Donors sceptical towards Poverty Alleviation Fund

By Ameet Dhakal

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - The future of the government proposed multi-billion rupees Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF), to address the worsening poverty situation in the country, looks hazy as major donors throw "cold response" to government's invitation for their active participation in the Fund.

Though almost all the donors endorse the urgency to tackle poverty, there is a significant difference not only between the donor community and the government but also among the donors regarding the modality of the Fund and its proposed programmes.

"At the top of it, there is a serious scepticism among the donors that the Fund would be insulated from politics as promised by the government," says a highly placed government official on condition of anonymity.

The donors have already shown their suspicion by opposing the proposed composition of the Poverty Alleviation Steering Committee to govern the Fund activities.

A concept paper on the future structure of PAF prepared by National Planning Commission (NPC) and circulated to mainly multilateral donors envisages a 16-member Steering Committee, of which only five members will be from the private sector. The donors have rejected the idea and have argued that the Committee should be private sector-dominated. The donors are also pressing for the nomination of independent professionals, instead of civil servants, in the execution level of the Fund's activities.

Dr Shankar Sharma, Member of NPC, admitted donor's reservation on the composition of the Committee and hinted that the government was ready to alter it. "There is nothing rigid about the proposal and if the Committee can be made more effective under private sector domination, NPC is open to review it," he said.

The two sides are likely to reach an agreement on the structural issue of PAF in the near future but the question regarding donor's financial contribution to the Fund remains uncertain. It is mainly the multilateral donor agencies, which seem less convinced that the Fund would be an effective institution to make a significant dent on poverty, and are, therefore, less willing to contribute to it.

Talking to The Kathmandu Post, a highly placed official at one of the leading multilateral donor agencies said, "There is a doubt among the donors that the Fund is yet another political gimmick to pump in resources and lacks genuine assurance that the resources would be effectively utilized."

He further said, "Due to this mistrust, donors are likely to contribute only a piece-meal share to the Fund."

This could precisely trouble the resource-constraint government, which intends to spend as high as 28 billion rupees in the next fifteen years targeting at least 1,500 Village Development Committees in the first five years through PAF.

"If the leading multilateral donors back out from the Fund, it could send a negative signal to the bilateral donors thereby reducing prospects for mobilization of external resources," says the government official.

Such undermining of the Fund by donors could jeopardize government's effort. Ironically, it was mainly the donor community that pushed ahead the concept of Fund in the past. In the last few years, many donors were critical of government's project-based approach for poverty alleviation and had urged for comprehensive approach.

Dr Sharma agrees that there were many shortcomings in the past poverty alleviation efforts but argues that both the government and donors should learn from past mistakes and utilize this opportunity to address one of the most pressing problems of the Nepalese society.

"Since PAF itself is not going to implement any programmes but support other partner organizations, there is a low scope for political interventions and still we can take all the possible measures to insulate the Fund activities from politics," says Dr Sharma.

Nepal has the highest incidence of poverty in the region and there are indications that it is worsening. The population below the poverty line was estimated to be 42 percent in the fiscal year 1997/98, the beginning year of the Ninth Five-year Plan, which vows to bring it down to 32 percent by the end 2001/2002. However, a recent study by UNDP, which is supporting PAF move, has estimated the incidence of poverty at 52 percent.

Financial irregularities in Bakrah River Project

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today declared financial irregularities while awarding a supplement project to the Bakrah River Control Project (BRCP) without calling tender bids as required by the law.

During today's meeting PAC has given the government two months to take action and report back to the committee about the case on this 58-kilometre long river control project.

PAC has been investigating on why an extension project had been added to the BRCP without first calling for tender bids and through open competition as required by the Financial Regulations.

The China Hunan International Economic Technical Corporation (CHIETC) had been awarded the contract for Rs. 114.7 million for the project to supplement the BRCP.

BRCP was first started about two and half years ago with the aid provided by OPEC, the group of petroleum exporting countries. CHIETC had begun work on the project for Rs. 337.4, which was 34 percent less than the amount estimated for the project and granted by OPEC. The surplus money was now being used for projects to supplement the original project.

PAC Chairman Subas Nemwang today said that the process violated the existing financial regulations and such contract should have been granted only through the bidding process.

Officials at the Ministry of Water Resources and the Irrigation Department have maintained that it is the pressure from the locals and the shortage of time that prompted them to extend the contract without calling bids and through cabinet approval.

However, PAC members said that since the project was in the constituencies of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who is also the president of Nepali Congress, and Bharat Mohan Adhikari, a powerful member of the main opposition CPN-UML, it was the political pressure by these powerful leaders that could have led to the episode.

Regulations allow only up to 20 percent increase in the original project through variation order. However, in this case, the extension is around 50 percent.

Khovari Raya arrested for kidnapping

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sep 5 - He has done it once again. Police on Monday arrested former state minister Khovari Raya Yadav on charges of kidnapping several individuals and possessing illegal weapons.

Yadav was arrested from his residence in Sitapaila by a team of police from Kathmandu District Police after one Prahlad Neupane (of Dhokatol) fled from where he and three others had been kept hostage and reported about the incident to the police.

Others kidnapped by the former parliamentarian were Badri Neupane of Maitidevi, Dev Raj Chaulagain of Balaju, Gyanendra Humagain alias Narayan of Sitapaila. Another attempt to kidnap Tulasi Humagain of New Road could not bear fruit.

They were kidnapped on different occasions on Sunday and Monday. It was not immediately clear why they were kidnapped.

DSP Ramesh Prasad Kharel at DPO said actions will be initiated against Yadav and his three other accomplices under Arms and Ammunition Act. Other accomplices have been identified as Dambar Lal Siwakoti alias Hari Kumar, Balaram Giri and Bhanwar Lal Chaudhari.

Police have also confiscated some illegal weapons from Yadav's house. Nepal does not have a law to punish those involved in kidnapping.

Previously, Yadav was arrested by the police about two years ago after the then MP opened fire at the capital's Moon Sun Disco and created uproar when he was under the influence of alcohol.

Call to allow rights groups to meet suspected Maoists

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - A human rights body has appealed to the government to allow the press and human rights activists to meet an injured man and a woman suspected of being Maoists in a hospital here today.

The two, Ranjan K.C. and Sirjana Phuyal are undergoing treatment in Miteri Hospital in Bagbazar. The police have taken control of the hospital "which has not only caused mental agony to the victims but also hampered the work in the hospital," said a statement issued by Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON).

HURON has stated that inflicting physical and mental pain merely on the basis of suspicion does not behove a democratic government.

The police took control of the hospital on Saturday suspecting K.C. and Phuyal to be insurgents.

According to Dr Birendra Jhapali, Director at the hospital, the two had come to hospital last Tuesday and Wednesday for treatment of their injured legs.

The police think them to be Maoist who were injured in a clash between police and rebels at ward number three of Jarayotar VDC in Sindhuli on august 23. Two policemen and three Maoists were killed in the clash.

The Human Rights Commission formed by the government has taken the matter seriously, Sushil Pyakurel, member of the commission was quoted today.

Bills to combat corruption faulty

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - Legal and anti-corruption experts today claimed that certain provisions in the three Bills presented by the government to combat the growing cases of corruption conflict with the constitution.

During the parliamentary session that prorogued just few weeks back, the Government had presented a Bill brought to make Second Amendment to the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Act, another Bill brought to constitute a Special Court and the Bill to Manage Corruption Control laws.

The last Bill is proposing to strengthen the Special Police Force whose activities had been boxed to only the three districts of the Kathmandu Valley by a Supreme Court decision.

"This Bill appears to have been brought with the intention of strengthening and empowering the Special Police Force and with the target of using it against the opposition," said CIAA acting Chief Commissioner Madhav Dutta Bhatta.

This Bill also proposes a separate department that would monitor cases of corruption. However this department will be under the government.

"Is it right for such a department to be under the prime minister and the ministers." Asked Auditor General Bishnu Bahadur K.C. adding, "Instead of taking this route, the government should have concentrated its efforts on strengthening CIAA".

Intellectual Devendra Raj Pandey said that it was no use having this body present since most of the cases of corruption revolves around the ministers and a body under them would not be able to do much.

CIAA Commissioner Krishna Ballav Kafle claimed that this Bill would push back the anti-corruption work by few years. "This Bill is even worse than the Corruption Control Act of 1960," he said.

Advocate Shambhu Thapa said the Special Court proposed by the government conflicts with the Constitution that defines only District, Appellate and Supreme Courts and there is no provision for such a court.

"The provision which says the government will appoint the judge in such a court is itself interference in the judicial system," Thapa said.

About the CIAA Bill, CIAA's acting chief said that the Bill defining the people holding public office goes against the ruling of the Supreme Court that said anyone holding responsible government office, no matter which ever position, is defined as public office holder.

This Bill proposed by the government to make second amendment to the existing CIAA Act would require people holding public offices to present a statement of property within 35 days from the date of his or her appointment to the office and every year thereafter.

The statement will have to include total assets of the individual and immediate family members.

If the statement shows that the increase in property and assets is more than the capability of the individual and he or she is not able to prove the source of income then the excess property will be considered accumulated through corruption.

This is a feature that CIAA has long been seeking to prove corruption by officials who despite having a nominal salary have accumulated massive wealth. There had been no means to prove that this was accumulated through corruption.

Once proven that the property is accumulated through corruption it would be immediately seized by the government.

These three Bills are currently being discussed in the parliamentary State Affairs Committee (SAC) that will make necessary amendments and pass it to the parliament for endorsement.

The experts had been called by SAC today to solicit their views and expertise on the Bills.

A grand plan to revive 'moribund' theatre

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - A new thrust is being made to revive stage programmes that are apparently overshadowed by TV, movies and the Internet.

In a unique attempt to resurrect the theatre that is in virtual slumber since the last decade, Cultural Corporation, with support from the government, has launched a plan to construct a theatre complex in its premises at the National Theatre.

Designed to accommodate commercial centres, apart from a 850-seat auditorium, the multi-purpose complex is expected to inculcate theatre culture in youngsters, and rekindle the same in grown-ups.

The two-storey building will have a car parking facility in its basement; restaurants, departmental stores and the like on the first floor and an auditorium at the top, with a 36 feet deep and 54 feet wide stage.

Shedding light on the objectives of the project, Harihar Sharma, the General Manager at the Cultural Corporation said," We have conceived the project with the intention of making the Theatre self-reliant and glamorous."

Established in 1959, the National Theatre is almost in a dilapidated state, with cracks and holes visible in different sections of the hall.

The Rs 90 million scheme is being undertaken in tune with the rhythm of changing times and tastes, said Sharma. "If we fail to move on with the needs and trends of time, then the lights of theatre will soon fade away."

Though it is a lesson learnt rather late, the government's positive and generous response has raised a fountain of hope and enthusiasm among the performing artistes.

"My joy knows no bound," said Bimala Shrestha, a renowned dancer. "If everything goes well, as planned, the artistes and the audience will have a beautiful treat on a regular basis."

Especially for those artistes who have been performing on stage relentlessly since long, despite meagre incentives, the advent of the theatre complex is a bonanza, one that is likely to boost the morale of the artistes and offer a wide range of "theatrical delicacies."

Agreed this agile dancer, "We are highly encouraged. I am eagerly awaiting the completion of the project."

The project, which will kickoff in real earnest after the Dashain festival, will be completed in about three years.

Both the General Manager and the veteran dancer are still actively involved in theatre shows, even after their decades of widely acclaimed performance and renditions.

For Sharma, who has proved his mettle as an actor of substance both on the stage and on the screen, "art is the elixir of life, a divine experience that provides eternal happiness."

Popularly known as a reformist, Sharma regrets that the theatre life has been marred by crass commercialism. Apart from giving a new face-lift to the Theatre that will be equipped with modern facilities, the Corporation will draw up an annual calendar of operation.

While retaining the time tested thrills, frills and charms of the theatre life, the management of the new complex will enlist a host of upcoming programmes in the calendar.

In a bid to revive interest in stage shows, more artistes will be mobilised and a variety of programmes- ranging from concerts to dramas- will be staged regularly, according to Sharma.

For the upkeep of the theatre complex, revenues will be generated from its commercial centres. The main source of revenue will be the rents. The total revenue is estimated at Rs 15 million, said Sharma.

Plans are afoot to expand the project, as well.

"The scheme will not be confined to Kathmandu Valley. Gradually, we will establish such theatres across the country to preserve and enhance indigenous art and culture."

In order to materialise this plan, Sharma has already sketched "five cultural regions" across the country, encompassing different geographical divisions, as well.

His concept is to set up theatre houses in different regions on the basis of ethnic groups' majority.

Elaborating his plans, Sharma cited the indigenous Chandi dance and Dhan dance of Dharan, Bhojpur and Panchthar districts.

"Here, it will be suitable place to construct a theatre in any one of these districts."

New bill to prevent teachers from politics

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - The new bill proposed to amend the Education Act will prevent school teachers from taking active part in politics, Education Minister Amod Prasad Upadhyaya announced here today.

He said the 7th amendment in education bill that was tabled in the parliament has such provisions. But the bill was not passed in the current session due to sudden termination of the session.

Speaking at an interaction programme on Nepal's Education System - Need for Reforms organised by Ascol Alumni Association, Minister Upadhyaya said, "The Bill was tabled with an intention of reforming the education sector."

Speaking on the occasion Thirtha Khaniya, educationist and chairman of the 'Education Task-force' said that to bring about reforms in the education sector there should be reforms in the Ministry of Education itself. "The Ministry should be technically sound and positive minded to accept technical inputs from concerned parties," said Khaniya.

"Government should concentrate more on providing compulsory primary education," said Devi Prasad Ojha, CPN-ML leader who is also a former education minister. The proposed education Bill should be passed only after making few changes, he added.

"At a time when more than 50 percent of the population is illiterate, our chief concern should be to fight against illiteracy," said Ojha. There has to be political commitment among the leaders in setting at least a suitable target to increase the literacy rate, stressed Ojha.

"It is a misfortune that with the restoration of democracy, good plans and programmes introduced by one minister is not given continuity by the next minister," said Ojha.

Mohan Man Sainju, economist and former vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission said that education sector should be depoliticised for any sorts of reforms.

Sainju further added that the changing role of the state should be well defined into the education sector. "Participation of private sector into education is very necessary at a time when government is facing a huge resource gap," said Sainju.

NSA CWC members resign en masse

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 - Over a dozen Central Working Committee members of the Nepal Students' Association (NSA), a student wing of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC), resigned en mass last week.

Announcing the move at a press conference today, Bishwa Prakash Sharma, who heads the resignation campaign, said the resignation letter of all the 14 resigning members has already been submitted to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

The move comes in the wake of major differences in holding the 8th General Convention of the student body and accusations of ineffective leadership.

Citing the reasons for their resignation, another member Ravi Malla said; "We are fed up with the present leadership and its working style."

Sharma, widely perceived as the future president of NSA, is backed by Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Sanjeev Adhikari, Jeevan Dangol, Ravi Malla, Gururaj Ghimire, Laxman Dhakal, Binod Bantawa, Badri Pandey, Pradeep Poudel, Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, Lokendra Bhandari, Navin Raj Prasai and Binod Dev.

As a result, NSA is distinctly divided into two camps - one led by Govind Bhattarai and the other by Sharma. This year, a 27-member committee was formed, with Bhattarai as its President.

Even after eight months, the committee has not showed "positive signs" of holding the Convention slated for December 31, and January 1-2 next year, said the outgoing members of the committee unanimously.

In an attempt to substantiate the claim, Sharma accused the committee of not making preliminary preparations for it.

"Technical, political, financial and managerial needs of the convention cannot be fulfilled under Bhattarai's leadership," he said. He also levelled charges against Bhattarai for his "monopoly and crave for relentless power."

"So much so, he and his henchmen are making efforts to postpone the Convention," said Sharma, who outrightly denied that the protest move is not to oust Bhattarai.

Supporting his view, Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, President at the Foreign Branch, declared that he and his team would not work in alliance with Bhattarai.

The disgruntled youth, however, refused to dwell on intra-association conflicts and pinpoint the foibles of their leader.

"For the sake of the solidarity and prestige of our association, we, as disciplined party workers, will not disclose in detail about the defects and conflicts, and the consequent in-fighting," said Sharma.

The youth leaders, however, promised to extend full support to hold the Convention, but not under the leadership of Bhattarai.

In reply to a query, Sharma assured the in-fighting is temporary and will find an amicable solution in a few days since the en masse resignation of influential leaders of NSA is bound to make a big impact on the party

'Development programme to help better peace, security'

MUSIKOT, Rukum, Sept 5 (PR) - Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel said Tuesday that the proposed Integrated Development Programme envisaged by the government would help improve peace and security as well as expedite development activities in five Maoist-hit districts--Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkt, Kalikot and Salyan--of mid-Western region of the country.

While addressing an all-party meeting organised by District Development Committee here DPM Poudel said that the programme to be launched through the one door system would not annul the rights of the local bodies.

"People of the districts have been deprived of a climate of peace and development because of the Maoist insurgency," Poudel said, adding that Integrated Development Programme would assimilate all people, government employees and local elected representatives in the task of development efforts. He added that the single door system would execute development works on priority basis.

DPM Poudel said that government was ready to add sufficient budget from the Prime Minister's Fund to carry out development works in the Maoist-hit districts.

Member of National Planning Commission Dr. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel said that the programme is being implemented in the districts with a view to gain output as per the investment made by the government.

Dead body allowed to fly without probe

KATHMANDU, Sept 5 (PR) - A dead body of a foreign student of Lincoln School has been sent to England without following any legal procedures and conducting post-mortem, which has triggered controversy.

Nepal Police has been flayed for not investigating the cause of the death, and allowing the family to take the body away without even knowing the cause of the death.

The 17-year-old boy died in Norvic Hospital soon after he was brought from the school for medical treatment. The dead body was then taken to mortuary of Teaching Hospital, as suggested by Norvic Hospital.

Al Nai, father of the dead boy is working in a high position at UNICEF, Kathmandu office. According to our sources, the family members received police permission on Monday to take away the body without any examinations.

"The reason of his death is suspicious. If British hospital finds any serious reason of the death, it will be a shame for the whole country," said a medical officer of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.