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Prime Minister KP Sharma inaugurated the 'FIFA Football for Schools' campaign today. 

During the inaugural ceremony organized by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, the Prime Minister said the government accorded priority to the further development of the sports sector. 

He also announced to build an advanced stadium in Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur.  

It is said that under the campaign around 1,000 school students will be freely provided with football besides specialized training to school teachers and football team coaches. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today held discussions with the leaders from two major ruling partners, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. 

The Prime Minister, who also serves as the UML Chair, held the meetings at the Prime Minister's official residence, Baluwatar. 

NC President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka,  UML Vice Chair and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, NC leader and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak  and the Prime Minister's chief advisor Bishnu  Prasad Rimal were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli encouraged courageous and optimistic young entrepreneurs to take the lead in fulfilling the national aspirations of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

PM Oli said so at a program titled 'Startup Entrepreneurs with PM' organized by the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute at the PM's official residence, Baluwatar, today.

Oli urged them to move forward with optimism and a vision of a developed country as well as with 'We can do!' attitude. 

"We will be graduating into developing country status in 2026. After that we will be a developing country. No one will come and build our nation. We have to do it ourselves," asserted the septuagenarian leader.

He viewed that through the use of technology, innovation and practical application, we can move towards modernization and optimum production.  "If we are committed to propel it, we can do it. Nepal will rise," said the Head of the Government. 

Nepal has formulated six strategies to address the challenges that it is set to face once it graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that all six strategies are in place.

These plans are to be implemented by various committees established to carry out these strategies: a high-level steering committee under the PM, an implementation and coordination committee under the Vice-chairperson of the National Planning Commission, a federal evaluation committee under Chief Secretary, and provincial-level implementation committees under Chief Ministers.

The government plans to reenact and lower a few laws while legislating new ones in a way that will move in harmony and sustainably, Oli said, responding to queries during a discussion in the National Assembly on the post-graduation scenario.

According to Oli, Nepal is working to make its external relations robust by effective diplomatic efforts internationally, strengthening the enforcement of international treaties and gaining international solidarity through bilateral and multilateral relations. He also stated that opportunities are opening for more investment and concessionary credit.

The state government is also geared toward overhauling legislation on public procurement and construction policy, institutional and personal capacity building, and infrastructure and connectivity upgrade to transform Nepal from a landlocked country into a land-linked country. In addition, there are attempts to stimulate value chains through multinational companies.

Oli said that measures have been devised to mitigate the impacts of graduation in the private sector, labor and employment, and trade. All sectors, he added, will be facilitated by the government in making the transition sustainable.

Oli expressed confidence that Nepal’s graduation would raise the nation’s global standing and herald efforts toward self-reliance. “It’s a point of happiness. This shows that Nepal is becoming self-sufficient. Our country rating index will also be better, and the investment climate will be strengthened further,” he added.

He also went on to say that LDC graduation would enhance Nepal’s economic diplomacy by hosting events such as Sagarmatha Sambaad and investment forums. Since bilateral trade and cooperation of Nepal are dominant, the direct impact of the graduation in this sector will be minimal in the short term, he said.

Nepal has been on the UN list of Least Developed Countries since 18 Nov 1971. It has taken 55 years, and the country is graduating in the year 2026. Nepal, the LDC group chair of 45 countries at present, has been undertaking a process for graduation from the LDC status since 2010 through regular plans and programs.

Oli explained that Nepal had progressed in the Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index and Human Assets Index, as assessed by the UN in 2015, 2018, and 2021. 

He noted that some benefits Nepal derives as an LDC—such as preferential trade from the World Trade Organization, UN special facilities and concessions from bilateral partners such as the EU and World Bank—could be restricted after graduation. The same could be true in the sectors of health and education also.

Referring to challenges such as global warming and natural disasters, Oli said the government has already embarked on diplomacy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and initiated a transition plan smoothly through the National Planning Commission. Emphasizing the commitment of the government, he said: “Some claim the government is doing nothing, but this is not true. We are already making significant strides.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the electricity tariff for irrigation has been fixed at only Rs 3 per unit. 

Taking to his social media today, the Prime Minister has also said that 500 deep borings are being dug in the drought-stricken Madhes Province.

“The work of digging 500 deep borings has started in the Tarai. Farmers will be charged only Rs 3 per unit of electricity for irrigation,” Prime Minister Oli has noted.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal's preparations for its graduation from the category of the least developed country (LDC) to a middle-income country indicate its headway towards self-sufficiency. Nepal's LDC graduation promotes the country's images globally, according to the PM. 

In his replies to the concerns raised during the discussions on the study report in regard to Nepal's LDC gradation, 2081 BS in the Upper House today, the Prime Minister said Nepal's graduation will contribute to strengthening Nepal's country rating index, creating an atmosphere for attracting foreign investment. 

It may be noted that Nepal was listed as the LDC by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on November 18, 1971. 

At present, Nepal chairs the LDC group comprising 45 countries. It has been preparing for its graduation from the LDC category to a middle-income country after 55 years. 

Nepal is scheduled to graduate in November, 2026. 

PM Oli said, following the graduation, Nepal is expected to get more opportunities for strengthening its economic diplomacy through visit diplomacy, the Sagarmatha Sambaad and investment conferences.   

"Indicators of economic improvements have been now noticed. The current 16th Periodic Plan was prepared with the projection of the post-graduation situation," the Prime Minister said. 

PM Oli informed, "Upgrading Nepal as a developing country may result in reduction of some facilities in various sectors it has been receiving as the LDC."

Oli, however, cautioned that the impact of climate change and natural disasters could hinder Nepal's progress and graduation from the LDC status.

In consideration of such prospects, he said that Nepal had been making diplomatic efforts internationally through relevant bodies. He called for collaborative efforts for the development and emphasized the need to increase production and productivity. 

"Let's make collaboration for developmental endeavors," urged the septuagenarian leader.

It may be noted that Nepal had been working towards upgradation since 2010 through various plans, budget and annual plans and programmes. 

The UN reports in 2015, 2018 and 2021 showed Nepal's progress in Human Assets Index and Economic and Environment Risk Index.

Nepal is getting a chance to upgrade itself to the developing country by 2026 mainly due to recently achieved notable growth in per capita income. 

For a smooth passage to developing country status, the government has been implementing six key strategies through a high-level steering committee led by the PM to ensure Nepal's graduation to the developing country. 

PM Oli, during his address, mentioned that Nepal had taken forward necessary processes to repeal, revise and formulate some laws for sustainable upgradation. 

PM Oli shared that efforts are being made to make Nepal a land-linked country from the landlocked one through enhanced infrastructures and connectivity network.  

Sharing that efforts are made to develop value chains through the multinational companies, the PM informed the NA that the government has prepared necessary strategies against the potential impacts on the private and business sectors after the LDC graduation. The strategies include the reforms measures to be taken in labour and employment, he said. 

The PM claimed that Nepal meets all criteria for the LDC graduation adding that our economy was on the positive growth even the global economy witnessed a negative growth. 

Oli shared that attempts have been made to further strengthen Nepal's foreign relations through effective diplomacy and effectiveness was ensured in the implementation of the international treaties and agreements.

Likewise, the PM said the government was focused on amending the Procurement Act and different policies and laws related to the construction field. 

Similarly, the PM urged the lawmakers not to generate narratives on rampant corruption based on the government actions against the corrupt figures.  

The PM also informed the NA about his visit to Turkmenistan on August 3 to take part in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is addressing the National Assembly today on Nepal's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) to the status of developing country.

PM Oli is addressing the upper House of the Federal Parliament in response to the queries to be raised by lawmakers on the report being submitted by Chairperson of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Kamala Panta, on Nepal's graduation to the status of developing country from LDC, 2081, PM's personal secretariat said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the extended irrigation, hydropower project and transmission line under the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project on Tuesday. 

PM Oli inaugurated the irrigation project with the capacity of irrigating 14,300 hectares of land.  Also brought to operation were the 4.71 MW hydropower project and a transmission line. 

This marks the completion of the project’s second phase and extension into the third one.

Following the completion of the second phase, the electricity generated from an irrigation canal at Katashe of Janaki Rural Municipality-9 in Kailali district has been connected with the 33 KV transmission line. 

The third phase of the project is expected to provide irrigation facilities to Bhajani, Joshipur, Bardagoriya and Ghodaghodi Rural Municipalities in the district while the second phase is catering to the irrigation needs of Tikapur, Lamkichuha and Janaki Rural Municipalities. 

Dubbing the project as one of the historic achievements in the development of Nepal's water resources and rural agriculture sector, the PM was confident that it would illustrate the country's rural life, agricultural production, self-reliance in energy and food security.

The Rani Jamara Kulariya irrigation facility started with the collective effort of local farmers, using traditional skills some 120 years ago, he reminded, attributing the evolution into the present state to the participation of local community and effective government coordination.

On the occasion, PM Oli instructed the concerned authority to expedite the national pride projects, such as Sikta, Babai, Mahakali III, Bheri-Babai and Sunkoshi Marine Multipurpose Projects for their timely completion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council to initiate preparations for holding the 10th National Games within mid-December of this year.

During a meeting held in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli asked the bodies concerned to start preparations for the National Games, which is being organized on the eve of the Asia Games scheduled in Japan in 2026.

He reminded careful decision making so that the date and place for the championship would not be changed for the event once announced.

Also the Patron of the NSC, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need for appropriate coordination between the Ministry and NSC leadership.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Teju Lal Chaudhary, Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Hari Prasad Lamsal, NSC Vice-Chairperson Dhurba Acharya, Member-Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, among others were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced the immediate installation of 500 deep boring water systems in Madhes Province to resolve the problem of water shortage.

PM Oli made the announcement today while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a bridge over the Bighi River in Matihani Municipality-8 and a maternity hospital at ward no 6 in Mahottari district.

Earlier in the day, PM Oli conducted an aerial inspection of the drought-hit areas in Madhes Province. The Province was declared a disaster-hit zone for a period of three months following a cabinet meeting on July 23.

The prolonged lack of rainfall in the Province has resulted in a severe shortage of drinking water and inadequate irrigation facilities throughout the Province. 

PM Oli, during his address, mentioned that much of the land appeared dry during his aerial inspection and pledged to hold discussions and coordinate efforts with the stakeholders for earliest resolution to the ongoing water shortage in the Province. 

He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensure drinking water and irrigation facilities in all eight districts of the Province.  

The PM noted that Saptari district, located at the eastern side of the Madhes Province and situated near the Saptakoshi River, has experienced relatively fewer problems due to its proximity to the river.

Oli added that the government is actively working to address the water crisis in the remaining seven districts in the Province.

The Head of the Government, in the context of Madhes Province having already been declared a disaster-hit zone, vowed to introduce a special program to support those directly affected by water scarcity including farmers.

Highlighting the importance of education, the Prime Minister argued, "Where there is education, there is development. Where there is no education, there is poverty and deprivation." 

He appealed to them to prioritize education as a foundation for poverty alleviation and the overall development of families, societies and country, urging the local residents to send their children to school without any discrimination.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the incumbent government has brought a wave of development in the country. 

Addressing a program organized at Matihani of Mahottari district today, PM Oli mentioned that the incumbent government formed from an alliance of the two largest parties--CPN-UML and Nepali Congress has been working round the clock for the development and good governance. 

He opined that remarkable achievements have been gained after development construction activities moved ahead in a speedy manner as the incumbent government put various issues directly concerned with the people--education, health and road on special priority. 

Also the Chairperson of the UML, Oli clarified that there was no alternative to incumbent government till next elections.  

He expressed the belief that with the inauguration of a bridge over Bighi river of Matihani would benefit all sectors including local trade, industry, factories, education and health. 

The bridge would connect the people of these areas with Janakpur, he added. 

Similarly, Chairperson of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, Mahantha Thakur, senior leader and Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharad Singh Bhandari, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, among others stressed the need of collective efforts to resolve the drinking water problems in a long-term manner in Madhes Province.  

They expressed commitment to provide possible support from their respective places to resolve overall problems of Madhes Province.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday inspected drought-hit areas in Tarai-Madhes.

A Cabinet meeting held on July 23 had decided to declare Madhes Province as disaster-hit areas for three months.

Earlier, Prime Minister Oli had held a discussion with concerned ministers, provincial government and other bodies concerned to resolve the problem.

The long-standing comradely relationship between KP Sharma Oli and Bidya Devi Bhandari has soured. Soon after Bhandari openly challenged her removal from the post of party chair, the Central Committee of CPN-UML officially decided to bar the former head of state from active party politics.

Although UML leaders have defended the midnight decision, claiming it was made to uphold the sanctity of the presidential office, many within the party and the general public remain unconvinced. While it’s still unclear how this episode will unfold, Bhandari has signaled her intent to stay active in party politics. However, by denying her even an ordinary party membership, the UML has created a barrier for her to engage directly with party leaders and cadres.

Previously, there were assumptions that a fair number of party leaders and cadres might support Bhandari, but the Central Committee meeting told a different story. Only a handful of leaders stood by her, while the overwhelming majority sided with Oli, which is likely due to his current status as Prime Minister. Just two leaders, Surendra Pandey and Yubaraj Gyawali, opposed the party’s decision to bar Bhandari from political involvement.

Bhandari’s limited support within the party’s Central Committee poses a serious challenge to her ability to become politically active or pose a meaningful challenge to Oli, who retains a firm grip on the party. Oli is poised to secure a third consecutive term as party leader, barring any dramatic developments. In Bhandari’s absence, no leader appears willing to contest the party leadership at the upcoming general convention.

Meanwhile, within the Nepali Congress (NC), senior leader Shekhar Koirala has been meeting with both ruling and opposition party leaders, though the reasons remain unclear. Prime Minister Oli, however, reportedly views these meetings as attempts to unseat his government. Seven NC second-rung leaders also held a luncheon at Prakash Man Singh’s residence, but the meeting failed to generate any notable impact within the party.

Koirala has separately met opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal and former President Bhandari. He has grown increasingly vocal in criticizing the government, arguing that UML is attacking the core values of the NC and that the party should withdraw from the coalition. Some speculate that Koirala is positioning himself to become prime minister by dismantling the current coalition. However, he lacks the numbers needed to become the parliamentary party leader. Koirala believes that if he can ascend to the premiership before the party’s general convention, he could influence the party’s internal elections.

Several key bills related to land, education, and the Constitutional Council have become contentious issues among coalition partners. Serious differences persist between NC and UML on these matters, and while they may not immediately threaten the coalition, they are a source of growing friction. Senior leaders from both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions, but efforts to bridge the divide have thus far failed. NC leaders are also pressuring President Ram Chandra Poudel to reject the bill concerning the Constitutional Council.

UML is under public scrutiny for its apparent double standards on the “cooling-off” period in the Civil Service Bill. While some of its National Assembly members support removing this provision, both the NC and the CPN (Maoist Center) are firmly opposed to any compromise. In a previous incident, the bureaucracy altered a draft bill passed by the House of Representatives, prompting the formation of a probe panel to investigate.

Within the Maoist Center, the rift between party chair Dahal and Janardhan Sharma is deepening. Sharma is reportedly trying to form a rival faction within the party. Recently, he publicly remarked that apart from Manmohan Adhikari, all communist leaders have engaged in the accumulation of vast wealth, a comment that has irritated Dahal. While several second-tier leaders are seeking a change in leadership, Dahal remains unwilling to step down.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party, once in the national spotlight, is now mired in internal disunity. Senior leaders like Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Prakash Chandra Lohani have criticized party chair Rajendra Lingden for alleged bias against party members and cadres. Senior leader Rabindra Mishra, however, remains silent amid the growing intra-party conflict.

This week, media reports suggested that Prime Minister Oli is planning an official visit to New Delhi. Some outlets have speculated on possible dates, but officials have yet to confirm details. Nonetheless, both countries have recently discussed important matters such as mutual legal assistance and an extradition treaty.

The government has declared Madhesh Province a disaster-affected zone due to a prolonged drought that has severely impacted drinking water supplies, irrigation, and agriculture. Climate change is dramatically reshaping life in the region, from drying springs to plummeting rice yields. Locals say they feel increasingly estranged from the very elements that once sustained them. “Neither the rice feels like ours anymore, nor the water,” many say, as parched fields and vanishing water sources force families to walk miles just to collect a single bucket.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed his commitment to speed up work to prevent the crisis of drinking water and manage irrigation facilities in the Tarai-Madhes region. 

Responding to the queries raised by lawmakers in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli shared today's Cabinet meeting's decision to declare Madhes Province a natural disaster-hit area and pledged to arrange drinking water and irrigation facilities by utilizing all resources. 

"Currently, the hills are being adversely affected by rainfall and floods, while the Tarai-Madhes is marred by a long spell of drought. The government has taken necessary steps to address these problems,” Prime Minister Oli noted. 

"The government is serious about the issue. Now we have to lay focus on finding both short-term and long-term solutions to address the issues. The government will leave no stone unturned to avert the crisis, he added.

The CPN-UML has stated that the issue of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership renewal has become ‘automatically inactive’. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Wednesday, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel clarified that as per the party statute, only the Central Committee can decide on membership renewal. Since the committee has established that there is no requirement for Bhandari to return to active politics, the question of membership does not arise.

“We decided that the ex-president should not return to politics. So, the issue of renewing her membership in her party is no longer relevant. We have shelved it,” Pokharel said. He said that Bhandari had submitted her membership renewal application and fee a year ago, but the matter was not disclosed but was kept secret until the internal debate took place. It became known only after Bhandari herself disclosed it.

“Since her honored previous position, it was viewed as a delicate issue. We did not wish to expose it without due deliberation. But as she publicly disclosed it, the party was forced to react,” Pokharel explained.

The UML has also contended that it is against the constitution for an ex-head of state to resume partisan politics. The party contends that Constitution of Nepal 2015 does not envision the active political stances taken by a ceremonial head of state, a symbol of national unity and neutrality, after retirement. “The Nepali democratic system envisions the President as a constitutional, not an executive head. So, returning to party politics after serving as President cheapens the office,” wrote a UML release.

The statement pointed out that Bhandari is a highly respected figure in Nepali politics and had behaved with dignity—both as a party member and as the President. She was even honored during UML’s Diamond Jubilee as a ‘Pride of the Republic’. But, citing constitutional values and precedence, the party concluded that allowing an ex-president to engage in partisan politics would cast doubt on their previous decisions and impartiality.

At the same time, General Secretary Pokharel claimed that the UML has not excluded anyone from running for leadership in the coming party convention. In reply to the rumors that recent amendments of the statutes—removing two-term and age-70 limitations—were made so as to provide KP Sharma Oli with uncontested leadership, Pokharel claimed the amendments were debated from an institutional point of view. “Anyone who fulfills the party’s requirements can run.” “The offer is open and democratic,” he said, adding that most members of the Central Committee consider Oli to be the most suitable to take the party through the next general elections.

The party’s ninth Central Committee meeting had concluded late Tuesday night after passing eight resolutions. The debate over Bhandari’s political role took up much of the meeting, and a minimal dissent was voiced. However, Oli concluded the meeting by announcing that Bhandari’s party membership issue had not been endorsed. The UML leaders warned that allowing a former president to return to party politics could set a negative precedent, potentially politicizing the constitutional office of the President.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reminded the government's priority to discourage youths from travelling abroad with creation of sufficient jobs at home and engage the migrant returnees in the productive sector.

In his response to the concerns shown by lawmakers during a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Prime Minister said the government had announced a period from 2082 to 2092 BS as the Internal Employment Promotion Decade. 

Agriculture, industry, tourism, energy and infrastructure development, the major areas for Nepal's development, are attracting significant investment from both the government and private sectors and they are highly capable of providing job opportunities, according to the Prime Minister. 

The Prime Minister further added that the government had pursued a policy of restructuring the Prime Minister Employment Programme as the National Employment Programme, making it more skill and employment-oriented. 

Entrepreneurship development programs through startup and innovations are in operation, targeting the 'Gen Z' population, he added. 

Likewise, PM  Oli said that under the ReMi Project, reintegration and entrepreneurship promotion programs have been implemented in 20 local levels of Koshi and Madhesh Provinces targeting youths returned from foreign migration.  

Reiterating his commitments against corruption, he said corruption is intolerable.