KATHMANDU: The government has decided to accept a grant assistance of 20.7 million US dollars from the United States to improve the health sector.

Government spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, announced the decisions of the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, stating that the grant was accepted based on a proposal from the Ministry of Finance.

The cabinet also approved the use of national forest areas for infrastructure development and national security projects. This includes the Kamala-Dhalkebar-Pathlaiya road section of the East-West Highway, the Garjyang Khola and Balephi Khola hydropower projects, and the construction of training centers, companies, and border outposts for the Armed Police Force.

Furthermore, the government has authorized the submission of three bills to the Federal Parliament: the bill to amend and integrate laws related to the Federal Civil Service, the bill to amend the Animal Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act 2055, and the bill to amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2074.

The cabinet also promoted two joint secretaries to the position of secretary. Awas Shrestha Karna has been promoted and appointed as the Chief Secretary of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Gandaki Province, while Dr. Jagadishwor Karmacharya has been appointed as the Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Addressing reporters, spokesperson Pokharel clarified that former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JBR has not been arrested or taken into custody. He stated that the former Chief Justice was moved to a secure location for safety reasons following a request from his family. Regarding sports, he mentioned that the government is preparing to organize domestic leagues and is working on developing sports infrastructure in 27 locations across the country.