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The number of people driving electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased over the last three years. These vehicles are now reaching hilly villages from the Tarai, offering smooth and comfortable transportation. Previously, EVs were primarily used by government employees or wealthy individuals, while common people had to rely on old, shabby vehicles in the Tarai. However, with the blacktopping of major roads, lifestyles have transformed.

Bhim Rai, a resident of Bhojpur Municipality-5, regularly travels to Tarai in an EV. He shares that the introduction of these vehicles has improved the lifestyle of ordinary people by providing comfortable, fast, and affordable travel options. “In the past, we endured cramped seats and unpleasant journeys, but EVs have eliminated that hassle,” he said. “Riding in a smooth EV used to feel like a dream, but now it’s a reality. We can travel as comfortably as we wish.”

A decade ago, the roads in the district were in terrible condition, making travel arduous and time-consuming. It would take an entire day to journey from the hills to Tarai. With improved infrastructure, EVs can now reach rural areas quickly and comfortably.

Passengers can now complete round trips within a day. Narayan Bhandari, a local resident, shared, “We used to travel for 9–10 hours in dusty, uncomfortable coaches for official work. It was exhausting, expensive, and inconvenient. Now, EVs have eliminated these difficulties. I can leave home in the morning and return by evening.” According to locals, EVs are also being used to deliver goods directly to households in villages.

Currently, 12 EVs operate within the district, with an additional 22 serving routes outside it. Businessman Dilihang Rai noted that EVs have made travel satisfying and comfortable for passengers. “I operate EVs to provide fast and convenient services for the general public,” he said. “Passenger feedback has been positive, and the earnings are good.” He added that EV operators also generate additional income during downtime, thanks to the vehicles’ efficiency and speed.

The operation of EVs from Bhojpur is well-organized. Gyanu Rai, Chairperson of Temkemaiyung Yatayat Pvt Ltd, highlighted the growing popularity of EVs. “The number of EVs is increasing day by day as more passengers and businesses see their value,” he said. Rai emphasized that upgrading and blacktopping unpaved rural roads would further enhance accessibility and provide more facilities to the public.

The Ministry of Health and Population has sent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer in all the seven provinces.

The government is launching a nation-wide programme to administer the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer to 1.688 million girls between 10-14 years old from February 4-18.

Director of Logistic Management Division of the Department of Health Services, Dr Pawan Jung Rayamajhi, said the 1.770 million doses of HPV vaccine was brought to Nepal with the support of Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) and sent in all provinces.

Rayamajhi mentioned that GAVI provide the HPV vaccine free of cost to protect girls from cervical cancer.

He added that 275,180 doses of vaccine was sent to Koshi Province, 380,460 doses in Madhes Province, 125,800 doses in Bagmati Hetauda, 218,280 doses in Bagmati Bhaktapur, 130,870 doses in Gandaki Province, 298,910 doses in Lumbini Province, 124,400 doses in Karnali Provinces and 187,120 doses in Sudurpaschim Province.

The provinces would send the vaccines to their respective districts.

Rayamajhi said four women die from cervical cancer each day in Nepal. 

Even after half a year, the government has struggled to accelerate development expenditure, with only 16.16 percent of the total allocated budget spent so far. This mirrors the performance from the same period last year, where approximately 16 percent of the budget was utilized. The sluggish pace has disrupted the entire economic chain of the nation.

In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the government spent Rs 56.93bn against a target of Rs 352.35bn for development projects. Historically, the government has consistently fallen short of its targets, attributing the slowdown to underperformance in capital expenditure.

Economist Chandramani Adhikari emphasized the need to address the root causes of delays in priority projects to improve development expenditure. He highlighted the importance of identifying issues such as managerial inefficiencies, legal constraints, or shortcomings among construction contractors. “It’s essential to pinpoint the bottlenecks, whether it’s funding issues, legal hurdles, lack of coordination at multiple levels, or contractor inefficiencies. Solutions must be implemented accordingly, and budgets should be reallocated to projects with better management capacity,” he suggested.

Mahesh Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, acknowledged that inadequate project preparation is a major challenge. “We should allocate budgets only for projects that are fully prepared. However, resources have been scattered due to poor prioritization,” he explained. Bhattarai also noted that the lack of commercialization in the construction sector, which largely involves private actors, further hampers progress. “Many projects are delayed because contractors fail to meet deadlines. Additionally, societal attitudes towards the benefits of development projects need to evolve to foster a proactive approach,” he added.

According to Bhattarai, the government has disbursed Rs 22bn out of Rs 29bn based on certified documents, while dismissing complaints from contractors seeking to extend deadlines without sufficient justification.

By the month of December, the government had spent Rs 667.60bn from a total budget allocation of Rs 1.86trn. Out of the Rs 1.14trn targeted for development, only Rs 4.52bn has been spent so far—representing 39.63 percent of the total target. Concurrently, the government faces increasing obligations to repay principal and interest on both domestic and foreign loans. This has resulted in the allocation of 43.2 percent of financial management expenditure to cover previous fiscal year liabilities. The government has earmarked Rs 367bn for public debt repayments and has already paid Rs 158bn.

While the country’s external sector shows signs of improvement, the internal economy continues to struggle. Despite these challenges, the government has managed to collect 39.43 percent of its total revenue target, raising Rs 559bn in the first six months. This includes Rs 489bn from tax revenue (38.09 percent of the Rs 1.284trn target) and Rs 70bn from non-tax revenue (51.97 percent of the Rs 135bn target). However, foreign aid and grants have fallen short, with only Rs 7bn (14.09 percent of the Rs 52bn target) collected so far.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged an assistance of 100,000 Euros to support communities impacted by the devastating floods of September 2024 in Nepal.

 Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, the German Envoy to Nepal, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, signed the grant agreement with One Heart Worldwide for a project titled “Emergency Response and Recovery Plan for Continuation of Maternal and NewbornHealth (MNH) Services in Flood-Affected Areas of Sarlahi, Rautahat and Kavrepalanchowk Districts,” that aims to provide vital healthcare services in the affected regions. Surya Bhatta, Co-CEO of One Heart Worldwide signed the agreement on behalf of the organization, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Germany.

One Heart Worldwide is an organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for mothers and newborns in remote areas of Nepal for over a decade. Through this project, One Heart Worldwide will focus on maintaining access to basic health services, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and delivering emergency supplies to pregnant women, new mothers, and their families in the three most heavily affected districts from the recent floods and fire: Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Kavrepalanchowk.

Rautahat, one of Nepal’s poorest districts, is home to a significant Muslim and Dalit population, who have been disproportionately affected by recurring disasters. Frequent floods, fires, and cold waves have made survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. The recent fires have affected 25 households, while 53 people are rendered homeless. Similarly, Sarlahi and Kavrepalanchowk were heavily affected during the recent floods caused by the incessant rains.

The project will provide affected individuals with Dignity Kits, Winterization Materials, Hygiene Kits, and Kitchen Utensils, as well as Health Facility Medical Equipment and Supplies, and establish WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) stations at healthcare facilities. The cold season is expected to have a particularly severe impact on pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

“This is an important project for districts heavily affected by the recent disasters. With the harsh winter, we are relieved thatthe most vulnerable populations are receiving the support they urgently need,” said Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, according to the statement.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement with the German Embassy. This grant will provide critical assistance to mothers and newborns in these vulnerable communities, ultimately supporting the Government of Nepal’s ongoing efforts,” shared Mr. Surya Bhatta.

The project is slated to complete by June 2025.