Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the country's central bank, has officially confirmed its decision to proceed with the minting of a one-rupee coin featuring a revised national map. The map depicted on the new coinage will include the territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh, areas that are subject to an ongoing border dispute with neighboring India. The confirmation from the central bank follows a reported government reversal on the issue.

The inclusion of these specific territories on Nepal's official map dates back to May 2020, when the Nepali Parliament unanimously approved a constitutional amendment. This amendment formally incorporated Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh into the country's updated political and administrative map. The move was a direct response to India's own revised political map in November 2019, which also claimed these areas, alongside the inauguration of a new road to Lipulekh Pass in May 2020. India has consistently maintained that these territories are integral to its Uttarakhand state.

Initially, there were indications that the Nepalese government had decided against minting the coins with the disputed map, reportedly due to concerns over potential diplomatic repercussions. However, the latest confirmation from Nepal Rastra Bank signifies a change in that position. The NRB, responsible for currency issuance and monetary policy in Nepal, stated its intention to move forward with the production of the one-rupee coins.

Key details regarding the upcoming coinage include:

  • Denomination: One Nepalese Rupee (NPR 1).
  • Feature: The reverse side of the coin will display the new political map of Nepal.
  • Territories included: Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh.
  • Issuing Authority: Nepal Rastra Bank.

The decision to mint these coins is anticipated to attract attention from both domestic and international observers, particularly regarding its potential impact on Nepal-India relations. Both nations share an open border and extensive cultural and economic ties, but border demarcation remains a sensitive issue. While the minting process itself is a sovereign act, the symbolism of currency carrying a map featuring disputed territories could prompt further diplomatic discussions or statements from New Delhi.

Nepal's government and central bank have not specified an exact timeline for the circulation of the new one-rupee coins. The process of minting involves design finalization, production, and distribution through banking channels. Observers will monitor how this development influences the broader bilateral dialogue between Nepal and India on their shared border and territorial claims.