collected Rs 1.29bn from contributors subscribing to the Medicine, Health and Maternity Protection Plan; Rs 2.48bn from the Accident and Disability Safety Plan; and Rs 2.48bn from the Dependent Family Protection Plan. Likewise, it has collected Rs 1.53bn from additional plans. The SSF has earned an income of Rs 2.17bn in the four-year period.

Meanwhile, the SSF has distributed Rs 6.44bn in claims to 219,849 contributors in the four-year period. Likewise, it has disbursed Rs 1.75bn as loans to contributors. According to the SSF, it has disbursed Rs 1.72bn worth of ‘Special Loans’ to 9,744 contributors, Rs 28.9m worth of home loans to 17 contributors, and Rs 2.36m worth of education loans to three contributors.

Contributors who have been contributing funds to the SSF for a minimum of 36 months are eligible for the loans.

The newly constructed classrooms and laboratory of Shree Gautam Buddha Secondary School in Buddhabhumi Municipality, Kapilvastu, were inaugurated on Monday. The buildings were built with the financial aid of Rs 33.23m from the government of India as part of the Nepal-India Development Cooperation. 

Prasanna Shrivastava, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu; Baburam Acharya, chief of the District Coordination Committee in Kapilvastu; and Keshav Kumar Shrestha, mayor of Buddhabhumi Municipality, jointly inaugurated the facilities. 

Local politicians, government officials, social workers, members of the school management, teachers, parents, and students also attended the event.

The financial grant from the government of India under the 'Nepal-India Development Cooperation' was utilized for constructing a double-storied school building, a three-storied laboratory building, and the procurement of furniture and laboratory equipment. This initiative, originally known as Small Development Projects and now operating as High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), operated under an agreement between the governments of India and Nepal. The District Coordination Committee in Kapilvastu spearheaded the implementation of this project.

Shrivastava emphasized the significance of this project as an integral part of the robust development partnership between India and Nepal. He highlighted the substantial progress made in recent years across various priority sectors identified by the Nepal government. Furthermore, he reiterated the commitment of the government of India to strengthen this developmental partnership, aligning with the priorities set by the government of Nepal.

Since 2003, India has undertaken over 550 HICDPs in Nepal spanning various sectors, successfully completing 488 projects. Among these, 60 projects are situated in Lumbini Province, including five projects in Kapilvastu. Additionally, the Indian government has gifted 974 ambulances and 234 buses to hospitals, health posts, and educational institutions.

The telecommunication landscape is rapidly evolving, enabling information dissemination to every corner of the world. Under the liberalization framework established by the Telecommunications Act, 1996, Nepal Telecom and Ncell currently offer mobile services, while approximately 120 companies provide internet services.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) regulates these service providers. Despite widespread mobile usage, revenue generation, and contributions to the government, there are looming uncertainties in the telecommunication sector.

Of the six telecom companies licensed by the government, only Nepal Telecom and Ncell remain operational. The current discussion in the sector revolves around the affordability and reliability of the services provided, the incorporation of new technologies, and how consumer interests are prioritized in these services. To address these contemporary issues, AP1 HD  organized a day-long discussion on the current status and future trajectory of telecommunications. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka inaugurated the program. 

Speaking at the discussion, Captain Rameshwar Thapa, chairman of Annapurna Media, said there is a need to assess the present state of the telecommunication sector and plan for the future.

“I am confident that the collaborative discussions involving all stakeholders would guide the telecommunications sector,” Captain Thapa said. “We need to put focus on communication technology to achieve the government's goal of a digital Nepal, contributing not only to the prosperity of the telecommunication sector but also to the overall development of the country.”

Captain Thapa also said embracing technology to enhance accessibility will empower citizens and facilitate responsible governance for the government. “I urged the concerned entities to eliminate policy ambiguities and actively support the expansion of telecommunication services for the benefit of the public,” he added.

Addressing the program, Deputy Prime Minister Khadka said information and communication technology has become a crucial component of power in today's context. He also highlighted the significance of telecommunication in the challenging and remote terrains of Nepal. “Telecommunication holds greater importance than other infrastructures in Nepal,” he said, adding: “The rapid advancement of modern technology in the telecommunication sector and the dynamic changes in its structure is creating new opportunities. The government will prioritize the development and management of the telecommunication sector and ensure secure and accessible telecommunication services for all.”

Khadka said continuous investments in cutting-edge technology and unwavering efforts in innovation are opening new avenues for economic growth, social development, and overall progress. “The government will facilitate the sector by addressing political ambiguities and resolving legal complications in the telecommunication sector,” he added.

Additionally, Finance Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Pushkar pointed out that the service providers in the telecommunication sector have yet to fully realize their potential, and the experts in the field have not effectively demonstrated their expertise. “The government remains committed to facilitating development, expansion, and business growth of the telecommunication sector. “If you think there are things that the government needs to look into, do inform us in writing. The ministry will promptly address them,” he added. 

Also speaking at the program, former minister and Nepali Congress leader Dr. Minendra Rijal highlighted the transformative impact of telecommunication technology in the Nepali society. “The key challenge in the sector is infrastructure development and expansion. I want to ask the NTA, who will undertake the construction of telecommunication infrastructure, and where will the funding come from? Given global investments in this sector, we need a thorough debate and discussion on this matter,” he added.

The second session of the program comprised four panel discussions. In the first panel discussion, titled “Mobile Telecommunication and Licensing Regime in Nepal,” moderated by telecommunication expert Anand Raj Khanal, Netra Subedi, joint secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said a new telecommunications bill is in the process of being introduced. He expressed confidence that the new bill would address existing challenges within the telecommunications sector. Similarly, Gorkna Prasad Sitaula, a member of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), added that the new bill aims at clarifying the ambiguity surrounding the renewal fees for telecommunications companies.

According to the Telecommunications Act, 1996, licenses must be renewed every 25 years with a renewal fee of Rs 20bn. This implies that Nepal Telecom and Ncell would need to renew their licenses in 2024/25 and 2028/29, respectively.

Sudhir Parajuli, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal, underlined the need to create an environment favorable not only for mobile phones but also for internet service providers in the new law. Bishal Upadhyay, head of Law and Regulation at Ncell, said that the Act of 1996 is outdated as technology has progressed from 2G to 5G. He said that service providers were increasing their investment with technological advancements.

The second panel discussion, titled ‘Telecommunication and Digital Nepal Framework’, moderated by information technology expert Manohar Bhattarai, featured discussions on the achievements of the Digital Nepal Framework released in 2019. Anil Dutt, joint secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said that 90 percent of the specified targets had been achieved. He also mentioned that an amendment to the Nepal Telecommunications Act was in progress. Meen Prasad Aryal, director of NTA, shared that infrastructure expansion in rural areas was being funded by utilizing two percent of the amount collected from service providers. Rajesh Lal Nyachhyon of Ncell called for collaboration between the government and the private sector in the telecommunication sector. Sudeep Acharya, Director-General of DisHome Fiber Net, called for reduction of high taxes imposed for Internet service providers.\

The third panel discussion, titled ‘Consumers, Makers, and Quality of Service’, moderated by journalist Sama Thapa, addressed concerns about service quality. Speaking at the discussion, Arjun Ghimire, a director of NTA, said the regulator has been giving strict instructions to service providers to address service sector complaints. Kamal Lamichhane, manager of Nepal Telecom, acknowledged existing problems but assured that service quality was improving gradually. 

Likewise, Jyoti Dahal, customer service manager of Ncell, noted that services are becoming cheaper with improved quality over time. Consumer activist Madhav Timilsina highlighted that there are more complaints about services than goods, particularly in mobile services, urging stakeholders to uphold consumer rights.

The final panel discussion, ‘Role of Spectrum and Infrastructure in Telecommunication’, was moderated by telecommunication expert Anand Raj Khanal. Speaking at the discussion, Rabindra Jha, a board member of the NTA, said that the government determines mobile frequency allocations, and the NTA implements them accordingly. Lena Keshari Kansakar, CTO of Ncell, underlined the need for a frequency policy based on a thorough market study. She said that frequency limitations have hindered telecom operators from expanding into new areas. C Mani Choulagai, a telecommunications expert, however, said that frequency limitations are not a pressing issue as the demand is primarily for 900 and 1800 MHz bands.

The government has decided to conduct an investment summit on 22-23 April 2024, the third of its kind in nine years.

Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat gave this information during a meeting in the Capital on Sunday, which decided to step up preparations for the summit by formulating an immediate plan.

Mahat said the summit aims to float proposals to competent investors soliciting foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments and making sure that the commitments come to fruition. 

Mahat pledged a safe and secure environment for the investors. 

At the meeting, Tourism Minister Sudan Kirati stressed the need to improve the working style and come up with more investment-friendly laws for attracting FDI. Minister Kirati expressed confidence that geopolitical interests will also bring in FDI.

Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari suggested that all seven provinces organize pre-summits (for selection of projects) without further delay, giving local communities a platform to float their investment ideas and projects. 

“Based on experiences, I must say that time for organizing the investment summit (in April) is very short. Most of the projects under consideration for investment are from the energy sector. Studies covering other areas are few and far between,” Adhikari said. Organizing the (investment) summit will be costly, but there’s no question of backtracking from it, he said. 

Ram Kumar Phuyal, a member of the National Planning Commission, stressed the need for a thorough review of earlier summits, pointing that the commission had studied them.

Some of the speakers noted that past investment summits were not that successful, stressing the need to prioritize Nepal’s requirements, protect the interest of investors and provide them facilities as stipulated in relevant laws. 

The first investment summit was held in 2015 after the Gorkha earthquake, followed by the second one in 2019. Despite these summits, FDI flow to Nepal remains dismal even after changes in legal and institutional frameworks to make them more FDI-friendly. 

Beneath the veil of night, my dear moon hides, 

Behind the shroud of clouds, her beauty slides, 

With patience, I’ll await her radiant grace, 

Till she unveils her luminous, timeless face. 

Countless hours I’ve spent in silent reverie, 

A cosmic dance between her and me, 

From earthly realm to the great unknown, 

I'll watch her glow, from life to stone. 

In the stillness of night, our connection is spun, 

Eternal love for the radiant one, 

For in her glow, I find my delight, 

A celestial bond, infinite and bright.

She orbits through my mind, regular everyday, 

A guiding light in the night, in friendship’s shade, 

Oh! What a beautiful thing did god made, 

Hope, her shining beauty will never end. 

Name: Samir Lamsal

Class: 10

School: Oxford Secondary School, Gaindakot 2, Nawalpur

In our thriving communities, where green spaces offer solace and shared environments foster companionship, responsible dog ownership becomes paramount. While the joy of canine companionship is undeniable, it comes with the duty to ensure that our furry friends leave no trace behind, especially in areas frequented by neighbors.

Owning a dog is not solely a personal choice; it entails committing to a larger social fabric. When dog owners take the responsibility to clean up after their pets, they contribute to a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone. This simple act fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. Despite the shared understanding of pet care responsibilities, a few individuals choose to shroud their actions in the obscurity of night, neglecting their dogs' needs until the late hours. The consequence? A morning revelation for neighbors who wake to find dog waste left unattended, right at their doorsteps or in open areas nearby.

A local resident, expressing the sentiments of many, shares, “I have witnessed numerous instances of people discarding their dogs' waste in open areas. Sometimes, they even choose to do this thoughtlessly right in front of our homes, creating an unsightly and unsanitary situation for those of us living nearby.”

This revelation raises significant questions about the commitment of a few dog owners to the well-being and cleanliness of the community. In a neighborhood where shared spaces contribute to the overall quality of life, responsible pet ownership is not merely a suggestion but an essential obligation.

Aditi Parajuli

AS Level

Chelsea International Academy

The express bus service on Ratnapark-Suryabinayak route which was halted after coming into operation for a month has resumed from today.

Director General of the Department of Transport Management, Uddhav Prasad Rijal, said the buses will leave for the Ratnapark-Suryabinayak at an interval of every three minutes from 8.30 am each day beginning today.

"Thirty-six buses will operate on Ratnapark-Suryabinayak route. Buses have been operated on a regular basis from 8.30 am today," he added. Twenty-five buses were operated to and from the two destinations before this.

Director General Rijal said a schedule has been prepared, according to which the bus service will be operated from 8.30 am to 10.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm at an interval of three minutes.

According to him, buses have been added to make the bus rapid transit service more effective and the schedule has also been slightly changed.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport had launched this service on September 20, 2023 coinciding with the Constitution Day for the convenience of commuters so that they can reach their destinations quickly.

The service was suspended within a month of its operation as it was not effective.

Rijal claimed that it takes 45 minutes for buses operating under the bus rapid transit on the Ratnapark-Suryabinayak route whereas it takes one and a half hours for other public buses.

According to him, buses on this service will not have to stop even at cross-roads like Maitighar, Koteshwar, Jadibuti, among others where there is a lot of traffic jam.

The bus fare on the Ratnapark-Suryabinayak route bus rapid transit service is the same as the other public buses have been charging, the Transport Management Department Minbhawan said.

The telecommunication landscape is rapidly evolving, enabling information dissemination to every corner of the world. Under the liberalization framework established by the Telecommunications Act, 1996, Nepal Telecom and Ncell currently offer mobile services, while approximately 120 companies provide internet services.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) regulates these service providers. Despite widespread mobile usage, revenue generation, and contributions to the government, there are looming uncertainties in the telecommunication sector.

Of the six telecom companies licensed by the government, only Nepal Telecom and Ncell remain operational. The current discussion in the sector revolves around the affordability and reliability of the services provided, the incorporation of new technologies, and how consumer interests are prioritized in these services. To address these contemporary issues, AP1 HD  organized a day-long discussion on the current status and future trajectory of telecommunications. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka inaugurated the program. 

Speaking at the discussion, Captain Rameshwar Thapa, chairman of Annapurna Media, said there is a need to assess the present state of the telecommunication sector and plan for the future.

“I am confident that the collaborative discussions involving all stakeholders would guide the telecommunications sector,” Captain Thapa said. “We need to put focus on communication technology to achieve the government's goal of a digital Nepal, contributing not only to the prosperity of the telecommunication sector but also to the overall development of the country.”

Captain Thapa also said embracing technology to enhance accessibility will empower citizens and facilitate responsible governance for the government. “I urged the concerned entities to eliminate policy ambiguities and actively support the expansion of telecommunication services for the benefit of the public,” he added.

Addressing the program, Deputy Prime Minister Khadka said information and communication technology has become a crucial component of power in today's context. He also highlighted the significance of telecommunication in the challenging and remote terrains of Nepal. “Telecommunication holds greater importance than other infrastructures in Nepal,” he said, adding: 

“The rapid advancement of modern technology in the telecommunication sector and the dynamic changes in its structure is creating new opportunities. The government will prioritize the development and management of the telecommunication sector and ensure secure and accessible telecommunication services for all.”

Khadka said continuous investments in cutting-edge technology and unwavering efforts in innovation are opening new avenues for economic growth, social development, and overall progress. “The government will facilitate the sector by addressing political ambiguities and resolving legal complications in the telecommunication sector,” he added.

Additionally, Finance Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Pushkar pointed out that the service providers in the telecommunication sector have yet to fully realize their potential, and the experts in the field have not effectively demonstrated their expertise. “The government remains committed to facilitating development, expansion, and business growth of the telecommunication sector. “If you think there are things that the government needs to look into, do inform us in writing. The ministry will promptly address them,” he added. 

Also speaking at the program, former minister and Nepali Congress leader Dr. Minendra Rijal highlighted the transformative impact of telecommunication technology in the Nepali society. “The key challenge in the sector is infrastructure development and expansion. I want to ask the NTA, who will undertake the construction of telecommunication infrastructure, and where will the funding come from? Given global investments in this sector, we need a thorough debate and discussion on this matter,” he added.

The second session of the program comprised four panel discussions. In the first panel discussion, titled “Mobile Telecommunication and Licensing Regime in Nepal,” moderated by telecommunication expert Anand Raj Khanal, Netra Subedi, joint secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said a new telecommunications bill is in the process of being introduced. He expressed confidence that the new bill would address existing challenges within the telecommunications sector. Similarly, Gorkna Prasad Sitaula, a member of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), added that the new bill aims at clarifying the ambiguity surrounding the renewal fees for telecommunications companies.

 According to the Telecommunications Act, 1996, licenses must be renewed every 25 years with a renewal fee of Rs 20bn. This implies that Nepal Telecom and Ncell would need to renew their licenses in 2024/25 and 2028/29, respectively.

Sudhir Parajuli, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal, underlined the need to create an environment favorable not only for mobile phones but also for internet service providers in the new law. Bishal Upadhyay, head of Law and Regulation at Ncell, said that the Act of 1996 is outdated as technology has progressed from 2G to 5G. He said that service providers were increasing their investment with technological advancements.

The second panel discussion, titled ‘Telecommunication and Digital Nepal Framework’, moderated by information technology expert Manohar Bhattarai, featured discussions on the achievements of the Digital Nepal Framework released in 2019. Anil Dutt, joint secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said that 90 percent of the specified targets had been achieved. He also mentioned that an amendment to the Nepal Telecommunications Act was in progress. Meen Prasad Aryal, director of NTA, shared that infrastructure expansion in rural areas was being funded by utilizing two percent of the amount collected from service providers. Rajesh Lal Nyachhyon of Ncell called for collaboration between the government and the private sector in the telecommunication sector. Sudeep Acharya, Director-General of DisHome Fiber Net, called for reduction of high taxes imposed for Internet service providers.\

The third panel discussion, titled ‘Consumers, Makers, and Quality of Service’, moderated by journalist Sama Thapa, addressed concerns about service quality. Speaking at the discussion, Arjun Ghimire, a director of NTA, said the regulator has been giving strict instructions to service providers to address service sector complaints. Kamal Lamichhane, manager of Nepal Telecom, acknowledged existing problems but assured that service quality was improving gradually. 

Likewise, Jyoti Dahal, customer service manager of Ncell, noted that services are becoming cheaper with improved quality over time. Consumer activist Madhav Timilsina highlighted that there are more complaints about services than goods, particularly in mobile services, urging stakeholders to uphold consumer rights.

The final panel discussion, ‘Role of Spectrum and Infrastructure in Telecommunication’, was moderated by telecommunication expert Anand Raj Khanal. Speaking at the discussion, Rabindra Jha, a board member of the NTA, said that the government determines mobile frequency allocations, and the NTA implements them accordingly. Lena Keshari Kansakar, CTO of Ncell, underlined the need for a frequency policy based on a thorough market study. She said that frequency limitations have hindered telecom operators from expanding into new areas. C Mani Choulagai, a telecommunications expert, however, said that frequency limitations are not a pressing issue as the demand is primarily for 900 and 1800 MHz bands.