Damage of 78 billion rupees on Bhadra 23 and 24, vandalism reported in 55 districts.

The protests on Bhadra 23 and 24 are estimated to have caused Rs 78 billion worth of physical damage.

Earlier, only private sector losses were estimated at around Rs 90 billion, while the government had also made its estimates of a heavy financial loss.

According to Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, presenting data during a discussion organised by the Nepal Chamber, the total damage now stands at Rs 78 billion.

He mentioned that while the aggregate damage may not appear significantly big, the incidents were reported from close to 1,957 units in 55 districts. Of these, only 419 units belonged to the private sector, whose damages are valued at Rs 36 billion.

The remaining around 1,500 units belonged to either federal, provincial, or local governments, including 514 offices at the local level. The total assessed damage amounts to roughly Rs 78.51 billion.

The Finance Minister added that he acknowledges and appreciates the suggestions presented to boost the economy, promote growth, create employment, and encourage youth to find opportunities within Nepal rather than seeking jobs abroad.

He has, however, made it clear that only those recommendations falling within the government's current three-tier jurisdiction could be implemented.

He then underscored that without the corresponding legal tools, meaning laws, the government cannot implement certain suggestions, no matter how promising they are. He said, “Some matters require legal instruments for implementation. Without the necessary laws, it may not be possible to carry them out.