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The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that there will be no public holiday on Falgun 1 (February 13) this year.

In a notice issued today, Ministry's joint-secretary and spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed that the decision to revoke the holiday is being based on the Supreme Court's ruling.

Earlier, the government had announced a public holiday on Falgun 1 to commemorate the 'people's war day'.

However, the decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, leading to the apex court's directive ordering the government to rescind it.

Consequently, the Council of Ministers on February 8 officially decided to discontinue the provision of a public holiday on Fa;gun 1 each year.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also the Chair of the National Security Council, called on President Ramchandra Paudel today to present the Council's annual report.

Upon receiving the report, President Paudel expressed hope that the Council would consistently act with caution in promoting the interests of nationality, sovereignty, independence, integrity, and national security.

During the meeting, the President spoke of the need of enhancing the nation's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and autonomy.

He also stressed the need for promoting cultural, religious, linguistic, and communal harmony, social tolerance and unity, and strengthening the national social security system. Furthermore, he underscored the effective implementation of the national security policy.

President Paudel commended the Council for presenting the report with a strategic outlook concerning nationality, sovereignty, integrity, and security.

According to Article 266(3) of the Constitution, the Council is mandated to submit its annual report to the President.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Purna Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed federal government ministers to promptly address concerns relating to the implementation of federalism coming from provincial governments. 

Addressing a meeting of chief ministers of all seven provinces with the Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Thursday, the PM said, “Full implementation of federalism is our collective responsibility. You (ministers at the Center) have well understood the worries and concerns of chief ministers. Take them seriously.”

He expressed confidence that active and energetic chief ministers will make a significant contribution toward implementation of federalism, adding that his government has accorded it special priority.

Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey said federal ministers and lawmakers should be equally responsible for the implementation of federalism by taking the PM’s steps toward that end seriously. He thanked the PM for his initiation in operating the Korala transit point and drew the attention of the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport toward a prompt construction of Muglin-Pokhara and Narayangadh-Butwal roadways.

Madhes Province’s Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav urged the Ministry of Finance for the operation of Chhoti customs offices on the border with India. Pointing out to the acute problem of irrigation and drinking water in Madhes, he urged the federal government to take initiatives for resolving these problems. “Let us run irrigation projects with joint investment from the Center and provinces, and increase the productivity in Tarai-Madhes,” he suggested.

Karnali Province’s Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma sought a review regarding delays in the implementation of federalism.  

Stating that Karnali is still grappling with problems of electrification, reliable irrigation facilities and weak telecom services, Sharma advised all federal ministries to focus more on addressing these problems.

Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah, lauding the ‘PM’s initiatives in implementing federalism’, said federal ministers should match the PM’s efforts with theirs. He said a centralized mindset is mainly responsible for the delay in implementing federalism.

“Important agreements have been made regarding the development of Sudur Paschim during the Prime Minister’s official visit to India. Development of the province has been given due priority in the incumbent government’s term alone. I thank the Prime Minister for this,” he said.

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Shalikram Jamkattel said federal ministries should delegate powers to provinces sooner than later, urging the bureaucracy to unlearn the ‘unitary mindset’ while implementing federalism.

Lumbini Province Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary applauded the PM’s initiation toward effective enforcement of federalism. “Federalism is our collective achievement and we have to shoulder the responsibility of implementing it.” 

Koshi Province Chief Minister Kedar Karki urged federal ministers to internalize the PM’s spirit regarding the implementation of federalism. He urged the ministers not to hesitate to devolve power to the provinces.

Provincial wants

• Shedding of unitary mindset and devolution of powers
• Steady electricity supply, reliable irrigation, telecom and water supply services
• Irrigation projects with joint investment from the Center and provinces 
• Revival of Chhoti customs offices

The government has decided to celebrate the National Democracy Day, 2080 BS in a grand manner.

A meeting of the National Democracy Day Main Program Committee chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at Singha Durbar this morning, decided to organize various programs on February 18, 19 and 20 in this context.

The meeting has decided to request the media to design National Democracy Day-centered public awareness raising programs as special talk shows, panel discussions and radio dramas and broadcast them on February 18. Similarly, the national print media houses have been requested to publish special publications/ souvenirs and compilation of various articles highlighting the multi-faceted dimensions of democracy on the occasion.

The national flags of the stipulated size would be flown on the roofs, verandah, and the premises of all the government bodies, institutions and organizations on the eve of the Democracy Day. Similarly, lights will be lit at the mandalas, the squares and at houses in the evening.

As per the government's decision, blood donation camps would be organized in all the districts with the support of governmental and non-governmental organizations while educational and sports materials would be distributed to the differently-abled students at their schools at the district-level.

On February 19, the National Democracy Day, the Nepal Army will play trumpet at sunrise, fire celebratory cannon salvoes and rifles at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel. It will display a huge banner marked with 'National Democracy Day, 2024' from a helicopter around the Ring Road area. Similarly, petals will be showered from a helicopter and flag display held at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel.

The official National Democracy Day, 2024 main programme will be organized at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, where the elected people's representatives, civil servants, security personnel, the office-bearers of public bodies and community organizations, academic and educational institutions and dignitaries from the civil society and the general public would be invited.

Similarly, the government has decided to organize various programs at the provincial and district level throughout the country in celebration of the National Democracy Day.