Apr 13, Kathmandu - Several stalls inside Bhirkutimandap have been padlocked due to unpaid rent over the years. The Social Welfare Council has sealed 20 organizations and business entities that have failed to settle their rent arrears. The action was taken following directives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the council confirmed.

According to the council, the total outstanding rent amounts to over NPR 77.9 million. The list of defaulters includes the Nepal Student Union (Anurag Swayamvariya), which has been using stalls No. 60 and 61 but has not paid rent since 2077 BS.

Additionally, the Reporters Club Nepal reportedly owes more than NPR 7.3 million in unpaid rent. Several other organizations, including the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children and various institutions, have also been found to have overdue payments for years.