Hetauda Cement Industry has once again come into focus after Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav inspected the factory and assured that the government is committed to bringing the state-owned industry back into regular operation.

During her visit to the factory premises on Saturday, Minister Yadav held discussions with the industry’s management and employees regarding the prolonged operational and financial crisis facing the company.

Speaking after the inspection, the minister described the closure of a government-owned cement factory as “deeply unfortunate,” especially when private cement industries across Nepal are operating regularly.

“It is extremely unfortunate that a government-owned cement industry remains shut while private cement factories are operating normally,” Minister Yadav said. “The government is studying ways to resume the regular operation of Hetauda Cement Industry.”

She added that the shutdown has not only affected employment opportunities but has also negatively impacted the national economy. According to her, cooperation between the government, management, and employees will be necessary to revive the factory sustainably.

At the event, Acting General Manager Shiv Narayan Sah stated that outdated and deteriorating machinery, shortage of raw materials, and severe financial constraints forced the factory to halt production.

According to Sah, the industry had continued limited production through periodic repairs, but production completely stopped after raw material supplies were disrupted. He also revealed that employees have not received salaries and allowances for the past 11 months due to the financial crisis.

The factory is also struggling to clear dues owed to raw material suppliers and electricity payments. Sah emphasized that if the immediate financial problems are addressed, the industry could return to regular operation.

Established in 2033 BS in Lamsure, Hetauda, the factory began cement production in 2043 BS. Technical experts say most of the machinery has now become outdated, significantly weakening production capacity.