Day: April 21, 2024

The Third National Conference of National Harwa Charwa Rights Forum concluded in Janakpur, issuing a 17-point declaration. Through the declaration, the Forum strongly urged the government to promptly endorse the procedures and action plans regarding the rehabilitation of the Harwa Charwa community and initiate the process to collect their details, verify their status, and provide them with identity cards. The Forum also expressed concern over the State's apathy towards the rehabilitation of the former Harwa Charwa community. The term Harwa Charwa is used to denote a form of bonded labour representing land tillers and cattle herders. Despite the announcement of the liberation for the Harwa Charwa community, their rehabilitation has not been the priority of the government, the gathering said, urging the three-tier government to take prompt measures to address the concern. It has also sought the implementation of a report along with the recommendations to the government presented by a committee to study the status of the community. The gathering puts forth specific demands before the government, including the allocation of at least 10 Kattha of land (one Kattha is equivalent to 3,645 sq. feet) for each Harwa Charwa family. They also called for skill enhancement training for those interested, a multi-pronged poverty alleviation programme targeting the community, seed capital worth Rs 100,000, and other technical support for individuals interested in pursuing self-entrepreneurship. Moreover, it voiced the need of coordinated efforts among the three levels of government to address the issues facing the Harwa Charwa community through policy-level interventions and in the upcoming budget. The conference has called on the State to make alternative provisions to address the problem of more than half the Harwa Charwa people becoming deprived of social security and other facilities provided by the State as they are without the citizenship cards since they lack land-ownership and migration certificates. It stressed on the need of issuing directives to the bodies concerned to stop, until another arrangement is made, the act of displacing the freed Harwa Charwa from the places of their residence in the name of development activities. Similarly, the conference demanded that the State passed from the upcoming parliamentary session an integrated Act on the prohibition of forced labor to solve the problems of the freed Haliyas, Kamaiyas, Kamalaris, Harwas and Charwas in a sustainable way, to make their rehabilitation programme effective and to banish once and for all the forced labour system. 25-member working committee elected The two-day conference has also elected a 25-member Working Committee under the chairmanship of Dashan Lal Mandal. Shree Prasad Sada is the vice-president, Lagindra Sada the general-secretary, Mohammad Kasim Miya and Biganes Paswan are the two secretaries and Rajawati Mandal the treasurer of the Working Committee. The elected central committee members include Sumitra Khang, Gita Devi Sadaya, Tetari De vi Majhi, Soniya Majhi, Ramsakhi Devi Khachne (Mandal), Thakani Devi Ram, Ali Mohammad Nadaf, Shyam Sundar Sada, Madhu Sada, Devendra Ram, Khublal Ram, Dali Majhi, Dhanamanti Ram, Goliya Devi Ram and Upendra Das. The Newly-elected President Dashan Lal Mandal said that the Working Committee will nominate remaining four central committee members. Source: National News Agency RSS

Harvesting of High Yielding Variety (HYV) and hybrid variety of ripened Boro paddy has been going on in full swing in the down-stream areas of the district for the last seven days. Boro cultivators are seen rendering their field-level service round the clock for cutting and harvesting the ripened Boro paddy without any delay with a view to protect their hard-earned crop from any natural calamities including flash flooding. Talking to this BSS, Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Mohammad Nuruzzaman said the farmers cultivate Boro paddy on a total of 1, 85,320 hectors of land in 10 upazilas of the district during the current season. Over 12, 37 lakhs metric tonnes of Boro paddy are expected to be produced in the district this year, he said. 'The farmers' cultivated Boro paddy on 41,070 hectors of land in the haor areas of the district. Boro cultivators in the Haor areas are now happy and in festive mood as they are getting better output rate of the crop. Over 2, 82 lak hs tonnes of Boro paddy are expected to be produced there', he informed. Following the instructions of the government, the DAE field-level officials and crops specialists have been working together with the Boro cultivators of the haor areas to harvest high yielding and hybrid varieties of the paddy as early as possible to protect those from different natural calamities like flash flooding , Nuruzzaman said. The government at the directives of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina supplied 560 combined harvester machines to the door-steps of the farmers to expedite the harvesting, he added. The DD said by this time, over 25 percent of Boro crops of the haor areas have already been harvested. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Netrakona Shahed Parvez told BSS that the district administration has been closely monitoring the Boro paddy harvesting in the haor areas and cooperating with the Boro cultivators round the clock to complete the paddy cutting works timely without facing any natural disaster like flood. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Life in the Tarai region as well as in the hilly region has been affected due to the lack of rain since long. The increasing heat and dry condition has led to the growing incidences of fire in various places. News reports of livestock, food grains and properties destroyed by infernos have been received from various places. A report from Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, stated that a fire spread to nine villages from Rohini rural municipality-6 in Rupandehi district last night, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Manohar Bhatta, the spokesperson at the District Police Office Rupandehi. The fire that started from the dry wheat stalk was fanned by winds and it spread to Bishnupura, Parsa, Buchi, Barawa, Tarkulaha, Kotahawa, Chamkipur and Piprahawa. Although there are no human casualties due to the fire, 40 houses have been destroyed and 39 goats killed in the fires, he said. The fire was brought under control in the evening with the joint efforts of the police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepali Army and t he locals, using the fire engine of the Devdaha municipality. Spokesperson Bhatta said fire incidents have been reported from throughout the district, Bhatta said. A fire at Gaidahawa rural municipality has also destroyed properties worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, he said. Fire destroys 28 houses and sheds in Gulmi A news report from Tamghas, Gulmi said 28 structures, including houses, shops and cowsheds were destroyed by fire that spread from a forest in Gulmi district. Fire that raged on Friday until Saturday night razed this many houses and cowsheds at Isma rural municipality's wards 1, 2 and 4, and at Gulmidurbar rural municipality, said Shankar Prasad Pokhrel, the spokesperson at the District Police Office, Gulmi. According to him, the fire that started at the Rani community forest at Sindukha, Isma rural municipality-2 on Saturday afternoon spread to the settlements. The fire destroyed houses and animal sheds belonging to 15 persons at Hastichaur, killing a dozen cattle. Similarly, fire tha t spread out from the nearby forest has partially damaged the electricity substation at Birbas, Gulmidarbar rural municipality-4 on Friday. Security personnel and locals brought the fire under control and prevented the substation from becoming fully-destroyed. The fire has caused damage worth around Rs 20 million to the substation, police said. Similarly, a news report from Birgunj, Parsa said fire that spread from a wheat field across the border in India burnt thatched roof houses and food grains as well as crops of farmers at Bhalamahiya settlement , Chhipaharmai rural municipality-1 in Parsa district. The disaster has damaged properties and food grains worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, it is learnt. It is said the fire started in the wheat field across the border in India at 3.00pm on Saturday spread to the settlement and burnt the wheat crop, hay, chicken farm and the houses of 15 farmers. The inferno caused damage worth more than one million and eighty-four thousand rupees, police said. Source: National News Agency RSS

Lakshu Rana, a cancer patient from Ranagaun of Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality-1 in Tanahun district, has been provided with Rs 500,000 as support for his treatment. The amount was collected from different people living at home and abroad. Kumar Magar, a local government representative, said the amount was collected after an appeal was posted on social networking sites about the health status of 25-year-old Rana. Magar shared the amount was given away on Saturday to Dil Bahadur Rana, the father of the cancer patient. According to Magar, financial support for the cancer patient's treatment is coming in. The patient is now receiving treatment at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: Groupwise discussions are taking place from today in the ongoing first meeting of the National Convention Representatives Council of the CPN(UML). The meeting started on Saturday at Sunrise Hall in Godawari, Latilpur. Discussions are expected in Chairperson KP Sharma Oli's political report and general secretary Shankar Pokharel's organizational report. The reports have raised the issue of democratizing the party's life and making UML a decisive national force through upcoming elections to reach socialism by fulfilling the national aspirations of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'. Likewise, the reports of the central disciplinary commission, central accounts commission, central accounts commission, central election commission and central advisory council would also be discussed in the meeting, Chief of UML Publicity Department Rajendra Gautam told RSS. The meeting attended by more than 2,454 representatives is expected to chart out the party's course for making it a robust national force through organizational strengthening and refinement. Likewise, the UML is hosting a special programme on the occasion of the 75th year of the establishment of the party on Monday. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Prime Ministers and top leaders of the parties are scheduled to attend the special ceremony. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, is arriving here for his two-day formal visit on April 23. The Qatari Amir, during the tour, will hold talks with the Nepali leaders focusing on ways to enhance cooperation and discussing a number of issues of mutual interest, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal bin Mohammed Al Ansari told RSS. Likewise, agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed in various fields, the Qatari Ambassador confirmed. The officials have shared that top priority is accorded to the Qatari Amir's visit and the issues of Nepali migrants and their rights would be raised. Source: National News Agency RSS

Flights at Jufal Airport in Dolpa have resumed after 53 days of closure. The airport was temporarily shut to upgrade the 185-metre-long runway which was completed at a cost of Rs 60 million including VAT, according to Civil Aviation Authority's engineer Bir Prasad Shahi. This morning, a Tara Air flight from Nepalgunj landed at Jufal, marking the resumption of the services. Prior to this, the runway was in a dilapidated condition, posing a threat to travelers. Jufal serves as the sole airport in Dolpa of Karnali Province, the largest district across the country. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: To begin with, three news stories that spread positive messages in the first week of the New Year, 2081BS. Most of the schools across the country were supplied textbooks before the start of the new academic year, 2081; the Education Ministry released the report of the Medical Education Investigation Commission, 2074 which has sought action against 40 plus high officials; and the breakthrough in the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnelway. These three stories have obviously elated us. Amidst the media stories dwarfing positive developments, these stories came as respite. There are reasons to cheer these achievements. The probe commission's report prepared and submitted to the Prime Minister six years back was gathering dust in a closet of the country's central administrative complex, Singha Durbar. Although the investigative reporters had written about some findings of the report then, the official release of the report by the Education Minister Sumana Shrestha at present earned accolade. The report has vividly exposed the malaise, irregularities and contradictions in the medical education system. The irregularities and evil connection rife among honchos in different government agencies including Nepal Medical Council had plagued the admission and fee system in medical colleges. Gross mismanagement was reflected in governance of medical education, which must have resulted in unimaginable impact on those aspiring and enrolled for medical education. It is the country where a saintly orthopedic surgeon Govinda KC had to wage many protests - even fast-onto-death- in different parts of the country to pile pressure on the governments to pay heed for reform in medical and health sectors. After the release of the much awaited report, the Education Minister also wrote to the anti-graft body, Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), to initiate investigation and action against the accused ones. It is to see how effectively and convincingly CIAA launches action. Together, the Minister's call to uni versity and school teachers to shun affiliation to political organizations has created furor. She even went on to warn them of action if they continued indulging in politics despite having responsibility at academia. However, the teachers and even some political leaders have objected to her decision, arguing that the constitution itself had given them trade union rights. Although it is natural for anyone to have political faith irrespective of his/her profession, reflection of politics at workplace- that too in universities and schools- is an egregious attack on education. As long as the teachers and professors serve as mere tools of political indoctrination and party rallying, brushing aside the responsibility of catering quality education, it badly spurs partisan interest in academia which ultimately dents entire education ecosystem. The university teachers must be independent critics of politics and system so that political actors could be corrected and system strengthened. At a time when the country's e ducational and economic developments are impacted negatively with multiple political digressions and interferences, reviewing role of university itself is equally important. Mere blame to politics for educational backwardness is shirking responsibility. It warrants change in academia's perception to politics. In addition to involvement in teaching learning and research, the university and school teachers can spur debates on pressing issues surfacing in the society and country, which would help create a mandate for politicos to direct politics in right track. Even the politico as General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa, admitted that they interfered with university and education sectors till date. He also vowed not to repeat such. To this regard, Minister Shrestha's initiation can be taken positively for now. The government deserves appreciation for timely supply of schoolbooks to all schools. It has not only cheered the students, teachers and parents but also facilitated smooth operation of teach ing learning. Now, the local levels can watch whether timely supply of textbooks result in enhancement of quality education. Similarly, the completion of tunnelway shortening distance and curtailing serpentine lines of vehicles at Nagdhunga, the major entry point to the federal capital, Kathmandu, is another milestone. Its smooth operation is awaited. The governments and political parties need to speed up similar other development projects by clearing the bottlenecks. Despite the above laudatory achievements of late, there are several backlogs nagging and ridiculing us. It is worrying that we have not been able to create adequate jobs and ensure quality education to the youths to retain them within country and help directly to thrive country. It may sound unwise to argue for retention of youths within country in the present hyper-globalized and hyper-connected world, bringing back the Nepali talents to country is essential. Similarly, surging inflow of remittances itself is not a remedy to country's develo pment stride. Sustainable solution of multiple problems is imperative to national earning. In a recent programme organized in the federal capital, former Prime Minister and finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai expressed concern that even the small businesspersons were leaving the country citing lack of atmosphere conducive for investment. His observation in the wake of government's preparation to Investment Summit bears significance. When do the mega projects- Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport- come to full operation? It is worth mulling question posed to governments at federal and province levels for long. Effective diplomatic dialogues are warranted for these. Another worrying concern is the underperformance of the bill session of the federal parliament. The winter session was expected to make dozens of laws but taken hostage of political bickering and changes in coalition partners. It will have direct impact on the enforcement of federalism and constitution. Even the province governments have been changed as aftereffects of the change in ruling partners of the federal government. Frequent change of governments causes political instability and sheer public distrust. The April 27 by-election has been observed as a bellwether. In view of the political wrangling, the by-poll result cannot be denied as a factor to create yet another political ripple. Ultimately, ruling ones, all political parties and bureaucracy's working together is present urgency. While it takes time for Nepalis to celebrate achievements, frequency of malaises and irregularities are not good omen at all. So, it is time to clear backlogs to cheer achievements. Source: National News Agency RSS

An avalanche occurred from the Manaslu Peak at Samagaun of Chumanubri rural municipality-1 in north Gorkha this morning. According to local Dizen Lama, the avalanche fell near the Birendra Lake which lies on the lap of the Manaslu mountain. The occurrence of the disaster at 9:00 am on Sunday caused the lake water to overflow and gush into the Budhigandaki River. The development caused a significant risk for a flood in the Budhigandaki. The avalanche is a big one and it may cause damage to settlements near the river downstream area, it is said. District Police Office Gorkha's Chief, Superintendent of Police Basudev Pathak, said, that once they were reported about the occurrence of the avalanche, a police squad swiftly left for the site. The increased water level in the river damaged a wooden bridge along the river. As the police team from the site assessed, the situation suggests no immediate risk for the further damages, he said. Chief District Officer of Gorkha, Bhola Dahal, said everyone has been urged to remain alert to the increased water flow in the Budhigandaki and refrain from visiting the river area. The Birendra Lake that lies on the foot of the Manaslu Peak, the world's eighth highest peak measuring 8,163 meters, is considered the origin of the Budhigandaki. Source: National News Agency RSS

The toes of Jahangirnagar University Prof Anu Muhammad's left leg were injured severely in a train accident in city's Khilgaon area here this morning. The accident took place at around 11:00am. He was admitted to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) with injuries in his left leg, said Md Masud, assistant sub-inspector of police of DMCH police outpost. All five toes of his left leg were crushed and it is impossible to repair them now, Prof Bidhan Sarker, head of the DMCH's Burn and Plastic Surgery Department, told the reporters after examining Anu Muhammad. A man named Mahtab, who was with the professor at the time of the accident, said, "Sir went to Phulbari in Dinajpur and on his way back to the capital, when the train stopped at Khilgaon Rail Crossing for a very short time, Sir tried to get down, but his leg went under the wheels of the train. I tried to pull him out of the railway trucks but before I could fully drag him out, the train started again.' Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the people residing in the vicinity of Budhigandaki River in Gorkha to remain vigilant at possible consequences from an increased water flow in the river. A massive avalanche from Mount Manaslu this morning fell into the Birendra Lake beneath the peak, causing it to overflow. The lake is considered the origin of the Budhigandaki. Following the lake outburst, the water level in the river has significantly increased, prompting the Home Ministry to issue a notice of precaution to the people residing near the river in the downstream areas. According to Ministry Spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the flood may result in a significant loss. "And amidst this possibility, we appeal to the population concerned to take preventive measures on time. " However, the District Police Office, Gorkha said the situation suggests no immediate risk for the further loss. Once the reporting about the occurrence of the disaster, a police squad from the office promptly left fo r the site for a response, it is said. Source: National News Agency RSS

Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), in an anti-crime drive, detained an alleged drug peddler with 308 bottles of Phensedyl in the district last night, RAB sources said this noon. The arrested person was identified as Saidur Rahman, 40, son of late Tamej Ali of Askarpur village under Charghat upazila in the district. On a tip-off, a team of the elite force conducted a sudden drive at Baduria area under the same upazila around 11.30 pm and held Saidur Rahman with the contraband item. Later, the person along with the seized goods was handed over to Charghat Police Station with a case in this connection. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha