जेन-जीको आवरणमा विध्वंस: छानीछानी निसानामा निजी क्षेत्र, दुइ दिनमै दुई खर्ब ४० अर्ब क्षति

देशको कुल अर्थतन्त्रको ८१.५५ प्रतिशतभन्दा बढी हिस्सा ओगटेको तथा रोजगारी सिर्जनामा ८५.६ प्रतिशत योगदान दिँदै आएको निजी क्षेत्र पछिल्ला वर्षहरूमा लगातार निसानामा पर्न थालेको छ। रोजगारी सिर्जना र कर संकलनमार्फत अर्थतन्त्रलाई चलायमान बनाइरहेको निजी क्षेत्र पछिल्लो समयमा पटकपटक कहिले गणतन्त्रवादी, कहिले राजावादी र कहिले स्वतन्त्र समूहको आक्रमणमा पर्दा आत्मबल गुमाउने स्थितिमा पुगेको छ।
भदौ २४ गते (सेप्टेम्बर ८) भएको युवा (जेन-जी) को भ्रष्टाचारविरुद्धको आन्दोलनमा घुसपैठ भएपछि स्थिति नियन्त्रणबाहिर जाँदा संसद् भवन, सिंहदरबार, सर्वोच्च अदालत, प्रधानमन्त्री निवास र राष्ट्रपति कार्यालयलगायत देशभरका धेरै संवेदनशील सरकारी संरचना मात्र नभई निजी व्यावसायिक समूहहरूका उद्योग, व्यवसाय र निजी निवासमासमेत व्यापक क्षति पुगेको छ।

व्यावसायिक घरानामाथि आक्रमण
नेपालका एक मात्र डलर अर्बपति विनोद चौधरीको निजी निवास रविभवनमा लुटपाट मात्र भएन, चौधरी समूहअन्तर्गत सतुंगलको सीजीको फ्याक्ट्रीदेखि थापाथलीस्थित सीजी मोटर्सको सोरुम तथा गाडी अनि अन्य व्यावसायिक प्रतिष्ठानमा आगजनी र तोडफोड भयो।
विनोद चौधरीका भाइ वसन्त चौधरी तथा अरुण चौधरीको पनि निवास एवं प्रतिष्ठानमा आक्रमण भए। थापाथलीको सुजुकी गाडीको सोरुममा तोडफोड भयो। क्षतिको यकिन तथ्यांक आउन केही समय लाग्ने भए पनि यी सबै निजी निवास तथा प्रतिष्ठानमा भएका क्षति अर्ब नाघ्ने ती प्रतिष्ठानमा कार्यरत कर्मचारी बताउँछन्।
तर, यति हुँदा हुँदै पनि चौधरी समूहका प्रबन्ध निर्देशक निर्वाण चौधरीले सामाजिक सञ्जालमा ‘घर जलाउन सकिने तर सपना जलाउन नसकिने’ भन्दै आफ्नो मनोबल नटुटेको लेखेका छन्।
त्यस्तै, आईएमई समूहले सञ्चालन गर्दै आएको काठमाडौँको चन्द्रागिरि केबलकारको बेस स्टेसन अनि नवलपरासीको मौलाकालिका केबलकारसहितका ग्लोबल आईएमई बैंकका केही शाखा र व्यावसायिक इकाईमा आक्रमण हुँदा करोडौँ रूपैयाँ बराबरको संरचनामात्र नष्ट भएको छैन, यसबाट सर्वसाधारण लगानीकर्तालाई पनि क्षति भएको छ। किनकि यो समूहका केबलकार तथा ग्लोबल आईएमई बैंक नेपाल स्टक एक्सचेन्जमा सूचीकृत भई कारोबार गरिरहेका कम्पनी हुन्। नाफा हुँदा यिनले सर्वसाधारण लगानीकर्तालाई प्रतिफल पनि बाँड्ने गरेको थियो। र अब घाटा भए सर्वसाधारण लगानीकर्ताले प्रतिफल पाउन सक्दैनन्।
त्यसबाहेक पनि सीजी समूह र आईएमई समूहले मात्र कम्तीमा २० हजारलाई रोजगारी दिएका थिए र वार्षिक अर्बौँ रूपैयाँ राजस्व राज्य कोषमा बुझाउँदै आएका थिए। यी दुई कम्पनीमा भएको आक्रमण तथा क्षतिले रोजगारी पनि घट्ने तथा सरकारको राजस्व आम्दानी पनि घट्ने निश्चित छ।
यस्तै, देशभरका हजारौँलाई रोजगारी दिइरहेको भाटभटेनी सुपरस्टोर पनि आन्दोलनका कारण क्षतिग्रस्त बन्यो। भाटभटेनीका प्रमुख सञ्चालन अधिकृत पानु पौडेलका अनुसार भदौ २४ गते एकै दिन देशभरका १२ वटा स्टोर जलेर पूर्ण नष्ट भएका छन् भने ९ वटामा तोडफोड र लुटपाट समेत भएका छन्। देशभर भाटभटेनीका २७ वटा सुपरस्टोर सञ्चालनमा छन्।
प्रारम्भिक अनुमानअनुसार भाटभटेनीले मात्रै करिब ५० अर्ब रूपैयाँबराबरको क्षति बेहोरेको छ, जसको ठूलो हिस्सा बैंक तथा वित्तीय संस्थाबाट लिइएको ऋण हो। त्यति मात्र नभएर भाटभटेनी सुपरस्टोरका हरेक स्टोरमा ३ सयदेखि ५ सयसम्म र समग्रमा ८ हजार बढी कर्मचारीले रोजगारी पाउँदै आएका थिए।
नक्सालस्थित भाटभटेनीको मुख्यालयदेखि देशभरका २१ स्टोरमा क्षति पुग्दा नियमित हजारौँ ग्राहक, काम गरेर रोजीरोटी चलाइरहेका युवा कर्मचारी, ती कर्मचारीका लाखौँ परिवार र आफ्नो जीवनभरको कमाइ लगाएका मीनबहादुर गुरुङको आत्मबल अब कसरी कायम राख्ने, यो महत्त्वपूर्ण प्रश्न हो।
यी प्रतिष्ठान तथा उद्योगी व्यवसायीका निजी आवासमा आक्रमण आन्दोलनकारी युवा जेन जीले गरेको नभई आन्दोलनकारीको भीडमा घुसपैठका कारण भएको हो। किनकि जेन जीको आन्दोलनको स्पष्ट मुद्दा भ्रष्टाचार नियन्त्रण थियो र हो। तर, यही बहानामा नयाँ खुलेको राजनीतिक दल राष्ट्रिय स्वतन्त्र पार्टी, दुर्गा प्रसाईंको समूह तथा राप्रपा अनि माओवादी केन्द्रका युवाहरू पनि सडकमा उत्रेको विभिन्न फोटो तथा भिडिओ फुटेजमा देख्न सकिन्छ। जसका कारण सञ्चार प्रतिष्ठान कान्तिपुर पब्लिकेसनमा नियोजितरूपमा तोडफोड र आगजनी भयो। थापाथलीको बिजनेस पार्कमा रहेका कान्तिपुर मिडिया ग्रुपलगायत धेरै कार्यालय आन्दोलनकारीले लगाएका आगोले पूर्णरूपमा क्षतिग्रस्त भएका छन्।
यस्तै, क्याप्टेन रामेश्वर थापाको अन्नपूर्ण टावर अनि सिम्रिक एयरको भवनलगायत क्षतिग्रस्त भएका छन् भने नेपाल उद्योग वाणिज्य महासंघका निवर्तमान अध्यक्ष तथा गोल्छा अर्गनाइजेसनका प्रबन्धक शेखर गोल्छाको सीतापाइलास्थित निवासमा पनि घुसपैठ गरेका आन्दोलनकारीहरूले आक्रमण गरेका छन्।
गोल्छाले सामाजिक सञ्जालमा लेखेका छन्, 'देशमा सकारात्मक परिवर्तन होस्, नयाँ पुस्ताको नयाँ नेपालको सपना पूरा होस्। आक्रमणले हाम्रो परिवारलाई पनि छोयो तर हामी अडिग छौँ। लोकतन्त्र सुदृढ होस् भन्ने कामनासहित रोजगारी सिर्जना र लगानीमा अझ प्रतिबद्ध छौँ। अन्धकारपछि उज्यालोले सबैलाई एकता देओस्।'
देशभर नै प्रमुख राजनीतिक दलका नेताहरूका निवासमा आक्रमण गरेका आन्दोलनकारीले नेपाल राष्ट बैंकका गभर्नर डा विश्व पौडेलको भैँसेपाटीस्थित निवासमा आगजनी तथा चितवनको घरमा तोडफोड गर्नु आन्दोलनको स्पिरिट नभएको जेनजीका नेताहरू बताउँछन्।
सामाजिक सञ्जालमा जेनजीका विभिन्न युवाहरूले पोस्ट गरेको भिडिओमा राष्ट्रिय स्वतन्त्र पार्टी (रास्वपा)का अध्यक्ष रवि लामिछानेको रिहाइ आफ्नो एजेन्डा नभएको तर रास्वपा तथा लामिछानेले आफ्नो आन्दोलनलाई दुरूपयोग र बदनाम गरेको बताएका छन्।
आन्दोलनको नाममा यसरी व्यक्ति तथा संस्था छानीछानी आक्रमण हुनु दुखद भएको नेपाल उद्योग वाणिज्य महासंघले जनाएको छ। बुधबार भएको महासंघको अनलाइन बैठकमा उद्योगीको जीवन रक्षा तथा उद्योग प्रतिष्ठानको सुरक्षाको प्रश्न गम्भिररूपमा उठेको थियो।

बहुराष्ट्रिय कम्पनीहरू प्रभावित
आन्दोलनको आगोले विदेशी लगानीका कम्पनीहरू पनि जलेका छन्। काठमाडौंस्थित हिल्टन होटल पूर्ण क्षतिग्रस्त भयो भने एनसेल, टाटा मोटर्स, हुन्डाई, सुजुकी र महिन्द्राका सोरुममा तोडफोड गरिएको छ।
एनसेलमा मात्र आगजनी, कार्यालयका सामान लुटपाटलगायतका कारण १ अर्बभन्दा बढीको क्षति भएको अनुमान छ। आगजनी भएको एनसेलको भवनको पुननिर्माण मात्र करिब ६/७ महिना लाग्ने अनुमान छ।
यस्तै, विराटनगर, वीरगन्ज, इटहरी, विराटनगर, पोखरा, धनगढी, दाङ, सुर्खेतलगायतका औद्योगिक नगरीका उद्योगहरू निसानामा परेका छन्।
उद्योग व्यवसायका संघ तथा संगठनहरूको प्रारम्भिक आकडाअनुसार निजी क्षेत्रले मात्रै २ खर्ब रूपैयाँभन्दा बढीको क्षति बेहोरेको छ। आर्थिक वर्ष २०८१/८२ मा अर्थतन्त्रको आकार उपभोक्ता मूल्यमा ६१ खर्ब ७ अर्ब रूपैयाँ पुगेको राष्ट्रिय तथ्यांक कार्यालयको अनुमान छ। यसअनुसार भदौ २४ मा अक्रमणबाट भएको क्षति कुल अर्थतन्त्रको झण्डै ४ प्रतिशत हुन आउँछ।

संकटमा वित्तीय क्षेत्र
नेपाल बैंकर्स संघका अनुसार नेपालभरका ६० भन्दा बढी बैंक तथा वित्तीय संस्थाका शाखामा लुटपाट र आगजनी भएको छ, धेरै ठाउँको एटीएम फुटाइएको छ। यसले वित्तीय क्षेत्रमै तरलता संकट र लगानीकर्ताको मनोबलमा ठूलो धक्का पर्ने खतरा देखिन्छ।
निजी क्षेत्रका उद्योग प्रतिष्ठानले बीमा गरेका हुन्छन्। आक्रमणमा परेर क्षति भएका यी सबै उद्योग प्रतिष्ठानले पनि अब बीमा कम्पनीमा आआफ्नो बीमा दाबी गर्नेछन्। बीमा कम्पनीहरूमा अब धेरै दाबी आउने अनुमान गरिएको छ।
विसं २०७२ सालको भूकम्पमा कुल १७ अर्ब रूपैयाँ बराबरको दाबी परेको थियो भने यस आन्दोलनका कारण १० गुणाभन्दा बढी दाबी आउन सक्ने प्रारम्भिक अनुमान छ।

महासंघले नयाँ सरकारसँग छलफल गर्ने 
उद्यमी व्यवसायीले हालको परिस्थितिले व्यवसाय मात्र होइन, समग्र जनजीवनलाई पनि असर गरेको बताउँदै तत्काल अर्थतन्त्र जोगाउन सरकार गम्भीर हुनुपर्ने माग गरेका छन्।
बुधबार बसेको नेपाल उद्योग वाणिज्य महासंघको पूर्वअध्यक्षहरू तथा कार्यकारिणिको छुट्टाछुट्टै अनलाइन बैठकले यसप्रकारका आक्रमणले भौतिक संरचना मात्र भत्किने वा पसल जल्ने मात्र कुरा नभएर लाखौँ रोजगारी गुम्ने र लगानीकर्ताको आत्मविश्वास पनि ढल्ने भएकाले यसबारे सरकारसँग सुरक्षाका लागि छलफल गर्ने निर्णय गरेको थियो।
यस्तै, नेपाल उद्योग वाणिज्य महासंघ, नेपाल उद्योग परिसंघ, नेपाल चेम्बर अफ कमर्स, निर्माण व्यवसायी महासंघलगायतका छाता संगठनहरूले आआफ्नो तर्फबाट विज्ञप्ति निकालेर निजी क्षेत्रमाथिको आक्रमणलाई अस्वीकार्य भन्दै व्यावसायिक वातावरण बनाउन तथा जोगाउन सरकारलाई तत्काल कदम चाल्न आग्रह पनि गरेका छन्।

लगातार आत्मबलमा प्रहार
यसरी निजी क्षेत्रमाथि विभिन्न समूहद्वारा भइरहेका लगातार आक्रमणले उनीहरूको आत्मबल तथा लगानी विस्तार गर्ने क्षमता दुवैमा गम्भीर असर पर्दछ। साथै, विश्वासको संकट हुँदा व्यवसायीलाई आफ्नै देशमा आफ्नो सम्पत्ति र लगानी सुरक्षित छैन भन्ने भावना आउँछ। जसले गर्दा रोजगारी दिने क्षमतामा पनि ह्रास आउँछ। किनकि उनीहरूले सिर्जना गरेका हजारौँ रोजगार एकैछिनमा ध्वस्त हुँदा, उद्यमीलाई 'हामीलाई अपराधीझैँ देखाइन्छ' भन्ने पीडा हुन्छ।
यसबाट निजी क्षेत्र तथा समाजको बीचमा दूरी बढ्दै जान्छ। निरन्तर दोषारोपण तथा आक्रमणले व्यवसायी र सर्वसाधारणबीच यिनीहरू त केवल नाफा कमाउने हुन् भन्ने गलत भाष्य निर्माण हुन्छ र निजी क्षेत्रको सामाजिक स्वीकार्यता घट्छ।
यसका साथै, निजी क्षेत्रले नयाँ उद्योग वा परियोजनामा लगानी गर्दा 'यो संरचना अर्को आन्दोलनमा जल्ने हो कि?' भन्ने डरले सजिलै पुँजी लगाउन हच्किन्छन्। अनि ठूलो क्षति हुँदा ऋण तिर्न समस्या आउँछ, जसले भविष्यमा ऋण पाउन पनि गाह्रो बनाउँछ। यसैगरी, अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय लगानीकर्ताले पनि 'नेपालमा कानुनी सुरक्षा छैन' भनेर हात झिक्ने सम्भावना बढ्छ।

दीर्घकालीन जोखिम
निजी क्षेत्र निरन्तर आन्दोलनको निसानामा पर्न थालेपछि वैदेशिक लगानी विस्तारै पलायन हुन थाल्छ। अनि नयाँ लगानीकर्ताले पनि नेपालप्रति विश्वास गुमाउने जोखिम बढेको छ।
विज्ञहरूका अनुसार, सरकार, प्रशासन र आन्दोलनकारी सबै मिलेर निजी सम्पत्ति जोगाउने संस्कार नबनाएसम्म नेपालको अर्थतन्त्र ‘पुनःस्थापित गर्न कठिन’ हुने अवस्थामा पुग्ने खतरा छ।
यति भन्दाभन्दै पनि नेपालको निजी क्षेत्रले एक दशक लामो माओवादी द्वन्द्व तथा विविध संक्रमणकाल पार गर्दै आएकोले मनोबल बलियो नै छ।
यस्तै मनोबल दर्शाउँदै एक उद्योगी भन्छन्, ‘नेपालको निजी क्षेत्रमा फेरि उठ्ने ताकत र इच्छाशक्ति छ, मात्र सरकारले साथ दिनु पर्‍यो र आपराधिक मानसिकताका केही व्यक्तिको व्यक्तिकेन्द्रित अपराध नियन्त्रण गनुपर्‍यो, हामी फेरि उठ्छौँ।’

(Originally published in Nepalkhabar: https://nepalkhabar.com/opinion/250146-2025-9-14-9-40-19)

Government and UN in Nepal review joint progress under UNSDCF to advance LDC graduation and SDGs attainment

The Government and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) convened the annual meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027 in Kathmandu today. The meeting was co-chaired by vice chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari and UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal Hanaa Singer Hamdy.

As Nepal moves closer to its historic graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the discussions highlighted the role of the UNSDCF in supporting the government’s Smooth Transition Strategy and in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The meeting reflected on the progress achieved in 2024. These results demonstrate the breadth of joint efforts across health, livelihoods, climate resilience and governance, showing how the Cooperation Framework is delivering concrete benefits for people across Nepal. During this period, a nationwide measles-rubella campaign immunised 6.3 million children, enabling Nepal to eliminate rubella, while expanding access to health care, education, safe water and protection services.

Together, the government and the UN also advanced inclusive growth, created more livelihood opportunities, strengthened social protection, and supported recovery and resilience in communities affected by disasters. Ambitious climate commitments, ecosystem restoration, and expanded civic participation further reinforced Nepal’s path toward irreversible LDC graduation and accelerated SDG progress.

Speaking at the occasion, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal Hanaa Singer Hamdy said, “Seventy years of partnership between Nepal and the United Nations this year is a testament to shared values, resilience, and progress. "Today, as Nepal prepares for its historic graduation from LDC status, our Cooperation Framework serves as the roadmap to make that graduation irreversible, resilient, and inclusive," she said, adding, "together with government leadership, development partners, and communities, we are advancing systemic change, creating jobs, strengthening social protection, tackling climate risks, and harnessing digital transformation."

The UN remains a steadfast partner to Nepal in accelerating the SDGs and ensuring a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous,  she added.

The Co-chair of the Joint Steering Committee and vice chair of the NPC Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari, expressed appreciation to the UNCT for their partnership and emphasized the importance of national ownership in advancing global commitment, strengthening data and enhancing institutional capacity through technical assistance. He further highlighted that joint collaboration is required in harnessing synergies and strengthening collaboration for shared goals through holistic and interconnected approach, strong focus on inclusivity, building capacity, commitment to evidence and accountability and strong multi-agency collaboration.

KOICA marks 30 years in Nepal with $29 million grant agreement

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) celebrated three decades of development partnership in Nepal with a commemorative event 'Together for 30 Years: A Journey of Trust and Cooperation' today in Kathmandu, with signing three agreements worth $29 million grant.

The most important session of the event was the signing of three major project agreements that mark KOICA’s strategic priorities for the years ahead, according to a press note issued by the KOICA. 

The first was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between finance secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya and ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal Park Tae-young for the establishment of the Gandaki Institute of Technology, a $9 million project to be implemented from 2025 to 2030.

It was followed by Record of Discussion (RoD) signings for two new projects. The Value Chain Development Project (Phase II) in Lumbini Province, with the budget of $10 million to be initiated from 2025 to 2031 signed between joint secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Hari Bahadur KC and country director of KOICA Mooheon Kong. Similarly, the establishment of the Sudurpaschim Polytechnic Institute -- with the budget of $10 million was also signed between joint secretary of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Shiva Kumar Sapkota and country director of KOICA Mooheon Kong -- that is scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2030.

On the occasion, KOICA Nepal Country Director Mooheon Kong emphasised KOICA’s enduring partnership with Nepal and its unwavering commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. He highlighted the agency’s focus on supporting local capacity building and fostering innovation across key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and governance.

The joint secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bhrigu Dhungana highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the Republic of Korea, emphasising KOICA’s invaluable contributions in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and capacity building. He expressed appreciation for KOICA’s role in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Nepal’s sustainable development goals. He also conveyed the ministry’s commitment to deepening this partnership in the future, envisioning even greater collaboration in advancing prosperity and resilience in Nepal.

Likewise, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal Park Tae-young, on the occasion, noted that KOICA’s 30-year journey in Nepal reflects the deep-rooted friendship and mutual trust between the two nations. He emphasised Korea’s continued commitment to supporting Nepal’s socio-economic development and highlighted the new project agreements as a symbol of shared progress and future cooperation.

Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City and Chief Guest of the event Dhana Raj Acharya congratulated KOICA on its milestone anniversary and praised its impactful contribution across diverse sectors. He commended KOICA’s strategic alignment with Nepal’s national development goals and reaffirmed the government's readiness to work closely with KOICA to expand the reach and sustainability of future programmes.

As KOICA reflects on its three decades of development engagement in Nepal, it renews its commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future in close partnership with the government and local communities, according to KOICA.

Since 1991, the Government of the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, has been a key development partner of Nepal, supporting various sectors such as health, education, agriculture, vocational training, rural development, IT, and tourism. KOICA has dispatched 2,921 volunteers to government institutions across the country. Additionally, over 2,230 Nepali officials have participated in KOICA’s fellowship programmes.

KOICA collaborates with businesses, CSOs, universities, and foreign agencies to help Nepal achieve its SDGs. Since Nepal was designated a priority country for KOICA in 2010, support has significantly increased, and by 2025, KOICA’s total assistance surpassed $200 million. This progress has been further strengthened through a framework agreement on development cooperation, reinforcing the strong and growing friendship between the two nations.

Investment Board of Nepal approves investment worth Rs 8.84 billion

Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has approved an investment of Rs 8.84 billion for the development of the 54 megawatt (MW) Lower Apsuwa Hydropower Project.

A Board meeting held today took the decision to approve the investment, IBN spokesperson Pradhumna Prasad Upadhyay confirmed.

Likewise, the IBN has decided to form a dialogue committee under the leadership of the CEO to table a proposal on project development agreement (PDA), financing modality and other issues regarding the West Seti Hydropower Project. 

The meeting chaired by the chairman of the IBN Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also entrusted the Board's CEO to submit the feasibility study report of Kathmandu-Hetauda-Birgunj podway project and development and operation of Panchkhal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as well as provide the survey license for the projects.

The IBN meeting also provided approval to the developer company Karnali Transmission Company for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and feasibility study of the new route alignment for the development of transmission line for the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project of 900 MW.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Devendra Dahal, National Planning Commission (NPC) vice chairman Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari, chief secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, central bank governor Dr Bishwo Nath Paudel and other top ranking officials attended the meeting.

The Governing Board Meeting of South Asian University sets course for growth and regional cooperation

The South Asian University (SAU), a flagship initiative of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), convened its thirteenth Governing Board Meeting virtually, with participation from Governing Board representatives of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, alongside a representative of the SAARC Secretariat and SAU office bearers, according to a press note issued by the SAARC Secretariate.

Minister of State for Higher Education Ahmed Shafeeu from the esteemed Government of Maldives, presided over the meeting and officially called it to order. The Governing Board undertook a detailed review of the proposed budget for the upcoming year, engaging in comprehensive deliberations on resource allocation and financial planning to support the University’s growth. Members also underscored the urgency of releasing outstanding contributions from Member States to ensure the smooth functioning of SAU, it adds.

Presenting his report, President of SAU Prof Aggarwal outlined the initiatives undertaken since assuming office and shared his reform agenda for the years ahead. While acknowledging constraints that may affect implementation, he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the University’s academic profile, institutional resilience, and overall contribution to regional cooperation.

The Governing Board also discussed future priorities, placing particular emphasis on expanding academic programmes, and reinforcing SAU’s role as a hub for regional collaboration. It was further decided that the Chairmanship for the next Governing Board Meeting will pass on to the Government of Sri Lanka.

As SAARC’s Centre of Excellence, SAU continues to serve as a unique hub for learning, research, and creativity for the citizens of South Asia, according to the SAU. "With five faculties and seven departments, the University currently offers Master’s and PhD programmes to around 1500 students, supported by 70 distinguished faculty members from across the region and beyond."

Since its establishment, SAU has educated nearly 2300 students and research fellows, making a significant contribution to knowledge generation and people-to-people connectivity in the region.

Nepal-USA Chamber reminds government of TIFA commitments

The Nepal-USA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NUSACCI) strongly urges the Government including the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), to implement its commitments made during the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting held last September.

At the meeting, the importance of effective intellectual property right (IPR) protection and enforcement was emphasised as a critical factor in attracting trade and investment, particularly in IP-intensive industries, according to the binational chamber. 

Nepal’s initiatives in legal and institutional reforms related to IP, along with improvements in trademark administration and examination through the development of technical expertise, are essential to enhance consistency and reliability within Nepal’s IP Office, it adds.

NUSACCI has long been advocating for stronger IPR protection by organising various seminars and workshops on IPR-related issues and raising awareness within the business community regarding the use and misuse of international and domestic company trademarks and labels, it claimed, adding that the improper use of trademarks and counterfeit labels not only damages Nepal’s image domestically but also undermines its reputation internationally, thereby deterring potential foreign investment.

The recent notice of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) in this regard has drawn our attention and we hereby extend our solidarity with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, it adds

NUSACCI has requested and urged all concerned stakeholders to refrain from the unauthorised use of international and domestic company trademarks and labels. 

Banks can distribute 1.44 per cent to 38.27 per cent dividend subject to central bank approval

Due to central bank’s flexible policy most of the commercial banks appear to be able to provide dividends to shareholders from last fiscal year’s profit, as their balance sheets are comparatively better than last year.

Of the 20 commercial banks in operation, all except 4 will be able to distribute dividends to shareholders, according to their unaudited balance sheets of the last fiscal year 2024-25.

Based on last fiscal year’s profits, the banks’ capacity to distribute dividends ranges from 1.44 per cent to 38.27 per cent thanks to the Monetary Policy 2025-26 brought by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) that has given a breathing space to the overburdened banks with toxic assets and non-performing loan (NPL). 

Among the 20 commercial banks, Everest Bank has the highest dividend-paying capacity at 38.27 per cent, while Nepal Investment Mega Bank’s capacity stands at 1.44 per cent. On an average, banks have a dividend-paying capacity of 10.33 per cent.

Central bank governor Bishwonath Poudel has also encouraged the banks to pay cash dividends, and that too before the Dashain festival, according to the bankers.

However, Nepal Bank, Kumari Bank, Himalayan Bank, and NIC Asia Bank will not be able to distribute any dividends to shareholders this year.

As of the last fiscal year 2024-25, the commercial banks reported a combined profit of Rs 71.18 billion, which is 43.68 per cent increase compared to the previous fiscal year.

Declining interest rates, increasing NPL due to slow economy and merger baggage had weakened cost efficiency, but regulatory relief from central bank helped the banks significantly to increase their profits in the last quarter. The banks also worked hard and managed to improve loan recoveries toward the end of the fiscal year.

The policy relaxations helped banks to reduce NPL ratios and write back certain provisions set aside for potential future risks, boosting annual profits by as much as 43 per cent, according to the bankers. “It not only helped increase profits but also enhanced banks’ capacity to distribute dividends to investors.”