Kathmandu, December 26
The government has clarified that it extended the lease term of Gokarna Forest Resort located in the last belonging to Nepal Trust following existing legal provisions.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly in Kathmandu on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwar Pokharel, also the chair of the trust, said, “The extension was not decided by the Cabinet or a particular leader. It is based on the act made by the House.”
He added that the extension would not hamper national interests. Pokharel was of the view that the rate charged on the land is not low, but it was decided on the basis of ‘fair market value’.
Pokharel shared the government would soon publish a white paper about details of the transaction.
Earlier, lawmakers including those of the ruling Nepal Communist Party had urged the government to clarify the House about the recent controversy.
