TWO MISSING WHEELS OF NAC BOEING FOUND IN DELHI; BEING FLOWN BACK WEDNESDAY

TWO MISSING WHEELS
OF NAC BOEING FOUND IN NEW DELHI

Kathmandu, 1 March: Two missing wheels of a Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) Boeing have been found at a hanger in New Delhi.
They are being flown back to the Nepali capital later Thursday, Kantipur FM reports in its afternoon news bulletin.
Nearly two dozen officials of the state-carrier were suspended after the discovery five months ago.
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FURTHER DETAILS OF THREE PARTY MEET UPDATE

Kathmandu, 1 March.: Maoists, NC and UML Thursday discussed verbal presentations of their proposals for concluding peace and constitution drafting, party leaders said.
The proposals will be discussed amongst parties for another round of parleys Saturday.
Friday’s deadline to resolve differences on themes for including in a constitute will be missed.
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NC LATE ANALYSIS OF RESONS FOR ITS LOSS IN LAST ELECTIONS WITH REVIEW OF ITS MADESH OUTLOOK

Kathmandu, 1 March.: Main opposition NC Wednesday began delayed review of its electoral loss in the last parliamentary constituent assembly elections to Maoists that emerged as the county’s biggest force with a review of its Madesh outlook.
The party also lost its traditional electoral base in the south with the emergence of regional terai parties now calling themselves the fourth force in Nepali politics.
Terai parties have formed a front to push a regional agenda and are pursuing it by supporting Maoists in government.
NC started a review discussing the debacle with terai legislators as another UML opposition party is attempting to emerge as the biggest force by uniting splintered communist groups.
With emergence of political parties, dominance of national politics by NC is over; it will have to seek alliances with other parties to be effective.
The party’s claim that it has fought for, protected and will continue to fight for democracy is no longer appealing with emergence of other democratic parties who have been outside government without corrupting influence of state power.
US embassy wrongly predicted UML would emerge as Nepal’s largest partying the last parliamentary elections.
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7-POINT AGREEMENT BASIS TO CONCLUDE PEACE

7-POINT BASIS TO CONCLUDE PEACE AND DRAFT CONSTITUTION SAYS PAUDEL

Kathmandu, 1 March. : The Big Three agreed Thursday to conclude peace process and constitution drafting as per terms set between parties in and out of government, according to NC Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel Thursday.
Paudel said.this amid charges by opposition Maoists are constantly setting new conditions to conclude the twin tasks of peace and constitution drafting The three-party meet concluded after several hour discussions Thursday.
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KAILALI BORDER SEALED WITH UTTER PRADESH

Kathmandu, 1 March. : Kailali border in the far-West was sealed with Utter Pradesh Thursday.
Extended state assembly elections are being held in adjoining areas across the border in the Indian state..
Sealing of border during elections on both sides of the border is common practice to prevent irregularities during the vote.
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14 LAWMAKERS VISITING INDIA FOR CONSULTATIONS
Kathmandu, 1 March: A second group of 14 lawmakers is visiting India for one week beginning Saturday under a Nepal-India Parliamentarian Exchange Programme
The legislator will interact with their Indian counterparts in New Delhi.
The lawmakers represent major parties in and out of government.
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PRESIDENT INAUGURATES RI SPONSORED MEET
Kathmandu, 1 March: President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav Thursday inaugurated a three-day Rotary South Asia Conference on literacy in the capital.
Nearly 500 delegates and speakers from the South Asian, including ministers, government officials, parliamentarians, celebrities, international funding agencies, NGOs, education experts including Rotary International (RI) President Kalyan Banerjee, and the RI Board of Directors are attending the programme.
State of literacy, the shortcomings and opportunities in the region are being discussed.
RI has taken initiatives in South Asia by taking illiteracy as a major problem leading the region to poverty and unemployment.
“The conference will focus on identifying the role of Rotary in promoting and enhancing literacy in South Asia so as to develop a strategy to attain cent percent literacy in this region,” said RI Director Shekhar Mehta, who is also the convener of the event.
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HOUSEKEEPERS BEING TRAINED FOR OVERSEAS JOBS
Kathmandu, 1 March: The government is giving housekeeping training to foreign employment seekers to keep them afloat abroad. Around 500 persons will be among the first beneficiaries of this new initiative started by the Foreign Employment Promotion Board (FEPB), The Kathmandu Post reports.
The first batch of workers are currently undertaking classes in various training centres of the Capital. The training include house cleaning, cooking, skills to use various household equipment and so on.
“We hope to train all workers by the end of Chaitra. Around 250 persons have already completed the course,” said FEPB Managing Director Sthneshwor Devkota. According to FEPB, 99 percent of the trainees are male and most of the trainee intend to go to the Gulf countries.
Stakeholders say such training will help equip workers with vital skills. “In the past, workers were forced to recoup for the mistake they committed due to lack of knowledge. There are evidence of many workers paying compensation for damaging vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens etc. This training will help them work safely and efficiently,” said Devkota.
The board has been spending Rs 5,300 on each migrant worker through its welfare fund. It has authorised 14 training centres to run the training programme.
The government charges each migrant worker Rs 1,500 before they leave for the destination countries for employment and uses the workers' welfare fund for their betterment.
Officials the at Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) say many migrant workers engage in unskilled and low-wage jobs. According to an estimate, only 2 percent foreign migrants are skilled, 23 percent are semi-skilled and 75 percent are unskilled. Age-group wise, majority (almost 80 percent) are in 20-30 years age group. Moreover, most migrants are high school dropouts.
“We hope to give such training to around 1,000 persons this year with required budget been readies. Admission of female migrant workers is discouraging,” said an official.
The government estimates that approximately 2.2 million Nepalis are working as migrant workers in various countries. Out of them, 10 percent of migrant workers are female. Among the migrants, nearly 90 percent are working in Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. An unofficial figure claims similar number of people have gone through illegal channel.
The government is planning to provide other skill-oriented training like electronic and plumber training to workers in the future.
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THREATENED TOROISE SMUGGLED TO TIBET
Kathmandu, 1 March: Chinese traders gather at the bordering town of Khasa twice a week to purchase tortoises that are illegally imported from Nepal, Manoj Basnet writes in The Kathmandu Post from Khasa..
Every week around 60 tortoises captured from the wetlands of Koshi Tappu
Wildlife Reserve and other parts of the Tarai region are smuggled to Khasa through the Araniko Highway and other secondary roads leading to this Chinese town.
Smuggling of tortoises to Khasa does not have a long history, a source said. “It’s only been a few months since smugglers started selling tortoises in the Khasa market.
These reptiles have become the new smuggling item of late while the authorities are focused on curbing smuggling of red sandalwood,” the source said.
It is learnt that many former red sandalwood smugglers have switched over to tortoise smuggling.
Smugglers based in the Tarai districts purchase a tortoise for Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 before bringing them to Kathmandu and sending the animals to Khasa, concealed among other unsuspicious items. Each of these endangered reptiles, which are used as food and medicine in China, could fetch up to Rs 15,000.
The authorities, meanwhile, are clueless on the matter. Though the tortoises smuggled from Nepal are openly sold in Khasa, the security check posts along the Araniko Highway have not come across any case of tortoise smuggling so far.
“We have left no stone unturned to contain the smuggling. We are thoroughly checking every item that is being taken to Khasa,” said Basanta Lama, the police chief of Sindhupalchowk district.
Nirmalhari Adhikari, the chief of the Tatopani Customs, said it was impossible for smugglers to take in live tortoises to Khasa, given the strictness in the inspection of goods that are ferried across the border.
The district forest officer in Sindhupalchowk, Panchalal Shah, said he had not heard about tortoises being smuggled to Khasa. “If the reports are true, it is against the law and thereby a crime.”
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MAOIST STANDING COMMITTEE ALSO MEETS THURSDAY

MAOIST STANDING COMMITTEE THURSDAY

Kathmandu, 1 March: Maoist standing committee meets later Thursday immediately after a summit of the Big Three.
The standing committee comes amid demands by YCL for relief on par with 7,200 former PLA fighters who voluntarily with a golden handshake ranging from Rs.300,000 to Rs.800,000 provided by government first with European and now with Chinese government involvement.
The party belatedly has accepted the YCL was launched and sent to infiltrate society as former fighters and used for civilian activities like influencing elections giving the party majority in the constituent assembly election more than four years ago..
UCP (Maoist) has formed a two-member taskforce to workout details of a relief package for YCL activists; one suggestion is to tax lawmakers.
The party running the government with help of five Madeshbadi parties is involved in serious conflict with a hard-line faction headed by First Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.
The party has to sell proposals to the opposition to conclude the delayed peace process and constitution drafting processes amid widening rift between major players,
The party is reluctant to handover leadership of government to the which claims Maoists and government have failed and leadership should to over to the opposition to complete two twin tasks of peace and constitution.
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UML CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETS FRIDAY

Kathmandu, 1 March: An informal meeting of opposition UML central committee has been called Friday by the party standing committee.
Friday’s meeting will discuss nomination of 42 women representatives for Sunday’s two-day Kathmandu meeting of the national representatives council which assembles every three years though it should normally meet once in two years.
Nine hundred delegates have already been elected/nominated.
The standing committee meet continues Thursday.
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GOBINDA RAM SHRESTHA DEAD

Kathmandu, 1 March: Gobinda Ram Shrestha died 15 February.
Kathmandu Engineering College (KEC) of which he was founding member made the announcement Thursday.
He was 59.
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RULING 3-PARTY MEET BEGINS By Bhola B Rana Kathmandu, 1 March: A crucial meeting of the Big There began Thursday morning sponsored by UCPN (Maoist) leading the government began at the residence of Chairman Prachanda to untie a political deadlock and embittered relations between opposition and Maoists. The meeting come s one day before a deadline to resolve differences of statutes to be included in a constitution that has to be promulgated 28 May to institutionalize a declared republic. Chairman Nilambar Acharya said a report of the main constitution drafting committee under him will be sent to the 601-member constituent assembly (CA)) recording the differences. Each article in a constitution will have to be approved by two-third Majority in the CA to launch a basis law by May end. The task won’t be met again despite discussions and non-discussions in a Prachanda sub-committee with representatives of major parties to resolve thematic differences. At the last moment, Prachanda, NC President Sushill Koirala and senior UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal were given responsibilities to present proposals for a breakthrough on integration, constitution and constitution drafting. Prachanda proposed an integration proposal for Maoists with the appointment of a former PLA fighter with the rank of a brigadier general in Nepal Army—a proposal unacceptable to opposition NC and UML The three leaders meet Friday after Koirala and Nepal didn’t present their proposals at the last meeting. The here meet after the Maoist chief blasted NC and UML reflecting the deteriorating relations with parties and lack of trust to complete the peace process and constitution drafting. “You only hear abuses while opening the television set these days. These two parties have forgotten their past deeds. You only hear abuses sometime from NC ad then the UML,“ he told a gathering Wednesday in Parsa. Thursday’s meet comes hours after government and Maoists attempted to placate opposition by agreeing to close down 13 of 28 camps housing former PLA Maoist fighters in the next days. Nearly 9,500 fighters are lodged at the camps for more than four years. nnnn DRAFT BILL PROPOSES JUDGE APPOINTMENT THROUGH OPEN COMPETITION Kathmandu, 1 March : The Judicial Council (JC) has begun discussions on a draft bill that proposes appointing judges through open competition and making judgeships inclusive in keeping with the current wave of adopting inclusive policies and filling vacancies at constitutional bodies in a competitive fashion, Republica reports. A JC meeting on Tuesday discussed the draft bill that proposes announcement of vacancies for judges at all three levels -- district court, appellate court and Supreme Court -- and calling of public hearings for aspiring candidates, before they are chosen for the posts. The next meeting of the JC, which is headed by the chief justice, is expected to finalize the draft and forward it to the Ministry of Law and Justice for cabinet approval. According to JC member Upendra Keshari Neupane, candidates aspiring for judgeships at district courts will have to appear for both a written examination and an interview, under the proposed bill. Those aspiring for appellate court judgeships will have to fill out forms to be developed by the JC. "Those aspiring for judgeship at appellate courts will also have to attend some sort of test to be developed by the Judicial Council," said JC Secretary Jibanhari Adhikari about provisions in the bill being prepared to amend the existing Judicial Council Act. • Related news: JC Decides To Study Faulty Court Verdicts Similarly, the draft bill proposes that aspirants to the post of Supreme Court justice will also have to fill out a form to be developed by the JC, setting out why they want the post. The provision, if approved, will mark a major shift from the existing practice of appointing judges on the basis of a roaster prepared by the J C secretariat in a non-transparent fashion and at the discretion of the chief justice and members of the council. Under the existing system, those who have good contacts with the J C secretariat, the chief justice and JC members can secure appointments as judges at different courts. JC member Neupane said that the JC has proposed appointing judges through open competition on the basis of the experience of other countries. Neupane said judges are chosen through open competition in many countries, including India, the UK and Canada. "The draft bill aims at making the existing judicial appointments system more transparent," said Secretary Adhikari when asked why the JC felt it necessary to change the existing system. Similarly, the draft bill has also tried to respond to public calls to make the judiciary inclusive and has proposed quotas for women, indigeneous people, Madhesis and Dalits and other backward communites in the appointment of judges. It says that 48 percent of the vacant posts for judges will be reserved for excluded groups and communities. Of the reserved quotas, 33 percent will be allocated to women, 25 percent to indigenous peoples, 26 percent to Madhesis, seven percent to Dalits, five percent to the physically challenged and four percent to backward communities. At present, the judiciary is one of the least inclusive institutions. As of now, only six out of the total of 191 judges at courts of different levels are women while the number of judges represenating other excluded groups and communities is also very low. "The draft bill proposes a policy of positive discrimination in the appointment of judges," said JC member Neupane. nnnn ________________________________FORMER KING ATTENDING RELIGIOUS FUNCTION IN SUNSARI THURSDAY________ ________________________________________

FORMER KING ATTENDING RELIGIOUS FUNCTION IN SUNSARI

Kathmandu, 1 March: Former King Gyanendra attends a religious function at Jhumka in Sunsari Thursday.
Amid efforts of successive to curb his religious activities, government last year restricted his movement and stopped him from visiting Kumari Ghar on Indra Jatra.
A motorcycle rally is awaiting to welcome the former kng as he alights a flight to Biratnagar from the capital enroute to Jhumka.
He has just returned from India after a month-long visiting meeting Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul creating a political stir at home.
The meeting coincided with a comment of Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad political stability in Nepal isn’t possible without cooperation of monarchists, democrats and communists.
The former king’s participation in a religious function comes after a long quiet.
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CHIR ERECTED AT BASANTAPUR MARKING BEGINNING OF HOLI

Kathmandu, 1 March: The Holi chir was erected Thursday at 8.41 AM at Basantapur
heralding week-long celebration marking the end of winter and beginning of spring manly in the terai.
The chir with colourful festoon on top of the pole was erected at the square amid religious rituals and gaiety.
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11 GOLDS UP FOR GRABS IN 6TH NATIONAL GAMES THURSDAY

Kathmandu, 1 March: Eleven golds are up for grabs on the fifth day of
the 6th National Games in Dhangadi and the capital Thursday.
The Gaes areeingheld for the firs timein 13 years and for th first time in the far-West.
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CAPITAL WEATHER

Kathmandu, 1 March: The minimum temperature in the capital was six degrees Celsius.
Mercury is expected t rise to 26 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.
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NEPAL SEEKS HELP TO DETERMINE MOUNT EVEREST HEIGHT
Kathmandu, 1 March: Nepal is appealing to international donors to help it finally settle a long-running dispute over the height of Mount Everest, a government official said today 9Wednesday], The Himalayan Times reports.

The world’s highest peak, which straddles Nepal and China, is usually attributed a height of 8,848 metres following an Indian survey in 1954, but other more recent measurements have varied by several metres.

China measured the peak four metres lower — by excluding the snowcap — while in 1999 an American team using GPS technology recorded a height of 8,850 metres, a figure used by the US National Geographic Society.

Nepal’s state-run Survey Department told AFP it was seeking to obtain grants and expertise from international donors, as well as the global scientific community.

“This is part of the ongoing three-year Nepal government project to settle the mountain’s height. But we have neither the scientific expertise nor the resources to carry out such tasks,” said Director General Krishna Raj BC.

He said Italian scientists researching the mountain had already expressed an interest in providing help.

Everest was first measu-red in 1856, nearly 100 years before it was conquered by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
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GOVT. SITTING ON RIGHTS ABUSES CASES
Kathmandu, 1 March: The government has been literally sitting on more than 100 orders that the Supreme Court had issued vis-a-vis serious cases of human rights violation, Ananta Raj Luitel reports in The Himalayan Times reports.

Former Minister for Information and Communications Agni Prasad Sapkota and Additional Inspector General of Police Kuber Singh Rana are among the alleged high-profile human rights violators, who continue to enjoy impunity.

On June 21 last year, the court ordered the Prime Minister’s Office and the Council of Ministers, Police Headquarters, Home Ministry and the Kavre District Police Office to bring Sapkota, a senior Maoist leader accused of killing teacher Arjun Lama in Kavre, under the purview of investigation for prosecution and report to it on the progress every fortnight from July.

The order remains on paper to this day.

“No government authority has bothered to report the SC on the progress in the case,” an apex court officer told this daily.

On July 13, the court directed the PMO and the council of ministers, home ministry and Dhanusha DPO to report to it on AIG Kuber Singh Rana, who stands accused of killing five youth in Dhanusha in October 2003 when he was a regional police chief. No different is the status of this order.

“This inaction on the part of the government is not just a contempt-of-court case,” human rights activist Charan Prasain says, adding, “It shows that government agencies are unable to bring DIG Rana and powerful Maoist leader Sapkota under the purview of law.”

Notwithstanding an April 11, 2011 court order, the government is yet to form a committee, a task that the government was supposed to complete in two months, let alone enact a legislation to ensure reproductive rights of jailbirds.

Issuing a verdict on December 21, 2007, the court had ordered the government to amend laws to ensure the rights of sexual minorities, as records at the court’s Judgment Execution Directorate show. The verdict remains unimplemented with the government yet to form a committee for amending laws on sexual minorities that comply with international conventions to which Nepal is a party.

On December 28, 2007, the SC directed authorities form a panel and amend Section 42 of the Punishment Chapter of the Civic Code. The panel is nowhere in sight.

Out of other 129 orders issued in response to public interest litigations between July and January this year, only one verdict got executed, while 128 verdicts are awaiting execution. Of orders on 48 petitions related to personal issues, only got implemented during the period. The progress ratio was comparatively higher in 2010/11 with 34 out of 110 verdicts implemented, while 76 verdicts remain pending. In 2009/2010, authorities implemented 37 out of 87 orders.

SC registrar Lohit Chandra Shah says the apex court will now analyse the status of verdicts and take suitable action
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NEPAL, INDIA RAILWAY PACT REVIEW MEET STARTS LATER THURSDAY

Kathmandu, 1 March After deferring for well over two years, technical officials from Nepal and Indian are finally convening in the capital on Thursday for a two-day review meeting of Bilateral Rail Service Agreement, through which Nepal hopes to get all forms of rail cargo services operated between all inland container depots and Indian ports through which the country moves third country cargoes, Republica reports..

“Agendas for the meeting have already been finalized. We hope to conclude the meeting successfully,” Naindra Kumar Upadhaya, joint secretary of the MoCS told Republica.

The continued deferral to review the agreement, which was due for 2009, has limited the operations of Nepal´s inland container depot (ICD) in Birgunj. Nepal Freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA) has claimed the delay has inflicted the country a loss of around Rs 7.3 million each day since more than two years.

The meeting would review the progresses made after the review meeting that was held last in New Delhi in 2009. It will mainly focus on performance of Container Corporation (Concur) of India while providing service to the Nepali traders.

Traders in recent years have been complaining that Concur has not been doing its jobs properly and this, in turn, has been compelling them to pay undue demurrage charges and bear other costs.

Many containers had stranded in Kolkata port just a couple of weeks ago due to the negligence of Concur - Indian government-owned container handler. “Concur´s service has turned problematic of late. We will request India to correct it,” said one of the government officials participating in the meeting.
Though Upadhyaya refused to elaborate further, sources said Nepali officials in the meeting would push India to either improve the service performance of Concur or allow private railway service providers to cater to the needs of Nepali traders.

The meeting would also seek India to open railway cargo services between all ICDs and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) of Nepal and all the Indian ports through which Nepal is authorized to carry out third country trade. The existing railway agreement presently limits such services between Birgunj ICD and Kolkata and Haldiya ports only.

“We also have an agenda on free exchange of open and flat track wagons from and to any ICDs and ICPs,” said the source. So far, India has opened operations of closed railway cargoes only.

If this agenda is endorsed, it will pave the way for Nepal to operate railway cargoes between every ICDs and ICPs in Nepal and newly assigned Vishakapatnam port. It will also enable the country to trade with Bangladesh via train through Rohanpur-Singabad railway network.
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3-PARTY MEET BEGINS

3-PARTY MEET BEGINS

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 March: A crucial meeting of the Big There began Thursday morning sponsored by UCPN (Maoist) leading the government began at the residence of Chairman Prachanda to untie a political deadlock and embittered relations between opposition and Maoists.
The meeting come s one day before a deadline to resolve differences of statutes to be included in a constitution that has to be promulgated 28 May to institutionalize a declared republic.
Chairman Nilambar Acharya said a report of the main constitution drafting committee under him will be sent to the 601-member constituent assembly (CA)) recording the differences.
Each article in a constitution will have to be approved by two-third
Majority in the CA to launch a basis law by May end.
The task won’t be met again despite discussions and non-discussions in a Prachanda sub-committee with representatives of major parties to resolve thematic differences.
At the last moment, Prachanda, NC President Sushill Koirala and senior UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal were given responsibilities to present proposals for a breakthrough on integration, constitution and constitution drafting.
Prachanda proposed an integration proposal for Maoists with the appointment of a former PLA fighter with the rank of a brigadier general in Nepal Army—a proposal unacceptable to opposition NC and UML
The three leaders meet Friday after Koirala and Nepal didn’t present their proposals at the last meeting.
The here meet after the Maoist chief blasted NC and UML reflecting the deteriorating relations with parties and lack of trust to complete the peace process and constitution drafting.
“You only hear abuses while opening the television set these days. These two parties have forgotten their past deeds. You only hear abuses sometime from NC ad then the UML,“ he told a gathering Wednesday in Parsa.
Thursday’s meet comes hours after government and Maoists attempted to placate opposition by agreeing to close down 13 of 28 camps housing former PLA Maoist fighters in the next days.
Nearly 9,500 fighters are lodged at the camps for more than four years.
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DRAFT BILL PROPOSES JUDGE APPOINTMENT THROUGH OPEN COMPETITION
Kathmandu, 1 March : The Judicial Council (JC) has begun discussions on a draft bill that proposes appointing judges through open competition and making judgeships inclusive in keeping with the current wave of adopting inclusive policies and filling vacancies at constitutional bodies in a competitive fashion, Republica reports.

A JC meeting on Tuesday discussed the draft bill that proposes announcement of vacancies for judges at all three levels -- district court, appellate court and Supreme Court -- and calling of public hearings for aspiring candidates, before they are chosen for the posts.

The next meeting of the JC, which is headed by the chief justice, is expected to finalize the draft and forward it to the Ministry of Law and Justice for cabinet approval.

According to JC member Upendra Keshari Neupane, candidates aspiring for judgeships at district courts will have to appear for both a written examination and an interview, under the proposed bill. Those aspiring for appellate court judgeships will have to fill out forms to be developed by the JC.

"Those aspiring for judgeship at appellate courts will also have to attend some sort of test to be developed by the Judicial Council," said JC Secretary Jibanhari Adhikari about provisions in the bill being prepared to amend the existing Judicial Council Act.
• Related news: JC Decides To Study Faulty Court Verdicts
Similarly, the draft bill proposes that aspirants to the post of Supreme Court justice will also have to fill out a form to be developed by the JC, setting out why they want the post.

The provision, if approved, will mark a major shift from the existing practice of appointing judges on the basis of a roaster prepared by the J C secretariat in a non-transparent fashion and at the discretion of the chief justice and members of the council.

Under the existing system, those who have good contacts with the J C secretariat, the chief justice and JC members can secure appointments as judges at different courts.

JC member Neupane said that the JC has proposed appointing judges through open competition on the basis of the experience of other countries. Neupane said judges are chosen through open competition in many countries, including India, the UK and Canada.

"The draft bill aims at making the existing judicial appointments system more transparent," said Secretary Adhikari when asked why the JC felt it necessary to change the existing system.

Similarly, the draft bill has also tried to respond to public calls to make the judiciary inclusive and has proposed quotas for women, indigeneous people, Madhesis and Dalits and other backward communites in the appointment of judges. It says that 48 percent of the vacant posts for judges will be reserved for excluded groups and communities.

Of the reserved quotas, 33 percent will be allocated to women, 25 percent to indigenous peoples, 26 percent to Madhesis, seven percent to Dalits, five percent to the physically challenged and four percent to backward communities.

At present, the judiciary is one of the least inclusive institutions. As of now, only six out of the total of 191 judges at courts of different levels are women while the number of judges represenating other excluded groups and communities is also very low.

"The draft bill proposes a policy of positive discrimination in the appointment of judges," said JC member Neupane.
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FREED KAMLARIS TO PROTEST IN CAPITAL

FREED KAMLARIS TO PROTEST IN CAPITAL
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: The freed Kamlaris (previous bonded labourers) have announced to launch a Capital-centered agitation citing government's indifference to their demands, RSS reports from Dang.
The freed Kamlaris made public the protest programme by organising press conference at Ghorahi on Tuesday in response to the government's ignorance to provide them with scholarship.
They would not stop struggle till the government addressed their demands, said Chairperson of Freed Kamlari Development Forum, Manjita Chaudhary.
Forum Dang Programme Manager Fakala Tharu accused the government of not showing seriousness to address their issues despite apprising the Ministry and Departments about the demands.
They were denied of their right to get timely scholarship because of the government's dillydally in issuing clear guidelines and that tens of millions rupees were frozen in the past years, the freed Kamlaris said.
This year too, the amount worth Rs 160 million the government has allocated for the scholarship purpose has not come to the schools.
Agitating Kamlaris have put forward various five demands including the enforcement of guideline with the recommendations within 10 days.
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MINISTER AIDE YADAV SACKED

MINISTER’S AIDE YADAV DETAINED FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION, SACKED UPDATE
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Personal aide Yadav of Assistant Forest State
for Forest has been detained for further investigation by CIAA.
He has also been dismissed from his post.
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DFFERENCES ON LIKELY TO BE SENT TO CA

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Nilambar Acharya, head of the main
Constituent drafting committee has said if there’s no agreement on
differences on themes for inclusion in a proposed constitution, a report with differences will be sent to the constituent assembly (CA).
‘We’ll send the contentious issues to the (CA).
if there’s no agreement by Friday. Work is not progressing as it
should.
‘It’not for us to decide on a majority or minority.
“We have to work under consensus. That’s why there’s no alternative
but to send the differences to the Acharya , who earlier predicted a constitution won’t be promulgated by 28 May said.
The CA will them have to adopt articled for a constitution through majority vote which isn’t likely to be secured y any single party or group in the
601-member CA
Uncertainty prevails amid differences between major political players.
Big Three have to report to the main constitution drafting by this week with responsibilities given to Prachanda, Sushil Koirala and Madhav Kumar Nepal to recommend suggestions on constitution ,integration and drafting process of a basic law for adoption.
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LIGHTNING KILLS FOUR, INJURES FOUR IN TAPLEJNG

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: A 13-year-old was killed by lightning in
TaplejUng Wednesday, a radio report said.
Four others were injured.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

‘I failed to do anything as per your aspirations. As I am working under compulsion. /Though we are in government, government
and parliament are not with us. We are leading a weak government.”

(PM Bhattarai, The Kathmandu Post. 29 Feb.):

PM BHATTARAI TO PUSH RAM KARKI CASE WITH INDIAN GOVT WHICH HASN;T ACCEPTED HIS SECOND NOMINATION AS AMBASSADOR

PM BHATTARAI TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF RAM KARKI
WITH INDIA GOVT. WHICH HASN’T ACCEPTED HIS NOMINATION AS AMBASSADOR

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is making a final effort to secure the concurrence of the Indian government for the
nomination of Ram Karki as ambassador to India, political aide
Debendra Paudel said Wednesday, according to Kantipur.
“A search has begun for an alternative. But the prime minister is
making a final effort for consultations with the Indian government.
India’s concurrence hasn’t come three months after his nomination.
Reasons aren’t known for the delay or whether the appointment has been rejected.
But the Bhattarai government nominated Karki even as his nomination was rejected by India for the first time when nominated by the Prachanda government.
Newspapers have speculated New Delhi is unhappy for his views on Gorkhaland movement and possible links with Naxals.
Karki is married to a senior Sikkim government official and acceptance of his appointment would be embarrassing for India, another
speculation said.
Karki handles foreign affairs in the Maoist party.

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PRAMILA CHAUDHARY OF APF BAGS GOLD IN 400M

PRAMILA CHAUDHARY OF APF BAGS GOLD IN 400M RACE
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Pramila Chaudhary of Armed Police Force has won the gold medal in the 400 meters women's race in the fourth day of the Sixth National Sports Competition. She won the title with a timing of 1:01 minute, RSS reports from Dhangadi.

Similarly, APF's Dilmaya Karki came second to win silver medal by clocking 1: 09 minute. Similarly, Manisha Adhikari from western region bagged bronze medal in the competition.

Similarly, in men's 400 meter race, Tilakram Tharu of Nepal Police won gold with a timing of 49.6 seconds while Siddanta Adhikari of Nepal Police and Bimal Basnet from Western region won the silver and bronze medal respectively.

Adhikari and Basnet completed the race in 50.09 seconds and 51.08 seconds, respectively.

Likewise, in men's 5,000 meters race, APF's Kiran Mahat won gold with a timing of 15 minute 40.2 seconds while Laxman Malla Thakuri of Nepal Police came second to win silver medal in 15 minutes 43.9 seconds and Minraj BK from Western region came third to win bronze medal in 15 minutes 48. 6 second.

Similarly, Ramprit Chaudhary of Nepal Police won the gold in 400 meters men's hurdles with a timing of 58 seconds while Santosh Shrestha and Dhirendra Chadhary of Nepal Police won the silver and bronze medal with a timing of 59.2 seconds and 59.4 seconds,
respectively.
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MUKTINATH BHATTA AMBASSADOR TO DEMARK

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Muktinath Bhatta has been appointed ambassador to
Denmark by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Wednesday.
He hails from Harmi VDC-9 in Gorkha district
Bhatta was appointed on recommendation of the cabinet.
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FNJ MEMORANDUM TO MINISTER PUN
Kathmandu, 29 Feb : Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Kathmandu branch on Wednesday has submitted a memorandum at the Ministry of Finance, giving a seven-day ultimatum to fulfill its five-point demand, greatwayonlne.com reports.
The FNJ Kathmandu, issuing a press release, demanded that the government should double the advertising subsidy being provided to the media and adopt a proportional advertising policy.
The FNJ has also demanded that the government waived 15 per cent VAT from the media that carrying out a transaction less than Rs 2 million annually, sought a period of two months for registration in the PAN system and has demanded Rs 500,000 to train the journalists.
Meanwhile, the FNJ has taken serious exception at the government for imposing the registration rules on the media carrying out a transaction less than Rs 2 million annually, which is against the established regulations, reads the statement.
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UPDATE EVACATION OF MAOIST CAMPS IN 10 DAYS

EVACUATION OF CAMPS IN 10 DAYS

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: The operation will be completed in 10 days.
The decision follows the voluntary retirement of 7,200 former
fighters for the first time in five years to complete the peace process,
Another 6,500 former guerrillas are awaiting .integration in a new directorate under Nepal Army.
The integration has been delayed over ranks for Maoist fighters in the stat army.
Maoist weapons in containers delivered by Maoists to the special committee will be kept at cantonments
Armed Police Force and Nepal Army will look after
the physical facilities.
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MAOIST CANTONMENTS, CMPS CLOSURE TO BEGIN THURSDAY

CLOSURE OF MAOIST CANTONMENTS, CAMPS TO BEGIN THURSDAY

________________________________________
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Thirteen of 28 cantonments and
satellite camps housing former Maoist PLA fighters will be
closed down from Thursday.
The special committee headed by Prime Minister Baburam
Bhattarai took the decision Wednesday following a meeting in the morning wih his party boss Prachanda and one day after four opposition members of the committee Maoists and government were delaying the closure of caps as agreed.
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________________________________________

CHINA GETS 75 PERCENT STAKE IN WEST SETI POWER COMPANY ABANDONED BY AUSTRALIA

________________________________________

CHINA GETS 75 PERCENT STAKE IN WEST SETI POWER COMPANY


Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Government has awarded the
the 750 MW West Seti Hydro Electricity Project to China’s
Three Gorges Corporation (TGC) Wednesday wih a 75percent.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will have a 25 percent
stake in the project.
Following two-day talks, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was
for the launch of the project handed over 16years ago to
Australia’s Snowy Mountain Company
Government cancelled the award after the project didn’t
materialize and awarded it to China following this year’s
Nepal visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
The USD 1.6 billion. project will be completed by 2019.

Joint Secretary at the Energy Ministry Arjun Kumar Karki and
TGC CEO Cao Guangjing signed the MoU.
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________________________________________



TWO UNIDENTIFIED BODIES FOUND IN SAPTARI
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Two unidentified bodies have been found in Saptari district on Wednesday, RSS reports from Rajbiraj
According to police, a body of an infant was recovered near the office of Nepal Electricity Authority at Rajbiraj-9.

Similarly, a person of around 40 years of age was found dead at a farm in Tikuliya-3.

The body had rope tied on the neck and there were bruises on different parts of the body, according to the District Police Office.

Police suspected that somebody had thrown the body after murder. Identification of the bodies has to be ascertained yet. Both the bodies have been kept at Sagarmatha Zonal Hospital, Rajbiraj.

Investigation into both the incidents is underway, said Police-Inspector Nanda Lal Saha.
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MINISTER'S AIDE ARRESTED WHILE ACCEPTING BRIBE

MINSTER’S AIDE ARRESTED WHILE ACCEPTING BRIBE

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Private secretary Nagendra Yadav, of Assistant Forest State Minister of Forests Laxman Mahato, was arrested from Baneshwor while receiving a Res.50,000 bribe Wednesday.

A CIAA team ld by DSP Lalmani Acharya arrested Yadav from a restaurant.
from Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority arrested Yadav red-handed
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THREE YOUTH ON MOTORCYCLE KILLED AFTER HIT BY BUS
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Three persons died on the spot and another seriously injured in a road accident at Krishnapur-2, Banhara, of Kanchanpur district along East-West highway on Wednesday, RSS reports from Kanchanpur.

The deceased have been identified as Padam Airi, 13, Suresh Airi and Lokendra Chanda, 14 of Krishnapur, Banka, according to the Area Police Office, Jhalari.

Gopal Thapa of Banka was seriously injured in the accident. The accident took place when a bus (Se 1 Pa 4868) coming from Kailai district carrying a marriage procession hit the motorcycle.

Critically injured Thapa is undergoing treatment at Sewa Nursing Home, Attariya.

Locals have been obstructing transport services by putting the dead body on Banahara area road demanding compensation. Dozens of vehicles have been stranded on the road.
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________________________________________



INDIAN, AUSTRIAN COMPANIES RECEIVE SUPPLY CONTRACTS

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Texmaco Ltd., Kolkata, India, has won a euro 10.574 million contract for supply of hydro mechanical equipment for Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project.
Andritz Hydro GmbH, Austria, also as the lowest bidder, got a $.87.164 million contract for supply of mechanical and electrical equipment for Upper Takakoshi Hydroelectric Project in Dolaka.
The projects announced the contract awards.
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supreme court seeks reason fromits administration

SUPREME COURT ASKS ITS ADMINISTRATION TO PRESENT REASON FOR NOT REGISTERING REQUEST OF PM, SPEAKER

Kathmandu, 29 Feb. A single bench of the supreme court Wednesday asked its administration to give reason for not registering requests one month by Prime Minister Baburam Bahadur Bhattarai and Speaker Subash Nemwang seeking review by a bench of rejection by registrar of their requests.
The premier and the speaker requested the apex court to review the administrative decision of registrar not to entertain the requests.
The supreme court had ruled the extension of the current mandate of the constitution assembly until 28 May would be the last.
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DPM SEEKS SUPPORT
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar has expressed the commitment to remove the fake landless squatters, who have been residing at different river banks in the Kathmandu Valley by encroaching it, RSS reports.

Home Minister Gachchhadar asked how can the people living by constructing RCC buildings in the name of landless squatters by encroaching public land, be landless squatters.

At a discussion program organized by the High Level Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee on Wednesday, he further said he had requested top leaders of the big three parties frequently to support on removing fake landless squatters from the places, but he did not get the support as sought.

Home Minister Gachchhadar said he will remove the fake landless squatters at any expense, and warned he will rather settle other people in Tundikhel, if they did not support him for the same.

He said there should be no politics in development and called on all to work by rising above party lines.

The home minister also called on the top leaders of the big three parties to be serious for peace and constitution.

Similarly, Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hyridayesh Tripathi said that the government was committed to conserve the river banks in the Kathmandu Valley.

Chairman of the Committee Mahesh Basnet said there was a need of removing those living at the banks of Bagmati River in the name of landless squatters.
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TEACHERS' SIT-IN IN FRONT OF EDUCATION MINISTRY

TEACHERS’ SIT-IN IN FRONT OF EDUCATION MINISTRY
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Teachers staged a sit-in in front of the education Wednesday pressing 35 demands
Two bodies of teachers are also meeting Wednesday to work out future action programmes to press demands.
Temporary teachers in the community have for long been demanding permanent status.
Prime Minister Babyram Bhattarai asked teachers to call off protests and end closure of schools with assurances to amend and education act through a bill in parliament to meet the demands.
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UML STANDING COMMITTEE
Kathmandu, 29Feb.:UML standing committee began meeting for the second consecutive day Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s two-day meet of national representative council meet
Tuesday’s meet decided to 42 more in addition to the 836 representatives already confirmed for the assembly.
The meeting decided to increase women representatives for Sunday’s meet—three representatives each from 12 affiliated bodes.
The committee decided to select three more women each from 16 affiliated organizations for Sunday’s meet.
Tuesday’s meeting decided to present five reports to the assembly, including political report of Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and organization report of General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel.
Names of 42 nominated members will also be discussed.
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theM
among theniorerepresentatves f
ADDED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR AMBASSADORS
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Non-president ambassadors have been appointed by President DR. Ram Baran Yadav on recommendation of government,
Ambassador to Canada,Dr Bhoj Raj Ghimire has been appointed resident ambassador to Canadam, has been nominate non-resident ambassador to Cuba.
Gyan Chandra Acharya has been named resident ambassador to the United Nations is non-resident envoy to Ecuador and Peru.
Ambassador to France Mohan Krishna Shrestha is non-resident envoy to Spain, Greece, Portugal and Monaco as well.
Pradyumna Bikram Shah has been named the resident ambassador to Brazil and non-resident envoy to Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.
Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma has been named resident ambassador to the United States of America will also serve as non-resident ambassador to Mexico.
Arun Prasad Dhital has been named resident ambassador to South Africa will also look after Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Zambia.
Shyam Lal Tabdar who been appointed resident ambassador to Egypt will be non-resident ambassador to Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Ethiopia, Syria and Nigeria.
Ambassador to Germany Suresh Prasad Pradhan will be non-resident envoy to the Republic of Slovakia.
Uday Raj Pandey has been named resident ambassador to Saudi Arabia and he will also serve as non-resident envoy to Jordan and Oman.
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FURTHER DETAILS OF OPPOSITION DEMAND FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEET

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Four members of the Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) Tuesday drew the attention of Prime Minister and Committee chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in written that he should call the meeting of AISC immediately to forward the stalled army integration process, The Rising Nepal reports.
AISC members from Nepali Congress Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and Dr.Minendra Rijal and from CPN-UML Iswor Pokharel and Bhim Rawal submitted the Prime Minister the letter stating that he did not listen to their earlier oral requests.
In the letter, the AISC member stated that it was sad that no earlier decision was implemented when the time was running out and it was sending a negative message about the AISC to the public.
It also recalled the latest decision of AISC to reduce the existing 28 cantonments in 14 and said that the committee meeting was a must to discuss about implementing the decision and concluding the peace process.
"But the meeting has not been called for a long time," they said.
"The meeting of the committee should be called as soon as possible to conclude the peace process by discussing the difficulties that have emerged in the integration process" Rawal told The Rising Nepal after submitting the memorandum.
The letter also stated that the peace process could be forwarded as per the seven point pact signed by the major political parties on Nov 1, 2011.
However, the AISC members could not hand over the letter to Prime Minister Bhattarai as he was absent when the AISC members reached the Constitutional Committee to meet him. Later, they left it in the PM’s Office in Singh Durbar.
"We were planning to handover the letter in the meeting of the Constitutional Committee, but the PM was not there. After that I went to the PMO office and left the letter there" Rawal said.
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ARMY PROPOSAL ON INTEGRATION BOTTOM LINE FOR MAOISTS

ARMY PROPOSAL BOTTOM LINE OF MAOISTS
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: One day after a crucial meeting of the Big Three amid growing differences and rage between the country’s three major political players, Maoist Chairman Prachanda and his second vice-chairman Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai agreed Wednesday a controversial Nepal Army proposal for integration of 6,500 former PLA fighters would be a bottom line for an agreement.
Opposition parties NC and UML have accused Bhattarai for delaying and not implementing a recommendation to integrate 6,500 former fighters under a new directorate in the state army.
Maoists have agreed to integration conditionally if a former fighter is appointed brigadier general in a new directorate while they have only been offered the rank of a major without disrupting the present army hierarchy
Differences have surfaced within the Nepal Army (NA) and non-Maoist parties on the NA proposal described as conciliatory to Maoists.
Prachanda and Bhattarai held discussions on delayed peace process and constitution writing ahead of the Three Party meet Thursday.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, who is also home and defence minister, Monday objected to the army proposal submitted to Bhattarai without consulting him while summoning concerned army officer to the defence minister, Nagarik reports.
Gachedhar, who is also chairman of MJFL, is seeking mass integration of 10,000 Madesh youth in NC put on hold by the supreme court.
Prachanda and Bhattarai met amid internal differences in the party on integration as well.
YCL, former PLA commandants are pressing for monetary relief similar to those received by 7,200 former fighters who went on voluntary retirement this month
Maoists launched YCL as a civilian paramilitary unit for election and other purposes after joining the political mainstream more than four years ago.
YCL activists are former PLA fighters in civilian garb.
Maoist establishment is attempting settle YCL claims by taxing Maoist lawmakers.
The YML demand has put leadership in a fix.
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INDIAN COURT ORDERS EXECUTING RIVER LINKING PROJECT
Kathmandu, 29 Feb: India’s plan to interlink rivers, which had earlier drawn serious concerns from the region including Nepal and Bangladesh, now seems to have got a new lease of life with the recent decision of the country’s apex court, Mahesh Acharya writes in The Kathmandu Post. from New Delh
The Indian Supreme Court on Monday ordered the central government to implement the project, which was announced in 2002 by the erstwhile government to link the major rivers in the region.
Bangladesh, a lower riparian country, has been very vocal against India’s plan, which also includes the diversion of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, as it fears that such a project could leave its areas dry.
Though a formal version from Nepal has not emerged so far on the issue, environmentalists and activists in the country have expressed concerns of ecological disaster and severe ramifications on the Nepali side.
“Though India’s plan says that the reservoirs of water that flows from Nepal will be built on Indian soil, it does not seem feasible. Ultimately, reservoirs have to be built in Nepali parts, which could result in inundation and of course, serious environmental ramifications in the Nepali areas,” one Nepali water expert said, requesting anonymity.
The court has also directed the Indian government to set up a panel to spearhead the implementation of the project.
This multi- million dollar project announced by the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has literally been a dead issue over a decade due to differing views in the country and reservations from neighboring nations.
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URGENT STEPS DEMANDED TO EAST CONGESTION AT TIA
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Fast rising passenger traffic and air traffic movement has strained Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to near saturation point, and airline operators have called for urgent steps to ease the overcapacity, Sangam Parsain wrtes in The Kathmandu Post..
Airline operators said the government should immediately plan three measures — short-, medium- and long-term — to relieve pressure on Nepal’s sole international air gateway.
In the short term, helicopter operations should be shifted to another place. In the medium term, domestic airlines should be relocated to
alternative airports; and in the long term, international carriers should be diverted to regional international airports. Currently, the government is developing regional airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara.
Yog Raj Kandel, member of the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), said that if the severe congestion at TIA was not addressed in time, it could invite ‘negative consequences’ in the county’s burgeoning aviation industry. “TIA, which has been designed to process a maximum 30 aircraft per hour through a single runway, is now processing planes double the number. This is against international norms,” Kandel said.
TIA has been operating with a severe space crunch and limited infrastructure. It handled 4.28 million passengers in 2011, up 7.33 percent year on year. According to TIA, international carriers flew 2.70 million passengers, up 10.81 percent from 2010, while domestic airlines served 1.58 million travellers, up 1.87 percent.
Similarly, air traffic movement increased to 101,993 in 2011 from 99,281 in 2010. Nepal’s skies handled 22,791 international flights in 2011 compared to 19,864 in 2010. On an average, TIA handles 63 international and 217 domestic flights daily.
Tri Ratna Manandhar, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), said that CAAN had been expediting work on expanding TIA with Asian Development Bank assistance in light of the growing traffic.
“As the government has announced Vision-20 that aims to attract one million visitors annually, it was also necessary to increase the facilities and develop TIA,” Manandhar said. According to him, the government is mulling developing an alternative airport for domestic flights as a short-term plan.
AIR PASSENGER AND AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS AT TIA
YEAR 2010 2011
TOTAL PASSENGER 3.99 million 4.28 million
International 2.43 million 2.70 million
Domestic 1.55 million 1.58 million
AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT 99,281 101,993
International 19,417 22,791
Domestic 79,864 79,202
(Source: TIA)
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TWO KILLED IN DANG JEEP ACCIDENT

TWO KILLED IN DANG JEEP ACCIDENT

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Two persons died in a jeep accident at Dang Wednesday morning.
One person died instantly and another while undergoing treatment at hospital.
The jeep fell off the road while plying inside points in the far-West district.
Five others were injured.
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SPEAKER DRAWS PM’S ATTENTION TO DELAYS

Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Speaker Subash Nemwang met Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Wednesday morning and drew his attention on delays in promulgating a constitution and concluding the peace process.
He informed the government chief meetings of a constituent assembly to resolve differences on themes for inclusion had been obstructed as well.
Bhattarai discussed the issues with his party boss Prachanda boss Monday before meeting Nemwang.
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NC FOR FRESH ELECTIONS IF NO STATUTE
Kathmandu, 29 Feb.: Leaders of Nepali Congress (NC) Tuesday said that fresh elections could be the best option if the parties failed to write the new constitution by May 27 deadline, The Rising Nepal reports from Sarlahi.
NC president Sushil Koirala said that if the political parties were unable to draft the new constitution within the deadline, new election could be an alternative.
However, he expressed his hope that the parties would succeed to conclude the peace and statute drafting processes within three months.
Talking to journalists in Sarlahi, Koirala said that the parties were intensifying the tasks of peace and statue writing and all works would be concluded within 27 May deadline.
He said that NC would provide an alternative way if the task of writing the new constitution was not concluded within the deadline.
He said that his party would never compromise with any forces to promulgate the democratic constitution.
Koirala said that the Maoists should implement the seven-point deal to conclude the twin tasks of peace and statute.
He said that if the Maoists honestly work to conclude the disputed issues of the constitution and peace, all the issues would be concluded within a week.
Meanwhile, NC senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said that if the parties failed to promulgate the new constitution within 27 May, the fresh election could be an appropriate way to seek new mandate.
Speaking at an interaction organized by Rasuwa Chapter of Nepal Press Union in Dhunchhe, Deuba said that the report of the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) obstructed the task of the state restructuring.
He said that if any political forces tried to implement the report of the SRC, a new political crisis would emerge in the country.
He further said that SRC’s recommendations to restructure the country on the basis of ethnicity, language and region had only worsened the already complex situation.
Deuba said that NC had given first priority to conclude the peace process and added, "Without concluding the peace process, the new constitution will not be promulgated."
He urged the Maoists to implement the earlier peace agreements and support in drafting a consensus constitution within stipulated deadline.
He said, "If the Maoists positively support the peace and constitution writing processes, the national tasks will be concluded within three months."
He clarified that his party was ready to be further flexible to conclude the peace and constitution writing.
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HOME MINISTER SAYS PRESENT GOVT. WILL CONTINUE
Kathmandu, 29 Feb. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar Tuesday said that the present government would not be replaced by the new one before the parties decided the leadership of the next government, The Rising Nepal reports.
Receiving a memorandum from the Reporters’ Club here, DPM Gachchhadar said that the peace and constitution writing process would be at stake if the parties did not decide about the leadership of the new government before changing the present government.
The Reporters’ Club has launched a campaign to pressurize the parties to conclude the tasks of peace and constitution by May 27 and it handed over its memorandum to DPM under the campaign.
Gachchhadar said that although transforming the present government into a national unity government would be appropriate, they were ready to seek alternative to Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai.
Meanwhile, Irrigation Minister Mahendra Yadav said that the present government would be converted into a national consensus to conclude the historic tasks of peace and constitution.
"The Baburam Bhattarai-led government is giving top priority to complete the peace process and accomplish the constitution writing task. So to conclude these tasks, the present government could be changed into national unity government" he said at a programme orgainsed in the capital.
However, Nepali Congress leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat ruled out the possibility of converting the current government into the unity government.
Minister Mahendra Yadav claimed that the integration process of the combatants reached the final phase and added, that the major parties were holding serious discussions to forge consensus on the contentious issues of the new constitution.
Yadav said the government was giving top priority to investigate into bomb explosion incident that occurred on Monday in the capital.
He condemned the incident and assured that the families of deceased persons would get relief from the government.
UCPN-Maoist leader Dev Gurung stressed the need resolve the contentious issues appeared in the constitution writing process by forging consensus among the political parties.
CPN-UML leader Ramchandra Jha said the army integration process would be forwarded based on the seven-point deal signed by the major political parties.
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BISHWO KRANTI CHIEF SUSPECT OF NOC BOMBING

BISHWO KRANTI CHIEF SUSPECT OF NOC BOMBING KILLING THREE PERSONS
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Dev Raj Lama aka Bishwo Kranti, is the prime suspect in Monday’s in a capital bombing that killed three persons and injured 12 others in an explosion of a remote controlled devise in front of the head office of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC)

Metropolitan Police Crime Division has issued an appeal on its website with his picture for information that could lead to his arrest.

Bishwo Kranti, 37, was born in Hile, Dhankuta, and is coordinator of United Ethnic Liberation Front Nepal (UELFN) that first claimed responsibility and then withdraw the claim in telephone calls to local journalists minutes after the blast.
Lama is the 5’3” with a fair complexion.
Police said Tuesday he’s hiding somewhere in east Nepal; international borders have been sealed to nab him.
Security has been reinforces deploying additional personnel and security forces have been put on high alert until 28 May for any ’counterrevolutionary’ bid to boil peace and constitution writing attempts, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said.
Vigilance has been increased around government offices. residences of VVIPs and telecommunications facilities.
The Valley Division Nepal received telephonic bombing threat one day after the bombing, division headquarter at Narayanhiti, the former royal palace, would be blown off, Radhani reports.

Lama has a history of arrests with charges for extortion and bombing, including a blast outside the office of the RPP-Nepal in Baluwatar on November 28, 2009 and was involved for bombings in neigbouring Dhading but was released on bail.
Lama worked as a security guard as a mess of the US army in Iraq. Nagarik reports.
He contested constituent assembly elections from Kathmandu-3 five years ago before entering UELFN. And was a supporter of Ramraja Prasad Singh, a terai lawyer who advocated la republic and toppling monarchy during the panchayat regime.
During the rule of King Birendra, Singh bombed Rashtriya Panchayat killing a legislator; a reception of a hotel owned by the royal family was killed in bombing the same day as two bombs exploded at the royal palace in front of Keshar Mahal and Jai Nepal Cinema Hall.
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FEAT OF NEPALI ADVENTURERS RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Renowned US magazine has declared Nepal’s Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa 2012 People's Choice Adventurers of the Year
They polled 72,000 votes beating off competition from around the world earning the plaudit.
Sunuwar and Sherpa began a quest April 2011 to climb Mt. Everest, paraglide from the summit and kayak on the Ganges river to the Indian Ocean.
They completed the the-month adventure in low by budget 27 June.
becoming the first to complete the descent Mt Everest, the world’s tallest peak, to the Indian Ocean.
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COURT STARTS RECORDING STATE OF NEPALI WIFE OF INDIAN UNDERGROUND OUTFIT IN NORTH-EAST; WIFE ACCUSED OF MONEY LAUNDERING
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: The Special Court has begun recording the statements Sarita Giri, accused of laundering money, who is also wife of notorious criminal Niranjan Hojai, today [Tuesday], The Himalayan Times reports.

According to the court, the hearing will start tomorrow [Wednesday] on whether or not to grant her bail.

Hojai is chief of Dima Haolam Daogah (Jewel faction) aka Black Widow, an Indian underground outfit. Giri, the Nepali wife of Hojai, was arrested after it was found that she was assisting her Singapore-based husband’s outfit by financing through hundi.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) had filed a case against six people including Hojai and his wife Sarita, Raju Giri, Seti Giri, Ram Chandra Giri and Sita Giri as per section 22(2) of the Assets (Money) Laundering Prevention Act, 2008, yesterday.

DMLI has claimed Hojai was found to possess Rs. 8.6 million illegal money. It has demanded punishment as per section 30(2) of the Act and confiscation of property. Hojai, who also possesses a Nepali citizenship, is still at large.

DMLI has claimed that Sarita Giri was also found to possess Rs. 45.1 million in illegal money. It has also sought action against her as per the section 30(2) of the Act and confiscation of property.

Likewise, DMLI has also charged Raju Giri, Seti Giri and Ram Chandra Giri of allegedly assisting Hojai and Sarita Giri to hide illegal property and sought action as per the section 30(5) and confiscation of property as per section 34 of the Act.
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CENTRALREGION SWEEPS ALL GOLDS IN SWIMMING

NEPAL-INDIA RAILWAY TALKS THURSDAY
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Two-day Nepal, India railway talks begin in the Nepalese capital Thursday.
Officials will discuss movement of goods between the two countries, among other issues.
train services to the Inland Container Depot in Birgunj.

A Container Corporation of India-led joint venture is operating the Inland Container Depot.
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BOMB PLANTED IN FRONT OF GOVT.OFFICE
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: A socket bomb planted in front of Revenue Collection
Office was found in Janakpur Tuesday.
The person or institution planting the bomb wasn’t known.
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Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Central region grabbed all 27 golds in swimming up for grabs at Birgung
in the 6th National Games Tuesday.
It also won 25 silvers and as many bronzes/
He games are being held for the first time in 13 years in the far-West also for the first time.
The main events of the national sports competition is being held in Dhangadi, Tikapur and Mahendranagar in the poorest of five regions, but without adequate facilities, soe events re being hosted by other urban centers as well.
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MAOISTS DECIDE DETAILED PROTESTS
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.:: UCPN-Maoist party has decided to mobilise the general public all across the country to press political parties to promulgate a constitution that is ‘pro-people’ and create an atmosphere for lasting peace, Tika R. Pradhan reports.

As part of the campaign, endorsed by the party’s last central committee meeting, peaceful struggle program-mes such as mass meetings and interactions will be organised in both urban and rural areas of the country.

“The programmes will go on until May 27 (the last day in the tenure of the Constituent Assembly) to ensure that a new constitution is promulgated and PLAs integrated in a dignified manner,” said Politburo member Agni Sapkota.

Sapkota, who is considered close to party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, said Dahal has been given the responsibility to present details of the campaign at the standing committee meeting slated for Wednesday. Sapkota said the meeting was expected to decide on drafting a constitution that carries the spirit of anti-imperialism and anti-expansionism. “We want provisions in the new constitution that guarantee a directly elected president and federalism based on identity,” said Sapkota.

Standing committee me-mber Dev Prasad Gurung, considered close to the Mohan Baidhya camp, said other political parties were reluctant to draft the new constitution and were bent on evacuating PLA cantonments at any cost. “Parties want to breath life into the 1990 constitution. That is why they want the peace process to be concluded before the new statute is ready,” said Gurung.

On change of guard in the government, Gurung said an external ‘power

centre’ is backing the Baburam Bhattarai-led government as the Maoist leader

is ‘more liberal than those in the Nepali Congress or UML’.
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LIQUIDITY SURPLUS SHORT TERM PHENOMENON
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: The current liquidity surplus is a short term phenomenon, according to central bank governor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, The Himalayan Times reports.

“The current liquidity scenario is a short term phenomenon, whereas there is a long term credit demand,” he said, addressing the official inauguration of the youngest commercial bank, Sanima Bank, here in the valley today.

Currently, banks and financial institutions have added around Rs 85 billion deposits, and are in a comfortable position as against last year’s tight liquidity situation, though the amount available for loans is very limited.

The financial sector should move ahead with other sectors, he said, adding that it alone cannot sustain the economy in absence of other sectors that are at present performing poorly. “It’s time that banks and financial institutions think of long-term investments instead of short-term investments and profit maximisation. Financial institutions should increase their capital base to invest in the long term.”

Suggesting the banks and financial institutions to invest in productive sectors like agriculture, Khatiwada said that they are competing for profit maximisation in the short term, which will not support economic growth.

“Development of the real sector is key for the overall economic development that will ultimately benefit the financial sector. There may be less profits but small farmers are also bankable and banks should look to the villages where there is immense opportunity.”

Long-term investment in the productive sector, despite low benefits, is sustainable, he suggested.

Sanima Bank — the 32nd commercial bank — will also help mobilise domestic and

foreign investment in the productive sectors, he said, hoping that Nepal Investment Year 2012-13 will benefit from the bank that is promoted by the Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) that could help invite foreign investment in the country. “The bank could help make Nepal Investment Year successful.”

Indicating that Sanima Bank will be the last commercial bank for the time being, the central bank governor also said that the paid up capital of a commercial bank is not the only measuring rod. “There are other indicators like good corporate governance.”

The bank’s chairman and president of NRNA Jeeba Lamichhane promised to maintain good corporate governance in the institution. “We have till date maintained good corporate governance and will continue to do so,” he said, adding that the bank is providing scholarships to some 16 students of 10+2 level apart from providing training to 40 youth in rural areas where its eight branches are located. “The bank has allocated Rs 5.3 million for such programmes,” he added.

Do not expect dividends soon

Central bank governor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada requested investors not to expect dividends immediately. “Banks and financial institutions should be patient and increase their capital base instead of looking for immediate profits and dividends,” he said, suggesting them to maintain a capital adequacy which should be more than what the central bank has prescribed to cushion future risks. “The country is passing through a transition and banks and financial institutions, and investors should change their tendency of immediate dividends and rather think of a long-term strong capital base,” he warned.
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JC TO STUDY FAULTY COURT VERDICTS
Kathmandu, Feb. 29: Amidst growing criticism of the Judicial Council for not taking action against judges who have passed faulty decisions, the Judicial Council (JC) on Tuesday decided to study all such verdicts and judiciary notices, including the one passed by the Special Court acquitting former minister Jaya Prakash Gupta in 2007.

A meeting of the of the Judicial Council headed by Chief Justice Kheel Raj Regmi decided to study the verdicts in the aftermath of the recent Supreme Court direction to the JC to punish judges who gave clean chit to Gupta at the Special Court four years ago.

Judges Bhoop Dhoj Adhikari, Cholendra SJB Rana and Komal Prasad Sharma had acquitted Gupta. Adhikari has already retired while Shama and Rana are still in service.

According to a member who spoke on condition of anonymity, there were around ten judiciary notices and JC members would first study them before starting an official probe on the verdict.

The decision came amidst growing criticism of the JC for not taking action against judges despite Supreme Court rulings to investigate faulty decisions passed by lower court judges.

JC has the authority to take action against judges upto the level of appellate court.

Emerging from the meeting, Law and Justice Minister Brijesh Kumar Gupta said the meeting focused on ways to punish the three judges of the Special Court.

Similarly, the meeting also decided to add another 103 posts of district judges. It came after a JC committee headed by member Upenda Keshari Neupane found that the exiting 135 district judges were insufficient to handle growing number of cases at courts.

"The judges will be appointed in three phases over two years," said the member.

The meeting also discussed a new draft of the Judicial Council Act, but took no decision on it besides discussing appointment of justices at the Supreme Court.



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YCL PROTESTS WITHDRAWN AFTERLEADERSHIP COMMITMENT
Kathmandu, 29 Feb,. Following assurances from the party leadership, disgruntled members of the Maoist Young Communist League (YCL) have put off their protests, Republica reports.

"The leaders have made a verbal commitment to meet our demands. So, we have only put off the protest programs. We will wait till Monday," said Ashal Khadka, assistant co-coordinator of the YCL Magarat State Committee.

The agitating members decided to put off their protests after a two-member panel comprising leaders Netra Bikram Chand and Janardan Sharma, which was formed to finalize the relief packages for the YCL, assured them that embezzlements of the PLA fund would also be probed.

Over 3,500 PLA combatants had been recruited into the YCL in 2007 before UNMIN verification and they have demanded relief packages on par with the combatants who have received hefty paychecks. They have also sought investigation into the alleged embezzlement of the money meant for distribution among the YCL members.

Rs 1,000 was collected every month from each of the 19,000-plus combatants for five years for distribution among the YCL members, but the latter say they never received the money.

A meeting of the Maoist top office bearers on Sunday had formed a panel comprising Chand and Sharma to address the demands of the YCL members, who have threatened to seize the vehicles of party leaders and encircle Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal house if their demands are not met.

"Millions of rupees collected from PLA combatants in the name of YCL have been embezzled," claimed Dhrub Ghimre, coordinator of the YCL struggle committee.
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WITHOUT ELECTION, ELECTION ONLY OPTION SAYS DEUBA
Kathmandu, 28 Feb : Senior leader of Nepali Congress (NC) Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday said that opting election to get a fresh mandate of the people will be the only option left if new statute is not drafted within the stipulated timeframe, greatwayonline.com reports.
Deuba, speaking at a press meet organised by Press Union in Dhunchhe of Rasuwa district, said that there exist great differences and dispute among the parties regarding various aspects of the new constitution.
Meanwhile, he said that the report presented by the State Restructuring Commission to federate the country along ethnic, linguistic and regional lines has only worked to make the already dire situation more complex.
Deuba claimed that if the report of SRC were implemented, then it would only create further chaos and anarchy in the country, adversely affecting the ongoing constitution writing and peace process.
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NEPALTEAM FOR AFC CHALLENGE CUP ANNOUNCED

NEPALI TEAM FOR AFC CHALLENGE CUP ANNOUNCED
Kathmandu, 28 Feb : A 21-member Nepali national football team was announced Tuesday for the final round of the AFC Challange Cup beginning in Kathmandu 8 to 19 March.
Eight teams are participating.
Final squad will be announced Friday.
Sabindra Shrestha, Jeetendra Karki and Tanka Basnet.are new entrants.



Nepal is in Group A Maldives, Palestine and Turkmenistan.

Goalkeepers: Kiran Kumar Limbu (Chemjong), Ritesh Thapa, Bikash Malla
Defenders: Sagar Thapa (C), Rohit Chand, Biraj Maharjan, Rabin Shrestha, Sandip Rai, Deepak Bhusal, Sabindra Shrestha, Jeetendra Karki
Midfielders: Raju Tamang, Bhola Silwal, Nirajan Khadka, Bharat Khawas, Tanka Basnet
Forwards: Jumanu Rai, Santosh Sahukhala, Ganesh Lawati, Anil Gurung, Sujal Shrestha
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PM DIRECTS VALLEY ROADS BY COMPLETED ON WAR FOOTING

PM DIRECTS CAPITAL ROADS BE COMPLETED BY MAY
Kathmandu, 28Feb.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has directed the bodies concerned to complete the road expansion works by mid-May this year, RSS reports.

The prime minister has given instructions to speed up the works related to the expansion of the Teenkune-Maitighar, Krishna Pauroti – Ratopul and Dilli Bazaar –Baluwater roads.

Prime Minister Bhattarai issued this directive in a discussion om Tuesday with the stakeholders. He also directed not to stop the road construction for lack of budget and coordination.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the prime minister has also given the timeline of March 13 for removing the electricity and telephone poles lying in the middle of the expanded roads and of April 12 for laying the cables in these areas underground.

A task force comprising the Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, the Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications and the General Managers of the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Nepal Telecom has also been constituted for preparing the action plan of laying the cables overhead these roads underground.

Prime Minister Bhattarai instructed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works to demolish the five houses along the Krishna Pauroti-Gyaneshwar Road that are yet to be dismantled and to finish removing the poles within March 13.

Meanwhile, the prime minister has acquired information from the Secretaries at the ministries of energy, irrigation, physical planning and works, tourism and civil aviation and finance regarding the progress of the projects of national prestige that have figured in the action plan for economic prosperity the government introduced some time back.

The meeting of the Poverty Alleviation Fund chaired by the prime minister also today decided to distribute identity cards to the genuine poor after their identification.

A joint study team is to be mobilized for identifying the genuine poor as the government does not have the exact number of the poor although it has been estimated that 25 per cent of the country's population lives under the poverty line.
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MORE DETAILS OF BOMBING WILL BE MADE PUBLIC SOON SAYS HOME MINISTER
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar has expressed commitment to book the guilty involved in the terrorist act of exploding bomb at Babarmahal yesterday [Monday], RSS reports..

Stating that the facts of the incident will be made public within a few days, Home Minister Gachchhadar said the government has devised special security arrangement in sensitive areas so as to check possible violent activities for protecting the lives and properties of citizens.

Talking to journalists here on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Gachhadar further said the transitional period of coming three months is sensitive and vulnerable from the law and order perspective.

The incident occurred yesterday has posed a serious challenge to law and order situation, he admitted, informing that directive has been already issued to security bodies to avert such incidents in the future.

When asked about the resignation of traffic police en masse in Dang, he replied a probe committee has been formed to investigate into the incident, urging the political parties to not intervene the works of security agency.

He reiterated his committee to lower down the political intervention in the tasks of law and order to zero level.

Law and order situation should be lasting and consolidated no matter which party is in power, he added.
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GOVT.OFFERS CHINA 75 PERCENT STAKE IN WEST SETI
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: The government has offered 75 percent stake in the West Seti Hydro Electricity Project (WSHEP) to China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC), in its bid to woo the company to build the 750-MW reservoir-type project, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The government made such a proposal during a meeting with top CTGC officials on Monday. A four-member team from CTGC led by its Senior Vice President Wang Shaofeng is currently here to discuss investment possibilities in the much-hyped project.
“We have begun formal talks with them (CTGC officials),” said Arjun Kumar Karki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy (MoE). “During the talks, both the parties will discuss viable investment modalities.”
The government has also asked 25 percent stake for the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in the project. According to Karki, CTGC officials have agreed to come up with a decision on the government’s proposal within a couple of days.
The state-owned CTGC is China’s largest hydropower developer, better known as the company that constructed the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station in terms of installed capacity (20,300 MW).
If the Chinese side accepts the proposal, the ministry is ready to float shares for local residents from the 25 percent stake to be owned by NEA, Karki said. Ministry officials have said the electricity generated from the project will be used domestically.
Earlier, CTGC had proposed that it would help the government get soft loans from the Exim Bank of China. The bank had offered Nepal soft and
commercial loans worth $1.6 billion, but the government had proposed the Chinese side to provide the entire amount in concessional loans.
The Nepal government had also made a formal request to the Chinese government for financing the West Seti project during the 60-member Chinese delegation’s visit to Nepal last year. In response, the Chinese side had asked for the Detailed Project Report of the project. Earlier this year, CTGC had also written to the Prime Minister’s Office expressing its interest to invest in the West Seti Project.
Following the termination of West Seti’s licence on July, 2011, the ministry had suggested three options to the government for the construction of the project— the government build the project on its own or find loans or call a global tender.
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IFC READY TO IINCREASE NEPAL INVESTMENT
Kathmandu, 28 Feb. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has said it will scale up investments in Nepal. Visiting IFC Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lars H Thunell told the Post that IFC’s annual assistance to Nepal could go up to $100 million -$200 million, Mukul Humagainwrites in The Kathmandu Post.
“In the short run, we want to move up to between $100 million to $200 million,” Thunell said. “We want to increase it significantly, but it will all depend on the economic climate and political situation in the country.”
The IFC support, according to Thunell will also depend on the reforms that the government has promised. “We will do a little bit less if these things do not happen and a bit more if things move ahead,” Thunell said.
After lying low during the period between 2002 and 2007, IFC activities picked up pace in Nepal after the comprehensive peace agreement in November 2006. It reopened its Nepal office in January 2008, following which, it made loan investments of $10 million in Buddha Air for its fleet expansion and announced $700,000 in equity investments in the Rural Microfinance Development Centre.
According to Thunell, his visit against the backdrop of 2012-13 being declared as investment year is a signal from the IFC’s part that it wants to support the economic transition in the country.
The IFC that has been more engaged in advisory services after 2008, will now focus on investment side also, according to Thunell. “Especially in the post-conflict situation, what we first do is, come in advisory services to address issues related to investment climate and regulation.
During which, we also develop trust with the government and get to know the private sector players,” he said. “Then, we are ready to take up the next phase. That is really why I am here, to take ahead that second phase.”
During his four-day visit, Thunell met with the prime minister, the finance minister, representatives of the private sector and women entrepreneurs. Thunell termed his meeting with top government officials as constructive and positive. “We talked about investments in hydropower and possibilities of investing equity capital in some banks, among others,” he said.
Thunell said that the IFC could make equity participation in domestic financial institutions. “We’ve said we’re very interested in investing equity in good solid banks,” he said. “We have done so in a number of countries and we’d love to do it here also.”
Thunell further said that the IFC is working with local financial institutions to set up an SME equity fund in Nepal to support SMEs in Nepal. Recalling his meeting with women entrepreneurs, he said the IFC will make sure that some part of the fund goes to the women.
Asked whether the IFC is interested in investing in big hydropower projects, Thunell said, “We are already involved in a number of hydropower projects of the medium size, and are also in discussions for larger projects, which could possibly involve exports to India also.”
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SUSHIL KOIRALA SAYS POSTAFTER 28 MAY REFERENDUM IN OPTION
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Nepali Congress (NC) president Sushil Koirala Monday said that if parties failed to draft the new constitution within 27 May, referendum would be the new alternative to honor the decision of the Supreme Court, The Rising Nepal reports from Bara.
A Supreme Court verdict had endorsed the constitution writing process be concluded within the 27 May deadline.
Talking to the media people at Simara Airport, Koirala said that the parties had concluded maximum tasks of constitution writing and added that the new constitution could be drafted within the stipulated deadline.
He said that his party would lead the national unity government and added, "The current government will never succeed to take the shape of a consensus government."
He said that if Maoists honestly implemented the peace agreements, peace and constitution drafting would be concluded within seven days.
He said that the NC would honor the decision of the court and if the court proved NC leaders guilty of corruption, the party would take steps against the corrupt.
In Kathmandu, a day after ruling party UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda proposed to vacate all cantonments in three weeks, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Poudel Monday said the proposal was not trustworthy.
Speaking with a group of journalists at his residence Boharatar, he said Maoists said one thing but did something else in the past too and added that the implementation of the new proposal was also doubtful.
He blamed that Maoists were plotting to bypass the May 27 deadline by making such proposals and asked people to remain alert about the Maoist gimmicks.
"Maoists were indulging in a ploy to take the present government beyond May 27 by impeding the peace and constitution process," he said.
He urged Maoists to be honest to implement the seven point agreement.
"There is no need of a new agreement in place of the seven point pact," he said.
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ELECTION COMMISSION READY TOHOLD ELECTIONS SAYS COMMISSIONER UPRETY


Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Acting chief election commissioner Nilkantha Uprety Monday said that the commission was ready to hold any election at any time, The Rising Nepal reports from Pokhara.
Stating that election was a base of democracy, Uprety said that the commission was ready to hold the local, national and provincial elections.
""or a free and fair election, we have been making changes in our work style," said Uprety while inaugurating the new building of District Election Office of Kaski here.
Stating that election in a democratic country should be free and fair, Uprety said that the political parties should play a bigger role to make elections free and fair.
He informed that the EC had started its process to ensure that every citizen could cast their votes with any fear.
The earthquake-resisting building of the office consists of 14 rooms.
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PM SAYS GOVT ON HIGH ALTYRT UNTIL 28 MAY

ITEMS BELOW WERE DELAYED IN UOLOADING BECAUSE OF POWER FAILURE.RGDS

PM SAYS GOVT.ON HIGH ALERT

Kathmandu, 28 Feb. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Tuesday said government has put forces on high alert until 28 May and reiterated attempts are being made to foil attempts to promulgate a constitution and conclude peace.
He said this in Gorkha while visiting his parliamentary constituency a day after a deadly bombng killed three persons and injured 12 others in the capital one day earlier.
The premier reiterated the claim for the second time in two days .
Bhattarai said the bombing was ‘terroristic’ and ‘counterrevolutionary’.
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POLICE SEAL INTERNATIONAL BORDER TO NAB MAN
WHO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR KATHMANDU
BOMBING

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Police are on the hunt for ‘Debraj Lama ‘Bishwakranti’ who called reporters in the Nepali capital Monday
claiming responsibility for a bomb blast that killed three persons and
injured 12 others in the bloodiest Kathmandu explosion
He later withdrew his claim over telephone recorded by concerned
officials.
Authorities believe he’s hiding somewhere in the east and have sealed international borders with Tibet and India for his arrest.
The bomb went off at 1.11 in the afternoon at the gate of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) across the street south of Singha Durbar.
A woman vendor in front of the NOC said she thought a tire
exploded.
One person has been arrested.
Samkyuta Jatiya Mukti Morcha (SIMM) claimed responsibility.
Lama was arrested and then released several weeks ago in neighboring Dhading where’s he’s suspected of being involved last week on the bombng of a lower of Ncell.
Armed groups pushing regional demands while being involved in criminal activities like extortions have been involved in bombings in the capital for several years now.
They have bombed a church, the office of a Christian organization, Maoists and business houses.
Following Nepal’s political upheaval with the Narayanhiti royal palace massacre on 2001, bombings in the capital are regular occurrences.
Two persons died 1 September 2001 in an explosion set off by Terai Army and three were killed in the 23 May 2009 bombing of a church in Lalitpur and nobody was injured in a taxi bombing 12 June 2010.
Nobody was injured in the bombing of the office of United Mission to Nepal . a Christian outfit, in Thapathali.
Nobody was injured in the first pressure cooker bombing of 2012 in January in New Road.
The deadliest bombing in the capital amid widespread discontent and deep political rivalries between major layers who have filed to deliver promises and draft a constitution leading political uncertainty.
But hours after the blast, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai blamed said counterrevolutionaries out to foil peace and constitution drafting were responsible.
He said he’ll cling on to power. amid demands for his immediate resignation.
‘”I don’t have a history of retreating from the battlefield,” he told his radio listeners over Radio Nepal Monday night
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TEACHERS JOIN WORK

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Following a two-day closure of schools nation-wide, teachers Tuesday joined school to run classes smoothly.
Teachers put on pressure on government Sunday/ Monday to implement past assurances extend additional facilities to the teaching community.
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Education Minister Dinanath Sharma assured an education act would be amended to meet demands.
Bhattarai and Sharma asked the strike be withdrawn.
But there were clashes between striking protestors and police in Banke.nnnn

RASHTRIYA JANAMORCHA BANDH CLOSES DOWN RAPTI, LUMBINI

Kathmandu, 28 Feb. A strike by Rashtriya Janamorcha, a communist splinter group, Monday closed down Rapti and Lumbini anchals inconveniencing people.
The party opposes declaration of a federation which has hit obstacles while demanding local elections that hasn’t been held for five years
Without such elections, representatives of the Big Three have been charged for siphoning off money from local bodies and colluding to share spoils.
Janamorcha is demanding appointment of locals for running bodies from village committees to municipalities.
Agreement on a federal structure to replace a unitary state has hit obstacles with major players now opposing establishment of federal units on ethnic basis.
The development should enthuse the splinter communist group.
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CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMMITTEE MEET

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.; A meeting of the main constitution drafting committee chaired by Nilambar Acharya met Monday morning in the absence of Maoist Chairman Prachanda.
The committee met with representatives of NC and UML and will meet again.
Leaders of the Big Three were to brief the committee chaired b Nilambar Acharya on progress at a sub-committee chaired by Maoist Chairman Prachanda to resolve differences on themes to be included in a constitution that has to be promulgated by 28 May.
Prachanda, NC President Sushil Koirala and UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal have been given additional responsibility to workout details of an agreement between major players of integration of former Maoist fighters ins Nepal Army, formation of a truth and reconciliation commission and articles of a constitution.
After an inconclusive meeting of the three leaders earlier this week, the trio meet again Thursday.
The supreme court Wednesday begins to hear arguments for another extension of the tenure of the constituent assembly (CA) with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Speaker Subash Nemwang seeking another extension of the CA after 28 May.
The court registrar rejected requests of the premier and speaker even to register the requests after the apex court ruled present extension would be the last.
PM Bhattarai asked for a hearing even as he said after assuming office five months ago, a constitution wouldn’t be promulgated in six months; he said Monday peace and constitution would be completed y 28 May under his leadership.
But constituent assembly Chairman Acharya declared this week differences haven’t been resolved to meet the fresh deadline.
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NC UML ASK PM TO CONVENE SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEET

Kathmandu, 28 Feb. Four members of a special committee, including Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat of NC and Bhim Rawal of UML,Tuesday asked Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to convene a meeting of the special committee on the integration and supervision of Maoist combatants.
The premier chairs the committee and he has been charged by four committee members of the opposition for delaying implementation of past recommendations delaying the peace process.
Othr members of the special committee are Dr Minendra Rijal of NC and UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel.
The request was submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The opposition members of the special committee charged the government chief for delaying the evacuation of 14 cantonments and satellite camps by former Maoist fighters 6,500 of whom are to be integrated in Nepal Army.
The premier’s office reacted immediately saying the charge will vitiate the atmosphere for understanding completed to complete integration and peace process.
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POET BHIM BIGAR DEAD

Kathmanndu, 28 Feb. Poet and lyricist Bhim Birag died Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital
He was 77.
Birag was suffering pneumonia and meningitis.
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FRENCH CHOPPER TO JOIN FISHTAIL FLEET

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: A AS 350 B3 French helicopter joined the Fishtail Air fleet Sunday.
The chopper can attain a 23,000 ft height.
A AS 350 B2 will ne pressed into service several weeks later.
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AIR FARES TO INCREASE WITH HIKE IN PRICE OF AVIATION FUEL

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Private carriers Monday decided hike passenger fares coinciding with the increase in the price of aviation fuel
Thee increased fares will be enforced Thursday.
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APA SHERPA RECEIVES WORLD RECORD

Kathmandu, 28 Feb. : Apa Sherpa Monday received his Guinness Book of Records certificate for a record 21 ascents of the 8849 meters high Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak.
Apa received the document from Craig Glenday whohanded over the certificate to Apa at a school in Sindhupalckowk whill eon a trek from Taplejung to the far-West to highlight the adverse effect of climate change on the Himalayan region.
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PRACHANDA NOT ATTENTING DELHI MEET OF PARLIAMENTARIANS

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has conveyed his inability to attend the conference [of Nepal, India parliamentarians in New Delhi this week], The Kathmandu Post reports.
CP Gajurel, Krishna Bahaur Mahara and Hishila Yami (UCPN Maoist), Bimalendra Nidhi, Pradip Giri, Shekhar Koirala and Aftab Alam of NC, Pradeep Gaywali and Agni Kharel (YCP UML) Upendra Yadav (MJFN) and Akbal Ahmad Sah MJFG are on the tentativelist, The Kathmandu Post reports.
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IFC OFFICIALTELLS MINISTER PUN INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS READY TO PUMP IN INVESTMENTS

INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE SECTOR INTERESTED TO INVEST IN NEPAL

Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Lars H Thunell, executive vice-president and CEO
of International Finance Corporation (IFC) said Monday the soft-lending wig of World Bank (WB) international private sector was interested to invest in some
sectors in Nepal.
"Hydropower is the first priority area for IFC. International private sector is interested to invest more in the areas ranging from agriculture to banking sector in
Nepal.” He said in a meeting with Finance Minister Barsha Man Singh Pun.
"In order to achieve anticipated double-digit growth, there should be
an appropriate economic system," Thunell said.
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BFIs ASKED TO CONTROL MONEY LANDERING , TETTOR FINANCING
Kathmandu, 27 Feb.: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Monday issued a new set of directives to banks and financial institutions, asking them to know and track their clients more effectively in order to control money laundering and fight terror
Financing, Republica reports.

The directive, which replaced the central bank´s previous circular on know-your-client (KYC), is similar to the directive that Financial Information Unit (FIU) -- the focal anti-money laundering unit -- issued in the past.

The difference is; its issuance by the Banking Regulation Department has made it mandatory for the BFIs to follow it.

“We enforced it as mandatory norms for the BFIs mainly after Financial Action Task Force (FATF) pushed us to do so,” said a senior NRB official.

Going by the new directive, the BFIs would now need to adopt and implement customer due diligence (CDD), which means they will need to keep track of all their clients and report suspicious transactions to the FIU.

It seeks the BFIs to adopt necessary policy and mechanism to identify suspicious transactions and strictly adopt existing law and regulations related with anti-money laundering and terrorism financing in their operations.

“The BFIs must make sure such compliance is maintained in branches as well as subsidiaries,” read the directive.

The directives asks BFIs to closely monitor customers undertaking multiple transactions, even if the volume of such transactions is small, and also watch electronic transfers, both receipts and paid. It seeks BFIs to list out their customers, categorizing them as highly risk, medium risk and low risk depending on the risks they are exposed to.

“BFIs will now need to implement Enhanced CDD to monitor people who are identified as high risk clients, that is: one whose chances of involving into money laundering and terrorism financing are high,” says the directive.

Interestingly, people who would be subjected to Enhanced CDD also include senior government officials and other office bearers, politically influential people and people who transact through other persons.
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HIMAL POWER TO COMPENSATE DISMISSED WORKERS $2m
Kathmandu, 28 Feb.: Himal Power Limited is giving away $2 million (about Rs 160 million) to protesting workers to settle one and half months long labor dispute at the power company, Republicawrites.

A total of 89 employees working for the company that operates 60MW Khimti I hydropower project launched a hunger strike on Dec 16 after they found their jobs taken away by recruits of G4S -- an outsourcing company.

The hunger strike was called off a month later after the Himal Power management agreed to temporarily put labor outsourcing agreement with G4S on hold.

Since that time the workers have been staging sit-in protest in front of the power plant´s office in Dolakha, while holding talks with the company mediated by the Ministry of Labor and Transport Management.

During these talks, the workers initially demanded that the company enroll them into its payroll. But the company refused to accept the demand, saying that they were not a liability of the company as they were recruited by an outsourcing firm called Khimti Services, contract with which was terminated by Himal Power on Dec 15 due to “lack of transparency in structure, policies, procedures and audited financials".

Despite this, Himal Power agreed to pay the protesting workers off as they were transferred to Khimti Services by the company itself around 11 years ago.

As per the ´golden handshake´ agreement, the power company will provide $2 million, at an exchange rate of Rs 80, to Khimti Services, minutes of the meeting held between the management and protesting workers and mediated by the labor department show. Himal Power has agreed to pay value added tax on the amount but the tax before deduction liability will have to be borne by Khimti Services.

Although how and when the amount will be distributed among workers has yet to be decided, Ram Krishna Bhandari, one of the staff of Khimti Services, told Republica that each employee, who lost job, stands to get at least Rs 100,000 and up to Rs 175,000 for each year of service at the company.

Simply put, an employee, who has worked for 10 years, will get at least Rs 1 million and up to Rs 1.75 million in compensation. Workers at Himal Power were getting around Rs 10,000 to Rs 36,000 per month, according to Bhandari.

However, those who want to continue working for Himal Power through another outsourcing company will only get 50 percent of the compensation amount, the agreement states.

The agreement also says the signing of the ´golden handshake´ agreement automatically annuls other pacts signed between workers and the management of Himal Power. This clause was included to overwrite the ruling of the Labor Tribunal, which had asked the power company to equally distribute bonus amount among employees of Khimti Services and those hired by Himal Power itself.
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