- Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Kathmandu, March 6: President Ram Chandra Paudel has administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed deputy Prime Ministers and ministers.
They were administered oath of office and secrecy upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution at a special function held at the office of President this evening.
Those taking oath of office are on behalf of the CPN-UML Raghubir Mahaseth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure; Hari Prasad Uprety, Minister for Defense; Rajendra Rai, Minister for Water Supply; Damodar Bhandari, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies; Bhagawati Chaudhari, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen; Jwala Kumari Saha, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock; and Balram Adhikari, Minister for Land Management and Cooperatives.
Similarly, on behalf of CPN (Maoist Centre), Narayan Kaji Shretha took the oath of office and secrecy as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Barsha Man Pun as Finance Minister, Shakti Bahadur Basnet as Minister for Water Resources and Energy, Rekha Sharma as Minister for Communications and Information Technology, and Hit Bahadur Tamang as Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
From Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane took the oath as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sumana Shrestha as Minister for Education, Science and Technology, and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha as Minister for Youth and Sports.
Those taking oath of office from CPN (Unified Socialist) are Bhanu Bhakta Joshi as Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration and Dhan Bahadur Budha as Minister for Urban Development.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Deputy President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, PM Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar, among others.
Similarly, the three ministers without portfolio have been assigned ministries- Padam Giri as Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Hit Bahadur Tamang as Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Dol Prasad Aryal as Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security. They took oath of office and secrecy on Tuesday.
The remaining ministries are currently handled by the Prime Minister himself.
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Elephant menace continues in Shuklaphanta
Kanchanpur, March 6: Locals of Shuklaphanta Municipality-5, Garjmuni, could not chase away a herd of elephants entering the paddy fields before night despite placing several measures.
Over a dozen elephants coming from the Shuklaphanta National Park have been continuously damaging the about-to-harvest wheat crops of local farmers for the past three days.
Jit Bahadur Saud, ward member of Shuklaphanta-5, said, “In the past, elephants used to run away by showing fire, beating tins and making noise.” He said that an attempt was made to get away the elephant by blowing the siren, crackers were burst, but the elephant did not run away.
“After entering the fields to feed themselves and eating the wheat crop, they finally went to the national park,” he said, complaining that every year the elephants have been damaging their harvesting paddy and wheat crops.
The elephant herd has damaged the wheat crop cultivated in minimum two kattha to 10 kattha land.
According to local residents, a herd of 15 elephants, including three cubs, has been eating wheat crop as well as crushing them with their feet. Malti Pal said that they have to stay awake all night to drive away elephants. “We work till late night to drive away elephants,” he said, adding, “Elephants do not run away without eating, there is a fear of destroying the house, that is why we have to stay awake.”
Locals have complained that although elephants have been causing damage every year, they have not yet received compensation amount.
In the last three years, four people have so far lost their lives in elephant attacks in the municipality.
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Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project: Demolition of houses in Tiplyang begins
Myagdi, March 6: Demolition of the houses and huts along the road at Raghuganga rural municipality-1, Tiplyang in Myagdi has begun under the Kaligandaki corridor project of national pride.
The Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project had issued a 15-day public notice on February 23 to receive compensation for the houses and huts along the road at Tiplang and remove the structures by March 8.
Chief of Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project, Dhruba Jha, said that the concerned house owners have started removing the structures after receiving compensation for the houses and sheds. “Road expansion and drain construction inside Tiplang Bazaar did not progress with the locals showing disagreement to the rate of compensation and remaining adamant to not remove the structure,” he said.
“The locals have agreed to clear the structures after receiving the compensation package re-designed by the technical team”, Jha shared.
Two years ago, it was recommended to compensate 20 houses and sheds as the drains have to be constructed on both sides of the road. Although preparations were made for blacktopping after completing the road expansion and construction of structures in most of the places of Galeshwor to Tatopani section, the road expansion and drain construction in Tiplang section was stopped for about 700 meters.
Project chief Jha said that the structure is being demolished to widen the road by 12.5 meters on the right and left sides.
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Death toll reaches seven in Ghatbesi bus accident
Malekhu (Dhadfing), March 6: The death toll has reached seven in a bus accident that occurred at Gajuri rural municipality-5 in Dhading district.
The Kathmandu-bound passenger-ferrying bus (Lu 2 Kha 2121) from Kapilvastu had plunged into the Trishuli River at Ghatbesi along the Prithvi Highway this morning.
Superintendent of Police (SP) at Dhading District Police Office Gautam KC informed that seven persons, including a woman died in the accident. The deceased are yet to be identified.
At least 30 passengers were injured in the mishap. “The injured were rescued and taken to Kathmandu for further treatment after primary aid at local health facility”, SP Gautam informed.
Locals along with the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Army had rescued the passengers.
It is assumed that the death toll may rise as the bus plunged into the river. A team of Armed Police Force and Disaster Management Training School, Kurintar, Chitwan is also involved in the rescue operation. Police have arrested bus driver Hariram Harijan, 38, of Lumbini Sanskriti Municipality-9 of Rupandehi.
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Government should be sensitive to Madhes issues-lawmaker Yadav
Kathmandu, March 6: Lawmaker Mukta Kumari Yadav called for the government to remain sensitive to the issues of Madhes province, including usury victims, sugarcane farmers and dowry survivors.
She questioned whether the dream of prosperity can be materialized by suppressing the farmers in agriculture country Nepal.
Talking to RSS, National Assembly member Yadav further shared the farmers of Madhes province, the main hub of agriculture production in Nepal, today were lamenting for adopting the agriculture profession.
“Madhes province has been left behind by the State in every way. We have promulgated the Constitution through the Constituent Assembly to build a prosperous nation being committed to socialism based on democratic values and values in the country, and to fulfill the goals of peace, good governance and prosperity in the country through federalism”, she said, adding much have however remained unaddressed to this date.
She went on reflecting, “How much have we addressed the promised agenda? How much have we been able to address the demands of the people? How sensitive has the State become in protecting and protecting the rights of the people as enshrined in the Constitution?”
Today is the time to ask questions, the lawmaker from the Nepali Congress mentioned, calling the State agencies to remain sensitive to the discrimination being meted out in the name of religion, culture, caste and region.
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Unified Socialist’s central secretariat meeting today
Kathmandu, March 6: CPN (Unified Socialist) has called its central secretariat meeting today to decide whether or not to participate in the new coalition government.
The meeting scheduled to take place at the party central office, Anamnagar, at 11.00 am on Wednesday morning will discuss on several matters, including latest political developments, informed party secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha.
It may be noted that the CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (UML) had urged the Unified Socialist to join the government following the dissolution of old ruling coalition and formation of new alliance.
Secretary Shrestha shared that the meeting would obtain information about the objective of ruling coalition, decision and process and build the party’s opinion.
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Yellow metal price increases further by Rs 500
Kathmandu, March 6: The price of hallmark gold has reached an all-time high of Rs 123,500 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market today. The price of the yellow metal increased by Rs 500 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 123,000 per tola on Tuesday.
According to Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, worked gold is being traded at Rs 122,900 per tola today as against Rs 122,400 on Tuesday.
Similarly, the price of silver has decreased by Rs 5 per tola and reached Rs 1,440 per tola. Earlier on December 28, 2023, the price of yellow metal had set record reaching Rs 122,000 per tola. The Federation determines the price of gold and silver based on the price in the international market.
Gold is being traded in the international market at 2126 dollars per ounce at present, the Federation said.
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NC President Deuba and Chair Nepal meet
Kathmandu, March 6: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and the CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal have held talks today. In the meeting held at Chair Nepal’s residence at local Koteshwar, the two leaders discussed on the latest political developments.
The two former prime ministers held positive talks on the changed context, said the Nepali Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak who was also present during the meeting. He added that the two parties will hold discussions again based on the decisions of the Unified Socialist party’s Secretariat Meeting scheduled for today.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli, among other leaders also held talks with Chair Nepal on Tuesday.
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JSP and Janamat party in internal discussions
Kathmandu, March 6: The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal has held discussions on the country’s contemporary topics of the country, including the party’s participation in the present coalition government.
In the Executive Committee meeting held today, the party leaders discussed on the ministers representing the party in the government and on the party’s agenda and stance while joining the government.
JSP Nepal’s spokesperson Manish Suman said that the leaders put their views on topics including the guarantee of the Madhes province government.
“All the leaders speaking in today’s meeting sought the guarantee for the continuation of the present provincial government in the Madhes province and also put their views accordingly. The situation is extremely fluid, the party will reach a decision only after this is settled,” he said.
According to him, the JSP Nepal will again convene its meeting following the decision to be taken by the meeting of the parties in the ruling alliance.
Similarly, the Janamat Party said it will make further decision after the topic of the Madhes provincial government is finalized.
Party spokesman Dr Sharad Singh Yadav said, “Our bottom line is that our party should get the Chief Minister of the Madhes province government. Many are of the opinion that we should move ahead as per the old agreement itself.”
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Maoist Centre withdraws support to Gandaki province government
Gandaki, March 6: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has withdrawn its support to the Gandaki province government.
A meeting of the party’s parliamentary party today decided upon withdrawing the backing it had lent to the provincial government, said Hari Bahadur Chuman, the parliamentary party leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Gandaki Province Assembly.
The Gandaki province government headed by the Nepali Congress has fallen into minority with the Maoist Centre withdrawing its support to it.
Before this, Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey had relieved two ministers from the Maoist Centre of their responsibility on Tuesday.
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Koshi province government makes various decisions
Biratnagar, March 6: The Koshi province government has decided to extend the term of the employees working on contract basis in the province.
A meeting today of the Koshi Province Council of Ministers also decided to bear the medical expenses of people suffering burn injuries in the recent incidents of fire in Morang and Jhapa, to approve the ‘agenda’ presented by the Ministry of Social Development and to sanction the budget the same Ministry sought for organizing the inter-provincial sports tournament.
Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, who is also the spokesperson for the provincial government, said the government is holding talks with the struggle committee on the topic of the province’s naming, and it will take appropriate decision after discussing the issues that come up during the talks.
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Maoist Centre pulls out its support to Sudurpaschim province government
Sudurpaschim, March 6: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has withdrawn its support to the Sudurpaschim province government. A meeting of the Maoist Centre parliamentary party this morning decided to pull out the support it had given to the Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, said the party’s Province Assembly member Shiva Singh Oli.
The CPN (Maoist Centre) was a partner in the government headed by the Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Shah. The CPN (Maoist Centre) has 10 out of the total 53 seats in the Assembly, except the Speaker.
The Nepali Congress, which is the largest party in the Assembly, has 18 seats after the death in a road accident some months ago of one of its Assembly member from Bajhang, Prithvi Bahadur Singh.
Similarly, the CPN (UML) has ten seats, the Nagarik Unmukti Party seven seats, the CPN (Unified Socialist) four, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) one and an independent member in the Province Assembly.
The Nagarik Unmukti Party and the CPN (Unified Socialist), the present ruling coalition partners, have not decided till this afternoon whether they will remain in the government or not.
Before this, Chief Minister Shah on Tuesday relieved the Social Development Minister Jhapat Bahadur Saud, the Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment Ramesh Singh Dhami and the Minister of State for Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment, Gitadevi Mal, representing the CPN (Maoist Centre) in the government, from their posts.
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New coalition government: RSP recommends four from party
Kathmandu, March 6: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has announced the nominations of four leaders to represent the party in the new coalition government led by CPN (Maoist Centre). These leaders include the party President Rabi Lamichhane, Vice President Dol Prasad Aryal, Sumana Shrestha and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha.
According to party’s joint Spokesperson, Pratibha Rawal, Lamichhane is nominated to assume the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs while Aryal is assigned the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sumana the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and Biraj Bhakta is recommended for taking charge of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the new coalition government.
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New political equation prompted by party’s internal decision: Maoist Centre leader Bhusal
Kathmandu, March 6: CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice Chairperson Pampha Bhusal has said there is no external influence in the recent political developments within the nation.
In an interview with RSS, the Vice Chair of the major ruling party stated that the shift in political dynamics, resulting from the party’s decision to break its alliance with the Nepali Congress and form a new coalition with CPN (UML) and other parties, was purely an internal decision of the party.
“It is unimaginable to think about the role of external forces in such developments,” she argued when various political reactions are being heard in the political sphere over the latest political developments in the country.
Each political event in Nepal is normally considered the outcome of foreign influence, and this is a misconception. The latest political development is totally the internal one. And, the new alliance is expected to contribute to further consolidating the ties with close neighbors and the world community, according to her.
Regarding concerns about potential political instability due to frequent changes in alliances, Bhusal described it a positive shift towards clearer political alignments and increased political sustainability. “It will guide the nation towards the direction of political stability by analyzing factors that led to the breakdown of the left alliance in the past.”
In response to query whether the change would have its impact on the transitional justice issues, she said achieving peace is a collective responsibility of all political parties and the entire nation.
She hoped that the inclusion of CPN (UML) in the government would expedite the resolution of transitional justice issues. Bhusal expressed confidence that ruling and opposition parties would collaborate to successfully conclude the remaining tasks of the peace process and ensure lasting peace in Nepal while strengthening democracy and progressing towards socialism.
While responding to ‘criticisms’ about the party’s ‘inability’ to deliver efficiently to bring political stability in the country, she said such blame is due to a misunderstanding between mobility and instability. She asserted that the Maoist party remains the most dynamic force in the country, contributing to significant political transformations. Bhusal underscored the progressive nature of the political course and affirmed the role of Maoist leadership in driving these changes.
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CEC Thapaliya and UN Women Country Rep hold meeting
Kathmandu, March 6: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya and the UN Women Country Representative Patricia Fernandez-Pacheco have held a meeting at the Office of the Election Commission Nepal here today.
On the occasion, CEC Thapaliya talked about the various efforts made by UN Women in Nepal’s development endeavours and informed about the collaboration with several government agencies in the gender inclusion sector.
He called for partnership through UN Women for the evaluation of the gender and inclusive policy and the preparation of the fourth strategy paper as well as its implementation.
Stating that Nepal’s success in gender and inclusion is exemplary, the UN Women Country Representative pointed out the need of making additional policy arrangements for increased qualitative participation of women in the political sector.
She gave assurances of UN Women’s cooperation, to the extent possible, in the initiatives towards gender inclusion adopted by the Commission.
Election Commissioner Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, Joint Secretary Ramesh Dhakal and Under Secretary Dr Thaneshwar Bhusal, among others officials were present during the meeting, said Ramdatta Pandeya, the Assistant Spokesperson for the Commission.
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Maoist Centre takes back support to Lumbini Province government
Lumbini, March 6: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has withdrawn its support to the Lumbini Province government. A meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Lumbini Province parliamentary party decided to pull out its support to Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary who is from the Nepali Congress.
According to Indrajeet Tharu, the party’s chief whip for the province, the party on Wednesday submitted a letter to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat informing later about its withdrawal of the support.
In the 87-member Lumbini PA, 86 lawmakers represent 10 political parties and one is an independent. The Maoist Centre has 11 members.
The development is the ripple of the latest change in political equation in the national politics with the ruling Maoist Centre on Monday deciding to break its alliance with the Nepali Congress to form a new coalition government with the support of the CPN (UML), Rastriya Swatantra Party and others.
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Vice President attends National Day celebration of Bangladesh
Kathmandu, March 6: Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav today attended a reception organised on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the independence and national day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
Heads and office-bearers of constitutional bodies, chiefs of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu, senior government officials, Bangladeshi citizens who are presently residing in Kathmandu, business community and media attended the reception hosted by Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, the ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal.
Welcoming the guests to the event, the ambassador said, “Today, after five decades of independence, Bangladesh is marching ahead under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina towards transformation into a middle income country.”
As he said, Bangladesh is deeply engaged with Nepal at bilateral, regional and multilateral platforms to promote trade, tourism, education sector cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Recalling about the exchange of presidential visits between the two countries in the past five years, and the signing of four agreements in the areas of trade, tourism, connectivity and cultural cooperation, the ambassador Chaudhary said foreign secretary and commence secretary level talks will be held next month to strengthen the institutional linkages between the two countries.
“We are confident to work together with our Nepalese friends to further strengthen the bilateral relations in the years ahead,” he added.
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11-point declaration for rights of women, minorities call for women leadership
Kathmandu, March 6: The 11-point declaration endorsed by the World Feminist Forum for Women Rights was unveiled here today.
The Women Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) unveiled the document amidst a press meet on Wednesday.
Unveiling the document, WOREC Nepal Chair Dr Renu Adhikari said women are forced to face more consequences of global environment degradation and environmental injustice, demanding women leadership roles, policy reforms, and equitable distribution of resources to ensure justice for all women.
She calls for identifying and analyzing detrimental impacts of capitalism, colonialism and patriarchy on youths, women and sexual and gender minorities and establishing a youth leadership through politics to effective transformative change.
The declaration calls for an end to all forms of digital violence and the formulation of laws and policies that are friendly to women and sexual/gender minorities. “Globally, women’s body are objectified and commercialized in the consumerist society,” the declaration states, seeking a correction to this approach.
It has called for further accelerating activism and movements to secure the rights of indigenous peoples, landless individuals, and rural communities, particularly in their struggles for land and housing.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of resource exploitation, violence, and inequalities on women and children, exacerbated by militarization and capitalism, the declaration advocates for justice, equality, and human rights for all.
It has also denounced economic systems guided by uncontrolled markets, unjust development practices, and export-oriented policies that at it argues commodify the human body, leading to forced migration, displacement, and human trafficking.
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PSC Fourth National Conference opens in Surkhet
Karnali, March 6: The Fourth National Conference of Public Service Commission (PSC) has kicked off in Birendranagar of Surkhet, the provincial capital of Karnali province.
PSC Chairman Madhav Prasad Regmi opened the conference with the theme – ‘Qualification, Impartiality, Fairness: Public Service Commission’s Commitment.’
On the occasion, Chairman Regmi said the National Conference is organized with the goal of promoting mutual functional relations and coordination between the Commission, a body carrying a long history among the constitutional bodies, and its subordinate offices so as to establish, nurture and increase a merit system in the Commission’s works.
He asserted that the Commission has been following the principles and standards adopted in accordance with the federal laws, and moving ahead with the common goal of bringing into the civil service through the fair selection process capable human resources who are able to give a way out to the State confronting the present and future challenges.
In this connection, he said, the Commission is committed to fully adhere to its norms, values, principles, standards, procedures and technology as well as to refining them timely.
Chairman Regmi maintained that works are being carried out in accordance with the mutual collaboration and coordination between the Commission and the Province Public Service Commission.
Commission member Bir Bahadur Rai shared on the occasion that most of the decisions contained in the five-point declaration and 10-point decision issued by the PSC’s Third Conference held last year in Dhangadhi, Kailali are in the implementation phase.
“The Commission is relentlessly moving ahead to uphold its seven decades long history of credibility, enhancing the public’s faith in it by maintaining impartiality and fairness in its performance,” he said.
Chairman of Sudurpaschim Province Public Service Commission, Yagya Raj Bohara, Karnali Province Public Service Commission Chairman Ram Prasad Upadhyay, Lumbini Province Chairman Dilaram Bhattarai, Gandaki Province Chair Bishnu Prasad Nepal, Bagmati Province Chair Suresh Man Shrestha and Koshi Province Member Sajana Dahal put their views, highlighting on further strengthening the Commission’s performance to bring in new talents in the country’s public service.
Acting Secretary of the Karnali Province Government, Chudamani Poudel, lauded the role of the Commission in maintaining its credibility and impartiality despite of many political changes in the country.
The Members of the Federal Public Service Commission, the office-bearers and members of all the provincial public service commissions, and secretaries and employees of all the commissions are attending the two-day National Conference.
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One arrested with counterfeit Thai currency
Kathmandu, March 6: A Pakistani citizen has been arrested with counterfeit Thai baht from Thamel, Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Nepal Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General of Police Bhim Prasad Dhakal told RSS that the police arrested 34-year-old Sherdaz Khan, a permanent resident of Karachi, Pakistan, along with 14 Thai baht notes of 1,000 denomination.
Khan was arrested by security personnel in plain clothes on Tuesday as he tried to exchange the currency notes at Garima Bikas Bank in Thamel.
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‘Professional journalism need of hour’
Kathmandu, March 6: Speakers at a programme have underlined the need of fostering professional journalism in Nepal.
In the programme the women department of Nepal Press Union organized on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day in the federal capital on Wednesday, all sectors should be ready for building professional journalism.
FNJ, an umbrella organization of Nepali journalists, Vice Chair Bala Adhikari viewed FNJ was ready and sensitive to ensure dignity to Nepali media. “It is worrying that number of women in journalism is meagre. FNJ is working to break the barriers for women journalists as low payment and violence against them,” Adhikari informed.
She argued that even the male colleagues had important role to minimize violence against women journalists.
On the occasion, Chair of Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee, Sangita Khadka, opined that time had come to review the achievements women journalists made. She however admitted that the provisions relating to women rights were not enforced well.
Women Vice Chair of Nepal Trade Union, Radhika Kuinkel, said stories of violence against women in media should be analysed for further study of society.
Advisor to Press Union, Anita Bindu, said women-friendly atmosphere should be created.
Other speakers said women journalists’ family issues could not be ignored in terms of their profession.
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International Pickleball Championship from March 8
Kathmandu, March 6: International Pickleball Championship is going to be held in Kathmandu from March 8.
Pickleball Association Nepal is organising the two-day championship where 120 athletes of eight countries are participating.
Chairperson of Pickleball Association Nepal, Saurabh Bhandari, said athletes from Nepal, India, the UK, the USA, Singapore, Thailand, Spain and Portugal would participate in the championship.
Men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mix doubles would be held on March 8 and men’s single and women’s single on March 9. All the games would be played at the Satdobato-based Tennis Complex.
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Six NC ministers of Bagmati resign
Bagmati, March 6: Six ministers representing the Nepali Congress in the Bagmati province government have resigned. They submitted their resignation to Chief Minister Shalikram Jamakattel today.
Those tendering their resignation include Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning Bahadur Singh Lama, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Land Administration Ramkrishna Chitrakar, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives Pukar Maharjan, Minister of Water Supply, Energy and Irrigation Tirtha Bahadur Lama, Minister of Health Uttam Joshi and Minister of Forest and Environment Masina Khadka.
The government led by CPN (Maoist Center) leader Shalikram Jamkattel was formed on December 20 last year with the support of five parties including the Nepali Congress. The resignation by the NC ministers comes in wake of a shuffle in federal power coalition.
Altogether seven parties are represented in the Bagmati province assembly. Nepali Congress is the largest party with 37 members while CPN (UML) is the second with 27 members. There are 21 provincial assembly members from CPN (Maoist Center), 13 from RPP, seven from CPN (Unified Socialist), three from Nepal Majdoor Kissan Party and two from Hamro Nepali Party.
The UML, Maoist Centre and Unified Socialist have a total of 55 members, which is not enough to form a government in the 110-member Bagmati province assembly.
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Rs 50 million allocated for preparation of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Kathmandu, March 6: Finance Ministry has allocated Rs 50 million for the preparation of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Cricket Championship.
Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council, Tanka Lal Ghising, shared information about the allocation of such amount for the preparation of world cup cricket championship.
“Nepali team is playing a big championship like cricket world cup. The National Sports Council through the Ministry of Youth and Sports had recommended at the Finance Ministry for the allocation”, he mentioned.
After selection of Nepali men’s cricket team in the world cup, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had assured of not allowing budget crunch for the preparation of the world cup.
Ghising urged the Cricket Association of Nepal to move ahead seriously for the preparation.
Nepal had made its place in the World Cup defeating the United Arab Emirates by eight wickets in semi-final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Regional Qualifier held in Nepal from October30 to November 5, 2023.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Cricket Championship is scheduled in the USA and West Indies from June 1. Nepal had played T20 World Cup Cricket Championship in 2012 for the first time.
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Panchakot has strengthened humanitarian sentimenta: Chair Oli
Galkot (Baglung), March 6: CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has said Panchakot is strengthening humanitarian sentiments.
He mentioned that Panchakot which is being built incorporating Damodar Kunda to Tribenidham has helped to boost love towards the country.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of Anantashree Brahmandiye Mahayagya taking place at Panchakot of Baglung municipality-6 today, Oli stressed that the religious development taking place at the initiative of Kamalanayanacharya has been able to connect all Nepalis together.
“Kaligandaki has connected Damodar Kunda, Muktinath and Tribenidham. Mahayagya was organised at Panchakot for the publicity of religious sites. I want to thank organiser and locals for organising such big religious event”, underlined Chair Oli.
Sharing that Nepali society is united by discouraging atrocities, violence and crimes taking place in other countries in the name of religion, he explained that religion has developed humanitarian sentiments among the people.
Also former Prime Minister, Oli said he would take initiative to provide Rs 100 million allocated by the federal government for infrastructure development of Panchakot.
Vice-President of the UML Bishnu Prasad Poudel shared that Swami Kamalnayanacharya has been constructing religious infrastructure not only in Baglung but also in other districts including Mustang and Myagdi.
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RPP will not join any government: Pandey
Bharatpur (Chitwan), March 6: Senior Vice-Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Bikram Pandey has clarified that the RPP would not join any coalition and government.
Talking to media persons at Bharatpur airport on Wednesday, Vice-Chairperson Pandey said the RPP would not join the government as it has already moved ahead with the announcement of an agitation. “We are launching agitation from March 29. We will not join government of any alliance”, he stressed.
On a different note, leader Pandey laid emphasis that the government should carry out activities in favour of usury victims, women, and poor farmers.
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Cabinet reshuffled in Karnali Province
Karnali, March 6: In the wake of reshuffle in federal government, the Council of Ministers in Karnali Province has been reshuffled. Chief of Karnali Province, Tilak Pariyar, reshuffled the Cabinet led by Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma.
Krishna Bahadur GC has been appointed Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Mangal Bahadur Shahi the Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Urban Development, Urmila Bishwokarma the Minister for Water Resources and Energy Development and Bhim Prakash Sharma the Minister for Land Reform, Agriculture and Cooperatives.
The ministries were left vacant after the ministers representing Nepali Congress had resigned, while withdrawing support to the government.
Information to this was shared by Officiating Secretary at Office of Province Chief, Bhim Raj Thani.
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Identity of all seven deceased in Dhading bus accident ascertained
Malekhu (Dhading). March 6: Identity of all those died in a road accident that occurred at Ghatbesi of Gajuri rural municipality in Dhading have been ascertained.
A passenger bus (Lu 2 Kha 2121) heading towards Kathmandu from Bhairahawa of Kapilvastu had plunged into the Trishuli River at Ghatbesi along the Prithvi Highway on Wednesday morning.
Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Dhading, Santu Lal Jaisawar, said the deceased have been identified as Rubi Shrestha of Butwal sub-metropolitan City-2, Bekha Putuwar, 55, of Chandragiri municipality-10, Kathmandu, Mahendra Chaudhary of Kapilvastu, Jogindar Yadav, Ram Kishor Jaisawal, Nasir Ali and Sarajuddhin Musalman of Rupandehi.
Similarly, Narmada Subedi, Biraj Gaire and Prakash Pathak have gone missing following the accident. Search for the missing is underway.
A total of 39 people were injured in the incident.
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Finance Minister Pun assumes office
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Finance Minister Barshman Pun has assumed his office at the Ministry of Finance this evening.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun said that he is aware of the problems facing the economy and would work hard to address them. “I will work with a focus on economic prosperity, good governance and social justice. I will also take initiative to instill new hope, though it is not so easy,” Minister Pun said.
He also said that inter-ministerial coordination will be prioritized.
This is the second time that Pun has been appointed the Minister of Finance. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly in 2064 and Minister of Peace and Reconstruction in 2067. He became the finance minister in 2068 BS. Prior to this, he served as the Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation in 2074.
Pun is currently the deputy general secretary of CPN (Maoist Center). Elected from Rolpa Constituency No. 1, Pun is a law graduate. He was born on 10th of Jestha, 2028 BS in Madichour, Rolpa Municipality-4.
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Problems of Nepali migrant workers will be resolved, says Aryal
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Dol Prasad Aryal, has expressed his commitment to address the problems of Nepali migrant workers in different country. He said that a one-door system will be employed for it.
Assuming office this evening, Minister Aryal said the rights and interests of Nepali workers abroad and inside the country will be his first priority.
Similarly, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Bhagwati Chaudhary assumed her office today. She also expressed her commitment to work to bring direct benefits to the people.
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Reappointed Minister Basnet signs for formation of taskforce to make new energy policy
Kathmandu, March 6: Shakti Bahadur Basnet, who has been reappointed as Energy Minister, signed a proposal to form a taskforce for formulating a new national energy and electricity development policy.
The taskforce will have Energy Secretary as coordinator while members are joint secretary Nawin Raj Singh, joint secretary Kalanidhi Paudyal and executive director at NEA, Kulman Ghising.
Similarly, Minister Basnet signed the directive on formulation of general network access framework. The directive will be prepared based on Electricity Regulation Commission.
Minister Basnet, who assumed his office after being re-appointed today, belongs to the CPN (Maoist Centre). It is the fifth time he is holding a ministry.
It was fateful coincidence for him that he was reappointed and entered the same ministry from where he was bid farewell on Wednesday itself.
Basnet is elected from Jajarkot district.
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Defense Minister Upreti assumes office
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Minister for Defense Hari Prasad Upreti has said he will leave no stone unturned in the work to be done on the part of the ministry to complete the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast-track on time.
Minister Upreti said that he is aware of the delay in the project and directed the concerned to work on the expressway to complete it within schedule. He also expressed his commitment to work in the field of national security, national interest and development.
Priority will be given to the capacity building of the Nepali Army, he added.
He was welcomed by Ministry Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma, Chief of Staff of Nepali Army Prabhuram Sharma and other high ranking officials.
Upreti was elected member of the House of Representatives from Sarlahi constituency No-3 in the last general elections. He has served as the Defense Minister for one and a half months in 2079.
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CIT Minister Sharma assumes office
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma assumed her office this evening.
Prior to this, Sharma held the responsibility of the same Ministry in the previous government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Earlier, she has served as Minister of General Administration. Sharma was elected a member of the House of Representatives from Dang constituency No. 2 in the 2079 general elections. She has also served as member of the Constituent Assembly in 2070 and a member of the House of Representatives in 2074.
Born in Ward No. 18 Masina, Ghorahi sub-metropolitan city of Dang is currently a member of the Standing Committee of CPN (Maoist Centre). She served as the whip of the parliamentary party in 2074. Minister Sharma holds a master’s degree in sociology.
She is the only woman to be elected through the first-past-the-post system representing the Maoist Center to the House of Representatives.
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Home Minister Lamichhane assumes office
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane assumed office on Wednesday.
He vowed efforts to return the usurped public land to the government ownership. “Take stringent action against those usurping public lands,” he directed the subordinates.
DPM Lamichhane made aware the employees that transfer is a regular process, so there is no point in taking it as punishment.
“People must feel safe when they see police in uniform. So, you can work accordingly,” he said.
The Home Minister was welcomed by Home Secretary Dinesh Kumar Bhattarai, IGP Basant Bahadur Kunwar, Inspector General of the Armed Police, Raju Aryal, among others.
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Education Minister Shrestha decides to take initiative to appoint expert as chancellor, co-chancellor of universities
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sumana Shrestha, has decided to take initiative for the amendment on the concerned laws in order to appoint experts as Chancellor and Co-Chancellor of all 11 universities of the country.
Assuming her office at Singha Durbar this evening, Minister Shrestha directed the authorities to carryout preliminary activities to impart quality education to Nepali youths in the country and to make amendments in existing laws to stop politicization in the universities.
On the occasion, she shared that a policy-level decision after carrying out survey on the issue why youths go abroad for higher education, to improve educational quality and issues of priority would be determined by holding discussion with officials of the Education Ministry.
The Education Minister stressed that the decision of Education Committee of taking the School Education Bill 2080, which is under consideration in the Parliamentary Committee, in province for discussion will be facilitated.
On the occasion, Secretaries of the Ministry, Suresh Adhikari and Pramila Devi Acharya, welcomed her.
Lawmaker of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Shrestha, has experience of working as a management consultant, entrepreneur and campaigner. She had led a movement by mobilizing communities in local levels for reconstruction of Kasthamandap and conservation of Ranipokhari.
She holds a master degree in business administration from MIT Sloan School of Management Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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No more dilly dallying: DPM Mahaseth
Kathmandu, March 6: Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth has said that there will be no more delay in the work under any circumstances.
Deputy Prime Minister Mahaseth expressed his commitment to end the delay in the construction of physical infrastructure across the country while assuming his office at the office at Singha Durbar this evening.
He signed on a decision to form a task force to submit a report with the reasons for the delay in construction development works and its solution. A five-member task force has been formed under the leadership of joint secretary of the ministry, Krishnaraj Pant.
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