KATHMANDU: Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) has formed a 15-member working committee on Sunday for the promotion and preservation of the Himalayan region and mountaineering.

According to the ministry, the working committee within 15 days will submit study report of the Himalayan region and mountaineering to the ministry.

The committee, headed by Laxman Bhattarai, joint-secretary, MoTCA, will study the present scenario of mountaineering, make a comparative study of other countries, outline the development works needed in the mountaineering sector for Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and identify new summits.

Meanwhile, Union of Trekking, Travels, Rafting and Airlines workers Nepal (UNITRAV) and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) have signed 16-point demands out of 21 points put forth by the UNITRAV on Sunday.

The agreement among other things includes, granting social security, welfare fund management, operation of labour law and appointment letters.

According to a press statement issued here on Monday, the agreement also includes proper management for compulsory rescue of trekking workers and publicity of Nepali summiteers. As per the agreement signed, the workers will get health insurance worth Rs 2.5 lakh, accident insurance Rs 5 lakh, and 50 per cent increment in their wages in the trekking field. UNITRAV had forwarded 21-point demand to TAAN.