The publishing house, spread nationwide with 28 branches, decided to shut the branch as part of its decision to remove 12 offices across the nation.

The publication is preparing to close its branches in Ilam and Panchthar and merge them with its office at Birtamod in Jhapa.

“We were compelled to take the decision as we no longer have financial means to keep the machines rolling,” said Manorath Ghimire, an official at the publication. Stating that the merger will be completed by mid-January, he said they have stopped selling books.

The publication has forever been marred with internal problems and thus witnessed a steady decline in profits.

While locals are troubled by the decision, Ghimire said even local people’s ignorance about its significance was one of the factors contributing to the closure.

“However, we plan to resolve internal conflict and ensure that the new management works effectively,”

he said.

The publication was hit hard after its primary source of income, the responsibility of supplying books to community schools, were given to private publishing houses, of late.

Meanwhile, the employees said they are deprived of salaries and bonuses since July.