Day: April 15, 2024

President Ramchandra Paudel has described corruption and the cumbersome administrative processes as the major hurdles of development. Inaugurating the Administrative Block of Myagde Rural Municipality at Naringe in Tanahu district today, he stressed on the need of banishing corruption and making the unwieldy administrative services easy and smooth. "On the one hand the speed of development has to be expedited to respond to those who are commenting that although the political system changed, the people's condition has not, while on the other hand there is no alternative to making the federal democratic republic stronger," said the Head-of-the-State. He expressed his belief that the people's representatives, government employees and the locals of Myagde would join hands in materializing the plan of making Myagde prosperous and developed. The President urged the State's local units to remain steadfast towards fulfilling the people's aspirations, stressing that the local level is the important basic structur e of the republic Nepal established as per the constitutional system. He called on the people's representatives at the local level to be accountable to the people. President Paudel said that the more people-oriented, public-welfare, and responsive the local government and representatives are, the more they will be able to fulfill the aspirations and needs of the local people, and the more the goals envisioned by our governance system will be realized. Calling upon the general public to work and not to lose hope, he said urged them to rest assured that the country is gradually moving ahead on the path of progress owing to the development possibilities. On the occasion, President Paudel honoured the individuals who donated land plots for construction of the Administrative Building. The main administrative building of the rural municipality has been constructed at a cost of Rs 60 million. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: The breakthrough of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Passage has been made today. The Nagdhunga Tunnel Passage is considered as a significant project to take Nepal towards an era of tunnel roads. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' today switched on the electric control for the breakthrough of tunnel from both the Dhading and Kathmandu sides. The tunnel connects Sisnekhola of Dhading to Totipakha of Chandragiri municipality-1 in Kathmandu. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Raghubir Mahaseth and other government senior officials were present on the occasion. Likewise, federal lawmakers and Province Assembly members were there to witness the breakthrough ceremony. According to the Project, the tunnel road will come into regular operation for traffic after a year. Its total length is 2,688 metres. The breakthrough in the evacuation tunnel was undertaken last Saun (July-August, 2023). However, it will take some time to fix lights, and oxygen pipes and upgr ade the road inside the tunnel, it is said. The total cost of the Project is around Rs 22 billion. It is being developed by the Japanese company Hazma Ando Corporation. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: The Chairman of CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli has said that unity among the national forces is necessary to lead the nation on the way to good governance and prosperity. In the meeting of the UML parliamentary party held today at the Parliament building in Naya Baneshwar, he emphasized that the country should be taken forward on the path of good governance and prosperity with the help of national powers. He made it clear that the leftist forces will unite at the right time but not with those who are harming the party. Chairman Oli said that now he was only working to unite the left-wing forces, but some selfish elements are always working to weaken the movement. He stressed that the role of the party in the parliamentary committee should be effective. "Our participation in the parliament should be lively and effective. A wrong decision should not be made by the parliament. Even if we look at the history of the Parliament in the future, there should not be any room to say that the Parliament has made w rong decision," he said. Oli also held the view that the vested interests of such interest groups should not dominate and weaken the national interest. On another note, chairman Oli advised the MPs of the party not to frequently visit foreign countries. He also instructed the MPs to submit necessary suggestions for the budget for the next fiscal year. Former Prime Minister Oli said that the job of parliamentarians is to create laws and also suggested that parliamentarians should not present themselves haphazardly and not commit to development work that cannot be completed. Source: National News Agency RSS

President Ramchandra Paudel has termed agriculture, tourism, industry, and water resources as the foundation for the country's development. In his address to a programme organised at Tanahusur of Tanahu on the eve of World Heritage Day today, the President said a peaceful, happy, and prosperous Nepal is the spirit of the Constitution achieved along with political transformation and a federal democratic republic system that we chose to have. As the Head of the State said, good governance and the welfare government accountable to the citizens are fundamental to rejuvenating such sentiments. "It is necessary to realize the commitments of the government and the political parties for good governance, development and employment opportunities," he said. Commenting on the significance of Tanahusurdanda, he said it serves as a treasury for historic heritages and monuments, albeit having been neglected for long. "Now it is our responsibility to further explore the significance of the area, protect and promote it." H ighlighting the development in infrastructure construction in the area, he said Tanahusur is getting connected by a cemented road towards Chundi and Damauli and inconveniences of the past are being alleviated. According to the President, Tanahusur also carries a glorious political history for being the origin of the 1951 political revolution in the district. He said martyr Buddha Singh Rana Mangar who attained martyrdom in 2018 BS belonged to Tanahusur. He also remembered and paid homage Dharmadhwaj Gurung, Dharmaraj Shrestha, Uttar Kumar Shrestha, Santa Bahadur Rana Magar, Chandra Bahadur Sarki (Nepali), and Khadga Bahadur Godar who had, as he said, attained martyrdom during the Bandipur struggle in the district. According to him, the State is yet to fulfill its responsibility towards those martyrs and their families. He recalled that he got the opportunity to represent this region in the Parliament as a representative from the goodwill he received from this area during the days of hard struggle in his po litical life and the public trust received in the general elections held after the political change of 1990, and that he also got the opportunity to contribute to the peace process and to write the constitution. "I am always grateful to the people of this district for all this and now, as the guardian of the country's constitution, I feel proud to have the opportunity to come to this programme among you. I feel that all this is possible because of your good wishes and goodwill, and I want to express my gratitude for this," the President further said. Tanahusur, during the Sen period, was not only the centre of state administration, but also an intellectual centre of Sanskrit, Maithili, Bhojpuri and Persian languages. It is mentioned in the history that the fame of Sanskrit scholars especially in Chundi Valley spread to Kashinagari (India). It was in this educational and scholarly tradition that the pioneer poet Bhanubhakta Acharya was born and his fame spread in the Nepali-speaking world. Highlighting this , he said that a comprehensive plan of Bhanu Sahitya Udyan (Literary Park) was initiated in Chundi-Ramgha, a 108-feet-tall statue of Veda Vyasa is being constructed in Damauli, construction of Martyr Park in the touristic cities of Bandipur and Tanahusur, etc, gave a clear glimpse of the development of various tourism destinations in Tanahun. "In the recent days, along with the religious, historical and cultural areas of Bandipur, Damauli, Manung etc., the historical region of Tanahunsur is developing as a tourist destination, and there is a need to attract domestic and foreign tourists who reach the famous tourist city of Pokhara via the Prithvi Highway to visit various areas of the district including Tanahunsur," said President Paudel. He expressed his appreciation, stating that the Ministry of Forests of the Government of Nepal has brought the plan for constructing the Bhanu Zoological Park in this area, but there has been a delay in implementation of the plan. The President stated that the relevant agen cies will pay attention to it and this plan will take shape. Noting that one of the pride projects of the country, the Tanahun Hydropower Project took shape through our many efforts and now it is in the implementation stage, he said another plan, namely the Lower Seti hydropower project has reached the commencement stage. "The goal of all three levels of government should be to bring the benefits of official development in backward areas like Tanahunsur heritage area connected with such projects", President Paudel said, "Tanahunsur was a natural fort in the past, it has historical and strategic importance as well, and the whole of Nepal is dependent on such strategic importance. It has sustained on such natural conditions and these have saved Nepal. On the occasion, the Gandaki provincial government's Minister without Portfolio, Hari Bahadur Chuman viewed that the development activities have made headway in the district, creating an environment for people who have migrated out to return. He demanded that t he Tanahusur-Khadgakali Road should be fully constructed. According to him, although the priority of Gandaki province is tourism development, works have not taken place to this end due to budget constraint. Similarly, Gandaki Province Assembly member Ashok Kumar Shrestha informed that the provincial government has allocated budget for the development of the Khadgakali Temple area and for the construction of the Tanahusur-Khadgakali road section. Mayor of Byas Municipality Baikuntha Neupane stressed on the need of conservation of the historic Tanahusur. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: Nepal is for the first time going to host an international dialogue on mountains and climate change. The vent will be convened in May. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has said that they are going to hold a dialogue in Kathmandu on May 22 and 23 to forge a common understanding on issues of mountain region among all mountainous countries and to make the national and international initiatives related to the issue of mountain areas further effective. Representatives of Nepal and other mountainous countries, subject experts and partner organizations will participate in the 'International Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate Change'. Since 2009, Nepal has been raising its voice in international forums including the World Conference on Climate Change about the negative impact of climate change on the ecological system, people's life and biodiversity of the mountainous region. The International Conference on Climate Change (COP-28) held in Dubai last year decided to address the climate cris is in mountainous areas for the first time. According to the decision, the 60th meeting of the Scientific and Technical Consultative Subsidiary Body (SBSTA) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was instructed to hold an expert discussion on mountains and climate. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: University professors and academics have expressed happiness over the adoption of meritocracy in regard to the appointment of vice-chancellor, rector and registrar at Tribhuvan University. At a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' at Baluwatar this morning, the professors and academics collectively extended gratefulness to the PM for the adoption of meritocracy. The appointment of university officials through open competition has imparted a positive message in enhancing the image of academia, they said. On the occasion, PM Dahal said he was serious about reforming the university and education sector and the concept of meritocracy would be adopted more firmly in rest of the areas. "There is no alternative to meritocracy for university reforms. It has imparted a far and wide message in academic field." Prime Minister Dahal stressed the need for healthy competition in all sectors to lay a new foundation for good governance, development and prosperity in the country. "Everyon e has the freedom to join the party. But now let's not look the party. Those who are competent and honest with integrity should be provided opportunity on merit. This will only create a new situation in the country." the PM noted. Noted academician Kedar Bhakta Mathema, on behalf of the academics, said that the appointment of office-bearers through open competition in the university was itself important due to PM Dahal's stance. This is a good example in itself and this initiates a new legacy, he said, adding "We believe that this will greatly improve the quality of higher education and bring positive results." A group of academic comprising Dr Gaurishanker Lal Das, Dr Govinda Pokharel, Dr Sanduk Ruit, Dr Arjun Karki, Dr JP Agrawal, Dr Nareshman Bajracharya and Dr Aseem Dhakal reached PM's official residence to thank PM Dahal for the initiative. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has said that the existing laws and social environment should be improved to increase the meaningful participation of women in elections. Speaking in the inaugural session of an interaction on 'Elections and Women: Efforts, Achievements and Future Action Plan of Nepal', organized here today by the Election Commission and the UN Women in the context of International Women's Day, Chief Commissioner Thapaliya expressed concern over the trend of giving women's candidacy only in the positions considered binding by law and not ensuring the participation of women in the overall politics. Thapaliya said that although the number of the people's representatives who won the last election of Nepal is higher than the Asian countries, it cannot absorb the spirit of proportional inclusiveness of Nepal's constitution. "In our understanding, the ability of women in politics has been devalued. They have been deprived of rights and opportunities in a competitive wa y," Thapaliya said. According to the Chief Election Commisisoner, overall, the environment for women's participation in elections has not been created enthusiastically. There have also been instances of violence against women involved in politics through social media, he added. In order to improve all these situations, it seems that groups including the inter-party women's network should facilitate more. At present, about 42 percent of women participate in the local level, 36 percent in the province level and 34 percent in the federal parliament. Similarly, Election Commissioner Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar stressed on the need to increase the number of women voters for the meaningful participation of women in the elections and informed that necessary facilitation is being done to increase the participation on behalf of the Commission. Ravilal Panth, secretary of the commission, said that as per Article 34 (4) of the Constitution of Nepal, representation should be based on the principle of proportional inclu sion at all levels of the State, so the Commission is working to make the electoral system gender-friendly. Patricia Fernandez, the Country Representative of UN Women in Nepal, said that since the meaningful participation of women in politics is the basic qualification of democracy. Experts Gopal Krishna Sivakoti and Saru Joshi are scheduled to present suggestions on different areas in a group discussion sessions to ensure a strong participation of women in elections. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: In 2080 BS, a series of disasters resulted in 493 casualties, with 31 individuals reported missing and 1,616 injured. According to Joint Secretary Bharatmani Pandey of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, throughout the year, Nepal recorded a total of 6,400 incidents of natural disasters, affecting 80,716 families. The calamities, including landslides, floods, boat capsizes, lightning strikes, snakebites, fires, heavy rains, non-natural disasters, high winds, earthquakes, flu outbreaks, animal attacks, avalanches, and snowfall, caused property losses amounting to Rs 5.42 billion. The most devastating event was the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3, which claimed 155 lives. Fires also caused significant damage, with 4,061 incidents reported from Baisakh 1 to Chait 30 of 2080 BS (April 14, 2023 - April 12, 2024), resulting in 106 casualties, 504 injuries, and affecting 5,130 families, with property losses exceeding Rs 2.52 billion. Similarly, the country witnessed 250 li ghtning incidents, resulting in 46 fatalities and 228 injuries. Animal assaults claimed 45 lives and left 278 injured. Landslides accounted for 50 deaths, while avalanches, forest fires, and other disasters caused further casualties. Similarly, landslides caused 50 deaths followed by 18 from flood, 20 from snakebites, 12 from avalanches, and 11 from forest fires. Source: National News Agency RSS

President Ramchandra Paudel today inaugurated the historical Khadgakalika Temple located in Byas Municipality-11 Tanahunsur in the district. President Paudel inaugurated the temple in a programme held here on the occasion of the week-long World Heritage Day. The Head of the State had arrived in his home district today for the temple inauguration event. The temple reconstruction started two years back with the financial support of the Department of Archaeology. Constituent Assembly member Ramchandra Pokhrel, Gandaki Provincial Assembly member Ashok Kumar Shrestha, Byas Municipality Mayor Baikunth Neupane and other officials participated in the programme. The Khadgakalika Temple was constructed around the year 1675 during the reign of King Mukundasena of Palpa. The temple was in a dilapidated state and it was reconstructed at a cost of Rs 5 million. The palace in Tanahunsur was excavated by the Department of Archeology in 2076 BS (four years back). The Khadgadevi temple near the same palace has been recons tructed. Dal Bahadur Dura informed that the dilapidated temple has been reconstructed in its original architectural style. According to him, there is a legend that the Sen dynasty king used to worship in that temple. Tanahun Kalika Temple has also been built in Byas-4, Damauli of Tanahun as a replica of Khadgakalika. Legend has it that the name of Tanahun district is derived from Tanahunsur. There is a history that Manimukunda Sen, the king of Palpa, sent his eldest son Bhringisen to rule the state in Tanahun in 1610 and eight Senvanshi kings after him ruled the state from Tanahunsur for two hundred and thirty years. The remnants of Tanahunsur palace, forts used by the royal family, water spouts, cannons and other weapons, ordnance factory, Gaddi Chautara where the king conducts justice and court, Saune Kuva, Kundapani, Baisindhi Chautari, Dhungesangu, Phulpati Dhunga, Ranipokhari, Dharamshala, Ranibagincha, Bhagwati Pani Mandir are the tourist sites around here. Source: National News Agency RSS

Two minors died in a fire in Achham. They died when the roof of a house caught fire in Shodsha of Mellekh Rural Municipality Ward No. 6. Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Pathak, Chief of the District Police Office, Achham, said that around eight years old Bhawana Bohra, the daughter of local Deepak Bohra and about six years old, Gopal Bohra, the son of Ramesh Bohra, died in the fire. According to him, on Monday morning, the fire that suddenly broke out on the thatched roof and the minors died in the same fire. The police said that the incident is being investigated. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: National Assembly (NA) Chairperson, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has said federal lawmakers should be serious about the need to enact laws demanded by the constitution. In an interaction on parliamentary practices, procedures, and its effective role organised targeting the newly elected upper house members here today, the NA Chair said the timely enactment of laws will clear confusion, preventing the possible situation of disappointment among the citizens. He stressed that all the stakeholders should contribute to the enforcement of the Constitution by meeting the legislative requirements of the country's main law. There is a gap in the essentiality of laws and the pace of development towards that end, according to the NA Chair. The pace of the enactment of laws is not sufficient to meet the requirement, he added. He also underlined of the regularizing this kind of orientation for lawmakers. Constitution expert Kashiraj Dahal facilitated the topics on the procedures for legislative development, parli amentary phases for bills, amendment procedures, delegated management, and the role of lawmakers while NA former members Randhshyam Adhiakri, Dr Khimlal Devkota, immediate past NA Chair Ganesh Prsad Timilasina, NA member Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa (Parvati), former Speaker Onsari Gharti among others facilitators in the programme. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: The two-day schedule of the Third Investment Summit going to be organized in the federal capital, Kathmandu, on April 28 and 29 has been made public. As per the information shared by the Investment Board, two special sessions along with the inaugural session would be held on the first day. The two plenary sessions are entitled "Exploring Investment Opportunities in Nepal" and "Success Stories of Investments in Nepal". On the second day of the Summit, there will be three parallel sessions with each session having three panel discussions, the Investment Board Nepal Office said. The Parallel Session 1 of the second day is on 'Navigating Nepal's Renewable Energy Potential', 'Discussions on Innovative Financing Landscape', and panel discussion on 'Investment Opportunities and Green and Climate Resilient Business in Nepal'. Similarly, the panel discussions under the Parallel Session 2 are on 'Harnessing Green Finance for Sustainable Investments', 'Investing in Tourism Paradise' and 'Strengthening Nepa l's Agro-processing Value Chain for Export Growth'. The Parallel Session 3 is on 'Driving Innovation and Growth in Manufacturing', 'Enhancing Nepal's Startup Climate and Ease of Doing Business' and 'ICT: a Vibrant Investment Platform'. The Session 4 is panel discussion on 'Leveraging PPP for Infrastructure and Services.' The event with the theme, 'Emerging Nepal Investment Summit 2024', will be held at the Hotel Soaltee in Kathmandu. Preparations have been made to present about 150 showcase projects in the Summit. The Board had planned to present 125 projects as showcase projects before this and the number has increased with the addition of some projects brought by the private sector, provinces and local levels as well, said Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay, the Board spokesperson. According to Upadhyay, there will be separate stalls and their own staffs for providing information about the projects of the private sector and the local levels. He added that preparations are being made to set up 22 to 25 stalls at the Summit venue. With only twelve days remaining for the Conference to commence, preparations are in full swing, said Upadhyay. The Board expects over 260 guests from 31 countries to come to attend the event by Sunday evening. In course of Summit preparations, the Board is actively working on drafts of Project Development Agreements (PDAs) for three projects. Negotiations with developers are underway for the Nepal-China Friendship Park, Upper Marsyangdi-2 Hydro Electricity Project, and Kohalpur and Banganga Solar Plants. Likewise, preparations are in progress for a Project Investment Agreement (PIA) with Dabur Nepal Private Ltd. Before the Summit commences, a meeting of the Board chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will be organised. Nepal plans to issue a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from potential investors for 20 projects during the Summit. Six projects are earmarked as market-sounding projects, 33 are in the preliminary phase of identification, and 20 are deemed capable o f securing financial investment. Source: National News Agency RSS