KATHMANDU: The government has intensified market monitoring and security measures to ensure a safe and smooth environment for citizens during the upcoming festive season.

In a weekly press briefing on Friday, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers stated that curbing artificial shortages, black marketing, and abnormal price hikes is a top priority, coordinated across federal, provincial, and local levels.

To manage the festive rush, authorities have implemented strict monitoring of transport fares, technical inspections of vehicles, and rigorous enforcement of traffic rules to reduce accidents. The 75th meeting of the Central Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, held on Oct. 19, decided to ensure the regular supply of essential goods, including food, gas, fuel, and medicines.

The government has allocated Rs 1 billion to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority fund. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund has collected over Rs 17.30 billion. Additionally, the Cabinet recommended that the President issue three ordinances related to land, disaster, and forestry on Oct. 21.

Efforts to enhance administrative transparency are also underway. The National Vigilance Center inspected 106 offices between Oct. 1 and Oct. 20, recommending action against 1,167 employees for failing to adhere to office hours or dress codes. Furthermore, the government is processing the development and upgrading of nine national-level systems, including the Nagarik App and SUTRA.

Other initiatives include the nomination of members to the Medical Education Commission and the launch of a sanitation week from Oct. 22 to Oct. 28. The government has also begun implementing an integrated rehabilitation package for the families of martyrs and those injured during the Gen-Z movement. Complaints received through the Hello Sarkar portal are being addressed with high priority to facilitate public service delivery.