Economy on track to achieve 6 pc growth: CBS

By Prem Khanal

KATHMANDU, May 12 – The national economy is on target to achieve about 6 per cent growth rate in the current fiscal 2000/01, according to the latest statistics compiled by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).

Though slightly less than last year’s 6.3 per cent growth rate, this year’s growth is nevertheless being seen as a healthy growth rate and comes largely from strong performance in the service sector. Two years ago, the growth rate was a meager four per cent.

According to CBS’ preliminary estimates of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the current fiscal year, the economy is expected to grow at 5.8 per cent. The current growth rate is remarkable in the sense that it is being accompanied by a historic low inflation rate - general price rise - of just 2 per cent.

The agricultural sector, which contributes around 40 per cent to the GDP and absorbs over 80 per cent of the national working population, is expected to grow at 4 per cent against earlier expectations of 4.3 per cent. The slight decline is primarily due to negative growth rate of wheat, albeit output of principal food crops surged. However, the growth in the agriculture sector, though less-than-expected, has strongly anchored the economy’s overall performance.

Similarly, propelled mainly by the strong performance of the industrial, power and water, and the service sectors, the non-agricultural sector is estimated to register a more-than-expected growth of 7.3 per cent. The preliminary growth estimate for the sector was set at 6.9 to 7 per cent. The sector last year had grown by 7 per cent.

Following the impressive GDP growth, the per capita income of the Nepalese people is also opined to grow significantly. The GNP per capita, in terms of domestic currency, is expected to grow by 6.25 per cent to touch Rs 18,677. However, in dollar terms, the GNP per capita is billed to jump only by 4.9 per cent to touch US$ 256, chiefly due to continued depreciation of the Nepali currency against the greenback.

With the rise in income, Nepalese people are expected to save and invest more. The gross national saving is expected to grow by 18 per cent while total investment is estimated to swell by 13.7 per cent. Similarly, the total consumption and capital formation is also expected to grow by 6.5 per cent and 10.4 per cent respectively.

"Given the strong performance of the economy consecutively for two years, the government’s efforts towards poverty alleviation and employment generation will get a major boost," says Dr Shankar Sharma, member of the National Planning Commission.

If the estimates come true, the annual growth rate would meet the targets set by the ninth five-year plan ending 2002, but, however, will still be short of budgetary target of 7 per cent.

On a sectoral front, despite some recent slowdown in exports, manufacturing sector is projected to maintain moderate growth of 6.5 per cent. Of the major contributors of this sector, production of woolen carpets, textiles, sugar and cement are expected to slump while that of ready-made garments, soap, beer and cigarettes are estimated to enjoy double-digit growth.

Likewise, the growth rate for trade, restaurant and hotel is projected to grow only by 3.32 per cent against the preliminary estimates of 5 per cent. With the initiation of some mega hydropower projects, the energy and water sector is expected to pose the highest growth of 19 per cent. Transport and communication is anticipated to rise by 7 per cent.

Similarly, finance and real estate sector’s growth is expected to be around 4.9 per cent only, chiefly because of continued excess liquidity in the banking sector and poor performance of real estate.

One of the prominent achievements by the economy in the current fiscal year is the healthy growth of 17.8 per cent envisaged for the social sector, which in the past usually lagged behind. The strong performance of this sector is as a result of a remarkable bump in the pay scale of civil servants, followed by a rise in the salaries of private sector employees.

RPP proposes national consensus with ultra-left parties

KATHMANDU, May 12 (PR)– Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Surya Bahadur Thapa, today said that his party has put forward the proposal of national consensus to Rastriya Janamorcha and Samyukta Janamorcha.

Thapa at the discussion programme at his residence in Maligaun said that national consensus is the only solution for the deteriorating political scenario of the country.

" Since national consensus is only the solution for the political crisis we have put forward our view to other two parties," said Thapa.

Likewise, speaking to The Kathmandu Post Lila Mani Pokhrel, General Secretary of Samyukta Janamorcha said that national consensus alone will not solve the present crisis. " To solve the problem, whole system should be changed," said Pokhrel.

According to the Chairman of Rastriya Janamorcha, Chitra Bahadur K.C, resignation of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was also discussed at the programme.

ANNFSU(R) leaders arrested, crisis looms

By Nitya Nanda Timsina

KATHMANDU, May 12 - The uncertainty facing the education sector took a new twist Saturday after the government arrested the representatives of All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary) after four days of negotiations between the concerned parties failed to make a breakthrough.

ANNFSU (R) General Secretary Purna Poudel and Raju Nepal were arrested from the main entrance of the Ministry of Education, Kesharmahal, the venue of today’s meeting, at around 3:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon, said a press release issued by ANNFSU (R), the student wing of the underground Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists).

Representatives of private schools present at today’s meeting confirmed the arrest.

The sudden move came minutes after a meeting called to resolve the crisis in education sector ended inconclusively. The meeting was called to find ways to implement the recommendations made by countless reports prepared in the past, and meet the demands put forth by the radical students’ union which is bent on closing down all the privately run schools from Monday, Jestha 1 (May 14).

Inter alia the ANNFSU (R)’s demands include, 50 per cent reduction in the fees charged by the private schools, promotion of public school, removal of Sanskrit as a compulsory subject from the curriculum, and compulsory enrolment of government officials’ and ministers’ children in public schools.

A press release issued in the evening by the ANNFSU(R) demanded the release of the two leaders and warned of dire consequences if they are not released. "If the government does not immediately asks for an apology and release our leaders, we will be forced to come up with more strikes and tough actions against the government," the release signed by ANNFSU (R) member Bipin Bhandari said.

Today’s meeting, was participated by the representatives from Private and Boarding Schools Organization of Nepal (PABSON, National-PABSON, Guardians Association of Nepal, Nepal National Teachers’ Association, Nepali Congress-affiliated Nepal Students Union, and the representatives of CPN-UML and ML affiliated ANNFSUs and the Ministry officials.

Speaking to The Kathmandu Post, Rama Kanta Sapkota, President of Nepal National Teachers’ Association, NNTA said, "The government must have waited till tomorrow for their reactions. Now because they have been arrested it would be difficult to bring them to negotiations."

Another press release issued by PABSON expressed unhappiness over the sudden arrest and called for an immediate release of the two so as to create a conducive environment for talks. The PABSONs representatives were to hold talks with the protesting students tomorrow.

Following today’s meeting, Ministry of Education and Sports formed a five-member high level working committee under the chairmanship of Dr Nirmal Prasad Pandey, member of National Planning Commission to resolve the crisis, and make education more effective, more transparent.

The committee will study the reports submitted by the National Education Commission 2049, High Level National Commission Report 2055, reports of the study groups on private and boarding schools management 2055 and the suggestions and demands of the Students’ organizations from various quarters for strengthening the educational standards of the public schools and fixing an appropriate ceiling for fee to be charged by the privately run schools.

The government agreed to scrap Sanskrit as compulsory subject from the school curriculum and agreed nearly on five other demands of the revolutionary students but the fixing of ceiling on fee structure drew a lot of controversy that left the problems undecided. Government said it would appoint a high level committee to make detailed study in a five-week time, it would implement the recommendation.

Interpret Constitution on national pers-pectives : CJ

Post Report

KATHMANDU, May 12 - Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya today called for the interpretation of the Constitution on the national perspectives rather than international perspective to meet the objectives envisaged by the Constitution.

Upadhayay was speaking at an interaction programme on the roles and challenges of Supreme Court organised by the Judicial Council Secretariat.

Referring to the role of the Supreme Court (SC) in the preservation of human rights, supremacy of the Constitution and the interpretation of the treaties wherein the government was a signatory, Upadhyaya said, "One cannot know everything just because he is a judge. Therefore, a judge should be studious to widen his vision and thought "

Similarly, judge of the SC, Laxman Aryal said that political influence over every sphere of life superseding the rule of law and the Constitution is increasing.

Kasi Raj Dahal, newly appointed Secretary of the Judicial Council highlighted on the objectives of seminar, court hearing, pleading management improvement, appointed day, time management and improvement on swift justice.

Likewise, Badri Bahadur Karki, the Attorney General said, "The main challenge of the court is the political colour wherewith people eye the apex court."

Other distinguished personalities including the senior judges spoke on various aspects pertaining to the challenges of the SC in the changing scenario.

Army being deployed in Gorkha from Monday

By Kulchandra Nyaupane/ Shukraraj Panta

GORKHA, May 12 - As per the Cabinet decision, the army is being deployed in the Maoist-hit district of Gorkha, as a model district of Integrated Security Development Package (ISDP) from Monday, according to army sources.

The sources said that the preparation has been complete. "But the detailed structure and programmes cannot be yet made public," said one of the sources.

A battalion of eight hundred army, Bajrabarahi Gan, are staying at Dhakaltar of Anbu Khaireni VDC since last 20 days. Gorkha Chief District Officer Kashinath Marasini said that ISDP would help accelerate the development projects now undecided due to Maoist insurgencies.

"Royal Nepal Army and Nepal Police will be there for the security of the public and the government staff."

Official sources said that the ISDP has a programme to take development packages as well as to disarm the Maoists of the district. "The army will be sent to participate in development works to win people’s participation but the strategy to combat the Maoists and the operation will be a secret," said a government official, on condition of anonymity.

Kashinath Marasini of Gorkha, Chief District Officer (CDO) said that ISDP would help accelerate the development projects now undecided due to Maoist insurgencies. "Royal Nepal Army and Nepal Police will be there for the security of the public and the government staff."

The army will lend their helping hands to build belly bridge over the Marshyangdi at Pallungtar, Gorkha in the fist stage. At least 40 plans of constructing bridges, irrigation, drinking water, electricity sub station, herb collecting, processing and distribution, among others, are on the anvil as future development plans of the country.

Similarly, the structure of administration has also changed for the same purpose. The CDO would be the chief of all government offices. "And the security mobilisation will be handled by CDO himself," the source said.

According to the plan, the army would be alert in border areas. Both police and army would patrol simultaneously. The army source said that the army would work on war-footing to eliminate any sort of discrimination in the district.

"We don’t want to kill people. We want to include Maoists in development works too. Even if, they target us, we will react as per "the government plan" and will not remain idle," he said.

The army, along with the police, would patrol those areas of the district where police morale is low. Besides, the patrol party would also patrol the districts having common border with Gorkha - Tanahun, Lamjung and Dhading.

Drought forces farmers to sell Yarsagumba at throwaway price

By Lokendra Bista

KHANDESHWORI, Darchula, May 11 - A kilo of Yarsagumba, a natural herb with "anti- impotency" medicinal value, could fetch up to Rs 2,500 in the markets of India’s Delhi and Mumbai.

But for hundreds of drought-hit people in this far-western frontier district, a kilo of Yarsagumba is nothing more than a substitute to rice or wheat grains, which cost around Rs 20 to 22 for a kilo.

Thanks to Darchula’s rugged topography where farmers have never enjoyed a bumper harvest, and this year’s drought, hundreds of people living in Khandeshwori, Ghusa and several other villagers in the neighbourhood have been forced to barter invaluable Yarsagumba with foodstuff from local traders.

"For us the most expensive thing in the world is food stuff," says Karan Singh Rokaya, whose family members and neighbours are wandering about the Himalayan highlands collecting Yarsagumba. "It’s a big deal for us to barter food with fungus at our door steps. Yarsagumba is available in the nearby forest free of charge."

Yarsagumba is a rare fungus that grows out of a particular insect which remains buried under snow during winter and appears as a shoot during spring season when snow starts melting high up in the Himalayan region.

A connoisseur of fungus finds it quite delicious to eat, and people who have tasted it also claim that it helps cure impotency-related problems and also increases sexual urge. A kilo of Yarsagumba fetches up to Rs 2,500 in the Indian cities of Delhi and Mumbai.

However, thanks largely to the long drawn-out-draught in this mountainous district, affected farmers are bartering it in throwaway prices after they could not afford to purchase subsidised foodgrains supplied by the government-owned Nepal Food Corporation (NFC).

So severe is the drought and scarcity of food that the drought-hit people are going on to buy food in advance on condition that they would supply Yarsagumba to the local merchants later on when the fungus is collected during summer.

According to the statistics made available by the District Forest Office, the farmers supplied more than 10 metric tons of herbal plants to Indian merchants during the running fiscal year (2000/2001) which will come to an end this June 15.

And the traders are cashing in on the drought. They are desperately looking for Yarsagumba that fetches profits ten folds in the Indian cities.

The areas where Yarsagumba can be found remain covered with snow for almost six months, as a result of which the surrounding villages become isolated with rest of the Kingdom. This happens mainly during winter, when trails are covered with snow.

The government lifted the ban on collecting rarely available Yarsagumba this year, which appears to have encouraged a large number of brokers and business agents to climb up the hills and get large amounts of the natural anti-impotency medicine in cheaper prices.

Khadka Singh Karki, a villager from Ghusa, said apart from the Yarsagumba, there are other equally rare and valuable herbs that are being smuggled out from the area without paying any royalty to the national exchequer.

A trader from India, who has been collecting Yarsagumba for years, revealed that one-kilogram of Yarsagumba fetched more than Indian Rs 1,500 in star hotels in the port city of Mumbai and capital city of Delhi, India. Whereas they purchase it for Nepali Rs 35 to 40 a kilo.

"We are really exchanging gold with sand," Karki says. "We lack expertise on herbal processing, but the government does not support us to enhance our skills¼All we need is food, if there is food then there is no problem."

Nepali team in Germany to study democracy in action

By Satish Jung Shahi

KOLN, Germany, May 12 - As the Nepalese delegation of lawmakers and jurists arrived here today at this industrial and media centre state of North Rhine-Westphalia on a eight-day study tour, officials of the German political organization who had invited the delegation here in this central European state said that the visit would help to "open German eyes and to achieve better circumstances for an ongoing cooperation" between the Nepalese and German Parliaments.

Officials of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), the political education organization aligned to the opposition LDP (Liberal Democratic Party), also said that the visit could help to continue the German development-co-operation for Nepal in the future.

A team of nine lawmakers from the ruling Nepali Congress, main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-UML, Rastriya Prajatantra Party and the Nepal Sadbhavana Party along with two jurists from Nepal Law Society are here in Germany on a familiarization cum exposure visit on the system of federalism and decentralization. The Chairman of National High Level Committee of Decentralization is also on the team.

"It is the first time that FNF is organizing such a visit for participants from only one country out of SAARC (the South Asian regional grouping)...Normally we invite experts from all SAARC-members," said Eberhard von Goldacker of Theodor-Heuss-Akademie, the training center of FNF. "We feel that it is necessary to have a group of active Members of Parliament to demonstrate our way to organize democracy in a multi cultural society."

Goldacker has served for more than three years in Nepal as the FNF country representative, until the foundation decided to close down its Kathmandu office saying it was part their attempt to decrease administrative costs. FNF now runs a smaller office in Nepal with its regional office in New Delhi, India. According to Goldacker, the visit is also an effort in building up Nepal Law Society, the local sponsors of the on-going event, as a mediator in search of political partners in Nepal.

"The Naumann-Foundation does not have an original political partner in Nepal and Nepal Law Society is a welcomed mediator...We also took part in constructing the democratic constitution of Nepal in 1990 - together with NLS," Goldacker said.

Meanwhile, the itinerary of the visiting MPs is slated to include the town of Solingen, Düsseldorf, Berlin and Potsdam where they will mainly focus on themes such as federalism and decentralization in Germany, role and functioning of political parties, and democracy within political parties. They will also hold discussions with Ambassador Dr. Cornelius Sommer, who is in-charge for policy towards Asia at the Foreign Office in Berlin.

Prior to their return to Nepal, the team will also tour small hydro power plants in Switzerland. According to the organizers, the Nepali delegation will also attend receptions hosted by German-Nepal Friendship Association and Balram Singh Malla, Nepalese Ambassador for Germany.

National Drama Festival concludes

By Bunu Dhungana

KATHMANDU, May 12- The three-day National Drama Festival 2001 dedicated to prominent playwright Bhim Nidhi Tewari concluded at the Royal Nepal Academy today amid much fanfare and excitement.

Altogether 12 drama written by Tiwari were staged in this year’s festival which included Janai Supari, Arko Janma, Shanti Ko Khoji, Manche Mancheharu among others.

All the plays were directed by different directors. The plays staged in the festival included actors from all the five different regions of the country.

Among the plays staged Tiwari’s play Manche Mancheharu directed by Sri Krishna Shah Yatri grabbed the best director award. The play is supposedly the first Nepali symbolic drama with all the actors being hearing impaired.

The director, Yatri speaking with The Kathmandu Post said that he had given a month long training to the actors and he had taken four months training of sign language.

The main objective of the director on having hearing-impaired people as actors is to show their talents in the field of acting and theatre work too. ‘These people are not deaf to me they understand what I say, ‘ says the director.

Deepa Oli Sharma, the narrator of the play said that she was confident and proud of herself on being able to perform in front of the huge mass of audience.

The play has been selected to be performed at the International Drama Festival being held in Korea next year.

In the closing ceremony of the festival, Aarohan a well-known theatre group in co-ordination with the Royal Nepal Academy staged Oedipus written by famous Greek dramatist Sophocles. The play was translated and modulated in Nepali way by director Sunil Pokharel.

Vice Chancellor of the Royal Nepal Academy Mohan Koirala gave away the prizes to the outstanding performers during the festival.