KATHMANDU: The government has blacklisted 10 construction and supply companies, barring them from participating in public procurement, bidding, and construction works for periods ranging from one year to three years.

According to a decision made on Thursday by the Public Procurement Monitoring Office under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the firms were blacklisted under Section 63(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Among them, Mahadev Khimti Nirman Sewa, owned by former Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) President Rabi Singh, and Pappu-Mahadev JV, a joint venture between Mahadev Khimti Nirman Sewa and Pappu Construction, were each barred for three years. Shrestha Construction Company was also blacklisted for three years, based on recommendations from the Postal Highway Directorate, Itahari.

Other firms blacklisted include Global Drugs Suppliers (one year), Bharat-Siddhasai JV (one year and six months), Lumbini Motors and Pump Industries (one year), Hira Nepali Nirman Sewa (two years), Mayumi Construction (one year), and Shubham Nirman Sewa (two years). During the blacklisting period, the companies will be ineligible to participate in procurement activities of any public entity.