- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, May 6: Speaker Devraj Ghimire is scheduled to hold consultation with the top leaders of the major political parties, including the Prime Minister, at his office in Singha Durbar at 11.30 am tomorrow.
The Speaker has called a meeting with the top leaders of main parties in an effort to forge consensus before the start of the Parliament upcoming session, said Shekhar Adhikari, the press coordinator of the Speaker.
Speaker Ghimire has called Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli, the Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane ad the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden to the meeting.
The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, had continuously obstructed the parliament’s proceedings towards the end of the erstwhile session, calling for the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee to probe into the alleged involvement also of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Lamichhane, who is also the RSP president, in the misappropriation of the cooperative’s funds.
The Speaker called a meeting for discussion before the commencement of the next session after the Congress’ obstruction affected the House business in the previous session.
Speaker Ghimire called the meeting of the top leaders twice during the last session of the Parliament to clear the obstruction of the House, but the consensus effort did not bear fruit. Similarly, a separate discussion was held with the chief whips and whips as well as in the House Business Advisory Committee to resolve the issues raised in the House regarding the cooperative scam.
The monsoon session of Parliament is commencing on May 10. Speaker Ghimire has been meeting with the presidents of the Parliamentary Committees and the Whips collectively and with the Chief Whips separately in a bid to make the upcoming session of the Parliament effective.
The Speaker has called the meeting of top leaders nine times in a period of 15 months since he was elected to the post.
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Collaboration between large parties essential: NC chief Whip
Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur), May 6: Chief Whip of Nepali Congress, Ramesh Lekhak said that consensus, cooperation and dialogue will be necessary to protect the country from instability and to strengthen the federal democratic republic.
In a press conference organized by the Nepal Press Union Kanchanpur chapter in Mahendranagar today, he noted that there is dissatisfaction within the CPN (UML) in the current government and expressed his own doubts about the present ruling power equation.
“There is a strong opinion within the Nepali Congress and UML that big parties should form the government together,” he said, adding that people are also of the opinion that big parties should take the country in the right direction. However, there is no concrete progress about power sharing between Congress and UML, he said.
Even if it is not for running the government, cooperation and discussion between major parties is necessary for leading the country towards stability, to protect the constitution and to strengthen democracy. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ himself has expressed a positive opinion about investigation into cooperative sectors and said that the Congress is also positive about it.
NC leader Lekhak said that the position of the Congress on the involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane should be investigated. “Those who are in charge of investigating the matters such as misappropriation of cooperative funds are also accused”, he said, “We have not demanded resignation, but investigation.” He said that he is confident that the matter will be addressed before the Parliament meeting scheduled for May 10.
Prime Minister appeals for solidarity in execution of identity and national issues
Kathmandu, May 6: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has appealed to all the oppressed classes, ethnicities and communities to express their solidarity in implementing identity and the national issues.
At a programme to declare the launching of the Bagmati Province Government’s Language of Government Works Act, 2080 and the Language Day 2024 here today, PM Dahal made this appeal, calling on the oppressed classes, castes and communities to protect their rights by identifying their true representative.
Referring to the establishment of a constitutional system with federalism, republicanism, secularism, inclusion and proportionality, PM stressed that the solidarity of all should be expressed to complete the constitution.
“My party and I had waged a major struggle to establish identity and rights in the new constitution. We had played a decisive role for whatever rights were written in the constitution,” Prime Minister Dahal said, “Therefore, I heartily appeal to all the oppressed classes, castes and communities on this historic occasion to recognize their real representatives and show solidarity in the implementation of the national issue of identity and rights.”
Prime Minister Dahal expressed the belief that if sincere and continuous efforts are made, the remaining rights to be institutionalized in the constitution will gradually be established.
Stating that the constitution provides that in addition to the Nepali language, the province can decide on one or more other national languages spoken by the majority of the people in the province as the language for government works, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness that the Act passed by the Bagmati Provincial Assembly on the recommendation of the Language Commission to make provision for the provincial government’s official language has been implemented.
Stating that he had decided to celebrate Nepal Sambat as a national calendar during his first term as Prime Minister, PM Dahal said it was decided to make Nepal Sambat mandatory in the official documents in his third term and clarified that the implementation of that decision is underway.
The Head of Government stressed on the need to strengthen internal nationalism along with establishing identity and rights, stating that today is a special day of pride for those who want independence, self-respect and prosperity of the country.
Prime Minister Dahal said, “This day has given important inspiration and energy to the aspiration and commitment to build a socialist-oriented advanced nation by ending the existing class, ethnic, regional, gender, and regional oppression in the country. Therefore, today is an important day for the oppressed castes like Newa, Tamang, etc.”
Stating that he is constantly struggling for the identity and rights of all classes, castes, regions, genders and communities according to the characteristics and social structure of Nepali society, PM Dahal expressed the confidence this day will guide other provinces also towards addressing the linguistic, cultural rights by making the provincial laws as provided for in the constitution. It will also guide towards making the implementation of the Nepal Sambat further effective, he added.
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Operation of integrated check post, facilitates trade: Minister Bhandari
Janaki (Banke), May 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has said that with the operation of the Integrated Checkpoint (ICP), trade will be facilitated. Inaugurating the Integrated Customs Checkpoint located at Nepalgunj today, he said that after its formal operation, trade between the two countries will be further facilitated.
Minister Bhandari said that with the operation of checkpoints, smuggling will be controlled and internal revenue will increase. “The use of integrated checkpoints will also control the cross-border illegal trade,” he said, “The most important thing is that illegal imports will come under control.” The integrated customs check post built at the Nepal-India Jamunaha border point has been officially operational from today.
Customs officer Dhrubaraj Bishwakarma informed that the customs check post was officially opened after the inauguration by Minister Bhandari.
Built at a cost of around 2.75 billion rupees, the integrated check post has been formally put into operation 18 years after an agreement was signed between Nepal and India for its construction. Integrated check post has been built on both sides of Nepal and India. Although the land for building the facility on the Nepal side was allotted by the Government of Nepal, the infrastructure was built by the Government of India.
Then Home Minister of India Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of ICP in January 2019. However, the construction of the Integrated Customs Checkpoint (ICP) was started on 22 September 2020.
Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, inaugurated the ICP through remote technology system on 1 June 2023.
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Communications Minister Sharma bats for making Gorakhapatra competitive
Kathmandu, April 6: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that internal management should be strengthened to make the ‘Gorakhapatra’ competitive and reliable.
In a programme organized here today on the occasion of the 124th year of publication of Gorakhapatra and the 63rd anniversary of the newspaper publishing house, Minister Sharma opined for making the internal management strong in terms of financial and manpower management.
Minister Sharma said, “We have to think in a new way to make the Gorakhapatra a vibrant, competitive and leading newspaper.” She said that Gorakhapatra, which is the ‘mother’ of Nepali journalism, has a proud history, historical role and legacy as well.
“The role of Gorakhapatra is significant in the preservation and promotion of key evidences of different periods, collection of historical materials and Nepali language and literature on different perspective,” the Minister said, adding that Gorakhapatra’s contribution to Nepal’s political, economic and social transformation through journalism has been unforgettable.
Mentioning that the recent development of information and communication has expanded it to a wider range in terms of genre and technology. She said that Gorkhapatra should be able to increase its readership through the increasing access to information and ease of use among the general public.
Emphasizing that the Gorakhapatra must work as a bridge between the government and the people in addition to conveying the official news of the government, Minister Sharma said that the government media should make a programme to convey the good works of the government to the people and convey the people’s complaints and expectations to the government.
Similarly, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bipul Pokharel expressed his satisfaction that news with a critical tone has started to be published in Gorakhapatra and said that such issues should be given more priority. Emphasizing that the government and management should pay attention to ensure that Gorakhapatra does not become the mouthpiece of the government, he said that an environment in which editorial freedom can be exercised to the highest degree should be ensured.
Executive Chairman of Gorakhapatra Corporation, Bishnu Subedi said that Gorakhapatra is a witness in the history of political change and social transformation. Lal Bahadur Airi, general manager of Gorakhapatra, said that Gorakhapatra is active in giving not only information but also ‘truthful and reliable information’.
On this occasion, Minister Sharma presented the ‘Ramchandra-Indu Gautam Journalism Award-2080’ established by the Gorakhapatra Corporation Associate to senior journalist Nirmala Sharma. The prize amount is Rs 50,000.
In the programme, outstanding employees of Gorakhapatra Corporation Rajesh Chamling Rai, Jujukaji Ranjit and Sangeeta Khadka, outstanding journalists Saroj Dhungel, Nayak Paudel and Manoj Ratna Shahi, who completed 25 years of service, were awarded with long service medals.
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Only a free press consolidates democracy: President Paudel
Kathmandu, May 6: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the more the press is impartial, independent and strong, the more the democratic system is consolidated.
Addressing a programme organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at the Shital Niwas to mark the Ninth National Journalism Day 2081 today, he said press freedom is an important aspect of the overall society’s democratization campaign.
The Head of State stated that this sector has a significant role towards promoting the national interest by means of the journalism principles and professionalism. “I have the confidence that you will work with commitment towards enhancing the public faith on press, rendering it more professional, responsible and able to bear the responsibility towards society through the promotion of investigation and newness in journalism,” he added.
The President recalled that the role played by the Nepali press fraternity was important in ending the autocratic rule and establishment of the federal democratic republic. “Fair and independent journalism is possible only in a democratic government system, so now you will be more active in strengthening it and increasing people’s trust in this system,” he said.
Noting that with the development of information technology and the Internet, the increasing use of social media and the false and misleading information that can flow through it can mislead the citizens and weaken the system, President Paudel expressed his belief that the Nepali Press will move forward in a more effective manner in the coming days to provide true and factual information to the people, facing up to these challenges.
On the occasion, Prateek Pradhan and Tribhuvan Poudel (posthumously) were awarded with the Senior Journalist Honour 2080 while Menaka Chaudhary, Suryamani Gautam, Bhawani Singh Ayer, Deepak Gyawali, Tripti Shahi and Prem Bahadur Karki Dholi (Rajan KD) have been awarded with the National Journalism Award 2080.
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Nepal appeals world community to increase concessional aid
Kathmandu, May 6: Nepal has appealed to the international community to provide concessional assistance.
Addressing the 57th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Finance Secretary Madhukumar Marasini asked for the provision of concessional assistance as large capital must be mobilized to address the economy and development aspirations that have weakened due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He urged all development partners, including the Asian Development Bank, to increase financial and technical support, saying that Nepal has moved forward with the concept of green, resilient and inclusive development (GRID).
Secretary Marasini pointed out the need for collective efforts to make South Asia an area of emerging economic development and said that emphasis should be given fir the same. Pointing out the need for efforts, he said that emphasis should be placed on interdependence, innovation and digitization for the enhancement of interregional trade.
He said that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nepali economy has been affected by global economic challenges and in recent days, due to the contraction in economic activities due to revenue deficit and increasing debt obligations, Nepal, like many others, is facing slow economic growth and economic stagnation. The cooperation with the private sector has become inevitable.
Secretary Marasini shared that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the third investment conference was organized in Kathmandu to create an investment-friendly environment in Nepali economy. He mentioned that he believes that ADB can play an important role in creating an environment for investment in areas of comparative advantage such as tourism, hydropower and information technology.
Recalling that the ADB has been continuously supporting Nepal, Secretary Marasini expressed his gratitude for being a reliable partner in the development journey. He said that in the last decade, Nepal has advanced social inclusion and economic development together.
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Newari and Tamang languages declared as official vernacular within Bagmati province
Kathmandu, May 6: The Newari and Tamang languages have been brought into use as the languages for official works within the Bagmati province.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’ Prachanda’ declared the launching of the Bagmati Province Official Language Act, 2080 today.
On the occasion, he announced that these two languages have been brought into use as the languages for official communication in Bagmati province. The government has declared the official languages as today is also the Language Day, 2024.
The Bagmati Province Government has also given a public holiday within the province today to mark the occasion. The province government had had the Act certified on November 9, 2023.
A member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly, Bahadur Singh Lama said that although there are some difficulties for the implementation of Tamang and Newari languages, which have been brought into use as the official languages from today, as the languages for official purpose, everyone’s support and cooperation is necessary.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang and Minister of Youth and Sports Biraj Bhakta Shrestha were present in the programme chaired by Chief Minister of the province Shalikram Jammakattel.
President of Newa Deya Dabu, Pabitra Bajracharya thanked the Bagmati province government for implementing Newari and Tamang languages as official languages.
He said that the Newari and Tamang were brought into use as the languages for official use due to the initiative of Prime Minister Dahal, the Bagmati Provincial Government, all members of the Provincial Assembly and the Chief Minister. Bajracharya mentioned that regulations, commissions, monitoring committees and other bodies have yet to be formed for the implementation of the Act.
President of Nepal Tamang Ghedung, Mohan Gole, expressed his happiness that the long-standing demand has been addressed.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives of the Bagmati State Government, Shailendra Man Bajracharya, said that this day on which the official languages have been brought into use is an achievement of the federal system brought after the sacrifice of martyrs.
Prime Minister Dahal felicitated the poet Durgalal Shrestha by wrapping a shawl around his back as a mark of honour. On that occasion Janakavi Shrestha said that he will spend the rest of his life in linguistic movement.
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PM directs DoTM officials to resolve questions over driving license
Kathmandu, May 6: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ today discussed with the officials of the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) about the current situation of driving license and the solution to the problems seen in it.
In the discussions held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers AT Singha Durbar this afternoon, the Prime Minister discussed with the Department’s officials focusing on the current situation of driving license, the problems seen in the system of the Department, issues raised at the public level and the role to be played by the Department in this context.
During the discussions, the Prime Minister stated that there was dissatisfaction and anger among the general public regarding the issues over the driving license and directed the Department’s officials to address it immediately.
Prime Minister Dahal said, “Serious questions have been raised in the public sphere about the driver’s license. It shows serious criticism, dissatisfaction and anger of the people. Especially young people have complained about not getting service on time. The license was not distributed as it should have been. I have also heard about fake licenses being distributed. I have taken this problem seriously. Fix this problem immediately.”
In the discussion, the PM also instructed the Department to make the digital system of license more systematic. He said, “Is this policy problem, is it a structural problem or is it a problem in our intentions? Considering its seriousness, it should be decided accordingly. Therefore, solve the queries and questions raised at the public level seriously. Update and upgrade the existing system and prepare to move forward to the new system.”
The Prime Minister also instructed the DoTM to present concrete suggestions about what kind of policies and measures would be adopted to solve the problems of this sector as this is the time of policies and programs and budget.
Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal, DoTM Director General Uddhav Rijal and other officials were present in the discussion.
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Govt is working for rescue and repatriation of Nepalis in nations at war: DPM Shrestha
Kathmandu, May 6: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has asserted that the government has left no stone unturned for the rescue and repatriation of Nepali citizens in the countries which are engaged in war.
Speaking in a meeting of the Federalism Consolidation and National Concerns Committee today, he said talks are being held with the Russian government on topics as the number of Nepalis working in the Russian Army, information on their status, repatriation of the bodies of those killed in the war, compensation to be provided to the victims’ families and returning the Nepalis in the Russian Army by rescinding the agreement to that connection.
The DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister said the government has the information that the Nepalis are recruited in the Russian Army, several of them have been injured and are in distress, several Nepalis have been captured by Ukranian Army and many have been killed, reiterating that the government was making all diplomatic efforts for their rescue and return to Nepal.
“By agreeing on compensation, the Russian government has now started the process for the same. We have already forwarded the necessary documents for that,” he said, adding – “We have demanded that the Russian Army has an agreement with the Nepalis who have joined the Russian army, it should be canceled and they should be returned to Nepal. The agreement in principle to cancel the contract and send the Nepali recruits in the Russian Army back to Nepal is being prepared to proceed ahead in concrete manner.”
