Kathmandu, May 19:

The government today began discussions on the selection of a new coat of arms after doing away with the existing one, which is the amalgamation of two crossed khukuris, Mount Everest, Sun, Moon, Danfe, soldiers, cow, Pashupatinath temple and two feet, with crown topping it all. The cabinet is likely to come up with the new coat of arms in near future.

The cabinet meeting held at the PM’s residence also discussed the formation of a talks team. However, the team is likely to be made public only by next week, after the expansion of the incumbent cabinet.

“The current coat of arms will be replaced. But we have not yet come to a decision on a new one,” Minister of Land Reforms and Management Prabhu Narayan Chaudhari told reporters after the meeting.

Chaudhari said the formation of the talks team will be finalised only after the cabinet is expanded in a few days. “There are technical problems which have to be dealt with first,” Chaudhari said. Today also saw the PMO issuing directive to the government offices to do away with “His Majesty’s Government” and replace it with “Government of Nepal”.

New rubber stamps will also have to be made for the offices in due course.

However, the order says, “Instead of ordering new signboards and stationeries, it would be better to make corrections in existing signboards identifying the government offices.” The PMO has urged the offices to suggest new names if need be.

It also issued directives to Nepalese Embassies and consul generals, asking them to drop the word “Royal” from their names.

The notice issued today also directed the erstwhile RNA to switch to the new name - “Nepal army”. Semi-government offices have also been notified to remove the word “Royal” from their names. For example, this implies “Royal” will be dropped from Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation.