Govt. forms task force to address transport strike demands

KATHMANDU, JUNE 2: The government has formed a task force to resolve the demands raised by transport entrepreneurs who have halted public transportation services as part of their protest. The move aims to address the ongoing disruption through dialogue and negotiation.

On Monday morning, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak held discussions with representatives of the agitating entrepreneurs at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Following the meeting, a task force was formed to initiate formal talks on their demands.

The task force is coordinated by Krishnaraj Pant, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. It includes representatives from key government agencies: Undersecretaries from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, along with a Superintendent from the Traffic Police Division.

Representing the transport entrepreneurs, Vijay Bahadur Swar, President of the National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, along with eight other members, are part of the task force. Ravindra Acharya, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, serves as the member secretary.

According to Ramchandra Tiwari, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government remains committed to resolving the issue through peaceful negotiation and has urged the entrepreneurs to withdraw their protest programs, including the shutdown of transportation services.

Speaking during the discussion, Home Minister Lekhak reaffirmed the government’s seriousness regarding the entrepreneurs’ concerns and emphasized that all issues can be resolved through dialogue. He also highlighted the importance of coordination with provincial governments, noting that several concerns fall within their jurisdiction.

Member Secretary Ravindra Acharya informed that the task force has already begun its work. “Following its formation at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the task force has started dialogue and consultation from today itself,” he said.

The meeting at the Ministry was attended by Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, senior security officials, and other stakeholders.