Thursday, September 13, 2007
Global Bank Limited’s new scheme
Global Bank Ltd (GBL) has launched a new product - Global Nari Bachat Khata’ ahead of Hindu women festival Teej. The product is especially designed for women and account can be opened for Rs 100. The accountholder will avail an ATM card free of cost, states a bank press release here. The deposit in the account is subject to four per cent interest per annum on a minimum monthly balance. The bank will provide medical insurance of up to Rs 10,000 and also accidental death insurance worth four times of the balance or to a maximum of Rs 500,000, whichever is lower. Additional benefits include, discount on lockers, processing fee of auto and housing loans
India bans Nepali agro products
India has banned the import of agricultural products from Nepal. In a letter to the Mechi Customs Office yesterday, director general of the Foreign Trade Office informed about the ban.
Two trucks loaded with tea produced in Ilam were prevented from entering India by the Indian customs officials yesterday. India banned the Nepali agro products as per popular demand, said tea producer Hari Timsena. However, Nepali farmers claimed that the Indian side banned Nepali products after their popularity increased in the Indian market.
The ban has hampered the export of Nepali products to the third world countries. Agriculture produce of Ilam and Jhapa are exported to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and other countries via the Kakarvitta transit point.
Two trucks loaded with tea produced in Ilam were prevented from entering India by the Indian customs officials yesterday. India banned the Nepali agro products as per popular demand, said tea producer Hari Timsena. However, Nepali farmers claimed that the Indian side banned Nepali products after their popularity increased in the Indian market.
The ban has hampered the export of Nepali products to the third world countries. Agriculture produce of Ilam and Jhapa are exported to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and other countries via the Kakarvitta transit point.
Hydro license fee hiked
The government has enforced massive increments in license fees for hydropower projects by effecting changes in the fee appendix of Electricity Regulation 1993.
According to the amended Regulation, prospective hydropower developers will now have to pay survey license fees in the range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 million per annum for projects ranging in size from one megawatt (MW) to more than 500 MWs. This is a massive increment compared to the old fee structure of Rs 125 to Rs 750. Survey licenses, which require annual renewal, can be extended not more than four times.
Similarly, prospective developers will have to pay a one-time construction license fee in the range of Rs 100,000 to Rs 5 million for projects ranging in size from one MW to over 1,000 MWs.
This is also a heavy increment from the previous fee of Rs 3,000 to less than Rs 100,000. For projects developed to sell power in the country, construction licenses are issued for a 35-year period, while for export oriented projects, construction licenses are issued for a 30-year period. After the expiry of the licenses, the projects will have to be handed over to the government.
"All new license seekers will now have to pay according to the new fee structure," said Anup Kumar Upadhyay, joint secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). "Existing licensees will also have to pay fees accordingly when they opt to renew their licenses," Upadhyay added.
As of June 15 this year, the government had issued 141 project survey licenses to prospective developers for projects ranging from one megawatt (MW) to 400 MWs, according to Department of Electricity Development. Combined, these projects have a total capacity to generate over 4,000 MWs of electricity.
Extension of the validity of survey licenses will depend on progress achieved according to the work schedule committed at the time of acquiring license. "If work progress is not satisfactory, the license can be revoked," Upadhyay said.
The government has hiked the license fees to ensure that survey license holders achieve work progress according to their commitment. The old license fees saw many parties acquiring licenses but not conducting surveys.
Under the new provision, survey licenses for projects in the range of one to five MWs is Rs 50,000 per year, while it is Rs 10,000 per MW per year for projects in the range of five to 100 MWs. The fee is Rs 1 million per year for projects of 100 MW to 500 MW in size, and it is Rs 2 million per year for projects above 500 MW in size.
Meanwhile, the one-time construction license fee for projects of the size 1 MW to 5 MW is Rs 100,000. The fee for projects of size 5 MW to 100 MW is Rs 500,000; fee for projects of size 100 MW to 500 MW is Rs 1 million; fee for projects of size 500 MW to 1000 MW is Rs 2.5 million; while fee for projects above 1000 MW in size is Rs 5 million.
According to the amended Regulation, prospective hydropower developers will now have to pay survey license fees in the range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 million per annum for projects ranging in size from one megawatt (MW) to more than 500 MWs. This is a massive increment compared to the old fee structure of Rs 125 to Rs 750. Survey licenses, which require annual renewal, can be extended not more than four times.
Similarly, prospective developers will have to pay a one-time construction license fee in the range of Rs 100,000 to Rs 5 million for projects ranging in size from one MW to over 1,000 MWs.
This is also a heavy increment from the previous fee of Rs 3,000 to less than Rs 100,000. For projects developed to sell power in the country, construction licenses are issued for a 35-year period, while for export oriented projects, construction licenses are issued for a 30-year period. After the expiry of the licenses, the projects will have to be handed over to the government.
"All new license seekers will now have to pay according to the new fee structure," said Anup Kumar Upadhyay, joint secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). "Existing licensees will also have to pay fees accordingly when they opt to renew their licenses," Upadhyay added.
As of June 15 this year, the government had issued 141 project survey licenses to prospective developers for projects ranging from one megawatt (MW) to 400 MWs, according to Department of Electricity Development. Combined, these projects have a total capacity to generate over 4,000 MWs of electricity.
Extension of the validity of survey licenses will depend on progress achieved according to the work schedule committed at the time of acquiring license. "If work progress is not satisfactory, the license can be revoked," Upadhyay said.
The government has hiked the license fees to ensure that survey license holders achieve work progress according to their commitment. The old license fees saw many parties acquiring licenses but not conducting surveys.
Under the new provision, survey licenses for projects in the range of one to five MWs is Rs 50,000 per year, while it is Rs 10,000 per MW per year for projects in the range of five to 100 MWs. The fee is Rs 1 million per year for projects of 100 MW to 500 MW in size, and it is Rs 2 million per year for projects above 500 MW in size.
Meanwhile, the one-time construction license fee for projects of the size 1 MW to 5 MW is Rs 100,000. The fee for projects of size 5 MW to 100 MW is Rs 500,000; fee for projects of size 100 MW to 500 MW is Rs 1 million; fee for projects of size 500 MW to 1000 MW is Rs 2.5 million; while fee for projects above 1000 MW in size is Rs 5 million.
PRASHANT CRAZE
As Prashant Tamang of Nepali-origin makes to the final round of Indian Idol, a popular singing talent show, Palpa’s youth collect money to support sms-voting for the Darjeeling’s boy at Nautamawa in Sunauli. Prashant’s fans in Nepal and India have launched similar campaigns to support him. Prashant, also an Indian policeman, has a strong backing of the police force.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Father's Day
A throng of devotees at Gokarneshwor Mahdevsthan in Kathmandu to pay tributes to their departed fathers to mark Kushe Aunshi, on Tuesday (11 September 2007).
Bandhs Spur Shortage of Consumer Items in Terai
Eastern Tarai has been reeling under acute shortage of consumer goods and medicines due to frequent bandhs and general strikes called by different groups in the region. Prices of goods have also shot up.
An indefinite Madhes strike called by the Madhesi Mukti Tigers (MMT) since September 7 is continuing, while the Dalit Janajati Party had organised a chakkajam before that.
According to our Itahari correspondent, traffic on the Inaruwa-Saptari section of the road has been disrupted for the last 15 days. Fresh vegetables, rice, kerosene, diesel, petrol and cooking gas are in short supply. The supply of medicines has also been affected, consumers said. Proprietor of the Inaruwa-based Janakalyan Medical Hall, Kedar Poudel, said bandhs have affected the supply of medicines from Kathmandu and Birgunj.
A policeman at the Koshi Barrage Police Post, Lok Bahadur Khadka, said prices of goods in the market have shot up. Commerce secretary at the Sunsari Chamber of Commerce and Industries Giridhari Sapkota said the frequent bandhs had paralysed the business sector.
Agricultural products in Laukahi and Bhantabari areas are rotting due to traffic disruption. President of the Consumers' Forum-Inaruwa Ajaya Dev urged the parties concerned not to infringe on the rights of the consumers.
Admitting the shortage of consumer goods in the market, Sunsari CDO Prem Narayan Sharma said efforts were on to solve the problem. "We will apply all possible means to bring the situation under control and check black marketing," he said.
Our Janakpurdham correspondent said a bandh called by the Janakpur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) against the alleged highhandedness of the YCL cadres for the last five days had caused shortage of consumer goods in the market. Rickshaw-puller Ram Lochan Mandal said: "On one hand our income has decreased, while on the other it is difficult to find consumer goods in the market."
JCCI general-secretary Shyam Prasad Shah said they would continue their protest programme until the administration brought the guilty to book and ensures their security. Dhanusha coordinator of the YCL Shyam Yadav accused the businessmen of organising the bandh to exploit labourers. Assistant CDO of Dhausha Balbhadra Giri said efforts were on to solve the problem in coordination with the political parties.
In Bara, there has been a shortage of LPG and kerosene. The bandh crippled normal life on Tuesday as well. According to our district correspondents, consumer goods were in short supply in Siraha, Rautahat and Mahottari districts as well.
However, entrepreneurs defied the bandh called by the Madhesi Mukti Tigers in Sarlahi on Tuesday.
An indefinite Madhes strike called by the Madhesi Mukti Tigers (MMT) since September 7 is continuing, while the Dalit Janajati Party had organised a chakkajam before that.
According to our Itahari correspondent, traffic on the Inaruwa-Saptari section of the road has been disrupted for the last 15 days. Fresh vegetables, rice, kerosene, diesel, petrol and cooking gas are in short supply. The supply of medicines has also been affected, consumers said. Proprietor of the Inaruwa-based Janakalyan Medical Hall, Kedar Poudel, said bandhs have affected the supply of medicines from Kathmandu and Birgunj.
A policeman at the Koshi Barrage Police Post, Lok Bahadur Khadka, said prices of goods in the market have shot up. Commerce secretary at the Sunsari Chamber of Commerce and Industries Giridhari Sapkota said the frequent bandhs had paralysed the business sector.
Agricultural products in Laukahi and Bhantabari areas are rotting due to traffic disruption. President of the Consumers' Forum-Inaruwa Ajaya Dev urged the parties concerned not to infringe on the rights of the consumers.
Admitting the shortage of consumer goods in the market, Sunsari CDO Prem Narayan Sharma said efforts were on to solve the problem. "We will apply all possible means to bring the situation under control and check black marketing," he said.
Our Janakpurdham correspondent said a bandh called by the Janakpur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) against the alleged highhandedness of the YCL cadres for the last five days had caused shortage of consumer goods in the market. Rickshaw-puller Ram Lochan Mandal said: "On one hand our income has decreased, while on the other it is difficult to find consumer goods in the market."
JCCI general-secretary Shyam Prasad Shah said they would continue their protest programme until the administration brought the guilty to book and ensures their security. Dhanusha coordinator of the YCL Shyam Yadav accused the businessmen of organising the bandh to exploit labourers. Assistant CDO of Dhausha Balbhadra Giri said efforts were on to solve the problem in coordination with the political parties.
In Bara, there has been a shortage of LPG and kerosene. The bandh crippled normal life on Tuesday as well. According to our district correspondents, consumer goods were in short supply in Siraha, Rautahat and Mahottari districts as well.
However, entrepreneurs defied the bandh called by the Madhesi Mukti Tigers in Sarlahi on Tuesday.
JTMM-G to Boycott CA Polls
The Jaya Krishna Goit-led faction of the Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha (JTMM-G) on Tuesday announced that it would boycott the upcoming constituent assembly polls. In a statement, JTMM-G coordinator Jaya Krishna Goit said they decided to boycott the CA polls, "as it will not do the welfare of the Madhesis".
It said the JTMM-G will launch an armed struggle against the polls. The statement said JTMM-G will hold a publicity campaign from September 14 to October 2; stage torch rallies on October 3 and 21; call a three-day Tarai bandh from October 4; torch national flag on October 22; mobilise people from October 23 to November 19, and call a four-day Tarai bandh from November 20.
It said the JTMM-G will launch an armed struggle against the polls. The statement said JTMM-G will hold a publicity campaign from September 14 to October 2; stage torch rallies on October 3 and 21; call a three-day Tarai bandh from October 4; torch national flag on October 22; mobilise people from October 23 to November 19, and call a four-day Tarai bandh from November 20.
Dhaulagiri Transport Workers Threaten Strike
The Dhaulagiri chapter of the All Nepal Transport Workers' Association (ANTWA) on Tuesday threatened to call a transport strike if a Supreme Court order to compensate one of its members injured in a clash six years ago was not implemented within a week.
ANTWA's Dhaulagiri coordinator Keshavraj Sapkota also threatened to padlock the offices of the Dhaulagiri Zonal Bus Entrepreneurs Committee (DZBEC).
In a press conference, Sapkota demanded that the DZBEC provide medical treatment and compensation to Ram Krishna Shrestha who was injured when he was beaten up by members of the DZBEC.
The apex court had directed the DZBEC to provide medical treatment and compensation to Shrestha, while a separate agreement was reached between the ANTWA and DZBEC to provide the medical treatment and compensation in the presence of members of Transport Entrepreneurs Federation in 2001.
Secretary of the DZBEC Umesh KC, however, told this daily on Tuesday that his organisation had no hand in the incidnet involving Shrestha.
ANTWA's Dhaulagiri coordinator Keshavraj Sapkota also threatened to padlock the offices of the Dhaulagiri Zonal Bus Entrepreneurs Committee (DZBEC).
In a press conference, Sapkota demanded that the DZBEC provide medical treatment and compensation to Ram Krishna Shrestha who was injured when he was beaten up by members of the DZBEC.
The apex court had directed the DZBEC to provide medical treatment and compensation to Shrestha, while a separate agreement was reached between the ANTWA and DZBEC to provide the medical treatment and compensation in the presence of members of Transport Entrepreneurs Federation in 2001.
Secretary of the DZBEC Umesh KC, however, told this daily on Tuesday that his organisation had no hand in the incidnet involving Shrestha.
PM Vows Once Again to Hold Polls on Time
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala once again reiterated his commitment to hold the Constitutional Assembly elections on the scheduled date of November 22 at any cost.
Interationg with a delegation of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) at his residence at Baluwatar this morning, Koirala said the November 22 polls will not be deferred.
Du ring the meeting, Koirala also assured the NEFIN representatives of implementing the 20-point accord reached between the government and the NEFIN a month ago.
The PM also said the government will address the demands of other agitating groups through dialogue
Interationg with a delegation of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) at his residence at Baluwatar this morning, Koirala said the November 22 polls will not be deferred.
Du ring the meeting, Koirala also assured the NEFIN representatives of implementing the 20-point accord reached between the government and the NEFIN a month ago.
The PM also said the government will address the demands of other agitating groups through dialogue
Cyber Law to Come into Force, Finally
The Electronic Transaction Act is finally coming into effect three years after its endorsement, as the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology (MoEST) is all set to appoint the Controller of the Certification Authority (CCA), who is responsible to carry on its operation.
The Act was not implemented due to the absence of the controller. The Act was drafted six years ago and was endorsed as an ordinance in September 2004. After its endorsement, Deepak Rauniyar was appointed the controller, but before he could start his work, his appointment was cancelled following the success of Jana Andolan II.
The MoEST has ultimately advertised and has received applications for the post after lots of homework. "We will soon have the controller, who will implement the ETA in Nepal for the first time," said Purusottam Ghimire, spokesperson of the MoEST. After the appointment, Nepal will formally have e-transactions and cyber law.
The controller has the key responsibility of dispatching electronic records, issuing licences to certifying authorities of digital signature to maintain confidentiality of electronic transaction.
Supervision and monitoring of the activities of the certifying authorities, to fix the standards to be maintained by certifying authorities in respect to the verification of digital signature also fall under the controller's responsibility. The controller has to fix the standards to be maintained by certifying authorities in respect to the verification of digital signatures to maintain confidentiality, integrity and authenticity in the electronic world.
It not just helps making transactions simpler, easier, swifter and cost effective, but also serves as the authority to check cyber crime. It has the provision of digital signature and autonomous Cyber Courts to check cyber crime and systems of penalising cyber criminals.
The electronic transaction is the use of computerised electronic system in any kind of transaction that will increase work efficiency, productivity in any kind of transaction between the service provider and the sever taker.
The House of Representatives approved the ETA on December 4, 2006. The Act is divided into 12 sections and 80 clauses with detailed information on role and rights of controller, certification authority, customers, government and all the stakeholders concerned.
The Act was not implemented due to the absence of the controller. The Act was drafted six years ago and was endorsed as an ordinance in September 2004. After its endorsement, Deepak Rauniyar was appointed the controller, but before he could start his work, his appointment was cancelled following the success of Jana Andolan II.
The MoEST has ultimately advertised and has received applications for the post after lots of homework. "We will soon have the controller, who will implement the ETA in Nepal for the first time," said Purusottam Ghimire, spokesperson of the MoEST. After the appointment, Nepal will formally have e-transactions and cyber law.
The controller has the key responsibility of dispatching electronic records, issuing licences to certifying authorities of digital signature to maintain confidentiality of electronic transaction.
Supervision and monitoring of the activities of the certifying authorities, to fix the standards to be maintained by certifying authorities in respect to the verification of digital signature also fall under the controller's responsibility. The controller has to fix the standards to be maintained by certifying authorities in respect to the verification of digital signatures to maintain confidentiality, integrity and authenticity in the electronic world.
It not just helps making transactions simpler, easier, swifter and cost effective, but also serves as the authority to check cyber crime. It has the provision of digital signature and autonomous Cyber Courts to check cyber crime and systems of penalising cyber criminals.
The electronic transaction is the use of computerised electronic system in any kind of transaction that will increase work efficiency, productivity in any kind of transaction between the service provider and the sever taker.
The House of Representatives approved the ETA on December 4, 2006. The Act is divided into 12 sections and 80 clauses with detailed information on role and rights of controller, certification authority, customers, government and all the stakeholders concerned.
King Gyanendra’s Aunt Helen Shah Dies
Royal relative and King Gyanendra’s aunt Helen Shah died today at her residence at Chhauni. Helen, who is the wife of king Mahendra’s younger brother Basundhara Shah, was suffering form cancer and was undergoing treatment. She is the daughter of the late Nara Shumsher Rana. She died at around 5:30 in the morning.
King Gyanendra had reached Chhauni to condole the death. Her last rites will be performed at Pashupati Aryagaht today. She is survived by three daughters.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Paras has been discharged from the Norvic Escorts Hospital. He had been admitted to the hospital seven days ago after a heart attack.
Paras' doctors said he was recovering well but had been advised to rest at home for the next three weeks.
The prince greeted several supporters waiting outside the hospital as he walked to a car before leaving with his wife and children.
In a brief press statement, Paras thanked his supporters, the media and his doctors for their support.
King Gyanendra had reached Chhauni to condole the death. Her last rites will be performed at Pashupati Aryagaht today. She is survived by three daughters.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Paras has been discharged from the Norvic Escorts Hospital. He had been admitted to the hospital seven days ago after a heart attack.
Paras' doctors said he was recovering well but had been advised to rest at home for the next three weeks.
The prince greeted several supporters waiting outside the hospital as he walked to a car before leaving with his wife and children.
In a brief press statement, Paras thanked his supporters, the media and his doctors for their support.
Parliamentary Panel Approves NHRC Nominations
The Parliamentary Special Hearing Committee today approved the names for appointment at the National Human Rights Commission after probing into the complaints filed against them.
The Committee approved former Chief Justice Kedar Nath Upadhyaya as the chief of the NHRC and former justice Ram Nagina Singh and Dr KB Rokaya as NHRC members. The Committee had received complaints against their nominations. The committee had received no complaints against the two other members – Gauri Pradhan and Lila Pathak.
The Constitutional Council had nominated them for appointment in the NHRC on August 30.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary panel began hearing on the nomination of 21 persons as Nepal’s ambassador to different diplomatic missions.
The Committee approved former Chief Justice Kedar Nath Upadhyaya as the chief of the NHRC and former justice Ram Nagina Singh and Dr KB Rokaya as NHRC members. The Committee had received complaints against their nominations. The committee had received no complaints against the two other members – Gauri Pradhan and Lila Pathak.
The Constitutional Council had nominated them for appointment in the NHRC on August 30.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary panel began hearing on the nomination of 21 persons as Nepal’s ambassador to different diplomatic missions.
NOC moots petroleum price hike
Following denial of funds by the Ministry of Finance, the debt-ridden, state-owned petroleum import monopolist has pushed for a rise in prices in order to finance regular imports.
A senior Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) official said the corporation has mooted a gradual price hike and recommended to the supplies ministry to bring the price of petrol at par with import prices and substantially raise the price of cooking gas.
"As a rise in prices will impact consumers greatly given the significant jump in demand for diesel and kerosene in the festive season, we have proposed a marginal price rise," the official informed.
Sources disclosed that the NOC proposal includes rises in the prices of petrol by Rs 2 per liter, diesel and kerosene by at least Rs 1 per liter and cooking gas by at least Rs 100 per cylinder.
At present market prices NOC is incurring a loss of Rs 1.84 per liter in petrol, Rs 4.49 in diesel, Rs 2.73 in kerosene and Rs 292 per cylinder in cooking gas.
NOC managing director Digambar Jha said his major concern was the price of cooking gas as this single product has been generating over 60 percent of the total loss for the corporation.
"The corporation's monthly loss at present stands at Rs 260 million, and of that, Rs 170 million emanates from gas," he said adding that he expects the commerce minister to decide on his proposal by the weekend.
NOC's proposal, which includes different options for the commerce minister, has also pushed for instantaneous segregation of the gas market through the introduction of new types of cylinders for commercial consumers such as hotels, restaurants and vehicles.
Jha said he has proposed introduction of 20 kg cylinders for commercial consumers. "The aim is to go for differential pricing in gas for household and commercial consumers within a few months," said Jha.
The proposal contradicts expert opinion that gas is consumed by well-to-do households and needs no state subsidy.
Jha said it would help NOC substantially bridge the loss for the time being. "Irrespective of whichever option the government decides on, NOC will
also need a fund support of at least Rs 550 million to meet this month's fund deficit," he said.
Jha elaborated that the corporation's petrol stock is just enough to meet two days' demand. Amid short supply of oil from India due to non payment of scheduled import bills, the corporation has been failing to distribute adequate fuel in the market. That has created a severe supply crisis.
A senior Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) official said the corporation has mooted a gradual price hike and recommended to the supplies ministry to bring the price of petrol at par with import prices and substantially raise the price of cooking gas.
"As a rise in prices will impact consumers greatly given the significant jump in demand for diesel and kerosene in the festive season, we have proposed a marginal price rise," the official informed.
Sources disclosed that the NOC proposal includes rises in the prices of petrol by Rs 2 per liter, diesel and kerosene by at least Rs 1 per liter and cooking gas by at least Rs 100 per cylinder.
At present market prices NOC is incurring a loss of Rs 1.84 per liter in petrol, Rs 4.49 in diesel, Rs 2.73 in kerosene and Rs 292 per cylinder in cooking gas.
NOC managing director Digambar Jha said his major concern was the price of cooking gas as this single product has been generating over 60 percent of the total loss for the corporation.
"The corporation's monthly loss at present stands at Rs 260 million, and of that, Rs 170 million emanates from gas," he said adding that he expects the commerce minister to decide on his proposal by the weekend.
NOC's proposal, which includes different options for the commerce minister, has also pushed for instantaneous segregation of the gas market through the introduction of new types of cylinders for commercial consumers such as hotels, restaurants and vehicles.
Jha said he has proposed introduction of 20 kg cylinders for commercial consumers. "The aim is to go for differential pricing in gas for household and commercial consumers within a few months," said Jha.
The proposal contradicts expert opinion that gas is consumed by well-to-do households and needs no state subsidy.
Jha said it would help NOC substantially bridge the loss for the time being. "Irrespective of whichever option the government decides on, NOC will
also need a fund support of at least Rs 550 million to meet this month's fund deficit," he said.
Jha elaborated that the corporation's petrol stock is just enough to meet two days' demand. Amid short supply of oil from India due to non payment of scheduled import bills, the corporation has been failing to distribute adequate fuel in the market. That has created a severe supply crisis.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Gupta takes charge of NSP HQ
The dramatic development in the Nepal Sadbhavana Party (A) today resulted in General Secretary Shyam Sundar Gupta taking complete charge of the party headquarters in the capital.
This coincided with expelled leaders announcing a meeting of the central committee tomorrow in Birgunj with a view, as Laxman Lal Karna said, to reviewing the latest developments and plan the general convention.
Earlier today, Gupta and other central leaders of the party walked to the party office in the capital and “took control of the situation” following a day that saw expulsion of four key leaders, including Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato.
Gupta, who has been tipped to be the next representative of the party in the interim government, flayed the expelled leaders for their anti-leadership posture, including disrespect to party President Anandi Devi.
He also poked fun at the announcement from the expelled groups that it will be organising a general convention to elect new leadership.
“How can those who have been expelled go about organising an event without the stamp of authority from previously elected leadership?” Gupta wondered.
He also denied that the party was on the verge of split. He said the party leadership was waiting for the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to relieve and replace Mahato.
While Karna said the mediator of the party, Narsingh Chaudhary, was busy meeting people to possibly sort out the tangle, Gupta denied any knowledge of the same.
This coincided with expelled leaders announcing a meeting of the central committee tomorrow in Birgunj with a view, as Laxman Lal Karna said, to reviewing the latest developments and plan the general convention.
Earlier today, Gupta and other central leaders of the party walked to the party office in the capital and “took control of the situation” following a day that saw expulsion of four key leaders, including Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato.
Gupta, who has been tipped to be the next representative of the party in the interim government, flayed the expelled leaders for their anti-leadership posture, including disrespect to party President Anandi Devi.
He also poked fun at the announcement from the expelled groups that it will be organising a general convention to elect new leadership.
“How can those who have been expelled go about organising an event without the stamp of authority from previously elected leadership?” Gupta wondered.
He also denied that the party was on the verge of split. He said the party leadership was waiting for the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to relieve and replace Mahato.
While Karna said the mediator of the party, Narsingh Chaudhary, was busy meeting people to possibly sort out the tangle, Gupta denied any knowledge of the same.
ADB to extend Melamchi commitment 3 more months
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), largest donor for the Melamchi project, will extend its loan commitment to the project for three more months after the existing commitment expires on September 30. An ADB mission that arrived in Kathmandu on September 5 took this decision Monday.
"The bank has agreed to extend the loan for three more months till December-end," said the project's recently appointed executive director, Hari Ram Koirala. "The mission has also agreed to ask the bank, at its board meeting scheduled for November 23, to release the funds for the project," Koirala added.
Koirala further said that "no issues" remain now between the bank and the project. "All obstacles have been cleared (for the project to move ahead)," Koirala said.
The ADB had grudgingly extended its loan to the project for three months after the first commitment expired at June-end this year. Before extending the loan commitment, the bank had repeatedly warned that it would pull out of the project if the government did not appoint a management contractor for Kathmandu Valley's water utility by June-end, a key point in the loan agreement signed in 2001.
The bank had taken this stand after a decision by Minister for Physical Planning and Construction Hisila Yami on May 8 to suspend the contract awarded to UK firm Severn Trent Water International (STWI) for managing Kathmandu Valley's water supply resulted in STWI's withdrawal on May 21. STWI was the sole bidder for the contract.
"The bank has agreed to extend the loan for three more months till December-end," said the project's recently appointed executive director, Hari Ram Koirala. "The mission has also agreed to ask the bank, at its board meeting scheduled for November 23, to release the funds for the project," Koirala added.
Koirala further said that "no issues" remain now between the bank and the project. "All obstacles have been cleared (for the project to move ahead)," Koirala said.
The ADB had grudgingly extended its loan to the project for three months after the first commitment expired at June-end this year. Before extending the loan commitment, the bank had repeatedly warned that it would pull out of the project if the government did not appoint a management contractor for Kathmandu Valley's water utility by June-end, a key point in the loan agreement signed in 2001.
The bank had taken this stand after a decision by Minister for Physical Planning and Construction Hisila Yami on May 8 to suspend the contract awarded to UK firm Severn Trent Water International (STWI) for managing Kathmandu Valley's water supply resulted in STWI's withdrawal on May 21. STWI was the sole bidder for the contract.
Monday, September 10, 2007
NA briefs PM on poll preparations
Chief of Army Staff General Rookmangud Katwal today briefed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on the Nepal Army’s preparedness for the upcoming constituent assembly polls.
Briefing the PM on the recent ‘coordination meeting’ of the NA’s division commanders, Katwal informed Koirala about the possible support the Army could provide for the election.
Anticipating the “worst-case scenarios” in the days ahead, the division commanders and other departmental heads discussed the Army’s preparedness in the two-day meeting.
The cases discussed include: “If the CA election does not take place on November 22 and is once again pushed further for some time in next spring; or if the CA election takes place on schedule, but the poll results do not appear as per the liking of a particular group.”
“In both the cases, a degree of violence is expected. The meeting concluded that while postponement of election may invite a civil war, the election result, on the other hand, may also instigate violence,” a General present in the meeting told this daily. He said the meeting has decided to get prepared for both the situations.
Apart from formulating strategies to tackle such situations, which would be implemented
if the government asked the Army to take action, the ‘coordination meeting’ also discussed
the current “total chaotic situation” in the Tarai. The division commanders discussed the activities of the United Nations Mission in Nepal, which is mandated to monitor management of arms and armies and assist the government in holding the CA polls.
They discussed the government’s reported intention to replace Army security by YCL’s security in certain “vital installations like television towers”. “Internally, we are soldier-focused, and externally we must be people-focused to win their trust that the army is transparent, accountable and democratised,” the General quoted Katwal as saying at the conclusion of the two-day meeting last Friday.
Katwal was accompanied by other departmental heads and division commanders when he went to brief the PM. “The army officers briefed the PM on the current security situation, and also assured him that the NA would always take the government’s order and remain committed to democracy,” according to a press statement released by the MoD.
The PM reiterated that the CA polls would be held on November 22. It may be noted that Maoist deputy commanders, including Janardan Sharma (Prabhakar), Nanda Kishor Pun (Pasang), and Baldev, have sought a role for the PLA during the poll campaign.
Deuba for Unity Among Democratic Forces
President of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba today called on all democratic forces to move ahead unitedly for holding constituent assembly elections.
Issuing a statement here on the occasion of BP Koirala's Birth Anniversary, Deuba also asked all parties to follow values and ideals of late BP Koirala by putting aside differences.
Deuba requested people of all religion, tradition and geography, language to establish themselves as sovereign citizen by participating in CA polls in November. He also stated that new constitution can be framed by conducting the CA poll successfully, adding that all democratic forces should move ahead unitedly for the same.
Issuing a statement here on the occasion of BP Koirala's Birth Anniversary, Deuba also asked all parties to follow values and ideals of late BP Koirala by putting aside differences.
Deuba requested people of all religion, tradition and geography, language to establish themselves as sovereign citizen by participating in CA polls in November. He also stated that new constitution can be framed by conducting the CA poll successfully, adding that all democratic forces should move ahead unitedly for the same.
Demand for republic a Maoist ploy, says Minister Poudel
Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chadra Poudel Monday accused the Maoists of trying to use the slogan of republic ahead of the Constituent Assembly elections as a political ploy just as they used the peace talks to seek political mileage.
Poudel accused the Maoists of trying to create tensions by raising demands on outdated issues.
Addressing a conference of the Teachers Union in Bharatpur today, he said, “The Maoists' new game has given rise to doubts over their intentions.”
He added that the interim parliament, which included the representatives of the eight parties, was in itself the round-table.
Minister Poudel, who is also a senior Nepali Congress leader, added that the Maoists cannot save themselves all the time by fooling the people and ruining the nation.
”When only one step-- the CA elections-- remains to be taken to declare the republic those who try to hatch conspiracies (against it) wearing new masks would be defeated by the people,” he said.
Minister Poudel is here in Bharatpur to take part in the nationwide celebration on the occasion of 94th BP Jayanti.
In a separate context, he urged the teachers to focus on imparting quality education.
Poudel accused the Maoists of trying to create tensions by raising demands on outdated issues.
Addressing a conference of the Teachers Union in Bharatpur today, he said, “The Maoists' new game has given rise to doubts over their intentions.”
He added that the interim parliament, which included the representatives of the eight parties, was in itself the round-table.
Minister Poudel, who is also a senior Nepali Congress leader, added that the Maoists cannot save themselves all the time by fooling the people and ruining the nation.
”When only one step-- the CA elections-- remains to be taken to declare the republic those who try to hatch conspiracies (against it) wearing new masks would be defeated by the people,” he said.
Minister Poudel is here in Bharatpur to take part in the nationwide celebration on the occasion of 94th BP Jayanti.
In a separate context, he urged the teachers to focus on imparting quality education.
Jana-Yatra
The “jana-yatra” staged by the people of Ilam on Sunday demanding an environment for the Constituent Assembly elections. The rally simultaneously launched by the people of Ilam and Ramechhap districts in eastern Nepal and Baitadi district in far-western Nepal will converge in Butwal in 13 days.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Doctors perform angioplasty on Crown Prince Paras
Doctors have performed angioplasty on Crown Prince Paras shortly after he was rushed to the Norvic - Escorts International Hospital at Thapathali in the capital late Thursday morning after he complained of chest pains.
He was admitted to the hospital at around 11:30 am.
Doctors attending him have said he suffered a mild heart attack.
King Gyanendra and Queen Komal also reached the hospital to inquire about CP Paras' condition.
He is being attended by a medical team led by consultant cardiologist Dr Bharat Rawat.
According to a doctor of the hospital, CP Paras' lower artery was blocked leading to the "mild heart attack."
"He will have to stay in the hospital under constant medical supervision for five days including two days in the Intensive Care Unit," sources said.
Doctors attending him have also diagnosed him with high cholesterol, and moderately high blood pressure.
Norvic Hospital physician Dr Shyam Bahadur Pandey and Dr Kishore Rana had decided shift Prince Paras to the Norvic Hospital after they were called to Prince Paras's residence at the Nirmal Niwas as he complained of chest pains.
At a press conference in the hospital today, Dr Pandey said that the Crown Prince is out of danger and will have to remain in hospital for five days including next two days in ICU.
Dr Pandey added that he also diagnosed him with high cholosterol and moderately high blood pressure.
"He will have to change his food habit and lifestyle to keep the blood pressure and cholesterol level normal," he added.
Security has been tightened around the hospital.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
SWEET SUCCESS
Skipper Paras Khadka looks adoringly at the ACC U-19 Elite Cup that his team won after beating Afghanistan in the final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday as team manager Upendra Bhattarai (right) leads victory slogans, upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday.
The mangled microbus at Balaju
The mangled microbus at Balaju after a killer explosion in Balaju, Sunday. Three blasts in Kathmandu Sunday killed at least two persons and injured dozens.
PM GP Koirala at Krishna Mandir
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala receives the tika and prasad from a priest at the Krishna Mandir in Patan on the occasion of the Krishna janmasthami on Tuesday morning. Koirala, in the capacity of the officiating head of the state, went to the temple as part of the ongoing drive to clip king’s rights.
Maoist ‘kangaroo courts’ to resume
CPN-Maoist on Tuesday decided to reactivate its 'kangaroo courts' across the country.
A meeting of the Revolutionary People's Council (RPC) took the decision in this regard.
"As the common people have failed to receive justice from the current state mechanism and action has not been taken against the corrupt and criminals, we have decided to reactivate such a mechanism to provide justice to the people," said Dr Baburam Bhattarai, coordinator of the council.
He further said that after such a mechanism is set up, people would start taking action against the corrupt and criminals across the country. "It's not exactly the people's court, but it is a mechanism that provides justice to people," Dr Bhattarai said.
The Maoists had dissolved all Kangaroo courts following intense pressure from national and international bodies in the past.
In a meeting of the council, Maoist Chairman Prachanda said, "The network of RPC should be reactivated and expanded from the center to municipalities and villages across the country to prepare for the people's movement."
A Maoist source said Prachanda told the meeting that a strong people's movement is required to give a progressive outlet to the country at a time when politics is fast polarizing. "A broad alliance of nationalists, republicans and left forces is required for the movement," the source quoted Prachanda as saying during the meeting.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of the council's coordinator Dr Bhattarai, decided to form such networks of the council under the leadership of ethnic groups, which hold majority in the concerned districts and villages.
Dr Bhattarai, during the meeting, said a strong people's movement would be launched if the government failed to address the Maoists' 22-point 'pre-conditions' for the CA poll.
He urged all members of the council to get ready for such a movement.
Meanwhile, Maoist Chief Prachanda, speaking at a meeting of his student wing - All Nepal National Independent Students' Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R), asked all students to be prepared for the people's movement.
A Maoist source said Prachanda told student leaders to launch a movement to ensure free and fair CA poll.
"The Constituent Assembly is not possible until the government addresses the 22-point pre-requisites," the source quoted Prachanda as saying during the meeting.
A meeting of the Revolutionary People's Council (RPC) took the decision in this regard.
"As the common people have failed to receive justice from the current state mechanism and action has not been taken against the corrupt and criminals, we have decided to reactivate such a mechanism to provide justice to the people," said Dr Baburam Bhattarai, coordinator of the council.
He further said that after such a mechanism is set up, people would start taking action against the corrupt and criminals across the country. "It's not exactly the people's court, but it is a mechanism that provides justice to people," Dr Bhattarai said.
The Maoists had dissolved all Kangaroo courts following intense pressure from national and international bodies in the past.
In a meeting of the council, Maoist Chairman Prachanda said, "The network of RPC should be reactivated and expanded from the center to municipalities and villages across the country to prepare for the people's movement."
A Maoist source said Prachanda told the meeting that a strong people's movement is required to give a progressive outlet to the country at a time when politics is fast polarizing. "A broad alliance of nationalists, republicans and left forces is required for the movement," the source quoted Prachanda as saying during the meeting.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of the council's coordinator Dr Bhattarai, decided to form such networks of the council under the leadership of ethnic groups, which hold majority in the concerned districts and villages.
Dr Bhattarai, during the meeting, said a strong people's movement would be launched if the government failed to address the Maoists' 22-point 'pre-conditions' for the CA poll.
He urged all members of the council to get ready for such a movement.
Meanwhile, Maoist Chief Prachanda, speaking at a meeting of his student wing - All Nepal National Independent Students' Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R), asked all students to be prepared for the people's movement.
A Maoist source said Prachanda told student leaders to launch a movement to ensure free and fair CA poll.
"The Constituent Assembly is not possible until the government addresses the 22-point pre-requisites," the source quoted Prachanda as saying during the meeting.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Scene After the blast
A scene of the bus stop at Tripureshwor shortly after a bomb explosion on Sunday. Two people were killed in the blast. Bombs went off almost simultaneously at busy market places at Tripureshwor, Sundhara and Balaju at around 4:15 pm.
Blasts rock Valley, two killed
A child injured in the explosion undergoing treatment in Siddhartha Apollo Hospital in Balaju.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Janai Purnima
A priest tying a sacred thread on a girl ‘s wrist at Kumbheshwor temple in Lalitpur on Tuesday (Aug 29, 2007) to mark Janai Purnima.
UN Secretary General Special ENvoy to Nepal Ian Martin
UN Secretary General’s special envoy to Nepal Ian Martin participating in a meeting organised by Human Rights and Peace Society in Kathmandu on Friday (31 August 2007).
Vandals target structures on Dharahara premises
A group of vandals struck on the premises damaging two computers, information counters, bulbs and dozens of flower pots on Dharahara premises alleging that contractor violated the agreement reached with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City some three years ago.
Sanjeev Tuladhar of the Side Walkers, the contractor leasing the Dharahara for business purpose, said a group of people vandalised the property on the Dharahara premises with an apparent intention to discourage the private sector. He said the miscreants also damaged two motorcycles of the company.
However, Gautam Dangol, secretary of the Sundhara and Dharahara Protection Group, claimed that the locals vandalised the property when the staffers of the company locked them up on Dharhara premises as they were planning to go to the KMC office to submit a memorandum. He alleged that the company violated the agreement reached with the KMC.
Dinesh Thapaliya, executive chief of the KMC, said the KMC wouldn’t terminate the contract with the Side Walkers since court has already upheld the contract.
“They constructed small buildings and established commercial shops instead of establishing information counters, public toilets, books shops and launching public-oriented activities,” Dangol said.He also accused the company of making huge money from the historic place.
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