Nepal Today

SUSHIL KOIRALA, DEUBA HOLD DISCUSSIONS

2012-02-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

SUSHIL,KOIRALA, DEUBA HOLD DISCUSSIONS
Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: NC President Sushil Koirala and senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba held discussions Thursday in a bid to end their bitter party dispute.
Koirala charges Deuba—a former three-time prime minister, for non-cooperation to run the main opposition party after his election as party chief by a general convention.
Deuba charges Koirala for arbitrarily dismissing elected ad hoc bodies of four sister organizations close to the former government who led a NC (Democrat) before a split.
The Koirala/Deuba meet materialized following Sunday’s meet of Deuba supporters to convene a meet of party district presidents to galvanize organizational support for the former government chief.
Following differences, Deuba resigned from the party central committee.
Debua hoped party differences would be resolved in one week and added the president was ‘positive towards a package deal”

The former premier chief also seeking broader representation of his supporters in the party bodies.
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NC SEEKS BHATTARAI RESIGNATON
Kathmandu, 2 Feb : The main opposition party Nepali Congress (NC) on Wednesday has asked Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to tender his resignation over his controversial remarks in the meeting of the legislature parliament, greatwayonline reports.
Prior obstructing today’s House session, NC lawmaker Gopal Man Shrestha said that the PM, being the top executive of the country had no rights to give antinationalist remarks.
A few weeks back, PM Bhattarai had said that there was danger of Nepal either being merged with India or China if the country doesn’t come out from the ‘buffer state mentality’.
Speaker Subas Nembang postponed House till Sunday after the opposition lawmakers obstructed the parliamentary proceeding demanding revocation of the cabinet decision to legalise the transactions of lands under Maoist parallel government during 10 year long insurgency.
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GOVT. LIKELY TO ACCEPT SRC REORT SAYS GACHHADHAR
Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar on Wednesday said that the report submitted by the majority of the State Restructuring Committee (SRC) is likely to be accepted by the government, greatwayonline.com reports from Biratnagar.
Gachhadar, speaking to the media persons at Biratnagar airport, said that the majority members of the SRC have made a report giving mountains, hills, Madhes and Terai the feeling of an autonomous state.
“The report has incorporated identities and capabilities, the reason why the report is more likely to be accepted by the government,” he said.
“The majorities report is more pragmatic, but there will be agreements and disagreements regarding the report,” he further added.
He even criticised the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress (NC) for being anti-autonomous states.
The members of the UML and NC who submitted the separate reports have done so against the ethics, Gachhadar said.
The separate report submitted by the NC and UML follows the panchayat style, he said. He also claimed that NC and UML have presented such report as they are strictly against Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM).
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DETAILS OF DIFFERENCES OF FEDERAL STRUCTURE
Kathmandu, 2Feb.: The report submitted by a majority of the State Restructuring Commission--backed by Malla K Sundar, Bhogendra Jha, Stella Tamang, Krishna Hacchethu, Surendra Mahato and Chairman Madan Pariyar--that proposes an 11-state model has 19 Articles. However, the separate report forwarded by the minority group that pitches for a six-state model has 17 articles, The Kathmandu Post reports.
In the report prepared by the majority, the first article is the preamble, which states that Nepal would be a federal set-up which strives to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including ethnic and class. The preamble also states that there would be autonomous and self governance with powers vested in the centre. The second article defines the federal set-up. 'Federal' implies the unit at the top. 'Province' implies area separated from the federation. 'Local level' implies village and city councils. 'Special structure' implies autonomous and special areas. 'Protected area' implies areas for minority and endangered groups in provinces.
The third article talks of restructuring of state and forms of state powers. The fourth article states about levels of government. It advocates two tiers of government--central and provincial. The province would have local units comprised of villages and city councils. Under the special structure, there would be autonomous areas, special areas and protected areas. Likewise, at the local level there would be village council and city council whose number and area would be determined by the provincial government. Article 8 states that there would be a special structure for a community or an ethnic group. Clause 10 of Article 9 gives residual power to either the centre or the province depending on where the problem arises. The minority group demands that the residual power rest at
the centre.
Article 11 states that in order to resolve disputes among federal units there would be an inter-provincial council headed by the prime minister of the federation whose members would be central home and finance ministers along with heads of provincial governments. Article 12 provisions right to self determination to indigenous, ethnic Madhesi groups. Article 13 talks of political priority rights for the dominant group at the level of the special structure.
Article 15 dwells on rights for Dalits and calls for ensuring them jobs at governmental, semi-governmental and industrial units. The article demands modernisation of their traditional occupations. Article 18 seeks ensuring rights of the minority group through legal provisions. Article 19 requires reviewing the reservation policy every 10 years.
To the centre, the report gives 30 rights, including control of the Army, central police and central bank. To the list, the minority group's report adds, among other things, national labour policy, legal administration, and international treaty.
The minority faction--comprising Ramesh Kumar Dhungel, Sarbaraj Khadka and Sabitri Gurung--stresses that there should be six provinces and a three-tier structure--federal level, state level and
local bodies.
The majority faction, backed by Chairman Madan Pariyar, has recommended a two-tier structure and placing local bodies under the provinces. In its note of dissent, the minority group has suggested three tiers of government--federal, provincial and local--with equal rights.
They have stressed that the current set-up of local bodies be continued until new structures are finalised by the state government. The three members have recommended that there should be districts, municipalities and Village Development Committees at the local level and they should be created within a year of electing the state government.
The majority faction has recommended political priority rights for dominant ethnic groups in the special structures within a federal set-up for once at least.
Dhungel, Khadka, Gurung and Bhogendra Jha have expressed serious reservations that the provision of priority rights is against the principle of competitivie politics.
Dhungel, Khadka and Gurung have objected to the recommendation of right to self determinism for indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Dalits and other marginalised groups arguing that the provision could provoke unnecessary disputes. Majority members have recommended that indigenous and local communities should have right to self determinism on politics, culture, religion, language, education, information, health, migration, social security, employment, mobilisation of resources and land, among
others.
The commission has recommended formation of an Inter-State Council headed by the prime minister to resolve disputes between the federal units. Commission member Stella Tamang has registered a note of dissent demanding participation of at least two women ministers in the dispute resolution mechanism.
Members of the commission have suggested that the head of the government, on the recommendation of the federal government, can dissolve any state government or state legislature if it acts against territorial integrity, sovereignty and ruins the law and order situation.
The dissolution would be invalid if not endorsed by the federal parliament with a two-thirds majority within 35 days, reads the dissenting proposal.
Meanwhile, the minority group has recommended Dhankuta, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur, Surkhet and Ghorahi as provincial headquarters in their six-state
federation.
Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Khotang, Morang, Okahldhunga, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Sunsari, Taplejung, Terhathum and Udayapur districts fall in the first state.
The second state, whose capital will be Kathmandu, comprises Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Dhading, Dolakha, Kavrepalan-chowk,Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Makawanpur, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, Rasuwa, Sindhuli, and Sindhupalchwok districts.
The third province includes Arghakhachi, Baglung, Gorkha, Gulmi, Kaski, Lamjung, Manag, Mustang, Myagdi, Palpa, Prabat, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Syangja, and Tanahu districts and the eastern part of Nawalparasi district.
The western part of Nawalparasi, Banke, Bardiya, Dang, Kailai, Kapilvastu and Rupendehi make up the sixth province with Ghorahi as regional headquarters.
Bara, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Parsa, Rautahat, Saptahari, Sarlahi, and Siraha districts
are incorporated in the fourth province and Janakpur is recommended as the regional
capital.
Achham, Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dadeldhura, Dailekh, Darchula, Dolpa, Doti, Humla, Jajarkot, Jumla, Kalikot, Kanchanpur, Mugu, Rukum, Salyan and Surkhet are incorporated in the fifth province.
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BORDER TALKS WITH CHINA CANCELLED
Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: Nepal has unilaterally cancelled the proposed boundary talks with China, after the latter refused to recognise Nepal’s stance over the missing Pillar No 57 in Lamabagar, Rasuwa, Anil Giri writes in The Kathmandu Post.
This has prompted the Nepali side to cancel the meeting which was expected to finalise other outstanding border issues with China, including the height of Mt Everest and identification of the Nepal-India-China tri-junction at Kalapani in the Far Western Darchula district.
The five-day summit, which was to begin on Wednesday in Xian, China, was also expected to prepare groundwork for the signing of the so-called Fourth Protocol of Nepal-China boundary maps. This is the first time the boundary maps have been prepared by the GPS method.
The talks were officially cancelled two days ago after Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was briefed about the mandate given to the Nepali side, as prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in the absence of Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha. According to multiple sources, the MoFA had prepared a four-point mandate to hold talks with the Chinese side.
The first mandate was to sort out claims and counterclaims over the height of Mt Everest. The Nepali side believes that the ‘snow height’ over Mt Everest should be taken into account while determining its height (8,848 metres). China, on the other hand, has advised that the ‘rock height’ should be taken into account since it is the permanent height (8,844.50 metres) of the mountain.
According to the second mandate, the two sides were to follow the ‘watershed principle’ while recognising the missing pillar in Rasuwa. “After China disagreed to recognise Pillar No 57 in a recent meeting at the MoFA, both the sides agreed to follow the watershed principle. This was a win-win situation for us—otherwise we would lose 30 hectares,” a senior government official said.
The Nepali side has maintained that Pillar No 57 was erected with mutual consent and it is related to border sentiments. “So we have been asking the Chinese side to honour the pillar which stands in a barren hill region,” said a Nepali official.
“Subsequently, the Chinese side has agreed to follow the watershed principle and both the sides agreed to work towards a consensus,” said the official.
The two sides agreed to follow the watershed principle and decided to insert a small ‘triangular’ between Pillars No 57 and 58. It was a compromise whereby Nepal would lose only six hectors of land, said the official.
“If we don’t agree on the watershed principle, we will lose more land,” said Lal Mani Joshi, secretary at the Ministry of Land Reforms.
After PM Bhattarai was briefed about the developments, he took a firm position that he did not want to lose any land to China, which could have “serious political implications” for him, an official quoted the PM as saying. “The PM said we need to do more homework on this issue. And once that’s done, the talks should take place at an early date,” an aide to PM, Bishowdeep Pandey, said.
On the Kalapani issue, Nepal has said that a small lake near Limpudhara should be the tripartite border point and not the Lipu Lek, as has been currently designated. “But since it’s a tri-partite issue, we need to talk with India too in order to settle the Kalapani border controversy,” another official said.
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CONFIRMATION HEARINGS LFOR NOINATED AMBASSADORS BEGIN

2012-02-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

CONFIRMATION HEARINGS OF NOMINEES FOR AMBASSSADOR GETS UNDERWAY

Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: Confirmation hearings of 10 nominees for ambassadors—six career diplomats and four
political appointees close to Maoist heading the government, began at a parliamentary committee Thursday.
The nominations were sent back by the committee the first tine without conducting any business on grounds
Appointments weren’t inconclusive.
Hearings began Thursday amid assurances appointment of political nominees will be inconclusive.
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TEAMS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT LEAVING FOR CAMPS
Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: Teams of secretariat of special committee for the integration and resettlement of
former Maoist fighters are leaving for seven cantonments to Thursday to oversee return of 7,000 plus
combatants who have voluntarily opted to return home after five years.
Their retirement begins Friday and the process will be completed in 12 days.
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POLITCAL PROTECTION HITS REVENUE COLLECTION
Kathmandu,, 2 Feb.: Political protection, loopholes in the laws and delay in verdict by the judicial bodies
have been hitting the government’s plan of tightening the public purse, The Himalayan Times reports.

Inland Revenue Department – the tax authority – has still to settle an outstanding Rs 24 billion revenue dues but most of the taxpayers have moved to the court, a Finance Ministry source said, adding that others are denying the tax authority due to their political connection. Of the total Rs 24 billion revenue dues, the department has to collect Rs 20 billion income and excise and Rs 4 billion Value Added Tax (VAT) and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

“The trend of moving the court whenever the tax authority tightens them is on the rise,” the source said.

Some firms are denying to pay tax liabilities even threatening the government that it will send a negative message that government is not creating a conducive environment for the investment, the ministry source revealed.

Despite huge resistance, the Inland Revenue Department has targeted to collect Rs 5 billion dues within the current fiscal year. “The department has collected Rs 1 billion dues during the first half of the current fiscal year,” director general at the department Tanka Mani Sharma said, adding that the department is preparing to take stringent action against those taxpayers who are avoiding tax compliance.

The department is planning to freeze bank accounts, stop transactions and even close entire businesses under Income Tax Act, VAT Act and Excise Act, if they failed to settle their dues within mid-February, he added.

Around 1,000 taxpayers are yet to clear their tax that comes to more than Rs 1 million per taxpayer, Sharma revealed, “The department has also targeted those firms, whose dues exceed Rs 1 million.”

Currently, the country has 600,000 PAN registered and 104,000 VAT registered taxpayers, according to Inland Revenue Department.

Govt to bring brick kilns under VAT net

Finance Ministry formed a committee to settle dispute between brick kilns and the government on VAT liabilities. Joint secretary at the ministry Bogendra Raj Sharma Poudel led committee is mandated to submit report within 15 days, under secretary at the ministry Ganga Prasad Sharma said. There are some 700 brick kilns in the country and most of them are evading VAT, he said, adding that the committee will provide recommendations on how to bring them into VAT net. The government and brick kilns owners are at loggerheads since a month. They have demanded to introduce flat tax rate.

DRI to file case

Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) is filing case against Global Soft Net claiming Rs 2 billion fine and tax for its involvement in illicit VoIP scam. The department has finalised its tax assessment and will file case against it on Thursday, the department said.
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GURKHAS BEING RECRUITED BY FORCESELECT

Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: A recruitment company ForceSelect is all set to recruit 160 unemployed Gurkhas, just two weeks after the British Ministry of Defence declared 4,200 job cuts, arguing they were overmanned,, The Himalayan Times reports.

“ForceSelect has signed a deal with Gallowglass, to provide crew members for a wide range of public and corporate events,” British Forces News writes.

ForceSelect will provide 35-50 crew members a month to work with Gallowglass across the UK.

“Despite the stories of doom and gloom and the very valid concerns of military personnel who are now facing redundancy, there are a lot of opportunities for service leavers who want to start a new career,” ForceSelect founder Hugh Andrée told to British Forces News.

“Our agreement with Gallowglass is tremendous news and demonstrates that there is work available for those who aren't afraid of some hard graft. After the cuts announced recently, I believe the Gurkhas will make perfect crew members for Gallowglass,” Andree added.

Gallowglass Managing Director, Nick Grecian, is delighted to be able to support British service leavers.

“Our company ethos is built around teamwork and discipline with plenty of outdoor activity. With government cuts making redundancies in the forces, we are delighted to be able to offer relevant employment and long-term career prospects to a much-valued group of people with highly transferrable skills,” Grecian told British Forces News.

Meanwhile, Peter Carroll, founder of the Gurkha Justice Campaign told, “I wholeheartedly support ForceSelect in their attempts to place these fine people into work as they cope with leaving the Army. Further, as an ex serviceman myself I fully support all the work that ForceSelect is doing to help find work for all service leavers.”
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NO SALARY, ADION FOR FORMER MAOIST FIGHTERS FROM 13 FEB.
Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: If the voluntary retirement process moves ahead as planned, the government will stop the salary and ration for the combatants who have opted for voluntary retirement from February 13, which means the retiring combatants will have to leave cantonments by February 12., Republica reports

Sources said Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire and Convener of the Secretariat for the Special Committee Balananda Sharma have reached an informal understanding that the retiring combatants should be allowed to remain in the cantonments only till February 12.

The understanding was reached after confusion ensued about how long the retiring combatants should be allowed to stay in the cantonments once they receive their cheques.

"The teams of the secretariat, who are visiting cantonments from Friday to complete the voluntary retirement process, will inform the retiring combatants that they will get salary and ration only for this month of the Nepali calendar," said a source at the secretariat preferring anonymity.

The secretariat is set to dispatch seven teams to the Maoist cantonments to hand out the retirement cheques to 7,365 combatants on Thursday morning despite skepticisms about possible non-cooperation from Maoist commanders.

The teams are supposed to start giving voluntary retirement from Friday.
"Whether we get cooperation from the Maoist party or not, we are going to the cantonments this time because we have to implement the decision of the Special Committee," said a source at the secretariat.

The seven teams that are leaving Kathmandu on Thursday will visit separate cantonments and move to the next after completing the process within two days.

"We will stay in one cantonment for two days and then head to another whether the combatants come to receive their cheques or not," said another source at the secretariat.

As per the secretariat, the plan is to complete the retirement process within
12 days.
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BHATTARAI FACTION PREPARES TO BOLSTER HOLD ON PARTY
Kathmandu, 2 Feb.: The Maoist faction led by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has begun exercise to bolster its organizational base in light of growing dissatisfactions among party
leaders and shifting alliances within the party, Kiran Pun writes in
Republica..

Party sources say the Bhattarai faction´s move comes at a time when his organizational base has depleted since getting elected to the post of prime minister, and he faces the challenge of retaining leaders loyal to him who have been backing him for years.

The senior leaders of the faction have held separate gatherings in the capital lately to “safeguard the ideological line” in light of the growing intimacy between Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.

On January 21, senior party leaders from the faction met at the private residence of Bhattarai in Sanepa. The prime minister himself participated in the meeting that was coordinated by his political advisor Devendra Poudel.

Sources say the leaders quizzed Bhattarai about his current relations with Chairman Dahal and the latter´s hobnobbing with Baidya. “You did not even present a separate document during the central committee meeting, though the chairman seems to have changed his alliance,” a participant quoted the leaders as saying. Bhattarai had replied that Dahal had consulted with him before preparing the paper and that there was nothing wrong in the paper.

The members had also complained about “bad governance” under his leadership and his neglect of those who had backed him for years.

A similar gathering of youths was held at the same place on January 26 and it was coordinated by politburo member Ram Karki.
Likewise, Nawaraj Subedi, another senior leader, had coordinated a gathering of Maoist intellectuals on January 28.

It is noteworthy that Poudel, Karki and Subedi are not content with Bhattarai. Poudel has frequently complained about Bhattarai´s tendency to go his own way, ignoring his advice, while Karki, his longtime associate, is not happy for being deprived of any significant role in the governance.

Though Karki has been nominated ambassador to India, he is yet to receive agreemo from the southern neighbor. Subedi, another of Bhattarai´s aides, too hasn´t got any role in Bhattarai´s team. Sources say many of his close aides have already left his faction.
Meanwhile, Bhattarai faction has also begun holding dinner parties and cultural programs to expand and strengthen its organizational base.

The faction´s cultural wing held a separate cultural show at Rastriya Naachghar in the capital on Monday. It may be recalled that the Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya faction´s Samana Pariwar has already been organizing cultural shows across the country apparently to “spread the flame of revolution”.

Sources say the unionists close to Bhattarai are also holding a separate gathering in Kathmandu on Feb 8, in which Bhattarai is set to participate.

"Post Bahadur Bogati [from Dahal faction] and Badri Bajagain [from Baidya faction] are holding their own gatherings. Why not us?" said Laldhwaj Nembang, union leader from Bhattarai
faction.
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PARLIAMENT SESSION OBSTRCTED FOR 7TH SESSION

2012-02-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

PARLIAMENT OBSTRUCTED PARLIAMENT FOR SEVENTH
SESSION
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: Seventeen parties, including man opposition n and UML, obstructed parliament for the seventh concessive time
Monday.
Speaker Subash Nemwang asked Prime Minister Baburam Bhattari to held end the impasse Tuesday.
Maoists are sending confusing signals on opposition demands for annulment of a cabinet decision to regularize legalization of seizure of seized assets during the 10-year insurgency.
Opposition is demanding a formal statement from the premier.
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PM, KAMAL THAPA MEET
Kathmandu, 1 Feb. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai held consultations with RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa
Wednesday.
Thapa sad he suggested local elections not held for 14 years.
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TOURIST ARRIVALS JUMP MORE THAN 27 PERCENT IN FIRST MONTH
OF 2012
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: International tourist arrival to Nepal has increased by 27.7 per cent in January this year as compared to the same period last year, RSS reports.

According to the Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a total of 42,031 tourists arrived in Nepal via the TIA in January, 2012.

Tourist arrival from the south Asia segment recorded a rise including a rise of 29.2 per cent from India, 34.4 per cent from Bangladesh and 112.5 per cent from Sri Lanka. However, the arrival from Pakistan was decreased by 29.6 per cent.

Likewise, arrivals from China have increased significantly by 107 per cent and from Japan, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea by 6.4, 5.2, 8.4 and 7.9 per cent respectively.

Malaysia, however, registered a negative growth of 13.5 per cent in January 2012 compared to the same month in 2011.

The European market showed an overall positive growth of 22.8 per cent including 4.7, 27.9, 88.1 and 132.4 per cent from UK, Germany, France and Switzerland respectively.

International visitor arrivals to Nepal had witnessed a positive growth since June 2009 and the trend continues this year as well.

In January this year, tourist arrival from Australia, Canada and the USA have also registered growths of 8.6, 27.8 and 7.7 per cent respectively.

According to the Immigration Office at TIA, a total of 52,617 foreign tourists departed from TIA in January 2012.

Similarly, the number of Nepalis arrivals stood at 82,897 while a total of 67,194 Nepalis departed from TIA in the same month this year.
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ADB,SWISS ASSIST
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Switzerland have agreed to provide 25 million US dollars (NRs. 2523 million) to Nepal for the Second Phase of Decentralised Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood
Project, RSS reports.

Two separate agreements to this effect were signed between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland as well as the Government of Nepal and the ADB in the Ministry of Finance, Singh Durbar, on Wednesday.

Of the amount, 18 million US dollars is loan assistance while 7 million US Dollars is grant assistance, the Ministry of Finance stated in a press release.

The overall objectives of the project are to contribute to poverty reduction by enhancing the mobility of isolated rural people and ensuring their easy access in economic and social sector activities.

Rural infrastructure such as rehabilitation, capacity building, decentralized governance, construction of rural road infrastructure including community development and rural livelihood are the activities included in the project.

The project is implemented in 18 different rural districts of Nepal as Baglung, Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Darchula, Dolpa, Gorkha, Humla, Jajarkot, Jumla, Kalikot, Lamjung, Myagdi, Mugu, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Solukhumbu and Taplejung.

The expected outcomes of the project are to have improved access to social services and economic opportunities of the people including disadvantaged groups stakeholders/institutions at all levels through planning to implementation and managing construction and maintenance works in a socially inclusive manner.
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SPLINTER COMMUNIST GROUP SAYS NO CONSTITUTION WITHOUT AGREEMENT OF FARDERALISM

Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: Vice Chairman of the Rastriya Janamorcha Janakraj Sharma has said that federal Nepal will not be in the interest of Nepal and the Nepalis, RSS reports
from Nepalgunj.

At a press conference organized by the party here today, he said if a constitution with federal states is promulgated; it will lead the country to disintegration.

No constitution will be promulgated unless the issue of federalism is finalized, he said, adding federalism does not match with the geography of Nepal as it was imported from foreign countries.

Asked by journalists, he said the transition in the country had been lengthened as political parties erred in the institutional development of republic.

The Janamorcha has announced a programme of publicity campaign from February 2-12, protest on February 17, and strikes in regional level from February 27- March 9.
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NC FRUSTRATION WITH MAOISTS
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: Former prime minister and Nepali Congress (NC) senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged one and all to be involved for the stability of democracy in the country, RSS reports.

Taking part in an interaction programme titled " Martyrs' Dreams and the Present " organised by the Binod Dev Memorial Academy in the context of the Martyrs' Week here today, leader Deuba said doubts over the establishment of peace and drafting of the new constitution have increased due to the non-implementation of the seven-point agreement.

Though martyrs sacrificed their lives for attaining democracy in the country, presently the country's democracy is under threat due to prolonged political confusion, he added.

The NC senior leader further said that he was making efforts at solving the intra-party problems in his party.

Also speaking at the programme, NC central member Arjunnarsingh KC said that seeking an alternative to the incumbent government by bringing all the democratic forces in the same ground was the need of the hour.

Accusing the UCPN (Maoist) of trying to impose totalitarianism in the country in the name of peace and democracy, leader KC stressed the need of materialising the dreams of the martyrs.

Similarly, other party central members Manmohan Bhattarai and Meen Bahadur Bishwakarma accused the incumbent government of pushing democracy under threat and curtailing the people's rights.

Likewise, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Democratic) general secretary Jitendra Dev said the death of Binod caused an irreparable loss not only to the Congress but also to the entire country.
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MAOIST GENERAL SECRETARY ANNOUNCES END IN PARTY DISPUTE

Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: UCPN-Maoist general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa has claimed the party has already gone to unity with the ending of all disputes within the
Party, RSS reports from Nuwakot.
Speaking at a press meet organised by the Revolutionary Journalists' Association in Trishuli today, Maoist leader Thapa said peace, constitution and formation of the national government would be the main agendas of his party.
Accusing other parties of causing obstructions in concluding the peace and the constitution drafting process, Maoist General Secretary Thapa stressed the need of the national unity government to take these main agendas of the country to a conclusion.
"The UCPN (Maoist) should get an opportunity to lead the national consensus government", he added.
Leader Thapa and other party politburo members were here in course of imparting training to the party cadres.
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DEUBA DEMANDS HONOURING 7-POINT DEAL

Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) Senior Leader Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged one and all to be involved for the stability of democracy in the country, RSS reports.

Taking part in an interaction program titled " Martyrs´ Dreams and the Present " organized by the Binod Dev Memorial Academy in the context of the Martyrs´ Week on Wednesday, leader Deuba said doubts over the establishment of peace and drafting of the new constitution have increased due to the non-implementation of the seven-point agreement.

Though martyrs sacrificed their lives for attaining democracy in the country, presently the country´s democracy is under threat due to prolonged political confusion, he added.

The NC senior leader further said that he was making efforts at solving the intra-party problems in his party.

Also speaking at the program, NC central member Arjun Narsingh KC seeking an alternative to the incumbent government by bringing all the democratic forces in the same ground was the need of the hour.

Accusing the UCPN (Maoist) of trying to impose totalitarianism in the country in the name of peace and democracy, leader KC stressed the need of materializing the dreams of the martyrs.

Similarly, other party central members Manmohan Bhattarai and Meen Bahadur Bishwakarma accused the incumbent government of pushing democracy under threat and curtailing the people´s rights.

Likewise, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Democratic) general secretary Jitendra Dev said the death of Binod caused an irreparable loss not only to the Congress but also to the entire country.
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THAI ENVOY’S FAREWELL CALL ON PM
Kathmandu, 1 Feb: Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal, Maris Sangiampongsa paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai at the latter's office on Wednesday, RSS reports.

On the occasion, matters relating to Nepal-Thailand relations, mutual cooperation and bilateral interests were discussed.

Talking to RSS after the farewell meeting, Ambassador Sangiampongsa said that on the occasion, he opined that the government-to-government and people-to-people relations existing between the two countries would be consolidated through regular dialogues and contacts.

The Thai government is always committed to extending all possible support for the socio-economic prosperity of Nepal and for the development of Lumbini, he said, adding that the Thai people have provided Rs. 20 million for the conservation of the Mayadevi Temple at Lumbini.

It may be noted that Sangiampongsa is returning home after completing his two-year term in Nepal on coming Friday.

The Thai government has appointed him as the Ambassador to Australia.

"No matter where I will be, I will always encourage the Buddhists to visit Lumbini and dedicate myself for the promotion of religious tourism in Nepal", he said.
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FIRE IN DHANKUTA BAZZAR
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: Physical property worth Rs 800,000 has been gutted when fire broke out in Dhankuta bazaar Wednesday morning, RSS reports.
The fire broke out from a grocery at the house of Mahendra Bhattarai in Mathlokopche bazaar in Dhankuta municipality-6 at 7 this morning.
According to District Police Office, Dhankuta, the fire destroyed various physical goods including food items, clothes and utensils.
Police and locals took the fire under control one and half hours after the incident.
An electric short circuit was the reason behind the fire outbreak.
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INTERVIEW

PROPERTY RIGHTS UNACCEPTABLE, UNDEMOCRATIC SAYS NC LEADER
Issues of state restructuring in the new federal set up and the forms of governance have become the two hottest topics of discussions of late. The parties are at loggerheads over both issues. Any agreement on these issues will mean a breakthrough in the stalled statute writing process. Nepali Congress (NC) leader Ramesh Lekhak is a law expert who has been breezing the party with its representatives in the State Restructuring Commission. The Commission is seen to be troubled by deep polarization over ideology and structure. Kamal Raj Sigdel spoke with Ramesh Lekhak on the party’s position on state restructuring vis-à-vis the new developments in the SRC. Excerpts:
The parties seem to be in the final stage of discussions on state restructuring, which manifests itself in the ongoing tensions within the State Restructuring Commission. What is NC’s latest position?
Congress has been time and against making its position clear on issues of federalism and state restructuring — we are for restructuring the state based on capability and identity. We mentioned it in our election manifesto just before the Constituent Assembly elections in 2008, in the party’s official policy and programmes endorsed by the 12th General Convention and in recent discussions.
The only issue we disagree with the Maoists, is on the formation of ethnic states.
What do you mean by ethnic states?
The ethnic state that we oppose is the one which speaks of allowing only one dominant ethnic group to rule over others in a certain state. Such a system would create two types of citizens — first class and second class — which is totally undemocratic. In an ethnically diverse country like Nepal, any state with ethnic priority rights is just impossible. The statistics show that no ethnic community in any region of the country has population over 35 percent. If we go for states based on ethnicity and confer the priority right to a dominant ethnic group that has, say for instance, 27 percent share in the state’s total population, we will end up excluding the remaining 73 percent from politics. Such a system will not only weaken democratic norms and values, but also promote injustice.
Congress, however, is ready to discuss and find ways to promote inclusion of the excluded lot in the new federal structure.
Aren’t priority rights, in principle, similar to the policy of inclusion adopted by the government?
No, the issue of priority right is something very different. If we go for priority rights to ensure inclusion of certain ethnic groups, it will, at the same time, exclude the other groups—the bigger population. When it comes to inclusion debate, we tend to invoke the history of exclusion and inequality for the past 240 years. Yes there were instances of exclusion for the last 240 years. But by forming ethnic states do we want to return to the period before 240 years, when there were Baaise-Chaubise states? At that time, in a Malla sate only the Mallas were allowed to rule and in Sen state, only the Sens were allowed. In a way, we are moving in that direction, which is regression.
The advocates of priority rights are talking about reserving certain posts, eg chief minister of a state, for prospective ethnic leaders for only two terms. Isn’t it justifiable?
We should learn from history. Once you grant special political rights for a particular ethnic group to exclusively compete in an election, it remains for ever. You cannot withhold it later.
It’s a matter to be entirely decided by politics, who is going to rule and who is not. If an ethnic group has 35 percent share in the state’s total population, it does not have to be granted priority rights in the election. The dominant group will automatically come out as the state’s ruler if the people desire so.
How have you been observing the discussions in the SRC? It seems the body is facing some trouble.
We have heard that the SRC is moving ahead with an 11-state model on a majority basis. We have also come to know that the majority faction in the SRC is moving ahead unilaterally and are making decisions, deliberately excluding the minority voices. If it is true, this is very serious and highly objectionable.
We would like to wait and see how the commission releases its report. Particularly, we have two important things to say. First, we will see the very process of preparing the report: whether it incorporates the minority voice in the commission, whether the report follows a democratic decision making process etc.
Second, we will also study the contents of the report. We will not accept ethnic
states with priority rights. Besides, we also will not accept the report if it does not clearly mention the role, responsibility and rights of the local governments.
We have heard that the experts are talking about only federal and provincial structures and are silent on the role of local governments. We are not going to accept the report that proposes to form 10 Singhadurbars. Transferring the power of Singhadurbar to provincial capitals does not mean federalism. We are for a federal set up that empowers the local governments.
Given the tensions, the SRC report hangs in balance. What is the meeting point then, if not the report?
The SRC will present its report, which may or may not be a solution. But it is the political parties who will have to discuss and find a meeting point. The solution lies in federating the country based on capability and identity. Nobody is insisting on forming states with their borders running north-south. We also have to consider identity as a basis for mapping the states but this does not mean that the states should secure priority rights for a dominant ethnic group.
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PRACHANDA, SUSHIL KOIRALA MEET

2012-01-31T23:46:00.000-08:00

PRACHANDA, SUSHSIL KOIRALA MEET
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: Maoist Chairman Prachanda and NC President SUshil Sushil Koirala held discussions Wednesday at the latter’s residence.
The meeting comes at a time of deteriorating ties between government and the opposition.
Maoists are leading the government.
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US AMBASSADOR, PM DISCUSSIONS
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai held
Wednesday held discussions with outgoing US Ambassador
Scott H. De Lisi who has been transferred to Uganda.
They discusses, among other issues, the retirement of former Maoist combatants from cantonments and satellite camps.
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MADHAV REGMI APPOINTED DEFENCE SECRETARY
Kathmandu, 1 Feb : Madhav Regmi was appointed defence secretary by the government Tuesday.
The cabinet transferred 24 secretaries and regional administrators in a sweeping reshuffle
Balananda Poudel was transferred from Energy Ministry to Women and Children Ministry, Pratap Kumar Pantha to General Administration, Purushottam Ojha and Jayamukunda Khanal to the
Office of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Som Lal Subedi has been transferred to Ministry of Labour, Dinesh Hari Adhikari to Ministry of Land Reformation, Sushil Ghimire to Office of Auditor General,
Navin Kumar Ghimire to Forest Ministry, Lal Mani Joshi to Supply Ministry, and Keshav Bhattarai to Ministry of Science & Technology.
Abindra Shrestha was transferred to Ministry of Information, Tana Gautam to Ministry of Culture, Pratap Kumar Pathak to Office of Auditor General, Yagya Prasad Gautam to Office of Public Procurement, Shri Ram Panta to National Information Commission, Shridhar Gautam to Office of Nepal Trust and Suresh Man Shrestha to National Vigilance Center.
The government transferred recently promoted secretaries. Hareram Koirala has been transferred to Ministry of Energy, Tilak Ram Sharma to Ministry of General Administration, Krishna Poudel as Regional Administrator (east), Arjun Bhandari as Regional Administrator (west), Gyan Darshan Udas as Acting Regional Administrator (mid-west) and Dharanidhar Khatiwada as Regional Administrator (centre).
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ANOTHER RS. 250 MILLION TRANCHE FOR NOC
Kathmandu, 1 Feb. The cabinet Tuesday decided to release another Rs.250 million tranche to cash-strapped Nepal Oil Corporation NOC) that was once running n a profit.
The state monopoly is embroiled in corruption and has lately been under the control of Madeshbadi parties.
The government is pumping n nearly Rs 2 billion every month for oil import and distribution of supplies to people in irregularly making life inconvenient with long waits at petrol pumps.
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MADESH FRONT BLASTS NC, UML
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: A meeting of the United Democratic Madhesi Front, a loose alliance of Madhes-based Parties and the coalition partner in the incumbent government, today blasted opposition parties — the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML — for working against federalism and accused ‘their’ representatives in the State Restructuring Commission of ‘lobbying’, The Himalayan Times repots.

According to Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hridayesh Tripathi, senior Vice-chairman of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party, a constituent of UDMF, today’s meeting concluded that NC and UML were against federalism and has decided to urge Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to take NC and UML into confidence on several issues, including the January 12 decision to legalise wartime transactions, which has been vehemently opposed by the two big opposition parties. Tripathi also claimed that UDMF had requested Prime Minister Bhattarai to win NC and UML’s confidence before taking such a decision.

Though UDMF meeting today concentrated on lashing out at NC and UML, things don’t seem to be right on track for the government, as chairman of Sadbhawana Party, another constituent of UDMF, today said nobody can save the government in the event of failure to give impetus to the peace process in a month.

Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, who is also the minister for health and population, today said at an interaction that UDMF would give a month to the government to give momentum to peace and constitution-drafting processes, make arrangements for the ‘bulk’ entry of Madhesi youth into the Nepali Army and bring Bill on inclusion. Mahato was of the opinion that the government’s significance was on the wane with peace and constitution-drafting processes stalled and Madhesi concerns shelved.

Minister Mahato went a step ahead today to accuse Speaker Subas Nembang, Rastriya Janashakti Party Co-chairman Prakash Chandra Lohani and some Madhesi leaders of engaging in bringing division in Madhesi parties.
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MUSLIMS DEMAND SEPARATE STATUS
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: The Muslim community has demanded that they be recognised as a separate minority group — not under ethnic Madhesis, The Himalayan Times reports.

The Muslims today threatened to take to the streets if they are not given separate status and the government continues to ignore problems faced by the community.

Muslim leaders, speaking at a programme organised by the Nepal Muslim Ittehad Organisation, said the government needs to take measures to boost participation of the community in all sectors of the country.

The National Muslim Ittehad Organistaion warned of protests if the government continues to classify followers of Islam under Madhesis.

The organisation said it has already submitted a memorandum to the government.

Also speaking at the programme, UML leader Mahamud Aalam said that the community would not remain silent until the governmental ensured propositional representation of Muslims in each and every sector of the state.

He accused the government of failing to recognise 40 lakhs Muslims, saying there was no alternative to protests to air their grievances. “The government’s move to include Muslims in the Madhesi is a ploy to ignore the identity of Muslims,” said Aalam.
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DEUBA FOR CONSENSUS DIVIDED PARTY
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:- A separate informal meeting of Nepali Congress (NC) lawmakers held at NC senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba's residence in Budhanilkantha has urged that the party should resolve all the pending issues, including the row over dissolution of sister wings and appointments in the party's key posts through consensus, The Kathmandu Post writes..
Over a dozen leaders close to Deuba who spoke during Tuesday's meeting urged Deuba not to agree on piecemeal solution to all the pending issues that have been plaguing the party for long. NC leadership, however, has long been averse to the idea of resolving all issues at one go. The issues concerning election of the dissolved sister wings, appointments in the Parliament Board, which has authority to distribute tickets during elections, appointments in the vacant posts at the Central Committee and other departments of the party should all be resolved together on consensus.
The leaders also made it clear that there is no alternative to consolidating the unity in the party and party President Sushil Koirala had a major role to play.
Deuba himself and leaders including Bimelendra Nidhi, Minendra Rijal, Purna Bahadur Khadka and Binaya Dhoj Chand expressed their views on the party's internal issues and the larger peace process. They said NC should take a more assertive role in the peace process and statute writing. The meeting is said to continue on Wednesday also.
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NEPAL TO GET TWO INDIAN CHOPERS
Kathmandu, 1` Feb.:In its fresh effort to strengthen defence ties with Nepal, India has agreed to provide two helicopters to the Nepal Army, Phanindra Dahal reports in The Kathamandu Pot.
The new aircraft will be provided within this year to replace two five-seater Cheetah helicopters provided by India that are currently grounded. Nepali side had been pushing for the maintenance of those aircraft provided in 2001 to crush the Maoist insurgency then.
Indian Defence Minister AK Antony made a commitment to provide two aircraft during Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar’s India visit on January 17-21.
Briefing the parliamentary State Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Gach-hadar said India was keen to increase its support for the Army. He also informed that Indian Army Chief Gen V K Singh was visiting Kathmandu in the near future to sign a deal on increasing military cooperation.
“The Indian Defence Ministry has committed to increasing its cooperation with the Nepal Army. They
are ready to provide rescue helicopters and vehicles,” said Gachhadar. “A formal agreement on military
assistance will be signed when the Indian army chief arrives in Nepal to attend a regional summit on disaster management.”
The Nepal Army has stepped up preparations to host a regional summit on disaster management and counter terrorism between March last week and April first week. Indian Army Chief Singh along with heads of the military forces of other Saarc countries will attend the function.
The donation of helicopters will be the largest scale military aid provided to the NA after the political change of 2006. India has also pledged to repair the grounded helicopters, according to Defence Ministry sources.
India had scrapped its military assistance to Nepal following the royal takeover in February 2005 and has not supplied any lethal weapons to the NA so far. It had agreed to resume supplies during the meeting of the Bilateral Security Consultative Group held in Kathmandu in 2009.
Gachhadar claimed India has agreed to resume all kinds of defence support including lethal weapons as required by the Nepal Army during his recent visit.
“They are seeking a formal request and are ready to act accordingly,” he said. Gachhadar said Indian Defence Minister Antony noted that the national armies of the two countries have deep and traditional ties and India was ready to strengthen the capacity of the Nepal Army.
During the three-hour discussion in the parliamentary committee, Gachhadar also briefed lawmakers on his visit to China from December 25-30. Mentioning about Chinese Army Chief Chen Bingde’s Nepal visit in March, Gachhadar said Chinese leaders too were interested in expanding cooperation with the Nepal Army.
China had signed a deal pledging logistics worth Rs 1.3 billion for Birendra Sainik Hospital during Gen Bingde’s visit. Gachhadar stressed that cordial ties with both India and China is in the best interests of Nepal.
Meanwhile, the home minister informed that India has expressed commitment to provide three billion to four billion rupees for the construction of an academy for Nepal Police in Kavre. They have been stressing that there should be an Indian technical advisor for the project to be constructed in 500 ropanis already purchased by the Nepal Police.
“Even the World Bank and the Asian Bank appoint advisors by themselves when they execute the project in Nepal,” said Gachhadar. Maoist lawmaker Pumpha Bhusal said appointment of technical advisor from India in ‘sensitive security installation’ would be unacceptable.

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GOVT. RETRACTS DECISION TO RESTRICT INFORAMATION FLOW

2012-01-31T22:05:00.000-08:00

Kathmandu, 1Feb : Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Tuesday put on hold a
government decision to restrict flow of government information amid widespread protests.
The premier announced this at a meeting with journalist representatives.
The government backed out of a government decision when while defending the action saying the action was a follow-up of decisions of previous governments.
Meanwhile, supreme court (SC) Tuesday issued an interim order asking the government not to implement the directive to restrict dissemination of “information of public importance”.
A single bench of Justice Baidya Nath Upadhaya issued a stay order.
The Democratic Lawyers Association filed the petition, accusing the government of violating the Right to Information Act.
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JUDICIAL PROBE STARTS
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.: A judicial probe commission formed by the government to investigate into the murder of NC-aligned Tarun Dal Chitwan President Shiva Poudel in the prison has started its works, RSS reports from Chitwan .

The team that arrived in Chitwan on Tuesday started investigation into the murder case from Bahratpur prison, informed Chitwan Police Chief Bhupal Kumar Bhandari.
A nine-member team including technicians headed by former justice Mohan Prasad Sitaula has begun investigation into the incident.

The team has started acquiring information from eye witness, police and prison employees since Wednesday morning.

Poudel was attacked inside the prison on December 6 and subsequently died while undergoing treatment on
December 17.
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INDIA, CHINA RIVALRY WORRISOME
Kathmandu, 1 Feb.:: Members of the parliamentary State Affairs Committee (SAC) have expressed serious concern over growing competition between India and China to provide security assistance to Nepal, KoshRajKOirala reports in Repblica..

Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary committee held on Tuesday, committee members criticized the government for not giving due consideration to the national interest while accepting assistance meant for the army and police. They also asked the government not to accept support in sensitive areas like security.

"There has been growing competition between India and China to provide security assistance to Nepal in recent days. I wonder whether our government has paid heed to the national interest while accepting such assistance," said Nepali Congress lawmaker on the committee Arjun Prasad Joshi.

Joshi cautioned the government that acceptance of aid in the sensitive area of security may seriously undermine the national interest. "This is a very sensitive issue. The government should be very careful while accepting such assistance," he added.

The concern by lawmakers comes against the backdrop of both India and China pledging huge security assistance to Nepal in recent years. In its biggest-ever extension of military support, China recently pledged $ 7.7 million worth of aid to the Nepal Army, besides pledging assistance for setting up the Armed Police Force Academy. India, likewise, has pledged assistance for building the Nepal Police Academy in Panauti and provided military supplies as requested by Nepal.

Speaking at the meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, Maoist lawmaker on the committee Pampha Bhusal criticized the government move to accept Indian assistance for the Nepal Police Academy and hire Indian security officials as consultants.

"The prime minister recently announced that we can collect over Rs 6 billion if all government employees donate their salary for one day and seek support from Non-resident Nepalis. We are ready to donate two days´ salary, not just one day´s, to build the police academy," Bhusal said.

Arguing that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao had cut short his visit to just four hours from his originally scheduled three-day trip, most lawmakers speaking at the meeting also flayed the government for failing to maintain effective law and order in the country. "Neighboring countries have failed to feel assured about our security situation. This has placed our credibility into question in terms of security," argued UML lawmaker Pradip Gyawali.

Expressing his reservations, Gyawali also sought the government´s clarifications over the proposed Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that reportedly contains a provision allowing India legal professionals to plead on behalf of Indian nationals in Nepali courts, and over the government´s plan to seek Indian assistance for changing the entire setup of the immigration offices.

The SAC had summoned Minister Gachchhadar to brief it about his recent visits to China and India, amid speculation in various quarters that controversial agreements had taken place during the visits. Lawmakers raised the issues of missing pillars along the Indo-Nepal border, alleged encroachments of Nepali territory from the Indian side, hassles and misbehavior meted out by Indian border security personnel, and the extradition and mutual legal assistance treaty with India.

Minister Gachchhadar clarified to the parliamentary panel that they had not inked any agreement with India or China during the visits.

"While China has suggested to us to maintain good relations with India, India on the other hand has suggested we maintain good relations with China. This is great political magnanimity. My visit has helped further strengthen our relations with both countries."

Home Secretary Sushil SJB Rana informed the committee that during a recently held home secretary-level meeting in New Delhi, agreements were reached with India to conduct regular joint inspections of the border pillars, hold meetings between chief district officers concerned and their Indian counterparts on a quarterly basis, and exchange real-time information to curb illegal activities including smuggling of fake Indian currency in bordering areas.

"The meeting took stock of the security situation. Both sides exchanged their concerns and analyzed recent security trends," he said.
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SRC RECOMMENDS 11 STATES’ DFFERING VIEW PRESENTED
Kathmandu, 1 Feb:: The State Restructuring Commission Tuesday submitted its report to Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai recommending 11 federal states for Nepal, The Rising Nepal reports.
Among the proposed 11 states are Limbuwan, Kirant, Tamsaling, Tamuwan, Narayani, Magarat, Karnali-Khaptad, Mithila-Bhojpura-Koch-Madhes, Lumbini-Abadh Tharuwan, and one additional state for the dalits.
In the 170-page report, the commission gave priority to communities of people accounting for more than 1 per cent of the total population of the country and living in compact settlements while proposing the states, according to a member of the commission.
He said the commission suggested autonomous areas for Sherpa, Jhangad, Urau, Dhimal, Meche, Santhal, Pahari, Yakkhya, and other communities, accounting for less than one per cent of the total population.
Commission chairman Dr. Madan Pariyar said that the report was unanimously written.He informed that notes of dissent from the commission members were also included in the report.
"We all submitted the report together as the commission members and it bears all of our signatures," Dr. Pariyar said.
Refuting the news report that three of the members submitted separate reports, Dr. Pariyar said that not only three members but all others had differences of opinion.
The SRC, formed to submit the report in two months, got a week’s extension to prepare the report.
Members Ramesh Dhungel, Sabitri Gurung and Sarbaraj Khadka were reported to have presented their notes of dissent.
After the submitting the report, Dhungel told journalists that he had differences regarding the number of states, their borders, names, first rights and the right to self-determination.
"Our opinions were also included in the report," Dhungel said.
According to a statement issued by Dr. Pariyar, the report was prepared as per the mandate given to the SRC by the government by making capacity and identity as the bases of state restructuring.
Demanding information about the report of the State Restructuring Commission prior to its submission, Sherpa lawmakers of various parties staged a sit-in and chanted slogans near the Prime Minister’s Office inside Singha Durbar.
As the commission team reached the PMO to submit its report, the lawmakers demanded to know whether it had included the Sherpa state in it or not.
According to lawmaker Lucky Sherpa, security personnel escorted commission members into the PMO.
Sherpa said the lawmakers staged a sit-in
after receiving information that the commission removed the Sherpa and Jadan Pradesh from its report. The Constituent Assembly committee report proposed such a Pradesh.
CPN-UML lawmaker Pasang Sherpa and Lucky were among others in the sit-in protest.
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FORMER MAOIST FIGHTERS RETURNING HOME THURSDAY
Kathmandu,1 Feb.:The release of the combatants opting for voluntary retirement will begin after the coming Thursday, according to the Army Integration Special Committee, The Rising Nepal.reports.
The AISC had earlier decided to initiate the work from Tuesday.
However, lacking logistical preparations, the team assigned to oversee the discharge of the combatants would leave for the cantonments only on Thursday.
According to AISC secretariat member Dr. Shambhu Simkhada the team could not leave for the cantonments in time due to delay in preparing the bank checks to be deposited in the name of the combatants.
Some 7,365 combatants had opted for voluntary retirement during the regrouping.
It would take two more days for the joint secretary of the Peace Ministry and account officer of the Office of the Auditor General to sign the checks.
The Finance Ministry released Rs. 1.97 billion for the combatants.
The government had urged the combatants to open their bank accounts in Agriculture Development Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank and Nepal Bank Limited.
By Tuesday, over 5,000 combatants opened their bank accounts and provided the AISC their account numbers.
The team would accomplish the task of releasing the combatants in 12 days after it left for the cantonments, according to Simkhada.
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MEDIA GOOGLE
“The people who form the government lose their conscience in lack of consensus from people then resorts to anarchism and censorship of information”,

(UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, 1 Feb.)
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PRESS NION OPPOSES PRESS RESTRICTIONS

2012-01-31T00:04:00.000-08:00

PRESS UNION OPPOSES PRESS RESTRICTION
Kathmandu, 31 Jan :: Nepal Press Union has organised a sit-in protest in the Southern Gate of the Singha Durbar, demanding to scrap the government’s decision of information classification, RSS reports..
The journalists demanded to ensure press freedom, and easy excess to the information to institutionalize democracy.
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Shiva Gaunle said easy excess to information was a must to empower people in a democracy, adding that the government’s latest move to classify the information was undemocratic.
Chairman of Nepal Press Union Kiran Pokhrel said the government decided to keep secret information instead of providing the right information to its people, thereby the journalists have been compelled to protest the move.
Likewise, former president of FNJ Taranath Dahal, Chairman of Nepal Democratic Lawyers’ Association Yadunath Khanal, Chairman of Reporters’ Club Rishi Dhamala, among others condemned the government’s move to information classification.
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KHANAL SAYS UML WILL BE LARGEST PARTY
Kathmandu, 31 Jan; Chairman of CPN-UML Jhala Nath Khanal has claimed that the top leaders of the party were committed to making the UML the single largest party by ending factionalism and maintaining discipline, RSS reports from Dhangadi..
“I will not take rest until the UML becomes the largest party. Only UML can lead the nation,” Khanal claimed.
Addressing the UML’s party strengthening and people mobilisation campaign here on Monday, the former prime minister further claimed that the UCPN-Maoist lacks guiding principle and should join the path of UML sooner or later.
As high as 400 UML cadres are present at the program.
During his one and a half hours long speech, Khanal charged that the Nepali Congress has no capacity to address the people’s aspiration for changes while the parties of Madhesi Morcha lack issues relating to nationalism.
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MAHOTO BLAMES SPEAKER FOR HIS PARTY SPLIT
Kathmandu, Jan 30: Chairman of Sadbhawana Party (SP) Rajendra Mahato on Monday has alleged Speaker Subash Chandra Nembang of being supportive to the recent yet another split in the NSP, greatwayonline.com reports.
“Speaker Subash Chandra Nembang, Vice Chairman of Janashakti Party Prakash Chandra Lohani and some of the leaders of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) are responsible for the party split,” said Mahato while addressing a programme at the Reporters’ Club in the Capital this afternoon.
SP lawmakers Ram Naresh Raya and Gauri Mahato Koiri on Thursday quit the party and launched their own outfit named National Sadbhawana Party.
Mahato reckoned that Nembang should take the responsibility for the party-split. “Anti-Madhes speaker will get no support from Madhes,” he warned.
The Speaker had formed a parliamentary panel headed by Lohani to make recommendations as to what action could possibly be taken against SP lawmaker Anil Kumar Jha, who had been suspended by the SP for his alleged anti-party activities.
Citing that quest for power and prosperity was the ‘disease’ behind the split of the Madhesi parties, Mahato said that ‘greedy and sinner’ have quit the party.
In a different context, Mahato claimed that no one could save the government if no progress were seen in the process of peace and constitution within a month.
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NORWEGIAN MINISTER TO CONTINUE CONSULTATIONS

kathmandu, 31 Jan.: Norwegian Environment and International Development Mnister Erik Solheim will continue consultations with political leaders before concluding a two-day visit Tuesday.
He held discussions with Prime Minster Baburam Bhattarai, NC President Sushil
Koirala and UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal Monday immediately after
arrival.
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PM GREETED WITH BLACK FLAGS IN BHAKTAPUR

2012-01-30T22:59:00.001-08:00

BLACK FLAGS GREET PM
Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: Students greeted Prime Minister with black
flags in Bhaktapur protesting hike in prices of POL products Tuesday morning.
He was en route to Nagarkot to inaugurate festival.
Protesting students were affiliated with opposition UML.
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MILK PRICE HIKED
Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: The price of milk was hiked Tuesday by Dairy Development
Corporation (DDC) with immediate effect from Rs 4 to Rs.6..
Half-litre blue and green packet pasteurized milk will now cost Rs 24 and Rs 28 respectively in the Kathmandu Valley.
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FUEL CRISIS ROUNDTABLE 3 FEB
Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: Ministry of Commerce and Supplies is organising a roundtable with all the stakeholders on February 3 to find a way out of the current petroleum crisis, Shiromani Dhungana writes in The Himalayan Times.

“The roundtable is aimed at finding options to cope up with the current fuel crisis,” according to minister for Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta.

Despite the price hike, the consumers are suffering as the state oil monopoly has failed to maintain smooth supply of petroleum products.

The government is also planning to roll back the price hike completely, though, the minister didnot confirm.

The government has last week reduced prices of petroleum products due to pressure from the students’ unions but they are asking for a complete roll back of the prices.

The roundtable will see petroleum business people, consumer rights forums, government agencies and others.

However, the petroleum business people claim that the government is thinking of creating more shortage by not importing fuel to compel consumers tolerate price hike next time soon.

“Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and Ministry of Commerce and Supplies have been asking financial support to establish Price Stablisation Fund but Finance Ministry is not providing the fund,” the dealers said, adding that the Price Stablisation Fund could help in cushioning the price rise.

“The Finance Ministry has already informed the treasury situation to the government,” joint secretary at the Finance Ministry Lok Darshan Regmi said, adding that it cannot provide Rs 5 billion for the Price Stablisation Fund.

The government has not earmarked any budget for NOC in the fiscal policy for the current fiscal year, he added. “However, the ministry will reduce development expenditure, if government decides to do so.”

But Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has already hinted at giving emphasis to the development expenditures. He is also convinced on price adjustment rather than providing any subsidy to the NOC.

Neither the Finance Ministry is providing fund to establish Price Stablisation Fund nor the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies can adjust price, creating a panic situation among the consumers.

The tug of war between the two ministries and mismanagement of the state oil monopoly is going to create more scarcity of petroleum products, president of Nepal Petroleum Dealers’ National Association Saroj Prasad Pande said, adding that most of the petrol pumps today also witnessed long queues.

“The association has a report that the fuel shortage has started to hit the country again,” he added.

The domestic market consumes 17,000 kl petrol; 65,000 kl diesel; 6,000 kl kerosene; 3,000 kl Aviation Turbine Fuel (domestic); 7,000 kl ATF (international) and 12,00,000 cylinder cooking gas, according to the state oil monopoly.

NOC defies NIC directive

NOC defied the directives of National Information Commission (NIC) by not revealing the names of freebies. The commission on January 19 has directed the state oil monopoly to reveal the list of persons receiving free fuel to the chairperson of Freedom Forum Taranath Dahal within seven days. “Freedom Forum will now appeal at the commission for the information,” Dahal said.
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APF DIG MURDERED WIFE IN COLD BLOOD
Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: Police today made a formal announcement that Armed Police Force DIG Ranjan Koirala had premeditatedly killed his wife Gita Dhakal and burnt her body in the jungle of Palung, Makwanpur, The Himalayan Times reports.

Organising a press conference, Kathmandu Police Chief SP Rajendra Shrestha told mediapersons that police had solid and circumstantial evidences supporting that DIG Koirala had committed the murder in cold blood. “We have recovered a wristwatch and an earring from the jungle in Palung of Makwanpur where charred remains of body parts of Gita were found, and they have been identified by Koirala and the victim’s mother Haripriya Dhakal as Gita’s belongings,” said SP Shrestha, dispelling speculations that were rife with reports filtering in that the accused was changing his statements in a bid to make his crime appear like an incident by accident. Reports had it that if Koirala succeeded in giving an accidental colour to his crime, his jail sentence could be reduced by half. With current charges pressed against him, he has to serve 20 years in prison.

“There is no room for confusion. Whatever an accused says to evade justice does not count, what counts is solid and circumstantial evidences that we have and they prove that the murder was premeditated,” said SP Shrestha. Six match boxes, a bottle of petrol and some other materials, in which police believe the body was wrapped, were also recovered from the vehicle Koirala had used to ferry the body to Palung.

Police have also interrogated a shopkeeper in Kalimati where Koirala had bought two jerry cans to fill them with petrol, which he later used to burn the body.

Though evidences show that the charred remains of the body are of slain Gita, a clinical and scientific test is yet to be conducted. Police have referred the sample to Lalitpur-based Forensic Science Lab for a DNA test after TU Teaching Hospital said autopsy was not possible. “We will hand over the remains to Gita’s father and mother for final rites once we receive DNA test results,” said SP Shrestha.

Police have also recorded statements of locals in Palung — Mangal Bahadur Moktan, Kiranman Bal, Surya Bahadur Dong and Sunita Dong — who had on January 21 seen Koirala roaming around suspiciously in the vicinity of where Gita’s body was burnt.

Meanwhile, police said a country-made pistol and five rounds of bullets recovered from Koirala’s house in Ichangunarayan were illegal. Besides these, a Magnum pistol and 127 rounds of bullets were also seized from the house. Investigators said they were trying to establish whether Koirala had licence for the firearm.
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DUBAI SHEIKH DUPED
Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: After duping the Tourism Ministry to obtain operating licence, Dynamic Airlines Pvt Ltd has been found involved in another forgery case in the United Arab Emirates, Sangam Parsai writes.in The Kathmandu Post.
The airlines, whose licence has already been cancelled by the government, cheated Shk Hamad Ali Jabor M AL-Thani of the UAE by selling 80 percent of the company’s shares under the ‘foreign party’ share sales and purchase agreement, a highly placed source at the ministry said. According to him, the ministry received the information 15 days ago.
The forgery case came to light after AL-Thani informally wrote to the ministry requesting an inquiry about the airline, the source added. AL-Thani is associated with the aviation industry in the UAE.
The Civil Aviation Regulation requires Nepali carriers, who seek to go international, to have a paid-up capital of Rs 500 million.
And, the airline might have cheated the UAE national by showing its licence condition in which the paid-up capital figure is mentioned, ministry officials suspected. According to the agreement documents obtained by the Post, the company sold 4 million shares to
AL-Thani.
Anil Bishwokarma Gajmer of Sunsari and Om Prakash Bishwokarma and Thakur Prakash Bishwok-arma of Kaski were the promoters of Dynamic.
The airlines had cheated the Tourism Ministry to obtain licence for international flights in March 2010. As per the rule, an airline aspiring to go international has to deposit a security bond of Rs 5 million, but the airline deposited a bad cheque at the Lazimpat branch of Everest Bank on February 12, 2010, and submitted the deposit slip to the ministry. The ministry then issued it the licence.
However, after knowing about the fraud, the ministry asked the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) not to issue an air operator certificate (AOC) to the airline. After getting the licence from the ministry, an airline is required to apply for the AOC at CAAN before starting operation.
As per the rule, an airline has to get the AOC within six months after acquiring operating licence from the ministry. And if it fails, its operating licence will be scrapped automatically, which applied in Dynamic’s case.
Ranjan Krishna Aryal, joint-secretary at the Tourism Ministry, said the operating licence granted to Dynamic was scrapped automatically under the terms of reference set by the government.
“As the licence and the company turned invalid automatically, the issue is none of the ministry’s concerns,” Aryal said, adding that the foreign party should have inquired about the company before signing the agreement.
Sources said it was a forgery case and the police could deal with the issue upon the foreign company’s request. However, the ministry official said the airline was not prosecuted on fraud charges even after it was found wilfully duping the government earlier.
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MAOIST COMBATANT DISCHARGE FROM FRIDAY
Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: The Maoist leadership has assured the opposition parties that the discharge of former Maoist combatants opting for voluntary retirement will begin on Friday, said senior leaders involved in the negotiation, Phanindra Dahal reports The Kathmandu Post reports.
UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai have told the Nepali Congress leaders that they would not backtrack from the Special Committee's decision to bid farewell to 7,365 combatants. The opposition parties had grown warier after some commanders of the Maoist army on Sunday pressed the party leadership to ensure tax exemption in cash package and a certificate from the government to the retiring combatants. Both NC and UML have bluntly rejected the possibility of meeting these demands.
"We are cautious and awaiting implementation of the understanding. The Maoist leadership has told us that the process of retirement would start on Friday," said a Nepali Congress leader.
Maoist Politburo member Janardan Sharma also confirmed that the process would start on Tuesday. However, it was not clear whether the tax exemption and certificate issues could delay the process.
"We are ready to start the process from Tuesday. It is the responsibility of the Special Committee Secretariat to make technical preparations required to start the work," Sharma said.
The Secretariat is busy opening bank accounts and readying cheques to be distributed to the retiring combatants.
The work will be completed by Tuesday and teams to execute the farewell process will be ready to leave for cantonments by Wednesday or Thursday, said a Secretariat member. The Secretariat had last month formulated an action plan that outlines handover of account payee cheques to combatants, opening bank accounts and completing work in all seven main and 21 satellite cantonments within 15 days.
However, the army integration process is likely to be stalled until there is a fresh agreement among parties on ranks and some other issues. Though November 1 peace deal stipulates that maximum 6,500 combatants will be integrated into the Nepal Army, 9,705 combatants expressed their willingness towards integration during the regrouping process.
Maoist leader Sharma said the integration process would commence only after the voluntary retirement process was completed. "To start the integration immediately means obstructing the process. There are issues like ranks and bridging course that should be settled at the political level," he said.
Nepali Congress leader Ram Sharan Mahat demanded that Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai instruct the NA to start the integration process. "Both integration and voluntary retirement process should move hand in hand. The Maoists cannot do what is beneficial to them," he said. "They are creating hurdles in each and every step and inclined to bid farewell to combatants because there is cash component," he said.
Bhattarai has reportedly told NC leaders that combatants opting for integration will be handed over to the Army once the issue of rank is settled at the political level. NC leaders have been arguing that the NA should be allowed to decide on the ranks on completion of the bridging course.
'No tax exemption to combatants'
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader and Special Committee member Ram Sharan Mahat on Monday said the combatants choosing voluntary retirement should not be exempted from tax.
Mahat's remark comes a day after Maoist commanders demanded that the party leadership ensure that the cash package worth Rs 500,000 to Rs 800,000 be tax-free. "They are not the creatures from another planet. They should follow the law of land and pay tax like common citizens," he said.
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SPEAKER ASKS PM TO BREAK IMPASSE

2012-01-30T22:18:00.000-08:00

SPEAKER ASKS PM TO BREAK IMPASSE

Kathmandu, 31 Jan. Speaker Subash Nemwang Tuesday asked Prime Mnister Baburam Bhattarai to intervene and break a deadlock in parliament.
Seventeen of 33 parties in the legislature have been
obstructing sessions demanding government retract a cabinet
decision to seize assets by Maoist parallel governments during the 10-year insurgency.
Maoists leading the government have been sending confused signals.
Maoist Chief Prachanda said clearly n Butwal Monday assets will be returned on condition alternative arrangements are made for farmers.
Parliament session has been obstructed six times consecutively
with opposition vowing to continue disruption until the decision is corrected.
The prime minister has been avoiding parliamentary sessions.
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TWO SEPARATE REPORTS OF STATE STRCTURE BEING PRESENTED

Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: With deep differences between parties
on a federal structure, two separate reports are being presented to Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Tuesday in by a state appointed state restructuring commission (SRC)
Reports of the majority and minority are being presented separately.
Agreement on major themes to be incorporated
in a proposed constitution has been elusive.
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DEUBA CONVENES MEET OF SUPPORTERS

Kathmandu, 31 Jan.: NC senor leader ha s convened
a meeting of his supporters Tuesday at his residence to collect support for plans to
convene a meeting of party district presidents to broaden his influence in the main opposition.
He’s locked in a bitter dispute with the establishment charging President Sushil Koirala for dictatorial tendencies for dissolving elected ad hoc odies of four sister organizations behind the three-time former prime minister.
In protest, Deuba has resigned from the central committee.
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MADESH ANDOLAN NON-POLITICAL SAYS THAKUR
Kathmandu, 31 Jan : Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party chairman Mahantha Thakur Monday said that the Madhes revolution was not for political achievements and added that the revolution was for the social, economic and cultural transformation of Madhesi people, The Rising Nepal reports..
Speaking at a programme at the party office, he said that he was for establishing equality for the Madhesi people.
He said, "The Madhes revolution is not for showing, it was a demand of the nation and no one has the power to stop the revolution."
He claimed that his party had given a high priority to establish the rights of the Dalit communities and stressed that his party was against the caste-based discrimination.
He said that the Dalit communities had played a major role in the democratic revolution in the nation.
He said, "The Dalit communities’ role to establish democracy is remarkable."
On the occasion, 81 members of Dalit communities entered his party and took its membership. During the programme, chairman Thakur welcomed the members of Dalit community.
Meanwhile, RSS adds: Minister for Health, Rajendra Mahato has claimed that his party, Sadbhavana, split to fulfill the vested interest for power and money.
At an interaction at the Reporter’s Club on Monday, Minister Mahato, however, claimed that his party became healthy after it shed off the malaise.
Chairman of the Sadbhavana party, Mr Mahato further accused Speaker Subash Nembang of playing a role to split his party.
The Speaker has a role to split the Madhes-based parties, he said, buttressing the claim, "I punished Anil Jha but Speaker legitimized his defection. Now as well, two CA members from the party walk out, Speaker again legitimized this."
In another context, he said the peace process clogged after the Nepali Congress and UML created impediments to it.
The Madhesi Front forged an alliance with the Maoist party for peace, constitution and Madhesi people.
Responding to a query relating to his recent visit to India, he said. ''I was on a visit to Tirupati. It was my personal visit. I did not meet any Indian leader.''
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PRACHANDA HINTS REVOKING KABD SEIZUREL SAYS BHATTARAI TO LEAD UNITY GOVT.

Kathmandu, 31 Jan.:, UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ Monday said that the government could revoke the decision to legalise land dealings made by the Maoists’ parallel government during the decade long insurgency on condition that the opposition parties like Nepali Congress and CPN-UML put forward alternatives, Chabi Pandey reports isn The Rising Nepal from Butwal .
The chief of the main ruling party claimed the land transactions made during the war was not only the matter of concern for his party.
"The government’s decision on land dealings could be revoked if protesting parties including NC and the CPN-UML come up with viable alternatives that address the problems of farmers," Prachanda maintained.
Addressing a press meet in Butwal organized by the Revolutionary Journalists’ Association, Prachanda, who arrived here today to orient party cadres of the Abadh-Madesh states committees of his party, asserted that the stalled peace and constitution writing process would move ahead despite recently emerging hurdles.
"The process of farewell to the PLA members who opted for voluntary retirement would be initiated from Tuesday and the task of integration and rehabilitation would also be expedited," Prachanda said.
Saying that he had proposed for the formation of the national government with NC and the CPN-UML after the peace process got momentum, the former prime minister clarified that dialogues could be made regarding the leadership of such a consensus government.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai would lead the national government if his party was given the leadership of a national government.
However, senior vice-chairman Mohan Baidhya ‘Kiran’ said that talks would be made within the party over the leadership of the government whenever such an opportunity arose.
Restating that he had conditional support to the present government, Kiran said that he had been for the formation of consensus government for long.
"Party will discuss on who leads the national government. There has been no decision in the party that Dr Bhattarai should lead a national consensus government," he said.
Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, who is also Maoist vice-chairman, said the peace process, which had been stalled for three years, got momentum after the formation of the present current government.
Saying that initiatives were taken for the management of the law related to right to information, the Prime Minister said consideration to the privacy of information would as well be given in this regard.
He expressed confidence that the constitution writing process would be moved ahead according to the lately revised work plan.
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PLA MULLS NEW CHAIN OF COMMAND

Kathmandu 31 Jan 30: With 7,000-plus combatants packing up to return to their homes and the old chain of command breaking up, the Maoist PLA commanders have begun to work on alternative arrangements for managing the remaining
Combatants, Kiran Pun writes in Republica..

On Sunday, the commanders held a preliminary meeting to work out a plan for cantonment management, and they have tentatively agreed to shut down two satellite camps under each division, reducing the total number of cantonments from the existing 28 to 14.

There are seven main cantonments and 21 satellite camps where 19,000-plus combatants were housed after their verification in 2007. But the total number of combatants was found to be just over 16,000 during the categorization process, the rest having deserted the cantonments.

Each of the seven main cantonments houses one brigade -- except Shaktikhor cantonment with its two brigades -- and controls three satellite camps each, again except Shaktikhor. Each satellite camp houses one brigade. There are altogether 29 brigades.

"With the old chain of command breaking up, we are planning to reduce the number of cantonments to 14. It is a force whose command and control should be managed immediately," Suk Bahadur Roka Magar told Republica.

On Sunday, during their meeting with the party top brass, the commanders, besides venting their ire for not having been taken into confidence before the decision to release the combatants opting for voluntary retirement, also discussed creating a new chain of command and control under the new circumstances.

The meeting, held at the new residence of Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at Lazimpat, was participated by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and General-Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa.

Altogether 7,365 PLA will leave the cantonments under the voluntary retirement package and the process of releasing them will begin on Wednesday, while 9,000-plus have chosen integration into the Nepal Army Directorate. Only six have opted for the rehabilitation package.

Most PLA commanders from the Baidya faction have opted for voluntary retirement, objecting to the ´humiliating´ integration deal.

What shall we do with the weapons and cantonments?

The PLA commanders have demanded that the party leadership and the government clarify what will happen to the cantonments and the weapons of those leaving for home.

During their meeting with the party brass on Sunday, the commanders had raised this question also.

They said handing over the weapons and cantonments to the government immediately would in principle amount to surrender.

It may be recalled that the keys of the weapons containers have already been handed handed over to the Special Committee, although some of the combatants have been allowed to keep some weapons for perimeter security at the cantonments.

"There will be 14 empty cantonments and the weapons of those leaving for home. Handing over the cantonments and weapons before the integration process will amount to surrender. So, how will you settle these things," a commander asked Dahal.

The top brass answered that they would discuss the issues in depth in the party and with other stakeholders. The commanders had warned the leadership that they were for integration, not for ´surrender´ or ´recruitment´.
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IRD TO BRING PROFESSIONALS UNDER TAX NET
Kathmandu, 31 Jan : As a part of bringing more income groups under tax net, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is soon initiating a campaign to get high-income earners registered for Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Value Added
Tax (VAT), Republica reports.

“We have credible information that a larger number of professionals with sizable income are not paying tax. We are initiating the campaign within a couple of days to bring them under the tax net," Tanka Mani Sharma, director general of the IRD, told Republica on Monday.

Sharma said IRD will now study whether or not high-income earners like lawyers, medical doctors, consultants, auditors, stock brokers, Lekhandas, professors, and cooperatives have been brought under the tax net. “After conducting the study, we will request those that are yet to be brought under tax net to register for PAN or VAT,” Sharma said, adding: “We will take action against those that ignore our calls.”

IRD will collect data of high-income earners with the help of umbrella organizations of concerned professionals. “We will then match the data with our record of tax payers. This will help us identify those who are yet to be brought under the tax regime,” Sharma added.

Similarly, IRD is launching a campaign within a week to study tax compliance by educational institutions, health institutions, party palaces and house-rent earners. The department is mobilizing 500 persons, including 200 revenue officials, to launch the campaign simultaneously across the country.

"We will first take stock of tax compliance by these firms and revenue mobilized from them. This will help us sort out the firms that are not under the tax net,” Sharma said, adding that the department was also in the process of formulating a monitoring guideline to effectively regulate house rent collection.

IRD has already directed brick manufacturers to register for VAT. It is expected to bring additional revenue of Rs 500 million in the state coffer. Only around 150 of more than 700 brick kilns operating across the country are registered for VAT.

The government has formed an 11-member committee led by Begendra Poudel, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), to study situation of brick industries and address the demands placed by brick kiln owners, who recently brought brick sales to a standstill for a fortnight. Brick kiln operators have been opposing the department´s directive for VAT registration.
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RESORT OWNERS CONFUSED IN CHTWAN

Kathmandu, Jan 30, As the contract deadline for the tourist resorts inside the Chitwan National Park (CNP) is nearing, the resort owners, employees as well as the tour operators are in
a great dilemma, Ballav Dahal writes in The Rising Nepal..
They fear that Nepal could lose her charm as a much sought-after wildlife tourism destination internationally if the resorts are closed.
In 2009, various seven resorts operating inside the CNP had urged the government for extending a 15-year contract period. But the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) under the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation did not renew their contracts. Consequently, the resorts had to remain closed for some months. The closure of the resorts, including Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, Temple Tiger Hotel and Hotel Narayani Safari, had an adverse impact on the country’s tourism industry as a whole.
Then, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the Legislature Parliament had taken up the issue with much focus on outstanding royalty and tax dues to be recovered from the resorts. After holding a series of meetings with the concerned stakeholders, the parliamentary body, however, was not against the resorts. Also five of them immediately paid their dues to the government.
Later, another parliamentary body, the Natural Resources and Means Committee, thought that the matter was under its jurisdiction. The committee was in favour of closing the resorts. However, with the committee’s consent, the government decided to extend their contracts for a short period as the national tourism campaign-- Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011)—was round the corner.
It is needless to say that wildlife diversity is an exceptional feature of Nepal. After mountaineering and cultural tourism, wildlife safari is considered to be the third prime product in Nepal. More than four decades ago, Nepal pioneered wildlife tourism in Asia with the opening of Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge inside the CNP. In the wildlife tourism circle, the country is regarded as ‘Africa of Asia.’
Because of its significant contributions to promoting the environmentally responsible tourism, quality services and effective marketing, Tiger Tops has now become synonymous with wildlife tourism in Nepal. As wildlife safari started gaining ground in Chitwan, more other resorts were established inside the park during the 1980s and 1990s.
Several other Asian countries such as India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia have learned from Nepal and developed jungle safari as their new tourism products.
The CNP, which is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, is the third most popular tourist destination of the country after Kathmandu and Pokhara. More than 80 hotels and resorts are in operation in and around the park. Chitwan attracts a large number of tourists from home and abroad annually. The number of visitors to the park has been on the rise considerably with the start of the peace process in the country.
Since tourism is one of the mainstays of the national economy, the government must think of pros and cons of the closure of the resorts inside the CNP. It should consider the fact that Nepal would have been so popular as a wildlife tourist destination internationally without the efforts made by these resorts.
The government, however, needs to regulate

the resorts and even take action against them if they are not found sticking to conservation rules and regulations. But it should look at practices of wildlife tourism in Africa and other countries where this type of tourism has flourished before taking its decision on the fate of the resorts.
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NEPALI GIRLS TRAFFICKED TO TIBET

2012-01-30T03:20:00.000-08:00

NEPALI GIRLS TRAFFICKED TO TIBET
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Nepali girls are working under vulnerable conditions in different cities of neighboring country, China, a study reveals, RSS reports from Chautara.

Nepali girls have been trafficked to China by luring them of dignified and decent jobs and are forced to work in cabins, restaurants, lodges and dance bars. However, the girls have been barred to return home though they wish so.

The study conducted in Khasa and Kuti of Tibet by Maiti Nepal for a month reveals that among 137 interviewed girls, 50 per cent said they were working under hardships against their interests.

The study further reveals that all the documents of the Nepali girls were taken under controlled by the owners of the dance bars and restaurants, thereby barring the Nepali girls to return home during their convenient time.

The girls shared that getting rid of the Chinese bars and restaurants was far difficult than escaping from the Indian brothels. Most of girls from Tamang, Gurung, Rai and Limbu communities have left for Chinese cities, according to the survey.

Program Officer at Maiti Nepal, Sindhupalchowk, Madan Chaulagain said Nepali girls have been lured to Chinese cities, thanks to high income than the Indian cities. They are provided with Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 per month in China.

Girls from 17 districts including Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Kathmandu, and even Tarai have also gone to Chinese city. Most of the girls are from bordering areas of Sindhupalchowk district including Tatopani and others.

Maiti Nepal has established its office in Kodari from Friday aiming to bar the Nepali girls from going in Chinese cities for doing risky jobs, said Chaulagain.

Meanwhile, a campaign has been started in Dhunche VDC, the district headquarters of Rasuwa district, to control human trafficking in the VDC.

Speaking at a program, stakeholders concerned said that conducting training and income generating programs, and establishment of foreign employment center and conducting integrated programs would help stop the human trafficking.
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UML’S OLI FOR NATIONAL GOVT.
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Leader of the CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli on Monday has accused the Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai of impeding the formation of national consensus government, RSS reports from Kailali.

Talking briefly to media person here today, Oli said, “Prime Minister Dr. Bhattarai should step down at the earliest to pave the way for a national unity government.” Oli has arrived in Kailali today to participate at a program organised by the UML.

Oli further said that people should be provided with right to information and charged the government over its effort for classification of information.

Chairman of the party Jhala Nath Khanal, Vice-chairman Bamdev Gautam, General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel, leaders Oli, Bhim Rawal, among others, are scheduled to address the gathering in Dhangadhi of Kailali district this afternoon
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STUDENTS DEFECT TMDP IN KAILVASTHU-
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: As many as 150 students including District Chairperson of Terai-Madhes Students Front – a student wing of Terai-Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) – have announced quitting the party, RSS reports from Kapailvasthu.
They made this announcement at a press conference on Sunday.
Those deserting the TMDP are, the Front’s Kapilvastu District Chairperson Kamalesh Sharan Chaudhary, Free Students' Union Chairperson of Kapivastu multiple campus, Gayadin Kurmi, senior vice-chairperson Ram Sharan Chaudhary, constituency chairperson Abadhram Yadav, among others.
On the same occasion, they said that growing favoritism, nepotism and despotism practiced within the party, enticed them to take this move.
They would not enter any party at the moment, informed the quitters. RSS
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PEACE. CONSTITUTION ENDAGERED WARNS DEUBA
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Nepali Congress senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that peace and constitution were in danger as the UCPN (Maoist) did not implement past agreements, RSS reports from Chitwan..
At a press meet organised by the Chitwan chapter of Nepal Press Union in Bharatpur on Monday, Deuba said political obstruction was created in the country after the Maoists did not implement the seven-point agreement of late.
He further said internal disputes in his party should be resolved respectfully.
Deuba claimed that internal disputes in the party had come out due to dissolution of the sister organisations contrary to the earlier agreement made while uniting the party.
Deuba opined that all the 75 districts should be made as provinces if there was no agreement among political parties on state restructuring.
He added that the 75-province-option would be better if no agreement was forged on it.
As for form of governance, it is better to choose a constitutional president and prime minister from the parliament, Deuba said.
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TOP MAOIST LEADERSHIP IN BUTWAL
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Top guns of the UCPN (Maoist) on Monday have reached Butwal in order to take part in a training of party cadres, greatwayonlime.com reports.
Maoist Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal, Vice Chairman and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and senior Vice Chairman Mohan Baidya reached Butwal today morning to train the cadres of Abadh Madhes Rajya Samiti and Prabas Rajya Samiti.
Top brass are slated to impart training on party unity, party’s action plan and future policy. Maoist politburo member and Abadh Rajya Samiti incharge Devendra Poudel said the programme would convey message of unity in the party which was once heading for imminent split.
It is learnt that around 400 Maoist cadres are present in the programme.
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WOMAN KILLED IN DANG BUS ACCIDENT
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: A woman was killed and 14 were injured on the
on the Ghorai-Lamahi road section of Musot khola in Dang Monday.

A passenger bus heading vehicle for Nepalgunj plunged 50 meters off the road kllling Maya Dahal
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SPEAKER ALSO SEEKS REVIEW OF SUPREME COURT ACTION
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Speaker Subash Nemwang Sunday asked for a review of the action of supreme court registrar in the last week of December 2011 not to admit application for a review of a apex court decision the current extension until the end of May would be the last.
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also registered an application for such a review.
The supreme court registrar rejected earlier requests of Office of the Prime Minister and Parliament.
Nemwang registered the application even as he wasi the top court verdict should be honoured.
Nemwang sought the review by a five-member full bench
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CONTROVERSIAL NORWEGIAN MINISTERARRIVES MONDAY
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Controversial Norwegian Minister for
Environment and International Development Erik Solheim with close links with Nepal’s communists arrives Monday for a two-day visit.
He’s controversial for his and his Scandinavian country’s direct interference in Nepal’s internal politics through use of money power and statements.
Solheim boasted of keeping touch with Maoists, declared terrorists, then in the ‘jungle of Nepal’ when Prachanda said he admitted he directed the war from across the urban jungle in India.
Norway kept contacts with Maoists even while
maintaining relations with government.
Nepali leaders have revealed top Maoist leadership was living in New Delhi’s outskirts protested by India.
The Norwegian minister arrives at a time when there deep differences in the Maoist party and Maoist relationship with opposition is at its worst
derailing the peace and constitution drafting processes.
The oil-rich country has been funding and assembling the civil
society movement which is now quiet.
Despite its midget status on the world arena, the country has been attempting to play a role in international politics by fishing in troubled states and attempting to Norway
The result if there for all to see in Nepal
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GOLD IMPORT SLIPS
Kathmandu, 330 Jan.: Gold import has plunged by almost three times in last three years.

“The country imported Rs 9.87 billion worth gold in the first five months of the current fiscal year compared to Rs 25.54 billion in the same period of fiscal year 2009-10,” according to the central bank, The Himalayan Times reports.

However, in the same period last fiscal year, the precious yellow metal has seen a whopping drop to Rs 1.33 billion due to government ban on the import that has hit the dollar reserve due to cross border flow at the cost of import duty difference.

Currently, the domestic market is witnessing a shortage of the gold fuelling the price despite the price in the international market has been decreasing.

“The banks are not been able to supply according to the market demand fuelling the price in the market,” Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association president Tej Ranta Shakya said, adding that Nabil Bank’s 50 kg gold was sold out in an hour on Wednesday and Prime Commercial Bank’s 50 kg was also sold out on Thursday and on Friday there was no gold in the market that has put pressure on price today.

The precious yellow metal was traded at Rs 54,000 for a tola (11.664 gram) today.

“Despite rising price, the domestic market’s appetite has started to increase also due to marriage season,” he added.

Similarly, gold had another positive year in the international market, ending nine per cent higher in US dollar price terms and rising even further in most currencies, according to World Gold Council report 2011.

In spite of an interim increase in volatility, which affected all financial markets, gold outperformed a large number of asset classes – reinforcing its role as a foundation asset in portfolio construction, it said, adding that gold provided liquidity when investors needed it the most, acting as a risk management vehicle and also served as a currency hedge throughout the year, in particular against the US dollar.

While such inverse relationship pushed gold prices down toward the end of 2011, in part driven by profit taking and portfolio rebalancing, it is believed that gold fundamentals of supply and demand remain robust, according to the report that expect it continue to support its demand.

After a tumultuous year in financial markets around the world, gold was one of few asset classes to deliver positive returns.

Gold’s price appreciation was generally higher in currencies other than the US dollar, especially in developing markets, with the exception of China, as they saw marked declines of their currencies against the US dollar in the latter part of the year.

True to its role as a vehicle for diversification and risk management, gold outperformed a large majority of assets, including oil, on a risk-adjusted basis during a year of marked uncertainty and increased volatility. However, gold’s performance was not all smooth sailing throughout the year, particularly during the latter months.

Many investors saw gold as one of the few assets able to preserve capital and protect against tail risks, increasing their participation in the market especially during the summer and by early August, gold had broken the $1,800 per ounce level and reached a record high of $1,895 per ounce on the London PM fix on September 6, having traded as high $1,921 per ounce intra-day.

In all, gold’s price pullback of 15 per cent was labeled by some commentators as a break in gold’s multi-year trend. On the contrary, a careful analysis of gold’s historical performance shows that it has experienced various pullbacks over the last 10 years.
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TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS ASK GOVT. TO BE TRANSPARENT
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Tourism entrepreneurs today asked the government to make the member selection process in Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) transparent. During a meeting with the minister Lokendra Bista Magar representatives from tourism associations including HAN, NATTA, NATO, TAAN, NMA, PATA Nepal Chapter, HRA, NARA, and Reban insisted on reshuffling the current board member, The Himalayan Times reports.

“We have submitted a memorandum to the tourism minister urging him to revise the member selection process of the board,” said president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (PATA) Pabitra Kumar Karki. “We want two representatives from the private sectors to be included in the selection committee,” he said, adding that the representatives will be selected by the entrepreneurs instead of the government.

The government has selected two members from the private sector in the board but the incumbent two members went to court challenging the government decision as according to them their term has not expired. Karki also said that the tourism entrepreneurs will coordinate among themselves to request two members to resign from the disputed board.

NTB consists of 11 board members, five each from the private and public sectors, as it was established under a public private partnership model. The members from the government are the permanent ones, while the members from private sector will have three years term.

Meanwhile, the dispute has delayed the chief executive selection process
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GOVT. ENTICEMENT FOR SQUATTERS TO VACATE
Kathmandu, 30Jan.: The government has loosen purse strings for squatters by deciding to pay house rents to those who have registered themselves as the landless people, The Kathmandu Post reports.
A meeting of the taskforce formed to evict the people residing on the encroached banks of rivers of the Valley with Home Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar on Saturday made the decision to this effect.
According to taskforce coordinator Mahesh Bahadur Basnet, out of 8,000 residing alongside river banks 1,082 will receive house rents for three months as a temporary measure to bail out the genuine squatters. The government is fixing the rent amount on Sunday.
“This is just a temporary solution. The long term settlement arrangement will be made in accordance with the recommendations of National Squatter Commission,” said Basnet.
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26 INVOLVED IN STEALING NAC SPAREPARTS
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: A high-level committee formed to investigate a series of controversies at the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), including the mysterious disappearance of aircraft parts, has recommended departmental action against 26 officials, The Kathmandu Post reports.
Though the Tourism Ministry has not revealed the names of the people involved, sources said eight NAC engineers, three TIA Customs officials and senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) are among those against whom action has been sought.
The Tourism Ministry had formed a four-member high-level committee headed by Joint Attorney General Thok Prasad Siwakoti to investigate the series of mysterious disappearances of vital parts of NAC aircraft on December 4, 2011. The NAC management had turned to the government for help after its investigations turned up blank. The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had also sought strong action against the culprits.
There had been three major thefts at the NAC last year, in which flying kits, tyres of its Boeing aircraft and landing gear of a Twin Otter aircraft disappeared mysteriously, resulting in losses of Rs 150 million. There also were cases of fake appointment given to Indian nationals as ground support staff.
The report prepared after a 51-day investigation revealed that there was involvement of staff ranging from loaders to directors of Tourism Ministry agencies in all these cases. Ministry sources said the report has revealed that those involved in the theft of te fly away kit of the NAC’s Boeing 757 and tyres of its Boeing aircraft are the same people. “The report has named three officials were involved in both the crimes,” a source at the ministry said.
In the theft of the landing gear of the Twin Otter, the report said three staffers from the TIA Customs were guilty. The report, according to sources, has also indicted senior NAC officials in the case of the landing gear theft. The two main landing gears of its Twin Otter DHC-6 brought after repairs were taken by NAC officials, according to the report.
Tourism Minister Lokendra Bista Magar said the guilty will be asked to clarify on why the government should or should not punish them before issuing a final verdict. “All those involved in the theft will not be spared. I have directed the authority concerned to book them at any cost,” he said. Despite Minister Magar talking tough, sources say the Toursim Ministry might opt for softer action like warning the officials.
The 74-page report has suggested that the NAC communicate with aircraft manufacturers and aircraft parts suppliers through the CAAN over the lost fly away kit. It has also asked the NAC to update its inventories at its engineering department and seek compensation of the lost kits through an insurance company.
Regarding the landing gear assembly disappearance, the report has recommended that goods should be brought in and out through a one-door system at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in the future.
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PM BHATTARAI AGAIN BOYCOTTS SAHID GATE

2012-01-30T00:18:00.000-08:00

MARTYRS DAY OBSERVED

Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: The sacrifice of four persons martyred during the movement to topple the 104-year old Rana regime were remembered Monday declared a public holiday.
No official celebrations were held lat the Sahid Gate where the supreme court
has put on hold a cabinet decision to remove the bust of King Tribhuvn atop the marble gate to Narayanhiti amid public criticism of the government action.
The busts of the four martyrs are placed at the Gate.
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai again avoided paying respects to the martyrs
there repeating his action five months ago when he was appointed prime minister.
Bhattarai then went to Kirtipur to remember martyrs.
The premier Monday wnt to a Saheed Memorial Park in Lainchaur Monday,
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BUDDHA AIR FLYING TO VARANASI

Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Private carrier Buddha Air is flying to Varanasi, its third international destination, from 1 March.
The airline will operate four weekly flights between the capital and the holy city in India’snorth Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
One way fare inclusive of tax Rs. 5,031.
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VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT DELAYED BY A DAY
Kathmandu, 30Jan.: Jan 30: The secretariat for the Special Committee has revised its plan to start the much-awaited release of Maoist combatants who have chosen voluntary retirement and decided to begin the process from Wednesday due to delay in getting the money from the Ministry of Finance. Initially, the secretariat had plan to start the process from Tuesday, Republica reports.

"We are not going to start the process Tuesday as initially planned as we could not complete the banking works," said a knowledgable source at the secretariat preferring anonymity.

The secretariat got Rs 1.97 billion from the Ministry of Finance only at 4 pm Sunday and the secretariat was able to open bank account at the Agricultural Development Bank, Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank within the office time, the source added.

The source said that the secretariat has to prepare all the checks to be issued to the 7,365 combatants who have opted for voluntary retirement in Kathmandu as visiting survey teams cannot take along blank checks and issue them to the combatants in the cantonments concerned.

"The checks need to be prepared in Kathmandu and it is also going to take time. We will have to wait until Tuesday for the works to be completed as Monday is a public holiday," said the source, Republica.
Kuran Pun Adds: Combatants await 'uncertain' retirement
Maoist PLA combatants who have chosen voluntary retirement during the recent categorization process are still uncertain about whether they will be sent home as announced by the government.

They said they have not yet been officially informed about the recent government announcement. Only last Friday, they heard over the radio about the government plan to send them home.

But most of the combatants, who have registered themselves for voluntary retirement are mentally prepared for leaving the cantonments and starting a civilian life afresh back home hoping that the retirement process due to begin Tuesday won´t be stalled yet again.

The combatants are now busy packing, meeting comrades and phoning others living in other cantonments to say their final good-bye.

A total of 7,365 fighters have opted for voluntary retirement during the categorization process.

As their parting time is approaching soon, the combatants have a mixed feeling about their future. While they are excited about reuniting with their family members, they say it is painful to part with the comrades alongside whom they fought the decade-long war and lived together in cantonment for the past five years.

Most of the combatants share that their last five years spent in the cantonments were a waste. They said the years were spent amid uncertainties and they just waited for the time to pass. But now, something is seriously holding them back. As a matter of fact, several fighters grew liking each other, fell in love and even got married during the wartime. Also indelibly printed on their mind is the pain that they got when they had to bid farewell to their comrades being labeled ´disqualified´ by UNMIN.

"Right now, I´m busy meeting my comrades and packing my luggage," Deependra Kumar Gharti Magar, Brigade Vice-commander, PLA Fifth Division Dahaban, Rolpa, told Republica.

Gharti joined the PLA in 1999 leaving his medical profession in his native village of Korchabang, Rolpa, with a dream of a building an "egalitarian new Nepal". He played triple role in the war as a health worker, an artist and a fighter in fatigues.

Gharti said he had a dream to create a new classless society. "Though the dream has been shattered it has not faded away yet. That is going to happen, for sure," he said. "If the Maoist party failed to deliver this promise, some other new party will come up. It´s just a matter of time."

Like his comrades, Bikash Malla, a platoon commander, also remained busy making farewell calls to his comrades before packing his luggage Saturday.

Some PLA commanders and members however expressed ignorance about the government decision to send them home. And they even expressed doubt about the government announcement as a similar announcement earlier was not implemented.

"Last time also, the government announced that we would be sent home, but that did not happen. I don´t know what will happen this time. I have not been offcially notified about the government decision yet," Holika KC, brigade vice-commander at fifth division, told Republica.

Fifth division vice-commander Ram Lal Roka Magar; Bhaktaraj Thapa Magar, battalion vice-commander of third division; and Lal Kiran Roka Magar, battalion commander of fourth division, also said they have not been informed about the government decision yet. "I don´t see any possibility of sending combatants home unless there is a clear agreement on rank harmonization," Bhakta claimed.

Even fifth division commander Ram Lal shared his frustration for he has not yet been informed officially about the govenrment decision.

Ram Lal said they have put forth various demands before party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. They said they want all the money they are to receive in lump sum, a letter of appreciation and that the demands of the injured and physically disabled fighters should be met.

"The government plan on voluntary retirement could face strong rejection in the cantonments if our demands are not met. We will take a decision after holding discussions among comrades," said Ram Lal.

What are their plans?

"I have worn guns for the most part of my life. Now I would like to see what can I do with a pen," Malla revealed his plan. He said he will join university to pursue a bachelor´s degree. The security forces had detained him back in 2001 when he was in Musikot, the district headquarters of Rukum, pursuing his secondary education. He joined the Maoist PLA after his release.

Lal Kiran, who is also a member of Ajammari People´s Commune, Thabang, Rolpa, said he will start a medicinal herbs farm back in his home village. "I´ve no desire to join the party. I see no hope in the plans the party has made for us," he said expressing his frustration toward the Maoist party.

However, Thapa Magar, KC, Ram Lal and Deependra said they will actively involve themselves in Maoist party politics.
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________________________________________

DISSENTING SRC MMBERS TO MAKE PUBLIC THEIR POSITIONS
Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Dissenting members of State Restructuring Commission (SRC) have decided to go to the public separately with their stance on state restructuring alleging that majority members of the Commission refused to incorporate their views in the main report, Republica reports.

According to political sources, three of the eight members, Ramesh Dhungel and Sabitri Gurung of Nepali Congress and Sarba Raj Khadka of UML, in the Commission are preparing to make public their report separately claiming that other members “ignored” their views and prepared the report “unilaterally”.

The other members of the SRC include Malla K Sundar and Stella Tamang from the Maoists and Krishna Hachhethu and Surendra Mahato from United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF).

The dissenting members are in minority after one of the UML appointees in the Commission Bhogendra Jha allegedly sided with the Maoists and the UDMF.

The Commission´s official report is reportedly proposing creation of 10 provinces and one non-geographical province, something dissenting members from the NC and UML are opposed to. The dissenting members are in favor of creating only six provinces.

Likewise, the Committee members are at odds over whether or not the states should be federated based on ethnic lines. Majority members in the Commission are in favor of creating 11 states including one non-geographical state based on ethnic lines.

A political source said the Commission members have proposed entire Tarai as single Madhes state with a sub-state in it. The Commission members are also sharply divided over whether to delineate states on north-south basis.

As its extended deadline is expiring on February 1, the Commission is mired in controversy. “The report to be presented by the commission is only likely to trigger controversies instead of offering solutions,” said the source.

“Many of the issues settled earlier in the CA committees reemerged during the Commission´s deliberations.”
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KIRANPUN ADDS IN REPUBLICA: COMBATANTS AWAIT UNCERTAIN RETIREMENT

Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: Jan 30: Maoist PLA combatants who have chosen voluntary retirement during the recent categorization process are still uncertain about whether they will be sent home as announced by the government.

They said they have not yet been officially informed about the recent government announcement. Only last Friday, they heard over the radio about the government plan to send them home.

But most of the combatants, who have registered themselves for voluntary retirement are mentally prepared for leaving the cantonments and starting a civilian life afresh back home hoping that the retirement process due to begin Tuesday won´t be stalled yet again.

The combatants are now busy packing, meeting comrades and phoning others living in other cantonments to say their final good-bye.

A total of 7,365 fighters have opted for voluntary retirement during the categorization process.

As their parting time is approaching soon, the combatants have a mixed feeling about their future. While they are excited about reuniting with their family members, they say it is painful to part with the comrades alongside whom they fought the decade-long war and lived together in cantonment for the past five years.

Most of the combatants share that their last five years spent in the cantonments were a waste. They said the years were spent amid uncertainties and they just waited for the time to pass. But now, something is seriously holding them back. As a matter of fact, several fighters grew liking each other, fell in love and even got married during the wartime. Also indelibly printed on their mind is the pain that they got when they had to bid farewell to their comrades being labeled ´disqualified´ by UNMIN.

"Right now, I´m busy meeting my comrades and packing my luggage," Deependra Kumar Gharti Magar, Brigade Vice-commander, PLA Fifth Division Dahaban, Rolpa, told Republica.

Gharti joined the PLA in 1999 leaving his medical profession in his native village of Korchabang, Rolpa, with a dream of a building an "egalitarian new Nepal". He played triple role in the war as a health worker, an artist and a fighter in fatigues.

Gharti said he had a dream to create a new classless society. "Though the dream has been shattered it has not faded away yet. That is going to happen, for sure," he said. "If the Maoist party failed to deliver this promise, some other new party will come up. It´s just a matter of time."

Like his comrades, Bikash Malla, a platoon commander, also remained busy making farewell calls to his comrades before packing his luggage Saturday.

Some PLA commanders and members however expressed ignorance about the government decision to send them home. And they even expressed doubt about the government announcement as a similar announcement earlier was not implemented.

"Last time also, the government announced that we would be sent home, but that did not happen. I don´t know what will happen this time. I have not been offcially notified about the government decision yet," Holika KC, brigade vice-commander at fifth division, told Republica.

Fifth division vice-commander Ram Lal Roka Magar; Bhaktaraj Thapa Magar, battalion vice-commander of third division; and Lal Kiran Roka Magar, battalion commander of fourth division, also said they have not been informed about the government decision yet. "I don´t see any possibility of sending combatants home unless there is a clear agreement on rank harmonization," Bhakta claimed.

Even fifth division commander Ram Lal shared his frustration for he has not yet been informed officially about the govenrment decision.

Ram Lal said they have put forth various demands before party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. They said they want all the money they are to receive in lump sum, a letter of appreciation and that the demands of the injured and physically disabled fighters should be met.

"The government plan on voluntary retirement could face strong rejection in the cantonments if our demands are not met. We will take a decision after holding discussions among comrades," said Ram Lal.

What are their plans?

"I have worn guns for the most part of my life. Now I would like to see what can I do with a pen," Malla revealed his plan. He said he will join university to pursue a bachelor´s degree. The security forces had detained him back in 2001 when he was in Musikot, the district headquarters of Rukum, pursuing his secondary education. He joined the Maoist PLA after his release.

Lal Kiran, who is also a member of Ajammari People´s Commune, Thabang, Rolpa, said he will start a medicinal herbs farm back in his home village. "I´ve no desire to join the party. I see no hope in the plans the party has made for us," he said expressing his frustration toward the Maoist party.

However, Thapa Magar, KC, Ram Lal and Deependra said they will actively involve themselves in Maoist party politics.
Kiran Pun adds: Maoist PLA combatants who have chosen voluntary retirement during the recent categorization process are still uncertain about whether they will be sent home as announced by the government.

They said they have not yet been officially informed about the recent government announcement. Only last Friday, they heard over the radio about the government plan to send them home.

But most of the combatants, who have registered themselves for voluntary retirement are mentally prepared for leaving the cantonments and starting a civilian life afresh back home hoping that the retirement process due to begin Tuesday won´t be stalled yet again.

The combatants are now busy packing, meeting comrades and phoning others living in other cantonments to say their final good-bye.

A total of 7,365 fighters have opted for voluntary retirement during the categorization process.

As their parting time is approaching soon, the combatants have a mixed feeling about their future. While they are excited about reuniting with their family members, they say it is painful to part with the comrades alongside whom they fought the decade-long war and lived together in cantonment for the past five years.

Most of the combatants share that their last five years spent in the cantonments were a waste. They said the years were spent amid uncertainties and they just waited for the time to pass. But now, something is seriously holding them back. As a matter of fact, several fighters grew liking each other, fell in love and even got married during the wartime. Also indelibly printed on their mind is the pain that they got when they had to bid farewell to their comrades being labeled ´disqualified´ by UNMIN.

"Right now, I´m busy meeting my comrades and packing my luggage," Deependra Kumar Gharti Magar, Brigade Vice-commander, PLA Fifth Division Dahaban, Rolpa, told Republica.

Gharti joined the PLA in 1999 leaving his medical profession in his native village of Korchabang, Rolpa, with a dream of a building an "egalitarian new Nepal". He played triple role in the war as a health worker, an artist and a fighter in fatigues.

Gharti said he had a dream to create a new classless society. "Though the dream has been shattered it has not faded away yet. That is going to happen, for sure," he said. "If the Maoist party failed to deliver this promise, some other new party will come up. It´s just a matter of time."

Like his comrades, Bikash Malla, a platoon commander, also remained busy making farewell calls to his comrades before packing his luggage Saturday.

Some PLA commanders and members however expressed ignorance about the government decision to send them home. And they even expressed doubt about the government announcement as a similar announcement earlier was not implemented.

"Last time also, the government announced that we would be sent home, but that did not happen. I don´t know what will happen this time. I have not been offcially notified about the government decision yet," Holika KC, brigade vice-commander at fifth division, told Republica.

Fifth division vice-commander Ram Lal Roka Magar; Bhaktaraj Thapa Magar, battalion vice-commander of third division; and Lal Kiran Roka Magar, battalion commander of fourth division, also said they have not been informed about the government decision yet. "I don´t see any possibility of sending combatants home unless there is a clear agreement on rank harmonization," Bhakta claimed.

Even fifth division commander Ram Lal shared his frustration for he has not yet been informed officially about the govenrment decision.

Ram Lal said they have put forth various demands before party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. They said they want all the money they are to receive in lump sum, a letter of appreciation and that the demands of the injured and physically disabled fighters should be met.

"The government plan on voluntary retirement could face strong rejection in the cantonments if our demands are not met. We will take a decision after holding discussions among comrades," said Ram Lal.

What are their plans?

"I have worn guns for the most part of my life. Now I would like to see what can I do with a pen," Malla revealed his plan. He said he will join university to pursue a bachelor´s degree. The security forces had detained him back in 2001 when he was in Musikot, the district headquarters of Rukum, pursuing his secondary education. He joined the Maoist PLA after his release.

Lal Kiran, who is also a member of Ajammari People´s Commune, Thabang, Rolpa, said he will start a medicinal herbs farm back in his home village. "I´ve no desire to join the party. I see no hope in the plans the party has made for us," he said expressing his frustration toward the Maoist party.

However, Thapa Magar, KC, Ram Lal and Deependra said they will actively involve themselves in Maoist party politics.
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NEW LOOK FOR NEW ROAD, DURBAR SQUARE

Kathmandu, 30 Jan.: People willing to have a look at refurbished Hanumandhoka Durbar Square and New Road will have to wait for some times as the face-lifting tasks of these place have been
stopped mid-way, The Rising Nepal reports.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and Hanumandhoka Durbar Area Conservation Programme Office (HDACPO) had jointly launched a new programme in a bid to give new look to the Durbar Square and New Road about three month months ago.
Hari Kumar Shrestha, Chief of HDACPO, informed that the planned programme could not move ahead due to some official problem. It will start soon once the problem is resolved, he added.
According to the officials at KMC and HDACPO, all kinds of billboards and notice boards at these areas would be prohibited. However, these billboards are still seen hanging up at the commercial places, business complexes and supermarkets within the New Road area.
Such haphazard hoarding boards and posters have degraded the beauty of the archeological and historical sites such as Hanumandhoka Durbar Square but the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has shown no interest to remove them.
The hoardings boards have not only given ugly looks to the historical sites and undermine the values of such sites, but have also sent negative impression of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) among both national and foreign tourists.
KMC has also planned to manage telephone and cable lines, which are responsible for the messy look of the New Road and Durbar Square areas.
Despite all the talks, only the road of the New Road section have got a new look after KMC set up dividers with green flowers this time. But the task to install new iron fences alongside the footpath passage is yet to be done.
KMC has allocated a budget of Rs 17.5 million for executing the programmes to give new look to the UNESCO World Heritage enlisted Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Area and the New Road
area.
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MARTYR GANGALAL NATIONAL HEART CENTRE WINS HEARTS
Kathmandu, 30 Jan. : Although most people make negative comments about the services delivered in the government hospitals, Martyr Gangalal National Heart Centre, the specialised government hospital for cardiac ailments, has been an exception, The Rising Nepal reports.
The hospital gained more than 100 per cent achievement in its service delivery targets last year.
During 2011, a total of 3,205 people benefited from Cath Procedure, 1,977 from Coronary Angiogram, 500 from Coronary Angioplasty, 181 from Pace Maker Transplantation, 366 from PTMC and 1,467 surgeries to different kinds of heart ailments were perform successfully in the hospital.
The performances were more than its targets, Executive Director of the hospital Dr. Man Bahadur K.C. said while presenting the progress report of the hospital on the occasion of its 16th anniversary Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Health and Population Rajendra Mahato appreciated the service delivery system of the heart centre.
"As its name, the hospital is doing very well, it is a matter of pride for the government" Minister Mahato said.
The government would support financially to such institution, Minister Mahato added.
He stressed the need of decentralization of expert services outside the valley.
"Though it is a government hospital, every patient suffering from cardiac ailment want to have treatment at this hospital because all cardiac facilities are provided here and it has been a referral centre for specialized cardiac care and treatment," he said.
Cardiologists and the staff working in different departments of the hospital have success stories of the hospital to tell.
"No poor dies in want of services in this hospital," senior cardiologist Dr. Bhagwan Koirala said.
The hospital has been facing excessive flow of patients after the government announced free treatment scheme for the patients aged below 15 and above 75, Director K.C said.
Dr. K.C. urged the government to free the hospital from the political interference.
The government has been providing services free of cost to children aged less than 15 since 2007 and elderly people aged above 75 since the subsequent year.
In 2011, a total of 1 05,525 patients underwent OPD service for several types of cardiac diseases in the hospital. The medics said that the number was very large for a single hospital.
The Centre also provided 200 free cardiac valves to the patients last year.
As the heart is a special part of the body, the government also has focused on this hospital, Dr. Pravin Mishra, Secretary at the Health Ministry said.
The hospital is all set to add 100 more beds during this fiscal year.
Speaking at the programme, cardiologists stressed the need of new health policy for non communicable diseases.
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INTERVIEW

NC, UML SHOULD JON GOVT. SAYSL FORMER SPEAKER DAMANNATH DHUNGANA

Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana has been a civil society leader. When the country was reeling under the armed conflict, Dhungana played the role of an informal civil mediator for peace talks to end the violence. He was proactive to bring in civil society movement, which also inspired the parties like Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to forge agreement with then rebelling UCPN-Maoist and initiate movement to do away with monarchy. As an observer to the signing ceremony of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Dhungana has been time and again offering suggestions to the political parties, especially whenever they lock horns, to complete the overall peace process in time as promised. As the peace and constitution writing process has hit a snag again, Nandalal Tiwari of The Rising Nepal talked with Dhungana as to what suggestions he has to the parties.
Excerpts:
Despite the fact that you were one of the makers of the 1991 constitution, you eloquently advocated for a Constituent Assembly (CA) to frame another constitution, and the fun of the thing is that you remained out of the CA. How do you take it?
First of all, I do not think I am not in the CA as I consider I am in the higher plane of the CA, the CA of the entire people of our country. The whole Nepal is the CA for me and I feel I have made a place in the CA (heart and mind) of the people.
Second, I did advocate for a CA as I concluded that it could be a meeting point to end violence and initiate peaceful way out to issues that had triggered conflict. I believe peaceful solution is better than adamancy to a particular constitution. Additionally, then, the king had encroached the constitution and the parties that had brought about the 1990 People’s Movement had also failed to meet the aspirations of the people.
The peace and constitution writing processes have not completed even nearly four years after the CA election. Putting the role of the parties aside, how do you assess the role of the civil society in this respect?
It was civil society which brought the parties together for People’s Movement (2006). Needless to say, the parties were poles apart before the 12-point Understanding. Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML were like parts of the state whereas the Maoist party was fighting against the state. At that situation, the civil society- people like us- which stressed on initiating dialogue, ending war and violence. The civil society took to streets and made a strong opinion against tyranny and for change which ultimately resulted in republican set up. This makes it evident that the civil society had a substantial role in the success of the Movement and the formation of the CA. This is one of the three phases of the civil society.
Following the CA election, the second phase movement of the civil society began. At the moment, we are at the third phase.
In the second phase, the political leaders became conscious of the civic power of the civil society leaders as they had given moral courage to them to struggle jointly against tyranny and culminate the struggle to republic. In fact, civil society does not work for sending any civil society leaders, intellectuals or professionals to the House. It is for sending the leaders of the movement to the House. However, the political leaders became shy to take the civil society leaders to the House. The political leaders suffered from inferiority complex as the civil society could be instrumental in making national consensus in the way it had been instrumental, effective and result-oriented in making public opinion against tyranny, monarchy and garnering international support for the joint movement of the parties for the same. The parties feared their importance would dwindle as the civil society would be playing a role of a catalyst in bringing them to a meeting point from their respective stands once the eminent personalities of the civil society entered the CA.
We also had some weakness on our part. Clearly, civil society is not a substitute for the political parties. However, we became submissive when we thought it to be parties to do everything related to peace and new constitution and let them do so. Four processes are underway- peace building, constitution building, nation building and democracy building. The parties created a Berlin wall against the civil society to prevent its participation in these processes. And now, the peace process has become litigants exercise. Every party sticks to its position, there is none to play the role of arbitration or broker, there is no structured dialogue and neither record nor proof of compromise, no venue and system for dialogue, one can retract from the agreement. It is funny, they now ask us to play role after having kept us out of the ring. They urge us to play the game and we are out of the ground. We are limited to boosting and evaluating their show as they did not take us inside the ring to mediate their game so as to not make it fair and timely.
Now, the third phase of the civil society has begun. We know civil society contributed greatly to bring about the epoch-making change. As the parties have kept it away from the whole process to institutionalize the change, it is in a great test. People are fed up with the parties and the leaders. They have lost popular legitimacy. Even the CA has fared no better and now the Supreme Court has quested its legal legitimacy. As there is no completion of peace process, no promulgation of the new constitution so far, people have started to think whether the CA is a cluster of the 601 unworthy. Everybody knows, the CA’s tenure was for two years and that the army integration was to take place within six months from the CPA
signing.
We are in dilemma whether we also should hit the street along with the people declaring the parties as unworthy or correct them to deliver peace and constitution. People think that the parties will fail to make an agreement, form transitional government and deliver peace and constitution by May 27. They are contemplating whether to go beyond the bondage of the parties. We are still with the parties for correcting them. But there are high chances that we may be finally snatched away from the parties because of the public force as we always are with the people if parties fail to form a transitional government by May 27 and make public the draft of the new constitution.
What do you mean by transitional government?
That is a government made up of all the four political forces- Maoists, NC, UML and Madheshi Morcha. They should make a common programme and agree to allocate presiding officer’s power to the head of the government in such a way that the executive exercises the power when the parties fail to find a common ground on any issues. We do not expect the parties to elect prime minister from beyond the parties. However, if they think that party-based executive head will be biased, they can choose from outside. After all, the PM is for presiding over the negations among the parties.
If you ask me whether it is time to replace PM Dr Baburam Bhattarai, I would answer negatively. No, this is not time to go for changing the PM. I am saying this not because I have any personal attachment with Dr Bhattarai. I would say this even if there was any other person as the PM because the deadline of the CA is nearing and we have a lot of task to perform. Change of government at this time means further extension of the CA which has little chances. The PM is for completing peace process and delivering constitution. All the other parties should cooperate with him. In this connection, I would suggest that NC and UML should join the present government immediately. They can put conditions for that, of course. However, frustratingly, the power game is going on. There is no time, so Dr Bhattarai-led government should be changed into transitional government.
Won’t that lead to dictatorship if the PM is entrusted with presiding officer’s power, veto?
It is not veto as such. When the disputes continue, one has to resolve it and the PM can do so if the parties fail to find a meeting point. Otherwise, differences will persist for ever. Dictatorship means doing something beyond the mandate or term. In this sense, dictatorship has been already exercised by extending the term of the CA, which was meant for two years. The very constitutionality of the CA is questioned. However, we believe that if there is real progress, CA term can be extended seeking favour from the Supreme Court.
How hopeful are you that the new constitution will be promulgated by the present CA deadline?
I do not have much curiousity whether the constitution will be promulgated by May 27. Everything has its momentum. The kind of image the parties and the leaders have created of themselves in the last four years, even if they promulgate new constitution I have a little hope from it. Unless and until the parties mend their working styles, it is like to hope against hope. Nepal is undergoing three opportunities. The opportunity brought out by the People’s Movement. We are missing it, but we can tap it if parties mend their ways. The other opportunity is offered by the economic growth gained by our close neighbours, India and China. A new era has begun in our foreign relations too. Unlike in the past, our close neighbours are suggesting us publicly to have good relations with both of them. China is recommending us to consolidate relations with India while India in turn is urging us to have better relations with China. The third opportunity is provided by the support or love shown by the international community. They are urging us to make our country a global centre of culture.
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STUDENTS ANNOUNCE SECOND PHASE PRICE HIKE PROTESTS[

2012-01-29T02:55:00.000-08:00

STUDENTS ANNOUNCE SECOND PHASE PROTEST AGAINST PRICE RISE

Kathmandu, 29 Jan. Thirteen student unions finalized and
announced Sunday second phase week-long protests that will
culminate with a gherao of Singha Durbar 6 February.
Protests will begin Monday.
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai ridiculed the student protests ad said government can’t afford to Rs 2 billion a month fr import of POL prodstssss, Nepal’s biggest import.
Maoists, in opposition, extensively used students to push their agenda.
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GURKHA SOLDIER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
IDENTIFIED

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: The latest Gurkha solider of the British Army killed killed in Afghanistan Friday has been identified
Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung, who served with 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed, British Defence Ministry
said.
Gurung was born in Majthana, Nepal, on 16 October 1985,
He leaves behind his wife Manisha, father Gum Bahadur, mother Lekh Maya, his brother Buddha and sister Junu
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ONLY 56KM ROAD CONSTRICTED IN FOUR MONTHS

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: The government has constructed 56 kms roads during the first four month of the current fiscal year, RSS reports.
According to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, a total of 99 kms road was upgraded during the period while only one bridge was built during the period.
The Ministry said that the works for upgrading the quality of Gokuleshwor-Chainpur road section in Darchula has been started.
Similarly, only 42 kms track of the fast-track, linking Kathmandu to Tarai, was opened during the period.
The DPR and field survey of the third section for ring road construction in Biratnagar were completed.
The Ministry said that process to appoint consultants for developing modern cities along the Mid-Hilly Highway is in the final stage.
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DEUBA CRITICIZES GOVT. ON INFORMATION CONTROL
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: : Senior leader of the Nepali Congress (NC) Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the government attempt to ban on the government information was
Condemnable, RSS reports from Chitwan.
Talking journalists at Bharatpur Airport today, the former prime minister said attempts to ban on information was government´s weakness though keeping news secret that hamper country´s security situation and destabilize international relations was a positive step.
Some days ago, the government had given directives to the officials to keep different information secret citing different reasons.
Leader Deuba said making separate states for present 75 districts was his personal opinion and added that readymade structure should not be undermined.
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________________________________________

JHAPA STRIKE
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: A shutdown enforced by various students´ organizations has affected the normal life in Jhapa district in the far-east of the country, RSS reports from Bhadrapur.

The students unions have called for a general strike in the district under the second phase of their protest programmes calling for withdrawing the hike in the price of petroleum products.

No vehicles are operating on Jhapa section of the East-West Highway, the Mechi Highway and other feeder roads in the district since the morning due to the shutdown. As a result, the people have been inconvenienced.

Students have gathered at the Muktichowk in Birtamod to hold a protest rally. So far no untoward incidents have been reported in course of the shutdown, according to police.
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ACHARYA COMMITTEE APPROVES BIG THREE REQUEST

2012-01-29T01:52:00.000-08:00

ACHARYA COMMITTEE APPROVES REQUEST OF THE BIG THREE UPDATE
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.; The main constitution drafting committee
headed by Nilambar Acharya agreed to a request of three major parties to extend by another 14 days 12 February to resolve differences on
four themes to be incorporated n a constitution by 28 May.
Despite existing and new differences between the bIG Three, Maoist Chairman Prachanda said after the meeting, “The constitution will be promulgated on time.”
“Serious discussions were held,” he said.
The Acharya committee meet will be forwarded to Speaker
Subash Nemwang.
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PM,. PRACHANDA MEET
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who is also
party vice-chairman, discussed promised retirement of former Maoist fighters who have opted for to voluntarily leave 28 camps and cantonments, with Party President Prachanda Sunday.
Bhattarai, who is chairman of a special committee for integration, resettlement and supervision of former fighters, agreed to send home former fighters who opted for retirement.Tuesday.
The process will take 12 days.
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OPPOSITION AGAIN DISRUPTS PARLIAMENT
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Parliament was again obstructed by
opposition NC, UML and smaller parties.
The session was adjourned until Wednesday.
The opposition is pressing government to revoke a cabinet decision to legalize seizure of people’s assets during the 10-year insurgency by Maoist parallel governments.
Supporters of the UCPN (Maoist) are coming out of the streets
of the capital Sunday supporting the abnet decision asking for its implementation.
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PM URGES GOOD GOVERNANCE

Kathmandu, Jan 28, Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Saturday said that negative thoughts, inferiority complex and feeling of insecurity had affected the economic development process, The
Rising Nepal reports.
At a meeting with Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal at his official residence in Baluwatar, Dr. Bhattarai said that the government had brought action plans on good governance and economic prosperity to minimize the disappointment among the people.
He said that the economic development could not make desired progress in the past due to political reasons and erroneous laws.
He said that there was no alternative to unity among the political parties on the issues of economic development.
"The political change will not sustain if the fruits of development are not taken to the people," he said, adding that the political leadership should think about it.
Stating that the government had been giving top priority to peace, constitution, good governance and economic prosperity, Dr. Bhattarai said that an environment for good governance and economic prosperity would be created.
He reiterated that he would not compromise with good governance while admitting that the action plan on good governance was the continuity of the previous programme.
He also informed that preparations were underway to monitor the government activities from the Office of the Prime Minister.
He stressed the need of making social justice an indicator of progress in a country like Nepal where the gap between the haves and have-nots was wide.
He said that the mere growth of 3 to 4 per cent would take the country nowhere.
"We have to increase the investment in certain sectors and the BIPPA was signed with India for the bigger economic growth," he said and added that a similar investment agreement would be inked with China.
UCPN-Maoist was not against foreign investment, he said, adding that foreign capital and technology were a must until the country could stand on its own.
He admitted that the government could not properly invest the internal capital, remittance and liquidity of the banks.
He also pointed out the need of government investment in public enterprises. However, he opposed the idea of giving subsidy to the Nepal Oil Corporation.
"The subsidy should be utilized to provide relief to the people and in hydropower or alternative energy production," he said.
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NEPAL ASKS INDIA TO STOP RACKET

Kathmandu, 29 Jan. , The Government of Nepal has urged the Government of India to stop the racket operating in India that is involved in preparing fake documents for Nepalis going abroad, RSS reports.
This request to the Indian government was made in the Home Secretary level bilateral talks between Nepal and India in New Delhi last week. The Nepali side brought the issue in the talks stating that the trend of preparing fake Nepali testimonials in India for Nepalis going abroad has increased recently.
The home ministry authorities discussed the issue with the Indian officials last week in the context of increasing incidents of Nepali workers going for foreign jobs through India were confronted with different problems owing to the fake documents that they procured with the rackets operating in India.
The documents of several Nepalis going abroad for foreign employment via India were found to be fake and it was confirmed through information gathered that these documents were prepared in India.
During the talks, the Nepali side requested the cooperation of the Government of India in controlling this crime.
Assistant spokesman of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ekmani Sharma said the Nepali side raised the fake documents issue with priority in the secretary level talks and both sides agreed to check the illegal immigration with the use of fake travel documents through the transit points of both countries.
India has also agreed to consider Nepal’s request to India regarding resolution of the problem faced by the Nepali pensioners while going to collect their benefits in India.
The Nepali side had urged the Indian side to end the compulsion for the Nepali citizens who have retired after working for different companies and private and public services in India to go to India to collect their pensions.
At the meeting, agreement has been reached to strictly curb illegal activities as cross-border crime, smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, among others, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Also, Nepal and India agreed in the meeting to immediately remove the inconveniences faced by the citizens in their movement in the border region.
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39 BRDER PILLARS MISSING IN SUNSARI ALONE
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Of the 283 border pillars erected in the border between Bihar of India and Nepal’s Sunsari district, 39 have been found to be missing, RSS reports from Ithari.
As per the study of the Armed Border Security Force Sunsari, they were lost from the places of their establishment.
They were lost as people of Bihar and Sunsari of Nepal made houses by pulling them down and cultivating, said the Armed Police.
The 39 pillars are lost out of the 22 Jange (large) pillars, 147 medium sized and 114 small pillars in the Dasgaja border area.
People of both sides have encroached the no man’s land and especially the Indian side has been forcibly cultivating and growing crops. They also build huts there and dry cow-dung cakes to use as fuel. (
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PRESSURE ON GOVT. TO OPEN MORE EMBASSIES
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: With the population of migrant Nepali workers rapidly increasing in the Gulf region and Nepal's growing interactions in Asia and Europe, the government is under pressure to open new missions abroad to serve the interest of its
Nationals, Anil Giri reports in The Kathmandu Post..
Three panels--one parliamentary and two under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)--have strongly recommended opening up new diplomatic missions. Nepal, with 32 diplomatic missions abroad, has a policy of adding new ones in countries where the population of Nepali nationals crosses the 5,000 mark.
The MoFA is under immense pressure to open missions in Bahrain and Oman, where population of migrant Nepali workers has crossed the 10,000 mark. The Nepali mission in Saudi, which looks after some 300,000 Nepalis, is overloaded after it was assigned also to look after affairs in Oman and Bahrain.
Missions in three Saarc countries--Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan--are high on the agenda.
Last year, Nepal opened diplomatic missions in Kuwait, Brazil, South Africa and Canada. "There is a general impression that opening new missions is unnecessary expenditure. This is not true. Most of our missions are earning well through consular and visa services," the official said.
"Any stable government can take a call on this and we can readily open three-man missions to begin with," the official added.
Another MoFA official said Singapore is another country on the priority list.
"After India and China, Singapore is the largest port for Nepal. More than 15,000 Nepalis are working there," the official said. "While Singapore and Nepal have direct air link, the former's new policy to attract medium-level work force could lure more Nepalis," the official said. Among Spain, Turkey, Italy and Norway, the government is studying which country to prioritise in setting up its mission. But one in Spain appears more urgent as the Nepali population there is more than 50,000.
Opening of two Consulate General's offices in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Guangzhou in China is also on the cards.
In a recent interaction with select journalists, Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said he would prioritise the recommendations of various internal and external panels in establishing new foreign missions.
"We have felt it is a pressing issue and are working on it although the process is lengthy. I cannot say at the moment how and when we will do all these," said Foreign Secretary Durga Bhattar
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LOAD-SHEDDING AFFECTS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.:The 14-hour daily load-shedding has forced industries based in the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor, the country’s largest industrial base, to slash their production by 60 percent, Bhusan Yadav writes in The Kathmandu Post from Birgungj.
14 more dayus,.
Prachandal said will be promulgated on time.
Until magh 29 on four issues.
Serpoudiscisson prachanda.
State restcturing commission rpot not recived.
Request will be made

Pm and prachand ladiscussed fareleee of Maoist to start Tuesday
Parliament agailn obstructed.adourted until Wenesday.
According to industrialists, power shortage coupled with diesel crisis has hit them hard. They say they are receiving much less amount of diesel than their normal requirement. “Industries that require around 7000 litres diesel daily are getting only 3000 litres,” said an industrialist.
Rushi Unnithan, executive director of Jagdamba Steels, said his factory has slashed operation to 10 hours a day from the regular 20 hours. “Our factory used to produce 1,280 tonnes of iron rod daily, which now has come down to only 500 tonnes,” said Unnithan.
The power shortage and fuel crisis, according to Ashok Temani, president of the Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), has already forced five iron factories to shut down their operation. “There is no environment to run industries,” said Temani. “The government is only busy collecting revenue.”
Due to the energy crisis, nine cement factories and seven iron factories in the corridor are struggling to run under their normal production schedule. The cement factories having daily production capacity of 15,000 sacks have been producing just 3,000-5,000 sacks for the last few weeks. Mahendra Agrawal, sales manager of Jagdamba Cement, said his company is struggling to supply cement as per the market demand.
With domestic producers forced to cut down their production, domestic steel and cement manufacturers fear that Indian products might acquire bigger market share in the local market. “With domestic manufacturers having larger market share unable to cater to the demand, Indian brands might get hold of the local market,” said Bishnu Agrawal, promoter of Rajesh Metal Craft.
Agrawal’s fear is logical as domestic cement and steel manufacturers have been forced to reduce production by 60 percent.
BCCI has urged the government to import additional 12 MW power from India by repairing Birgunj-Raxaul transmission line. “The repairing of the transmission line will cost only Rs 400,000,” said Temani. Industrialists have also demanded to bring into operation the 14-MW diesel plant in Hetauda.
Arun Mahato, head of Birgunj Power Distribution Centre of Nepal Electricity Authority, said NEA has held talks with Bihar Electricity Board to restart the Birgunj-Raxaul transmission line. According to Mahato, import of the 12-MW electricity from Raxaul could bring down power shortage in Birgunj by three hours a day.

INTERVIEW

PM SEEKS MAOIST REPRESENTATION IN NEW ARMY DIRECTORATE

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who is also the head of the Special Committee, has decided to immediately begin the process of sending home the combatants opting for voluntary retirement and completing the process in the next 12 days, and then moving ahead with the integration process.

The constitution drafting has come to a standstill, and according to media reports there have been some exercises for changing the government to bring in a national consensus government. Bhattarai talked to Republica´s Post B Basnet and Madhav Dhungel in this context. Excerpts:

Immediately after you were elected prime minister, you promised to prioritize peace, constitution, good governance and economic prosperity along with a relief package for the people. Five months on, how do you evaluate your performance?

Yes, following my election to the helm on August 28 by the legislature-parliament, I had stated after doing some rational thinking that the task of this government would be peace, constitution, good governance and economic prosperity along with relief to the people. Afterwards I modified things a bit and set my priority on peace, constitution, good governance and economic prosperity. I have put in my best efforts for the achievement of my goal.

But you did not achieve anything substantial.

You have got to be ambitious. As poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota stated: “The only objective worth taking up is to touch the moon.” Without setting a lofty ambition, you won´t achieve anything important. In fact, the stalled peace process has received momentum after I took over at the helm. The categorization process for Maoist combatants is over. Similarly, we are bidding adieu from January 31 to those opting for voluntary retirement and are subsequently taking the process of integration forward. There are ups and downs in the process.

The subcommittee under the Constitutional Committee (CC) has also garnered consensus on many issues, and discussions on other contentious issues are underway. The long overdue State Restructuring Commission was also formed and it is submitting its report to the government on Monday. As far as the remaining two agendas - good governance and economic prosperity - are concerned, I have launched some immediate relief packages. But we have not been able to focus on these issues. A detailed plan for good governance and economic prosperity was launched on January 25. We think the move will definitely make people feel the change.

Will the task of sending home those opting for voluntary retirement begin on schedule? Your party chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has stated that he will not empty the cantonments without the parties reaching consensus on governance system.

Definitely! Rest assured. In fact, that was not a condition (the party set). We could have made things worse. We had stated that it would be better if the integration process and the task of sending home those opting for voluntary retirement moved simultaneously. Since more combatants than the agreed number have opted for integration, we said it would be better to settle the issue before sending home those choosing voluntary retirement. It was not a condition per se.

Do you have the full support of the party leadership for sending the combatants home?

There is no point taking the process ahead without the support of the party. Any political leader, especially a communist one, works with the full support of the party. This is a general principle.

When will you wrap up the process of sending home the combatants choosing voluntary retirement?

We estimate that the process will take 11 to 13 days from the starting date. After bidding them adieu, we will hold some talks on the rank harmonization of commanders and a bridge course for the combatants. And then take the integration process ahead.

Is it true that your party has demanded the position of chief or deputy chief of the Nepal Army Directorate?

We have already agreed on the formation of a directorate that will have participation from Maoist combatants. If there is representation of the combatants at the policy-making level, which is called headquarters or directorate, that will create an environment of trust for completing the process. Without that, we may not be able to create a conducive environment. So it will be better to represent both sides at the directorate

When will the contentious issues of system of governance and state restructuring be settled?

There are some important issues including system of governance, state restructuring and electoral system. There is a calendar of events to settle these issues by Sunday, and the parties are holding discussions for a consensus. If the issues are not settled, they could be transferred to the House and consensus sought later.

Will not the process of endorsing the issues for now through a majority vote complicate matters? Will it not increase the chances of derailing the process?

I have also been for consensus on the major issues from the very beginning. But the Maoists alone cannot make that possible. The Nepali Congress (NC) in particular has clung to the same old parliamentary model, though the other political parties are flexible on the issue. I believe both sides will backtrack from their respective stances and find a middle point.

What will be the middle ground?

As we are adopting federalism, we will definitely give substantial powers to the local governments. So it will be better to adopt a system of direct election of the president for a strong and stable government. I was the coordinator of the committee formed to draft our election manifesto during the CA election, and we had floated direct election of the president. As a student of political economy, I think we cannot develop the national economy without a stable government. So we have to go for direct election of the president.

We also cannot reach an agreement if each of the parties sticks to its own demand. So, the last phase of discussions is focused on a mixed model of popularly-elected president and a parliament-elected prime minister who will share power. Some have also floated direct election of the prime minister. But the model is not so much in practice and I don´t think it will be appropriate for Nepal.

There have been concerns that the system you have proposed will lead to regime crisis due to tussle for power between the parliament-elected prime minister and directly elected president?

The system is working well in France; it is also in practice in Sri Lanka. So, it is not a model that doesn´t work. There are challenges in every system. What we need is a stable government that can take important decisions.

There must be constitutional checks and balances to stop a president from turning into an arbitrary ruler. We can formulate mechanisms to prevent a president from becoming despotic.

It will take time for us to adapt to democratic culture as we have passed through feudal, despotic rule. There have been massive changes in the people´s awareness level brought about by the 60-year long (democratic) movement, and decade-long insurgency.

There are problems, but I am optimistic. The way the Nepali society has changed over the years means we can overcome the new ordeals.

Let´s change the topic. To what extent has your party supported you?

I have got the party´s support till date. Due to internal disputes, one political group within our party could not participate in the government. As the party has been united again by the last central committee meeting, we will reshuffle the government to accommodate the political group that is outside the government now.

We will also induct other parties into the government to create an environment for concluding the peace process and constitution drafting.

But there are reports of behind-the-door exercise to change the government. Is it not true?

I don´t see the possibility of change in government leadership. History will not pardon anyone if the next four months are spent changing the government as in the past three or four years. It is not good to play the game of government shuffling.

I believe that there will be a national consensus government under my leadership which will lead the peace and constitution drafting process.

But the leaders of your won party are demanding your resignation.

Such statements are made just for public consumption. The truth is that nobody is in favor of my resignation. Changing the government now will have negative consequences.

Were you not mindful of the consequences of legalizing land transactions done under the arbitration of your party during the conflict period?

It was not an issue to be blown up and used for disrupting the peace and constitution drafting process.

There were informal land transaction papers signed during the conflict period, which were not legally binding. So we had to solve the problem. But that led to unnecessary misunderstanding. The people´s government has already been dissolved, so there is no point in reviving it.

Following the objections from the parties, we had clearly stated that the decision would not be implemented. Let´s make an alternative arrangement to solve the problem of land transaction and I will withdraw the decision. I have already proposed that during a three-party meeting.

The student wing of your own party forced a shutdown against your decision to hike the price of petroleum products. How do you take that?

It is very unfortunate. We import all our petroleum products from abroad and it is our largest import. We imported petroleum products worth Rs 75 billion last year and the figure may reach Rs 100 billion this year. The government provides around Rs 2 billion in subsidy every month, which adds up to Rs 20 billion. How can we run the state, giving Rs 20 billion as subsidy for petroleum products? We could invest that money in a hydro plant generating 100-150 megawatt.

It is unfortunate that there is no tradition of talking to students this way. The price hike led to a kind of competition among the student organizations. The energy of youths should rather be directed toward safeguarding the political achievements made so far and moving on ahead.

The government has filed a petition at the Supreme Court (SC) to reconsider its earlier decision against any CA term extension. What will happen if the CA term is not extended and the peace and constitution drafting process doesn´t move ahead?

We must formulate a constitution within the deadline and I don´t want to guess the consequences of failing to do so. The government has filed the petition not just for the extension of the CA. The SC decision was flawed; it violated the principle of separation of powers and of the jurisdictions of the executive and legislature. So the petition was filed demanding a review.

The members of the State Restructuring Commission nominated by the NC and UML have stated that they will not agree to any decision taken by majority vote and there seem to be sharp differences whether or not the Commission should recommend ethnicity-based federalism. How will the government resolve the dispute?

It is not consensus if you put forward your rigid stance and ask for the others´ consent. There can be an alternative under which the members can send their individual recommendations on contentious issue. We would also like to tell the Commission that the final decision will be taken by the CA. Such disputes are not necessary and I have already said so to the Commission members.

What is your take on ethnicity-based federalism?

Ethnic, regional and linguistic differences and socio-economic capability will be the basis for state restructuring and there is consensus on this. It is already settled that identity will be taken as the primary factor and capability as a secondary factor. There is no need for further debate on the issue.

Is it possible to promulgate the constitution while putting the contentious issues on hold?

Why do that? State restructuring along the lines of federalism will be an integral part of the soon-to-be-drafted constitution. The new constitution should be promulgated in its entirity.
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NEW SCHEDULE TO RESOLVE DIFFERENCES ON CONSTITUTION

2012-01-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

BIG THREE AGREE TO DRAW UP NEW SCHEDULE TO
RESOLVE DIFFERENCES ON CONSTITUTION AMID
OPPOSITION THREATS TO BOYCOTT MAOISTS
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Three parties agreed Saturday to draw up a new schedule for promulgating a constitution by 28 May deadline.
A meeting of the main constitution drafting committee will draw a
new schedule Sunday.
UCPN (Maoist), and two opposition parties NC and UML agreed to draw up a new schedule at a meeting with Speaker Subash Newang and chief of the main constitution drafting Nilambar Acharya
Maoist Chairman Prachanda, NC parliamentary leader Ram Chandra Paudel and UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal represented their respective parties.
“We can’t reach an agreement tomorrow [Sunday]. The secretariat will come up with a timetable and a meeting of the constitution committee will
endorse it tomorrow,” former Prime Minister Nepal said after the crucial meeting.
The two opposition parties came to an agreement with Maoists leading government even amid threats to talk with government and Maoists without reversal of a controversial cabinet decision to legalize seizure of assets during the 10-year insurgency by parallel Maoist governments.
NC President Sushil Koirala declared minutes earlier in Dang: “There will be no agreement with it [UCPN (Maoist)] now until past agreements are implemented.”
They couldn’t meet a schedule to resolve differences on themes for incorporation in a constitution by Sunday; they also missed a 30 December deadline
A meeting of parties in parliament is being convened Monday.
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PM TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE OVER RADIO NEPAL
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: For the fifth time after assuming Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai will directly interact with people over Radio Nepal for 30 minutes from 8.10 in the evening Sunday.
He’ll respond to questions from listeners of the state radio.
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MINIMUM CAPITAL TEMPERATURE 2 DEGREES CELSIUS
Kathmandu, 29 Jan,: Minimum temperature recorded in the capital in the last 24 hours was 2 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperature Sunday is expected to fall to 1 degree Celsius.
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ANOTHER BRITISH GURKHA KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: A Gurkha with the British army has been killed in Afghanistan; he was attached with the First Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment
The soldier was on foot patrol in the Khar Nikah region of Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, when he received a fatal gunshot wound on Friday, the British Defence Ministry said..

The soldier was serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North) when he died.

The British embassy in Kathmandu confirmed the death without identifying the soldier’ identity.
British Army spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie said, “It is my very sad duty to inform you that a soldier serving with First Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment was fatally wounded in an insurgent attack while on a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Khar Nikah area of Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand province.

“Our deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time,” he added.

His death brings the number of British troops killed while serving in Afghanistan to 396 and 10th among the Gurkha soldiers since the launch of the military action in 2001. Of these, 352 were killed in combat.

Early this month, another Nepali Gurkha soldier, Sachin Limbu serving in the British army had died in hospital a year and a half after being injured in a bomb blast in southern Afghanistan in June 2010.

The United Kingdom has some 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, mainly based in Helmand where they are battling a Taliban insurgency.

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DANISH ASSISTANCE TO INCREASE
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Denmark, providing assistance to Nepal for the social and economic development for two decades, is to increase the assistance, RSS reports
Danish Ambassador Morten Jespersen said his country was committed to assisting Nepal in the reconstruction of the physical infrastructures, rehabilitation of the ex-Maoist fighters, and conclusion of peace process and constitution making. He also urged the international communities to extend help to Nepal.

Chairing the European Union since the New Year 2012, Denmark has prioritised the economic growth and development in Nepal, he said.

Denmark has provided 40 million US dollar from 2009 to 2012 and is to provide Rs 23 million US dollar for the next year in Nepal.

Moreover, Ambassador Jespersen said Denmark was planning to provide Rs 19 million in the educational sector while Rs 12 million in the human rights, and Rs 2 million in renewable energy.

Denmark has planned to provide 4 million US dollars in the peace fund of the government through the UN and Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction.
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NJA OFFICE BEARERS RE-ELECTED
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Deepak Harsha Bajracharya was unanimously re-elected president.Saturday of Nepal Judo Association (NJA) by its 3rd. general assembly.
Twenty-one new executive committee members were also unanimously elected
for another third term.
Khadga Bahadur Dahal, Sudev Mahat and Piyush Shrestha were re-elected vice-presidents; Ramesh Maharjan is the general secretary following the election.
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ANOTHER MASS TRANSFER IN NEPAL POLICE
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Fifty-nine DSPs of Nepal Police have been transferred Saturday
DSPs of 23 districts citing different reasons.
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MEDIA GOOGLE
“All should understand difficulties that will be encountered, including the opening of offices, while declaring provinces.”

(NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Nagarik 29 Jan.)
“Many call Nepal India’s younger sister while talking of bilateral ties. But this isn’t true. In fact, Nepal is India’s elder sister. Before the birth of India, Nepal has been independent in South Asia from 1769.”
(Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad, Annapurna Post. 29 Jan.)
“If general public wants me to become the new PM, I am ready for it.”
(UML Leader KP Sharma Oli, The Kathmandu Post, 29 Jan.)

“They have no alternative than to join the present government.“I am sure that they would not hide in the jungle.”
(DPM Bijaya KumarGachedhar, The Kathmandu Post, 29 Jan.)
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FEB. CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEASLES
Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: With an aim to reducing illness and deaths caused by measles and rubella, the Ministry of Health and Population is conducting measles-rubella vaccination campaign from February 26 in all the far western districts and six districts of the mid western region, The Himalayan Times reports.

Rubella is usually a mild febrile rash in adults and children. Serious consequences may occur if a pregnant woman becomes infected, particularly if infection occurs during the first trimester. The consequences include constellation of birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) or even death.

Common manifestations of CRS include cardiac, ophthalmic, and auditory defects and developmental delay.

Dr Shyam Raj Upreti, director of Child Health Division at the ministry, said rubella and CRS were documented as significant public health problems and Nepal is yet to introduce a rubella-containing vaccine into the national immunisation programme.

Children ranging from nine months to 15 years will be vaccinated at booths where health personnel will be mobilised.

The ministry has allocated Rs 600 million for the campaign. Earlier, the ministry had conducted the campaign in fiscal years 2004/05 and 2008/09.

According to MoHP, from 2004 to 2009, there were 3,710 confirmed rubella cases and more than 95 per cent of them appeared in kids less than 15 years of age. Of the 2,224 women of childbearing age tested for anti-rubella, 2,020 were sero-positive.

Using a catalytic infection model, approximately 1,426 infants were born with CRS in 2008. Among 243 students attending a school for the deaf, 18 (7.4 per cent) met the clinical criteria for CRS.

“A comprehensive approach, including rubella vaccine in the routine programme to reduce cases, is a must,” said the chief.

In Nepal, about 13 per cent of children are deprived of measles vaccination, according to Nepal Health Demographic Survey-2011.

Upreti said the number of measles is on the wane, whereas cases of rubella are on the rise in the country.
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HELLO.SARKER GETS FACELIFT________________________________________

Kathmandum 29 Jan.: The Prime Minister’s Office has hired fresh employees to man the government’s control room formed to receive complaints and suggestions from the general public in a bid to improve the room’s reaction time, The Himalayan Times reports.

At one time there were over 5,000 complaints waiting to be processed, an official said asking not to be named.

“However, more than half of it has already been sent to offices concerned for the action,” he said.

“Now, the Prime Minister’s Office is planning to process complaints on the day they are lodged. The complaints from the past, which remain to be processed, are being sorted by new employees so that new complaints can be processed promptly,” said the official adding that the pending complaints will be cleared within a week.

Established with an aim to address public complaints, Hello Sarkar hotline service used to receive 300 calls a day during its early days.

However the number has gone down to 80-90 in the recent days, it has been learnt.

In the wake of dwindling complaints, PMO has recalled under-secretaries deputed for Hello Sarkar control room.

It has assigned officers and the junior officials from the Ministry of General Administration for the purpose, instead.

“The number of complaints had gone down on the one hand and regular work at the PMO was affected with under-secretaries busy at the control room, on the other. So on Friday, under-secretaries were recalled from the Hello Sarkar programme,” said Gyan Raj Pandey, under-secretary at the PMO.

On November 5 last year, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai launched the control room, which can be reached by dialing 111, sending fax to 1100 or e-mail to 1111@opmcm.gov.np or text message to 1111. Hello Sarkar can also be contacted via www.opmcm.gov.np.
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STRIKES AT HYDRO PROJECTS TOB BANNED
MILAN MANI SHARMA
Kathmandu, 29 Jan 29: In its latest bid to provide momentum to ongoing power projects, the government has decided to ban all forms of strike and disruptive activities that may impede construction works at hydropower projects, Milan Mani Sharma reports
in Republica..

This moratorium will continue till the country builds the capacity to generate 2,500 MW of electricity round the year. The government will also offer upward revision in power purchase agreement (PPA) for project developers who complete hydropower projects in two years.

"Imposing a ban on strike and other disruptive activities sounds draconian. But given that undue protests and unrelated disturbances are posing difficulties in timely completion of hydropower projects, we found no other workable options," said Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai.

Dr Bhattarai, who interacted with economic journalists on Saturday, disclosed that the government is taking a tougher stance on power generation while referring to current power-cuts, which stand at 14 hours a day, and resistance faced by hydropower project developers, something which has been affecting them to complete projects on time.

He said the government will soon finalize the law that will empower it to declare State of Energy Emergency in the country and facilitate harnessing of hydropower potential at war-footing, not allowing anybody to resist it. "We have to get tougher now, for if we do not act now, the country will suffer for years in the future," he stated.

Citing that mere lip service will not fetch the country higher economic growth, jobs and social justice, Dr Bhattarai said, "We need huge investments to attain them. But who will put in the money in industries and businesses if we cannot even provide them round the year uninterrupted power supply," he reasoned.

He even clarified that such a tough law will be in force only till the country builds a capacity to generate 2,500 MW of electricity round the year. "2,500 MW has been set as a minimum generation limit because we will need that much of electricity round the year if the country is to embark on a double-digit growth," he said.

Dr Bhattarai also disclosed that the government will soon offer upward revision of PPA for developers that complete construction and supply electricity in the national grid in two years. "A proposal is already in the Cabinet. We will take a decision shortly," said Dr Bhattarai, adding that the government is also offering additional incentives to encourage the ongoing power development works to speed up their performances. The incentives could be in any form -- from tax incentives to other packages, he stated.

Talking about the current shortage of petroleum products, PM Bhattarai said his government alone could do nothing about it. "We talked with senior leaders of all parties about the price hike and they agreed. But once out of the meeting room, they enticed their student unions to protest it. How will we be able to address the problem if politicians do not act fairly," Dr Bhattarai asked.

Nonetheless, he noted that Nepal -- which completely fulfills the demand through import -- can neither afford to subsidize petroleum products nor sustain it. "There must be a national commitment to deal with this mess," he said, putting the ball in the court of other political parties.
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________________________________________

EUROPEAN BUYERS FIND NEPALI CARPETS EXPENSIVE
Kathmandu, 29 Jan : Nepali hand-knotted woollen carpet, which enjoyed double-digit growth in export last year, may lose the growth momentum in 2012 as its largest buyers at the world´s biggest buyers-sellers meet expressed reservations over increasing price of Nepali carpet, indicating that carpet exports this year may go down with Europe still reeling under economic woes, Republica reports.

Nepali producers and exporters who participated in the world expo of carpet and flooring goods in Germany painted a grim picture of carpet export prospects, especially to European countries - the largest market for Nepali carpet.

Around one and a half dozen Nepali carpet producers and exporters participated in the ´DOMOTEX Hannover 2012´ held in German city of Hannover during January 14-17, which saw a visitor turnout of 45,000. As many as 1,371 exhibitors took part in the exhibition.

“We are not optimistic on the export prospects and expecting slowdown in carpet export this year (2012) as most buyers have complained that price of Nepali carpet is far higher than those offered by India, which is a major competitor for Nepal in carpet exports,” said Rajendra Shrestha, a leading exporter, who has just returned to Nepal after participating in the four-day international event. Shrestha said buyers were looking for quality carpet, timely delivery and lower prices.

“European importers are on ´wait and watch mode´ as far as the quantum of order to be placed with Nepal is concerned. We have felt that there should be major departure in our strategies to retain European market, with innovative products, cost reduction and maintenance of quality of our exportable carpet,” said Shreshtha, who is also the proprietor of Pari Carpet Industry.

Total export of Nepal carpet to overseas markets during the fiscal year 2010/11 stood at Rs 4.92 billion, up by 15.6 percent compared to previous fiscal year. According to him, cost of production of carpet stands at around 40 percent higher than what it is in India.

Some of the Indian exporters has been exporting carpet under the brand name of ´Indo-Nepal Carpet´ at a lower price than what Nepali manufacturers ask for hand-knotted carpet from international buyers.

According to Gopal Krishna Joshi, proprietor of Joshi Carpet Industry, Nepal has priced hand-knotted carpet at 50 Euros for 60-knot carpet whereas Indo-Nepal brand, which though made in India uses reference of Nepal in its brand name, for 30 Euros. A representative from Joshi carpet also participated in the German fair.

“Though Nepali carpets are far better in quality than those from India, lower price of Indo-Nepal carpets is doing a lot of damage to our markets as European customers and importers are more conscious of price amid their weakening purchasing power,” said Joshi.

Worsening power shortage, absence of state incentives as well as increasing cost of labor and raw materials (cotton yarn, wool), uncertain delivery time due to labor unrest and frequent bandas are the major factors affecting the competitive strength of Nepali carpet in the international market. According to him, cost of production of Nepali carpet has shot up by more than 40 percent in a year.

“Carpet entrepreneurs can´t reduce the cost of production on their own. The government should support them by giving more state incentives as India has been providing to its carpet producers and exporters,” said Joshi.

Though the government announced incentives for exporters of any exportable goods that have higher value addition two years ago and so far allocated Rs 600 million for this purpose, only four exporters have received such incentives so far.

European buyers have also asked Nepali entrepreneurs to diversify their product line with more contemporary designs.
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________________________________________

41PARTIES ASKED TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2012-01-28T03:18:00.000-08:00

41PARTIES ASKED TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: Election Commission in a notice published in
Gorkhapatra Saturday asked 41 political parties who didn’t comply
with earlier request to submit their income and expenditure statement fo three years from fiscal year 2065 to 2068 within 15 days.
The Commission asked parties to furnish reply why action shouldn’t
Be taken against them got no abiding by a legal provision.
The body named 30 parties for not submitting statements while statements of 11 other parties had shortcomings.
Most of the Madeshbadi parties in government haven’t submitted their financial statements.
Rashtriya Janashakti Party of Surya Bahadur Thapa is included in the list of 30 parties.
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2 KILLED, 15 INJURED IN VEHICULAR ACCIDENT

Kathmandu, 28 Jan. Two persons, including a five-year-old were killed and 15 were injured when a heavy vehicle fell 20 meters off a road at neighbouring Nukwakot Saturday.
The accident occurred a Kurini when the vehicle heading for the
capital veered off the road.
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BHAGAT SINGH GROUP AGREES TO TALK WITH GOVT.

Kathmandu, 28 Jan, Bhagat Singh group of a terai armed outfit has
agreed to talk with government, an announcement said Saturday.
The group responded positively to government invitation for talks.
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FORMER KING EXTENDS NEW DELHI STAY

Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: Former King Gyanendra begins political
consultations n New Delhi Sunday, Bhuban Sharma reports in Naya
Patrika.
The former king was scheduled to return Friday and has extended his
New Delhi stay by one week.
Appointments have been fixed with Indian lawmakers.
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SMALL DEPOSITS INSURED IN ALL BANKS
Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: The depositors should be not confident that their up to Rs 200,000 deposit will now be secure, if they have deposited in any of the 31 commercial
Banks, The Himalayan Times reports.

Agriculture Development Bank Ltd (ADBL) became the last commercial to insure deposits of up to Rs 200,000 as it entered into an agreement with the deposit insurer Nepal -Deposit and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) today.

“With Agriculture Development Bank, the corporation’s deposit insurance coverage has reached all of the NRB licensed deposit collecting financial institutions,” pointed out chairman of the corporation Bhaskar Mani Gyanwali.

The corporation’s general manager Bhola Prasad Aharma Adhikari signed the

agreement with ADBL’s chief executive

Tej Bahadur Budhathoki on behalf of

their respective institutions for the

insurance of bank’s small deposits of up to Rs 200,000.

Small deposits of up to Rs 200,000 in the saving and fixed deposit accounts of natural person held in 31 commercial banks, 84

development banks, 73 commercial banks and two microfinance development banks has been insured since the scheme began in February 2011.

The deposits worth Rs 120 billion held

in these financial institutions will be

returned back to the respective account holders in case the financial institutions gets liquidated.

According to the regulation, in case of bankruptcy of a financial institution, a small depositor, who has a deposit of up to Rs 200,000, will be paid the total deposit amount and interest within 90 days from the date the institution goes under liquidation.
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EVEN AS POL PRODUCTS AREN’T EASILY AVAILABLE AFTER PRICE
RISE, NOC SAYS NO SMOOTH SUPPLY AFTER REDUCED PRICE
Kathmandu:28 Jan.: The state oil monopoly has warned that it cannot maintain smooth supply of petroleum products in the reduced price, The Himalayan Times reports.

“Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) cannot maintain smooth fuel supply, when it is incurring a loss of Rs 1.26 billion per month,” said secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supply Prushottam Ojha, in Finance and Labour Relation Committee of legislative parliament today.

The government has reduced petroleum prices — Rs 3 in a litre petrol, Rs 4 in a litre diesel and kerosene and Rs 85 in a cooking gas cylinder – following a week-long protest of students against price hike.

Earlier, on January 18, the government had hiked petroleum price — Rs 10 in a litre petrol, Rs 9 in a litre diesel and kerosene each and Rs 175 in a cylinder of cooking gas.

Global fuel price is rising following Iran conflict with US and European Union, so more difficult days are ahead, he warned. “Increasing fuel price in international market and strong dollar are hitting our fuel supply and making us unable to maintain normal supply without support to NOC.

However, Ministry of Finance indicated that the state treasury is not in position to bear billions of loss. “We are aware of the problem but we don’t have sufficient fund to support NOC,” said joint-secretary at the Finance Ministry Khum Raj Punjali. “The ministry has approved Rs 250 million to NOC to maintain smooth fuel supply yesterday.”

But our weekly loss comes to almost Rs 310 million, so the amount is not sufficient to maintain smooth supply, said director at NOC Ramesh Chandra Koirala.

Lawmaker Dr Tilak Rawal showed his dissatisfaction over responses of the government officials and urged the government to prepare for difficult days. “Iran factor will definitely hit us in coming days, therefore the government has to prepare for it,” he said, adding that, the country needs comprehensive policy for the fuel.”

“Temporary adjustments will not last for long, he added.

Lawmaker do not get gas cylinder !

Lawmaker Iqbal Ahamad became angry in front of the ‘irresponsible’ officials during the meeting in Finance and Labour Relation Committee as, according to him, he is not getting to buy a cylinder of cooking gas since last three days.

“I went to LPG dealers but they are not selling any cooking gas cylinder,” he said, adding that his children are going schools having bread and tea at a restaurant. “It is the benefit of price hike,” he asked the NOC officials. “NOC does not have rights to hike price, if it can’t maintain smooth supply.” However, NOC officials could not answer him as the meeting was adjourned till January 31 due to heated debate among the lawmakers on government and NOC’s failure in maintaining smooth supply.
, 28 Jan.: Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire on Friday said the new information policy prepared recently by the government under his panel is “more transparent and progressive.”, The Kathmandu Post reports.
Media reports said the government has issued a new classified information directive that restricts an individual, the media or any organisation from gaining 140 types of information, including those on big development projects, parliamentary decisions and major decisions of the government.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act 2007, however, restricts supply of only five category of information related to national sovereignty, security and judiciary.
The move has irked the Federation of Nepali Journalists and others alike. “The FNJ is seriously concerned about the classification of information which is a matter of shame for the nation,” the umbrella organisation of journalists said in a statement.
Ghimire, who led a committee that made recommendations for the directive, however said they have “tried to keep a freer regime when it comes to information dissemination.”
“Our recommendations are more liberal, transparent and information-friendly than the earlier ones prepared some three years ago,” he told the Post. “Some laws and acts of various ministries or government agencies have a provision of keeping confidential some information for some time and we simply followed that,” he claimed.
Former Supreme Court registrar Ram Krishna Timilsena said the move is against democratic values and will spoil the government’s image if it is not corrected immediately. “This classification goes beyond exceptions that we can have from Clause 3 (3) of the Right to Information Act,” he said. “Though the classification looks like it is in line with the law, it is actually in breach of the law.”
The Ghimire-led panel had held consultations with secretaries of various ministries and government agencies as it prepared the recommendations.
“It is not an attempt to hold back information, but we want to bring in a revolution in the information dissemination system,” Ghimire claimed. Article 27 of the RTI Act authorises the chief secretary to introduce the information classification in a bid to implement the Act in a more systematic way. The chief secretary and secretary of the respective ministry, an expert and RTI activists must be included in the information classification committee. However, the Ghimire committee had appointed former secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Mohan Banjade, as an expert of all the sectors while preparing the directive.
Meanwhile, RTI activists have rejected the government’s new directive. They said it was a politically motivated attempt to hide information of public interest to cover up corruption and criminal cases.
At a programme in the Capital, the activists said they will challenge the decision both in the courts and the streets, condemning it as “unnecessary control over people’s rights to information taken with ill intention.”
FNJ chairperson Shiva Gaule said the FNJ has communicated with the Prime Minister regarding the directive. “The PM has assured he will talk to the RTI activists and media representatives in a couple of days. We will be forced to take the case to court and the streets if our pleas are unheard,” Gaule said. The directive needs to be scrapped as its implementation will automatically leave the RTI Act and the National Information Commission (NIC) formed in 2007 defunct, said Chief Information Commissioner Binaya Kumar Kasaju.
Senior Advocate Tika Ram Bhattarai termed it a “polite version of a royal ordinance.” “It will encourage corruption and crime,” he said.
Move challenged in SC
A writ has been filed in the Supreme Court against the government’s decision to categorise 140 types of information as “classified.” In the petition filed on Friday, advocate Kamal Prasad Itani said the government has decided to classify information of agendas under consideration in the Cabinet, recommendations of the constitutional council, Cabinet recommendation for the post of ambassadors and treaties that Nepal signs with other countries.
Itani argued that the decision to classify such information is against the law and that it must be revoked. The defendants include the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Law and Justice, Parliament Secretariat, the Department of Information and Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire.
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SRING HAS ARRIVED WTH SHRIPANCHAMI

2012-01-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

SHRIPANCHAMI BEING OBSERVED

Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: Goddess of Learning Sarashwoti is being worshipped
Saturday at homes and temples since early morning to mark
Shripanchami on the first day of spring.
Toddlers are taught to read and write Saturday
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav will listen to chanting hymns from priests at 11.41 in the
morning at Hanuman Dhoka.
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NILAMBAR ACHARYA CALLS AN ALL-PARTY MEET
SATURDAY

Kathmandu, 28 Jan. Chief of the constitutional drafting committee Nilambar
Acharya has convened an all-party-meet later Saturday
to discuss a business schedule for promulgating a constitution,
Sunday’s deadline to resolve differences of themes for inclusion in a pasis law will abain the missed.
A December schedule was also missed.
The constitution has to be promulgated by 28 May.
Government isn’t sure the target date will be met,
The Office of the Prime Minister Friday registered a writ at the supreme court asking it to
review a decision of the court registrar not admit a
request of government and parliament asking for such an extensiosns.
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REMAND OF POLICE OFFICER WHO ADMITTED KILLING HIS WIFE EXTENDED ANOTHER 15 DAYS

Kathmandu, 28 Jan. The remand of APF DIG Ranjan Koirala, who admitted
killing his wife Gita, was extended another 15 days Friday.
His statement was recorded at the office of the government attorney.
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CORECTION

Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: Friday’s report said he request of the PMO to the supreme court was registered Saturday when yesterday in fat was a Friday.
The error is regretted.
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GHIMERE, MAINALI IN CAN

Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: Keshab Ghimere and Binod Kumar Mainali were appointed vice-chairman of Cricket` Association (CAN) by the board Thursday.
Thakur Prasad Pahadi and Uttam Kumar Karmacharya
were appointed secretary and committee members respectively.
CAN executive committee. Sanjeeb Pandey (Eastern Region), Ram Chandra Sharma (Central), Deepak Koirala (Western), Purna Lama (Mid-Western) and Bipat Ram Chaudhary (Far-Western Region) were nominated CAN executive members.

Sunil Man Amatya, Amrita Paudel and Dharma Sundar Bajracharya were appointed
committee members
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MEDIA GOOGLE

‘There’s no basis to put faith and trust in the good governance plan of the jumbo government that has protected the corrupt.’

(RPP-N Chairman Kamal Thapa, 28 Jan, Nagarik.)
“I learnt about the decision through the media. The cabinet took the decision on
its own to legalize the land transactions and the party
did not exert any pressure on that regard.”
(Maoist Chief Prachanada, Republica, 28 Jan.)
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PARLIAMENARY COMMITTEE RETURNS NAMES OF NOMINEES FOR
AMBASSADORS WITHOUT A HEARING
Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: The Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee (PHSC) on Friday refused to start a hearing process on 10 ambassadorial nominees, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The Cabinet on January 17 had recommended their names for 10 ambassadorial posts. Arguing that the decision was not inclusive, the Committee has asked the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to review it.
“We have instructed the government to make the selection of candidates more inclusive,” said PHSC Chairman Kul Bahadur Gurung.
The Cabinet had decided to appoint six joint secretaries at the MoFA, along with four others, as envoys to 10 countries.
Out of the 10 candidates, Maya Kumari Sharma, proposed for Qatar, is the only woman candidate, while only Kaman Singh Lama, proposed for South Korea, represents the Janajati community.
Eight other candidates represent 'upper castes'. Shanker Das Bairagi (Geneva), Rudra Nepal (Australia), Mukti Nath Bhatta (Denmark), Bharat Raj Poudel (Pakistan), Paras Mani Ghimire (Myanmar) and Pralhad Prasai (Israel) are career diplomats who belong to 'upper castes'. Similarly, two of the four candidates recommended on the basis of political affiliations, are Brahmins--Ravi Mohan Sapkota (Russia) and Ram Mani Pokhrel (Belgium).
“The recommendations do not adequately represent women, Madehsi and Janajati communities. So we have asked the government to review the decision,” said Gurung.
The decision to allocate a large pie of the ambassadorial posts to the career diplomats had pleased the MoFA officials. But the PHSC rejection to begin the hearing process has disappointed them.
“We are really displeased," said a nominee. However, they are hopeful that Foreign Minister Narayn Kaji Shreshta, who is currently in Japan, will intervene in the matter. “Once the minister returns home, we hope he will intervene in the matter,” said the official.
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GUIDELINES ON FUND DISTRIBUTION LANDS NPC IN TROUBLE
Kathmandu,, 28 Jan.: A parliamentary committee on Friday formed a sub-committee to look into misconduct and gross negligence of the National Planning Commission (NPC) during implementation of budgetary programs on road development at the district level, Republica reports.

The sub-committee was formed after lawmakers alleged that the NPC had arbitrarily altered conditions on fund distribution for road projects, making it difficult for district development committees (DDCs) to apply for the sum.

The parliamentarians also claimed the NPC had been negligent while listing projects in the red book, as a project submitted by one district had fallen under the list of another district.

The Parliamentary Committee on Development has asked the three-member sub-committee to thoroughly look into the matter and submit a detailed report within a week.

"We will then decide on the issue," Jitendra Sonar, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Development and an MP representing Tarai Madhesh Democratic Party, said.

The NPC, an advisory body that formulates development plans and policies, had landed in hot water after it issued a controversial guideline on distribution of Rs 500 million aimed at supporting road development projects of various districts.

The guideline specifically said districts cannot implement projects that do not fall under the District Transport Master Plan and the District Development Plan.

"But there were no such conditions when the proposal was presented at the parliament for approval," Krishna Prasad Sapkota, an MP from Kavrepalanchowk, told the parliamentary committee hearing on Friday, questioning, "Who gave NPC the authority to make amendments to policies endorsed by parliament?"

This amended guideline, which was forwarded by the NPC to the Ministry of Local Development (MoLD), underwent further changes, as the ministry added another condition which prevented projects worth less than Rs 500,000 from being eligible for consideration.

The ministry has, however, said it had to include the clause as its internal policy does not allow distribution of sum of less than half a million rupees on road projects. "This was introduced to prevent dispersal of small amounts, impact of which could not be seen," Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, acting secretary of the MoLD, said.

But lawmakers argued that if this was the case, it should have been mentioned when the proposal was forwarded to the parliament for approval.

The lawmakers also claimed the NPC had been careless in listing the projects, as many projects proposed by one district had fallen under the list of another district.

For instance, six projects submitted by Kavrepalanchowk are mentioned in the government´s red book as projects of Bhaktapur and Sindhupalchowk, while three projects of Sindhupalchowk have been entered as projects of Kavrepalanchowk, according to Sapkota.

"Now the problem is that the local development ministry has already released budget based on inaccurate data," Sapkota said.

But Thapaliya said his ministry has already asked DDCs to freeze the amount that were mistakenly deposited in their accounts.
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NC, UML REJECT MAJORITY VOTE IN SRC

Kathmandu, 28 Jan.: Amidst reports that State Restructuring Commission (SRC) is taking decision on a number of contentious issues through majority votes, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have said they would not accept decisions taken through majority votes, Kosh Raj .Koirala writes in Republica.

During a meeting held between the two parties at Singha Durbar Friday afternoon, the two opposition parties reached an understanding that a proposal on a sensitive issue like state restructuring should not be made through voting. NC and UML leaders also conveyed their concerns to SRC members, according to leaders involved in the talks.

“We have learnt that the commission is taking decisions through majority votes. If this is true then such decisions won´t be acceptable to us,” said NC leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat. “The issue of state restructuring is not something that can be decided on the basis of majority and minority voting.”

Dr Mahat argued that SRC was formed to forge consensus among parties on issues concerning state restructuring. “We would have voted in the parliament itself if the decisions were to be taken through majority voting,” he added.

CPN-UML leaders also vowed not to accept a state restructuring proposal based on majority votes.

The eight-member SRC comprises Malla K Sundar and Stella Tamang from the UCPN (Maoist), Ramesh Dhungel and Sabitri Thapa from the NC, Bhogendra Jha and Sarbaraj Khadka from UML, and Krishna Hachhethu and Surendra Mahato from the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF).

SRC members are reportedly sharply divided over the number of federal states and whether the federal states should be carved along ethnical lines and whether they should be delineated from north to south.

The reactions from NC and UML come in the wake of media reports that the SRC had taken decision on many crucial issues through voting when some members representing NC and the UML were not present.

The two-party meeting held after the Constitutional Committee (CC) meeting also discussed the stalled peace process and Maoist dilly-dallying over integration and voluntary retirement of Maoist combatants.

The two parties have decided to continue exerting pressure on the Maoist government to withdraw its controversial decision to legalize conflict-era land dealings arbitrated by the "people´s government".
nnnn

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

GPVT. SEEKS REVIEW OF COURT ACTION

2012-01-27T04:15:00.001-08:00

GOVT. SEEKS APPEAL OF COURT ACTION

Kathmandu, 27 Jan..: Government Friday registered a writ at the supreme court Saturday even on a public holiday to review a decision not to extend the tenure of the constituent assembly after it express in the last week of May.
The court didn’t register the first appeals of the government and parliament which was rejected by the registrar of the highest court.
The assembly has been charged with responsibility drafting a constitution.
Chairman Subash Newang had said the court decision must be respected.
nnnn

MAOIST FIGHTERS TO BE SENT BACK IN THREE DAYS
Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Saturday directed a secretariat under a special committee to send back frmer gurrillas from 28 camps in another three days, Finance Minister Barshaman Singh Pun and aide of the government chef said.
A delayed meeting of a special committee chaired by the premier was held Saturday amid charges by opposition the government isn’t simultaneously integrating former combatants and bidding them farwell on a Maoist strategy. is all set to initiate the process to bid farewell to those combatants who opted for voluntary retirement during the regrouping process within three days.
During the meeting held Friday morning, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai directed his secretariat to initiate the process at the earliest to bid farewell to the combatants.
Nnnn
SOCIAL SECURITY TO ALL NEPALIS N 10 YEARS
Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: The government’s national directorate committee on social security has proposed ensuring minimum social security coverage to the entire Nepali population in the next 10 years, Prithvi Man Shrestha writes in The Kathmandu Post..
The committee headed by National Planning Commission secretary Yubaraj Bhusal has prepared a draft of the national framework on social security that also seeks to ensure access to basis services for people irrespective of class, ethnicity, sex, age, disability and geographical location. The proposed framework calls for introducing social insurance programmes and their expansion and reducing the risk of poverty and deprivation by providing necessary resources and inclusion measures.
As per the proposed framework, social security for people would be provided in two ways — ground floor approach and first floor approach. The first approach seeks to provide access to minimum social security to all the people irrespective of class, ethnicity, area and religion. Minimum social security covers a basic package of ensuring rights and handing over of cash and goods as well as basic services. “The government should ensure basic social security through the use of the taxes it collects from the people,” suggests the proposed framework.
The second approach seeks to provide social security through the contribution of government agencies, the private sector, cooperatives and non-governmental organisation whose nature would be contributory and voluntary. “The role of the state remains as a regulator and facilitator in this approach,” states the draft.
A member of the directorate committee said that the ground floor approach was for universal access to basic social security, and the first floor for ensuring support from other sectors except the government which will reduce the burden on the state to provide social security to all. “The second approach is for those who can contribute to receive social security coverage,” said the committee member.
The proposed framework suggests starting providing social security to vulnerable groups and expanding the programme to higher income groups. Other strategies included in the proposed framework are making basic services accessible to all by making a special mechanism for targeted communities, preparing a sectoral work plan to implement the national framework and revising the current social security programmes.
Currently, there are several social security programmes including senior citizen pension, allowance for widows, child protection subsidy, child delivery benefits, school tiffin programme, programmes for Dalits and the disabled, endangered communities, aid for martyrs’ families, various scholarship programmes and provision of free treatment for targeted communities.
There is a social care programme for children and senior citizens and programmes like food for work, youth self-employment programme, and there are programmes offered by the Employees Provident Fund and the Citizens Investment Trust for employees of the organised sector. Since fiscal 2009-10, the government has also started collecting a 1 percent social security tax on the first slab of taxable income from all government and private sector employees.
As the new three-year interim plan also mentions ensuring minimum social security for all and talks about expanding the coverage by preparing a national guideline, the government formed the directorate committee to prepare a framework of short- and long-term result-based programmes on social security. After preparing a draft of the framework, the committee has been holding discussions with government officials, civil society, employee unions and Constituent Assembly members.
nnnn
STEM CELL TRANSPLANT PROJECT TO BE LAUNCHED

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Binaytara Foundation (BTF) and the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System have partnered with B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal, in a project to develop the country’s first Blood and Marrow stem cell Transplant (BMT) centre, The Rising Nepal reports.
Stem cell transplant is a standard procedure for the treatment of many types of blood cancer. The planned BMT center in Bharatpur will aim to serve not only the 30 million people of Nepal but also millions of people from neighboring India, a press release issued by BTF said Thursday.
The joint initiative by BTF and University of Illinois will facilitate the training of physicians, and support in the development of a modern blood bank. A block of 5 patient rooms at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital has been allocated for the care of patients who will receive BMT.
University of Illinois Blood and Marrow Transplant Programme and Centre for Global Health will assist BTF’s efforts to work closely with staff in Nepal via telemedicine training programmes as well as hosting physicians from Nepal in Chicago, Illinois.
Prof. Damiano Rondelli, MD, a renowned BMT expert at the University of Illinois Hospital and collaborator of BTF, will head the project.
"After visiting the Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur with Dr. Binay Shah last May,

we immediately felt the challenge to help patients with blood cancer in Nepal. Many of these patients are in need of stem cell transplant but they currently don’t have this option. We are well aware of the many challenges that this project will face but we are fully committed to allow Nepal to achieve this goal," Dr. Rondelli said.
"It is like climbing a new Himalaya peak and we will get on the top. BTF and the University of Illinois Hospital resources are ready to succeed."
Recent World Health Organization reports suggest that deaths from cancer are increasing to epidemic proportions in developing countries.
At B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, 600 patients with leukemia, 110 patients with lymphoma, and 40 patients with multiple myeloma were diagnosed in one year alone, 2010.
"A BMT facility in Bharatpur, Nepal will serve thousands of patients from Nepal and neighboruing states of India,” a statement saud.
nnnn

OPPOSITION OBSTRUCTS SESSION FOR 5TH DAY

2012-01-27T03:42:00.000-08:00

PARLIAMENT SESSION DISRUPTED FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE SESSION UPDATE
Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Parliament session was obstructed for the fifth consecutive session Saturday.
NC. UML and small parties protested a government decision to legalize seized asset during the insurgency.
The parties said obstruction will continue.
nnnn
TENURE OF SRC EXTENDED SEVEN DAYS
Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: The tenure of the state restructuring commission (SRC) was extended by one more week Thursday after there was no agreement in the body between parties on a federal structure.
The peace and constitution drafting process will be delayed because of differences between major parties.
Parties have until Sunday to resolve differences o themes to be ncluded in a constitution.
nnnn

EMBATTLED BHATTARAI GOVT. RESHUFFLES
ANNOUNCED PROJECTS IN NAME OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC PACKAGE
Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: : Undeterred even after its ‘first relief measures’ brought about five months ago fell flat, the government today [Thursday] introduced ‘Immediate Action Plan’ for what it called ‘a great leap forward, The Himalayan Times reports..

“The country has prepared the foundation for the economic growth in the first six months of the current fiscal year,” said Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai while launching the ‘Immediate Action Plan for Economic Development and Prosperity’ in the Capital today.

The ambitious plan has prescribed about one and a half dozen sectors, including agriculture, forestry, tourism, energy, physical infrastructure, rural infrastructure and urban development, investment promotion, international trade, promotion of domestic products and private sector, New Nepal Initiatives for the economic development.

“The government will launch four campaigns — investment promotion, economic growth with wider base, employment creation, and social security for its four priorities — peace, constitution, good governance and prosperity,” said Bhattarai.

“Though the country has challenges, with the optimum utilisation of available resources, we can move ahead in time-bound manner to boost the current sluggish economic growth by creating some half-a-million employments.”

“The government will mobilise one million volunteers — mostly the students — as national volunteers under the district development committees under New Nepal Initiatives,” said the prime minister, adding that the volunteers can select the districts.

“The government will request every citizen to donate one day’s salary and Non Resident Nepalis to donate $10 for the New Nepal Initiative Fund that will help create jobs and boost economic growth by investing on infrastructure.”

The government has vowed to invite foreign investment worth $1 billion in the next six months, read the government’s ambitious plan that has promised to increase contribution of the industrial sector to 10 per cent from current 1.4 per cent to the gross domestic production.

Similarly, the traditional agriculture will be modernised with stress on establishing chemical fertiliser industry and herbs processing centres and land reform programme that will boost the contribution of agriculture’s contribution to five per cent from current four per cent to the GDP, added the plan. “The government will also declare 2013 as Agriculture Year to promote the sector.”

The prime minister also promised that Nepal will sign Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with China, South Asian countries and at least five developed countries to build confidence of foreign investors, apart from requesting them to invest in second international airport, east-west railway and Kathmandu-Tarai fast track.

These infrastructures, including Sikta, Rani Jamara and Babai irrigation projects, have also been named ‘projects of national pride’.

The government has also highlighted 10 challenges, including corruption, lawlessness and bureaucratic delay, energy crisis, slow industrialisation, rising unemployment, lack of infrastructure, low economic growth, traditional agriculture system and low foreign investment, and has promised to fight them.

Similarly, the government has prescribed financial sector reforms, capital market, housing, millennium development goals, poverty alleviation, social security, respectable foreign employment and resource management for the economic development.

“Promoting these sectors will give a tremendous fillip to our endeavours to translate people’s aspirations into reality,” added Prime Minister Bhattarai.
nnnn

PM CONVENES MEETING OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE

2012-01-26T18:43:00.000-08:00

PM CONVENES MEETING OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: A meeting of the special committee for integration, supervisions and resettlement charged ex-officio by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is being
held Friday.
The premier has convened a meeting of the committee amid charges by the opposition aoiss leading the government are dillydallying in implementing the integration and retireeeeeeement of former Maoist fighters even after their preferences were recoded by the secretariat of the special committee.
China offered Nepal $20 million to complete the processes during the
four-hour visit Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
Nnnn

STUDENTS CONTINUING
PROTESTS AGAINST FUEL HIKE

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Students affiliated with ruling and opposition parties are continuing
their protests Friday against a government decision to hike fuel prices even after
reducing prices of POL products Thursday succumbing to pressures.
Student rejected the decision to reduce massive hikes
and demanded restoration of original prices.
Movement of vehicles is being obstructed in front of campuses nation-wide and
students meet to discuss the second phase of their
protests after another round of talks with government.
Nnnn

OPPOSITION TO OBSTRUCT PARRLIAMENT SESSION

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Opposition said they will obstruct the scheduled session f parliament for the fifth successive time Friday.
There’s a standoff between government and opposition after a cabinet and Maoist decision
to legalize assets seized by then insurgents during a 10-year rebellion
Maoists Thursday rejected an opposition to correct the decision.
The move has worsened ties between ruling and opposition parties and obstructed the peae and constitution writing processes.
Nnnn

5 NDA MEMBERS ARRESTED

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Five members of the Nepal Defense
Army (NDA) were presented before the media
Thursday after their arrest.
They were involved in bombings and extortions in and around the capital, according
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Police Biswas, Pramod Kumar Mahato, Nirmal Lama, Jagat
Bahadur Thapa and Cham Bahadur
Thapa were nabbed.
They were directed by chief of NDA
Ram Prasad Mainali, according to police.
The group set off explosions at Thapathalii, New Road and exported money.
nnnn

ACTRESS SUSHILA RAYAMAJHI DEAD

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Actress Sushila Rayamajhi died
Thursday of cancer.
She was 55.
nnnn

PRESIDENT IN BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: President Dr. Ram Narayan Yadav toured the Bardiya National Park Thursday after arriving in the afternoon.
He went on a hour-long jungle drive.
nnnn

MAOIST CHIEF ATTEMPING TO TOPPLE BHATTARAI WITH NC,UML SUPPORT
Kathmandu, 27 Jan : Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is seeking support of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML to force Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai into resigning to pave the way for forming a national consensus government under his own leadership, Post B. Basnet writes in Republica..

Sources close to Bhattarai say Dahal at a recent meeting had asked NC leader Ram Chandra Paudel and UML leaders Jhalanath Khanal and Madhav Kumar Nepal to create an environment for forming a national consensus government.

"I cannot directly demand his resignation. So you must create an environment to force him to step down," sources at Baluwatar quoted Dahal as telling UML leaders in a recent meeting.

On Monday, at a three-party meeting at Paudel´s residence at Boharatar, Dahal had proposed that a national consensus government should be formed and peace process should be concluded in a package.

"We are open to the idea of forming a national consensus government. All the issues should be settled in a package," a participant of the meeting quoted Dahal. Bhattarai was also present at the meeting.

Bhattarai faction says Dahal´s "duplicity" regarding the cabinet decision to legalize the conflict-era land transactions and the recent fuel price hike shows that he is seriously working to isolate Bhattarai inside and outside the party and topple the government.

"It was the chairman who forced the prime minister to legalize the war-time land transactions. Now he is not backing the government, and has put the blame on the prime minister, in an apparent bid to put the government in difficulty," said a leader close to Bhattarai.

The Bhattarai faction has also blamed Dahal for fomenting street protests against the government´s fuel price hike decision. The Maoist party´s own student wing is on the streets against the decision. "The prime minister had consulted the chairman before increasing fuel prices. And after the prices were hiked, Dahal backed the student wing that launched street protest. How can a party´s student union take to the streets without parent party´s nod?" said a leader from the Bhattarai faction.

The faction has also accused Dahal of holding several rounds of meeting with UML leaders including Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, KP Oli and Madhav Kumar Nepal. Sources say Dahal had asked the UML leaders to play roles to topple the government. Few days back, Dahal, accompanied by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya, had held talks with Khanal at the latter´s residence at Dallu.

It may be recalled that Dahal had promised to Baiyda to recall Bhattarai from the government, though Dahal latter denied having made any such promise.

The Bhattarai faction has also accused Dahal of taking tough stance on the integration process. "He has taken the stance that the voluntary retirement and integration process should go alongside. His strategy is to put the government in crisis," said the leader.

Bhattarai himself had told party cadres on Tuesday in Palpa that he is no longer getting support from the party leadership to run the government.
nnnn

________________________________________

NC DISPUTE WORSENING

Kathmandu, 27Jan.: Ongoing ´quiet´ efforts within the Nepali Congress (NC) to settle a bitter row, which surfaced between the establishment faction and a rival faction-led by Sher Bahadur Deuba following the dissolution of various sister organizations, has failed to yield
any positive results so far, Kosh RajKoirala reports I Republica.

Indications are the dispute persisting between the two factions is likely to get worse as a proposal developed by various senior leaders including Ram Chandra Paudel, Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Arjun Narsingh KC on behalf of the party´s president, Sushil Koirala, for a bringing about a ´quiet settlement´ has failed to impress the rival faction.

The Deuba faction, after the proposal from the establishment faction reached them on Tuesday, called a joint meeting of the party´s CWC members and parliamentary party members for January 31 and a meeting of district committee presidents aligned to the Deuba faction for February 15, to exert pressure on the party establishment to accept a ´package agreement´ on all appointments.

The establishment faction had proposed to the Deuba faction to name the chiefs of Nepal Tarun Dal and Nepal Women´s Association, along with proportionate representation from the Deuba faction in all appointments to the party´s 32 various departments and its work performance committee.

However, the proposal worked out by senior leaders close to Koirala had suggested putting on hold the formation of the party´s parliamentary board and the pending nomination of five members to the party´s CWC.

The proposal hardly impressed the Deuba faction, which has remained seriously dissatisfied with the establishment faction for a long time.

"Since the establishment faction has not lived up to promises made in the past, we have sought a package deal on all appointments to be made in the party´s organization," said a senior leader close to the Deuba faction."We won´t compromise unless there is a ´package deal´ on all these appointments," the senior leader said.

The Deuba faction has demanded at least four of the five remaining CWC memberships including one joint general secretary and the immediate formation of the party´s parliamentary board, which is responsible for picking party candidates for national general elections and appointing the party´s zonal chiefs.

Koirala has picked only two from the rival faction-- Deuba and Bimalendra Nidhi--for nominated CWC members.

All CWC members close to Deuba have been snubbing the CWC meeting ever since Deuba resigned as a CWC member, citing strong dissatisfaction over Koirala´s move to dissolve various sister organizations of the party in September, 2011. Party President Koirala and Deuba have reached the point of publicly finger-pointing each other for the growing rift in the grand old party.

Party insiders say the Deuba faction´s move to snub the ´modest proposal´ from the Koirala faction and call a meeting of its own purportedly to exert pressure on Koirala for a ´package deal´ is likely to further worsen the row.

"The Deuba faction seems to have concluded that they can make the establishment faction bow further to its demands. But this move may put Koirala under pressure from his aides to take unilateral decisions about the sister organizations," said a NC leader on condition of anonymity.
nnnn

________________________________________

________________________________________

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Mahato's Sadbhawana Party splits again

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Breakthrough next week: PM

PM CONVENES MEETING OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: A meeting of the special committee for integration, supervisions and resettlement charged ex-officio by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is being
held Friday.
The premier has convened a meeting of the committee amid charges by the opposition aoiss leading the government are dillydallying in implementing the integration and retireeeeeeement of former Maoist fighters even after their preferences were recoded by the secretariat of the special committee.
China offered Nepal $20 million to complete the processes during the
four-hour visit Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
Nnnn

STUDENTS CONTINUING
PROTESTS AGAINST FUEL HIKE

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Students affiliated with ruling and opposition parties are continuing
their protests Friday against a government decision to hike fuel prices even after
reducing prices of POL products Thursday succumbing to pressures.
Student rejected the decision to reduce massive hikes
and demanded restoration of original prices.
Movement of vehicles is being obstructed in front of campuses nation-wide and
students meet to discuss the second phase of their
protests after another round of talks with government.
Nnnn

OPPOSITION TO OBSTRUCT PARRLIAMENT SESSION

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Opposition said they will obstruct the scheduled session f parliament for the fifth successive time Friday.
There’s a standoff between government and opposition after a cabinet and Maoist decision
to legalize assets seized by then insurgents during a 10-year rebellion
Maoists Thursday rejected an opposition to correct the decision.
The move has worsened ties between ruling and opposition parties and obstructed the peae and constitution writing processes.
Nnnn

5 NDA MEMBERS ARRESTED

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Five members of the Nepal Defense
Army (NDA) were presented before the media
Thursday after their arrest.
They were involved in bombings and extortions in and around the capital, according
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Police Biswas, Pramod Kumar Mahato, Nirmal Lama, Jagat
Bahadur Thapa and Cham Bahadur
Thapa were nabbed.
They were directed by chief of NDA
Ram Prasad Mainali, according to police.
The group set off explosions at Thapathalii, New Road and exported money.
nnnn

ACTRESS SUSHILA RAYAMAJHI DEAD

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: Actress Sushila Rayamajhi died
Thursday of cancer.
She was 55.
nnnn

PRESIDENT IN BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK

Kathmandu, 27 Jan.: President Dr. Ram Narayan Yadav toured the Bardiya National Park Thursday after arriving in the afternoon.
He went on a hour-long jungle drive.
nnnn

MAOIST CHIEF ATTEMPING TO TOPPLE BHATTARAI WITH NC,UML SUPPORT
Kathmandu, 27 Jan : Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is seeking support of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML to force Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai into resigning to pave the way for forming a national consensus government under his own leadership, Post B. Basnet writes in Republica..

Sources close to Bhattarai say Dahal at a recent meeting had asked NC leader Ram Chandra Paudel and UML leaders Jhalanath Khanal and Madhav Kumar Nepal to create an environment for forming a national consensus government.

"I cannot directly demand his resignation. So you must create an environment to force him to step down," sources at Baluwatar quoted Dahal as telling UML leaders in a recent meeting.

On Monday, at a three-party meeting at Paudel´s residence at Boharatar, Dahal had proposed that a national consensus government should be formed and peace process should be concluded in a package.

"We are open to the idea of forming a national consensus government. All the issues should be settled in a package," a participant of the meeting quoted Dahal. Bhattarai was also present at the meeting.

Bhattarai faction says Dahal´s "duplicity" regarding the cabinet decision to legalize the conflict-era land transactions and the recent fuel price hike shows that he is seriously working to isolate Bhattarai inside and outside the party and topple the government.

"It was the chairman who forced the prime minister to legalize the war-time land transactions. Now he is not backing the government, and has put the blame on the prime minister, in an apparent bid to put the government in difficulty," said a leader close to Bhattarai.

The Bhattarai faction has also blamed Dahal for fomenting street protests against the government´s fuel price hike decision. The Maoist party´s own student wing is on the streets against the decision. "The prime minister had consulted the chairman before increasing fuel prices. And after the prices were hiked, Dahal backed the student wing that launched street protest. How can a party´s student union take to the streets without parent party´s nod?" said a leader from the Bhattarai faction.

The faction has also accused Dahal of holding several rounds of meeting with UML leaders including Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, KP Oli and Madhav Kumar Nepal. Sources say Dahal had asked the UML leaders to play roles to topple the government. Few days back, Dahal, accompanied by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya, had held talks with Khanal at the latter´s residence at Dallu.

It may be recalled that Dahal had promised to Baiyda to recall Bhattarai from the government, though Dahal latter denied having made any such promise.

The Bhattarai faction has also accused Dahal of taking tough stance on the integration process. "He has taken the stance that the voluntary retirement and integration process should go alongside. His strategy is to put the government in crisis," said the leader.

Bhattarai himself had told party cadres on Tuesday in Palpa that he is no longer getting support from the party leadership to run the government.
nnnn

________________________________________

NC DISPUTE WORSENING

Kathmandu, 27Jan.: Ongoing ´quiet´ efforts within the Nepali Congress (NC) to settle a bitter row, which surfaced between the establishment faction and a rival faction-led by Sher Bahadur Deuba following the dissolution of various sister organizations, has failed to yield
any positive results so far, Kosh RajKoirala reports I Republica.

Indications are the dispute persisting between the two factions is likely to get worse as a proposal developed by various senior leaders including Ram Chandra Paudel, Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Arjun Narsingh KC on behalf of the party´s president, Sushil Koirala, for a bringing about a ´quiet settlement´ has failed to impress the rival faction.

The Deuba faction, after the proposal from the establishment faction reached them on Tuesday, called a joint meeting of the party´s CWC members and parliamentary party members for January 31 and a meeting of district committee presidents aligned to the Deuba faction for February 15, to exert pressure on the party establishment to accept a ´package agreement´ on all appointments.

The establishment faction had proposed to the Deuba faction to name the chiefs of Nepal Tarun Dal and Nepal Women´s Association, along with proportionate representation from the Deuba faction in all appointments to the party´s 32 various departments and its work performance committee.

However, the proposal worked out by senior leaders close to Koirala had suggested putting on hold the formation of the party´s parliamentary board and the pending nomination of five members to the party´s CWC.

The proposal hardly impressed the Deuba faction, which has remained seriously dissatisfied with the establishment faction for a long time.

"Since the establishment faction has not lived up to promises made in the past, we have sought a package deal on all appointments to be made in the party´s organization," said a senior leader close to the Deuba faction."We won´t compromise unless there is a ´package deal´ on all these appointments," the senior leader said.

The Deuba faction has demanded at least four of the five remaining CWC memberships including one joint general secretary and the immediate formation of the party´s parliamentary board, which is responsible for picking party candidates for national general elections and appointing the party´s zonal chiefs.

Koirala has picked only two from the rival faction-- Deuba and Bimalendra Nidhi--for nominated CWC members.

All CWC members close to Deuba have been snubbing the CWC meeting ever since Deuba resigned as a CWC member, citing strong dissatisfaction over Koirala´s move to dissolve various sister organizations of the party in September, 2011. Party President Koirala and Deuba have reached the point of publicly finger-pointing each other for the growing rift in the grand old party.

Party insiders say the Deuba faction´s move to snub the ´modest proposal´ from the Koirala faction and call a meeting of its own purportedly to exert pressure on Koirala for a ´package deal´ is likely to further worsen the row.

"The Deuba faction seems to have concluded that they can make the establishment faction bow further to its demands. But this move may put Koirala under pressure from his aides to take unilateral decisions about the sister organizations," said a NC leader on condition of anonymity.
nnnn

________________________________________

________________________________________

STUDENTS REJECT REDUCED FUEL PRICES

2012-01-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

STUDENTS REJECT REDUCED PRICES FOR PRODUCTS AMID PROTESTS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Students Thursday rejected in talks with government an official
reduction of raised fuel prices demanding original prices should be restored.
Anti-government protests, they said, will continue.
Government succumbed to week-long pressure and reduced hiked prices to placate students.
Petrol price was reduced by Rs. 3 per liter, diesel and kerosene by Rs. 4 per liter
and cooking gas by Rs. 85 per cylinder.
Protesting students said the hike was unbearable.
Nnnn

OPPOSITION AGAIN OBSTRUCTS PARLIAMENT SESSION UPDATE
Kathmandu, Jan 26: Two largest opposition parties NC and UML obstructed legislature-Parliament session for the fourth consecutive session Thursday
Speaker Subash Nemwang adjourned the session until Friday.
nnnn
NSP Mahato Splits Again
Kathmandu, Jan 26: Sadbhawana Party led by Minister for Health Rajendra Mahato has split yet again with lawmakers Ram Naresh Raya and Gauri Mahato Koiri forming National Sadbhawana Party, greatway.onlne.com reports.
“The two lawmakers have registered an application to form a new party and have already been verified by Speaker Subash Nembang,” said Sudarshan Kuikel, assistant spokesperson at the Parliament Secretariat.
This is the second time after the election of the Constitution Assembly (CA) that the party has split. Earlier, Anil Kumar Jha and three other CA members broke away and formed Sanghiya Sadbhawana Party.
Now, the Mahato-led party has only three lawmakers, Mahato himself, Laxman Lal Karn and Saroj Kumar Yadav.
With the split of the party, the number of political parties represented in Parliament has reached 33 whereas the number was 25 after the CA election.
Nnnn

NC LEADER AGAIN CHARGES MAOSTS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan 26:: Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party leader Ram Chandra Poudel said that the (UCPN) Maoist party has backed from the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the seven-point agreement signed among the major political parties regarding the power-sharing, RSS reports.
Leader Poudel reasoned that the Maoist leaders’ reluctance to withdraw the land dealing transactions made by the people’s government has shown that the former rebel party is unwilling to complete the peace process.
Talking to media persons after the Legislature-Parliament meeting today, leader Poudel alleged the Maoist party of being back from the past agreements.
Poudel also ruled out the possibility of dialogue and consensus with the Maoist party saying that the latter was being back from its previous commitments.
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MINISTER FINALLY RESIGNS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.:- Raj Lal Yadav, Minister without portfolio from MJF (G) of Communication Minster finally resigned Thursday.
He had been demanding leadership of a ministry by splitting the ministry of
agriculture and cooperatives.
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ANOTHER NC LEADER HITS OUT AT MAOISTS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Nepali Congress (NC) leader and former Finance Minister Dr Ramsharan Mahat has accused the government of becoming a 'model' government in terms of promoting corruption and misconduct in the country, RSS reports from Butwal.

Speaking at a press meet organised by the Nepal Press Union, Rupandehi in Butwal on Wednesday, former Minister Mahat accused the UCPN-Maoist, the ruling party, of causing obstructions in the peace and constitution drafting processes.

"The Maoist-led government should be toppled since it has betrayed the nation and the people", he said, claiming that the nation would not get a new constitution until and unless the Maoists become honest to the constitution drafting process.

The incumbent government formed with the vested interests of the Maoists and the Madhesi Front has made some 'unconstitutional' and 'objectionable' decisions and they should be scrapped at any cost, said the NC leader.
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LADY COMPANION OF DIG KOIRALA FLEES TO MALAYSIA

2012-01-25T22:46:00.000-08:00

LADY COMPANION TARA REGMI OF DIG KOIRALA FLEES TO MALAYSIA

Kathmandu, 26Jan. Tara Regmi, has fled the country to Malaysia,
Rajdhani reports.
Police are searching for the lady companion of DIG Ranjan Koirala.
who confessed killing his wife Gita
They have two sons and were living separately following differences.
Koirala is under custody.
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OPINION

PM BHATTARAI AND OUR STRATEGY FOR SURVIVAL

Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is getting grief from across the spectrum for having suggested that Nepal risked being merged into either China or India if it failed to redefine its geo-strategic self-interest, Maila Baje writes in Nepali Netbook.
Some have attributed pure diplomatic immaturity to the premier’s assertion. Others see a pronounced albeit misguided boldness in his attempt to contend with both powerful neighbors at the same time. Others still see a sense of insecurity transformed into a ploy to prolong his tenure in power.
Regardless of the motive(s), Maila Baje feels Dr. Bhattarai has made a positive and much-needed contribution to the national discourse. If such forthrightness had not come from the man on the top, it might not have left us scratching our heads with the intensity we are today.
Ever since Nepal – in the eminent historian Father Ludwig Stiller’s words – “passed definitely from the status of an insignificant state to that of a power in the Indian subcontinent”, stopping the juggernaut entailed utmost urgency for Qing China and British India. And this consisted of more than military means. As Nepal festered in domestic turmoil after its military defeats by China and British India, the two empires perpetuated their respective narratives in which Nepal was part of their historical inheritance. Manchu emperors, Sun Yat-sen and Mao Zedong all claimed Nepal as part of territories China lost to western imperialism.
To be sure, Nepal’s treaties with the People’s Republic of China have abrogated all past claims of Nepali vassalage to the Middle Kingdom and precluded the possibility of any resurrection of irredentist claims. But the historical and cultural legacies that feed the narrative are still very much alive among the Chinese, whose memory is legendary for its length in time.
Indians with a penchant for history have similarly been puzzled by the fact that Nepal managed to remain out of the formal British empire despite the East India Company’s decisive victory in the war. Indeed, if the Chinese shadow had not loomed so large on Governor-General Francis Rawdon-Hastings’ considerations before and after the Sugauli Treaty, the notion of a “limited war” would not have not existed. But for the Indians dominating the political security establishment in New Delhi, it is nonetheless intriguing that states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Karnataka – so distant from their version of Indianness – should be part of India but not Nepal.
As Nepalis continued to bicker, irrespective of the political system in place, this contested realm of overlapping orbits deepened among the Chinese and Indians. During times of peace, the fallout for us seems to have been calmer. During periods of tensions, greater convulsions have occurred. Sometimes, events have moved so fast that their impact on us has become quite inexplicable. The July 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship New Delhi signed with the Rana regime, for instance, was made utterly redundant merely by October that year, when Chinese communist troops moved into Tibet. A little over six months after Mohan Shamsher Rana thought his regime had attained some security vis-à-vis independent India, the Rana regime receded firmly in the dustbin of history. Not without the incongruity of the same Mohan Shamsher having become the first prime minister of democratic Nepal.
At other times, regional events have proceeded with greater placidity. With the Dalai Lama’s flight into exile in India in March 1959, Nepali democracy had virtually run its course – even before Nepal’s staggered first national elections had been completed.
For thirty years, the opacity and closed nature of the partyless system provided our two neighbors the kind of equilibrium they needed to calibrate their relationship. Whether Nepalis themselves would have volunteered to choose between full-fledged democracy and a sense of nationhood in the international community is debatable. That King Mahendra pushed us toward the latter course out of any consideration other than reinforcing his rule continues to be hotly debated. So is King Birendra’s Zone of Peace Proposal, which was prefaced by his 1973 interview with Newsweek that Nepal, consisting of three districts appertaining beyond the Himalayas, was not technically a subcontinental nation. King Gyanendra’s emphasis on developing Nepal into a transit hub between the two Asian giants continues to stir jeers of derision. Yet the Zone of Peace proposal has been gaining new interest, while the post-monarchy leadership has been touting the transit-hub model. If you really look for it, there is even a grudging admiration for King Mahendra’s notion of nationhood among his fiercest critics.
Put differently, Nepalis seem to like the way the country has survived in the international community with a distinct identity. Would the same have been achieved through the path of unshackled democracy and development? Probably. But the Cold War history of Asia, Africa and Latin America leaves us less sanguine. Other developing countries may have been liberated following the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Cold War that really matters to us has never really receded.
Our unrelenting march towards national newness has been marred by a lack of clarity on things that really matter. Manifestations of this contested realm of overlapping orbits, Maila Baje, feels will become more apparent in the period ahead from both our neighbors. By illuminating our geo-strategic vulnerability in so stark terms, Dr. Bhattarai has permitted Nepalis of all ideological persuasions to ponder a new – to borrow a worn but still worthy phrase – strategy for survival. It is only with life, after all, that liberty and the pursuit of happiness can follow.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS AND DEEDS

Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Being critical of others is easier than turning the cutting comments on one’s own peers. Rarely do political leaders decide to activate their critical faculties in public. If the critic continues to flock together with the long-time comrades-in-arm, the analysis-cum-conclusion becomes a confession, Trikal Vastavik writes in People’s Review.
The acute discrepancy in the principles proclaimed and the practices actually demonstrated in Nepal’s major political parties is the bane of democracy. Democratic principles have been dispensed with for all practical purposes and the practice of impunity in one of the most corrupt places on earth.
A senior member of the Maoist, Ram Bahadur Thapa calls for a “patriotic” government, which he says the Bhattarai team does not reflect. Why has the former minister come out so critically against his party chairman and government? Mohan Baidhya accuses his party boss Pushpa Kamal dahal of being incompetent and, therefore, irrelevant for party leadership.
The loud vows by political parties and their leaders of varied political strands to work for the “welfare of people”, “full-fledged democracy” and “rule of law” without discrimination that previously resounded the country now makes for a black joke.
What those in power presently are doing is nothing different from the script written by their predecessors? In fact, the existing crop excels the previous governments and regimes in utter failure to maintain rule of law, check corruption and give any kind of stability while the economy is the worst in the whole of South Asia.
If Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and his party chairman cannot convince their own party colleagues like Mohan Baidhya and Ram Bahadur Thapa about the quality of their endeavours, how can they expect Nepalis in particular and the rest of the world in general to take them, seriously for what they claim to stand for and deliver?
Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis need no convincing as they are already convinced that these “revolutionary” leaders care more for power and their pockets than the priorities they laid out for public consumption. People had suffered heavily from the “revolutionary” cadres for a decade of “people’s war” that claimed a16,000 lives and many more as injured and tortured, traumatized, intimidated, looted and deprived of livelihoods.
Many had to leave their home and hearth for food, shelter and work in these hard times of industrial sluggishness, steep unemployment and bad governance that fostered a culture of each- for- his-own-skin-and-survival. A few European governments and their front organizations, carrying religion as the main agenda, made merry then and are doing so with great éclat now, no matter what the Nepalis in general have undergone and continue to suffer precarious situations, the like of these “Good Samaritans” would never face in the own countries without an outright war.
What about the Nepali Congress? Party Chairman Sushil Koirala, who has never demonstrated any leadership quality, confirms that he does not have any to prove, which explains the rudderless manner in which the oldest existing party is drifting aimlessly. The ultra-conservative party’s record in office in the 1950s and since the 1990s does not have anything to inspire the people. Corruption incompetence marked much of its rule.
Ask Sher Bahadur Deuba about’s Koirala’s leadership? But then, one can also put the same question to Koirala himself about Deuba’s qualities. Deuba’s assessment of Koirala will match word for word Koirala’s assessment of the three-time former premier whose appetite for the chair is insatiable. And parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Poudel is calculating all of NC decisions solely with his prime ministerial ambitions at the center-stage.
The Republic of Nepal, meanwhile, remains destitute of law and order. NC, served right, is now desperate but mute and keen to wriggle out of the morass of crisis it helped to create during and after 2006.
Many Maoist Party members, who used bamboo sticks to thrash their opponents, now lead a life of luxury through extortion and dubious trade. Having learnt of the practices that are supposed to have resulted in the “achievements” of the so-called people’s war, the cadres continue to “capture” land distributed to landless and refuse to vacate they forcibly occupied since up to 15 years.
Both NC and CPN (UML), who at one time termed the Maoists “terrorists” during the latter’s insurgency, have impotently compromised to the hilt. In November 2005, they embraced those who looted, tortured, maimed or killed their own cadres, teachers, journalists, civil society leaders and sympathizers. They brought aboard the vehicle of power and legitimacy the very ones who continue to act against the law of the land. They saluted and hailed two Maoist prime ministers even as the latter’s cadres continue to create havoc.
If the NC and the UML cannot protect their own party members and meekly accept or remain mute over atrocities against their party members and innocent voters not affiliated to any political group, does any sane mind expect of import from them?
The Tarai-based parties, which ironically like to call themselves “king-makers” in a republic, crave for cabinet berths and sources of money, have not come up with any concrete program for improving the living standards of the millions of Madheshi community, the anomalies existing in the community, the economic disparities, social ills, dalits, women, marginalized groups, superstitions, underemployment, need for reservations and preferences to the deprived groups, and such other issues that are also to be found aplenty in other communities as well.
Every few months, there is shortage of petroleum products and liquefied gas. Hoarders, black marketers and profiteers have a field day. Many of them are members of political parties. Those accused of serious crimes are defended vociferously by party leaders. If a court convicts an accused, leaders want the “rest of the sentence” to be commuted
Kidnappings, gang fighting, corruption, impunity, favoritism, nepotism and such other ills have afflicted the country so much that such wanton situation had never been witnessed since democracy was first ushered in 1951. Electricity interruptions are enforced routine, putting one part of the nation or the other under the blanket of darkness for nearly half of the time day in and day out.
After all, we live in the secular, republic of Nepal aspiring to have the kind of federal structure the like of which the rest of the world has not succeeded with, not even the countries funding such absurd and debilitating agenda.
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MADESH LEADER INJURED IN FIRING

2012-01-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

MADESH LEADER INJURED IN FIRING
Kathmandu,26 Jan.: An unidentified group opened fire at Siraha District Chairperson of Madhesi People's Rights Forum-Democratic, Ram Charitra Saha last night [Wednesday], RSSreports from Lahan.

Saha, who received bullet injury on his body at around 1 PM, is being treated at Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar.

Saha is a local of Durgapur VDC-1 of Siraha.

The group made him target while he was asleep at the home of Udaya Narayan Mahato in Asanpur-6, said Area Police Office, Golbazaar.

Though police declined to disclose the reason behind the shootout, locals suspected that an unidentified person might have opened fire at Saha taking up his illicit relation with a woman of the same house.

Earlier too, locals had thrashed Saha at the home and warned him not to visit the house next time, said villagers.
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PM BHATTARAI ANNOUNCING ECONOMIC PACKAGE THURSDAY
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is
announcing a special economic package after cabinet approval
Thursday, Finance Minister Barshaman Singh Pun said.
The package was prepared by the finance ministry and aides of the premier during a two-day recess at Dhulikhel last week.
The package comes one day after Pun announced a rosy economic picture of the country under a Maoist government.
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RAK AIRWAYS FLYING TO NEPOAL FROM UAE
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: RAK Airways is flying between UAE and Kathmandu from mid-February.
UAE’s national carrier is starting thrice weekly flights between
the Nepali capital and Ras Al Khaimah.
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RPP-N PICKETS TKANKOT NOC DEPOT
Kathmandu, Jan 26: Party workers of Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) have picketed the Thankot depot of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Thursday morning so as to protest the shortage of petroleum products even amidst the hike of fuel
Prices, greatwayonline.com reports.
Following the demonstrations and protests, Nagdhunga- Kalanki road section has been obstructed, sources confirmed.
Only yesterday, thirteen student unions and eight youth associations had imposed a general strike against hike in petroleum prices.
The government had hiked the fuel prices effective from January 13 where the consumers have to pay Rs 175 in LP gas, Rs 10 per litre in petrol and Rs 9 per litre in diesel and kerosene.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“After intensifying interactions and meetings with the Baidya faction, he [Dahal] has started objecting to the government’s decisions instead of defending them.”
(Unidentified source close to PM Bhattarai, The Kathmandu Post, 26 Jan.)
“We are not getting complete support from the chairman in some issues, although he played a leading role in forming this government.”

(Devendra Poudel, PM’s Political Advisor in The Kathmandu Post, 26 Jan.)
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END INDIAN CONTROL DEMANDS FRONT

2012-01-25T21:29:00.000-08:00

END INDIAN CONTROL FRONT DEMANDS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: The Unified Nepal Nationalists’ Front has urged the Indian government to implement the UN Declaration to end the practice of controlling some of the geographical areas of Nepal, RSS reports.

The Declaration was endorsed by the United Nations Resolution 1514 in 1960 AD.

Referring to the UN Resolution and Declaration, the Front has also asked the Nepal government to demand the Indian government, for the Nepali territory.

'It is a blatant blow against freedom, sovereignty and human rights on the part of India to have colonized 57,736 sq. kms area across Mechi in the east and Mahakali in the west, which are yet to be returned to Nepal as per the Nepal-England Sugauli Treaty signed in March 4, 1816', stated in a press release issued by Front Chairperson Phadinda Nepal on Wednesday.
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INDIAN WOMAN TRAVELING ON FORGED NEPALI PASSPOT ARRESTED
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Binita Chhetri, 16, of Kalimpong, India,
was arrested Monday by Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police
for going to the Gulf on a Nepali passport for work as a domestic help.
Kuwait deported her and was arrested on arrival at TIA.
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MEDIA GOOGLE
"Politically indoctrinated Maoist fighter cannot hold the position of major
general on their tactics of threat and terror.”

(Retired Army Chief Gen. Rukmangud Katawal, The Himalayan Times, 26 Jan.)
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COOKING GAS SUPPLY DROPS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Cooking gas supply-demand mismatch seems to create shortage in the market, The Himalayan Times reports.

LP Gas Industry Association today claimed that Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has supplied them only one-third of the market demand in January.

“The state oil monopoly supplied 7,559 metric tonne of cooking gas by today, against the monthly market demand of 22,000 metric tonne,” general secretary Kush Prasad Malli said, adding that the short supply has forced general consumer to face scarcity.

“The association demands NOC to solve the problem immediately through diplomatic channel since Indian Oil Corporation — the sole supplier of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) — itself has reduced the supply,” according to the association. Ministry of Commerce and Supplies said that NOC has already discussed with its Indian counterpart to ensure the smooth supply of cooking gas.

A group led by board member of NOC and joint secretary at the Finance Ministry Rajiv Gautam is currently at IOC’s head office in Mumbai and they have discussed on the issue of smooth supply of cooking gas, joint secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies Deepak Subedi said, adding that the IOC has pledged to supply cooking gas from tomorrow.

Meanwhile, frequent disturbance in supply due to general strike and holidays has created problem to the NOC in maintaining smooth supply of petroleum products. It had supplied 406 kl petrol, 478 kl diesel and 134 kl kerosene in January 22. “NOC is supplying fuel according to demand,” he added.
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BIHAR WITHDRAWNG CASES AGAINST 11 MAOISTS
Kathmandu, 28 Jan,.:The state government of Bihar, India has decided to withdraw court cases against 11 Nepali Maoist leaders. Bihar Home Secretary Amir Subhani confirmed that the state government took a decision to this effect last week, Ram Kumar Kamat
writes in The Himalayan Times from New Delhi.

Maoist leaders Lokendra Bista, Kul Bahadur KC, Chitra Bahadur Shrestha, Kumar Dahal, Hit Bahadur Tamang, Shyam Kishor Prasad Yadav, Anil Sharma, Dilip Maharjan, Ranju Thapa, Suman Tamang and Min Prasad are facing charges in Patna District Court since 2004 for their alleged ‘involvement in anti-India activities’ and ‘conspiracy against the erstwhile regime in Nepal’. They were arrested in Patna. According to Subhani, the district magistrate of Patna will now have to write to state public prosecutor requesting him to initiate the final process of withdrawing the cases, following which the public prosecutor can seek court permission for the same. When asked how long it will take to withdraw the cases, Subhani said it would depend on the court but declined to comment on what grounds the Bihar government decided to withdraw the cases against them.

Patna’s Additional Public Prosecutor Mani Kant Jha, however, said over phone that once the district magistrate writes to public prosecutor, the court might take 15-60 days or even more to grant permission to withdraw the cases. The decision came weeks after Union Home Ministry wrote to Bihar government.

Advocate Mithilesh Kumar, who is representing the Maoist leaders, said a government prosecutor a few days ago had written to the district magistrate saying there were no problems whatsoever if the cases against 11 Nepali Maoist leaders were to be withdrawn. According to Kumar, the magistrate had then sought prosecutors’ opinion. The union government had written to Bihar government to this effect in the first week of October, days after Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai raised the issue before the Indian government during his India visit. Union Home Ministry requested the Bihar government to withdraw cases against the leaders by taking into consideration changed political scenario in Nepal and friendly relations between the two countries.

The court had reissued non-bailable warrants against the Maoist leaders in September after their whimsical claims that they had been convicted and had been slapped with jail terms and heavy fines by the Patna court.
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Ncell POSTS 122 PERCENT REVENUE GROWTH
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Ncell has posted a 122 percent growth in revenue in fiscal 2010-11 in line with its fast expanding subscriber base, Ramesh Shrestha writs in The Kathmandu Post..
The telecom operator’s income soared to Rs 17.53 billion, up from Rs 7.89 billion in fiscal 2009-10, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). Last year, it added 2.7 million new users to its network.
The phenominal growth in revenue has been attributed to its aggressive marketing, re-branding exercise, launch of new services and infrastructure expansion.
Ncell is Nepal’s largest mobile service provider in terms of subscriber base and second largest in terms of revenue after Nepal Telecom (NT). With NT’s revenue growth slowing down, Ncell is likely to overtake the state-owned telecom giant as the largest revenue earner within a couple of years. This month, Ncell’s subscriber base surpassed the 7-million mark.
Ncell accounted for 38.64 percent of the total revenue in the telecom sector—up from 22.95 percent in 2009-10. Meanwhile, NT’s share in total telecom revenue declined to 58.20 percent from 72.88 percent for the corresponding period. NT earned Rs 26.40 billion in 2010-11 compared to Rs 25.05 billion in the previous year and added 1.27 million new subscribers.
Seeing its market share shrinking under Ncell’s onslaught, the state-owned company has speeded up work to add 10 million GSM lines. It GSM mega project received the go-ahead from the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) recently. In mid-December 2011, the anti-graft body had directed the company to put on hold the tender process on suspicion of irregularities.
According to the NTA, the total income of the telecom sector grew 31.98 percent after a tremendous growth in the number of mobile users in the last fiscal year. Nepal’s telecom revenue surged to Rs 45.36 billion from Rs 34.37 billion in fiscal 2009-10.
Six telecom operators had added 4.23 million new subscribers during the last fiscal year. United Telecom Limited (UTL), the country’s third largest telecom operator, saw its revenue fall to Rs 1.16 billion from Rs 1.22 billion of 2009-10 despite a double-digit growth in its subscriber base. STM Telecom’s earnings also declined to Rs 122.6 million from Rs 164.9 million, while Nepal Satellite Telecom earned Rs 75 million in 2010-11, up from last year’s Rs 32.52 million.
Posting an excellent growth, Smart Telecom’s earnings increased to Rs 59.09 million in 2010-11. The figure was at Rs 0.56 million in 2009-10, the first year of its service operation.
The six operators paid a total of Rs 1.81 billion, equivalent to 4 percent of their total income, in royalties to the government in the last fiscal year, according to the NTA. Likewise, the operators have contributed Rs 907.30 million to the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund as required by the telecom law.
Income of telecom operators in the last three fiscal years
Operators 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09
Nepal Telecom Rs 26.40 b Rs 25.05 b Rs 20.48 b
Ncell Rs 17.53 b Rs 7.89 b Rs 5.66 b
UTL Rs 1.16 b Rs 1.22 b Rs 765.14 m
STM Telecom Rs 122.6 m Rs 164.9 m Rs 295.71 m
Nepal Satellite Rs 75 m Rs 32.52 m —
Smart Telecom Rs 59.09 m Rs 0.56 m —
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SRC CHIEF BEING WOOED BY MEMBERS
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Members of the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) are trying to woo the commission’s Chairman Madan Pariyar, whose vote will be crucial in deciding the issue of political priority rights. In order to win his favour, commissioners on both the sides—those advocating for an 11-state model and those in favour of a six-state model—have pitched for a separate Dalit state, which Pariyar has strongly demanded. However, Pariyar holds no ‘strong opinion’ on the issue of priority rights.
This attempt seems to be part of the commissioners’ move to get their views on priority rights passed. Nominees of the UCPN (Maoist) and the Madhesi Morcha are for the rights, while those from the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML oppose them. A note of dissent presented by three members—Ramesh Dhungel, Sabitri Gurung and Sarbaraj Khadka—on the number of provinces has led to a map being prepared wherein a possible state for Dalits has been conceived. Besides six definite states, the proposed map includes a provision for the seventh one—a Dalit state. Based on cluster areas where Dalit population is high, or in a majority at the VDC level, three possible states have been identified—one in the Eastern Tarai (near Saptari and Siraha), another in the Western hills (near Parbat) and the other in Far West hills.
Meanwhile, an 11-state model, including a separate Dalit state was adopted through a majority in the commission. However, those advocating for the model—members proposed by the Maoists, Morcha and one from the UML—have not been able to finalise the map due to differences over delineation of borders of the states. Even their proposal has envisioned a Dalit state.
These 11 states are to take shape based predominantly on ethnic lines. The five members have failed to reach consensus despite extensive discussions. The members of the group, which registered a note of dissent advocating a 6/7 state-model, have drawn out a map where four states will have access to both northern and southern borders. Two states in the Tarai will have access to only a stretch of the southern border. The latter two states are said to have been agreed on by the three members in light of the residents of the Tarai region’s rigid demands for states only along the southern border.
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THREE PARTYMEET INCONCLUSIVE

2012-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

THREE PARTY MEET INCONCLUSIVE UPDATE

Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: A brief meeting between the Big Three was inconclusive
Thursday morning.
Opposition parties have decided to obstruct legislative session
later in the day.
Maoist office bearers leading the government with Madeshbadi
parties urged government to ahead with a cabinet decision to implement decisions of parallel Maoist
governments to seize assets.
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MORE DETAILS OF PRICE HIKE UPDATE

Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: A Maoist meeting of office bearers Thursday asked government to reconsider a decision to hike prices of POL products.
A front of Madeshbadis parties in government also asked
Maoists Wednesday in consultative meeting to reconsider the price hike as anti-government protests swell.
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EC TO PROBE PARTY FINANCES
Kathmandu, 26 Jan : The Election Commission (EC) is soon to begin investigations into the financial reports submitted by the political parties to see whether or not they have made full disclosures of their finances and have followed standard accounting and auditing practices as required by law, Gani Ansari writes in Republica.
A source at the EC told Republica on Wednesday that a committee headed by Commissioner Dolakh Bahadur Gurung has started studying the financial details furnished by political parties registered with the EC.

"The committee will consult experts and certified auditors while studying the financial details received from the parties," the source said, adding, "If the study finds the political parties not meeting standard accounting practices, the Election Commission will report the shortcomings to the parties concerned."

Officials who have seen the financial details submitted by the parties say that most of the parties seem to have prepared their financial statements just as a formality to escape possible action by the EC. For instance, 19 parties, including Nepali Congress, have submitted only partial financial details, thereby raising legitimate questions about how genuine the reports are.

Despite the existence of legal provisions that empower the EC to revoke the registration of any party that fails to submit its audited financial reports for three consequtive years, only 30 political parties submitted their financial details to the EC by the second week of January, and that too only after they got a reprimand from the EC. Similarly, 31 parties did not respond at all. There are altogether 77 parties that are supposed to abide by this legal provision and submit their reports to the EC every fiscal year.

Political leaders, who need to manage their parties´ finances, concede shortcomings in maintaining proper accounts.

Amik Sherchan, the Maoist party´s finance department chief, said the party central committee does not maintain details of financial activities at the district level as the district committees manage their incomes and expenditures independently.

“We are ready to clarify to the Election Commission about our party´s income and expenditures if the constitutional body wants to verify the financial reports we submitted,” Sherchan told Republica.

His party generated a total of Rs 83 million during fiscal year 2007/08 while it spent Rs 75 million during the same period.

Similarly, the country´s largest party earned a total of Rs 99 million during fiscal year 2008/09 from various sources and spent Rs 92 million the same fiscal year. In addition, the party generated Rs 114 million during fiscal 2009/10 and spent Rs 116 million the same year while its total income last fiscal year was Rs 132 million and expenditure Rs 128 million.

A pertinent question is, weather this level of income is enough to pay for over 80,000 whole-time cadres and mobilize another 200,000 organized members.

“Our party is not like the other, capitalist political parties; our cadres participate in programs organized by the party but while doing so they meet their own expenses,” stated Sherchan, defending the financial details the party submitted to the EC.

Similarly, the accuracy of financial details submitted by the CPN-UML is also questionable. The report shows that the party generated Rs 75 million in fiscal year 2007/08 alone, the highest in the last four years, and it spent 58 million the same fiscal year. CPN-UML generated a total of Rs 67 million during fiscal year 2008/09 from various sources and spent Rs 52 million that year.

Similarly, the party generated Rs 45 million during fiscal 2009-10 and spent Rs 27 million during the same period. Likewise, CPN-UML generated Rs 43 million in 2010-11 and spent Rs 26 million that fiscal year.

Member of the CPN-UML´s central audit commission Bishnu Bahadur Raut said that the income and expenditures of his party are very low because "communist parties are run with the help of cadres and well-wishers".

“While attending the party´s programs, our cadres bring their own rice, pulses and other food items and these expenses are not incorporated in our financial activities. That´s why it may seem our overall expenditure is very low,” said Raut. He also said his party was ready to clarify to the EC if there are any questions over its finances.

“We are ready to cooperate with the EC in this process as it will help the political parties make their financial activities more transparent,” Raut said.

The report of another political party, NC, is not only questionable but also incomplete as it has not submitted its income and expenditure statement for fiscal year 2010/11. It has sought two more months to finalize its statement. The NC collected Rs 16 million in fiscal year 2007/08 and spent Rs 17 million. It generated Rs 3.08 million in 2008/09 and spent Rs 4.01 million. Details provided by the NC show that the party ran a loss in two consecutive fiscal years -- 2007/08, 2008/09. NC generated a total of Rs 49 million in 2009/10 while it spent Rs 9.8 million.

Chief Secretary of NC Basanta Gautam said that the income and expenditures in the report submitted to the EC seem very low because the party has excluded financial activities at district level.

“Our party does not pay for any central leaders like the communit parties do; we just provide salaries to staff working at the central office,” said Gautam.

Gautam also pledged that they were ready to respond to the EC if the constitutional body has any queries regarding the financial reports submitted by NC.
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EC TO PROBE PARTY FINANCES
Kathmandu, 26 Jan : The Election Commission (EC) is soon to begin investigations into the financial reports submitted by the political parties to see whether or not they have made full disclosures of their finances and have followed standard accounting and auditing practices as required by law, Gani Ansari writes in Republica.
A source at the EC told Republica on Wednesday that a committee headed by Commissioner Dolakh Bahadur Gurung has started studying the financial details furnished by political parties registered with the EC.

"The committee will consult experts and certified auditors while studying the financial details received from the parties," the source said, adding, "If the study finds the political parties not meeting standard accounting practices, the Election Commission will report the shortcomings to the parties concerned."

Officials who have seen the financial details submitted by the parties say that most of the parties seem to have prepared their financial statements just as a formality to escape possible action by the EC. For instance, 19 parties, including Nepali Congress, have submitted only partial financial details, thereby raising legitimate questions about how genuine the reports are.

Despite the existence of legal provisions that empower the EC to revoke the registration of any party that fails to submit its audited financial reports for three consequtive years, only 30 political parties submitted their financial details to the EC by the second week of January, and that too only after they got a reprimand from the EC. Similarly, 31 parties did not respond at all. There are altogether 77 parties that are supposed to abide by this legal provision and submit their reports to the EC every fiscal year.

Political leaders, who need to manage their parties´ finances, concede shortcomings in maintaining proper accounts.

Amik Sherchan, the Maoist party´s finance department chief, said the party central committee does not maintain details of financial activities at the district level as the district committees manage their incomes and expenditures independently.

“We are ready to clarify to the Election Commission about our party´s income and expenditures if the constitutional body wants to verify the financial reports we submitted,” Sherchan told Republica.

His party generated a total of Rs 83 million during fiscal year 2007/08 while it spent Rs 75 million during the same period.

Similarly, the country´s largest party earned a total of Rs 99 million during fiscal year 2008/09 from various sources and spent Rs 92 million the same fiscal year. In addition, the party generated Rs 114 million during fiscal 2009/10 and spent Rs 116 million the same year while its total income last fiscal year was Rs 132 million and expenditure Rs 128 million.

A pertinent question is, weather this level of income is enough to pay for over 80,000 whole-time cadres and mobilize another 200,000 organized members.

“Our party is not like the other, capitalist political parties; our cadres participate in programs organized by the party but while doing so they meet their own expenses,” stated Sherchan, defending the financial details the party submitted to the EC.

Similarly, the accuracy of financial details submitted by the CPN-UML is also questionable. The report shows that the party generated Rs 75 million in fiscal year 2007/08 alone, the highest in the last four years, and it spent 58 million the same fiscal year. CPN-UML generated a total of Rs 67 million during fiscal year 2008/09 from various sources and spent Rs 52 million that year.

Similarly, the party generated Rs 45 million during fiscal 2009-10 and spent Rs 27 million during the same period. Likewise, CPN-UML generated Rs 43 million in 2010-11 and spent Rs 26 million that fiscal year.

Member of the CPN-UML´s central audit commission Bishnu Bahadur Raut said that the income and expenditures of his party are very low because "communist parties are run with the help of cadres and well-wishers".

“While attending the party´s programs, our cadres bring their own rice, pulses and other food items and these expenses are not incorporated in our financial activities. That´s why it may seem our overall expenditure is very low,” said Raut. He also said his party was ready to clarify to the EC if there are any questions over its finances.

“We are ready to cooperate with the EC in this process as it will help the political parties make their financial activities more transparent,” Raut said.

The report of another political party, NC, is not only questionable but also incomplete as it has not submitted its income and expenditure statement for fiscal year 2010/11. It has sought two more months to finalize its statement. The NC collected Rs 16 million in fiscal year 2007/08 and spent Rs 17 million. It generated Rs 3.08 million in 2008/09 and spent Rs 4.01 million. Details provided by the NC show that the party ran a loss in two consecutive fiscal years -- 2007/08, 2008/09. NC generated a total of Rs 49 million in 2009/10 while it spent Rs 9.8 million.

Chief Secretary of NC Basanta Gautam said that the income and expenditures in the report submitted to the EC seem very low because the party has excluded financial activities at district level.

“Our party does not pay for any central leaders like the communit parties do; we just provide salaries to staff working at the central office,” said Gautam.

Gautam also pledged that they were ready to respond to the EC if the constitutional body has any queries regarding the financial reports submitted by NC.
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WANTED NEPALI WOMAN DEPORTED FROM THAILAND
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.: Bangkok police on Tuesday nabbed Binita Pradhan, who was once the owner of AVCO International Pvt Ltd and Director of Cosmic Airlines, from Bangkok and subsequently handed her over to Nepal Police, Shreejana Shrestha writes in
Republica.

A team of Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in coordination with Department of Immigration took her into custody from Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday.

“The Interpol Bangkok nabbed Binita Pradhan after Indian government gave a tip-off that she was hiding in Bangkok and subsequently deported her to Nepal,” said DIG Upendra Kanta Aryal, the chief of Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police.

The Indian government had issued a red corner notice against her and four others--the promoter of AVCO Sanjay Pradhan, Anup Pradhan, Madhav Shrestha and Dhiren Tamang--for duping Indians on January 5, 2012. She was deported by Bangkok police via Thai Airlines flight number TG319, at around 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

A CIB source told Republica that 40-year-old Pradhan and her partners have a loan of IRS 121.8 million at State Bank of India. Similarly, the Indian government has alleged Pradhan for not using the cash credit limit meant for a vehicle transaction in 2007-2009.

“She diverted the facilities of cash credit limit to other than the specified purpose,” the source added. She has been accused of taking around Rs 80.5 million from a number of people and not delivering them the cars.

There were reports that the company duped at least 167 people who either paid full or partial payments to get new cars. The owners of AVCO International Pvt. Ltd, including Pradhan, were absconding since then.

The AVCO International Pvt. Ltd was one of the two authorized dealers of the Korean carmaker Hyundai in Nepal.

Pradhan had issued a Letter of Credit (LC) from Machchhapuchhre Bank and imported Hyundai vehicles but didn´t pay back the credit of 167 vehicles to the bank. The bank put her name in the blacklist after that. She, however, had already collected a large chunk of cash from people assuring them that she would provide them new cars.

People who made full or partial payment had placed orders for vehicles like Santro GLS, i10 Magna/Asta/Sports, Santro GL, i20 Magna/Asta and i10 Era. It has been revealed that 66 cars, of the total 167, were ordered through AVCO Cosmic Automobiles in Nagpokhari, while the rest of the vehicles were ordered through AVCO Tinkune.

A team of high-level officials from Hyundai Korea came to Nepal last year following the news reports about the delay in the transfer of ownership of the vehicles to the people who had placed the orders. Hyundai Korea then removed AVCO International as its authorized dealer in Nepal.

According to DIG Aryal, there are more than 61 fraud cases registered against Pradhan at Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka. Pradhan, who is currently in police custody at Hanumandhoka, will be taken to Kathmandu District Court where the police will seek Pradhan´s judicial custody for investigation.

Though there are cases filed against her in India on fraud charges, it is unlikely that she would be sent to India as there is no extradition treaty between the two countries.

“As per the legal law, we don´t need to send Pradhan to India even though there are fraud charges pending against her in that country. This is the issue to be resolved through diplomatic channel,”
said a CIB source.
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STUDENTS CONTINU PROTESTS AGAINST PRICE RISE

2012-01-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

STUDENTS TO CONTINUE PROTESTS AGAINST HIKE IN PRICES

Kathmandu, 26 Jan.; Thirteen student unions Thursday disrupted movement of government vehicles in front of campuses in the three districts of
the Valley opposing last week’s massive hike in prices of POL
products.
Student representatives are meeting Thursday to discuss Singha
Durbar-centered protests to continue their anti-government nation-wide agitation.
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MAOISTS, FRONT TO BOLSTER ALLIANCE
Kathmandu, 26 Jan.:, The ruling coalition partners, UCPN-Maoist and United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), Wednesday agreed to bolster their alliance at a time when the opposition parties had been obstructing the parliamentary proceedings, protesting some cabinet decisions, mainly the legalization of land deals made by ‘people’s revolutionary council’ during the decade-long armed conflict, The Rising Nepal reports
The ruling parties decided to hold discussions on Thursday morning with the opposition parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML on House obstruction, according to Information and Communication Minister Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta. The leaders would review price hike of petroleum products, he said, adding, that the Thursday’s cabinet meeting would decide on the matter while also calling a meeting of the Army Integration Special Committee to push the peace process ahead.
They made these agreements at a meeting held at the official residence of Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai at Baluwatar.
"The meeting was held between the Maoist chairman and chiefs of the parties of the UDMF in the presence of the Prime Minister. It dwelt seriously on the issues related to the House obstruction, price hike of PoL products and accelerating the peace process," Minister for Information and Communications Gupta, who is also the chairman of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Republic), informed the reporters after the meeting in the evening.
He said that the ruling parties agreed to do homework on reviewing the price hike of the petro-products in the light of financial status of the country and take appropriate decisions by a Cabinet meeting to be held on Thursday.
"In the context of House obstruction, we agreed to strike harmony with the parties representing in the Parliament and for this we will hold talks with parties like Nepali Congress and CPN-UML tomorrow in order to find a solution," Minister Gupta said.

He said that the ruling parties agreed to do homework for calling the AISC meeting Thursday and take decisions related to accelerating of the peace process.
"We concluded that both the sides (the Maoist and the UDMF) should get still more together and unified so as to held discussions with the other sides (opposition parties) and find solutions to problems," Minister Gupta said.
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GOVT. PROJECTS 5% ECONOIC GROWTH
Kathmandu, 26 Jan. : The government has estimated that the country’s economy will post a growth of five per cent for the current fiscal year, Laxman Kafle writes in The Rising Nepal..
The government has projected five per cent economic growth in the productive price and 4.5 per cent in the basic price on the basis of the mid-term review of the annual budget of the current fiscal year, said Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, while addressing a press conference organized by the Ministry to inform about the mid-term review of budget of the current fiscal year.
Similarly, the inflation is estimated at 7 to 8 per cent over the current fiscal year.
"The average inflation has come down to 8.2 per cent during the first five months of the current fiscal year from 9 per cent of the corresponding period of last year," Minister Pun said.
The deposit mobilisation of the banks and financial institutions has increased by 9 per cent during the review period.
The liquidity of the banks and financial institutions has increased by 18 per cent to Rs. 296.72 billion by the end of Mangsir as compared to the end of Asar.
Similarly, export of the country has increased by 11.5 per cent to Rs.30.6 billion while the import has increased by 15.5 per cent to Rs. 177.79 billion during the first five months of the current fiscal year.
The trade deficit has increased by 16.3 per cent to Rs. 147.73 billion and the balance of payment stood at surplus of about Rs. 61.19 billion.
The foreign reserve stood at Rs. 368.63 billion surplus during the five months of the current fiscal year.
"The foreign currency reserve will cover good import for 10.6 months and good and service import for 9.3 months," the Finance Minister said.
Similarly, the expenditure during the review period stood at Rs. 111.13 billion.
The government has spent around Rs. 89.63 billion under the current expenditure, Rs. 9.56 billion under the capital expenditure and Rs.11.92 billion under financial management.
Similarly, export of the country has increased by 11.5 per cent to Rs.30.6 billion while the import has increased by 15.5 per cent to Rs. 177.79 billion during the first five months of the current fiscal year.
The trade deficit has increased by 16.3 per cent to Rs. 147.73 billion and the balance of payment stood at surplus of about Rs. 61.19 billion.
The foreign reserve stood at Rs. 368.63 billion surplus during the five months of the current fiscal year.
"The foreign currency reserve will cover good import for 10.6 months and good and service import for 9.3 months," the Finance Minister said.
Similarly, the expenditure during the review period stood at Rs. 111.13 billion.
The government has spent around Rs. 89.63 billion under the current expenditure, Rs. 9.56 billion under the capital expenditure and Rs.11.92 billion under financial management.
According to Minister Pun, these figures in the above order account for 33.62 per cent, 13.17 per cent and 26.11 per cent of the allocated budget.
The capital expenditure significantly improved and increased by 13.17 per cent during the first six months of the current fiscal year as compared to the expenditure of the past three years.
The capital expenditure increased by 8.23 per cent, 9.16 per cent and 6.22 per cent during the fiscal year 2065/66, 2066/67 and 2067/67 respectively.
The government has projected that the capital expenditure and current expenditure would be over 90 per cent over the year.
The government has succeeded to collect around Rs. 111.3 billion revenue during the first six months of the current fiscal year against the targeted revenue of Rs.241.77 billion of the current fiscal year.
The revenue collection of the government stood at 98.32 per cent of the total target and increased by 21.57 per cent during the review period of the current fiscal year as compared to same period last year.
During the review period, the government has received around Rs.7 billion domestic loan against the target of Rs. 37.41 billion of the whole fiscal year.
According to Minister Pun, during the period the government received foreign assistance commitment of Rs. 44.25 billion.

He said that macroeconomic indicators were positive in the first six months of the current fiscal year.
He further said that the government has committed to increase the capital expenditure in the coming days to achieve the economic growth and targets of the budget.
Pun said that the current expenditure has slightly decreased during the review period due to the implementation of the economic directives of the government.
He assured that the economic growth of the country would increase in the coming months as almost all economic indicators were moving towards the positive direction.
Pun said that the government has focused on attracting the foreign and domestic investment along with concluding the peace process of the country.
He said, "We need around Rs.600 billion investment to achieve the double digit economic growth."
He also said that the government was planning to introduce economic packages for increasing the capital expenditure.
Highlighting the increment observed in the agricultural production, he said that the increase in agricultural production significantly contributed to achieving the economic growth targeted by the budget.
Krishna Hari Baskota, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, stressed the need of mega projects to increase the capital expenditure.
He pointed out the need of bringing the budget in time and use of effective technologies to achieve the target of the budget.
Dr.Yubaraj Khatiwada, governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), said that the price hike of the non-food items has led to a rise to the inflation.
He said, "The inflation will be less than 7 per cent if the price of non-food items in the country."
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MAOISTS FIRM AGAINST GOVT.

2012-01-25T19:44:00.001-08:00

THREE-PARTY SUMMIT BEGINS; MAOISTS TO STICK WITH GOVT. DECISION

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 Jan. A summit of the Big Three began Thursday as
office bearers of UCPN (Maoist) minutes earlier rejected opposition demands not to implement an unannounced decision of the cabinet to implement decisions of parallel Maoist governments during the insurgency to seize assets of people.
The decision of the party leading the government came 12 hours after a front Madeshbadi parties in government asked Maoists to come to an understanding with two biggest opposition parties NC and UML on the controversial issue.
The supreme court has also asked government agencies to put on hold implementation of the decision opposed by Madeshbadi coalition partners.
The Maoist decision will polarize politics as the major political
parties will mss a second deadline to resolve differences on themes to be included in a proposed constitution by 29 Jan.
The first 29 December deadline was also missed.
NC and UML with the support of 15other parties has rules out talks with government and a Maoists until the government decision is corrected.
The Maoist decision will certainly impact a scheduled meeting of
parliament scheduled later in the afternoon.
Three legislative sessions have been obstructed by the opposition.
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families refuse to pick up bodies for cremation in dang

2012-01-25T07:21:00.001-08:00

LOVED ONES REFUSE TO LIFT DEAD BODIES FOR CREMATION
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.:. Families of seven Tharus killed overnight in tractor accident inang refused to lift bodies of the dead for cremation,
Women were among the dead.
Loved ones are demanding compensation of Rs500,000 for family each
person killed from the tractor owner.
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NC LEADER MAHAT SAYS GOVT. PROMPTING CORRUPTION
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.:Nepali Congress (NC) leader and former finance minister Dr Ramsharan Mahat charged the government for promoting corruption and misconduct in the country on Wednesday.
, RSS reports from Butwal
Speaking at a press meet organised by the Nepal Press Union, Rupandehi in Butwal today, former minister Mahat also accused the ruling party, of causing obstructions in the peace and constitution drafting processes.

"The Maoist-led government should be toppled since it has betrayed the nation and the people", he said, claiming that the nation would not get a new constitution until and unless the Maoists became honest to the constitution drafting process.

The incumbent government formed with the vested interests of the Maoists and the Madhesi Front has made some
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VIEWS OF PARTY LEADERS ON NEPAL-INDIA TIES
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Participants of an interaction here on Wednesday said that relations between Nepal and India was multidimensional and stressed on the need for developing it in a balanced way based on the proximity between the two neighbours, RSS reports.

Speaking at the interaction organised by Reporters Club of Nepal, they said the relations should be redefined as per the need of the hours.

At times it is still felt that India looks upon Nepal with the British colonialist attitude though two major political parties— the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal had come in to existence from India and the southern neighbor has played an important role for the establishment of democracy and provided crucial support during the various democratic movements, they said.

On the occasion, politburo member of the Unified CPN-Maoist Ram Karki said we should take the support of the two economically prosperous neighbors to conclude the task of peace and constitution writing process.

We first should identify our national interest and decide the kind of relations we should maintain with our neighbours, he added.

Similarly, central member of the Nepali Congress, Dr Narayan Khadka described the relations between Nepal and India as extensive and multi-dimensional.

A common perspective of Nepal and Nepalis on a foreign policy that would best suit to Nepal was yet to be decided, he said, adding that our foreign policy is guided on party-based policy.

CPN-UML leader Pradip Gyawali said there were both positive and negative aspects in the relations between Nepal and India. The relations are traditional, and like that between a big brother and small brother, he added.

Moreover, Mr Gyawali said the past relations based especially on culture needs to be changed and balance it with the neighbours as per the changed context.
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ONE KILLED IN POKHARA BOMB BLAST

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

ONE KILLEDIN POKHARA BOMB BLAST

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Raju Sunar, 25, was killed in a plastic bomb
explosion at godown of Crystal Light in the resort tow in the West,
A second bomb was defused by a. bomb disposal nit of security
agencies.
It wasn’t known who planted the bomb.
Proprietor Narayan Man Shrestha, has been arrested.
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NO IMPROVEMENT IN PURBANCHAL UNIVERSITY PROTESTS EDUCATION MINIISTER

Kathmandu, 25 Jan : Minister for Education Dinanath Sharma on Wednesday said that no improvement would be seen in the Purbanchal University, until the people with bad intentions were removed from the University, RSS reports fro Itahari.

Minister Sharma, who arrived in Biratnagar to acquire information about the current situation of the University, said it was sad that the University, which is in the fourth place among the universities of the country, was in a mess.

Listening to the complaints of the locals over deteriorating condition of the University, he claimed that the place, where the University is situated, would be an important property of any federal state after the promulgation of the constitution by completing peace process at the earliest.

Minister Sharma stated that entire educational sector was in the doldrums due to the entry of unhealthy politics in educational and academic institutions and stressed on the efforts of locals to free the University from this situation.

He urged all to join hands to move ahead the University swiftly as the government has invested billions of rupees on it.

On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor at the University Prof. Maheshwor Man Shrestha demanded with the minister Rs. 250 million to run the MBBS classes started by the University.

Similarly, Chairman of the University Cooperation Committee, Lok Prasad Sangroula complained that the University is in a mess due to the lack of concern by the government as well as bad intention of some officials.

Chief of the University Hospital Dr. RK Singh familiarized the minister about the activities of the University.
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FURTHER DETAILS OF VALLEY CLOSURE

2012-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

FURTHER DETAILS OF VALLEY CLOSURE BY STUDENTS

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.; Students, including Maoists whose party is
leading a coalition with a Madeshi front, issued an ultimatum to government reduce massive hiked POL prices by 11 in the morning Thursday.
A scheduled meeting of student representatives couldn’t be held Wednesday to decide on second phase protests.
The strike Wednesday affected districts nationwide.
Several vehicles, including an Indian registered bus was
vandalized in neighbouring Patan.
A vehicle was damaged in an arson attack in Sindhuli and 12studens were injured in clashes in Janakpur during Danusha district closure.
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40 DETONATORS RECOVERED N KHOTANG

Kathmandu, 25 Jan. Forty detonators were recovered by police while a field was being prepared for planting crops Wednesday at a village
in Khotang in the East.
Police suspect Kirat Janatantrik Workers’ Party for hiding the cache in the field.
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MEETINGS AFFECTED BY VALLEY STRIKE UPDATE

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: A scheduled meeting of the main constitutional committee chaired by Nilambar Acharya also couldn’t be held Wednesday and will meet instead Friday.
A summit of the Big Three was also postponed until Thursday
morning.
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101-year-old twiws hope to live for another 5 years

2012-01-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

100-YEAR-OLD TWINS

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Ganesh Bahadur Karki and Jagkishore Karki, 101-year-old twins from Madhumara near Biratnagar expect to live another five years,
Khilnath Dhakal reports in Nagarik from Biratnagar.
Ganesh is hale and hearty while Jagkishore has been unwell for
sometime.
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SARBENDRA PACHHAI LEADS BCN

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Sarbendra Pachhai has been elected board chief
of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) by the body’s 29thannualgeneralmeeting.’
A 11-member board was elected.
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SEARCH ON FOR ‘MISTRESS’ DIG WHO KILLED HIS WIFE
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Police are desperately searching for Tara Regmi, who was allegedly in a live-in relationship with Armed Police Force DIG Ranjan Koirala, who is accused of killing his wife Gita Dhakal on January 11, Shreejana Shrestha writes in Republica.
“We are frantically searching for Regmi who is said to be close to DIG Koirala so that we may get further details on the murder,” said a source at Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka.
Regmi, who owns a manpower company, is absconding since the arrest of Koirala, according to police sources.
Similarly, police on Monday interrogated at least five people suspecting their involvement in the murder of Dhakal in a bid to dig out details on how the murder took place.
Police interrogated two drivers, two body guards and a cook - all of whom were working with Koirala -- and released them on the condition that they would appear before the police as and when needed.
Though the police personnel have intensified their investigation in this case, they are yet to record Koirala’s formal statement even on the third day of judicial custody. Those involved in the investigation are facing difficulty to formally record his statement as he is still mentally unsettled.
“He seems lost and keeps staring out,”told a police officer from MPR, Hanumandhoka in condition of anonymity, adding, “Koirala needs some additional time for psychiatric help.”
None of Koirala’s relatives have visited him after he was detained by a joint squad of Metropolitan Police Crime Division and Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka on Sunday from Nagdhunga, Thankot.

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a

MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW WITH NEW SCHEDULE FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

2012-01-24T22:51:00.000-08:00

MID-YEAR REVIEW OF BUDGET
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: A mid-term review of the annual budget for
fiscal 2011/12 is being presented Wednesday after its preparation by
the finance ministry
A special plan is being announced for capital expenditure after
only 14 percent of the earmarked development budget was released by government in six months.causing concern.
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said the released money may not
have been spent even though the annual budget was presented on time lthis year after nearly three years because of bickering between parties.
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WOMAN HELD WITH BULLETS AT AIRPORT
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Nitina Bhul, 23, of Kanchanpur out was detained ths week at TAI before boarding a flight for Dubai.
Five bullets concealed in her suitcase were recovered.
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IDEOLOGICAL DEBATE WON’T SPLIT PARTY SAYS GENERAL SECRETARY THAPA
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: General Secretary of the UCPN-Maoist Ram Bahadur Thapa has said that the party would not break up just because of ideological debate, RSS reports .

Addressing a training program for the party cadres here today, he said, "In fact ideological debate is the basis of party unity".

Stating that the UCPN-Maoist would move ahead with honesty in order to fulfill the national task of peace and constitution, Thapa said, "however, any obstruction created by the Nepali Congress and the UML in this regard would be dealt with."

He also accused the Nepali Congress of playing a spoilsport by trying to create problem in the already agreed issue of form of governance.

The UCPN-Maoist general secretary emphasized that restoration of peace was not possible until and unless the oppressed and exploited workers, farmers, women and the minority ethnic groups are not empowered.

Some one thousand party cadres from Kathmandu attended the training imparted by politburo members Hitman Shakya, Nawaraj Subedi and central members Narayan Dahal, Jhakku Subedi, Ghanashyam Sharma and others.
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PRIVATE SCHOOLS CLOSED DOWN IN CHITWAN
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Teachers associated to Private and Boarding Schools Organization (PABSON) have announced shutdown of all private schools operating in Chitwan from today [Wednesday], RSS reports from Chitwan.

The private school teachers, who have been demanding salary hike to the level that the government increased for public school teachers in the past, called for the shutdown citing their demands remained unaddressed, informed Chairperson of Teachers' Union of Institutional Schools, Keshav Pathak.

Though it was agreed to provide salary a month ago, the demand has not been addressed yet, he added.

A meeting that took place in the presence of District Education Officer on Tuesday also ended inconclusively.
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INTERVIEW

TOURISM SECTOR NEEDS WELL-TRAINED MANPOWER SAYS
PRAYAG RAJ SAPKOTA
Pragya Raj Sapkota is the general manager of E-Tour Channel.com, a new but recognised travel company handling luxurious clients. Sapkota has joined the tourism sector since 1999 undergoing a tourist guide training from the then Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre (HMTTC). Prior to joining E-Tour Channel, Sapkota worked with various travel companies such as Nebuti Travels and Sita World Travels.
Born in 1972 in Chitwan, Sapkota is among few well-trained hands in the Nepalese tourism sector. He completed his Masters of Tourism Studies (MTS) from Kathmandu Academy of Tourism & Hospitality (KATH) College in 2006.
The promising and active tour operator talked to Ballav Dahal of
The Rising Nepal on different issues concerning the country’s tourism sector:Excerpts:
How do you see the present situation of the country’s tourism industry?
The tourism business has been moving towards a positive direction. It is encouraging to note that tourist arrivals to the country soared by about 22 per cent in 2011 as compared to the previous year. I think, the ongoing peace process in the country deserves the credit for such a remarkable growth. The efforts made by individual companies towards tourism marketing and promotion have also contributed immensely to the revival of the tourism sector.
Apart from this, the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011) was helpful for boosting this sector. Although the national tourism campaign could not meet its target of bringing in one million tourists, it played a vital role in changing the previous negative perception of the international community towards Nepal as an exotic tourism destination. The event has conveyed a message to the international arena that the country has now become a happening destination and the visiting tourists have not been facing any difficulty here.
Our company’s business also grew considerably. We are hopeful that the business will keep growing during this year as well.
How has your company become successful in expanding the business within a short period?
One of the reasons is that we offer something different to our clients. We also have adopted the strategy of exploring the major tourist generating countries in various parts of the world. We do not get involved with any unhealthy business practice. This means we do not try to grab the business of other companies. There are more than 1,500 travel companies in operation in the country.
We identify the potential markets and establish relations with those agents who have yet to sell Nepal but are interested in doing so. We organise familiarisation trips for them to Nepal and make them familiar with all the tourism products available here. We empower and encourage them to include Nepal in their itineraries.
Besides, we have begun handling backpackers as well. Such clients explore various parts of the country and promote them through their words of mouth. They contribute to bringing in deluxe clients, as they share their experiences with their friends and relatives. They have explored such places where neither the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) nor other agencies have reached. We can find a lot of such tourists highlighting Nepal through the facebook and other social media. In my opinion, the government should come up with a plan to give incentives to such visitors by not charging entrance fees.
I think, the word-of-mouth promotion is the most effective way of highlighting any destination. At present, we receive a lot of recommended clients. We hope to get many more even in the days ahead.
The government has announced the Visit Lumbini Year 2012 (VLY 2012) and the Tourism Vision 2020 in order to give a boost to the country’s tourism sector.
This is a good initiative. But what is lacking is the infrastructural development in the country. We do not have good road transportation system. Domestic air network is also not very satisfactory.
The country’s only international airport—Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)—has been getting congested. The facilities and services at this airport are not up to the mark.
The government has aimed to attract 2 million international tourists annually by 2020. This means we will receive about 5,479 tourists per day and we need 182 big buses for handling them. If we take those tourists to the sightseeing spots like the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, we do not have sufficient parking spaces.
Under the heading of conservation fee, the sightseeing spots charge fees from tourists. But we cannot find such amounts being utilised for the same purpose. It is also sad to mention that the most essential facilities like toilets are not available even in the sightseeing spots. The garbage of the Kathmandu Valley has not been managed properly. This is really a matter of shame for all of us.
Another negative tendency is that when the inflow of tourists starts increasing, hoteliers raise room tariffs. Instead of increasing tariffs, they need offer additional facilities and services for which they could make extra charges.
How have you assessed the government’s policies related to tourism?
Many of such policies are not very practicable. In Nepal, about 20 per cent companies have controlled almost 80 per cent of the total business. Those who are in minority seem to have influenced the policies.

ists. But we cannot find such amounts being utilised for the same purpose. It is also sad to mention that the most essential facilities like toilets are not available even in the sightseeing spots. The garbage of the Kathmandu Valley has not been managed properly. This is really a matter of shame for all of us.
Another negative tendency is that when the inflow of tourists starts increasing, hoteliers raise room tariffs. Instead of increasing tariffs, they need offer additional facilities and services for which they could make extra charges.
How have you assessed the government’s policies related to tourism?
Many of such policies are not very practicable. In Nepal, about 20 per cent companies have controlled almost 80 per cent of the total business. Those who are in minority seem to have influenced the policies.
We are lucky enough to have the number one tourism products. But our existing policies are insufficient to manage such products. If we look at the tourism itineraries being sold by most of the tour operators, they are classical. We need to diversify this sector by offering incentives to entrepreneur

The government has announced the Visit Lumbini Year 2012 (VLY 2012) and the Tourism Vision 2020 in order to give a boost to the country’s tourism sector.
This is a good initiative. But what is lacking is the infrastructural development in the country. We do not have good road transportation system. Domestic air network is also not very satisfactory.
The country’s only international airport—Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)—has been getting congested. The facilities and services at this airport are not up to the mark.
The government has aimed to attract 2 million international tourists annually by 2020. This means we will receive about 5,479 tourists per day and we need 182 big buses for handling them. If we take those tourists to the sightseeing spots like the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, we do not have sufficient parking spaces.
Under the heading of conservation fee, the sightseeing spots charge fees from tourists. But we cannot find such amounts being utilised for the same purpose. It is also sad to mention that the most essential facilities like toilets are not available even in the sightseeing spots. The garbage of the Kathmandu Valley has not been managed properly. This is really a matter of shame for all of us.
Another negative tendency is that when the inflow of tourists starts increasing, hoteliers raise room tariffs. Instead of increasing tariffs, they need offer additional facilities and services for which they could make extra charges.
How have you assessed the government’s policies related to tourism?
Many of such policies are not very practicable. In Nepal, about 20 per cent companies have controlled almost 80 per cent of the total business. Those who are in minority seem to have influenced the policies.
We are lucky enough to have the number one tourism products. But our existing policies are insufficient to manage such products. If we look at the tourism itineraries being sold by most of the tour operators, they are classical. We need to diversify this sector by offering incentives to entrepreneurs.
Despite being a multi-faceted sector, tourism in Nepal has yet to create benefits for the farmers and the rural people. This industry will flourish only when such people feel that it is their industry.
We need to bring the TIA into operation for 24 hours. A lot of international tourists coming to Kathmandu via New Delhi have been facing difficulties in the absence of flights during the night.
The government needs to focus on producing well-trained manpower required for this tourism sector. The government should think of protecting the country’s tourism products even for the generations to come.
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PM, MAOIST CHIEF WELCOMED IN PALPA WITH BLACK FLAGS
Kathmandu, Jan 24: Students, who are protesting against the hike in fuel prices, have greeted Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and the Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal with a black flag in the Tudhikhel of Palpa on Tuesday afternoon.
The duos have reached in Palpa to address a training programme for the Maoist cadres, sources confirmed.
Nepali Congress aligned Nepal Students Union (NSU), CPN-UML-aligned All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) and All Nepal National Independent Students Union-Revolutionary Sixth (ANNISU-R) showed black flag to PM Bhattarai and Minister for Local Development Top Bahadur Rayamajhi this afternoon.
They have been greeted with black flags upon student’s demand to roll back the government’s decision on the hike in fuel prices—Rs 175 in LP gas, Rs 10 per litre in petrol and Rs 9 per litre in diesel and kerosene– and provide the petroleum products to students and the lower class, in a subsidised price.
Normal life in Palpa is thrown out of gear today due to a day-long strike called by the association of different student unions protesting against the hike in fuel prices.
Bhattarai and Dahal reached to Palpa by a helicopter.
Student leaders criticised PM Bhattarai, who has been using the Nepal-assembled Mustang as his official vehicle, for flying to the district in a helicopter. They also accused the government of doing injustice to the common citizens by hiking the price of petroleum products.
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SHER BAHADR DEUBA CONVENES MEETING OF CENTRAL LEADERS CLOSE TO HIM

2012-01-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

SHER BAHADUR DEUBA CONVENES MEET WITH PARTY CENTRAL LEADERS
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Senior party leader and former Prime Minister
Sher Bahadur Deuba has convened a meeting Wednesday with senior central leaders close to him to discuss a meeting of district presidents sometime in February
Deuba called the meeting after a tour of districts of the West, mid-West and the far-West to establish himself as the second leader in the main opposition after President Sushil Koirala who was accused of dictatorial tendencies following the unilateral dissolution of elected office bearers of four sister organizations.
Deuba also charges the president for not honouring conditions he had with Girija Prasad Koirala to unite a divided party.
Deuba led the NC (Democratic) before unity.
The incumbent president denies any knowledge of the agreement.
Deuba is embroiled in a tussle for leadership with Vice-president Ram Chandra
Paudel, who is also parliamentary party.
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US SEEKS FOOTHOLD ON NEPAL-TIBET BORDER
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: The US embassy in Nepal has shown interest in the economic and social development of Tatopani, the entry point at Nepal-China border. In a meeting with government, industrial and business officials of the region, high-level officials at the embassy put forth such proposal for the development of the area, reports in The Kathmandu Post from Barabise.
The political and economic chief of the US Embassy, Timothy Trenkle, said that the embassy is interested to invest in the construction, agriculture, and hydropower sectors in the area. Trenkle also said that the embassy would seek help from World Bank, Asian Development Bank and USAID for the same.
Trenkle had collected information about the Nepal-China border and the development of the area during his meeting with the officials of Sindhupalchowk Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) at Barabise. He further showed great interest in the transaction of goods from the border and the difficulties that the people have had to face for the same.

During the meeting, Sindhupalchowk CCI Chairman Rajendra Kumar Shrestha said that the area has prospects of hydropower, agriculture and industries. Therefore, he requested the US embassy to invest in development of the area.
In response, envoy Trenkle said that the US embassy would not be investing directly on the area but it would work through the organisations that run under the US dollar.
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FAREWELL FOR COMBATANTS IN ONE WEEK
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: A farewell programme for former Maoist combatants opting for voluntary retirement is all set to begin amid the protracted stalemate in the peace process and constitution-drafting processes, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The departure of 7,365 combatants choosing voluntary retirement could start next week, according to government and Maoist sources. The process that was supposed to commence early this month has been delayed due to differences within the Maoist party.
“There is no dispute in our party in releasing the combatants opting for retirement,” Maoist Politburo member Janardan Sharma told the Post on Tuesday. “Talks are on among major parties on the peace process and constitution drafting. I think the process of bidding farewell to former combatants will start next week.” The Maoist leadership, according to party sources, is keen to take ahead the farewell process to reaffirm the party’s commitment to peace and constitution. The main opposition parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—have been critical of the deadlock in the process and have blamed the Maoists for backtracking from the November-1 peace deal.
The hard-line faction led by Maoist Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya has been stressing that those combatants opting for voluntary retirement should no longer be confined to the cantonments. Commanders of the Maoist army, however, have said both the integration and farewell process should go simultaneously.
Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expedited consultations with the commanders to convince them for starting the farewell process. The commanders have been stressing that the exceeding 3,205 combatants among the 9,705 former fighters opting for integration should be discharged along with those choosing voluntary retirement.
Last week, the Cabinet had released Rs 1.97 billion to the Peace and Reconstruction Ministry for making the first installation payment to the combatants opting for voluntary retirement. The Special Committee Secretariat has decided to deposit the amount to be paid to each combatant as golden handshake by opening bank accounts in their names. “Bidding farewell to the combatants is a win-win deal for the party. The money withdrawn by the combatants will be useful even if the party adopts the line of revolt,” said a Maoist leader, adding that the army integration process will move forward once the dispute over rank is resolved at the political level.
The November-1 deal commits for integrating a maximum of 6,500 combatants by forming a new directorate in the NA. Commanders of the Maoist army have demanded that they be provided one major general, two brigadier general, eight colonel, 16 lieutenant colonel, 64 major, 120 captain, 96 lieutenant and 120 second lieutenant posts in the new directorate.
The Nepali Congress has rejected the Maoist call and said the NA will decide the rank by checking eligibility of each combatant after s/he completes the bridge course. The NC has maintained that the Maoist combatants will not get any rank senior to a major in the NA.
Maoist fighters opting for retirement
Cantonments Male Female Total
Ilam 509 212 721
Sindhuli 344 146 490
Chitwan 833 310 1,143
Nawalparasi 835 483 1,348
Rolpa 504 394 898
Surkhet 954 445 1,399
Kailali 840 526 1,366
Total 4,849 2,516 7,365
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STUDENTS CLOSE DOWN VALLEY

2012-01-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

STUDENTS CLOSE DOWN VALLEY

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.; Thirteen student unions, including Maoists,
closed down three Valley districts Wednesday protesting last week’s government’s decision to hike prices of POL products without
promised subsidies.
The students on anti-government protests also closed down Parbat and districts causing conveniences.
The unions threatened even more severe second phase protests from Thursday if corrective steps aren’t forthcoming by Wednesday.
Prime Minisrr Baburm Bhattarai has invited union leaders for talks to end an impasse as government says demands won’t be considered.
Students have been holding phased protests.
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PARTY MEETINGS AFFECTED BY STRIKE

Kathmandu, 25 Jan,.: Party meetings affected have been affected by Wednesday’s Valley strike where students are protesting in front of campuses and street corners and vantage points.
A scheduled standing committee meeting to discuss and prepare for a national representative council meeting in February was postponed.
A meeting of the Big Three to discuss a prolonged political deadlock over
goverment’s attempt legalize Maoist seizure of people’s asses during the 10-year insurgency is also likely to be affected.
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GOVT. MULLS PERMANENT RESOLUTION OF TIBETAN REFGEE ISSUE
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: The government is planning to settle the Tibetan refugee problem permanently, sources said, The Himalayan Times reports.

After the whirlwind visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao early this month, the government realised that the Tibetan refugee issue might jeopardise the Nepal-China relations if it remained unresolved.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is mulling over collecting details of all Tibetans taking refuge in Nepal and issuing them new identity cards, the sources said.

The government has no record of the Tibetan refugees in Nepal. MoHA officials estimate over 60,000 Tibetans are taking asylum here.

In 2001 survey, as many as 18,000 Tibetans exiled from China’s Autonomous Region of Tibet were taking refuge in the country.

“The government has no record whether the number of refugees has gone up or down,” said a MoHA official.

“The situation has made it more difficult for us to identify the Tibetan refugees.”

As a result, the government reportedly arrested even non-Tibetans during Jiabao’s visit on the suspicion of possible self-immolation or anti-Chinese demonstrations for Free-Tibet-Movement.

Before departing for Japan for health-check up, Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said, “We must settle the Tibetan refuge issue . I am discussing the matter with concerned stakeholders.”
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KARKI’S SECOND APPOINTMENT AS AMBASSADOR YET TO BE ACCEPTED BY INDIA
Kathmandu, 25 Jan : The agrement of Ram Karki, Nepali ambassador-designate to India, has not come even after nearly two months since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) sent his agrement to the southern neighbor for approval, Republica reports.

The ministry sent Karki´s agrement to India on November 27, 2011.

Sources at the MoFA said they have taken the delay as unusual because India had sent agrement of two immediate previous Nepali ambassadors in less than a month´s time.

Knowledgeable sources at the ministry said India had sent back the agrements of former ambassador Rukma SJB Rana within a month while it took less than two weeks for the southern neighbor to approve the agrement of former ambassador Durgesh Man Singh.

"Though three months time is standard in diplomatic convention to get agrements approved by any country, it is unusual in Karki´s case considering the time taken for approving the agrements of two immediate previous ambassadors," said a senior official at MoFA.

Sources familiar to diplomatic practices said that host countries generally consult their home ministries, security agencies and even intelligence about the ambassador-designate before approving agrements. And, this process often takes time.

Sources said India might have taken time to get clearance from its home ministry and security agencies on Karki´s agrement as he has strong connections in India and his wife works there.
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CHINA APPOINTS CONTRACTOR FOR LARCHA DRY PORT

Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: The Chinese government has appointed Beijing Real Estate Company as the contractor to build the Larcha dry port and other necessary infrastructure. It has also pledged over Rs 1 billion (RMB 860 million) to meet the cost of project, Prabhakar Ghimere writes in Republica.
Seeking consent of the Nepal government, the Chinese government has sent a draft agreement to implement the project to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) recently.

The draft agreement, which contains project cost, responsibility of Nepal government and contracting agency, has been sent to MoF, which is said to be studying the draft," a high level source at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) told Republica on Tuesday.

The Chinese government a couple of years had agreed to support construction of Larcha dry port, upgrading of around 6 km road linking Larcha with Tatopani customs, and construction of a new bridge over Bhotekoshi at Tatopani customs. The Chinese government had then announced to provide RMB 20 million (around Rs 270 million rupees) for the construction of dry port.

"China has this time announced a financial assistance of around one billion rupees to complete the entire project - upgrading a road link between Tatopani and Larcha, construction of a bridge over Bhotekoshi along with construction of Larcha port," the source said.

The source said a formal announcement of the date on which the actual work on the project will begin will be announced once a formal agreement between the Nepal government and the contractor is signed.

That is, after securing approval from MoF, the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) and the Ministry of Law and Justice. The project has to be completed within 26 months since the start of the work.

WB, India requested for DPR Chandani-Dodhara dry port

Meanwhile, the government has requested the World Bank (WB) and the Indian government for their support to conduct a Detail Project Report (DPR) for the construction of the proposed dry port in Chandani-Dodhara area of the Kanchanpur district.

"The requests have been made after a preliminary study conducted by our expert group found that one dry port is feasible as well as necessary for the Far-Western Region to promote trade in the region, which is also the most backward region of the country," said Sarad Bikram Rana, Executive Director of Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB).

Rana said we have recommended to construct a dry port in Dodhara-Chandani area - the first in Far-Western Region.

"There is enough business potential for the proposed dry port in Dodhara-Chandani area. Apart from helping Nepal´s international trade, it can also boost trade between India´s Uttarakhand and other states including West Bengal," added Rana.

A preliminary study has estimated the cost of the project, which will be spread over 12 bigahas and can accommodate 300 containers, at around Rs 1.5 billion.

Nepal-India RSA on Feb 23-24

Nepalese and Indian officials will meet on Feb 23-24 in Kathmandu to review the existing Railway Service Agreement (RSA) in order to pave the way for movement of rail cargos between any Inland Container Depots (ICDs) or Integrated Check points (ICP) in Nepal and additional sea ports in India.

A joint-secretary level meeting, which was scheduled for Jan 23 and 24, was postponed for a month on the request of
Indian side.
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FUEL TO BE IMPORTED FROM ANOTHER REFINERY
Kathmandu, 25 Jan.: Ministry of Commerce and Supplies is mulling to import fuel from another state-owned refiner of India apart from the Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC), The Himalayan Times reports.
.

The ministry is proposing to import fuel from Numaligarh Refinery, minister for Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta said. “The ministry has initiated talks with the refinery and it is ready to supply petroleum products to Nepal if, the Indian government allows it to.”

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is till date the sole supplier of petroleum products to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) at present and the agreement between them has to be revised in April, when the state oil monopoly is planning to ask the sole exporter to let NOC import fuel from other refinery too.

The primary concept of the government is to construct petroleum pipeline from Assam-based refinery of Numaligarh Refiner to Jhapa to import fuel, minister added.

Numaligarh Refinery is a company having shares of Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Government of Assam and Oil India Ltd. The BP Corporation has 61.65 per cent share, Government of Assam has 12.35 per cent share and Oil India has 26 per cent share in the refinery, according to its official site.

However, Bhatta clarified that the government is not seeking the option of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). “The government wants to renew the agreement between IOC and the state oil monopoly and add one more exporter that will help Nepal import petroleum products smoothly.

The government will also accelerate the process of pipeline construction from IOC’s Raxaul depot to Amlekhgunj depot of NOC, according to him.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has directed the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies to smoothen the supply of petroleum products and introduce relief programme immediately. “People are complaining of difficulties due to shortage and price hike of petroleum products,” he told Bhatta to address the problem immediately.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar, Bhatta briefed Prime Minister about petroleum prices and supply situation and the relief package he is bringing soon.

No rollback !

KATHMANDU: minister for Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta said that the government is not rolling back from its decision of hiking petroleum products prices. “Political parties are over-politicising the issue,” he said, lamenting that he was forced to be a scapegoat in the price hike decision since the country could not bear Rs 2 billion loss every month. The price hike was a must, he said, adding that he was even blamed by his own partymen for hike. “The ministry will introduce relief package to the students but will not revoke its price hike decision,” he added. Similarly, Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai also supported the minister. “The government is preparing to bring relief package for the poor and students, who is residing in the capital rather than revoking the price hike,” the premier said at the 47th anniversary of Rastriya Banijya Bank in the capital today morning. But, student leaders from different political parties are putting pressure on government to revoke the price hike decision. They urged to end syndicate and cartel, control leakages of petroleum products and adopt scientific approach to adjust price of petroleum products.
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NINE JEEP PASSENGERS INJURED

2012-01-24T00:28:00.001-08:00

NINE JEEP PASSENGERS INJURED
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.:.:Nine jeep passengers were injured in a crash with a
bus near Ghorai in Dang Tuesday
The hired jeep was heading for Rukum from the far-West district.
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MULTILATERL AID FOR FORESTRY PROJECT
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.:: Representatives of Nepal UK,
Switzerland and Finland signed a joint US$ 62 million funding agreement
Monday to implement the multi stakeholders’ forestry project.
for inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction and tackling climate change
The programme will continue until March 15, 2015.
Government of Finland has delegated the administration of its funds for
the programme to the Embassy of Switzerland.
The programme covers 23 districts across the country.
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BRITISH ENVOY, PAUDEL MEET
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.:Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party leader Ram Chandra Poudel and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Nepal, John Tucknott held a meeting this [Tuesday] morning, RSS reports.
At a meeting held at Poudel residence Baniyatar, matters related to the ongoing peace process and constitution-drafting were discussed.
On the occasion, Ambassador Tucknott enquired leader Poudel about the deadlock surfaced in course of peace and statute-drafting processes including the integration and management of Maoist ex-fighters.
In response, leader Poudel said the current political stagnation has emerged when Maoists do not show any seriousness in implementing the agreements signed by them.
However, political outlet will be explored through discussion, consensus and dialogue among the parties, Poudel added.
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WILD BOAR TERROR IN KAWASOTI
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.: Local residents dwelling in the Kawasoti area of Nawalparasi district have been living under terror with the wild boars emerging from the adjacent forests to hunt their feeds in the local villages, RSS reports fro Kawasoti..

The wild boars entering Amraut, Banjaria, and Sukrauli VDCs destroy the food crops during the night time, locals complained.

Sometimes, the wild beasts also arrive during the day from the Buddha Community Forest and destroy the food crops in the villages, said Anil Yadav, local resident of Ghinaha, Sukrauli VDC.

The villagers had chased away a crowd of beasts in Ghinaha village on Monday afternoon.

The villagers have already lodged complain to the police, said the villagers.
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RAJBIRAJ HUNGER STRIKE CONTINUES
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.:: A hunger strike organized by the Water Users Coordination Committee of Koshi Pump Canal Irrigation System putting forward four-point demand, is on its third day, RSS reports from Rajbraj

We were obliged to stage fast-unto-death when the sides concerned did not pay any heed to our demands, informed coordination committee chairperson Surendra Prasad Yadav.

Among the demands put forth by the Committee include reviewing decision over the renewal of the original documents submitted to Koshu Pump Chandra Canal Irrigation Management Division, arrangement of qualified technical human resource as per quota and budget allocation for broader scheme.

Among those staging hunger strike, the health condition of coordinator Jageswor Yadav and Kusum Lal Roy is said to be deteriorating.
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FATF WARNSNEPALOF BLACKLISTING
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) — a global anti-money laundering agency — has warned Nepal to implement its commitments in fighting against the flow of dirty money or will be black listed, The Himalayan Times reports.

During a meeting of FATF/Asia-Pacific Regional Review group’s face-to-face meeting last week, the global body has threatened Nepal to black list, after the country failed to fulfil its past promises on deadline.

Nepal had promised to update the Acts and laws against the flow of dirty money and ratify remaining two UN conventions — Mutual Legal Assistance Bill and Extradition Bill that are still in the parliament — by the end of 2011, but could not walk the talk forcing the regional meeting to propose some two dozen reforms.

“The meeting proposed some 22 reforms, but we agreed on three reforms — legal reform, strengthening of Financial Information Unit (FIU) under the central bank and strengthening of banking reports — for the time being as the country is passing through a transition phase,” according a participants at the meeting that took place in Sydney, Australia.

Nepal — led by secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Trilochan Uprety — has presented its progress report in the meeting. Central bank deputy governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, secretary at the Ministry of Law Bhesraj Sharma, three joint secretaries of the Finance Ministry and FIU’s deputy director Hari Prasad Nepal took part in the meeting. Out of the four conventions prescribed by the global anti-money laundering agency, the parliament has already ratified two UN Conventions — International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism-1999 and UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime — in June, 2011.

The FATF Plenary and Working Group Meetings on October 24-28, 2011 in Paris, France had broadly discussed on July, 2011’s 14th annual meeting of Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering report and forwarded the progress report to the FATF plenary for further discussions.
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AMERICAN HELD WTH HASH
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.:: Narco police in coordination with US authorities arrested Kristian Peter Stiegler (45), an American national, from his rented room in Swoyambhu with 1,140 gramme of hashish last week, The Himalayan Times reorts.

DIG Yadav Raj Adhikari, chief of the Narcotic Drug Control Law Enforcement Unit, said Stiegler and his sister in New Orleans had been involved in the international drug trade for the past two years.

‘’Stiegler used to send hashish to the woman via airmail in the form of parcels and the woman used to distribute the drug in black market for a hefty sum,’’ DIG Adhikari informed.

This came to the fore after two investigators from the US Drug Enforcement Administration arrived in Kathmandu to cooperate with the NDCLEU to bust the racket.

SSP Nawa Raj Silwal said they busted the international drug racket after authorities in Dubai intercepted two separate parcels containing the hashish that Stiegler had sent in the name of his sister.

Steigler has admitted to his involvement in hashish smuggling to the US and Europe via courier service.

“It shows that international drug operators are active in Nepal in different garbs. We have intensified vigil on suspects shuttling between Nepal and other countries,’’ SSP Silwal further said.

Stiegler has been charged under the Narcotic Drug (Control and Punishment) Act.
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SRC FACES HURDLE
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.: - The State Restructuring Commission (SRC), which was supposed to present its report on Tuesday, remains sharply divided over political priority rights for dominant communities in each state, The Katahmandu Post reports.
In a meeting on Monday, SRC members also decided to leave the naming of the states to the states themselves.
On priority rights, two Maoist nominees in the commission, along with two Madhesi Morcha nominees, voted for granting priority rights to dominant groups in each state, while NC and UML nominees remained opposed--leaving the SRC divided.
The members are also equally divided on the issue of residual power, which arbitrates disputes between states. While nominees from the NC and the UML want a committee at the centre with the power to resolve the disputes, Maoist and Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha nominees want the states themselves to take a call on it. On both these issues, the vote of the commission's Chairman Madan Pariyar will be decisive.
The SRC has voted for granting special rights to women reprensenting ethnic, indigenous, Dalit, Muslim and Madhesi communities.
Members also remain divided on the political priority rights. Maoist and Morcha nominees have pitched for the rights, while those from the NC and the UML are against it.
NC and UML nominees have registered a note of dissent and proposed special rights to Bahun and Chettri women below poverty, alongside Dalits, Muslims and Madhesis.
Political parties have decided to extend the SRC's tenure by a week, after members requested Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to extend the term.
Bhattarai will hold talks with Speaker Subas Nembang on the extension, PM's personal aide Bishwodeep Pandey said.
The Commission is yet to resolve a number of issues, and sources say a revision is likely to take place on some issues, which have already been approved through a majority vote. After a long-drawn-out debate, the major parties had finally formed the eight-member SRC on November 23 to recommend to the Constituent Assembly the best possible federation model for the country. As for the number of provinces, 11 states have been endorsed by a majority vote.
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IRD GETS TOGH WITH FIRMS
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.: The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has suspended bank accounts, businesses and fixed assets of more than 100 firms for not paying taxes as part of its crackdown on tax delinquency, The Kathamandu Post reports.
The IRD started its recovery drive on Jan 15 after outstanding tax dues began piling up for a long time and reached more than Rs 24 billion. According to the IRD, outstanding income tax and excise duty amount to Rs 20 billion and the rest consists of VAT and TDS (tax deduction at source).
The IRD said it seized fixed assets including land and buildings of 20 firms. “As these firms owe around Rs 130 million in VAT and income tax, we seized their properties,” said Tulasi Sedai, director at the IRD. Some of the firms whose assets have been confiscated are Ashok Textile and its subsidiaries Nepal Business Company, Mayur Biscuit and Food Industry, and Biratnagar Jute Mills.
Sedai said that these firms had tax dues going back three years. “If they continue to refuse to pay taxes, we will auction off their properties.”
The Inland Revenue Office, Area No 1 of Kathmandu has suspended the bank accounts of 10 firms in Kathmandu for not paying income tax and VAT.
The department has also suspended the bank accounts of two firms listed at the Big Taxpayers’ Office (BTO). They owe the government Rs 250 million, according to an IRD official.
“We have given seven days’ notice to eight other firms listed at the BTO to clear their dues,” said the IRD official, “Each of these companies owes the government at least Rs 10 million in VAT.”
IRD Director General Tankamani Sharma added that the department would focus on taxpayers listed at the BTO as Rs 8 billion remains to be collected from them under several headings, including Rs 4 billion in income tax.
The official also said that the Inland Revenue Office, Lalitpur had suspended the bank accounts of six firms as they had not paid Rs 35 million in taxes to the government. The IRO, Lalitpur has written to different government agencies not to pay what they owe to six other firms as they have not paid their taxes.
The Kathmandu Inland Revenue Office, Area No. 3 has frozen the bank accounts of another 17 firms. These firms collectively owe Rs 5 million in income tax and Rs 19 million in VAT.
The Kathmandu Inland Revenue Office 2 has also suspended the bank accounts of seven firms for their outstanding tax payments amounting to Rs 7 million. The Bhaktapur IRO has directed 20 firms to clear their liabilities within a week, warning them that it would suspend their bank accounts if they continue to defy its directions. All of them have tax liabilities worth more than Rs 10 million each. According to Sedai, a firm paid Rs 64 million in back taxes after the Bhaktapur IRO suspended its bank accounts.
Sharma said that until the delinquent firms clear their tax dues, the penalty charged against them will be continued. “We showed patience for many years, but it won’t happen now,” added Sharma. IRD officials said that since the start of the campaign, some 20 firms which had been delaying clearing their taxes paid up this week.
According to IRD officials, firms in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Hetauda, Biratnagar, Simara and Pokhara, among others, have been punished during the tax recovery campaign.
Sharma said that there were more than 1,000 taxpayers who owe in excess of Rs 1 million each in income tax and excise duty. The number of taxpayers who have not paid TDS and VAT is greater, according to Sharma.
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127 NEPALIS BEING DEPORTED FROM QATAR

Kathmandu, 24 Jan.: More than 100 Nepali workers are being deported from Qatar for calling a strike against low pay, Om Astha Rai writes in Reopublica.

Immigration Department of Qatar has recently held a total of 127 Nepali workers for refusing to work.

Strike by workers is considered a serious offence in Qatar. Foreign workers deported from Qatar for going on strike by halting work are generally deprived of gratuity and other facilities.

The arrested Nepali workers have been kept at a deportation centre since January 18. The Immigration Department of Qatar is arranging air tickets for deporting all the arrested workers to Nepal, according to the Nepali embassy in Qatar.

"We have been kept inside a jail-like house for almost one week now. We are not allowed to go anywhere else," Madhav Pokharel, one of the workers kept at the deportation centre, told Republica over phone. "Two Qatari policemen are always keeping an eye on us."

Pokharel, who hails from Simara-8 of Bara district, reached Qatar in a group of 11 Nepali workers on January 14.

"Once in Qatar, we were told that our basic salaries would not be as much as promised by the manpower agency in Nepal," Pokharel said. "We, therefore, collectively refused to work for almost 200 Qatari riyals less than the promised salary."

A supplier company, which hired Pokharel and other 10 Nepali workers, had already had 116 migrants from Nepal. Some of them had been working for that company for as many as five years.

"When we refused to work for low pay, other Nepali workers who were already there also joined us," Pokharel said. "However, instead of listening to our concerns, the company threw us into this house."

Pokharel said they had reached Qatar to work as construction workers through Adventure Manpower Company of Sitapaila in Kathmandu.

According to Surya Nath Mishra, Nepal´s ambassador to Qatar, the embassy immediately after the workers stopped work had asked them to sort out problems through talks instead of going on strike. "But they did not listen to our suggestions," Mishra told Republica.

"Had they at least approached the embassy before going on strike, we could have helped them. They would not have to face deportation. We cannot do much at this point as going on strike is a serious offence under Qatari laws," added Mishra.
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US AMBASSADOR MOVED FROM NEPAL TO UGANDA

2012-01-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

US AMBASSADOR MOVED FROM NEPALTO UGANDA
Kathmandu, 24 Jan.: US President Barack Obama has moved US Ambassador to Nepal Scott H
DeLisi to r to Uganda, a White House statement said.
DeLisi has been ambassador to Nepal since March 2010.
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CHINA EYES WEST SETI

Kathmandu, 24 Jan.:Exim Bank of China has sent an initial positive response for the development of 750-MW West Seti Hydropower Project, Republica reports.

"We have received a letter expressing Exim Bank´s interest on West Seti. The bank has asked us to forward it a detailed project report (DPR) of the Projejt," a senior MoF official told Republica. He added that the ministry has already communicated with Ministry of Energy for forwarding the DPR to the Chinese lender.

Ministry of Finance (MoF) had approached the Chinese government seeking credit line for the development of West Seti along with Budi Gandaki Hydropower Project (600 MW) and Nalshyagugad Hydropower Project (400 MW) few months ago.

According to official records, harnessing the potential of the West Seti -- a large storage project -- is estimated to cost $1.60 billion. MoF had approached the Exim Bank of China for the loans investment after efforts to develop it with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank failed.

The MoF, however, has not received any response on Budi Gandaki and Nalshyagugad. Development of those projects is estimated to cost $1.70 billion and $400 million respectively.

"It is too early to predict how the further development on West Seti will transpire," said the source.

Normally, Exim Bank evaluates the development project as rigorously as any lender, mainly concentrating on the rate of return and other financial parameters to be assured its loans will be repaid. If satisfied, it will then start negotiations with the government over matters like government´s counterpart fund, grace and repayment period, and rates of interest, among others. Even if things moved ahead smoothly, officials said the process could take some 6 to 12 months to give clear picture.

The government had floated West Seti for Chinese loans investment after West Seti Hydropower Limited (WSHL), a company promoted by Australia´s Snowy Mountain Engineering Corporation (SMEC), failed to manage the funding despite 10 amendments to the agreement over the last 14 years. The government had issued construction license to WSHL on June 27, 1997 and revoked it on July 27, 2011.

The company repeatedly sought extensions and had last asked for a grace period on Dec 24, 2010 to rope in investors, but the government did not oblige. SMEC had banked on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation (CMEC) for financing. But both the lenders had pulled out, citing lack of good governance and investment-friendly environment in Nepal.

SMEC invested over $31 million in the project over the last decade as a major promoter but stopped funding office operations since August, 2010 after CMEC and ADB refused to invest in the project.
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________________________________________

________________________________________

PRACHANDA PUSHES PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM

Kathmandu, 24 Jan : UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ Monday pointed out at the need of an offensive debate for a directly elected presidential system, The Rising Nepal reports..
The former Prime Minister urged the progressive and change-loving intellectuals to initiate the campaign in order to make the people aware of the fact that form of the governance was interlinked with the people’s aspirations for change, development and prosperity.
The chief of the main ruling party blamed the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, for backtracking from the previous agreement on the issue and preventing any option to empower the people.
"The other side (NC) has stepped back from previous compromise on form of the governance. After much compromise in the dispute resolution sub-committee of the Constitutional Committee, we were near agreement for an executive presidential system. It is high time for the intellectuals that they initiated offensive discussions for an executive presidential system," Prachanda observed speaking at an interaction on Form of Governance in Future Nepal organized by New Light Research and Publications.
He argued that presidential system was needed for the sake of the sovereignty of the people and the country and territorial integrity. "A presidential system will not herald a people’s democratic system, but rather it will be a bourgeoisie democratic system. The old parliamentary parties need not harbor unnecessary apprehension

"Even the debate in the media over the form of the governance is cheap. A serious matter such as it is has been concentrated on who is the prospective candidate for the post," Prachanda said.
He questioned how a president directly elected by the people would be undemocratic. "Presidential system will be a departure from the negative legacy since the Sugauli Treaty (between Nepal and British-India government)."
Presenting his concept paper, left intellectual Dr Dilli Raj Khanal stressed on a presidential system arguing the system would safeguard national integrity; ensure stability, development and progress.
Commenting on the paper, Minister for Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Gopal Kiranti said that a presidential system would, besides other things, free top leaders from hyperextension as they would not have to concentrate on how to topple and form a government.
Prof Lok Raj Baral spoke for a directly elected executive presidential system. "I was for a mixed system, but now I am for an executive presidential system for the sake of dynamic stability, stability with progress."
Gandhi has labeled parliamentary system as an infertile woman and our history has proved the same although we never had a fully parliamentary system, he observed.
Referring to the present stagnation on peace and constitution owing to differences of the parties over the form of the governance, he said, "If this status quo persists, revolution is inevitable and nobody knows what will status the present political forces will have in future."
Bishwo Bhakta Dulal, Maoist leader, said because of the interest of the foreign forces and the Palace, not a single government was able to work its full term in the last 61 years, whether it is parliamentary system or Panchayat system.
Dr Arjun Karki, a civil society leader, said that no leader could become a national leader in the past due to weaknesses of ruling system.
"As a student of development, I would advocate for directly elected presidential system for stability and development," he said.
He argued that the president should be given the right to choose the ministers not necessarily from among the lawmakers.
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NO BREAKTHROUGH IN
PARTY TALKS

Kathmandu, 24 Jan : UCPN-Maoist and its coalition partner United Madhesi Democratic Front Monday held a meeting to discuss the land deals carried out by parallel Maoist government during the insurgency period, The Rising Nepal reports.
The Front leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, had been criticizing the government decision to recognize the land deals.
After the meeting, Information and Communications Minister Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta said that the decision obstructed the peace and constitution tasks.
The deals were against the law, he said, adding that DPM Gachchhadar opposed them.
The Prime Minister also admitted procedural flaws in the deals, Gupta said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and ruling UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Monday gave a positive indication to the opposition parties that the government decision on legalizing the land deals by parallel government during Maoist insurgency would be annulled.
The big three parties, UCPN-Maoist, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, held a meeting at NC vice-chairman Ram Chandra Paudel’s residence in Boharatar, where ruling leaders tried to convince opposition leaders and demanded three days’ time for that.
During the meeting, PM Bhattarai and Prachanda said the decision would be annulled after consultations within the party and with other stakeholders.
The leaders discussed possible solution to end the current political stalemate. The meeting could not arrive at any consensus but they agreed to continue the dialogue to end the impasse.
After the meeting, Prachanda informed journalists that the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, would succeed to break the political stalemate.
During the meeting, ruling and opposition leaders put their perspectives on current political matters, concluding peace process, writing constitution, forming the national consensus government and land deals of the insurgency period.
After the meeting, CPN-UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal told reporters that he was hopeful that the government would correct its decision as there was no alternative to concluding the peace and constitution writing processes.
Paudel said that the Maoist leaders told the meeting they would reconsider the decision after holding meeting with the coalition partners, especially the Madhesi Front and within the Maoist party.
"We will sit again on the issue Wednesday," Paudel informed.
The meeting was held at a time when the major parties had not been able to undertake formal talks on peace process and constitution-making.
At the meeting, Maoist chairman Prachanda, Prime Minister Bhattarai, NC president Sushil Koirala, NC leaders Paudel and Krishna Sitaula, UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal and senior UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal were present.
Opposition parties have been obstructing the parliament demanding withdrawal of the government decision to legalize the land and property deals made by the Maoist parallel government
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NOBODY INKIRED IN BOMB EXPLOSION INSIDE A DANG BUS

2012-01-23T22:00:00.001-08:00

NOBODY INJURED IN BUS BOMB EXPLOSION

Kathmandu, 24 Jan. Nobody was injured in a when a bomb
Planted in the rear of a bus exploded while passengers were
boarding for Rukum from Tulsipur, Dang, Tuesday morning.
It wasn’t known who planted the bomb.
Bombings at public places in of far-West district by armed
outfits have become frequent
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TWO KILLED, 10 INJURED IN NAWALPARASI BUS ACCIDENT

Kathmandu, 24 Jan. Two persons, including a woman, were
killed and 10 others were injured overnight at Danda in Nawalparasi
One person was killed and his companion was injured in a
private car accident at Tehrathum district headquarters Tuesday morning,
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STUDENTS CLOSE DOWN GULMI, PALPA

Kathmandu, 24 Jan. : Student unions protesting massive hike in
prices of POL products closed down Gulmi and Palpa districts in the West Tuesday.
Maoists aren’t participating in Palpa protests where the UCP (Maoist) are conducting a political training for two district state bureaus.
Party Chairman Prachanda and Prime Minister Baburam
Bhattarai, who is party vice-chairman, are participating in the training camp.
The party leading the government s discussing two rival political proposals for adoption amid deep internal differences even threatening a split which has been temporarily avoided
The party agreed to conduct affairs collectively through
unanimous decision of seven office bearers while taking
differing proposals for adoption to lowest party bodies.
The establishment of the chairman along with the premier were charged for unilaterally imposing policies and programmes without discussion.
Students are holding torchlight processions in the capital Tuesday afternoon against the price hike.
After a breakdown in talks with the government Monday, students said they will hold dialogue only with government on price reduction
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SONAM LOSHAR BEING CELEBRATED

Kathmandu, 24 Jan,.: Soman loshar is being celebrated by the
Tamang community Tuesday.
The Mahayana Buddhist community is celebrating the day as
their new Year.
A three-day festival is being held at the Open Air Theater.
Government declared Tuesday a public holiday.
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PM BHATTARAI, SUSHIL KOIRALA MEET INCONCLUSIVE

2012-01-23T03:38:00.000-08:00

PM BHATTARAI , SUSHIL KOIRALA MEET INCONCLUSIVE

Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: A meeting Monday between Prime Minister Baburam
Bhattarai and NC President Sushil Koirala to beak a deadlock over government’s failed attempt to implement a government decision to legalize seized assets during a 10-year Maoist insurgency failed.
Koirala rejected a Bhattarai at the former’s residence early Monday to
cooperate to run obstructed house proceedings smoothly.
The chief of the main opposition told Bhattarai to state publicly and officially a decision has been rescinded, a Koirala aide said.
Bhattarai launched consultations with opposition leaders Sunday to remove hurdles for peace ad constitution drafting.
Supreme court has issued an interim order not to implement a decision and
Maoist coalition partners of the terai also decided the decision can’t be
implemented.
Nnnn

UML FIXES DATES FOR POLITBURO MEET

Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: A meeting of CPN-UML´s standing committee
Monday decided to hold a party politburo meet 8/9 February.
The meeting was held ahead of a national representative council meeting.
in February.
The standing meeting was convened to discuss correct issued, Chairman Jhalanatah Khanal’s amended political paper to be presented at the council meeting,
party reinforcement and other issues.
The party opposed a government decision to legalize seized assets by
Maoists during the insurgency.
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TWO ELECTRCUTED IN PARBAT, 10 BURNT
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: Two persons were charred to death and 10 others
were burnt at Deurali VDC-4 of Parbat district on Monday morning.
Two were electrocuted due to high voltage, police informed.
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DACOIT KILLED IN MOHOTTARI
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: A dacoit was killed and two others were injured in villagers' retaliation last night in Mahadaiya Tapanpur VDC of Mahottari district, RSS reports from Bardibas.
A man of around 25 years old was killed in the retaliation when the dacoits broke into the houses of locals Ramdhyan Yadav and Dinesh Yadav. Identity of the murdered has not been ascertained yet.
Ram Ekwal Paswan, 45, and Jaya Prakash Paswan, 40, of Devdiya VDC of Dhanusha were seriously injured in the incident.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Mahottari, Kedar Khanal said the two are receiving treatment in Janakpur Zonal Hospital.
The gang of dacoits looted properties worth Rs 500,000 and left the local Dharohi Devi Yadav injured by attacking with spears.
Nnnn

PM KHANAL ASSIST FOR JOURNALISTS
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal has announced to provide Rs 50,000 for the building construction of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Ilam Chapter, RSS reports from Ilam.
Khanal pledged to provide the amount for FNJ building after returning to the district headquarters by donating land for Ratna Kumar Bantawa Polytechnic Institute in Sankhejung of Ilam.
The FNJ building construction that was started three years ago is yet to be completed. The journalists of Ilam have been seeking support from different personalities and organisations for the completion of the building.
So far, the district development committee, Ilam, has pledged to provide Rs. 600,000, said FNJ, Ilam Chapter chairman, Umesh Kumar Gurung.
Earlier, Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang had also provided Rs 70,000 for the same purpose.
Khanal and Nembang are the lawmakers from Ilam district.
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SIX MEMBERS OF A FAMILY WAITING TO CATCH A BUS TO CAPITAL KILLED IN CRASH IN SUNSARI

2012-01-23T02:56:00.000-08:00

SIX MEMBERS OF A FAMILY KILLED IN SUNSARI
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: Six members of a family waiting to catch a bus to the
capital were killed when a speeding overturned at Pakali of Sunsari district Monday morning
Women and children were among the killed instantly and while
undergoing treatment at hospital.
Among the dead are Krishna Raut,,67, his wife Tara, 62, elder son
Baburam, 42 and daughter-in-law Sarada, 32.
Daughter Kamala, 28, and grand daughter Silu KC, 7, were also killed.
The truck has been seized but the driver is absconding,.
Nnnn
5TH PERSON ARRESTED IN ABDUCTION OF SHANGHAI
Kathmandu, 23 Jan : Aarju Subba, an aide of NSP (D) chairman and lawmaker Shyan Sundar Gupta, was arrested Monday with Rs 3.5 million from the capital
Gupta has been arrested and charged for abduction for ransom of businessman and industrialist Pawan Sanghai.
Gupta’s ,remanded by extended Moday to prepare charges against him,
Subba is the fifth person to be arrested in the case.
nnnn.

ANTI-GOVT.PROTESTS AGAINST POL PRODUCT PRICE HIKE
Kathmandu, 23 Jan : Thirteen student organizations, including Maoists, continued anti-government protests Monday against this week’s massive hike gheraoing
the head office of state monopoly Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) in prices of and demanded reduction and subsidies.
A meeting was scheduled later Tuesday between government and student union
representatives.
The protests were peaceful.
Students are on phased protests and have threatened a Valley strike if
the decision isn’t corrected as government takes a stiff stance.
.Students presented a memorandum to the NOC management.
Protestors show down Rupendhaehi and ant-government street protests were reported from other parts of the country.
Nnnn

.RIM BEHIND BAIDHYA SAYS A CLAIM
Kathmandu, 23 Jan: General Secretary of the CPN-Masal, Mohan Bikram Singh has accused that UCPN-Maoist Senior Vice Chairman Mohan Baidhya was acting on the direction of the international communist organisation, Revolutionary Internationalist Movement (RIM), RSS reports from Chitwan.
Speaking to the media in Bharatpur of Chitwan on Monday, Singh said that the Baidhya faction has created problems in institutionalising republic by obstructing peace and constitution writing processes.
Singh said although the prime minister tried to work in favor of peace and constitution, it was insincerity on the part of Baidhya not to allow him to work for the country and people on the RIM’s directions.
He said peace and constitution writing were shadowed owing to the UCPN-Maoist’s internal wrangling, and pointed that there was a possibility that Nepal will be declared as a failed state if the constitution was not issued on time.
Although capturing photos of Singh, who is semi-underground, was prohibited in earlier press conferences, this time cameras of TV and newspapers were allowed.
Nnnn
SUPPLY OF POL PRODCTS STILL ERRATIC
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: The public sector entity—Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC)—is finding it hard to ensure smooth supply of petroleum products even after a hefty hike in the prices on Wednesday, Sangan Parsais reports in The Kathmandu Post.
Petroleum dealers’ demand for more commission, interruption in the supply due to delay in timely payments to the Indian Oil corporation (IOC), heavy NOC losses incurred in the past and increased demand of diesel due to extended load-shedding hours continue to worsen the fuel crisis. The NOC fears the shortage of diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is likely to worsen in the next few days, while it says petrol supply is expected to be normal by Tuesday.
On Sunday, the debt-ridden NOC said that despite the price hike, the supply could not be resumed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as dealers demanded a bigger commission and refused to distribute fuel. The issue was however, settled late on Sunday.
Petroleum dealers were demanding an additional 70 paisa and 80 paisa on every litre of petrol and diesel respectively. The dealers agreed to resume supply from Sunday evening after the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies agreed to address their demand by forming a separate committee.
NOC officials said the reason behind the short supply of diesel was its spiralling demand in the face of increased load shedding hours, while inadequate import of LPG in December led to a short supply of LPG. According to NOC’s supply reports, 478,000 litres of diesel were supplied to Kathmandu Valley on Sunday—a normal supply if the Capital does not witness panic buying. “The NOC had reduced supply of LPG in December in a bid to reduce its losses. As a result, there was a shortage of the cooking gas in the market in January,” said NOC Spokesperson Mukunda Prasad Dhungel. The supply is feared to get worse in February as the IOC, the sole supplier of petroleum products, has reduced LPG deliveries due to a crude oil shortage at its Barauni refinery in Bihar.
What’s fuelling the crisis
• Dealers' demand for more commission
• Supply interruption due to delay in timely payments to the IOC
• NOC losses incurred in the past
• Increased diesel demand due to extended load-shedding hours
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MINISTERS ASKED TO FOCUS ON DEVLOPMENT
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Sunday directed ministers to focus seriously on implementing development projects. He also termed progress in the projects “disappointing so far.”
Addressing a meeting of the National Development Problems Solution Committee held at the National Planning Commission (NPC), the Prime Minister said it was disappointing that only 14 percent of the budget allocated was released for capital expenses in six months, Thee Kathmandu Post writes.
The meeting chaired by the PM had been called to review progress in the development budget in the first four months of the current fiscal year. During the four months, the country had witnessed only six percent of capital expenditure.
As most of the projects recorded progress below 50 percent than the target, Bhattarai also directed ministers to study the projects recording below 50 percent progress by devising a policy of reward and punishment.
During the interaction, some ministries reported that they are yet to get NPC approval for some of their top priority projects.
The government has categorised 283 projects as P1 projects in the current fiscal year, while only 228 had reported their progress in reports.
The PM also stressed on the need to expand investment in the agriculture sector that has witnessed slow investment of late.
The ministers attending the meeting pointed out to the delay in budget release, lack of qualified and technical human resource, frequent transfer of employees, lack of inter-ministry coordination, absence of VDC secretaries, problems of awarding compensation to land acquired while constructing and widening roads and lack of doctors and health workers as obstacles to the development projects.
The ministers also put forth specific problems facing the ministries they are heading. According to an NPC official who attended the meeting, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun apprised the gathering of the latest status of capital expenditure. “Capital expense in the development projects is only one-third, while foreign currency reserve was Rs 370 million.”
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Lokendra Bistamagar stressed on the need for a new radar at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
NPC Vice-Chairman Dipendra Bahadur Kshetry said similar meetings will be held within one month of the expiry of four months of a fiscal year. Earlier, the meeting used to be held in a gap of one-and-a-half years.
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LDCs PRIORITIZE AGRO PRODUCTS
Kathhmandu, 23 Jan.: A two-day meeting in Geneva will focus on how poor countries can gain more lasting value from their exports of agricultural products and natural resources, The Himalayan Times reports.

The third annual UNCTAD Global Commodities Forum will attract government ministers, academics, development economists and business leaders in the field of commodities.

Since 2002, the number of countries whose commodity exports represents more than 60 per cent of merchandise exports has risen from 85 to 91. Commodity prices increased considerably over that period. Yet climbing commodity prices appear to have had limited positive impacts on living standards in exporting countries.

Many commodity dependent developing countries (CDDCs) are also classified as LDCs, and even during the global economic boom, rates of extreme poverty in LDCs declined only from 58 per cent in 2002 to 53 per cent in 2007 — and this was before the world food and financial crises.

The World Bank estimates that the recent resurgence in food prices, which in 2011 reached levels approaching their 2008 peaks, has pushed an additional 44 million people worldwide into extreme poverty. While a part of the increase in the number of CDDCs to 91 is due to the rising prices of commodity exports, it also indicates that the commodities boom generally has not resulted in a diversification of economic production and exports, recommended by economists.

Diversification is recommended in part because commodity prices are historically volatile, leaving these nations vulnerable to sudden drops in the prices of their major exports – or to sudden price increases for commodities they must import, on which they are also often heavily dependent.
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LISTED FIRMS FAIL SHAREHOLDERS
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: The financial institutions that are considered to be compliant on following rules are not unable to conduct annual general meeting on time, Dikshya Singh reports in The Himalayan Times .

Only 23 financial institutions have conducted the annual general meeting within the mid-December this fiscal year, of which 13 are commercial banks.

“The regulations require the financial institutions to conduct AGM within five months of the completion of fiscal year, but they can request three months extension period,” said spokesperson for Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Bhaskar Mani Gyanwali.

The regulation requires financial institutions to publish the audited financial report and detailed balance sheet including long-form audit reflecting the institutions’ actual health.

“Since getting the balance sheet audited by internal and external auditors take time financial institutions find it difficult to hold AGM on time,” he pointed out.

The annual event also elects new board of directors and is a forum to inform the shareholders of future and previous activities. For the public companies like financial institutions, AGM is the perfect platform for the minority stakeholders allowing them to voice their opinions regarding the company’s decisions and workings.

“The central bank takes action and reduce the facilities being meted out in case they fail to conduct AGM on time,” Gyanwali said, adding that financial institutions owe their shareholders and depositors to conduct the AGM on time but they prefer to postpone and make situation difficult.

The companies try to avoid being lashed out in the public for not performing well as per their incredulously high expectations. The shareholders are never satisfied with the amount of dividend being distributed by the companies. This year Nabil Bank had to postpone its AGM due to differences with shareholders.

The late AGM means the shareholders do not get the adequate information regarding the companies they have invested in on time. The stale information and statistics are of no use to the investors in investment related decision making.

Last fiscal year also less than 30 financial institutions conducted AGM within the stipulated time of five months. Despite the extension of three months less than half of the financial institutions failed to hold these mandatory meetings on time.

The financial institutions are considered relatively transparent in their dealings due to tight regulatory rein of the central bank on publication of financials and holding AGM.

The case of other public companies listed in Nepal Stock Exchange is worse as only six companies belonging to real sector have conducted AGM within the stipulated time.

To increase compliance from the public limited companies, the capital market regulator — Securities Board of Nepal — is introducing the provision of penalising the defiant public limited companies in the amendment of Securities Act.

“The current provision allows monetary penalty but the conditions attached to it are quite harsh thus Sebon refrains from fining the companies,” according to the director at Sebon Niraj Giri.

If the regulator slaps monetary fine to the companies then according to the rule, all of the promoters are disqualified to hold the position of director or be appointed on managerial posts in any of the public limited company for next ten years, which according to the regulator is an extreme punishment.

“The companies do not understand that by being compliant to the regulators they are promoting the goodwill of their own institutions,” he lamented.
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MAOIST CHAIRMAN SWINGS TO PARTY HARDLINERS AFTER INTERNAL PRESSURE
Kathmandu, 23 Jan.: Leaders from the non-Maoist parties at the Constitutional Committee (CC) of the Constituent Assembly (CA) have expressed disappointment after UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal reportedly disowned the previous agreements reached at the dispute
resolution subcommittee, Tirtha L.Bhual writes isn Republica

CC members from the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML, among other parties, expressed concern as Dahal at the CC meeting on Sunday insisted that some of the issues reportedly agreed at the subcommittee require further deliberations. Dahal himself heads the CC subcommittee.

When lawmakers from other parties at the meeting complained that Maoist members had backtracked from the past agreements, Dahal argued that CC members were free to discuss the proposals tabled by the subcommittee.

“Today (Sunday) the coordinator (Dahal) himself expressed reservations over some of the issues that had already been settled at the subcommittee,” NC parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel told media persons after the meeting at Singha Durbar on Sunday. “His response has further worried us as he demanded more deliberations on issues that have already been settled.”

According to Paudel, Dahal disowned the agreements on keeping the new constitution silent on land ownership and property ceilings. Likewise, the Maoist lawmakers have stood against the decision to keep the new statute silent on conscription.

Lawmakers said Dahal´s response at the meeting took them by surprise. Earlier, though hardline Maoist lawmakers frequently stood against the subcommittee decisions, Dahal would pacify them.

“It was surprising for us because Dahal, who merely three weeks ago, had said in public that the subcommittee settled all the remaining disputes, except for a few, presented himself as a Maoist leader and not as the subcommittee coordinator,” said a NC leader.

Change in Dahal´s stance at the CC meeting on Sunday has been construed as a significant policy shift as it was only last week that Dahal wrapped up the party´s prolonged central committee meeting by accommodating the party´s hardline faction´s views.

Agni Kharel of CPN-UML described Dahal´s response at the meeting “most disappointing”. He said such a response from top leaders would hinder the statute drafting process.

“The constitution writing process will move ahead only if the coordinator and members of the subcommittee stand by their decisions,” Kharel told Republica. “But the task will be seriously hampered if the coordinator himself raises questions over the past decisions.”

Some of the participants at the meeting construed Dahal´s move fashioned in counter NC´s stance on the system of governance. Maoist leaders have been accusing NC of backtracking from a previous understanding to adopt a mixed model of governance.

CC member Khimlal Devkota of the UCPN (Maoist), however, denied the allegations. According to him, the issues at the subcommittee were categorized under three groups-- those settled, those that needed discussions at the CC and others unresolved. He claimed that it was NC that backtracked from previous agreements and not the UCPN (Maoist).
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MAOIST PARTY INCOME INCREASES 58 PERCENT IN 4 YEARS
Kathamndu, 23 Jan : Financial statements of the UCPN (Maoist) reveal that the party´s income has increased by 58.4 percent to Rs 132 million and expenditure by 64.3 percent over the last four years, Kiran Pun writes in Republica..

Leaders said the major sources of income for the party are levies paid by party members, including lawmakers and ministers, and donations from those from outside the party.

The income and expenditure details of the past four years submitted by the UCPN (Maoist) to the Election Commission (EC) shows that the party had surplus income for three years, except for the period between 2009 and 2010 which saw a deficit of over Rs 2.7 million.

Amik Serchan, who is the party´s finance department chief, stated 2009 was a year of deficit as the party constructed and renovated buildings for its offices.

The details submitted by the party to EC, however, do not include the donations raised and the amount of money spent during the CA elections.

Officials at the party head office said all the branches of the party submitted the income and expenditure of the party during the CA election immediately after the polls.

Sherchan attributed the increase in the party´s income to merger of various small leftist parties with his party.

“The leaders of the small parties also donated to the party in cash and kind. Also, the membership fees led to an increase in the party´s income,” said Serchan.

The UCPN (Maoist) levies the party cadres for membership renewal and monthly charges.

Of the total money collected, the district committees keep 40 percent and the state committees 40 percent, while the rest of the 20 percent goes to the party headquarters.

The party raises Rs 10,000 from each of its lawmakers, and Rs 12,000 from parliamentary committee chiefs and government ministers per month. Altogether, the party raises Rs 30 million from lawmakers alone.

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GOVT. RETRACTS DECTION TOLEGALIZE SEIZURES
Kathmandu, 23 Jan. : Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Sunday said he would not now implement the cabinet’s decision of legalizing the transactions of lands and properties conducted by Janasatta Maoist-run administration during the conflict period. The Rising Nepal reports.
PM Dr. Bhattarai gave this assurance to the opposition parties after they continued to disrupt the parliament over the government’s move to legalise the ‘illegal’ deals made under the Maoist-led parallel government.
He met with Nepali Congress parliamentary leader Ram Chandra Poudel and CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal at his office Singha Durbar this morning and committed to respect their concerns...
According to PM’s aide Bishwodeep Pandey, PM told them that the government would not immediately implement the January 12 decision of the cabinet following the protest opposition parties and Supreme Court’s stay order against the implementation of the decision.
He also talked about the peace process and constitution write during the discussion with oppositions leaders.
The NC and UML leaders asked PM to revoke the decision, Pandey informed.
Talking to media persons, Poudel said that they demanded that the government should withdraw the decision.
UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal was also present at the meet.
He also called to NC president Sushil Koirala and reached UML leader KP Oli’s residence at Balkot of Bhaktpur to take them in confidence.
Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai and Oli held talks at the latter’s residence at Balkot this evening.
During the around 50 minutes meeting, the two leaders discussed about peace and constitution, the unilateral decision taken by the government, matters relating to the landless settlers, said Mr Oli talking to reporters following the meeting.
Leader Oli also said that they discussed about the shortening the transition and completing the peace and constitution writing process on time.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai pledged to move ahead based on a consensus henceforth and expressed the eagerness to complete the new constitution by May 28.
In response to the concern expressed by Mr Oli over the recent decision of the Government to legalize the decisions taken by the people’s government during the conflict, Dr Bhattarai said as the Supreme Court had already announced its verdict in this regard, it should not be made a matter of dispute.
However, Dr Bhattarai did not clear agree to rectify the wrong decisions taken by the Government so far. "He did not give a clear reply, he just tried to play out time", Oli said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister did not respond to any queries from the media persons present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the ruling coalition United Democratic Madhesi Front decided to stand against the cabinet decision legalise the lands deals made during the insurgency.
Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum- Democratic spokesman Jitendra Dev said that the meeting arrived at the decision that the cabinet decision should be terminated.
"This decision has created uneasy situation and affected the peace and constitution writing processes," he said.
He said that this problem should be resolved on the basis of consensus among the parties.
The meeting also pointed out the implementation of the four-point deal struck between the UCPN-Maoist and the front.
It also concluded that the recent visit of Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar to India successful.
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PRACHANDA SEES CONSPIRACY AGAINST PEACE,
CONSTITUTION
Kathmandu, 23 Jan : UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ Sunday said that hatching of conspiracy against peace and constitution writing process had started again, The Rising Nepal reports.
"A serious conspiracy has again been hatched against peace and constitution. The rightist forces are bent on entrapping the Maoists and they are plotting for the same, but we will not sign a blank cheque," Prachanda said speaking at a programme in the capital city.
The chief of the main ruling party stressed that his party would not make any agreement that would result in the reduction of the people’s rights and that led to completion of peace process but to pro-people constitution.
"The parliamentary parties are for completing the peace process unilaterally and reviving the 1991 constitution," Prachanda blamed. Referring to their stance on parliamentary system, Prachanda also accused ‘old parliamentary parties’ of desirous to play the game of majority and minority and then the horse trading.
The chief of the largest party observed that the parliamentary parties stood against the peace and constitution after he proposed for a directly elected presidential system in the sub-committee formed to resolve the differences over the new constitution. "Conspiracy against peace and constitution started when I stressed on executive presidential system."
Referring to his recent talks with Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala, the Maoist chairman said that NC would not accept am nationality based federation. "There is a serious debate on state restructuring and the NC is for making federal units in such a way that each state stretched from north to south."
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PM BHATTARAI RETRACTS GOVT. DECISION UPDATE

2012-01-22T02:41:00.000-08:00

PM BHATTARAI RETRACTS GOVT. DECISION UPDATE
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai assured top leader of the
Big Three Sunday morning government won’t implement a decision to legalize a
decision to legitimize decisions of Maoist parallel governments to; seize assets durilng the 10-year insurgency.
The move has been opposed by 17 parties.
Bhattarai took the decision even as he and party Chairman defended the decision in Chitwan Saturday.
The government chef asked parties to cooperate to write a constitution and conclude the peace process.
Opposition Sunday obstructed parliament for the third successive time Sunday protesting the government decision and asking the ruling parties to correct the official decision.
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.DIG KOIRALA ARRESTED, CONFESSES KILLING WIFE
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: APF DIG Ranjan Koirala confessed to killing his
wife who had gone missing, Kantipur FM reports.
Koirala has been taken to Kathamandu district court after his arrest from Thankot Sunday.
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PROTESTS CONTINUE AGAINST PRICE HIKE
Kathmandu, 22 Jan. Student protests against government hike in prices of POL continued in the capital and rest of the country Sunday.
A vehicle was vandalized in the capital.
Protests were held in front of government campuses in the capital for one hour from nine in the morning.
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UML CHIEF KHANAL SPEAK
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.:: CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal has said his party was not against the peace and constitution drafting process, RSS reports from Ilam..
Speaking in a news conference organized by the Press Chautari, Ilam chapter this morning, he said the UCPN (Maoist) being the largest party in the Constituent Assembly (CA) should play an important role in concluding the peace process and the constitution writing.
The UML chairman also called on the Maoist to honestly implement the past agreements with other parties. Khanal said accomplishing the task of peace and constitution writing in the remaining four and half months’ time is the need of the nation.
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MEDIA GOOGLE
"He is a very good friend of mine so the meeting with him was personal, not an official one.o say that it would have been alright to officially meet Menon at his office.
Even if it had been an official meeting, it would not have mattered as Menon is a very important person of the Indian government. One should not think that only ministers and deputy prime ministers are seniors. We should hold some meetings rising above the issue of protocol."
(Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, The Kathmandu Post, 22 Jan.)
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14 SATELLITE CAMP CLOSURE RECOMENDED
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: The Secretariat of the prime minister-led Special Committee has suggested vacating at least 14 satellite cantonments sites housing the former Maoist combatants by bidding farewell to those opting for voluntary retirement, Phanindra Dahal writes in The Kathmandu
The proposal recommends relocating the combatants choosing integration into seven main and seven satellite cantonments after the farewell process is carried out. Currently 9,705 combatants opting for integration and 7,365 combatants choosing voluntary retirement live inside the seven main and 21 satellite camps located across the country.
Maoist representatives have registered their reservation on the proposal prepared by the Secretariat last month. They have obstructed the farewell process stressing that issues like rank determination and bridge course should be settled at the political level before dealing those “technical issues.”
The proposal backed by the non-Maoist representatives of the Secretariat recommends continuing one main and one satellite cantonment in seven places for combatants opting for integration.
The proposal says each of the camps can accommodate 500 to 750 combatants and recommends that the government hire buses for shifting the combatants to the selected camps. If the recommendation is endorsed by the Special Committee, satellite camps located in Yaangsila and Danabari under the First Division of the PLA, Ilam will be vacated.
Similarly, Belsot and Ranibas under the Second Division (Sindhuli), Bhutaha and Rashauli under the Third Division (Chitwan) and Saina Maina and
Ramnagar under the Fourth Division (Nawalparasi) will be vacated after the discharge process.
Satellite cantonments located in Masina and Gairigau under the Fifth Division (Rolpa), Gumi and Kholtepani under the Sixth Division (Surkhet) and Gorange and Sahajpur under the Seventh Division (Kailali) will be non-existent.
Discussions are going in the Special Committee Secretariat that the land housing the camps can be handed over to the government or the rightful owners.
The proposal submitted to the Special Committee on December 21 states that the satellite cantonments should be handed over to the Nepal Army (NA) or the Armed Police Force (APF). The cantonments and installations inside them, if located in barren land, can be presented to the NA or the APF.
The Secretariat has recommended that the Special Committee ask each of the seven main cantonment sites to furnish details of the land, houses, electricity and drinking water inside it.
It also recommends that the government acquire weapon storage containers once the process of integration of combatants into the NA progresses.
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22 FAMILIES WAITING FOR TO COLLECT BODIES OF LOVED ONES
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: Nearly 70 bodies of Nepali migrant workers are waiting in various Gulf countries and Malaysia to be repatriated back to Nepal. Most of these countries require exit visa even for a body, RGOshan Sedhan writes in The Kathmandu Post..
Statistics at the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) show that 50 bodies are awaiting exit visa from Saudi Arabia, while 20 bodies are lying in Malaysia, the UAE and other countries.
The Saudi Arabia law bars repatriation of corpses without the no-objection certificate from the government while others are awaiting court’s order to that effect, according to Foreign Employment Promotion Board (FEPB).
Sthaneshwor Devokta, the executive director of FEPB, said hurdles in bringing the bodies include anonymity of employers, police cases and court cases faced by the workers before death.
“The legal process to bring a corpse home is complicated and it delays the process,” said Devkota. It is mandatory for respective employers to take ownership of the body before getting the government’s permission for repatriation.
Many migrant workers leave their original employer due to various reasons. This puts them in a legal limbo as labour laws in most of these countries forbid change in employment without permission from the original employer. “Besides bodies of workers who were illegal, corpses of those killed in road accidents face a lengthy legal procedure for repatriation,” said Devkota.
According to MRC, workers’ own faults or ignorance expose them to greater risks. The MRC is responsible for bringing home the body of a migrant worker.
According to officials, it costs around Rs 150,000 to bring a body from Malaysia, Qatar and the UAE, and around Rs 500,000 from Korea.
The latest report of the Department of Foreign Employment shows most deaths occur due to murder, suicide, road accident and workplace accident.
Stakeholders say amendment to the law governing migrant workers in host countries, proper orientation to workers before their foreign trip and legalisation of illegal migrants can benefit the foreign job seekers.
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PARLIAMENT SCHEDULED TO MEET SUNDAY; OPPOSITION THREAT TO BOYCOTT IT

2012-01-21T17:45:00.001-08:00

PARLIAMENT SCHEDULED TO MEET SUNDAY AMID OPPOSITION THREAT TO OBSTRUCT IT
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: Parliament session which has been disrupted consecutively by two largest opposition parties NC and UML
protesting a government and Maoist decision to legalize and register seized assets during a 10-year Maoist insurgency is scheduled
to meet again Sunday.
The opposition parties have threatened to disrupt legislative proceedings until government and Maoists leading the
government correct the 12 January decision and provide details of the government decision in parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister opposed the government and Maoist decision Saturday immediately after returning from India and denied knowledge of the cabinet decision.
Speaker Subash Nemwang Friday also asked Prime Minister
Baburam Bhattrai to give a statement in parliament regarding the decision to run parliament smoothly.
Meanwhile the premier denied in Chitwan Saturday the
decision violated the interim constitution and prevailing laws and acts.
Bhattarai was speaking at a function to mourn the death of party leader Bhakta Bahadur Shrestha.
The government chief, who is also party vice-chairman, asked parties not to politicize the issue and sit down for
a dialogue with government.
“We are resolute in our decision to legalise land transactions carried out by People’s Government during the period of People’s War, and the oppositions instead of supporting our pro-people agendas, are creating hassles
inside the House,: Party Chief Prachanda said while addressing the
same meeting.
“Legalising the transactions of the land during the insurgency is just a dream of the Maoist that would never be fulfilled. We are not scared of insurgency anymore. If they want to go back into hiding we would not stop them,” NC President Sushil Koirala said.
Politics is once again polarizing at they got together four months ago to conclude a peace process and promulgate a delayed constitution.
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MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 1.2 DEGREES CELSIUS
Kathmandu, 22 Jan.: Minimum temperature recoded in the capital in
the last 24 hors was 1.2 degrees Celsius.
Mercury is expected to rise to 17 degrees Celsius in the afternoon Sunday.
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