Nepal to Retain Controversial Map on New Re 1 Coin Amid Domestic Backlash

Nepal has decided to retain the controversial national map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani on its redesigned Re 1 coin, reversing an earlier Cabinet-approved plan to replace the map with the image of the Lo Ghyakar Monastery. The move comes after strong criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public, who argued that removing the map would weaken Nepal's territorial claim.

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) confirmed on Saturday that the redesigned one-rupee coin will continue to display Nepal's political map, including the three disputed territories. Nepal claims the areas as part of its sovereign territory, while India maintains that Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura are integral parts of Uttarakhand and has consistently maintained that the boundary dispute should be resolved through bilateral dialogue.

The controversy began after Nepal's Cabinet on July 20 approved a proposal to replace the disputed map on the Re 1 coin with the Lo Ghyakar Monastery as part of a currency redesign. The proposal triggered sharp political opposition, prompting the government to reconsider and restore the map in the final design.

NRB spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel said the central bank is yet to receive the final approved design formally but expects it to include the map. He added that the redesigned coin will be smaller, lighter and made of steel instead of the existing alloy to reduce minting costs while retaining key national symbols. Reports in Nepal indicate the revised design may also feature an image of Akash Bhairav alongside the map.