Dec 29, 2013
DoR spends just 12.23pc budget
New study under way for Nagdhunga tunnel
Dec 26, 2013
NTA amends Otel licence conditions
Dec 25, 2013
Govt. likely to drop plan on building Kechana-Olanchungola North South link
Dec 22, 2013
Tech panel declares PPP model infeasible for Fast Track project
Dec 21, 2013
Mobile banking: Reshaping lives through connectivity
Plan to install embossed number plates revived
Dec 17, 2013
Gold import quota comes down to 15 kg a day
Dec 15, 2013
35 cars are sold every day in Nepal
Dec 14, 2013
DoTM eyes e-driving licences from 2015
World Bank looks to fund KTM-Tarai Fast Track project
Dec 12, 2013
Growth rate of internet users doubles in Q1
Dec 10, 2013
Four trade routes being upgraded to six-lane
Dec 9, 2013
Govt plans foreign tour to fix NT’s renewal fee
3 firms caught with fake Canon toner cartridges
Dec 7, 2013
National priority highway projects still in low gear
Dec 5, 2013
Rail project to start off by building 5-km track bed
Dec 3, 2013
Ministry directs DAOs to fix land lease rate for tunnel highway
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Dec 2, 2013
Failing to execute for long, NTA to conduct fresh study for district optical fibre project
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Dec 1, 2013
NT connecting valley mobile towers with fibre optics
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Nov 29, 2013
Gold import down by 50 pc
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Nov 28, 2013
Smart Telecom gripped by ownership dispute
Nov 27, 2013
Market monitors catch clothing, shoes traders
KATHMANDU, NOV 27 -The government’s market monitoring initiative has revealed that sellers of readymade garments and shoes have been cheating customers on price and the government on taxes. Besides engaging in illegal practices like under invoicing, some traders have been enjoying a profit margin of up to 300 percent, said the Department of Commerce and Supply Management.
The wrongdoings of traders came to light when the department inspected a number of shops selling readymade garment and shoes in the capital. “There are cases where a garment with a cost price of Rs 400 has been priced at Rs 2,600,” said Hari Narayan Belbase, director of the department. “We have clearly exposed that the market condition is really terrible.”
There is a huge difference in customs valuation prices for VAT collection purposes and retail prices which means traders have also been cheating the government, according to the department.
Responding to growing complaints, the department had checked out eights shops dealing in readymade garments, shirting and suiting and shoes at Putali Sadak and Mahabauddha on Monday and Tuesday. The government’s monitoring has so far been focused on daily essential goods to control artificial shortages and price hikes and keep a watch on quality.
The wrongdoings of traders came to light when the department inspected a number of shops selling readymade garment and shoes in the capital. “There are cases where a garment with a cost price of Rs 400 has been priced at Rs 2,600,” said Hari Narayan Belbase, director of the department. “We have clearly exposed that the market condition is really terrible.”
There is a huge difference in customs valuation prices for VAT collection purposes and retail prices which means traders have also been cheating the government, according to the department.
Responding to growing complaints, the department had checked out eights shops dealing in readymade garments, shirting and suiting and shoes at Putali Sadak and Mahabauddha on Monday and Tuesday. The government’s monitoring has so far been focused on daily essential goods to control artificial shortages and price hikes and keep a watch on quality.
Nov 26, 2013
82 percent Nepalis have access to phone services
KATHMANDU, NOV 26 -Nepal’s telephone service penetration rate reached 82.49 percent as of mid- September. The Nepal Telecommuni-cations Authority (NTA) said that 21.85 million Nepalis have access to telecom services out of the total population of 26.4 million.
Cell phone users make up nearly 90 percent of the total users of telecom services. Mobile services are being provided by two main telecom companies-Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NT). Two other operators-Smart Telecom and United Telecom Limited (UTL)-are also preparing to go nationwide with their mobile services by obtaining a unified telecom licence.
NT has 19.4 million mobile subscribers including 973,392 users of CDMA mobile service, according to the latest Management Information System report of the NTA. Wider network coverage, value added services and cheaper service rates resulting in competition among the companies are the reasons behind the faster growth of mobile service than other telephone services, said the NTA.
Cell phone users make up nearly 90 percent of the total users of telecom services. Mobile services are being provided by two main telecom companies-Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NT). Two other operators-Smart Telecom and United Telecom Limited (UTL)-are also preparing to go nationwide with their mobile services by obtaining a unified telecom licence.
NT has 19.4 million mobile subscribers including 973,392 users of CDMA mobile service, according to the latest Management Information System report of the NTA. Wider network coverage, value added services and cheaper service rates resulting in competition among the companies are the reasons behind the faster growth of mobile service than other telephone services, said the NTA.
Nov 25, 2013
Tech body formed to revive Fast Track
KATHMANDU, NOV 25 -The government formed a technical committee on Sunday to study ways to pump life into the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Project that became moribund after it was abandoned by potential international bidders.
With uncertainty hovering over the highly prioritized project after three Indian companies short listed to submit requests for proposal (RFP) walked away, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) set up a five-member team under the coordination of the ministry secretary Tulasi Prasad Sitaula in a bid to revive the non-starter. A high-level ministry official said that the panel would have to come up with ideas for the implementation and financing for the expressway which will link the capital with the southern plains. The 76-km highway is estimated to cost Rs 100 billion, which is equivalent to almost 20 percent of the annual national budget.
“Minister Chhabi Raj Pant has approved the proposal to form a technical committee for the Fast Track Project,” said the official. About two months ago, the project had approached the ministry with a plan to form the committee to keep it alive after the Indian firms lost interest.
With uncertainty hovering over the highly prioritized project after three Indian companies short listed to submit requests for proposal (RFP) walked away, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) set up a five-member team under the coordination of the ministry secretary Tulasi Prasad Sitaula in a bid to revive the non-starter. A high-level ministry official said that the panel would have to come up with ideas for the implementation and financing for the expressway which will link the capital with the southern plains. The 76-km highway is estimated to cost Rs 100 billion, which is equivalent to almost 20 percent of the annual national budget.
“Minister Chhabi Raj Pant has approved the proposal to form a technical committee for the Fast Track Project,” said the official. About two months ago, the project had approached the ministry with a plan to form the committee to keep it alive after the Indian firms lost interest.
Nov 24, 2013
NTA set to launch annual programmes
KATHMANDU, NOV 24 -The Nepal Telecommunica-tions Authority (NTA) is all set to come up with its annual programmes. The programmes are coming four months behind schedule due to the absence of a chairman at the authority and pending court cases.
After the court cleared the cases related to unified licence and an ad-hoc committee formed to function as a board two weeks ago, the telecom sector regulator became able to prepare the annual plan. The upcoming yearly plan has given continuity to many programmes of the last fiscal year.
Not able to effectively implement programmes started last year, it has repeated last year’s schemes such as construction of an office building, hold study on m-commerce, preparation of infrastructure sharing guideline, and holding study on migration to IPV6, among others.
The NTA has sent the annual programmes to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) for its concurrence. “We hope to get the consensus from the ministry very soon,” said NTA Spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane.As per the Telecommunica-tions Act, NTA’s annual plan has to be approved by its board before submitting it to the MoIC for final go-ahead.
After the court cleared the cases related to unified licence and an ad-hoc committee formed to function as a board two weeks ago, the telecom sector regulator became able to prepare the annual plan. The upcoming yearly plan has given continuity to many programmes of the last fiscal year.
Not able to effectively implement programmes started last year, it has repeated last year’s schemes such as construction of an office building, hold study on m-commerce, preparation of infrastructure sharing guideline, and holding study on migration to IPV6, among others.
The NTA has sent the annual programmes to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) for its concurrence. “We hope to get the consensus from the ministry very soon,” said NTA Spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane.As per the Telecommunica-tions Act, NTA’s annual plan has to be approved by its board before submitting it to the MoIC for final go-ahead.
Nov 23, 2013
Track opening work of Mid-Hill Highway to complete by next month
KATHMANDU, NOV 23 -The government is likely to complete track opening of the Mid-Hill Highway within a month. After the completion of the remaining 3.5 km in Jajarkot, the country will have road links from East to West passing through 24 hilly districts.
Officials at the Department of Roads said the work would have completed last month if the festive season and election drive had not slowed the pace. Earlier, the department had targeted to complete the job by the end of the last fiscal year, but it had not been possible due to the rainy season affecting the work.
“We expect the track opening to complete by mid-December,” said Bala Ram Mishra, chief of the Mid-Hill Highway (Western Section). He said the work had not moved ahead effectively in the past for the lack of access roads. Mishra said they were working from both ends of the remaining alignment to finish the work at the earliest. The Mid-Hill road is one of the 21 national pride projects.
Officials at the Department of Roads said the work would have completed last month if the festive season and election drive had not slowed the pace. Earlier, the department had targeted to complete the job by the end of the last fiscal year, but it had not been possible due to the rainy season affecting the work.
“We expect the track opening to complete by mid-December,” said Bala Ram Mishra, chief of the Mid-Hill Highway (Western Section). He said the work had not moved ahead effectively in the past for the lack of access roads. Mishra said they were working from both ends of the remaining alignment to finish the work at the earliest. The Mid-Hill road is one of the 21 national pride projects.
Nepalis flood social media with poll result updates
KATHMANDU, NOV 21 -Facebook and Twitter witnessed significant growth in interaction by Nepali users after the vote count of the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election started on Wednesday. That is not all; many Nepali news portals faced traffic congestion due to the rise of visitors for polls updates.
Though social media is not new to Nepali users, this is the first time such a huge number of tweets and Facebook wall posts are flooded with CA election’s result updates. “The number of tweets by Nepali users has swelled significantly on Wednesday because of the election updates,” said Aakar Anil, a social media enthusiast.
According to Anil, on average 3.5 tweets are twitted per minute mentioning #NepalVotes and tweets without hash tag and Nepali language have also increased. There are estimated 2.2 million Facebook users and 20,000 plus twitter users from Nepal. The rise in use of both social and online media in the country is attributed to the increased access of the data services.
Though social media is not new to Nepali users, this is the first time such a huge number of tweets and Facebook wall posts are flooded with CA election’s result updates. “The number of tweets by Nepali users has swelled significantly on Wednesday because of the election updates,” said Aakar Anil, a social media enthusiast.
According to Anil, on average 3.5 tweets are twitted per minute mentioning #NepalVotes and tweets without hash tag and Nepali language have also increased. There are estimated 2.2 million Facebook users and 20,000 plus twitter users from Nepal. The rise in use of both social and online media in the country is attributed to the increased access of the data services.
Tax from transport lower than expected
KATHMANDU, NOV 21 -First quarter growth in revenue collection from the transportation sector fell short of expectations. The government collected Rs 2.49 billion in vehicle tax in the first three months of the fiscal year, a marginal increase of 0.8 percent year on year. The Department of Transport Management earned Rs 2.47 billion during the same period in the last fiscal.
The less than expected growth in revenue collection has been attributed to the government’s failure to implement fully a new type of driving licence test adopted last April. The number of people obtaining driving licences has fallen as the trial system planned to be implemented nationwide has not happened.
Normally, around 200,000 individuals apply for driving licences each year, according to department officials. Each applicant pays Rs 1,100 on an average for a driving licence irrespective of its category. Automobile dealers have been saying that sales of motorcycles have not grown as projected because the new trial system has not been put in place.
The less than expected growth in revenue collection has been attributed to the government’s failure to implement fully a new type of driving licence test adopted last April. The number of people obtaining driving licences has fallen as the trial system planned to be implemented nationwide has not happened.
Normally, around 200,000 individuals apply for driving licences each year, according to department officials. Each applicant pays Rs 1,100 on an average for a driving licence irrespective of its category. Automobile dealers have been saying that sales of motorcycles have not grown as projected because the new trial system has not been put in place.
Quality of telecom services to be tested
KATHMANDU, NOV 21 -The Nepal Telecommunica-tions Authority (NTA) plans to carry out Quality of Service (QoS) tests of wireless telecom services in 11 districts this fiscal year.It has short-listed three consultants from among the applicants who submitted expressions of interest seven months ago.
NTA Deputy Director Uday Raj Regmi said they would ask the firms to present financial and technical proposals and then choose one of them to conduct the tests.“Since this is a programme carried over from the last fiscal year, we are waiting for the go-ahead from the Ministry of Information and Communications,” he added.
The annual plan submitted to the ministry for its okay has listed the performance test and a household opinion survey of wireless telecom services as one of the major tasks.The QoS survey will evaluate the services being provided by Nepal Telecom, Ncell and United Telecom in Kathmandu, Banepa, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Butwal, Bhairahawa and other places in 11 districts.
NTA Deputy Director Uday Raj Regmi said they would ask the firms to present financial and technical proposals and then choose one of them to conduct the tests.“Since this is a programme carried over from the last fiscal year, we are waiting for the go-ahead from the Ministry of Information and Communications,” he added.
The annual plan submitted to the ministry for its okay has listed the performance test and a household opinion survey of wireless telecom services as one of the major tasks.The QoS survey will evaluate the services being provided by Nepal Telecom, Ncell and United Telecom in Kathmandu, Banepa, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Butwal, Bhairahawa and other places in 11 districts.
Nov 18, 2013
NTA plans to implement MNP service next year
KATHMANDU, NOV 17 -The government is planning to give cell phone users the facility of switching to another phone company without having to change their existing number. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the regulator of the telecom sector, expects to launch the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) system in the next fiscal year allowing mobile users to choose from varied telecom operators and keep using their old number.
“We will study how MNP is doing in international markets, and come up with a guideline for telecom companies to follow,” said Kailash Prasad Neupane, spokesperson of the NTA. He added that the guideline would include the criteria for users to apply for the service.
NTA officials said if the MNP service is implemented, telecom service operators will be forced to improve the quality of their service at cheaper rates to attract new users and retain their existing subscribers.
Originally, the government had planned to introduce the MNP service in 2010 considering the increase in penetration rate, growing competition among major telecom service providers, international trends and the need to expand choices for consumers.
According to Neupane, the MNP service is good for customers, but the system has not been very effective in some markets like India. The service has usually been provided in telecom markets with a high rate of mobile penetration and competition among operators.
“We will study how MNP is doing in international markets, and come up with a guideline for telecom companies to follow,” said Kailash Prasad Neupane, spokesperson of the NTA. He added that the guideline would include the criteria for users to apply for the service.
NTA officials said if the MNP service is implemented, telecom service operators will be forced to improve the quality of their service at cheaper rates to attract new users and retain their existing subscribers.
Originally, the government had planned to introduce the MNP service in 2010 considering the increase in penetration rate, growing competition among major telecom service providers, international trends and the need to expand choices for consumers.
According to Neupane, the MNP service is good for customers, but the system has not been very effective in some markets like India. The service has usually been provided in telecom markets with a high rate of mobile penetration and competition among operators.
Nov 17, 2013
NT Q1 profits down 32.5pc on increased expenses
KATHMANDU, NOV 17 -Nepal Telecom (NT) posted a 32.50 percent drop in its profits in the first quarter despite growth in revenues. The state-run telecom service provider posted a profit of Rs 2.42 billion in the period between mid-July and mid-October, down from Rs 3.63 billion in the same period a year ago. Revenues, however, grew by 1.93 percent to Rs 10.03 billion compared to Rs 9.84 percent last year, according to the company’s unaudited report for the first quarter released on Friday.
The decline in NT’s profits has been attributed to the rise in expenditures such as frequency and licence renewal fees and operation and maintenance, among others. Total expenditure for the quarter increased by 33.46 percent to Rs 6.62 billion from last year’s Rs 4.96 billion.
“The profit has come down mainly because of licence renewal fee which the company has to pay to the government each year,” said NT Deputy Managing Director Buddhi Acharya, adding the company allocates Rs 1 billion each quarter to pay the licence fee. NT spent Rs 1.93 billion for operation and maintenance, Rs 1 billion in licence fees and Rs 249.61 million in frequency fees in the review period. Administrative costs, contribution in Rural Telecommuni-cations Development Fund (RTDF) and royalty of the company also increased.
The decline in NT’s profits has been attributed to the rise in expenditures such as frequency and licence renewal fees and operation and maintenance, among others. Total expenditure for the quarter increased by 33.46 percent to Rs 6.62 billion from last year’s Rs 4.96 billion.
“The profit has come down mainly because of licence renewal fee which the company has to pay to the government each year,” said NT Deputy Managing Director Buddhi Acharya, adding the company allocates Rs 1 billion each quarter to pay the licence fee. NT spent Rs 1.93 billion for operation and maintenance, Rs 1 billion in licence fees and Rs 249.61 million in frequency fees in the review period. Administrative costs, contribution in Rural Telecommuni-cations Development Fund (RTDF) and royalty of the company also increased.
Nov 15, 2013
Sales of public vehicles drop for lack of routes
KATHMANDU, NOV 15 -Fewer commercial vehicles were registered in the first quarter reflecting a slowdown in sales . According to the Department of Transport Management, registrations of buses, trucks, heavy equipment and power trailers plunged 20.78 percent year on year. However, the number of cars, jeeps, vans, bikes and scooters being registered went up.
The department registered a total of 53,180 new vehicles from its 13 zonal offices during the period mid-July to mid-October. Among them, 4,277 were commercial vehicles like buses, mini buses, trucks, mini trucks, heavy equipment, micro buses, power trailers, pick-up vans and tempos. In the first quarter of last year, the total number of registrations stood at 49,983 units including 5,399 commercial vehicles.
Department officials have attributed the drop in registrations to a slowdown in the economy and lack of free public transportation routes. The routes available for operation of public transportation vehicles have all been taken, they said. “The trend of obtaining route permits for public transportation vehicles is down due to the lack of new routes,” said a senior official at the department. “And this has been reflected in the registration of vehicles such as buses, mini buses and micro buses.”
The department registered a total of 53,180 new vehicles from its 13 zonal offices during the period mid-July to mid-October. Among them, 4,277 were commercial vehicles like buses, mini buses, trucks, mini trucks, heavy equipment, micro buses, power trailers, pick-up vans and tempos. In the first quarter of last year, the total number of registrations stood at 49,983 units including 5,399 commercial vehicles.
Department officials have attributed the drop in registrations to a slowdown in the economy and lack of free public transportation routes. The routes available for operation of public transportation vehicles have all been taken, they said. “The trend of obtaining route permits for public transportation vehicles is down due to the lack of new routes,” said a senior official at the department. “And this has been reflected in the registration of vehicles such as buses, mini buses and micro buses.”
Nov 14, 2013
No shortage of essentials: Govt
KATHMANDU, NOV 14 -The government on Wednesday said it has stocked essential goods sufficient for the next 21 days and that there would be no shortage of foodstuff during the Constituent Assembly (CA) election .
The statement has come amid concerns about possible shortage and price hike of daily commodities due to the strike called by the 33-party led by the CPN-Maoist. “Stocks of rice, lentils and cereals are adequate for up to 21 days,” said Kishna Hari Baskota, secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office at a programme here on Wednesday.
Revealing the government’s preparation for maintaining smooth supply during the CA election , he said the current stock of petroleum products suffices the need for the next nine days.
According to official figures, food consumption of Kathmandu stands at 350-400 tonnes per day. The government has stocked 7,300 tonnes of rice, 1,300 tonnes of lentil and cereals, 20,000 tonnes of sugar and 80,000 tonnes of salt. The stock of sugar and salt addresses the demand for the next two and six months, respectively. Nepal Food Corporation has stocked 16,401 tonnes of foodstuff.
The statement has come amid concerns about possible shortage and price hike of daily commodities due to the strike called by the 33-party led by the CPN-Maoist. “Stocks of rice, lentils and cereals are adequate for up to 21 days,” said Kishna Hari Baskota, secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office at a programme here on Wednesday.
Revealing the government’s preparation for maintaining smooth supply during the CA election , he said the current stock of petroleum products suffices the need for the next nine days.
According to official figures, food consumption of Kathmandu stands at 350-400 tonnes per day. The government has stocked 7,300 tonnes of rice, 1,300 tonnes of lentil and cereals, 20,000 tonnes of sugar and 80,000 tonnes of salt. The stock of sugar and salt addresses the demand for the next two and six months, respectively. Nepal Food Corporation has stocked 16,401 tonnes of foodstuff.
Mahakali Corridor highway gains momentum
KATHMANDU, NOV 14 -Work on the Mahakali Corridor, a north-south road in the country’s far west, has gained momentum with the government moving to do a detailed project report (DPR) of the southern section.Building work of the 100-km Darchula-Tinkar section in the northern part has been underway for the last three years. The southern part of the road will link Tanakpur-Jhulaghat-Darchula.
The Mahakali Corridor is one of the nine high-priority north-south roads planned by the government to link the mountainous north to the southern plains. The road that will pass through Tanakpur-Jhulaghat-Darchula-Tinkar is considered to be one of the most important highway projects for the development of the Far Western Region.
“We will be preparing the DPR of the lower section within this fiscal year with a target to start construction from the next fiscal year,” said Gopal Prasad Sigdel, project chief of the Asset Management, Contract Management and Quality Control Project. The project handles north-south corridor road projects.
The Mahakali Corridor is one of the nine high-priority north-south roads planned by the government to link the mountainous north to the southern plains. The road that will pass through Tanakpur-Jhulaghat-Darchula-Tinkar is considered to be one of the most important highway projects for the development of the Far Western Region.
“We will be preparing the DPR of the lower section within this fiscal year with a target to start construction from the next fiscal year,” said Gopal Prasad Sigdel, project chief of the Asset Management, Contract Management and Quality Control Project. The project handles north-south corridor road projects.
Nov 13, 2013
NTA to keep close tab on telephone charges
KATHMANDU, NOV 13 -The government plans to monitor the tariff for telecom services in a bid to protect consumer rights. As per the annual programme of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), it will be preparing a guideline within this fiscal year to allow it to begin checking the fees telephone users are being charged.
The tariff monitoring plan follows a flurry of complaints that some telecom companies have been charging more for voice services than the rate approved by the NTA. The NTA does not have any legal framework to pursue complaints about higher charges.
According to the NTA, it will check the fees for telecom companies on the basis of customer complaints as per the proposed guideline. It also plans to check the rates annually. Preparing the guideline is one of the major tasks the telecom regulator has scheduled for this fiscal year as per the plan approved by the NTA board recently.
The tariff monitoring plan follows a flurry of complaints that some telecom companies have been charging more for voice services than the rate approved by the NTA. The NTA does not have any legal framework to pursue complaints about higher charges.
According to the NTA, it will check the fees for telecom companies on the basis of customer complaints as per the proposed guideline. It also plans to check the rates annually. Preparing the guideline is one of the major tasks the telecom regulator has scheduled for this fiscal year as per the plan approved by the NTA board recently.
Transporters to operate vehicles
KATHMANDU, NOV 13 -Transport entrepreneurs have agreed to operate vehicles normally from Wednesday.The transporters’ commitment came after the government on Tuesday assured them of security and quick compensation in case of any damage. “Public vehicles and cargo carriers will ply on the roads as usual,” said Bijay Bahadur Swar, senior vice president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE).
Earlier, even as the government had pledged to bear 90 percent expense of the damage to vehicles, the number of public plying on the road was less, affecting the daily life across the country. The 33-party alliance led by the CPN-Maoist has called transport strike against the Constituent Assembly (CA) election slated for November 19.
“With the transporters accepting our request, public vehicles will operate normally from Wednesday,” Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The government has decided to provide security, compensation and help get insurance claims easily in case of any damage to vehicles.
To encourage transporters, the government has assured providing insurance money in a simplified way. Tuesday’s meeting has decided to make available insurance claims of up to Rs 500,000 within 15 days, up to Rs 1 million in a month and claims of over Rs 1 million would be provided after a month in coordination with the Insurance Board and insurance companies concerned.
Earlier, even as the government had pledged to bear 90 percent expense of the damage to vehicles, the number of public plying on the road was less, affecting the daily life across the country. The 33-party alliance led by the CPN-Maoist has called transport strike against the Constituent Assembly (CA) election slated for November 19.
“With the transporters accepting our request, public vehicles will operate normally from Wednesday,” Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The government has decided to provide security, compensation and help get insurance claims easily in case of any damage to vehicles.
To encourage transporters, the government has assured providing insurance money in a simplified way. Tuesday’s meeting has decided to make available insurance claims of up to Rs 500,000 within 15 days, up to Rs 1 million in a month and claims of over Rs 1 million would be provided after a month in coordination with the Insurance Board and insurance companies concerned.
Nov 12, 2013
No shortage of essentials during strike: Govt, traders
KATHMANDU, NOV 11 -Amid concerns about possible shortage and price hike of essential goods during the nine-day transport strike called by the 33 political parties led by the CPN -Maoist, the government and traders have claimed they have maintained adequate stock.
The transport strike follows Monday’s Nepal banda organized by the parties opposed to the November 19 Constituent Assembly election. The government has said it will also intensify market monitoring to curb any possible artificial shortages and price hikes.
Amid skyrocketing vegetable prices, there is fear among the public about a possible shortage of daily essentials, resulting in price rise. Prices of vegetables like cauliflower, potato, tomato, and onion have already skyrocketed due to low supply. Officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies said the government has maintained sufficient stock of daily essential goods, including rice, lentils, sugar and salt and the supply of vegetables has increased since Monday.
The transport strike follows Monday’s Nepal banda organized by the parties opposed to the November 19 Constituent Assembly election. The government has said it will also intensify market monitoring to curb any possible artificial shortages and price hikes.
Amid skyrocketing vegetable prices, there is fear among the public about a possible shortage of daily essentials, resulting in price rise. Prices of vegetables like cauliflower, potato, tomato, and onion have already skyrocketed due to low supply. Officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies said the government has maintained sufficient stock of daily essential goods, including rice, lentils, sugar and salt and the supply of vegetables has increased since Monday.
Nov 10, 2013
Govt gives building Fast Track road on its own a good thought
KATHMANDU, NOV 10 -After efforts to have international companies construct the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track failed miserably, the government is considering using its own resources to build the much-prioritized project.
Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) Tulasi Prasad Sitaula said a plan to use government resources and build the project in a phased manner is under consideration.
The rejection by three Indian firms from participating in the request for proposal (RFP) to construct the project was a major disappointment to the government as it had spent more than four years to select eligible companies.
Sitaula said the government could go for an option of building a two-lane road initially, instead of the proposed four-lane standard. “In the second stage, we can go for bridges and then for four lanes and all this due to budget constraints,” he said. The project requires an estimated Rs 100 billion.
Sitaula said that at least three options, including this one, would be taken forward to the steering committee of the project, which is headed by the Physical Infrastructure Minister. With the government machineries all engaged in the November 19 poll preparations, Situala said the steering committee will not meet before the polls.
Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) Tulasi Prasad Sitaula said a plan to use government resources and build the project in a phased manner is under consideration.
The rejection by three Indian firms from participating in the request for proposal (RFP) to construct the project was a major disappointment to the government as it had spent more than four years to select eligible companies.
Sitaula said the government could go for an option of building a two-lane road initially, instead of the proposed four-lane standard. “In the second stage, we can go for bridges and then for four lanes and all this due to budget constraints,” he said. The project requires an estimated Rs 100 billion.
Sitaula said that at least three options, including this one, would be taken forward to the steering committee of the project, which is headed by the Physical Infrastructure Minister. With the government machineries all engaged in the November 19 poll preparations, Situala said the steering committee will not meet before the polls.
Nov 9, 2013
NPBCL to submit performance security Rs 180m
KATHMANDU, NOV 08 -Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company Limited ( NPBCL ) has said that it would submit performance security of around Rs 180 million to the government within a week to build the Kathmandu-Hetau-da Tunnel Highway. The company has planned to start preliminary construction work on the project on Monday.
An agreement between the company and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport signed on May 14, 2013, requires the former to submit 0.5 percent of the project cost as performance security to the government within six months after the agreement. “We are starting preparatory and preliminary construction work from Monday and performance security too will be submitted as per the agreement,” said NPBCL Vice-president Lal Krishna KC, who is also the project manager. He said they would first work on the access road and logistics required.
The planned access road will lead to the tunnel portal area for the construction of the tunnel, according to the company. The four-lane 58-km highway will have three tunnels with an approximate length of 4.55 km.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 34.5 billion, based on which the company will have to deposit a one-year performance security of Rs 172.5 million. The contract also holds the company responsible to get the government’s approval for the design of the road before starting the work on permanent infrastructure.
An agreement between the company and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport signed on May 14, 2013, requires the former to submit 0.5 percent of the project cost as performance security to the government within six months after the agreement. “We are starting preparatory and preliminary construction work from Monday and performance security too will be submitted as per the agreement,” said NPBCL Vice-president Lal Krishna KC, who is also the project manager. He said they would first work on the access road and logistics required.
The planned access road will lead to the tunnel portal area for the construction of the tunnel, according to the company. The four-lane 58-km highway will have three tunnels with an approximate length of 4.55 km.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 34.5 billion, based on which the company will have to deposit a one-year performance security of Rs 172.5 million. The contract also holds the company responsible to get the government’s approval for the design of the road before starting the work on permanent infrastructure.
Nov 7, 2013
NTA to ask UTL about licence delay
KATHMANDU, NOV 07 -The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is preparing to inquire United Telecom Limited ( UTL ) about the latter’s delay in acquiring unified licence. The NTA board had decided to award the licence to UTL in April.
With UTL not obtaining the licence, the government’s plan to auction the third generation (3G) spectrum is yet to be materialised. Introducing the Spectrum Policy, also known as the Telecommunication Service Radio Frequency (Distribution and Pricing) Policy 2012, last year, the government had decided to auction the 3G frequency within a year after issuing at least two unified licences.
Till now, the NTA has granted only one such licence to Smart Telecom. Issuance of two unified licences are mandatory to auction the 3G spectrum. A senior NTA official said the authority is preparing to take the UTL issue to the NTA board. “We might also set a deadline for UTL to claim the licence,” the official said.
As per the Spectrum Policy, if at least two telecom companies fail to take the unified licence, 3G spectrum will be provided to Ncell, Nepal Telecom and Smart Telecom as per their demand in the existing price — Rs 240 million for 2x10 MHz a year without auctioning. Smart Telecom, which is working on its service expansion plan, has not demanded 3G frequency so far, according to the NTA.
With UTL not obtaining the licence, the government’s plan to auction the third generation (3G) spectrum is yet to be materialised. Introducing the Spectrum Policy, also known as the Telecommunication Service Radio Frequency (Distribution and Pricing) Policy 2012, last year, the government had decided to auction the 3G frequency within a year after issuing at least two unified licences.
Till now, the NTA has granted only one such licence to Smart Telecom. Issuance of two unified licences are mandatory to auction the 3G spectrum. A senior NTA official said the authority is preparing to take the UTL issue to the NTA board. “We might also set a deadline for UTL to claim the licence,” the official said.
As per the Spectrum Policy, if at least two telecom companies fail to take the unified licence, 3G spectrum will be provided to Ncell, Nepal Telecom and Smart Telecom as per their demand in the existing price — Rs 240 million for 2x10 MHz a year without auctioning. Smart Telecom, which is working on its service expansion plan, has not demanded 3G frequency so far, according to the NTA.
Railway project chugs along six months behind schedule
KATHMANDU, NOV 07 -The Railway Department plans to start conducting a detailed project report (DPR) of the western sections of the proposed Mechi-Mahakali Electric Railway by the end of this fiscal year. It said it would invite requests for proposal (RFP) to do the survey within two weeks.
The department said it would ask short-listed firms to submit RFPs for the Butwal-Lamahi (115 km) and Lamahi-Kohalpur (102 km) sections among the four sections in the western Butwal-Gaddachowki sector. As per the government’s plan, RFPs for all four sections (420 km) should have been invited six months ago. However, inadequate personnel and procedural delays held up the plan, said the department. “We do not have enough manpower which led to delays,” said Rajeshwor Man Singh, superintendent engineer of the department. He added that they would select consultants for the Kohalpur-Sukhkhad and Sukhkhad-Gaddachowki sections within this year.
After the government issues the RFP notice, it will take at least four months to evaluate the proposals received and select a consultant. The DPR of the Butwal-Gaddachowki sector, estimated to cost Rs 1.20 billion, will include a 14-km rail link connecting Kohalpur with Nepalgunj, as per the department. The Butwal-Gaddachowki section is the fourth section after the Bardibas-Simara, Simara-Tamsaria and Tamsaria-Butwal-Bhairahawa sections for which the government is starting the DPR.
The department said it would ask short-listed firms to submit RFPs for the Butwal-Lamahi (115 km) and Lamahi-Kohalpur (102 km) sections among the four sections in the western Butwal-Gaddachowki sector. As per the government’s plan, RFPs for all four sections (420 km) should have been invited six months ago. However, inadequate personnel and procedural delays held up the plan, said the department. “We do not have enough manpower which led to delays,” said Rajeshwor Man Singh, superintendent engineer of the department. He added that they would select consultants for the Kohalpur-Sukhkhad and Sukhkhad-Gaddachowki sections within this year.
After the government issues the RFP notice, it will take at least four months to evaluate the proposals received and select a consultant. The DPR of the Butwal-Gaddachowki sector, estimated to cost Rs 1.20 billion, will include a 14-km rail link connecting Kohalpur with Nepalgunj, as per the department. The Butwal-Gaddachowki section is the fourth section after the Bardibas-Simara, Simara-Tamsaria and Tamsaria-Butwal-Bhairahawa sections for which the government is starting the DPR.
Nov 3, 2013
Telecom companies report surge in phone calls
KATHMANDU, NOV 03 -With election fever gripping the country, telecom companies are witnessing a huge surge in voice and sms services.The use of voice, SMS and data services has gone up in urban as well as rural areas, thanks to the political parties’ poll campaign that reaches fever pitch nationwide.
According to telecom operators, voice service is estimated to have increased by 15-30 percent in the last one month as compared to the same period last year. Normally, the call rate and flow of text messages see a decline soon after Dashain. But this year, it has continuously gone up.
According to Nepal Telecom (NT), there is no decline in the daily average call of its mobile service in rural areas even after Dashain. “There is a huge growth in voice service use, especially in rural areas. This is because candidates are reaching out to rural voters,” said Sangita Pahadi, deputy manager of NT’s Mobile Service Directorate. According to Pahadi, Chitwan, Kavre, Sunsari and Morang are some districts where the use of the services has gone up significantly.
NT’s CDMA service that has a comparatively wider network has also felt the poll impact. The Wireless Service Directorate of the NT has said the call rate has increased by 30 percent this season compared to the same season last year. SMS circulation by users of NT’s CDMA and IP CDMA, known as Sky Pro users, has increased by around 80 percent, according to the NT. “Service upgradation of the CDMA and schemes launched for the festivals have also taken the demand up,” said Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, director of NT’s Wireless Service Directorate. According to NT officials, the rise in the usage has, however, hit the quality of services with network congestion reported in many areas.
According to telecom operators, voice service is estimated to have increased by 15-30 percent in the last one month as compared to the same period last year. Normally, the call rate and flow of text messages see a decline soon after Dashain. But this year, it has continuously gone up.
According to Nepal Telecom (NT), there is no decline in the daily average call of its mobile service in rural areas even after Dashain. “There is a huge growth in voice service use, especially in rural areas. This is because candidates are reaching out to rural voters,” said Sangita Pahadi, deputy manager of NT’s Mobile Service Directorate. According to Pahadi, Chitwan, Kavre, Sunsari and Morang are some districts where the use of the services has gone up significantly.
NT’s CDMA service that has a comparatively wider network has also felt the poll impact. The Wireless Service Directorate of the NT has said the call rate has increased by 30 percent this season compared to the same season last year. SMS circulation by users of NT’s CDMA and IP CDMA, known as Sky Pro users, has increased by around 80 percent, according to the NT. “Service upgradation of the CDMA and schemes launched for the festivals have also taken the demand up,” said Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, director of NT’s Wireless Service Directorate. According to NT officials, the rise in the usage has, however, hit the quality of services with network congestion reported in many areas.
Nov 2, 2013
Car registrations up on offers, cheap loans
KATHMANDU, NOV 02 -Registration of new passenger cars soared in the first two months of the fiscal year mainly due to promotional schemes and easier auto loans.
According to the Department of Transport Management (DoTM), 1,663 vehicles were registered in the car/jeep/van category during the period mid-July to mid-September. The figure represents a jump of 31.25 percent year on year.
The rise in registrations has been attributed to increased pre-festival demand, incentive schemes launched by dealers and easier auto loans provided by banks. Banks have cut interest rates on hire purchase loans as they are awash in liquidity.
A total of 32,709 vehicles were registered during the review period, with two-wheelers making up 86.17 percent. Registration of buses dropped to 383 units from last year’s figure of 581.
During the same period last year, the department registered 30,918 vehicles including 26,431 two-wheelers and 1,267 passenger cars . Department officials said that the widening of city roads and availability of cheaper auto loans might have encouraged more people to buy automobiles.
According to the Department of Transport Management (DoTM), 1,663 vehicles were registered in the car/jeep/van category during the period mid-July to mid-September. The figure represents a jump of 31.25 percent year on year.
The rise in registrations has been attributed to increased pre-festival demand, incentive schemes launched by dealers and easier auto loans provided by banks. Banks have cut interest rates on hire purchase loans as they are awash in liquidity.
A total of 32,709 vehicles were registered during the review period, with two-wheelers making up 86.17 percent. Registration of buses dropped to 383 units from last year’s figure of 581.
During the same period last year, the department registered 30,918 vehicles including 26,431 two-wheelers and 1,267 passenger cars . Department officials said that the widening of city roads and availability of cheaper auto loans might have encouraged more people to buy automobiles.
Nov 1, 2013
Big companies pushing rural ISPs out of market
KATHMANDU, OCT 31 -Rural internet service providers (ISP) have been vanishing from the scene after failing to compete with big companies that have reached their home turf. Recently, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) scrapped the permits of three such rural ISPs after they went out of business .
The NTA has cancelled the operating licences of Mandabi Multipurpose Society Development Centre based in Daman, Hetauda; Samajik Nyayakalagi Sanchar Abhiyan of Argakhanchi and Pratidhwani Media based in Liwang, Rolpa. According to the NTA, there are now only two rural ISPs left - CIS Net Sanchar and Wireless Nepal.
NTA Spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane said that they had cancelled their permits as they failed to provide services. “We have been informed that they could not operate their services by competing with the big ISPs that have reached their locality,” he added. The authority issues licences to rural ISPs to provide data service in the villages.
As per the latest report of the authority, the data service penetration rate has reached 27 percent, and a majority of customers are mobile data users. As of mid-August 2013, the number of customers using data services amounted to 7.13 million, and 98.75 percent were users of NT, Ncell and UTL. The market share of other ISPs stands at a minuscule 1.25 percent.
The NTA has cancelled the operating licences of Mandabi Multipurpose Society Development Centre based in Daman, Hetauda; Samajik Nyayakalagi Sanchar Abhiyan of Argakhanchi and Pratidhwani Media based in Liwang, Rolpa. According to the NTA, there are now only two rural ISPs left - CIS Net Sanchar and Wireless Nepal.
NTA Spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane said that they had cancelled their permits as they failed to provide services. “We have been informed that they could not operate their services by competing with the big ISPs that have reached their locality,” he added. The authority issues licences to rural ISPs to provide data service in the villages.
As per the latest report of the authority, the data service penetration rate has reached 27 percent, and a majority of customers are mobile data users. As of mid-August 2013, the number of customers using data services amounted to 7.13 million, and 98.75 percent were users of NT, Ncell and UTL. The market share of other ISPs stands at a minuscule 1.25 percent.
Oct 30, 2013
NT committed royalty issue resurfaces
KATHMANDU, OCT 30 -The issue of committed royalty and third generation (3G) frequency fee of Nepal Telecom (NT) has resurfaced with the Nepal Telecom muni-cations Authority (NTA) issuing it another order to clear outstanding royalty payments and frequency fees.
The state-owned telecom giant owes Rs 3.27 billion in committed royalty, around Rs 951 million in 3G spectrum fee and an unspecified sum in VSAT spectrum charge, said the NTA. The NTA has no idea how much NT must pay in VSAT frequency fee as the government had waived the charges 14 years ago for spreading telecom services to rural areas.
According to NTA Spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane, they told NT to pay the remaining committed royalty after consulting with legal advisers following a board decision.“NT had paid only 4 percent of its total income as royalty even though it should have paid the committed royalty like Ncell,” he said.
The NTA should have collected the committed royalty by 2008, but NT had been refusing to pay it citing legal reasons. As per the licence issued to NT, it is required to pay the committed royalty like Ncell and United Telecom Limited (UTL). However; it had paid only 4 percent of its annual income as royalty for the first 10 years of operations (1998-99 to 2007-08).
The state-owned telecom giant owes Rs 3.27 billion in committed royalty, around Rs 951 million in 3G spectrum fee and an unspecified sum in VSAT spectrum charge, said the NTA. The NTA has no idea how much NT must pay in VSAT frequency fee as the government had waived the charges 14 years ago for spreading telecom services to rural areas.
According to NTA Spokesperson Kailash Prasad Neupane, they told NT to pay the remaining committed royalty after consulting with legal advisers following a board decision.“NT had paid only 4 percent of its total income as royalty even though it should have paid the committed royalty like Ncell,” he said.
The NTA should have collected the committed royalty by 2008, but NT had been refusing to pay it citing legal reasons. As per the licence issued to NT, it is required to pay the committed royalty like Ncell and United Telecom Limited (UTL). However; it had paid only 4 percent of its annual income as royalty for the first 10 years of operations (1998-99 to 2007-08).
Oct 29, 2013
Separate lanes for public transport vehicles urged
KATHMANDU, OCT 29 -Experts have urged the government to promote public transport and create separate lanes for such vehicles on the city’s roads. The recommendation follows growing public concern over traffic management and air pollution.
The number of private vehicles in the country has grown significantly, but public transport is still the main mode of mobility for many people. “Dedicated lanes for public transport is a must,” said Manfred Breithaupt, project director, GIZ-Sustainable Urban Transport Project, while addressing a training programme on sustainable urban transport.
A separate lane for public vehicles will help to make transport services safe, reliable and effective. Manfred stressed the need to encourage people to switch from private vehicles to public transport besides promoting bicycles. He said that cycles were for the people, not the poor, as they are good for heath, economy and environment.
As of the last fiscal year, there were 1.5 million vehicles registered nationwide. An estimated 35,000 mini buses and buses provide public transport services in the country. Participants said that the government should be serious about controlling air pollution and the growing number of vehicles.Studies have shown that pollution kills more people in the world than road accidents, they added.
The number of private vehicles in the country has grown significantly, but public transport is still the main mode of mobility for many people. “Dedicated lanes for public transport is a must,” said Manfred Breithaupt, project director, GIZ-Sustainable Urban Transport Project, while addressing a training programme on sustainable urban transport.
A separate lane for public vehicles will help to make transport services safe, reliable and effective. Manfred stressed the need to encourage people to switch from private vehicles to public transport besides promoting bicycles. He said that cycles were for the people, not the poor, as they are good for heath, economy and environment.
As of the last fiscal year, there were 1.5 million vehicles registered nationwide. An estimated 35,000 mini buses and buses provide public transport services in the country. Participants said that the government should be serious about controlling air pollution and the growing number of vehicles.Studies have shown that pollution kills more people in the world than road accidents, they added.
Oct 28, 2013
Telecom operators paid Rs 1.48b in advance
KATHMANDU, OCT 28 -Telecom companies have made advance payments amounting to Rs 1.48 billion to the government as frequency fee under the new spectrum policy, said the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).The charge is for spectrum being used by them for their 2G, 3G, WiMax, VSAT and satellite phone services.
The Telecommunications Radio Frequency Distribution and Pricing Policy 2012, which was introduced last year, requires telecom companies to pay for 3G, WiMax, and VSAT spectrum by the first three months (mid-October) of each fiscal year. This is the first time that the government is collecting the frequency fee in advance.The policy has fixed the minimum, additional and maximum frequency for service operation, and telecom companies have to pay up front for the additional and maximum frequency assigned.
The charges for other frequencies — minimum spectrum and microwave airwaves — have to be paid within the first six months of each fiscal year based on the previous year’s income.
“Nepal Telecom (NT) and Ncell paid Rs 746.4 million and Rs 441.7 million respectively as frequency fee,” said Ambar Sthapit, deputy director of the NTA. He added that United Telecom Limited paid Rs 45 million, Smart Telecom Rs 126 million and Nepal Satellite Telecom (NST) Rs 124.4 million. NST has been using additional frequency 9 MHz over the government allocated minimum airwaves.
The Telecommunications Radio Frequency Distribution and Pricing Policy 2012, which was introduced last year, requires telecom companies to pay for 3G, WiMax, and VSAT spectrum by the first three months (mid-October) of each fiscal year. This is the first time that the government is collecting the frequency fee in advance.The policy has fixed the minimum, additional and maximum frequency for service operation, and telecom companies have to pay up front for the additional and maximum frequency assigned.
The charges for other frequencies — minimum spectrum and microwave airwaves — have to be paid within the first six months of each fiscal year based on the previous year’s income.
“Nepal Telecom (NT) and Ncell paid Rs 746.4 million and Rs 441.7 million respectively as frequency fee,” said Ambar Sthapit, deputy director of the NTA. He added that United Telecom Limited paid Rs 45 million, Smart Telecom Rs 126 million and Nepal Satellite Telecom (NST) Rs 124.4 million. NST has been using additional frequency 9 MHz over the government allocated minimum airwaves.
Oct 27, 2013
NPBCL may not meet target set for tunnel highway: Govt officials
KATHMANDU, OCT 26 -Amid delay in the construction of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway, government officials have said the developer will find it hard to achieve the target of completing 25 percent of the earthwork and the construction of the retaining structure and culverts by December 2013.
The deadline for the work is mentioned in the agreement between the developer — Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company Limited (NPBCL) — and the government in May. The company plans to start the construction from November 11.As it is yet to acquire approval for the design of pavements, tunnels and bridges from the government, the officials said the delay in immediate approval of the design may push the planned construction date further away.
Without the design approval, the company cannot start the construction, according to the agreement.
After the company submits the design plan, the government should either approve or disapprove it within 21 days. “The ministry will issue the approval for the construction only after verifying the design,” said Tulasi Prasad Situala, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT).
The deadline for the work is mentioned in the agreement between the developer — Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company Limited (NPBCL) — and the government in May. The company plans to start the construction from November 11.As it is yet to acquire approval for the design of pavements, tunnels and bridges from the government, the officials said the delay in immediate approval of the design may push the planned construction date further away.
Without the design approval, the company cannot start the construction, according to the agreement.
After the company submits the design plan, the government should either approve or disapprove it within 21 days. “The ministry will issue the approval for the construction only after verifying the design,” said Tulasi Prasad Situala, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT).
Oct 25, 2013
NTA again extends time limit for temporary TAC
KATHMANDU, OCT 25 -The government has not been able to enforce its long-planned get-tough policy to discourage imports of substandard mobile sets and stop illegal imports. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority ( NTA ) has once again extended the time period for temporary type approval certification (TAC) thus loosening imports and sales.
This is the fourth time that the NTA has extended the deadline saying that it needs more time to complete a new TAC guideline. Due to the extension, local mobile dealers will be able to import mobile sets without submitting the manufacturer’s safety certification and type approval certificate issued by an international regulator. This paperwork is vital for ensuring that the products being sold in the market satisfy the minimum regulatory, technical and safety requirements.
The NTA has extended the time by when importers will have to submit these documents till mid-July 2014, the end of the fiscal year. TAC is mandatory for import and sale of any model of handset in the domestic market.
Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chief of the NTA , said that enforcing the planned rules immediately could hurt customers who want cheaper handsets. He added that the temporary provision requires dealers importing handsets to provide warranty and repair service besides compensation for injury caused by faulty handsets.
This is the fourth time that the NTA has extended the deadline saying that it needs more time to complete a new TAC guideline. Due to the extension, local mobile dealers will be able to import mobile sets without submitting the manufacturer’s safety certification and type approval certificate issued by an international regulator. This paperwork is vital for ensuring that the products being sold in the market satisfy the minimum regulatory, technical and safety requirements.
The NTA has extended the time by when importers will have to submit these documents till mid-July 2014, the end of the fiscal year. TAC is mandatory for import and sale of any model of handset in the domestic market.
Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chief of the NTA , said that enforcing the planned rules immediately could hurt customers who want cheaper handsets. He added that the temporary provision requires dealers importing handsets to provide warranty and repair service besides compensation for injury caused by faulty handsets.
Oct 24, 2013
Ncell overtakes NT as largest taxpayer
KATHMANDU, OCT 23 -The government’s revenue collection from telecom companies soared in the last fiscal year 2012-13. According to the Nepal Telecommunica-tions Authority (NTA), six telecom companies paid Rs 35.34 billion in taxes under different heads.
Ncell accounted for more than 50 percent of this figure, pouring Rs 20.76 billion into the government coffers. State-owned Nepal Telecom (NT) chipped in Rs 13.39 billion, according to the annual progress report prepared by the NTA. As per the latest figures, Ncell has overtaken NT as the largest taxpayer in the sector.
Even as the telecom regulator released figure shows Ncell becoming the top tax payer. NT has stated that it was still the largest revenue contributing company paying Rs 21.92 billion revenue (tax and non-tax) to the government in the last fiscal year. The amount also include over Rs 6 billion dividend paid to the government by the NT.
However, NTA officials argue that the NT paid dividend could not be added as tax. They said there had been a massive growth in tax payments mainly due to the increased earnings of Ncell. Purushottam Khanal, director of the NTA said tax payments by all the telecom companies had been increasing along with their rising subscriber base. The number of users of telecom services reached 21.3 million by the end of the last fiscal year, up from 17.2 million a year ago.
Ncell accounted for more than 50 percent of this figure, pouring Rs 20.76 billion into the government coffers. State-owned Nepal Telecom (NT) chipped in Rs 13.39 billion, according to the annual progress report prepared by the NTA. As per the latest figures, Ncell has overtaken NT as the largest taxpayer in the sector.
Even as the telecom regulator released figure shows Ncell becoming the top tax payer. NT has stated that it was still the largest revenue contributing company paying Rs 21.92 billion revenue (tax and non-tax) to the government in the last fiscal year. The amount also include over Rs 6 billion dividend paid to the government by the NT.
However, NTA officials argue that the NT paid dividend could not be added as tax. They said there had been a massive growth in tax payments mainly due to the increased earnings of Ncell. Purushottam Khanal, director of the NTA said tax payments by all the telecom companies had been increasing along with their rising subscriber base. The number of users of telecom services reached 21.3 million by the end of the last fiscal year, up from 17.2 million a year ago.
Oct 23, 2013
Ghale elected new NRNA prez after win
KATHMANDU, OCT 22 -The sixth general assembly of Non-Resident Nepali Association ( NRNA ) has elected Shesh Ghale as its new president for the next two years after his victory in the first-ever election for the top post.
Ghale, an Australia-based multi-millionaire, defeated his rival Tenzi Sherpa, an NRN from South Korea, by a comfortable margin of 230 votes in the election held on Sunday evening. Ghale secured 510 votes against Sherpa’s 280. Earlier on Sunday, three other presidential candidates Hitman Gurung, Ram Pratap Thapa and Rameshwor Shah had pulled out of the race after a long and hectic negotiation. All the three subsequently backed Ghale. The organisation of the Nepali diaspora established in 2003 was first led by founder President Upendra Mahato for three terms through consensus. The association’s fourth and fifth general assemblies had unanimously elected Dev Man Hirachan (in 2009) and Jiba Lamichhane (in 2011) as president.
Ghale, an Australia-based multi-millionaire, defeated his rival Tenzi Sherpa, an NRN from South Korea, by a comfortable margin of 230 votes in the election held on Sunday evening. Ghale secured 510 votes against Sherpa’s 280. Earlier on Sunday, three other presidential candidates Hitman Gurung, Ram Pratap Thapa and Rameshwor Shah had pulled out of the race after a long and hectic negotiation. All the three subsequently backed Ghale. The organisation of the Nepali diaspora established in 2003 was first led by founder President Upendra Mahato for three terms through consensus. The association’s fourth and fifth general assemblies had unanimously elected Dev Man Hirachan (in 2009) and Jiba Lamichhane (in 2011) as president.
NRNA holds first ever polls to choose chief
KATHMANDU, OCT 21 -After hectic negotiations on Sunday, two candidates—Shesh Ghale from Australia and Tenzi Sherpa from South Korea—entered the race for presidency of the Non-Resident Nepali Association ( NRNA ). This is the first time that the NRNA top post is being decided by the vote.
Three other presidential candidates UK-based Hitman Gurung, Germany-based Ram Pratap Thapa and UAE-based Rameshwor Shah pulled out of the race following the lengthy discussion over consensus-presidency on Sunday. On Saturday, a total of five candidates had filed their nomination for the top post of the NRNA executive committee.
While each of the past presidents of the NRNA had been chosen unanimously, the failure to reach consensus this time round led to the election. The voting which started at 8:30 pm was still going on until when went to press.“This time the president is going to be selected through democratic process,” said Ghale, assuring that he had ‘ambition and resources’ to do something for the NRN community and mother country.
Three other presidential candidates UK-based Hitman Gurung, Germany-based Ram Pratap Thapa and UAE-based Rameshwor Shah pulled out of the race following the lengthy discussion over consensus-presidency on Sunday. On Saturday, a total of five candidates had filed their nomination for the top post of the NRNA executive committee.
While each of the past presidents of the NRNA had been chosen unanimously, the failure to reach consensus this time round led to the election. The voting which started at 8:30 pm was still going on until when went to press.“This time the president is going to be selected through democratic process,” said Ghale, assuring that he had ‘ambition and resources’ to do something for the NRN community and mother country.
Govt collects Rs 3.52b frequency fee from telcos: NTA report
KATHMANDU, OCT 20 - The government has collected revenue of Rs 3.52 billion as spectrum fee in the last fiscal year from telecom operators and other companies using VSAT radio frequencies, according to the annual progress report of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The increase in revenue collection was possible largely due to fixing of price and collection of the 3G spectrum.
The fee collected by the government includes Rs 1.92 billion paid by two companies—Nepal Telecom (NT) and Ncell for using spectrum for 3G service. After the government fixed the fee last year, Ncell paid Rs 1.44 billion in 3G fee, while the NT paid Rs 488 million. Earlier, there was no specific provision as regards the government charges on 3G frequency.
With the government collecting the 3G spectrum fee , the revenue from radio frequencies being used by telecom companies has increased by over 600 percent. In the fiscal year 2011-12, the government had collected Rs 501 million spectrum fee s from the telecom companies and VSAT spectrum users. The fee collected by the government in the last fiscal year include charges of airwaves used for GSM mobile and CDMA services, microwave links, WiMax, Global Mobile Personal Communication System (satellite phone) and VSAT service in the fiscal year 2011-12, according to the NTA.
The fee collected by the government includes Rs 1.92 billion paid by two companies—Nepal Telecom (NT) and Ncell for using spectrum for 3G service. After the government fixed the fee last year, Ncell paid Rs 1.44 billion in 3G fee, while the NT paid Rs 488 million. Earlier, there was no specific provision as regards the government charges on 3G frequency.
With the government collecting the 3G spectrum fee , the revenue from radio frequencies being used by telecom companies has increased by over 600 percent. In the fiscal year 2011-12, the government had collected Rs 501 million spectrum fee s from the telecom companies and VSAT spectrum users. The fee collected by the government in the last fiscal year include charges of airwaves used for GSM mobile and CDMA services, microwave links, WiMax, Global Mobile Personal Communication System (satellite phone) and VSAT service in the fiscal year 2011-12, according to the NTA.
Ncell’s Q3 sales jump 28.6pc
KATHMANDU, OCT 19 -TeliaSonera, parent company of Ncell , said on Thursday that Ncell ’s net sales soared 28.6 percent in the third quarter of 2013. The company said that the growth was driven by a higher number of subscriptions and strong growth in data.
As per the Q3 financial report released by the company, Ncell ’s net sales reached 2,256 million Swedish kroner (SEK) - equivalent to Rs 34.3 billion - at the end of Q3 with a 10.8 million subscriber base. By the same period last year, net sales of Ncell were at SEK 2,000 million.
“Growth was strongest in Nepal and Kazakhstan with a rise of 2.2 million and 1.6 million to 10.8 million and 14.3 million subscriptions respectively,” said the Q3 report. During the quarter, Nepal and Uzbekistan showed the largest rises with additions of 0.4 million subscriptions each.
The multinational telecom company has been witnessing good revenue growth in the Eurasian market, supported by increasing data consumption and subscription growth. The Eurasian market includes Ncell , Kcell in Kazakhstan, Azercell in Azerbaijan, Ucell in Uzbekistan, Tcell in Tajikistan, Geocell in Georgia and Moldcell in Moldova.
Ncell ’s user base had crossed the 10-million mark during the Q2. It has been offering different data packages to customers to increase its share in the data market amid increasing competition with state-owned Nepal Telecom. Recently, the company launched bundling schemes which enable customers to obtain a certain amount of data free of cost with purchase of a handset.
As per the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the number of data users of Ncell reached 3.55 million as of mid-August 2013. Milan Sharma, corporate communication expert of Ncell , said that there was significant growth in demand for data service besides voice. “Our 3G service sites are increasing, and so is the number of subscribers, mainly youngsters who use data more,” he added.
TeliaSonera has significant investments in telecom operations in Nepal, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Turkey. It pulled out of Nepal Satellite Telecom (NST) amid complexities last month.
According to the Q3 report, divestment of NST resulted in a loss of SEK 389 million. It has stated that the exit would help it to focus on Ncell and “reduce the business risk and complexity of its involvement in Nepal”. TeliaSonera had reached an agreement to sell back its indirect investment to Zhodar Investment.
As per the Q3 financial report released by the company, Ncell ’s net sales reached 2,256 million Swedish kroner (SEK) - equivalent to Rs 34.3 billion - at the end of Q3 with a 10.8 million subscriber base. By the same period last year, net sales of Ncell were at SEK 2,000 million.
“Growth was strongest in Nepal and Kazakhstan with a rise of 2.2 million and 1.6 million to 10.8 million and 14.3 million subscriptions respectively,” said the Q3 report. During the quarter, Nepal and Uzbekistan showed the largest rises with additions of 0.4 million subscriptions each.
The multinational telecom company has been witnessing good revenue growth in the Eurasian market, supported by increasing data consumption and subscription growth. The Eurasian market includes Ncell , Kcell in Kazakhstan, Azercell in Azerbaijan, Ucell in Uzbekistan, Tcell in Tajikistan, Geocell in Georgia and Moldcell in Moldova.
Ncell ’s user base had crossed the 10-million mark during the Q2. It has been offering different data packages to customers to increase its share in the data market amid increasing competition with state-owned Nepal Telecom. Recently, the company launched bundling schemes which enable customers to obtain a certain amount of data free of cost with purchase of a handset.
As per the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the number of data users of Ncell reached 3.55 million as of mid-August 2013. Milan Sharma, corporate communication expert of Ncell , said that there was significant growth in demand for data service besides voice. “Our 3G service sites are increasing, and so is the number of subscribers, mainly youngsters who use data more,” he added.
TeliaSonera has significant investments in telecom operations in Nepal, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Turkey. It pulled out of Nepal Satellite Telecom (NST) amid complexities last month.
According to the Q3 report, divestment of NST resulted in a loss of SEK 389 million. It has stated that the exit would help it to focus on Ncell and “reduce the business risk and complexity of its involvement in Nepal”. TeliaSonera had reached an agreement to sell back its indirect investment to Zhodar Investment.
Oct 18, 2013
Telecoms offering bundling schemes to woo customers
KATHMANDU, OCT 18 -Telecom companies have been going for service bundling schemes in a bid to attract customers and sell their products. Nepal Telecom (NT), Ncell and United Telecom Limited (UTL) have been offering their service by lumping it with different brands of cell phones.
With mobile handsets supporting IP CDMA technology in short supply in the market, NT has been bundling its RUIM cards with Micromax, Alcatel and Lenovo handsets in order to sell mobile lines. The cell phones cost from Rs 5,500 to Rs 20,500 depending on the brand, model and features.
Customers buying this package also get voice and data service worth Rs 200 to Rs 500 free of charge each month as an incentive. Besides handsets, NT has been bundling its RUIM cards with USB dongles with an eye on data service. The bundling scheme is directed at selling RUIM cards for its Sky Pro service based on IP CDMA technology that supports both data and voice service.
NT’s Deputy Managing Director Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai said that these bundling schemes had helped to increase their customer base when a shortage of IP CDMA technology-based handsets had been hindering growth of this segment. “We are also working to introduce this type of scheme for high-end handsets after a few months,” he added.
With mobile handsets supporting IP CDMA technology in short supply in the market, NT has been bundling its RUIM cards with Micromax, Alcatel and Lenovo handsets in order to sell mobile lines. The cell phones cost from Rs 5,500 to Rs 20,500 depending on the brand, model and features.
Customers buying this package also get voice and data service worth Rs 200 to Rs 500 free of charge each month as an incentive. Besides handsets, NT has been bundling its RUIM cards with USB dongles with an eye on data service. The bundling scheme is directed at selling RUIM cards for its Sky Pro service based on IP CDMA technology that supports both data and voice service.
NT’s Deputy Managing Director Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai said that these bundling schemes had helped to increase their customer base when a shortage of IP CDMA technology-based handsets had been hindering growth of this segment. “We are also working to introduce this type of scheme for high-end handsets after a few months,” he added.
Oct 17, 2013
Study on cross-holding in telecom to be resumed
KATHMANDU, OCT 17 -The government plans to resume examining a policy to manage and regulate cross-holding in the telecom sector. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority ( NTA ) has formed a new committee to carry out a study and submit a report.
The new committee under the coordination of Bhaskar Mani Gyawali, executive director of the Nepal Rastra Bank, has been asked to complete the study within 30 days. The members in the panel are chartered accountant Shiva Prasad Pandey and NTA ’s deputy director Kailash Neupane.
An NTA board meeting held last week had decided to form a committee and complete the stalled study to formulate a policy on cross-holding issues, according to the NTA . The previous committee had abandoned the study halfway after its coordinator Madhav Paudel was named Minister for Information and Communications.
Cross-holding is a situation when a company or person has investments in more than one licensee company in the same service area. “We will start the study on cross-holding in the telecom market immediately after the Dashain festival,” said Neupane who is also the NTA spokesperson. He added that they would review the previous study and give a final report to the NTA board.
The new committee under the coordination of Bhaskar Mani Gyawali, executive director of the Nepal Rastra Bank, has been asked to complete the study within 30 days. The members in the panel are chartered accountant Shiva Prasad Pandey and NTA ’s deputy director Kailash Neupane.
An NTA board meeting held last week had decided to form a committee and complete the stalled study to formulate a policy on cross-holding issues, according to the NTA . The previous committee had abandoned the study halfway after its coordinator Madhav Paudel was named Minister for Information and Communications.
Cross-holding is a situation when a company or person has investments in more than one licensee company in the same service area. “We will start the study on cross-holding in the telecom market immediately after the Dashain festival,” said Neupane who is also the NTA spokesperson. He added that they would review the previous study and give a final report to the NTA board.
Oct 8, 2013
RFP rejection ‘not the end’ for Fast Track
KATHMANDU, OCT 08 -Amid uncertainty over the future of the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Road Project after prospective foreign investors moving away from the project, experts have said the expressway could be developed with domestic resources.
After all three selected Indian companies which were supposed to take part in bidding for the request for proposal (RFP) refrained from applying for the project, the future of one of the ‘National Pride Projects’ has remained uncertain.
Reliance Infrastructure, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and Larsen and Turbo (L&T) were shortlisted to take part in the RFP. After they failed to submit a proposal for the RFP, the government is yet to make any decision regarding its future.
Former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal said that it had been over 15 years since the government envisaged the of building the Fast Track Road, and it should not be delayed due to foreign investors not undertaking the project. “As much as time passes, the investment cost of the project goes up and it becomes increasingly difficult to fund the project,” he said.
However, he suggested that an Infrastructure Development Fund could be established, through which Rs 8 - 10 billion could be spent annually for the project. The projected total cost of the project is Rs 100 billion, which the government planned to develop under the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) modality.
After all three selected Indian companies which were supposed to take part in bidding for the request for proposal (RFP) refrained from applying for the project, the future of one of the ‘National Pride Projects’ has remained uncertain.
Reliance Infrastructure, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and Larsen and Turbo (L&T) were shortlisted to take part in the RFP. After they failed to submit a proposal for the RFP, the government is yet to make any decision regarding its future.
Former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal said that it had been over 15 years since the government envisaged the of building the Fast Track Road, and it should not be delayed due to foreign investors not undertaking the project. “As much as time passes, the investment cost of the project goes up and it becomes increasingly difficult to fund the project,” he said.
However, he suggested that an Infrastructure Development Fund could be established, through which Rs 8 - 10 billion could be spent annually for the project. The projected total cost of the project is Rs 100 billion, which the government planned to develop under the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) modality.
Oct 7, 2013
Welcome aboard deluxe class
Coaches come to the rescue of travellers caught between costly airfares, rickety buses
KATHMANDU, OCT 07 -With the common complaints of Dashain travellers being that airfares are too expensive and normal bus services too erratic, the presence of a few hundred deluxe buses are filling the void for those wanting to make their journey both budget friendly and comfortable.
Although such bus services are not widely available, they are available on long travel routes, particularly to eastern Nepal. In just five years, such services give an alternative to the often erratic and uncomfortable bus services dominating the road transport sector.
The deluxe bus service has become the best road transport service for Priyanka Raut from Dharan, and Prajita Adhikari of Biratnagar, who have been in the capital for their nursing studies. “Since it costs over Rs 6,000 for a Kathmandu-Biratnagar flight, the deluxe bus is the best service for customers like us,” said Raut, who was heading to Dharan for Dashain .
Her friend Adhikari agreed that the main attraction of the deluxe and air conditioned vehicles was the comfortable folding seats having enough leg space. “Some operators even offer you snacks besides water, and some provide facilities for mobile recharging.”
KATHMANDU, OCT 07 -With the common complaints of Dashain travellers being that airfares are too expensive and normal bus services too erratic, the presence of a few hundred deluxe buses are filling the void for those wanting to make their journey both budget friendly and comfortable.
Although such bus services are not widely available, they are available on long travel routes, particularly to eastern Nepal. In just five years, such services give an alternative to the often erratic and uncomfortable bus services dominating the road transport sector.
The deluxe bus service has become the best road transport service for Priyanka Raut from Dharan, and Prajita Adhikari of Biratnagar, who have been in the capital for their nursing studies. “Since it costs over Rs 6,000 for a Kathmandu-Biratnagar flight, the deluxe bus is the best service for customers like us,” said Raut, who was heading to Dharan for Dashain .
Her friend Adhikari agreed that the main attraction of the deluxe and air conditioned vehicles was the comfortable folding seats having enough leg space. “Some operators even offer you snacks besides water, and some provide facilities for mobile recharging.”
Oct 4, 2013
Govt okays Nepal Telecom’s strategic partnership plan
KATHMANDU, OCT 04 -Nepal Telecom ’s (NT) plan to bring a strategic partner has taken another step forward with the Cabinet agreeing to the proposal in principle. Thursday’s decision has cleared the way for the government to sell part of its stock in NT to the prospective strategic partner. However, the number of shares the government will sell has not been decided.
The Ministry of Information and Communications had forwarded the proposal to bring a strategic partner at NT to the Cabinet. NT has been urging the government to allow it to tie up with a competent partner for the last four years, but it has delayed giving its okay. “The Cabinet has now given the go-ahead to take the process further,” said Janma Jaya Regmi, chief of the public enterprise coordination division at the Finance Ministry.
According to Regmi, who is also a coordinator of the technical sub-committee formed to conduct the procedures, the government plans to divest 30 percent of its shares. He added that their team was currently preparing the expression of interest (EoI) to hire an international consultant to help NT find a partner. NT plans to invite applications for a consultant by November.
The consultant will prepare the bid documents for potential strategic partners and prepare a due diligence report of NT besides performing other tasks. Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, deputy managing director of NT, said that the long-standing plan would now move towards materialisation as the government had given the go-ahead.
The Ministry of Information and Communications had forwarded the proposal to bring a strategic partner at NT to the Cabinet. NT has been urging the government to allow it to tie up with a competent partner for the last four years, but it has delayed giving its okay. “The Cabinet has now given the go-ahead to take the process further,” said Janma Jaya Regmi, chief of the public enterprise coordination division at the Finance Ministry.
According to Regmi, who is also a coordinator of the technical sub-committee formed to conduct the procedures, the government plans to divest 30 percent of its shares. He added that their team was currently preparing the expression of interest (EoI) to hire an international consultant to help NT find a partner. NT plans to invite applications for a consultant by November.
The consultant will prepare the bid documents for potential strategic partners and prepare a due diligence report of NT besides performing other tasks. Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, deputy managing director of NT, said that the long-standing plan would now move towards materialisation as the government had given the go-ahead.
Oct 3, 2013
NTA set to issue white paper for clarity and progress
KATHMANDU, OCT 03 -The Nepal Telecommuni-cations Authority (NTA) is mulling to come up with a ‘white paper’ aimed at further expanding the telecom sector. Although the sector has emerged as big business, the government does not have any specific strategy to lead the sector forward.
Despite conducting a report in 2010, that outlined a 10-year master plan to develop the sector, the NTA board failed to finalise and endorse the proposal.
According to NTA officials, the white paper would cover strategies on prudent management of the spectrum, prepare necessary rules on time, implement the broadband policy, assign spectrum to new mobile operators, the auction of 3G and 4G spectrums, among others.“The white paper will be the guideline for carrying out telecom sector related activities in a highly predictable manner,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chief of the NTA.
He said that with the paper they would focus on maximising the use of resources, like radio frequency, for development in the sector, helping the government generate more revenue. “All the members in the stop-gap committee of the NTA, that has been given the power to reach a decision in the absence of the NTA chairman, are positive on issuing the white paper by hiring an independent consultant,” said Khanal.
Despite conducting a report in 2010, that outlined a 10-year master plan to develop the sector, the NTA board failed to finalise and endorse the proposal.
According to NTA officials, the white paper would cover strategies on prudent management of the spectrum, prepare necessary rules on time, implement the broadband policy, assign spectrum to new mobile operators, the auction of 3G and 4G spectrums, among others.“The white paper will be the guideline for carrying out telecom sector related activities in a highly predictable manner,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chief of the NTA.
He said that with the paper they would focus on maximising the use of resources, like radio frequency, for development in the sector, helping the government generate more revenue. “All the members in the stop-gap committee of the NTA, that has been given the power to reach a decision in the absence of the NTA chairman, are positive on issuing the white paper by hiring an independent consultant,” said Khanal.
Oct 2, 2013
Govt revises capital requirement for new firms
KATHMANDU, OCT 02 -The government has implemented a new provision on the “minimum capital requirement” for registering private firms.Under the new criteria, individuals willing to register business firms should have a minimum capital ranging from Rs 100,000 to Rs 4 million, depending on the nature of trading and geography, according to the Department of Commerce and Supply Management. Earlier, the minimum capital requirement was Rs 100,000 irrespective of business.
The new criteria has made it mandatory for traders to show a minimum capital Rs 100,000 and pay a registration fee of Rs 600 for registering businesses such as grocery shops, stationery, vegetable shops at village development committees (VDC) level of mountain and hilly districts.
For Kathmandu and Tarai district headquarters and municipalities, the minimum capital requirement has been fixed at Rs 300,000 for grocery and stationery shops. For businesses like fuel station, jewellery shop, machinery, transformer and automobile, individuals must have a minimum capital of Rs 4 million.
The department has fixed the capital, registration charge and renewal charge by categorising businesses under six categories.Department officials said the new provision was brought to discourage the trend of registering firms revealing small size of capital to avoid registration charge and renewal fee. “The new provision requires individuals registering a business to specify geography, nature of business and minimum capital accordingly,” said Binod Prakash Singh, deputy director general of the department.
The new criteria has made it mandatory for traders to show a minimum capital Rs 100,000 and pay a registration fee of Rs 600 for registering businesses such as grocery shops, stationery, vegetable shops at village development committees (VDC) level of mountain and hilly districts.
For Kathmandu and Tarai district headquarters and municipalities, the minimum capital requirement has been fixed at Rs 300,000 for grocery and stationery shops. For businesses like fuel station, jewellery shop, machinery, transformer and automobile, individuals must have a minimum capital of Rs 4 million.
The department has fixed the capital, registration charge and renewal charge by categorising businesses under six categories.Department officials said the new provision was brought to discourage the trend of registering firms revealing small size of capital to avoid registration charge and renewal fee. “The new provision requires individuals registering a business to specify geography, nature of business and minimum capital accordingly,” said Binod Prakash Singh, deputy director general of the department.
World wide web to be given local boost
KATHMANDU, OCT 02 -Experts on Tuesday underlined the need for increased local content on the internet , to capitalise on the global network and reap the benefits of exposure. The idea has come at a time when Nepal is failing to boost local content on the web, despite a remarkable growth in the nation’s internet connectivity.
Currently, it is estimated that over 90 percent of the content being accessed by Nepali internet users is being generated from sources outside of the country. Participants at the Asia Internet Symposium, held in the capital on Tuesday, have stated that the use of local web content helps to provide opportunities for entrepreneurship on a global level, and offers a platform that enables the sharing of knowledge and culture.
Nepali wikipedia, e-pustakalya and e-paath are some of the local content available on the internet . Participants said with Nepali being the main language, the content development in Nepali for internet resources would further push the demand for connectivity to increase.
Binay Bohara, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal said that expanding broadband infrastructure to a community level and utilising local content was equally important. “As the future is in mobiles, the government should push the development of local content, so that the users can access information through handsets.”
Currently, it is estimated that over 90 percent of the content being accessed by Nepali internet users is being generated from sources outside of the country. Participants at the Asia Internet Symposium, held in the capital on Tuesday, have stated that the use of local web content helps to provide opportunities for entrepreneurship on a global level, and offers a platform that enables the sharing of knowledge and culture.
Nepali wikipedia, e-pustakalya and e-paath are some of the local content available on the internet . Participants said with Nepali being the main language, the content development in Nepali for internet resources would further push the demand for connectivity to increase.
Binay Bohara, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal said that expanding broadband infrastructure to a community level and utilising local content was equally important. “As the future is in mobiles, the government should push the development of local content, so that the users can access information through handsets.”
Oct 1, 2013
Jewellers put in place regulation
KATHMANDU, OCT 01 -Gold dealers have unilaterally prepared rules on jewellery business, which has allowed them to earn profit up to 20 percent. Two federations of the dealers have asked all its members across the country to implement the rules and conduct business accordingly from Tuesday.
But only the government has the right to introduce such a regulation. The “Jewellery Business Operation Regulation” of the traders has come at the time when the government has resumed inspection of jewellery shops. The government has filed cases against eight jewellers found cheating customers.
The jewellers came up with the regulation after they failed to agree to the draft guideline being prepared by the government. The regulation says while buying jewellery from customers, traders can reduce the price of the item by 10 percent compared to the market price on the business day. “Since the government delayed the preparation and implementation of the standard rules, we had to devise our own,” said Ramesh Maharjan, president of the Federation of Nepal Gold, Silver, Gem and Jewellery Association (FNGSGJA). He added it has already been more than three months since the government started the work on the guideline.
Deepak Subedi, officiating secretary at the Ministry of Commerce Supply, said traders could not introduce a regulation setting own standards. “We will discuss on the matter with the Department of Commerce and Supply Management and Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology on Tuesday,” he said.
But only the government has the right to introduce such a regulation. The “Jewellery Business Operation Regulation” of the traders has come at the time when the government has resumed inspection of jewellery shops. The government has filed cases against eight jewellers found cheating customers.
The jewellers came up with the regulation after they failed to agree to the draft guideline being prepared by the government. The regulation says while buying jewellery from customers, traders can reduce the price of the item by 10 percent compared to the market price on the business day. “Since the government delayed the preparation and implementation of the standard rules, we had to devise our own,” said Ramesh Maharjan, president of the Federation of Nepal Gold, Silver, Gem and Jewellery Association (FNGSGJA). He added it has already been more than three months since the government started the work on the guideline.
Deepak Subedi, officiating secretary at the Ministry of Commerce Supply, said traders could not introduce a regulation setting own standards. “We will discuss on the matter with the Department of Commerce and Supply Management and Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology on Tuesday,” he said.
Rat behind service disruption: NT
KATHMANDU, OCT 01 -The Nepal Telecom (NT) said on Monday that its service had been interrupted on Saturday due to rats damaging the optical fibre based transmission links in its Sundhara office.
The company’s mobile network was out of service for four hours (5:50 am to 9:45 am) on Saturday morning, leaving over 1 million customers in the Kathmandu valley without GSM mobile or data service. “Our study has verified that the fibre wires were cut off by rats, causing the service in the Kathmandu valley to be disrupted,” said the NT spokesperson, Guna Keshari Pradhan.
She added that, as a precaution, the company has started test operations on a redundant transmission link so that the service remains uninterrupted, even if another route stops working.
After Saturday’s incident, the NT had used poison to get rid of the rats, according to officials. Since its offices face a problem with rats, the NT has long had been using mouse repellents; but those measures clearly did not prevent Saturday’s service disruption. After the fibres were cut, the transmission link between the NT’s Master Switching Controller (MSC) in its Babarmahal office (Telecom Training Centre) and the gateway at the Sundhara office was disrupted, according to the NT officials.
The company’s mobile network was out of service for four hours (5:50 am to 9:45 am) on Saturday morning, leaving over 1 million customers in the Kathmandu valley without GSM mobile or data service. “Our study has verified that the fibre wires were cut off by rats, causing the service in the Kathmandu valley to be disrupted,” said the NT spokesperson, Guna Keshari Pradhan.
She added that, as a precaution, the company has started test operations on a redundant transmission link so that the service remains uninterrupted, even if another route stops working.
After Saturday’s incident, the NT had used poison to get rid of the rats, according to officials. Since its offices face a problem with rats, the NT has long had been using mouse repellents; but those measures clearly did not prevent Saturday’s service disruption. After the fibres were cut, the transmission link between the NT’s Master Switching Controller (MSC) in its Babarmahal office (Telecom Training Centre) and the gateway at the Sundhara office was disrupted, according to the NT officials.
NT begins scouting for strategic partner
KATHMANDU, OCT 01 -Nepal Telecom (NT) plans to hire an international consultant to help it with the preparations to find a strategic partner. The consultant will be employed to carry out a due diligence audit (DDA) report and prepare the bid document. NT plans to select the consultant by November.
A sub-committee, assigned to carry out legal and procedural activities, is expected to complete drafting the expression of interest (EoI) soon. “We will complete the EoI preparations within one month and submit it to the NT board," said Basu Sharma, undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), who is also a member of the sub-committee.
According to Sharma, the NT will be able to call the EoI based on the terms of reference prepared by them without seeking the approval of the Cabinet. “It will take 45 days to receive the EoI from interested consultants once the notice is called,” he added.
The sub-committee, headed by the MoF Joint Secretary Janma Jaya Regmi, includes officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Ministry of Information and Communications and the NT. With increasing competition in the domestic telecom market, the state-owned company has been seeking a partner for over three years, however work to this effect has failed to progress due to procedural delays.
A sub-committee, assigned to carry out legal and procedural activities, is expected to complete drafting the expression of interest (EoI) soon. “We will complete the EoI preparations within one month and submit it to the NT board," said Basu Sharma, undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), who is also a member of the sub-committee.
According to Sharma, the NT will be able to call the EoI based on the terms of reference prepared by them without seeking the approval of the Cabinet. “It will take 45 days to receive the EoI from interested consultants once the notice is called,” he added.
The sub-committee, headed by the MoF Joint Secretary Janma Jaya Regmi, includes officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Ministry of Information and Communications and the NT. With increasing competition in the domestic telecom market, the state-owned company has been seeking a partner for over three years, however work to this effect has failed to progress due to procedural delays.
Sep 30, 2013
Quality of gold products improving, tests show
KATHMANDU, SEP 30 -Latest market monitoring and sample tests of jewellery have shown gold dealers have started to maintain quality in their products. Of the 14 products tested on Sunday, 13 were of “first class” quality, according to the Department of Commerce and Supply Management.
Resuming the inspection of the jewellery market, the department on Sunday monitored five jewellery shops—New Baral Jewellery, Sayapatri Merry gold Jewellers, Lucky Jewellers, Natraj Jewellers and Jaya Matadi Gold Palace—of the Capital.
“We found the outlets maintaining first class quality this time,” said Hari Narayan Belbase, director of the department. He added the 24-carat gold products were found 99.6 percent pure, against 90 percent in some products in previous inspections.
The sample tests, which were conducted by the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) on Sunday, showed only one product of Sayapatri Merry gold Jewellers was of low quality. The monitoring team had sent products such as gold chain, necklace, earring, ring, bangle and silver products for the tests.
The department has instructed jewellery traders to keep the price list in their shops and submit the purchase and sale bills of the last 10 days within the next three days.
Resuming the inspection of the jewellery market, the department on Sunday monitored five jewellery shops—New Baral Jewellery, Sayapatri Merry gold Jewellers, Lucky Jewellers, Natraj Jewellers and Jaya Matadi Gold Palace—of the Capital.
“We found the outlets maintaining first class quality this time,” said Hari Narayan Belbase, director of the department. He added the 24-carat gold products were found 99.6 percent pure, against 90 percent in some products in previous inspections.
The sample tests, which were conducted by the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) on Sunday, showed only one product of Sayapatri Merry gold Jewellers was of low quality. The monitoring team had sent products such as gold chain, necklace, earring, ring, bangle and silver products for the tests.
The department has instructed jewellery traders to keep the price list in their shops and submit the purchase and sale bills of the last 10 days within the next three days.
Sep 28, 2013
Money goes Mobile
KATHMANDU--When Shiv Bhushan Lal had first made a call to Nepal from Finland using a mobile phone the size of a small briefcase, he was absolutely amazed by the technology. The year was 1987, and Lal, an IT professional, had been attending a training organised by Nokia. In the almost three decades since, however, the realm of communications and mobile technology has witnessed a veritable explosion, the impact of which has been seen and felt the world over. The advancements therein have come to revolutionise lives, thanks to the many—and ever-growing—services that might’ve once seemed impossibly far-fetched, but are now available at the click of a button. And mobile-banking is a prominent instance among these, a feature that is fast gaining in popularity even in Nepal, and one that is set to forever change the way we conduct financial transactions.
The evolution of the mobile phone has been fascinating to behold. Simple boxy equipment with limited black-and-white display have now morphed into sleeker, more user-friendly designs, with great quality colourful visuals, as seen in the almost-ubiquitous smartphones, for example. But more than aesthetics alone, it’s how these hand-held devices have come to represent the centre of convergence between a range of technologies that has really defined their ascent. And that has precisely been the appeal of mobile-banking around the world, and what mobile financial services platforms like Fonepay and Hello Paisa are now out to cash in on in Nepal.
Lal is the present-day head of the IT directorate at Nepal Telecom (NT), which introduced the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) here in 1999, and he says that the ease of cashless transactions that mobile banking is set to offer is a major draw. "Imagine never having to handle bundles of paper money, and still being able to channel your savings as you please," he says. "Who wouldn’t prefer that?" Lal believes that in a country where mobile phones have spread so far and wide in a short while, and where it is not physically possible to establish bank outlets in all remote corners, a collaboration between telecom companies and banks could pave the way for mobile banking to become a dominant, and more convenient, mode of transaction.
The evolution of the mobile phone has been fascinating to behold. Simple boxy equipment with limited black-and-white display have now morphed into sleeker, more user-friendly designs, with great quality colourful visuals, as seen in the almost-ubiquitous smartphones, for example. But more than aesthetics alone, it’s how these hand-held devices have come to represent the centre of convergence between a range of technologies that has really defined their ascent. And that has precisely been the appeal of mobile-banking around the world, and what mobile financial services platforms like Fonepay and Hello Paisa are now out to cash in on in Nepal.
Lal is the present-day head of the IT directorate at Nepal Telecom (NT), which introduced the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) here in 1999, and he says that the ease of cashless transactions that mobile banking is set to offer is a major draw. "Imagine never having to handle bundles of paper money, and still being able to channel your savings as you please," he says. "Who wouldn’t prefer that?" Lal believes that in a country where mobile phones have spread so far and wide in a short while, and where it is not physically possible to establish bank outlets in all remote corners, a collaboration between telecom companies and banks could pave the way for mobile banking to become a dominant, and more convenient, mode of transaction.
NTA asks telcos, ISPs to revise promotions
KATHMANDU, SEP 28 -The Nepal Telecommunications Authority ( NTA ) has instructed the telecom operators and internet service providers (ISP) to stop implementing promotional schemes beyond three months. The telecom regulator said the move was taken in order to discourage possible unhealthy competition. The telecom sector regulator had earlier restricted telecom companies and ISPs from launching lucky draw based promotional offers two weeks ago.
The NTA also made it mandatory for the companies to introduce schemes that would cover all the subscribers of their service, after a few companies introduced schemes that benefited only a certain category of customers.The regulator’s directive has come at the time when the companies are introducing schemes targeting the festivals. The instructions have affected Ncell, Smart Tel and Subisu Cable Net the most among others.
The Smart Telecom had been providing an offer whereby customers purchasing a SIM card and credit worth Rs 100 previously received a talk time value of Rs 1,000, according to the NTA . “These types of offers the companies had been providing do not promote fair competition,” said Arjun Ghimire, deputy director at the NTA . He said that if the companies are found running any schemes without approval, they would take action.
The NTA also made it mandatory for the companies to introduce schemes that would cover all the subscribers of their service, after a few companies introduced schemes that benefited only a certain category of customers.The regulator’s directive has come at the time when the companies are introducing schemes targeting the festivals. The instructions have affected Ncell, Smart Tel and Subisu Cable Net the most among others.
The Smart Telecom had been providing an offer whereby customers purchasing a SIM card and credit worth Rs 100 previously received a talk time value of Rs 1,000, according to the NTA . “These types of offers the companies had been providing do not promote fair competition,” said Arjun Ghimire, deputy director at the NTA . He said that if the companies are found running any schemes without approval, they would take action.
Sep 26, 2013
Makalu Yatayat asked to explain ‘suspicious’ Dashain bookings
KATHMANDU, SEP 26 --Makalu Yatayat , one of the major transport operators providing services from Kathmandu to eastern parts of the country, has been allegedly receiving advance ticket bookings in “a suspicious way”. The Department of Transport Management has directed the company to give clarification regarding the advance reservations on Thursday.
The suspicious ticketing was revealed after a monitoring team, comprising of officials from the department and police, on Wednesday inspected the head office of Makalu Yatayat , located at Kalanki.
The inspection team has also taken copies, detailing the advance ticketing, for further investigation. “The operators were found reserving 6-20 tickets under a single name, which is dubious,” said Baikuntha Sapkota, inspection officer of the department. “To give an example, Chandra Mani Guragain is issued 20 tickets in advance for Dashain.”
The suspicious ticketing was revealed after a monitoring team, comprising of officials from the department and police, on Wednesday inspected the head office of Makalu Yatayat , located at Kalanki.
The inspection team has also taken copies, detailing the advance ticketing, for further investigation. “The operators were found reserving 6-20 tickets under a single name, which is dubious,” said Baikuntha Sapkota, inspection officer of the department. “To give an example, Chandra Mani Guragain is issued 20 tickets in advance for Dashain.”
Sep 25, 2013
KTM-Hetuada Tunnel Highway construction to begin November 11
KATHMANDU, SEP 25 -The construction of the much-talked-about Kathmandu-Kulekhani Tunnel Highway is all set to begin from November 11. An executive committee meeting of Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company (NPBC) held on Monday decided to kick start the construction work.
Last Monday, the first annual general meeting (AGM) of NPBC elected a new executive committee under the chairmanship of Kush Kumar Joshi. Other members of the committee are Jayaram Lamichhane, Pradip Jung Pandey, Sukunta Lal Hirachan, Subash Chandra Thakuri, Sidhi Lal Shrestha, Mohan Basnet, Rajuman Maharjan and Nugal Ananda Baidhya. Lal Krishna KC has been elected vice-chairman of the company.
NPBC was established last year to build the tunnel highway , a national toll road of Asian Highway Standards. “We found November 11 the appropriate date after festival to start construction,” said Joshi, addressing a press conference here on Tuesday. He said the construction would complete as per the schedule.
NPBC has targeted to complete the construction of the 58-km highway by December 2016, making Hetauda only an hour’s drive away from Kathmandu.The highway will have three tunnels with a combined distance of 4.5 km in Chobhar, Kulekhani and Bhaise. In a bid to attract investment in the project, the AGM has also decided to devise a favorable rule for individual and collaborative investors.
Last Monday, the first annual general meeting (AGM) of NPBC elected a new executive committee under the chairmanship of Kush Kumar Joshi. Other members of the committee are Jayaram Lamichhane, Pradip Jung Pandey, Sukunta Lal Hirachan, Subash Chandra Thakuri, Sidhi Lal Shrestha, Mohan Basnet, Rajuman Maharjan and Nugal Ananda Baidhya. Lal Krishna KC has been elected vice-chairman of the company.
NPBC was established last year to build the tunnel highway , a national toll road of Asian Highway Standards. “We found November 11 the appropriate date after festival to start construction,” said Joshi, addressing a press conference here on Tuesday. He said the construction would complete as per the schedule.
NPBC has targeted to complete the construction of the 58-km highway by December 2016, making Hetauda only an hour’s drive away from Kathmandu.The highway will have three tunnels with a combined distance of 4.5 km in Chobhar, Kulekhani and Bhaise. In a bid to attract investment in the project, the AGM has also decided to devise a favorable rule for individual and collaborative investors.
Government action against Dashain bus ticket cheats
KATHMANDU, SEP 25 -The government has taken action against transport entrepreneurs collecting higher fares during advance ticket bookings for Dashain. Through the monitoring, the Department of Transport Management had found some booking counters at Sundhara and New Bus Park overcharging customers.
Focusing on the advance ticket reservations for the Dashain rush; the department, in cooperation with police, has been carrying out daily monitoring on advance ticketing for the last week. “We have started taking action on each transporter or committee charging higher fares from customers,” said Mukti Prasad KC, spokesperson of the department.
He added that they have been issuing notice to the transporters for clarification, and those not abiding would be punished as per law. During the monitoring, Mahakali Yatayat was found to be overcharging customers on the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route from ticker counters in New Bus Park, according to Baikuntha Sapkota, inspection officer of the department. Similarly, counters that were assigned to issue advance tickets for Kathmandu-Baglung, Beni, and Parbat were found to be charging higher fares than the government set price from its counters at Sundhara.
Focusing on the advance ticket reservations for the Dashain rush; the department, in cooperation with police, has been carrying out daily monitoring on advance ticketing for the last week. “We have started taking action on each transporter or committee charging higher fares from customers,” said Mukti Prasad KC, spokesperson of the department.
He added that they have been issuing notice to the transporters for clarification, and those not abiding would be punished as per law. During the monitoring, Mahakali Yatayat was found to be overcharging customers on the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route from ticker counters in New Bus Park, according to Baikuntha Sapkota, inspection officer of the department. Similarly, counters that were assigned to issue advance tickets for Kathmandu-Baglung, Beni, and Parbat were found to be charging higher fares than the government set price from its counters at Sundhara.
Sep 24, 2013
11 percent of Nepalis have internet access: UN report
KATHMANDU, SEP 24 -Nepal has been ranked in the 148th position among 192 countries in terms of the percentage of population having access to internet service.The report entitled The State of Broadband 2013 published by the UN Broadband Commission states that 11.1 percent of Nepalis use the internet .
Compared to the 2012 rankings, Nepal has slipped nine places. Last year’s report on broadband access worldwide had put Nepal in the 139th position with internet penetration at 9 percent.
Even though the country has experienced rapid development in the telecom sector during the last one decade, it has lagged behind in extending fixed and mobile broadband connection to a wider section of the population. The report has put Nepal in the 136th position, down from the 127th spot last year, on the basis of fixed broadband lines provided.
Fixed broadband, also known as wired broadband service which includes cable internet , ADSL and cable modem, has reached 0.4 per 100 inhabitants. Similarly, the country is in the 99th position among 128 developing countries with 4.1 percentage of the households having internet connection.
Officials at the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) said that the sector could not progress at the pace of international economies that resulted in Nepal slipping in the international rankings. “Due to growing competition and the entry of new operators, mobile broadband will witness good growth in the days to come,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, director of the NTA.
Compared to the 2012 rankings, Nepal has slipped nine places. Last year’s report on broadband access worldwide had put Nepal in the 139th position with internet penetration at 9 percent.
Even though the country has experienced rapid development in the telecom sector during the last one decade, it has lagged behind in extending fixed and mobile broadband connection to a wider section of the population. The report has put Nepal in the 136th position, down from the 127th spot last year, on the basis of fixed broadband lines provided.
Fixed broadband, also known as wired broadband service which includes cable internet , ADSL and cable modem, has reached 0.4 per 100 inhabitants. Similarly, the country is in the 99th position among 128 developing countries with 4.1 percentage of the households having internet connection.
Officials at the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) said that the sector could not progress at the pace of international economies that resulted in Nepal slipping in the international rankings. “Due to growing competition and the entry of new operators, mobile broadband will witness good growth in the days to come,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, director of the NTA.
Sep 23, 2013
Fate of fast track project hangs in balance
KATHMANDU, SEP 23 -In a major setback to the development of the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track, none of the three short-listed Indian firms submitted the request for proposal (RFP) to undertake the project, leaving the fate of the76km expressway uncertain.
With this, the government’s efforts to select an investor for the project appear to have been in vain after selection procedures took nearly five years. The deadline for submitting the RFP ended on Sunday without receiving any proposals from the three Indian firms: the Reliance Infrastructure, the Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and the Larsen and Turbo (L&T) Infrastructure Development Projects. Earlier, the government had twice extended the deadline for submitting the RFP.
“We did not receive proposals for the Fast Track road,” said Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. He added that the Fast Track Project Steering Committee, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, would soon hold a meeting to decide the next step to be taken for the construction of the road.
The firms were supposed to submit the RFP with detailed descriptions about the approximate construction cost, average annual maintenance operation cost, likely construction period, traffic, revenue forecast and feasibility.
After the firms failed to submit the bid documents in June, the Physical Infrastructure Ministry had extended the RFP submission deadline by three months as per the request of IL&FS and L&T.They had proposed undertaking a study on the possible impacts of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway on the traffic of the Fast Track. The government has already permitted the Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company to construct the tunnel highway.
With this, the government’s efforts to select an investor for the project appear to have been in vain after selection procedures took nearly five years. The deadline for submitting the RFP ended on Sunday without receiving any proposals from the three Indian firms: the Reliance Infrastructure, the Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and the Larsen and Turbo (L&T) Infrastructure Development Projects. Earlier, the government had twice extended the deadline for submitting the RFP.
“We did not receive proposals for the Fast Track road,” said Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. He added that the Fast Track Project Steering Committee, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, would soon hold a meeting to decide the next step to be taken for the construction of the road.
The firms were supposed to submit the RFP with detailed descriptions about the approximate construction cost, average annual maintenance operation cost, likely construction period, traffic, revenue forecast and feasibility.
After the firms failed to submit the bid documents in June, the Physical Infrastructure Ministry had extended the RFP submission deadline by three months as per the request of IL&FS and L&T.They had proposed undertaking a study on the possible impacts of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway on the traffic of the Fast Track. The government has already permitted the Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company to construct the tunnel highway.
Sep 19, 2013
Nepal's economic freedom declines further
The annual report is produced by the Fraser Institute, Canada ’s
leading public policy think-tank, in cooperation with independent institutes in
80 nations and territories, which includes. It was released amid a function in
the Capital on Wednesday by Samriddhi, The Prosperity Foundation, which is the
partner institute from Nepal
for Fraser Institute.
This year’s report shows that the overall levels of economic
freedom have increased modestly around the globe. However, for Nepal
it is not the case. Compared to the previous year, growing government and
decrease in freedom to trade internationally contributes to Nepal ’s
declining performance this year, as per the report.
Nepal has showed mixed performance in regards to all the
five measured areas of economic freedom that include--size of government;
access to sound money; freedom to trade internationally; and regulation of
credit, labour, and business and legal structure and security of property
rights. Though its ranking and scores in some of the areas have improved, Nepal ’s
overall performance in terms of economic freedom continues to be low.
15pc of Ncell stations to have solar back up by end of 2013
KATHMANDU, SEP 19 -The Ncell company has announced that it will have 15 percent of its total base stations backed up by solar power by the end of 2013. The company has been giving priority to ‘going green’ by building the solar based stations, sighting both power cuts and environmental impact for the switch.
Normally, investment for solar based stations is substantially higher compared to traditional, electrical grid powered base stations. “Ideally, it would be better if we had an uninterrupted electricity supply. But, when that’s not happening, we would rather switch to solar than diesel generators,” said Sanju Koirala, corporate communication director of the telecommunication giant.
While the company is heavily focused on expanding, they are still committed to customers receiving quality service while being in harmony with the environment. For any mobile company, building a network is a monumental task, but ensuring the system is up and running requires an ongoing commitment.
Multiple avenues have been implemented for customer care, such as contact centres, front offices, dealers support, Ncell shop support, e-care, corporate and channel sales, and emails. The customers can have any concerns addressed through these channels, according to the company. The Ncell company has 80 percent of its total sites backed up by optical fiber and microwaves to ensure quality is delivered, irrespective of any disturbances. It has been running 3G sites with satellite connection, and installed the highest 3G site in the world; at the 5,171 metre high Everest Base Camp.
Normally, investment for solar based stations is substantially higher compared to traditional, electrical grid powered base stations. “Ideally, it would be better if we had an uninterrupted electricity supply. But, when that’s not happening, we would rather switch to solar than diesel generators,” said Sanju Koirala, corporate communication director of the telecommunication giant.
While the company is heavily focused on expanding, they are still committed to customers receiving quality service while being in harmony with the environment. For any mobile company, building a network is a monumental task, but ensuring the system is up and running requires an ongoing commitment.
Multiple avenues have been implemented for customer care, such as contact centres, front offices, dealers support, Ncell shop support, e-care, corporate and channel sales, and emails. The customers can have any concerns addressed through these channels, according to the company. The Ncell company has 80 percent of its total sites backed up by optical fiber and microwaves to ensure quality is delivered, irrespective of any disturbances. It has been running 3G sites with satellite connection, and installed the highest 3G site in the world; at the 5,171 metre high Everest Base Camp.
Sep 18, 2013
Gold import quota hiked to 20 kg a day
KATHMANDU, SEP 18 -The government has increased the gold import quota by 5 kg, to 20 kg per day, for a three month period. The import quantity has been hiked, focusing on the upcoming festival and wedding season, during which the demand normally rises.
A board meeting of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Monday decided to increase the quota. “Import quota has been increased by 5 kg, as the wedding season is starting immediately after the festivals,” said Bashkar Mani Gyawali, spokesperson of the NRB.
Normally, the demand for gold rises during festivals and the wedding season. According to gold dealers, despite the festival season, customers’ attraction toward the yellow metal is comparatively less this year, and traders have not bought the metal from the banks. This has resulted in gold stocks of over 300 kg in banks that are authorised to import.
Over the last three weeks, dealers have not bought the gold given the low demand, and fewer orders are being supplied by smugglers at cheaper rates than the pricing of the banks, a source said.
A board meeting of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Monday decided to increase the quota. “Import quota has been increased by 5 kg, as the wedding season is starting immediately after the festivals,” said Bashkar Mani Gyawali, spokesperson of the NRB.
Normally, the demand for gold rises during festivals and the wedding season. According to gold dealers, despite the festival season, customers’ attraction toward the yellow metal is comparatively less this year, and traders have not bought the metal from the banks. This has resulted in gold stocks of over 300 kg in banks that are authorised to import.
Over the last three weeks, dealers have not bought the gold given the low demand, and fewer orders are being supplied by smugglers at cheaper rates than the pricing of the banks, a source said.
SC scraps cases against unified licence
KATHMANDU, SEP 18 -The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday scrapped the cases related to the unified telecom licence, paving the way for the government to move ahead with the new telecom licensing regime intended to allow all small telecom companies to operate nationwide GSM cellular mobile service.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Damodar Prasad Sharma and Justice Tarka Raj Bhatta took the decision scrap the seven writ petitions.
With this, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s (NTA) decision to issue the unified licence, spectrum policy and an ad-hoc committee formed to make policy-level decisions at NTA have received the legal backing.
“The decision has opened the door for big investment in the telecom sector and its further development,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chief of the NTA. He said they would now be able to auction the 3G and 4G spectrums, besides bringing new mobile operators in the market.
Tuesday’s decision of the court means there will be greater competition in the GSM segment, making the tariff cheaper and ultimately benefiting the consumers. Currently, Nepal Telecom (NT) and Ncell are proving the GSM mobile service.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Damodar Prasad Sharma and Justice Tarka Raj Bhatta took the decision scrap the seven writ petitions.
With this, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s (NTA) decision to issue the unified licence, spectrum policy and an ad-hoc committee formed to make policy-level decisions at NTA have received the legal backing.
“The decision has opened the door for big investment in the telecom sector and its further development,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chief of the NTA. He said they would now be able to auction the 3G and 4G spectrums, besides bringing new mobile operators in the market.
Tuesday’s decision of the court means there will be greater competition in the GSM segment, making the tariff cheaper and ultimately benefiting the consumers. Currently, Nepal Telecom (NT) and Ncell are proving the GSM mobile service.
Sep 17, 2013
Indian firm set to bag smart card driving licence project
KATHMANDU, SEP 17 -The government is all set to award the contract of the much-talk-about project on electronic driving licence to India’s Madras Security Printers.
A meeting of the Project Implementation Unit under the Department of Transport Management on Monday decided to call the Indian company for signing an agreement. Sources said the Indian company will be invited by Wednesday.
“Madras Security Printers has stood first among the three shortlisted firms after evaluation and marking of both technical and financial proposals,” said the source.
The hi-tech e-driving licence and blue book project had landed into controversy after it was revealed that Madras Security Printers was blacklisted in India for selling personal information to private companies.
The source added they received a “no objection” from the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday and from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) last week on awarding the contract to the Indian company. The ADB, under its ICT Development Project, has provided $2.3 million for this project to the department.
A meeting of the Project Implementation Unit under the Department of Transport Management on Monday decided to call the Indian company for signing an agreement. Sources said the Indian company will be invited by Wednesday.
“Madras Security Printers has stood first among the three shortlisted firms after evaluation and marking of both technical and financial proposals,” said the source.
The hi-tech e-driving licence and blue book project had landed into controversy after it was revealed that Madras Security Printers was blacklisted in India for selling personal information to private companies.
The source added they received a “no objection” from the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday and from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) last week on awarding the contract to the Indian company. The ADB, under its ICT Development Project, has provided $2.3 million for this project to the department.
Sep 16, 2013
Bus ticket bookings for Dashain travel to open tomorrow
KATHMANDU, SEP 16 -Transporters are opening advance bus ticket bookings for Dashain travel from Tuesday for all destinations across the country. The government is also set to establish temporary help desks for customers from the same day.
After a meeting with the Department of Transport Management (DoTM), the Federation of Nepalese Nati-onal Transport Entrepreneurs has issued a circulation to all bus operators’ committees, asking them to start ticket reservations within September 17-22. Earlier, the transporters had planned to start the bookings on September 21.
“Customers can book tickets from places like New Bus Park at Gongabu and Old Bus Park starting Tuesday,” said Dol Nath Khanal, general secretary of the transporters’ federation. He added all existing vehicles, including those normally unused due to a lack of demand, and new vehicles would be operated by transporters during Dashain .
According to transporters, over 150 new vehicles have been imported by companies focusing on Dashain demand. Dashain , the biggest Hindu festival, each year witnesses a mass exodus, with people traveling to different parts of the country leaving the Kathmandu valley almost deserted. With the cost of air travel unattainable to many, road transport plays a vital role during this time. Since the festival gets under way on October 15, the Dashain departure will start from the next day, according to transporters.
After a meeting with the Department of Transport Management (DoTM), the Federation of Nepalese Nati-onal Transport Entrepreneurs has issued a circulation to all bus operators’ committees, asking them to start ticket reservations within September 17-22. Earlier, the transporters had planned to start the bookings on September 21.
“Customers can book tickets from places like New Bus Park at Gongabu and Old Bus Park starting Tuesday,” said Dol Nath Khanal, general secretary of the transporters’ federation. He added all existing vehicles, including those normally unused due to a lack of demand, and new vehicles would be operated by transporters during Dashain .
According to transporters, over 150 new vehicles have been imported by companies focusing on Dashain demand. Dashain , the biggest Hindu festival, each year witnesses a mass exodus, with people traveling to different parts of the country leaving the Kathmandu valley almost deserted. With the cost of air travel unattainable to many, road transport plays a vital role during this time. Since the festival gets under way on October 15, the Dashain departure will start from the next day, according to transporters.
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