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Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has said that the support and cooperation of all stakeholders are essential to ensure a smooth supply chain of essential goods, including petroleum products and cooking gas.

Speaking at a meeting held today at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, he stressed the need to intensify market monitoring to prevent any attempts to disrupt the supply of essential goods and services. 

He stressed that stakeholders must work together to maintain an efficient and reliable supply system.

CM Shah also added that the monitoring committee, formed under the Consumers' Protection Act, its regulations, and other prevailing laws, should play an active role in preventing supplies of goods on the black- market, artificial shortages, and the sale of goods at inflated prices.

The meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, decided to take strict action against anyone found involved in supplies on black-market, creating artificial shortages, or charging higher prices.

It also agreed to promote the efficient use of petroleum products and cooking fuel, reduce unnecessary consumption, and encourage the adoption of alternative energy sources.

Furthermore, the meeting reassured the public that there are currently no disruptions in the supply of essential goods and urged people not to be misled by rumors. 

The meeting was attended by secretaries from various ministries, Chief District Officer of Kailali, Hiralal Regmi, Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur, Madan Koirala, senior officials from the security agencies, representatives from the trade sector, and LP gas dealers, among others.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Rabi Lamichhane has called upon its 182 newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to serve the nation and citizens responsibly.  

Lamichhane stressed that the MPs must respect the mandate given by the public in the March 5 election to the House of Representatives. 

Addressing an orientation program organized by the RSP in Lalitpur for its new lawmakers, President Lamichhane made it clear that no one has the right to make irresponsible statements or treat the public's mandate as of entertainment value. 

He urged the MPs to speak thoughtfully in the media. "While speaking, consider the impact of your words on foreign relations. Strengthen your relation with citizens," the party boss instructed.

He called on the new legislators to review the pledges the party made to the public. 

"We bear the responsibility of building the nation and bringing about meaningful changes. We must fully respect the mandate given by people and work towards positive transformation," he reiterated.

National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki at her official residence in Baluwatar today.

During the meeting, they held discussions on post-election review, running parliament sessions and other related topics, according to the Prime Minister's press advisor, Ram Bahadur Rawal.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has stressed the need to mobilize liquidity into the productive sector to build national capital.

Addressing a program marking the 36th anniversary of the Citizen Investment Trust (CIT), Minister Khanal said that there is plenty of liquidity in the banking sector due to falling interest rates and thus pressed for channelizing liquidity into the productive sector.

Highlighting the need to accelerate the large-scale infrastructure and long-term investment projects, Khanal informed that efforts are underway to promote mega projects such as Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project through Public- Private Partnership (PPP) model. 

He viewed that the idle capital should also be mobilized into the productive sector. 

Stating that ongoing tensions in the Middle East region could disrupt Nepal's supply chain, the minister cautioned that the disruption could lead to inflation. Hence, he called for timely actions to reduce such risks.

Finance Minister Khanal noted, "At present, both the balance of payment and current accounts are in surplus and the government revenue has increased compared to previous fiscal year."

While economic indicators are improving, he highlighted the need to ensure that investors can easily access capital.

Calling for laws on alternative financing, he viewed that the taxation on various retirement funds should be reconsidered, including lowering taxes on similar type of income and social security funds. 

On the occasion, he lauded the notable business success achieved by the CIT at a time when many state-owned enterprises were facing operational challenges.

He advocated for seeking appropriate alternatives in accordance with the government's policy guarantee to recover loans provided by the Fund to the Nepal Airlines Corporations.

Minister Khanal suggested that the CIT should be aware about risk management while considering investments. He added that it is necessary to issue long-term bonds for assets-liability management of various retirement funds.