- Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Kathmandu, March 19: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he will not compromise with anyone regarding the government’s commitment to establishing and promoting good governance.
In his response to concerns raised by the House of Representatives (HoR) members, the Prime Minister said anyone found indulging in wrongdoings during an investigation will not be allowed walk freely.
“Nothing will prevent the government from taking action against any wrongdoings if proved during the investigation,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that he leads the government with the resolution of promoting good governance and the government is investing big scams of corruptions, cases of gold smuggling and illegal grabbing of public land. “The government will scale up its moves against such illicit activities,” he added.
Addressing queries from opposition members regarding the appointment of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs despite allegations of misappropriating cooperative funds, the Prime Minister clarified, “Investigations thus far have not linked him to the cooperative’s Board of Directors, account committee, or loan committee.”
Furthermore, he has not been proven to be an employee of the cooperative or hold any institutional roles. Additionally, there are no ongoing legal proceedings against him, the PM said.
The Prime Minister informed the House that documents showed a cooperative loan issued in Lamichhane’s name has been repaid and the government has been briefed by the police that in Lamichhane’s case, no further investigation is required.
It may be noted that the major opposition Nepali Congress is a critical of the appointment of Lamichhane as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home citing that he is under investigation over his alleged in the cooperative disputes.
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01- Govt. unveiling CMP today
Kathmandu, March 19: The common minimum programme (CMP) prepared by the government for coming fiscal year is being unveiled today.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is scheduled to unveil the CMP. According to the PM Dahal’s Private Secretariat, the CMP prepared by power sharing parties would be made public at 10:00 am from the office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
It is going to be made public today after top leaders carried out study of the CMP prepared by a taskforce comprising two members from the CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party and CPN (Unified Socialist) each.
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02- 5th Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon on April 13
Jumla, March 19: The fifth Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon is going to be organised on April 13.
At a news conference organised by Karnali Sports Club, Jumla, here on Monday, Club Chairperson Saroj Shahi said the marathon from Khalanga bazaar, the district headquarter of Jumla, to Rara lake of Mugu would be organised on April 13.
Runners from home and abroad would participate in 49-kilometer marathon. An arrangement of online application has been made for the participation.
The marathon aims to promote trekking route leading Rara lake of Mugu from Jumla as well as to help make renown Karnali Province through the medium of sports.
The marathon starting from Khalanga, which lies at an altitude of 2,300 meters above the sea level, will conclude after reaching Rara lake via Danphe pass Chuchchremara pass, said Shahi. Rara lake is located at an altitude of 2,890 meters above the sea level. The organiser has expected participations of more than 1,000 runners in the race.
The winner towards 49-kilometer ultra-marathon will get Rs 100,000 prize, first runner-up Rs 75,000 and second runner-up Rs 50,000.
The application fee has been determined at Rs 14,500 for SAARC runners, Rs 16,000 for runners of other countries and Rs 7,000 for Nepali runners. The ultra-marathon would be organised under various categories.
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03- Nisikhola bus accident: death toll reaches nine, identity of all deceased ascertained
Dhorpatan (Baglung), March 19: The death toll of Nisikhola bus accident has reached nine and the identity of all the deceased has been ascertained.
Lucky Pun Magar, 18, of Dang, Binita KC, 27, of Musikot municipality-1 in Rukum West, bus owner Bobydadel Nepali of Musikot-2, Tika KC, 35, of Musikot-4, Kalpana KC of Musikot-3, bus driver Man Singh BK of Rolpa, Gita Thapa of Gorkha, Sujan Maharjan of Lalitpur and Bikram Pariyar, 25, of Sisne rural municipality-5 in Rukum West were killed in the accident.
The accident took place when a bus (Bagmati Province 01-006Kha 3879) heading towards Kathmandu from Rukum East fell some 150 meters off the road at Nisikhola rural municipality-6, Jaulepani, in Baglung district along Mid-Hill highway on Monday evening.
Seven people died on the spot in the incident while two in course of treatment at Burtibang primary health centre, said information officer of the District Police Office, Baglung, Madan KC.
A total of 28 people were injured in the accident. Of the injured, one is receiving treatment at Burtibang primary health centre while 27 others were referred to Baglung-based Dhawalagiri Hospital from Burtibang primary health centre.
The bodies of seven people, who died on the spot in the accident, were sent to Rukum on Monday night while two bodies have been kept at Burtibang primary health centre.
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04- Story writer Pradhan passes away
Kathmandu, March 19: Story writer Parashu Pradhan passed away on Monday night. He was 80. Prateek Pradhan, son of Parashu Pradhan, confirmed the death of his father.
Late Parashu is survived by two sons and two daughters. Pradhan’s final rites would be formed at Pashupati Aryaghat today itself. Late Pradhan had started his literary journey from a poem ‘Jeevan Path’ in 2016 BS.
Bakrarekha, Feri Akraman, Asambandha, Samundrama Astaune Surya, Pratinidhi Kathaharu, Euta Krantipurush ko Janma, The Little Buddha in Tokyo are his creations.
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05- Gathering of Nepali language speaking people in Bangkok formed ANO
Bangkok (Thailand), March 19: Nepali language speaking people living in different countries of the world gathered at Bangkok of Thailand and formed an Association of Nepali Origin (ANO). The ANO with an objective of protecting Nepali language and culture by uniting Nepalese.
The gathering held on Monday turned into the first convention and formed 54-member working committee under chairmanship of Dilli Adhikari, a social worker of Nepali origin, born in Bhutan and currently living in America. There was representation of more than 100 people of Nepali origin from at least 27 countries of the world.
Adhikari is President of Intra National Welfare and Support Foundation of America. The first convention of Nepali language speaking people was organised in Bangkok with the support and cooperation of the Foundation.
The gathering elected Sushil Kumar Panta as Vice-Chairperson, Chudamani Bhattarai as General-Secretary, Chiran Jung Thapa as Secretary, Arjun Kumar Poudel as Joint-Secretary, Uday Narayan Mishra as Treasurer and Gopi Karki as Joint-Treasurer of the working committee.
Similarly, Dilli Adhikari has been elected as Chairperson of Board of Trustees of the organisation. Sushil Kumar Panta, Chudamani Bhattarai, Sadhana Ghimire, Babu Krishna Karki, Sunita Gurung, Omraj Gurung, Batsana rai, TB Gurung, Biras Adhikari and Karishma Subba are the members.
Inaugurating the convention, Nepali Ambassador to Thailand, Dhan Bahadur Oli, wished that the ANO would be developed as an organisation that could unite people of Nepali origin in the world and maintain mutual cooperation and harmony.
He suggested all the organisations established in the name of Nepal and Nepalese to be united and involve for the protection and promotion of Nepali language, literature, culture as well as cooperation and coordination among the Nepali language speaking people.
Similarly, ANO Chairperson Adhikari shared that this campaign was started with a sentiment and objective of uniting all the Nepali language speaking people living across the world.
Nepalese living in 27 different countries including Nepal, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Portugal, Germany, South Korea, Italy, New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bahrain had participated in the first convention.
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06- ‘Issues of women, children on top priority’
Kathmandu, March 19: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Bhagbati Chaudhary has said the government of Nepal has been carrying out activities keeping the issues of women and children on top priority.
Addressing the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in the United Nations in New York on Monday, Minister Chaudhary stressed that inclusive and sustainable development is critical to achieving gender equality and empowerment of women.
She mentioned that multiple challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change, cost of living crisis, current food, fuel and fertilizer crises, and debt distress have disproportionately affected women and girls.
Highlighting the notable progress made by Nepal in narrowing gender disparities, Minister Chaudhary underlined that Nepal has always accorded the highest priority to the rights and issues of women and girls, including the rights to family matters and property, reads a press statement issued by Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York, on March 18.
“Nepal is committed to fostering a ‘gender accountable’ governance system. We have introduced different women-targeted schemes, and ensured equal pay for equal work for both women and men”, she said.
Emphasizing the need for an enhanced level of external support to address the multiple challenges women and girls are facing, the Minister urged the international community and development partner to fulfill their ODA commitment, along with climate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building, according to the statement.
The 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women is being held from 11 to 22 March 2024 under the theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”.
The Nepali delegation to the Session led by Minister Chaudhary includes members of the National Planning Commission and National Women Commission, Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Suman Raj Aryal, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa, and senior government officials.
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07- Speaker Ghimire extends sorrow over Pradhan’s demise
Kathmandu, March 19: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has extended sorrow over untimely demise of story writer Parashu Pradhan, saying he was shocked to hear the news of the passing away of Pradhan.
Speaker Ghimire said, “I am saddened by the news of death of story writer Parashu Pradhan. I highly respect the contribution of story writer Pradhan to Nepali literature sector.”
He also paid tribute to late Pradhan and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members.
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08- Maoist Centre office-bearers’ meeting discusses party Vice Chair Mahara’s arrest
Kathmandu, March 19: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has held discussions on the arrest of the party’s Vice Chair Krishna Bahadur Mahara in connection to the gold smuggling case.
The meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar today discussed the arrest on Monday of Vice Chair Mahara in the gold smuggling scandal, said Vice Chair and Spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota.
“The discussion is in progress. We are holding discussions on this matter from various perspectives. We will reach to a conclusion soon,” Spokesperson Sapkota said.
According to him, the meeting will also arrive at a conclusion soon whether to suspend Mahara from the party’s responsibilities. He said the party’s views on this matter would be made public after holding a regular meeting.
Prime Minister and party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ informed the meeting about the report of the Investigation Commission on Control of Gold Smuggling, 2080BS.
Vice Chair Mahara was arrested from Kapilbastu and brought to Kathmandu on Monday. The same day the Kathmandu District Court extended his remand in custody by four days pending investigation.
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09- UML chair Oli urges govt to provide medical treatment to Baglung road accident victims
Kathmandu, March19: CPN (UML) chairman KP Sharma Oli has urged the government to initiate the medical treatment to those injured in a bus accident that took place in Baglung district on Monday.
Former Prime Minister Oli, via social platform, expressed his condolences and wished for a speedy recovery to the injured.
A passenger bus heading to Kathmandu from Rukum East had met with an accident at Nishikhola Rural Municipality-6 along the Mid-hills Highway in the district.
In the accident, nine people had lost their lives while 28 were injured.
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10- Three male rhinos in CNP shifted internally
Chitwan, March 19: Three male rhinos have been shifted to the eastern part of the Chitwan National Park (CNP) from the western areas. The decision to translocate the animals internally was promoted by an increasing number of rhinoceros in the CNP’s western part.
According to CNP information officer, Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, two animals were picked up from Dibyapuri of Nawalparasi (Bardghat-Susta East) and released inside a community forest along the Kuchkuche buffer zone at Khairhani of east Chitwan. The animals aged around eight and 17 years.
Likewise, on Friday, a rhinoceros was brought from the Kawasoti area of Nawalpur to the east. The male rhino of around 28 years old was released in the east to Kasara.
As the number of rhinos has increased in the western part of the park, some of them are going to be internally transferred to the eastern part of the park.
A total of 60 human resources, including elephant mahouts, technical personnel, staff and Nepali Army personnel, and elephants were deployed for the rhino relocation. The park is now preparing to transfer six rhinos internally. Rhinos over eight years old will be transferred, said Tiwari.
According to the latest count, Nepal is home to 752 rhinos. Of them, 694 rhinos are in Chitwan National Park. Likewise, 38 rhinos are in Bardiya national park and 17 in Shuklaphanta national park. There are three rhinos in Parsa National Park.
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11- HoR meeting begins, PM responding to lawmakers’ queries
Kathmandu, March 19: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for 11:00 am today began at 12:30. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is scheduled to respond the queries raised by the lawmakers in accordance with the House of Representatives Regulations, 2079 BS, Chapter 9.
Likewise, Minister for Finance Barshaman Pun will submit a proposal to the HoR seeking consideration for the discussion on Customs Bill, 2080 BS. In the same way, the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the next fiscal year 2081/82 BS (except the tax proposal) will be discussed, according to the Parliament Secretariat.
The time for the election of the President of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the HoR has been fixed at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 20th March. There is a schedule for registering proposals for the election today from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A proposal will be filed with the support of one of the other members to elect a member of the aforementioned committee as the president.
Similarly, an agenda is scheduled for publishing a list of registered proposals in the order of their registration within the stipulated time, and the proposer will present the proposal in the meeting of the relevant committee, the member seconding the proposal will support the relevant proposal and the proposal will be presented for the decision.
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13- Industry Minister Bhandari holds meeting with private sector representatives
Kathmandu, March 19: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has held discussions with the private sector representatives regarding the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit.
In an informal discussion with the representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Minister Bhandari talked about making laws to create a comfortable environment for investors. The investment summit is scheduled on the 28th and 29th April, 2024 (15th and 16th of Baisakh).
The government is receiving suggestions from the private sector for drafting investment friendly laws targeting to attract foreign investment in the country, and for making the summit effective.
In the meeting, confederation director general Gokarna Awasthi has urged the government to table the drafted 10 acts and two regulations in its original form without amendments.
Similarly, Minister Bhandari committed positively to facilitate from the ministry side regarding drafting new investment-friendly laws considering the feedback of the private sectors.
Present in the meeting were, FNCCI former chair Chandiraj Dhakal, senior vice chair Anjan Shrestha, vice chair Hemraj Dhakal, confederation chair Rajesh Agrawal, vice chair Birendra Pandey among others.
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14- NC calls for DPM and Home Minister Lamichhane’s resignation
Kathmandu, March 19: The main opposition party Nepali Congress has demanded that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane resign from his post.
Speaking in the Urgent Time of the meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, Nepali Congress lawmaker Deepak Giri called for an impartial investigation into a complaint against 18 individuals, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair and DPM and Home Minister Lamichhane and CPN (Maoist Centre)’s student leader Deepesh Pun. The complaint was registered by the victims from the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperatives on February 5, 2024 at the District Police Office Kaski.
Giri contended that the Nepali Congress has called for the Home Minister’s resignation as his remaining in the post is seen to affect the impartial investigation in this case. He said although the existing Cooperatives Act allows giving loan only to the cooperatives members, the Surya Darshan Cooperative is found to have issued loans to non-members as well, which is illegal.
He charged the government of still not listening to the voices being raised in the parliament and outside also that the usury and cooperatives victims should get justice.
Lawmaker Giri accused the PM of appointing minister that reflects the conflict of interest.
Lawmaker Saraswoti Bajimaya, through the Speaker, drew the attention of the government towards the general public being affected by various natural and human created disasters across the country. She demanded that the government provide relief support to the people affected by a recent incident of fire at Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-8 of Khotang. She also urged the government to take effective measures to bring the fire under control at Ward No 1 and 2 of the same municipality and in other places of the district.
According to her, fire incidents have been reported at 30 places of the district till date in which properties worth Rs 12 million and 90 thousand has been destroyed.
Lawmaker Devendra Poudel called attention of the government on the increasing number of road accidents each year in the country, in which thousands of people are killed and tens of thousands injured.
He presented statistics that in the last five years alone more than 14,000 people have lost their lives to road accidents. He also demanded that the government take prompt initiatives for the rescue of and providing treatment to the 25 people who were injured in a bus accident took place at Nishikhola of Baglung on Monday. Nine people were killed in this accident.
Poudel called attention of the bodies concerned for taking effective steps to minimize the road accidents.
Lawmaker Janardan Sharma and Chandra Bahadur Bishwokarma also drew the attention of the government on the same issue.
Lawmaker Raghuji Panta expressed condolences over the demise of litterateur Parashu Pradhan, calling him as the writer who gave ‘modern touch’ to Nepali literature. He called on the State to protect and patronize the litterateurs, artists and musicians as they have important role in introducing the nation to the world at large. Panta also drew the attention of the government towards what he called ‘the dire condition’ of the Sajha Prakashan, a state entity for promoting literature and litterateurs.
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15- Finance Minister Pun and Chinese ambassador meet, discuss various issues
Kathmandu, March 19: Chinese ambassador Chen Song called on Finance Minister Barshaman Pun today. According to the Minister’s Secretariat, the discussion revolved around bilateral cooperation and mutual interests.
During the meeting, Minister Pun urged the Chinese side to expedite Chinese-funded development projects in Nepal, expressing his hope for rapid progress in these projects. He praised China’s economic development and measures against poverty alleviation, suggesting Nepal could learn from China’s experience.
Acknowledging Nepal’s current economic sluggishness, Minister Pun highlighted Nepali citizens’ high aspirations for development and expressed hope for additional cooperation from bilateral and multilateral agencies.
He assured of prompt progress in implementing the second cluster of the Ring Road expansion project funded by China, including the construction of the 220KV Jilong-Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime transnational transmission line.
Minister Pun also inquired about a progress regarding the feasibility study for the ‘Cross Himalaya Railway’ project agreed upon during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s China visit in September last year. As he said, the railway project remains a ‘dream project’ for Nepali citizens and urged its prompt implementation from the Chinese side.
Expressing gratitude for China’s decision to operate Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi transit points regularly, Minister Pun called for the opening of other transit points along the Nepal-China border. He hoped for quick completion of the feasibility study regarding the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel Way, a priority project for Nepal.
Minister Pun reminded Ambassador Chen of the upcoming third Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to be held on April 28-29 and invited Chinese investors to participate. He also sought Chinese cooperation to launch international flights targeting Bhairahawa and Pokhara regional international airports.
In response, Ambassador Chen insisted on implementing bilateral agreements reached during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in October 2019 and Dahal’s visit to China. He pledged China’s encouraging participation in the Nepal Investment Summit and expressed China’s interest in investing in Nepal’s agricultural, industrial, and technology sectors.
Shedding light on a long relationship and cooperation between Nepal and China, the ambassador was hopeful that the levels of mutual cooperation and collaboration would further deepen in the days to come.
Wishing for a success of the Nepal Investment Summit, the ambassador pledged an encouraging participation of China in the event.
As he said, Nepal’s economic and social development is the concern and top priority of China and it is interested in investing in Nepal’s agricultural, industrial and technical sectors.
China wants to join hands with Nepal in efforts aiming to take the China-Nepal relations to a new height, accelerate its development and achieve prosperity, according to the Chinese envoy who assured deeper ties between the two neighbours in the days to come.
He briefed Minister Pun on preparations by China-based airlines to launch flights in Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports, underling the need for permits for an air route and permissions for flight operations along the Pokhara-Kathmandu and Bhairahawa-Kathmandu routes as well.
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16- UML Chair Oli says some forces active in defaming DPM Lamichhane
Godawari (Kailali), March 19: CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that some forces were active in defaming Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane by demanding his resignation.
In a press meet organized by Press Chautari Kailali chapter in Dhangadhi, today, the former Prime Minster Oli claimed that Lamichhane, who has no connection with the cooperatives, was being forcibly implicated to discredit him.
He insisted that Lamichhane had no connection with the cooperatives and that it would have no influence on the investigation. He also stated that cooperatives victims will get justice soon.
“If there is a complaint against any minister or parliamentarian, then there might arise a situation when all positions of minister and parliamentarians would be vacant,” Oli said.
In another context, Former PM Oli commented that one should not react irresponsibly regarding the merger of communist forces connecting that with the power sharing in government.
Chairman Oli, who arrived in Dhangadhi after inaugurating the 9th district convention of UML Dadeldhura committee on Monday, has returned to Kathmandu today.
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17- 73 percent children in Kathmandu Valley face tooth decay problems
Kathmandu, March 19: A study has found that 73 percent children in the Kathmandu Valley face tooth decay issues.
The study conducted by the Kantipur Dental College (Teaching Hospital and Research Center) was based in 68 schools inside the Valley.
Information about this was shared through a press meet today on the eve of the World Oral Health Day.
The lack of oral hygiene practices which include proper brushing of tooth, refraining from packaged and junk food, chocolates, biscuits and other sugary foods have caused the issues of cavity and tooth decay among the children, hospital chief executive director Dr Buddhiman Shrestha said during the press meet.
The study supported by the BM Foundation and Rotary Club of Kathmandu North mentioned 24,154 as respondents.
According to the hospital source, findings of recent dental camps it organised targeting various communities in Jhapa, Syangja, Kavrepalanchowk, Kailali, Sindhuli and Nuwakot are that 45 percent adults suffered from gum diseases.
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18- Finance Minister tables Customs Bill 2080BS in HoR
Kathmandu, March 19: Minister for Finance Barshman Pun has tabled a proposal in the Parliament seeking consideration on the ‘Customs Bill 2080 BS’ for discussions. Finance Minister Pun submitted the proposal in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR).
According to the Parliament Secretariat, the bill was discussed in the meeting today itself. The government registered the bill in the parliament to facilitate an easier and secured international trade by making the customs process systematic, transparent and accountable.
This bill has been registered in the parliament with the aim of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness in the collection of customs duties and contributing to the economic development of the country.
Similarly, it is said that the bill has been introduced to arrange the provisions of the International Convention on Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention) in the law. Nepal is a state party to the Revised Kyoto Convention and the Trade Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to the provisions of the Kyoto Convention, the member states have to implement the general provisions within three years of membership and the transitional standards within five years. The draft of this law has been prepared and registered in the parliament for the implementation of the provisions of the convention, it is said.
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19- IJFF bus tour for ‘women leadership’ begins from Kakarvitta
Jhapa, March 19: The Inter-Generational Feminist Forum (IGFF) today launched a ‘nation-wide feminist bus tour’, calling for women’s participation at the decision making-level.
The journey commenced from Kakarvitta today and it was started from Kanchanpur on Monday.
The participants of the journey from the east to west are scheduled meet at Madhyabindu of Nawalpur district on March 22.
According to IFF central Board of Directors’ coordinator Dr Sushant Risal, the trip aims to creating awareness about an ‘urgent need’ to ensure women’s roles at the State’s decision-making level.
As she asserted, there is a need to challenge gender discriminations against women in each forums.
The squad was bidden farewell amidst a programme at Kakarvitaa. On the occasion, Mechinagar Municipality Deputy-Mayor Meena Upreti called on the women community to come up with a collective approach and action against patriarchal privileges and dominations in the society.
Expressing her concerns over the structural prejudices against women who are, as she said, by the State’s policy supposed to reach just the deputy posts of the State, she echoed the need of breaking such traditions. “Our efforts should be for claiming the key posts of the State and political parties,” she asserted.
It is said, during the trip, the women rights activities will engage in interactions with local communities at various locations. They will stop at Lahan tonight traveling through Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and Saptari.
The IJFF constituted five years ago for amplifying voices for the rights of women is a forum of women activists across the country, it is said.
As said by IJFF Board of Directors member Radha Pradhan, the IJFF raises feminist issues through an inclusive and integrated approach.
The journey that started from Kanchanpur in Sudur Paschim Province on March 18 is scheduled to engage in community-interactions today in Kailali, in Dang tomorrow, March 20 and in Bhairahawa on March 21, it is said.
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20- Government’s Common Minimum Policy Priorities and Resolve unveiled
Kathmandu, March 19: The Common Minimum Policy Priorities and Resolve of the ruling alliance has been made public today.
The document was unveiled at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, in the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and the top leaders of the parties in the ruling alliance.
The Resolve that places the supreme interests of the Nepali people at the centre aims to instill hope and faith by tearing apart the sense of despondency among the people.
The ruling alliance comprises the CPN (UML), the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the Janata Samajwadi Party and the CPN (Unified Socialist).
The Resolve includes programmes to activate the share market through policy reforms, to mobilize the climate financing, to implement the 16the periodic plan by carrying out an objective assessment of the 15th periodic plan, to free the financial institutions of anomalies and to resolve the problems of the cooperatives and microfinances.
Former Finance Minister and UML Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel read out the document on the occasion.
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21- Meeting of CPN (US) general convention paper drafting committee begins
Kathmandu, March 19: The meeting of the General Convention Proposal Drafting Committee, focused on the 10th General Convention of the CPN (Unified Socialist) has begun in the capital today.
The party’s secretary Jeevanram Shrestha informed that in the meeting which started at the central office under the chairmanship of the party Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal is scheduled to discuss the political report, statute report, socialist programme and organizational report.
The meeting is further scheduled to discuss the latest political development, contemporary issues, and international developments as well. The party’s under-draft statute will be finalized after discussing the political report developed by chairman Nepal, the socialist programme by respected leader Jhalnath Khanal, the party statute by vice president Dr Beduram Bhusal and the organizational proposal prepared by general secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal.
After the discussion of those four reports, it is said that the document which will be prepared covering all the aspects of the country’s current situation, political situation, national and international situation, future strategic plan of the party will be taken to the general convention for further discussions.
The party’s general convention is going to be held in Kathmandu from the 16th to 20th May.
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22- NC calls for forming parliamentary probe committee to look into charges on DPM Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 19: The main opposition party Nepali Congress has demanded formation of an investigation committee from within the parliament itself for impartially looking into the charges of cooperative defraud leveled against Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.
The Nepali Congress, in the parliament, has been calling for the resignation of the Home Minister. Responding to the allegations on Lamichhane in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ expressed the commitment to take action against him if the investigation proved Lamichhane as the culprit.
According to the PM, appointing Lamichhane as the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister would not constitute a conflict of interest when the investigation on the complaints filed by the victims of the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperatives has already been concluded.
The NC has expressed its reservation on the Prime Minister’s argument that there were no adequate evidences and basis for removing Home Minister Lamichhane from his post.
In the HoR meeting today, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak contended that there is enough evidence that Home Minister Lamichhane is directly involved in the cooperatives swindling case, claiming that loans have been found issued illegally by the Cooperative in contravention of the provision in the Cooperative Act disallowing loans to the non-members.
“Honourable Prime Minister said that there are no enough evidences, but we say there are. Let us create an environment for a fair investigation into this case. We call for the formation of an investigation committee in the parliament itself to probe this case,” the NC Chief Whip reiterated.
Referring to the instances in the past in which the government ministers have resigned from their post when questions were raised on their morality, Lekhak demanded that Home Minister Lamichhane too should resign on moral grounds and cooperate in the investigation.
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23- HoR meeting adjourned for 15 minutes
Kathmandu, March 19: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been adjourned for 14 minutes due to lack of quorum.
The meeting was adjourned in lack of the quorum when Finance Minister Barshaman Pun tabled a proposal seeking consideration of the Customs Bill-2080 BS. Lawmaker Dev Prasad Timalsena had drawn the attention of the Speaker noting a quorum was required while presenting a proposal in the parliament for decision. Timalsena cited the Article 94 of the Nepal Constitution while drawing attention to the issue.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire informed that the meeting was adjourned for 15 minutes as number of lawmakers present in the meeting was only 66. It requires 69 in number to meet the quorum.
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24 Current alliance was formed to bring prosperity, PM says
Kathmandu, March 19: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the new ruling alliance was formed with the determination to head towards the journey of the nation’s prosperity.
At a programme organized by the five ruling parties to release the Common Minimum Policy Priorities and Resolve today, the PM made it clear that the new alliance was made with the historical necessity to address the people’s aspirations for good-governance and prosperity.
“New steps have been initiated. We should work to address the people’s voices,” the PM said. Likewise, PM Prachanda argued that the new coalition was constituted by keeping the broader national interests at the centre and to create new hopes on people.
On the occasion, the PM also directed all the ministers, ministry secretaries and officials to work in line with the recent political context. The PM said there was no alternative to creating new hopes and confidence on people, and warned that the country would plunge into difficult situation if new hopes were not aroused and development acts were not expedited.
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25- Common resolution to place legal provisions to end transitional justice
Kathmandu, March 19: The government is set to immediately place necessary legal arrangements to conclude the backlog of transitional justice in order to establish lasting peace in the country. The ‘Minimum Policy Priorities and Common Resolution’ unveiled by the five ruling political parties at the Prime Minister’s Office today stated that legal provisions would be made to conclude transitional justice.
“Truth should be established on the basis of facts by keeping the victims of sustainable peace process at the centre. The conflict-induced pain should be addressed through justice, compensation, reparation, amnesty and reconciliation being based on the truth”, reads the common document.
The government has said it will provide medical treatment, employment, self-employment opportunities and rehabilitation to those injured and maimed during the conflict. The government has also said that it will complete the tasks related to compensation, rehabilitation and reparation for the families of the conflict survivors.
The government has also put forward a plan to release those unjustly imprisoned during the Tarai-Madhes unrest in accordance with the agreement reached between the government and the agitators earlier.
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26- Govt. to make diplomatic efforts to claim Nepali territory
Kathmandu, March 19: The government is to take effective diplomatic move to take back Nepali territory of Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, Kalapani, Susta and other sites.
The Common Minimum Policy Priorities and Resolve of the new coalition made public on Tuesday has stated to include this issue. “Nepal’s nationality, sovereignty, territorial indivisibility, independence, pride and safeguarding national interests will be kept at the centre,” the Common Minimum Policy Priorities and Resolve of the government reads.
Likewise, Nepal’s foreign policy will be guided by the UN Charter, principle of Panchasheel, concept of the world peace, international commitment and rule-based independent, neutral and non-aligned foreign policy.
Similarly, a balanced, credible and friendly ties with both the neighbouring countries and all friendly countries will be run by keeping sovereign equality, mutual interests and respects at the centre.
The document has stated to review the existing treaties and agreements to protect and promote Nepal’s national interests and effectively manage the borders. Furthermore, the government has announced to address the genuine concerns of the non-resident Nepalis while utilizing their skills and capital for the cause of national interests.
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27- Nepal-India international culture conclave to be held in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, March 19: The Nepal-India International Culture Conference is to be organized to discuss global interest towards Sanskrit and explore the impacts of Sanskrit in cultural and educational sector.
The Policy Research Foundation Nepal, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi and India Foundation, New Delhi are jointly hosting the conference.
As shared, the conference will discuss the contemporary global context where Sanskrit is becoming a subject of study. There are many Sanskrit universities, colleges and schools in Nepal and India. Apart from Nepal and India, there are many researchers and professors studying Sanskrit in various foreign universities.
The practice of using the knowledge of ancient Sanskrit texts has been developing even today. Coordinator of the organizing committee, Dr Prem Raj Neupane said the conference was organized to discuss the global needs of Sankrit education and culture where Nepal and India are expected to take the lead.
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28- First captain of Nepali women’s cricket team announces retirement
Janaki (Banke), March 19: The first captain of the Nepali National Women’s Cricket Team, Neri Thapa, has announced retirement from cricket. She made the announcement through the social media.
A resident of Nepalganj sub-metropolitan city, Thapa played cricket for almost 17 years.
Nepali was the capital of the Nepali National Women’s Cricket Team that played its first international match against Thailand in 2007. Under her captaincy, Nepal won the ACC U-19 Women’s Championship in 2008 and 2010.
Of late, Neri had been playing domestic cricket tournaments representing the Armed Police Force (APF) club.
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29- NHRC urges govt. to address demands of cooperatives’ victims
Kathmandu, March 19: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has instructed the government to address the demands of cooperative victim and depositors.
The constitutional human rights body urged to protect the constitutionally-guaranteed citizens’ right to peaceful protest and assembly and immediately implement the report of the study committee submitted to the Prime Minister some six months ago.
The Commission has drawn its attention to the situation where protesters were injured with the use of force by the police during a peaceful demonstration organized by the cooperative victims in Kathmandu on March 14.
Commission’s Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel told RSS that the commission monitored the peaceful protest by the cooperative victims, the rally held at Sundhara and the corner meeting held at Bhrikutimandap.
A memorandum has been received at the Commission alleging that the police had beaten and injured chairperson of the National Campaign for Protection of Cooperatives, Kushal KC.
Injured KC has been on hunger strike since March 14. The Commission has received information that KC’s health condition is deteriorating. The depositors have so far told the commission’s team that victims of 302 cooperatives have joined the campaign.
The NHRC has urged the government to address the issue of cooperatives’ victims through dialogue being sensitive to the health condition of hunger striker KC.
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30- Finance Minister directs to expedite preparations for Investment Summit
Kathmandu, March 19: A meeting of the upcoming Third Investment Summit Steering Committee held on Tuesday under the chair of the Committee’s Coordinator and Minister for Finance Barshaman Pun has directed the Investment Summit Secretariat to speed up the preparatory works for successful completion of the Investment Summit. The Summit is scheduled to be held on coming April 28 and 29 in Kathmandu.
On the occasion, Minister Pun said all stakeholders have equally important roles to play in making the Summit a success to lure investment in infrastructure development, industrial and tourism areas, clean energy, information and technology, agriculture processing and health and education sectors to increase production and create more employment opportunities in the country.
Minister Pun also urged the private sector leaders to prod the foreign investors to bring in investment in the projects of business partnership adding that the Summit is being organized aimed at attracting more investment from the national and international private sector and non-resident Nepalis.
During the meeting, Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board of Nepal and Coordinator of Investment Summit Secretariat Sushil Bhatta made a detailed presentation on the performance made from the Secretariat and technical committee on project selection and committee on laws reforms and other teams.
Present on the occasion were ministers, the National Planning Commission Vice-Chairman, the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, representatives from private sectors’ umbrella organizations and high-level government officials.
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31- Conclave on Global Peace for Prosperity in Lumbini
Kathmandu, March 19: An international conclave on ‘Global Peace for Prosperity’ is being held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha from March 21 to 22.
The conference is being hosted jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN). Ambassadors and representatives of different 18 countries who do not have embassies in Nepal, honourary consuls of different countries for Nepal, high ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts on foreign affairs and heritage are attending the event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang and other high officials of Investment Board, Nepal Tourism Board and Lumbini Development Trust are also scheduled to take part in the conclave.
The conclave has been organised with the objective of promoting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, increase investment in Nepal and enhance global fraternity. Discussions and presentations on investment opportunities in Nepal and tourism potential will be made.
Dean of HCCN Bishnu Kumar Agarwal said that the event is being organized to connect Lumbini with nearly one billion Buddhists around the globe and to highlight the cultural and religious importance of Lumbini. The event is also expected to contribute to increasing investment in Nepal.
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