- Thursday, 16 January 2025
Kathmandu, Jan 27: Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Center) and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that unity among Maoist forces is indispensable to protect the changes achieved through people’s struggle.
Addressing the 14th Annual General Meeting of Martyrs Foundation Nepal today at Parisdanda, headquarters of the CPN (MC), he appealed to the leaders and cadres of the Maoist movement across the country to unite as one. Mentioning that the state has addressed the martyrs, disappeared and injured of the people’s war in one way or another, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his commitment to work on re-categorization of the people’s war survivors.
Dahal, who is also the patron of the foundation, assured that the state would take responsibility of the schools run by the foundation, as he said that the school education bill before the parliament also covers such schools as well. Urging party leaders and cadres to disseminate the positive works done by the Party and its leadership to the people, he said that the economic prosperity, good governance and social justice work initiated by the present government has succeeded in instilling hope in the people. Stating that the government is working to complete the remaining part of the peace process soon, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his belief that the bill related to transitional justice will be finalized through consensus.
Deputy General Secretary of the party and former Minister Janardan Sharma stressed that the leadership and the entire party rank and file should be determined to fulfill the dreams of martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to bring changes to the country.
President of the foundation, Dharmashila Chapagain, said that the foundation will be developed as a center of unity.
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Lahan Expo from April 11
Siraha, Jan 27: Lahan Expo: Madhes Province International Festival is going to be held in coming April at Lahan of Siraha district.
Siraha Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising the expo to be held at the premises of Lahan-based Pashupati Adarsha Secondary School with an objective of establishing friendly relation between the producers and consumers.
President of Siraha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bikas Sarada, informed that the expo would be held from April 11-21.
He said they believed that the Lahan expo will contribute significantly in the plan of promoting country’s economic activities as well as will be an important step to build friendly relation in industry, trade and cultural sectors.
Total 150 stalls would be kept in display in the expo organised with an objective of bringring investors, producers, distributors and exporters of Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh together and informed them about the goods.
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Different road sections of Rukum West along Rapti highway being upgraded
Tribeni (Rukum West), Jan 27: Different road sections of Rukum West along Rapti highway are being upgraded.
It has become easier in movement of vehicles and people after road upgradation from Musikot municipality-4 Solabang along Rapti highway to Shitalpokhari along Mid-Hilly highway, said a bus driver Rim Bahadur Pun. The road along the road section has been widened and blacktopped.
Pun shared, “Earlier, the road was very narrow and there was risk of accident. Now it has become easier to operate vehicle after road upgradation.”
A 10-kilomter road from Jalekharka of Salyan to Jhaktekhola of Tribeni rural municipality of Rukum West, six-kilometer road from Solabang of Musikot municipality-4 to Shitalpokhari of Rukum West and six-kilometer road from Solabang to Raukhet along Rapti highway are being upgraded, according to Chief of Road Division office, Chourjahari, Tejaswi Sharma.
Similarly, construction of 10-kilometer road from Jalekharka of Salyan to Jhaktekhola of Tribeni rural municipality-9 in Rukum West has begun from around two years ago at a cost of Rs 210 billion. The road section has achieved 65 per cent physical progress so far.
Likewise, six-kilometer road from Solabang of Musikot municipality-4 to Raukhet along Rapti highway is being blacktopped. The road section has achieved 70 per cent progress so far. A total of Rs 210 billion was allocated for the road upgradation.
Upgradation work of the six-kilometer road from Shitalpokhari to Solabang is underway at a cost of Rs 60 million. The road section has achieved 50 per cent physical progress so far.
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Pashupatinagar Customs Office collects Rs 13.41 million revenue in six months
Ilam, Jan 27: Pashupatinagar Customs Office in Ilam has collected Rs 13.41 million revenue in the first six months of the current fiscal year 2080/81 BS. It was 69.96 per cent of the target.
The Office has set a target of collecting Rs 19.17 million revenue in the current fiscal year. Similarly, the office had collected Rs 10.2 million revenue in the fiscal year 2077/78 BS against the target of collecting Rs 28.99 million, said Office Chief, Prabin Subba.
Likewise, it had collected Rs 8.73 million revenue against its target of collecting Rs 25.34 million revenue in the fiscal year 2078/79 BS.
Subba added that the Customs Office had collected Rs 27.18 million revenue in the fiscal year 2079/80 BS. It had set a target of collecting Rs 25.085 million revenue during the period. The highest revenue was collected from auction of illegally brought goods.
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Bad condition of road creating problems in orange supply
Parbat, Jan 27: Farmers of Jaljala rural muncicpality-1, Banskharka, in Parbat district have been facing problems in transporting orange due to bad condition of road.
Although a single village of the rural municipality produce orange worth millions of rupees, it could not be transported to market following the bad condition of road reaching villages. There is a problem to big vehicles to reach villages in lack of upgradation of Baribeni-Bagar-Banskharka road connecting Banskharka.
A local Jagat Bahadur Khatri said, “There is gravel road facility from Baribeni and Milan Chowk to reach Banskharka. But big vehicles cannot reach the orange gardens due to dilapidated condition of road.”
“There is a compulsion to supply orange up to Beni-Maldhunga road in small vehicles and shift the products to big vehicles from there to take them to market which takes more time and transport cost”, he added.
An entrepreneur of Kalimati, who reached here to buy orange, shared that it would be easier if they could transport oranges in a big container. It would take around one and half hours to cross 10 kilometer road, he added.
A detailed project report (DPR) has already been carried out to blacktop the road linking Barabeni of Jaljala rural municipaliy-2 toward no 1, Banskharka but the road has not been upgraded yet after the budget has not been allocated for the same.
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Chinese Vice Minister pays courtesy call on PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Jan 27: Communist Party of China’s Vice Minister of the International Liaison Department, Sun Haiyan, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar this morning, they discussed the various issues of bilateral welfare and interest, said PM Dahal’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Rupak Sapkota.
Vice Minister Sun arrived here on Friday for a four-day official visit at the invitation of the CPN (Maoist Centre). She is scheduled to hold high-level political meetings during her stay in Nepal.
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Kathmandu Valley’s temperature drops to 2.5 degrees Celsius
Kathmandu, Jan 27: People across the country have been experiencing chilling cold though the winter rainfall has not taken place.
The minimum temperature of the Kathmandu Valley has dropped to 2.5 degrees, making it the lowest recorded temperature so far this year, according to Meteorological Forecasting Division.
Senior Meteorologist Min Kumar Aryal said the minimum temperature of the Kathmandu Valley was recorded 2.9 degrees Celsius around 5:00 am this morning and dropped to 2.5 degrees Celsius at 8:45 am.
The minimum temperature was 3 degrees Celsius two days ago. The temperature of Jumla was recorded minus 5.3 degrees Celsius and minus 5.5 degrees Celsius in Jomsom of Mustang, added Aryal.
Weather of hilly areas of Gandaki, Koshi and Bagmati Provinces is partly cloudy while there is thick fog in Tarai, shared the senior Meteorologist.
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Dialogue must to lift people out of despair: General Secretary Thapa
Jhapa, Jan 27: General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has said dialogue and discussion are essential to heed people’s despair and address their problems. The NC launched dialogue campaign for this cause, he made it clear.
Addressing a programme the party organized as part of dialogue campaign at Mechipul in Jhapa this morning, General Secretary Thapa claimed that the campaign was organized to lift Nepali society out of disappointment. The campaign would further link NC to community, Thapa reminded.
The complaints against party would be heard during the visit, he said, adding that it was wrong to capitalize people’s despair. “NC has responsibility to free people from misery,” he underscored.
Before addressing the programme, leader Thapa garlanded the statue of martyr Ram Thapa in the premises of Mechi Campus. He also acquired information on the problems facing Campus teachers and students.
In the programme, another General Secretary of the party, Bishwo Prakash Sharma, said party’s campaign would help find personal and party mistakes and people’s plight. It is present need to change party for its strengthening, according to him.
The event was also attended by former general Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula and central member Pradip Paudel, among other central and district leaders.
The NC central committee had decided to launch ‘NC in community’ drive from January 26 to February 9.
Thapa is scheduled to hold discussions with party cadres and locals at Jhapa Chowk, Kanchanshree and Jhapa bazaar today itself. He will gradually visit Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur for the campaign.
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Martyrs week: Martyr Dharmabhakta remembered
Kathmandu, Jan 27: A memorial gathering was organized at Siphal, Kalopul in commemoration of martyr Dharmabhakta Mathema this morning.
Mathema had got martyrdom at Siphal, Kalopul in Kathmandu.
The martyr week main organizing committee under Kathmandu metr0politan city organized the memorial event. The martyr week is held from Magh 10 to 16 (January 24 to 30).
Deputy Mayor at Kathmandu metropolis, Sunita Dangol, offered flowers to the Dharmabhakta’s statue and viewed they had sacrificed their lives for the sake of people’s freedoms.
Ward no 23 of metropolis has set up a park at Ombahal, Kathmandu in honour of martyr Mathema. Even a charity, manav sewa ashram, built by metropolis is named after him, according to Deputy Mayor Dangol.
In the gathering, ward no 7 Chairman, Bimal Hoda, opined that martyrs’ dream could be realized with institutional development of good governance and rule of law.
Similarly, Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Kedar Bhakta Mathema, pointed out the need of making campuses aware on role of martyrs.
Mathema who was born at Ombahal, Kathmandu on Ashwain 9, 1966Bs was arrested by then autocratic Rana regime in Kartik 1997BS for acting against the regime. He was later hanged on a tree at Siphal on Magh 13 the same year.
The autocratic Rana regime had taken the lives of then vibrant fighters for democracy- Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasharath Chand.
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Literary programme to find talent
Khajura, Jan 27: Khajura rural municipality of Banke district has launched a massive literary programme to explore talent. The Khajura academy organized a literary event in a bid to find talent persons.
Vice Chancellor of the academy, Dr Indra Bahadur Bhandari, informed that the three-day programme kicked off today. Talent in various eight genres as singing, dance, painting, essay, poetry, proverb, speech would be identified from competitive programmes.
Competitive programmes are held on Saturday and Sunday and the excellent ones in respective category will be awarded on Tuesday, Dr Bhandari added.
Earlier, such programme was organized in limited genres. The programme in present form is first of its kind, according to him. It will be focused on ‘Ma and Mero Khajura’ (I and My Khajura).
Academy member Madhav Sharma shared that it is a huge programme involving many students from Khajura rural municipality. It helps foster student’s creativity and talent, he believed, adding that there is potential of literature and art here.
Such programme is organized every year, the academy informed.
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Govt extends support for reform in journalism: DPM Khadka
Kathmandu, Jan 27: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka has assured government’s support at policy and practical levels for reform in journalism sector.
Releasing a book ‘False Front Page’ penned by journalist Kalendra Sejuwal, DPM Khadka lauded media that it has played a significant role on public awareness, strengthening of public service and protection and promotion of human rights.
“Journalism should not deviate from right track. It is a collective responsibility,” he said, adding that government would support for policy and structural reform in journalism.
The DPM however viewed it is FNJ’s major responsibility to carry out institutional development and professional journalism. Khadka reminded the role of Nepali media that voiced against autocratic Rana regime to party-less panchayat system and for the establishment of present federal democratic republic.
“Journalism is essential to inform people and strengthen democracy. It a voice of voiceless and watchdog as well,” DPM Khada mentioned.
Khadka also urged the media persons to maintain facts, balance and credibility in news. Adherence to ethics and code of conduct is equally important, according to him.
DPM Khadka commented on the book penned by Sejuwal that it had analysed well media, politics, and social issues. The book would be useful in development of journalism, he observed.
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Chinese assistant significant for country’s prosperity: DPM Shrestha
Kathmandu, Jan 27: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Chinese assistance was significant for Nepal’s economic prosperity. Nepal-China cooperation is a pillar of infrastructure building in Nepal, Shrestha added.
DPM Shrestha said it during a ‘Silk Road Youth Forum’ organized by Silk Road International Think Tank Exchange Centre, the Sino-Nepal Media Society, and the World Sinology Centre, Beijing Language and Culture University in Kathmandu today.
Construction of roads, bridges and energy projects has not only enhanced Nepal-China connectivity but also fostered regional cooperation and unity, DPM Shrestha said, adding that cultural exchanges are also important mediums to foster bilateral ties.
“Common cultural heritages and age-old traditions are solid foundation to forge understanding,” he reminded.
According to the DPM, socioeconomic relations between Nepal and China for common development are exemplary; it has been beneficial in forwarding initiatives on sustainable development and inclusive growth.
He further observed that China-forwarded ‘Belt and Road Initiatives’ has become a pivotal mechanism to shape south Asia’s economic landscape. BRI has emphasized connectivity, infrastructure development, economic cooperation and exploration of new potential in this region, Shrestha reminded.
According to the DPM, the Nepal-China relations are based on ancient and traditional respect, understanding and cooperation in each other. “China is firm on its assistance to its socio-economic development in Nepal,” he mentioned.
On the occasion, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Xie Yu, said the Nepal-China relations are based on friendship, mutual trust and strategic partnership.
Similarly, Deputy Mayor at Madhyapur Thimi of Bhaktapur, Bijay Krishna Shrestha, informed that Madhyapur Thimi was eager to welcome Chinese tourists. The city was being developed as a tourist destination, he informed.
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Economic prosperity present need:Minister Mahat
Kathmandu, Jan 27: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said economic prosperity and infrastructures development must be present urgency.
National economy is gradually getting back to track. So, infrastructure development should be intensified, he reminded during a ‘NMA Marketing Summit’ organized by Nepal Marketing Association in the federal capital today.
“Country’s economy is improving gradually. We already witnessed political upheaval, so it’s time to focus on consolidating economic infrastructures,” the Finance Minister said, explaining, “Economic indicators are positive. Inflation is under control. Interest rate is lowered. Share market is in progress. These are helping spur economic activities.”
He also pointed out the need of spreading positive message. Confidence building is also essential. “Talking negative dented our confidence. So, it is time to spread positive message and restore commercial activities,” Minister Mahat underlined.
The Finance Minister however admitted that there was no adequate marketing of goods and services.
Unique production in Nepal can be marketed globally, he suggested.
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Wedding and tourism holiday for civil employees in Karnali Province
Karnali, Jan 27 : The civil employees in the Karnali Provincial government are entitled to two types of holidays apart from the ones they were availing. The civil employees working within the Province will be given wedding and tourism holidays.
The government has added these holidays to the list of holidays given nationally. Other holidays being given to civil employees are contingency leave, festival leave, home leave, sick leave, maternity leave, maternity care leave, extraordinary leave and unpaid leave.
The Karnali Province Civil Service Regulations-2080 BS stipulates that the civil employees of the Karnali Province shall receive seven days holidays for marriage and seven days for tourism. The paragraph number 14 of the Regulation states,” Employees will get seven days of holiday for marriage and will get full salary during marriage leave but the marriage registration certificate be submitted to the office within 15 days of the resuming office.”
Similarly, the Regulation mandates that the employees are entitled to seven days of tourism leave to visit different parts of the country. The authorized person should approve the tour order for the duration based on the geographical location of the tourism spot.
Those taking tourism holiday shall also provide details of the tour and pictures taken during the tour to the authority within 15 days of resuming the duty. The Karnali Provincial government had endorsed Karnali Province Civil Service Act-2080 BS on October 9, 2023. Exercising the authority given by Section 138 of the Act, the provincial government published the Regulations on January 24 this year which introduced the new holiday provisions for the civil employees.
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Tamang elected President of Chefs Association of Nepal
Kathmandu, Jan 27 : Resham Kumar Lama Tamang has been elected as the President of Chefs Association of Nepal. The 28th annual general meeting of the association elected a 17-member working committee unopposed today.
Likewise, Thakur Prasad Paudel was elected as the first vice president, Badri Khadka as the vice president, Padam Bahadur Alemgar as the general secretary, Hemraj Paudel as the secretary and Sunil Tamang as the treasurer of the committee, said Chief Election Officer Chok Bahadur Magar.
Similarly, Laxman Tamang, Sriraj KC, Sundar Shrestha, Rajkumar Lama, Ramchandra Dharel, Surya Prasad Basyal, Indra Bahadur Aryal, Umesh Bhuwai and Ramesh Shrestha have been elected as members of the working committee.
Established in 2053 to protect the rights, interests and welfare of Nepali chefs working in hotels and restaurants in Nepal and abroad, the Association has more than 1500 members.
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NRT wins Ilam Gold Cup title
Mangalbare (Ilam), Jan 27 : The New Road Team (NRT) Kathmandu has won the first “NRNA Ilam Gold Cup” football tournament held in Ilam.
In today’s final, NRT defeated Birtamod United Jhapa by 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a goalless drew in regulation time. Hisuf Thapalia of Birtamod United was declared the player of the final match.
It may be noted that NRT had defeated host Redhorse Football Club in the semi-finals while Birtamod defeated Panchthar to book a place in the final. Along with the Gold Cup, the winner received a cash prize of Rs 500,000 while the runner-up won a cash prize of Rs 300,000.
Mayor of Ilam municipality Kedar Thapa gave away prizes and certificates to the winners.
The tournament that began on January 20 was organized by Redhorse Football Club, Ilam.
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‘Nepal-India relations advancing in unique way’
Kathmandu, Jan 27 : Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud has said that Nepal-India relations have advanced smoothly in a unique way.
Addressing a programme organized here today on the 75th Republic Day of India, Minister Saud said that the deep relations existing between the peoples of the two countries would be strengthened further by resolving the issues raised in different stages on the basis of dialogue and discussions. “As the issues of Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and border are multidimensional topics between the two countries, a decision should be made by being objective and practical,” the Foreign Minister said.
As both the countries are close friends, Minister Saud said that differences on the common agendas even cannot be imagined and added that the security personnel deployed on the border security need training and instructions to give good treatment and good conducts on the peoples in the bordering region.
During the meetings with Indian leaders and citizens alike, the minister said that the Indians are cordial towards Nepal and Nepalis and added that he has realized the Indian side’s mentality to resolve the border issues in Susta and Kalapani through a taskforce in a cordial manner.
On the occasion, former Vice President Paramananda Jha stressed the need for working together to further deepen Nepal-India relations at the grassroots level too. Likewise, Maoist Centre’s leader Devendra Poudel argued that Nepal and India should work together to combat the common challenges of the humanity.
CPN (UML) leader Dr Rajan Bhattarai said that Nepal-India relations should be defined in line with the peoples’ existing level of understanding and perceptions. Leader of Loktantrik Samajwadi Party Rajendra Mahato, civil society leader Dr Sundar Mani Dixit and others expressed their views on deepening Nepal-India relations to benefit the peoples of the both sides.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Mission of Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Prasanna Shrivastava, shared about the unique relations between Nepal and India and added that India and Indians had the opportunity to provide assistance to Nepalis in the time of disasters here in the past.
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Chinese Vice Minister pays courtesy call on CPN (US) Chair Nepal
Kathmandu, Jan 27 : Communist Party of China’s Vice Minister of the International Liaison Department, Sun Haiyan, paid a courtesy call on CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal.
In the meeting held at the central office of the CPN (US) at Aloknagar in Kathmandu on Saturday, they discussed various issues of mutual interests and bilateral welfare such as further strengthening ties between the two countries and CPN (US) and the Communist Party of China (CPC), according to party Spokesperson Jagannath Khatiwada.
Spokesperson Khatiwada shared that their discussion also touched on bolstering mutual interactions, cultural exchanges among others to further consolidate the relations between CPN (US) and the CPC. Meanwhile, the visiting Chinese dignitary also called on CPN (US) leader Jhalanath Khanal on Saturday itself.
It may be noted that Haiyan arrived here on last Friday on a four-day official visit at the invitation of the ruling CPN (Maoist Centre).
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Snowfall in Sankhuwasabha cripples lives
Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), Jan 27 : Snowfall in highland of Sankhuwasabha district has adversely affected people’s lives.
It is snowing with light rain in the upper parts of the district since Friday evening. Daily activities have come to a halt temporarily while life has been difficult for the local residents following heavy snowfall. Grounds in the northern area of the district such as Kimathanka checkpoint, Makalu base camp, Tinjure Gufa Pokhari, Mangalbare are covered with snow due to snowfall, it was shared.
Locals said that the snowfall continues in those areas since they are witnessing light rainfall. Cold has sharply increased in the highland due to snowfall especially affecting children, elderly people and cattle among others.
Commoners have not been able to go out of their houses due to biting cold.
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Welfare Fund targeting construction and allied workers introduced
Kathmandu, Jan 27 : In its bid to extend supports to the workers in the construction sector, the Construction Workers Welfare Fund has been brought into operation. The Fund was announced on Saturday on the occasion of the 26th establishment day of Nepal Construction and Allied Workers Union of Nepal.
The workers admitted to the hospitals and those facing hardships due to accident would receive assistance from the Fund. Union’s Chair Pradip Acharya said that the workers would get the assistance on the basis of requirement of the needy ones.
According to Acharya, workers with minor illness would get between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000; those injured ones will receive up to Rs 25,000 and the workers’ families would get Rs 25,000 to perform the final rites in case the worker dies.
To get involved in the Fund, the workers should pay Rs 300 for their registration. According to Acharya, the Union has planned to bring some 10,000 workers on board the Fund in the upcoming fiscal year.
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Hydropower project machine malfunctions, body washed away
Salleri (Solukhumbu), Jan 27: A machine of Likhu II hydropower project suddenly shut down leading to a rise in waterflow in the river today. And a body being cremated was washed away.
The body of 32-year-old Jhapad Bahadur Thapa of Umakunda rural municipality-1 of Ramechhap, that was being cremated on the Likhu river bank, said Ramechhap district police office. The body has gone missing.
According to Chief of Ramechhap Police, DSP Hom Bahadur Parajuli when the water of the dam returned to the river the dead body that was being cremated was washed away and disappeared.
Chief District Officer of Solukhumbu Devi Pandey Khatri said that although the incident site is in Ramechhap, as it is the border of Solukhumbu, a police team has been deployed from Police Station in Kinja.
According to the information officer of the project, Deepak Nepal, the incident happened when the electric machine suddenly stopped functioning and the water towards the dam returned to the river itself.
