KP Sharma Oli
Nepal has messed with India by awarding the contract to print its new banknotes to a Chinese company. The central bank of Nepal ‘Nepal Rastra Bank; has chosen a Chinese company to print new 100 rupee notes featuring the country’s revised political map. Nepal’s Cabinet approved changes to the design of the 100 rupee note. Three strategically important areas: Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are described in this document as part of Nepal, while these areas have been part of India for a long time.
The new political map was approved by amending the Nepalese Constitution on June 18, 2020, in which Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura are shown as part of the country. India has already described Nepal’s land claims as artificial expansion and destabilizing. India has made it clear that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, situated on the border with western Nepal, are part of it.
‘Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation’
According to reports, after a competitive global bidding process, Nepal awarded this contract to the Chinese company ‘Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation’. The central bank has asked the company to design, print, supply and distribute 30 crore banknotes of Rs 100 each, the estimated printing cost of which is around US$89.9 lakh. However, no information in this regard could be obtained from the Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson.
There may be tension between India and Nepal
Nepal’s new currency note may create tension between India and Nepal, because Nepal is showing parts of India as its own. Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are part of India. By amending the Constitution, Nepal is creating tension by claiming it as its own. This may affect the good relations between the two countries. Due to this, there may be a rift in the friendship between Nepal and India that has been going on for years.
