KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to form a joint study committee to address problems faced by residents in land development project areas, including New Bazaar, due to differing standards for rivers and roads.

The issue was raised during the 56th executive meeting of KMC, where executive members Macharaja Maharjan, Ishwarman Dongol and Rojina Shrestha said residents had been affected by river and road standards imposed by the Survey Office at different times.

KMC Acting Mayor Sunita Dongol said the committee would study all land development projects implemented by the metropolis and recommend legal solutions. The committee will include representatives from the Governance Committee, Building Management Committee, Legislation Committee, Administration Department, Law and Human Rights Department, and Urban Management Department.

“I have also heard the concerns of local residents. They have complained of being affected by provincial standards and various other standards,” Dongol said. “The study committee will submit its report by mid-September to explore a legal solution.”

The meeting also discussed the need for operating guidelines for parks and sports grounds built with KMC investment. Ward No. 5 Chair Birendra Prajapati raised the issue, while executive member Mahesh Nepali called for addressing building registration in relation to the right to housing. Dongol said studies and draft guidelines on both issues were underway and would be presented at the next executive meeting.

481 School Employees to Join Social Security Fund

The KMC executive meeting also decided to enroll school employees and teachers appointed, or to be appointed, through the metropolis’s internal resources in the Social Security Fund.

A total of 481 employees will be covered, including 172 Nepal Bhasa training assistants, one Tamang language training assistant, 16 technical-stream teachers, 32 instructors, 16 assistant instructors, one school assistant, 87 aides, 123 early childhood development teachers and 33 school nurses.

The meeting also approved rates for around 1,500 service and goods items. The proposal was presented by Jagadish Aryal, coordinator of the Rate Determination Committee.