Author: Aryan Shakya

Department of Electricity Development Mandates Soft Copy Submission of Applications and Documents from 2083/01/02 (15 April 2026)

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

Promoters and consultants of electricity projects must submit soft copies (PDF, JPG, or similar) of all applications and documents exceeding five pages when filing with the Department of Electricity Development, effective from 2083/01/02 (15 April 2026).

  1. Introduction

The Department of Electricity Development (DoED), under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, has issued a notice requiring promoters and consultants of electricity projects to submit soft copies of applications and documents exceeding five pages alongside physical submissions, effective from 2083/01/02 (15 April 2026).

The requirement stems from the 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the Council of Ministers on 2082/12/13 (27 March 2026), aimed at making public service processes digital, trackable, fast, and transparent through the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS).

  1. Key Highlights

  1. Effective 2083/01/02 (15 April 2026), all applications and documents exceeding five pages must be submitted to the DoED in soft copy format (PDF, JPG, or similar) alongside physical copies.

  2. This requirement applies exclusively to promoters and consultants of electricity projects.

  3. Documents of five pages or fewer are not subject to this requirement.

  4. Submissions will be processed through the GIOMS platform.

 

  1. Practical Implications

  1. Soft Copy Submission Requirement

Promoters and consultants must ensure that any application or document exceeding five pages is submitted in both physical and digital formats from the effective date. Non-compliance may result in processing delays or requests for resubmission.

  1. Transition to GIOMS

All departmental work will be processed through GIOMS. Promoters and consultants are advised to familiarise themselves with the platform ahead of the effective date to ensure seamless submission.

 

Snapshot of Notice

Department of Electricity Development Mandates Soft Copy Submission of Applications and Documents from 2083/01/02 (15 April 2026)

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

Ministry of Labour Warns Employers on Minimum Wage and Social Security Obligations for Trainee Workers

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

Employers engaging trainee workers, including health workers, nursing staff, teachers, and employees at private and institutional establishments, must provide minimum remuneration and social security benefits as required under Section 18(3) of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017), as per the press release issued on 2082/12/23 (6 April 2026).


  • Introduction

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Government of Nepal, has issued a press release reminding all employers of their legal obligations towards trainee workers under the Labour Act, 2074 (2017).

The Ministry notes that Section 18(3) of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017) contains a clear legal provision requiring employers engaging persons as trainees to provide them with at minimum benefits without any reduction. The Ministry has received complaints and grievances from trainee health workers and nursing staff employed at various hospitals and health institutions, teachers and employees at private and institutional schools, and workers at various other establishments, indicating that they have not been receiving the minimum remuneration and other benefits prescribed by law. The Ministry has taken serious note of these complaints.

  • Key Highlights

Section 18(3) of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017) explicitly requires employers to provide trainee workers with the following benefits without any reduction: 

  • Minimum remuneration;
  • Sick leave;
  • Gratuity;
  • Provident fund; and
  • Insurance and other social security benefits.

All employers are urged to fully comply with the minimum remuneration and social security provisions of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017) and prevailing laws.

Employers found to be depriving trainee workers of minimum remuneration and prescribed benefits will be subject to action under prevailing law.

  • Practical Implications
  1. Obligations Towards Trainee Workers

Employers across all sectors, including hospitals, health institutions, schools, and other private and institutional establishments, must ensure that trainee workers receive all benefits prescribed under Section 18(3) of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017). The law makes no distinction between permanent employees and trainees with respect to these minimum entitlements; trainees are equally protected.

  1. Sectors Under Particular Scrutiny

Given the nature of complaints received, the Ministry’s notice signals heightened scrutiny of the following sectors:

  1. Hospitals and health institutions employing trainee health workers and nursing staff; and
  2. Private and institutional schools employing trainee teachers and support staff.

Employers in these sectors should conduct an immediate internal review of their remuneration and benefit structures to ensure full legal compliance.

  1. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Employers found to have deprived trainee workers of minimum remuneration or any other prescribed social security benefit will be subject to action under the Labour Act, 2074 (2017) and other prevailing laws. 

Snapshot of Press Release:

Ministry of Labour Warns Employers on Minimum Wage and Social Security Obligations for Trainee Workers

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Urges Unregistered Employers and Workers to Enrol with the Social Security Fund

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

Employers and workers who have not yet enrolled with the Social Security Fund (SSF) are urged to do so without delay, as required under the Labour Act, 2074 (2017) and the Contribution-Based Social Security Act, 2074 (2017).

Introduction

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Government of Nepal, has issued a notice urging all employers and workers who have not yet enrolled with the Social Security Fund (SSF) to complete their enrolment at the earliest.

The notice recalls that under Section 52(2) and Section 53(2) of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017), employers are legally required to deposit provident fund and gratuity contributions of workers into the SSF. Pursuant to Section 19 of the Contribution-Based Social Security Act, 2074 (2017), a gazette notification was published on 2076/07/26 (12 November 2019) requiring workers in sectors covered by the Labour Act to enroll with the SSF. 

A further gazette notification was published on 2082/01/01 (14 April 2025) specifically requiring institutions, corporations, boards, authorities, and other similar bodies under full or partial ownership of the Federal Government, Provincial Governments, or Local Governments to enrol with the SSF. Despite these notifications, a number of establishments and bodies in the said sectors have still not completed their enrolment, prompting the Ministry to issue this notice.

Practical Implications

  1. Legal Obligation to Enroll with the SSF

Enrolment with the SSF is not discretionary, it is a statutory requirement under the Labour Act, 2074 (2017) and the Contribution-Based Social Security Act, 2074 (2017). Employers operating in sectors covered by the Labour Act, as well as government-owned or partially government-owned entities, are legally obliged to enroll and make the prescribed contributions on behalf of their workers.

  1. Obligation to Deposit Provident Fund and Gratuity

Employers who have been maintaining separate provident fund or gratuity arrangements outside the SSF must transition these contributions to the SSF in accordance with the applicable legal provisions. Continued non-compliance with this requirement constitutes a breach of the Labour Act, 2074 (2017).

All concerned employers and establishments are strongly advised to complete their SSF enrolment promptly and ensure that ongoing contributions are deposited in accordance with the prescribed timelines and procedures.

 

 

Snapshot of Notice

Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Urges Unregistered Employers and Workers to Enrol with the Social Security Fund

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

Government Agencies Issue Joint Notice on Labelling and Quality Regulation of Bottled and Jar Drinking Water

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

Drinking water bottle and jar manufacturers must comply with new mandatory labelling and packaging requirements, with a 35-day compliance period for bottles and a 60-day compliance period for jars, effective from 2082/12/30 (13 April 2026).

Introduction

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DCSCP), the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), and the Department of Environment, in coordination with the Nepal Bottle Water Industry Federation and the Nepal Water Industry Federation, have issued a joint notice prescribing mandatory labelling and packaging standards for bottled and jar drinking water sold in Nepal.

The notice has been issued with the objective of ensuring quality standards for drinking water available in the market and reducing environmental pollution.

Key Highlights

Drinking Water Bottles:

  1. The use of additional plastic neck-seals or outer plastic layers over bottle caps is completely prohibited.

  2. In place of neck-seals, manufacturers must mandatorily use embossing, screen printing, or laser printing on bottle caps for producer identification.

  3. Detailed standards will be issued and implemented by the DFTQC.

  4. Manufacturers have been granted 35 days from the date of this notice to fully implement the embossing, screen printing, or laser printing requirement.

Drinking Water Jars:

  1. All drinking water jars must display the following details through embossing or screen labelling in a clearly visible manner: 

  • DFTQC licence number; and

  • Name, address, or logo of the manufacturing company containing all relevant details.

  1. This requirement applies immediately to newly produced jars.

  2. Manufacturers have been granted 60 days from the date of this notice to achieve full compliance.

  3. Joint monitoring and regulation will be conducted by the DCSCP, Department of Environment, and DFTQC.

  4. Technical guidelines will be issued separately by the DFTQC.

Practical Implications

  1. Bottle Manufacturers

Manufacturers must immediately cease the use of plastic neck-seals or outer plastic layers on bottle caps and transition to embossing, screen printing, or laser printing for producer identification within the 35-day compliance period. Detailed technical standards from the DFTQC should be reviewed and implemented upon publication.

  1. Jar Manufacturers

All newly produced jars must immediately carry the DFTQC licence number and manufacturer identification through embossing or screen labelling. Existing production lines must be fully compliant within 60 days. Manufacturers should note that joint inspections by three regulatory bodies will be conducted to verify compliance.

  1. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Products found to be non-compliant during joint monitoring exercises will be subject to regulatory action under prevailing law. Given the involvement of multiple government bodies in enforcement, manufacturers are strongly advised to prioritise timely compliance.

Snapshot of Notice

C:\Users\Gandhi & Associates\Downloads\WhatsApp Image 2026-04-27 at 12.14.46.jpeg

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

 

Department of Industry Warns Against Use of Information Letters as Substitute for Trademark Registration Certificates

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

Businesses and trademark applicants are warned that information letters issued prior to 2082/07/28 (14 November 2025) confirming publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin do not constitute trademark registration certificates and must not be used as such, as per the notice issued by the Department of Industry on 2083/01/04 (17 April 2026).

Introduction

The Department of Industry (DOI), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal, has issued a notice cautioning all patent, design, and trademark applicants against treating information letters, previously issued to notify applicants of publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin, as temporary or substitute trademark registration certificates.

The DOI notes that the practice of issuing such information letters was discontinued from 2082/07/28 (14 November 2025). Notwithstanding this, the DOI has received reports that certain industries, firms, and companies have been using information letters obtained prior to that date as though they were temporary trademark certificates. The DOI has clarified that this practice is impermissible under Section 18(b) of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965), and has warned that legal action will be taken against those found doing so.

Key Highlights

  1. Information letters issued to applicants confirming publication of their applications in the Industrial Property Bulletin were discontinued from 2082/07/28 (14 November 2025).
  2. Such information letters do not constitute, and must not be treated as, temporary or substitute trademark registration certificates.
  3. Under Section 18(b) of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965), a trademark may only be used after obtaining a formal trademark registration certificate.
  4. Businesses found using information letters as proof of trademark registration will be subject to action under prevailing law.
  5. Applicants are directed to refer to the DOI’s notice dated 2082/11/17 (01 March 2026) regarding trademark registration and certificate issuance, available at www.doind.gov.np.

Practical Implications

  1. Prohibition on Use of Information Letters as Trademark Certificates

Industries, firms, and companies that received information letters from the DOI prior to 2082/07/28 (14 November 2025) must immediately cease using such letters as evidence of trademark registration or as a basis for trademark use. The law is unambiguous: a trademark may only be used upon obtaining a formal registration certificate from the DOI.

2. Requirement to Obtain Formal Registration Certificate

Applicants whose trademark applications have been examined and published in the Industrial Property Bulletin but who have not yet obtained a formal registration certificate must complete the registration process and obtain their certificate before using the trademark. Use of a trademark without a valid registration certificate constitutes a breach of Section 18(b) of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965).

3. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Businesses found to be using information letters as substitute trademark certificates, or using trademarks without a valid registration certificate, will be subject to action under prevailing law. Affected applicants are strongly advised to review the status of their trademark applications and obtain formal registration certificates without delay.

Snapshot of Notice

C:\Users\Gandhi & Associates\Pictures\Screenshots\Screenshot (71).png

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

 

Department of Industry Directs Domestic Manufacturers to Label All Products with Maximum Retail Price

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

All domestic manufacturers must affix Maximum Retail Price (MRP) labels on every product manufactured and sold in Nepal, pursuant to Point 83 of the Government of Nepal’s 100-point governance reform agenda and Section 6 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018).

Introduction

The Department of Industry (DOI), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has issued a notice directing all domestic industrialists and manufacturers to sell products only after affixing MRP labels, in implementation of the Council of Ministers’ decision of 2082/12/13 (27 March 2026) and Section 6 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018).

Point 83 of the 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the Council of Ministers specifically requires mandatory implementation and intensive monitoring of MRP in the market.

Key Highlights

  1. All domestic manufacturers must affix MRP labels on every product manufactured and distributed for sale in Nepal.
  2. Products must not be sold or distributed without an MRP label.
  3. The requirement is grounded in Section 6 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018) and the Council of Ministers’ decision of 2082/12/13 (27 March 2026).
  4. Intensive market monitoring will be conducted to enforce compliance.

Practical Implications

Domestic manufacturers must immediately ensure that all products, whether currently in stock or newly manufactured, carry MRP labels before being placed in the market. Non-compliant products identified during market monitoring will be subject to action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018) and other prevailing laws.

Snapshot of Notice

C:\Users\Gandhi & Associates\Downloads\WhatsApp Image 2026-04-27 at 12.14.31.jpeg

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection Mandates Maximum Retail Price Labelling on All Imported Goods

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

 

Importers must mandatorily display Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on all imported goods sold in Nepal and issue bills/invoices at the point of sale, with a 15-day preparation period granted from 2082/12/30 (13 April 2026).

Introduction

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DCSCP), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has issued a press release following discussions held with representatives of the Nepal Overseas Trade Association on 2082/12/30 (13 April 2026), announcing mandatory MRP labelling on all imported goods sold in Nepal.

The measure has been adopted with the objective of strengthening consumer protection and making market management more transparent.

Key Highlights

  1. All importers selling goods in Nepal must mandatorily display the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on every imported product.
  2. Bills and invoices must be issued at the point of sale for all such goods.
  3. Importers have been granted 15 days from 2082/12/30 (13 April 2026) to prepare and implement MRP labelling on existing stock.
  4. Following the expiry of the preparation period, goods found without MRP during market monitoring will be subject to action under prevailing law.

Practical Implications

Importers must immediately review their existing stock and ensure MRP is displayed on all products before the expiry of the 15-day preparation period. Failure to comply will expose importers to regulatory action during market monitoring exercises. Issuance of bills and invoices at the point of sale is equally mandatory and must be implemented without delay.

Snapshot of Notice

C:\Users\Gandhi & Associates\Downloads\WhatsApp Image 2026-04-27 at 12.13.09.jpeg

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.

For quick legal assistance

Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +977 9709035477

Inland Revenue Office Biratnagar Issues Advisory on Direct Service Access and Caution Against Unauthorised Intermediaries

Posted on by Aryan Shakya

ll taxpayers are urged to access tax services directly or through properly authorised representatives, and to remain vigilant against unauthorised intermediaries, as per the notice issued by the Inland Revenue Office Biratnagar on 2082/12/22 (5 April 2026).

Introduction

The Inland Revenue Office Biratnagar, under the Inland Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal, has issued a public advisory reminding all taxpayers of the proper procedures for accessing tax-related services and cautioning against the use of unauthorised intermediaries.

The notice acknowledges that most tax services are now available through the online system, and seeks to make in-person services more transparent, orderly, and dignified. The office has also provided a prescribed format of Power of Attorney (Akhtiyarnaama)) for use by taxpayers who wish to appoint a representative.

Key Highlights

  1. Taxpayers are encouraged to access office services in person wherever possible.

  2. Where personal attendance is not possible, a representative may attend on the taxpayer’s behalf, provided they carry a valid authorisation letter/Power of Attorney (Akhtiyarnaama) in accordance with prevailing law.

  3. Authorised representatives must carry both their institutional identity card and the authorisation letter when attending the office.

  4. Taxpayers are cautioned against unauthorised intermediaries (brokers) who may mislead or exploit them through false promises.

  5. Unauthorised persons are warned against operating within the office premises or interfering with taxpayers’ matters.

  6. Any activity conducted outside the bounds of prevailing laws, rules, and procedures is illegal; taxpayers are urged to deal directly with office staff.

Practical Implications

  1. Personal Attendance and Authorised Representation

Taxpayers should attend the office in person wherever possible. Where this is not feasible, they must send a properly authorised representative carrying both a valid authorisation letter and an institutional identity card. Representatives without these documents will not be permitted to transact on the taxpayer’s behalf.

  1. Risk of Unauthorised Intermediaries

The office has flagged the active presence of unauthorised intermediaries who approach taxpayers with misleading assurances about expediting or facilitating services. Engaging such persons is not only ineffective but may expose taxpayers to legal risk, as any act conducted outside prevailing legal procedures is unlawful. Taxpayers are strongly advised to deal exclusively with office staff for all service-related matters.

G&A Note:

While the above advisory has been formally issuzed by the Inland Revenue Office, Biratnagar, similar practices are already being observed in other jurisdictions as well, including Kathmandu.

Thus, taxpayers and representatives are advised to remain cautious and ensure strict compliance with the requirement of proper authorisation (Akhtiyarnaama) and prescribed procedures when engaging in any tax-related dealings across all tax offices.

 

Snapshot of Notice

C:\Users\Gandhi & Associates\Downloads\WhatsApp Image 2026-04-27 at 11.06.17.jpeg      C:\Users\Gandhi & Associates\Downloads\WhatsApp Image 2026-04-27 at 11.06.22.jpeg

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client