Kathmandu, Aug 3: The government has stopped the broadcasting of Indian television channels operating in Nepal. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced that the suspension began on Thursday due to the channels’ failure to obtain foreign exchange recommendations for nearly two years.

Gajendra Kumar Thakur, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry, stated, “Mainly the broadcasting of India’s Colors, Star, Zee, and Sony network channels has been stopped. Since 15 Chait 2079, they have not been able to recommend foreign currency.” He clarified that while there is no legal issue with granting foreign currency recommendations, the Indian channels have not complied, leading to the cessation of their broadcasts.

The system was implemented on 1st July 2080, initially halting the broadcast of these channels. Despite the lack of government withdrawal, Indian channels have since agreed to adopt the ala carte pricing system, which requires setting prices for each channel separately.

Indian television channels have been resistant to this system from the start, arguing against separate pricing for each channel. According to the Ministry, approximately Rs.1 billion in foreign currency recommendations remain pending for all foreign channel providers.