KATHMANDU, Feb 25: The government on Tuesday issued a white paper on the movable and immovable properties belonging to the Nepal Trust.
Amid a press meet in the capital, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokharel who is also the chairperson of the Nepal Trust, made public the details of the assets currently owned by the Trust.
According to the white paper, the Trust owns 22,000 ropanis of land in 12 districts. "The Trust currently has Rs 780 million, USD 10, 4800 and 50,000 British Pounds," read the white paper.
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During the press meet, Minister Pokharel stated that Trust has taken the ownership of 21562 ropanis of land in the name of former royals. "The Trust has 4442 ropanis of land in Kathmandu valley alone," he said.
The minister also said that the government has intensified campaign to find out the status of public properties owned by the former royals.
On the occasion, the minister said that the lease for Gokarna Forest Resort was extended in accordance with the Nepal Trust Act and related regulations.
Pokharel's remarks come amid criticism of the government from various quarters for extending the lease five years prior to the expiry of the existing lease and without competitive bidding. Concerns have also been raised over the decision of the government to effect the amendments to the Nepal Trust Act to unfairly benefit Yeti Holdings. Nepal Trust is a government body which oversees the assets previously owned by the former royals.
