सरकारद्वारा निर्माण व्यवसायीको माग सम्बोधन तयारी, मूल्य समायोजनमार्फत समाधान खोजिँदैGovernment Moves to Address Contractors’ Demands Through Price Adjustment Mechanism

Kathmandu – The government has begun preparations to address the demands of protesting construction contractors through a “price adjustment” mechanism. Contractors have launched protests, saying it has become difficult to continue projects due to the sharp rise in fuel and construction material prices caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Rabindra Bohora, said the government is working on solutions under the Public Procurement Act and Regulations and urged contractors to return to work with confidence. A report prepared under various models to address the issue is currently under discussion at the Prime Minister’s Office. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the construction sector after Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal adopted a strict stance against contractors accused of delaying projects, even mobilizing police against some of them. Following the detention and questioning of several contractors, construction entrepreneurs intensified their protests. The Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal has demanded immediate price adjustment, payment clearance, and contract deadline extensions. Opposition leader Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress criticized the government’s use of police against contractors, calling it against democratic norms and the rule of law. The government, however, believes that once the price adjustment issue is resolved, construction activities across the country will regain momentum.