Let's work for all-round development of children, says President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the Constitution of Nepal ensures the rights of children as a fundamental right, hence calls for an integrated and coordinated role of government and non-government bodies, civil society, parents, schools and other stakeholders for the effective implementation of national and international commitments and constitutional legal provisions regarding children.
Extending his best wishes to all Nepali children and parents on the occasion of National Children's Day today, President Paudel has said that it is still common to hear that some children are deprived of their rights, therefore, it is the responsibility of the relevant stakeholders to prevent all kinds of inhumane treatment, violence and abuse against children.
The National Children's Day is celebrated every year on Bhadra 29, the day Nepal ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The slogan of this year's Children's Day is 'Investment in Children: The Beginning of a Secured Future'.
Wishing that this day will motivate society and the state to work consciously by prioritizing the interests of children, President Paudel has stressed that it is necessary to provide creative, practical, free and quality education, nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation, necessary vaccinations and child-friendly health institutions, and policy-level, legal and child-friendly measures for the overall interest of the children. "I hope that this day will help to ensure equal opportunities for children of all groups and communities by creating a safe environment for children at home, school and in the community."
Karki Takes Helm as Nepal’s New PM Amid Mounting Challenges
President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who will serve as interim head of government with the primary responsibility of holding national elections within the next six months.
Karki has made history as the country’s first female prime minister, breaking her own earlier record from 2016 when she became Nepal’s first female chief justice.
Earlier, President Poudel appointed her under Article 61 of the Constitution, which states that it is the president’s duty and responsibility “to adhere to and protect the Constitution.” However, Karki’s appointment is likely to be challenged in the Supreme Court, as Article 61 does not grant the president the authority to appoint a prime minister.
According to current constitutional provisions, the prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives and nominated under Article 76. Top leaders of the major political parties, except former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, boycotted the oath-taking ceremony.
Even KP Sharma Oli, who resigned following the killing of 19 Gen-Z protesters, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony, breaking the tradition of an outgoing prime minister formally handing over power to the incoming one. The ceremony was attended by ambassadors from various countries, including the US and China, along with government officials, security chiefs, and Gen-Z representatives.
The violent protests of Sept 8 and 9 left at least 51 people dead and more than 400 injured, with the toll expected to rise as police continue to recover bodies from burned private homes and commercial buildings. In line with the demands of Gen-Z protesters, Nepal’s 275-member House of Representatives is expected to be dissolved once election dates are announced.
Karki’s foremost challenge will be winning the confidence of major political parties such as the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center), which together command a two-thirds majority in parliament. These parties have already opposed the possible dissolution of parliament and the announcement of new elections, arguing that parliament should not be dissolved without a clear guarantee of elections.
Soon after Karki took the oath, the Maoist Center issued a statement opposing preparations to dissolve parliament, becoming the first party to formally reject her move. Similarly, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has also spoken out against it. Other major parties that remained silent in the immediate aftermath of the protests may gradually unite to push their own agenda.
In 2013, the interim government led by then–chief justice Khil Raj Regmi successfully held the second Constituent Assembly elections, largely due to strong backing from major political parties. This time, however, Karki is unlikely to receive such support. She faces double pressure: from Gen-Z protesters demanding action against political parties in the name of fighting corruption, and from established political forces at both the central and local levels who may resist cooperating with her government.
At the same time, Gen-Z and other political groups are pressing for constitutional amendments—or even the scrapping of the charter—an agenda that the major parties strongly oppose. If Karki fails to hold elections within six months, she will come under pressure to step down.
Another major challenge will be reviving Nepal’s already troubled economy, which has been severely hit by the protests. She will also face domestic and international pressure to address serious human rights violations committed during the unrest. Another key responsibility will be tackling corruption, including investigations into past scandals, which remains a central demand of the youth. With reports of rights violations by both police and protesters, public pressure is likely to mount for impartial investigations and prosecutions.
On the economic front, Karki must restore security and confidence in the private sector. Attacks on industries and businesses have sent negative signals about Nepal’s investment climate and further threatened the tourism industry. The lack of jobs and political stability could push even more young Nepalis to seek employment abroad.
Externally, Karki faces the task of convincing the international community that Nepal is safe for investment, while securing support for reconstruction and elections. Like every government before hers, she will have to carefully manage relations with the three major powers most influential in Nepal—India, China, and the United States.
Photo: Photo Library
President Paudel appeals to all sides including Gen Z for dialogue
President Ram Chandra Paudel has sought cooperation from all sides including the agitators and citizens to ensure a peaceful solution of the adverse situation.
Issuing a press statement this evening, President Paudel appealed to the Gen Z representatives and all others to hold talks on the demands raised by the citizens in a democracy for a peaceful resolution. He also urged all sides to maintain restraint.
The Head of the State reminded that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation from the post was endorsed. "In such adverse situations, I believe all sides will extend support to address the problems, and love the country, people and democracy," he mentioned.
President Paudel unveils National Land Cover Map of Nepal
President Ram Chandra Paudel has unveiled the 'National Land Cover Map 2020/2022' at the President House, Shital Niwas on Tuesday.
The land cover map published by the Forest Research and Training Centre under the Ministry of Forests and Environment was handed to the President by the Centre's Director Dr Rajendra KC.
On the occasion, President Paudel said that the forest cover should be maintained in the field as it is on the map and paper. He emphasized the need to adopt all kinds of measures to protect the forest from deforestation and to earn from the forest.
According to the land cover map, the forest area in the country is 46.08 percent, while it is 58.62 percent in Bagmati Province.
Timsina appointed Nepal's non-resident ambassador to Philippines
President Ram Chandra Paudel on Thursday appointed Netra Prasad Timsina, the Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia, as the non-residential ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines.
President Paudel appointed Ambassador Timsina as the non-resident ambassador to the Philippines in accordance with Article 282 (1) of the Constitution and on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, the President's Office said.
Improving living standard, achieving nation's prosperity are the goals set by Constitution and republic: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that improving the living standards of the people and achieving prosperity of the nation is the very goal of our Constitution and federal democratic republic.
During the award distribution ceremony of the Pushpalal National Award 2082 today, he mentioned that the struggles, sacrifices of senior leaders, and the great sacrifice of the Nepali people led to the attainment of the federal democratic republic, highlighting the improvement in the living standards of the people and the prosperity of the country.
The Award is instituted in the name of the founder leader of the Nepal Communist Party, late Pushpalal Shrestha. The Award carries a purse of Rs 100, 000 and it is presented by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation every year.
On the occasion, President Paudel honored Shanta Manavi from the field of politics, Dr Medini Prasad Sedai for his contributions to history, and Ram Mani Pokhrel for his work in literature.
"Through the proper utilization of our means and resources with efficiency in service delivery to the people and the promotion of good governance, the goals set by democracy and the Constitution will be achieved. Only by achieving this goal will there be a true tribute to the leaders who have dedicated themselves to democracy," the Head of State said.
The President mentioned that the late Pushpalal also contributed by meticulously documenting the economic structure, class analysis, production systems and the contradictions of society in Nepal.
The Head of State said, "Pushpalal is that personality who succeeded in creating and establishing a distinct line of thought and identity even among the communists. Though he belonged to the Marxist ideology and the theory of class struggle, he firmly believed that solutions to problems could be explored and found out through democratic processes.”
"I personally believe that Pushpalal’s ideology laid a significant intellectual foundation for taking the Nepali communists to democratic processes," the President said, adding that the 2046 BS (1990's) political transformation is a testament to prove this statement.
Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey said that Pushpalal's ideology was vital and meaningful in shaping and guiding Nepal's leftist movement.
Dr Beduram Bhusal of CPN (Unified Socialist) said the 1990's political transformation proved the relevancy of Pushpalal's ideology that advocated for taking the left-democratic wave simultaneously.
School Education Bill, Civil Service Bill will be endorsed in this session: President
The government has announced that the School Education Bill and the Civil Service Bill will be endorsed in this session.
Presenting the government’s policies and programs, President Ram Chandra Paudel said that the School Education Bill and Civil Service Bill will be passed in this session.
The teachers from across the country had staged Kathmandu-centric protests for the past one month demanding enactment of the School Education Act.
They suspended the protests after striking a nine-point agreement with the government.
Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Mammadov pays courtesy call on President Paudel
Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel today.
In the meeting held at the Office of the President in Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu today, President Paudel expressed his happiness over the new development between the two countries' relations.
It may be noted that Nepal and Azerbaijan held the first-ever political consultation upon the arrival of Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Mammadov in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
President Paudel underscored the need to identify the areas of cooperation between the two countries for broader collaboration in future.
Recalling his representation of Nepal to the global climate conference-COP-29- held in Azerbaijan in November, 2024, the President said that he was confident over the relations between Nepal and Azerbaijan becoming stronger in future.
In response, visiting Deputy Foreign Minister Mammadov asserted that President Paudel's visit to Azerbaijan had added a new dimension between the two countries.
No Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) had been signed between Azerbaijan and Nepal in the past 30 years, said the visiting Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, adding that the preparatory work is currently underway to ink such an agreement between the two countries.
Spread awareness about quake safety, says President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has stressed for spreading public awareness about earthquake safety measures.
In a message today on the 10th Memorial Day of the Gorkha Earthquake, the President said that the risks of earthquakes have accelerated every year due to an increasing trend of urbanization.
The possible risks of earthquakes could be lowered though it could not be prevented, according to the President.
Likewise, the President has mentioned that Nepal's topography and human-made physical infrastructures were the key reasons behind the risks of earthquakes in the country.
President Paudel has drawn attention of all stakeholders for massive awareness dissemination on safety measures as well as the effective tools for quake risk reduction among the general public.
In his message, President Paudel has expressed heartfelt condolences to all sisters and brothers who lost their lives in the Gorkha Earthquake on April 25, 2015 and the subsequent tremors.
Similarly, the President has thanked all involved directly and indirectly in the reconstruction of quake-hit physical properties and the resettlement of the affected communities.
President Paudel summons Parliament session for April 25
President Ram Chandra Paudel has summoned the budget session of the federal Parliament.
A Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday had decided to recommend to the President to summon the session.
The President called the session for April 25 on the recommendation of the government as per Article 93 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, reads a statement issued by the President’s Office spokesperson Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai.
The Cabinet meeting had also decided to summon the Parliament session to pass the School Education Act which is sub judice in the Parliament.
Preservation of historical heritages is our common responsibility: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said all the three tiers of the government should pay attention to the development, conservation and promotion of the invaluable heritages of the country having a multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic culture and tradition.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the reconstructed Shree Degutaleju Temple and the unveiling of the stone inscription in Patan Durbar Area today, President Paudel stressed the need for awareness, consciousness and concern at the citizen level for heritage conservation.
"For our future generations, these invaluable heritages are an important link in understanding our time, history and ancestors. It is our common responsibility to preserve and promote such important places of the country and protect many heritages which were the mark of hard work and efforts of and the gift from the ancestors," said President Paudel.
Stating that Nepal, a beautiful country of unique geographical diversity, has many beautiful natural, religious, cultural and historical places as nature's boon, he said that countless temples, Shaktipeeths, shrines and pilgrimage sites are linked with the civilization, culture and national pride of Nepalis.
The Head of State said that Degutaleju Temple is a precious heritage of Patan Durbar Area, which is included in the World Heritage List, President Paudel said that the heritages here, a major destination for domestic and foreign tourists, have made Nepal known at the international level.
Our historical, religious and cultural heritages across the country are the pride and identity of Nepal and Nepalis, the President said, adding that although the reconstruction and restoration of historical heritage damaged in the Gorkha earthquake was challenging, that the successful reconstruction of the Degutaleju Temple has enhanced the beauty of this World Heritage Site.
On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey lauded the challenging work done by Lalitpur in preserving heritage and culture in the country. He said Japan's cooperation and dedication of the locals was important in the reconstruction of this heritage in the past 10 years while maintaining the history with marinating archaeological structure.
He said it was the duty of all of us to protect Nepal's diverse culture and nature. He stressed the need to develop Nepal as an open museum by giving priority to it and making it known to the world. Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru said that the reconstruction of the heritage damaged by the earthquake has been successful due to the continuous support of the international community and the tireless efforts of Nepalis.
He wished that this temple would continue as a friendship between Nepal and Japan forever. Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan shared that the construction of the archaeological heritages has been completed through a locals' committee by giving responsibility to the locals.
He expressed the belief that the heritage sites reconstructed now would remain safe even when there was a bigger earthquake than in 2072 BS.
Chairperson of Degutaleju Temple Reconstruction Committee Kiran Man Pradhan shared that the responsibility of rebuilding the temple damaged by the 2072 BS earthquake has been successfully completed.
He opined that he had worked for future generations by rebuilding this important historical heritage.
President Paudel prorogues Parliament session
President Ram Chandra Paudel has prorogued the current session of both Houses of the Federal Parliament from Tuesday night.
The Head of the State prorogued the current session of both Houses of Parliament on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers as per Article 93 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday had decided to recommend to the President to prorogate the current session of both houses of Parliament to be effective from midnight today.
Climate justice issue should be raised in international forums: President
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that countries like Nepal have no role in climate change, stressing that the issue of climate justice should be raised in every international forum.
The Head of State said this while inaugurating the 11 Nepal Geological Congress organized by the Nepal Geological Society here today. He said the topic of climate change should be taken to the international community.
According to the President, it is necessary to raise the issue of climate justice vociferously in the context of developing and least developed countries like Nepal that have no role at all in bringing about climate change also being affected due to the rampant industrialization, exploitation of fossil fuels and carbon emission by the developed world.
Stating that the importance of the Congress has been enhanced by burning issues like the urgent need of minimizing the impact of climate change and natural disasters and their minimization, President Paudel stressed on cooperation and collaboration for addressing these types of issues directly concerned with the life of people.
Stating that there has been an unusual increase in global warming, he expressed concern over rapid melting of snow turning most of the mountains bare and the huge loss of life and property from excessive rainfall, landslide and soil erosion every year since the last three decades.
The President further said earthquakes occurring in mountain areas time and again has become a problem in development construction of Nepal, expressing that though some natural disaster could be predicted, the problem has surfaced due to inability to invent a mechanism that could predict earthquakes.
He expressed the belief that there would be discussion about the status of Nepal's mines and mineral products, the state of exploration, climate change and its impact and use of geology in physical infrastructure development.
President Paudel shared that the Congress would be useful to attract investors for exploration, utilization and market management of natural resources. "The congress organized on the eve of one decade of the Gorkha earthquake, has special importance. I wish for the success of this congress," he mentioned.
Equal access to health services should be ensured: Prez Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said attention should be paid to ensure general people's equal access to health services as well as to increase quality of health services.
Addressing a program organized by Nepal Medical Association today, President Paudel shared that the nation, as per sentiments and aspirations of the Constitution, has put in investment in producing skilled and specialist doctors.
"I believe that doctors will take their profession from the viewpoint of service internalising the sentiments and aspirations of the Constitution," he mentioned.
The President clarified that the federal democratic republic Constitution, gained from the struggle and sacrifice of the Nepali people, has guaranteed people's basic rights to health and education.
He shared that people from remote areas are still deprived of appropriate health services, stressing the need of providing health services of skilled doctors taking such situations seriously.
"Today on this special occasion, I request one and all to contribute in overall development of the health sector from respective areas," President Paudel mentioned, arguing producing skilled and specialist doctors in the country is the matter of happiness for all of us.
The President expressed the belief that the role of NMA would be further effective to achieve remarkable improvement in the health sector and ensure quality health services.
On the occasion, President Paudel honoured Dr Gauri Shankar Lal Das, Dr Mrigendra Raj Pandey, Dr Dinesh Nath Gangol, Dr DB Karki and Dr Saraswoti Padhya with 'Legend in Medicine' award.
President observes Mahashivaratri and Army Day feu-de-joie in Tundikhel
President Ram Chandra Paudel attended a special ceremony organized by the Nepal Army (NA) to mark Mahashivaratri and the 261st NA Day today.
During the event, the President observed the feu-de-joie and NA skill shows and performances. A contingent of NA presented a guard of honor to the Head of State, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the NA.
The President laid a wreath at the NA memorial in Tundikhel. The NA celebrates its establishment in conjunction with the Shivaratri festival, which marks the birthday of Lord Shiva. According to Vedic beliefs, Shiva symbolizes peace and security.
As part of the celebrations, President Paudel also launched the annual magazine "Sipahi-2081 BS," published by the NA Directorate of Public Relations and Information.
Additionally, President Paudel presented prizes to Major Jaganath Danai and Corporal Mitra Bahadur Rana Magar, who secured first and second place, respectively, in the 'free fall jump' competition. He also presented "Tokens of Remembrance" to the chiefs of military squads from India, the UK, and the US, who performed band displays during the event.
Before this, Skyhooks Army Aviation Services displayed banners, and an army helicopter showered flower petals on the occasion, also displaying a banner reading ‘Sena Diwas-2081 (Army Day-2025)’.
Nepal Army soldiers performed celebratory rifle and artillery fire, including volley and individual rifle shots. The event featured floats showcasing traditional army costumes, along with music and dance ensembles. Various vehicles, equipment, and arms used by the Nepal Army in peacekeeping missions were also displayed.
Other highlights included demonstrations of various military skills, such as free fall jumps, cultural dances to patriotic songs, group demonstrations (including Aikido, Military Aggressive Skills, Taekwondo, Khukuri Drill, Judo, and the Shoot to Kill Drill), and the Shiva Tandav Dance. Soldiers also formed the NA insignia, a hexagon with a trident and pellet drum, along with the map of Nepal.
Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly (NA) Chair Narayana Prasad Dahal were among the dignitaries attending the celebration.
Other attendees included deputy prime ministers, ministers, lawmakers, heads and office-bearers of constitutional bodies, senior government officials, chiefs of security agencies, representatives from Nepal-based diplomatic missions, and distinguished personalities from various walks of life.
Former Army Chiefs from India-- Joginder Jaswant Singh, Deepak Kapoor, Dr Vijay Kumar Singh, Dalbir Singh Suhag, Manoj Mukund Naravane and Manoj Pandey-- also attended the special event at the invitation of the NA Directorate.
The celebrations were broadcast live by various media, including the Nepal Television.
It is a matter of pride for all Hindu people to have holy Pashupati in Nepal: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said it is a matter of pride for all Hindu people to have the holy Pashupati in Nepal.
Giving a message of best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers on the occasion of the Mahashivaratri today, President Paudel said, "God Shiva is celebrated in many vedic texts. Having the holy Pashupati area in Nepal is a matter of pride not only for Nepalis but for the entire Hindu people," he reminded.
The Head of the State wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Hindu Nepalis on this occasion.
The existing cultures in different religious sects reflect continued faith in God Shiva, he said, adding that Nepal is the world centre for spiritual thoughts for those revering the Pashupatinath and Kirateshwor Mahadev as the form of God Shiva.
God Shiva represents both the creative and destructive forces of nature. 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' (Truth, God and Beauty) is the inspiring adage relating to God Shiva.
According to the President, the Mahashivaratri, the grand festival celebrating God Shiva, urges us to continue life in coexistence and cooperation with nature.
He also underlined the need of preserving the cultural and religious heritages, including the Pashupati area.
The Head of the State wished the festival brought spiritual awakening among all.