- Thursday, 16 January 2025
Nawalpur, Feb 7: The expansion of the Narayangadh-Butwal road section under the East-West Highway has been completed by only 46 percent in five years since the work began.
The contract of the road project has already been extended twice but the work is far from over said, Information Officer of Narayangadh-Butwal Road Extension Plan, Eastern Section, Engineer Shiv Khanal. Out of the total 114 km road from Narayangadh to Butwal, 65 km road falls in the eastern section.
According to Khanal, the road expansion work has not been able to accelerate due to the fact that the contractors are not working according to the plans they have made. “We are constantly putting pressure to work according to the schedule and to complete the project on time”, he said.
The China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited was given the contract to complete the expansion project to be completed in four years, after starting the work in 2075 B.S.
Meanwhile, contract co-manager of China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limite, Rakesh Jha, said that the road expansion work cannot be completed during the second extension period and that the deadline should be extended by one more year. The road expansion woke was delayed due to various reasons including the current weather that is hampering black topping of the finish section of the road.
The work of moving water supply and electricity poles as well as a 30 KV transmission lines in Siji, Gandakot and Dumkibas areas are yet to be completed, he said.
After the expansion of the existing two-lane road, the highway will be seven by seven meters on both sides. A service lane of 6 meters each will also be constructed in the market area.
Information Officer Khanal said that the 42.7 km section of the road will have four lanes, while the southern section will have three lanes for about five km. In this section, 12 big bridges and 22 small bridges are under-construction.
The construction of this section started with 85 per cent loan support from Asian Development Bank and the total cost of this section is 9.38 billion rupees.
Parliamentary Committee for Effective Implementation of Federalism
Kathmandu, Feb 7: The National Assembly, National Concerns and Coordination Committee has instructed the government to increase coordination between the three levels of government and among the ministries for effective implementation of federalism in the country.
The directive was issued based on a study report prepared by the Committee on the basis of discussion with the relevant agencies and experts of the seven provinces. The report was reviewed in Wednesday’s meeting of the committee.
Chairperson of the committee, Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa (Parbati), said that recommendations and instructions have been given to the government to speed up the development of the laws and structures necessary to outline the rights and jurisdiction between the federal, provincial and local level governments. This should be done on the basis of mutual coordination.
Rawal said that the study found that inter-ministerial coordination of the government are not effective. Furthermore, the national coordination council, provincial coordination council, thematic committees under the federal ministry of federal affairs and general administration are also not functioning effectively.
The committee has directed the federal government to prioritize plans after identifying the needs of the country, to formulate and monitor plans and budgets based on clear criteria, and to implement fiscal federalism effectively.
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FNJ calls for media-friendly bill
Kathmandu, Feb 7: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has urged the government to move ahead with the formulation of the media related bills based on the Constitution of Nepal, the universal standards and practice of freedom of press and expression.
A meeting of the FNJ officers and members on Wednesday decided to welcome the government’s initiative to present the media bill in the current session of the parliament. The bill should go through the parliamentary process after extensive discussion and consultation with the concerned parties including the FNJ.
Considering the current situation where the media sector is facing a financial crisis, the FNJ has appealed to the government to adopt a policy of protecting the media sector, by among others, creating a media-friendly environment and increasing public welfare advertisements while distributing it in a proportionate manner.
The FNJ has also demanded that the new media be classified and included as eligible for getting public welfare advertisements.
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Karnali government for intra-province air service
Karnali, Feb 7: The Karnali province government has begun preparations for internal air transport to connect all the districts of the province.
The province government is working with air service operators including the state-owned Nepal Airlines Corporation to operate domestic air flight services from the Surkhet Airport in the provincial capital Birendranagar to the airports in the mountain districts.
Accordingly, the NAC is collaborating with the provincial government to expand domestic air services from Surkhet.
In this regard, Chief Minister Rajkumar Sharma, Coordinator of NAC in Surkhet Mahesh Kumar Marita, Manager of Engineering Department of NAC Devendra Pun, Chief of Surkhet Civil Aviation Office Rajan Dhungel made an onsite-inspection of the airport on Tuesday.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Sharma said that there will be support from the government for physical infrastructure and others required for the domestic flights. The provincial government is adding internal flights to make the life of Karnali residents easier, he said while stating that the provincial government has kept the improvement of Surkhet airport as a priority.
Meanwhile, NAC Coordinator Marita said that the service will be operated as soon as possible in consideration of the request made by the provincial government.
Colourful cauliflower drawing crowd in Lahan
Siraha, Feb 7: Traditionally cauliflowers are white in colour. But farmer Ratan Shah of Lahan municipality-24 has grown cauliflower of different colors with a different taste, thereby drawing huge attention along with good price for his noble produce.
Shah has produced cauliflowers in pink and yellow colours. Shah said he had seen such colourful cauliflowers when he was in foreign employment seven years ago. After returning home, he brought such cauliflower seeds from neighbour India and planted in his field. The seeds are five times costlier than non-colourful ones.
He is now planning to expand his colourful cauliflower farms, after getting good response from the market. “Because of its different color and taste, it is sold as soon as it reaches the market,” said farmer Shah, who is thinking of increasing the production in the coming days.
Just on Monday, Shah said he sold 16 kgs of colourful cauliflowers at the rate of 200 per kg.
Meanwhile, large number of people are coming to see the rare colorful cauliflowers in his field. “Since there was widespread talk about this cauliflower everywhere, I came to see what it is really like. After watching it now, my heart is happy, a local headteacher Kusheshwar Yadav said.
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Runway of Meghauli Airport to be upgraded
Bharatpur, Feb 7: The work of upgrading the runway of Meghauli Airport in west Chitwan has started.
The new runway will be 700 meters long and 20 meters wide. The grass field runway will be upgraded to high-level gravel one, said Chief of Meghauli Airport project Chandramani Sapkota.
The upgrading work of the runway is expected to cost of around 12 million rupees. The Nepali Army has been using the strip for training of parajumping. Likewise, hotels in Meghauli charter aircrafts and helicopters to bring in their guests.
The airport remains closed for regular since 2067 BS after the government adopted a policy not to operate hotels inside Chitwan National Park. The Meghauli airport spread over 23 bigaha of land is 24 km south from Bharatpur.
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Minister Saud leaving for Australia this evening
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud, will be leaving here for Perth, Australia this evening to attend the 7th Indian Ocean Conference being jointly organized by the Government of Australia and India Foundation on February 9-10.
The Minister is scheduled to address the Conference being held on the theme of ‘Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean,’ on 10 February, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While in Perth, Minister Saud will hold a bilateral meeting with Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia. In the margins of the Conference, the Minister is also scheduled to hold meetings with participating heads of delegation from friendly countries.
He will visit Wellington, New Zealand for a bilateral meeting with Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand on February 14. The meeting will be preceded by the Second Foreign Ministry Consultation Meeting between the senior officials of the Ministries.
The Minister will be accompanied by his spouse Jyotshna Adhikari Saud and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador of Nepal to Australia, Kailash Raj Pokharel, will also join the Nepali delegation.
He will return to Kathmandu on February 15.
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Parliament’s Secretary-General Pandey administered oath of office and secrecy
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Newly appointed Secretary- General of Federal Parliament, Padma Prasad Pandey, has taken an oath of office and secrecy today.
Speaker of House of Representatives (HoR) Devraj Ghimire administered the oath to Pandey at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor.
Present on the occasion were National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dhanraj Gurung, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Indira Rana and NA Vice-Chairperson Urmila Aryal among others.
President Ramchandra Paudel on last Tuesday had appointed Pandey to the post at the joint recommendation of Speaker of HoR and NA Chairperson.
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Economy returning to normalcy: Finance Minister Mahat
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Minister for Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat asserted that the country’s economy was returning to normalcy.
At an interaction organized by Economic Media Association Nepal (EMAN) marking its first anniversary here today, Minister Mahat reiterated that country’s economy was moving in the positive direction.
“A lot of money was spent in unproductive sector in the past. The economy was under pressure while paying the obligation of the said expenses. Now the capital expenditure will increase. Economy is gradually picking a rhythm,” the Minister assured.
Stating that the debtors obtaining loan from banks and financial institutions should pay their loan at any cost, he viewed that the private sector, media, government and civic society among others should work towards improving country’s economy.
He held the opinion that the economy would pick a pace with collective efforts.
“We have capital but there is problem in spending it. The expenditure will increase in coming days,” he said.
Similarly, Nepal Rastra Bank’s Executive Director Guru Prasad Poudel observed that Nepal’s economy was becoming dynamic lately. He shared that the import was gradually declining and remittance inflow was increasing.
He clarified that the way credit flow ought to be ensured in the banks and financial institution, it was not the case. He urged the media to disseminate news that give positive message to economy.
Similarly, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chandra Prasad Dhakal lamented that although the indicators of economy were becoming positive lately, the positive message could not be spread among the general public.
Stating that the private sector had already furnished recommendations to the government to facilitate on the part of laws for the Investment Summit to be held in coming April, he pressed to creating an enabling environment for investment.
Likewise, Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal, Vice-President of Nepal Chambers of Commerce, spoke of the need to boost the morale of the private sector to uplift country’s economy.
National Cooperatives Federation of Nepal’s President Om Devi Malla viewed that the problems stemmed in the cooperatives sector since it was run in individuals’ interest.
Nepal Bankers Association’s President Sunil KC, Confederation of Nepalese Industries Committee Coordinator Laxmi Prasad Subedi among others lauded the role of EMAN for the economic development of the country.
Royal Acharya, President of EMAN, said that EMAN had been enhancing advocacy on the cause of national economy and was raising voices for banks and financial institutions.
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NA session: Lawmakers draw government’s attention to contemporary affairs
Kathmandu, Feb 7: In a meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today, lawmakers drew the government’s attention towards contemporary issues ranging from the urgency of relief to earthquake survivors to the large exodus of youth force.
Airing views in a zero hour of the session, Kumar Dasaudi demanded the government appoint a competent figure in the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to make its works more effective while Khimlal Devkota pressed for strengthening the parliament’s domain parliament.gov.np. As he said, the Federal Parliament Secretariat faces the issues of understaffing and drew the government’s attention towards the matter.
Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa (Parbati) stressed on the need of protecting the Chitwan-based Valmiki Ashram carrying a historic, religious and cultural significance, improving road connectivity in the area.
Dipa Gurung expressed her concerns over the lack of effectiveness in the relief distribution of November 3 Jajarkot earthquake survivors.
She apprised the House that among the survivors, new mothers, children and aged citizens have been affected the most by cold in this winter, urging the government to ensure their safe stay promptly.
Bhairav Sundar Shrestha through the NA Chair apprised the government the earthquake affected have yet to get the government grants meant for building temporary shelters.
Dr Bimala Rai Poudyal demanded the government apprise the House about a report prepared by the investigation committee regarding the deaths of one Sujan Raut of Dailekh and Birendra Shah of Doti in the police clash in Gwarko of Lalitpur on December 29, 2019.
Singha Bahadur Bishwakarma expressed concerns over increasing issue of unemployment in Nepal and the soaring migration of youth forces to outside the country, mainly for job opportunities. “When the large migration of youth force is on the rise, the reports of Nepali citizens getting disappeared abroad are coming out,” he said. Stating that in Sindhupalchowk alone, there are reports about the missing of 77 people abroad, urging the government to launch a search and rescue operation for them.
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Bansbari land scam: Three including Chaudhary released
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Three people including industrialist Arun Chaudhary who were earlier arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police over the charge of illegal privatization of land owned by Bansbari Leather and Shoes Factory have been released.
They were freed today following the verdict of the District Court Kathmandu with the condition of presenting themselves before the police when summoned, according to CIB Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police, Nawaraj Adhikari.
Champion Footwear Limited proprietor Chaudhary, the then executive chair of Bansbari Leather and Shoe Factory, Ajit Narayan Singh Thapa and CG Chandbag Residency Pvt Ltd proprietor Sanjay Thakur were arrested over the scam. As the CIB said, the three were released after the court verdict. However, investigation into the scam is ongoing.
A bench of Kathmandu District Court judge Yagya Prasad Acharya on Monday ordered the CIB to complete the investigation process into the matter by releasing the three with conditions of presenting themselves before the police when required.
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Political parties are lax in implementation of constitutional provisions: Leader Gautam
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Parliamentarian Bamdev Gautam commented that although the constitution stipulated provisions regarding what kind of society we want to build through the competition of multiparty system, the government and the political parties were lax in its implementation.
Gautam claimed that none of the Prime Ministers so far had presented the framework for establishing socialism in the country through the system of multiparty competition.
In the special hour of today’s meeting of National Assembly, parliamentarian Gautam expressed that the money received from foreign employment should be spent in country’s development and the government should offer at least 10 per cent interest for that amount.
He argued, “Money received from foreign employment is the blood and sweat of people. It is the asset of the government. Last year the country saw remittance inflow at Rs 22 billion while this figure could go up this year.”
He viewed, “The government should deposit the amount in some bank and offer them at least 10 per cent and spend that amount in development of country. The amount should be returned to the senders upon their return to Nepal.”
He spoke of the need to improve country’s weak economy and take forward country on the path of prosperity. “It is not necessary that those parties in the government should only assume responsibilities. Those parties outside of the government have also equal role. It is imperative that we should contemplate on prospering the country.”
The leader blamed that none of the governments formed in the wake of promulgation of constitution made efforts to improve country’s economy.
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Revoke of UTL’s writ paves way for information highway
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Way has opened for construction of the information highway with the repeal of all the writs registered by the United Telecom Limited (UTL).
The joint bench comprising Justices Prakash Man Singh Raut and Abdul Aziz Musalman on Tuesday had annulled the UTL’s writ, citing the claims made in the writ could not be sustained.
The UTL had lodged writ at the Supreme Court after Nepal Telecommunication Authority refused to renew the contract awarded to UTL for installing the optical fibre following the termination of the project period.
With the latest court order in this connection, the way has opened for NTA to revoke the UTL’s license.
The UTL, through Tele Infra Nepal, on 5 May 2019, filed a writ challenging NTA’s decision of canceling the contract of the project for laying optical fibre along the Mid-hills Highway and of revoking the license also in case of failure to pay the dues.
NTA had signed an agreement with UTL on 27 April 2017 for expanding optical fibre in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces with the grant of Rs 2.01 billion of Rural Telecommunications Development Fund.
As per the agreement, UTL was supposed to construct the telecommunications infrastructures along the Mid-hills Highway from Aarughat of Gorkha to Burtibang of Baglung and in 21 districts of the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces until 27 April 2019. However, UTL could not carry out the required works until the deadline.
The government had, in its budget for the fiscal year 2078-79 BS, stated that the information highway would be developed by laying the optical fibre within two years. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on 15 February 2022 decided to cancel the agreement with UTL after no construction works of the project were done within the deadline.
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UML Chief Whip urges government to increase accountability
Kathmandu, Feb 7: CPN (UML) Chief Whip Padam Giri has stressed that the government should present itself accountably so as to make the House business effective.
In a meeting of the House of Representatives today, the UML Chief Whip advised the government to be more responsible regarding the effective operation of the parliament, establishment of good governance and delivery of its services.
“The last session of the parliament could come up with just one act and the delay in selecting leadership of parliamentary committees hampered the functioning of the House,” he said, welcoming the schedule presented by the Speaker for the current session. He sought the facilitation of the government to implement the parliament schedule successfully.
He said the UML as the major opposition would raise the issues of citizens’ concerns for development with priority. He also urged the government to respond to a memorandum submitted by party Chair KP Sharma Oli to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ by incorporating citizen’s aspirations and needs that party realised during its Jhulaghat-Chiwabhanjyang resolution journey.
The UML Chief Whip also insisted on the need of effective implementations of the Prime Minister Employment and Social Security programmes.
As he asserted, the government should swiftly work to rescue those Nepalis joining the Russian Army and Bipin Joshi reportedly taken under control by the Hamas in Israel.
He demanded the government’s intervention in frequent rises in the bank interests and the misappropriation in cooperatives to provide justice to the affected. He also insisted on the implementation of the investigation report over the Ncell share sale and purchase issue.
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NA approves Draft Committee’s report
Kathmandu, Feb 7: The meeting of National Assembly (NA) here today unanimously approved the report of the Draft Committee on the Amendment of National Assembly Regulations-2075 BS.
Committee’s President Suresh Kumar Ale Magar presented the proposal seeking consideration on the Amendment Report on National Assembly Regulations-2075 BS in the beginning of the meeting.
In the theoretical discussion held on the proposal, President Ale Magar responded to all the queries raised by the lawmakers.
NA Chairperson Ganesh Prasad Timilsina apprised the Committee members that those seeking an amendment on the report could register their amendment within 72 hours.
Similarly, the meeting unanimously endorsed Fiscal Procedures and Financial Accountability (First Amendment) Ordinance-2080 BS.
Likewise, Legislative Management Committee President Jayanti Devi Rai presented report of the Committee on Sahid Dasaratha Chand Health Science University-Bill-2080 BS.
Meanwhile, the NA meeting passed the condolence motion on the demise of former minister and constituent assembly member Keshav Kumar Budhathoki.
The condolence motion was presented by the NA Chairperson which the meeting endorsed unanimously. Parliamentarians observed a minute of silence and prayed for the eternal peace of departed Budhathoki.
Budhathoki passed away on February 5 while undergoing treatment. He was 80.
NA is convening again on February 11 at 1:01 PM
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RSP’s Whip Dangi registers proposal of public importance on road safety
Kathmandu, Feb 7: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)’s Whip Nisha Dangi has registered a proposal of public importance on road safety in the parliament today.
In the proposal, Dangi mentioned that over 2,000 people were losing their lives to road accident annually in the country incurring a huge loss to the State.
She demanded promotion of traffic awareness, user-friendly road infrastructures and well-managed and safe public transport system and end of the middleman in illegal sales and distribution of driving license among others.
In the proposal, the party demanded that government should involve experts and stakeholders while mooting plans, programmes for upscaling road infrastructures.
Whip Dangi called for new law to minimize road accidents as well as to ensure safety of pedestrians. “There are 6,666,937 families who have lost their family members or have got a member injured in the road accidents. Among them, one out of every 39 families is taking care of the injured one,” stated the proposal, adding that over Rs 200 billion of losses are incurred annually due to road accidents.
Due to road accidents, according to the proposal, the country is suffering an annual economic loss equivalent to 3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The proposal is seconded by RSP Vice-Chairperson and parliamentarian Dol Prasad Aryal, Deputy General-Secretary and parliamentarian Sumana Shrestha.
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Chief Ministers have faith on me, I will gear up for federalism implementation with this motivation: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Prime Minister and the National Coordination Council Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed his commitment, in his capacity as the main agent of change, to work with determination towards implementation of federalism.
Addressing the second full meeting of the Council at his office in Singha Durbar today, PM Dahal said, “The Chief Ministers have reposed their faith on me for the implementation of federalism, I will work towards implementing the federalism with this power.”
He recalled that although the Act related to the Council was enacted in 2076 BS, it was he who called the Council’s first meeting last July.
Stating the meeting of the Council has been called for maintaining coordination in the works and functioning of the federal, provincial and local governments, the Prime Minister and Council Chair said, “Four years passed without convening a single meeting. I have taken the initiatives for federalism implementation by calling two meetings in six months.”
He maintained that he was constantly in consultation with the Chief Ministers for implementing federalism, stressing on the need of one and all to think of and take interest in constitution implementation.
“I have felt that this meeting has given an impetus (to implement federalism). All the Chief Ministers have pinned hope and faith on me. This is my power in implementation of federalism. I too have been working keeping this very topic at the centre since I took leadership of the government,” he reiterated.
According to the PM, works have been initiated regarding the Civil Service Act and the police adjustment by assigning the responsibility itself to the Deputy Prime Ministers. “Enactment of federal acts itself is our major responsibility. It would be a fitting reply to the anti-federalism camp once the provinces start providing services to the people,” he added.
Emphasizing that the policies and programmes, and the budget that the three tiers of government bring should be the central expression of their collective wisdom, Prime Minister Dahal called for putting to an end the situation wherein plans are not completed, new plans are brought, but are not completed within the stipulated time.
“The state’s liability has increased due to lopsided development and delays. This situation will come to an end this time. The anomalies in budget formulation would be put to an end,” PM Dahal said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka said the initiation on federalism implementation taken by the Prime Minister has removed the uncertainty related to the same.
“The Prime Minister is serious in implementing federalism. I myself have been making efforts to finalize the Civil Service Act as directed by the Prime Minister. We will pass this in the current parliament session itself,” he said and urged all to work with collective spirit, as implementation of federalism is a common responsibility.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha stated that the Prime Minister has been working with a sense of concern and urgency on federalism implementation.
“The PM has been consistently encouraging all the ministers to speed up works for implementation of federalism. The process of police adjustment has moved ahead. We will finalize the adjustment process within some days,” DPM Shrestha added.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dhanraj Gurung said they have been motivated by the Prime Minister’s activeness in implementing the federalism. Stating that the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs is at work for formulating the federal laws, he gave assurances that most of the Federal Acts will be passed in the current session of parliament.
Prior to this, the first meeting of the Council held discussions on the action plan regarding federalism implementation remaining to be carried out by the federal government and on the works carried out so far as well as on the problems seen in the implementation.
The meeting chaired by PM Dahal reviewed the status of the implementation of the Federal Implementation Facilitation Work Plan approved by the Inter-Province Council and also discussed on finding a way out to the problems by identifying the reasons as to why the remaining works could not be carried out.
The National Coordination Council had met on 1 July 2023 before this. It was presided over by Prime Minister Dahal himself and had held discussions on making the federalism implementation more effective.
The meeting discussed on finalizing the work expansion by revising it to make it simpler, clear and prevent the duplication of work responsibilities as well as on taking it into implementation. Deliberations have also been held in the meeting regarding the causes for the inability to issuing the Federal Civil Service Act considered to be the guideline for the province and local levels, and on the Acts, Regulations and standards required for the implementation of the list of concurrent rights as per the Schedule 7 and 9 of the constitution.
The meeting has taken seriously the topic of as to how the human resources working in the province and local levels could be better managed in the context of lack of it. It is found that the ambiguities seen in the roles of the three tiers of the government needed to be sorted out.
The Council comprises the Finance Minister, the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Home Affairs Minister, and the Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration of the federal government, the Chief Ministers of the provincial governments, the leader of the main opposition party in the House of Representatives and a federal parliamentarian assigned by the leader of the opposition and seven members, including at least three women, of local levels assigned by the Prime Minister.
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House of Representatives unanimously approves Bill on Anti-Money Laundering
Kathmandu, Feb 7: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives has unanimously approved the Bill on Anti-Money Laundering.
Earlier in the meeting, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, had presented the proposal seeking the endorsement of the bill to amend Acts and laws relating to the prevention of money laundering and promotion of business environment.
The endorsement has opened the way for amendment in a host of laws such as Export-Import (Control) Act-2013 BS, Ship Registration Act-2027 BS, Revenue Act-2034 BS, Tourism Act-2035 BS, Building Act-2055 BS, Insolvency Act-2063 BS, Securities Act-2063 BS, Nepal Rastra Bank Act-2058 BS, Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act-2064 BS .
Criminal Assets and Instruments (Seizure, Control and Confiscation) Act-2070 BS, Money Laundering Prevention Act-2064 BS, Organized Crime Prevention Act-2070 BS, Insurance Act-2079 BS, Cooperatives Act-2074 BS, Foreign Investment and Technology Handover Act-2075 BS, Electricity Regulation Commission Act-2074 BS, Mutual Legal Assistance Act-2070 BS will also undergo amendment with today’s endorsement.
The National Civil (Code) Act-2074 BS and the National Criminal Procedure (Code) Act-2074 BS have been amended through the Bill.
HoR will meet again on February 18 at 11:00 am. Speaker Devraj Ghimire informed that on that day, the parliamentarians could hold live question and answer session with the Prime Minister.
Two Bisket poles brought; dozer and crane used for pulling chariot
Bhaktapur, Feb 7: The 55-foot-tall lingo (pole) that is used for Bhaktapur’s popular Bisket Jatra has been taken to Bhelukhel-based Yongsikhel in Bhaktapur from Sallaghari forest of Suryabinayak municipality-10, Chittapole by using dozer and crane.
In the Bisket Jatra to be celebrated for nine days and eight nights in Bhaktapur as per the tantrum method, the 55-foot long pole is erected on the last day of the Nepali year and celebrations are made with the demolition of the erected pole next day on Baisakh 1 (mid-April).
As per the tradition, chariot (yosingdho) which is considered a symbol of Kashi Bhairabnath is worshipped in accordance with the tantrum method and is erected with the help of eight ropes.
The pole which is erected on the farewell of the old year and in the advent of the New Year has ‘halingpat’, considered the sign of serpentine at the top.
Bhaktapur-based Sanskrit activist Sampoorna Joshi said it was wrong to use cranes and dozers in the name of modernity in the traditional jatra of historical, cultural and religious importance. “Will the dozer now pull the chariot of Bhairavnath, which thousands of people have been pulling?” he asked.
Former president of Toumadhi Youth Club and social worker Bijaya Prasad Dhowadel said that it is ironic that the tradition of pulling the lingo with a rope has now started with the use of dozer and crane.
Khima Oli, chief of Guthi Sansthan Branch Office Suryabinayak, said the government’s budget was saved this year as donor Shivaram Suwal had borne all the expenses on his own. “We did not have to go for bid to bring poles this year, the state exchequer has been saved,” he said, adding that Suwal has borne the cost of bringing two lingos. We have spent only Rs 8,000 for two goats, a duck and for worship. ”
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SC orders to share info on application filed for restoring parliamentarian’s fund
Kathmandu, Feb 7: The Supreme Court has ordered the federal parliament secretariat to share information on the application it filed for vacating the ruling on dissolution of parliamentarian development fund (PDF).
The parliament secretariat has been asked to provide the information to the writ petitioners, including Trilok Bahadur Chand, who had requested the court to dissolve the PDF.
The constitutional bench comprising Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha and justices Ishwor Prasad Khatiwada, Prakashman Singh Raut, Sapana Pradhan Malla and Sushma Lata Mathema issued the order on Wednesday.
Earlier, advocate Trilok Bahadur Chand among others had filed a writ petition at SC, demanding it to order against government’s decision to allocate budget for federal constituency development programme, also known as PDF. In response to it, SC had already issued interim order in the name of federal parliament secretariat and government to postpone the budget allocation under the PDF.
However, Joint Secretary at federal parliament secretariat, Laxmi Prasad Gautam, later filed an application at SC for vacating the interim order to this regard.
The SC asked the defendants to provide information relating to the annulment application to the writ petitioners.
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Only cinema hall in Lamjung closed in lack of viewers
Lamjung, Feb 7: The only cinema hall in Lamjung district, Annapurna Hall, has been closed for three weeks. The cinema hall with 273-seats capacity is located at Besisahar municipality-8.
Owner of the cinema hall, Pradeep Basnet, said there was no option for him but to shut down the theatre after the viewers stopped turning up. He also blamed the quality of films, while claiming the hall having adequate amenities.
A Hindi movie, Salar, was screened here before closure. It failed to attract audience. Earlier, people not only from urban areas but also from villages crowded the cinema hall to watch every new show.
There are other factors to limit audience- most of the youths have left villages for overseas employment and those who are in the country joined the bandwagon of digital entertainment with the expansion of internet and IT infrastructures.
Basnet shared the plight that he has been incurring the loss of Rs 5,000 every day due to inoperative recreational facility. He is however not unfazed. He is planning to screen Nepali movies– ‘Dayarani’ and ‘Hattichhap’ soon.
The cinema hall was established in 2045 BS. Earlier, there were other cinema halls at different places in the district.
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Forest fire reaches human settlement, destroys a house in Udayapur
Katari, Feb 7: A house and hut turned into ashes after a forest fire entered Okhle Dandagoun village of Taple rural municipality-1 located in north-west hilly area of Udayapur district.
The forest fire on Wednesday destroyed the house and hut belonging to Ramesh Magar. Chairperson of Taple rural municipality-1, Uddhav Hamal, said the fire spread from Sallaghari forest entered the village.
He shared all goods inside the house as food grains, utensils, clothes were destroyed.
A strong wind flared the wildfire towards the village. Hamal mentioned that other houses in the village were also at risk.
Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Area Police Office, Katari, Subhas Rai, stated that a team of security persons from police post, Rupatar, had headed towards the incident site to help locals extinguish fire and take stock of the damages.
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One electrocuted in Kalikot
Manma (Kalikot), Feb 7: A youth was electrocuted in Kalikot district. The deceased has been identified as Prakash Budha, 29, of Panchadewal Binayak municipality-4 in Achham district.
Budha received the electric shock in course of expanding fiber internet of Everest Network Pvt Ltd near Dahi rivulet, border of Dailekh and Kalikot.
Critically injured in the incident, Budha died in course of treatment at Karnali Province Hospital, Surkhet, said Information Officer at the
District Police Office, Kalikot, Poshan Thapa.
He was the staff of Everest Network Pvt Ltd, said police.
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President vows initiative to address industrialists’ problems
Kathmandu, Feb 7: President Ramchandra Paudel has vowed initiatives to resolve problems facing entrepreneurs and industrialists.
Receiving a memorandum submitted by Nepal National Entrepreneurs’ Federation on Wednesday, President Paudel viewed he was aware of problems facing entrepreneurs and industrialists. “Industrialists have important role to recover national economy. Your demands are genuine. I take efforts from my side to pay heed to your concerns,” he added.
Federation Chairperson Kumar Karki urged the Head of the State that interest rate should be lowered to one digit to restore the industries that faced huge set back due to Corona crisis.
The Federation also demanded reduction in customs quota, skills and capacity development of youths at local levels, and launch of special scheme to attract youths to agriculture.
Also underscored in the memorandum were market availability to agricultural products, smooth transportation of consignment via Keyrong border point, scientific rent, promotion of domestic investment and resources, and end of influence of select group in policy making on agenda of private sectors.
It also put forth the demand before the President to form a high-level committee incorporating industrialists and entrepreneurs of all sectors by ending syndicate of some limited organization in policy- formulation level on the issue of private sector.
Similarly, the auction period should be at least six months against present 35 days if banks and financial institutions auction the real estate, while the investment of banks and financial institutions should be at least 50 per cent in small and middle-scale enterprises.
The office-bearers and members of the Federation were present on the occasion.
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Fire burn claims two toddlers in Achham
Achham, Feb 7: Two children died in fire at Mallekh village of Achham district this evening.
The deceased have been identified as six-year-old Niruta Budha and three-year-old Ankit Budha, according to Chief at the District Police Office, Santosh Pathak.
The incident took place after a thatched hut belonging to Jay Bahadur Budha of Mallekh rural municipality caught fire while two children were playing inside it.
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SC invalidates land swap of Giribandhu Tea Estate
Kathmandu, Feb 7: The Supreme Court has invalidated the exchange of land belonging to Giribandhu Tea Estate. The government decision to swap the land beyond limitation was annulled by SC.
A constitutional bench comprising Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, justices Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada, Prakashman Singh Raut, Sapana Pradhan Malla and Sushma Lata Mathema found that the land swap was against constitutional provision and illogical, thereby being subject to cancellation.
“Nepal government (Cabinet) had given permission to the Giribandhu Tea Estate Pvt to exchange 343-19-12 bighas of land on April 26, 2021, which was against Section 12 (c) of Land Act, 2021. So, the decision is subject to cancellation with certiorari,” the order mentioned.
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