Trilateral clash in NRNA America, Kharel, Sah for president, and Anup Khanal takes over as Adhikari general secretary

Image
The voting process for selecting the new leadership of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) USA began on Sunday. About 13,000 members of the association will vote for their preferred candidates through ballots sent via email and mobile. This time, there will be a three-way competition between Bhanu Kharel, Satendra Sah, and Ramhari Adhikari for the post of president. All three candidates were intensifying the final phase of activities to woo voters before the election. Due to the divisions, disputes, and internal dissatisfaction seen in the last term, this time the members have appeared more cautious in selecting the leadership. In states with a large number of voters, like California, New York, and Texas, members have expressed expectations for the new leadership. Along with the president, there is also competition for other positions, including vice president, general secretary, secretary, and others. All three candidates have entered the field with a pail. Anup Khanal from the...

The demand of NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalis) to create an investment-friendly environment in Nepal by removing legal obstacles.



The demand to provide citizenship as per the provisions of the constitution.


Investment Environment in Nepal: NRNs Demand Legal Reforms and Citizenship as per Constitution


Assurance from Industry Minister to Shift Processes Online


Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) have emphasized the need for clear investment laws and citizenship provisions as per the constitution to foster a favorable investment climate in Nepal.  


During the second day of the 16th European Regional Conference, participants drew the Nepali government's attention to the necessity of political stability and a conducive investment environment.  


At the conference held in Malta, attendees raised their concerns and queries with Nepal’s Industry Minister, Damodar Bhandari.  


Key Demands and Concerns Raised by NRNs:


1. Political Stability and Infrastructure Development

   - Dr. Sunil Shah, Coordinator of the NRN Health Committee, stressed that political stability is crucial for investment, noting that Nepal still lacks adequate infrastructure development.  


2. Investment Beyond Traditional Sectors

   - NRN Secretary Swatantra Pratap Shah argued that merely having an investment-friendly environment is not enough. He pointed out that investment opportunities exist even during crises, citing examples of businesses that thrived during the conflict and COVID-19.  

   - He urged a shift in mindset, stating, *"Why limit investments to hydropower and hotels? There are other sectors too."*  


3. Citizenship and Investment Policies

   - Rajendra Pudashaini, an NRN honorary council member, criticized the government for not being proactive in granting rights through citizenship, leading to uncertainty for investors.  

   - Ramsharan Shingh Khada, NRN Vice President, expressed dissatisfaction over delays in granting citizenship as per constitutional provisions.  


4. Bureaucratic Hurdles

   - Entrepreneur Chhatra Shrestha (Czech Republic) highlighted the difficulties in dealing with labor unions and employee transfers in Nepal.  

   - Businessman Santos Bhattarai (Germany) pointed out complications in business registration due to mandatory national ID requirements.  


5. Security and Political Stability

   - Bodhraj Paudel (Belgium) stated that investors seek secure environments and that political instability makes business operations difficult.  


Government’s Response:

- Industry Minister Damodar Bhandari acknowledged the need for further reforms, admitting that Nepal’s laws are cumbersome.  

- He assured that the government is working to simplify processes, including allowing online business registration and reducing file processing time to seven days.  

- Rajeshwar Gyawali, Director-General of the Industry Department, admitted legal complexities but assured efforts to ease investment procedures.  

- Himal Chandra Aryal, Deputy Secretary of the Investment Board, mentioned plans for a one-door policy to streamline investment processes.  


Additional Concerns:

- Women’s Safety: Rosina Pradhan Rai (NRN Vice President) raised concerns about increasing exploitation of Nepali women in Europe.  

- Fraud Awareness: Mukta Gurung (Spain) warned against scams under the pretext of taking people abroad.  

- NRN Law: NRN President Badri KC demanded equal investment rights for NRNs as given to foreigners and urged the government to address citizenship issues.  


Conclusion:

While the government has pledged reforms, NRNs continue to push for a more transparent, stable, and legally secure investment environment in Nepal. The Industry Minister’s assurance to shift processes online is a step forward, but stakeholders demand faster implementation and policy clarity.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu observed Youm-e-Tashakur

"Nissan to unveil new seven-seater B-MPV"

Mukund Sharma Humagai's Sankalpa Yatra: A sign of Ladkeshwor in every District