KATHMANDU: Hopes of regular operations at the state-owned Udayapur Cement Industry have increased after the government began the process of appointing a new general manager through open competition.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies published a notice in Gorkhapatra on Wednesday, inviting applications for the vacant post of general manager.

The ministry had earlier formed a committee to oversee the appointment process, which has now formally begun the recruitment procedure. The move has raised expectations among local residents and former employees that the cement factory could resume regular operations.

Former employee Prathamlal Chaudhary said the government’s decision to initiate the appointment process had renewed hopes of the industry returning to regular operation.

Acting General Manager Baidyanath Jha said the government had been making internal preparations to restart the industry. He added that the decision to appoint a permanent general manager through open competition had further strengthened expectations for the factory’s revival.

Jha expressed confidence that Udayapur Cement Industry would regain its previous momentum once new leadership is appointed.

The government’s latest move comes amid ongoing preparations to bring the long-struggling state-owned industry back into regular operation.