Govt calls Dr KC to withdraw hunger strike

Kathmandu : The Government has urged Prof Dr Govinda KC, staging a fast-unto-death putting forth various demands concerning the health sector, to withdrawn the strike. At a press meet held to announce the cabinet decisions, Government spokesperson Pradeep Kumar Gyawali claimed that many of the demands raised by Dr KC had already been fulfilled.

The high level commission pursuant to the Medical Education Act is already working and the demand for a government medical college in all States is also addressed. At a time when the entire country is fighting against the Corona Virus infection, holding hunger strike, sit-in and agitation is not suitable, Minister Gyawal said. “If there are any issues left to be dealt with, we can discuss over it later,” he added.

Bairagi new Chief Secretary

The Government has promoted Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi to the post of Chief Secretary of the Government. The appointment was made after the resignation tendered by outgoing Chief Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi was accepted.

Likewise, the cabinet has decided to nominate former Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada as the Ambassador of Nepal to the United States of America, former Chief Secretary Regmi as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Dr Nirmal Kumar Biswakarma as the Nepali Ambassador to South Africa, according to Minister Gyawali, who also holds the post of Foreign Minister.

The government also decided to lower the tax rate excise duty as per Section 18 (a) of Economic Act, 2077. Minister Gyawali further said 28 gazetted temporary posts would be created under the Ministry of Commerce and Supply.

A 12-member talk team has been formed under the coordination of Secretary at Ministry of Industry Baikuntha Aryal to hold a Nepal-Bangladesh trade dialogue on October 6 and 7. As per the proposal forwarded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Cabinet agreed in principle to formulate bill on Madan Bhandari Technological University.

The Public Service Commission will be urged to proceed with fulfillment of the vacant posts as per the proposal of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

The government Spokesperson also informed that the government urged everyone to not leave home except for emergency case and adopt safety measures adequately at work place.