KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today:

NEPSE Slides Further as All Sectors Turn Red

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell again on Monday, its second loss of the week, dropping 47.71 points or 1.65% to 2,831.39, after a 71.05-point fall on Sunday. The Sensitive Index decreased 7.90 points (1.61%) to 481.58, while the Float and Sensitive Float indices fell 1.62% and 2.55%, respectively. Around 31.6 million shares changed hands across 341 companies, generating a turnover of Rs 12.966 billion. Only 26 companies gained, 237 declined, and five remained unchanged. All 13 sectoral groups ended in the red, with notable drops in commercial banks (-1.86%), finance (-2%), hydropower (-1.93%), and trading (-2.56%).

NPC Concludes Budget Discussions with 4 Key Ministries

The National Planning Commission (NPC) held discussions with four ministries on Monday regarding proposed plans for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 budget. Following coordination with the Ministry of Finance, the NPC reviewed programs from the Ministry of Home Affairs; the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation; the Ministry of Youth and Sports; and the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens. Ministries are entering data into the Line Ministry Budget Information System (LMBIS) based on a deadline of March 29 set by Finance Minister Dr. Swornim Wagle.

Govt. Plans 13,000 MW Power Purchase Agreements Within 180 Days

The administration led by Prime Minister Balen Shah unveiled a governance roadmap on Sunday, pledging to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for 13,000 megawatts of electricity within 180 days. The plan aims to remove bottlenecks in energy production, transmission, and export. The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) welcomed the commitment, noting that private sector investment in the energy sector has already exceeded Rs 1.310 trillion. The government also intends to finalize an energy export strategy within one month, focusing on high-value markets.

Finance Ministry Transfers 30 Under Secretaries to Customs and Revenue Departments

The Ministry of Finance executed a major administrative reshuffle by transferring 30 undersecretaries simultaneously on Monday. The officials have been moved to various high-impact positions within the Department of Customs, the Inland Revenue Department, and provincial Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning offices. This marks the first significant departmental transfer conducted by Finance Minister Dr. Swornim Wagle since he took office. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue collection efficiency and strengthen financial governance across federal and provincial levels.

Govt. Unveils ‘Good Governance Blueprint 2026’ to Boost Industrial Investment

The government released the ‘Good Governance Blueprint, 2026’ on Sunday, prioritizing a shift from a regulatory to a facilitative state role to attract private investment. The roadmap proposes amending the Industrial Enterprises Act and the Technology Transfer Act to create a more stable environment for both domestic and foreign investors. Key features include strengthening the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) and decentralizing projects worth less than Rs 6 billion to provincial levels. The government also committed to maintaining industrial policies for at least 10 years to ensure long-term predictability for the private sector.

Administration Initiates Digital Records and Campaign to Remove Land Encroachments

The government led by Balen Shah announced an immediate campaign to digitize records of all public lands to prevent illegal encroachment. According to the new governance roadmap, a special mission to remove unauthorized structures and reclaim occupied public spaces will begin shortly. Furthermore, the government will launch an investigation within 15 days into the embezzlement and encroachment of Nepal Children’s Organization land, following the recommendations of the Haribabu Commission report. The initiative aims to use Geographic Information System (GIS)-based databases to ensure transparent land management and protection of state property.

Cabinet Directs Minimum Support Price for Major Crops Within 30 Days

The Council of Ministers decided on March 27 to initiate the process of determining the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major food crops within 30 days. To protect farmers from market fluctuations, the government will also enforce a rule requiring payment for agricultural produce within 25 days of purchase, with interest penalties for delays. The plan includes establishing one cold storage center per municipality and conducting feasibility studies for public-private partnership cold stores in every district within 10 days. Additionally, a digital database for landless squatters is expected to be completed within 60 days.

Government Strategy Focuses on Energy Export and Policy Reforms for Economic Growth

The government’s new 100-point governance roadmap highlights the energy sector as the primary driver for Nepal’s economic transformation. Key initiatives include establishing a Prime Minister’s Performance Unit to oversee investment and productivity and merging the registration process for industries up to Rs 250 million into local small industry offices. The plan also mandates a 45-day timeline to create an integrated ‘One-Door Business Platform’ for taxes and bank accounts. Within one month, the Investment Board Nepal will implement a unified approval system to provide seamless services to both domestic and foreign investors.

Department of Foreign Employment Launches ‘Queue-Free’ System for Labor Permits

The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) implemented a new arrangement on Monday to eliminate token delays for re-entry labor permits. The service has been made ‘queue-free,’ allowing migrant workers to apply on any day that suits their convenience. According to the DoFE notice, if all necessary documents are submitted correctly, the department will provide the re-entry labor permit on the same day. This initiative aims to address long-standing grievances regarding wait times and streamline the administrative process for Nepalis working abroad.

Gandaki Provincial Assembly Passes Road Act Amendment Bill 2025

The fifth meeting of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly’s ninth session unanimously passed the Gandaki Province Road Act, 2025 (Amendment) bill on Saturday. Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport Minister Prakash Bahadur KC stated that the amendment was necessary to resolve practical difficulties encountered during road expansion projects. During the session, Minister KC reported that 86.51 kilometers of roads have been blacktopped in the current fiscal year. He also noted that repairs are underway for government buildings damaged during the arson incidents of September 8 and 9, 2025.

Karnali Province Selects Seven Local Units for Rs 34 Million Innovation Partnership Fund

The Karnali Province government decided on Sunday to provide a total of Rs 34 million to seven local levels under the Innovation Partnership Fund. Spokesperson Binod Shah announced that the grants are intended for digital technology, education, and health improvements for the fiscal year 2025/26. Allocations include Rs 7.5 million for a community hospital in Mugum Karmarong, Rs 5.4 million for digital classrooms in Chaurjahari, and Rs 4.2 million each for digital service delivery in Sanibheri and Sharada. Additionally, the government announced the end of the Karnali Provincial Assembly’s seventh session effective midnight.

Janakpur Agriculture Inputs Company Sells Chemical Fertilizer Worth Rs 433.8 Million

The Janakpurdham branch of the Krishi Samagri Company sold chemical fertilizer worth Rs 433.8 million during the first eight months of the current fiscal year. The distribution of 8,158 metric tons of urea valued at Rs 138.7 million, along with 6,320 metric tons of DAP and 188 metric tons of potash. The fertilizer was distributed through 212 authorized dealers across 27 municipalities in Dhanusha and Mahottari.

KMC Launches Free Cancer Screening at Bir Hospital

Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol inaugurated a free breast, uterine, and cervical cancer screening program at Bir Hospital on Monday. Organized with support from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the campaign successfully screened 136 women on its first day. The initiative aims to provide early detection services to prevent deaths from cancers that are often diagnosed in late stages due to lack of awareness or social stigma. The screening service will remain operational until May 3 with registrations available through local ward health promotion centers.

Municipal Staff and Teachers Threaten Protest Over 4 Months of Unpaid Salaries

Employees and teachers of Lahan Municipality in Siraha have not received salaries for four months, leading to severe financial distress. The crisis began after the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration froze all municipal bank accounts due to a dispute over the transfer of the chief administrative officer. Funds for textbooks, scholarships, and mid-day meals have also been halted since November/December. Staff submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday, warning of a forceful protest before April 14 (Nepali New Year) and the Siruwa Festival if the issue is not resolved.

Karnali Province Allocates Rs 500K for Agricultural Research and Student Development

The Karnali Province government has provided Rs 500,000 to support agricultural research and technical manpower development. According to the Agriculture Development Directorate in Surkhet, the funds were released to the Mid-West University Agricultural Campus for the current fiscal year, 2025/26. The program aims to enhance student capacity and address the shortage of technical experts in the country’s agricultural sector. Under this partnership, five students among them two from Surkhet and one each from Dolpa, Mugu, and Tanahun, have been selected for specialized study opportunities.

Bluehill Tourism Project Integrated into Baglung’s Pride Initiatives

Baglung Municipality has officially included the ‘Bluehill’ tourism project in Tityang as a ‘Municipality Pride Project,’ allocating Rs 25 million for the current fiscal year. Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the site offers views of the Dhaulagiri range and will feature a massive statue of Lord Shiva, picnic spots, and homestays. Mayor Basanta Kumar Shrestha stated that Rs 8 million was already spent last year on land leveling and initial infrastructure. A 4-kilometer trekking trail is also being constructed from the Baglung headquarters to connect tourists to the new destination.

Nepal Electricity Authority Offers Jobs to Families of 27 Gen Z Protest Martyrs

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) called upon the family members of 27 individuals who lost their lives during the Gen Z protests to contact the office for employment opportunities. This move follows a directive from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation sent on December 6, 2025. The recruitment is being conducted under the ‘Relief and Assistance Guidelines for Injured and Martyrs of the Gen Z Protest, 2026.’ The NEA has provided a 35–day window for any third-party claims or objections regarding the identified family members before finalizing the appointments.

Nepal Airlines Resumes Flights Between Surkhet and Simkot After Month-Long Halt

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) resumed its flight service from the provincial capital Surkhet to Simkot in Humla on Monday. The service had been suspended for over a month due to aircraft unavailability in Kathmandu and poor weather conditions. On the first day of resumed operations, the national flag carrier transported 12 passengers to Surkhet and 13 passengers back to Simkot. Chhiring Lama, Chief of the NAC Simkot branch, confirmed that scheduled flights from Nepalgunj to Simkot also took place on Monday, providing much-needed relief to travelers in the remote mountain district.

Gold Drops Rs 2,500 Per Tola

The price of gold has also fallen in the market on Monday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Traders, the price of gold has decreased by Rs 2,500 per tola (11.66 grams) today. The Federation has set the price of hallmark gold at Rs 285,600 per tola for today. On Sunday, gold was traded at Rs 288,500 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also declined today. Silver is trading at Rs 4,700 per tola, down by Rs 20. The previous day, silver was trading at Rs 4,720 per tola and Rs 4,218 per 10 grams.