April 11: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government is working to explore different measures to lower the interest rate of banks.    
During a meeting with the representatives of banks and financial institutions (BFIs) on Monday, the PM said that the government has been working seriously to bring about reforms in the economy.    
"I organised this meeting. We are in regular parleys to reduce the burdens seen in economy. We are searching for measures to lower the interest rate of banks. We will reach a conclusion soon," PM Dahal said.    
On the occasion, the PM noted that increased foreign exchange reserves and improved remittance inflow has eased the crisis to some extent.    
Likewise, the PM shared that he was thinking of holding a massive consultations with the representatives of the government and private sector before unveiling the new budget.    
The problems will not be resolved just by trading barbs, the PM said, adding that the current challenges and pressures on economy could be addressed through mutual cooperation.    
Saying that both national and international factors are responsible for the current economic crisis, PM Dahal stated that the government is effortful to increase revenue collection and curb revenue leakage.     
"We will ensure firm monitoring mechanism, which brings reform in the economy. We cannot address the issue of liquidity crunch unless real estate business is facilitated. So, we will reach a conclusion soon in this regard," the PM told the private sector's representatives.    
Similarly, the PM said that the anarchic activities including advocating the nonpayment of bank loans will not be entertained. "Hooliganism cannot be tolerated. The government will be strict on this," the PM said.    
On the occasion, the CEOs of the BFIs and officials urged for the security of the banking sector.    
Present on the occasion were Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, Nepal Rastra Bank's Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, Home Secretary Binod Prakash Singh, Finance Secretary Toyam Raya and other high-ranking officials. -- RSS