Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has promised a delegation from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that his administration will uphold and preserve the organization's autonomy. This assurance was given during a meeting at Baluwatar on Saturday, where PM Oli engaged with NRNA representatives to address various concerns of non-resident Nepalis.
During the hour-long interaction, PM Oli emphasized the importance of industrial investment for Nepal's prosperity and urged non-resident Nepalis to focus their investments in this sector. He promised to amend necessary laws to ensure the economic, social, and cultural rights of non-resident Nepali citizens, as provided by the constitution.
The Prime Minister also committed to issuing immediate guidelines for the operation of the joint investment NRN Development Fund, demonstrating the government's support for initiatives benefiting non-resident Nepalis.
PM Oli stressed that since the NRNA is an independent and autonomous organization, there is no need to fear external interference. He promised full cooperation from his side to ensure the freedom of the association.
The delegation, led by NRNA founding president Dr. Upendra Mahato, congratulated PM Oli on his successful tenure. NRNA President Dr. Badri KC highlighted challenges faced by the non-resident Nepali community, including investment facilitation and the implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship. He urged the government to play a pioneering role in addressing these issues.
Other prominent NRNA members present at the meeting included Vice President Rozina Pradhan Rai, Atul Koirala, Hiradhan Rai, Bhushan Ghimire, Krishna Timalsina, Arjun Kumar Shrestha, Bijan Bhatt, Raju Aryal, Keshab Timilsina, Rajendra Pudasaini, and Parshu Basnet.
Prior to this meeting, the NRNA delegation had also held discussions with other key government officials, including Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Akhtar, and Foreign Minister Arju Deuba, to address matters concerning non-resident Nepalis.
The news of this meeting comes amid an ongoing legal crisis within the NRNA. The Supreme Court recently annulled the multi-term working committee established during the association's 10th Congress, leading to confusion regarding the upcoming leadership election for the organization.
PM Oli's assurance of non-interference in NRNA's affairs is seen as a positive step towards maintaining a collaborative relationship between the government and the non-resident Nepali community, while respecting the association's autonomy.
