PM Oli to respond to lawmakers' queries in Parliament today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to respond to the queries of lawmakers in the Parliament meeting on Wednesday.  The meeting will be held at 1 pm today. 

Prime Minister Oli is responding to the queries of lawmakers in the Parliament today as per HoR Regulation, 2079.

Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah, will be presenting a proposal, seeking consideration on 'Bill Relating to Children (first amendment), 2082 at the HoR meeting.

Similarly, the HoR is receiving a proposal that wants to send the Human Rights Trafficking (Control) First Amendment Bill, 2081 to the related committee for clause-wise discussion.

 

 

Government committed to complete democracy with RTI promotion: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is effortful to establish a complete democracy by implementing the fundamental rights of the citizens including the Right to Information (RTI).

During his address to the 19th National Information Day celebration organized by the National Information Commission today, the Prime Minister said every citizen should have access to information.  But the practice of seeking the information requiring confidentiality by the law and those irrelevant is not expected, according to the Prime Minister.   

"Democracy was secured through tremendous contributions of us all. The government is crystal clear about  its duties and responsibility for the enforcement of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.  We all aspire for building a wide, independent and disciplined society and a strengthened democracy which also incorporates the RTI as the means of advancing towards that end," the head of the government said.

He added, "But demand for confidential information and the information under investigation is not warranted," he said, stressing that some information is obviously meant to be kept secret by the State."

 The Prime Minister took the time to echo the need for promoting the RTI with discipline and dignity. 

Refuting any sort of clash of interests between the government and the National Information Commission, the Prime Minister insisted on the management of issues seen in the course of the enforcement of fundamental rights. 

He utilized the forum to say that the government is clear that social networking sites be registered and brought to the tax net. 

On the occasion, RTI activists, journalists and employees including the information officers contributing to the promotion of RTI were honoured.

 

 

Govt making all possible efforts for safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi: PM

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government was making all the best possible efforts for the safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student in Israel who was taken hostage by the extremist Hamas group.

In a Facebook post today, the PM stated that the government was taking all best possible efforts for Joshi's release adding that it was the responsibility of the government.

According to the PM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Nepal's diplomatic missions in the Gulf countries is holding continuous talks to ensure a safe and speedy release of Joshi.

Likewise, the PM has also mentioned that the government was with the family of Joshi.

"With the coordination of our embassy in Israel, Joshi's mother Padma and sister Pushpa met with President of Israel Isaac Herzog and Chairman of the Israeli Parliament Amir Ohana for the initiatives to release Bipin," the PM has mentioned in his post. 

Likewise, PM Oli has recalled his telephone conversations that happened a couple of months ago with the presidents of Türkiye and Egypt for the release of Joshi.

Similarly, PM Oli has thanked all Nepalis, locals, journalists, security forces and social activists for their efforts for the safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi.

Foreign Secretary Misri extends invitation to PM Oli for India visit

Visiting Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri extended an invitation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for the India visit.

Misri, who arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day visit today, paid a courtesy call on PM Oli at the latter's office in Singh Durbar this morning and handed over the invitation letter, PM's Chief Advisor Bishnu Rimal said.

During the meeting, they discussed the issues spanning from the exchange of high level visits to the bilateral relations and mutual interests. 

However, both sides have not formally announced the date for the visit yet. 

The schedule of the visit would be made public based on mutual understanding of the diplomatic channels between the two countries.

 

 

PM Oli rules out possibility of regressive laws in democratic republic

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has ruled out the possibility of regressive laws in a democratic republic.

For the enforcement of the Constitution and laws, all agencies require to play a balanced role, ensuring the principle of separation of powers. 

PM Oli was addressing a program organized by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on the occasion of Civil Code Day on Sunday.

"We are at work to amend the existing laws and bring new ones based on need and experiences. Most of the bills are brought in this very session of the Parliament," PM Oli reminded, adding that only political democracy is not enough, so a full-fledged democracy is prioritized. In the full-fledged democracy, there is no inequality, discrimination and oppression, he assured. 

Flaws in the Civil Code could be corrected. There is no point in getting swayed after the rumour that a law on polygamy is in the offing. "We can not even think of such a provision in modern time," PM Oli reminded. 

The Head of the Government pledged support in guaranteeing prompt justice to the citizens. The executive respects the independence of the judiciary. This said, the paean as that of the Panchayat era is not entertained either, he made it clear. 

On the occasion, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut said all organs of State have equally significant role in building just society and adhering to the rule of law in the country.

Similarly, Attorney General Ramesh Badal informed that efforts were afoot to make amendment to the Civil Code. 

 

Civil Code is a foundational law to establish and abide by the rule of law in the country, according to Chairman of the Nepal Bar Association, Prof Dr Bijay Prasad Mishra.

 

The Civil Code had come into enforcement on August 17, 2018..

 

Indian Foreign Secretary Misri pays courtesy call on PM Oli

Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Singha Durbar on Sunday.. 

The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived in Kathmandu this morning for a two-day official visit at the cordial invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

PM Oli's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Officials of the Foreign Ministry and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava were present on the occasion.

 

 

Social media platforms must come under purview of law: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that all social media platforms operating in Nepal should come under purview of the law. 

Speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Digital Nepal Conclave 2025’ organized by the ICT Foundation here today, Prime Minister Oli said that all social media platforms should be registered as per the prevailing laws of Nepal, pay taxes and fulfill other required obligations. 

“The Nepal government should be aware of all types of transactions related to information technology in Nepal, hence all social media platforms in operation in Nepal should fulfill their obligations as per the law, including paying taxes”, said Prime Minister Oli. 

He also said that the government is working for the development and promotion of information technology that can help people make an income with investments at home and abroad. 

Stating that the rapidly developing information technology was taking people along, he recalled that he was happy to learn during his visit to Pushpalal Mid-Hill highway that even the elderly mothers of the remote villages of Rukum used Facebook.

The Prime Minister said that Nepal is a suitable destination for digital technology and green energy, and emphasized the need to make full use of artificial intelligence to achieve development and prosperity. The government has recently passed an AI policy towards that end.

More than 150,000 SEE students benefited from online education since last year as per the government's announcement about the same. Information technology should be used in education and development while protecting children from the harmful impact of mobile phones.

He said that the government is now clear about the use of information technology in bringing about stability, good governance and development, along with the involvement of the private sector.

Noting the use of information technology was also necessary for the government to maintain good governance, Prime Minister Oli expressed the belief that corruption could be prevented by using and developing information technology and improving human conduct.

 

Newly appointed VCs of four health science academics took oath of office and secrecy

Newly appointed Vice Chancellors (VCs) of four health science academies took the oath of office and secrecy today before Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli on Thursday.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar where Prof Dr Bikram Prasad Shrestha (BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences), Associate Prof Dr Pujan Kumar Rokaya (Karnali Academy of Health Sciences),  Prof. Dr Buddhi Prasad Paudel (Patan Academy of Health Sciences) and Dr Bharat Khatri (Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences) took the oath of office and secrecy.

 

PM Oli briefs House on his recent visit to Turkmenistan

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal's high-level participation in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza city of Turkmenistan reflected our serious concerns towards the challenges facing LLDCs.

Taking time out at today's meeting of the House of Representatives, PM Oli briefed about the Nepali delegation's visit to the conference which was held from August 5-7.

Oli appraised, "Nepal has raised voice in the interest of the landlocked developing countries in the international forum. Nepal's participation and address in the conference's major sessions and thematic roundtable had not only enhanced Nepal's international image but also conveyed the message that Nepal could also assume the leadership role."

The PM expressed his confidence that the formal and informal addresses and bilateral meetings during the conference have further strengthened Nepal's relations with its friendly nations and contributed to consolidate cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations.

Stating that the conference was successful in identifying the ways and means to address the challenges like transit related inefficiencies facing landlocked countries like Nepal and endorsing the Awaza Program of Action, PM Oli shared that the participants in the conference affirmed their commitment to fulfill the LLDCs' aspirations for development. 

The conference was attended by representatives of around 100 countries including the Head of the States, Head of the Governments, General-Secretary of the United Nations and President of the United Nations' 79th General Assembly.

PM Oli further informed the House that he addressed the plenary of the conference as the Chair of the group of the least developed countries and on the behalf of Nepal and shed lights on the challenges faced by LLDCs.

According to him, his addresses were focused on raising issues facing the LLDCs such as lack of infrastructures, limited market access, dependence on primary-products export, high transit costs, low foreign investment and adverse impacts of climate change. 

"I emphasized the need to enhance mutual cooperation and partnership among the LLDCs and called on the development partners for increased support to resolve these issues" Oli mentioned, recalling his address to the high-level conference.

"In my address as the Prime Minister of Nepal, I highlighted Nepal's efforts towards promotion of cross-border connectivity through development of climate-resilient infrastructures, expansion of highways and railways, construction of trade corridors and green energy corridors. I also urged neighbouring countries, development partners and donor agencies to provide additional support towards our journey," said Oli.

Oli, in the inaugural of the high-level thematic roundtable themed 'Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration for LLDCs' which he co-chaired, highlighted the challenges LLDCs are facing due to lack of direct sea access and high transport costs. 

He said that he pressed for effective and concrete actions to improve the living standard of around 600 million people in these countries.

While addressing another thematic roundtable themed 'Structural Transformation, Diversification and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as Drivers of Prosperity in LLDCs' which he co-chaired, Oli urged the LLDCs to leverage STI for increasing productivity, mobilizing resources, creating employment opportunism and increasing integration into global value chains to bring about structural transformation in these countries.

In another roundtable titled 'Enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and addressing vulnerability to climate change', Oli pointed out the need to increase LDDCs' access to climate funds, develop effective adaptation measures, utilize the Loss and Found Fun, build capacity and facilitate technology transfer.

Likewise, in another thematic roundtable themed 'Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and promoting unfettered transit systems for LDDCs, Oli underlined the importance of strategic partnership among transit countries, development partners and international communities for the sustainable development of the LLDCs.

He saw the need for innovative financial mechanisms, technology transfer and capacity building programs tailored to LLDCs specific requirements.

Furthermore, the Head of the Government apprised the House that he delivered his address as a key speaker in the high-level roundtable sessions such as 'Glacial Melt and Beyond: Unraveling the Climate Challenge impacting LLDCs' and 'Promoting regional security and cooperation through enhanced trade and transport connectivity'.

PM Oli also notified about the bilateral meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and other dignitaries on the sidelines of the conference.

 

PM Oli denies 'rumours' about legalizing polygamy

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has denied 'rumours' that the government is planning to amend the law to legalize polygamy.

Addressing today’s session of the House of Representatives (HoR), the Prime Minister clarified that polygamy is not recognized under existing laws, and there are no plans to change that.

“It is completely untrue,” he said. “Such a law is unimaginable for those who have fought for democracy.”

 

Current political coalition will continue until 2084 elections: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government is never intended at taking political revenge against any individual remanded to police custody for alleged involvement in significant cooperative fraud.

Addressing today's session of the House of Representatives (HoR), the Prime Minister said that this is not the first time a high-profile political figure has been remanded to custody. Such cases had occurred in the past as well.

"A false narrative is being pushed that the government is attempting to take political revenge against an individual under investigation for alleged involvement in cooperative fraud," he said.

He further added that it is inappropriate to continuously obstruct the House over the confinement of a person who is under police investigation, especially when the case is sub judice in court.

The Prime Minister was referring to the parliamentary protest by lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who have objected to the remanding of their party Chair, Rabi Lamichhane, over allegations of cooperative fraud.

PM Oli stressed the need to strengthen all pillars of democracy including the Parliament, government, and judiciary, by keeping them away from the influence of "mass manipulation." He reiterated that judicial decisions are independent and are not influenced by the government.

He also stated that the government remains focused on promoting political and policy stability, as well as reviving the economy.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed that the Parliament should not be used as a platform for creating social media content based on fabricated and misleading narratives.

He asserted that the current political coalition will remain intact until the next general elections, scheduled for 2084 BS.

 

PM’s upcoming India visit: Ties with the south look north

It is all set, but both sides have yet to officially announce the upcoming visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India. Reports indicate that the visit is scheduled for 16–17 September 2025. In this connection, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is arriving in Kathmandu on Aug 17 for a two-day visit.

High-level diplomatic visits are held at mutually agreed times through diplomatic channels. When it is realized that high-level engagements are necessary, such sojourns are arranged in mutual consultation. It is worth noting that there are frequent high-level visits between the two countries. Since May 2014, there have been 17 exchanges at the level of Head of State or Head of Government. These visits occur as per requirements, and there has been no gap in the highest political communication between the two countries.

Political relations 

Nepal-India relations are underpinned by shared cultural and societal cohesion. Looking back over the seven decades of friendship between the two countries, political relations have always been maintained, even though some hitches and glitches have appeared. Even in the hardest times, there has been no disruption of the highest level of communication, which stands as a symbol of deep relations.

High-level meetings between the heads of government also take place on the sidelines of different multilateral and regional forums. On April 4, Prime Minister Oli and Indian Prime Minister Modi met during the sixth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok. Prime Minister Oli described the discussions as meaningful and constructive.

PM Oli and PM Modi also met on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on 22 Sept 2024. The two leaders reviewed the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in diverse sectors, including development partnership, hydropower cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

In Nepal, visits of the head of government to India have often been overstated, over-judged and over-concerned. This is unnecessary. Frequent communication at the highest level means that visits alone are not always the sole indicator of a smooth relationship.

Nepal requires India’s cooperation to realize the national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” set by Prime Minister Oli. Encouragingly, Prime Minister Modi has praised this aspiration and pledged India’s support to help make it a reality.

Pending issues

Pending issues between Nepal and India should be addressed amicably through diplomatic negotiations—a sentiment reiterated by both Prime Minister Oli and Prime Minister Modi.

The bilateral mechanisms have been consistently active in addressing these issues. Some matters, such as boundaries and water resources, require time to resolve. Certain issues have persisted for decades, inherited from history. Nonetheless, both leaderships should ensure that bilateral relations move forward progressively.

In the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) Report, the Indian side has maintained that it will be accepted at an appropriate time. If Nepal continues to receive this response, it should avoid raising the issue unilaterally too frequently. Established in January 2016 at the highest political level, the EPG was tasked with reviewing agreements and treaties, including the 1950 Nepal-India Friendship Treaty. It had finalized its report in 2018.

On issues like border management, both governments remain engaged and committed to resolution through diplomatic dialogue. Political leaders should provide strategic direction, but implementation should be carried out efficiently by technical and bureaucratic levels. Currently, India and Nepal operate more than 40 bilateral institutional mechanisms covering the full spectrum of relations, and these should meet regularly to resolve pending matters.

In recent years, India’s economic support to Nepal has increased. Physical and digital connectivity has expanded through the construction of border roads, integrated checkposts, transmission lines and petroleum pipelines. Major power sector milestones include the finalization of the Long-Term Power Trade Agreement, the trilateral power trade agreement between India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and agreements for the development of hydropower projects in Nepal by Indian developers, such as the 480 MW Phukot Karnali and the 669 MW Lower Arun. Key connectivity projects now facilitate Nepal’s access to sea lanes of transport and commerce.

Neighbors first

Nepal is a priority partner of India under its “Neighborhood First” Policy. In every form of support extended to Nepal and in every high-level meeting, the Indian side invokes Prime Minister Modi’s Neighborhood First policy, which also applies to India’s other neighboring states.

In this spirit, PM Modi visited the Maldives on 25–26 July 2025 as the Guest of Honour at the celebrations of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. During the visit, he reiterated that India has supported and will continue to support infrastructure development projects aligned with the priorities of the Maldivian people. Similarly, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka visited India on 15–17 Dec 2024. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a central place in the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighborhood First policy.

In Kathmandu, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and his team have maintained warm diplomatic relations with the Government of Nepal and all major political parties. Ambassador Srivastava’s tenure has been marked by constructive diplomacy and mutual respect, helping to address and set aside earlier perceptions regarding external involvement in Nepal’s internal matters.

It appears that India has, of late, renewed its understanding with the Oli-led government in Nepal, reflecting a recognition of its shared responsibility toward a close and valued neighbour. Consequently, Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India has been scheduled, with several important agreements expected to be signed during the visit. 

Reportedly, Prime Minister Modi will visit Nepal thereafter. There is hope that this much-anticipated exchange of visits will mark a fresh chapter in bilateral relations, paving the way for a “new normal” of constructive engagement and mutual trust.

PM Oli to address Parliament today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the meeting of the House of Representatives at 1 pm today. 

PM's media expert Ramsharan Bajgain stated that the PM would address the House about his recent foreign trip, achievements of the government and the contemporary issues.

Prime Minister Oli returned home on Friday after attending the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Turkmenistan.

 

Good governance and development are top priorities of government: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed on the need of promoting good governance as a mega campaign to address the national aspiration of 'prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali'.

During his address to a program organized to mark the 24th establishment day of the National Vigilance Center at the Singha Durbar today, the Prime Minister called for considering the directive principles of the Constitution and ensuring prompt services to the citizens by refraining from corruption and irregularities.

The head of the government asserted that the state mechanism should be equally vibrant in terms of promoting transparency in the state deliveries and guaranteeing the citizens' right to access such services. 

He said, "Corrupt people in positions are not going to win the people's hearts."

Referring to the United Nations' commitment that 'no one is left behind', he affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and dignified life for all citizens. He reiterated the need for promoting good governance and called for collective initiatives to eliminate all forms of backwardness, with the goal of transforming the country into a developed nation.

The PM expressed hope that the Center would play a proactive role in achieving its vision.

Government chief secretary, chiefs of the security agencies and government secretaries among others were present in the program.

 

PM Oli to present National Dalit Commission’s annual report in House today

The meetings of the House of Representatives (HoR) and National Assembly (NA) are taking place today.

The HoR meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 pm.

In today's HoR meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to present the annual report of the National Dalit Commission, 2080/81 BS.

Likewise, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant is to table the Tilganga Eye University Bill, 2081 to send the bill to the concerned committee for clause-wise discussions. The Tilganga Eye University Bill originated in the National Assembly.

Similarly, the NA meeting is taking place at 1:15 this afternoon.

At the meeting, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey is scheduled to present the Intangible Cultural Property (Protection) Bill 2081.

Likewise, a condolence motion is scheduled to be tabled in the meetings of both Houses to express condolence in the demise of the Constituent Assembly (CA) member and former State Minister Khadga Bahadur Basyal.

 

PM extends greetings on International Youth Day

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes to the youths on the occasion of the International Youth Day stating that this Day has inspired the youths for making them robust in social, economic, cultural and political sectors.

The PM has stated that the country's future was in the energy, creativity and dreams of youth. "Our positive thoughts, continued efforts and unified behaviors will fulfill our determination to make the nation prosperous," the PM stated in a Facebook post by sharing a message of best wishes on the International Youth Day.

The Day is marked in Nepal and across the globe today with the theme Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.

In Nepal, this Day has been marked since 2073 BS at the call of the National Youth Council. 

According to the UN, a resolution proclaiming August 12 as International Youth Day was adopted by the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in 1998. The recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the fifty-fourth session of the UN General Assembly in 1999.  The International Youth Day was first marked in 2000. 

The UN has stated that as development partners work to translate and implement the global goals within specific local contexts, aligning them with community needs while maintaining consistency with national and international commitments, young people are critical partners. It added that youths bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65 percent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury—it is a necessity, the UN stated.