- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Kathmandu, Feb 19 : Stakeholders have demanded the resolution of problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of financial cooperatives and micro-finances.
Referring to the incidents of many people being displaced due to compound interest rates imposed by financial institutions, they have called on the government to intervene and seek a solution soon.
They were speaking at a press meet organised here by the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) marking its 29th annual general meeting coinciding with the World Social Forum 2024 that was held in Kathmandu on February 15-19. On the occasion, NFN issued a 31-point declaration.
Drawing the attention of the government to the activities of business houses enjoying tax exemption, evading taxes and seizing public lands, the declaration has demanded the solution of the problems and action against the guilty. It has also called for formulation and implementation of laws and regulations so as to ensure that all citizens realise the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Expressing serious concerns about the migration of youths, and brain drain for want of a favourable environment due to widespread corruption, mafia, brokering, inflation inequality, etc., the NFN demanded that the government seeks ways for improving the situation to address the situation.
On the occasion, NFN President Ram Prasad Subedi requested the authorities concerned to immediately improve the approach of treating community based organisations, that are not legally recognised as income and profit earners, as commercial establishments, and not to create trouble in the name of VAT and income tax. He also stressed on the need for restructuring and making the Social Welfare Council (SWC) keep up with federalism and become technology-friendly.
Stating that the provision in the Association Registration Act 2034 BS allows social organisations to buy and sell movable and immovable property like individuals, he demanded that the assets of the organisations be released while not troubling them based on circulars that are against the law.
The Federation has expressed its serious objection to the fact that the SWC has created an uncomfortable environment by issuing policy guidelines contrary to the law, without consulting and discussing with the stakeholders. “We strongly demand that such provisions be corrected immediately.”
Calling the attention of the government to the efforts to unilaterally impose the provision for the national and international civil organisations to get approval for monitoring the project launched through the government to government provision, and troubling them by creating various obstacles in the name of project approval, general agreement, and project agreement, the NFN requested the resolution of the problems immediately after holding dialogue with the stakeholders.
Since it is against the law to force social organisations registered in the district administration office under the Ministry of Home Affairs to register at the local and provincial levels, the stakeholders have urged an end to the practice and the correction of the tendency of charging arbitrary fees in the name of registration.
In view of the bitter reality that Nepali people have been bearing the brunt of disasters caused by climate change, they demanded that the international community provides the Green Climate Fund to Nepal for climate justice and investment.
“We strongly request an end to the act of curtailing the freedom of expression of the citizens in the name of regulating the social media network, and create an environment instead for them to operate in a lawful manner.”
Urging the practical implementation of the prevailing laws to take action against the culprits in increasing cases of violence against women, human trafficking, child trafficking, abuse of children, caste-based discrimination and untouchability, NFN Secretary General Arjun Bhattarai said, “We ask the government and political parties not to pass any laws that would give immunity to those guilty of serious human rights violations and crimes during the conflict and not to make any agreements to give immunity to the guilty in such serious crimes.”
—
Potential of federalism should be realized: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 19: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has said that the immense potential brought about by the federal democratic system of governance should be realized into opportunities.
Speaking at the official ceremony held this morning to mark the National Democracy Day at Sainik Manch Tundikhel in Kathmandu, he emphasized the need to build a strong foundation for socialism while strengthening the federal democratic republic.
Nepal has to be upgraded from a least developed nation to a developing nation by 2030 and for this qualitative development in the gross domestic production is the responsibility of the state. “The traditional model of development will be reviewed to focus on manufacturing and job creation”, the Prime Minister said, “Creating employment opportunities will prevent brain drain.”
Stating that democracy is a system that builds the foundation for political, economic, social and cultural advancement along with people’s participation, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his belief that the democratic system in which the people elect their own representatives will create a basis for progress and development of the nation.
‘As the only alternative to democracy is progressive democracy, the solution to the limitations and weaknesses seen will be possible only within the system’, Prime Minister Dahal said, “With the strengthening of the democratic republic, effective implementation of federalism and the active participation of citizens in the state management process, people’s rights and livelihood can be strengthened along with a foundation of socialism.”
The Prime Minister noted that continuous development and sustainability of democracy is possible only with people’s sensitization and ownership. Public interest and welfare-based society can be built through rule of law, recognition and realization of human rights, gender equality, proportional inclusion, participation and social justice.
—
Two killed, 16 injured in jeep accident
Damauli (Tanahu), Feb 19: Two persons died and 16 others were injured when a vehicle carrying people going to attend a wedding ceremony met with an accident at Aabukhaireni rural municipality-1 in Tanahu district this morning.
The deceased have been identified as Aasbir Gurung, 72, of Aabukhaireni rural municipality-6 and Tulasi Gurung, 17, of Byas municipality-9, according to the District Police Office, Tanahu.
Aasbir died on the spot while Tulasi succumbed to injuries in course of treatment at Chitwan-based New Medical College. The vehicle (Ba 18 Cha 5921) fell some 500 meters off the road, said police.
Subina Gurung, 15, Man Bahadur Gurung, 67, Sukmaua Gurung, 38, Alisa Gurung, six, Sabita Gurung, 19 of Aabukhairenu rural municipality-6 and Shishir Gurung, 10, of Bandipur rural municipality-3 were injured in the incident and they are receiving treatment at Aabukhaireni Hospital.
Similarly, Som Lal Gurung, 56, of Aabukhaireni-6, Bhakku Lal Gurung, 70, Sher Bahadur Gurung, 56, Aasmaya Gurung, 36, Dikshya Gurung, 10, Sete Gurung, 52 of Pyugharphant, jeep driver Raj Kumar Bishwokarma, 38, of Aabukhairenu-1, Chij Kumari Gurung, 36, 18-months-old Susan Gurung, and Sunita Gurung, 37, were also injured in the accident.
They are undergoing treatment at New Medical College, Chitwan, added Police.
—
Election should be adopted as a life style: CEC Thapaliya
Kathmandu, Feb 19: The 8th Election Day is being observed today with the theme “Success of Elections, Outreach of Electoral Education”. The day is observed in commemoration when Nepali citizens were able to vote for the first time in the general elections held in the country on Falgun 7, 2015 BS.
In a message on the occasion, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has expressed the confidence that the day would aware and inspire the voters to take part in election activities by realizing the importance of elections and voting. He also urged all to adopt elections as part of our lifestyle.
Pointing out the need to make the current electoral system cost-effective through self-control and social awareness, CEC Thapaliya has pledged to continue working with political parties, the voters and stakeholders to determine a ceiling on expenses and making the monitoring mechanism effective.
At a programme held in the capital today to mark the occasion, Election Commissioners Dr Janaki Tuladhar and Sagun Shumsher Rana jointly unveiled the annual souvenir published by the Commission.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Dr Tuladhar said that the country was heading towards adopting the principle of inclusion through the medium of elections. Acting Secretary Yagya Prasad Bhattarai said the Commission office-bearers, staffers and volunteers involved in the election were working together to make the elections free, fair and cost-effective.
—
RSS awards eight best journalists, employees
Kathmandu, Feb 19: The has honoured best journalists and employees on the occasion of its 63rd anniversary.
At a programme organised at the central officer here today, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, presented the award to eight journalists and employees. Senior Editor Krishna Sapkota has been awarded best editor award, Senior Assistant Reporter Ashok Ghimire as best reporter and Account Officer Rajesh Kumar Shrestha as the best employee.
Similarly, Suresh Acharya (Surkhet) has been awarded as best photo journalist, Ram Bikas Chaudhary (Rupandehi) as the best feature writer, as well as Rupani GM (Banke), Manoj Dahal (Morang) and Niranjan Kumar Sah (Dhanusha) as best district correspondents.
All the award carries a purse of Rs 20,000 each.
Likewise, Minister Sharma honoured Radio Nepal, ratopati.com and Pratik Daily (Birgunj) as the best subscribers.
—
JSP calls CEC meeting on Feb 22
Kathmandu, Feb 19: The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal has summoned its central executive committee (CEC) meeting for 11:00 am on February 22.
According to party’s publicity and publication department chief, Purna Basnet, the meeting has been called as preparations for the party’s upcoming National General Convention.
The meeting is scheduled to discuss about the allocation of responsibilities among the central leaders in view of the mega event.
—
Formulation of media-related laws a priority: Govt. spokesperson Sharma
Kathmandu, Feb 19: Minister of Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that formulation of media-related laws is a priority of the present government.
Speaking at a ceremony organized at the Central Office today on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of RSS, Minister Sharma, also the government spokesperson, said that prevailing laws will be amended and new laws will be formulated as per the spirit of federalism.
“The government is working to carry out reforms by amending and drafting new laws as per the norms and spirit of federalism in cooperation with all the stakeholders related to the media,” she said.
Minister Sharma also said that the Mass Media Reforms Advisory Committee has been formed to provide policy and legal recommendations for the restructuring of the mass media sector and the Nepal Media Council Bill and the Mass Media Bill have been prepared based on the report of the committee.
Stating that the government is serious about making the journalism and communications sector competitive, professional and accountable, Minister Sharma said it is necessary for the media to now play an important role in the transformation of people’s living standards while helping preserve political achievements.
Minister Sharma also claimed that the government is trying to bring the nation together in transforming people’s lives with a focus on good governance, social justice and prosperity. She shared the determination of the government to support investigations into corruption scams including fake Bhutanese refugees, Lalita Niwas case and gold smuggling.
On the occasion, she said that RSS should be able to compete with other news agencies of the world not only within the country but also internationally by emphasizing on the production of quality content. For this required support and facilitation will be provided by the ministry, she added.
“I want to assure of necessary support from the government in the management of the training as well as the necessary resources to make RSS more reliable and effective, with a priority to the audio-visual news service”, she said, “I urge RSS family to make a special effort to increase their professional competencies and become self-sufficient.”
—
Netherlands defeats Namibia by 7 wickets
Kathmandu, Feb 19: Netherlands registered its first victory under the tri- series of ICC World Cup Cricket League-2, defeating Namibia by 7 wickets today. Netherlands met the target of 124 runs posted by Namibia in 27.2 overs at the loss of 3 wickets in the match held at Kirtipur-based TU Cricket ground.
With this victory, Netherlands collected two points in two matches. Nepal had defeated Netherlands by 9 wickets in the first match. Similarly, Namibia has two points. In the first match, Namibia defeated Nepal by 4 wickets. In today’s match, Michael Levitt of Netherlands contributed highest 57 runs for the win while Max O’ Dowd scored 28 runs and Bas de Leede 21 runs. Similarly, Zerrad Erasmus took 3 wickets for Namibia.
Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Namibia had scored 123 runs in 35.1 overs losing all wickets. JJ Smit of Namibia gathered 26 runs, Zane Green 19 runs, Ruben Trumpelmann 20 runs, Nikolaas Davin and Captain Zerrad Erasmus 13 runs each and Bernard Scholtz 13 runs.
For the bowling side, Aryan Dutta of the Netherlands took 6 wickets and Kayla Klein two wickets and Roelof van der Merwe took one wicket.
—
RSS should serve as bridge between people, government: Secretary Subedi
Kathmandu, Feb 19: Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ram Krishna Subedi, has said the should serve as a bridge between the people and government.
At a special programme organised at Bhadrakali Plaza on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of RSS today, Secretary Subedi emphasized that the RSS should play the role to take government’s activities among the people and people’s aspiration to the government.
Stating that it should pay attention in disseminating authorized, factual and trustworthy news, he directed the RSS to improve its service delivery and to provide news contents as per people’s expectation.The Communications Secretary mentioned that media should be alert of the fact that fake news could be disseminated in the hurry of providing news as competition has increased of late. Hence, RSS should do more hard work to become the first choice by disseminating right information.
Similarly, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bipul Pokhrel, pointed out the need of developing journalism sector free from labour exploitation, urging the government to take guardianship in this campaign.
Saying mass communication sector is very sensitive, he requested the government to formulate the laws related to mass media immediately.
Likewise, RSS Executive Chairperson Dharmendra Jha shared that RSS is focused on diversifying its news and in quality service delivery. “The nation should be reflected on the contents of RSS. Human resources should be also diversified for the same”, he stressed. Expressing commitment to implement government’s guidelines, Chair Jha added RSS contents have been made qualitative. He said preparation has been started to run RSS service round-the-clock.
RSS General Manager Siddharaj Rai shared that RSS has launched news service in mother tongue in recent period. Stating that possible efforts were taken to improve RSS service quality, he mentioned RSS has continued to impart training and orientation for journalists.
President of the RSS Nepal National Employees Association, Prem Prasad Upadhyay, called on the management to pay attention to the development of the employees’ morale and asked the Ministry to play a leadership role in advancing the effective development of the organization as a whole.
President of the RSS Employees’ Association, Kalika Khadka, asked the management to give its employees responsibilities as per their skills and competencies. President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, RSS Chapter and RSS employees Union, Pabitra Guragain suggested to introduce programs to encourage journalists and employees, to pay attention to their professional development along with exposure to international level training.
On the occasion, Minister Sharma presented the ‘Adityadhwaj Joshi Memorial Award-2080’ established by the RSS Employees Association to Rajinan Sah and Ram Bahadur Thapa. The prize carries a purse of Rs 7,500.Likewise, the ‘Basu Rimal Yatri Commemorative Award-2080’ established by the RSS Employees Union was awarded to Manoj Lamichhane and Bal Bahadur Bishwakarma. The prize includes 7,777 rupees in cash.
The ‘RSS Journalism Award-2080’ established by the FNJ RSS chapter was awarded to Narayan Prasad Ghimire and Mohammad Sadrul. The prize carries a purse of Rs 10,000 each.
Meanwhile, RSS ex-employee award was present to former General Manager Basudev Shrestha. The ‘Umakant-Gitadevi-Chandramani Rajaure Memorial Award’ was awarded to Tanahun-based correspondent of RSS, Milakumari Darai.
At the ceremony, Minister Sharma unveiled a book incorporating experiences of former RSS staffers titled ‘Rasasa Anubhav ra Anubhuti 2018-2080’ published by RSS central office.
—
Education Bill will be passed with amendments: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 19: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the School Education Bill under consideration in the Federal Parliament will passed following necessary amendments.
Speaking at a workshop on ‘Nepal’s Educational Movement and School Education Bill’ organized by the Samajbadi Educational Forum here today, the Prime Minister said that the Bill will be further enriched with amendments.
Stating the bill was discussed with the ruling coalition partners and the opposition parties, Prime Minister Dahal said that the bill will be amended based on the amendment proposals registered in the parliament. “Necessary amendments to the Bill will be made by including the feedback of teachers, trade unions, academicians, students’ organizations, stakeholders and the parents,” he said.
He also said the government is committed to implementing the agreements made by the state in the past with teachers’ associations and other stakeholders.The Prime Minister called for developing a positive narrative that it is possible to do something in the country, and thereby to prevent the brain drain, for which he emphasized on producing competitive and quality human resources.
Noting that the basis to achieve qualitative progress in the development of quality, competitive, innovation-oriented education should be developed, the Prime Minister said that emphasis has been placed on reward and punishment, along with meritocracy in order to bring about qualitative improvement in the educational sector., “Appointments will be made on the basis of meritocracy in academic institutions, including universities, and that reward and punishment will be enforced the education sector.
On the occasion, CPN (Unified Socialist) Vice President Rajendra Pandey said that the forum should focus its debate on socialism-oriented education.
—
Mahasamiti meeting to make party stronger and united: Deuba
Lalitpur, Feb 19: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed the confidence that the Mahasamiti meeting of the party will make the party stronger and united.
Speaking at the party’s Mahasamiti meeting that began in Godavari, Lalitpur today, he said that the event is being eagerly watched inside and abroad with the expectation that it will make the Congress more strong and unified.
Deuba said that the Mahasamiti meeting will discuss the policy issues of the party and prepare a document by incorporating the suggestions received in the meeting. “The Congress has a long history of struggle for the establishment, restoration and protection of democracy in the country. Whenever there is a crisis in the country, the Congress has led and provided a solution. It is because of its determination to never compromise with democratic values that this party has succeeded in building a name for itself in at the national and international level,” he said.
Also former Prime Minister, leader Deuba said that the main need of the day at present is to protect and effectively implement the Constitution.
He also made it clear that the coalition government was formed not merely for the formation of a government but to neutralize efforts to lead the country towards political instability by dissolving the House of Representatives and thereby put the Constitution at risk. “The Congress is always for dialogue, understanding and cooperation and mentioned that competition between political parties is natural,” he added.
—
RSS marking 63rd Anniversary
Kathmandu, Feb 19: The , the official state-owned news agency, is marking its 63rd anniversary day today at its central office at Bhadrakali Plaza.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma is scheduled to inaugurate the formal programme.
RSS was founded on Falgun 7, 2018 B.S. by merging then two news agencies–‘Nepal Sambad Samiti’ and ‘Sagarmatha Sambad Samiti’–operating in the private sector.
Since its inception, RSS has been collecting and disseminating official, reliable and fact-based news under the major theme of ‘Communications for Development’.
RSS has been operating as an autonomous organization following the introduction of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti Act, 2019 B.S.
RSS has currently established offices in all seven provinces according to the federal structure of the country. It has been continuously disseminating its news-based products through online service to its subscribers including radio, newspapers, television and online news portals. It has also started audio visual service from July 17, 2022.
Recently, RSS started disseminating news in the Awadhi languages and is preparing to disseminate news in other national languages including Maithili and others.
The news agency has been providing news products in the Nepali and English languages while it also provides international news of various new agencies, as well as articles, audio and visual and photographs.
It is also conferring honour and awards to the outstanding reporters, editors and employees today coinciding with the 63rd anniversary. As decided, its employees and district correspondents are to be conferred on the occasion of its 63rd anniversary today.
A meeting of the RSS Board of Directors on Saturday decided to award district correspondents- Rupani GM (Banke-Woman), Manoj Dahal (Morang) and Niranjan Kumar Shah (Dhanusha). The award carries a purse of Rs 20,000 each.
Similarly, Ram Bikash Chaudhary (Rupandehi) has been recognised for his best feature story on Lifecycle of Bat while senior editor Krishna Prasad Sapkota has been selected for the award from the new editing section.
Ashok Ghimire (news reporting), Suresh Acharya (photo and audio-visual), and Rajesh Kumar Shrestha (accounts/administration) have been selected for the awards, according to RSS General Manager Siddharaj Rai. The award carries a purse of Rs 20,000 each.
Similarly, Radio Nepal (among RSS subscribers), Ratopati online (in terms of giving credit to the RSS news) and the Prateek Daily are also to be honored today.
—
RSS 63rd Anniversary: Congratulations and Best Wishes to All
Kathmandu, Feb 19: The , the official state-owned news agency in the country has turned 63 today. On this special occasion, I would like to recall the founders of RSS and express sincere appreciation to them. Likewise, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the past management committees, employees and journalists and all others who served the RSS for its continuous services for this organization more than six-decade-long journey.
RSS has stood here from their contributions and hard works even in the hard times of the past. I would like to offer my sincere appreciations to all of them for their efforts.
We all are aware that the news agency was established as a supporting organization to provide news to the country’s newspapers. The Press Commission formed by the government in 2014 BS had submitted a report in 2015 BS recommending to establish a new agency in the country to support the newspapers against the backdrop of their increasing number.
On the basis of the same recommendation, Nepal Sambad Samiti was established on Push 1, 2016 BS and youth journalists of the time Gopaldas Shrestha, Madan Sharma, Govinda Biyogi and Ganesh Manandhar led the move to establish Nepal Sambad Samiti meant for distributing news contents to the newspapers.
After some five months of the founding of Nepal Sambad Samiti, journalists Manindraraj Shrestha, Pashupatidev Pandey and Shankarnath Sharma established yet another news agency called Sagarmatha Sambad Committee on Baishakh 30, 2017 BS.
Later, RSS was founded on Falgun 7, 2018 B.S. by merging then two news agencies–‘Nepal Sambad Samiti’ and ‘Sagarmatha Sambad Samiti’–operating in the private sector.
Ramraj Paudyal, then Secretary of the Government, Govinda Biyogi of Nepal Sambad Samiti and Manindraraj Shrestha of Sagarmatha Sambad Samiti served as founders for today’s RSS. On the occasion of 63rd anniversary, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the present RSS’ founders.
During its 62-year-long journey, RSS has faced several difficulties from political ups and downs to natural disasters. In its continuous service so far, RSS has not only gained experiences but also served as a witness of the history. RSS has remained a direct witness of the country’s party-less totalitarian Panchayat regime, restoration of democracy in 2046 BS, establishment of Loktantra following the people’s movement of 2062-063 BS, election of the Constituent Assembly and the historic event of the establishment of Republic Nepal. So, compiling such experiences, RSS has completed the long history of 62 years.
Actually, news agency is an auxiliary organization of country’s all the media outlets. And, RSS has not turned back from its main goal and purpose of serving the media outlets. Even today, RSS is supportive organization of all media houses in the country. As a media of the media and news source, RSS has been providing news services to the country’s all media houses even today.
Like in other countries in the world, we wish to offer services as a partner, and common organization of the media in Nepal and we are doing so.
Being the state-owned news agency, we have the belief that state’s face should be reflected in RSS services and its news pages. What we consider that the news service of RSS should embody the inclusive face of the state and every ethnic community and language could see it in the RSS news bulletin. For this to materialize, we have given attention for the inclusive representation of journalists and employees working at RSS.
Likewise, we have taken the policy to disseminate news in different mother languages as per our perception that RSS should grasp all mother languages of the country. The latest of its kind, we have started news service in the Awadhi language and we are effortful to expand our services in other mother languages. We have been calling upon the provinces and local government to join us in our initiative to disseminate news in the mother languages. Some of the local governments have pledged to support in our initiative too.
We believe that news agency should provide news services to the media of all nature and genres in the country. As part of this, we have commenced audio-visual services too. We have realized that the country’s televisions and online news medium have benefited from this service. Also, we have advanced further by diversifying and revising our services to establish RSS as a leading agency in the rapidly developing and expanding media world. We have expected support of all media outlets of the country for this to make happen.
At present, RSS has been providing news services in the Nepali, English and Awadhi languages while it also provides international news of various new agencies, as well as articles, audio and visual and photographs from 6:00 in the morning to 10:30 at night. Our reporters in all 77 districts and some others deployed abroad are our major pillars for news. I would like to congratulate and express my best wishes to all of them, RSS journalists and all employees on this day. Also the thanks are to the RSS news subscribers.
We expect your guide in the days to come for our advanced and robust journey.
Congratulations to the RSS Family and best wishes to all.
—
RSS should end challenge of misinformation: President
Kathmandu, Feb 19: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that responsible news agency like should inform the people by disseminating true, factual, impartial and official news at a time when attempts are being made to mislead the people from wrong and fake information.
In a message today on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of RSS, the President said that the media houses like RSS should move ahead by facing challenges that have emerged from the increasing trend of misuse of social networking sites.
“I consider the value-based unique, investigative and research writings in line with the principle of journalism and code of ethics serve the interests of the readers by protecting the essence and life of news. The recent reform made by RSS in diversification of RSS services, publications, training and infrastructure development is praiseworthy,” the President said.
The President has expressed the confidence that RSS would move ahead as a more competitive, efficient and leading news agency to provide qualitative, factual, official and credible news as per the interests of its readers and service-recipients in the changing context brought by modernization and globalization.
The state-run RSS should remain further responsible, credible and accountable to ensure citizen’s right to information ensured by the constitution, the President added.
President Paudel has extended best wishes to the RSS journalists and management committee to develop the organization as a modern, development and model news agency by further revising and reforming its news services, taking lessons learnt so far.
RSS should stand as pillar for positive stance, Vice President Yadav says
Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has said the should stand as pillar for sharing positive views in the society that is filled with frustrations, angsts and negativities.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of RSS today, the Vice President has urged RSS to focus more on other issues, subjects and sectors to the concerns that political contents have dominated its news service.
He emphasized that RSS should work as an advocate of social and cultural diversities in the changing social fabric of Nepal and suggested that RSS should act proactively in its role of developing a civilized and cultured society.
“RSS should work progressively in defence of federalism, democracy, republic, inclusion, equality and good-governance with a transformed mentality without being prejudiced in the present context,” the Vice President added.
He has called upon RSS for its additional responsibilities in offering diversified contents on social, economic, political, lingual, inclusion, equality and other sectors by representing people of all regions, geography and class.
PM Prachanda asks RSS to provide news thru accessible and high-tech medium
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asked the to disseminate news to the citizens in the best possible accessible and high-tech medium, has wished RSS for its unique existence.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of RSS today, the PM said there was no issue and agenda beyond information technology. “Today’s age is of science and technology, and is primarily of information technology.
Development of information technology has developed in such a speed in the last two decades that the entire world has synthesized it as the fourth industrial revolution,” the PM observed.
The PM has added that entire dimensions and paradigms of social lives have been affected not only the media industry due to rapid development of information technology.
In his message, PM Prachanda has stated information technology is not only a concern of every individual but a compulsory element in today’s age of 21st century.
The PM has also said that our media should be updated and revised to make them relevant in the context that information technology has advanced in a swift manner.
PM Prachanda has appreciated move of RSS to provide national and international news services in the English and Nepali languages since its establishment, and effectively running audio-visual services in the recent time.
Likewise, the PM has pledged to ensure needed assistance and guardianship to RSS on behalf of the government for institutional growth and development of RSS.
House Speaker, NA Chairman on RSS anniversary
Speaker of House of Representatives (HoR) Devraj Ghimire has expressed the confidence that the will make its effective presence to highlight public voices and activities of lawmaking processes and parliamentary activities.
In a message on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of RSS today, the Speaker has stated that RSS has become the news agency of first choice for electronic and online media platforms in the country for its adoption to multimedia in the recent years.
He has also wished that RSS would emerge as a leading news agency by making its contents further competitive.
In his message, the Speaker has appreciated RSS for its role in parliamentary reporting.
Similarly, National Assembly Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina has said that RSS would work further proactively in prodding for an equitable and judicious distribution of democratic dividends.
In a message on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of RSS today, the NA Chairman has praised and appreciated RSS for its role in informing the citizens by disseminating factual and impartial news.
RSS should bridge govt, people: Communications Minister
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said the state-owned media houses should bridge the government and people adding that the narrative of state-run media being one-sided was wrong.
In her message on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary today, Minister Sharma said the government wants to alter the established narrative of the state-run media being one-sided.
“Now, the state-owned media should perform the role of taking government policies, decisions and messages to the people and people’s voices to the government, according to Minister Sharma.
She has expressed the confidence that RSS would pay attention in becoming self-reliant by increasing its income after exploring additional sources of income and maximum utilizing available human resources and physical property.
—
‘Ill-efforts being made to disgrace cooperatives’
Kathmandu, Feb 19: CPN (UML) Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli claimed that the cooperative sector has a spectacular role for the country’s development.
In his address to the fifth national cooperative meet of the Civil Service Cooperative Organization Limited, Chair Oli expressed sorrow over the ill-efforts to disgrace cooperative of late though the cooperative sector is inevitable for the development of the country like Nepal.
He called for all the concerned sides to remain alert to remove anomalies and aberrations surfaced in the sector and prevent unscrupulous efforts to keep the glory of the cooperative.
Chair Oli said ill-intended efforts are underway to spread rumour about the cooperative as an enterprise for forgery and profit-making job. On a different note, he stressed the need to recruit qualified and competent person to the post of vice-chancellor of the Tribhuvan University. He further said there should be no political power sharing in appointing the VC.
—
Two persons killed in tipper accident
Rampur (Palpa), Feb 19: Two persons – driver and assistant driver died on the spot in a tipper accident at Arthokgha Rahabas of Mathagadhi rural municipality-5 along the Rahabas Khaireni road section in Palpa district today.
The accident took place when a tipper (Lu 2 Kha 561) en route to Mathagadhi rural municipality-5, Dhamika from Khaireni of Rupandehi district, according to the District Police Office (DPO), Palpa.
The deceased have been identified as Pradeep Kumal, 24, of Tilottama municipality-16 and Manish Pariyar, 18, from the same place. Kumal was the driver while Pariyar was the assistant driver of the tipper, said Superintendent of Police (SP) Suganda Shrestha at the DPO, Palpa.
The cause of the accident could not be ascertained yet, said police.
—
World Social Forum 2024 concludes in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Feb 19 : The World Social Forum (WSF) 2024 concluded here today with a solidarity march involving diverse participants in Kathmandu.
The 16th edition of the WSF that kicked off on last Thursday had also begun with a solidarity march. During the five-day event, over 50,000 participants from over 1400 organizations of 98 countries marked their attendance virtually and in person in various concurrent events, said Nepal Organizing Committee of the WSF 2024.
Various thematic panels, self-organized activities, cultural programmes and activities aimed at providing networking opportunities and collaborative actions as well as fostering discussions and formulating strategies for a more equitable and sustainable future, according to the press statement issued by the Committee.
Participants deliberated on a wide range of pressing issues including economic inequality, social justice, climate justice, citizen engagement, right to information, labor, migration, caste-based discrimination, gender equality, peace and sustainable development among others, read the press statement.
The event came to a conclusion with 60 declarations from organizations worldwide pledging to collaborate towards realization of another, fairer and more just world, said the Committee. Expressing gratitude towards Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, who expressed his support in his solidarity message to the WSF 2024, the Committee also extended its thankfulness to all those organizations including the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and individuals contributing towards making the event a success.
The theme for this edition of WSF 2024 was ‘Another World is Possible’. It may be noted that WSF began in 2001 as an alternative to the World Economic Forum that is held annually in Davos, Switzerland.
—
RSS’s 63rd anniversary: Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce emerges victorious in football
Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur), Feb 19 : Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry secured a win in a friendly football match held at Mahendranagar on Monday to mark the 63rd anniversary of the .
The Chamber of Commerce’s team defeated the RSS team with 6-4. In the match held at the playground of the Rastriya Bal Bidhyalaya, Chamber of Commerce team’s Man Chand and Mahesh Joshi scored two goals each while Brij Kishor Chand and Jung Bahadur Malla secured one each goals.
Similarly, journalist Bikas Mahata scored a hat trick for the RSS’s team while RSS’s Kanchanpur Office’s Chief Sher Bahadur Singh made a goal at the last hour of the match. Gopal Kumar Adhikari, Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur, inaugurated the match which was witnessed by representatives of various social organizations and security agencies in the district.
It was for the first time RSS organized football match in the district to celebrate its anniversary, according to RSS Kanchanpur Office Chief Singh.
—
NC has created history by playing role for nation-President Deuba
Kathmandu, 19 February : Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba claimed that the Nepali Congress (NC) has created history by discharging the crucial role for the nation sine its establishment.
It has been made possible due to unwavering honesty to the democratic values and norms and continued and undisrupted relations with the people, he further noted.
In his address to the inaugural function of the NC’s Mahasamiti meeting that kicked off in Godavari, Lalitpur today, President Deuba said NC has provide leadership to the epochal tasks from series of revolution, struggle and movements for the establishment and re-establishment of democracy to the transformation of the decade-long conflict to peace.
“From the formulation of the interim constitution and the constitution to its implementation, NC has provided exemplary leadership,” he said. Stating that the present Nepal Constitution was framed under the NC leadership, Deuba said the constitution has ensured a multi-party competitive federal democratic republican parliamentary system based on pluralism.
Stating that protection and meaningful implementation of the constitution was the main agenda of the day, he said the NC was firm in favour of the protection and implementation of the constitution and it was also our responsibility.
NC would take pride in its history and perform its duties and responsibly in the present and future, Deuba noted, adding the party’s ideological values, policies, programmes and practices were guided by the democratic norms.
According to him, the Mahasamiti meeting has been convened as per the decision of the general convention to discuss the party’s policy issues as it could not be discussed by presenting documents on policy issues due to paucity of time in the 14th general convention of the party. President Deuba said that various documents would be presented in the meeting and urged all the participants to study those issues thoroughly and put forth their views.
“Everyone has a long history of the NC’s long struggle for the establishment, restoration and protection of democracy in the country. Our history is full of stories of people’s rights for democracy and sacrifice, penance and sacrifice for freedom. Whenever there is a crisis in the country, the Congress has given a solution under its leadership.”
Deuba said the NC has been able to establish itself as the only democratic political party at the national and international level due to its determination to never compromise with democratic values. “The alliance was formed at the initiative of the Congress to protect the constitution. Now we are in the exercise of alliance.”, he noted.
Deuba went on saying, “The alliance was formed immediately on the initiative of the NC to protect the constitution. The pre-election alliance and the present government are a continuation of that. Even today, we have taken the protection of the constitution as our primary agenda. All the documents to be presented in the General Committee have mentioned this issue.”
Stating that the NC has adopted a mixed election system in the constitution Deuba said although the mixed electoral system has both merits, there is little possibility of a single party getting a clear majority in the electoral system. He urged the NC to work to strengthen the party organisation so that it could get majority in all the three tiers in the coming days.
“Our party has become the largest party in the country. There is a strong organization in all the villages and communities of the country. “We have the highest number of people’s elected representatives at the federal, provincial and local levels in the last elections,” Deuba said. This faith of the people should not be allowed to be broken. Congress friends should dedicate themselves to the service of the nation with high morale and confidence. There is no reason for us to bow our heads or to make our hearts small”, he noted.
Vice-President Dhanraj Gurung and Assistant General Secretary Mahalaxmi Upadhya Dina said the conclave would make concrete policy decisions to steer the party to a right path. Various groups would be formed in the meeting to discuss on different proposals of the party, NC Information, Communications and Publicity Department chief Min Biswokarma informed.
—
Resolution to probe property details from ward chair to ministers be endorsed: NC Vice-President Gurung
Kathmandu, Feb 19: Nepali Congress (NC) Vice-President Dhanaraj Gurung said that the party’s Mahasamiti meeting is going to be held as a ‘policy session’ as per the resolution of the party’s national convention.
Appraising about the Mahasamiti meeting that kicked off at the Sunrise Convention Centre in Godabari of Lalitpur from Monday, Vice-Chairperson Gurung informed that Vice-President of the Party, Purna Bahadur Khadka, would present the proposal for policy formulation.
Similarly, General-Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa would present organizational proposal and another General-Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma would present proposal related to contemporary affairs, shared Gurung.
The proposals presented by Khadka, Thapa and Sharma would be discussed by forming four groups, added Gurung. Gurung, also the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, was hopeful that the meeting would deliberate on the issues that remained to be addressed while debating on democratic socialism and thereby providing the party a guideline.
On a different note, he argued, “Fiscal good-governance could not be achieved as long as corruption persists. The Mahasamiti meeting will take appropriate decisions regarding curbing corruption.” He opined that the party should move in such a way that the public should be able to fell that NC is not the master of the people but their servants. He emphasized that the Mahasamiti meeting should endorse the resolution seeking investigation into the property details of the politicians from ward chairperson to ministers to maintain good-governance and fiscal transparency.
He also called for protecting the constitution that was promulgated in the leadership of the NC. The meeting that will run through February 22 has brought together 165 incumbent central committee office bearers and members and 1,780 Mahasamiti members representing electoral constituencies of House of Representatives.
Similarly, 89 attendees are from the Nepali Liaison Committees and 69 from the sister and other affiliated organizations among others.
—
Indefinite curfew clamped in Birgunj
Birgunj, Feb 19: The District Administration Office, Parsad has clamped indefinite curfew within Birgunj effective from Monday evening.
Chief District Officer (CDO) of Parsa district, Dinesh Sagar Bhusal, issued a notice on Monday evening and said that the curfew has been imposed since 5:00 PM on Monday until the further notice.
Curfew is imposed in the areas within Nagawa Chowk in the east, Tilabe Bridge in the west, Parbanipur Parsa in nother and Miteri Pul (Custom) in the south of Birgunj city.
CDO Bhusal shared that curfew was imposed since a situation of clashes was created between two parties during the protest launched by the Hindu Samaj against a clash at Ishanath Municipality in Rautahat. During the curfew, movement of people is prohibited while any kind of anarchic activities such as demonstration, protest, assembly within the areas where curfew is imposed, according to Bhusal.
Meanwhile, security arrangement has been stepped up in Birgunj Metropolitan City following the curfew. Around 1,000 security personnel from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been mobilized in various places for security concerns, said DSP Kumar Bikram Thapa.
—
