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Nepal Launches Domestic Card Scheme: NEPALPAY & NPS-NCS Go Live

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Domestic Card Scheme

In a historic move for Nepal’s financial sector, Nepal Clearing House Ltd. (NCHL) officially launched the NPS-National Card Switch (NPS-NCS) and the NEPALPAY Card as the country’s first domestic card scheme. The event, presided over by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, marks a critical step toward reducing reliance on international card networks and boosting digital sovereignty.

Maha Prasad Adhikari

Key Features of NEPALPAY & NPS-NCS

A Unified, Secure, and Localized Payment Ecosystem

 Domestic Card Scheme:

  • NEPALPAY Card (EMV chip-based) accepted at ATMs, POS terminals, and soon in e-commerce/virtual payments.
  • Reduces dependency on Visa/Mastercard/RuPay, ensuring data localization and lower transaction costs.

Advanced NPS Infrastructure:

  • National Card Switch: Seamless interbank transactions.
  • Centralized Settlement & Dispute Management: Faster resolution.
  • AI/ML Fraud Detection: Enhanced security against cyber threats.
  • Cross-Border Interface (NPIx): Future-proofing for international interoperability.

Bank Participation:

  • Himalayan Bank, Machhapuchhre Bank, and Siddhartha Bank conducted live transactions.
  • Multiple banks signed agreements for NEPALPAY issuance & interoperability.

Why This Matters for Nepal?

Financial Inclusion & Digital Sovereignty

  • Cost Efficiency: Lower fees compared to foreign card networks.
  • Data Localization: Transactions processed within Nepal, enhancing security.
  • Innovation Boost: Paves the way for Nepal’s own UPI-like systems.
  • Scale: NCHL already processes NRs 15.5 trillion annually across 54+ banks/financial institutions.

What’s Next?

  • Expanded Acceptance: E-commerce, QR payments, and government transactions.
  • Cross-Border Linkages: Potential integration with India’s UPI and other regional systems.
  • Financial Inclusion: Wider access for rural and unbanked populations.

Final Thoughts

With NEPALPAY, Nepal joins the league of nations with indigenous payment systems (like India’s RuPay, China’s UnionPay). Will this accelerate Nepal’s cashless future? 

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Chhyangdi Hydropower Extends Deadline for Rights Share Application | Until 27th Ashad

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Chhyangdi Hydropower

The deadline for the ongoing rights share issue of Chhyangdi Hydropower Limited (CHL) has been officially extended until 27th Ashad, 2082. The issue had originally opened on 23rd Jestha, 2082, with an earlier closing date set for 12th Ashad, 2082.

Key Details of the Rights Share Issue

Details Information
Total Right Shares Issued 3,869,775 units (1:1 ratio)
Face Value per Share Rs. 100
Total Issue Amount Rs. 38.69 Crore
Current Paid-up Capital Rs. 38.69 Crore
Post-Issue Paid-up Capital Rs. 77.39 Crore

As per the Central Depository System and Clearing Limited (CDSC), 23,503 applicants have applied for 2,317,902 units (worth Rs. 23.17 Crore) as of yesterday.

Eligibility and Application Process

Only those shareholders who held shares before the book closure date of 2nd Jestha, 2082, are eligible for this right share offering.

Interested shareholders can apply through:

  • Global IME Capital Limited, Naxal, Kathmandu (Issue Manager)
  • Designated branches of Global IME Bank Limited across Lamjung, including Besisahar, Sundarbazar, Bhulbhule, Siundibar, Udipur, and Dordhi
  • Any C-ASBA-approved banks and financial institutions
  • Online via “MeroShare”.

Applicants are advised to complete the process before banking hours on 27th Ashad, 2082 (Friday).

Important Note:

Payments must be made through an account payee cheque drawn in the name “GICL-BOK-CHHYANGDI RIGHT SHARE”, as per the instructions from Global IME Capital Ltd.

Contact Information

Notice: Chhyangdi Hydropower Extends Deadline for Rights Share Application 

Notice of Chhyangdi Hydropower Extends Deadline for Rights Share Application

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Election Commission Preparing to Announce By-Election Date | Voter Registration Now Open

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The Election Commission of Nepal has begun preparations for by-elections to fill vacant positions at various levels of government. As part of this process, the Commission is urging all eligible Nepali citizens who have not yet registered their names in the voter list to do so immediately.

According to the Assistant Spokesperson of the Election Commission, Mr. Durga Prasad Chalise, individuals will not be allowed to register in the voter list once the election date is officially announced. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of early registration to avoid being left out.

The Election Commission recently held discussions with the Prime Minister, Mr. KP Sharma Oli, and the Acting Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Ram Prasad Bhandari. They talked about setting a date for the by-elections. The main focus was on two key areas: Rupandehi Constituency No. 3 for the House of Representatives and Manang Province Assembly Constituency No. 1 (B). Elections in these regions are likely to be held in the second week of Kartik.

The position in Rupandehi became vacant after the passing of Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Deepak Bohora. In Manang, the seat became empty after provincial assembly member Deepak Manange was sent to jail. In addition to these, more than a dozen ward chairman positions are also currently unoccupied in various local governments.

The Election Commission has issued a public notice dated 2082/03/11 (Nepali calendar) urging all citizens to register in the voter list immediately. The notice mentions that, according to Clause 4(2)(2) of the Voter List Act, 2073, voter registration will be stopped as soon as the election date is declared.

Hence, this is a final chance for anyone who missed earlier opportunities to register. The Commission has made a heartfelt appeal to all brothers and sisters across the country to take this opportunity seriously and get their names included in the voter list.

The Election Commission assures that the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly and freely, in line with its guiding principle:
“Free and Fair Election: Pride of the Nation.”

For more information or assistance, people can visit the official website of the Election Commission at www.election.gov.np or contact their office at Kantipath, Kathmandu.

Notice: Election Commission Preparing to Announce By-Election Date

Notice of Election Commission Preparing to Announce By-Election Date

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Birgunj Customs Office Collects Highest Revenue from Petroleum Imports

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Birgunj Customs Office Collects Highest Revenue from Petroleum Imports

The Birgunj Customs Office has collected the highest revenue from the import of petroleum products in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2081/82. According to the office, a total of NPR 73.18 billion was collected in revenue from petroleum imports alone.

During this period, Nepal spent about NPR 174.09 billion to import five different types of petroleum products. These petroleum imports contributed 46.43% of the total revenue collected from the top 20 imported items, making it the most important source of income for the customs office.

Major Revenue Contributors from Imports

Major Revenue Contributors from Imports

What Officials Say

Customs Chief Administrator Deepak Lamichhane stated that petroleum products and vehicle imports are the main sources of customs revenue at Birgunj. He highlighted that these two sectors consistently contribute the highest share of government income collected through imports.

Conclusion

The data from the Birgunj Customs Office shows that fuel and vehicles remain Nepal’s most heavily imported and taxed items. With more than 46% of the revenue coming from petroleum alone, any changes in fuel prices or import volumes can significantly affect national customs revenue.

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