- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Kathmandu, Jan 21: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari has advised the Agricultural Development Bank that it increased investment in agricultural sector and focused on import replacement.
In his address to the 57th anniversary of the Agricultural Development Bank here Sunday, the Governor advised the bank to utilise the available financial resources for the growth of agricultural production, import minimization and export promotion.
“The agricultural sector has a huge potential. It can work for addressing the gap in supplies and price chain. It can extend its access to farmers and workers deprived of financial services and the marginalised community,” he said. He also stressed on the need for the bank to diversity its services.
President of Nepal Banker’s Association, Sunil KC, said the Bank is making practices for sustainable banking services and such practice be further promoted. Bank Board of Directors Chair Ramsharan Pudasaini said the Bank had achieved a professional success despite a sluggish economy in the nation and in the world. “The Bank is competent to successfully manage the potential systemic risk in the banking sector,” he said.
Poverty alleviation, small farmers’ development programme, rural and agricultural development and micro finance services for rural and indigent community are the special concerns of the bank, according to him.
The Bank was established in 2041 BS. On the occasion of its anniversary, it announced 11 percent cash dividend and two percent bonus share for its shareholders from the profit of the fiscal year, 2021/22.
Last fiscal year, its operation profit was Rs 4.82 billion while the deposit collections amounted over RS 199 billion and the loan disbursement was calculated at over Rs 182 billion. The portion of bad loan in the last fiscal was 2.78 percent. It issued and paid-up capital is amounted to Rs 18.62 billion and 51 percent its share is owned by the government.
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NRNA’s one million rupee support to cricket team
Kathmandu, Jan 21: The Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) has provided one million rupees to the Nepali national cricket team participating in the T20 World Cup. The cash was handed over to Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) authorities at a program held on Saturday at the NRNA, headquarters in Baluwatar, Kathmandu.
The T20 World Cup 2024 is being held in the West Indies and the United State of America in June later this year.
NRNA president Badri KC said that the Association has provided financial assistance of Rs.800,000 to the Nepali volleyball national team, Rs.250,000 for the 6th NRNA Sudur Paschim Football Tournament, Rs.750,000 for the Pokhara Marathon and Rs.500,000 for the NRNA Ilam Gold Cup football tournament..
The NRNA has also helped set up oxygen plants worth Rs. 12.5 million in Seti provincial hospital in Dhangadi and Mahakali provincial hospital in Kanchanpur.
Likewise, the Association donated Rs. 2.66 million to the that the family of Suresh Silla, who died in course of foreign employment in the Congo,
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Ambukhareni joins Social Security Fund
Damauli (Tanahun), Jan 21: The Ambukhaireni Rural Municipality of Tanahun has joined the Social Security Fund. The rural municipality has joined the fund under the contribution-based social security scheme started by the federal government.
Executive Director of Social Security Fund Kabiraj Adhikari and Chief Administrative Officer of the Rural Municipality Bishnu Prasad Sharma signed an agreement towards that end at a program held on Saturday. Following the agreement, workers within the rural municipality will be included in the scheme.
The rural municipality will work to add the people working in the informal sector to the online system. The contribution amount to be deposited in the fund from the related workers will be done through the rural municipality. For workers in the industrial sector and working informally, the federal and provincial governments contribute to the 9.37 per cent to be deposited in the fund.
According to the agreement, the rural municipality will receive an user ID to perform tasks such as listing the informal sector workers and self-employed persons within the rural municipality, depositing the contribution amount among others. The contributors who join the fund and make regular contributions will be paid the benefits as per the procedures.
The rural municipality will also work to generate necessary awareness regarding the social security scheme and its benefits.
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Demands of flood survivors will be addressed, says Minister Basnet
Sindhupalchok, Jan 21: The Melamchi Flood Survivors Struggle Committee has drawn the attention of the government regarding its demands. The committee submitted a 17-point demand to Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet here on Saturday.
Melamchi project affected and flood survivors have demanded that embankments should be built to control the river, vulnerable settlements should be supported, loans from banks and financial institutions taken before the Melamchi floods should be waived, families who lost members in the floods should be compensated, along with a Rs. 2 million subsidy for construction of new houses.
The committee members stressed that water from Melamchi river cannot be taken to Kathmandu without meeting the demands of the locals.
Handing over the memo, the chairperson of the committee, Pasang Lama, said that the demand of the committee is the right of Helambu residents. Secretary of the Committee, Tsheringyalbo Hyolmo, urged Minister Basnet to take the demands to the Council of Ministers.
On the occasion, Minister Basnet expressed his commitment to take the demand to the Council of Ministers and also bring it to the attention of the Prime Minister. He said that the rights of the citizens of Helambu should be established and initiatives will be taken for it.
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Man murders wife in Dang
Tulsipur (Dang), Jan 21: A man has been arrested on the charge of murdering his wife. Penduwa Chaudhary,43, of Tulsipur Sub-metropolis-4 killed his 42-year-old wife Lakshmi Chaudhary by hitting her on the head with an iron rod.
According to Police Inspector Navaratna Malla of Tulsipur Area Police Office, Chaudhary died on the spot on Saturday when she was attacked by her husband under the influence of alcohol.
Two neighbours Meena Thapa and Sheela Chowdhury were also injured in incident, after Penduwa attacked them with the rod when they came to inquire about the incident. Both of them are undergoing treatment at Rapti Regional Hospital, Tulsipur. The condition of both is normal, said ward president of Tulsipur-4 Tulsi Thapa.
Meanwhile, a woman from ward no. 13 of the same sub-metropolis has died after falling off a tree. Sheetali Kusari,65, died after falling from a tree in the forest near her house on Saturday evening, according to her elder daughter-in-law Pabitra Kusari.
Shitali had gone to the forest to collect green fodder for her cattle around 7 pm but did not return home till late. The family member and neighbors who went to search for her in the forest found her injured after the fall. After initial treatment at Tulsipur City Hospital, she died while preparations were being made to take her to Nepalgunj for further treatment.
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RSS Awadhi News Service being launched from Nepalgunj
Khajura (Banke), Jan 21: The is going to start Awadhi Language News Service from Nepalganj.
Mayor of Nepalgunj Prashant Bista and RSS Executive Chairperson Dhamendra Jha will jointly launch the service at the office of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City this afternoon.
RSS will start the Awadhi language news services by translating at least 10 news items into Awadhi language on a daily basis six days a week, said General Manager of RSS, Siddharaj Rai.
Nepalgunj Mayor Bista said that Banke district is a majority area of Awadhi speakers and the community will be empowered through the new service by RSS.
Head of RSS administration department Sheetal Prasad Mahato said that there are majority of Awadhi speaking communities in Parasi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke and Bardia districts under Lumbini province and the service is expected to be effective in protecting and promoting their mother tongue.
It may be noted that Minister of Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma had launched the ‘National (Mother Tongue) News Service’ of the RSS at its central office in Kathmandu on January 8.
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PM Dahal returns home from NAM summit
Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ returned home today after leading the Nepali delegation to the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held from 19 to 20 January in Kampala, the Republic of Uganda. He had left Kathmandu for Kampala on January 18.
Upon arrival at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport, Prime Minister Dahal was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Purna Bahadur Khadka, ministers, Government officials, heads of security agencies, representatives of diplomatic missions and party cadres.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by his daughter Ms Ganga Dahal. The Nepali delegation included Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Secretary. Sewa Lamsal and senior officials of the Government of Nepal.
During the summit, Prime Minister addressed the plenary session of the Summit on the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence’ on January 19.
In the margins of the Summit, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with heads of state, heads of government and other high dignitaries attending the Summit.
Nepal is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement and has been actively participating in all NAM Summits since its inception.
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U-19 cricket world cup: Nepal playing New Zealand
Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Nepal is playing its first match of the U-19 One-day Men’s Cricket world cup today. Nepal will face New Zealand in the match to be held at Buffalo Park cricket ground in East London, South Africa.
Led by opening batsman Dev Khanal, the team includes Aakash Chand, Tilak Bhandari, Bishal Bikram KC, Dipak Bohara, Deepak Bohra, Hemant Dhami, Deepak Dumre, Gulshan Jha, Dipesh Kandel, Arjun Kumal, Uttam Magar and Bipin Rawal.
A total of 16 countries are contesting in the tournament organised by the International Cricket Council. Nepal is in group D along with New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The match starts at 1:45 pm this afternoon. The tournament that started on January 19 will end with the final match to be held on February 11.
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Zipline welcomes more tourists in Mallarani
Pyuthan, Jan 21: A zipline service has been introduced at Mallarani in Pyuthan district to lure the adventurous tourists there and to promote the touristic value of the site.
For the development of zipline infrastructure, the Mallarani Tourism Investment Company invested Rs 10 million, Company’s Chairman Iman Singh Bharati said. The local residents there had been organizing food festival and other promotional activities.
The zipline has been developed at Dhairechaur community forest and Paleban community forest area at ward number 4 of the rural municipality under the eco-tourism development programme.
The total length of the zipline facility is 650 metres. The locals and stakeholders have expected surge in the number of visitors with the infrastructure. More than 200 persons can enjoy the zipline service in a day.
Mallarani area, which lies some two kilometres away from the district headquarters of Pyuthan, is a good destination for eco-tourism and is a point to view Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt Machhapuchhre and other peaks.
In order to attract more domestic tourists, the Mallarani Rural Municipality is mulling construction of a children’s park and had already successfully conducted a test flight of paragliding there. However, paragliding could not last long.
The area receives more domestic tourists during the time of New Year, Fagu Purnima, time of rhododendron blossoming season and other holidays as well, the local residents shared.
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Remaining works of peace process to be completed on consensus: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Jan 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed the belief that the remaining works of the peace process would be completed on the basis of consensus.
Addressing a special news conference organised at Tribhuvan International Airport upon returning home after attending the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) today, he reiterated that the bill on Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be taken to its logical conclusion.
The PM stated that discussions are on with all sides and the remaining works of the peace process would be concluded through consensus immediately after the commencement of the upcoming session of the Federal Parliament.
“We have made preparations on the Truth and Reconciliation Bill after holding discussions with all. It has landed in the parliamentary committee after finalization from the sub-committee. It will be taken to the full house once the parliament session opens and concluded with priority,” he said. Prime Minister Dahal said he is effortful to have the bill decided through consensus.
The Prime Minister said the government’s works have been expedited and the ministers also have been directed to carry out works accordingly. “Ministers would be made to work providing them with target and we will take decisions accordingly if the responsibilities are not carried out in the right manner,” he added.
According to the PM, although Nepal’s bureaucracy is not weak in terms of efficiency and experience, there is some lacking when it comes to promptness, seriousness and courage to take initiation. He shared that he has been regularly holding discussions with the Chief Secretary, secretaries and the bureaucracy.
Govt serious on recruitment of Nepali youths in Russian military force
Asked about the woes Nepali youths facing after their recruitment in the Russian Army, the PM said he was serous and sensitive to that issue.
“The government is very much serious and sensitive towards the reports that Nepali youths are recruited in the Russian force and mobilised in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. We don’t have such policy on behalf of the government,” PM Dahal added.
The PM stated that the government has no policy to allow Nepalis for their recruitment in the military force in any other countries except the past agreements made for India and England.
He also shared that a diplomatic note has been sent to Russia on this issue and the Foreign Minister has repeatedly talked about this agenda.
The PM added that Nepal’s Foreign Minister held talks with Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at Kampala of Uganda during the 19th NAM Summit and was urged to send Nepali youths back home.
He said that talks were held regarding the youths killed in the war and the government has seriously taken the issue of compensation for them.
“Everyone should disseminate awareness among people. We should spread awareness stating that youth should not join the military service anywhere in name of seeking job against the State’s policy, the spirit of the Constitution and against the spirit of our democratic national independence. We should further aware people saying this is not the way to leave the country by avoiding formal way. The government is serious. All should work on it (to stop),” the PM argued.
Likewise, the PM said that Nepal has taken Taiwan as an integral part of China since the beginning. “We are not in favour of policy of separation of Taiwan after accepting One-China Principle,” PM Prachanda asserted.
Taiwan is China’s part and Nepal is stuck to this policy since the beginning, according to the PM.
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I raised voices for the interest of developing nations in NAM Summit: PM
Kathmandu, Jan 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he raised voices for the interest of the developing nations in the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala of Uganda.
At a news conference organised at Tribhuvan International Airport upon returning home after attending the 19th Summit of the NAM today, the PM said he firmly raised the issues of economic development and prosperity that the developing nations should get.
“Achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) is unlikely to be achieved. Nepal despite its efforts to graduate from a Least Developed Country has plunged into different multidimensional challenges,” the PM added.
On the occasion, the PM said he firmly highlighted the issues of economic development and prosperity that the developing countries should achieve by achieving the internationally agreed goals including the SDGs, Paris Agreement and other others.
The PM stated that while addressing the concluding programme of the 19th NAM Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutterres had said the NAM countries have made a big contribution to making the world system judicious, inclusive and equitable, and its relevance has increased more in the present global context.
On the occasion President of Uganda called on NAM countries to come together and work for resolving our common problems, PM Dahal added.
As the PM said, in his address to the 19th NAM Summit, he urged the NAM members to reaffirm commitment to the values and principles of non-alignment and avoid any double standards amongst the selves, calling them to work together with utmost sincerity, harmony, solidarity, and cooperation for our shared affluence. “Let us reinvigorate NAM to make it a force to be reckoned with to build a just, equitable, peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous world leaving no one behind,” he had reiterated.
“In conclusion, I would like to thank Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda, for successfully organizing the 19th Summit of the NAM which has the most countries as its members after the United Nations and which remains as the alternative forum of self-dignity, independence, autonomy and solidarity of the Global South since long, and to Azerbaijan for providing leadership to the Movement since the last three years as its Chair,” Prime Minister Dahal said.
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Number of taxpayers up in KMC
Kathmandu, Jan 21: The number of taxpayers has increased in recent time in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).
The number of taxpayers was 324 thousand and 120 last financial year and it has reached 343 thousand and 340 in the current financial year, said Dhruba Kafle, the Chief of KMC’s Revenue Department.
According to Kafle, 35 thousand and 57 taxpayers have increased under the heading – ‘rental taxpayers’, 31 thousand and 916 have been added under the heading of business taxpayers and 52 thousand and 486 have added under the heading of property taxpayers.
The number of taxpayers has gone up in other tax headings as well. The metropolis’ revenue collection has also significantly increased with the increase in the taxpayers.
Kafle said that KMC has collected approximately Rs 5 billion in revenue until the half of the current financial year.
KMC has been collecting revenue under 36 various headings, including property, house rent, business, advertisement, entertainment, land and VAT.
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Speaker consults parliamentary committees to prepare calendar of operation
Kathmandu, Jan 21: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has held discussions with the parliamentary thematic committee presidents regarding operation of the parliament’s meetings, from the forthcoming session, by preparing calendar.
Talking to journalists after the joint discussions, Speaker Ghimire said, “Discussions have been held to determine the calendar for conducting the parliament meetings in a more effective way from the upcoming session itself, and to prepare separate calendars for 15 days, 30 days and the entire session.” Also, discussions have been held regarding until when the parliament’s session should be run and various suggestions have been received to that connection.
The Speaker added that suggestions and feedback were received on calling the upcoming winter session at the earliest and the preparations to be made for the same.
In the meeting, the Speaker acquired information on the status of bills and the remaining topics in the committees, and directed them to finalize the bills promptly through understanding by calling the committee meetings as per the need.
Talks were held on the occasion regarding separate committees holding discussions on the same topic and the Speaker directed the committees for coordination on this.
Speaker Ghimire shared that discussions were also held in the meeting on the topic of various cooperation provided by the donor agencies to the committees and suggestions made that such support should be in an integrated form and come through the Parliament Secretariat.
Present in the meeting were Bhanubhakta Joshi, the president of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee, Ms Bimala Subedi, the president of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, Dr Arzu Rana, the president of Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee, Ram Hari Khatiwada, the president of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee and Santosh Chalise, the president of the Finance Committee.
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Freezing cold affects life in Madhes
Mahottari, Jan 21: Normal life in Madhes Province has been affected from the biting cold in the past three weeks. The cold has badly affected life in the districts of Eastern Terai including Mahottari.
The locals said that livestock were also affected due to freezing cold and harsh winds coupled with thick fog.
People’s mobility has reduced in both city and rural areas in the district. The business people said that the sale of thick woolen clothes has upped with the dip in weather.
Likewise, medical practitioners have shared that there has been a surge in the number of patients suffering from colds, cough, asthma and others in the district hospitals and health facilities. Children, elderly people and pregnant women are at the receiving end due to the severe cold.
The people in different places in the district are seen keeping themselves warm by burning fire in the open space while some local levels are providing firewood for free and are distributing blankets and other warm clothes.
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Cooperatives in soup for failure to invest in productive sectors
Bharatpur, Jan 21: CPN (UML) deputy general-secretary Pradip Gyawali has said that the cooperatives are grappling with the present problems as they failed to invest in the productive sectors.
Addressing a press meet organised by Press Chautari Chitwan branch in Bharatpur today, he said although the cooperatives contributed to developing the saving culture in Nepal, they could not work as the ‘bridge’ between the producers and the consumers.
“The problem is because most of the cooperatives across the country were not involved in productive works. This situation has come due to the trend of collecting deposits and lending it at high interest rate,” he added.
The UML deputy general-secretary viewed that some cooperatives promoters took advantage of the government bodies’ inability to conduct timely monitoring of cooperatives.
Stating that 60 thousand cooperatives throughout the country have deposit of Rs 800 billion, Gyawali said the cooperatives’ contribution in the development of the culture of saving was important.
He called on the government to take ‘concrete steps’ for resolving the problems besetting the cooperatives.
The UML leader urged one and all to carry out works encouraging the youths that the country can be made prosperous.
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Badigad rural municipality records 111 TB patients
Baglung, Jan 21: As Baglung district plans to reduce tuberculosis (TB) infection to zero, the District Health Office is now under pressure after a rural municipality recorded 111 cases of TB.
A total of 111 cases of TB were reported in Badigad Rural Municipality in the district and the Office is treating the patients under its surveillance.
TB Inspector Dev Prakash Ghimire of the Office said that the TB cases from Badigad were reported while running a health camp some two weeks ago. Of the 111 cases, 26 patients are suffering from communicable one.
Badigad Rural Municipality Chairman Gandaki Thapa Adhikari said that the rural municipality will continue its attempt to identify the TB patients and then treatment will begin. She said that the rural municipality will support in the treatment of the TB patients.
With the rise in the patients in the recent times, an Xpert XDR Machine has been installed in Dhaulagiri Hospital for TB detection, treatment and effectiveness measurement of the treatment.
Two hundred and thirty-five TB patients had been regularly taking medicines in the district before this and now the number of TB patients has reached 346 with the new cases in Badigad, it is said.
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Man held with 500 grams gold at TIA
Kathmandu, Jan 21: The Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office arrested a man earlier today along with half kilogram of gold.
Khagendra Darji of Jhapa district had arrived home from Doha of Qatar this afternoon carrying 499 grams of illegal gold.
Chief of TIA Customs Office Dr Tokraj Pandey confirmed that Darji, who had smuggled gold in the form of liquid substance, was arrested this afternoon acting on a tip-off.
Darji had landed at TIA from Doha on an aircraft of Himalaya Airlines. The officials are working to ascertain whether Darji himself brought the gold or carried it for others working as an agent.
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Country’s economy is back on track, former finance minister argues
Sankhuwasabha, Jan 21: Nepali Congress (NC) leader and former finance minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said that the country’s economy has already grasped new trail.
At a news conference organized by Press Union Sankhuwasabha chapter at Khandbari on Sunday, Karki claimed that the country’s economy has returned to the previous speed.
The former Finance Minister said that the current coalition government is working to bring the economy on track adding that the economy that suffered badly after the coronavirus outbreak is gradually returning to normal condition.
On a separate context, the NC leader said the MCC is a grant assistance received for Nepal and it should be completed in five years. “MCC will be proved as a cornerstone in Nepal’s energy sector,” he added.
He also claimed that it would help contribute in reducing trade deficit and make the country prosperous.
Stating that the under-construction Arun-III project will contribute to the country’s economy, Karki opined that the residents of Sankhuwasabha district should be the first beneficiary of the project.
Likewise, he claimed that all the candidates of the ruling alliance will emerge victorious in the upcoming National Assembly (NA) elections.
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Constitutional commission office-bearers furnish suggestions on Education Bill
Kathmandu, Jan 21: The Education, Health and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives has solicited suggestions on the Education Bill from seven various constitutional commissions today.
National Dalit Commission Chair Devraj BK, the Indigenous Nationalities Commission Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa, the Madhesi Commission Chair Bijaya Kumar Datta, the Tharu Commission Chair Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary, the National Inclusion Commission Chair Dr Ram Krishna Timilsina, the National Women Commission Chairperson Kamala Parajuli and Muslim Commission Chair Samim Miya Ansari called for further refining the bill.
They suggested that attention should be paid to include in the bill and in the curriculum topics on promoting patriotism, indigenous skills and knowledge and morality and integrity, gender equality and inclusion.
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Royal Bengal tiger found dead in Kailali
Ghodaghodi, Jan 21: A Royal Bengal tiger has been found dead at Amarawati Community Forest of Janaki rural municipality-9 in Kailali district on Sunday.
The female adult tiger was found tied with wire, shared forester Ram Bahadur Rawal at the Sub-Division Office, Lamki. Considering the malodour emanated from the lifeless big cat, its death is estimated to have occurred some days ago, the forester added. The locals who had been in forest to collect fodder had informed the police after spotting the dead tiger.
Efforts are underway to take the dead tiger to the Forest Division Office at Pahalmanpur after keeping the record of the details on it, said Sher Bahadur Bhandari, Chief of Sub-Division Forest Office, Lamki.
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Lawmakers call for amendment in Cooperatives Act to address problems
Kathmandu, Jan 21: The parliamentarians have pressed for revising the Cooperatives Act to resolve the problems surrounding this sector.
In the meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Sources Committee under the House of Representatives on Sunday, a majority of the Committee members insisted on amendments in the Act.
Ashok Kumar Chaudhary saw the need to change the laws to address problems prevailing the cooperatives sector. He suggested the government to sensitize public about the motto and beneficiary of cooperatives as well as put in place proper standards to regulate the Cooperatives.
Manbir Rai dubbed the incumbent government immature to iron out the problems of cooperatives sector. Surya Prasad Dhakal, former member of the Committee, viewed that new rule preventing more than one member from the same household from becoming member of the Cooperatives be introduced.
Bir Bhadur Balayar opined that parliamentarians should not protect any erring cooperatives. He emphasized equipping the Problematic Cooperatives Management Committee with more human resources and providing security for the Committee members.
Committee President Dr Arzu Rana Deuba suggested that letter should be sent to the Prime Minister to address the problems in cooperatives sector. Stating that the Cooperatives’ problems had become dire in the recent times and government should not make payment for the amount embezzled by the bankrupt cooperatives.
Chairperson of a Committee on Management of Problematic Cooperatives, Kashiraj Dahal, said that they could not deliver on their target in lack of human resources. Of the 31,000 Cooperatives across the country, 500 were problematic at present, he said. Dahal stated that although Cooperatives did well initially, this sector got problematic after investing in unproductive sector in the later days.
Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Gokarna Mani Duwadi, said that there was obstacle in resolving the problems of cooperatives since there was confusion on who would address the problems.
“When attempts are made to take actions against the fraudulent cooperatives, legal obstacle emerges. The federal, provincial and local levels should classify the cooperatives and intensify monitoring of them. The contradictory Acts and laws should be discussed and clarified at the earliest,” he asserted.
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RSS officially launches Abadhi news service from Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj, Jan 21: The has officially launched the Abadhi news service from Nepalgunj on Sunday. Mayor of Nepalgunj sub-metropolis, Prashant Bista, inaugurated the Abadhi news service by clicking a computer mouse amidst a programme.
On the occasion, Mayor Bista assured that local government would extend support for the launch and continuation of Abadhi news service. He believed that such initiative would contribute to preservation of languages.
“The use of Abadhi language in the national news agency of the country, RSS, would earn good repute and identity of Nepalgunj sub-metropolis,” he said, adding that those unfamiliar with Nepali language can benefit hugely from the mother language.
The local level is ready for the cooperation and coordination among all sides in order to protect and promote Abadhi language and literature.
On the occasion, Executive Chairman of RSS, Dharmendra Jha, said introduction of mother language is not only a diversification of news service at RSS but also a solid initiative linked to implementation of inclusion and federalism. However, if the local media fail to use the news in Abadhi language, it would not be meaningful, he viewed.
The news in mother language should be linked to society, but media has tuned out pluralism, Chairman Jha worried, adding that RSS’ initiative is a step to contribute to media pluralism.
He also expressed gratitude to Nepalgunj sub-metropolis for its cooperation to RSS on introduction of Abadhi news. Jha shared that RSS would also launch news service in Bhojpuri language by coming April.
On the occasion, RSS General Manager Siddha Raj Rai seconded the Chairman that Abadhi news is a news diversification at RSS, which would establish RSS as the media of and for all. It would add to cultural identity of the region including Nepalgunj, according to him. Litterateur Sanat Regmi opined that youths must be active for the development of Abadhi language. The news service at RSS would foster Abadh culture, he hoped.
Similarly, Abadh litterateur Bishwa Lal Kumal viewed Abadhi language was lagging due to machination. Editor of Nepalgunj daily, Jhalak Gaire, also extended best wishes to RSS initiative.Also addressing the event were RSS Nepalgunj office chief Yubaraj Pande and Abadhi language translator Rakesh Mishra.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, had inaugurated the Abadhi language news service at RSS central office, Kathmandu, on January 8.
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A year passes sans legislation in Sudurpashim Province
Sudurpashim, Jan 21: The Sudurpashim Province Assembly marked the completion of one year of its business since the last general election, but sans any legislation. There were only amendments to two existing acts over this period.
According to Province Assembly Secretariat’s information officer, Yubraj Jaishi, in one year, the PA revised two acts: Some Public Documents Authentication (Procedure) Act and the Sudurpashim Economic Act, but made no new act.
During the first five-year term of the PA, it had successfully formulated 67 acts. Speaking at a programme on ‘Sudurpashim Province Assembly Day 2080’ in Dhangadhi on Sunday, the speakers admitted the lackadaisical performance of the Province Assembly over the past six years.
Province Chief Devraj Joshi said the performance of the Province Assembly should be reviewed being based on the people’s mandate while PA Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari underlined the need of resisting ‘conspiracies’ against the federal democratic system.
In the Sudurpashim Province, the Province Assembly Day is observed in the 7th of Magh in commemoration of the day when its members first took oath six years ago on January 21, 2018.
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PM Dahal directs BPKIHS VC to call executive committee meeting promptly
Kathmandu, Jan 21 : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ directed the Vice-Chancellor of the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Science (BPKIHS) to call its executive committee meeting immediately.
PM Dahal summoned Vice-Chancellor Dr Prahlad Karki at his office, Singha Durbar and asked to call for the meeting.
Dahal said to Dr Karki, “Do not invite the executive committee officials to Kathmandu, but, go to Dharan yourself and set the date for interview and make decision to present the proposal seeking amendment in the regulations to senate.”
It may be noted that the teachers and staffs at the BPKIHS have been protesting since January 9, demanding promotion process at the earliest. Meanwhile, the PM telephoned Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet on Sunday itself to set the date for senate’s meeting within 21 days effective from Sunday itself.
The Head of the Government on January 16 had summoned Minister Basnet to pay heed to the demands of the protesting teachers, staffers and doctors.
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Progress on establishing Hindu University
Kathmandu, Jan 21 : The government is set to establish the ‘Shree Pashupati Hindu University’ at Gothatar, Kathmandu.
The University aiming to further research and explore Hinduism is set to be established on a land owned by the Pashupati Area Development Trust.
On Sunday, the Shree Pashupati Hindu University Establishment Preparation Committee presented its final report to the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Ministry.
Receiving the report, Minister Sudan Kirati, said the preparations for establishing the University were made with the realization of profundity of the Pashupainath and the Hinduism. According to him, preparations were going on with the objective of bringing it into operation by 2081 BS.
The primary concept behind the University is to disseminate the global significance of Hindu philosophy, using it as a tool for cultural diplomacy, and boost the tourism industry. Dr. Jagman Gurung, the committee coordinator and a cultural expert urged the government to address legal procedures to facilitate the establishment of the University. As he said, the University will serve as a venue for further exploration of orientalism and culture.
The committee was formed by the ministerial level meeting on April 26.
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Hiking to discover tourism spots
Mahottari, Jan 21 : Hiking is organized routinely to discover new tourism spots surrounding Chure range in Bardibas municipality.
Bardibas Chamber of Commerce and Industry has commenced hiking to identify new tourist destinations, said Bishnu Khadka, President of the Chamber. He shared that the hikers were elated and excited to reach Giddabas, Siddagufa, religious site Rai Mandal, Parewapakha on the first day of their hike.
“Since tourism could be a basis to identify measures for prosperity in locality, we have started hiking,” observed Khadka. Hikers believed that these places would be important to show new tourism destinations and extend the stay of tourists in Bardibas.
Entrepreneurs, hoteliers, people’s representatives, media persons and local residents among others joined hiking. Giddabas, the habitat of vultures, is within 15 km of Bardibas. For bird watchers and ornithologists, this place could be a good destination, viewed Sunita Baral, Acting President of the FNJ, Mahottari Chapter.
A cave was found amid a dense forest at Bardibas municipality ward no 3. The legend has it that the Lord Indra had performed penance at Rai Mandal, a religious site, in Satya Yuga appeasing Lord Shiva. A Shivalinga believed to be established by Lord Indra remains at Rai Mandal.
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Home Minister Shrestha for turning prisons into correction centres
Malangawa, Jan 21 : Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said the prisons should be turned into correction centres.
DPM Shrestha said it while inaugurating a prison building here Sunday. “Irrespective of the past activities, the inmates should not be suppressed but given atmosphere to live a human life,” he said, suggesting that meditation could be conducted for the inmates.
Government’s priorities at present are good governance, prosperity and social justice, DPM Shrestha reminded. According to him, a bill on integration of police was prepared.
The Home Minister further said government would not quit the anti-corruption campaign. “Some positive changes were made, but they are yet to meet present expectations,” Shrestha admitted. Moreover, he wondered why the cooperatives were digressing from their objectives. Cooperatives must not be like banks, he added.
The prison building is constructed at a cost of Rs 44 million. The building is capacious for total 210 prisoners.
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U-19 World Cup: Nepal loses to New Zealand by 64 runs
Kathmandu, Jan 21: Nepal lost to New Zealand by 64 runs in the ICC U-19 World Cup Match in East London, South Africa on Sunday.
Chasing a total target of 303 runs by New Zealand, Nepal could only manage to reach 238/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
For Nepal, Arjun Kumar scored the highest 90 with 12 boundaries in 104 balls. Similarly, Captain Dev Khanal contributed 36 followed by 13 from Subhash Bhandari and 17 by Tilak Bhandari.
Similarly, New Zealand’s Mason Clarke took three wickets while Ewald Schreuder and Oscar Jackson took two wickets each followed by one wicket each by Matt Rowe and Jack Coming.
Prior to this, winning the toss and opting to bat first in the Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, New Zealand had posted a target of 303 runs at the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs. It was Snehith Reddy who significantly scored 147 runs with 11 fours and six sixes in 124 balls.
Captain Oscar Jackson and Reddy combined for a partnership of 157 runs for the fourth wicket. Captain Oscar Jackson scored 75 runs off 81 balls with the help of five sixes and three boundaries. Tom Jones contributed 33 runs, Luke Watson scored 14, and Alex Thompson added 13 runs to the total.
For Nepal, Subash Bhadari took three wickets followed by two from Gulsan Jha and one each from Tilak Raj Bhandari and Akash Tripathi.
Nepal will meet Pakistan for another match on Wednesday.
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