Unilateral discharge
The Maoist party has decided to discharge the disqualified combatants itself after failing to reach an agreement with the government over a rehabilitation package. The government and United Nations Mission in Nepal have offered to provide education and vocational training to the 4,008 disqualified combatants, including minors and late recruits. The Maoists have been demanding that they should also be offered cash incentives for future job security. The discharged combatants will join Young Communist League, Maoist politburo member Chandra Prakash Khanal has said. (Republica)

Costly show-off
The cabinet meeting due to take place in Gorakshep on Friday is going to cost Rs 6 million, it has been estimated. Several mountaineering and conservation groups have worked together to raise funds for the historic cabinet meeting organised to draw attention to climate change issues. Around 27 ministers will head to Lukla on Thursday, and those declared fit will travel to Gorakshep for the meeting that is expected to last 20 minutes. (Republica)

Bankruptcy fears
Nepal Electricity Authority is headed for bankruptcy if its annual loss of Rs 4 billion cannot be reversed, experts have said. The Authority is reeling under serious financial crisis due to increasing electricity loss, irregularities in construction of hydropower projects and frequent political interference. Currently its debt stands at Rs 12 billion, and it has failed to invest in any new project due to severe losses in recent years. As a result, consumers may face power outages lasting up to 20 hours per day in the coming year. (The Kathmandu Post)