- Thursday, 16 January 2025
Kathmandu, Dec 22: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has provided Rs 3 million in assistance to the Nepal Children’s Organization.
The amount would be used for different purposes including managing housing, food and health care to the children residing in the Organization.
Deputy Mayor of KMC Sunita Dangol handed over the amount to Chairperson of Organization Bidya Neupane.
On the occasion, Deputy Mayor Dangol said that the KMC doled out the assistance amount after receiving complaints about the challenges the Organization facing for the management of food and health care.
In the current fiscal year, the KMC is to provide Rs 5 million to the Organization.
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‘Museum needed to preserve folk cultures’
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Foreign affairs expert Jayraj Acharya has said that preserving a country’s art and culture is equal to keeping military force for the defence purpose.
At a programme organized here on 19th memorial day of folk singer Dhanmaya Tamang, Acharya described country’s geography, bravery of our ancestors and diplomatic efficiency, and multicultural diversities as our strength.
Late Dhanmaya is a singer of ‘Lamjunge Thado Bhaka’, a types of folk song quite popular in the districts of Lamjung and Tanahun in the Gandaki belt, which is often song in the festivals and celebration there.
“Thado Bhaka is a treasure of the whole nation not only of the Gandaki Province. It gives a sense of Rigveda. The State should pay attention for the preservation of such treasurers and museums should be opened in all seven provinces for the development of folk cultures,” Acharya said.
Likewise, social campaigner Lal Bahadur Bhujel and former administrator Prithvi Adhikari argued that cultures and traditions are the crucial power of a country and the government should accord top priority for their preservation and promotion.
At the age of 72, Dhanmaya had also released a music video of Thado Bhaka sung with her son with the theme of nationality.
Likewise, Dhanmaya also recorded the collection of hymns and folk songs.
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SAU to have Chair from Pakistan, President from India
Kathmandu, Dec 22: The Eleventh Meeting of the Governing Board of South Asian University (SAU) held in Kathmandu recently decided to appoint Prof. K. K. Agrawal from India as the new President of SAU.
The Board also agreed to transfer the Chairmanship of the Governing Board to Pakistan, after Nepal, on the principle of rotation in alphabetical order of the Member States, according to a press statement released from the SAARC Secretariat.
It is stated that the meeting also endorsed SAU’s budget for 2023-24 and academic calendar for 2024-25.
On the occasion, the Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar said “As the centre of excellence, the University holds great potential to foster socio-economic and cultural collaboration among the South Asian countries.”
Addressing the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the Indian government for hosting the University in New Delhi and facilitating its smooth functioning since its establishment.
Likewise, Chairman of University Grants Commission of Nepal Prof. Dev Raj Adhikari appreciated the role of SAU in facilitating regional cooperation in higher education and research.
The SAU is a unique seat of learning, research and creativity for the citizenry of the region, offering state-of-the-art learning and research facilities with a world-class faculty drawn from within and outside the region.
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“There will be sufficient chemical fertilizers for winter crop this year
Birgunj, (Parsa), Dec 22: The farmers in the districts of Madhes Province won’t have to face the short supply of chemical fertilizer this year for the winter crops including the wheat farming.
The Agricultural Inputs Company Limited, Madhes Province Regional Office, Birgunj, Parsa has said that needed quantity of DAP chemical fertilizer has been sent to the districts for wheat farming and the urea fertilizer is coming soon.
Head of the Provincial Office, Durga Prasad Pandey said that a total of 16,023 metric tons of DAP and 19,299 metric tons of urea have been sent to the districts till December 13.
“Farmers need DAP in the time of sowing wheat seeds. We have already supplied the received quantity of DAP fertilizers in the districts as per the quota,” he said.
“The farmers need urea after three weeks of sowing the seeds during the time of irrigation. That too will arrive within some days. Around 36,000 metric tons of urea is in the process of arriving,” Pandey added.
With the availability of this volume, there will be no crisis of fertilizer for wheat farming, according to Pandey.
The Agricultural Inputs Company Limited, Madhes Province Regional Office, Birgunj, Parsa is responsible to supply chemical fertilizers in all eight districts of Madhes Province, 10 districts of Bagmati Province and Tanahun, Lamjung, Gorkha, Kaski, Parbat and other districts of Gandaki Province.
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WHVs act as messengers to reduce prevalence of non-communicable diseases
Kailali, Dec 22: The Tikapur Municipality in Kailai district has mobilized a large number of women health volunteers (WHVs) to spread message against non-communicable diseases. The municipality took this decision concluding that non-communicable diseases have witnessed as one of the key health threat.
The WHVs are sensitizing the issues by making people aware on their healthy lifestyle, food habit and other aspects to do away with the non-communicable diseases.
The Health Section of the municipality stated that altogether 120 women volunteers have been mobilized to the community by providing them with the three-day-long training.
They were trained about the types of non-communicable diseases, their symptoms, preventing measures and mental health issues.
The Coordinator of Public Health Promotion Section, Bal Bahadur Rawal, said the number of patients taking recommendations for the treatment of heart attack, brain hemorrhage, diabetes, asthma and cancer diseases is on the rise lately.
Likewise, the number of such people for cardiac and respiratory related illness is high, it is said. “We started working for awareness raising as the number of patients is increasing day by day. We are giving counselling services, running health camps and awareness raising programmes at the ward-level,” Rawal shared.
We have asked the local people to improve their living style and food habits to prevent one from the prevalence of the non-communicable diseases.
Chandra Chaudhary, a health volunteer, it has become easier for us to aware the local people as the community people put their trust on us.
Likewise, another health volunteer Maya Ghartimagar stated that she is sharing ideas and health education to the local people to practice healthy habits and get good health.
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People urged to take precaution against cold
Kathmandu, Dec 22: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Meteorological Forecasting Division has urged people to take necessary precaution against cold as the temperature is on a decreasing trend across the country.
Cold has increased with the drop in mercury throughout the country, including in the Kathmandu Valley. The minimum temperature in Kathmandu today is 4.5 degrees Celsius and the maximum 19 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature in Kathmandu is between 4 to 5 degrees Celsius and the maximum in the range of around 17 to 19 degrees Celsius since the last three to four days.
Extreme cold has intensified in Kathmandu due to the fall in temperature. Although the days are sunny, much cold is experienced in the morning and evening.
The lowest temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius is recorded in Jumla and minus 3.5 degrees Celsius in Jomsom, the Division said.
The Westerly wind has partial impact in Nepal at present and the weather is partly cloudy to generally fair due to this weather system. It will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly region of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and partly cloudy to generally fair in the rest of the provinces tonight.
The weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly region of the above provinces and partly cloudy to mostly fair in the rest of the provinces tomorrow (December 23). There are chances of light rain in one or two places of the hilly regions of Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces.
The Division stated that there is possibility of light snowfall in one or two places of the high-hilly and mountainous region of Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
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PM Dahal inaugurates Inaruwa substation
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has inaugurated Inaruwa substation today. Inaruwa substation is considered one of the important project for strengthening power transmission and distribution system.
Constructed at Bhokraha Narsingh rural municipality-4 of Sunsari district, the 400-Kv substation is one of the largest substations constructed in the country. Country’s second largest substation based on Gas Insulated System (GIS) was charged on second week of October.
Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, former minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, high-officials of Energy Ministry, Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Kul Man Ghising, among others were present in the inauguration ceremony.
The next substation of 220/132/33 kV has already come into operation in Inaruwa. There are three power transformers of 315-MVA in 400/220 kV Inaruwa substation constructed under 400-kVHetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa substation expansion project. Around 4,000 MW electricity would be transmitted from Inaruwa substation after the completion of 400 kV Inaruwa- Dhalkebar transmission line.
NEA Executive Director Ghising said Inaruwa substation is the backbone for transmitting electricity produced from hydropower projects at different districts of Koshi Province, for consumption of power locally and to export surplus electricity to India.
Executive Director Ghising said, “Electricity will be supplied locally in addition to the electricity flow from the sub-station to the national transmission grid. This will improve the voltage in that area thereby ensuring reliable supply of electricity.”
Ghising further said that the Inaruwa-Purnia 400 KV cross-country transmission line has been proposed for power trade with India and Inaruwa-Anarmani 400 KV transmission line has been proposed for trade among Nepal-India and Bangladesh from this sub-station.
The Inaruwa sub-station, according to him, has become another huge electricity centre to supply electricity from east to west within the country and export to India besides regional power trade.Moreover, the sub-station would be significant to supply additional electricity to the industries within the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor. The electricity generated from Arun and Tamor Rivers and their tributaries would be linked to the Inaruwa Sub-Station through Koshi Corridor 220 KC transmission line.
It may be noted that there has been proposal to construct the Arun ‘Hub’ Inaruwa 400 KV transmission line.The Authority said that the Inaruwa Sub-Station has been built in such a way that it can be expanded in future.Various factors such as inundation, COVID-19 pandemic and prohibitory order and lack of timely availability of tools and technicians among others had adversely affected the sub-station construction process.
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Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Sabry pays courtesy call on President Paudel
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs, Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry, paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel today.
During the meeting held at the Sheetal Niwas, they discussed the issues of the bilateral relations, mutual interest and cooperation between Nepal and Sri Lanka, according to the Office of the President.
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We are heading towards prosperity through complete electrification of country: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that full preparation has been made to declare the country as completely electrification within the coming one to one and half years. Addressing the Inaruwa substation inauguration programme at Sunsari today, the PM called that day as the ‘golden day’ which, he said, will arrive soon.
“Nepal’s energy sector is taking a stride with the guidance of the Government of Nepal, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)’s plan and the support and cooperation of Nepali people. Encouraging works are being carried out at present with the plan relating to electricity production, transmission and distribution for not only lighting the houses and settlements but also for achieving prosperity and making the country itself bright,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the government under his leadership had freed the people of the terrifying time of darkness due to load-shedding in the past and pursued the journey ahead towards a bright Nepal.
He added that the government, a few days back, got the action plan on increasing the electricity consumption passed from the Council of Ministers in order to consume the electricity produced in the country within the country itself. As he said, this action plan has provided broader guidance for increasing electricity consumption.
PM Dahal stated that an opportunity has been created in which electricity is not only produced from rivers and distributed in the villages and cities of Nepal but it is also sold in the neighbourhood to earn foreign currency.
“It is a matter of happiness that income more than Rs 15 billion is made and deposited in the state treasury by exporting the excess power to India after consuming it within the country. A country like ours with immense potential for hydropower development would be benefited greatly as the participating nations are ready to implement in practice the zero carbon emission policy by promoting renewable energy. We should pay special attention to this,” he stressed.
The PM said he was pleased to inaugurate the automatic Inaruwa substation – the second biggest substation of the country – equipped with GIS technology for power trade with India and Bangladesh and for supplying reliable and quality electricity by consolidating the electricity transmission and distribution system.
Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that Inaruwa substation would work as the backbone for sub-regional and regional power trade, not only to feed the power generated from Arun and Tamor rivers as well as their tributaries to the national transmission grid and the east-west power supply line, but also to augment bilateral power trade between Nepal and India.
Sharing that with the inauguration of the substation that can supply around 4,000 MW power, the quality of power transmission and distribution, and reliability would be increased, he said a new hope has raised from the construction of such largest project in the country.
PM Dahal expressed the belief that voltage problems facing by locals of this area would be improved thereby ensuring reliable supply of power. He further said “Around 98 per cent population has access to electricity. All preparations have been made in order to announce the country fully electrified within next one to one-and-half-year.
This golden day is arriving soon.”Clarifying that transmission lines with high capacity connecting east-west and north-south are now being constructed, he explained that expansion and strengthening of power distribution system have been launched as the campaign across the country for reliable, sufficient and safe power supply and billions of rupees have been invested on it.
An understanding was reached for the construction of Chilime-Kerung transmission line during his China visit and tripartite agreement would be reached among Nepal, India and Bangladesh to export of Nepal’s green clean energy to Bangladesh, he opined.
He claimed that Nepal had drawn international community’s attention towards the agenda raised by Nepal effectively and objectively in the recently held 28th United Nations Climate Conference (COP28).”Our country, which has an immense potential of hydro power, would largely benefit since the participant countries in the COP28 were ready to practically implement the policy of zero carbon emission promoting the usage of renewable energy,” the Head of the Government said.
He pledged earliest decision on the issues surrounding the construction of transmission lines such as usage of forest area, felling of the trees and land acquisition among others.
Mega projects in the offing
PM Dahal shared that the construction process of various mega projects in Koshi Province was about to begin. According to him, preparation was afoot to implement the 1,061 megawatt Upper Arun Hydropower Project and 635 megawatts Dudhkoshi Reservoir-based Hydropower Project after raising investment.
These projects would be implemented under leadership of the international financial institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development among others ensuring the investment of the general public.
PM Dahal informed that the government decided to permit NEA for preparing Detailed Project Report and investment proposal of the 10,800 megawatt Karnali Chisapani Project.Moreover, the 1,200 megawatt Budhi Gandaki Reservoir-based Hydropower Project has been taken forward arranging fund, the PM informed, expressing his hope that Nepal would move forward on its journey of prosperity.
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Energy Minister Basnet says nation moving towards prosperity path through energy sector
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said the country has moved ahead in the path of prosperity through energy sector.At a programme organanised to inaugurate 400-kV Inaruwa substation in Sunsari, Minister Basnet mentioned that generation of more than 500-MW electricity in one year has proved that the country has been moving towards the progress.
Mentioning that there is a reliable base to produce around 30,000 MW power within next 10 years, he viewed that additional legal arrangements are being made to address the problems of right-of- way seen in construction of transmission line and demands of locals. Similarly, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, expressed the belief that the problems facing by industrialists of Koshi Province in power supply would be resolved with the operation of the substation.
Federal Parliament lawmaker from Sunsari-4 and former minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki said it is a matter of happiness and pride that the substation has come into operation as it plays a significant role in promoting the country’s economy.Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Gopal Sigdel opined that the substation would prove to be a milestone for the consumption of electricity within the country as well as for its export.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) executive director Kulman Ghising said Inaruwa substation is like the backbone for transmitting the electricity generated in various districts of Koshi province, for domestic consumption and for exporting surplus power towards India. “In addition to transmitting electricity in the national transmission grid via the substation, electricity will also be supplied locally, which will improve the voltage in the area, making the power supply reliable and quality. A 400 kV Inaruwa-Purnia inter-country transmission line for power trade with India and another 400 kV Inaruwa-Anarmani transmission line for power trade between Nepal, India and Bangladesh have been proposed through this substation,” he added.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the 400 kV-capacity Inaruwa sub-station, considered as the second biggest one in the country, today.
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Bill on Nepal University discussed
Kathmandu, Dec 22: The House of Representatives’ Education, Health and Information Technology Committee today held consultation with experts on the Nepal University Bill, 2079 BS. The committee called the experts working in the higher education sector for discussions to further enrich the bill passed b the National Assembly, the upper house of the Federal Parliament.
The experts took the legislation brought for addressing the challenges seen in the higher education sector positively and suggested for giving priority to quality, autonomy and expertise.
The university is being set up as an autonomous public varsity with the objective of running academic programmes incorporating multi-disciplinary type of subjects not taught in the country so far, said Dr Arjun Karki, Chair of Nepal University’s infrastructure development committee.
Chair of the Development Committee Dr Surya Raj Acharya and Dr Amina Singh said that the proposed university is going to be unique and timely. The meeting was held in the presence of Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ashok Kumar Rai.
The bill has a provision providing for free higher education to students from the Dalit, marginalized,disabled and economically indigent communities. Committee president Bhanubhakta Joshi shared that the bill would be passed on the basis of suggestions received from experts.
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Cardamom production increases in Ilam
Phikkal (Ilam), Dec 22: Production of cardamom has increased in Ilam district. According to Agriculture Knowledge Centre Ilam, cardamom production has increased despite decrease in cardamom cultivated land.
Centre Chief Tony Bardewa shared that production of cardamom has increased by 7.96 per cent in current fiscal year as compared to previous fiscal year. Cardamom was planted on 1,753 hectares of land in the current fiscal year where 1320 metric tonnes of cardamom was produced. It was cultivated on 1,755 hectares of land in previous fiscal year where 1,215.26 metric tonnes was produced.
The productivity was 0.69 per cent per hectare in the previous fiscal year and it increased in the current fiscal year reached 0.75 per cent, he added. Similarly, dragon fruit farming has been expanded in Ilam from this year. It has been cultivated on 10 hectares of land in the current fiscal year against 0.5 hectares of land in the previous year, according to the Centre.
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Man held for luring and forcing girls into sex trade
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Police have arrested 24-year-old Suman Tamang of Tandi rural municipality-6, Nuwakot, on the charge of forcing girls into sex trade.
Police mobilized from the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau, Babarmahal made the arrest as well as rescued four girls, based on information that Tamang lured the girls to join the flesh trade and sexual activities at various hotels and guest houses at New Buspark area in Kathmandu.
Police Headquarters stated that investigation revealed Tamang targeted girls from economically poor families, lured them with the promise of finding them jobs as waitress and cleaning staff at hotels and guest houses before forcing them into the sex trade.
The girls were not even allowed to come out of the hotels and guest houses since the last five years, it is said. Police are carrying out investigation, taking permission from the District Court Kathmandu for extension of custody against Tamang in a case related to human trafficking.
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Minister Gurung lays foundation stone for bridge and road
Dhulikhel (Kavrepalanchowk), Dec 22: Minister for Urban Development Sita Gurung laid the foundation stone for Patne Khola bridge and Patne Khola-Naya Basti-Durlung Khola road here today.The road will connect Bethanchok rural municipality in the district via Khopasi-Dhungakharka-Chamrangbesi-Phaparbari.
Minister Gurung said that the road would be developed as an alternative auxiliary road. “People would feel comfortable when plans at local level are completed on time. It is necessary to extend cooperation at time to play a role of watchdog for the timely completion of the projects as such.”
The Urban Ministry has allocated Rs 20 million while Rs 4 million has been arranged by the Bethanchok, ward no 2 and 3, the Minister said.On a different note, she said that the federal government was ready to extend support for tourism development in Bethanchok rural municipality.Also speaking in the foundation stone laying ceremony, Bagmati Province Assembly member Kanchanchandra Bade Shrestha said that the road would be an access road for all the residents in Kavrepalanchowk and Makawanpur district.
Bethanchwk rural municipality Chairperson, Bhagawan Adhikari, shared that road connecting Khopasi to Bethanchok rural municipality was carried out and the upgrading of the same road was under way.Adhikari said that they were preparing to develop Shiva Parbati Gufa (cave), Bethanchok Narayanisthan and Tintale Jharana (three-storey waterfall) in the Bethanchok rural municipality as a tourism spot.
The estimated cost of Patnekhola bridge is over Rs 46 million. It is expected to be completed by mid-November, 2024.
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Minister Sharma stresses on business promotion thru transparent advertising market
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has said only transparent advertising market based on healthy competition could promote the advertisement business.
Inaugurating the 24th annual general meeting of Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) today, Minister Sharma underscored that a transparent advertising market would benefit advertisers, media and entrepreneurs.
She mentioned that overall economic sector of the country has been affected due to economic recession and the advertising market also hit hard due to this, adding human resources working in advertising market and media faced the problems due to economic recession.
“Advertising cycle has been affected due to the shrinkage of advertisement market. It can be believed that advertising market will grow with the increasing economic activities. It is necessary to pay attention to make advertising market more transparent and competitive,” stressed the Communications Minister.
Minister Sharma shared that she started a process to make the advertising market transparent and competitive through amendment to advertising regulation. As she said, the information about extreme anomalies and commission in the advertisement distributed from government offices has made her serious.
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Legal hurdles will be cleared to address problems facing landless people: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said he was effortful to clear legal hurdles to address the problems facing landless squatters.
PM Dahal said it while addressing a Maoist Centre’s special transformation campaign at Miklajung rural municipality on Friday.
“Process is initiated to ease distribution of land ownership certificates. Government is committed to solving landless people’s problems. He also assured that the Miklajung farmers producing milk would be provided payment soon after holding discussions with concerned ministry and Dairy Development Corporation.
PM Dahal also reminded that government was serious to solve the problems of sugarcane farmers. He also reminded that government had recently decided to allocate Rs 520 million to clear dues to the sugarcane farmers.
In one year, Nepal’s image in the international arena increased for its moves for good governance, social justice and prosperity, claimed the PM, promising to deliver more in the next year at his office. He also took time to say that he would not hesitate to reshuffle the Cabinet if any weaknesses is realised on the part of ministers in regard with the efforts to achieve the goals. As he said, he regularly reviews work progress by summoning ministers and secretaries at his office in Singha Durbar.
According to him, he was aware of citizen’s concern over naming province and the issue would be sorted out through discussions at the political sphere and with the agitating bodies.
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Minister Sharma stresses digital transformation for economic prosperity
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has insisted on the need of digital transformation for achieving economic prosperity.
According to the government Spokesperson, the government is focused on formulating polices, legal frameworks and structural adjustments to build a ‘digital ecosystem’.
In her address to the eighth ICT Award ceremony organised by the ‘Living with ICT’, a media company on Friday, the Minister reminded that the government has recognized communications and information technology as a fundamental concern of the citizens, and accorded national priority accordingly.
“The government is clear about the significance of IT which is a tool not only for simplifying the people’s daily life but also for fostering economic development,” the Minister said, arguing recent experiences suggested our potential to compete globally by supplying IT-based services.
She further announced that government realized the need of a ‘departure’ in this sector.
As the Minister shared, the government initiates to establish the Cyber Security Centre, she said, adding that significant changes in IT is must for its further systematization.
She however admitted that the Digital Nepal Framework 2076 BS failed to take expected pace and the government realised the need to review it and go ahead accordingly.
“The Ministry has launched initiations to strengthen digital infrastructure sector. Preparations are underway to implement the ICT Exhibition and Digital Championship programmes to promote the Startup in IT and innovations. Likewise, ‘Digital Skill’ programme is in the offing for all seven provinces targeting youths for employment opportunities within the country,” the government spokesperson informed.
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‘Strengthen country system and governance for aid effectiveness’
Krishna Sapkota/RSS
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Policy stakeholders, including lawmakers, senior economists and experts have called for strengthening national accountability systems for aid effectiveness in Nepal.
At a launch of ‘An assessment of foreign aid effectiveness: Sources, use and development’ hosted by ActionAid International Nepal in the capital on Friday, speakers said foreign aid has spectacular role in the country having reform-oriented governments to address socio-economic needs and anchor overhaul in multiple sectors.
In his address to the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Dev Raj Ghimire, stressed measuring foreign aid effectiveness in a relative manner as it has helped address several national priorities.
“Comprehensive analysis with empirical evidences is required to claim the extent of effectiveness of foreign aid in translating national priorities into action”, he said, adding foreign aid, in its any forms and natures, should be accepted and spent aligning the stipulated national priorities to make the country self-reliant, and reduce socio-economic inequalities and backwardness.
The Speaker also highlighted the urgency of ensuring general people’s access to foreign aid in an equitable manner for which parliament is an effective mechanism.
Rendering comment on the study report, former minister Dr Minendra Rijal said governance loopholes should be fixed first to enable environment for effective aid spending and its outcomes. “Until and unless national systems perform well, foreign aid cannot be instrumental in financing socio-economic transformation of the country”, he noted.
Also speaking on the occasion, economist Dr Swarnim Wagle suggested drawing evidences on the effectiveness of remittances, taxes and foreign direct investment in addressing the country needs since these sources have higher share in the country’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP).
“Foreign aid contributes five percent to the GDP, so let us not create a narrative to make foreign actor the change agent of our economic architecture”, he said, underscoring enlightened conditionality while negotiating with bilateral and multilateral development partners for foreign aid.
Former finance minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada said foreign aid has helped Nepal in advancing several social reforms and welfare gains, so it should not be merely analyzed from economic dividends. “The country system should receive aid in a way to cater to the national plans, policies and priorities. We should also see the global power balance and geopolitics while accepting foreign aid as a vital instrument of development”, Dr Khatiwada suggested.
Feminist economist and GESI expert Bharati Silwal said as Nepal was recognized as a global leader in introducing gender-responsive budgeting, sustainability of such innovative measures had always been a big question. Calling for strong compliance to ensure aid harmonization and mutual accountability of receivers and donors, she also laid emphasis on adequate engagement of civil society organizations, including feminists in designing and delivering aid and budget spending measures.
Presenting the study findings, economist Dr Dilli Raj Khanal said enhancement of aid effectiveness cannot be enhanced without bold reforms in the structural, institutional and governance fronts. “Aid alignment is simply referred to development plans. How mutual accountability systems can be enhanced without outlining how the federal systems will be used to bring about required transformation in the economy with the support of development partners”.
Khanal is the author of the report.
The study has highlighted gaps between the existing aid policy provisions and implementation gaps. “There is hardly any linkage between the aid policies and aid effectiveness agenda as revealed by the comparative analysis of trends between the aid and some selected direct and proxy indices”, it was shared as findings.
Executive Director of ActionAid International Nepal, Sujeeta Mathema said the study was commissioned to assess the aid effectiveness in Nepal in light of aid policies and also in cognizant of the broad consensus at international level that the assistance has to be country-led, result-oriented, inclusive and transparent.
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Election beauty of democracy: President Paudel
Kathmandu, Dec 22: The Election Commission (EC) has presented its annual report for the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23) to President Ramchandra Paudel.
Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya presented the report to the Head-of-the-State amidst a function at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, on Friday.
On the occasion, the President said, “The periodic election is a beauty of democracy, as it is instrumental to strengthen federal democratic republic, develop the nation and achieve stability with the promotion of citizens’ freedoms and rights.” He expressed happiness over the EC’s performance in course of fulfilling its constitutional and legal responsibilities.
He also expressed his hope that the government would seriously address the issues highlighted by the report.
On the occasion, CEC Thapaliya said the last fiscal remained as the election year which witnessed successful conduct of elections of all three tiers of government. As he observed, elections were economized, transparent and systematized.
Election commissioners and senior officials from the EC were also present on the occasion.
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NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa reminds PM Dahal on his pledge to work not talk
Katari (Udaypur), Dec 22: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has said time has come to question Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Addressing the first district conference of NC Udaypur at Katari on Friday, the lawmaker and former minister said, “Now is the time for citizens to question the Prime Minister about the government’s performance of the past year.”
He also urged the PM Dahal to substantiate the government’s presence through results. “We need a leader who works, not just talks.”
General Secretary Thapa, whose party is also in the government, stated that the PM had promised to refrain from engaging in any inaugural or foundation stone- laying ceremony till January 24 and to remain busy in productive affairs from the morning to evening.
The NC leader also urged the party leadership to prove its presence in delivery and stated that it is the responsibility of the party to end corruption and establish good governance.
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Constitution study commission is urgent need: Former lawmaker Adhikari
Kathmandu, Dec 22: Senior advocate and former lawmaker Radheshyam Adhikari has pointed out the need of establishing a constitution study commission so that objective analyses and research could be done on new system.
Hasty blame on federalism is not warranted, he said, underscoring a comprehensive study on federalism and enforcement of constitution.
The former lawmaker was making such remarks while giving a lecture on ‘Democratic System and Constitutionalism in Nepal’ in the federal capital on Friday. The lecture was organized as part of the annual event of an academic research organization, Martin Chautari, on its foundation day.
“Inaction of politicos and lawmakers can not be transferred to discredit entire system, which needs proper nurturing,” he said, however, expressing worry over lawmakers’ failure to prepare acts on time to enforce fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution.
Adhikari further urged those critical to the federalism to come up with valid reasons instead of making hasty generalization and stray thoughts.
In the lecture, he also reminded the difficult moment that eluded consensus on some issues while writing the present constitution. Adhikari, who had played a significant role on constitution making, shared that there was intense debate whether to include ‘pluralism’ in constitution. But, it was included finally.
Adhikari also made elaborate his observation on the constitutional development in the country. According to him, the Muluki Ain (civil code) of 1910BS is the foundation of constitutionalism in Nepal.
As the constitutions gradually became progressive, broader issues of human rights were recognized. “The constitution of 2047BS incorporated first generation rights while the interim constitution of 2063BS the second generation rights,” he mentioned.
The senior advocate viewed time has come to review the constitutional bodies as we near a decade since promulgation of present constitution.
In response to a query relating to the role and performance of civil society, the senior advocate said, “I find civil society in the letters to editors. I read the letters to editor as these are people’s voices.” Civil society generally remains loose network rather than a solid and firm movement, Adhikari viewed.
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Economic indicators on upward trend-PM Dahal
Biratnagar, Dec 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said most of the indicators of the economy have witnessed encouraging progress as a result of untiring efforts for a year.
Inaugurating the industry trade expo 2023 hosted by the Morang Trade Association on Friday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the government was taking headways laying emphasis on social justice, good governance and prosperity.
He noted the government was effortful to speed up the journey of prosperity by addressing challenges facing the economy.
“The country’s economy was in most difficult situation when I took the government leadership”, he claimed, adding the economy was gradually improving due to a yearlong assiduous efforts as well as cooperation from the private sector.
This time around the country has made progress in containing inflation, he said.
The annual average inflation rate that earlier stood at 7.11 percent has decreased to 5.38 percent last month, PM Dahal shared, adding balance of payment indicator has also made gradual progress.
He claimed that the process has advanced for settling due payment to the contractors. “The economy will turn dynamic once contractors get payment. It will also help speed up the construction of new projects on the other”.
The Prime Minister laid emphasis on promoting local agro products and fostering use of domestic products to create vibes for economy.
He expressed his confidence that such expo would help make publicity of several tourism and religious destinations of the province.
The monthly average remittance inflow has exceeded Rs 120 billion in the current fiscal, totaling Rs 477 billion in the past four months, according to the Prime Minister who said though remittance-based economy is not a permanent proper solution to the economy, it is crucial in averting immediate crisis.
He said the first four months of the current fiscal year witnessed a significant increase in forex reserves, reaching Rs 1,696 billion, signaling positive economic reforms. “Lately, the bank interest rates have been reduced and the size of bank loans is gradually improving. The average loan interest rates have dropped below 12 percent over the past 14 months, and the Rastra Bank recently lowered the policy interest rate. “
On the occasion, Nepali Congress central member Dr Shekhar Koirala advocated for building a ring road in Biratngar. “The development of Biratnagar carrying industrial and political significance is not much on priority of the State,” he said, calling for upgrading Biratnagar Airport to the international standards and operating a regular cargo rail service here.
Biratnagar metropolis mayor Nagesh Koirala was of the view of implementing a planned-wise development endeavours in the town by connecting it to tourism hub.
Morang Trade Association and Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry central member Nabin Rijal demanded tax exemption for 34 products to promote domestic trade, prevent smuggling and establish a ring road and an industrial expo hall in Biratnagar.
The fair features 240 trade stalls from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and will continue until January 1.
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Mishra precursor of democratic movement: Leader Nidhi
Janakpurdham, Dec 22: Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi has remembered the late Ram Narayan Mishra as a precursor of democratic movement in Nepal.
During a programme organised to mark the 56th death anniversary of Mishra in Janakpurdham on Friday, Nidhi said, “Mishra was the contemporary figure of first people’s elected Prime Minister BP Koirala. He was also the Minister for Industry and Commerce in the cabinet of BP.”
Similarly, Janakpur sub-metropolis deputy mayor Kishore Shah reminded Mishra’s contribution to the restoration of democracy and to the establishment of a multi-party system.
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