- Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Kathmandu, May 14: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged the main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, to help create an environment in which the government’s policies and programmes can be presented in the parliament without any hindrance.
In a discussions held at the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar this morning with NC Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak and general secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, the PM urged the main opposition party to help in the operation of the House in a smooth manner, as President Ramchandra Paudel is scheduled to present the policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the joint sitting of the Parliament this afternoon.
“The Prime Minister urged for support in the President’s address and the smooth operation of the parliament meeting. The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to resolving the problem related to the cooperative fraud. The PM has expressed his intention to resolve this problem. We want to see this commitment translated into practice,” NC Chief Whip Lekhak said, talking to journalists following the meeting with the PM.
The NC has been obstructing the parliament, calling for forming the parliamentary investigation committee, alleging the involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s involvement in the cooperatives fraud scam.
Lekhak said that they informed the PM that the NC Parliamentary Party meeting scheduled for today itself will discuss implementing the PM’s request and reach to a conclusion.
—
NC to allow presentation of govt’s policies and programmes in parliament
Kathmandu, May 14: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress (NC), is to allow the presentation of the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the Federal Parliament today.
The main opposition party had been obstructing the proceedings of the House of Representatives before this calling for forming a parliamentary committee for conducting impartial investigation into the cooperative scandal.
A meeting of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party today decided to allow President Ramchandra Paudel to present the government’s policies and programmes for the next fiscal year in the joint sitting of the Federal Parliament today, the NC Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak said.
President Paudel is scheduled to present the policies and programmes in the Federal Parliament’s joint meeting at 3.00pm today.
The NC has however stated that it will not allow running the parliament proceedings in the discussions following the agenda of presenting the policies and programmes until the parliamentary investigation committee is formed.
The Nepali Congress has been demanding for forming a parliamentary committee for carrying out a fair investigation alleging that Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s name was also linked to the misappropriation of the cooperatives’ funds.
—
PM Dahal’s directive to observe Republic Day in constructive way
Kathmandu, May 14: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged one and all to observe this year’s Republic Day in special and constructive way for three days from May 27.
A meeting held under chairmanship of Prime Minister Dahal at Singha Durbar today formed a ‘Republic Day Main Celebration Committee, 2081’.
Deputy prime ministers, ministers, mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, chief secretary of the Government of Nepal, the Chief of the Army Staff, mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, secretaries of the Government of Nepal, Gazetted first class officers, the Inspectors General of the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force and Director of the National Investigation Department are the members of the Committee.
The government has been observing Jeth 15 every year as the Republic Day since the establishment of republicanism on Jeth 15, 2065 (May 28, 2008) in the country.
A decision was taken to organise programmes including illumination at public offices in Nepal and Nepali embassies and missions abroad.
The meeting also determined the programmes to be organised at federal government and central –level, Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions in abroad, the province capital, district and local-levels.
It also formed publicity sub-committees under coordination of Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology as well as other sub-committees.
—
Silwal is RSS Chief Editor and Pathak Chief Reporter
Kathmandu, May 14: Responsibility of chief editor and chief reporter of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) has been swapped. Uttam Silwal has assumed the responsibility of Chief Editor while Yek Raj Pathak took charge as the Chief Reporter at the National News Agency.
Earlier, Pathak was serving as the Chief Editor while Silwal as the Chief Reporter. According to the RSS management, responsibility of both has been changed effective from today.
Both of them handed over their responsibility to each other in the presence of RSS News Division Chief and Deputy General Manager Somnath Lamichhane, RSS Board member and Feature Service Chief Krishna Adhikari, among others.
Both Silwal and Pathak entered RSS service on March 2, 2000 (Falgun 19, 2056 BS).
—
Government forms Republic Day Main Celebration Committee
Kathmandu, May 14: The government has formed the Republic Day Main Celebration Committee in view of commemoration of the Republic Day on Jeth 15 (May 28) in the Nepali calendar.
A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ today formed the Republic Day Main Celebration Committee, 2081 BS’.
The Committee comprises the deputy prime ministers, ministers, Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor, government chief secretary, the Chief of Army Staff, the Lalitpur metropolis mayor, government secretaries, special class gazetted officers, the Inspector General of Nepal Police, the Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Nepal, and director of the National Investigation Department among others.
Jeth 15 each year is celebrated as the Republic Day in commemoration of the establishment of the republic in the country on May 28, 2008. The government has decided to observe the Republic Day celebrations for three days beginning on May 27. The celebrations will also be held in the Nepali embassies abroad.
The meeting decided to celebrate the Day from the central to local levels.
Various sub-committees including the Publicity Sub Committee coordinated by the secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology have been formed to make preparations for the celebrations of the Republic Day.
—
Cabinet endorses Policies and Programmes
Kathmandu, May 14: The government has passed the Policies and Programmes for the upcoming fiscal year.
A cabinet meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, today approved the policies and programmes, said Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Spokesperson of the government, Rekha Sharma.
President Ramchandra Paudel is scheduled to present the policies and programmes of the coming fiscal year in a joint session of the Federal Parliament this afternoon.
The meeting also endorsed the 16th five-year plan, shared Minister Sharma. The National Planning Commission had sent the draft of the 16th periodic plan (2081/81-2085/86) to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Sunday for final endorsement.
—
Sudurpaschim government spends just 34.5 per cent of total budget
Attariya (Kailali), May 14: The Sudurpaschim government’s budget expenditures for the past 10 months of the current fiscal year amount to just 34.5 per cent, totaling Rs 10 billion 646 million.
According to Yagyaraj Pandey, the Information Officer at the Office of the Province Financial Comptroller, Kailali, current expenditures in this period amount to Rs 5 billion 34 million, while capital expenditures amount to Rs 5 billion 611 million.
The highest spending is in the infrastructure development sector, with over Rs 4 billion 920 million spent in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.
Similarly, the Social Development Ministry’s spending is Rs 2 billion 470 million, followed by Rs 787 million for the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment, Rs 711 million for the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, Rs 146 million for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, Rs 140 million for the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, and Rs 66 million for the Economic Affairs Ministry.
According to the Office, the Province Legislature spent Rs 101 million, the Province Public Service Commission Rs 40 million, and the Province Policies and Planning Commission Rs 17.3 million during this time.
The total budget allocation in the province for the current fiscal year was Rs 29 billion 284 million: Rs 11 billion 961 million for current expenditures, Rs 17 billion for capital expenditures, and Rs 3 million for financial management.
—
Speaker Ghimire in political talks to find way out of parliament impasse
Kathmandu, May 14: Speaker Devraj Ghimire today sat for talks with chief whips and whips of major political parties in a bid to build an atmosphere for running the House proceedings smoothly.
In the meeting held at the Speaker’s Office, Singha Durbar, the Speaker expressed his concern over the situation suggesting the possibility of obstructions in the upcoming HoR session in the absence of an understanding among the political parties.
He said the arrival of such a situation in the absence of political consensus was not expected when the House is scheduled to discuss the government policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, and the budget as well.
The Speaker drew the attention of political parties towards the possibility of effects on House business and a constitutional crisis due to a prolonged parliament impasse.
It may be noted that the major opposition Nepali Congress (NC) continues to obstruct the House proceedings demanding the formation of a parliamentary committee to probe the alleged role of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, the Chairperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party, in the misappropriation of the cooperative funds.
However, the NC has said it will be allowing the presentation of the government’s new policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in a joint sitting of the Federal Parliament today and continuing the obstructions thereafter. President Ramchandra Paudel is scheduled to present the government’s new policies and programmes in the joint session of the parliament later today.
Party whip Sushila Thing said the party will be supporting the presentation of the policies and programmes and it will obstruct the meeting summoned thereafter to table a thanksgiving proposal. “Our protests will continue until our demand to form the parliamentary probe committee is addressed.”
RSP’s Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar stressed that the NC should reconsider its decision to continue the House obstructions. “Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane was granted time by the Speaker to put his views in the previous meeting, but he could not air his views due to the obstructions. He should be allowed to put his views in today’s meeting as the continuity of the past,” he said.
During the meeting, the Speaker apprised the political parties of the agenda of today’s parliament’s joint session and a session of the House of Representatives.
Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, CPN (UML)’s chief whip Mahesh Bartaula and CPN (Maoist Centre)’s chief whip Hitaraj Pandey were among those present in the meeting with the Speaker.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Chairperson Narayana Prasad Dahal will be today sitting for discussions with leaders of political parties representing the upper house to seek ways to operate the NA business amidst the obstructions in the HoR.
—
Post-quake reconstruction to cost Rs 63.58 billion
Kathmandu, May 14: The preliminary estimate for the reconstruction of structures damaged due to the three earthquakes occurred at various times is Rs 63.58 billion.
The preliminary damage assessment conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) determined the damage worth approximately Rs 58 billion and the reconstruction is estimated to cost over Rs 63.5 billion.
Chief of NDRRMA, Policy, Planning and Monitoring Division, Bharat Mani Pandey said the required process for the reconstruction has been moved ahead after carrying out the preliminary study.
An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale and with epicentre at Ramidanda of Jajarkot district struck on November 3, 2023. One hundred and fifty-four people were killed and 366 others injured in this disaster. A temblor measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit Bajhang on October 3, 2023, killing one person and injuring 30. Before this, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale occurred in Doti on November 8, 2022, resulting in the death of six people and injuries to eight others.
These three earthquakes damaged 95,787 houses, as per the NDRRMA data. The damage to this many houses is estimated to be worth Rs 43.39 billion. Apart from this, 204 school buildings, 70 government and public buildings, 11 cultural heritages, nearly 200 kilometres of road and 121 irrigation projects were damaged due to the earthquakes.
The Jajarkot earthquake caused the largest extent of human and property damage. More than 86 thousand houses were damaged in this disaster alone.
The NDRRMA preliminary assessment estimated the total cost of Rs 63.58 billion for the reconstruction of different sectors- Rs 52.46 billion for the reconstruction of private houses, government buildings, and health, education and cultural buildings, Rs 7.18 billion for the reconstruction of other infrastructure sectors and Rs 1.73 billion for the enterprises sector.
Necessary process for the reconstruction is being forwarded on this basis. A decision was already taken to ask for consent of the Finance Ministry for necessary budget for this purpose after approving the concept of detailed damage assessment to carry out retrofitting, reconstruction and resettlement of quake-damaged private and public building and other physical infrastructures in Jajarkot, Bajhang and Doti.
NDRRMA Executive Chief Anil Pokharel shared that reconstruction activities would be forwarded as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee chaired by Home Minister had already approved the ‘Retrofitting, Reconstruction and Resettlement Grant Procedure for Private Houses of Disaster Affected, 2081’.
This time, the beneficiaries would be categorized as ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ and housing reconstruction activities would be forwarded.
Much responsibility has been given to the local levels in the procedure. The local-level would keep preliminary record of the losses. The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee would identify the beneficiaries by reviewing the details received from local levels. Thereafter, an agreement would be reached between beneficiaries and ward chairperson.
A procedure has been prepared to complete reconstruction within two years after signing agreement.
—
Historian Nepal passes away
Kathmandu, May 14: Noted historian Gyanmani Nepal passed away this afternoon at the age of 92. Suffering from cardio and kidney related diseases, Nepal breathed his last in course of treatment at Manmohan Cardiovascular and Transplant Centre, Maharajgunj.
The final rites of the historian Nepal would be performed at Pashupati Aryaghat, said Nepal’s younger brother Ekmani Nepal. Gyanmani is survived by two sons. Born in 1989 BS in Bhojpur, Nepal is known as expert and researcher of Nepal’s cultural history.
He has penned more than two dozens of books including ‘Nepalnirupan’, ‘Nepal ko Mahabharat’, ‘Pashupatinath ko Darshan’. Nepal was active in research and study of history even in his old age.
—
President Paudel presenting government’s policies and programmes in Parliament
Kathmandu, May 14: President Ramchandra Paudel is currently presenting government’s annual policies and programmes for the coming fiscal year 2024/25 in the joint session of the Federal Parliament.
In the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ submitted the policies and programmes to the President. There is a practice of the President presenting government’s annual policies and programmes in the joint sitting of the federal parliament before the presentation of the budget 15 days later.
Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, former chairperson of Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi, former Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota, heads of constitutional bodies, chief secretary of the government Dr Baikuntha Aryal, Chief of the Army Staff, Prabhuram Sharma, representatives of diplomatic missions in Nepal, leaders of civil society and people from media sectors are present in the meeting as special guest.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairperson Narayana Prasad Dahal, Deputy-Speaker Indira Rana, NA Vice-Chairperson Bimala Ghimire, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, among other officials, welcomed President Paudel upon his arrival at New Baneshwor-based Federal Parliament Building.
A contingent of the Nepali Army offered a guard of honour to the President on the occasion.
—
Supreme Court launches online registration of cases
Kathmandu, May 14: The Supreme Court has launched online registration of cases and sending notification of the cause list via the automated system from today.
Inaugurating the service, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha expressed the confidence that with the launching of this service it would be easy and convenient for the people from the far-flung areas to avail of this service.
He said preparations are being made to gradually implement this system developed by the Supreme Court’s Information Technology Section at the High and District courts as well. The Chief Justice urged one and all to cooperate in making this accomplishment successful.
“Information technology promotes transparency ad this technology has been used provide access to justice to the members of the general public and people living in remote areas. All the writs and cases can be now registered online. This should be made successful,” he added.
It is believed that the use of this system will facilitate remote and online registration of cases through firms, which will reduce both the cost and time of in-person registration of cases at the court.
Likewise, the Supreme Court has stated that no fees are charged for using this system for registering cases, works like case registration will gradually be paperless and management of archives will be easier with the development of the digital files of cases, among others.
—
Minister Bhandari, Romania’s non-resident ambassador meet
Kathmandu, May 14: Daniela Mariana Sezonov Tane, Romania’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal, today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari.
In the meeting that took place at the latter’s office, the Minister expressed gratitude to the government of Romania for its continued support of Nepal’s socio-economic development endeavors.
Nepal and Romania have established diplomatic relations since 1968 and the government of Nepal is committed to further strengthening these ties through the promotion of cooperation, and people’s people-to-people relations, the Minister said, adding that Nepal highly acknowledged the government from the European Union and the government of Romania.
Describing Romania as a major trade partner of Nepal, the Minister said Nepal imports coated flat-rolled iron, textiles, and specifically packaged medicine, computers, and other essential goods from Romania. “We are interested in further exploring the trade relations for the cause of mutual benefits,” he added.
He expressed his hope that the relations between Nepal and Romania will further grow ahead, adding that Nepal is effortful to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. As he said, Nepal highly prioritizes trade and investment for the achievement of post-Covid-19 economic recovery.
According to him, Nepal seeks substantial support, technology assistance, and partnerships from reliable development partners like the European Union and Romania for its development endeavors.
The recent Nepal Investment Summit ( April 28-29) identified investment sectors and formulated investment-friendly policies and legal provisions, Minister Bhandari informed the ambassador, calling upon Romania and Romanian citizens to invest in Nepal. He expressed his hope for an increased investment from the EU in Nepal.
On the occasion, ambassador Tane invited Minister Bhandari to visit Romania. As the diplomat stated, Romania is interested in investing in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism in Nepal. She also informed Minister Bhandari about the favorable market for Nepali handicrafts in Romania, urging him to promote the export of Nepalese handicrafts to Romania.
—
Football squad to play in World Cup qualifier announced
Kathmandu, May 14: A 28-member football team has been named today to play in the match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the second leg of the World Cup qualifiers.
Chief coach of the Nepali national football team, Vincenzo Alberto Annese announced the team in the initial phase.
Kiran Chemjong, Abisek Baral, Bishal Sunar and Santosh Mahat are the goal-keepers while Abisek Limbu, Ananta Tamang, Bimal Pandey, Bishal Basnet, Chhiring Lama, Rohit Chand, Sanish Shrestha, Saubhagya Rai, Ajaya Chaudhary and Yogest Gurung are the defenders among the selected players.
Likewise, Bharat Khawas, Laken Limbu, Mani Kumar Lama, Manish Dangi, Basanta Jimba, Phatteman Ghale, Rohan Karki and Sumit Shrestha will play as mid-fielders while Anjan Bista, Dinesh Henjan, Gillespie Jung Karki, Hisub Thapaliya, Samir Tamang and Sanjeev Bista are selected as forwards.
The match between Nepal and UAE was scheduled to be held on June 6 at the Dasharath Stadium, but the Asia Football Federation (AFC) has directed that the game be held at a ‘neutral venue’, citing the Stadium did not meet the standard.
—
NC President Deuba expresses grief over Regmi’s demise
Kathmandu, May 14: Nepali Congress president and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has extended grief over demise of Khagendra Raj Regmi, former President of NC, Syangja and former member of the National Assembly. Regmi was a tireless warrior of the democratic movement.
A condolence message issued today by President Deuba reads, “I am very shocked and saddened from the news of passing away of Regmi. He had played significant role in organisation expansion of the Nepali Congress and Nepal’s democratic movement. I pay heartfelt tribute to late Regmi. I on the behalf of the party and on my own wish eternal peace to the departed soul and extend deep condolences to the bereaved family members.”
Suffering from cancer, leader Regmi passed away at his own residence at Bhirkot-7 of Syangja today. He was 75 years. Born in 2006 BS, he had started politics from his student life and became National Assembly member in 2058 BS.
—
Policies and programmes: government to undertake legal, policy intervention to address cooperative issues
Kathmandu, May 14: The government has pledged to take necessary initiatives to address issues in the banking, financial institutes, microfinance, and cooperative sectors.
The government assured of this in its policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2081-82 BS ( 2024-25) presented by President Ramchandra Paudel before a joint sitting of the Federal Parliament today.
The government will be pursuing a policy to come with legal, policy-level, and some new provisions to address the issues plaguing banks, finances, and cooperatives.
As the government announced, regulation, supervision, and healthy competition will be promoted by implementing submissions achieved from various quarters to address the issues in such institutes and the capital market.
It has assured of the facility of loan re-tabulation and restructuring for microfinance debtors, adjusting the cooperative policy as per the need of time.
Cooperatives will be mandated to get connected to the Cooperative and Poverty-related Management Information System. Cooperatives with government ownership will be facilitated for integration and savings and credit cooperatives will be encouraged for going for a merger, according to the new government policies and programmes
The government aims to integrate scattered small capital to implement big projects and seek the involvement of private investment companies to operate and manage closed industries such as the Gorakhkali Rubber Industry, Butwal Spinning Mills, and Hetauda Garment Factory.
The government is to pursue policies for ensuring just, balanced and estimable revenue distribution.
Grants will be transferred with conditions being based on the objective criteria and integrated laws will be formulated for determining the mobilization and sharing of natural resources, investment, and profit-sharing among the three-level governments, as well as for resolving related disputes among them. The government has a policy of mobilizing innovative instruments of development finance with additional legal provisions for the encouragement of private capital mobilization.
It promises to undertake legal and structural interventions to enhance the domestic and external investment atmosphere and to expand it. As the government said, it will facilitate bringing about foreign loans and other mixed forms of investment.
“Nepal’s country rating will be concluded in the upcoming fiscal year. The approval process for domestic and foreign investment will be further simplified, making it convenient and predictable through the implementation of the automated digital system,” the fresh policies and programmes state.
—
