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Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the post-quake reconstruction efforts have been intensified.

In the 29th meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee held in Singha Durbar today, the Minister said the post-quake reconstruction efforts in Jajarkot, Doti and Bajhang have been accelerated following the assessment of losses.

Similarly, preparations are on to open an implementation unit of the Reconstruction and Restoration Project in these three districts.

Doti was hit by the November 9, 2022 quake, Bajhang by the October 3, 2023 tremor and Jajarkot was affected by the November 3, 2023 quake.

The past six months were spent in assessing the details of losses comprehensively, formulating criteria for the reconstruction of private houses, drafting regulations and for the budget management, according to the Minister.   

It is said the Ministry has come up with an action plan to implement the reconstruction efforts effectively.

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak directed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Basanta Bahadur Kunwar to probe the recent incidents involving the manhandling of police personnel and take action against the culprits.

The instruction follows the increasing cases of physical assaults and mistreatment against the police personnel on duty in recent days.

Summoning IGP Kunwar and other high-ranking police officers at the Ministry of Home Affairs at Singha Durbar this morning, Minister Lekhak expressed his serious attention over the rising cases of manhandling of security personnel.

He, thus, asked the police organization to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice.

The Minister emphasized more active work on the part of the police organization to maintain peace and order, especially in the wake of such incidents.

Minister Lekhak said, "I have instructed IGP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar to take action against anyone involved in such incidents." Understanding the government's resolve to protect law enforcement personnel, he reaffirmed his commitment to take actions against anyone who disrupts peace and security in society or attack the employees who guard the society.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has underlined the need for holding dialogue to resolve the dispute over Pathivara cable car.

He had a meeting with the agitating side and stakeholders at his ministry on Monday evening.

During the meeting, the Home Minister said all sides concerned should be further serious to sort out differences and forward development works.

The Minister held the discussion after the discussion between the talk teams- formed by the government and by the agitating side- failed to strike a deal on Sunday.

The meeting with the Home Minister was also attended by CPN-UML leader Yogesh Bhattarai and leaders of indigenous community.

Spokesperson at Home Ministry, Ramchandra Tiwari, shared that the agitating side met with the Home Minister on Monday evening where Minister Lekhak reiterated dialogue and consensus on the pressing issue.

The Minister recalled a peaceful measure to seek a solution, while the agitating side demanded a formation of a high level talks team.

The initiative to construct a cable car to reach the famous pilgrim site, Pathivara in Taplejung, has courted controversy of late.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that journalism is the guardian of democracy.

While congratulating the newly elected officials of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) today at the Ministry of Home Affairs at Singha Durbar, Minister Lekhak said that impartial journalism is the pillar of democracy.

"Our Constitution guarantees full press freedom. The government ensures the atmosphere for independent, professional and impartial journalism," he said.

The Home Minister emphasized that journalism should be based on ethics, system and truth.

"I urge you to protect yourself and the media from activities such as disseminating fictitious news, creating unnecessary confusion in the society, character assassination of individuals, society and communities," said Minister Lekhak.

FNJ chair Nirmala Sharma, expressed her gratitude for the role played by the government in facilitating the conduction of the elections of the FNJ in a peaceful environment.

In addition, she submitted a memorandum to the Minister of Home Affairs, demanding action against those involved in the violation of press freedom.

Arnaud Cauchois, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Thursday.

During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar, Minister Lekhak acknowledged ADB's contributions to Nepal's infrastructure development.

In the occasion, Home Minister Lekhak requested ADB's continued support for several key projects in Nepal, including the upgrading of the Gaddachauki-Kohalpur section along the East-West Highway, the construction of the Mahakali Corridor, the upgrading of the Godavari-Dadeldhura road, and the development of additional infrastructure around the proposed Dodhara Chandani Dry Port project.

Moreover, the minister and the ADB’s country director exchanged views on the acceleration of smart city development projects supported by the ADB in Sudurpaschim Province, with ADB’s potential support for the building of religious tourism infrastructure in the province.

The minister also underlined the need for implementing a survey report developed by ADB last year, outlining strategies for promoting the tourism industry in the province.

In response, Cauchois said he would consult with higher-level officials at ADB before providing his further opinion on the matter.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that achieving economic prosperity is one of the priorities of the incumbent government.

In his address to a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union in Mahendranagar today, the Home Minister said the Nepali Congress-CPN-UML government aims to achieve economic prosperity, good governance, durable peace and accelerate the mission for development and prosperity.

"The two major political parties formed the coalition government for bringing political stability and durable peace in the nation," the Minister who represented the NC in the government said.

He took time to say that the government is preparing for summoning the Parliament session soon. "Once the winter session of the Parliament convenes, the first day is expected to see the presentations of recently issued ordinances which will be later replaced by laws."

He urged one and all to be confident that the government will last until the upcoming general elections to take place in 2084 BS. "We have no issues at all."

The Home Minister said the government is committed to addressing issues regarding the construction of a bridge over the Mahakali River and building a dry port in Dodhara Chandani soon.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has called for collective efforts to launch a campaign addressing drug abuse, suicidal tendencies, and road accidents.

During his address to a sports festival organized by the National Private and Boarding Schools Association of Nepal (N-PABSAN) Kanchanpur in Mahendrangar today, the minister said drug abuse, suicides, and road fatalities remain significant concerns in society and require collaborative efforts to mitigate.

He emphasized that adolescents are especially vulnerable to drug abuse, underscoring the importance of a school-level campaign to raise awareness about its consequences and help keep them away from it.

The minister also reminded stakeholders of the constitutional provisions for free and basic education, urging everyone to ensure the effective implementation of these provisions and to work toward improving the quality of education.

Regarding the federal bill on school education, Minister Lekhak informed that discussions are underway in Parliament.

He added the government will focus on making quality education more accessible and is committed to creating an environment that will facilitate the swift endorsement of the bill.

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that reconstruction of physical infrastructures damaged by earthquake, and floods and landslides is progressing at a rapid pace.

Addressing the 28th meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) today, Home Minister Lekhak said that the assessment of the damage caused by the disaster and reconstruction works would be speeded up.

"Today's meeting decided to start the disaster damage assessment (DDA) work on the damage caused by the earthquake, and floods and landslides in Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Jajarkot and to proceed ahead with the reconstruction works in the areas where the DDA has already been carried out," he said.

Home Minister Lekhak said that decisions have been taken on the legal and economic issues required for the reconstruction in places where the DDA has been conducted.

"The disaster risk reduction and management standards have been passed some time ago. We have approved the work procedure in this regard today. Assessment of disaster damage of the Jajarkot earthquake will begin from the first week of February," he said.

According to him, this decision shall be presented in the meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council scheduled to be held at 7 pm today at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will preside over this meeting.

Minister Lekhak said that the reconstruction work will be expedited after today's council meeting takes a decision.

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak gas said that the acquisition of citizenship in accordance with the Constitution and laws would be eased.

The Home Minister said this while receiving the report submitted by the Citizenship Problem Resolution Study Committee at the Ministry in Singha Durbar on Friday. "Those people eligible for the citizenship as per the Constitution and the related laws should get the citizenship.

However, there should not be a situation in which ineligible people get the citizenship. We are explicit on these two things," he asserted.

Stating that the citizenship is a highly sensitive issue, Home Minister Lekhak said this topic should be considered seriously and in a responsible manner. "Citizenship should not be denied in the name of procedural hassles and the verdicts related to citizenship given by the Honourable Supreme Court from time to time should be respected.

Directives have been frequently issued in this connection. The government is moving ahead to resolve the problems seen in the acquisition of citizenship taking all these things into consideration," he added.

The Committee prepared its report with recommendations after studying the court verdicts, the existing legal provisions and the complications seen on the topic of citizenship distribution at various District Administration Offices.

Minister Lekhak said that the Ministry will minutely study the report and implement it. The report includes recommendations on various topics, including the topic of making issuance of citizenship to children born of mother holding the Nepali citizenship.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had formed the five-member Committee on August 16. Joint Secretary at the Ministry Dr Tok Raj Pandey was its convenor.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has reiterated that all would be treated equally as per the law and the government is committed to take action against anyone involved in criminal activities.

Talking to journalists in Chitwan today, Minister Lekhak said all the accused in the cooperative fraud would be brought to book, adding that there would be fair investigation on all those charged in cooperative fund misappropriation and the guilty would face action.

He said that police have been instructed to take action against the person who posted in the social media site a photo of Rabi Lamichhane, the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party, who is in police custody in Kaski on a case of cooperative fraud.

The Home Minister also said a directive has been given to take action against the police persons involved in neglecting the security and sensitivity of the custody.

On a different note, he said the present government would not be changed and the ministers too.

He insisted that the present coalition will continue until 2084 BS.

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that consensus from all political parties will be ensured to amend the Constitution.

He was speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union, Chitwan chapter today.

He stressed the need of the constitution amendment for strengthening the federal democratic republic and the inclusion. "The preliminary dialogue on this issue has commenced. But, the constitution amendment will not be determined by two political parties."

He went on to say that the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, the largest parties in the parliament, had decided to form the incumbent coalition government to promote political stability, prevent corruption, strengthen good governance and economic activities and accelerate the pace of development.

The Minister announced that the existing political alliance between the NC and UML has no issues and it will continue until the next general election to take place in 2084 BS. On a different note, he claimed that the government is highly aware of the guarantee of human rights of each citizen.

He added that the government has no feeling of 'revenge' against Rabi Lamichhane, the Chair of Rastriya Swatantra Party, as the current investigation against him is a legal issue. "It is not expected to raise questions over the legal proceedings in the case," he added.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has pledged to uphold a strict, uncompromising approach to criminal investigations.

During a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives on Monday, MPs questioned the arrest of former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. In response, Minister Lekhak assured that all individuals accused of corruption, fraud or other criminal activities will be brought under probe regardless of political affiliations. “There is no discrimination; the ruling party does not differentiate between the opposition or any other party,” he said. “We base our actions on facts.”

He emphasized that evidence guides the direction of investigations and that the government will not misuse the law to target, harm or harass anyone. “Investigations are fair and independent. We seek court approval as per the need,” he said, urging the public to trust the government’s adherence to legal boundaries.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has also urged the government to initiate an immediate investigation into Congress leader Dhanraj Gurung and CPN-UML MP Rishikesh Pokharel for their alleged involvement in a cooperative scam. Thapa stated that the Parliamentary Investigation Special Committee on the Misuse of Cooperative Savings found evidence implicating Congress Vice-president Gurung and UML MP Pokharel in the case, stressing that the government must promptly investigate and bring them to justice if they are found guilty.

Addressing a festive greeting exchange program organized by Nepal Rastra Bank in Kathmandu on Monday, Thapa argued that timely action against anyone involved in fraud will help build public trust. “The embezzlers of cooperatives number in the hundreds. Around 500 to 600 people are under prosecution, while another 500 to 700 have been absconding. Bring all of them under investigation, whether the case is new or old,” he urged. “The committee supports this approach, and we call on the government to handle these matters thoroughly. This also concerns the credibility of the common citizen.”

He added, “There is ongoing public discussion about the involvement of Congress Vice-president Dhanraj Gurung. I urge the government to conduct a thorough probe. CPN-UML’s Rishikesh Pokharel has also been named. Investigate thoroughly and prosecute if wrongdoing is found. Punish those responsible.”

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) have contributed to the strengthening of Nepal's unity.

In his address to a program organized here today, marking the NRNA Day and AGM, the minister referred to NRNs as honorary ambassadors of Nepal.

On the occasion, he said the government is preparing for legal amendments to promote the economic, social, and cultural rights of the NRN community. He urged them to always stand for a prosperous Nepal with the establishment of democracy and a rule of law.

NRNA President Dr Badri KC said the NRNs are interested in investing in Nepal and urged the government to create an investment-friendly atmosphere.

NRNA former President Dr Upendra Mahato stressed the need to resolve disputes seen within the Association.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak today visited the Roshi Bazaar area in Kalanti Bhumidanda of Panauti Municipality-12 and Partikharka, Salandubagar and Chalal Ganeshthan of Bethanchowk Rural Municipality-4 in Kavrepalanchowk.

The areas were severely affected by the recent flooding and landslides.

During the visit, he interacted with the locals who survived the devastating flood from the Roshi River.

Panauti Municipality Mayor Ram Sharan Bhandari briefed the minister about the losses from the disaster, its consequences on people's lives including food and health needs, and the local government's efforts to address the post-disaster situation.

Similarly, at Bethanchowk, Rural Municipality Chair Bhagawan Adhikari updated the minister about the adversity the locals are enduring after the disasters and the measures implemented by the local government to address the situation. He said search, rescue, food supplies, health services, and transport facilities are the priorities of the local government in the wake of the disasters.

He is scheduled to attend a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee today itself and visit the Chaukidanda in Namobuddha Municipality and the Katunje section of Roshi Rural Municipality along the BP Highway to assess the disaster losses.  

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the recent flooding and landslides caused by the monsoon rains have so far resulted in 218 deaths, the missing of 27 people, and 143 injuries. He said the government is engaged in the post-disaster response with high priority.

In a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, House of Representatives, today, the minister said that the government is focused on the search, rescue, and relief efforts in the wake of disasters.

Search and rescue operations are underway, he said. The distribution of relief materials to the affected is going on. The injured are being treated free of cost.  The District Disaster Management Committees are focused on the dispatch of relief materials and the rehabilitation of the survivors in an effective way.

According to the minister, a total of 4,022 people trapped in the districts were rescued with the help of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and volunteers.

The Kathmandu Valley and the Bagmati Province were affected the most by the rains which is said to be the most significant in the 50 years.

A total of 3,906 Nepal Army soldiers, 14,802 personnel of the Nepal Police, and 12,023 of the Armed Police Force have been mobilized for the search and rescue operations after the disasters.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stressed that the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee should be clear in principle on the issue of bringing the private sector under the jurisdiction of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

In today's meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives held at Singha Durbar, Home Minister Lekhak pointed out the need of holding more discussion in the committee to be clear on the issue whether or not to enter the private sector.

"At first principle must be set. If principle is set, the language will be written accordingly. Writing the language is not difficult", he mentioned.

Lawmakers have started discussion in the Committee over the provision of bringing the private sector under the jurisdiction of CIAA.