- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Kathmandu, Feb 8: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has recommended the three tiers of the governments to prepare and enforce national standards so as to bring uniformity in the actions related to the need assessment, cost estimate, plan execution and maintenance and operation of information technology systems.
The anti-graft body has suggested that any agencies under MoCIT should be entrusted the responsibility to prepare and implement national standards on the specification and cost estimation of IT systems, hardware and software and update such standards regularly.
In a press release issued here today, CIAA spokesperson Narahari Ghimire said the procurement of goods and services of IT system and its development seems prone to corruption so emphasis has been laid on the importance of such policy and mechanism.
The commission’s suggestion comes in the context of the past decisions and purchases made by the government regarding information technology related goods and services including Terramox and MDMS.
It has been suggested that serious corruption-related activities can be done by misusing complexity of technology used in communications and information technology and ignorance in the public sector. To that end, it has been decided to dispatch a letter to all the federal ministries, bodies, offices, provincial ministries and offices and local levels through the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers for the implementation on the basis of the questions and analysis of the facts received in the course of investigation of the complaints received in the Commission.
The Commission has also suggested to make full preparations regarding the design of the system, detailed project report, ensuring resources, cost estimate, project implementation, project transfer, mobilization of internal human resources, estimation of expected benefits from the project, maintenance and operation, etc. based on the updated criteria after analyzing the needs of the information technology system to be purchased before procuring the goods of such systems.
The constitutional body has asked the government to complete the documentation of such tests by making it mandatory to complete the temporary approval test while making partial payment after the purchase and installation of the communications and information technology system and to complete the final approval test after the operation of the fixed-term business transaction of the system while making full payment.
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It’s not time to change PM: Chair Nepal
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Chairman of CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, said time has not come to change prime minister.
At a time when some leaders of Nepali Congress, one of the ruling partners, are speaking about change of prime minister as per agreement, Chairman Nepal insisted that prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ should be continued in the post.
Talking to media persons after parliament meeting on Monday, the CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman viewed, “It is not right time to raise the issue of changing prime minister because the government is poised to prepare annual policy and programmes and budget for the next fiscal year.”
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Tipper hit kills a man
Bara, Feb 8: A former security person died of tipper hit on Monday.
Former Deputy Superintendent of Police at National Investigation Department, Bishnu Thapa, was hit by a tipper while he was heading to Kalaiya from Piluwa in a motorcycle. Seriously injured in the incident, he breathed his last at Kalaiya Provincial Hospital on Monday evening.
Thapa, a resident of ward no 7 of Kalaiya sub-metropolis was recently retired from job. Police informed that the tipper driver has been absconding after the incident.
Investigation is underway, the police added.
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Woman rescued to avoid delivery complication
Manma (Kalikot), Feb 8: A 35-year-old pregnant woman has been airlifted to better health facility to avoid further complication in delivery.
Riuli Rokaya from Ukhadi of Palanta rural municipality-6 in the district was taken from Neta Health Post of Palanta to the Karnali Province Hospital, Surkhet, after she experienced prolonged labour pain.
Rokaya gave birth to a boy at Karnali Province Hospital, according to health coordinator at Palanta rural municipality, Dhan Prasad Neupane.
Rural municipality Chair Bishnu Bahadur Rokaya informed that the woman was airlifted to better health facility with the support via Chief District Officer as she could not be provided necessary health service here.
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IFRC, WWF call for global action to protect nature, address climate crisis
Kathmandu, Feb 8: In the wake of escalating climate change impacts and extreme weather events, particularly in the developing countries like Nepal, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have stressed nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis for protecting nature.
The IFRC and WWF in Nepal informed that they were launching a strategic partnership with the theme “Working with Nature to Protect People.” This joint initiative aims to recognize the critical role of nature-based solutions in both mitigating and adapting to climate change while fostering resilience among communities on the front lines of the crisis.
Nature-based solutions, such as forest restoration, water source management, wetland rehabilitation, and river-bank plantations, have proven effective in Nepal, offering benefits beyond disaster risk reduction, they reminded, adding, “We reiterate that tackling climate crises requires protecting wildlife and biodiversity at an ecosystem scale, which is vital to create a future in which people and nature thrive together.”
“The collaboration between IFRC and WWF Nepal is an opportunity to make a difference at scale, and we call on partners to support our joint efforts,” remarked Country Representative of WWF Nepal in Nepal, Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung.
The partnership between IFRC and WWF will be leveraging their combined expertise and extensive networks to address the ongoing climate crisis, emerging risks, and societal challenges. Through local action and collaboration with government, partners, development agencies, donors, and private sectors, IFRC and WWF aim to integrate nature into climate adaptation strategies.
This also includes engagement with authorities at all levels to provide policy advice and coordinate the initiatives as part of wider humanitarian and development efforts.
Moreover, Head of Delegation at IFRC, Azmat Ulla, observed, “Tackling climate crises requires protecting diversity and wildlife, and this is vital towards sustaining future generations. The IFRC and WWF collaboration is a great opportunity to make a difference and we call on partners to support.”
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Chundiramgha to be developed as tourist destination
Damauli, Feb 8: Bhanu municipality in Tanahu district has initiated a process to develop birthplace of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, Chundiramgha, as a literary tourist destination. A Sahitya Uddyanna, literary park, is being established at Bhanu municipality-4.
Acharya is a pioneering poet of Nepali language. Mayor Ananda Raj Tripathi informed that municipality had begun the works for developing tourism at Adikavi Acharya’s birthplace. Even the federal government had allocated Rs 50 million budget for it. The Finance Ministry released the budget some days back.
Tripathi further said, “President Ram Chandra Paudel took keen interest for development of this place. The works on construction of literary park have begun with his support.” The budget will be utilized to acquire land, prepare long-term plan and set up statues of eminent literary figures.
The undertaking begins first with land acquisition then long-term plan. “It is worrying to have birthplace of Adikavi Bhanubhakta in shadow. It needs attention and merits to be a tourist destination,” he shared.
Similarly, Deputy Mayor Uma Gotame viewed it would be easy to draw both domestic and foreign tourists once the literary park is established.
A total of 83 ropanis of land would be acquired for the park.
Park development committee Chairman Dr Jay Raj Acharya said the committee would provide necessary support and consultation for the construction of literary park.
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Lawmaker Yogendra Mandal sees foibles and inactions rife among parliament partners
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Lawmaker Yogendra Mandal has expressed worry over problems facing community school. He wondered why the stakeholders concerned fail to pay attention to ensure quality education.
“It does not take additional budget to create atmosphere for school reform with quality education, but this sector is largely ignored,” he viewed, adding that it has been long the country restored democracy, while development is much awaited.
The annual policies and programmes the government brings are pleasing to hear, but implementation aspect is poor. Corruption control must be a prerequisite to good governance. As long as the bigwigs involved in corruption are left scot free, corruption control is chimera, according to Mandal.
Talking to RSS Deputy Chief Reporter Narayan Neupane for the ‘RSS dialogue with lawmakers’, Mandal also expressed sheer dissatisfaction over the performance of parliament. “It is disappointing to say neither my expectation nor of people’s are fulfilled in this period while a year elapsed since the present parliament came in operation,” he regretted, adding that how people could make do with in the face of paucity and price hike.
The parliamentarian development fund was run in the past. Those who ran the fund are now protesting it, he wondered.
According to him, people are not aware the development activities are carried out by the local levels. “I repeat the government and leaders are walking back track. The culture of not prioritizing law making is being entrenched, which is quite disappointing,” he underlined.
Lawmaker Mandal also criticized that there are numerous anomalies in parliament and parliament committees. The committee members who do not contribute at all on any agenda are heard to have received meeting allowance. It is misuse of people’s tax. He further said, “How can people’s representatives accept allowance without working anything?” Even the media and civil society are mum on it, he blamed.
“The views put forth by the independent lawmaker like me at committee meetings go unheard and decisions not implemented. It causes inaction and apathy among lawmakers,” Mandal shared the plight.
Other concerns and malaise he explained are- negligible spending of development budget- 10 percent of the total in seven months of the fiscal year; passing blame on bureaucrats, meting out injustice to civil servants with jail term in the same case politicians are accused and implicated; gross non-implementation of promises made to people for drinking water, irrigation, chemical fertilizer, energy, tourism and employments; crowd at ministries avoiding parliamentary committee meetings; failure to utilize land and labour force in Tarai region etc.
The farmers in Tarai are hit hard with various problems as irrigation. It is costly because of electricity shortage. Erosion of quality in school is equally pressing issue, he underlined.
Lawmaker Mandal prefer direct election to proportional system. He lambasts luxurious life of political leaders- collecting and stashing money, riding car, building houses in cities- which, he argues, is one of the causes impoverishing the country and people.
The independent lawmaker Mandal is a permanent resident of Dhanpal at Constituency no-5 of Morang district. He had been involving in social service for long before getting elected to the HoR member.
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Nepal participates in OTM Mumbai, 2024
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Nepal has participated in the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) Mumbai, 2024 commencing today.
Prior to this, the Nepal Tourism Board was representing Nepal in the event said to be the leading travel trade show in Asia. This time, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) is representing Nepal in the event.
According to TAAN general secretary, Binod Sapkota, a total of 25 tourism companies have attended the three-day tourism fair.
As Sapkota said, Nepal’s participation in the OTM aims to promote Nepal’s tourism industry.
TAAN is participating in the South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) scheduled to take place from February 22 to 24.
The TAAN engaged in Nepal’s tourism industry for over 45 years have over 2,000 tourism entrepreneurs associated to it.
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PM, coalition partners, chief ministers discuss ways for strengthening federalism
Kathmandu, Feb 8: The ruling coalition partners held a meeting at the official residence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in Baluwatar today.
The discussion revolved around the effective implementation and strengthening of federalism, with the Prime Minister engaging in conversations with key leaders from the coalition partners and Chief Ministers.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to address issues related to coordination among the federal, provincial, and local governments during the enforcement of federalism, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. It is said the meeting’s focus was on finding solutions to challenges in the implementation of federalism.
Among those present at the meeting were Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Barshman Pun, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, as well as leaders from the Janata Samajbadi Party, the Democratic Socialist Party, and the Nagarik Unmukti Party.
It may be noted that all seven Chief Ministers from the provinces are currently here in the federal capital, Kathmandu, to participate in the second meeting of the National Coordination Council.
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International investors have shown curiosity to invest in Nepal: Finance Minister Mahat
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Finance Minister and Coordinator of Investment Summit Steering Committee, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, has said inquiries of the international investors to invest in Nepal have been received.
The third meeting of the Third Investment Summit Steering Committee was held under the convenorship of Committee Coordinator and Finance Minister Dr Mahat today. The meeting discussed policies, laws and structural reforms-related reports, and on the projects prepared in view of the investment summit.
Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister Dr Mahat issued instructions to prepare the projects with due seriousness, as the international investors have shown interest in investing in Nepal. “The Summit is an opportunity for us to attract investment. The government is always prepared for legal and policy level reforms to attract foreign and Nepali investors as well as the non-resident Nepalis, to invest in Nepal,” he said, adding that the main goal of the Summit is to disseminate to the wider world the message that Nepal is the best destination for investment. This message, he said, would be best served by making simplified provisions for investment facilitation, project implementation and operation, and for repatriation of profit.
According to the Finance Minister, the World Bank is ready to organize the conference of its IEG in Nepal in coming June. “The formal letter related to this is expected to arrive in some days. The biggest ever international conference will be held in Nepal. Representatives of more than 92 countries, including the World Bank President, will attend the conference,” he said.
Finance Minister Dr Mahat said the Investment Summit will take place on April 28 and 29 before the WB conference. “If this Summit can be made result-oriented, then there is the possibility also of increased private investment in Nepal, not only of the multi-national companies’ investment,” he added.
Coordinator of the Policy, Law and Structural Reform Taskforce and Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ek Narayan Aryal presented a report on the legal and policy-level improvements.
The report has been prepared with the participation of the private sector as well and it incorporates the feedback received in the meeting of the Investment Summit Implementation Committee under the Chief Secretary’s coordination.
Based on this report, the ‘Bill Designed to Amend Some Nepal Acts for Facilitation of Investment, 2024’ will be prepared through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and will enter the parliamentary process for its endorsement following the approval of the Council of Ministers.
The taskforce has proposed amendments to various provisions of the Industrial Enterprise Act 2076, the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075, the Special Economic Zone Act 2073, the Forests Act 2076, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029, Land Act 2021, the Land Acquisition Act 2034, the Environment Conservation Act 2076, the Electronic Transaction Act 2063, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Act 2053, the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Regulations, 2077 and the Forests Regulations, 2079.
The amendment proposal has been proposed to these acts and regulations with the objective of removing the legal and policy-level obstacles seen in the industries, enterprises and investment as well as doing away with the difficulties and delays experienced in the implementation of construction projects.
Similarly, Coordinator of the Technical Committee and Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Mukunda Niraula, made a presentation related to the preparation of projects to be showcased in the Third Investment Summit.
The technical committee has pursued further home work by preparing the preliminary list of projects after classifying the projects at different stages of study.
Ministers at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies; the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; the Ministry of Urban Development, and the Ministry of Forests and Environment were present in the meeting.
Also attending the meeting were the National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice Chair, the Chief Secretary, Advisor at the Finance Ministry, the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, the Secretaries of various ministries, and the presidents of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, among others.
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IT development is instrumental for good governance, prosperity: Minister Sharma
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has advocated for utilising information technology as the basis of good governance and prosperity.
Inaugurating the 29th CAN Infotech organised by the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) Federation here today, the Minister said the government acknowledged the information technology as a basic need of the citizens as well as a national priority.
Asserting that IT development is essential for achieving prosperity, the government Spokesperson expressed hope that the implementation of the digital Nepal framework would contribute significantly to IT-based progress. The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to establishing good governance, social justice, and prosperity as top national priorities, with the 16th periodic plan prioritizing the enhancement of information technology.
Sharma added the development of IT would create job opportunities, serving as a deterrent to the migration of youths seeking employment abroad. She urged the CAN Federation to explore additional service areas, insisting on the importance of public-private cooperation for promoting the IT sector.
The Minister stressed the need for substantial investment in the IT sector, describing it as a tool to strengthen the nation’s economy.
Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) President Rajesh Agrawal talked about the need of policy and legal stability to encourage potential investors in Nepal.
Rajendra Malla, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, asserted that the nation’s development depends on the IT sector’s growth, urging the government to take measures to position Nepal as an ‘IT hub.’
CAN Federation President Ranjeet Kumar Poddar said Nepal has already launched the exports of IT services and this should be the priority of the State.
The Infotech, featuring over 150 stalls, is expected to attract 350,000 visitors.
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School-level open nationwide art, quiz and poetry competition in offing
Kathmandu, Feb 8: The Dr Om Foundation has announced a’School-level open nationwide poetry, painting and quiz competition’on the anti-smoking and tobacco consumption theme.
A part of the Foundation’s School Health Programme, the competition is organised coinciding with Saraswati Puja and the St Valentine’s Day, the Foundation said in a press release.
The Programme is launched with the goal of conducting health awareness campaign at the school level.
Senior cardiologist Dr Om Murti Anil has been conducting a two-week awareness campaign “Smokers are not selfish” to discourage smoking and tobacco consumption.
In recent days, there has been an increase in the incidence of smoking and tobacco consumption starting from the school level in Nepal. According to the study, the average age of smoking in Nepal is 17 years. If you fall into addiction while you are a teenager, you have to go through complex health problems at a young age.
“Therefore, it is indispensable to make students aware that smoking and tobacco consumption are harmful. If students are made aware of the effects of smoking and tobacco consumption on their health, they will not smoke and consume tobacco themselves. Also, they can stop family members, relatives and friends from consuming it,” Dr Anil said.
With the same purpose, the foundation has organized a ‘School-level open nationwide poetry, painting and quiz competition’ to reflect the effects of smoking and tobacco consumption on the health of the user, the user’s family and friends -Anil informed. The foundation has also publicly announced the opportunity to participate in the competition online.
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Finance Minister calls for making Third Investment Summit a grand success
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has called for efforts from all sides for making the Third Investment Summit a grand success. The government is hosting the Summit on April 28 and 29.
Addressing a meeting of the Third Investment Summit, 2024 Steering Committee at the Ministry of Finance today, he said that the foreign investors are showing interest in investing in Nepal and directed the bodies concerned to prepare the investment projects with utmost seriousness.
“The Summit is an opportunity for us to attract investment. The government is always prepared for legal and policy level reforms to attract foreign and Nepali investors as well as the non-resident Nepalis, to invest in Nepal,” he said, adding that the main goal of the Summit is to disseminate to the wider world the message that Nepal is the best destination for investment. This message, he said, would be best served by making simplified provisions for investment facilitation, project implementation and operation, and for repatriation of profit.
The Finance Minister, who is also the Coordinator of the Steering Committee, said, “The World Bank is ready to organize the conference of its IEG in Nepal in coming June. “The formal letter related to this is expected to arrive in some days. The biggest ever international conference will be held in Nepal. Representatives of more than 92 countries, including the World Bank President, will attend the conference.”
Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Mukunda Prasad Niraula, said so far 105 projects related to different sectors have been classified, aiming the investment summit. He added that pledges for additional investment plans have been coming from the private sector as well.
Finance Ministry’s chief economic advisor Dr Koshraj Pandey underlined the need of enabling atmosphere for an entry of foreign investment in a smooth way, keeping the investment secured to make the event meaningful.
Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal advised the government to come up flexible policies to build an investment-friendly atmosphere.
Coordinator of Policy, Law and Structural Improvement Taskforce and secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ek Narayan Aryal, Investment Summit Technical Committee coordinator and secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies; Mukunda Niraula and Investment Summit Secretariat coordinator and Investment Board Nepal’s executive officer, Sushil Bhatta, gave their presentations in the meeting.
Various Ministers, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari and National Planning Commission Vice Chair Min Bahadur Shrestha were also present in the meeting.
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Minister Basnet insists on making constitutional provisions for free healthcare effective
Patan (Lalitpur), Feb 8: Minister for Health and Population, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, has insisted on translating free provisions for health and education enshrined by the Constitution into action.
All citizens should have access to healthcare facilities guaranteed by the Constitution, he said, adding that the government has taken steps to enforce the constitutional provisions for free healthcare facilities.
In his address to an inaugural session of the Adolescents’ Mental Health Unit at the Mental Health Hospital, Lagankhel today, the Minister said 10 out of every 100 adolescents are found to have the mental issues.
He commended the hospital for establishing a dedicated unit to provide mental health services to adolescents. The Minister spoke the need of collective efforts among the State, social organisations and citizens to mitigate the mental health challenges by enhancing access to mental health services.
Lalitpur constituency 2 lawmaker Prem Bahadur Maharjan, Norwegian ambassador to Nepal, Ms. Torun Dramdal, CWIN Nepal executive director Sumnina Tualadhar were among those putting their views in the programme.
The Norwegian ambassador pledged to cooperate with the Nepal government in latter’s endeavors to address the mental health problems.
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WSF Nepal, 2024 to be held in Nepal on February 15-19
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Preparations are going on to hold the 16th Conference of the World Social Forum (WSF) in Kathmandu from upcoming February 15 to 19.
According to WSF Nepal 2024 organising committee, the event is taking place with the theme of ‘Another World is Possible’.
It is said 1,665 organisations have registered for participating in the critical debate on negative consequences of policies and structures adopted by the existing world system. The event is to be held in Bhrikutimandap of Kathmandu.
It is said the Forum is an open space for raising and amplifying voices of the world’s marginalized people.
Nepal organising committee member Dr Netra Timilsina said Nepal is hosting the WSF Conference first time and it will discuss about the roles of civic movement against economic inequalities and for economic justice, against slavery, human trafficking, caste and ethnicity-based discrimination, discrimination on the basis of works, descent-based discriminations, untouchability and violence and for the promotion of ethnicity issues and voices of indigenous nationalities, food sovereignty, peace and for the improvement of rights of communications, law, health, education, labour, migration and so on.
Presentations of 400 papers on these topics are expected in the Nepal with the participations of 40,000- 50,000 representatives, it is said.
Nepal organising committee’s communications coordination subcommittee Sushil BK said the Forum collectively amplifies voices against neo-liberalism, globalization, capitalism, climate crisis, patriarchy, ethnicity-based discrimination, untouchability, racism, apartheid, discrimination and violence on the basis of sexualities and so on.
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PM tells federal ministers to address Chief Ministers’ concerns
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed the federal government ministers to promptly address the concerns on issues of implementation of feedralism voiced by the Chief Ministers of the provincial government.
Addressing a meeting of the chief ministers of all seven provinces with the Prime Minister and members of Council of Ministers convened in Singha Durbar today, the PM said, “A strong implementation of federalism is our collective responsibility. You have well understood the worries and concerns of the chief ministers. Take them seriously.”
He expressed the belief that the activeness of chief ministers will make a significant contribution to federalism implementation, saying the government under his leadership has accorded special priority to it.
Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey said the federal ministers and the lawmakers should be equally responsible in the context of implementation of federalism, taking the Prime Minister’s initiatives seriously. He thanked the PM for his initiation in operating the Korala transit point and drew the attention of the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport for the prompt construction of the Muglin-Pokhara and Narayangadh-Butwal roadways.
Madhes Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav urged the Ministry of Finance for the operation of the Chhoti Customs Offices on the border with India. Pointing out to the acute problem of irrigation and drinking water in the Madhes Province, he called on the federal government to take initiatives for resolving these problems. “Let us run irrigation projects through joint investment of the federal and provinces, and increase the productivity in the Tarai-Madhes,” he suggested.
Karnali Province Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma called for making a review regarding the delay seen in the implementation of federalism. Stating that the province is still grappling with problems of electrification and reliable irrigation facilities and the weak telecom services, he urged the federal ministries concerned to pay their attention to addressing these problems.
Chief Minister of Sudur Paschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah, lauding the initiative taken by the PM in federalism implementation, said the federal ministers also should make the same level of efforts. He said the centralized mindset is mainly responsible for the delay in federalism implementation.
“Important agreements have been made regarding the development of Sudur Paschim during the Prime Minister’s official visit to India. The development of the province has been attached priority in the incumbent government’s term alone. I thank the Prime Minister for this,” he said.
Bagmati Province Chief Minister Shalikram Jamkattel stressed that the federal ministries should soon delegate the rights to provinces, urging the bureaucracy to unlearn the unitary mindset in the implementation of federalism.
Lumbini Province Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary applauded the Prime Minister’s initiation towards the effective enforcement of federalism. “Federalism is our collective achievement and we have to own the responsibility for its enforcement.”
Koshi Province Chief Minister Kedar Karki urged ministers to realise the Prime Minister’s spirit regarding the implementation of federalism. He urged ministers not to hesitate to devolve power to the provinces.
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Good-governance main basis for development, President says
Kathmandu, Feb 8: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that corruption-free society and good-governance is a main basis for development.
Addressing a prize distribution programme organized by Minkumari Rana Foundation at the Office of the President on Thursday, the President said happiness in the face of poor, marginalized and backward people and communities could be ensured from the lasting peace, development and good-governance.
The President viewed that services to the people and society should be our main target though politics was more dominant in the past.
“Prizing and honouring the personalities for their contributions to the different sectors in the society could encourage the future generation to do good deeds,” the President shared.
On the occasion, President Paudel believed that the Foundation would work by implementing special programmes for the welfare and promotion of marginalized class and sectors in coming days.
Likewise, President Paudel recalled the contributions made by late Minkumari and her family for Nepal’s democratic movement.
He also expressed satisfaction for the proactive roles of the Foundation in the areas of human rights, press freedom and democracy, education, health and sports.
During the event, democratic leader Lekhnath Neupane was honoured with ‘Minkumari Prajatantra Senani Samman’, senior journalist Kishore Nepal with ‘National Journalism Prize’ and Prakash Thapamagar with ‘National Sports Prize’. President Paudel gave away the prizes to the recipients.
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Nepal beat Canada by seven runs
Kathmandu, Feb 8: As Nepal’s cricket captain took four wickets of Canada, Nepal won the match with seven wickets in the competition held at Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Stadium on Thursday.Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal gave a moderate target of 225 runs to Canada but the latter was limited to 217 runs. Canada gathered 217 runs by losing all wickets in 47.5 overs.
For Canada, Nicolas Kirtan made 68 runs while Pragat Singh and Harsha Thakar contributed 50 runs and 32 runs, respectively.
For Nepal’s victory, captain Paudel alone took four wickets of Canada while Lalit Rajbanshi took two wickets. With the win, Nepal scored 1-0 against Canada in the One Day International (ODI) Cricket Series. Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel contributed the highest 62 runs with nine fours and one six.
Nepal has played three-match ODI of with Canada ahead of the upcoming ICC Cricket League-2 to be played between Namibia and the Netherlands. The second match between Nepal and Canada is scheduled for February 10.
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‘Development could not happen for lack of good-governance’
Mahottari, Feb 8: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Narayankaji Shrestha has said that development in the country could not take a pace for lack of good-governance.
Addressing the 21st anniversary of Adharsheela Pariwar at Bardibas in Mahottari district on Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the government has come heavily against corruption.
“The major hindrance to the country’s development is a net of corruption and ill-governance. There has been hue and cry in the yard of the frauds after the government started working,” Shrestha said.
He also promised to book the loan sharks, and those agents cheating the service seekers in the government offices. Shrestha said that Adharsheela commune was a centre of faith of the working class people and added that the commoners have expected a decisive protest against social ills and frauds.
Shrestha, who is the patron of Adharsheela commune, said that the government would take its anti-corruption drive to its logical end despite several obstacles to foil the government interventions against embezzlements and irregularities.
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RSS Chairman Jha feted
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Executive Chairman and poet Dharmendra Jha was honoured with the title of Outstanding Haiku Poet on Thursday on the occasion of National Haiku Festival organized by Nepal Haiku Association.
Chancellor of Nepal Academy Bhupal Rai honoured Jha for his outstanding contribution to Haiku. Jha has published an anthology of Haiku ‘Yek Samayak Bat’ in the Maithili language. Furthermore, Jha has published literary creations of other genres as well.
On the occasion, Haiku poet Mohan Duwal, Madhusudan Giri, Bhim Udas, Dhirendra Premarshi, Surendra Maharjan and others were felicitated.
The Haiku is a Japanese poetic form of expression with three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.During the programme, Chancellor of Nepal Academy Rai shared that well-crafted Haiku poems are written in Nepal since long past in Nepal.
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Lay emphasis on state priorities and people’s future in budgets-PM
Kathmandu, Feb 8: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said budget for the upcoming fiscal year should be formulated keeping in mind the state priorities and people’s future. At a discussion on ‘national resource estimate for upcoming fiscal year’ held at Singhadurbar on Thursday, PM Dahal stressed that budget ceiling should be determined keeping people at the center.
He directed the ministries to select plans placing special emphasis on the plans that can enhance production and generate employment. “Let us be realistic while making the budget. Be proactive and think about gathering sources”, PM Dahal directed, adding, “Our policy, programme and budget should win people’s confidence and strengthen the system”.
Budget is not purely an economic but a political economics, he said, stressing the need to move ahead in a way to end misunderstandings surfaced in the past years. “Some confusions used to be surfaced among the planning commission and ministries, and ministry of finance and Nepal Rastra Bank. It should not be resurfaced again”.
Claiming that the overall country’s economy is moving to the right track of late, he said, “Revenue collection has increased following arduous efforts while external indicators of the economy have further improved”.
Underlining the need of devising fiscal and monetary policies after identifying reasons behind slow capital expenditure, PM Dahal said, “Let us make budget being based on national importance and priorities. Also make a critical reflection why capital expenditure is not increasing before formulating budget”.
Also on the occasion, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat pointed out the need of balanced budget in the context when there was a mismatch between demand and capability. Revenue collection has not decreased in compared to past years, he said, adding, “Revenue has increased by 10 percent. It is considered a good progress at international level”.
Likewise, Vice-chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha shared the status of budget sources, revenues, grants, foreign loan and internal borrowing. Also present on the occasion were ministers and secretaries of different ministries.
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1,636 posts of postal office scrapped
Kathmandu, Feb 8: The government has abolished the Central Philatelic and Postal Stamps Management Office. According to Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma, today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers decided to establish ‘One Municipality, One Post Office’, change the organization structure of the post office and abolish 1,636 posts.
The meeting also gave in-principle approval to formulate a bill to provide for digital governance commission and approved the Poor Family Identification and Identity Card Distribution (First Amendment) Guidelines, 2080 BS.
The meeting also decided to appoint Dr Parshuram Mishra, a resident of Mahottari, as the chairperson of Ramraja Prasad Singh Academy of Health Sciences Infrastructure Development Committee 2080 BS, minister Sharma, who is also the spokesperson of the government, told media persons.
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‘Prepare draft bill to make teachers’ commission autonomous; ministry will cooperate’
Bhaktapur, Feb 8: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Ashok Kumar Rai has said that the Ministry would not obstruct the bid to make teachers’ service commission autonomous.
In his address to the 25th anniversary programme of the Teachers’ Service Commission organized at its office in Sanothimi today, he urged the Commission to prepare a draft of the bill necessary for the same. “We are ready to make a separate law required to make the Commission autonomous. Ministry will provide support to the commission to draft the bill,” he said.
The minister further aid the ministry was ready to solve the financial and physical problems of the Commission, adding that the ministry would move ahead with promptness if required for the same. Responding to the questions raised by the speakers about the problems of the Commission, Minister Rai said, “The Ministry’s attention may not have reached to the Commission, but mere attention is not adequate to resolve problems.”
It seems that the works are on progress even with limited resources. I have not heard a single complaint of the Commission since I assumed ministerial berth. I think there are no complaints because of the good performance”, he noted.
Stating that the teachers have been spoiled by political parties, he said, “I appreciate teachers but we have spoiled the teachers. I take this responsibility. We have mobilized teachers in political struggle”.
Chairperson of the Commission Madhu Prasad Regmi said the Commission has worked by setting standards for selecting qualified teachers. He said that the commission has faced physical, financial and human resource related problems.
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UML can fulfill people’s urge for prosperity, Oli claims
Rautahat, Feb 8: CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that his party has envisioned a prosperous Nepal, and active participation of other classes of the society, besides UML, was inevitable to materialize this.
Addressing the 10th district convention of CPN (UML) at Garuda in Rautahat district, Oli argued that the UML-led government was needed to fulfill the people’s urge for prosperity.
Oli also accused the incumbent government of being insincere towards people’s concerns.
UML leaders Yogesh Bhattarai, Raghubir Mahaseth and other leaders addressed the inaugural session. The convention is concluding on Friday by electing a new working committee.
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Probe commission interrogates leader Mahara
Kathmandu, Feb 8: The high-level probe commission formed to investigate the recent cases of gold smuggling has interrogated CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice-Chairman Krishna Bahadur Mahara and proprietor of Bidh Lab Bhimkant Bhandari.
The commission inquired Mahara and Bhandari about the smuggling of 61 kilograms of gold concealed in brake shoe and nine kilograms of gold smuggled by keeping in e-cigarettes or vape, a member of the commission told RSS.
Accused Bhandari’s is considered to have ties with Dawa Tshring, the one who is in judicial custody on gold smuggling case.
As the commission is continuing its job to probe into the gold smuggling cases, different persons and accused have been recording their statements at the commission.
Kishor Jung Karki, Prem Raj Joshi and former Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sahakul Thapa are the members of the commission led by former High Court Judge Dilli Raj Acharya.
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Govt. advances process to claim land of Bansbari Shoe Factory
Kathmandu, Feb 8: The government has advanced processes to claim the land plots of Bansbari Leather and Shoe Factory. The Land Revenue Office at Dillibazaar in Kathmandu on Thursday wrote a letter to the Chandbagh Residency Pvt Ltd asking to update the records of the land.
The Office handed over a letter to the Factory’s Chairman Sanjay Thakur at the presence of ward chairperson of Tokha Municipality-6 Shanta Khanal giving timeline of 21 days.
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