Govt. to provide fellowship to 1,000 talented youths

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government has announced to provide fellowship to 1,000 talented youths from different sectors.

            Presenting the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the joint session of the federal parliament today, President Ramchandra Paudel said that the fellowship would be awarded to the youths, and the private sector would also be encouraged for the same.

            Likewise, the youth volunteer programme would be run for the mobilization of youth human resources and capacity enhancement. Similarly, the youth would be promoted as key partners and torchbearers in all aspects of social life by empowering them through skills development, financial literacy and entrepreneurship development training.

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27-       Policies and Programmes: Civil Service Law into effect soon

            Kathmandu, May 14: The federal civil service law will be implemented as soon as possible.

            According to the policy and program of the government for the next financial year, read out by President Ramchandra Paudel today, the civil administration will be made efficient and result-oriented by further organising the provincial civil service and local service. Administrative functional linkages between the three tiers of government shall be strengthened to make the service delivery more accessible.

            An integrated office management system based on information technology will be implemented. The cost, time and quality of services will be improved by eliminating the hassles faced by citizens when accessing services. The government has also pursued a policy to make the perks of civil servants timely, attractive, and fair. Training institutions will be integrated to provide better training opportunities for the government employees while performance agreements with employees shall be made objective and measurable.

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28-       Doubt that policy and programmes will be implemented, says main opposition NC

            Kathmandu, May 14: Leaders of the main opposition Nepali Congress and Rastriya Prajatantra Party have expressed their doubt over the implementation of the annual policies and programs of the government of Nepal for the upcoming financial year 2081/82.

            Responding to media persons’ queries about the policy and program presented by President Ramchandra Poudel at the joint meeting of the federal parliament earlier today, NC leader and former finance minister Dr Prakasharan Mahat said we are not confident that this policy and program will be implemented. “As there is a difference between what the government says and it does, we cannot trust that it will be put into action,” he said.    

            Also a former finance minister, NC leader Gyanendra Bahadur Karki said that there is nothing (in the policy and programme) that gives any hope to the nation and many important things are missing. There is nothing concrete to pull the country out from the shocks of the global financial crisis. Furthermore, fraud in the financial co-operatives, a matter of great public concern, did not come up.

            In the similar vein, Chief Whip of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Gyanendra Bahadur Shahi, said that the policy does not give priority to employment generation and agricultural technology. It is only limited to mere rhetoric.

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29-       Govt. to update Cooperatives policy

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government is to make a provision to ensure that the financial cooperatives are operated as per their purpose of establishment.

            Furthermore, the cooperatives policy will be updated, with the provision for a specialized regulatory body for intensive supervision and regulation of the cooperatives.

            Given the recent scandals involving financial cooperatives in the country, the Government has also decided to establish the Cooperative Savings and Credit Security Fund, Cooperative Credit Information Centre, and Cooperative Debt Recovery Tribunal to protect the savings and investments of the cooperatives.

            According to the policy and program of the government for the next financial year, read out by President Ramchandra Paudel today, arrangement will be made for the cooperatives for compulsory affiliation with the Cooperative and Poverty Management Information System.

            Meanwhile, the savings and credit cooperatives operating in the will be encouraged to merge with each other.

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30-       OPD services to be run in two shifts in large hospitals

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government has announced running out-patient door (OPD) services in two shifts in the hospital with sufficient means and human resources.  

            Presenting the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the joint session of the federal parliament today, President Ramchandra Paudel said that the federal hospitals would be restructured on the basis of their workloads.

            Bir Hospital, National Trauma Centre, Kanti Children’s Hospital and some other hospitals having enough human resources will run OPD services in two shifts while the infrastructures of Kanti Children’s Hospital would be upgraded to ensure state-of-the-art services.

            “Kanti Children’s Hospital will be equipped with the construction of additional infrastructures and upgradation. Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre will be developed as an institution capable of producing specialists in Cardiology,” according to the announcement made by President Paudel.

            Likewise, the upcoming year’s policies and programmes document has stated that he construction of the hospitals, which are at the completion stage of the procurement process, will be started and the federal hospitals or health science academies at the provincial level will be upgraded to 500 beds respectively.

            “Human organ transplant institutions and services will be upgraded and expanded. Special programmes will be conducted for safe motherhood and disease control. A free screening programme for prevention of cervical cancer and vaccination services for girls in the age group of 10 to 14 years will be extended to district hospitals,” the President read while unveiling the policies and programmes document.

            As announced, the public health surveillance system will be strengthened for pandemic prevention, control, and preparedness and response to health emergencies and the health personnel will be deployed at border and entry points. “A separate institutional arrangement will be made for the prevention of non-communicable disease. An action plan based on the “One Health Policy” will be implemented to minimize probable adverse effects on human health from animals, plants, and the environment.”

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31-       Govt. adopts policy of zero tolerance against corruption

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government has adopted the policy of zero tolerance against corruption while strengthening regulatory bodies with necessary law, human resources, means and resources.

            Presenting the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the joint session of the federal parliament today, President Ramchandra Paudel said that the province and local level governments will be made accountable for implementing strategies and action plans related to corruption control.

            “Promotional, preventive and curative measures will be adopted in an integrated form by identifying high corruption-prone areas. A new national strategy and action plan will be implemented to effect the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the commitments made by Nepal in this regard,” read the government policies and programmes.

            Likewise, the President announced that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) will be further strengthened as a competent institution to maintain good governance and to carry out objective investigation, research and prosecution on corruption-related acts.

            “The National Vigilance Centre will be further strengthened to carry out preventive and promotional measures related to corruption control. This centre will be developed as a more capable organization for technical testing of the quality of development projects with legal arrangements,” according to the President. Furthermore, fraud, unfair transactions including usury, economic and financial crimes like forgery and illegal activities like improper exploitation of public property and resources will be strictly controlled as announced in the government’s policies and programmes document.

            Fiscal discipline and financial accountability will be strengthened at all three tiers of government by making audits objective and credible and the task of clearing the irregular amount in public bodies will be carried out as a campaign.

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32-       Budget will be announced in line with govt. policies and programmes: Finance Minister

            Kathmandu, May 14: Minister for Finance Barshaman Pun has said that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be brought to implement the government’s policies and programmes announced on Tuesday.

            Talking briefly to the media after the announcement of the upcoming fiscal year’s policies and programmes from the President on Tuesday, Finance Minister Pun argued that there will not be incompatibility in the government’s policies and programmes, and budget.

            “There used to be complaints about the incompatibility between the budget, and policies and programmes but it will not happen this time,” according to the Finance Minister.

            He said that the government’s policies and programmes are good and the budget will be brought to supplement the announcements.

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33-       HoR meeting: main opposition continues to obstruct

            Kathmandu, May 14: Main opposition Nepali Congress has obstructed the House proceeding raising its earlier demand in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives.

            Today’s meeting of the HoR has been postponed following the obstruction of the main opposition party. NC has put forth its demand for the formation of a probe committee on the issue connected to the involvement of Deputy Prime Minster and Home Minster Rabi Lamichhane.

            In the joint sitting of both the Houses of federal parliament today, President Ramchandra Paudel had presented the annual policy and programme of the government for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS.

            In today’s meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was scheduled to table a copy of President Paudel’s address to the joint sitting of both houses of the federal parliament and thank President Poudel.

            Speaker Devraj Ghimire was scheduled to read out the letter related to the certification of the bill received from the Office of the President and the appointment of Ministers in today’s meeting. The speaker was also scheduled to nominate the members to preside over the meeting as per rule 10 of the House of Representatives Regulations, 2079 BS.

            Next meeting of the HoR will take place at 11.00 am on May 16. Meanwhile, today’s meeting of the National Assembly has been adjourned without entering the agenda following protests by lawmakers from the main opposition.

            The meeting was scheduled to present a motion of thanks to the President. The next meeting of the National Assembly will be held at 1.15 pm on Thursday.

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34-       Mixed response to policy and programmes

            Kathmandu, May 14: Leaders of various political parties have given mixed reaction to the policy and programs of the government for the coming financial year. President Ramchandra Paudel tabled the policy and programmes at the joint sitting of the Federal Parliament earlier today.

            The parliamentarians of the ruling party have defended the program calling it positive and transformative, while the leaders of the opposition party call it conventional and not so promising.

             CPN (Maoist Center) leader Madhav Sapkota said that the policies and programs are good overall, while emphasizing on its implementation.  Stating that self-employment as well as programmes focused on the youth are good, MP Sapkota  said the major step now is to introduce the budget according to policies and programs and the will of the government to implement them.

            Vice-president of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Dr Swarnim Wagley, said that dozens of reforms have been put forward and the possibility of its linkage with the budget has increased. The idea in the form of the policy and programmes needs to be realised through the budget.

            CPN (US) leader Rajendra Pandey described that the policy and program as a routine duty held every year. “The policy program is not meant to give enthusiasm to the people and address the current political situation.”

            Meanwhile, leader of the main opposition, NC, Chandra Bhandari said that policies and programs have included similar themes for 34 years of multi-party system in Nepal. “If only 20 percent of the policies and programs are implemented, the country would have taken leaps towards prosperity”, he said.

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35-       ‘Madhav Kumar Nepal in Communist Movement of Nepal’ launched

            Kathmandu, May 14: A book entitled ‘Madhav Kumar Nepal in the Communist Movement of Nepal’ has been launched today.

            The book, authored by Parmananda Bhatta, has incorporated several issues, including formative struggle and organizational leadership, CPN (UML)’s minority government, party cleansing campaign, peace process and republic and realization of the need of Madhav Nepal.

            Launching the book at a programme today, former President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said the role played by former Prime Minister Nepal for the peace process and democratic constitution-making process would be ever remembered. He further said the book would provide knowledge to the citizens of different generations about political evolution in the country.

            The former President said Nepal has been established as a simple, virtuous and honest statesman having comprehensive understanding of the country. Also speaking on the occasion, CPN (Unified Socialist) chair and former PM Nepal said the book having historical anecdotes would remain as a crucial document. He commented that the feedbacks of the readers would be taken as a source of inspiration for future.

            Leader Nepal said another book with historical facts and truths is also under preparation.

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36-       Integrated rescue and response system in the offing

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government is to introduce an integrated emergency rescue and response system by strengthening technical capacity of the mechanisms and equipment mobilized in disaster response.

            Furthermore, risk reduction tasks will be mainstreamed sectorally in order to mitigate direct economic and social loss caused by natural disasters.

            According to the government’s policy and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, capacity and participation of citizens in disaster management, including controlling of fire, wildfire, and flood and landslides, will be augmented. “Arrangements will be made to mobilize advanced equipment including helicopter, fire brigade, etc. to minimise the loss of lives and properties caused by disasters.”

            Meanwhile, early warning system will be made reliable for the management of water and weather-induced disasters including floods, storms, and lightning. Weather forecast and early warning system will be extended over tourist trails.

            The government shall also accord high priority to reconstruction and rehabilitation of disaster-affected structures. Retrofitting, reconstruction and rehabilitation works of private residences and public structures damaged by earthquake with epicentres at Jajarkot, Bajhang, and Doti will be completed soon.

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37-       Hearing on Cricketer Lamichhane’s case to continue tomorrow

            Kathmandu, May 14: Hearing on the appeal, filed by cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane against the decision of the District Court to find him guilty of rape, will continue in Patan High Court tomorrow.

            Arguments by both the sides concluded today before the bench of Judge Sudarshandev Bhatt and Anju Upreti. However, the hearing was not completed and it will continue on Wednesday.

            The District Court of Kathmandu convicted Lamichhane of rape and sentenced him to eight years in prison along with a fine.

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38-       Construction of cricket stadiums to be expedited

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government is going to give high priority to the construction of sports infrastructure in the new fiscal year.

            Accordingly, the construction of cricket stadiums in Mulpani (Kathmandu), Biratnagar (Morang) and Fapla (Kailali) will be expedited. Furthermore, the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium, which is currently under-construction in Bharatpur, Chitwan will be moved forward in collaboration with the federal, province and local level governments. Additional construction works, including the upgradation of the Kirtipur Cricket Stadium, will be prioritized.

            According to the government’s policy and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, presented by President Ramchandra Paudel at the federal parliament today, youth will be advanced as important partners and contributors in all spheres of social life through skill development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training.

            Arrangements will be made to provide fellowships to 1,000 talented youths in various fields, also encouraging the private sector will be encouraged to offer fellowships to youths. Opportunities will be created for sports and yoga practice for everyone.

            Meanwhile, national-level competitions will be organized for the promotion of Nepal’s native and traditional sports as well as to discover talented athletes. An international competition of modern-tech e-sports will be organized, along with age-specific sports competitions for children.

            The government has also work to increase the participation of women in sports, with career development opportunities for all the athletes. Nepali athletes who win in international sports competition will be rewarded with subsistence allowance.

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39-       Government policies and programmes: climate change issues on special priority

            Kathmandu, May 14: The government is set to chart out a plan of action to replace the fossil fuel with clean and renewable energy so as to attain the net zero carbon emission target by 2045.

            The government will prepare an action plan with a goal to execute the commitments made before the international community.

            The national policy and action plan for mitigation and adaptation of climate change and disaster risk reduction is to be implemented, according to the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, presented in the meeting of the federal parliament by President Ramchandra Paudel today.

            The government plans to organize an international dialogue programme on ‘Climate change, the future of mountains and mankind’ to draw the world’s attention to the risks posed by the climate crisis in the least developed and mountainous countries, to create sensitivity, to build networks of stakeholders and to mobilize climate finance result-oriented.

            Similarly, the government plans to achieve resilience by increasing adaptive capacity by reducing the negative impacts of climate change, keeping the high mountainous region and river system alive and addressing the effects of climate change in the mountains, hills and Terai regions in an integrated and balanced manner.

            The ‘President Climate Change Management Programme’ is to be implemented to conserve Chure region. The government’s programme includes expanding use of the international funds related to climate and establishing rights over such funds. The government’s policies and programmes include intensive advocacy in international fora for access and unconditional access to climate finance and diplomatic initiatives to receive financial assistance from the international funds under loss and damage due to climate change.

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