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Mahashivaratri: 4,000 security persons mobilized at Pashupati area

Published Date : March 8, 2024

Kathmandu, March 8: The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has mobilized over 4,000 security persons at Pashupati area for the Mahashivaratri festival, which is being observed today.

An integrated special security plan was put in place for the festival.

Office spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Raj Mainali informed in addition to security persons, drones were mobilized for the security. The security arrangement is made at three layers.

They are at work from Thursday night to Saturday.

Superintendent of Police at District Police Premises Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari, is leading the security mobilization.

Emergency and rescue teams along with ambulance are standby in case of need.

02-       Former President Bhandari’s message on Women’s Day

Kathmandu, March 8: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad on the occasion of the 114th Women’s Day today.

The Women’s Day is marked globally, expressing solidarity to the campaign for women’s rights and gender equality. The Day is observed this year under the theme, ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’

In the message, the former President reminded that Nepal has made remarkable achievements in the constitutional, legal and policy fronts for women rights and gender equality, which she argued, were resulted after various awareness campaigns and movements launched for social justice, women rights and gender equality.

The constitution has fundamentally enshrined the rights of women as their participation and representations at State agencies. Women’s role has been strengthened at all three tiers of government, parliament and policy levels.

She wished the Women’s Day inspired everyone to continue their journey towards equality by ending social ills, violence and oppressions meted out against women.

03-       Women’s political rights are established: Speaker Ghimire

Kathmandu, March 8: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has extended best wishes to all Nepali sisters living in the country and abroad on the occasion of 114th Women’s Day today.

He wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all on this occasion. Speaker Ghimire believed the Day would inspire all to involve in the campaign for women’s rights. In the message of best wishes, he said, “The women’s movements waged at different times have established women’s political rights. Political rights are for equality, freedom, opportunity, access, identity and status in the world.”

It is imperative to build positive thoughts, strong will and commitment for women empowerment, according to him.

The Women’s Day is being observed, organizing various programmes across the world today under the theme, ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’

The Speaker commented that March 8 is the women’s awakening day.

04-       PSC to reform employee management

Karnali, March 8: The Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to bring reform in employee management with continuous improvement in recruitment process, test, curriculums and exam system.

In order to retain trust, PSC is to uphold the fair competition and ensure meritocracy. The fourth national conference of PSC held in Surkhet issued a declaration with these pledges on Thursday.

PSC member Bir Bahadur Rai shared right candidate would be selected via fair competition that contributes to institutional development of federal system and good governance. The principles, values and good practices established by the PSC would be continued, he informed as mentioned in the declaration.

The two-day conference was held under the theme of ‘Competence, impartiality and fairness: PSC’s commitment.’ It issued five-point declaration and 13-point decision.

Constitutional values, inclusive principles and selection criteria would be fostered by the PSC.

As per the decision, PSC is for revising curriculums of various services and posts (both technical and non-technical). Further effectiveness in PSC works would be guaranteed.

Performance indicators of government employees would be created in line with PSC principles and values and uniformity created on spending on exam conduct and management.

The two-day conference was attended by PSC chair and members, office bearers of province PSC, secretaries, joint secretaries and other employees.

05-       Need of dedicated ministry on climate change stressed

Kathmandu, March 8: Speakers at a programme have underlined the need of establishing a dedicated ministry on climate, while a group of lawmakers could be formed to deal with climate change issues.

Integrated approach among diverse sectors is essential to cope with the impacts of climate change. For this, dedicated ministry and lawmakers’ group could facilitate, they added.

At a programme organized jointly by Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Crista and Gyannovation here Thursday, lawmaker Pradip Paudel viewed there were dedicated ministries and committees on climate in foreign countries, which Nepal can follow, as the climate is taking toll on us. In order to create pressure for it, lawmakers in Nepal also began the debate, he added.

Similarly, UML leader Thakur Gair, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Madhav Sapkota, Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Shovita Gautam viewed a separate structure could be mulled to amplify voices on climate change impacts in Nepal.

CDD Chair Dr Dila Sangraula opined that women were most vulnerable to climate change, so time has come to take measures ensure their resilience.

Moreover, environment inspector at Ministry of Forest and Environment, Hashana Shrestha, presented the facts that women are bearing the brunt of climate crises. So, the programmes launched for development could pay heed to it.

Chairman of Khaniyabas rural municipality of Dhading, Ran Bahadur Tamang, vowed incorporation of climate change in local school curriculum.

Advisor to rural municipality national federation, Lekhnath Pokhrel, said innovative practices on climate change adaptation were going on at local level under the women leadership.

Chairman of Disaster Risk Reduction Media Society, Surendra Pande, worried why media failed to pay adequate attention to this pressing issue.

Romy Ghimire, who has involved in disaster risk reduction for long, said several local governments had also worked well on climate change    

CDD General Secretary Jivan Bhandari, youth activist Urisha Upadhyay and expert Uday Adhikari spoke briefly on role of media, global status of climate change and insurance scheme for compensation.    

The programme was held on the occasion of the International Women’s Day in the federal capital, Kathmandu.

06-       Demand of comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health

Kathmandu, March 8: The three tiers of government have been urged to launch programmes that cater comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health to teenagers.

The speakers at a programme reminded the government that comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health would help reduce gender-based violence and drug use while increasing number of recipients of health services. Similarly the education encourages society to wipe out discriminations.

During a programme organized by Nepal Family Planning Association with the financial assistance of Helvetas Nepal on the occasion of 114th International Women’s Day, the adolescent attending the event urged government not to deprive them of education on sexual and reproductive health.

The slogan of the Day for this year is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’

The Helvetas Nepal has been running programmes on ‘Promotion of youth engagement in local government’ in Karnali and Madhes provinces for capacity building of adolescents.

As per statistics available at Ministry of Health and Population, 37 percent of adolescent girls get married before 18 years, while 10 percent before 15 years.

Association Chairman Himalaya Lal Kasajoo said time has come for government to launch massive programmes on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Similarly, Country Director of Helvetas Nepal, Dr Prabin Manandhar, said it was essential to augment investment for adolescents’ health.

07-       Mayor Dahal honoured with International Award

            Chitwan, March 8: Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City Renu Dahal has been honored with the International Mayor Award 2024. The award was presented to her by Mayor of London Sadik Khan at a function held at the House of Commons in London, UK on Thursday night.

            Mayor Dahal was honoured with the Award under the Political and Public Life Award category.On the occasion, London Mayor Khan was honoured with the Local Government Award while International Woman of the Year Award was presented to President first female president of Mauritius, Amina Gurib Fakim.

            Earlier, Mayor Dahal had a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the British Parliament House of Commons, Nigel Evans and Conservative MP Dean Russell.

 During the meeting, Mayor Dahal invited the leaders and other high officials of the UK to visit Bharatpur as it celebrates the Visit Bharatpur Year 2024.

08-       March 8: PM Dahal reminds of Constitutional provisions for

            women’s rights

            Kathmandu, March 8: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the State has ensured policy, legal and institutional provisions to promote the rights and interests of women, for their meaningful participations in the State apparatus, for their empowerment and for the attainment of gender equality.

            In his message of best wishes to all Nepali sisters and women rights activists at home and abroad on the occasion of the International Women’s Day today, the head of the government reminded that Nepal’s constitution has recognized the rights of women as fundamental rights, providing ground for women’s meaningful participations in the State apparatus from the Presidential post to the local governments.

 The establishment of women’s leadership in State bodies, their equal rights to property, competitive capacity enhancement of women, transformation in status quo thinking and other traditional values are accomplishments in the efforts for building a just society, according to him.

            Extending tributes to all those who significantly fought for political, economic, social and cultural rights of women, the Prime Minister said the government has given special priority to expand the role of women in State’s organs in recognition of their contribution to the nation’s prosperity.

            “Investment on women would lead the nation towards the path of prosperity through family, and society as well as help to build gender equitable nation”, reads the message. 

            Stating that it was necessary to make investment on women-targeted programmes more effective on the issues of women’s access to education, health, employment, poverty alleviation, livelihood improvement, social security, the Prime Minister laid emphasis on women’s meaningful participation, representation and leadership development. “It is necessary to end all kinds of violence, discrimination and exploitation against women and to ensure equal access to resources, opportunities and benefits by establishing leadership role of women,” reads the message.

            Prime Minister Dahal has also wished that the day inspires all the bodies concerned to work with more energy and motivation for women’s participation, empowerment, equality, representation and capacity building.

09 –      Pilgrims throng Behadbaba Temple to celebrate Maha Shivaratri

            Rastritya Samachar Samiti (RSS)

            Kailali, March 8: Pilgrims have thronged Behadababa Temple located at Rampur of Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city-16 on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.People started visiting the temple from Thursday mid-night to offer prayers at Behadbaba temple, said Chairperson of Temple Management Committee, Padam Raj Joshi.

            Pilgrims from different districts including Kanchanpur have arrived to pay homage to the temple. People from neighbouring India also visit the temple. It is traditionally believed that one’s wishes would be fulfilled after a visit to the temple.

            The Temple Management Committee expects that around 500,000 to 800,000 devotees would visit the temple today. A fair has also been organized near the temple. Not only Nepali traders, traders from India have been running different types of shops in the fair.

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, flowers are being showered from a flying helicopter while 20.25 million oil-fed lamps will be lit in the temple, Joshi said.

10 –      President Paudel observes Army day celebrations in Tundikhel

            Kathmandu, March 8: President Ramchandra Paudel attended a special ceremony organized by the Nepali Army today at Sainik Manch Tundikhel on the occasion of Mahashivaratri and 261st Army Day.

            On the occasion, President Paudel, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Nepali Army, paid floral tributes to the military memorial and received a salute offered by the Nepali Army. The Nepali Army has been celebrating the day of Mahashivratri as Army Day.

            At the ceremony, President Paudel released the annual magazine ‘Sipahi-2080’ published by the Nepali Army, Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information. He also gave away awards to Tanka Bahadur Dangi and Jaganath Danai who stood who first and second respectively in the ‘Free Fall Jump’ competition.

            Likewise, the President presented gifts to the team leaders of the Indian, British and American military units, who played the band during the Army Day celebrations.Earlier, flowers were showered by an army helicopter and the national flag along with a banner reading ‘Army Day-2080’ were displayed.  The army presented the Mahashivratri parade and march past with rifles and cannons. Various arts, dances and music were also performed by the army.

            Furthermore, various types of military vehicles, equipment and weapons used by the Nepali Army in UN peacekeeping missions were displayed. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha were present at the ceremony. Also present to witness the army day celebrations were the Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Constitutional bodies and officials, high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal, heads of security agencies, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in Nepal, and distinguished personalities of the society.

            A large number of people had also gathered in and around Tundikhel to witness the Army Day celebrations. The ceremony was also broadcast live by Nepal Television and other media. At the function, Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma presented the COAS Commendation Medals to various individuals who have made special contributions in various fields of the society.

11-       Nepal’s festivals meant for promoting unity: Deuba

            Kathmandu, March 8: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has described Nepal’s festivals as a means of promoting communal bonding and consolidating the foundation for unity and reconciliation in the society.

            In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the Mahashivaratri festival today, leader Deuba has said, “Nepal is a country rich in cultural and religious diversities and the Nepali society is characterized by mutual respects to each other’s customs and traditions. The festivals we celebrate in Nepal are heritages of our social bonding and cultural harmony.” 

            In the message, Deuba has said cultural festivals like Shibaratri have contributed to the cultivation of social unity, while wishing peace, happiness and prosperity among the Nepali sisters and brother on the occasion of the festival.

12-       Civic awareness essential to end VAW: Deuba

            Kathmandu, March 8: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has insisted on the need of increased civic awareness to combat all kinds of violence against women.

            Extending his best wishes to the entire Nepali women on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day today, the former Prime Minister said women from urban to rural areas in Nepal still continue to suffer violence and discrimination, exploitation and suppression. 

             Acknowledging the contribution of Nepali women to the establishment and restoration of democracy in the country, the former Prime Minister expressed his hope that the Nepali women will have more roles in the promotion and institutionalization of democratic norms and values in the days to come.

13-       110 leprosy cases found inside Kathmandu metropolis in 2022-23

            Kathmandu, March 8:  The Kathmandu metropolis reported 110 cases of leprosy in the fiscal year 2079-80 BS. According to a study conducted by the Leprosy Control and Disabilities Management Section under the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, the leprosy cases were detected inside the metropolis area during the period.

            The study was supported by various government and non-government organisations.Subsequently, an NGO called NLR Nepal has launched an awareness programme on leprosy in participations with the local representatives, health employees and volunteers.

            Information about this infectious disease, its major consequence: physical impairment, and ways for its cure have been focused in the programme. According to NLR Nepal executive director Bikashman Singh, leprosy is preventable by medicines if it is timely detected and intervened.

             It is caused by a bacteria called mycobacterium leprae and is primarily transmitted by a respiratory route. However, it is less communicable disease, according to Singh. Section Chief Dr Prashanna Napit said in the fiscal year 2022-23, a total of 2,522 new leprosy patients were found across the country  and the highest  number: 944  was in the Madhesh Province.

14 –      Over 400 thousand devotees worship Pashupatinath so far today

Kathmandu, March 8: More than four hundred thousand devotees have paid homage to Pashupatinath today on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

            People have gathered in and around Pashupatinath temple premises since 2:00 am early today, Spokesperson at the Pashupati Area Development Trust, Rewati Raman Adhikari said. So far, more than four hundred thousand devotees have paid obeisance to Pashupatinath. The crowd of the people is now increasing as compared to morning.

            With the increasing number of devotees, it has become challenging for security personnel to manage the fair. All four doors of Pashupatinath temple remain open since 2:00 am for the convenience of the pilgrims.

            The PADT has expects that at least two million devotees would visit Pashupatinath temple today.

15 –      UML Secretariat meet: New power equation will maintain political

            stability, raise hope

            Kathmandu, March 8: The CPN (UML) has taken the latest changes in the power equation in the country positively.  The UML secretariat meeting today drew the conclusion that the latest power equation would be fruitful to maintain political stability and instill hope among the people.

            Talking to media persons after the meeting, party General-Secretary Shankar Pokhrel said, “We believe that the UML will make positive contribution to political stability and development of the country.” The meeting decided to support the government in every way possible to turn people’s despair into hope.

Saying a process to form a new coalition government with the participation of UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata samajbadi Party, CPN (Unified Socialist) has started, he said that other parties are also requested to support the new ruling coalition.

            The UML General-Secretary underscored, “The meeting believed that the collaboration will be fruitful for country’s sovereignty, independence, development and prosperity.”

            The meeting also took the decision to organise special function on Baishakh 10 in the lunar calendar to mark the 75th establishment day of the party and Mahadibesan representative council meeting on coming Baishakh 8 and 9.

16-       Change must start at family level: President Paudel

             Kathmandu, March 8: President Ramchandra Paudel has said change in customs and thought must begin from the family itself to establish equality and justice by implementing the rights of the oppressed, women and others gained through a long struggle.

       Speaking at a programme organized by Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens today on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day, President Paudel said the Constitution is exemplary for the inclusion of the

            oppressed, women and Dalits but to put it into practice we have to change our practice and mentality starting from the family.

     Without equal and meaningful participation of women, who make up more than half of the population, it is impossible to fulfill the national aspirations of economic empowerment and prosperity, he said. “Continuous cooperation from all sectors is essential in realizing the long-term vision of building a nation with gender equality through increased investment for women’s development and advancement,” he added.

      The President said that the goal of building a prosperous nation cannot be reached until there is a fundamental change in the living standards of women. He also appealed to all parties to implement women’s rights envisaged as fundamental rights in the Constitution. 

Through the state has been making huge investment in various policies and programs to improve the socio-economic conditions of women there are complaints that women are not aware of such policies and programs, and the benefits provided by the state. Hence, it is also necessary to convey information about this to women in remote areas in order to make proper use of the state’s investment, he suggested.

  Likewise, Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Bhagwati Chaudhary said that the provision of 33 percent reservation for women in state bodies should be implemented effectively and women should be developed in leadership, financial, skill and competence from the local level.

       Chairperson of Parliamentary Women, Children and Social Committee, Kiran Kumar Shah emphasized that the legal provision to ensure 33 percent women in every body of the state should be strictly followed in the cabinet, political parties and other places as well.

          Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, Kamala Kumari Parajuli, said that the government at all levels should pay attention to women’s health, education, and employment.

      National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Commissioner Lily Thapa said that the history of Nepal should record the contributions made by women, for which the Ministry of Women should take the lead.

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17-       President offers Pooja at Pashupatinath

            Kathmandu, March 8: President Ramchandra Paudel offered Pooja at Pashupatinath Temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri today.

            The main priest of Pashupatinath provided flowers and Prasad to the President.

            Earlier, Chairman of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Dipak Kafle, PADT Member-Secretary Raju Kumar Khatri, chiefs of local levels, the high-ranking officials from the Guthi Sansthan and others had welcomed the President at the Pashupatinath Temple premises.

            As per the tradition, the Head of the State offers Pooja at Pashupatinath every year on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratri.

            Currently, thousands of devotees have queued up to pay homage to the Lord Shiva at Pashupatinath. So far, 430,000 devotees have paid obeisance to Pashupatinath.

            All four doors of Pashupatinath temple have remained open since 2:00 am for the convenience of the pilgrims, PADT Spokesperson Rewati Raman Adhikari said.

            The PADT shared that around 4,000 security personnel and equal number of volunteers have been deployed for the management of the Maha Shivaratri festival.

18-       CPN General Secretary arrives in Jumla for apple farming

            Jumla, March 8: The General Secretary of Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplab’, has arrived in Jumla for collective apple farming at Patharkhola in Hima Rural Municipality-6 in the district. 

            The party’s central committee member Birkha Bahadur Shahi said that General Secretary Biplab is scheduled to mark the beginning of the apple farming in Jumla as per the party decision.

            Thehas planned to grow 10,000 apple plants at Patharkhola area and the apple saplings would be planted in two stages.

            According to the CPN, apple farming is being started as per the party’s plan to prioritize agricultural productions.

19-       Women’s Day marked in Everest Base Camp

            Kalapatthhar (Solukhumbu), March 8: The 114th International Women’s Day was marked by organizing a conference in the Everest Base Camp on Friday at the presence of women from different walks of life.

            The event was organized by Sathsathai Foundation. 

            The conference issued a seven-point declaration for climate justice calling for serious attention of three layers of government for the conservation of the world’s tallest peak and other mountains. 

            The declaration has included the issues of local initiatives and cooperation for climate justice, adaptation and climate risk reduction along with national and international partnership.

            Furthermore, the declaration has incorporated the points for women’s participation, promotion of tourism in the Himalayas, pollution control in the mountainous region and others.

            Addressing the event, organizer Prajita Karki said that time has come to ensure justice to the nature adding that living beings could survive only if the nature was preserved.

            Likewise, Member of Madhesi Commission Renu Devi Shah said that livelihood and agriculture system are directly affected in Madhes due to climate change impacts and called for collective efforts of all for the risk reduction.

20-       ‘New coalition formed to complete remaining tasks of peace process’

            Myagdi, March 8: The Gandaki Province In-charge of CPN (Maoist Centre) and former minister Dinanath Sharma has said that a situation was created for forging collaboration between the communist parties in Nepal, and beginning of the new political alliance was started due to the behaviours of the Nepali Congress (NC).

            At a cadres’ meet in Beni of Myagdi on Friday, Sharma said ensuring the lasting partnership of the communist political forces was a national need of the time.

            He also shared that the top leaders of the CPN (UML) and Maoist Centre have agreed to move ahead by correcting their past mistakes.

            On the occasion, Sharma claimed that the two communist parties have agreed to make the country’s economy vibrant, expedite development works, maintain good-governance and prioritize the remaining tasks of the peace process.

21-       RSS photo journalist Kandel feted

            Gandaki, March 8: The Gandaki Province Government has honoured 16 women including RSS photo journalist Radhika Kandel on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day on Friday.

            The Social Development and Health Ministry of Gandaki Province prized Kandel for her outstanding contributions to the society through journalism. Kandel received a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

            Others receiving the prize include journalists Pratikshya Kafle and Durga Adhikari, tourism entrepreneur Kamala Giri, social worker Kamala Parajuli and others.

            Likewise, seven outstanding women’s cooperative organizations were also prized. The prize carries a purse of Rs 75,000 each.

22-       Opinion: Women’s transformative role advancing in Nepal

            Lakpa Phuti Sherpa

            Kathmandu, March 8 (RSS): In propelling Nepal towards significant development, it is imperative to foster trust in women and provide them with equitable opportunities across all spheres of life, transcending the confines of traditional gender roles. Governments must place decisive measures to ensure universal access to decision-making and policy-making platforms, regardless of geographical location, fostering an environment conducive to genuine and enduring progress in Nepal.

            Reflecting on Nepal’s remarkable progress in advancing women’s rights, showcased by leaders like former President Bidya Devi Bhandari and our early adoption of voting rights, underscores our nation’s pioneering spirit, positioning us ahead of countries such as Switzerland, which only granted women voting rights in 1972.

            As Nepal continues its journey of evolution, it is crucial to recognize and utilize women’s natural leadership abilities within the home as evidence of their potential to shape the nation’s destiny.

            Across Nepal, women have made significant contributions in various sectors, including education, banking, agriculture, rural tourism development, microenterprise, and small-scale entrepreneurship. However, disparities persist in political, bureaucratic, and high-level decision-making arenas, with only a handful of women holding positions of influence.

            To effectuate transformative change in Nepal, it is imperative to empower women with a vision for national development, ensuring their equal participation across all sectors. This inclusive approach will position Nepal as a leader in South Asia, setting a precedent for female involvement in societal progression.

            While Asian men exhibit considerable support for women’s advancement, they must extend this support within their households and advocate for women’s rights in broader society. Men must actively open doors for their mothers, sisters, cousins, and wives, valuing and considering every woman’s perspective as integral to the nation’s collective progress.

            To make significant changes in our country’s development, we must trust women and give them fair opportunities in all areas of life, not just at home. Governments must take decisive actions to ensure everyone, whether in busy cities or quiet rural areas, has a fair chance to make decisions and policies. This will lead to real and lasting progress in Nepal.

            Looking at how much we’ve achieved in advancing women’s rights shows Nepal’s pioneering spirit. We’ve been ahead of countries like Switzerland, which only gave women voting rights in 1972. As Nepal continues to evolve, it’s essential to recognize and use women’s natural leadership abilities at home as evidence of how they can help shape our country’s future.

            Overall, in Nepal, women have successfully played roles in education, banking, farming, rural tourism development, micro development, and small businesses like boutiques. However, in politics, bureaucracy, and high-level decision-making, there are still only a handful of women who are connected to high-level politicians. If we want to change Nepal drastically, we need to include women with a vision for national development equally. Then, we can lead South Asia by involving women in every sector. Most Asian men are very supportive, but support starts from their homes, and giving rights should start there, too. Each individual must make an effort. Additionally, men must open doors to their mothers, sisters, cousins, and wives and consider every woman’s perspective.

            Nepal has made remarkable achievements in the constitutional, legal and policy fronts for women rights and gender equality, which arguably were the result after various awareness campaigns and movements launched for social justice, women rights and gender equality. 

            The Constitution of Nepal 2015 represented country’s largest recent reform to advance inclusion, with the transition from a unitary to a federalist system of governance. This has resulted in notable changes in the legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms for achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in line with the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) and the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs).

            The Constitution guarantees women’s rights as a fundamental right, reaffirms the right to safe motherhood and reproductive health, education, health, employment, equal pay, social security and property rights and guarantees inclusion of women in all state bodies on the basis of principle of proportional inclusion.

            While legal frameworks provide solid ground for advancing the rights of women and marginalized groups, there are still challenges for translating legal equality into substantive equality for women and girls in Nepal.

            The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion”. This theme encourages us to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, leading to a better world. When women themselves feel inspired to be included, it fosters a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

            Let’s collectively work towards a more inclusive world for women, where diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities are embraced and celebrated.

            Remember, International Women’s Day is a global event that celebrates women’s achievements, acknowledges their struggles, and highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality. It’s a day of collective activism and celebration, belonging to all who are committed to advancing women’s rights and equality. (Writer is an Tourism Entrepreneur as well as deputy team leader of First Nepalese Women expedition to Everest spring 1993 with National  Luminary Pasang Lhamu Sherpa)

23-       APF football club into Jhapa gold cup final

            Jhapa, March 8: The APF football club has entered the final of Jhapa Gold Cup by defeating the four-time winner, Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC).

            The APF departmental team won the match 1-0 in the sixth Jhapa Gold Cup underway at the Birtamod-based Domalal Stadium. A suicide goal from the TAC set the APF journey for final.

            APF’s foreign player Fode Fofona hit ball turned to a goal in the 70th minute of the match. Fofona’s shot touched Army’s defender Kamal Thapa before it turned to the goal.

            Winner team APF’s Fofona was declared the ‘man of the match’. He bagged a cash prize of Rs 11,000.

            The Church Boys United and Jhapa-11 AFC are playing semi-final match on Saturday. As informed, the final match will be held on March 11.

            Some 10 teams, including ‘A’ division clubs are participating in the gold cup tournament. The winner of the tournament will receive cash prize of Rs 1.3 million and trophy while the runner-up will bag Rs 700,000.

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24-       PM’s collaboration with NC snapped due to political, ideological differences: Press Advisor Acharya

            Kathmandu, March 8: Prime  Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’s press advisor Govinda Acharya said the main reason leading to the break-up of ruling alliance with the Nepali Congress (NC) was political one.

            Talking to RSS, he further shared the ruling alliance did not break overnight but a situation was emerged due to some ideological and practical differences with the alliance partner, NC.

            “There were some practical complications and reasons behind the break-up but they were not the major ones”, Acharya mentioned.

            On political reasons compelling PM to break-up the alliance with NC, he said, “It would have been politically incorrect to stick with NC, especially following the documents, presented and endorsed at its policy general convention held in Godavari, Lalitpur on last March 19-22, questioned the rationale of the alliance with the parties including Maoists and decided in principle not to form alliance”.

            He further noted the policy report presented by Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka in the Mahasamiti described the Maoists as an “extremist force working against the 2047 BS Constitution and the system on the backing of visible and invisible power centres”.

            “Several policy questions, including signature campaign against constitution-guaranteed secularism in the Mahasamiti were raised. So, alliance with the NC was not terminated over the night. The political and ideological differences are the key behind the incident. NC is responsible for this”, the press advisor asserted.

            It would have been politically and ideologically wrong arguing that the CPN (Maoist Centre) should have stuck with the NC even after it endorsed a different line with serious allegations to the Maoists, Acharya argued.

            “This situation got the Prime Minister and Maoist Party Chair seriously think about his collaboration with the NC. The Prime Minister had made it clear that he would not request NC to correct its allegations against the Maoists in a way that goes against the spirit and spirit of the peace accord”, Acharya mentioned”, he added.

            The present constitution and the federal democratic republic have been built on the foundation of the Maoist people’s war, he said, adding the NC’s negative portrayal of the Maoist people’s war and defense of the Constitution of 2047 BS has given room to suspect NC on its regressive stands.

            The PM did not choose to stick to the post bowing down to the NC or shy away from his responsibility towards the country and the people by resigning, he said, adding, “Instead, he took immediate initiative and extended a hand of cooperation with other parties in favor of the Constitution that had initially supported him to become the PM for this term”

            In this way, the PM did not stop his campaign to achieve good governance, social justice and prosperity and made a collective commitment to move forward more effectively, Acharya noted.

            Asked about practical difficulties in continuing coalition with the Nepali Congress, the PM’s Press Advisor said there were some reasons for breaking the alliance but these are not decisive reasons. “Political ideological reason is decisive. The Prime Minister did not get expected support for maintaining good-governance, social justice and prosperity while forging alliance with the NC.”

            According to Acharya, the pressure, encirclement and non-cooperation on the Prime Minister while advancing the probe into Bhutanese refugee scam was not usual. “During that time too, the PM made public announcement not to stop the journey of good-governance even if he had to quit the post of premiership. There are hundreds of examples of non-cooperation in every step of the PM.” He added the NC prevented the PM from changing the ministers having poor delivery and those who were dragged into controversy. “Unnecessary interventions were there in state affairs (from the NC),” Acharya shared.

            Likewise, Acharya argued that only NC benefitted from the alliance while the Maoist Centre suffered from the NC-Maoist Centre coalition adding that the NC emerged the largest party in local, provincial and federal elections but the Maoist Centre lost seats from its previous position.

            “Even after holding the elections, the NC broke the political consensus forged with the Maoist Centre and showed its deceitful act. As the NC backtracked from its earlier agreement to make Prime Minister to Prachanda, Maoist Centre Chairman Prachanda got elected the PM with the support from UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party and other political parties on December 25,2022. After that, NC’s candidate got victory in the presidential election based on Prachanda’s proposal.

            However, the NC made party’s leader as the Chief Minister in Koshi Province against the coalition partners’ decision to second the Maoist Centre’s candidate as the Chief Minister. 

            Also, Maoist Centre’s candidate Champadevi Karki lost election to the National Assembly despite NC’s candidates won there. Amid such acts of betrayal, the NC neither took actions to its leaders and lawmakers nor sought any clarification.  But, the PM proposed to address these all issues through mutual discussions. But against this backdrop, the NC Mahasamiti Meeting described Maoist as an extremist force by ending the relevance of coalition. So in a true sense, it was NC’s deceitful act and betrayal to the Maoist Centre.    

            “The recent coalition was formed by sitting Nepal’s political leaders together. This is not formed for and against any of the foreign country or force. The PM has also made it clear that it was formed for the cause of Nepal and Nepali. The country would have gone to further instability if coalition were not formed in time with UML, RSP, Janata Samajwadi Party and CPN (Unified Socialist). It is not required to link the foreign force in Nepal’s internal political affairs,” according to Acharya.  

            The new political alliance is natural in regard to their political principle and this alliance is sure to long last. It will continue until the next elections. This alliance is formed to do something for the people and country. And, this alliance will hold the upcoming elections.

25-       ‘Constitutional and legislative achievements laudable for women empowerment’

            Rastriya Samachar Samiti RSS)

            Kathmandu, March 8: Ambassador of Nepal to Spain, Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal has lauded the constitutional and legislative achievements of Nepal, including the guarantee of 33% parliamentary seats for women and significant female representation in various levels of government.

            In a significant roundtable discussion focused on ‘Women’s Role In Digitization’, the Ambassador shared several key initiatives such as the National Strategy for Digital Nepal, the Girls in Technology programme, and various capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing digital literacy among women and girls.

            “These initiatives underscore Nepal’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring women’s active participation in the digital economy”, she shared.

            She also shed light on the challenges posed by cyber-attacks and online harassment, particularly affecting women and girls, and emphasized on the proactive measures taken by the Government of Nepal in intensifying awareness programmes and implementing legal measures to safeguard digital spaces.

            Emphasizing the role of international cooperation, Ambassador Parajuli also highlighted the collaborative efforts with Spain and other international partners in advancing digital and technological capabilities.

            She also shared her enthusiasm for further collaboration between Spain and Nepal, to further women’s empowerment and digital inclusion in both countries.

            The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain; Mujeres Avenir, Femmes Avenir; the Embassy of France; and Club Financiero Genova, on March 4 in Madrid and on March 7 in Sevilla.

            The discussion also underscored Nepal’s “Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal” programme aimed at reshaping societal norms and fostering gender-equitable behavior.

            On the occasion, Ambassador Parajuli expressed her gratitude to the organizers for facilitating this essential dialogue.

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26-       Vipassana emphasized for promoting well-being

            Kathmandu, March 8: The Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad today organized a programme ‘Vipassana: Stress Management and Inner Peace for Better World’ highlighting the inner peace to manage stress through Vipassana.

            At the programme organized on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day, Vipassana teacher Khageshwar Aryal shared the imprint of Vipassana in Taxila and Takht-I Bahi and other places in Pakistan that have full evidences of meditation.

            As an oldest country, Nepal has preserved and practiced the oldest traditions, which could be beneficial to all of us, he said.

            A large number of foreigners are visiting Nepal each year to learn, practice, and develop their skills in Yoga and Meditation. The yoga and meditation are non-religious and nonpolitical and beneficial for the well-being of humankind. Some of the centers in Nepal offer courses without any charge.

            Aryal shared the importance of Vipassana for the well-being of people and taught some breathing exercises and meditation. Also present at the programme were government officials, corporate chiefs, human resource managers, Yoga teachers and practitioners.

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