- Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Khotang, Dec 27: The KIrant community’s second grand festival, Sakela Udhali, commenced on Tuesday. The Kirant community of Khotang, also known as ‘Majhkirant’ celebrate ‘Udhauli’ from the full moon day in the month of Mangsir for 15 days and ‘Sakela Ubhauli’ from the full moon day in the month of Baisakh for a month.
The Kirant community of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality-11, Kharmi offered prayers and worship to the nature at their historical place, Rupakotgadhi, on the occasion of Udhauli Sakela.
Vice-Chairperson of Dumkim Kharmi, Dil Kumar Rai shared that greetings were mutually exchanged on the occasion of the festival.
There has been a history that Kiranti ancestor, Kharambu King, had ruled the Rupakotgadhi.
The Kirant community of Kharmi celebrated Ubhauli by offering prayers to the nature at Sakela site in their settlement. But, they mark the Udhauli in a bigger gathering at Rupakotgadhi. During Udhauli, the Kirants worship their ancestors and deities.
Folk music of Sakela was heard echoing in the Kirant settlements with the playing of Dholjhyamta drums and cymbals. The revelers performed traditional dances following the customary rituals in the throbbing drum beats and cymbals.
Sakela Udhauli festival was celebrated with much enthusiasm and gaiety in the eastern hilly districts of Khotang, Bhojpur, Udayapur as well as cities like Dharan, Itahari, Gaighat, Katari, Morang and in the federal capital Kathmandu.
The main celebration consists of a performance by participants standing in a circle in front of the Sakela shrine. It is said that the divine and the human, and the myth and the reality are reflected in the performance.
Sakela is a cultural performance. It represents the history, culture, civilisation, identity and philosophical life of the Kirat indigenous people. It is performed in various steps. These steps are an imitation of the ancestors’ tasks.
“The Udhauli and Ubhauli have been developed as a prosperous culture to promote ethnic tolerance, unity and fraternity”, said Chairperson of Kirant Rai Yayokhkha Khotang Yugshan Kirant.
He further shared, “The Sakela festival has played role to minimize conflict by keeping ethnic, religious and cultural good will and mutual reconciliation”.
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Compulsion to use wooden bridge to cross Doda river
Bedkot (Kanchanpur), Dec 27: Locals of Laljhadi Rural Municipality in Kanchanpur have been compelled to pay costs for using wooden bridge to cross the Doda River.
In absence of concrete bridge to cross the river, local folks have been bearing the costs for moving through the temporary wooden bridge.
Prema Rana, a local of Shuklaphanta municipality-11, Dekhatbhuli is a teacher of Siddhabaijanath Secondary School in Laljhadi-2. Rana said she has been paying costs for using wooden bridge to cross the river.
“We have been using the wooden bridge for years to cross the river. Now the state of bridge is also deteriorating”, she said, adding, “It is most difficult to cross the river in the rainy season”.
The residents of Laljhadi relying on the wooden bridge over the years have also been compelled to make a risky journey through tube.
“Years have elapsed since the promise was made for the construction of concrete bridge. When do the work get completed? There seems no preparation for this”, said Dhoke Rana, a local of Laljhadi-5. “We are compelled to cross the river by paying costs in absence of concrete bridge”, he added.
Local people have been paying Rs 10 for using cycle tube and Rs 20 for motorbike tube to cross the river.
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Government’s one year: education bill in parliament; timely access to textbooks ensured
Kathmandu, Dec 27: The incumbent government has presented registration of the bill related to school education in the parliament and easy availability of text books as its achievement in education sector in a year.
After the enforcement of the Nepal Constitution with a new federal republic in the country, the bill related to school education has been taken among the essentials for fulfilling fundamental rights and administrative restructuring in every sector.
The stakeholders comprising education sector advocates and province and local governments had been demanding enactment of the Federal Education Act at the earliest.
Due to delay in introducing the Act, there has been a persisting confusion in the scope of work and responsibilities among the three tiers of the governments.
Various debates have been made in regard to the federal education bill after its registration o in the parliament.
The incumbent government has put the education bill on priority since most of the parties in the last year election had emphatically included this agenda in their manifestoes.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of a year completion of the government on Tuesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ reiterated his emphasis on endorsing the school bill after adequate discussion in the parliament.
The bill was registered at the House of Representatives (HoR) on last September 13. The HOR Education, Health and Information Technology Committee had commenced deliberations on 1,758 amendment proposals on the bill since December 24.
Likewise, in the period, the government has freely distributed textbooks to around 5.2 million students of public schools from grade 1 to 12 before the start of the educational year.
It has averted unavailability of paper, delay in the revision of curriculum and deficit recurrent budget in Janak Education Material Center.
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Narayangarh-Butwal road section: 18-km blacktopped in eastern section
Nawalpur, Dec 27: The task of blacktopping in the eastern section of Narayangarh-Butwal road stretch along the East-West Highway has gained momentum.
Blacktopping has completed in 18.5 kilometers out of 65 kilometers from Gaidnakot to Daunne in the eastern section.
According to contract manager of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited Rakesh Jha, one side blacktopping with sub-base, construction of large bridges and walls along the road stretch and rivulet banks are being carried out.
He informed that road expansion works are being carried out in a way to complete one-side blacktopping in 42-km section in next two months.
He shared that emphasis has been laid on expediting the construction of big structures along the road.
“Four out of five kilometers in Daunne has been expanded by cutting the mountain area”, her said, adding, “Works are being expedited to complete soil cutting in remaining one kilometer section in next one month”.
Now the road expansion has gained momentum from Bhedabari to Jharahi khola of Gandakot as well as in Rajahar of Devchuli, Danda Bazaar of Kawaswoti and Kawaswoti Bazaar area.
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President Paudel arrives Baglung to attend Baglung Festival
Dhorpatan (Baglung), Dec 27: President Ramchandra Paudel has arrived in Baglung Bazar in Baglung. He arrived here on a Nepal Army helicopter at 10:02 am today and landed in the premises of NA battalion at Upallachaur of Baglung municipality-4.
Upon arrival, Baglung’s Chief District Officer, Khagendra Rijal welcomed the Head of the State who is scheduled to inaugurate the seventh Baglung Festival.
He will also pay homage to Baglung-based Kalika Temple and shortly after visiting the temple, the President will visit the Kundule-based Saligram Museum based in Baglung municipality-4, according to President of Baglung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Naresh Kandel.
The regular episode of Baglung festival was disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic and is taking place after an interval of four years. The event to commence today will run till January 6. It features over 120 stalls and is expected to be observed by around 700 thousand people.
Open women and men volleyball tournaments, an open duet song competition and a youth entrepreneur conference are the parts of the festival.
As the Chamber said, for those injured during the armed conflict, entry is free.
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President pays homage to Baglung Kalika
Dhorpatan (Baglung), Dec 27: President Ramchandra Paudel paid homage to goddess Baglung Kakila at the Baglung Kalika Temple today.
The President who arrived here today to attend the Seventh Baglung Festival visited the temple and performed puja with the help of temple’s main priest Jay Bahadur Khadka. He spent some 20 minutes for performing the puja, according to Kalika Bhagawati Temple Guthi Management Committee Chair Kumar Khadka. On the occasion, the President was offered ‘a letter of honour’ and a ‘token of love’ by the Committee.
He landed on the premises of NA battalion at Upallachaur of Baglung municipality -4 here on a Nepal Army helicopter at 10:02 am today.
Upon arrival, Baglung’s Chief District Officer, Khagendra Rijal, welcomed the Head of the State.
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Senior citizens’ knowledge and experience to be utilized: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ asserted that the incumbent government was effortful to create an enabling environment by utilizing the wealth of knowledge, skills, experience and wisdom of the senior citizens that could be guidelines for running the State affairs.
PM Dahal, in a message of best wishes on the third National Senior Citizens Day today, shared that the government has created a system wherein the moral ideals of the senior citizens could be handed over to the new generation.
Furthermore, Dahal shared that the government has acknowledged the society and nation as the continuation of the good cultures and as the inspiration of society-relative development.
According to PM Dahal, the State was working towards addressing the issues concerning the senior citizens so that they could live a dignified, healthy and happy life.
The Head of the Government spoke of the need for all the State mechanisms to be sensitive towards tackling the challenges mounting in management of the senior citizens’ population given the changes in the demographic structure of the country.
The PM, in the message, further said that the government was consistently working towards creating an environment where senior citizens would receive continuous support and assistance from their families and communities.
Stating that the government was also striving to provide proper care to single and helpless senior citizens, PM Dahal viewed that facilities, concessions and priorities in public services such as social security allowance, senior citizens health insurance, senior citizens shelters, daycare centres have been effective.
“I would like to assure you that such programmes targeted to the senior citizens would be expanded and further improved in the coming days,” assured the septuagenarian leader.
The slogan for the third National Senior Citizens Day is ‘Respect for Senior Citizens, Recognition of Our Civilizations.’
It may be noted that the National Senior Citizens Day is marked on the 11th day of the Nepali month of Poush every year in commemoration of the day wherein the State started distributing social security allowance to the senior citizens.
The erstwhile government implemented social security allowance to the senior citizens on this day in 2051 BS (December 26, 1994).
The PM, on the occasion, expressed that may this day inspire one and all to fulfill the national responsibility of integrating the efforts of the families, societies and country to ensure rights to the senior citizens and guarantee self-dignity for them.
Prime Minister Dahal extended his best wishes to all the senior citizens who dedicated the important life time for the greater good of society and country.
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Senior citizens are like a living school: former President Bhandari
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has described the senior citizens who are filled with knowledge, skill and experience obtained through lifelong struggle and suffering as the living school.
The former Head of the State stated this in a message of best wishes she gave today on the occasion of the National Senior Citizen Day, 2080.
She viewed that the new generation can learn lessons useful in life from the intrinsic knowledge, skills and experiences the senior citizen retain, which can be utilised for the development and progress of the nation.
Stating that an unprecedented change is witnessed in our family structure also due to the changes that have come in the living condition and style and migration, among others since the last few decades, the former President said that instead of living in a large extended family, the trend of living in a small single family is increasing these days.
“It is experienced that the environment for the senior citizens to enjoy life economically, socially and mentally has been declining in such context. Collective initiatives of the family, society and the state are required for making the life easier, secure and ensuring a dignified life for the senior citizens who have reached towards the later phase of life while saving our family system, norms and values, culture and civilization based on oriental culture.”
It may be noted that the National Senior Citizens Day is marked on the 11th day of the Nepali month of Poush every year in commemoration of the day wherein the State started distributing social security allowance to the senior citizens. The erstwhile government implemented social security allowance to the senior citizens on this day in 2051 BS (December 26, 1994).
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KMC to install lifts at overhead bridge in Baneshwor
Kathmandu, Dec 27: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has planned to install lifts at an overhead bridge in Baneshwor for convenience of senior citizens.
According to Metropolis traffic advisor Jagatman Shrestha, they plan to fix a lift each at both sides of the bridge. Though the facility is primarily targeted at senior citizens, people who need it can use it. It will be beneficial for physically incapacitated, people with disabilities and children. Eight people can use a lift at once.
The local government allocated Rs 50 million to implement the project in the current fiscal year.
As Shrestha said, a bidding process has neared the final phase and it will be materialized in a week. Some volunteers will be mobilised to supervise the elevators.
The local government is also focused on improving conditions of roadways within its jurisdictions and allocated Rs 440 million for the plan in the current fiscal year.
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Socialist Front recommends giving more power to provinces
Kathmandu, Dec 27: A meeting of the Socialist Front held at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar today stressed on speedy formulation of laws required for federalism implementation.
Talking to journalists after the meeting, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) leader Rajendra Prasad Shrestha said the Front suggested to the Prime Minister to implement the federalism-related laws even through ordinance to empower the provinces.
“Various forces are active in attacking federalism, republic and secularism. The government should step forward and dedicate itself to implementing the federalism. People have the thinking that the province government is a burden as the provinces are not adequately empowered,” Shrestha said, adding that it is a weakness not to implement the provision of the constitution itself for eight years. The Front has advised the PM to implement the federalism-related laws even by issuing ordinance, he further said.
According to Shrestha, the leaders expressed concern over what they called the republic, federalism and secularism being increasingly questioned. Stating that there is the enthusiastic support of the people to the Socialist Front in the provinces, he said suggestions also came in the meeting regarding continuing ahead with the Front.
“Our conclusion is that there is the enthusiastic support of the people for the Front in course of expanding it at present,” Shrestha added. He said that in the meeting the leaders lauded the government for carrying out exemplary works cracking down on corruption, stating many works have been carried out at present in the country’s history itself to stem corruption. The Front also thanked the government for this step.
As leader Shrestha said, the Front has made plans to organize programmes to tear apart questions raised in connection with federalism, republic and secularism. “The Front shall constitute the district coordination committee in all districts where such committees remain to be formed. It has devised plan to conduct various programmes in the major cities,” he shared.
Leader Shrestha said discussions were also held in the meeting on the topic of taking the Front ahead in a new way. The Socialist Front will again meet at 6.00pm today.
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President visits Shaligram Museum in Baglung
Dhorpatan (Baglung), Dec 27: President Ramchandra Paudel today visited the Shaligram Museum at Kundule of Baglung municipality-4. The President who arrived here this morning to attend the Seventh Baglung Festival took the opportunity to observe the museum.
Shaligram (the ammonite stone) are worshiped as a symbol of Hindu god Vishnu and are considered holy.
On the occasion, he was welcomed by Muktinath Pithadhishwor Swami Kamal Nayanacharya and Rhishi Prapannacharya, among others.
Expressing gratitude to the museum management for their efforts in collecting and preserving shaligram stones from the Kaligandaki River, President Paudel said he holds special connection with Baglung. He shared that he had spent a significant period in Baglung, including time in Baglung jail during his involvement in the people’s movement of the 1990s.
He also underlined the need of preserving the significance of Kaligandaki, citing that, “Otherwise it may face the fate of Bagamati River.”
Stating that Nepal is rich in cultural, religious and customary dimensions, he drew the attention of all stakeholders to the urgency of protection of culture. The President further said, “It is essential to preserve the water resources as the earthly life depends on water. Conservations of mountains, forest and rivers are urgent to preserve the sources of water.”
“I have abundant affection for Balgung, I had spent a time here and the communities here have contributions to sending me to the current position,” the President said.
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Anti-republic forces are conspiring to mislead the people: PM Dahal
Gorkha, Dec 27: Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has alleged that forces opposed to the federal democratic republic are scheming to mislead the people.
Addressing a meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre) ward committee at Barpak Sulikot rural municipality-8 in Gorkha under the party’s Special Transformation Campaign today, he said the enemies of the republic are conspiring to make the people dejected and mislead them against the republic.
“You and we all should prevent the people being misled and dejected. A kind of people do not even see the good works carried out by the government, do not want to show that to the people and also do not talk positively. They only talk negative and are plotting to spread hopelessness among the people,” he said.
The PM stressed on the need of taking the people into confidence and convincing them to stop the anti-republic activities. He also explained that the main objective of conducting the special campaign is not only to make the party active and vigorous, but also to deepen its relations with the people and defend the change that has been brought after the struggle and sacrifices. The party Chair claimed that the campaign has been successful as per its mission.
PM Dahal also informed that the government has started preparations from now itself to bring the budget for the next fiscal year in a new way so that the people will get to experience the change.
“The trend of traditionally holding discussions on the topics of the budget from mid-February and concluding the same in mid-May will be put to an end now. This time the government will finalize the budget by mid-February in a new way so that the people will experience a change,” he added.
On a different note, the Prime Minister claimed that the present government and the coalition have become stronger and the present ruling alliance will last its full five-year term.
Stating that the incumbent government has liberated the usury victims from the exploitation of loan sharks, he said only the Maoist-led government can banish the corrupt, land Mafiosi and the smugglers.
He said the construction of the Budhigandaki Hydroelectricity Project, a project of national pride, has been finalized and urged the party workers and the general public not to have doubts whether or not the project would be constructed.
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Minister Mahato calls for collective effort for climate action
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Minister for Forests and Environment Dr Birendra Mahato spoke of the need for the government and non-government sector to coordinate efforts in the agenda of climate action.
In a thematic seminar organized by the News Agency Nepal here today on the theme ‘Achievements and Future Course of Actions of the World Climate Conference’, Minister Mahato said the agendas presented by Nepal in the recently held COP28 had drawn attention of the world.
According to him, Nepal had strongly presented its case in the COP28 organized in Dubai of UAE from November 30 to December 12.
Stating that the climate change was going to be the biggest challenge for the world in coming days, the Minister pressed for a special action plan to address the issue.
He opined that we should not only reply on the foreign countries for climate actions. According to him, in absence of action-plan, the fund provided for climate action was facing problems in spending in proper purpose.
Similarly, Dr Ganga Lal Tuladhar, Advisor to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, shared that disaster management is envisioned the three schedules of the current constitution.
He viewed that attempts were made to do away with the Authority by bringing it under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He suggested to consider changing the name of the Authority and making it high-powered and keeping it under Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Likewise, Dr Rojnath Pandey, Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, echoed that Nepal eloquently raised its agendas in the COP28. According to him, without inter-ministerial and inner-agency coordination, climate action would not be undertaken and cannot achieve a success.
Kriti Shrestha, an expert on climate change, argued that the local government should be more aware about climate change and climate actions. “The issue of climate change is not related to one ministry only. Therefore, all ministries should coordinate effort to address the issue.”
Dr Dharmaraj Uprety, another expert of climate change, observed that that COP28 aiming to put an end to use of coal, gas and petroleum products was a huge achievement.
Nepal, being highly vulnerable to climate change, had effectively and strongly raised the issues of climate change in the global climate conference.
The participants in the seminar agreed that the fund (USD 792 million) pledged for Nepal during the COP28 was not sufficient for climate action.
According to Dr Uprety, Nepal had suffered losses worth Rs 20 billion in the last 10 years due to climate change.
News Agency Nepal’s executive chief Krishna Poudel said that her agency had been raising issues of climate change with high priority for a decade.
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COVID-19 cases detected among India-returnees in Sudurpaschim Province
Sudurpaschim, Dec 27: The cases of COVID-19 have again emerged in the Sudurpaschim Province. The infection rate was nil until sometime ago and the last week, but eight cases have been detected in this week.
Ganesh Saud, an Auxiliary Health Worker stationed at the Health Desk in Gauriphanta along the Nepal-India border said that symptoms were observed in India-returnees. Through antigen tests, eight cases have been identified lately.
Four samples of the infected have been already sent to Kathmandu through the province-based lab to find out the disease variant.
Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the border have been advised to observe home- isolation and those having severe symptoms are being advised to visit hospitals.
According to Saud, the World Health Organisation recently warned against the detection of a new variant of the disease.
According to the provincial Health Emergency Operation Centre, Health Directorate, three COVID-19 cases have been traced in the past three days among the people returned to Nepal from Gauriphanta and Gaddachauki check points in the district.
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Aid provided to earthquake survivors
Kathmandu, Dec 27: The Ani Chhoying Drolma Foundation has, with the facilitation of Manav Sewa Ashram, provided assistance comprising foodstuff and clothes worth Rs 2 million to the earthquake survivors at Dhyar village in Jajarkot.
The Foundation provided the assistance to 250 earthquake affected families. The aid comprised of a sack of rice, five kilos of lentil, two kilos of soyabean, two kilos of salt and two litres of cooking oil and a blanket per family.
Similarly, warm clothes and a pair of shoes has been provided to 400 children
Foundation chairperson Ani Chhoying Drolma said that the people of Dhyar village will get some relief with this assistance. It may be noted here that the earthquake survivors of this village have been living a difficult life after the November 3 earthquake, as no governmental or non-governmental organisation has reached with assistance so far due to its geographical remoteness.
A team comprising singer and philanthropist Ani Chhoying, Ashram central chairperson Ramji Adhikari, treasurer Homnath Timilsina and Karnali province coordinator Sanjita Gautam, among others, had distributed the relief assistance.
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PM says budget source has been ensured for Budhigandaki Project
Gorkha, Dec 27: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged that there would be no budgetary constraint issues for the implementation of Budhigandaki Reservoir-based Project.
Speaking at a programme entitled “The Prime Minister with People’s Representatives and Stakeholders” organised by the Barpak Sulikot rural municipality in Gorkha today, he said the budget resources for Budhigandaki, the project of national pride, has been ensured.
“Now there is no confusion over the availability of the budget for the project. The government, through the Cabinet meeting recently, decided to allocate five percent of revenue from the physical infrastructure sector, to the project.”
The 1,200-megawatt project will be implemented soon, according to the Prime Minister who believes that the project implementation will pave the way for economic development, prosperity and job opportunities in Gorkha in the future.
Dahal, who is also the House of Representatives (HoR) member from the Gorkha constituency-2, said he is committed to implementing words he gave before the Gorkha folks during the election campaign period.
Discussions are in progress to revive the Gorakhkali Rubber Industry based in Deurali of Gorkha, according to the Prime Minister.
Pressing an idea for upgrading the Aanppipal Hospital in the district to a 50-bed health facility, he pledged to initiate towards that end.
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Unified Socialist Chair Nepal calls for unity among leftist forces
Kathmandu, Dec 27: CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal said that the leftist forces should unite to protect the federal democratic republican system in the country.
In the party’s central committee meeting that kicked off from today, leader Nepal assured that the democratic leftist forces would maintain political stability and usher country towards socialism.
Expressing his concern over the growing tendency of making politics a thoughtless, principle-less and a play of cheap slogans, Nepal, also former Prime Minister, argued that only a strong democratic force with a socialist course of action would interfere with the regressive forces.
Leader Nepal claimed that his party had the ideological strength to tackle the current crisis in the country. He warned against the prospects of various conspiracies against the national interest given the increasing geopolitical pressure Nepal is bearing with.
He underscored institutional expansion of his party that, he said, was born out of revolt.
Similarly, party leader Jhalanath Khanal argued the federal democratic republic was the highest achievement of political development in the country and we should not its alternative.
He highlighted the need to form a strong party by unifying those parties subscribing similar ideologies.
The meeting that will run through December 29 will solicit suggestions from the party leaders for amendment in the party’s statute. Furthermore, criteria for the selection of candidates for the National Assembly election on January 25, 2024 will be decided during the meeting.
Participants will devise strategy for strengthening of party organization.
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Ten held for gambling
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Police have arrested 10 people from a gambling den in the capital. They were taken under control when playing cards as gambling at Bhowan Himalayan Height Hotel at Tahachal of Kathmandu Metropolitan City -13 on Tuesday night.
The hotel belongs to 33-year-old Nirmal Pandit, a resident of Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. Pandit is also among those arrested in that connection.
Police mobilized from Police Circle Kalimati also confiscated Rs 55,000, Indian rupees 8,000 and one deck of cards, the Police Headquarters stated.
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FNCCI president Dhakal and Prabhu Bank CEO Serchan feted
Balewa (Baglung), Dec 27: President Ramchandra Paudel felicitated FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Prabhu Bank’s CEO Ashok Sherchan in their home district Baglung.
President Paudel, who arrived Baglung to inaugurate the 7th Baglung Festival in Baglung district today, honoured Dhakal who was born at Amalachaur of Baglung municipality-12 and Sherchan, who also hails from the same district.
Baglung Chamber of Commerce and Industry bestowed the honour to Dhakal and Serchan for their outstanding contribution in introducing Baglung district in business sector.
Dhakal, who chairs IME Group, gushed that the honour bestowed on him in his native land was precious experience
During the inaugural of the festival, various local residents were felicitated for their contribution in organizing the Festival since the beginning. The festival is being held physically after a hiatus of 4 years due to COVID-19 pandemic. It will run through January 6, 2024.
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NAFA and Siddhartha Foundation joins hands to promote Nepali art
Kathmandu, Dec 27: An agreement has been reached between Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Siddhartha Art Foundation to promote Nepali arts at the national and international level.
At a program organized here today, the Academy Chancellor Naradamani Hartamchali and the Foundation President Sangeeta Thapa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to that end.
Speaking on the occasion, Chancellor Hartamchali said that a public-private partnership is essential for the development of the arts sector and its promotion around the world. He said collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations is necessary to make our art known to the world.
Likewise, Foundation President Ms Thapa said that the collaboration was aimed at introducing and promote local art at federation, province and local level, and also take it to the international level.
Artist Sujan Chitrakar said that Nepal is becoming a major international platform for world contemporary art with the ‘Kathmandu Triennial’ as an international art festival. He said the Kathmandu Triennial with its fifth edition so far has helped introduce Nepali art to the global market.
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President Paudel calls for promoting tourist sites in global market
Galkot, Dec 27: President Ramchandra Paudel has called on the private sector to invest in infrastructures, citing that the role of private sector is vital for infrastructure development.
Nepal’s tourism industry could be further improved and established as a reliable means of income generation and prosperity, according to the President.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Seventh Baglung Festival organised by the Baglung Chamber of Commerce and Industry here Wednesday, the Head of the State said Nepal deserves income generation with leverage of tourism potential, for which, robust infrastructures are imperatives.
He called the authorities concerned to accelerate the Mid-Hill Highway construction, Paudel stressed Baglung which is also called ‘the district of suspensions bridges’ and ‘Buttenali’, an artistically engraved cane, should focus on fostering economic activities.
Paudel took the opportunity to recall time when he spent four months’ imprisonment in the district during the 1990 people’s movement. “I feel, at the moment, that I am at home,” he said.
The President also praised the organisers for hosting the event aiming to develop socio-economic, cultural and touristic lives in Baglung and adjoining areas. “Baglung not only serves as a vibrant place for political awakening, but also a naturally highly decorated region.”
He however showed concern over less number of tourists compared to richness of the district. Further publicity is essential, he suggested showing additional points as agro- products, medicinal herbs.
Also addressing the event were Chairperson of Rastriya Janamorcha, Chitra Bahadur KC, who expressed ire over slowed construction of Kaligandaki corridor and Mid-Hill Highway. He also demanded that the government take action against those delaying the projects.
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PAC directs CIAA to initiate investigation into TERAMOCS purchase
Kathmandu, Dec 27: The Public Accounts Committee under the federal parliament has directed the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority to forward action after carrying out investigation on the issue of Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOCS) purchase.
A meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday asked the CIAA to submit the work progress details before the Committee within 30 days after conducting study on TERAMOCS purchase.
Committee Chairperson Rishikesh Pokharel shared that the Committee also directed the government to immediately stop the process of implementing TERAMOCS system. “The meeting directs the government, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Nepal Telecommunications Authority not to enforce the technology and not to make additional payment because enforcement can not precede related law making”, mentioned Pokharel.
The meeting of the Public Account Committee held on October 13 had asked the Telecommunications Authority to provide all documents regarding purchase of TERAMOCS.
The study carried out after receiving the documents from Telecommunications Authority and extensive discussion in the Committee determined that the existing laws and policy-level arrangements were violated in course of buying the TERAMOCS.
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Hearing on rape case against cricketer Sandeep rescheduled for tomorrow
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Hearing on rape case against cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane is extended to Thursday after the hearing conducted at the District Court Kathmandu on Wednesday did not conclude.
The hearing begun since December 25 at the bench of Justice Shishir Raj Dhakal and was rescheduled for Wednesday after the Court remained closed due to a public holiday on Monday and Tuesday.
Earlier, District Court Kathmandu had sent Sandeep to custody for investigation, while the High Court Patan had ordered to release him at the bail of two million rupees.
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Senior citizens deserve dignified life: Minister Acharya
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Surendra Raj Acharya, has said government was committed to create favourable atmosphere for senior citizens to live dignified life.
Minister Acharya said it during a programme organized on the occasion of the Third National Senior Citizens Day here Wednesday. “Expertise, skills and experience of elderly are beneficial to entire nation. So, senior citizens deserve dignified life,” he underlined.
Ministry secretary Suman Raj Acharya viewed those violating the rights of senior citizens must be booked. He cautioned against misuse of social security allowance to the elderly people by the relatives.
Dr Anant Aryal of Kathmandu Medical College, presented a working paper at the programme, suggesting the old ones to practice yog and meditation, maintain balanced diet, and ensure good sleep.
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PM Cup Women’s T20 tournament: Bagmati and Sudurpaschim victorious
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Bagmati and Sudurpaschim Province registered a win in their respective match today under Prime Minister’s Cup Women’s Twenty20 National Cricket Tournament.
In the match held at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Bagmati defeated Lumbini Province by 9 runs while Sudurpaschim defeated Madhes Province by 5 wickets in the match held at Mulpani cricket ground.
Batting first, Bagmati set Lumbini a target of 110 runs to win, but the latter were limited to 100 runs at the loss of eight wickets in the scheduled 20 overs. For Lumbini, Captain Saraswati Ghartimagar scored 29 runs while Kamala Ghartimagar scored 20 runs, Saraswati Pun 17 and Lakshmi Chaudhary scored 11 runs.
Bagmati captain Asmina Karmacharya and Khushi Dangol took two wickets each.
Earlier, Bagmati lost 8 wickets in 20 overs and to post a total of 109 runs. Hilisha Gurung contributed the highest with 46 runs for Bagmati. Similarly, Yashu Pandey scored 12 runs.
For Lumbini, Sharmila Rokka took 3 wickets while Manisha Rana, Kirthika Marasini, Madhu DC and Kamala Ghartimagar took one wicket each.
With the win, Bagmati has added six points in five games. Similarly, following today’s loss, Lumbini remains on four points.
In Mulpani, Sudur Paschim completed the target of 83 runs presented by Madhes at the loss of 5 wickets in 19.5 overs. Kavita Joshi scored 26 runs while Samjhana Khadka scored 21 runs.
For Madhesh, Captain Kavita Gautam and Sakshi Yadav took two wickets each.
Earlier, Madhes, who won the toss and elected to bat first, lost 7 wickets in the scheduled 20 overs with just 82 runs on the board. Pura Mahata scored 27 runs while Sana Pravin scored 19 runs and Rosi Kadari added 10 runs.
For Sudurpaschim, Lakshmi Saud took 4 wickets while Janaki Thapa and Kavita Joshi took one wicket each.
Following today’s victory, Sudurpaschim has collected eight points in five games. Madhes has only two points in equal number of games.
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Selfiekali wins Elephant Beauty Contest
Bharatpur, Dec 27: Selfiekali has come first in the Elephant Beauty Contest organised on Wednesday under the 17th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival in Sauraha. The 17-year-old Selfiekali clinched the title leaving six competitors behind in the contest
Senior veterinarian at the Chitwan National Park, Dr Bijay Kumar Shrestha, said Selfiekali was declared the winner of the contest based on cleanliness, discipline, decoration, eye shine, age and skin fairness. She got 394 out of 500 full marks. Selfiekali is associated with United Elephant Operation Cooperatives.
Similarly, 11-year-old Rimjhimkali of the Chitwan National Park and 22-year-old Samriddhikali of the United Elephant Operation Cooperatives stood in the second and third position in the contest respectively.
The top three winners of the contest would receive Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively at the concluding day of the Festival.
Meanwhile, a picnic for the elephants has been scheduled on December 29. The festival has been organised marking the upcoming New Year 2024 and would run till December 30.
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Refugee leader Rijal released on bail
Kathmandu, Dec 27: Bhutanese refugee leader Teknath Rijal has been released on bail on Wednesday following the court verdict over a case on fake Bhutanese refugee scam.
He was detained for seven months in course of trial. High Court Patan had issued order of his release on the bail amount of Rs 1.5 million. However, he was not able to deposit bail amount on time, thereby extending the detention at Sundhara Jail, according to Rijal’s aide, Bishwonath Chhetri.
Following his release, Rijal thanked all sides assisting him in course of litigation.
Although he had deposited bail amount on Sunday, the public holidays delayed the administrative process for his release. The court had issued verdict for his release a month back.
Now, he is asked to appear before Kathmandu District Court on January 5.
In the same case, former home minister Balkrishna Khand was released on bail amount of Rs 3 million at court, while Rs 1.5 million at Department of Anti-Money Laundering.
Also released are Sandip Rayamajhi, Narendra KC, Hari Bhakta Maharjan, Shamser Miyan and Ramsharan KC. However, former secretary Tek Narayan Pande, former deputy prime minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Indrajeet Rai and others are still behind bar.
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NC Gandaki for only two terms for Prime Minister
Gandaki, Dec 27: The first provincial conference of Nepali Congress Gandaki has proposed for a ceiling in the term of office of the Prime Minister. It has proposed that an individual should not become the Prime Minister for more than two terms.
Congress Gandaki Province Spokesperson Madhav Prasad Bastola (Madhu) issued a statement at the end of first historic conference of Gandaki Province held on December 19 and 20, sharing about the proposals endorsed by the conference. For this, it has called for an amendment to the constitutional provision on the matter.
It has also proposed that the proportional representation election system provided in the constitution should be abolished, and that moral education, free health, end of corruption and generation of employment and good governance should be given first priority.
The conference has also appealed to the party leadership to make the party technology-friendly, make cadres disciplined and run the party according to policy and rules, conduct training programs and put honest and competent members in charge of the evaluation system within the party to end factionalism. In order to save the credibility of the party, the Congress should not form alliances in national, provincial and local elections, the NC Gandaki has said.
The statement says that the Nepali Congress should take the lead in amending the constitution to replace secularism in the Constitution of Nepal with Vedic Sanatan and freedom of religion.
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Socialist Fronts repeats Nepal as its coordinator
Kathmandu, Dec 27: The Socialist Front has decided to continue Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, as its coordinator. The Socialist Front was formed comprising four parties–the CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), Janata Samajbadi Party and Netra Bikram Chand-led group.
A meeting of the Front held on Wednesday at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar, decided to give continuity to Chair Nepal to the post of Coordinator, said Vice-Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and Front member secretary Pramesh Hamal.
Similarly, the meeting also took the decision of informing the judiciary about political agreements regarding the cases against Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ and Upendra Yadav.
An understanding was reached to inform the government and judiciary about the agreement reached among political parties on the issue of political cases.
A case against Prime Minister Dahal is under consideration at the court. The Front decided to request for the implementation of political agreement and understanding made by government in different phases.
Similarly, the meeting took the decision of organising interaction and various programmes in the first week and second week of the month of Magh on the occasion of Martyr’s Day.
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