- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, Feb 21: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged individuals, companies and organisations occupying areas inside the Lalita Niwas at Baluwatar of Kathmandu Metropolis-4 to vacate the space within a week.
The edict followed the verdict of the Special Court which recently illegalized the occupancy of people, companies and organisations in the area, reviving the government’s ownership to the land, according to Metropolis assistant spokesperson, Deepak Adhikari.
The local government warranted all the bodies concerned to cooperate in its efforts to protect the public land as per Local Government Operation Act -2074 BS.
Issuing a public notice today, the local government said that it would remove structures in the area as per the existing laws for its protection and management of land if the edict was not responded.
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02- Nepal Embassy organizes tourism promotion event in Colombo
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Nepal’s tourism promotional programme was held in Colombo of Sri Lanka.
In the Tourism Promotion Programme organized recently by the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo under the theme of “Discover the Himalaya Wonder: Explore the Cultural Treasures”, a large number of travel agent operators, journalists and business persons from Sri Lanka and Nepal attended the event.
On the occasion, Nepal’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Basudev Mishra said that tourism industry is crucial for both Nepal and Sri Lanka for revitalization of economy and called for synergy in the tourism sector.
Ambassador Mishra invited the Sri Lankan nationals to visit Nepal adding that Nepal offers a welcoming atmosphere to the tourists with several tourism products and competitive price.
Saying that Nepal is all set to hold Investment Summit in coming May, Ambassador Mishra urged the Sri Lankan business community for more collaboration and cooperation in the areas of investment and business in Nepal.
During the event, the participants from Sri Lanka expressed their willingness to visit Lumbini, the Birth Place of Lord Buddha, and other sites too.
Likewise, Managing Director of Nepal’s Adventure Outdoor Trek and Expedition Company Dr Kalyan Raj Sharma made a presentation about Nepal’s tourism products by including offers by the tourism industry. He said that tourism avenue in Nepal carries a larger scope beyond religious tourism and the trend is on the rise in the recent days.
Dr Sharma urged Sri Lankan visitors for exploring adventure tourism, go for trekking and enjoy diverse wildlife in Nepal within its small geographic zone.
On the occasion, Nepali tourism and business products were put into display and information about Nepal’s tourism industry was shared. Similarly, promotional videos of tourist destinations, cultures of Nepal and Nepali songs, among others were performed.
Nepali business persons, who participated at the event, have pinned hopes on receiving more tourists from Sri Lanka and also announced their competitive tour packages targeting the Sri Lankan visitors.
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03- 1,000 plus local people benefit from free eye camps
Sindhupalchowk, Feb 21: A total 1,051 local people in Sindhupalchowk have taken services in the free eye camps organized by Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, and Tilganga Community Eye Centre, Melamchi.
The eye camps were conducted in seven places including at Melamchi, Panchpokhari Thangpal, Indrawati and Helambu in Sindhupalchowk district.
It is said that 190 people received services in the eye camp organized at Piple of Melamchi Municipality-4; 150 at Melamchi Municipality-7; 166 at Melamchi Municipality-11 and 116 at Indrawati of Melamchi Municipality-12.
Likewise, 73 people of Kiyul in Helambu Rural Municipality-2 got treatment for their eyes and 184 people of Gunsa village in Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality-5 and 172 people of Tipeni village got the services for free.
Of the locals visiting the eye camps, 122 were diagnosed with cataract and the surgeries for the cataract were performed, Chief of Tilganga Community Eye Centre at Melamchi Ashish Bhatta said.
Senior Ophthalmologist from Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Dr Sushma Duwal, and other specialists carried out the surgeries of the patients.
The eye camps were run in collaboration with Melamchi Municipality and other local levels, Bhatta said.
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04- Foundation stone laid for four irrigation projects in Ilam
Ilam, Feb 21: Development of four irrigation projects started at Mangsebung Rural Municipality in Ilam district on Tuesday. The total cost of the four irrigation canals is estimated Rs 23.36 million.
Chairman of Mangsebung Rural Municipality Hemanta Rai jointly laid the foundation stone for the construction of the canals.
Chairman of Mangsebung Rural Municipality Ward no. 1, Bhupal Yonghang, said that the irrigation projects would be constructed under the small irrigation programme. As shared by Bhupal, the farmlands at Tobhang, Nangrung and Kholagaun would get irrigation supply after the completion of the projects.
He added that the farmers, who still rely on rainfall and makeshift canal, are now excited from the beginning of the new projects.
The Swiss Government, Federal Government, Koshi Province Government and local government have provided the budget for the four projects while the local community would invest ten percent in partnership.
As agreed, all the four projects should be completed till July 4.
The local people have expected better agricultural output, mostly of paddy production, with the completion of the projects.
The Small Irrigation Project is being implemented in Ilam district with cooperation from the Swiss Government which aims to increase productivity in agriculture sector and ensure commercialization of agri-business.
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05- NC’s Mahasamiti Meeting: Discussions taking place in reports
Lalitpur, Feb 21: Discussions in five separate reports presented on Tuesday at the Nepali Congress (NC) Mahasamiti Meeting are scheduled to take place from today.
Coordinator of NC’s Information, Communications and Publicity Department Min Bahadur Bishwakarma told RSS that four groups have been formed to hold discussions on the reports put forth by party the Vice President, two general secretaries, spokesperson and accounts committee coordinator.
Five separate reports were presented on Tuesday in the NC Mahasamiti Meeting that began on Monday at Godavari, Lalitpur.
As shared by the NC, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka shared the Policy Report while General Secretary Gagan Thapa presented the Organizational Proposal.
Another General Secretary Bishow Prakash Sharma put forth his report on contemporary political situation while party Spokesperson and Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat presented the Report on Nepal’s Present Economic Status, Possibilities and Future Course.
Similarly, Accounts Committee Coordinator Shyam Kumar Ghimire tabled the party’s Audit Report sharing the state of party’s economic status, source of income and expenses.
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06- Westerly low pressure system likely to cause rain
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather, light rain coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places in Madesh Province and Bagmati Province of the country today, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The weather would remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today while some parts in Gandaki and Madhes provinces are receiving rainfall, Meteorologist at the Division Sanjiv Adhikari said. “The temperature shall remain unchanged,” he added.
The Division stated that chances of light to moderate snowfall are likely at some places of the high hilly and mountainous region of the country.
According to Adhikari, impacts of the westerly low pressure system has gradually shifted to Gandaki, Bagmati and eastern belt of the country from the Sudurpaschim and Karnali.
The Division shared that chances of rain are more likely on Thursday compared to today and the weather shall be gradually clear from Friday.
Tonight, the weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country and light rain or thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudur Pashchim provinces and hilly regions of the country.
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07- Curfew relaxed in Birgunj
Birgunj (Parsa), Feb 21: The curfew imposed in Birgunj area for an indefinite period due to security concern has been relaxed to some extent.
The prohibitory order enforced by the District Administration Office, Parsa for 36 hours was lifted from 6:00 am to 11:00 am today for the convenience of the local residents, said Chief District Officer (CDO) of Parsa, Dinesh Sagar Bhusal.
The prohibitory order would be further relaxed after assessing the situation, informed CDO Bhusal, adding that the decision to ease the prohibitory order was also taken so that the daily lives of the locals in the financial city of the country would not be adversely affected.
He reiterated that the restrictive order would be relaxed based on the situation and need. The situation in Birgunj is normal at present.
The curfew was clamped after a clash was about to erupt in a demonstration staged by Hindu Samaj after the protest between two parties. The local administration had imposed indefinite curfew since last Monday evening.
It was effective in the areas within Nagawa Chowk in the east, Tilabe Bridge in the west, Parbanipur Parsa in north and Miteri Pul (Custom) in the south of Birgunj city.
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08- NC Mahasamiti meet: General Secretary Thapa’s call-out against pre-election alliance
Lalitpur, Feb 21: Nepali Congress (NC) General-Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has presented a proposal that his party should not form pre-election alliance.
In the ongoing policy conclave of the party- Mahasamiti meeting- at Godawari, General-Secretary Thapa floated the proposal that NC shunned political alliance with any party in the periodic election in future.
“The Mahasamiti meeting’s resolution is must on contesting the upcoming periodic election on its own,” he viewed, pressing for creating enabling environment where the voters could cast their vote to Nepali Congress.
In the 38-page organizational proposal, Thapa called for making NC more energetic and dynamic and increase public’s confidence in the party and re-establish itself as a party which could alone secure two-thirds majority.
He however said NC is aware of demonstrating political honesty as per commitments made with the public and agreement with coalition partners during the election.
According to him, good-governance should be the main mantra for NC-led governments at all three levels with effective public service delivery.
He further asserted that the NC should take ownership of the constitution of Federal Democratic Republic, which was promulgated under leadership of the party itself, and it should protect and implement the national charter with high level of confidence. Furthermore, the General Secretary proposed party determination to unite the entire party at every level and make it further active in line with the party’s aspiration- ‘Prosperous Nepal: Honoured Nepali’.
He, in the proposal, highlighted the need for the party to prioritize the issues and concerns of public and communities and make party a centre of excellence thorough debate, dialogues, training and discussion and adopt policy of zero-tolerance against corruption in all forms and make the party a catalyst for social transformation.
The meeting, party’s main policy-making body, has over 2,200 representatives taking part in the four-day event.
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09- Poet Durgalal Shrestha named for ‘Mother Language National Service Prize’
Kathmandu, Feb 21: The National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities has announced to provide this year’s ‘Mother Language National Service Prize’ to poet Durgalal Shrestha.
Shrestha was named for the prize for his outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of Nepali literature through the mother language.
Foundation’s Research Officer Sarina Gurung said that the prize carries a purse of Rs 100,000 in cash.
As a song writer, Shrestha’s songs ‘Phoolko Aankhama Phoolai Sansara’ is a famous song in the Nepali music genre. Shrestha has also penned several literary creations in the Newari language.
The prize would be given away to Shrestha today on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day (February 21).
In the previous years, the prize was conferred on litterateur Til Bikram Nembang and senior culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi.
10- PM Dahal pledges to address issues pestering microfinance, cooperatives
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged to take initiation to address issues pestering microfinance and cooperatives. During his meeting with representatives of victims of muddled microfinance and cooperatives at Singha Durbar today, the Prime Minister assured addressing the problems.
Acknowledging the contribution of cooperatives and microfinances in connecting the rural people and the people from the indigent community with financial services, the Prime Minister said lately, the sectors were gripped with significant problems. “Some complications were contextual, while some were the consequences of professional dishonesty of members on the board of directors. The problems will be addressed gradually,” he added.
He also insisted on collective efforts to sort out the situation.
During the discussions, the representatives thanked the government for its initiation so far to alleviate the situation.
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11- NC Mahasamiti meet: Koshi Province demands inclusion of woman in vital posts from ward to central level of party
Lalitpur, Feb 21: In the ongoing policy making conclave of Nepali Congress at Godawari here today, all 14 district presidents from Koshi Province presented their common view in 16 points.
They presented the views on statute amendment, hierarchy, and mobilization of organization, among others.
In the Mahasamiti meeting, they demanded change in existing provision in party’s central members which are absolute Mahasamiti members. But, now onwards, only regional (province constituency) representatives should be made Mahasamiti members, they suggested.
The 14 district presidents of NC demanded a provision to include woman in the vital posts from ward level to central committee of the party. At ward level, there should be a woman vice chair, woman secretary, while at central level, a woman vice chairman, a woman secretary/general secretary and a treasurer, they viewed.
Chairs of all levels should be given rights to nominate 50 percent members.
The proportional representation can not be adopted repeatedly for the political appointments and in any posts of benefit determined by the party, they viewed, adding that the person recommended by the party for the president or vice president of the country could hold the post for only two terms.
They are also for the same provision in case of chief minister and prime minister, however, in case of deputy prime minister and minister at federal government and minister at provinces could be allowed three terms.
They are against having same person for over four terms as federal or province lawmaker.
The district president of the party should be given authority to spend levy collected in the district. Similarly, they are for customary cancellation of the post/membership of any person in any level of the party in case he/she is absent in three consecutive meetings of concerned committee.
Moreover, anyone getting membership of the sister organizations of party from district president should submit his/her credential to the concerned district working committee, the 16-point statement read.
The party is suggested to nominate three persons including a woman for members of the House of Representatives or of Province Assembly based on the voting of regional (province constituency) representatives.
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12- NAFA’s exhibition features creations from Nepal, Germany
Kathmandu, Feb 21: An international art exhibition is underway at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Naxal. The weeklong expo features works created during the two-day international art workshop 2024 held on February 5-6. The works are of 43 artisans from Nepal and Germany.
The event themed ‘connecting culture through arts’ has the participations of 10 foreign artists and it is expected to contribute to enhancing bilateral relations between Nepal and Germany, according to NAFA Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchhali.
Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, Israel’s Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Godar and German Ambassador to Nepal, Dr. Thomas Prinz, visited the exhibition on Tuesday evening.
During the visit, the Minister of State, Sirpali, said this sort of expo would have significant contribution to the exchange of cultures, tourism promotion and the enhancement of bilateral relations between the countries concerned. She also underlined the need of giving continuity to such events in the days to come.
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13- Cultural museum set up to preserve near-extinct items in Khotang
Khotang, Feb 21: A cultural museum has been established at Jalapa of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality -12 in Khotang district in order to preserve the household items used by ancestors of the residents here.
Established in the building of then village development committee, the museum was inaugurated on February 18. It features over 200 ancient household gizmos as old as 200 years, shared Dan Bahadur Rai, Chairperson of ward no 12.
The items kept in museum are leather thaili (traditional ladies’ purse), wooden ladle, cane basket, grinding stone, spear, sword, wooden repousse, fishing net, wooden glass, spoon and spatula, sickle, cradle, and plough, among others.
The ward office collected the materials from the houses of local residents, mostly constituting the communities as Brahman, Chhetri, Dalit, Rai, Tamang and Sherpa.
The courtesy and name of the users or donors (dead or alive) of such gizmos are clearly mentioned in the materials showcased in the museum, said ward chair Rai.
More near-extinct traditional gizmos would be added to the museum, shared Rai, adding that they set up museum to conserve the old-time appliances and to educate the new generation about those materials.
“These household devices connects us our history as solid proofs. We hope to make our village suitable place for study, visit and observation through museum,” he said, expressing hope that the newly inaugurated museum would help in tourism promotion of the place.
Similarly, a Kirati museum is also in the offing at Ribdung Mahenshwori of Aishelu Kharka rural municipality in the district. The museum is aimed at displaying, preserving and promoting Kirati community’s language, art, artifacts and household items, weapons, attires, jewelries and musical instruments, among others.
The construction of indigenous museum at Alchedhunga of ward no 2 of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality, however, is in limbo due to irregularities reported during the construction of the museum.
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14- Nagarjun violence: Man suspected of killing self after murdering three family members
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Three members of the same family at Bhairabtole of Nagarjun municipality-6 in Kathmandu were found dead this morning.
Ishwori Shrestha, 38, from Dudhkunda of Solukhumbu district and currently staying at Bhairabtole, daughter Anisha Shrestha, 8, and two and half year old granddaughter Shivani Shrestha were killed, according to the District Police Office, Kathmandu.
Spokesperson at the DPO, Kathmandu, DP Nawaraj Adhikari, shared that police’s preliminary investigation showed the deceased’s husband might have involved in the carnage.
Deceased’s husband Kaji BK, also known as Raju Ghimire, was found hanging in a tree in a nearby jungle. Police have already launched investigation into the carnage, assuming BK as a suspect of the murder, said SP Adhikari.
Locals had informed the police after they found dead bodies inside the room of Shrestha at around 9:30 am. The locals also notified police after they found BK hanging in a tree. By the time police arrived at the accident site, BK had already breathed his last.
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15- ‘Film censor against creativity and expression’
Kathmandu, Feb 21: The draft of the Film Censor Working Procedure 2080 BS prepared by the Central Film Censor Board has drawn concerns from the film producers’ fraternity.
In a discussion programme held here recently, film director Dayaram Dahal said the proposed draft of the procedure failed to encourage filmmakers.
As he said, the filmmaking community doesn’t entertain the term censor. The matter should be simplified. It should be kept within the jurisdiction of the Film Development Board instead of the Ministry. “The classification of films is needed instead of censor. The concept of film censor itself prevents film makers to work on the project freely. Instead of the external censorship, self-censorship is needed,” he reminded.
On the occasion, film director Manoj Pundit argued that the State’s direct surveillance in film is unwarranted. He said the proposed draft prevents the production of film in a creative, realistic and independent way in compatible as per time and relevance.
Member of the Central Film Censor Board of Nepal, Rishiraj Acahrya, however, claimed the draft was prepared in accordance with the relevant law. It is for time being- until a dedicated Act is formulated- and it would be taken ahead on the basis of wider consensus.
During the discussions, Film Development Board member Rabi Adhikari demanded the inclusion of experts in the censor board, while the term of each board members should have at least for five years.
“The issues in the Film Censor Board have implications in the FDB. These are different bodies and the FDB is authorized for recommending the film censor,” he viewed.
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16- Govt able to retrieve Lalita Niwas land: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the government has been able to reclaim its ownership to public land worth Rs 800 billion. During his meeting with a delegation led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party today, the PM Dahal reminded the recent court verdict against the Lalita Niwas land grab.
As he said, due to the government’s initiation, the government retrieved its ownership to the Lalit Niwas area.
In the meeting, the delegation led by party Chair Rajendra Lingden acknowledged ‘good initiations’ of the government, urging him to further improve the performance.
PM Dahal emphasized that all political parties should extend thankfulness to the government for its actions and investigation into the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, Lalitawa Niwas land grab scam and gold smuggling case.
“This verdict was possible since the incumbent government took a serious step in connection to the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, Lalita Niwas land embezzlement and gold smuggling scam. The government had arrested the accused ones in these scams and presented the file in the court after concluding investigation. The court, due to this, has given a good verdict. Lalita Niwas’s land worth Rs 800 billion has been brought back to the ownership of the government,” PM Dahal explained.
On a different note, the PM refused to comment on the Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s (RPP) decision to take to street with its agenda and said, “May your struggle be peaceful. We are trying to conclude peace process.
In the meeting, the RPP had handed over a memorandum to the PM including the party’s viewpoint.
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17- World Cup Cricket League 2: Nepal loses to Namibia again
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Nepal lost to Namibia by 2 wickets in its third match of the triangular series under the ICC Men’s World Cup Cricket League-2.
In the match held today at TU cricket ground, a modest victory target of 169 runs set by Nepal for Namibia was achieved by the visitors at the loss of 8 wickets in 40 overs.
Gerhard Erasmus top scored for Namibia with 52 runs. Similarly, JJ Smith scored an unbeaten 34 while Michael Van Lingen scored 31 runs.
For the bowling side, Kushal Bhurtel took three wickets while captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Malla took one wicket each.
Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Nepal lost all its wickets in 37.1 overs with only 168 runs on the board. Aashif Sheikh scored 58 runs while Kushal Malla scored 38, Bhim Sarki 26, Kushal Bhurtel 18 and Karan KC scored 12 runs.
For Namibia, Bernard Scholtz and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton took four wickets each, while Jack Brassel and Gerhard Erasmus took one wicket each.
This is Nepal’s second straight defeat against Namibia, after losing the inaugural match of the series, also including the Netherlands, by 4 wickets. Nepal however won its second match against the Netherlands by 9 wickets.
With this win, Namibia has added a total of four points while Nepal and the Netherlands have two points each.
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18- President Paudel stresses on timely justice to victims
Kathmandu, Feb 21: President Ramchandra Paudel has said the objectives of judiciary could be achieved only if victims get justice on time.
President Paudel said so while receiving the annual report of fiscal year 2079/80 of the Supreme Court, Judicial Council and Judicial Service Commission submitted by Chief Justice, Bishowambher Prasad Shrestha at a programme held at Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday.
Stating that the judiciary could win people’s faith in coming days, the President stressed on easy access of poor, helpless and marginalized communities to justice. “I believe that independence, integrity and competence of judiciary will be maintained if victim gets justice on time and if it becomes victim-friendly”, he mentioned.
President Paudel said that it will be easy to guarantee rule of law if policy reforms, plan and reports of judicial sectors are fully implemented.
He laid emphasis that judiciary should play an independent role in making people’s faith stronger, adding, “Present situation of pressure of cases and their settlement is the big challenge of the Supreme Court and a solution should be sought. Necessary reforms in laws is a must to solve it.”
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19- Trade deficit of Rs 811 billion in first seven months
Kathmandu, Feb 21: The country has experienced ballooning trade deficit of Rs 811 billion 110 million while making a foreign trade of Rs 984 billion 770 million in the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2080/81 BS.
According to the foreign trade data of the reporting period, made public by the Department of Customs, import amounting to around Rs 897 billion 944 million was made while export amounted to Rs 86 billion 831 million was recorded as of mid-February (end of Nepali month Magh.
In comparison to the first seven months of the last fiscal year, import has decreased by 2.31 and export dropped by 7.07 percent. According to the Department, trade deficit has decreased by 1.77 percent when overall trade dropped by 2.75 percent compared to the last year. India is the largest trading country for Nepal. Imports from India amounted to Rs 554.75 billion, while only Rs 58.72 billion was exported.
With this, Nepal has suffered a trade deficit of Rs 496.36 billion with India alone in the seven months of the current fiscal year. Similarly, Nepal has suffered a trade deficit of Rs 171.23 billion with China, which is the second largest trading country. Goods worth Rs 173.91 billion were imported from China till mid-February and export worth Rs 1.85 billion was made.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates is at number three in the list of countries with high trade deficit for Nepal. During the seven months of the current fiscal year, the import from UAE is Rs 15.69 billion and export is worth Rs 1.58 billion. The trade deficit with this country is Rs 14.11 billion.
Nepal has the highest trade surplus with the United States among the countries having foreign trade. In the reporting period, import from the US amounted to Rs 9.17 billion while export was Rs 9.54 billion. The trade surplus with the US amounted to Rs 364.7 million.
As reported, Nepal has the trade deficit with Denmark, Norway, Afghanistan and the Maldives among other countries.
The highest import during the reporting period was petroleum products. In the first seven months, diesel amounting to Rs 77.41 billion, petrol Rs 38.82 billion and LP Gas Rs 30.31 billion were imported. Likewise, iron-related materials worth Rs 22.66 billion and smart phone worth amounting to Rs 17.38 billion were imported in the reporting period.
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20- Constitutional Commissions concern over job advertisements
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Constitutional Commissions have expressed their full disagreement with the advertisement published by the Lumbini Public Service Commission.
The National Muslim Commission, Tharu Commission and Indigenous Nationalities Commission held a press conference here on Wednesday and said that the advertisement is against the constitutional and legal provisions and a serious violation of the principle of proportional inclusion. They have also urged the Lumbini Province Public Service Commission to cancel the advertisement and go for re-advertisement in accordance with the law.
On the occasion, Chairperson of Muslim Commission, Samim Mian Ansari, said that the advertisement of the Lumbini Province Public Service Commission is against the constitutional provision, as it completely deprives groups that should be included.
Chairperson of Indigenous Nationalities Commission Ram Bahadur Thapamagar said that Lumbini Public Service Commission advertised for 30 technical assistant and 23 animal health veterinarian posts without following the provision for the inclusive quota.
Likewise, Chair of the Tharu Commission, Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary, noted that the advertisement published by the Lumbini Public Service Commission should be re-published in accordance with the legal provisions.
The National Women’s Commission, National Dalit Commission, National Inclusion Commission, Indigenous Nationalities Commission, Madhesi Commission, Tharu Commission and Muslim Commission have jointly drawn the attention of Lumbini Province Public Service Commission to the advertisement published on February 9 and 15.
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21- UML CC meeting: team leaders selected for group-wise discussion
Kathmandu, Feb 21: Group-wise discussion on conceptual action plan presented in the seventh plenary meeting of the CPN (UML) Central Committee was held on Wednesday.
Participants were divided into nine groups to reach to conclusion on the concepts presented in the meeting.
Kashinath Adhikari and Pemba Lama has been selected to present the issues raised in group-wise discussion as the conclusion in the meeting, said UML Central Publicity and Publication Department, Gagan Bista.
Senior Vice-Chairperson Ishwor Pokharel, Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Poudel, General-Secretary Shankar Pokhrel and Deputy General-Secretary Pradeep Kumar Gyawali presented conceptual action plans in the meeting held at party headquarters, Chyasal, on Wednesday.
Issues related to positive impacts of Jhulaghat-Chiwabhanjyang ‘Samriddhi ka lagi Sankalpa Yatra’, party’s organisational strengthening and expansion campaign ‘Mission Grass Roots’ would be reviewed in the meeting.
The seventh plenary meeting of UML is taking place from Tuesday.
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22- NC Mahasamiti meeting: Delegates airing views continues
Lalitpur, Feb 21: Members of the Nepali Congress are continuing to express their views and opinion at the party’s Mahasamiti (general council) meeting that kicked off on February 19.
On the third day of the meeting held at Sunrise Conference Centre in Godawari of Lalitpur today, discussions are being held in four different halls on the policy proposal of Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, organizational proposal of General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, contemporary political proposal of General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma, Spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat’s report on country’s current economic situation, prospects and future direction, audit report of accounts committee coordinator Shyam Ghimire, informed NC publicity department chief Min Bahadur Bishwakarma.
“Mahasamiti members of the Koshi and Sudurpaschim provinces have been divided into Godavari Hall, Bishankhunarayan Hall for Karnali and Madhes provinces, Phulchoki Hall for Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and Lumbini and fraternal and well-wisher organisations and public relations committees at Konjyosom Hall to discuss the report,” he said. According to Bishwakarma, the remaining members of the committee will express their views tomorrow as well.
“The office-bearers and central members representing the respective provinces in all the four halls are taking the notes of the suggestions of Mahasamiti members,” he said.
According to him, the Mahasamiti members have also submitted some suggestions for improvement in all the five reports submitted to the Mahasamiti. A total of 110 Mahasamiti members at Godavari Hall, 95 at Bishankhunarayan Hall, 90 at Phulchoki Hall and 90 at Konjyosom Hall expressed their views during the discussion, according to Bishwakarma.
The members who participated in the Mahasamiti meeting expressed their views on the need for the NC to play an effective role in the implementation of the constitution, abide by the party statute, give authority to strengthen the province structure, play a leadership role to prevent the threat to the republic, activate the party organization and complete the sister and well-wisher organizations, he said.
The Mahasamiti members further said the party should establish linkage with social movement for social justice, emphasize modern agricultural system, emphasize on tourism promotion by protecting the environment, accelerate infrastructure development, make international relations balanced and enable environment for foreign investment.
Among other recommendations were expanding employment opportunities to check brain drain, increasing coordination between the party and the government, taking initiative to stop trade in education and health and devising effective measures against climate change impacts, among others.
“The presidents of all the seven provinces are scheduled to present the issues raised in the group discussion before the delegates. After that, the hall will jointly discuss all those proposals and pass them,” said Bishwakarma. He informed that the closing ceremony will be held from 2:30 pm on Thursday.
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23- Two killed in road accident
Sindhupalchok, Feb 21: Two people have died in a road accident that took place at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok today.
The deceased have been identified as Dilkumari Pradhan and Lal Kumari Pradhan of Barhabise Municipality-7. They died on the spot, said Devendra Joshi, Head of Barhabise Police Office. The accident involving a jeep (Ba. 12 Cha. 4991) en route from Nagpuje towards Barhabise took place after it fell into the Andheri river about 70 meters below the road.
Gopal Thapa, Khadgkumari Shrestha and Pushkar Thapa of Barhabise-7 along with Jeep driver Bikram Thapa were injured in the accident. The injured are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, police said.
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24- Immunization against measles and rubella from Feb 25
Kathmandu, Feb 21: The government is launching an immunization campaign from February 25 to March 20 across the country in view of the risk of measles and rubella infection.
Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Prakash Budhathoki, shared that the vaccination against measles and rubella is going to be launched for all children below 15 years. He mentioned that all children from nine months to below 15 years of 24 districts–21 districts bordering with India and three in Kathmandu Valley, would be immunized.
Similarly, children from nine months to five years of other 51 districts would also participate in the vaccination campaign. Budhathoki added that however, the immunization campaign was launched in Jajarkot and Rukum West districts after Jajarkot earthquake occurred in November, 2023.
Chief of Child Health and Immunization Section, Dr Abhiyan Gautam, said children who missed to get regular vaccines would also be immunized in course of vaccination campaign. Sharing that all preparations for the immunization campaign have been completed, he added that health workers have already been imparted with training about the vaccine in all seven provinces.
Dr Gautam shared that 6.330 million doses of vaccines have already been brought for the campaign, stating that a target has been set to immunize vaccine against measles and rubella to around 5.7 million children during the campaign.
The government has launched the immunization campaign with an objective of eliminating measles and rubella by 2026. Outbreak of measles and rubella was reported in 19 districts last year.
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25- Over 150,000 cases yet to be settled
Kathmandu, Feb 21: A total of 158,147 cases remain to be settled in the Supreme Court and subordinate courts and tribunals.
Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha presented the annual report of the Supreme Court, Judicial Council and Judicial Service Commission for the fiscal year 2079/80 BS to President Ramchandra Paudel today. According to the report, 339,990 cases and writs have been registered at the apex court and subordinate courts and tribunals since the last fiscal year and 180,139 new cases have been registered in the current fiscal year.
Of them, 181,843 or 53.48 per cent cases and writs have been settled, according to the report. A total of 38,933 cases and writs, including 29,654 transferred to the Supreme Court since last fiscal year and 9,279 newly registered in this fiscal year, 11,073 or 28.44 per cent have been disposed of and 27,860 are pending.
A total of 62,854 cases and writ petitions, including 25,854 transferred to 18 high courts and benches since last fiscal year and 37,000 newly registered in this fiscal year, 38,868 or 61.84 per cent have been disposed of and 23,986 remain.
According to the annual report, out of a total of 234,837 cases and writs, including 102,369 transferred to the District Court since last fiscal year and 132,468 newly registered in this fiscal year, 130,407 or 55.53 per cent have been disposed of and 104,430 are pending.
Among 3,366 cases, including 1,974 transferred to other courts and tribunals since last fiscal year and 1,392 newly registered in this fiscal year, 1,495 cases or 44.41 per cent have been disposed of and 1,871 remain. According to Article 138 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has to submit its annual report to the President every year.
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