Kathmandu. The Janakpur Cigarette Factory in Janakpurdham of Dhanusha district has been closed for a long time. Once considered one of the major industries of Nepal, this factory was known as an institution that employs thousands of people and contributes significantly to revenue collection through domestic production.

The government-owned factory was gradually weakened due to management weakness, lack of technology, supply of raw materials and policy ambiguity. After the closure, the employees were displaced and the local economy was also negatively affected.

At present, there is a demand from various quarters to reopen the factory. According to industry experts, it can be revived with modern technology, transparent management and collaboration with the private sector. On the other hand, those working in the health sector have argued that the reopening of the tobacco industry will have a negative impact on public health.

The government faces the challenge of balancing the economic benefits and health impacts by formulating a clear policy on this issue. See the rest of the image: