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Started 2 days ago · Updated 2 days ago

Mahabir Pun Urges Government to Use Rural Telecom Fund for Service Expansion

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Member of Parliament Mahabir Pun has called on the government to immediately utilize the Rural Telecommunication Fund, which holds approximately 16 billion rupees, to expand communication services in rural areas. Pun stated that the government's failure to spend these accumulated funds is depriving rural citizens of essential communication facilities. He also demanded an end to the taxi registration syndicate in Kathmandu Valley, citing population growth and a lack of new permits.

• The Rural Telecommunication Fund has accumulated around 16 billion rupees since 2053 BS from a 2% deduction on telephone service usage fees.
• MP Pun argued that the government possesses the budget for village internet and telephone services but struggles with spending the available money.
• He urged pressure on the Ministry of Communications and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to mobilize funds from the Rural Telecommunication Fund.
• Regarding taxis, Pun noted that approximately 7,500 were registered in 2057 BS, with an additional 1,500 added after the 2072 BS earthquake, totaling around 9,000 operational taxis.
• Pun accused the government of deliberately halting new taxi registrations, which he believes encourages syndicates and limits self-employment opportunities.