KATHMANDU, Feb 8: The government has decided to provide up to 75 percent compensation for acquiring land needed for the East-West Electrical Railway, in the case of those who have been living on the land for years but without actually owning it.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota, who is also the government spokesperson, said on Thursday that the decision was made by the cabinet on Monday. But only a part of such land is to be acquired, the occupants will be provided up to 66 percent in compensation. The government has decided to pay compensation for the structures built on the land after an evaluation.
Railway compensation dispute resolved
Asked about the recent Supreme Court decision on Ncell capital gains tax, Minister Baskota said that the government is ready to recover the tax from the agencies concerned after the court issues the full text of the verdict. Responding to journalists’ concerns about SC order to stay the implementation of the hiked minimum salaries of journalists, Baskota said the government plans to file a petition at the Supreme Court to vacate the stay order.
According to Minister Baskota the cabinet on Monday decided to appoint Madhu Sudan Adhikari as the chief executive officer of the Alternative Energy Promotion Center for four years. Similarly, Jeulal Chaudhary has been appointed as the chairman of the Nepal Drinking Water Corporation.
The government has also decided to bring the budget allocated to Province 1 for Dovan-Olangchung Gola and Dovan Tamor corridor and Basantapur-Guphapokhari-Sabhapokhari road under the federal ministry. Similarly, Ganeshman Singh Highway has also been brought under the federal government.
Cabinet meeting has also granted permission for the use of forest area for several hydropower and transmission line projects. The projects include Chilime-Trishuli Transmission Line, Mahakali Irrigation Project, Upper Mailung Hydropower Project, Makari Gaad Hydropower Project and Burtibang-Paidari-Gorusinghe Transmission Line. The cabinet has also approved Federal Civil Service Bill for registration at the parliament.