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:

President Urges NRNA to Bridge Foreign Investment for Economic Growth

President Ram Chandra Paudel has called upon the Nepali diaspora to act as bridges for foreign investment, highlighting the vast economic potential currently available in Nepal. During a meeting with the newly elected officials of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) at Shital Niwas on Monday, he emphasized that the prestige of Nepalis abroad is directly linked to the country’s prosperity. President Paudel identified hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and information technology as key sectors for growth, noting that Nepal’s proximity to the large markets of China and India offers a unique advantage for industrialization and multilateral partnerships.

NEPSE Jumps 83.33 Points as All Sectors Post Gains

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) surged 83.33 points, or 3.11 percent, on Monday, closing at 2,760.02, marking a strong rebound on the second trading day of the week. The Sensitive Index also rose 3.12 percent to 471.92, with the Float and Sensitive Float indices gaining 3.28 percent and 3.22 percent, respectively. A total of 25.15 million shares of 345 companies were traded through 124,093 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 10.928 billion, slightly down from Sunday’s Rs 12.38 billion. All 13 sub-indices ended higher, led by hydropower up 4.59 percent and finance up 4.03 percent. Other sectors, including development banks, investment, hotels, and commercial banks, also posted solid gains.

NRB Slashes Risk Weightage for SME Loans to 60%

In an effort to stimulate credit flow to the productive sector, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has reduced the risk weightage for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) loans. Under the new integrated directive issued to commercial and development banks, the risk weight for SME loans up to Rs 30 million has been lowered from 75% to 60%. This policy shift specifically targets investments in agriculture, information technology, and manufacturing. Additionally, the NRB mandated that projects seeking loans must be insured and maintained a requirement for a 25% margin on real estate collateral for secured loans.

Banks Adopt Extended Operating Hours Under New Weekend Policy

Starting today (Monday), banks and financial institutions across Nepal have adjusted their operating hours to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This change follows the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to align with the new government policy of a 5-day work week. For the winter period between November and January, offices will operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The decision, approved at the governor level, ensures that banking services remain accessible for longer durations during the weekdays to compensate for the additional closure on Sundays.

Stock Brokers Propose 6-Point Reform Plan to Finance Minister

The Stock Broker Association of Nepal met with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Monday to submit a six-point recommendation aimed at stabilizing the share market. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has recently dropped from 2,960 to nearly 2,700 points. Key demands include allowing banks to trade shares more freely, simplifying market entry for non-resident Nepalis, and finalizing capital gains tax policies. Minister Wagle assured the delegation that the upcoming “transformative” budget would be private-sector friendly and focused on governance to remove Nepal from the international “grey list” for financial monitoring.

Labor Ministry Warns Employers Over Unpaid Minimum Wages

The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security has issued a stern warning to employers to implement mandatory minimum wages and social security benefits for all workers. The ministry reported an increase in complaints from nursing staff at hospitals, private school teachers, and industrial workers who are being denied legal benefits such as sick leave, insurance, and medical treatment. According to a formal statement, the government is taking these grievances seriously and will initiate legal action against any establishment found violating labor laws. Employers are urged to ensure that all staff members are integrated into the Social Security Fund to avoid penalties.

Lumbini Govt. to Prioritize Realistic Budgeting

Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya of Lumbini Province announced that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be formulated based on realistic provincial conditions and project bank recommendations. During a parliamentary budget discussion in Deukhuri on Monday, he emphasized the need for systemic reforms to ensure financial transparency and accountability. The program highlighted the necessity of establishing a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) to assist lawmakers in analyzing budget structures and climate responsiveness. Speaker Tularam Gharti Magar added that the goal is to improve fiscal discipline and ensure that only technically vetted projects are included in the provincial financial plan.

Nepal Oil Corporation Urges Public to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Following the government’s decision to implement a two-day weekend to mitigate the energy crisis, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. Spokesperson Manoj Thakur stated that the corporation is currently incurring a loss of Rs 120 per liter on fuel. With daily national consumption reaching 2.5 million liters of petrol and 50 million liters of diesel, the NOC believes public cooperation is essential to reduce the supply deficit. Minister for Education Sasmit Pokhrel also noted that the government is considering legal reforms to encourage the conversion of fuel-powered vehicles into electric ones to address long-term energy security.

Department of Commerce Directs 4 Major Marts to Report Within 3 Days

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has initiated action against four major retail outlets following irregularities discovered during market monitoring. Metro Market (Imadol), Saleways Cash and Carry (Maharajgunj), Mega Mart (Bishalnagar), and Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket (Chakrapath) have been ordered to appear before the department with relevant business documents within three days. Additionally, Muna Krishi Limited received similar instructions, while 10 other firms were issued corrective warnings. The move is part of a regular campaign to control black marketing and ensure the sale of quality goods to consumers.

Kathmandu-Taplejung Airfare Hikes by 33% Due to Fuel Costs

The airfare for the Kathmandu-Taplejung route has increased by 33.26% effective from Monday. According to Narayan Kumar Karki, station in-charge of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the fare has risen by Rs 3,075 following a surge in international aviation fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The new fare is set at Rs 12,120 from Taplejung and Rs 12,320 from Kathmandu, up from the previous Rs 9,425. Additionally, the weekly flight frequency has been reduced from three to two, with flights now scheduled only for Mondays and Fridays.

Air Flights Resume to Suketar After 3-Week Weather Interruption

Flight operations at Suketar Airport in Taplejung resumed on Monday after a three-week suspension caused by adverse weather. Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) reported that the service had been halted since March 18 due to heavy rain and thick fog. On Monday, the flight arrived from Kathmandu with 13 passengers and returned with 11. Station In-charge Narayan Kumar Karki confirmed that while flights are currently scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the Wednesday flight has been temporarily cut for April due to fuel price adjustments. The one-way fare has now reached Rs 12,000.

NEPSE to Operate 5 Days a Week, Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is set to operate five days a week from Sunday to Friday, closing on Saturdays and Sundays in line with the government’s two-day weekend policy. The change resolves confusion over trading days after the revised public holiday schedule. The decision followed a meeting between Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and the Nepal Stock Broker Association. NEPSE spokesperson Murahari Parajuli said the board will formalize the move, confirming Friday trading instead of Sunday closure. A similar schedule had been implemented on May 20, 2022, under the government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Postal Department Launches Express Courier Service on Holidays

Following directives from Minister for Information and Communication Technology Bikram Timilsina, the Postal Services Department has introduced an “Express Way” courier system that operates even on public holidays. The new system coordinates between the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs and the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure faster clearance of international parcels. Director General Manmaya Bhattrai Pangeini stated that dedicated customs desks have been established at the airport to facilitate seamless import and export. From mid-February to mid-March alone, the Dillibazar Post Office handled over 19,200 incoming parcels and 11,700 outgoing items, reflecting a growing demand for reliable postal courier services.

Wheat Seed Research Expanded Over 5 Hectares in Parbat

Agricultural authorities in Parbat have expanded wheat cultivation across five hectares in Phalebas Municipality-6 to focus on breeding high-quality seeds. In collaboration with the National Wheat Research Council, researchers are testing eight varieties, including Gautam, Bheriganga, Himganga, and Zink, to identify breeds best suited for hilly climates. Local farmers, supported by the Shakti Agriculture and Livestock Farm, are participating in the “Seed Production for Self-Reliance” program. Following successful trials, varieties such as NL 1179 and NL 1488 are being prepared for official recommendation, targeting optimal production at altitudes of 800 meters.

Community Schools in Kailali Raising Student Fees for Teacher Salaries

Several community schools in Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali, are reportedly charging students monthly fees to cover the salaries of teachers managed under local grants. Although the Constitution of Nepal guarantees free and compulsory education up to Grade 8, schools like Himalaya Secondary School admitted to collecting “service fees” from Grade 6 onwards to bridge funding gaps. The rural municipality currently supports 47 teachers with monthly stipends ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 13,000. While Chairman Ganesh Chaudhary claimed ignorance of the unauthorized fees, education officials noted that the practice stems from inadequate resources and legal hurdles in teacher redistribution.

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Infrastructure Projects in Kavre

Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have significantly impacted major development projects in Kavrepalanchowk, including the expansion of the Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road. The war has led to a severe shortage of bitumen (asphalt) and a 30% to 40% hike in its price over the last month. Iranian bitumen has disappeared from the market, while Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) supplies have surged to Rs 130 per kilogram. Consequently, blacktopping work on a 2.5-km stretch in Banepa and Janagal has been halted, as contractors find it unfeasible to continue under current budget estimates.

Construction of Simkhet-Sisathanti Bridge Stalled

A motorable bridge connecting Kushma Municipality-10 and Phalebas Municipality-3 in Parbat remains incomplete two years after the contract was signed. The 20-meter bridge, contracted to Set Square JV Rajbiraj for Rs 25.1 million, has seen only 25% physical progress. Construction has been halted for a year, leaving local residents to risk crossing the river during the monsoon when the road often shuts down for four months. While the contractor cited rising material costs for the delay, the Infrastructure Development Office has warned of terminating the contract and seizing the deposit if work does not resume immediately.

Bird Flu Detected in 23 Locations Across the Country

Health authorities reported 23 outbreaks of bird flu (H5N1) across Nepal during the month of March. According to Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, the virus was first identified on March 20 (Chaitra 6) in Morang. Outbreaks have since spread to 12 locations in Sunsari, seven in Morang, two in Jhapa, and one each in Chitwan and Kathmandu, where infected crows were found at Tribhuvan University. Over 104,000 poultry birds have been culled to contain the spread. The government is providing 75% compensation to affected farmers while restricting poultry transport in high-risk districts.

Chitwan to Host 10th International Exhibition Starting April 10

The Chitwan Industry Association is organizing the 10th International Exhibition from April 10 to 12. The event will feature 100 stalls showcasing industrial machinery, technology, and local products from sectors including agriculture, printing, and construction. Organizers expect over 25,000 visitors, including entrepreneurs from across all seven provinces. The exhibition aims to promote the “Make in Nepal” campaign and facilitate export links to international markets such as India, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka. Discussions on the future of Nepal’s industrial landscape and youth entrepreneurship will also be held during the three-day event.

Pushpa Raj Kunwar Elected Unopposed as FNCCI Sudurpashchim President

Pushpa Raj Kunwar has been elected unopposed as the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) for Sudurpashchim Province. The election committee announced the final list of candidates on Monday, confirming that Kunwar faced no opposition. Other officials elected unopposed include Madan Raj Panta as vice president (industry and commerce) and Prem Bahadur Bhandari as treasurer. Members for district and municipal levels, as well as associate and commodity categories, were also selected without contest. Election Officer Khagendra Raj Joshi stated that the unanimous selection reflects a unified approach among the region’s private sector leadership.

Chandra-Hemraj Group Wins 4 Provincial Presidencies in FNCCI

The alliance of Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Hemraj Dhakal has secured four out of five provincial presidencies in the ongoing FNCCI elections. In Koshi Province, Rajendra Bahadur Raut won on Sunday, with over 70% of the total votes. Other successful candidates from the group include Naresh Kandel in Gandaki, Bijay Shah in Madhesh, and Dhan Bahadur Oli in Karnali, all of whom were elected unopposed. These provincial wins are considered a major strategic advantage for the group ahead of the national FNCCI leadership election, as provincial presidents hold significant influence over district and municipal voting blocs.

Gold Price Drops by Rs 2,600 Per Tola on Monday

Gold prices fell by Rs 2,600 per tola (11.66 grams) on Monday. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association set the price of gold at Rs 291,400 per tola for the day, down from Rs 294,000 per tola the previous day. Silver prices also declined. Compared to the previous day, silver dropped by Rs 50 per tola. While it was traded at Rs 4,830 per tola yesterday, the price has decreased to Rs 4,780 per tola today. Last Monday, silver was traded at Rs 4,700 per tola.