Banking News – The Government of Nepal has closed several stalls at Bhrikutimandap, including those occupied by the Kathmandu Valley Public Library, after they failed to pay outstanding rental dues for an extended period.

According to the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security, the decision was implemented to protect public property, enforce legal obligations, and ensure the effective management of assets owned by the Social Welfare Council.

The ministry stated that the Social Welfare Council had repeatedly issued written notices, public announcements, and final warnings requesting the concerned organizations to clear their outstanding rent. However, after the continued failure to settle the dues, the government proceeded with the closure in accordance with legal procedures.

The ministry said the Kathmandu Valley Public Library Society, which had been using Stalls No. 34 and 68, had accumulated outstanding rent of Rs. 290.23 million as of the end of Chaitra 2082 BS.

It added that the Office of the Auditor General, in its final audit report, had recommended the recovery of the outstanding amount.

Clarifying that the move was not intended to discontinue public library services, the ministry said the library would be reopened in a more organized, efficient, and public-friendly manner following the restructuring and management reforms of the Social Welfare Council.

The ministry also emphasized that all organizations and institutions using public property must fulfill their contractual and legal obligations, including the timely payment of rent and other dues.