- Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Kathmandu, Jan 1 : Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ viewed that all the leaders of political parties in Nepal were influenced by late BP Koirala’s ideas one way or the other.
At a programme organized by the Nepali Congress’s (NC) marking the 48th National Unity and Reconciliation Day here today, PM Dahal asserted that there was no doubt that late Koirala was a towering and popular leader of the democratic movement.
Prachanda said, “The NC has created an opportunity to make a new resolution and commitment for the country and countrymen by inviting high-ranking leaders of all political parties who have contributed for democracy. I would like to extend my thankfulness towards the NC for this.”
Calling for consensus from all political parties to complete the remaining tasks of the peace process, the PM assured that he was effortful towards completing the remaining jobs of the peace process. He assured that the incumbent coalition government will last for the full term and would bring forth prosperity for the people.
He opined that the NC, being a coalition partner, should also confidently take ownership of the good undertakings of the Prachanda-led government. The PM shared that the incumbent government had delivered in social justice, giving justice to loan shark victims, addressing citizenship related issues and labourers’ issues among others. “Besides this, the government has done its best to provide prompt support to people in problems.”
On a different note, he expressed his grief over the unpleasant incident happened in Balkumari, Lalitpur on last Friday where two youths lost their lives and shared that an investigation committee was formed to probe the incident and the process to provide compensation to the victims’ families had been taken forward.
The NC has been observing National Unity and Reconciliation Day on Poush 16 of Nepali month every year recalling the day when its founding leader BP Koirala and other leaders returned to Nepal leaving their life in exile about eight years from India.
Different leaders including supreme leader Ganesh Man Singh, leader Shailaja Acharya, Khum Bahadur Khadka, Ram Bahadur Prasai and Nilamber Panthi among others had returned home under the leadership of first elected Prime Minister Koirala on Poush 16, 2033 BS from India with the policy of reconciliation.
—
26th Men’s and 11th W omen’s National Weightlifting Championship from Jan. 9
Bhaktapur, Jan 1: Nepal Weightlifting Association is going to organise 26th Men’s and 11th Women’s National Weightlifting Championship in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, from January 9.
Association Chairperson Ram Krishna Shrestha (Boss) on Sunday informed that there would be competition for equal10-10 gold medals in senior, junior and youth groups towards men and women category.
Total 250 weightlifters would participate in the three-day championship. It is expected that around Rs 8.6 million would be spent to organise the championship, added Shrestha.
There would be competition in four different weight groups for total 540 medals— in 55kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 89 kg, 96 kg, 102 kg, 109 kg and above 109 kg towards junior and senior category, in 49 kg, 55 kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 89 kg, 96 kg, 102 kg and above 102 kg towards youth men’s category.
Women athletes would compete in 45 kg, 49 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 76 kg, 81 kg, 87 kg and above 87 kg towards junior and senior category as well as in 40 kg, 45 kg, 49 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 76 kg, 81 kg and above 81 kg towards youth women’s category.
—
Orange festival to ensure its market
Muglin (Chitwan), Jan 1: Orange festival is being organised at Ichchhakamana rural municipality of Chitwan from today.
The three-day festival being organised with an objective of ensuring market of orange incorporating Tokdand, Dhap, Majhgaun, Sirangaun and Dode villages of the rural municipality. A large quantity of orange is produced in these villages.
Chairperson of Ichchhakamana rural municipality, Dan Bahadur Gurung, shared that the orange festival is going to be organised for the first time with on objective of ensuring market orange produced by local farmers and its promotion.
“We have made arrangement where festival visitor can pick and eat orange by climbing tree”, he added. Similarly, orange eating contest would also be organised in the festival.
Chair Gurung said orange would be kept at a discounted price as compared to market in the festival as well as different materials would be distributed to orange farmers and a training would also be imparted to farmers by agriculture technicians.
“We are organising the festival with a belief that it will be easy to sell orange produced in Ichchhakamana rural municipality at different markets of the country as well as it will help for the publicity of tourism sites of the area”, he mentioned.
It is estimated that more than 450 farmers of Ichchhamana rural municipality would sell orange worth Rs 100 million this year.
Farmers are now selling orange at Rs 75-90 per kg from their farms. Orange is cultivated on 80 hectares of land in the rural municipality this year, according to the Agriculture Development Section of the rural municipality.
A total of 1650 metric tonnes of orange was produced in the rural municipality last year.
—
Rokaya of Tribhuvan Army Club clinches title of Gaindakot Half-Marathon
Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), Jan 1: Rajan Rokaya of Tribhuvan Army Club clinched the title of the first Gaindakot Half-Marathon organised at Gaindakot of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East). The Half-Marathon was organised on Sunday.
He completed the determined 21 Kilometers distance in one hour three minutes and five seconds and received Rs 100,000 prize.
Similarly, Narendra Singh Raut of the same club became the first runner-up by completing the distance in one hour three minutes and 30 seconds. He got Rs 50,000.
Ajit Kumar Yadav of Dhapakhel, Kathmandu, completed the distance in one hour five minutes and 52 seconds and stood in third position. Yadav received Rs 25,000.
Likewise, Seema Chaudhary of Armed Police Force won the title towards women. She completed the determined 21-kilometer distance in one hour 27 minutes and 14 seconds and got Rs 25,000.
Similarly, five-kilometer student-friendly race was also organised where Prem Lal Kohar of West Nawalparasi won the competition. He completed the distance in 15 minutes and 19 seconds and received Rs 10,000.
Amrit BK of Rising in Tanahu and Anuj Mahat of Chandragiri in Kathmandu stood in second and third position respectively. BK completed the distance in 15 minutes and 36 seconds while Mahat in 15 minutes and 55 seconds. BK got Rs 5,000 and Mahat Rs 3,000.
A total of 250 people including 28 women had participated in Gaindakot Half-Marathon organised by Bijay Foundation Nepal. Similarly, 180 students had participated in the five-kilometer race, said Coordinator Adarsh Sigdel.
—
Nepali Congress observing Reconciliation Day today
Kathmandu, Jan 1: The Nepali Congress is observing 48th National Unity and Reconciliation Day across the country today with various programmes.
The NC has been observing this Day on Push 16 every year recalling the day when its founding leader BP Koirala with other leaders returned to Nepal leaving their life in exile about eight years from India.
NC Communication, Information and Publicity Department Chief Min Bahadur Bishwokarma said that the party is marking the National Unity and Reconciliation Day in Kathmandu this year by organising a special programme.
An event has been scheduled at Nepal Academy, Kamaladi at 1:00 PM this afternoon where top leaders of different political parties, who have contributed to democratic movement and members of comprehensive peace accord would attend.
Different leaders including with supreme leader Ganesh Man Singh, leader Shailaja Acharya, Khub Bahadur Khadka, Ram Babu Prasaib and Nilamber Panthi had returned home under leadership of the first elected Prime Minister Koirala on Push 16, 2033 BS from India after leaving their life of exile of around eight years with the policy of reconciliation.
Upon return home, Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh, and other leaders were arrested from Tribhuvan International Airport and imprisoned again at Sundarijal jail.
The Sundarijal jail has now turned into museum on September 9, 2004.
—
Two pedestrians killed in car accident in Nepalgunj
Janaki (Banke), Jan 1: Two pedestrians died in a car accident at Nepalgunj of Banke on Sunday night.
The deceased has been identified as Astha Shah, 24, of Nepalgunj sub-metropolis-13 while the identity of another deceased has not been ascertained yet, according Chief of Traffic Police Office, Police Inspector Gopi Krishna Subedi.
The accident took place when a car (Sudurpaschim State 010001 Cha 3463) heading towards Kohalpur from Nepalgunj hit them near SK Petrol Pump at Karkando of Nepalgunj-18.
Both of them died on the way to hospital. Similarly, Sahana Shah of Nepalgunj-13 was injured in the same incident and is undergoing treatment at Nepalgunj Medical College, he added.
Police have started further investigation into the incident by arrested two persons who were in the car.
—
Govt. forms former-judge Poudel led probe commission to investigate Balkumari incident
Kathmandu, Jan 1: The government has formed a probe commission to investigate the Balkurami incident.
A three-member probe commission has been formed under chairmanship of former judge of High Court, Shekhar Poudel.
A cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar today formed the commission under chairmanship of former judge Poudel where former Additional Inspector General of Police Arun BC and Joint-Secretary of Home Ministry, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai are the members, said Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma.
The commission has been directed to study and analyze the physical and human loss in the incident, reason behind the incident and security management at the incident site and security plan and finding out the weaknesses.
Minister Sharma mentioned that the commission would study about the role of individuals, office bearers and bodies related with Balkumari incident, recommend for action against guilty and give necessary suggestions to curb such type of incidents in coming days.
The commission has got one-month deadline for the same. The commission would present the facts along with suggestions and the government would implement the suggestions, she added.
Birendra Shah of Achham and Sujan Raut of Dailekh lost their lives on Friday in course of protest launched at Balkumari by youths, who failed the Korean language test for job towards shipbuilding sector, demanding they should be able to fill the language test form for manufacturing sector as well.
—
Home Ministry admits of weakness in Balkumari incident
Kathmandu, Jan 1: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, acknowledged weaknesses in three areas regarding the Balkumari incident that occurred on Friday, resulting in two casualties and physical losses.
During a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee in the House of Representatives today, the Minister said that the initial conclusion on the incident highlighted the EPS Office Chief’s role was not positive, the failure of the security officials assigned to the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport in fulfilling their responsibilities, and a weakness on the part of the field commander of the Nepal Police.
The individuals responsible have been suspended until the investigation into the matter conclude. According to the Minister, the Chief District Officer of Lalitpur has been temporarily transferred to the Ministry, and the District Police Chief to the Police Headquarters to facilitate the investigation process. “One million rupees each has been announced for the families of the victims, with efforts underway to provide them additional relief from the EPS Fund and the Foreign Employment Board.”
DPM Shrestha said that the Ministry recognized a weakness in the incident, leading to the formation of a Probe Committee. A circular has been issued, urging the avoidance of resorting to firing to control the situation as much as possible.
Before taking any actions, it is necessary to assess the serious damage to the lives, government, and private property of the citizens, and it is advised to minimize the use of bullets, he stated. He also informed the meeting that a three-member Commission, chaired by former High Court judge Shekhar Poudel, has been formed to conduct an impartial and objective inquiry into the incident.
—
Expenses on snacks slashed at Council of Ministers meeting, saving Rs 6 million annually
Kathmandu, Jan 1: The government which has announced reforms in all the State apparatuses from today on cut down on the snack expenditures of the meeting of Council of Ministers.
The Prime Minister informed the meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar this morning that the expenditure on snacks served in the meetings of the Council of Ministers has been cut down, saying the reforms should be initiated from small topics, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
The PM Office stated that approximately Rs 60 thousand was spent on snacks in each meeting of the Council of Ministers. It is said the Council of Ministers meets more than 100 times in a year. Govinda Acharya, the Press Advisor to the Prime Minister, said that around Rs 6 million is saved annually with the cut down on the snack expenses in the meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Normal snack will be served in the meeting of the Council of Ministers from now on, the PM Secretariat said. Acharya said PM Dahal has started reforms from his own office as minor topics are also considered significant in good governance and reforms.
He added that works related to good governance and improvement would be consistently pursued ahead. Prime Minister Dahal who has announced to change the working style of the government has been reaching the Prime Minister’s Office at Singha Durbar at 10.0 am daily, except on public holidays. He has been taking daily briefing from various ministries and initiatives for resolving the problems seen in development projects, including the national pride projects, from the Singha Durbar.
Meanwhile, the government’s decision to use the Nepal Sambat calendar in all the government documents has been implemented. Acharya, the PM’s press advisor, said the Nepal Sambat date has been started to be used in the messages of best wishes that the PM has been issuing on various occasions.
—
Kunwar elected president of JTUCC
Kathmandu, Jan 1: Yogendra Kumar Kunwar has been elected the President of the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC). The 6th national trade union congress of the JTUCC held on December 30 and 31 elected Kunwar to the post of National President of JTUCC for a one year term. Kunwar is also the president of Nepal Trade Union Congress.
Similarly, Lal Kumar Lama has been elected the general secretary and Bishnu Thapa Magar the woman coordinator of JTUCC.
Ten recognized trade union federations are affiliated to the JTUCC in Nepal at present. Separate trade union organisations have been taking the presidency of the JTUCC on a rotational basis every year.
—
Nepali Cap Day observed as campaign
Kathmandu, Jan 1: The Jagaruk Yuva Abhiyan Nepal observed the 11th Nepali Topi Diwas (Nepali Cap Day) today as a campaign with the slogan- ‘Nepali Cap: Nepali Identity’.
The campaigners Ghan Shyam Shrestha, Ramji Balami, Janardan Poudel, Shiv Dhital, Ajmat Ali, Gyanmani Nepal Kalotopi, Janak Karki, Laxman Lamsal, Basanta Humagain and Rajesh Khatri issued a statement on the occasion today, calling for declaring the Nepali cap as the national identity.
The Nepali Cap Day is marked as a campaign, demanding that the Nepali dhaka cap and the Bhadgaunle cap, the typical Nepali caps, as the national identity markers, after the then government removed the ‘daura- suruwal, topi’ worn by the males and ‘gunyu cholo’ attires worn by women from the list of national dress.The ‘daura-suruwal and topi’ and ‘gunyu-cholo’ have been the typical Nepali identity since centuries, it is said.
—
Community efforts to revive Jhamare dance in Tanahu
Damauli (Tanahu), Jan 1: Two community groups in Tanahu are actively working towards the conservation and promotion of Jhamare Dance, the traditional dance of the Magar Community.
The Lapha Youth Club and the Jaya Durga Mothers’ Group, based in Dukudanda of Rhishing rural municipality-6, have taken the initiative to promote this traditional dance, which holds significant cultural value for the Magar people.
Club coordinator Dan Bahadur Ale expressed concern about the potential disappearance of this traditional dance without substantial efforts to promote it. As he said, they are doing their best to encourage the new generation to learn about the Jhamare dance with the goal of passing on the skills of this dance to the younger members of the community.
A local resident, Siddha Ale, expressed regret witnessing the declining popularity of this distinctive dance of the Magar people due to the influence of modern culture.The Jhamare dance traditionally begins on the eighth day of the Dashain festival (September-October) and continues until mid-February. It involves the use of traditional folk musical instruments such as Madal, Jharra, and Damphu, and is performed by youths in groups.
This dance is prominently performed in Magar-majority areas including Tanahu, Nawalpur, Palpa, Syangja, Gorkha, and Baglung, particularly in Rhishing rural municipality in Tanahu.
Rhishing rural municipality Chair Rajendra Krishna Shrestha said the local government has assisted the efforts to revive the dance. “Rhishing is rich in art and culture. In addition to this, the culture of Jhamare dance adds a special identity, and the budget has been allocated for its preservation.”
—
Muslims and Hindus together celebrate Hajarat Baba Kammar Shah festival
Ranjha (Banke), Jan 1: The historical Hajarat Baba Kammar Shah festival, celebrated by both Muslims and Hindus together, has commenced at Kamdi of Duduwa rural municipality-5 in Banke district.
Thousands of devotees from India also visit the traditional fair cum festival. “Hajarat Baba Kammar Shah Festival has historical importance as the general people of every faith participate in it,” said Jhanka Bahadur Thapa, the Chairperson of Duduwa rural municipality-5.
According to him, people of all faiths visit the Baba’s Majar (shrine) and pay their obeisance during the four-day fair. It is believed that one’s wishes are fulfilled when a person worships at the shrine.
A local community leader, Rajendra Bishwokarma, said devotees from Banke and Bardiya of Nepal as well as from Babagunj, Nanpara, Shreebasti of India also come to fill the fair here. He said the Hajarat Baba Kammar Shah festival is also significant as it promotes social harmony and mutual unity among different faiths.
Located at Kamdi of Duduwa rural municipality-5 in Banke district, the shrine dedicated to Hajarat Kammar Shah Baba, a Sufi saint, epitomizes faith and goodwill for both Muslims and Hindus.
There are Hindu and Muslim settlements at Duduwa rural municipality-5.Shakil Ahamad Khan, a local Muslim community elder, said that Kammar Shah Baba built his hermitage at the place hundreds of years back and over time he became familiar with the people of the Yadav community who used to come there with their herds of cattle for grazing.
The legend has it that people from the Yadav community used to visit the Hajarat Kammar Shah Baba for advice and seeking cure for diseases. The diseases also used to be cured when they submitted to the Baba’s treatment.
Khan said people from the Muslim, Yadav and other communities have been offering sheets of cloth, making vows and performing worship at the shrine each year.Former Minister Mohammad Ishtiyak Rai, Lumbini province minister for agriculture Bhandari Lal Yadav, among others, speaking in the inaugural programme of the Festival, elucidated on the importance of the Festival.
organizing committee president Sagir Khan said that a cultural programme has also been organised this year as part of the fair. According to him, the local Nawadurga Youth Club has organised a rural municipality-wide Nepali folk cultural dance competition.
—
Spinal Trauma Center comes into operation in Birtamod
Jhapa, Jan 1: A trauma facility has been established in Biratmod which is reportedly being developed as a ‘hospital hub’ of late.
The 15-bed Spine X Super Specialty Hospital and Trauma Centre has come into operation at Bhagwanchowk of Birtamod-3. Hospital proprietor and senior orthopedic specialist Dr Prem Bahadur Shahi claimed the facility being the country’s first specialized facility for spine injuries.
The preliminary investment of the hospital is Rs 300 million. The hospital management plans to extend it to a hundred-bed facility in year. It said rate of orthopedic injuries is high during road accidents and it is challenging to save the lives in lack of prompt treatment. Shahi pledged to provide quality services in an accessible way for the public.
It offers services such as keyhole surgery, joint replacements, complex trauma surgery, bone biopsy, limbs re-plantation, and so on. Prior to this, Birtamod has around a dozen of advanced hospitals including a cancer hospital operated by the private sector.
The emergence of such healthcare facilities provides viable alternatives for patients who, until a decade ago, were compelled to seek specialized treatments in India, it is said.
—
Home Minister pledges impartial inquiry over Balkumari incident
Kathmandu, Jan 1: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha has pledged to take action against anyone found responsible for the Balkumari incident in Lalitpur that resulted in the deaths of two youths and physical loss on Friday.
In a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, House of Representatives today, the Minister said if anyone is proved guilty in the incident, the government will take actions accordingly.
He apprised the meeting that the government has formed a Commission to investigate the incident in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2026 (1969), assuring of impartial and objective investigations.
“The incident is unexpected and regrettable. Anyone if found responsible for the incident will be punished. The government is ready and more responsible for not letting such incidents occur,” he said.
One million rupees each has been announced for the families of the victims, with efforts underway to provide them additional relief from the EPS Fund and the Foreign Employment Board, according to the Minister who pledges to provide jobs for victim’s families as per their competency.
—
HoR panel orders probing Minister’s and Ministry of Labour’s role
in Balkumari incident
Kathmandu, Jan 1: The House of Representatives, State Affairs and Good Governance Committee has directed the government to investigate the role of Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security in connection with the incident that took place at Balkumari, Lalitpur last Friday.
Two youths were killed and Minister Jwala’s vehicle was torched in the clash between demonstrators and police. The Committee at its meeting today also instructed all sides concerned to remain alert and responsible so that such incidents do not recur in the coming days. Birendra Shah of Chaurpati rural municipality-1, Achham and Sujan Raut of Mahabu rural municipality-6, Dailekh district died in course of the demonstration over filling up examination forms for the Employment Permit System (EPS) at the EPS Korea Branch Office at Balkumari, Lalitpur. The demonstrators had set the office vehicle used by Minister Jwala on fire in course of the demonstration.
The government has formed a three-member investigation commission to conduct a fair and objective investigation into the incident. High Court former judge Shekhar Poudel heads the probe commission.Committee president Ramhari Khadka said that the meeting has directed the government to provide additional economic relief and employment opportunity to the families of the deceased.
Similarly, the Committee has instructed the government to provide adequate resources to the security bodies.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Inspector General of Police Basanta Kunwar, Inspector General of the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, Raju Aryal, and the Chief of the National Investigation Department, among other officials, were present in the meeting.
—
Parliamentary committee to talk to line minister in regard with
Nepal-India PTA
Kathmandu, June 1: The Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) has decided to take updates about Nepal-India Power Trade Agreement (PTA) and other relevant matters from the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
In a meeting of the Committee today, its members were of the view of inviting the Minister to the next meeting and take information on the matters, citing that the Committee previous efforts to receive information in writing went in vain. The members stressed the need of concluding a bill relating to the power development considered important in terms of trade and international relations soon.
Being based on the meeting feedback, the Committee has also planned to consult with the minister regarding the questions on electricity dedicated and trunk lines.
Besides, the Committee has prepared for sitting with ministry officials for talks regarding issues in the implementation of electricity projects of national pride, aiming to find probable solutions to them in facilitation of the Committee.
The meeting also discussed about the Power Trade Bill, 2080 BS that it received on October 13 along with the suggestions. The meeting explored ways to further enrich the document, agreeing on taking feedback from stakeholders concerned and experts. Ninety-six lawmakers have sought amendments on the Bill.
The Committee has decided to form a 10-member taskforce to collect suggestions for creating environment conducive for construction of projects, including infrastructure projects, stalled for years, and for taking concrete steps, in addition to the bill.
Committee president Deepak Bahadur Singh said the taskforce will be comprised of two members each from the Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML) and one member each from the rest of the parties representing in the Committee.
Some of the committee members speaking in the meeting held the contractors more responsible for the construction of physical infrastructure projects, including roads, missing the deadline while in some cases the problem was the government failing to release the budget in time.
The meeting directed the Committee secretariat to prepare a roster of experts to be called to the committee’s meeting in connection to making the Power Trade Bill richer and to formulate a an annual plan of action related to their area of work with the ownership of all in their performance.
They stressed that the committee should be active in making laws aimed at timely addressing the problems faced by the people and rendering its activities effective.
The committee members pointed out the need for putting to an end one and for all the trend of extending the deadline of several problematic projects even if there is no progress in their construction, pushing up the overall cost.
—
Janamat party Chair Raut taken into custody and released
Kathmandu, Jan 1 : Janamat Party president CK Raut and party leader and Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration Anita Devi and other leaders and cadres of the party were who detained by the Nepal Police for stating a protest in the restricted zone. They were however released after some time.
The police detained 63 members of the party including its President and MP Raut. As the protest rally marched from New Baneshwar to Maitighar, they were detained by the police for entering a prohibited zone and detained at the Nepal Police Club.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha personally went to the club and ordered the release of Raut, Minister Anita Devi and all those who were taken into custody, shared Kamal Giri, the press coordinator of Home Minister Shrestha.
Spokesperson of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Senior Superintendent of Police, Dineshraj Mainali, said that they were detained by the Kathmandu Police Range as they had staged the demonstration in the prohibited area.
—
Veteran journalist Gokul Pokharel no more
Kathmandu, Jan 1 : Veteran journalist and former Acting General Manager and Editor Gokul Prasad Pokharel has passed away. He was 87.
Pokharel was suffering from respiratory related ailments for long, and passed away at 10:30 am on Monday at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, senior journalist Kapil Kafle confirmed.
The founding general secretary of Nepal Press Institute (NPI), Pokharel had served as the organization’s President for two tenures. He also served as Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
RSS former Editor Pokhrel was awarded the ‘RSS former employee honour’ provided by the FNJ RSS chapter in 2018. Pokharel also served as the chief editor of Gorkhapatra national daily and associate editor of The Rising Nepal.
Pokharel leaves behind his spouse, two daughters and a son. The final rites of Pokharel are to be performed on Tuesday, Kafle said.
—
Advanced democracy is only option to democracy, Deuba says
Kathmandu, Jan 1 : Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said democracy has no option but to an advanced democracy.
Addressing a programme organized by the NC on 48th national unity and reconciliation day on Monday, the former Prime Minister said that efforts are ongoing to create murky environment against democracy and urged one and all to remain aware to that end.
“Despite competition and ideological differences among the political parties in Nepal, they share a single stance on the issue of democracy. This is a good practice. This is rare,” Deuba said.
On the occasion, Deuba stated that NC founding member BP Koirala’s policy has good impacts on the agenda of nationality and described BP as a towering leader from the small country.
Recalling that BP returned home by risking his life amid country’s difficult times, Deuba stated that BP’s ideology, national unity and reconciliation policy were equally relevant today.
—
Agreement between Bal Kumari incident victims and government
Kathmandu, Jan 1 : A four-point agreement has been reached between the government and the families of the person who were killed during the demonstration that took place at Balkumari in Lalitpur last Friday.
The discussion held between the two sides at the Ministry of Home Affairs led to an agreement whereby one member each of the family of the deceased will be provided suitable employment as soon as possible.
It has also been agreed between the two parties that in addition to the relief provided by the government, initiatives will be taken to declare the deceased as martyrs, the families of the deceased will receive the mortal remains today while the Ministry will help deliver the mortal remains to the respective home town.
Under Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Umakant Adhikari, on behalf of the government, and Tek Bahadur Shah and Tek Bahadur Katuwal, on behalf of the deceased’s family, signed the agreement.
It may be noted that Birendra Shah of Chowrapati Rural Municipality-1 in Achham and Sujan Raut of Mahabu Rural Municipality-6 in Dailekh were killed after police fired at protestors during the demonstration that took place on Friday in front of Employment Permit System (EPS) Korea branch office at Balkumari.
Earlier today, the government formed a commission of inquiry led by former High Court judge Shekhar Paudel to carry out a fair and objective investigation of the incident. Former Additional Inspector General of Police Arun BC and joint secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai are other members of the commission.
—
APF club wins National Women’s Volleyball tournament
Manhari, Jan 1: The APF Club of the Armed Police Force has won the Keshavalal Shrestha Memorial National Women’s Volleyball Tournament held in Hetauda.
In the final match held today, APF defeated Chandragiri Municipality’s New Diamond Club by 3-1 sets. The APF defeated New Diamond in sets of 25-19, 20-25, 25-17 and 25-23 to also win a cash prize of Rs. 200,000. Likewise, the runner-up New Diamond received won Rs. 100,000.
Niruta Thagunna was the declared the best player of the tournament and Bijay KC the best coach. New Diamond defeated Tribhuvan Army and APF defeated Nepal Police Club to book a place in the final of the tournament.
Mayor of Hetauda sub-metropolitan city Meena Kumari Lama, President of the organizer Keshavalal Shrestha Memorial Foundation Pratap Bista and President of Makwanpur District Volleyball Association Basant Kumar Sitaula and other guest gave away the prizes and certificates to the winners.
—
Expected reforms could not take place in demand side, CNI report concludes
Kathmandu, Jan 1 : A study carried out by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has stated that there has not been expected growth in the demand side of the market.
The study report of the CNI has been released at a time the government claimed most of the indicators of economy were positive and the market was becoming vibrant.
The CNI study report stated that expected reforms in the market could not happen due to shrink in the consumers’ demand. The comparative survey study conducted based on the first quarters of the last three fiscal years among the enterprises revealed that overall demand side of the market was weak, price of raw materials was on the rise and there has been decrease in the import of the industrial raw materials.
Releasing the report here Monday, CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal argued that the confidence level of the industrialists has weakened since the last fiscal year due to unfavourable status of economy.
As per the survey, the overall demand side of the industrial output has decreased 12.06 per cent in the review period of the current fiscal year compared to the same period of the last fiscal year. Likewise, the demand of the industries has shrunk 36.93 per cent and the transaction volume has decreased 7.46 per cent.
In the first quarter of the current fiscal year, 55.32 per cent industrialists have postponed their plans to invest as revealed by the survey. Based on such facts, the CNI has said that the economic condition has not improved in the country as claimed by the government.
—
Wild elephant found shot dead
Sundarharaincha, Jan 1 : A wild elephant has been found shot dead in the community forest located in Sundarharaincha municipality-10 of Morang. The elephant was found dead on Monday morning in Janajagaran Community Forest at Munaljhoda of the municipality.
Head of Division Forest Office, Morang, Bishnu Ghimire, said that an autopsy of the dead elephant confirmed that it was shot dead with bullet injuries to the left leg and neck.
The male elephant was around 10 to 12 years old and is suspected of have been killed by those involved in poaching. The elephant was found without its tail. Lately, wild elephant have been seen daily in Belbari and Sundararaincha in Morang. According to the police, five people have died in Jhapa, one each in Morang and Sunsari in the past few months due to elephant attacks.
—
Issues relating to dedicated feeder and trunk lines will be resolved soon: Minister Mahat
Morang, Jan 1: Minister for Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has assured that the confusion relating to the dedicated feeder and trunk lines between the NEA and industries would be cleared soon.
Addressing a 10-day expo organized by the Morang Traders’ Association in Biratnagar on Monday, Minister Mahat said that the solution to this would be worked out based on the agreement between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and industries.
Stating that the government had adopted the policy of reconstructing the foreign aid, the Minister shared that the foreign aid will be received in essential and profitable sectors.
Sharing about the international investment summit to be held in coming April, he said that the government had adopted the policy of modernizing hydro power, information technology, tourism and agriculture areas.
According to him, the meeting of Privatization Committee’s upcoming meeting is going to decide that the sick industries would be re-operated in participation of the private sector. The ownership of the land, however, would remain with the State. Similarly, Prem Prasad Bhattarai, Chief District Officer of Morang, suggested that the banks and financial institutions should support in promoting the industries so as to keep the economy afloat.
Association’s President Nabin Rijal and former President of Association Prakash Mudanda and Confederation of Nepalese Industries Pawan Sharada urged the government for necessary cooperation to resolve the industralists’ problems.
The expo was organized at Munalpath of Biratnagar Metropolitan City-2 since December 18, 2023.
—
