Month: June 2023

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DCCI, BSCIC ink MoU to work jointly for industry development

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at DCCI auditorium in the city to work together for industry development.

DCCI President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar and Chairman, BSCIC Md. Mahbubor Rahman signed the document on behalf of their respective organizations, said a press release.

During the signing ceremony, Sameer Sattar said that according to the MoU, DCCI's new membership enrollment or membership renewal and Country of Origin (CO) services will be integrated with the One Stop Service (OSS) portal of BSCIC.

He informed that BSCIC's OSS currently provides 29 services of its own and 13 of other organizations.

Moreover, according to this MoU, any Dhaka-based member of BSCIC can be a member of DCCI, he added.

Later, he said that if we cannot implement the MoU in practice, it will remain only as a signed document and no one will get any benefit out of it.

Mahbubor Rahman said that BSCIC was established by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in order to expedite rapid industrialization in the country.

He believed that the MoU signed today will help facilitate industrialization in the country. Besides, the MoU will act as a bridge between the members of BSCIC and DCCI for greater business integration in future.

DCCI Senior Vice President SM Golam Faruk Alamgir (Arman), Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali, Director (Skills and Technology), BSCIC, Kazi Mahbubur Rashid and DGM (Technology) and Head of ICT, BSCIC Engr. Md. Delwar Hossain were also present during the signing ceremony.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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90 per cent population would access clean drinking water by 2030: Minister Yadav

Minister for Water Supply Mahindra Raya Yadav said that plans and programmes were put in place to provide clean drinking water facility to at least 90 per cent of the population by the end of 2030.

Minister Yadav said so on Monday while responding to the queries raised by the parliamentarians on the Ministry's upcoming fiscal year's budget under the Appropriation Bill-2080 BS.

At present, around 95 percent of population had basic level of drinking water while only 25 per cent have access to clean drinking water, it was shared.

"The government has prioritized sanitation and cleanliness in its annual policy and programmes as well as annual budget and declared to launch the 'Clean Nepal, Healthy Nepali' drive accordingly," said Yadav, adding that the government was managing resources internally for the same.

"The Ministry of Water Supply has also planned to coordinate efforts with various NGO and INGOs to take forward the sanitation and cleanliness campaign," he replied to the parliamentarians.

The Minister said that there was a challenge of properly treating and disposing waste water generated from human excreta, households in urban areas and industrial areas.

He informed that the Ministry had introduced annual budget of over Rs 37 billion for the current fiscal year while over Rs 28 billion has been allocated for the upcoming fiscal year 2023/24. It is 25 per cent less than the ongoing fiscal year.

Furthermore, programmes on clean drinking water, sanitation and cleanliness would be implemented in 21 local levels in the Karnali Province in the upcoming fiscal year, he informed the parliamentarians, adding that similar programmes would be executed in the Sudurpaschim Province.

He said that budget could not be allocated for the new projects due to budget constraints. Considering the sources of water drying up quickly due to climate change, the government has also put in place programmes for conservation of sources of water and watershed areas, according to the Minister.

He shared that a total of 280 million litres of water- 170 million litres from the Melamchi Drinking Water Supply Project and 110 million litres from local sources- was being distributed in the Kathmandu Valley at present.

According to him, works were being undertaken to ensure smooth supply of water from the Project even in this monsoon. The Ministry also aims to supply Melamchi Project's water to the Kathmandu Valley's consumers through a new distribution system from new fiscal year, he said.

He clarified that the examining the quality of the water in jars was not under the jurisdiction of his Ministry. The Minister also said that his Ministry did not have jurisdiction over the matter of exporting fresh mountain water through bottles.

To test the drinking water's quality, a lab would be set up in all drinking water offices from upcoming fiscal year, said the Minister.

Moreover, an integrated and comprehensive programme would be implemented to control the arsenic pollution in the underground water of 22 districts in Tarai belt as well as in other districts including Kathmandu.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Home Minister Shrestha insists on combined efforts to combat drug abuse

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said combined efforts are needed to combat drug abuse and manage its multidimensional consequences.

In his address to a programme organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs here today observing the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking-2023, the Minister said the containment of drug abuse was necessary to advance towards a healthy, civilized and a prosperous society.

The Minister utilised the forum to say the government is committed to making the implementation of preventive measures against drug abuse and illicit trafficking more effective in coordination and cooperation with the entire State bodies. As he said, public awareness plays a significant role in prohibiting the drug abuse.

"It is urgent to forge a national unity against drug-related crime to pursue holistic development and prosperity of the nation, peace and order and the good governance," the Home Minister said, adding that dedicated efforts from all quarters were vital to implement national policies and strategies and legal provisions against illegal drug use effectively.

Control and prevention of drug abuse is a multi-concerned issue and its production, supplies, storage, transportation and use should be regulated through mutual coordination and collaboration by preventing its abuse, according to the Minister who was of the opinion of undertaking the treatment of patients of substance abuse, their management and rehabilitation in the society as a campaign.

Home Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said the drug abuse could result in severe health complications on the users, leading to the separation of a family and a rise in social disorder and financial crimes, posing a grave threat to security and thus it must be prevented.

National Youth Council Vice- Chair Surendra Basent said the role of an individual, society and the entire nation was necessary to discourage and contain the substance abuse.

June 26 each year is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and this year it is marked with the theme of “People First: stop stigma and Discrimination, strengthen Prevention”. The United Nations General Assembly had decided on December 7, 1987, to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

There are 130,424 drug abusers in the country, according to data with the Ministry. The police arrested 4,220 people in drug abuse cases as of the Nepali month of Chaitra, 2079 BS (mid March-mid April, 2023), and drug abuse cases have made up 20.73 percent of the total crime cases. Five thousand nine hundred eleven people have been serving term in prison in drug abuse cases, and around 5,000 drug abusers have been in rehabilitation centres. Awareness programmes were organised, videos played, plays and dances performed, and poems recited with the involvement of the police, Armed Police Force and students.

On the occasion, DPM Shrestha handed appreciation letters to security forces and various organisations for their contribution to control drug abuses.

Prior to this, a morning procession was taken out spreading awareness about drug abuses. The procession that originated from Bhrikutimandap went through Bhadrakali Temple and Bhrikutimandap before concluding at the City Hall. The procession was participated by DPM and Home Minister Shrestha, Home Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai, Inspector General of Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, high ranking officials of the Ministry and students.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Minister pledges to make foreign employment systematic, effective

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sarat Singh Bhandari has stated that the government has worked in a planned manner to make foreign employment more systematic and effective.

Responding to the queries of the parliamentarians on Monday's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), Bhandari said all services associated with the Department of Foreign Employment have been simplified making them accessible.

On the occasion, Minister Bhandari shared that the five-year strategic plan has been approved and is being implemented for creation and utilization of employment.

Likewise, the migrant resource centres at the local levels have been providing all sorts of services including skill development, entrepreneurship, foreign migration service and employment of the labour.

He shared that some 15,000 individuals in 220 local levels would be provided workplace-based skills development training in the upcoming fiscal year.

Furthermore, Minister Bhandari said that the government of Nepal and UK government are scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding on sending Nepali nursing and health sector professionals to the UK.

The council of minister has already approved the procedures on making the selection process systematic and effective.

Minister Bhandari stated that new destinations for Nepali migrant workers would be explored while renewal of the agreements would be performed soon with Germany, Romania, Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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300 cattle vaccinated against LSD in Gorkha

Three hundred cattle have been vaccinated against lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Gorkha municipality.

The cattle of Gorkha municipality-13 and 14 were vaccinated against lumpy skin disease with technical support of Gorkha municipality Livestock Service Section and veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Gorkha, said Information Officer of Livestock Service Expert Centre, Dr Lalmani Aryal.

He shared that vaccination campaign was launched to vaccinate cattle of two wards of the municipality to control the diseases. The disease is spreading in the municipality.

Aryal mentioned that Budhikoti Dairy production Cooperative provided financial support to run the vaccination programme. Cows and buffaloes affected from lumpy skin disease do not only decrease milk production, they might also die due to this if not treated on time.

The diseases has already spread in more than five local levels of Gorkha district—Bhimsen Thapa rural municipality, Sahid Lakhan eural municipality, Barpak rural municipality, Gandaki rural municipality and Dharche rural municipality.

More than 58 cattle have died from lumpy skin disease in the district so far.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolis releases budget of Rs 1.93 billion

Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City has brought a budget of Rs 1.93 billion for coming fiscal year 2080/81 BS.

Presenting the budget for coming fiscal year in the 10th municipal assembly of the sub-metropolis on Sunday, Deputy Mayor Kandakala Kumari Rana said Rs 1.17 billion has been estimated towards current expenditure and Rs 756.3 million towards capital expenditure.

The highest 44 per cent of the total budget has been allocated towards social development which is Rs 853.6 million.

A total of Rs 354 million to be received as internal income and Rs 469 million from revenue distribution, Rs 928 million from intergovernmental fiscal transfer.

The budget has given priority to management of encroached public property, easy access of Dhangadhi sub-metropolis folks to basic needs including quality education, health and drinking water, commercialization of agriculture, livestock, industry and tourism sector, sustainable infrastructure development, sanitation and urban development.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Morning rally to raise awareness against drug abuse organised

A morning rally was organised today to raise awareness against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Ministry of Home Affairs organised the morning rally to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The rally began from Bhrikutimandap and passed through Bhandrakali temple and converged into a corner assembly at City Hall.

Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Home Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai, Inspector General of Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, high-ranking officials of Ministry, youths and students were present on the occasion.

The participants in the morning rally had carried banners, ply cards inscribed with different awareness message against drug abuse and its illicit trafficking.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Half dozen of internet, cable service providers face action

Birgunj Metropolitan City has taken action against half dozen of internet and cable service providers.

The Metropolis took action against six internet and cable service providers after they turned deaf ear towards the frequent requests of Metropolis for wire management.

Chief Administrative Officer of Metropolitan City, Laxmi Prasad Poudel, shared that they were compelled to take the legal action after the service providers neglected Metropolis's request to manage wires. The Metropolitan City has been carrying out activities to manage wires.

The Metropolitan City has fined Rs 2,500 to internet and cable service providers—World Link, Vianet, Classic Tech, Subisu, and Dish Home each.

The Metropolitan City had urged the internet and cable service providers to remove their wires as risk has been posed due to unmanaged wires lying on the road at different places including District Police Office and Om Ashram following fire incident occurred few days ago.

Brijesh Pradhan of Information Technology Section of Birgunj Metropolitan City said a stern action would be taken against such internet and cable service providers found hanging wires without permission of Metropolis.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Darchula village ward chair dies

Manorath Bhatta, the ward chair of Duhu Rural Municipality-5 in Darchula district, has died.

Bhatta, 48, who complained of a constant headache, died on the way to a hospital in Dhangadhi, Kailali, said the family. Prior to this, he visited the District Hospital and was hospitalized. Later, the hospital referred him to Dhangadhi, said Rajesh Bhatta, the information officer for the district hospital. His body was kept in the district hospital, and his last rites would be performed today itself, it has been informed. He was elected the ward chair from the local elections on 13 May, 2022.

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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700 farmers get incentive for Aman farming in Jhenaidah

A total of 700 small and marginal farmers in Sadar upazila of the district were given seeds and fertilizers free of cost under the agricultural incentive and rehabilitation program for the cultivation of Aman paddy in the current Kharif season.

To increase the interest of farmers in Aman paddy, the amount of incentive support has been increased significantly in the district, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said.

Upazila Chairman Advocate Abdur Rashid distributed the incentive among the farmers as the chief guest at a function held at the upazila parishad premises this morning with Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sadia Zerin in the chair.

Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Noor-e-Nabi, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Officer Junaid Habib, Upazila Women Vice-Chairman Aarti Dutta, President of Krishak League District unit Sajedur Rahman Som, were present as the special guests.

Under the programme, each farmer was given one kg of Aman seed, one kg onion seeds, 20-kg of fertilizers and two kg of hybrid Ropa Aman seeds.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Panel discussions begin in JSP Statute Convention

The Statute Convention of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal that kicked off Sunday reports the commencement of panel discussions on the proposed draft of the party statute.

According to party central publicity department chief Purna Basnet, the discussions are centered on the proposed draft of the party statute that was presented by party Chair Upendra Yadav on Sunday. Various 10 panels have been formed to discuss the draft.

The event is attended by 746 representatives from across the country.

Directly elected presidential system, a 151-meber central working committee including 13 office bearers in the party, nominations of central members (except office-bearers) on 30:70 ratio (30 from open category and 70 towards the proportional representation) with at least 40 percent participation of youths, 70-year-age limit to be eligible for being elected or nominated on any post of office-bearer on the central, province, national and district committees and ineligibility to hold the same post more than two terms have been proposed in the draft.

The closed session continues today and tomorrow. ---

Source: National News Agency-Nepal

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Cattle markets get momentum in Khulna

Cattle markets in the city and 59 upazilas of Khulna division gradually appeared vibrant only two days ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, but buyers found the sacrificial animals' prices to be a little exorbitant compared to the previous years.

Market operators said besides the local buyers, the wholesale cattle traders continued to send livestock to the markets in the city and 9 upazilas of the district from different districts in the Khulna division.

A total of 163 traditional and makeshift cattle markets, including the KCC's Zoragate cattle market, have been set up, and 159 medical teams have already been formed for the cattle markets in the division.

This year cow has been reared 4,51,137 while buffalo 5,056, goat 6,97,823, sheep 28,957 and other animals 25 in the division.

"There is no shortage of cattle supply to the markets though there are no Indian imported cattle this year," Md. Afzal, a cattle trader of Mistri Para Khalpar Road in the city, said at Zoragate cattle market at KCC yesterday.

But market observers and buyers said the price of a medium-sized cow ranged between Taka 1,50,000 to Taka 2,50,000 and a goat was being sold at prices between Taka 30,000 to Taka 45,000 a price range which appeared a little higher than the previous year.

Shazahan Mia, an owner of a dairy farm, namely 'Shazahan Agro Farm' in the city's Nirala Prantika area told BSS today, "I have brought 20 cows at Zoragate cattle market. The price of my small size cow is Taka 1,10,000 and the price of the biggest ox namely 'Kalu's is Taka 15 lakh."

Traders attributed the higher price to the soaring price of animal feed and transport costs, he added.

Talking to BSS, Panel mayor of KCC Ali Akbor Tipu, the Secretary General of the KCC's cattle market said KCC earned over Taka 2.25 crore selling over 7,500 sacrificial animals last year at KCC's Zoragate makeshift cattle market.

He hoped KCC will earn over Taka 2.75 crore from selling over 12,000 sacrificial animals this year.

Officials said, the 9 upazilas of the district installed a total of 22 cattle markets and KCC installed a lone cattle market in the Zoragate area.

Acting director of Khulna Divisional Livestock Department Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman told BSS, a total of 9,26,209 sacrificial animals were sacrificed last year in the Khulna division.

According to the Livestock Office, the demand for sacrificial animals in Khulna division this year stands at 8,28,998, but this year, farmers of the division reared 11,82,998 sacrificial animals targeting Eid-ul-Azha.

Market operators installed adequate currency screening machines in all the cattle markets while police said steps were taken to ensure required security in the marketplaces.

Additional Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Sarder Rakibil Islam said, "We have taken three-tier security measures including huge close circuit cameras (CC) at the Zoragate cattle market."

"Besides, we have introduced a picture-perfect traffic management system to ease traffic congestion in and around the market in the city," he added.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha