Lumbini Province Faces Growing Crisis as Cooperative Financial Misconduct Escalates
Summary
Lumbini Province is facing a growing crisis as multiple cooperatives are involved in financial misconduct, including embezzlement, with government efforts underway to investigate and amend laws for better regulation.
Key Points
- A nearly 30 million rupee embezzlement was discovered in Laligurans Cooperative, Palpa, leading to suspension and arrest of the manager.
- Multiple cooperatives across Lumbini Province, including in Bardiya, Banke, and Rupandehi, face investigations, police actions, and court cases over financial irregularities.
- Out of 848 registered cooperatives in Lumbini, 33 are identified as problematic with ongoing recovery and legal processes.
- The provincial government is preparing to amend the Lumbini Province Cooperative Act 2076 to clarify legal authority and improve management of problematic cooperatives.
