Surya Tobacco Company bagged Nepal's first National Safety Award for having the safest workplace among 65 competing industries. The award was given as part of the National Safety Week, 3-9 December, and Surya won it for adhering to European environment, health and safety standards. Safety evaluation was conducted by a three-member jury comprising of B.B. Chhetri, chief of the Occupational Safety and Health Project, S.N. Vaidya, director, Department of Labour and C. Pinnagoda, International Labour Organisation.