PM SEEKS CLARIFICATIONSFROM MISBEHAVING MINISTERS

SPECIAL GOVT. PLAN FOR DALITS
Kathmandu, 19 March: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has said that the government was planning to announce a special programme to empower the Dalit community by establishing their rights, RSS reports.
PM Bhattarai said, "Discussions are underway regarding the contents of the special programme. The government will make public such a programme this week."
A separate mechanism has been prepared under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to oversee the cases of dalits, Bhattarai said while addressing a programme organised on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the National Dalit Commission (NDC).
The mechanism is working to end caste-based discrimination and punish the perpetrators for discriminating Dalits, the prime minister said.
The prime minister was of the opinion that untouchability could not be brought to an end just by legal provision rather awareness raising programmes were needed.
Guaranteeing equal access for Dalits in all bodies of State and establishing their rights, ensuring progressive rights on property and establishing the Dalits socially and culturally is needed, PM Bhattarai said.
The prime minister said, "Special rights to Dalits are needed in the new constitution. Consensus is needed in this regard."
Saying untouchability was a serious crime, he added the government was committed to ending the ill-practice.
Chairman of the commission Sirpali Thakuri shed light on the commission's activities.
On the occasion, different personalities were honored for their contribution to Dalit movement.
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PM SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM MINISTERS
Kathmandu, March 19: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Monday sought clarification from one Minister and two State Ministers for their controversial activities, Greatwayonline reports.
PM sought clarification from Minister for Labour and Transport Management Sarita Giri, State Minister for Health and Population Saroj Kumar Yadav and State Minister for Land Reform Jwala Sah.
Giri has been interrogated for transferring Purna Chandra Bhattarai, the Managing Director of Foreign Employment Department, Yadav for misbehaving with doctors at the emergency ward of Bir Hospital on Sunday night.
Likewise Sah has been questioned for his disgraceful acts and giving controversial remarks about the ministers.
The prime minister has assured to take action against them if found guilty, PM’s personal aid Bishwodeep Pandey said.
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17 INJURED IN JORPATI VEHICULAR ACCIDENT
Kathmandu, 19 March: As many as 17 persons were injured in a road accident at Jorpati along Araniko highway in Bhaktapur district Monday afternoon, RSS reports from Bhaktapur.

The accident took place when a bus (Ba 2 Kha 4401) heading towards Kathmandu from Banepa and a tipper (Ba 1 Kha 7248) collided with each other. All the injured persons are passengers of the bus.

Out of the injured, 14 are undergoing treatment at Bhaktapur Hospital and the remaining are in B&B Hospital, according to police.

The road has now been obstructed due to the accident.
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TWO KILLED IN VEHICULAR ACCIDENT IN BUTWAL
Kathmandu, 19 March: Two persons died, when a road mishap occurred at about 9:45 at the busy Milan Chok of Butwal on Monday, RSS reports from Butwal.
They died when a tripper heading south from Butwal Lu 1 Kha 3960 hit a motorcycle Lu 5 Pa 2340 heading for Bhairahawa.
Those who died were Dilip Neupane of Butwal- 8 Chandbari and Nawaraj Shrestha, a resident of Devinagar, Butwal- 13, the Area Police Office Butwal said.
Neupane was an officer of the District Forest Office and Shresha the accountant of the same office.
Both were going to office in Bhairahawa and their bodies are tattered. The police has impounded the tripper and taken the driver under control.
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PHILIPPINES BEATS PALESTINE 4-3 FOR THIRD PLACEIN AFC CHALLENGE CUP 2012 UPDATE
Kathmandu, 19 March: Philippines defeated Palestine 4-3 in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Monday
North Korea and Turkmenistan play a night match in the final Monday at the same stadium.
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