The government has declared Shrawan 16 in the Nepali calendar as National Millet Day, with the aim to promote millet cultivation and consumption while recognizing its importance in food security, nutrition, and climate-resilient farming in Nepal.
Unveiling the recent Cabinet decisions on Wednesday, Minister for Communications and Information Technology and government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung said the meeting also approved an additional USD 10.8 million in grant assistance from the World Bank under the School Sector Improvement Programme. The program aims to strengthen Nepal’s public education system, improve learning outcomes, and promote equitable access to quality education across the country.
The Cabinet further approved the Operation and Management (O&M) structure of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat and its subordinate offices, a move expected to enhance institutional efficiency in planning and coordinating water and energy resources.
Another key decision includes the acceptance of an additional concessional loan of 5.7 billion Japanese yen from the Government of Japan to support the construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project, a critical infrastructure development aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity into the Kathmandu Valley.
The government also approved the National Census Policy, 2082, and the Casino Regulations, 2082, which set stricter standards for the operation and licensing of casinos in Nepal.
Under the new casino regulation, large casinos—those offering both manual and electronic games—must now maintain a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 300 million, while small casinos, limited to electronic games, are required to hold at least Rs 200 million. Licensing fees have been set at Rs 30 million for large casinos and Rs 15 million for small ones, in addition to renewal and security deposit requirements. Importantly, the revised rules now allow casino operations in four-star or higher-rated hotels and resorts, replacing the earlier five-star-only restriction.
Meanwhile, the government has suspended Sharad Ojha, chairman of the Nepal Insurance Authority, after forming a committee to probe allegations surrounding his appointment, said Minister Gurung.
A three-member committee led by former High Court Judge Krishna Giri was formed to investigate Ojha’s qualifications and performance, following reports that he may have submitted a fake experience certificate. Ojha was appointed in February this year. As per legal provisions, his position is now suspended until the investigation is complete. Joint Secretary Sewantak Pokhrel from the Ministry of Finance has been designated as acting chairman of Nepal Insurance Authority, informed Minister Gurung.
