During the time of the then Governor Colonel Rajshamsher, the water-powered mint, which was put into operation in 1978 BS, used to mint 2 and 5 paisa coins. However, the mint is located inside the Bhimdal Battalion Salleri Barracks of the Nepali Army in Salleri.
Homework has begun to open the historic Taksar House in Salleri, the district headquarters of Dhankuta, to the public.
During the time of the then Governor Colonel Rajshamsher, the water-powered mint, which was put into operation in 1978 BS, used to print 2 and 5 paisa notes. However, the mint house is located inside the Bhimdal Battalion of the Nepali Army in Salleri.
There has been a demand for the mint house and its interior to be opened to tourists and scholars for a long time. However, due to security concerns, the Panadhiki mint has not been opened to the general public for visits and observation. The Department of Archaeology has allocated 500,000 rupees for the current fiscal year for the conservation and renovation of the mint house.
Discussions have now begun between the Nepali Army, the Department of Archaeology, the District Coordination Committee, Dhankuta Municipality, the District Administration Office and stakeholders. Ganesh Thapa, the Ganapati of the Nepali Army's Bhimdal Battalion, has said that the army will facilitate the renovation of the mint house.
But Thapa says that detailed discussions and written permission from the Nepali Army are required on the modalities of operating the Taksar House and opening it to the public. Dhankuta Chief District Officer Binod Khadka says that a detailed project report is required for the conservation and operation of the Taksar House.
He has said that the municipality, the provincial museum, the Department of Archaeology or whoever will take over the ownership of the operation of the Taksar in Panadhi should be decided.
