- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, March 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has assured of enabling atmosphere to complete in time the national pride projects and those listed in the government’s priority.
In his replies to the concerns from lawmakers over the report of the National Concern and Coordination Committee in a meeting of the National Assembly (NA) on Friday, the PM reiterated that the government would facilitate to conclude those projects within the given deadline.
He informed the session that the government amended the Finance Procedure and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2076 BS (FPFR Act-2019) to revise the timetable for presenting the government’s policies, programmes and budget, adding that such revisions will provide room for ample discussions on the policies and programmes and draft the budget on the same basis.
Arguing that some issues in the formulation of development projects, budget appropriation and implementation are due to absence of coordination among the three-tier government, the PM said the Standards and Guidelines for Project Classification- 2080 BS was issued.
The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission has commenced its works for revising the indices of revenue collections among the three-tier governments in the upcoming fiscal year, according to him. Just distribution of resources imperative
In the meeting, the he pledged to ensure a just distribution of resources among the three levels in the days to come. Similarly, works are in progress on a draft of an integrated law relating to the mobilization of natural resources to address disputes in the allocations and utilization of natural resources.
The PM also took time to claim the government is working seriously to strengthen fiscal federalism. The matter was already discussed during a meeting of the National Coordination Committee and of the National Development Problem Solving Committee, he added
The government pursues a policy of gradually increasing the equalization grant to the province and local levels and reducing the conditional grants by enhancing the effectiveness of supplementary grants and special grants.
PM Dahal shared that necessary efforts were underway for effective implementation of fiscal federalism by keeping suggestions received from regular meeting of different high-levels structures formed for implementation of federalism on revenue rights among three levels.
He shared, “A process to amend intergovernmental fiscal management act has been forwarded. It will resolve the existing problems seen in revenue distribution among three tiers.” Stating that the main sentiments of the federalism is equitable distribution of rights and resources among three levels, PM Dahal stressed that the federalism could not be exercised in a right way without addressing problems relating inter-relation and coordination among the national and sub-national governments.
He mentioned that the government was serious on the issues of formulating acts required for strengthening and making federalism system effective. As many as 192 new acts were already brought for the implementation of federalism and fundamental rights.
PM Dahal however informed that 21 bills are yet to be tabled in the federal parliament. Seven bills are at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for the formulation consent.
Bills related to federal police, amendment of public procurement act, and of the act related to National Park and Wildlife are in the final phase of formulation, Dahal added.
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Speaker-led delegation returns home
Kathmandu, March 29: A ten-member delegation led by Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire, has returned home from Switzerland after participating in the 148th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
A delegation led by Speaker Ghimire left for Switzerland on March 21 to participate in the General Assembly held at the IPU head office from March 23 to 27. In the General Assembly, Speaker Ghimire delivered a speech on behalf of the Federal Parliament on the topic of ‘Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding’.
Along with Speaker Ghimire, Chief whips of the parliamentary parties Nepali Congress’s Ramesh Lekhak, CPN (UML)’s Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, CPN (Maoist Centre) Hitraj Pandey and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Santosh Pariyar participated in the General Assembly.
, National Assembly Member Ganga Kumari Belbase, Federal Parliament Secretariat Spokesperson Ekram Giri, Deputy Secretary Pradeep Guragain and Speaker’s Chief Private Secretary Tejprakash Bhattarai attended the event.
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Economic empowerment main basis for women’s empowerment: Prime Minister
Kathmandu, March 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that economic empowerment is the most important basis for women’s empowerment. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that Prime Minister Dahal expressed this opinion while inaugurating the 7th International Women’s Business Fair organized by the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs in Lalitpur district this morning.
Prime Minister Dahal said, “Compared to the past, the condition of Nepalese women is gradually getting stronger and better. Everyone’s support is needed for women’s empowerment. Therefore, in today’s world, for women’s empowerment, first of all, financial access must be widened.” The prime minister also emphasized that the subject of empowerment is connected with power. “Empowerment is connected with power in today’s world,” he reiterated.
According to the PM, power is connected with economic condition and there cannot be true empowerment without being financially empowered. He said the government has given it top priority.
The Prime Minister informed the event that tax exemption and concession programmes have been conducted in the industries and businesses run by women and pledged to increase them further in the future as well.
PM Dahal said, “It is important to establish a women’s entrepreneurship fund to realize the concept of supporting the nation building by empowering Nepali women socially and economically through the development of women’s entrepreneurship. The government has made tax breaks and other concessional arrangements to promote industries led by women entrepreneurs, which will be increased in the coming days.
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Nepal could reap benefits from China’s GDI: UML Vice-Chair Poudel
Kathmandu, March 29: CPN (UML) Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Poudel, commending China’s leadership in launching the Global Development Initiative (GDI), viewed that Nepal could reap ample benefits from the Initiative.
Addressing on the behalf of Nepal the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in the Henan province of China on Thursday, Vice-Chairperson Poudel reiterated that Nepal could gain significantly from China’s GDI that emphasized priority areas such as poverty reduction, food security, climate change and digital development.
Stating that the priority areas of the GDI resonated strongly with Nepal’s own development priorities, Poudel shared that the government of Nepal recently decided to join the Group of Friends of the GDI.
With this, Nepal becomes one of the growing number of countries that have expressed support for the GDI and its objectives, according to him.
“The GDI’s core principles align with President Xi Jinping’s vision of a shared future for mankind- a vision that emphasizes peace and interconnectedness. A truly shared future can only be realized when all nations, developed and developing alike, have equitable opportunities for progress and prosperity,” the former Finance Minister asserted.
Poudel further said, “Nepal, a close neighbour of China, stands to gain significantly from the success of the GDI. We are confident that increased collaboration in areas like infrastructure development, technology transfer and capacity building will accelerate Nepal’s national development efforts. We look forward to the GDI facilitating projects that are transformative to our economy and address Nepal’s specific development needs,” Poudel expressed.
He also spoke of the need to acknowledge and address concerns such as transparency and debt sustainability to ensure GDI’s goals of sustainable and equitable development are achieved.
Furthermore, he expressed his confidence that concessional financing, knowledge sharing and projects tailored towards the specific needs of developing countries would solidify the GDI’s purpose besides bolstering trust and inclusiveness within the initiatives.
Stating that Nepal valued multilaterism, he reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to contributing actively to discussions within the GDI framework and other international forums.
He also said that Nepal believed that GDI could become a powerful force for building a more prosperous, peaceful and sustainable future for the world and articulated Nepal’s eagerness to work with China and like-minded partners for further promote development agendas that are universal and beneficial to all.
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Impact of climate change is highest on water resources: Minister Basnet
Kathmandu, March 29: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet has said that the climate change has the most impact on the water resources.
Addressing a programme to launch a report entitled ‘Study Report on Water Resources Management under World Water Leadership Programme’ here today, he underscored on paying special attention for smooth management, utilization and conservation of water for mitigating the climate change impact.
Minister Basnet urged the politicians to accept the study report related to the smooth management of water and take it to policy implementation level.
Emphasizing on the need of becoming more serious for the better management of water resources and moving ahead by identifying the problems, the Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister said the study report has highlighted on integrated approach on water resources management.
He suggested moving ahead the most of the legal provisions connected with climate in an integrated manner. As the Minister shared, the time calls for moving ahead giving special attention to the multi-sector use of the river basin and the budget allocation has been kept in priority keeping this in view.
The study report has incorporated various topics on sustainable water management, including the obstacles seen in the water resources management under the World Water Leadership Programme.
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Parliamentary diplomacy will be made effective for peace and harmony: Speaker Ghimire
Kathmandu, March 29: The Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire, has said that parliamentary diplomacy will be promoted effectively for world peace, harmony and to reduce the impact of climate change.
He said so while talking to reporters upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport after participating in the 148th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland. Speaker Ghimire said that Nepal has faced geographical and regional challenges.
He informed that there was a sideline discussion in the General Assembly regarding Nepal’s participation in the non-aligned campaign and making its role effective.
A delegation led by Speaker Ghimire left for Geneva on March 21 to participate in the General Assembly held at the head office of the IPU from March 23 to 27.
In the General Assembly, Speaker Ghimire delivered a speech on behalf of the Federal Parliament on the topic of ‘Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding’.
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Dept. of Mines and Geology issues license to 159 mines for excavation
Kathmandu, March 29: The Department of Mines and Geology has issued permit for extraction to 159 mines that were explored at different times. The license is given for extraction in various places of the country.
Although 152 such authorizations were issued before this, seven more permits have been given in this current fiscal year, said Narayan Banskota, the Information Officer at the Department.
Similarly, the Department has provided licenses for exploration of 522 mines. It had issued 359 such authorizations before this. In the current fiscal year, the Department has issued license for exploration of additional 63 mines.
According to Banskota, the licenses have been issued for the exploration of iron, copper, gold, limestone, granite, ruby, dolomite, among other potential minerals.Meanwhile, the Department has cancelled the licenses of 107 mines and companies for their failure to carry out works on time.
It has carried out monitoring and inspection of 82 mines in the current fiscal year.]The Department has collected Rs 333 million and 200 thousand as revenue for issuing license for mine excavation and exploration over the last eight months of the current fiscal year. It had collected Rs 356 million 633 thousand and 44 as revenue from the issuance of license in the same period last fiscal year, Banskota said.
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Additional liability added to State due to lack of quality work: PM Dahal
Hetauda (Makawanpur), March 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that additional liability was incurred on the State in lack of delivery of quality works in line with the agreement.
Addressing the 25th general assembly of the Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal (FCAN) here today, PM Dahal viewed that many projects were not completely on time since the construction entrepreneurs failed to deliver as per the agreement.
Stating that the government was serious about hardships and difficulties facing the construction contractors due to limitations and weakness of the State, Dahal reiterated, “Serious problems such as lack of quality works, projects not completing on time and extension of construction period among others had added to the liabilities of the State.”
According to him, he had instructed the Ministry of Finance, National Planning Commission and related ministries to work in the ways of making sure that projects of strategic importance are not left in limbo and vicious cycle of adding unnecessary projects, adding liabilities to the State and not delivering quality outcomes are cracked down.
The Head of the Government furthermore assured that the government was positive about terminating the projects falling under the State’s responsibilities and not having assurance of resources on the basis of consensus following the 13th amendment of the Public Procurement Regulations.
Dahal pledged that the incumbent government would take necessary decisions to address the problems of some projects that were not timely completed due to structural weakness on the part of the State and inability to make payments on time.
From the infrastructure development perspective, he admitted that some of acts and laws appeared to be a hindrance. Hence, he vowed to make laws development-friendly and take environment protection into consideration.
“Process to amend important laws including Forest Act has been initiated. This would create an enabling environment for the construction sector to conveniently provide riverbed materials and mineral based materials.”
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Man arrested with pistol from Kapan
Kathmandu, March 29: Nepal Police have arrested a person in possession of pistol from Kapan area in the federal capital. Twenty-eight years old Prashanta Prangdewa Limbu of Phungling, Taplejung was held today in course of the ‘hooliganism and illegal arms control’ campaign run by District Police Range Kathmandu.
Range spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari said that Limbu has been apprehended on the charge of involving in hooliganism and creating fear and terror in the community in the Kapan area of late.
Police confiscated a crude pistol, two sharp knives, a hammer, two mobile phones and one iPhone from Limbu. Adhikari said police are interrogating Limbu.
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Economy not crisis-ridden like last year: PM Dahal
Manahari (Makawanpur), March 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ claimed that country’s economy was not crisis-ridden like last year.
Addressing the 25th annual general assembly of the Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal (FCAN) in Hetauda today, PM Dahal asserted that there had been a positive improvement in the economic indicators.
He, however, said the national economy was not completely free from stressors and called for an intensive discussion for that.
Stating that preparations were afoot to incorporate all sectors in the upcoming policies, programmes and budget, Dahal shared that the government was effortful to clear the outstanding payment of the construction contractors.
On the occasion, PM Dahal honoured construction contractors Dhruba Karki and Roshan Shrestha for their notable delivery in the construction sector.
Similarly, parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee’s President Deepak Bahadur Singh demanded clearance of over Rs 60 billion of outstanding amount to contractors, amending the Public Procurement Regulations to prevent brain drain of youths engaged in construction sector and completing compensation distribution among others works prior to calling tender.
Likewise, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chairperson Chandra Prasad Dhakal viewed that development works were adversely impeded due to country’s fragile economic and industrial situation and thus urged the PM to resolve the problems facing the construction contractors.
He observed, “The government should understand that infrastructure development and development are the most important aspect for development of country. The projects could be delayed if there is delay in payment to the contractors. The contractors have not been able to pay bank’s installment of banks, labourers’ wages and large amount of taxes. They are in trouble.”
Likewise, FCAN President Ravi Singh requested the government to be serious towards their problems. In attendance in the programme were altogether 1,800 construction contractors from all 77 districts.
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FNJ 69TH Founding Day: Emphasis on need to unite for the defense of press freedom
Kathmandu, March 29: The former presidents of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) have emphasized that all the concerned parties should unite to protect the Press freedom.
At a programme marking the 69th Founding Day of the Federation here today, the former presidents of the institution expressed their concern to protect the freedom of the press, noting that the state has been cracking down on the Press from time to time, even though the Preamble of the Constitution ensured the same.
Dharmendra Jha, former president of the FNJ and chairman of , commented that even though full freedom of the press is mentioned in the constitution of the country, independent journalism is still under risk.
He said, “After we join the Federation of Journalists, we have to think whether we have been able to raise the topics that should be discussed and brought up through the Federation, whether they should be made the subject of the discussion or not.”
Similarly, Harihar Birahi, former president of FNJ, said that the freedom of the press is not safe even now and the government is trying to curb it through laws from time to time.
Another former president of the Federation, Shiv Gaule, said that recently there is a problem in retaining journalists in the profession, stating sustaining media organizations and holding back journalists in the profession is also the main role of the FNJ.
Addressing the event, the former president of federation, Dr. Mahendra Bista commented that it is becoming a challenge to sustain the journalism sector as the fourth organ of the state. The president of the federation, Bipul Pokhrel, appealed to support the membership cleansing campaign started by FNJ.
Balkrishna Basnet, chairperson of Press Council Nepal, Sangita Khadka, President of Minimum Wages Determination Committee, Nirmala Sharma, Senior Vice President of the Federation, Ramesh Bista, Senior Vice President, and Ganesh Basnet, President of Press Chautari Nepal, discussed the challenges of the Nepali journalism sector in the programme.
Meanwhile, the president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bipul Pokhrel, has requested to proceed with the process of making laws related to communications in order to fully guarantee the freedom of the press with sufficient discussion and agreement with the concerned parties including the federation.
On the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the establishment of the Federation, president Pokhrel expressed his best wishes for the implementation of Nepal’s Constitution and National Mass Communication Policy, 2073 BS, as well as stakeholders according to the same policy.
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Minister Sudi stresses on import substitution of flowers
Kathmandu, March 29: Minister for Forests and Environment Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi has stressed on import substitution of flowers and promoting their export.
Inaugurating the horticulture exhibition organized by the Nursery Association Nepal (NAN) at local Bhrikutimandap today, he emphasized on increasing flower export.
The Minister opined that there is high potential for production of herbs and horticultural products in Nepal and the inter-agency coordination among all the bodies was required for tapping this potential.
“Thousands of people can be employed within the country through the promotion of horticulture. We should be able to stop the exodus of youths to foreign countries, raising hopes that employment is possible at home,” he said.
Minister Sudi also said that the forest land can be provided for promoting horticulture.
The exhibition event is targeted at those who are interested in the nursery business, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts of flowers as well as researchers in horticulture.
Expo’s coordinator Ramji Kunwar said that they have considered the upcoming expo as an integrated ‘Maha Kumba’ (large assembly) of the nursery sector. The expo will display commercial nursery products based on flowers, fruits, forests and herbs.
“Over 700 species of plants from various flower nurseries, fruit nurseries, agriculture, forest nurseries and herbs nurseries will be showcased in the expo for exhibition, sales and distribution,” coordinator Kunwar said. He added that the expo would also features fertilizers, organic and chemical pesticides, seedlings, equipments and agricultural equipments and technologies.
There will be altogether 90 stalls including 74 commercial ones, according to him. The organizers are expecting footfall of over 50,000 visitors and transaction worth Rs 10 million.
The entry fee for the general public is Rs 100 while students and senior citizens would be charged Rs 50, the organizers said. The expo is expected to enhance advocacy on the welfare of the nursery entrepreneurs spread across the country and enhance their professional capacities through development and expansion of nursery business and contribute in job creation.
During the expo that will run until Sunday, various competitions would be held among the nursery entrepreneurs and they would be rewarded with cash and certificates to motivate them, it was shared.
Services related to horticulture would be provided during the expo which is promoted by the Floriculture Development Centre, Department of Botany, Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Centre, the organizers said.
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Communications Minister urges private sector to boost investment
Kathmandu, March 29: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has urged the private sector to play an effective role in promoting international trade and investment in the country.
At the 10th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal-Italy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) held here Friday, Minister Sharma spoke about how the goods produced in Nepal can be brought to the world market and contribute to the economy by bringing in more foreign investment.
She said that the role of the private sector is important for promoting bilateral trade with various countries and increasing investment. While recalling Italy’s assistance to Nepal in post-earthquake reconstruction, Communications Minister Sharma said that it is expected that a significant number of investors from Italy will participate in the international investment conference to be held here next month.
“Nepal is organizing an investment conference on 28 and 29 April. The amendment of more than a dozen laws is being ‘fast tracked’ to make it easier to bring in foreign investment. There is high possibility of investment in Nepal,” she said, adding that the government has prioritized investment in the information technology sector.
President of Nepal-Italy Chamber of Commerce Sanjay Agarwal said that the private sector will play a role in further increasing the economic and trade partnership between the two countries.
Agrawal said that if the private sector is trying to increase Nepal’s export trade and contribute to the country’s economy. He urged the government to support the private sector in this. Consul General of Nepal to Italy Pratima Rana Pandey said that more initiatives are needed for trade and investment partnership between the two countries.
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Arrangement to wear Nepali dress twice a week in all State bodies: Minister Bhandari
Kathmandu, March 29: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari said that the government was mulling to put in place a policy of wearing locally-made Nepali dress to work twice a week. At an interaction organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) at Mahalaxmi Municipality in Lalitpur today,
Minister Bhandari shared that the Nepali native dress will be worn by all ministers in the first phase.Stating that the incumbent government was aiming to boost domestic production, Bhandari reiterated that they were introducing the policy of putting on Nepali attires from head to toe in all State organs twice a week. Initially, ministers would wear such attires and parliamentarians and people’s representatives will follow suit.”
The new arrangement will be enforced after conducting a study into Nepali domestic market and increasing the market accordingly, the Minister informed.Lamenting that the imports were higher than export in Nepali market, he assured that the incumbent government would focus on export promotion.
According to him, the prime aim of the government was to dispel despair among the people and instill hope among them. He shared that the ‘Start-up policy’ would be enforced within few days to boost domestic production. He added that a procedure would be endorsed by the next cabinet meeting to make the Prime Minister Domestic Production and Consumption Increment Programme more effective in upcoming fiscal year.
Bemoaning that Nepali products were not getting a good market, he pledged to run training and skills for aspiring entrepreneurs to operate export-oriented enterprises.
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TU forms committee to probe into missing answer sheets
Kathmandu, March 29: The Tribhuvan University (TU) has formed a three-member high-level committee to probe into the missing answer sheets of two subjects of the bachelor’s degree.
As decided by the TU Executive Council meeting on Thursday, the committee has been formed under the leadership of former TU Registrar Prof Dr Chandramani Poudel with a 30-day deadline to submit its report.
Issuing a press statement on Thursday, the TU said further decisions would be taken on the issue of missing answer sheets after receiving the report from the committee.
The answer sheets of Population Studies of the bachelor’s degree first year with code number 422 under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Basis of Education (Code No. 412) of the Faculty of Education of the B.ED First Year were missing after the examinations were held in May 2023.
The TU has issued a notice to conduct the examinations of the two subjects on April 1.
The TU has said that its serious attention was drawn to the news and editorial carried out by different media outlets by expressing concerns on the issue of missing answer sheets.
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Itahari Gold Cup: Church Boy’s enter final
Dharan, March 29: The Church Boy’s United has entered the final of the 14th Itahari Gold Cup. In the semi-final match held here last night under lights at the Itahari Stadium, the Church Boy’s United defeated organizing Rastriya Jagriti Club by 1-0.
Now, the departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club and the Church Boy’s Club will compete for the title on Saturday.
The Church Club United is also the winner of Jhapa Gold Cup and the runner-up of the last year’s Itahari Gold Cup.
Sameer Tamang of the Church Boy’s United made a decisive goal for the team in the 89th minute of the match and was named Man of the Match, to win a cash prize of 10,000 rupees.
Earlier on Wednesday night, the Tribhuvan Army Club entered the final of the tournament by defeating the defending champion Sagarmatha Club in a penalty shootout by 2-1.
The final match of the tournament will be played under lights on coming Saturday. The winner of the tournament will be given 1 million rupees while the runner-up will get Rs 500,000 in cash.
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Birat Gold Cup: Bhutan defeats Nepal Police Club
Morang, March 29: Bhutan’s RTFC Team won the opening match of the Birat Gold Cup played at the Shahid Stadium in Biratnagar last night. The RTFC Team defeated the Nepal Police Club by 3-0.
The Bhutanese team scored three goals in the 36th, 40th and 63rd minutes of the match. Bhutan’s Kinzang Tenzing was declared the ‘Player of the Match’, to win Rs 11,000 in cash.
Earlier, the Social Development Minister of Koshi Province inaugurated the tournament and urged the players to keep the spirit of upholding national pride through sports.
Nepal’s A Division clubs and the teams from India and Bhutan are participating in the Birat Gold Cup.
The winner of the tournament will get Rs 1.1 million while the runner-up will get Rs 550,000.
The departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club and New Road Team (NRT) will play this evening.
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Weather to improve from Sunday
Kathmandu, March 29: The light rainfall taking place in different parts of the country for the past few days is likely to continue until Saturday, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The weather will improve gradually from Sunday after the low impact of the westerly wind.
Meteorologist at the Department Raju Pradhananga said the pre-monsoon remained active particularly in the eastern part of the country due to local wind, low-pressure wind remaining close to Nepal and the moisture-laden wind from the Bay of Bengal.
“Currently, the weather across the country is partly to generally cloudy. Rainfall is taking place in some hilly areas in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Weather will improve from Sunday,” he said.
The Division said that chances of light rain or thunder and lightning are likely at a few places of hilly region of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces and some places of Terai. Likewise, there are chances of light snowfall at a few places of the high hills and mountainous region in the country.
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Speaker’s best wishes to journalists
Kathmandu, March 29: Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Dev Raj Ghimire, has extended best wishes to the media persons on the occasion of the 69th establishment day of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the umbrella organization of the country’s journalists.
In a message today, Speaker Ghimire has extended congratulations and best wishes to all the media persons including the FNJ members and the advocates of freedom of press and expression.
Expressing honour to all leadership since the establishment of the FNJ, Speaker Ghimire has condoled the demise of journalists while discharging their duty and in the struggle of freedom of press and expression.
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Woman dies in wildfire
Doti, March 29: A woman who was critically hurt in a wildfire in Doti district died early this morning while receiving treatment.
Chandradevi Bhandari, 41, of Shikhar Municipality-4 in the district was hurt in a forest fire occurred on Thursday afternoon. Bhandari got injured on her way to Patalisain Community Forest to construct an irrigation system. A team of 25 persons had gone there to work for the irrigation system.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Doti Narayan Singh Negi confirmed that Bhandari breathed her last at Nisarga Hospital in Dhangadhi, Kailali. She was referred to the hospital from Doti on Thursday itself.
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Myagde Rural Municipality builds administrative building
Damauli, March 29: The Myagde Rural Municipality in Tanahun district has built a state-of-the-art administrative building with the investment of 60 million rupees. The administrative building is located at Naringe area of ward no. 4 of the rural municipality.
Chief Administrative Officer of the rural municipality, Narayan Prasad Adhikari, said that the entire administrative services will be delivered from the new office from April 15.
The building was built with the money received from the fund of the Tanahun District Coordination Committee and the rural municipality’s internal resource mobilization.
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Quality healthcare warrants skilled workforce: Minister Yadav
Mahendranagar (Dhanusha), March 29: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population, Upendra Yadav, viewed quality healthcare warrants skilled human resources.
Inaugurating a newly constructed birthing centre at a province hospital under the Madhesh Academy of Health Sciences here on Friday, the Minister insisted on enhancement of physical infrastructures with sound technical management to ensure quality health services. On this occasion, he made aware the hospital workforces that people deserve best health service.
He hoped the Madhesh Province would soon witness betterment in the health sector as, he shared, Janakpurdham, Rajbiraj, and Birgunj cities were reporting significant developments to this front.”
The 75-bed delivery centre was constructed at a cost of around Rs 1.4 million. Academy Vice-Chancellor Dr Ankur Shah presided over the programme where various province ministers including the minister for health and population, Shatrudhan Prasad Singh were present.
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One billion meals go waste at household across world in a day: UNEP report
Kathmandu, March 29: At least one billion meals go to waste at household level across the world every day, that is to say, per person waste amounts 79kg of food in average in a year, according to a recent report released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Food Waste Index Report, 2024 released by UNEP on Wednesday stated that the food waste, including the edible ones, is equivalent to 1.3 meals every day for those suffering hunger globally.
The household food waste in Nepal stands 93kg per capita annually as per report. The data stands at 55kg per capita annually in case of India while at 76kg per capital per year in case of China.
“In 2022, the world wasted 1.05 billion tonnes of food. This amounts to one fifth (19 per cent) of food available to consumers being wasted, at the retail, food service, and household level. That is in addition to the 13 percent of the world’s food lost in the supply chain, as estimated by FAO, from post-harvest up to and excluding retail,” the report mentioned.
Food waste: Market failure, environmental failure
The report has defined ‘food waste’ as ‘food and the associated inedible parts removed from the human food supply chain.’ It has dubbed food waste as a market failure which results in the throwing away of more than one trillion US dollars worth of food in a year.
Importantly, the report has extensive links of food waste to SDGs and climate actions. The food waste is also described as an environmental failure in the document. “Food waste generates an estimated 8–10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions (including from both loss and waste), and it takes up the equivalent of nearly 30 per cent of the world’s agricultural land,” it reminded.
The report has sought a special role from G20 countries to raise awareness about food waste at home and transfer knowledge on it to others. It read: “G20 countries can take a leading role in international cooperation and policy development to deliver SDG 12.3, can use their substantial influence on global consumer trends to promote awareness and education about food waste at home, and can share their expertise with countries just getting started in tackling this issue.”
In this connection, the UNEP News wrote: “Food waste is a global tragedy. Millions will go hungry today as food is wasted across the world,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
“Not only is this a major development issue, but the impacts of such unnecessary waste are causing substantial costs to the climate and nature. The good news is we know if countries prioritise this issue, they can significantly reverse food loss and waste, reduce climate impacts and economic losses, and accelerate progress on global goals,” Andersen added.
Similarly, the document has shown south Asia having highest household food waste data points- with 31 estimates over seven countries, which it said equates to an estimate for all countries in the sub-region except Iran and Nepal.
The authors of the report are Hamish Forbes, Eloise Peacock, Nettie Abbot and Michael Jones (WRAP). Similar report was made public last time in 2021.
The UNEP has underlined the need of addressing food waste at individual and systemic levels by setting targets and channelizing efforts accordingly. International collaboration among countries- both developed and developing ones- has also been equally stressed for addressing this global challenge.
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Minister Sharma urges int’l community to invest in Nepal’s IT sector
Kathmandu, March 29: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has called on the international community to lay out money in Nepal’s information technology sector.
Inaugurating the 10th AGM of the Nepal Italy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) here Friday, the Minister claimed Nepal had enabled an atmosphere for investment in IT industry.
“Recognizing IT as a basic need and the national priority, we’ve opened up avenues for investment,” the Minister said, adding that the government has sought the investment-friendly policy to promote foreign investment in IT sectors except those areas relating to civic and State’s data security and national sovereignty.
Removal of the ceiling on foreign investment in the IT sector and online facilities for registrations and renewal are among the latest provisions that the government ensured to encourage foreign lay out of money in the country, according to the Minister. IT companies in Nepal need a minimum investment for the operations and it has availed the skilled IT resources as well, she reminded.
“Though official data is yet to be determined, around 100 thousand IT graduates are exploring IT capabilities in Nepal, exporting their skills and services abroad,” the Minister informed, adding, “I thus assure of an atmosphere conducive for operations of IT industries in Nepal in terms of policies, laws, and availability of human resources and especially urge international investors to put money in the IT sector.”
On the occasion, the Minister who also serves as the government Spokesperson said Nepal is preparing for the Investment Summit, urging the NICCI to encourage businesspersons from Italy to invest in Nepal.
As she said, there are preparations for revising numerous laws promptly given the Investment Summit to be held on April 28-29. “Nepal and Italy have been enjoying a smooth relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations on August 31, 1959,” she said. According to her, Nepal highly acknowledges Italy’s assistance to Nepal after the earthquake, especially in the rebuilding of cultural and historic heritages and the friendship between the two countries will remain ever-lasting.
Highlighting the increasing trade relations between Nepal and Italy, the Minister pressed the need for Nepal to scale up exports to Italy. Italy is one of the major contributors of tourists to Nepal. Nepal remains one of the world’s attractive destinations, according to Minister Sharma.
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SC rescinds HoR’s suspension of lawmaker Gurung
Kathmandu, March 29: The Supreme Court on Friday decided to overturn the suspension of House of Representatives (HoR) member Tek Bahadur Gurung, a Nepali Congress leader.
A division bench comprising Manoj Kumar Sharma and Binod Sharma took a decision to this effect. Gurung representing Manang in the Lower House was suspended from the post by the Federal Parliament Secretariat to be effective from December 23, 2022, citing he is alleged in a case of corruption.
Gurung later moved the apex court seeking to rescind the decision to suspend him from the position. The suspension and official documents to this regard were revoked by a certiorari.
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Security essential to country’s sovereignty, good governance: Minister Upreti
Kathmandu, March 29: Minister for Defence, Hari Prasad Upreti, has said security is essential to country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. It is also a precondition of good governance and development.
Minister Upreti expressed such view during a concluding ceremony of 16-day high-level national security training organised by Defense Ministry and Nepali Army at Army Command and Staff College, Shivapuri on Friday. Country’s existence can not be ensured along with fear-free environment for citizens without reliable security arrangement, according to him.
He underscored, “Protecting and promoting national security and welfare is the major responsibility of each Nepali citizen.” He pointed out the need of dialogue, coordination and collaboration among state bodies to make common concept for strong national security.
Expressing the belief that country’s internal and external security would be strengthened from effective implementation of national security policy, the Defence Minister mentioned that Nepal’s national security has its own challenges and importance in term of geopolitics. He laid emphasis on the need of facing challenges of the existing national security by utilizing economy, diplomacy, communication and information and military powers in favour of the country.
Similarly, Chief of Army Staff, Prabhuram Sharma, pointed out the need of cooperation, collaboration and integrated concept among state agencies to build safe and prosperous Nepal.
“Scope of national security has become wider in the wake of globalization and development of information technology. Further study and analysis on positive and negative sides of artificial intelligence should be carried out”, he underscored. During the two-week long training, discussion was zeroed in on diplomacy, economy, national security policy, geo-politics and foreign policy, climate change and its security challenge, strategy and plan formulation, humanitarian assistance and disaster management and civil-military relations.
A total of 29 people from different sectors, including ministries, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and media had participated in the ninth edition of the high-level national security training.
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T20 series: Nepal ‘A’ team lost to Ireland
Kathmandu, March 29: Nepal ‘A’ team has lost to Ireland’s ‘A’ team by 21 runs in the T20 series despite scintillating batting performance of Lokesh Bam.
Chasing the target of 223 runs presented by Ireland, Nepal could only make 201 runs in 19.3 overs at the loss of all wickets. Lokesh Bam stroke a century for Nepal. He gathered 106 runs with nine fours and eight sixes off 56 balls. Likewise, Asif Sheikh made 49 runs with one four and five sixes off 26 balls.
Other Nepali batsmen could not make spectacular performance against Ireland. Captain Binod Bhandari scored 16 runs with two fours and one six. Basir Ahmad was out with three runs in his credit.
Towards bowling, Ireland’s Finn Hand and Mathew Humphreys took three wickets each while Mathu Foster took two wickets. Tom Mayes and Gavin Hoey took one each. Invited to bat first after losing the toss under the T-20 series held at the Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University today, Ireland made 222 runs in the stipulated overs at the loss of five wickets.
Peter Moor scored 49 off 32 balls with four boundaries and three sixes. Captain Neil Rock and Cade made equal contributions with 38 runs. Stephen Doheny scored 34 off 16 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Likewise, Gareth Delany scored 30 runs unbeaten off 14 balls with two fours and three sixes. Gavin Hoey scored 18 runs off six balls with two sixes.
Kamal Singh Aire took three wickets while Sagar Dhakal and Arif Sheikh took one wicket each for Nepal.
Ireland’s ‘A’ team and Nepal’s ‘A’ team are taking on second match on Saturday.
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‘Govt. policy would not alter with change in minister’
Kathmandu, March 29: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun asserted no changes would be made in the result-oriented programmes designed during the tenure of erstwhile Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat.
During a meeting with World Bank Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos at the ministry on Friday, Minister Pun said there would be no substantial changes in government policy with the change in the minister.
Minister Pun claimed he has already imparted a message of taking ownership of the budget principles and priorities presented by former Finance Minister Dr Mahat in the parliament.
“Substantial changes should not be made in the policy with the change in minister. The state policy needs stability”, Pun said, adding, “There were recommendations from different corners for bringing changes in the principles and priorities. But, I did not deem it appropriate”.
Parliamentarians from both the Houses of the federal parliament responded each question regarding budget principles and priorities, Pun said, sharing that it was endorsed without any changes. He informed the third investment summit scheduled for coming April 28-29 and the meeting of International Development Association (IDA) under the World Bank be held in Kathmandu would take place in the pre-set date.
Minister Pun urged the World Bank’s senior official to send the message to the World Bank headquarters that the programmes would be held as per the schedule. In a different note, Minister Pun pledged to complete ongoing projects through the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA Nepal) within five years.
On the occasion, Minister Pun said Nepal is putting utmost efforts to increase capital expenditure. Sharing that 30 per cent of the capital budget allocated for the current fiscal year has been spent till Thursday, Minister Pun said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had directed the ministers and administrative leadership to increase capital expenditure in the meeting of the National Development Problem Resolution Committee. “The Prime Minister has clearly instructed all the ministers and concerned bodies to increase capital spending”, he said.
Finance Minister Pun expressed the belief that Nepal would be upgraded to developing country from the status of least developed country by 2026. He said the government was working to formulate necessary plans, policies and programmes for this purpose as well as to open new doors of legal reforms and investment.
The minister made it clear that Nepal’s internal resources alone could not make strides in development, so the emphasis was on concessional loans. Finance Minister Pun said preparations swere underway to construct the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, which is a game changer project, from internal sources.
In response, WB Country Director Zervos said the World Bank has been supporting Nepal’s development efforts since the past. Stating that the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed to invest in the Upper Arun Semi-Reservoir Hydropower Project and Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project, he stressed the need to expedite the works to conclude the financial management at the earliest.
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DPM Shrestha calls for Chinese cooperation to solve problems facing border people
Lhasa (China), March 29: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is presently on an official visit to China, has urged the Chinese side for its cooperation to address issues facing the residents along the Nepal-China borders.
During his meeting with Wang Junzheng, the Secretary of the Communist Party of Chinese for the Xizang autonomous region of China, on Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister sought cooperation to make arrangements for the use of pastureland along the bordering areas, to provide entry pass for Nepali containers and for electrification in Nepal’s highlands.
He recalled an agreement to resume 14 Nepal-China traditional transits during his meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, in Beijing, the Minister expected the facilitating role on behalf of the Xizang province government to implement the understanding.
On the occasion, he extended an invitation to the Xizang government, investors, and the business community to the Nepal Investment Summit that Nepal plans to host on April 28-29. He also called on the Chinese side to make provisions for resuming the Kathmandu-Lhasa Bus Service.
“Nepal is on the journey towards a rapid economic development following a political transformation,” he said, adding that the incumbent government is active in bringing happiness among the people through the means of economic empowerment. It is vital to win the people’s trust for a political change, system, and the stability of the government and the development is a precondition to proceed towards that end, according to the Minister.
Acknowledging the Chinese assistance to Nepal’s development so far, he said the support from China during crisis in Nepal is unforgettable. He also recalled his meetings with Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairperson, Wang Huning, and Foreign Minister Yi in Beijing and said the meetings were focused on further strengthening the bilateral ties.
Stating that Nepal strongly adheres to One-China Policy, he expressed commitment not to allow its soil to be used for any activities against China. DPM Shrestha stressed, “Nepal is firmed in this commitment. It has always given priority to its relations with China.” Sharing that Nepal and Tibet has relations since long, he mentioned that Nepal and China have cultural, commercial and intimate relations. Relations between the two countries are based on Panchasheel, he reminded.
Similarly, Secretary Wang expressed commitment to providing all necessary support to Nepal, sharing that they were positive for Nepal’s infrastructure development and to operate Lhasa-Kathmandu bus service again. Urging to be confident that 14 traditional check points would be reopened gradually, Secretary Wang underlined that they were positive for the arrangement of movement of the locals of border areas unhindered.
Nepali Ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Joint-Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Consul General of Lhasa, Navaraj Dhakal, Deputy-Chief of Mission, Beijing-based Nepali Embassy, Surendra Kumar Yadav, DPM’s Personal Secretary, Suresh Kaji Shrestha from Nepal were present in the meeting.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shrestha directed Nepali officials in Lhasa for effective delivery.
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