CONCERNED MINISTER BLAMES OFFICIALS FOR SHODDY DISTRIBUTION OF POL PRODUCTS

SUPPLY MINISTER BLAMES OFFICIALS FOR SHODDY DISTRIBUTION OF POL PRODUCTS
Kathmandu, 14 Feb.:Minister for Commerce and Supplies, Lekhraj Bhatta has said non-cooperation of employees in the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) was responsible for the problems in importing petroleum, RSS reports.

At a discussion with the Legislature-parliament's Public Account Committee on Tuesday, Minister Bhatta said the ministry employees were shirking their duties and lack of hassle free work style which caused problems in importing petroleum.

Exuding anger towards the employees, Minister Bhatta said, "Until the demeanour of the employees improves, the ministry won't be freed of problems and hindrances."

He said he was committed to solving problems of gas supply. He accused the dealers of hiding gas cylinders in market.

Minister Bhatta said this while responding the queries of the Constituent Assembly (CA) members why the problems of petroleum supply was not solved for long time.

According to Minister Bhatta, Nepal Oil Corporation, sole distributor of petroleum products in the country, has incurred the loss of some Rs 18 billion till 31 Jan, 2012.

In the meeting, CA members had suggested to sell petroleum on different price for different customers as to common people and business firms and industries.

UCPN-Maoist CA member Sarala Regmi seconded Minister Bhatta's views the shirking of duty by the employees was main reason behind the regular supply of petroleum products.

Committee Chairman Ramkrishna Yadav said the meeting failed to reach conclusion today.
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EU MISSION SAYS THERE WERE IRREGULARITIES IN PAYMENT TO FORMER MAOIST FIGHTERS RETURNING HOME

Kathmandu, 14 Feb.: EU missions in Kathmandu along with Norway and Switzerland Tuesday welcomed voluntary retirement of 7,200 former Maoistsfor the first time in five years from camps and cantonments
“We warmly welcome the recent discharge of former Maoist combatants opting for voluntary retirement,” the Danish Embassy, the current local presidency
of the EU, said in a statement on behalf of the EU
missions.
They noted there were irregularities in payments for retiring fighters.
“We note the allegations of financial irregularities and emphasis that the payments the former combatants receive must remain theirs alone to invest in their
futures,.” the statement added

:. The planned closure of some satellite cantonments would be a visible step forward in Nepal´s transition from conflict,” the statement said.
The European nations called for a ‘ continued dialogue, flexibility and
compromise from all political parties,” to end the current deadlock in the peace and constitution writing processes.
They renewed concern over impunity
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3RD SIMARA GOLD CUP INAUGRATED BY PM BHATTARAI

Kathmandu, 14 Feb. The third Simara Gold Cup was inaugurated by in
Simara by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Tuesday.
The football tournament was inaugurated soon after Manang
Marshyangdhi Club (MMC) lifted the Aha Gold Cup defeating Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC)in Pokhara this month
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