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VOL. 27, NO. 41, June 27 , 2008 (Ashadh 13 2065 B.S.)
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THE PANEL WHICH WAS ASSIGNED the job of auditing the former Narayanhiti palace's properties and assets Friday (June 20) tabled its report to the government. The panel's coordinator Govinda Kusum said the 550 page report was handed to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. The report mentions and lists the royal crown, sceptre and
other royal assets. It also suggests ways in which to change the palace into a museum. The panel had completed its report after 20 days.
THE GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL AND KOREA Eximbank, the export-import bank of
Korea, are to sign a $45 million loan agreement for the construction of a 30-MW hydropower plant for the Chameliya hydropower project and installation of a transmission line in Darchula. The estimated cost of the project is $9.99 crore. Korea Eximbank and Nepal's Economic Cooperation Development Fund (ECDF) have agreed to contribute 45 per cent of the total cost, according to an official at the Department of
Foreign Aid. The loan will be used for the procurement of goods and services required for the implementation of the project, to be completed within 48 months of the effective date of the loan agreement. Nepal Electricity Authority, the executing agency, also
completed the 1 4-MW Modi Khola Hydroelectric project in 2000, similar to the Chameliya project. The loan carries an interest rate of 0.5 per cent per annum and has a maturity period of 30 years including a 10-years grace period, after which the loan must be repaid in semi-annual installments. The contract will be awarded to bidders in a consortium of Korean and Nepali firms. Korean firms will lead the consortium and undertake a majority of the work assignment.
THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT has authorized the
transport entrepreneurs to raise their fare only by 25 percent – as against the suggestion by the Fare Fixing Committee to increase the same by up to 35 percent. The transporters had demanded the increase after the hike in price of fuel by around 21 percent. In the face of growing opposition by the students against the fare hike, the Ministry has also decided to provide 43 percent discount in travel fares for students and those injured in People's Movement. Earlier, the students used to enjoy 33 percent discount in travel fares. Shyam Prasad Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry, warned that the government will take strong action against those found charging fares in excess of its permitted level.
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE Min Bahadur Rayamjhi and US Ambassador Nancy J.
Powell formally launched the Strengthen Rule of Law Program in a ceremony at the Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 18). The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has pledged nearly USD 1,791,000 to the two-year program which will support Nepal's initiatives for strengthening the judiciary and improving access to justice, a statement issued by the embassy said. The Strengthen Rule of Law program, which will be implemented by the Asia Foundation, will help the judiciary in building the foundation for credible and efficient justice institutions and providing
responsive and accessible dispute resolution services. The program is
also believed to help build the capacity of court staff, prosecutors and judges. Speaking at the ceremony chaired by Justice Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, Ambassador Powell said, "This program will not only improve people's lives, but also help pave Nepal's path to sustainable peace by demonstrating the government's commitment to provide legitimate and efficient mechanisms for redressing grievances."
THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY (CA) sitting has been postponed for an indefinite period due to lack of agenda for discussion. The CA sitting Wednesday (June 18) ended after nominating 11 members to act as its chair until chairman is elected Wednesday. Speaking at the Assembly, CA members criticized the parties for failing to find a point of
consensus even in two months since elections were held. Nepali Congress leader Narahari Acharya accused parties of disrespecting the Assembly by only engaging in power sharing negotiations. He said it was pity for the party leaders who could not reach a consensus on head of the state and appointment of 26 constituent assembly members.
Maoist members Dharma Shila Chapagai accused the Nepali Congress of sticking with the government thereby not paving the way for formation of new government. Gagan Thapa, Ram Baran Yadav, Chandra Bahadur Gurung and other members called on the parties to make effective the role of the Assembly. The second session of the CA, acting as legislative parliament, has begun in the afternoon where Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula is scheduled to present three bills for endorsement.
