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Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has instructed the ministers representing the party in the present government to make its works effective.

In a meeting with the party officials and the ministers representing the party in the government held at his residence in Budhanilkantha today, President Deuba directed the ministers to deliver services on matters directly related to the public in a smooth and effective manner, said Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajaya Kumar Chaurasiya. "Make the service delivery on matters concerning the people prompt, efficient and transparent. Give priority to the Ministry's works rather than the party's works by managing the time in the right way," Minister Chaurasiya quoted Deuba as saying in the meeting. President Deuba also urged the ministers to extend the required cooperation in making the government more effective.

The party vice-president, general-secretary, leaders, the party's Chief Whip in the House of Representatives and the National Assembly were among those present in the meeting.

On the occasion, President Deuba acquired information from the ministers regarding ongoing works and the remaining works in their respective ministries.

He also directed the ministers to finalize the legislations under the ministries concerned before the commencement of the Parliament session.

Chief Whip of the NC Parliamentary Party Shyam Prasad Ghimire said today's meeting decided to work actively to make the government effective and successful, and to hold regular discussions on important topics.

According to him, discussions were also held to carry out works actively to finalize the bills under consideration at various committees and to speed up the process for conducting the physical infrastructure projects remaining from the past and other programmes under the jurisdiction of the ministries, among other topics.

Chief Whip Ghimire added that decision has been made in the meeting to take the required initiatives for completion of the development projects awaiting resources despite being included in the budget of the current fiscal year, those projects whose tender call has not been made and those projects whose works are not progressing as expected speed despite the starting of the construction works.

Decision has been made to have open meeting on two stipulated days in a week, to listen to the citizen's grievances, to take the suggestions and to become completely dedicated to the ministry's works in the remaining five days.

The parliamentary party working committee and the ministers shall make coordination through discussions regarding the lawmakers' concerns, suggestions and expectations.

Party President Deuba has also instructed the ministers to visit the party's central office once in a month regarding the suggestions and demands that come to the party central office through the party's province committee, the district committee, region and local levels.

Ten ministers and two ministers of state are representing the Nepali Congress in the present government headed by CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli.

On the occasion, the ministers had briefed Party President Deuba the meeting about the works being carried out by their respective ministries, the problems encountered and the concerns.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a press conference on Wednesday at Singhadurbar to unveil the contents of four newly issued ordinances. The government had initially planned to issue five ordinances on Jan 10, but the ordinance related to land management was deferred by President Ramchandra Paudel. However, right after the press conference, President Paudel certified the fifth ordinance too.

During the 34-minute press conference, there was no Q&A session. For the first 17 minutes, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal provided details about the issued ordinances, followed by Prime Minister Oli explaining why the ordinances were issued and the reasons for not convening a parliamentary session. Prime Minister Oli concluded the conference without facing questions from the press.

Prime Minister Oli has asserted that there is no disagreement within the ruling party regarding the ordinances introduced by the government. He emphasized that the unity within the government parties has been strengthened through this process. “There is no disagreement, not even by a letter. The ordinances have come with full consensus,” said Oli.

He also claimed that the ordinances were introduced after listening to the top leadership of the Nepali Congress, the leadership of the bureaucracy, expert consultations, and the issues facing entrepreneurs. “The ordinances have been brought after much effort and preparation. They address the problems of the people and also promote good governance and development,” he added.

Regarding the opposition’s efforts to form a coalition, Prime Minister Oli likened it to attempting to block a river by throwing stones from the riverbank. He urged opposition parties to exercise their right to protest in a peaceful and civilized manner. “I have heard about the formation of a front. That is their right, and I respect it. However, I just suggest that it be done in a civilized manner. It must be peaceful and orderly,” he said.

He also clarified that the ordinances are not aimed at any individual or group. Referring to discussions about the parliament being obstructed, he dismissed these as rumors. “Who said that parliament is blocked? Parliament cannot be stopped unless it has already been called. It was adjourned after discussions, not because it was obstructed,” he questioned.

Prime Minister Oli explained that the delay in calling the parliament was due to the time needed to prepare the bills. “On the first day of the House session, we will present the ordinances in parliament. Within 60 days, we will introduce the replacement bills and have them passed,” he concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, parliamentarians representing opposition parties including the major opposition—CPN (Maoist Center)—called for immediate running of the winter session of parliament. The meeting of the opposition party convened at the CPN (Maoist Center)’s parliamentary party’s office, they emphasized the need to summon the winter session of the parliament to deliberate on matters of public concern as well as to dwell on formulating legislations. 

Emerging from the meeting, Barshaman Pun, deputy general secretary of the CPN (Maoist Center), shared that the opposition parties have reached an understanding that they will take action to call the special session of parliament if the incumbent government continues to function ‘deceiving’ the institution of people’s representatives (parliament).

The constitutional provision has it that the Head of the State can summon a parliamentary session or meeting if one fourth of the total number of House of Representatives requests in writing for the same deeming it appropriate action. The constitution mandates that it requires signatures from at least 69 parliamentarians to request the Head of the State to call the special session of the parliament.

In attendance in the meeting were CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Acting Chairperson DP Aryal and leaders from Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Nepal Aam Aadmi Party, among others.

Rastriya Swatantra Party President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been released on bail on Wednesday.

Lamichhane, who has been accused of misappropriating Rs 1. 99 billion from Kathmandu-based Swarnalakshmi Cooperative, was released after posting a bail of Rs 6 million as set by the Kathmandu District Court.

A single bench of Judge Madhav Prasad Adhikari issued the order responding to the writ petition filed against Lamichhane.

He had produced himself before the Kathmandu District Court, three days after he was released on bail of Rs 6. 5 million, in the similar case in Pokhara.

On the behalf of Lamichhane, senior advocates-- Sushil Panta and Raman Shrestha-had argued the case.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a young Nepali held captive by Hamas. Following reports that some hostages under Hamas control are being freed, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana has urged countries mediating with Hamas for a ceasefire to prioritize efforts for Joshi’s release.

As part of these efforts, Minister Rana held a telephone conversation this morning with Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, who serves as Qatar’s chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks with Hamas.

During the call, Minister Rana emphasized Qatar’s pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations and appealed for special intervention to secure Joshi’s release. She highlighted Qatar’s long-standing friendship with Nepal and expressed hope that Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Hamas would include efforts for Joshi’s safe return.

Minister al-Khulaifi informed Minister Rana that progress is being made in bringing Hamas and Israel to a ceasefire. He assured that Qatar is actively working to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas. Regarding Joshi, al-Khulaifi stated that Qatar would prioritize his case and expressed confidence that he would be freed, either in the initial phase of hostage releases or subsequent rounds.

Earlier, Minister Rana also sought assistance from the Egyptian government, which is similarly engaged in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Last week, she conveyed Nepal’s appeal through the ambassadors of Egypt and Qatar, urging both nations to intervene for Joshi’s release.

Additionally, Minister Rana had approached the Israeli government via Israeli Ambassador to Nepal,  Shmulik Arie Bass. The ambassador informed her that Israel had received reports of Hamas planning to release 34 hostages, including the elderly, women, children and those with critical health conditions.

The crisis traces back to Oct 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli soil, killing over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis, and taking hostages, including Joshi. Since then, the Nepal government has been pressing for his release through diplomatic channels. Minister Rana has raised the issue at various bilateral and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, urging the international community to assist in securing Joshi’s freedom.