Kathmandu, Sept. 14 -- Rising expenses and zero revenue have forced Om Prakash Sharma to shut down his factory that makes polypropylene yarn used to manufacture socks.

After 15 years, Sharma's firm DD Industries bit the dust as the virus lockdown and restriction orders took their toll. His factory in Chhatapipra, Bara has remained shuttered for five months, and he says he is no longer able to pay his 25 employees, utility bills, bank loan and taxes.

"Schools and colleges have remained closed for nearly six months, and demand for polypropylene yarn has dried up," he said, adding that unsold inventory had been sitting in his warehouse for eight months.

"The factory was already facing hard times following the government's policy to allow ...