- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Kathmandu, March 15: The government has confirmed that seven more Nepalis serving in the Russian army have lost their lives.
Issuing a press statement on March 15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said those killed in Russia include Purna Bahadur from Dhading, Nabin Shahi from Jajarkot, Padam Bahadur Ghimire from Udayapur, Ganga Ram Adhikari from Jhapa and Jit Bahadur BK from Baglung. The two others are Sanjaya KC from Banke and Sundar Moktan from Rasuwa. The MoFA has not shared further details about the deceased ones.
The Ministry has reiterated Nepal’s policy not to allow Nepali citizens for their recruitment in foreign countries’ armies except for some friendly countries under the traditionally existed agreement.
The Ministry has also reminded Nepalis of taking No Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel to Russia except for government officials, Russian scholarship holders and those involved in professions and businesses.
Likewise, the Ministry said the government has continued its diplomatic efforts with top priority to repatriate Nepalis recruited in the Russian army.
“The Russian government has been requested again for the repatriation of Nepalis working there and to ensure treatment to those injured, and provide compensation to the families of Nepalis who lost their lives while serving the Russian army,” says the MoFA.
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01- Flora Expo begins
Kathmandu, March 15: The 25th edition of the Flora Expo has begun at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu from Thursday.
Organized by Floriculture Association of Nepal and Floriculture Development Centre, the Expo will run until March 17.
Chairman of Association, Min Bahadur Tamang, shared that a total of 73 stalls including 60 commercial ones, three landscaping, eight official and others are kept in the Expo.
The organizers have expected some 50,000 visitors and business transaction of worth Rs 10 million in the Expo.
The Association said that Nepal is now self-reliant on flower production in most of the seasons except for Tihar festival.
With the rise in demand for flowers, flower production and its farming has increased to 43 districts in the country including in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Chitwan, Makawanpur, Kavre, Gulmi, Palpa, Dhading, Morang and others.
Nepal produces some 450 species of flowers and the market of this business is of Rs 3 billion plus annually.
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02- Nat’l force will be decisive from Mission 84, Chairman Oli says
Kanchanpur, March 15: CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that the ‘Mission 84’ has the target to take the national force in the decisive position in the upcoming elections.
Addressing the ninth district convention of CPN (UML) Kanchanpur on Thursday, Oli said the upcoming elections and the results will make everything clear about the power position of the political forces. “We want to strengthen and ensure a strong decisive position to Nepal’s national force. It will be measured from the election results. So we are pitching for Mission 84,” Oli added.
In his speech, Oli defended the present coalition government for its policy adding that it will bring prosperity in the nation.
“The government has marked the beginning for resolving the issues of usury victims,” Oli stated.
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03- Internal translocation of rhinos taking place in Chitwan
Chitwan, March 15: Six rhinos are being internally relocated in the Chitwan National Park from today. The officials are working for the translocation of the rhinos with the increased number of the endangered animal in the western belt of the national park. Now, the rhinos will be relocated to the eastern belt of the national park.
Chief Conservation Officer of Chitwan National Park Dil Bahadur Purja Pun said the rhinos are being translocated from Friday and 60 workforce including elephants, technical human resources, officials, Nepal Army personnel and other officials have been mobilized to carry out the task.
Information Officer of Chitwan National Park Ganesh Prasad Tiwari said six rhinos are being relocated and the move comes as per the study report prepared by the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation.
It is said that the rhinos aged 8-20 will be relocated to the Dibyapuri post of the national park and it could take some two weeks to complete the task.
With the translocation of rhinos, the intercourse between the rhinos from the east and west belts of the national park could contribute in reproduction of rhinos as well.
Officials said that rhinos causing troubles to the people by entering into the human settlements would be relocated with high priority and the proportion of the male and female rhinos would be taken into consideration.
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04- School textbooks to be supplied before students’ enrolment
Bhaktapur, March 15: The Janak Education Materials Centre Limited is preparing to supply school textbooks across the country before the start of the academic year 2081 BS.
For this to materialize, the Centre is completing the printing of school textbook by March 28. The Centre then plans to distribute the school textbooks from nine distribution centres of all seven provinces from March 29.
Managing Director of Centre, Anil Kumar Jha, said that the Centre has completed printing of 95 percent of the total textbooks from grade 5 to 10. “Printing of remaining textbooks will be completed and we will start distribution from March 28 itself. Entire set of the textbooks of all classes will reach at students’ hands till the start of the academic year,” Jha stated.
Currently, the Centre is printing 100,000 pieces of textbook on a daily basis by running its printing press round the clock. The Centre is to print 17.5 million pieces of the school textbooks for the new academic session.
According to Jha, the Centre is committed to completing the printing of remaining 1.8 million pieces of the school textbooks within two weeks and ensure timely distribution.
For the distribution bid, first priority will be given to the districts of the mountain region and then to the hilly districts.
There will be no shortage of the school textbooks this year too like that of the previous year, Jha shared.
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05- PM directs to implement recommendations of Commission to control gold smuggling
Kathmandu, March 15: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Rabi Lamichhane, to implement the recommendations submitted by the High-Level Probe Commission formed to investigate the recent cases of gold smuggling.
Receiving the report from the Deputy Prime Minister today, the PM instructed to ensure implementation of the recommendations made by the commission without being affected from one’s pressure.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Secretariat, PM Prachanda has also asked to create environment conducive not to exempt the culprits and not to suffer the innocent ones.
Likewise, the PM has asked to advance the reform measures as pointed out by the Commission’s report.
Following the PM’s instructions, the DPM has begun internal consultations for further steps in regard to the implementation of the report, the DPM’s Secretariat confirmed.
The Commission submitted its report to DPM and Home Minister Lamichhane on Thursday.
The government on October 1, 2023 had formed the Commission led by former High Court Judge Dilliraj Acharya and Kishor Jung Karki, Prem Raj Joshi and former Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sahakul Thapa as the members of the Commission.
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06 – Pokhara to be declared as ‘tourism capital’
Kaski, March 15: Pokhara is to be declared as the tourism capital of the country. Pokhara would be declared tourism capital on March 17 in presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Kuman Singh Gurung, shared that the announcement programme would be organised by Gandaki Province government and Pokhara metropolitan city.
A rally with different cultural procession would be taken out from Basundhara park before the announcement. The announcement programme would be organised at the bank of Fewa lake, Barahighat, according to the organiser.
Pokhara would be officially declared as the tourism capital by unveiling the tourism capital marker, he added. A main ceremony committee has been formed under coordination of Mayor of Pokhara metropolitan city to make the declaration ceremony grand.
Chief secretary of Gandaki Province, all secretaries, chairpersons of Rupa, Madi, Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna rural municipalities of Kaski, Phedikhola of Syangja, Suklagandaki of Tanahu, Kushma and Modi rural municipalities of Parbat, tourism related organisations are in the committee.
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07- KMC revives ancient names of local heritages
Kathmandu, March 15: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has initiated a process to revive the native names of its historic, cultural, and religious sites, and to bring them into practice.
The local government has enlisted the expertise of cultural experts, archaeologists, linguists, and historians to identify the original names of local settlements, temples, religious shrines, sattal, and stone spouts of significant historical and cultural importance.
According to Ashaman Sangat, the coordinator of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office’s Heritage and Tourism Committee, the initiative commenced from five wards initially: Wards 5, 6, 7, 18, and 24 within the metropolis.
Thus far, it has been confirmed that the historical name of what is commonly known as Handigau is Nara, and Boudha has been identified as Khasyor or Khasti in ancient records. Similarly, the current Chabahil was historically referred to as Chabahi, Naradevi as Ngeta, and Makhan as Mankha.
This programme aims to restore the historical, cultural, and archaeological identities of the city and is supported by the Centre for Integrated Urban Development.
The revived names will be prominently displayed in scripts including Ranjana, Devanagari, and English. As per researcher Asmita Shrestha, the name plates will feature a background of red and black, reminiscent of the colours of Hakupatasi, the traditional attire of Newari women.
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08 – NC lawmaker Poudel calls for addressing demands of victims from
cooperatives
Kathmandu, March 15: Nepali Congress lawmaker Pradip Poudel has called for establishing a precedent that no person who is under question should be taken in the government.
Seeking time from the Speaker in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he expressed the NC’s objection over a person who is under question being appointed as the Home Minister.
Speaking during the ‘Urgent Time’ in the HoR meeting, he insisted that the government has not heard although the main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has been raising this issue since the past few days.
“That person should not have become the Home Minister when he was under question. He comes from the questioning profession. Therefore, the question cannot be negated. The questions should be answered. The Nepali Congress will continue to raise this question until the Prime Minister responds to this,” he asserted.
Lawmaker Poudel, through the Speaker, called attention of the government to fulfill the demands of the people victimized by the cooperatives.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire drew the government’s attention to the issues voiced by the NC lawmaker.
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09- ‘Safety Pin Campaign’ launched to control sexual harassment
Kathmandu, March 15: The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has intensified the ‘Safety Pin Campaign’ to control sexual harassment on women and children as well as theft cases in public places, offices and public vehicles.
The office has been deploying plain cloth police personnel as part of the campaign in order to bring those involved in sexual harassment and theft cases under the ambit of law to control such cases after it started receiving huge number of such complaints.
Eight teams have been carrying out surveillance at different places of Kathmandu Valley and the campaign has been giving positive result, said the Valley Police Office.
A total of 1,800 people were brought under control in the current fiscal year under the campaign. Of them, cases were filed against 178 people while more than 1,600 people were released asking them not to repeat such offences, added Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Additional Inspector General, Deepak Thapa.
He mentioned, the police had launched the campaign from 2074 BS and it is underway by approving the action plan from 2077 BS.
The Valley Police launched the campaign to stop such activities and other criminal activities after most of the cases of sexual harassment were found occurred at different parks, public places, places for recreation and offices.
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10- Lawmaker Kirati voices for long-term strategy for reducing road
accidents
Kathmandu, March 15: Lawmaker Sudan Kirati of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has demanded that the government formulated long-term strategy for minimizing vehicular accidents.
Speaking during the Urgent Time in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he urged the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to seriously carry out a study and work by making a calendar for reducing the road accidents.
Kirati pointed out the need of increasing the public awareness, as according to him, the main reason for such accidents is also the lack of public awareness on road safety and bad condition of roads.
He also drew the attention of the government to ensure that there is no any lacking in providing health treatment to the people injured in a jeep accident in Udayapur on Thursday. Lawmaker Kirati also condoled the eight people who were killed in the mishap and expressed deep sympathies to their families.
Eight people were killed and nine seriously injured when the jeep they were travelling in met an accident at Chengre, Mainamaini of Belaka-7 in Udayapur district. The jeep was en route to Bhojpur from Dharan.
CPN (UML) lawmaker Amar Bahadur Rayamajhi also paid tributes to those killed in the jeep accident and called on the government to make arrangements for the speedy treatment to the injured ones. He also drew the attention of the bodies concerned to urgently improve the road condition so as to minimize accidents.
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11-` Dr Ankur Shah appointed Vice Chancellor of MIHS
Godar (Dhanusha), March 15: Dr Ankur Shah has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the Madhes Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS).
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav on Thursday appointed Dr Shah to the post as recommended by a recommendation committee formed under the convenorship of MIHS Pro-Chancellor and provincial government minister for health and population Birendra Prasad Singh.
Dr Shah’s name was at the top of the list of individuals recommended by the committee for appointment as the MIHS Vice Chancellor. Dr Shah is also the MIHS Rector and the Officiating Vice Chancellor. Fifteen people had applied for the post.The post had fallen vacant following the death of Vice Chancellor Dr Ram Kewal Shah on June 8, 2023.
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12 – Call for involving HIV/AIDS infected children in Social Security
Kathmandu, March 15: A national gathering of children living with HIV/AIDS has called on the government to include them in the Social Security Programme (SSP). The gathering, held a few days ago in the federal capital, concluded with the issuance of the Kathmandu Declaration, advocating for their inclusion in the SSP.
While the State ensures the participation in the SSP of people from indigent communities, single women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, it overlooks HIV/AIDS-infected children.
The gathering estimated that fulfilling this demand would incur an additional financial responsibility of Rs 63 million annually to the state cofferes, approximately 3.6 percent of the Child Protection Fund. They called for putting to an end all forms of violence, prejudices, taboos, and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-infected children, emphasizing the protection of their rights and interests.
The declaration underscores the need for more effective implementation of legal provisions in favor of children and raising awareness about child rights in society.Additionally, the gathering demands that the government include HIV/AIDS-infected individuals up to 20 years of age in the SSP, provide more opportunities for their higher education, and prioritize them in employment opportunities. The declaration urges the government to introduce special legal provisions for orphaned children and those whose parents are unidentified and being deprived of birth registration, their legal recognition, and providing them with citizenship on the same ground, ensuring their access to the State’s facilities.
Key demands presented at the national event include the establishment of an integrated child-friendly ART center, addressing the side effects of antiretroviral (ARV) medication and availability of reproductive and mental health facilities, and skill enhancement, relationship counseling, and career guidance for HIV/AIDS-infected children.
The declaration reads, “Children and youths are future. Dreams of HIV infected children and youths should not be described by HIV. We are committed to make HIV infected children a capable citizen contributing in country’s socio-economic prosperity. “
A total of 28 HIV infected children from seven provinces had participated in the gathering, mentioned a press release issued by programme manager of YKP Lead Nepal, Pooja Kunwar. Discussion was held on various issues including service, facilities, opportunities to be provided by the state and service and facilities the state has been providing so far for the overall development of HIV infected children in the gathering.
Most of the HIV infected children have lost father or mother or both due to HIV/AIDS related diseases. “Most of us have been living our life in extreme poverty and difficulties. We have no enough economic sources for the arrangement of food, accommodation, education, health, employment and opportunity required for basic needs. We are not able to spend money for regular treatment and medicine of HIV/AIDS related diseases”, reads the declaration.
Participants in the gathering expressed grief saying, “We are facing insult, discriminatory behaviours by the society due to HIV. Such behaviours have made negative impacts on self-esteem of many children like us. There is compulsion to do works for the livelihood of their family and elder brothers and sisters even we have low capability to work.”
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13 – Local representatives from Gorkha, Dhading urge PM to implement
Budhigandaki Project
Kathmandu, March 15: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he is doing his best to expedite works of the Budhigandaki Hydroelectricity Project. Receiving a memorandum from a delegation comprising people’s representatives from the Gorkha and Dhading districts today at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister said, “The matter will be discussed in a meeting of the Council of Ministers scheduled for today itself,” pledging to prioritise the implementation of the Project.
The Budhigandaki Project with a capacity of generating 1200 mw of electricity is yet to be implemented in absence of the preparation of its investment model, though it has been decided to implement it through domestic investment.
The delegation comprises chairperson of Gandaki rural municipality in Gorkha, Deepak Timilsina; chairperson of Sahid Lakhan rural municipality, Ramesh Babu
Thapa Magar; chair of Bhimsen rural municipality, Lok Prasad Banjara; Chair of Arughat rural municipality, Raju Gurung; mayor of Palungtar municipality, Bibash Chintan; chair of Tripurasundari rural municipality in Dhading, Raju Upreti; and chair of Jwalamukhi rural municipality, Yamanath Danai.
During the meeting, the delegation urged the Prime Minister to promptly ensure the economic sources for the Project and its implementation.
The local representatives apprised the Prime Minister that the absence of the project implementation has caused more problems for the people of the affected areas.
On Thursday, Budhigandaki Hydroelectricity Company Board of Directors presented drafts of two proposed models to implement the project to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
According to Company chief executive officer, Jagat Shrestha, the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday endorsed the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and other two alternative models for the Project.The Ministry is preparing to take a necessary decision on the proposed draft and send it to the Ministry of Finance seeking an approval.
The total construction cost of the project (when the interest of the construction period is also added) will be equivalent to Rs 317 billion and 670 million as the first option while it will be equivalent to Rs 313 billion and 930 million as the second alternative. The total construction cost is estimated to be Rs 310 billion and 470 million as the third option.It is said that out of this cost, the total loan would be equivalent to Rs 254 billion and 270 million.
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14 – Health Minister calls on guardians to ensure measles-rubella
vaccines for children
Kathmandu, March 15: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population, Upendra Yadav, has issued a video message urging all parents and guardians to ensure their children receive vaccinations against measles and rubella during the government’s ongoing vaccination campaign.
Reminding of Nepal’s international commitments to eliminating measles and rubella by 2026 AD, he specifically highlighted the urgent need for a nationwide vaccination campaign, especially in light of the recent surge in disease infections in Tarai/Madhesh and the Kathmandu Valley since November-December last year.
The government has identified 21 districts sharing borders with India and three districts within the Kathmandu Valley as highly vulnerable zones for measles-rubella infection. The vaccination campaign aims to administer an additional dose of the vaccine to children aged nine months to 15 years in these districts, while children aged nine months to five years will be covered in 51 districts nationwide.
Yadav made it clear that the vaccine provided during this campaign is an additional dose, recommended for all children regardless of whether they have previously received the regular dose or not. Deputy Prime Minister Yadav requested the health ministry, concerned ministries of the province, district, local level and partner organisations to run the campaign successfully.
The government has launched the campaign in 75 districts except Rukum (West) and Jajarkot from February 25 to March 20 viewing the risk of measles and rubella infection.
A target has been set to immunize total 5.742 million children of these districts. Around 80 per cent (around 4.637 million) children have received vaccine against measles and rubella so far under the campaign, said Chief of Child Health and Immunization Section, Dr Abhiyan Gautam.
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15 – Finance Minister issues directive for paying dues to dairy farmers
Kathmandu, March 15: The Ministry of Finance is to immediately pay the dues to the dairy farmers.Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has directed the high officials of the Ministry, including the Revenue Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, to immediately take forward the process of paying the dairy farmers, according to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat.
The Finance Minister held discussions with Agriculture Minister Jwala Kumari Saha, Agriculture Secretary Dr Govinda Prasad Sharma and Livestock Development Secretary Dr Rewati Raman Poudel before issuing the directive.
The dairy farmers are on agitation since some months back, saying they have not been paid for their products. The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) had asked the Ministry of Finance for the amount to pay the farmers.
“The State cannot sit idly by watching the farmers’ pain as they have not got the payment for milk. The farmers’ dues would be paid today itself or by Sunday,” Minister Pun said, issuing the directive. He also made it clear that the Minister of Finance will not withhold the dues owed to the construction entrepreneurs. Minister Pun has directed the Agriculture Minister and secretaries to have the budget dedicated for that purpose.
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16 – Nepal ranked at 146th position in HDI
Kathmandu, March 15: Nepal has improved its position in the Human Development Index (HDI).As per the Global Human Development Report released by the UNDP on Thursday, Nepal is ranked at 146th position of the HDI and its HDI value is 0.601. Earlier in 2021, Nepal’s ranking was 149. It has made 0.010 progress in HDI as compared to 2021 which is higher than global average of 0.004.
Life expectancy at birth has increased by 15.7 years, average years of schooling by 5.4 per cent and expected school going years by 2.1 years in Nepal from 1990 to 2022.
Similarly, Nepal’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita improved by around 165.7 per cent, reads the report. In 2022, female’s HDI was 0.562 while male’s 0.635, resulting in the gender development index value of 0.885.
According to the UNDP, HDI assess the per capita GNI, education and average life expectancy of any country.
UNDP Chief, Achim Steiner, said, “We have become unsuccessful despite global interconnectedness of the societies. We must strengthen our capacities and interdependence to address challenges pointed out by the report.”
“It can invite huge human consequences. Failing to work collectively in the sector of climate change, digitalization, poverty and inequality has caused hindrance in the human development,” mentioned the UNDP Chief.
Similarly, UNDP Nepal resident representative, Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé, shared although Nepal had made progress in last five years, the progress was obstructed after COVID-19 pandemic. She pointed out the need of collaboration with private sector, civil society, international community and general people, not only among the three tiers of the government.
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17- Industry Minister pledges to build investment-friendly atmosphere
Ranjha (Banke), March 15: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said the incumbent government has no excuse to be failure. In his address to the 14th anniversary celebration of the Dolphin Group Factory in Kohalpur today, the Minister in the new coalition government claimed the incumbent government of progressive forces will be capable to clear off frustrations in the industrial sector.
As he said, the government was formed due to cooperation among the progressive forces and it will translate the existing economic challenges into opportunities.
“We are in a trial by fire and if we failed to translate people’s frustrations into hopes, we are supposed to quit the government,” the Minister said. The Minister further pledged to increase efficiency and quality of a public service delivery and build an investment-friendly atmosphere.
According to him, containment of cross-border crimes is the priority of the government and the government is making efforts to maintain a market balance by minimizing the price rise and the bank interest rates. Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Tanka Dhami, said industries are affected by the open border system.
Meanwhile, speaking at another programme organised in Nepalgunj, the Minister promised to promote the consumers’ rights and interests through legal interventions.
As he said, the government will focus on controlling illicit price rise and promoting a fair market system. He also promised to make efforts for establishing the Consumers’ Court. The participants of the programme demanded the government’s effective measures against cross-border smuggling of goods.
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18- NA meeting: Emphasis laid on allocation of budget addressing the
existing problems
Kathmandu, March 15: Today’s National Assembly (NA) meeting has passed the proposal presented seeking consideration on ‘Secured Transaction (first amendment) Bill-2080’.
The NA unanimously passed the bill presented by Finance Minister Barshaman Pun. Responding the queries raised by NA members on the bill, Finance Minister Pun said the bill was presented to utilize the impacts and trends of globalization and information technology and has set an objective of making transaction safe and more transparent.
Before this, participating in the discussion on principles and priorities of the appropriation bill for the coming fiscal year 2081/82, the NA members laid emphasis on the need of bringing the budget addressing the reality of the country.
Taraman Swar urged the Finance Minister to determine the priorities keeping the country’s situation in mind.
Similarly, Ananda Prasad Dhungana laid emphasis on managing budget with the aim of uplifting agro sector and making the country self-dependent on agro products, urging the government to put irrigation projects on special priority.
Lawmaker Bamdev Gautam complained that the projects that can be completed within one year were not included in the principles and priorities of the budget. He pointed out the need of improvement in the economic, governance and electoral system of the country, saying the system remains the same despite of big political changes in the country.
Shree Krishna Adhikari underscored on the need of the principles and priorities of the budget to figure out the dire needs of the country’s economy.
Lawmakers Bimala Ghimire, Udaya Bahadur Bohara, Mrigendra Kumar Singh Yadav, Tul Prasad Bishwakarma, Nara Bahadur Bishta, Kiran Babu Shrestha, Indira Devi Gautam, Ghanshyam Rijal, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Ganga Kumari Belbase, Sumitra BC, Bishnu Devi Pudasaini, Renu Chand, Sharada Devi Bhatta, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma, Padam Bahadur Pariyar, Radheshyam Paswan, among others, stressed that the budget for the next fiscal year should address the country’s ground reality.
The National Assembly will next meet at 1.15 pm on March 18.
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19- Korean backpacker dies in Everest region
Salleri (Solukhumbu), March 15: A Korean national, who was in the Sagarmatha (Everest) region for trekking, has died due to falling. He is Hyunchal Swang of around 47 years from Korea, according to the District Police Office.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Shrestha said Swang died when he slipped and fell at Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality-4 on March 11 when returning after climbing the Island Peak. He had fallen some two metres down from the trail, police said.
DSP Shrestha said Swang’s body that was brought to Lukla by helicopter has been send after fulfilling the legal process to the TU Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu for a post-mortem examination. It is said Swang had arrived in Khumbu on March 11 through the Atex Company for mountaineering purpose.
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20- HoR meeting postponed after NC’s protest
Kathmandu, March 15: Even the second meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been postponed after the protest of major opposition Nepali Congress today.
As the second meeting of the HoR began today, Speaker Devraj Ghimire provided time for Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane to present a proposal seeking consideration on ‘Political Party (2nd amendment) Bill, 2080′.
However, the Nepali Congress lawmakers left their seat and picketed the well, prompting Speaker Ghimire to postpone the HoR meeting till 11:00 am Sunday.
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21- Govt, microfinance victims ink six-point agreement; all protest programmes called off
Kathmandu, March 15: The government and the struggle committee of victims of micro-financial institutions have inked a six-point agreement.
The dialogue committee headed by Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Narayan Prasad Risal, and microfinance victims came to an agreement at a discussion held at the Ministry of Finance.
After reaching the agreement, the microfinance financial institutions victims struggle committee has called off its all protest programmes. Both the sides have agreed on effective implementation of the rules and directives issued by Nepal Rastra Bank, the central regulatory body of microfinance companies.
An agreement was made to strictly enforce the NRB-issued directive for the microfinance financial institutions to obtain maximum interest rates and service charge from the debtors. It has been agreed that the microfinance institutions, as per the directives of the Rastra Bank, will be able to take only the prescribed maximum interest rate and service fee from the borrowers.
Similarly, the government has agreed to effectively implement the provision prohibiting collective lending beyond the prescribed loan limit and take action against the institutions violating the provision. According to the Ministry of Finance, the two sides also agreed to implement the provision of not allowing a borrower to take and give loans from more than one microfinance institution, make a certain percent of amount deposited in the savings account without permission of the borrower or by influencing the borrower while taking loan, and get the installment amount deposited in advance while disbursing loan.
It has been agreed to take action against microfinance institutions acting against the directives of the Rastra Bank in regard to the rescheduling and restructuring loans as per the prevailing law.
As pet the agreement, the central bank will make it mandatory for the concerned institutions to comply with the provision of providing loans to the borrowers only by imparting financial literacy and awareness while issuing loans.
The struggle committee had been demanding one percent service charge and single digit interest rate. So, an agreement has been made to request the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study and submit a report on how lending-deposit spread could be reduced.
As per the agreement, the NRB will be further requested via Finance Ministry to conduct a study on national and international practices and submit a report on operating micro credit and saving cooperatives for the service purpose. This agreement was made in response to the struggle committee’s concern over such companies being registered under company laws and developed as profit making institutions.
Moreover, taskforce would be formed for further on study on the demands raised by the cooperatives victims. The agreement paper made public by the Finance Ministry following the dialogue stated that the taskforce would be formed having representation (3 persons) of agitating victims and experts, which would submit its report within two months of its initiation.
The government agreed for it in view of the victims’ complaint that the micro finance did not write off the loan to real victims who also suffered from Gurkha Earthquake, blockade and Covid-19.
The government would initiate a process to amend related policy and laws on regulation of micro finances on the basis of the report to be submitted by the taskforce.
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22- Winter session of Lumbini Province Assembly being prorogued this night
Tulsipur, March 15: The winter session of Lumbini Province Assembly is being prorogued from this midnight. Province Chief Amik Sherchan prorogued the winter session of the assembly to be effective from this midnight.
Information to this was shared in a notice issued by Province Assembly Secretary Durlav Kumar Pun. He added that the temporary discontinuation of the assembly session came in line with Article 183 (2) of the constitution. The winter session witnessed business for only three days.
Province government spokesperson Santosh Pande informed that the session was stopped for not having any business.
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23- Dipesh Pun held on charge of involvement in gold smuggling
Kathmandu, March 15: Dipesh Pun, son of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, has been arrested on charge of his involvement in gold smuggling.
Spokesperson of Nepal Police, DIG Bhim Prasad Dhakal, informed the that Pun was arrested from Kathmandu on Friday. It was disclosed with investigation that Dipesh Pun had close connection with Dawa Chhiring, the mastermind behind smuggling of nearly 61 kg of gold, which was confiscated from the customs office of Tribhuvan International Airport last June.
The commission formed on investigation of gold smuggling had submitted its report to the Home Minister yesterday. The report had implicated Pun in the smuggling.
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24- Chair Oli stresses production of quality film
Kathmandu, March 15: CPN UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stressed production of quality films.
Chairman Oli viewed that films could be made also on country’s nature and history. He said it during a programme hosted by film actor Rajesh Hamal as part of the seventh edition of Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF).
The former prime minister further said he was attracted to the films made on country’s history, art and literature. Oli informed that he also watch such film that has actors performing in a live manner.
According to him, youths must be taught on country’s development. “A country is rich not because it has money, but development,” he said, expressing worry over exodus of Nepali youths.
He commented that actor Hamal has skills to adapt with society. Hamal does not forget his background while acting, Chairman Oli added. On the occasion, actor Hamal also appreciated the personality of the former prime minister Oli.
As many as 88 films from 40 countries will be screened during the festival that runs till Monday, according to chair of festival organizing committee, KP Pathak. The festival was inaugurated by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma on Thursday.
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25- New alliance for prosperity, stability : DPM Mahaseth
Lumbini, March 15: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Transport, Raghubir Mahaseth, has said major focus of present government is prosperity and political stability. The new ruling alliance will minimize economic slump, thereby ensuring political stability, he added.
Inaugurating the 16th convention of Rotary International District 3292 in Butwal on Friday, DPM Mahaseth however admitted that there were challenges before the government. There is clear work plan for good governance, prosperity and service delivery, he argued.
Mahaseth argued that most of the mega projects were botched up for gaps in various stages from budget making to implementation. “Big projects are in limbo. It is because they were allocated inadequate budget,” he said, adding that the government would intensify the ongoing projects.
Moreover, the DPM vowed early operation of the international airports including that of Bhairahawa and Pokhara. Major responsibility of present government is to bring the national economy back on track and restore people’s hope. He however sought cooperation from private sectors and social organization to realize prosperous Nepal.
As many as 2,000 Rotarians from Nepal and Bhutan have been attending the convention, according to organizing committee coordinator, Azaj Alam.
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26- Probe commission’s report on gold smuggling to be executed
Kathmandu, March 15: The government has decided to immediately execute the probe commission’s report on gold smuggling.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers today took the decision to execute the report. It may be noted that the probe commission on the prevention of illegal import of gold had submitted its report to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Rekha Sharma informed the media persons that the cabinet decided to immediately bring the report to implementation after its study.
Likewise, the meeting decided to change the portfolio of two Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG). According to Minister Sharma, AIG Shyamlal Gyawali has been transferred to Central Investigation Bureau from the police headquarters while another AIG Kiran Bajracharya transferred to the police headquarters from CIB.
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27- Taskforce formed to study problems of microfinance sector
Kathmandu, March 15: The Ministry of Finance has formed a seven-member taskforce to identify problems surfaced in microfinance sector and recommend the resolving measures.
Finance Minister Barshaman Pun on Friday constituted the seven-member committee under the leadership of deputy governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank.
The committee comprises the central bank’s executive director with portfolio to look after microfinance sector and joint secretary and under-secretary looking after financial sector at the Ministry of Finance.
Likewise, Punaram (Maniram) Gyawali, Kshetra Bahadur Moktan and Luja Rai are representing the microfinance victims struggle committee as members in the taskforce. Revenue Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire informed that the name of the taskforce coordinator will be decided by the Rastra Bank from among the two deputy governors.
The taskforce has been directed to submit a report within 60 days after determining the problems of microfinance. Acting on the report of the taskforce, necessary policy and legal reforms will be mulled for regulation and reform in microfinance institutions, the Ministry of Finance said.
Earlier today, a six-point agreement was reached between the government and the agitating microfinance victims. Point 5 of the agreement stated that a taskforce would be formed to identify the problems of the sector and provide solutions. With the signing of the agreement, the agitating parties have withdrawn all the programmes of the protest.
The Microfinance Victims’ Struggle Committee has been arguing that the borrowers have been facing troubles in repaying loans due to bad timing brought pout by the earthquake, blockade and Covid-19 pandemic.
They have been alleging that the microfinance institutions have breached the procedures and directives of the regulatory agency, Rastra Bank, while disbursing and recovering loans.
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21- Development should be prioritized clearly, says Dr. Wagle
Kathmandu, March 14: Vice President of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Dr Swarnim Wagle, has urged the government to determine clear priorities of development based on the objective ground when coming up with the budget for the new financial year.
Speaking at today’s meeting of the House of Representatives during discussion on the principles and priorities of the appropriation bill for the next fiscal year, Dr Wagle said proposal put forth by the government has scattered priorities and lacks a clear vision of development. He said that a clear destination for nation building should be formulated along with sustainable development goals.
Calling for re-industrialization and green economy, he stressed that courage and determination was needed to improve the economy.
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23- Film is effective medium to transform society: CIT Minister Sharma
Kathmandu, March 14: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has pointed out the need of expanding Nepali films in the international market by increasing the number of films produced on indigenous stories.
Inaugurating the 7th Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) organised by Nepal Film and Cultural Academy at Sundhara-based Civil Mall on Thursday, Minister Sharma shared that such festivals help exchange ideas of film making. “Film is not only the medium of entertainment, it is also a strong and effective medium of transforming the society,” she mentioned.
The Communications Minister said diversity of arts and cultures along with beauty of mountain, hill and tarai makes films more beautiful. She urged the Film Development Board to bring necessary programmes inducting them in its plan as the Ministry is in process of discussion in the context of new financial year budget.
Stating that act related to film is in the process of formulation, Minister Sharma added that the government was committed to resolving the problems facing the film sector. A total of 88 films of 40 different countries would be screened in the festival taking place in Kathmandu till March 18, said Chairman of NIFF, KP Pathak. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers from all over the world to discuss and collaborate, he added.
Similarly, Chairperson of Film Development Board, Bhuwan KC, mentioned that Board has not been able to move ahead to encourage such programmes for lack of necessary policy related to film.
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24- Call on change in schedule of development works in mountain
districts
Kathmandu, March 14: Member of Parliament Gyan Bahadur Shahi of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party has said that the calendar of carrying out development activities in the mountain districts should be changed.
Taking part in the discussion on the principles and priorities of the appropriation bill for the fiscal year 2081/82 at today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he said development work starts from late October when it starts snowing in the mountain districts hence the start of the financial year should be different to ensure that development budget is spent.
Likewise, Nepali Congress MP Kantika Sejuwal said that the pattern of development and construction works in the mountain and hilly districts should be changed. MP Urmila Majhi of CPN (Maoist Centre) said that the budget should be focused on changing the living standards of the people, calling for a development mechanism suitable for the soil of Nepal.
Member of Parliament of Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal Rekha Yadav called for priority to agriculture in the coming year’s budget. Green energy should be prioritized by increasing the internal consumption of electricity.
MP of CPN (Unified Socialist) Metmani Chaudhary said that the budget can be spent only if we working based on a calendar of capital expenditure.
Abdul Khan, MP of Janamat Party, questioned why the plans included in the previous budget were not implemented.
Nepali Congress MP Shyam Kumar Ghimire mentioned that the goal of economic prosperity can be achieved only if the private sector is taken into confidence.
CPN (UML) MP Amrit Lal Rajbanshi said that revolutionary steps should be taken to solve the economic crisis. Rastriya Janamorcha MP Chitra Bahadur KC suggested balanced and proportional allocation of the budget.
CPN (Maoist Center) Member of Parliament Ganga Karki suggested the government to come up with an integrated development plan while UML MP Basudev Ghimire said that the issues raised in Parliament should be addressed in the budget.
MP Lekhnath Dahal of CPN (Maoist Center) mentioned that plans should be selected based on principles and priorities.
UML MP Kiran Kumar Shah said that the budget should be distributed in proportion to the constituencies and population while MP Amar Bahadur Thapa of the same party said that the goals set by the principles and priorities of the coming year are not clear.The House of Representatives will meet again at 11 am on Friday.
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25- Ambassadors of four countries to Nepal present credentials
Kathmandu, March 14: Newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand and Non-resident ambassadors of Portugal, Venezuela and Mongolia to Nepal submitted their credentials to President Ramchandra Paudel today.
During a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Ambassador of Thailand Suwapong Sirisorn, Ambassador of Portugal Joao Manuel Mendes Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Venezuela Capaya Rodriguez Gonzalez and Ambassador of Mongolia Ganbold Dambajav presented their credentials to President Paudel.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha and other high-ranking officials of the government were present at the ceremony.
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26 – Law Minister commits to establishing Consumer Court
Kathmandu, March 14: Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri has said that he will work for the establishment of a consumer court in the country.
Speaking at a program organized by National Consumer Forum Nepal, Consumer Rights Research Forum and Consumer Protection Forum here today on ‘Consumer’s Desire: Establishment of Consumer Court for easy and speedy
justice’, he said consumer’s rights can be protected if consumer court can be established.
The Supreme Court has issued an order for the establishment of consumer court in all seven provinces and the working group formed under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has also pointed out the need for a consumer court, Giri said, “I will taken the initiative to establish a consumer court as soon as possible.”
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27- Daiji Chhela industrial corridor is on top priority, says Minister Bhandari
Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur), March 14: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has expressed commitment to operating the Daiji Chhela industrial corridor of Kanchanpur with top priority.
At the concluding ceremony of Sudurpaschim industrial trade fair and Kanchanpur tourism festival here on Thursday, Minister Bhandari said he would work proactively for the construction of Dodhara Chandani dry port and Daiji Chhela industrial corridor.
“The government plans to develop Mahakali corridor as the tripoint”, he shared, adding he would wholeheartedly involve to develop Kanchanpur as the industrial centre.
Minister Bhandari explained that the Industry Ministry would make maximum efforts in promotion of herbs and mining industries and a high-level study team would be mobilized for the same.
Stating that possible efforts are underway to create investment-friendly environment in the country, he stressed that the government has been making preparation of investment summit.
“The government wants to move ahead in close collaboration with the private sector. Many laws and acts are to be amended for the same. Laws and acts that are obstacles for creating investment-friendly environment will be amended”, added Minister Bhandari.
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28- Petition filed at SC demanding legal status to living together
Kathmandu, March 14: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC) demanding a legal status to living together.
Advocate Anu Bhattarai lodged the petition at the SC on Thursday seeking a verdict for making laws for systematic practice of living together, since this has created several issues with the rise in the number of cases of living together.
Bhattarai has asked the SC to give a mandamus order to systematize the living together with the provision to allow the legally eligible people for their living together practice.
The writ petition has stated that laws were needed to end the taboos associated with living together and systematize the charges of rape, establishment of relations and do away with the issue of character assassination, among others.
The petitioner has sought that the SC should issue verdict about the age group that is eligible for living together and whether or not the married people are eligible for living together.
As demanded in the petition, those unmarried, divorcees, widows or separated male or female of more than 18 years of age should be legally eligible for the living together.
Likewise, the petitioner has called to clearly mention the basis and reasons for separation if those living together want to separate because of their mutual misunderstanding, family pressure or other personal reasons.
The SC is to hear the case on March 17.
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29- Chair Oli receives civic felicitation in Kanchanpur
Dodhara Chadani (Kanchanpur), March 14: Chairperson of the CPN (UML) and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has received civic felicitation on Thursday.
Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, offered civic felicitation to Chair Oli, who arrived in Mahendranagar today to inaugurate ninth district convention of UML, Kanchanpur.
The Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry offered 15 kilogrammes of garland to chair Oli at the concluding ceremony of Kanchanpur tourism festival and Sudurpaschim industrial trade fair. On the occasion, Chair Oli said with the formation of new government, development construction would get momentum in Sudurpaschim province.
“The responsibility of developing the country is upon the shoulders of the UML. We will forward the development of Sudurpaschim as per our policy”, he stressed. The UML Chair underscored that construction of Dodhara Chadani dry port and Daiji Chhela industrial corridor would be expedited.
Meanwhile, Chair Oli made onsite visit of proposed Dodhara Chadani dry port and four-lane concrete bridge constructed over the Mahakali river.
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30- Minister Aryal takes stock of three Nepalis killed in Kuwait
Kathmandu, March 14: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said preparations are ongoing to bring the dead bodies of three Nepalis killed in a road mishap in Kuwait.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families, Minister Aryal has directed the line agencies to expedite the relief distribution process to the families of deceased ones.
Minister Aryal informed the RSS that the Embassy of Nepal in Kuwait and Foreign Employment Board have been directed to bring the dead bodies of Nepalis killed in road mishap.
Minister Aryal has also called the officials at the Nepal Embassy in Kuwait to take stock of Nepalis killed in road accident and their families. Three Nepalis working in a same company died on Tuesday morning at Mahabullwah area of Kuwait.
Those killed in the road mishap are Sujan Karki of Kathmandu, Surat Bahadur Kadayat of Achham and Dhiraj Gurmachhan Magar of Dhanusha. According to Minister Aryal, the Nepal Embassy in Kuwait has also mobilized local legal practitioners to inquire further about the nature of the accident for the purpose of getting compensation to the families of the deceased.
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31- Talks with microfinance victims nears agreement
Kathmandu, March 14: Talks held with the agitating microfinance financial institutions victims is heading towards an agreement. The talks team formed under the leadership of Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Narayan Prasad Risal, held a discussion with the MFI victims this evening. It will resume on Friday morning.
Although the talks team formed tried to reach an agreement today it was postponed for tomorrow after the MFI victims sought time until tomorrow, according to the Private Secretariat of Finance Minister Barshman Pun.
During the talks, the efforts made by Nepal Rastra Bank to solve the problems of microfinance victims, and other demands of the victims were discussed.
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32- No need to wait for instructions for crime control: Home Minister Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 14: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has instructed the security officials of all the 77 districts to control smuggling, hooliganism and exploitation of natural resources.
Issuing instructions virtually from the Ministry of Home Affairs this evening, he said that there is no need to wait for anyone’s instructions to control criminal activities. Deputy Prime Minister Lamichhane mentioned that the existing trend of exerting pressure for transfer and promotion, protection even when a mistake is made is not acceptable under any circumstances.
On the occasion, Home Secretary Yek Narayan Aryal, Inspector General of Police Basant Kunwar, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal and other officials also gave instructions to the officials of the District Security Committee on security, good governance, service delivery, civil service and other issues.
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