- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Jhapa, Feb 11: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat today visited the Mechi Customs Office, Kakarvita, Bhadrapur Customs Office and the Inland Revenue Office, Bhadrapur in Jhapa.
The Minister who had been here to attend an inaugural session of the 15-day fifth Damak Festival organised by the Damak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Minister inspected the offices and held interactions with the local business communities.
Talking to media following the inspection, the Minister instructed the customs offices to focus on meeting the monthly revenue targets.
The Minister also insisted on combined efforts among the customs offices, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the Revenue Office to control cross-border smuggling of goods. As he said, the nation’s income depends on the size of revenue collection. “The nation’s income will reduce if the revenue collection decreases and a fall in the revenue collection will hamper the government’s investment in education, health and other public service sectors,” he said, urging one and all to contribute to preventing the revenue leakage.
At the programme held at the Mechi Customs Office, the Minister said the significance of the office will further increase with the expansion of the Asian Highway.
Office’s customs officer, Ram Prasad Regmi, apprised the Minister about a declining trend of revenue collection. As he said, the Kakarvitta point is not a priority of the government though it serves as one of major transits along the Nepal-India border.
During the minister’s visit to Bhadrapur Customs Office, Bhadrapur municipality mayor Ganesh Pokhrel and the business community urged the Minister to give attention to the improvement of office’s physical infrastructure of the and provide budget to compensate to those whose land was acquired for the official use by it.
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Democracy fosters development: CM Karki
Dharan, Feb 11: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has said democracy is essential for development.
Addressing a seminar organized by Democratic Thoughts Society Koshi Province chapter on ‘Challenges of Federal Republic: NC’s Role’, here Saturday, CM Karki viewed, “In democracy, there is debate on thoughts. In absence of democracy, there is only order.”
Development works are incomplete when there is no debate on any issue, he said, adding that Koshi Province government was planning to set up a think tank to forward intellectual dialogues. The think tank will focus on how potentials of health, education, agriculture and technology could be unlocked.
He hoped that the institute would play a significant role on province’s development. As Nepali Congress is a democratic party, it believes in discussion and dialogue, according to him.
On the occasion, Chairman of Democratic Thoughts Society, Kul Chandra Wagle, said Nepali Congress needs to play an important role again as the federal democratic republic is facing host of challenges. “NC’s active role is warranted to correct weakness in the republic system,” he underlined.
Also speaking at the programme presided over by Koshi chapter chair of the Society, Jivan Kumar Rai, were former chair of Society, Kedar Narsing KC, senior vice chair Gokarna Aryal, former chief of Koshi Province, Prof Dr Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang, and NC General Secretary in province, Umesh Thapa, among others.
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02- Stress on protecting achievements of federalism
Rajbiraj, Feb 11: Chairman of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), Upendra Yadav, has said it is time to protect achievements of federalism and loktantra.
At programme organized at Bodebarsain municipality of Saptari here Saturday, Chairman Yadav said ill-efforts were being made to spoil federalism and loktantra gained after Madhes movement. So, unity among all sides is must to protect achievements, he underlined.
Chairman Yadav reminded that the representation and access of Madhesi community was meagre in State mechanism. It was later ensured after Madhes movement.
Moreover, he opined that agricultural revolution is prerequisite to country’s economic prosperity. For this to happen, Tarai farmers must be provided irrigation, chemical fertilizers, and improved seeds in time. It would help modernize agriculture, Yadav hoped.
Similarly, Chief Minister of Madhes Province, Saroj Kumar Yadav, urged the JSP cadres to devote to building party organization, for which he assured assistance.
The JSP also welcomed new entrants in the party during programme.
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03- Federalism devolves authority to local level: CM Sharma
Karnali, Feb 11: Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Raj Kumar Sharma, has said federalism devolved authority from the centre to province and local levels.
The rights once exercised mostly by the Singha Durbar have now reached local levels with the change in governance, he argued.
CM Sharma said it while addressing the ‘sixth historic Beti conference’ organized by the Mainstream Women Service Centre in Surkhet on Saturday. The conduct of conference in Karnali also boosts women movement, he believed.
The CM reminded that women had played a significant role on rights movements. Public awareness is a continuous process, for which women’s leadership is essential, according to him.
Moreover, CM Sharma lauded sweeping change the country witnessed after people’s movement-II. He informed that the movement for change and improvement would not cease. Time has come for economic prosperity, he stressed.
On the occasion, Centre’s Chairman Najbul Khan viewed similar conferences were organized in different provinces to make State agencies aware of girls’ social and cultural status and press for their rights.
Expert Dr Laxmi Joshi viewed such conferences are essential to break the stereotypes and patriarchal thoughts which, she argued, have been suppressing girls.
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04- ‘Rastriya Muktak Award’ conferred on Sherchan
Gandaki, Feb 11: The ‘Rastriya Muktak Award-2080’ has been conferred on litterateur Usha Sherchan.
A literary organization, Muktak Manch, established in Pokhara conferred the award, carrying a purse of Rs 33,333 on Sherchan amidst programme in Pokhara on Saturday.
Noted litterateur Sarubhakta, artist Durga Baral ‘Batsayan’ and others jointly handed over the award.
It is the sixth in series. Litterateur Alpabiram here had established the award.
Chairman of the Manch, Ramaji Prasad Acharya, said Sherchan was honoured for her contribution to muktak genre of literature. She has also written poems, songs and novels.
The award had already been conferred on noted literary figure Sarubhakta, Chetan Karki, Chetnath Ghimire, and Ratna Shumser Thapa.
The Manch is devoted to promotion of muktak.
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05- Man dies in electric saw mishandling
Malekhu, Feb 11: A person died after being injured while cutting wood with an electric saw in Dhading district on Saturday.
The 38-year-old man from Sanghutar of Nilkantha municipality-8, Raj Kumar Shrestha, received severe injuries in his body with the electric saw he was using to cut trees in the Amarawati community forest.
The mishandled electric saw flipped and hurled at him caused deep cuts in his body leading to his death. He was taken to District Hospital for the treatment, but in vain, according to eye witness.
Deputy Superintendent of Police in the district, Santulal Prasad Jaiswar, informed that there were severe injuries in Shrestha’s chest and stomach. Investigation into the incident is underway, he added.
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06- Lawmaker with RSS: Once consensus eludes on transitional justice, due process beings: Lawmaker Lekhak
Mahendranagar, Feb 11: Nepali Congress lawmaker Ramesh Lekhak has said if consensus eludes among political parties on transitional justice, due process would be followed to conclude it.
Lekhak said he was devoted to law making since his first term of House of Representatives (HoR) membership. However, people are shared development agenda rather than law and policy making before election, he mentioned.
He blamed that lawmakers are obsessed more on development of their constituencies than law making. He underscored the need of taking together law making and development agenda.
Lekhak who is Chief Whip of Nepali Congress now shared that he was not able to give time to his constituency after becoming Chief Whip.
He shared his views while talking to RSS reporter Sher Bahadur Singh for the ‘Lawmaker with RSS’ segment.
According to him, parliament should make government accountable, while parliament should be accountable to people. But, present government has failed to make parliament active up to the mark.
The NC Chief Whip admitted that he too had foibles to this end. “Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he would be active to give business to the parliament. Let’s see how the running parliament delivers,” he stated.
Lekhak expressed worry over protracted law making to address transitional justice (TJ). The TJ bill to amend the previous Act has been pending in the parliament for long. It has been 17 years the TJ is in surface. But, we’re entangled in it and yet to sort it out. Although the TJ Act was brought nine years back, the Supreme Court ruled against some provisions in it, rendering the Act ineffective. The commissions on TJ are also non-functional. We’ve been making efforts for consensus, but it is still elusive. If the consensus eludes again, due process would be adopted, he explained.
As he informed, the ruling coalition held talks with major opposition CPN UML in this connection, but they had differing views.
The NC Chief Whip also talked about geographical difficulty of Sudurpaschim Province. He shared that it is not only distant from federal capital, Kathmandu, but also allocated limited budget, thereby facing development confines. Economic and educational indicators need improvement here, he suggested.
Constituency no 3 of Kanchanpur district has huge potential, but we have not been able to identify and unlock. The important places as of economic corridors and tourist destinations of India and China are not far from here. Not only this district but entire Nepal can be benefitted from these places after establishing strong links.
“I’ve been raising the issue of trilateral border since my political career to reap benefit and boost national economy. In this vein, we stressed construction of dry port at Dodhara Chandani. An agreement has been made with India for the detailed project report (DPR) for it. Similarly, a four-line motorable bridge over the Mahakali River is being completed soon. The Mahakali corridor to link China is also speeded up,” he informed.
Lekhak is a HoR member elected from constituency no 3 of Kanchanpur district representing the Nepali Congress through the general election, 2079. He is in NC politics for long.
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07- Political resolution, take-off point for corruption prevention: President Paudel
Kathmandu, Feb 11: President Ramchandra Paudel has said corruption and corrupt attitudes are hurdles to nation’s development and progress.
Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of the 33rd establishment day of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) here today, the Head of the State said corruption and corruption mentality have eroded moral values, weakening the foundation of the nation.
As he asserted, political determination is the take-off point for the prevention of corruption. “The level of transparency and accountability of government will have a role in the prevention of corruption. The more transparency and a sense of accountability in the governance, there lies a high possibility for corruption control, according to the President.
He drew attention of all public entities to maintain transparency in each their actions and decisions. “This is also the spirit of a federal democratic republic system that was possible due to a significant sacrifice and struggle of the Nepali citizens.”
The President underscored the need for a transformation in the existing working culture, citing it as instrumental in containing corruption. He urged the CIAA to ensure impartiality in its investigations and subsequent prosecutions. Considering good governance as the lifeline of democracy, he believed that achieving economic prosperity and social justice, utilizing natural, humanitarian, and cultural resources, is essential for preventing corruption.
President Paudel called upon everyone to embrace simplicity, integrity, transparency, and good conduct. He urged the CIAA to address the public’s interest, ensuring that high-profile individuals are not exempt from accountability for abuse of authority and corruption.
Expressing hope for increased awareness against corruption and Nepal’s improvement in the global corruption index, the President called for a collective effort from the three-tier government, civil society, private sector, media, and citizens to combat corruption.
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08- PM Dahal pledges full support to CIAA in its actions against corruption
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged the government’s full support to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) regarding its investigations and prosecutions against cases of corruption.
In his address to a programme organised on the occasion of the 33rd establishment day of the CIAA here today, the Prime Minister acknowledged the role of CIAA in minimizing corruption and promoting good governance since its establishment. All small and big cases of corruption from various times are the concerns of the CIAA, he added.
“The government is committed to bringing all those responsible for corruption, no matter who they are and what posts they hold, into the investigation process and under the prosecution, and the government will never intervene the CIAA in its actions against corruption,” he said.
Commending the role of CIAA in promoting good governance, the Prime Minister urged the constitutional body to further prove its significance and move ahead with more dedication in the fight against corruption.
“The prevention of corruption is a must to meet aspirations for durable peace, good governance, development and prosperity envisaged by the Constitution,” the head of the government said, adding that the government adopted a policy of zero tolerance against corruption.
According to him, the government policies and programmes and the budget are focused on strengthening the CIAA and similar organizations legally, administratively and economically.
Describing corruption as a significant hurdle to the establishment of good governance, the Prime Minister advised the CIAA to keep citizen’s faith on it intact.
Citing that the prevention of corruption is essential to advance towards the goals of development and prosperity of the nation, the Prime Minister stressed that the CIAA should further take measures to highlight its historic contribution to the establishment of a rule of law, protection of human rights and the guarantee of inclusive and equitable governance.
He expressed his hope that the CIAA would act more effectively ahead in the efforts to establish a corruption-free society.
Stating that nature, practices, intensity and dimensions of corruption are changing with the worldwide development of technology rapidly, the Prime Minister urged the CIAA to seek help of new innovations in its investigations procedures as well, ensuing that its each move is crucial and impartial.
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09- Inmate found dead in Rajbiraj prison
Saptari, Feb 11: A detainee who is under investigation on rape charge has been found dead inside the Rajbiraj prison.
He is 19-year-old Devendra Mandal of Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality-6, Saptari district. Prison officiating administrator Sadananda Das said Mandal was found dead, hanging inside the prison toilet this morning.
Mandal was sent into detention at the Rajbiraj prison for further investigation on the charge of abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl in the night of July 29, 2023. He was in detention since August 28.
He was arrested on August 2 after the victim’s parents filed an FIR at the district Police Office Saptari.
The prison administration has informed Mandal’s family about the incident, said the officiating prison administrator Das.
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10- A lot has improved after formation of this government: Minister Gurung
Chitwan, Feb 11: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, has said much has improved now compared to the time of the formation of the present government.
Although much improvement has taken place, there is still difficult situation in the country, he said, speaking in a press conference organised here today by the Nepali Congress Chitwan, Information and Publicity Department.
“The situation was very challenging at the time of the formation of the present coalition government. The context was such that there was concern everywhere Nepal is in the footsteps of Sri Lanka. Once we were incorporated in the Cabinet, we are slowly bringing the country on track from the difficult situation, but it is not completely okay,” Minister Gurung said.
According to him, works could not be carried out as per the people’s aspirations due to some difficult situation. “We have not been able to carry out works as much as we wished; I accept that,” he added.
Emphasizing that the judiciary should be independent, the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the judges, however, cannot make whatever decisions they like just because the judiciary is independent. He insisted that the Judicial Council shall take action if the judges erred.
Stating that Nepal Police, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), is investigating on the topic of people victimized by the cooperatives, he made it clear that all those found guilty in this would be brought to book. “The government does not absolve those involved in forgery due to their political influence and it should not as well.”
On a different note, Minister Gurung, who is also the Nepali Congress Vice President, said there is no need to panic from the hopelessness seen in course of the ‘Congress in the Community’ campaign. “Those following democracy need not panic and lose hope. The public opinion keeps on changing. Politics is like a flowing river; there are ups and downs and we should not panic.”
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11- Premier Cup Cricket: Nepal secures second win
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Nepal defeated Bhutan by six wickets in a match held today under the ACC Women Premier Cup Cricket-2024, securing its second consecutive win in the tournament.
In the match held at Malaysia’s Bayuemas Oval cricket stadium, Nepal met the 66-run target posted by Bhutan in 11.5 overs at the loss of two wickets. Sita Ranamagar was not out with 32 runs and Rubina Chhetri contributed 17 to the team.
Kabita Kunwar scored five, and Indu Barma added one before being dismissed. Bhutan’s bowlers Anju Gurung and Anjuli Ghalley each took one wicket.
Earlier, Bhutan, having lost the toss, was invited to bat first and posted a total of 65 runs in 20 overs, losing four wickets. Ngawang Choden top-scored for Bhutan with 25 runs, followed by Captain Dichen Wangmo with 17 and Chingi Jangmo with 16.
In their first match, Nepal defeated Hong Kong by eight wickets, securing four points with the second consecutive win. Kabita, Sita, Kabita Joshi, and Barma each took one wicket for Nepal. The next challenge for Nepal is against the Maldives on February 13 in the last group match.
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12- Support of all necessary for turning zero tolerance against corruption into reality: CIAA Chief
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Prem Kumar Rai, has asserted that the support and activeness of all is required to translate into reality the policy of zero tolerance against corruption and development of a system of integrity.
Addressing the programme organizied on the occasion of the 33rd establishment day of CIAA here today, he said CIAA has been fulfilling an active role in checking corruption and promoting good governance in the nation.
Noting that there is widespread public complaint that the country’s good governance situation has not improved as expected, the CIAA Chief stressed on the need of all to work actively and in responsible manner for the same.
“The fight against corruption is not that of CIAA alone; there is need of collective efforts as it is a multi-dimensional topic. Every citizen should be the activist for the establishment of good governance,” reiterated the CIAA Chief Commissioner.
According to him, a significant number of complaints related to misuse of public assets in the development and construction works, budget appropriation, subsidy distribution, service delivery, among other works, to giving and taking of bribe and inducement, to carrying out works with the ill intention of taking illegal benefit and to amassing illegal assets at all the three tiers of the government are lodged with the CIAA after the implementation of federalism till the present.
The CIAA Chief stated that transparency is not seen in the public procurement and constructions, and the appropriate standards of the natural resources are not followed while formulating the budget and programmes.
He called on the responsible bodies and office-bearers to become extra responsible when it comes to fulfilling their legal responsibilities on protecting and conserving the public property, saying misuse of public land has increased and the tendency of selling the government land for personal purpose was also found.
Chief Commissioner Rai said the CIAA is moving ahead with seriousness towards expanding its investigation jurisdiction and making its works more vigorous in its investigations related to the quality of infrastructures in view of the growing public complaints of misappropriations in this sector.
He stressed on the need of immediately putting to an end the anomalies and aberrations seen in the public entities and to promote good governance in the country so as to increase the citizens’ faith in the government.
As he said the CIAA will move ahead in a strong manner to bring those who are involved in the illegal activities into the ambit of legal action.
Reminding that it would be difficult to achieve the expected success in corruption control until the political officials in the executive role in all the three tiers of the government, the civil servants and the general public realized their responsibility to that connection, the CIAA Chief called upon all to contribute from their respective places in the national campaign of corruption control.
The CIAA marked its 33rd establishment day today around the theme- ‘Let Us Improve Mindset, Culture and Attitude: Corruption Will Come Under Control’.
President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Deputy Prime Minister, lawmakers, government high officials, among others, were present on the occasion.
At the programme, President Paudel launched the CIAA Souvenir-2080. Journalists belonging to various media were presented with cash award of Rs 20,000 each and letter of commendation in recognition to their contribution to corruption control and promotion of good governance through news dissemination. Those honoured journalists are Matrika Dahal of Kantipur daily, Jaya Kumar Mishra (Anuragi) of Lokantaar.com, Subash Gotame of Ratopati.com and freelance journalist Sudarshan Acharya.
Similarly, the CIAA honoured Rajesh Kumar Das, Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Budhathoki and deputy attorney Niranjan Sthapit with the Outstanding Investigator and Outstanding CIAA Service Award carrying Rs 35,000 and copper plaque.
The constitutional ombudsman body, CIAA, has been adopting control and promotional strategy, in addition to the preventive measures for corruption control and promotion of a culture of integrity. It has been conducting awareness programme against corruption, in collaboration with the three-tier government, the civil society, public organisations, schools and the media.
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13- Maoist CC meeting underway
Kathmandu, Feb 11: The CPN (Maoist Centre) commenced its central committee meeting today, focusing on contemporary political issues and preparations for the upcoming Statue Convention scheduled for February 13-15.
The meeting, taking place at the local City Hall, will include a special review of the party’s four-month ‘Maoist with People, Special Campaign,’ held earlier, as per party sources. The event is set to conclude tomorrow.
With a 409-member central committee and an additional 190 alternative central members, office bearers from seven province committees and three non-territorial province committees have also been invited to the meeting.
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15- Religious rituals foster positive thinking and provide encouragement to move on right path: Vice President
Birgunj (Parsa), Feb 11: Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has said that the religious activities have provided the motivation to mankind to have positive thinking and move on the right path.
Inaugurating the religious programme-Sitaram Nam Sankritan Mahayagya Ek Saya Aath Kunja Ebam Nau Diwasiya Shree Bishnu Mahayagya – that commenced at local Sugar Mill premises at Pipara, Birgunj Metropolitan City-14 from today, Vice President Yadav viewed that religious rituals as mahayagya and land worship sacraments, among others, have been encouraging to maintain goodwill among humans and guiding them on the right path.
Expressing the belief that such religious rituals would contribute towards fostering peace and fraternity when disturbance is increasing in the society due to mutual discord and misunderstanding, he wished that may the Mahayagya promote peace and mutual unity.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal said religion encouraged people to adopt the path of truth and compassion. He added that the contribution of the religious preachers is important in protecting religion.
On the occasion, Vice President Yadav honoured various personalities for their support in making the Mahayagya successful.
The Mahayagya will run for nine days. Senior narrator Sadhawi Laxmi Mata and other speakers will conduct the Mahayagya.
It is estimated that 1 million devotees will participate in the Mahayagya, said Ram Prabesh Prasad Kurmi, the coordinator of the Mahayagya Management Committee.
Various religious and cultural programmes will be held as part of the Mahayagya.
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16- PAC directs to scrap agreement to lease Ramgram Area
Kathmandu, Feb 11: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the House of Representatives (HoR) has directed to repeal the agreement to acquire a piece of land in Ramgram Area in Lumbini and lease it to a private company for 99 years.
The Committee, in its meeting here today, looked out for financial resources for the research, development and conservation related to the Ramgram Area and directed the government to scrap the deal between the Lumbini Development Trust and the Pramista Land Ltd.
Committee President Rishikhesh Pokharel said, “The Committee has decided to direct the government to scrap the agreement related to the Ramgram Area and inked by the Lumbini Development Trust effective from today itself.”
“The Committee also instructed the government to take forward further investigations on this issue and ensure that this kind of act does not get repeated in other places,” added President Pokharel.
Earlier, the Committee had held discussion with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Deepak Kafle and Trust’s Vice-President Lharkyal Lama among others regarding the issue.
During the discussions, the Committee Members said that the contract should be cancelled since it was awarded without competitive bidding process, procurement laws were not abided, commercial infrastructures were being built by omitting the existence of the religious site and the awarded company holds controversial background.
The Committee has directed the stakeholders not to develop any infrastructure in the Lumbini Area by going beyond the standards set by the UNESCO and Department of Archeology.
Furthermore, the Committee has directed the government to allocate budget for the land acquisition purpose in the Ramgram area.
Meanwhile, the Committee’s meeting has directed the government to immediately release the report of the probe panel formed to investigate the Ncell share deal and provide the report to the Public Accounts Committee.
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17- ‘Study on history of Nepali journalism needed’
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Experts and veterans have underscored the need of research and study on history of Nepali journalism.
Sharing his review remarks on book titled ‘Agra Anuhar, ‘Katha Agrajko and Gatha Mahasanghko’ published by Corporate Province Committee of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), senior journalist Rama Krishna Regmee said that more research works on the history of journalism could help combat the current challenges and also to explore new paths for future for the media.
Regmee viewed that the book could be a good reference for the history of Nepali journalism. “This book offers information about the challenges and obstacles that appeared while advancing journalism in an organized form in Nepal,” according to Regmee.
This book is instrumental to study the history of journalism and move forward the entire journalism as a profession, he added.
Likewise, Chairman of FNJ Bipul Pokharel stated that the book is effortful to dig out the history of journalism as well as of the FNJ while establishing the history and added that the FNJ was effortful to establish the history by being based on facts.
Regarding the book, the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Journalists (FONIJ) has its reservation. “We are univocal to conclude this through fact-based study and methodological researches. The current FNJ, which was elected under the existing statute, published the book of the former chairpersons recognized by the same statute, Pokharel argued.
“It is true that the organization was established in regard to Satya Narayan Bahadur Shrestha. This is no dispute in it. The Federation is receiving recommendations in establishing prize under his name and provide especial decorations,” the FNJ Chairman said.
Shedding light on the history of journalism, FNJ’s former President Harihar Birahi highlighted the need of investigative journalism in recent times.
“It appears to me that journalism sector at present is withering due to anomalies and aberrations in the political sectors as well as the problems in the journalism sector, opined Birahi, adding, “However, many hopes have been pinned in journalism sector at present. It is imperative for the stakeholders moving ahead ironing out our errors, pessimism and weakness.”
Similarly, another former President of the FNJ, Kishore Nepal emphasized unity and solidarity among journalists for the development of the journalism sector of the country. Suggesting to maintain standards in the journalism for the journalists to be respected, he viewed that enabling environment should be created for journalism sector to thrive rather than defaming it.
Similarly, Minimum Wage Fixation Committee’s Chairperson Sangita Khadka, calling for inclusion in the book, suggested that the book should contain experiences and biography of women media persons and those from the indigenous communities.
Calling for facing challenges in journalism sector in unison, she claimed that the Committee was working towards ensuring salary hike for the journalists irrespective of the Committee’s limitations of authority and other obstacles.
The FONIJ has been expressing its discontent over the book prepared by incorporating a wide array of issues such as journalists and journalism in Nepal and from Nepal Journalists Association to Federation of Nepalese Journalists.
FONIJ expressed its dissatisfaction on the launch of the book, stating that there was no due credit and mention of FNJ’s founder and journalist Satya Narayan Bahadur Shrestha in the book.
FONIJ President Gajurdhan Rai explained, “Journalist Satya Narayan Bahadaur Shrestha established the organization bringing together the journalists in 2008 BS. But the FNJ has only mentioned Krishna Prasad Bhattarai in the book who became its President following Shrestha’s presidency. We had submitted an attention letter to the FNJ to review this mater. Attempts have been made to distort the entire country’s journalism history in a wrong way.”
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18- NC CWC to meet on Thursday
Kathmandu, Feb 11: The central working committee (CWC) meeting of ruling Nepali Congress (NC) is summoned for February 15.
NC central office chief secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel informed the RSS that the meeting would discuss the preparations of the party Mahasamiti meeting to be held from February 19-22.
NC Mahasamiti meeting being held at Godavari in Lalitpur.
This is the first Mahasamiti meeting of the NC after the party’s 14th general convention. The NC completed elections to 90 per cent of its Mahasamiti members and the elections are due in remaining areas.
Around 2,300 Mahasamiti members of the NC including from abroad are attending the meeting.
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19- Budhathoki’s demise caused irreparable loss, President Deuba says
Jhapa, Feb 11: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that demise of NC central committee member and former minister Keshav Kumar Budhathoki caused an irreparable loss to the party and the nation.
In a condolence meet organized on Sunday on the seventh day of Budhathoki’s demise in Jhapa, President Deuba said Budhathoki’s roles in development, party building, democratic movement and constitution making will be remembered once and always.
On the occasion, NC leaders Prakash Sharan Mahat, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Bhishmaraj Angdambe, Rajiv Dhungana, Mahendra Kumari Subba, Sushila Dhakal and others shared their views on Budhathoki’s personality and political contributions made while discharging duties on different capacities.
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20- ‘Open border does not mean no regulation’
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha has said that he did not believe in the notion that the borders between Nepal and India should be closed.
Responding to the queries posed by the parliamentarians in today’s meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives, DPM Shrestha however reiterated that keeping the borders open does not mean not paying attention towards regulation. “It does not mean that the bordering areas between the two countries go unmonitored. This issue should be resolved at the diplomatic level. We are holding talks on the same.”
According to him, the government would not unilaterally take decisions on this matter. It would rather take the matter to the conclusion holding talks with India through diplomatic channel.
Stating that he was serious about concerns raised by parliamentarians on regulation of border area, he said, “An open border does not mean no checking in the border check point. A system could be established at the integrated security check point where Nepal keeps record of those outbound to India and India could keep record of those from Nepal entering India.”
The DPM argued that seeking identity from those incoming and outgoing people at the border checkpoint was in the best interest of the both countries to curb cross-border criminal activities.
DPM Shrestha, on a recent brawl between the security personnel and Immigration Office’s staffs at the Tribhuvan International Airport, said that the report submitted by the investigation committee was in the phase of implementation.
“There are some underlying reasons behind the incident,” he said, adding, “The incident took place against the backdrop of reforms in the immigration sector under the good-governance campaign.”
According to him, in lack of physical infrastructures, there was a compulsive situation for the immigration staffers at the Airport to undergo security clearance twice once they come out of their duty station due to some reasons and the recent brawl at the TIA occurred due to non compliance on professional code of conduct.
He also pledged to assign employees after imparting training, designating staffers based on the criteria, developing modern immigration system and cracking down on the ‘setting’ on visit visa.
Shrestha shared that some middlemen, immigration’s employees, security personnel and travel agencies’ involved in the racket of sending people for foreign employment on visit visa were arrested.
On a different note, he expressed his commitment to bring those involved in the fake Bhutanese refugees scam and other cases of irregularities under the ambit of investigation He, however, admitted that none alleged could be brought to book until found guilty on the basis of evidences.
Similarly, Dinesh Kumar Bhattarai, Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, clarified that the government of Nepal had given shelter to the Bhutanese refugees on the humanitarian ground.
Bhattarai said, “Correspondence has been made to open the traditional border transits. Identity card has been issued by the Chief District Officers for movement across the borders. Suggestions have been received on the matters relating to security concerns.”
The members of the committee suggested that the borders between Nepal and India should be regulated while keeping it open, as they said, could pose a challenge to national security, according to him.
As for the brawl in the TIA, they emphasized that the concerned authorities should be serious about preventing such ‘shameful’ incident from taking place again.
They suggested the government to consider waiver on the visa fee for the non-resident Nepalis.
Members in the meeting drew the attention of the government towards opening Kakadvitta border point fully that was closed during COVID-19 pandemic.
They also shed light on the hassles and troubles facing the Nepalis coming home at the immigration at the Airport and called for facilitating them rather than troubling them.
They cited that the staffers at the airport had favored some while troubled some others in cahoot with each others. Pressing for tight security check on papers of those outbound passengers especially those going for further studies for foreign employment, they called for facilitating them on other aspects rather than troubling them.
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21- RSS subscribers suggest RSS to improve its services
Kathmandu, Feb 11: The subscribers of the National News Agency (RSS) services have suggested the agency to refine its services.
Taking part in a discussion held at RSS central office today on the theme ‘RSS from the perspective of consumers’, they said that the news products of RSS is becoming effective and emphasized on the need to improve it further.
They suggested that RSS should pay more attention to informal news, investigative stories, give priority to news analysis, book, movies, drama reviews and other news on national, international and contemporary issues.
On the occasion, Editor of nepalnews.com, Raju Silwal, said that the importance of RSS news service is increasing every day and urged to focus on quality rather than quantity of news.
Editor-in-Chief of Nepali Headlines, Upendra Pokharel, said that the relevance of RSS services is increasing and called for priority to investigative news and articles.
Editor of technologykhabar.com Anujraj Dhungel and editor of Nepalpatra.com, Gopal Bhandari, suggested that news related to science and information technology should be given its due place by RSS.
Netra Prasad Neupane of City Post daily, Milan Dahal of Farakdhar.com, Bishnu Kumar Karki of Gothalo.com, Dilmaya Tamang of Muglanikhabar, Baburam Acharya of Samunnat Nepal, Tara Subedi of Sandhyakalin daily suggested to give priority to investigative news stories and articles.
On the occasion, Executive Chairperson of RSS, Dharmendra Jha, said that the service users’ suggestions have been taken positively and pledged to further refine RSS services and make them more effective. “Considering the practical suggestions of the users, RSS will make its news services more robust and effective,” he said.
RSS Chair Jha also shared that RSS has started to diversify its new services through opinion articles and news service in mother tongue and added that the service will be made more effective in the future. “We have started a new ‘segment’ of disseminating opinion articles, which has been received with a good response. We have also given priority to informal and investigative news stories, which we will improve further in the future “, he said.
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22- Post-natal care ward inaugurated at Narayani Hospital
Parsa, Feb 11: Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has lauded the contribution of the private sector to the advancement of the Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, which, he said, is the backbone of Madhesh Pradesh’s health sector.
Inaugurating the Post-Natal Care Ward at the Hospital here on Sunday, Vice President Yadav emphasized that everyone should work together to remove the aberrations seen in the health sector. He said that the situation of education and health in Madhesh is poor and added that all three levels of government should give priority to health and education development.
On the occasion, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal said that the government is working to upgrade Narayani Hospital and emphasized that the federal, provincial and local levels should coordinate with each other to ensure access to basic health services.
The post-natal ward was completed at the cost of Rs. 4.5 million and is expected to benefit the new mothers, said Medical superintendent of the hospital Dr Chittaranjan Shah.
Chairperson of Narayani Hospital Development Committee Dhiraj Gupta, MP Pradeep Yadav, Mayor of Birganj Municipal Corporation Rajeshman Singh, Provincial Assembly Member Janardan Singh Chhetri and others participated in the event.
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23- Five billion rupees to address Dharan’s drinking water woes
Dharan, Feb 11: Minister for Science, Education and Technology Ashok Kumar Rai has said that five billion rupees will be allocated in the next financial year’s budget to address the problem of drinking water in Dharan.
Inaugurating a workshop on the establishment of a specialized research center in Dharan, here on Sunday, Minister Rai shared that the survey of the project to bring water from Saptakoshi to address the drinking water problem of Dharan has been completed. “It is estimated that the project will cost five billion rupees. The amount will be allocated in the next financial year’s budget,” he said.
Minister Rai also shared that it would take three years to complete the project, which will be implemented with a plan to raise investment within ten years. Minister Rai said that water will be brought from Saptakoshi river.
He said that Dharan is a suitable place for establishing a specialized research center.
Likewise, Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology Prof Dr Dilip Subba expressed the commitment to work together for the development of technology required by the province. He said that farmers can be helped to increase agricultural production by using technology.
Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang stressed that since Dharan is a city suitable for housing drinking water supply development plan should be implemented accordingly.
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24- Pulsar Sports Award: Chandra Gurung awarded Best Coach
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Chandra Gurung of athletics has bagged the Best Coach Award in the Pulsar Sports Award 2024.
In the 20th edition of Award ceremony organized by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum here Sunday, Gurung clinched the award beating two other coaches Deepak Maharjan of boxing and Jagat Tamata of cricket.
Coach Gurung is credited for helping Nepal secure two gold medals in 16th Asian Cross-Country Championship. Likewise, Nepal had clinched one gold medal and 2 bronze medals in a marathon held in Bangladesh under his coaching.
Similarly, Rajendra Kumar Pradhan, first Olympian weightlifter of Nepal,, received ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in recognition of 55 years long of contribution to weightlifting sector.
Dev Khanal of cricket has been awarded with the best player of the year. Nepal had participated in the ICC U-19 Championship in Khanal’s leadership after a hiatus of eight years and secured a place in the tournament by becoming champion of the Asian regional qualifier.
Sudarshan Ranjit, a sports journalist from Pokhara, received the Special Award for photo journalism in sports sectors for his four decade contribution.
Likewise, Rajpura Pachai of medium and long distance running has got the Best Female Sportsperson award for this year. She had received two silver medals in the Asian Cross-Country Women 10 km marathon.
Athletics’ Deepak Adhikari received Best Male Sports Person award for this year while Table tennis player Sikka Subal Shrestha secured People’s Choice Award. Para Athlete Honour was conferred on Para Olympian athlete Maiya Bishankhu. She won a gold medal in 2006.
Raymond Chu from Hong Kong has been honoured with the Asian Sports Journalists Award. He is the President of the Hong Kong Sports Press Association and the chief mentor of a programme under the Association of International Sports Journalists (AIPS).
Each winner in the best female, male, people’s choice awardees, best coach and best youth sportsperson category received one Pulsar bike each while winners in other category received Rs 50,000 each.
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25- ‘Govt. should extend support to cooperatives in time of crisis’
Kathmandu, Feb 11: Chairman of Bagmati Province Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Union (Bagmati PROSCUN) Uddhav Sapkota has said that the state should extend support to the cooperative organizations in the time of crises.
Addressing a training programme organized by Bagmati PROSCUN on financial understanding to the journalists on Sunday, Sapkota argued that some of the countries including South Korea have supported the cooperatives as they face challenges.
He viewed that the current crisis could be resolved if the state and the cooperatives movement advanced ahead together.
Sapkota further shared that some of the community-based and membership-based cooperative organizations have performed well than the banking institutions.
He also stated that confusions in understanding on cooperatives among the government officials and people’s representatives have resulted in troubles and claimed that country’s socio-economic transformation was likely from the cooperatives.
According to Sapkota, the current crisis in some of big cooperatives based in the urban areas was the result of their operation by going beyond the norms and values of the cooperatives and argued that trust to the cooperatives will boost up if the wrongdoers were punished.
Likewise, general secretary of Bagmati PROSCUN Jibasraj Khadka said all cooperative organizations are not run poorly. “Some cooperatives have done wrong. But, all should not be put in a single basket,” he argued.
During the training event, chief executive officer of National Cooperative Bank Badri Kumar Guragain, chief executive officer of Bagmati PROSCUN Keshav Prasad Dahal and others shared their ideas to the journalists.
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