The construction industry in Nepal is currently facing a severe financial crisis, with construction businessmen claiming that the government owes them a staggering sum of 50 billion rupees. As unpaid bills continue to pile up, a series of demonstrations have been organized in the capital city, Kathmandu, and other parts of the nation. The Federation of Nepal Construction Professionals is leading the protest, demanding immediate payment of 10 billion rupees and an assurance to cover the remaining 40 billion rupees. The situation has escalated to the extent that the Finance Minister's resignation is now being demanded.
1. Unpaid Bills Plague Construction Industry
Amid the ongoing protests, construction businessmen are frustrated with the lack of payment from various development ministries of the Nepal government. The unpaid bills, totaling 50 billion rupees, have caused significant disruptions in various infrastructure projects, including bridges, roads, mid-hill highways, river control, railway departments, local hospitals, and urban development projects.
Ravi Singh, President of the Federation of Nepal Construction Professionals, expresses concern that the halt in payments not only affects the businessmen but also leads to a chain reaction of financial difficulties, affecting bank installments, revenue, and employees' wages.

2. Protests and Government's Response
Construction businessmen have taken to the streets in a series of protests, with demonstrations focused on the federal capital, Kathmandu. The protestors staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister's residence and planned to encircle the Parliament. Despite submitting a memorandum to the government, they have not received a satisfactory response, leading to the continuation of protests.
Finance Minister Dr. Prakasharan Mahat faces pressure to resolve the payment crisis and address the demands of the construction professionals. However, the Ministry of Finance is struggling with financial constraints, making it difficult to fulfill its obligations. The lack of proper resource estimation in the past has also contributed to the payment issues faced by the construction projects.
3. Demands and Risks for the Current Year
The Federation demands an immediate amendment to the Public Procurement Act and Regulations, extension of the contract deadlines, and price adjustments to address unexpected increases. They also seek an end to practical milestones, emphasizing the importance of quality and timely construction. The current financial year's budget aims to allocate 3 trillion 8 billion rupees for capital expenditure. However, the payment crisis and lack of resources have raised doubts about successful project completion within the specified timeframe. If the government fails to address these issues promptly, it may jeopardize the projects and cause further disruptions in the construction industry.

The construction industry in Nepal is facing a critical situation with unpaid bills amounting to 50 billion rupees and demands for prompt government action. Protests and demonstrations have become common across the country as construction professionals strive to secure their rightful payments and ensure the smooth functioning of infrastructure projects. The Finance Minister's resignation demand underscores the urgency of resolving the crisis and restoring stability to the construction sector. As the situation continues to unfold, the government must take decisive measures to address the concerns of construction businessmen and provide a sustainable solution for the industry's growth and development.