The country has immense potentials for minerals but unfortunately we have not been able to even scratch the surface so far

It is generally believed that the mining industry in Nepal has a bright future as the country is rich in various minerals. It is high time that we had a National Mineral Policy so that we would be able to regulate this industry. At present, the Ministry of Industry is seeking helpful feedback from the concerned stakeholders, and it has already prepared a draft for such a policy. The government is all set to form a National Mineral Fund to the tune of Rs. one billion in the budget of the fiscal year 2017-18. Looking at the future, an ambitious target has been set of investing Rs.100 billion in the mines and mineral industry within the next decade. These industries are expected to provide employment opportunities to at least 50,000 Nepalese during this period. As such industries are expected to thrive, more investors can be expected to invest in them as there are favourable prospects.

The Cabinet has to approve the draft bill which would then be tabled in the parliament. The draft aims to keep the mineral industry as one of national priority. The government also proposes to provide a waiver on customs and also subsidy for the development of the infrastructure from the fiscal year 2017-18. A special customs duty waiver would be in place on the import of machinery and equipment that would be essential to carry out exploration for minerals and their exploitation. In this period a geological study and research would be undertaken to find the minerals so that they could be exploited and ultimately exported and also used for domestic consumption. The mines and mineral businesses would also face scrutiny as to whether they meet the government’s requirements to open and operate the industries in these sectors. Many existing mining industries are not in operation since long and the draft policy envisages taking action against those who hold the license but are not working, which is long overdue.

The draft policy would make it possible to collect the data of minerals available in the country. The memorandum of understanding would be signed with foreign universities that would help provide the required human resources largely lacking now. In their absence, the required exploration is not being carried out. Work would also be done to promote and process mines and minerals. The country has immense potentials for minerals but unfortunately, we have not been able to even scratch the surface so far. if we are able to carry out exploitation to the fullest, we could achieve breakthroughs and discover more minerals and carry out mining where it would be profitable. As such, the National Mineral Policy is appropriately being mooted to enable the operating of mines and the mineral industry in Nepal. But national interests should come first in any such policy and its execution. Despite realizing the wide scope for mines it is a wonder why such a policy took so long in the making. This industry should be taken up seriously to give a big push to the development of the country. The enforcement of the policy and guidelines would assist in a large way in the endeavor to take full benefit from the country’s mineral deposits.

Sidewalk trade

It is many years since the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) created its own cops to enforce municipal regulations, such as against the illegal occupation of streets by vendors. Ever since it has been a not uncommon sight on the streets with those cops cruising around the city’s streets on the prowl for any violators. And such cops pounce upon several offending street vendors every day, whereas most others who have become street-smart to scent the arrival of the municipal patrol jeep and make for a nearby shelter till the patrolmen whiz past, to come back again on the streets and continue their trade.

But still vendors galore are seen not only occupying sidewalks but also spilling over into the sides of the roads, causing great inconvenience to pedestrians, contributing to traffic jams, raising the risk of traffic accidents, as well as marring the beauty of the city. In November 2014, the home ministry had boasted of clearing the capital city’s sidewalks of street vendors, claiming that 16,664 such open street shops had been removed. Amid public criticism, the government has decided to go into action again. This kind of approach will not work. The enthusiasm of KMC and the traffic police should never dip, and the punishment should be greater.