Fuel Crunch stalls hydro project construction in Nepal

 

Consturnctin of Middle Marsyangdi  Hydro-electricity Project has not resumed due to lack of fuel.

 

Work was halted 12 days ago due to shortage of petroleum products resulting from the  indefinite tarai banda. A project source said the stoppage has caused loss of Rs.25 million to the Nepal Government till date.

 

The Government has to pay 2 to 2.2 million rupees to the contractor daily. Only about five percent of project constructin work remains.

 

Sunil Kumar Dhungel, deputy head of the project said construction work would most likely resume of Wednesday as Nepal Oil Corporation has assured it will supply necessary fuel. Approximately 20,000 liters of diesel is consumed by the project daily.

 

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World Bank announces Nepal Development Marketplace 2008

Twenty-five innovative ideas and invantive partnerships from across Nepal will be awarded cash gramts of up to Rs 5 million  cash to implement this ideas under the Nepal Development Marketplace 2008 program.

 

The World Bank said the program was aimed at promoting fresh thinking and harvesting the most innovative ideas about peace and development, expension of lovelihood opportunities and delivery of basis services of the poot.

 

Nepal Development Marketplace is open to anyone with a good invovative idea to share," Susan Goldmark, country representative of world Bank for Nepal, said at the launch of the program on Saturday March 1, 2008. The last date set at April 17, 2008.

 

The proposals reflective the them Securing Peace through Development must be in the areas of health, eduction, water and sanitation, agriculture, irrigation and food security, infractructure enercy small business mocro enterprise  support, informatin and communication technologies and employemtn creation.

 

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Interpol chief lauds Nepal Police

 

Secretary General of International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Ronald Noble on Friday Feb 29, 2008 lauded the efforts made by Nepal Police in apprehending internationally notorious outlaws.

 

Speaking at a press meeting in the Kathmandu, Secretary General said Nepal Police investigation officials are competent and at par with international standards,"Nepal police are very able to identify, locate, and arrest those wanted, he said.

 

Noble said Nepal Police had successfully handled over half a dozen international cases  to prove that it is equally competent with police organizations in developed countries. He said the recent arrest of the alleged kidney kingpin Dr Amit Kumar in Nepal was testimony to the fact."I am very satisfied for the great work in apprehension of Dr Amit Kumar, who was wanted internationally via Interpol red corner notice, he added.

 

On the occasion, Noble also informed that a Nepalese police deputed at Interpol Headquarters in France from this year."Based on the request of Inspector General of Police, Interpol has agreed for the first time to have a Nepalese police officer deputed from here to the (Interpol) General Secretariat in Fran ce he announced.

 

He also said Interpol is planning to create a websites that describes works of all 186 Natinal Central Bureau . "Ghe first of that Natinal Central Bureau will be Nepalese police force,"he aded.

 

On the occasion, Noble gave away appreciation letters on behalf of Interpol to police chief Om Bikaram Rana, AIG Keshave Prasad Baral, SSP Upendra Kanta Aryal, SP Devendra Subedi and DSP Sher Bahadur Basnet Sub Inspector Raju Khim Bhadur Tamang and constable Lila Gurung for the arrest of Dr Amit.
 

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Businessmen organize protest

 

In response to rising incidents of attacks on businessmen community took to the streets, shutting down business in Kathmandu demanding security on Sunday March 2,2008.

 

Expressing serious concerns over the growing incident of killings, physical assauts, extortion and abduction, businessmen demanded that the government provide security and create favorable environment for business apart from bringing the culprits to justic

Business leaders flayed the government for the deteriorating law and order situation and indifeerence shown toward mounting   inscurity among business perople in the country.

As a part of the protest, they are organizing a mass meeting at Basantapur of Kathmandu on Monday Feb 3, 2008.

 

Speaking at corner meet organized in New Road, Binod Kumar Chaudhary, President of Confederation of Nepalese Industries, complained that the government did not pay heed  to the demand for security for business people.

 

Chandi Raj Dhakal, President of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Surendra Bir Malakar of Nepal Chamber of Commerce flayed government apathy towards to deteriorating security situation and demanded stern action against   those involved in cirminal activities.

 

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"Send Home a friend" Program Lauched in Germany

 

Nepal on Saturday launched 'Send Home a friend program in Germany, which is intended to lure the Nepali diaspora aboard to send friends back home.

As part of new marketing strategy, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Avation (MoCTCA) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have implemented the program since last January, which will extend until the end of the year.

However, non-resident Nepalese said the government should promptly unveil necessary supporting measures toe make the campaign a success.

Dil Gurung, president of Non-Resident Nepali Association, Germany said despite is commitment and announcement to provide privilege card which gives discounts for tourists going to Nepal in restaurants and hotels-the government has not been able to do so yet.

"It has to coordinate with local restaurants, hotels, departmental stores, airlines and decide how much discount the privilege card holders can get and distribut the card at the earliest, "he said.

Stressing the need for effective role of Nepali diplomatic missions abroad, he said the embassy must apply economic diplomacy effectively. "Furthermore, the embassy has to set up a seperate tourism desk, recognizing its contribution to the economy," he said.

He said that air accessibility problem is creating roadblock in sending more tourists to Nepal, adding that the government must bolster the status of the troubled national flag carrier by expanding its fleet. "Europeans prefer to travel on direct flights. So, the government has to do the needful to connect Nepal directly with Europe," he said.

Ram Pratap Thapa , honorary consul of Nepal in Germany said the government has to expedite the "Send Home a Friend" campaign, saying that it has been very slow so far.

He also suggested that the government revise its visa policy. "Its visa fee for those getting it at the airport in Nepal should be the same as here in the embassy, "he said, "Moreover, the visa should be multiple and valid for at least five months." He said these are small steps but will goa long way in attracting tourists.

Thapa, who is also vice-president of NRN International Coordination Commitment that NRNs ae ready to extend support to the government by sending at the launching program, Pranchanda Shrestha, chief executive officer of NTB said NRNs could play a crucial role in boosting tourism through word of mouth.

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Neplease Government Vechicles get drumped young

 

 

A Nepali Government owned Mitsubishi Lancer parked under the open sky is covered by a thick layer of dust. It has stayed immobile inside the premises of Singha Durbar, the main Government offices premises, for over a year view minor and the black Mitsubishi is corroding under heat and rain.

 

According to Home Ministry officials, Deputy Speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav used the luxurious car registered as BA 1 JHA 5529 in the past. For a year, she has not cared to maintain the vehicle despite receiving money for this proposes.

Mechanical Engineer said the engine of this vehicle has been badly damaged as the vehicle was used without changing engine oil for a few years.

Two expensive cars from Toyota Motors have also been dumped inside Singha Durbar for over a year now. One of the vehicles (BA4CHA 6050) was used in the past by Joint Secretary of Home Ministry and another one (Ba4Cha 7735) by the Chairman of Law Reform Commission. Both vehicles were rendered useless due to the same reason: no change of engine oil.

These vehicles only represent the tip of the iceberg though. Most government vehicles have similar problem said Puspa Shrestha, who looks after vehicles of the Home Ministry. "The government has no budget to repay all vehicles," said Laxman Bahadur Thapa, under Secretary at the ministry.

Owing to lack of timely maintenance, most government vehicles end up prematurely useless and are auctioned at the price of scrap metal.

Recently, the Home Ministry selected 30 vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi cars and dumped then at an open garage to auction at the market price of iron.The Ministry has almost completed the process for an auction, said Thapa.

But the selection of vehicles for auction has also come under question. Some of the vehicles have proved not entirely useless. Two of the vehicles selected for auction by the Home Ministry were recently sent outside the valley for use by government officials in Rolpa and Gorkha according to Thapa.

Even engineers of Heavy Equipment Division, Minbhawan, who recommended that the vehicles be auctioned off, have been demanding those vehicles for use by officials.

According to record of past auctions obtained by the Post, 48 expensive vehicles including Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota Land Cruiser were put on auction in similar manner by the Home Ministry in 1996 BS, after being left without repair for years.

Back then, a Toyota Land cruiser (BA-A-JHA 1717), bought at the price of Rs.44 million was sold for Rs.260, 800 while another Toyota (BA-A-JHA 1153) was sold for Rs.60, 000. Similarly, a Mazda (BA-A-JHA 1153) was auctioned at Rs.58, 000 and a Benz car (BA-A-JHA 833) car Rs 50, 0000. Records say the vehicles were auctioned as they consumed too much fuel, needed engine overhaul and denting and painting. Some vehicles were auctioned off without any specific reason.

To repair old vehicles, the government needs to spend from Rs.100, 000 to Rs 200,000 said engineers. However, the ministry has been planning to buy at least 15 new vehicles instead of repairing old ones.

Thapa admitted that the ministry would buy new vehicles. When asked about the damaged vehicles, he said there wasn't sufficient budget to repair them.

In total, the home ministry has 138 vehicles. Of them, 19 are not in operation. On record, the ministry spends hug amounts on maintenance and fuel. In the last eight months, over Rs.3.6 million has been spent on fuel and over Rs.1 million on maintenance.

 

 

 

 

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Black Market of Goods in Nepal

 

 

I was greatly surprised when my neighbor displayed two cylinders of cooking gas in spite of its acute shortage in the market. I asked her, "Where did you get it ?" She proudly replied, "Oh this, I bought them at a slightly higher price from our shop-keeper". She also told me that she bought the two cylinders despit having  one cylinder already in stock.

This attitude of my neighbor represents the common attitude of hundreds of Nepali housewives. When goods are in short supply in the market, they tend to store extra quantity of goods which leads to further shortage. We can see the queue of vehicles in petrol pumps and people holding a number of empty gas cylinders in the gas shop. Other goods are also in  shortage. In such a situation the back market is expanding.

However, we are responsible for increasing the black market because of our tendency and poor judgment. It is the main cause of black marketing. When we see a large number of vehicles queuing in petrol  pumps, we join the queue whether we need it or not at the moment. When we know about the shortage of gas in market we purchase couple of gas cylinders for storing. We only  store when we see the signal "No" in shop or hear the rumor of scarcity. In ordinary situation we never care.

Now, many things in the market are in shortage, expecially petroleum products. Therefore, we tend to add more gas cylinders in our stock and buy more petroleum products than we need. The trend to purchase more than required during banda has helped the black market flourish.

In this sense, we ourselves are the promoters of the black maket. No matter if we are really in need of extra stock or not, a majority of Nepalis have the tendency to spend extravagently on goods and store them for the future. This aggravates the situation when there already is shortage of goods. The common people do not  have stocks at home and are obliged to buy at the price asked by shopkeepers in the wake of high demand caused by the shortage.

It is funny to see people purchasing things whenever they hear rumors of a weeklong strike, even though they possess these commodities sufficient for 2 months. It is this tendency that supports the thriving black market. Hence, as a conscious consumer, we should help prevent the black market. Let us not rush to buy extra quantities of goods which are already in high demand and short supply.

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Big 3 differ on transitinal head of state in Nepal

The political parties may have decided to abolish the minarchy through the first meeting of a fdreshly elected constituent Assembly, but they are still undecided and hold divergment views on how to elect the new head of state and whether it will be a ceremonial or an executive head.

Since electing the head of state comes in the agenda immediately after the election of the constitument assembly lack of consensus on this may delay-even derail the political process.

The Post talked to three major parties-Nepali Congress, UML and Maoist to find our what their plans are for the transitional head of state. The answers when varied, to say the least.

The Maoists seem must clear-whether or not they have the right approach is altogether a different matter-about the transition and have also mentioned this in their eclection manifesto. They want the members of the consitituent assembly to elect an executive president and the prime minister. Maoist ideologue Dr Baburam Bhattarai said, "The meeting will decide the powers of the president and the prime minister on the very first day when it will also decide to abolish the monarchy."

He said the president will be head of state and have executive power, which means the prime minister will play second fiddle something like the French model. What the Maoists are proposing here is not just a change in the head of state but a total change in the form of governmet-from a prime minissterial to a presidental system.

Dr Bhattarai also claimed that the very first meeting of the CA will amend the Interim constitution, effecting change in the model of the governmet.

This, alas, is not how the NC and the UML envision the transition for the head of state.

The UML is completely silent on the issue in its election manifesto and a Nepali Congress leader involved in preparing the party's election manifesto conceded that they haven't given any thought to the issue."We may discuss it tomorrow and come up with a suggestion in the manifesto," he said, requesting to remain unnamed. Still, some senior UML and NC leaders offered their take on the issue.

ULM leader Raghu Panta said,"The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly will elect a prime minister who will serve until a new consititution is formulated and he will also function as head of state".

He also downplayed the differences amount the parties over the issue. "Since the constituent assembly is a powerful body and has authority to take decisions on any issue there should be no problem."

Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula also said the issue will be resolved amicably."The first meeting will enforece a republic, amend the constitution if required and elect a new president."

But will that be an executive president? The NC has already said it is in favor of an executive prime minister and a ceremonial president. Sitaula said, "The powers of the president and prime minister is an issue to be decided by the CA."

 

The question is what if there is no quick consensus on the issue and how will it play our with the king watching from Narayanhiti ? Genral Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi said," We have already agreed that we will take a decision through consensus." 

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Conflict will continue if Maoists lose: Dr Bhattarai 

 

The meaning of Constituent Assembly(CA) poll will questioned if progressive forces like maoists are sidelined by the poll, a senior Maoist leader said on Friday.

 

"I think the decadelong confict will not find its justification if we (Maoists) are defeated in the Constituent Assimbly poll,"senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai said at an interaction with media poersons here.

 

He also claimed that conflict will continue in Nepal if the issues raised by Maoists in the past are not addressed following the CA poll.

"We (Maoists) fought for ten years for republic, constituent assembly and new ideas. We alone can address the issues, for wihich we raised arms in the past. So we must come to leadership to take the decade-long conflict to a justified conclusion, "Dr Bhattarai said, adding "Otherwise, unsatisfied forces will resume armed struggle through we don't want it.

While starting that the CA poll isn't yet free from risks, he said, "Conspiracies are being hatched to carry out big political assassinations to abort the poll,"he said.

He accused the ULM of drifting away from leftist ideology and said, "It is hight time people chose real leftists." 

 

 

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Respect people Dr. Bhattarai

It is really a bad news for film makers at the Hollywood that we, Neplease, are producing the finest class of comedians here in Nepal, Dr Baburam Bhattarai, a top leader of Maosist, really made every Nepali laugh their head off when he said if the Maoists are to lost the CA Election, the revolution will continue. I really can't figure out what revolution means to him. It is shocking to know that the Maoist top brass is still not ready to face the public verdict. It is unclear who Dr. Bhattarai is referring to as the unsatisfied groups.

 

If he and his party are in a utopian mindset that the public sympathy and good gesture will continue forever. I can only warn these Nero of modern times to be ready for the backlash.

 

The economy of our country is on the backtrack and the rising prices of basic commodities are already enraging the public. Dr Bharrarai should experience the life of common people. Life at the remote hills of the west of Nepal which were most affected during his party's insurgency is beyond our imagination.

 

The upcoming CA polls have provided us an opprotunity to have our say and to get the justice from the state we were deprived of till now. So, everybody should come together and we should try to make the upcoming polls a grand success, whatever the results.

 

Those who do not respect the people are not going to get anything back. Nothing, not even conspiracies, is going to stop us now.

 

For what Dr. Bhattarai said on the above topic you can see it at this post

http://www.nepalnepal.com/Social/blogs.php?action=show_member_post&ownerID=19&post_id=358

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Nepalese Political Parties Engaged in Blame Game before CA Election

 

The major constituents in the ruling seven-party alliance have accused each other of violating election Code of Conduct by disrupting their electoral programs in different parts of the country.

While the NC blamed CPN (Maoist), the CPN (UML) accused both NC and the Moists of obstructing their electrol progrms.

Issuing a statement on Friday, the NC said that at least six paty supporters have sustained injuries in Makawanpur district when Maoist cadres attacked them on the charge of attending NC's electoral campaign at Chhatiban VDC.

Denouncing the ongoing violent incidents unleashed by the Maoists, the NC said that the blatant attacks on the democratic norms and election Code were the result of a defeatist mentality.

It has also urged the government to take stern action against the perpetrators and create a conductive environment for free and fair elction by ensuring law and order situation.

Similarly, the CPN (UML) said that the Maoists cadres tried to disrupt its program at Sunkhani Yamuna of Sindhupalchowok district by attacking its party cadres, including the party candidate  Arun Nepal, who is contesting the election from Sindhupalchowk-1. Due to Maoists's attacks, some UML cadres, including district committee member Ram Prasad Pyakurel, have sustained injuries.

According to a statement issued by the ULM, Maoists and NC activists have been obstructing the UML's party leders and cadres in launching electoral campaigns at Sunkhani, Lamidanda, Mali Kavre, Mirge and Sunarawati of Dolkha constituent-2 since March 16.

In Nagthana of Sunkhani, four UML's cadres were injured. In Mali, 16 Maoists caderes along with Khukuris had tired to attack our caderes. the UML statement said.

The Maoist cadres also barred UML candres and election candidates on Friday from carrying out electoral campaigns in Rameshhap-1 and Gorkha-3 the UML said.

According to the UML statement , Maoist manhandled its local cadres and seized their mike from Keureni of Khimi VDC of Rameshhap district. Likewise, the Maoists had restricted UML cadrs and candidate from Gorkha=3 Bikal Shresatha at Ramchwok of Chaupani-6 while they were going to attend election program at Bartak VDC saying that they could not enter into their "so-called" Maoist base ares.

 

Denouncing the ongoing incidents, the UML has urged the Maoists to stop such undermocrtic and irresponsible activities in order to create a free from fear atmosphere for the upcoming election.

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Justic for The victims of the decade-long conflict in Nepal

 

The victims of the decade-long conflict share a common doubt that the state may not provide then justice. This seems to be genuine concern. Indeed, the politicians who think that a blanket amnesty  will secure the peace process  are mistaken as what they are saying is contradictory. First, a general pardon is not something that the state can grant , it is the right and choice of the victim. The state can only facilitate a reconciliation or encourage the sufferers to forgive by providing them an attractive compensation. What the victims really want, according to a recent study report, is justice, which means punishment to the perpetrators. A blanket amnesty is, of course, not acceptable. It would only promote impunity and an even stronger sense of revenage among the vicitims. This would mean continuation of the conflict. But this is waht seems to be in the offing.
 

The government is already heading on a risky path to amnesty. In an attempt to bypass the concerns of the victims, it formed a Truth and Reconcillation Commission (TRC) and its so-called High Level Commission for  Desappeared Persons without consulting and involving the major stake-holders - the vicitims, the National Human Rights Commission and the UN, among others. Howerver, these bodies could not be established before the CA polls because of the widespread criticism for going contrary to international standards. They require that any truth commission be independent, impartial,, competent and free of government interference. The TRC was indeed nothing less thatn a purely political group. It ignored the victims'  demands for justice and focused more on creating conditions that could force them and the perpetrators to reconcil. The TRC stated that those who were not ready for a reconciliation would be ineligible for compensation. There were similar weaknesses in the High Livel Commission for Dispperred Persons.

 

Given such a week stand of the government, the vicitims" response that they were not going to let anyone walk free is justifiable and anticipated. For instance, the recently relased report of the International Center for Transitinal Justice(ICT) shows that a majority of conflict victims do not agree with giving a genral pardon to perpetators on the pretext of making the peace process "successful". The major concern of the sufferers and those on the side of justice is that the government show a strong commitment to end impunity. Only a few bold steps will convince the victims that the governmetn is firm on delivering justice. It should form a truth commission through a wider consultative process involving the civil society, human rights bodies, the victims, the UN and other stakeholders as suggsted by the ICTJ.

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Only US$ 970 for Korean Job for Neplease

 

A job asprient has to pay only US 970.28 before being recruited in South Korea under the Emplyment Permit System (EPS) of Korean government, the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management said on 23rd March 2008 (Sunday).

Issuing a statement, the Ministry also said the exam of Korean Language Test (KUT) would be held on March 29 and 30. A total of 31,525 job seekers have applied for the exam, which is going to be held at 20 exam centers in Kathmandu.

The ministry has cautioned job aspriants to beware of any individual making false promise of job opportunity in Korean, a lucrative labor destination for Nepali. EPS allows Korean employrs to fulfil labor deficit in domestic market by recruiting foreign workers who would be entitled to equal wages and other benefits with their Korean counterparts.

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Rs 1.8 million collected to save Dolma A total of Rs.1.8 million has been collected in a bid ti saave tge kufe if Dolma Sherpa on whom Kuwaiti preliminary court has slapped death penality for her alleged hand in the murder of a Filipino woman in Kuwait. According to Hira Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson of Minisstry of Foreign Affiars, Qatar-based Nepali mission has collected Rs.1.1 million from Nepali workers in Qatar where around 300,000 Nepalis ae working. The government had initiated the process of fundraising by providing Rs.4000,000 as seed money for the purpose of bringing about a reprive to Dolma's sentence. Likewise, Rs.300,000 was collected by the Association of Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) from Nepali communities in different countries. Talking tothe Post Wednesday, Thapa said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has deputed the first secretary at Nepali Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Lok Bahadur Thapa to Kuwait to appointto defense lawyer on behalf of Dolma and to hold talks with officialsof Kuwait based Fillipino embassy to negotiate with the victim's family members for blood money. The Government has estmated the total amount will come to around Rs. 5 milloin to pay for blood money and remuneration for a lawyer.

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Grow More Food in Nepal A food deficit caused by poor harvests has hit the poor people really hard, especially in western Nepal, The situation is likely to worsen in the days ahead even if the government imports food grains to meet the rising demand. Food scarcity is a world wide phenomenon. The World Food Program (WFP) is already straining under the increasing prices of cereals in the international market. India, due to its own acute shortages, has already slapped a ban on the export of wheat and rice. Even rise exporting countries such as Vietnam and Thailand have limited their shipments. So, unless the Government gives priority to the agricultural sector, the country will continue to face a food deficit. The government must be blamed for the poor harvest as it failed to give precendence to the farm sector. Making Nepal self-reliant in food has never been on the governnent's agenda. Vast swathes of arable land remain dry during the winter. And every summer, floods cause havoc in the plains, destroying standing crops worth millions of rupees besides, the agricultural sector sways to the vagaries of the monsoon. Until recently, Nepal imported food grains from India to meet its requirements. The open border system has made it easy for Nepal to bring in grain shipments, but a severe scarcity in India has affected this country as well. Many poor families now are struggling to cope with the food shortage. The WFP provides a grain picture that food stocks in 38 districts have dwindled by 50 percent in less than year due to sharp increases in prices. Although Nepal produced 17 percent more food this year, there still isn't enough to go around. Officials estimate that food prices will increase by 10 percent every month till the next harvest. Insufficient rain and soaring petroleum prices, which have raised transportation costs, have also aggravated food secutiry. Rising wheat prices in the international market have already affected the poor people who had switched to wheat because of continuing shortages. WFP figures show that over 3.8 million poor people in the country are facing a food scarcity. There is no option now but to invest heavily in agriculture so that Nepal can once again become a rice exporting country. India has managed to produce enough food grains to feed one billion people. Nepal too can make radical moves so that it becomes selfsufficient in food grains. The need of the hour is to develop irrigation and use new technology to raise the production of food grains.

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45 percent of total population in Nepal is infected with Tuberculosis (TB) Tuberculosis (TB) claims 5 to 7 thousands Nepali lives every year while 45% of the total population is infected with the disease, secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population said here Monday. Speaking at a program organized by National TB Center, Dr Bishnu Prasad Pandit, secretary at the Ministry, said 35,000 TB patients were receiving tretment under Directly Observed Treatment Short - Course (DOTS) . "The government is trying for coordination between TB, and HIV and AIDS programs through a special technical committee" Dr Pandit said on today when the country also market World. TB Day along with the rest of the world with the slogan "I am stopping TB." TB is a leading killer among HIV infected people with weakened immune system suscepible to infection."It is impotant that people with TB be visible in their communities and not remain hidden. Family members and neighbors must learn that TB is not a death sentence when patients have access to DOTS," a statement of the National TB Center read. It said that in spite of the availability of effective medicines and tools, TB was still the main cause of death among young people and adults from a single infectious agent. One-third of the world populationis infected with Tuberculosis bacilli, the microbe that cause TB, the statement said. Globally 1.6 million people died from Tuberculosis (TB) In 2007, equal to an estimated 4,4000 deaths a day. According to World Health Organization, only 61 percent of the estimated new smear positive cases are detected and 85 percent of these cases are successfully treated under DOTS program. Accelerating case detection is therefore critical for reaching the global target for TB control set at 70 percent case detection and 85 percent success rate in treatment.

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Maoist Defeats in CA Poll Unacceptable Said Prachanda CPN(Maoist) Chairman Prachanda, said his party would not accept the poll results if regressive forces, conspire for Maoist' defeat in the Consstituent Assembly (CA) election. Addressing an election rallly at Pathari of Morang on Wednesday, he claimed Maoist would never lose inthe poll as the west was their "base area" and people inthe east have also been taking part in the Maoist programs invery large members lately. "As the west is our base area, ourvistory is indis putable there," Pranchanda asserted "And in the east too, I"hv already sensed our victory after seeing the mass of people in our programs and their commitment to a new Nepal". "In such a situation, when people support is only for Maoists, poll (result) will not beacceptable for us if conspiracies are hatched to defeat us," he said. Prachanda also informed that during a meeting with Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula in Biratnagar on Tuesday, he had told the later that Maoissts were ready to accept the people's verdict in the CA poll. "However, upon seeing such support of people in the eastern region. I can never agree if regressive elemens might defect us, He said.

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Qatar, UAE main megnets for Nepali labour The number of Nepali workers leaving for overses jobs increased by 33.24 percent in the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2007/08 compared to the same period last fiscal year. According to the data of the Department of Labor, the number of jobseekers heading for abound three dozen countries sweeled to 154-400 during the period from 113879 recorded previously. The numbr of employees travelling to Saudi Arabia, the fourth most popular destination for Nepal's migrant workforce, soared by 21 percent to reach 26,329 from 21,632 during the same period last year. However, Malaysia, which was the largest recipient of Nepali workers last year, saw a whopping 30 prcent decling in arrivals, with an intake of 33,507 persons compared to 48,171 perviously. Breaking down the departures bymonth, 21,588 workers left for overseas jobs during the period mid-Februgayr to mid-March, down from21818 during the preceding month Qaatar topped the list of receipient countries duringthe month, taking in a total of 6,775 nepali workers. The numbr of workers leaving for Malaysia andthe UAE increased to 5,389 and 5,450 duringthe review month as compared to 4,486 and 3,929 resectively during the preceding month. Howerver, Saudi Arabia saw fever Nepali workers coming in where arrivals fell to 2,275 from 4,962 previously.

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The understanding signed by Prime Minister and NC President Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN (UML) General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and CPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dhal on Tuesday underscores the essentially and immediacy of helping conduct a credible, peaceful, free and fair Constituent Assembly Election on April 10. While applauding the pact that will hopefully lead to an end to the daily madness we are made to witness across the country, we have no reasons to rest easy. Simply because there have been numerous such pacts in the past each of which was aimed at facilitating the first CA Election in the country. Most of them have been implemented only partially, if at all. These accords were not struck among and between the 7parties but also between the SPA Government and various agitating groups.

One really positive aspect of agreement is that the three leaders are constantly talking and trying to thrash our understanding. But it really boils down to just one thing: Implementing the agreement sincerely, honestly and in letter and spirit. Else the parties can go on signing more promises all without any meaning while the situation on the ground remains the same: fractious, divisive and bloody. It should not be lost on anyone why the agreement was necessitated. The content and tenor of the 10 point pact leaves no room for doubt, either. The CPN (Moist) refusing to accept the writing on the wall and egged on by motivated experts and analysts has been involved in nearly all the clashes reported so far. True, they have lost more people than the other parties since the CA Election was announced and we strongly demand that the government probe such killings and ensure punishment to the guilty. The Maoist leadership has an enormous responsibility and it stands to benefit immensely as well by taking the current electoral exercise to a logical conclusion.

The leaders of the other two parties whose cadres have clashed with the Maoists could help the latter in putting an end to all violence, but electoral calculations have come in the way. From the NC's Sher Bahadur Deuba and Ram Chandra Poudel to the UML's Nepal and K.P Oil, none have desisted from publicity criticizing and deriding the Maoists. That is not the way to respond to provocations from a party in panic and at a loss about the turn of events. We ask these parties to act responsibly too. Rein in your cadres, stop making inflammatory speeches, and honor the election code of conduct. We also ask the Election Commission to assert itself and start cracking its whip at code and violation. Use the public commitment of the three leaders - expressed on Monday and reiterated the following day to accept the EC's actions against transgressors. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) could help in monitoring and helping the EC to conduct a smooth election.

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US President security advisor didn't know difference between Nepal and Tibet

It seems US President George W. Bush's security advisor, Stephen Hadely, did not know the difference between Nepal and Tibet.

In an interview conducted by George Stephanopoulos of AABC television in the US on April 14, Hadley repeatedly confused Tibet with Nepal.

"If contries are really concerned about Nepal, we shouldn't have this sort of non issue of opening ceremonies or not. They should do the hard work of quiet diplomacy to urge the Chinese government in their interest -- to take advantage of this opportunity to do something, "Hadley said while asked about the issue of Chinise crackdown against Tibetan protessts.

It did not end here. "The way to deal with the issue of Nepal is not by some -- a statement that you're not going to the opening ceremonies.. "he further said.

"What he's doing on Nepal is what we think the international community ought to be doi8ng, which is approaching the Chinese privately through diplomatic channels and sending a very firm message of concern for human rights, a concern for what's happening in Nepal, urging the Chinese government to understand that it is in their interest to reach out to representaives of the Dalai Lama, and to show, while the whole world is watching China, that they are determined to treat their citizens with dignity and respect. There is an opportunity here, "he added.

Hadley did not realize his mistake, nor did interviewer Stephanopouls attemps to correct him during the interview.

Later, White House spokesperson had to correct the mistake. "In his ABC interview , Mr Hadley referred at least a half dozen times to Nepal when he seemed clearly to be speaking to Tibet." A White House spokesman later contirmed that Mr Hadley had misspoken, the New York Times said.

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Nepal Slashes Royalty fees for mountaineering

 

Nepal has drastically cut the cost of climbing Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks to try and attract more mountaineers to the country, an official said Thursday.

"The government has approved the decision to cut the royalty fee for climbing Everest by 75 percent during winter and summer seasons and 50 per cent during the autumn season", tourism official Krishna Prasad Gyawali told AFP.

Prices for the spring season, by far Everest's busiest due to a brief summiting window before monsoon rains, will remain the same.

But the number of people allowed on a 70,000 dollar-permit will be raised to 15 from 12, the official said.

 

"Prices for permits on the other 326 peaks over 5,500 meters (18,250 feet) that are open for climbing have been slashed on a similar basis, "said Gyawali.

As well as the 8,848 meter (29,198 foot) Everest, Nepal has another seven of the world's 14 highest peaks. Mountaineering brings much needed hard currency into the impoverished nation sandwiched between India and China.

"To encourage mountaineering in unexplored and backward areas, the government also decided to allow mountaineering free of charge in the mid-west and far-west regions for the next five years" said Gyawali.

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It seems that the most tolerant Nepalese are those who are in prison. Our jails are probably the not uncomfortable, crammed, dirty, and mismanaged ones in the world. Yet we seldom hear of prisoners protesting about their living conditions. For a brief period after the restoration of democracy in 2006, Jail inmates' were also inspired to demand mass amnesty. The demand was logical from their viewpoint because all those who were condoned after the success of the revolution were those who had raised arms to kill and engaged in extortion. The inmates were serving time for almost the same kind of crimes. However, they were pacified after being made to understand that "taking the law into their own hands in the name of political ideology" was different from personal reasons. Even if not amnesty, the prisoners have a right to proper living conditions, drinking water, health and other facilities. It is the government's responsibility to provide them these amenities.

Our tragedy is that the government never considers inmates as human beings. So who bothers about their rights? Even after the reports of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and a number of jail reform commissions were released, the government has been maintaining its uncaring character. The government's apathy is such that the Supreme Court has felt the need to step in and order it to implement the recommendations of these jail reform reports. Supreme Court has felt the need to step in and order it to implement the recommendations and reports. We hope the ministries' representatives, who will be part of the committee, will obey the SC's order, and oversee the jail reform act honestly. Let us hope it will begin from July as ordered by the SC.

 

During the Maoist insurgency, the state was alleged to have killed many people in custody. Though we cannot condone the inhumane behavior of the authorities at the time, it is also a fact that the unavailability of prisons and proper resources prompted such acts. We commend the NHRC, Pro-Public and other human rights organizations for taking up the human rights issues of the inmates. The government should appropriate enough money in the upcoming budget to reform the prisons. Many prisons around the country are in dilapidated conditions, besides suffering forms other deficiencies. If we fail to provide proper food, enough space, safe drinking water, and minimum health facilities to the inmates, we cannot claim to be custodians of human rights. Moreover, if we fail to convert our jails from punitive detention chambers into correction centers, we will never succeed in checking crime. Most of the convicts finish their terms within a couple of years. We have to make sure that when they get out of prison, they are better human beings.

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Kin of Nepalese killed in Iraq on August 2004 to be paid

 

 

 

 

 

The court said the families of Budhan Bahadur Shah of Dhanusha and Mangal Bahadur Limbu of Dhankuta were disqualified for the compensation as they did not have any dependents. However, the family of Bhes Bahadur Thapa of Rolpa refused to be compensated.

"We tried to communicate with the family members of Bhes Bahadur Thapa but we found them so upset that they did not want to remember the event" Handley said.

 

 

 

 

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Although unpleasant, the decision to increase the price of petroleum products was a sensible move. The price rise will slash the country's burgeoning oil losses and ease the financial burden on the state treasury, which was threatening the fiscal balance and economic stability apart from hurting development spending. The latest hike has also reduced the Nepal Oil Cooperation (NOC)'s deficit, ushering in a ray of hope improved supplies. It is true that the decision has added a financial burden on the people and created inflationary pressure. But given the extent of the losses and the way they have been dealt with previously, the prices of commodities would have gone up anyhow - it was just a matter of time. Nepali consumers understand that the era of cheap food and fuel has ended. It is just that they, like consumers anywhere in the world, are not willing to let it go away easily. Many laud the government for spreading the burden of the increased costs among all the stakeholders. The government has also reduced the important duty on oil for the time being and slashed state-sponsored fuel facilities, which are sensible steps.

We would like to caution the public that the problem of oil losses and fuel crisis has not been put to rest altogether. Diesel, Kerosene, and Cooking Gas (LPG) are still subsidized. The resulting monthly loss of NPR 1.7 billion, which at he NOC will like have to bear even with the price hike, is something disturbing. The accumulation of monthly losses in that amount every month would continue to drain the NOC's cash flow and make it difficult for it to pay for its normal imports. The government's decision to lend it an additional NPR 1 billion will ease its position for now. But the loan will not ensure fuel availability for long. Hence, the government must instantly start working on how it is going to deal with the problem in the short and medium terms. This is important because the rally in the international price of crude continues, and experts have predicted that it will touch US$ 200 in a year's time.

In such a situation, we suggest that the government unveil to the public its price adjustment plan as soon as possible. The price should not be raised in big jumps but gradually in order to insulate consumers from the extreme heat of boiling oil prices. The Nepali people's income levels should be taken into account when raising prices. The government must adopt a product-wise policy and inform the people in advance on how it is going to cover the poor and marginalized groups from the burden. The plan must be discussed at the political and technical levels, and public debates must be held. This would go a long way in depoliticizing oil prices and rendering the decision to open fuel imports and distribution to the private sector applicable decision. The government must also beef up its market inspection to avoid sensitive market manipulation and to check adulteration. Consumers should enjoy the right to get quality products when they are ready to pay what they have been asked to. The players should operate in a fair manner and there should be a mechanism to tighten the screw against wrongdoers.

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