Election Law Deadline, Passport Probe & Disaster Plan—Accountability Watch

Today’s news centers on demands for accountability in governance and public services, alongside policy updates and relief measures.

Politics & Governance

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari warned that Nepal’s next election could be difficult if the unified election law is not passed within the current parliamentary session. In the same period, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal directed the government to provide details on disaster preparedness following concerns raised over flood, landslide, and inundation impacts.

Courts & Accountability

The parliamentary push for oversight in the passport process continued as Raswapa lawmakers demanded an investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption, including a request to extract relevant records for review, as reported on accounts committee investigation into passport scandal. Separately, the Teramax corruption case saw convictions for telecom-sector irregularities, with then Telecommunications Authority chairman Jha and two others found guilty.

Economy & Business

The government says it has made 87.2 percent progress on its governance reform agenda and reported money-laundering action involving 101 individuals or entities, alongside formation of an asset investigation commission, according to governance reform progress and money-laundering cases. In finance and development, the government’s NPR 25 billion loan agreement with ADB was signed ahead of the ADB president’s visit, with funding expected to support development projects.

Society & Community

Health Minister Nisha Mehta reaffirmed the constitutional right to health during a National Assembly meeting, citing plans for expanded hospital services, health insurance, and measures to improve accountability in both public and private care. Meanwhile, the Livestock Service Department announced bird-flu relief for poultry farmers, including Rs 520 million in compensation in 11 districts, while a local government initiative recognized 15 mothers as “smart” mothers for community contributions.

Date: July 07, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Asar 23, 2083

Top News

1. राहदानी काण्डबारे लेखा समितिमा उठ्यो प्रश्न, फाइल र कागजात झिकाएर छानबिन गर्न सांसदहरूको माग (www.ratopati.com)

Members of the National Independent Party (Raswapa) have demanded an immediate investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities amounting to approximately NPR 10.13 billion in the passport printing process. They called for the collection of relevant documents from the passport department, a special audit, and a technical review, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the matter. The parliamentary committee was urged to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against those involved in the scandal.

2. राहदानी भ्रष्टाचार नियत कि नीतिगत ? फाइल हेरौँ: रास्वपा सांसद सुनार (www.ratopati.com)

Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswpa) MP Khagendra Sunar has called for an investigation into the issues surrounding the purchase and distribution of passports, demanding access to relevant files to clarify whether decisions were made with policy intent or personal motives. He highlighted the detrimental impact of passport shortages on citizens' ability to travel and renew documents, urging accountability for those involved in the irregularities. Additionally, Sunar raised concerns about the representation of the Dalit community in parliamentary committees, advocating for meaningful participation rather than mere presence.

3. चालु अधिवेशनभित्रै एकीकृत निर्वाचन कानुन पारित नभए आगामी निर्वाचन हुन कठिन छ:  भण्डारी (www.ratopati.com)

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated that if the unified election law is not passed during the current session, it will be difficult to hold upcoming elections. He expressed concerns that failing to enact the law during the budget session could complicate the electoral process further and emphasized the need for strong leadership within the Election Commission as he prepares to retire due to age. Bhandari noted that despite submitting the draft of the unified election law over three years ago, it has yet to be presented in Parliament.

4. Speaker Aryal directs government to provide details on disaster preparedness (theannapurnaexpress.com)

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has directed the government to provide details on disaster preparedness in response to concerns raised by MPs regarding the impacts of floods, landslides, and inundation. He emphasized the need for updates on measures taken to mitigate loss of life and property during a session of the House of Representatives.

5. Health Minister Mehta reaffirms commitment to constitutional right to health (theannapurnaexpress.com)

Health Minister Nisha Mehta reaffirmed the government's commitment to the constitutional right to health during a National Assembly meeting, announcing a budget allocation of over Rs 99 billion for the health sector in the upcoming fiscal year. She outlined plans for a gradual increase in the health budget, the completion of 109 local basic hospitals, and the construction of 336 additional facilities, while emphasizing the importance of health insurance and the introduction of a direct purchase system for essential medicines. The minister also highlighted the enforcement of regulations requiring private hospitals to provide free treatment for 10 percent of their bed capacity and the implementation of electronic attendance in federal hospitals to enhance accountability and service quality.

6. Balen government claims 87 percent progress, names 101 in money-laundering cases (english.onlinekhabar.com)

Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government claims an 87.2 percent completion rate on its hundred-point governance reform agenda, with 70 percent of tasks fully completed. The government has initiated investigations into financial crimes, filing seven cases against 101 individuals and entities for money laundering, claiming damages of 118 billion rupees. Additionally, an asset investigation commission has been formed to scrutinize the assets of political office-holders and senior officials from the past two decades.

7. टेरामक्स भ्रष्टाचार प्रकरणमा दूरसञ्चारका तत्कालीन अध्यक्ष झासहित ३ जना दोषी ठहर (www.onlinekhabar.com)

In the Teramax corruption case, former Chairman of the Telecommunications Authority, Jhajhati, along with two others, has been found guilty. The ruling highlights significant accountability measures in addressing corruption within the telecommunications sector.

8. एडीबी अध्यक्ष आउँदा सरकारले गर्‍यो २५ अर्बको ऋण सम्झौता (www.onlinekhabar.com)

The government has signed a loan agreement worth NPR 25 billion with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) ahead of the ADB president's visit. This funding is expected to support various development projects in Nepal.

9. Govt to provide relief to poultry farmers within a week (theannapurnaexpress.com)

The Livestock Service Department is set to provide Rs 520 million in relief to poultry farmers affected by bird flu in 11 districts, compensating at least 75% of their losses. Farmers must apply through their District Livestock Service Office, and payments will be processed within a week for verified claims. The government has already destroyed around 700,000 chickens, 1.1 million eggs, and 330 tons of feed to control the outbreak, with total losses estimated at Rs 700 million.

10. Local government honours 15 'smart' mothers (risingnepaldaily.com)

The local government has recognized 15 mothers for their exemplary contributions, labeling them as 'smart' mothers. This initiative aims to celebrate their roles in community development and family welfare.

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