- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Achham, March 25: Five persons died and three others were injured in a tractor accident at Mallekh rural municipality in Achham district today.
The deceased have been identified as Rang Dhami, 55, Janak Dhami, 15, Prem Dhami, 45, Nar Bahadur Dhami, 37, and Janak Dhami, 21, of Mallekh-1, according to Information Officer at the District Police Office, Police Inspector Arjun Saud.
The tractor (01002 Ta 4979) met with an accident when it was heading to Sanphebagar from Shodasha.
Similarly, Lal Bahadur Dhami, 42, Hansa Dhami, 40, and Devendra Dhami, 15, were injured in the incident and they have been taken to Bayalpata Hospital for treatment, said police.All the deceased and injured are from the same local ward.
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PM Dahal assures of progress towards establishment of Shaktikhor industrial corridor
Kathmandu, March 25: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged to address the issue concerning the establishment of Shaktikhor industrial corridor in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The PM made this pledge during his meeting with a delegation led by CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli and comprising the Kalika municipality mayor in Chitwan and others today. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.
It may be noted that despite talks for a long time, there is no substantive progress over the establishment of an industrial corridor at Shaktikhor in Kalika municipality. During the meeting, the delegation drew the Prime Minister’s attention towards the need to establish the Shaktikhor industrial zone and undertake endeavours for development and prosperity of the local level, according to Mayor Binod Regmi.
In response, the head of the government assured of addressing the concern for the establishment of the corridor in the upcoming budget, directing Finance Minister Barshaman Pun to resume budget allocation for the same.
Finance Minister Pun, CPN (UML) deputy general secretary Bishnu Rimal, central member Kapil Pokhrel, education activist Dr Baburam Dhungana and outgoing chair of the National Federation of the Deaf Nepal, KP Adhikari, were among those present in the meeting.
Matters relating to the Trishuli diversion project, equalization grant, and the establishment of an inclusive school were discussed in the meeting, according to the local representative.
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DPM Shrestha in Beijing
Beijing, March 25: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has arrived in Beijing, the capital of China, Monday. He is currently on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China.
The Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Chang Maoming, Nepali Ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha and senior officials of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed him at the Daxing International Airport in Beijing.
DPM Shrestha is scheduled to call on his counterpart and high level dignitaries from different provinces of China. Meanwhile, Foreign minister Shrestha is scheduled to meet with the Central Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Hunin.
Similarly he will meet with Deputy Minister of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party, Sun Haiyan.
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Increasing public awareness about rights of intersex people stressed
Kathmandu, March 25: Emphasis has been laid on developing and promoting IEC materials including books, films and documentaries providing clear information on intersexuality to remove the disparate understanding about this condition in the society.
As guardians, families and society are confused about the intersex diversity in lack of public awareness, the intersex people have been deprived of their human rights.
Executive Director of ‘Campaign for Change’, an organisation working for rights of intersex people, Ishan Regmi, said the identity and dignity of people with intersex has been affected due to the biased concept of the society that people are born only as male and female sex.
During a programme with media persons today, Regmi shared that he only at the age of 21 years knew that he had the intersexual identity.
Sharing that there is lack of materials including books, films and documentary informing about intersex, he mentioned that although the society is recognizing sexual minority, it still does not recognize the diversity within intersex.
Similarly, advocate Prapusha KC expressed the view that not mentioning about intersex in all kinds of laws including acts and regulations related to children, laws related to sexual abuse in working place, property, birth registration and citizenship is a problem.
“There is a legal provision for birth registration within 34 days of birth. But the person born with gender identity except male and female can decide which identity they live only after become adult”, he stressed.
The people with intersex had to go for complicated process of correcting birth certificate, educational certificate and even citizenship after becoming adult, he mentioned.
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Photo exposition has exposed natural beauty of China: Deputy Speaker
Patan (Lalitpur), March 25: Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar has said the natural beauty of China has been highlighted by the photo exhibition from Gansu province of China.
The Deputy Speaker said this while inaugurating the Gansu Photo Exhibition organized here today at Patan Durbar Museum. The photo expo is organized by Gansu Modern Photography in collaboration with Nepal China Friendship Forum, the National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) and Nepal China Culture and Educational Council.
She said the photo exhibition also shows the art, culture and civilization of Gansu. “The photos on display also represent many things about change that have taken place in the country and also about the local art, culture, costumes, traditions,” she added.
Stating that Nepal and China shared commonalities in many things, Deputy Speaker Rana Magar said this photo exhibition has made it clear that although countries are separated by geographical boundaries, there is no boundary within humanity.
Vice President of Gansu Photography Society, Wang Zhan Sin said they are pleased to organize the photo exhibition at the world heritage site. He said the photo exhibition will help in publicizing the art, culture and civilization of the two countries while the collaboration between the photo journalists’ organisations has provided the opportunity to expand ties at the people’s level.
NFPJ president Pradip Raj Onta believed that the Gansu Photo Exhibition will help in the promotion of tourism between the two countries while providing an experience of China. He added that the exhibition will bring Nepal and China closer.
Nepal-China Friendship Forum president Dr Kalyan Raj Sharma viewed that the photo exhibition will also indirectly help in the community development of Nepal, as Gansu province has indigenous population like Nepal’s.
Nepal-China Culture and Educational Council president Dr Harish Chandra Shah expressed the view that the exhibition has facilitated to know from close quarters about the ancient civilization and culture between Nepal and China. He further said the exhibition will contribute towards making Nepal-China relations deeper.
Sixteen photographers from Gansu Modern Photography Organisation are participating in the exhibition. The organisation has more than 3,000 members.
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PM urges AIIB for concessional loan to Nepal
Kathmandu, March 25: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to ensure a policy for providing concessional loan to Nepal.
During a courtesy meeting with a delegation led by RMP Rathnayake, the AIIB director, the Prime Minister said, “Nepal still needs concessions in borrowings as AIIB does not have such window. In fact, this market rate pricing is restricting Nepal to access to AIIB financing. As you are policy makers, I urge you all to consider about this,” according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
Stating the government is focused on achieving a high economic growth target simultaneously with good governance, institutional development, social justice and prosperity, the Prime Minister said, hoping for the AIIB’s support in financing, technical assistance, knowledge sharing and mobilizing private capital in this process.
The PM said currently there are a few projects under AIIB investment in Nepal in the energy sector and there are ample possibilities for the investment in hydropower tourism, information technology and other infrastructure projects. He urged the AIIB to consider for the investment in these areas.
“It has been agreed to export 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India and to Bangladesh as well. This has paved a way for Nepal’s energy trade,” he said.
Recalling about the Nepal’s schedule to host the Third Nepal Investment Summit ( NIC) next month (April 28-29), the Prime Minister expressed his hope that there would a high-level participation from the AIIB in the event, contributing to building an investment-friendly atmosphere for areas of priorities in Nepal.
He also appraised the delegation that Nepal has revised its policies aiming to promote private and foreign investment, he urged the AIIB to investment confidently in Nepal.
The delegation led by Rathnayake comprised AIIB vice president and other senior officials. On the occasion, Rathnayake said AIIB accorded top priority to Nepal as being its founding member and the Bank is positive for increasing its investment in its development endeavors.
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TRC bill in final stage: Minister Giri
Parbat, March 25: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, has said the bill related to Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons has reached the final stage.
Addressing a programme organised at Mahashila rural municipality today, Minister Giri shared that the bill would be finalized soon.
He explained that it remains to forge consensus only on few points of the bill.The Minister stressed, “Discussion was held in many phases on the bill among leaders of different political parties. Phase-wise discussion was also held in parliamentary committees. Although consensus was forged on most of the points, agreement will be forged on some remaining points after holding discussion.”
The political parties have agreed to bring the bill providing justice to victims, he added, stating that it would not take long time to table the bill in the parliament as it is in final phase.
The Law Minister expressed the view that legal literacy would be taken to village. Saying ignorance of law is not excuse, he mentioned that many people have suffered due to ignorance about the law.
Minister Giri stated that despite going for federalism, the pace of country’s development has stopped in lack of new laws, adding it was necessary to amend some laws.
Sharing that some of the bills tabled in the parliament have not been passed due to political instability, he pointed out the need of stable government in the country.
The Law Minister underlined that Civil Service Act and Education Act are in the phase of discussion, assuring the passage of the acts soon. He expressed the view that the opposition party should support the government in laws formulation.
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Rokaya nominated NC Chief Whip for NA
Kathmandu, March 25: The Nepali Congress (NC) has nominated Krishna Bahadur Rokaya as the party Chief Whip in the National Assembly (NA).
Party President and parliamentary party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba nominated Rokaya as the party Chief Whip for the upper house of the Federal Parliament, according to the party source. Rokaya represents the Karnali Province in the NA.
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First-phase construction of ‘Asian Highway’ begins
Sundarharaicha (Morang), March 25: First-phase construction of the Asian Highway connecting 32 countries in the continent has started.
Removing trees along the western section from Sitapuri of Kamal rural municipality in Jhapa to Devikhola of Itahari has begun under the first-phase construction.
Construction activities of 120-kilometre four-lane road from Kakadvitta to Laukahi of Sunsari have been forwarded with the financial support of the Asian Development Bank.
Representative of Jain CR F G Tundi Company, a construction company, Hari Prasad Parajuli, shared that around 6,737 trees would be removed along the west section and an agreement has reached to complete the road construction within three years.
The 120-km-long four-lane section of the East-West highway connecting Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari is going to be constructed at an investment of Rs 28.17 billion of the Asian Development Bank. The highway is to be expanded along with the construction of 71 new bridges, he added.
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Karki designated portfolio of Minister of State for Forest and Environment
Kathmandu, March 25: President Ramchandra Paudel has designated Minister of State Deepak Karki to look after the portfolio of the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
According to the Office of the President, the Head of State assigned the responsibility for the Minister of State in the existing Council of Ministers in accordance with the Article 76 (9) of the Constitution. He represents the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal in the coalition government.
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Literacy rate of people with disabilities is only 50 per cent
Kathmandu, March 25:Literacy rate of people with disabilities is found low in the country. It has been seen that only half of the disabled population is literate due to geographical hardship, social discrimination and lack of disability-friendly education system in the country. While the total literacy rate of the country is 76.2 percent, the literacy rate of persons with disabilities is only 50.1 percent. Similarly, the literacy rate of women with disabilities is still low in comparison to others. Only 38.5 percent of the total disabled population is female literate in the country.
This fact has been revealed in the statistical report on the disabled that was published based on the data collected in the census of the ‘National Census 2078 BS’. In the previous census in 2068 BS, the literacy rate of persons with disabilities was 43.2.
According to the census, the literacy rate of men was 52.2 and that of women was 33.7. Stakeholders say that while the literacy rate seems to be improving, it is not encouraging when compared with the recent public report.
According to the ‘National Census 2078 BS Disability Statistical Report’ jointly published by the National Statistics Office and the National Federation of Disabled Persons (NFDN), 2.2 percent of the total population has minor form of disability. According to the report, the number of people with disabilities in the country is 647,744. Out of 621 thousand 423 people aged five years and above, only 311 thousand 630 people are literate.
Dhundiraj Lamichhane, head of the population branch of the National Statistics Office, said that for the first time in the 2078 BS census, segmented statistics on disability were collected and analyzed. He said, “Statistical analysis with the Federation has completed the insufficient statistics of the disability sector to a certain extent.” In the report, which was divided into twelve types of disabilities and analyzed, the most literate are visually impaired.
Among the totally blind, 63.3 percent are literate. In this cluster, 70.4 percent of men and 56.3 percent of women are literate. People with intellectual disabilities are the least literate. Only 20.4 percent of the population of this cluster is literate, the report reads that 22.8 percent of males and 17.8 percent of females are literate. Likewise, among those with physical disabilities, 59.9 percent are literate. 68.3 percent of men and 47.8 percent of women are literate.
Among the 44.6 percent literates with low vision, 59.6 percent are males and 30.5 percent are females. Ramesh Pokharel, the spokesperson of the National Handicapped Association, said that the literacy rate of the visually impaired is low compared to the totally blind, so they have to study together with citizens of all genders, and have to use the same curriculum and sharing with same educational materials. Pokharel said that the literacy rate of this group is also moderate because it is easy to read due to the provision of braille for the blind, separate classrooms, hostel arrangement among other basic arrangements.
According to the report, the literacy rate of the deaf is 40.4 percent, while that of males is 50.5 percent and that of females is 29.2 percent. Literacy rate of those with slow hearing is 41.5 percent, 54.3 percent of males and 28.4 percent of females. Similarly, the literacy rate of the hearing-impaired is 44.9 percent, while that of males is 56.1 percent and that of females is 32.4 percent.
The literacy rate of people with voice and speech disabilities is 38.8, of which 44.5 percent of men and 31.4 percent of women. The literacy rate of people with mental or psychosocial disabilities is 46.3 percent, while that of men is 53.9 percent and that of women is 37.7 percent. The literacy rate of people with hemophilia is 66.1, in which 76.7 percent of men and 56.4 percent of women.
Similarly, the literacy rate of people with autism is 30.4, in which 38.8 percent of men and 23.6 percent of women. The literacy rate of people with multiple disabilities is 47.9 percent, while literacy is 53.1 percent and 41.1 percent for women. The chairperson of NFDN, Devi Dutt Acharya, said that with the publication of the disaggregated statistics of disability, there is information about the many types of opportunities that people with disabilities are getting in a different way in social life.
“In this area, we have collected and published data in totality”, said the chairman Acharya, “This time, due to the publication of fragmented data, it was found that the literacy rate of women with disabilities is so poor.” Chairperson Acharya shared that there was a problem in the poor educational condition of the disabled from curriculum to school structure. “The curriculum is also not disabled friendly.” Chairperson added.
Meanwhile, in normal school buildings, students with disabilities cannot enter the class room, so even if they want to, they are not able to study.” Jagdish Prasad Adhikari, director of the Center for Disability Human Rights, expressed his satisfaction that despite the lack of curriculum, braille books, teachers and infrastructure, literacy and education in the area is progressing.
According to the statistics of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, four percent of school-age children are out of school, and 80 percent of them are children with disabilities. However, Literacy rate of people with disabilities is low in the country, efforts and perception regarding education to them is advancing of late.
Nepal trounce Ireland ‘A’ in T20 series opener
Kathmandu, March 25: Nepal emerged victorious against Ireland ‘A’ by six wickets in the opening match of T20 series held today.
Chasing a 122-run target posted by Ireland, Nepal met the victory target at 16.1 overs at the loss of four wickets. In Nepal’s victory, Kushal Bhurtel contributed 37 runs with four fours, off 32 balls.
Similarly, Sundeep Jora added 36 including three boundaries and two sixes in 35 balls followed by Dipendra Singh Airee’s 20 with two fours and one six in 12 balls. Asif Sheikh scored 16 with two fours and one six in 11 balls while Gulshan Jha contributed four runs to the team.
Towards bowling, Ireland’s Gareth Delany took two wickets followed by one each from Ben White and Thom Mayes. Prior to this, winning the toss at Kirtipur-based TU Cricket Ground, Ireland ‘A’ chose to bat first and was all out with 121 in 20 overs.
Ireland’s Stephen Doheny was the top scorer for the team with 46 while Matthew Humphreys and Liam McCarthy each scored 16. Fionn Hand scored 11 and remaining players could not hit a double-digit run.
Towards Nepal’s bowling, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, and Kushal Bhurtel each took two wickets and Karan KC and Kushal Malla took one wicket each. The teams will meet for the second match tomorrow.
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Two Nepali players competing in USA Open Int’l Karate Championship
Kathmandu, March 25: Two Nepali players are competing in USA Open International Karate Championship. The championship is scheduled from March 26-31 at Texas of America.
Erika Gurung and Biplav Lal Shrestha from Nepal are participating in the championship. Erika is the silver medal winner of the 19th Asian Games organised in China.
Similarly, Biplav had won gold medal in the 13th Asian Games held in Nepal. Erika is competing towards women’s above 68 kg category while Biplav men’s above 84 kg category.
Deepak Shrestha and Kushal Shrestha are the coach. Three-member team except Kushal is leaving for US today itself. Kushal, however, would leave for America tomorrow. Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council, Tanka Lal Ghising, today wished the Nepali team for the success and bade farewell to them.
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Weather to remain cloudy across the country today
Kathmandu, March 25: The weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today. Nepal is currently under the influence of a western low pressure system and an induced low pressure system in north-east Assam and adjoining areas of India.
Lght rain is taking place in some places of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, informed the Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly regions of the country, including Koshi Province, Madhes Province, Bagmati Province and Gandaki Province this afternoon. Light rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of the hilly region of the country, including all the four provinces.
According to the Division, there is a possibility of light snowfall in some places of the high hilly and mountainous region of the country.
Tonight, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy in Koshi, Bagmati, Madhes and Gandaki provinces and partly cloudy in the rest of the country.
Light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of the rest of the hilly region.
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Two killed in Dholahiti; 18 arrested for investigation
Patan (Lalitpur), March 25: Two youths were killed in Lalitpur metropolitan city-26, Dholahiti last night.
Two persons lost their lives in a scuffle between two groups at around 9.00 pm last night, informed spokesperson of the District Police Range, Lalitpur and Superintendent of Police, Naresh Raj Subedi.
“The police were informed about the incident after the injured were taken to Patan Hospital at 11.00 pm. Some people rrested on the spot are being interrogated. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained,” he said.
The deceased have been identified as Robas Rai, 28, of Dharan, currently residing in Dholahiti and Pujan Rai, 30, of Panchthar district and is residing in Khumaltar. The bodies have been kept at Patan and Sumeru hospitals, spokesperson Subedi shared.
Police had arrested 18 people in connection with the incident last night.
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Devkota elected UML Sirkhet chair
Bheriganga (Surkhet), March 25: Kulmani Devkota has been elected the chair of CPN (UML) Surkhet.
In an election held on Sunday for new leadership, Devkota defeated his close contender Amrit Kumar BC.
According to CPN (UML) Surkhet, among other elected are Mohan Baduwal (vice-chair), Dambar Tiwari (secretary) and Tikaram Somai (deputy secretary–open).
Likewise, Sushila Biswokarma was elected to the post of women secretary.
Vote count for members is going on, the election committee informed.
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‘Mithila Mahakumbha’ to conclude today
Mahottari, March 25: This year’s Mithila Madhyamiki Parikrama festival is concluding today.
The 15 nights and 16 days’ festival, also known as ‘Mahakumbha of Mithila’, is going to conclude with the circumambulation of inner areas of Janakpurdham.
The final step of this journey is the barefoot walk in the inner area around a circle of 133 kilometers keeping Janakpurdham, the capital of ancient Mithila of Madhes, in the center.
There has been a tradition to circumambulate the Panchakoshi in the morning on the 16th day. In the middle of the journey, the pilgrims stayed for 15 nights in various pilgrimage sites of Nepal and India.
There is a tradition of staying for six nights in Dhanusha, five nights in Mahottari and four nights in Madhubani district of India.
The journey is believed to have been celebrated as a circumambulation since the 18th century. As per tradition, the journey ends on Fagu Purnima by playing Holi.
It is traditionally believed that participating in this circumambulation will help do away with the sins and injustices caused by mind, words and deeds and fulfill one’s wishes along with enlightenment.
Thousands of devotees from Nepal and India took part in the parikrama (circumambulation).
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Holi festival being celebrated in Terai-Madhes today
Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), March 25: The festival of colours, Holi, is being celebrated in Terai Madhes today with fanfare.
Holi (Fagu Purnima) is being celebrated in the Tarai districts in the following day after its celebration in the mountainous and hilly districts as per the tradition.
The government has declared a public holiday today to celebrate Holi festival in Tarai Madhes. Holi is being celebrated in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Udayapur, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.
Magar and Tharu communities, which shares large population in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) are also celebrating Holi today. Holi is celebrated as a festival of joy and colour.
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NA to connect three-tiers of governments-Chairperson Dahal
Chitwan, March 25: National Assembly (NA) chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal said the NA would work to connect all three tiers of governments.
Talking to journalists here today, he said the NA would work as a link between the local level and province assembly.
Chair Dahal shared that NA has initiated discussion on the topics of aspirations, challenges and potentials of province and local levels.
He further said the issues discussed in the NA would reach to the government through the House of Representatives.
Chair Dahal said discussions were already started in the NA on the problems of all the seven provinces in the last week of every month. “I have made arrangements for the members representing all the seven provinces to raise the issues of their provinces,” he said.
Dahal insisted on making NA a space to play crucial role in connecting the three tiers of government.
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‘No budget crisis to construct Kimathangka-Khandbari road’
Kimathangka (Sankhuwasabha), March 25: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Raghubir Mahaseth said the road would reach Kimathangka by the end of the fiscal year 2081÷82 BS.
Attending the closing ceremony of the first Bhotkhola festival held at Bhotkhola rural municipality of Sankhuwasabha on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Mahaseth said there was no shortage of budget for the project.
On the occasion, Defence Minister Hari Upreti pledged to open the Kimathanka border point soon.
DPM Mahaseth and Minister Upreti also inspected the Kimathanka checkpoint and highway.
On the occasion, Bhotkhola Chair Wang Chhedar Lama had presented a charter of demands for the development of the rural municipality to the ministers. The Nepal Army was tasked to open the track in the 14-kilometer stretch of the Kimathanka-Khandbari road section of national pride.
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PM urges govt. employees to work with integrity
Kathmandu, March 25: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed the civil servants to discharge their duty with integrity. The PM pledged to ensure environment conducive to any of the government employee working with a good intention.
At a regular meeting of the government secretaries at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday, PM Prachanda assured that he would shoulder the difficulties if the civil servants face any challenge during their respective work execution. “(Officials) don’t work under fear and terror of anyone. You have nothing to fear while working as per the law,” the PM said.
On the occasion, PM Dahal said the government after the new alliance has come up with new energy, new thoughts, objective, priorities and action plan, and instructed the government officials to work accordingly.
“Politics and administrators are the inseparable parts of a government. I am confident that you will work with more zeal and energy,” the PM said while thanking the civil servants for their support made so far in his third stint as the head of the government.
Reiterating that good-governance was his first priority, the PM said, “I will not do anything against the nation and law, and I am confident you too will do so.”
On the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the capital expenditure of the government was not satisfactory till the third quarters of the current fiscal year.
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Funds secured to rebuild 700 quake-damaged school buildings
Kathmandu, March 25: The Ministry of Finance is to manage funds necessary for the reconstruction of school buildings that were destroyed in the Jajarkot earthquake.
For this, funds from the President Educational Reform Program are to be transferred to rebuild the school buildings.
Accordingly, following a discussion at the Finance Ministry today, Finance Minister Barshman Pun and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shresth agreed to spent the budget of the President Educational Reform Program on the reconstruction of school buildings, according to Finance Minister Pune’s secretariat.
Following the agreement, Finance Minister Pun has instructed to spend the remaining amount allocated for the president educational reform program in the current fiscal year for the reconstruction of the school buildings in Jajarkot.
It may be noted that more than 700 school buildings in Jajarkot, Rukum Paschim, Bajhang and other neighbouring districts were damaged in the Jajarkot earthquake. The earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale with its epicenter at Lamidanda of Barekot Rural Municipality-1 of Jajarkot took place on November 3, 2023.
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Nepal Sambat software and App handed over to govt.
Kathmandu, March 25: The ‘tithimiti.com’ software and Nepal Sambat Mobile App developed by Spiralogics International has been handed over to the government.
Foundation’s Chairperson Gyanram Shrestha, Spiralogics International’s Chief Engineer Arun Thapa handed over the software and the App to the Head of the Government Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ amid a programme organized at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today.
The National Luminary Sankhadhar Sakhwa Foundation coordinated for the development of the software and the App.
Prime Minister Dahal, on the occasion, expressed his belief that the calculation of Nepal Sambat, which was considered to be tough, would be easier with the new App. He viewed that the App needs to be further managed and assured that it will come into force.
Now the software has been launched, Nepal Sambat, Bikram Sambat and Iswi Sambat (different types of calendars) can be used simultaneously from anywhere in the world, said Shrestha, Chairperson of Foundation, adding that the software and App could be downloaded on both laptop and desktops and could be run offline as well.
It may be noted that the Nepal Sambat was initiated in commemoration of the contribution of Sankhadhar Sakhwa who absolved the debt of the poor farmers and set the culture of social justice and equality during his time. Currently, Nepal Sambat 1144 is running as per this indigenous calendar.
Shrestha informed that users could go back and forth hundreds of years of Bikram Sambat and Iswi Sambat to see date, days and thithi with this software.
It is believed that the software and App could facilitate in the delivery of the government’s business in the wake of the incumbent government deciding to use Nepal Sambat mandatorily in the government’s business.
Present in the programme were Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal and human rights activist Malla K Sundar among others.
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SC orders to give affiliation to B & C College to teach medical courses
Kathmandu, March 25: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday issued an order in the name of the government to issue affiliation for B & C Medical College of Birtamod, Jhapa.
Justices Dr Kumar Chudal and Saranga Subedi handed down the verdict.
Spokesperson of SC Bed Prasad Upreti shared that a verdict was issued on Monday to instructing the government to grant affiliation to the college for running medical courses.
The full text of the verdict will be available later.
Medical entrepreneur Durga Prasain had lodged a writ petition at the SC in 2077 BS seeking an order to grant affiliation to his college.
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Spring permits for mountaineering begins
Kathmandu, March 25: The Department of Tourism has started issuing mountaineering permits for spring mountaineering season.
A total of 33 people have already taken permission to climb four different mountains till date, said According to Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering Branch of the Department, Rakesh Gurung. Among them, there are for Mt Ama Dablam, five for Himlung, one for Jugal and 24 for Mt Annapurna.
Issuing for climbing permits for the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest is starting tomorrow. According to the department, arrangements have been made for mountaineers to make online bookings for climbing.
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Security plan to open Thamel and Durbarmarg for 24 hours
Kathmandu, March 25: Discussions have been held on a security plan to open Thamel and Durbarmarg 24 hours a day.
A meeting was held at the District Administration Office Kathmandu today with concerned agencies and business persons about the preparations to open Thamel and Darbarmarg areas 24 hours a day. The discussion has started after Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane instructed to open Thamel and Durbarmarg areas 24 hours a day.
A security plan prepared by the District Security Committee to keep Thamel and Durbarmarg open round-the-clock was discussed.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Jitendra Basnet said a more integrated plan will be developed and implemented based on the problems and responses that will come after the market opens.
He said that a market management committee consisting of businesspersons and local residents will be formed or the existing committee will be given responsibility for business operations. CDO Basnet suggested that the price of goods and services should not be different during the day and at night.
Chief District Officer Basnet mentioned that a corresponding security system will be developed based on the assumption that criminal activities may increase compared to the present.
During the meeting, Chairperson of Thamel Tourism Development Council Bhabiswar Sharma said that the council had been demanding 24-hour business in Thamel for a long time.
Treasurer of Durbarmarg Development Board, Sanjay Adhikari, said that opening Durbar Marg 24 hours a day is appropriate in all respects.
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Meeting between DPM Lamichhane and Ambassador Goder
Kathmandu, March 25: Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Hanan Goder called on Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane at the latter’s office in the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday.
During the meeting, matters relating to the current situation of Nepali citizens in Israel, scholarships for Nepali students, safe return of Bipin Joshi to Nepal, etc. were discussed, said DPM Lamichhane’s Secretariat.
Matters related to cooperation in the fields of agriculture, information technology, job creation and further expanding and strengthening of Nepal-Israel relations were also discussed on the occasion.
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Passport service for Nepali nationals in Portugal
Lisbon, March 25: A team of Nepali diplomats from Embassy of Nepal in France arrived in Portugal to provide services related to passport to the Nepali citizens in the country.
A team led by Deputy Chief of Mission Sita Basnet from the Paris-based Embassy has arrived in capital city of Portugal, Lisbon to receive applications on e-passport.
The team has started its job from Sunday by setting up an enrollment centre with the coordination and facilitation from the Honourary Consulate General.
The team shared that biometric details of 54 individuals including the Nepali kids born in Portugal was collected in the first day on Sunday.
Basnet said that the team details for the e-passport would be collected for those whose passports were lost or damaged, whose passport’s date has expired as of December 31, 2023, those registering for biometrics until April 30, 2024 at Immigration Agency of Portugal and the Nepali kids born in Portugal.
She shared that the team has planned to collect applications of 100 persons in a day and that the camp will run for a week until March 31.
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New coalition formed after a careful contemplation: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 25: Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the new coalition has been formed after a careful consideration over it.
Addressing the party’s Bagmati Province Committee’s meeting at the party’s headquarters, Paris Danda on Monday, PM Dahal clarified that the new coalition was formed keeping in consideration the needs of the nation and the aspirations of the people.
Dahal said that since his party had decided to sustain the current coalition for a long period of time, the terms of reference of the coalition would be implemented in letters.
Stating that the decision to change the previous coalition was not a sudden one, PM Dahal explained that they aimed to bring together the leftists forces. Hence, the current coalition came into being.
‘Taking a new decision, based on the experience of the last one year, was the safest option” said the PM, according to DP Dhakal, central member of CPN (Maoist).
Necessary decision will be taken regarding the provincial government within few days, according to the PM. Appropriate decisions would be made after holding consultations with the coalition partners as decisions need to be made about the provincial government after the change in the coalition partners in the federal government.
During the meeting, PM Dahal instructed the party leaders and cadres to breathe new life into the frail political parties in the Kathmandu Valley by infusing newness in them.
He spoke of the need to follow creative measures to connect with public and strengthen the organization by taking into account the needs and wants of the public of the Kathmandu Valley, further strengthening the party organization.
The CPN (MC) chair also urged his party cadres and leaders to sensitize public about people-oriented works undertaken by his party.
Bagmati Province In-Charge Agni Prasad Sapkota, Bagmati Province Chairperson Sahayattri Poudel among others were present on the occasion.
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Five persons including cricketers get clean chit
Kathmandu, March 25: The Kathmandu District Court has acquitted five people, including cricket all-rounder Adil Ansari and former the national cricket player Mahaboob Alam, who were accused of match-fixing.
The bench of Judge Kamal Prasad Pokharel has ordered the acquittal of five people held on the charge of match fixing, arguing that the petitioners claim was not sufficient.
According to Chandra Prasad Panthi, information officer of District Court Kathmandu, the court acquitted the five persons after the claims made by the government against them could not be substantiated.
They were arrested for alleged match-fixing in the Nepal T-20 League held in Kathmandu last year, but released on a bail of three hundred thousand rupees.
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DPM Shrestha meets CPPCC Chairman Huning
Beijing, March 25: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is here on a formal visit to China, held a meeting on Monday with Wang Huning, the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.
During the meeting, both the leaders expressed happiness over the excellent state of relations between the two nations and expressed commitment to cooperate further for strengthening the bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussion was focused on economic development and prosperity.
During the meeting, DPM Shrestha reiterated Nepal’s commitment to One-China policy stating that Nepal and China have remained very good neighbours for centuries.
Saying that Nepal has focused its activities on economic development after the political transformation, Minister Shrestha stated that Chinese assistance will be crucial for Nepal’s economic prosperity and hoped for China’s continuous support to Nepal in the future.
Likewise, he urged the Chinese side for the resumption of 14 traditionally operated border points in the Nepal-China border and also requested to make regular flights from China’s different cities to Pokhara International Airport.
On the occasion, Huning said that the high-level visits from the two sides have helped further deepen Nepal-China relations.
He also said that China will have its firm support to Nepal’s decisions for its economic prosperity and shared that Nepal and China should work together for the economic prosperity.
Chairman Huning also expressed China’s readiness to support for Nepal’s graduation from the LDC.
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