Population hits 23.15 million 
Progress in literacy rates

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KATHMANDU, April 17 Nepal’s population in the last decade grew at an average rate of 2.24 per cent to touch 23.15 million in 2001, with females surpassing males by a little over 25,000, according to the final results of Census 2001 made public here today.

The total population of 23.15 million includes an estimate of over four hundred thousand people residing in 957 wards in twelve districts where enumerators could not conduct proper headcounts due to a number of reasons. The districts include Jhapa, Siraha, Sindhuli, Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk, Salyan, Surkhet, Dolpa, Jumla, Kalikot, Mugu and Bajura.

The National Population Census 2001 Summary Sheet provided by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) at a press conference held here today, however, does not include the estimated additional population. The population without the estimated figures stands at 22.74 million.

"The estimated population will not be included in the detailed statistical tables," states a press release issued by the CBS. The tabular presentation of data are based solely on the head counted population of 22.74 million, which is the official population. Over 39 per cent of the official population is below 14 years.

On the literacy front, data released by the CBS reveal that 39.75 per cent of the population above six years are unable to read or write, while 5.88 per cent can only read, which means that almost 54 per cent of the population is fully literate. The total population above six years of age is put at 19.56 million.

In terms of educational attainment, data tables show that 41.88 per cent of the population above six have completed the fifth grade, while 19.20 per cent and 11.38 per cent passed the lower secondary and the secondary levels respectively.

Similarly, only 9 per cent of the six-plus population have passed School Leaving Certificate, while 2.68 per cent completed graduation. The post graduation completion figure is dismal at a mere 0.73 per cent. However, officials conceded that the figures related to literacy were derived through sampling and that marginal errors are likely.

Likewise, 85.8 per cent of the total population resides in the rural areas. Similarly, 49.06 per cent of the 22.74 million population live in the terai region, while 6.97 per cent and 43.97 per cent inhabit the mountainous and the hilly regions.

The population figure also includes 116,571 non-Nepalis, out of which 102,468 are Indians alone. Likewise, 80.62 per cent of the total population comprise of Hindus, following by 10.74 per cent Buddhists, 4.2 per cent Islam and 3.6 per cent Kirat, among others.

The demographic indicators also show that 75.6 per cent of the total 4.17 million households in Nepal have agricultural land, while 71.5 per cent have livestock and birds. Of the households having no agricultural lands, only a little over 20 per cent were found to involve in various small scale activities, including manufacturing, trade, transport and services, among others.

Statistics relating to disabilities show that 103,795 people, which represents 0.46 per cent of the population, are disabled in one way or the other. Of them, 55 per cent are women. The disabilities include blindness, deafness, mentally retarded, physical disabilities or multiple disabilities.

The census also reveals that over 762 thousand Nepalis are residing abroad, over 77 per cent of them in India alone. Business, education, personal services and education have been put as the main reasons for their absence. The absentees are not included in the total population figures.

* Total population 23.15 million

* Women outnumber men by 25 thousand

* Illiteracy at 39.75 percent

* Graduate population 2.68 percent

* Rural population 85.8 percent

* 49.06 percent of all are settled in Terai

* 43.97 percent of population live in hilly region

* 6.97 percent of population in the mountain

* 80.62 percent Hindus

* 10.74 percent Buddhist

* 4.2 percent Muslims

* 3.6 percent Kirant and others

Government issues shoot at sight orders

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KATHMANDU, April 17 In view of the five-day bandh (strike) call given by the outlawed Maoists beginning April 23, the Home Ministry on Wednesday issued a notice saying that the security forces have been given orders to shoot those who try to vandalise and indulge in disruptive activities.

The statement released here today said that all necessary measures have been taken and the security wings alerted. The constant monitoring of the situation is in place, it added.

The statement also appealed all concerned not to be swayed by anyone and keep everything as normal. In case any assistance of the security forces was necessary to operate vehicles, run educational institutions, industries and business establishments, the ministry suggested that the nearest security unit or personnel be informed for prompt action. It reiterated that the ministry would pay proper compensation for any damage that might be caused.

Meanwhile, a group of human rights activists on Wednesday issued a joint statement condemning the behaviour of both sides in the name of clash and the treatment meted out to humans, saying the actions have stunned the civil society.

At a meeting held today at the office of the National Human Rights Organisation (HURON), the nine human rights activists urged for an immediate halt to violence. It called for strict adherence to the Geneva Convention that becomes applicable during armed conflict and said violation of human rights by any party is condemnable.

The statement was signed by HURON’s Sudip Pathak, Sindhu Nath Pyakurel of Nepal Bar Association, Prem Parajuli of Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), among others. It further said that the revolting side of human rights abuse was felt in Dang where more than 200 persons have died during the security forces-Maoists clash last Thursday.

Without mincing words, the statement condemned the Maoists’ recent attacks on developmental infrastructure. Calling for immediate end to the attacks, the activists urged them to pursue justified way out or political solution to the problems.

12 rebels gunned down

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KATHMANDU, April 17 The Defence Ministry today said that security forces gunned down 12 Maoists in the latest incidents of encounter in seven districts over the last 24 hours.

A press statement issued by the ministry said that four rebels were killed in Chandawa area of Banke on Wednesday. Likewise, one rebel was killed in Sinsnera area of Baglung and two others in Udayapur and Gulmi districts on Wednesday.

Our reporter in Dang said that security forces gunned down three Maoists including a woman in Tribhuvan Municipality after they approached close to the office of the security forces.

According to Mathur Prasad Yadav, Dang Chief District Officer, the rebels were shot dead near Katuwa Khola of the municipality at midnight. The bodies of rebels could not be immediately identified. Their bodies have been kept at the morgue of the Mahendra Hospital for identification. The forces also killed one rebel in Thapathana area of Parbat district on Tuesday.

The rebels killed in Banke, Dang, Parbat, Baglung, Gulmi and Udaypur districts are believed to be the active members, communication chiefs and platoon commanders of the outlawed organisation. Meanwhile, our reporter in Sindhupalchowk on Wednesday morning said quoting the local security authorities that the security forces killed a suspected Maoist in Melamchi where the rebels had ambushed a Chinese vehicle. A Chinese contractor of the Indrawati III Hydroelectric Project, identified as Ma, sustained injuries in the ambush laid by the rebels.

This is the second time in the district that the Chinese nationals have been injured in Maoist attacks. About two years ago, one Chinese person and 10 workers of the project being built by a private company were injured in Maoist attack. Army has been deployed in Melamchi for the project’s protection.

In Chitwan, a group of rebels shot dead a head constable in Parsa, Khairahani on Wednesday, our reporter said. Head constable Rishiram Dhital was on his duty when the rebels shot him. This is the first incident in the district where a policeman has been shot dead.

In yet another incident, Maoist rebels killed a 54-year-old farmer, identified as Durga Bahadur Gurung, at his home in Chhang VDC of Tanahun district on Tuesday evening. The son of the deceased, Purna Bahadur Gurung, 19, said the rebels killed his father accusing him of tipping-off the security forces about Maoists’ plans. Gurung’s last rites were performed after carrying out the post-mortem in Damauli, the district headquarters.

Meanwhile, our reporter in Sadbariya of Dang district quoting locals said that the rebels exhumed four more bodies of their comrades from a nearby ditch of Gojhena village yesterday.

The security forces have already discovered 92 bodies of the rebels killed during the last Thursday night’s gunfight in Sadbariya Armed Police Force (APF) base camp. Police said the rebels have already carried away 16 bodies from various ditches since last week. There are still a number of decayed rebel bodies scattered around Sadbariya and its adjoining villages. The locals are apprehensive of possible outbreak of epidemic due to the gangrene bodies lying in open field.

HM prorogues parliament

By Yuvraj Acharya

KATHMANDU, April 17 The 21st Session of parliament came to an end with His Majesty the King proroguing it on Wednesday, marking the end of what many hail as one of the productive sessions as far the parliamentary business is concerned.

The session passed four crucial bills drafted to curb corruption and 12 others in the pipeline. The session also endorsed the imposition of emergency.

Speaking in the parliament, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said, "The 21st session has consolidated the constitutional monarchy and the parliamentary democracy by bringing together all political forces to tackle burning national issues."

"The session saw parties joining ranks against violence, terror and murder," Deuba further said, adding that passage of the state of emergency and approval given to Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Control Act suggested just that.

Prime Minister Deuba singled out institution of property probe committee, approval of anti- corruption bills, approval of civil code amendment bills and setting up of women and oppressed class commission as the notable achievements of the session.

He also appreciated the recent initiatives of the Indian government to flush out the Maoists from the Indian territory. "Restoration of peace in the country is the top most priority of the government and all the foreign friends are helping us in our endeavours."

But leader of the main opposition CPN-UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal billed the session as only partially successful. "The issue of constitutional amendment and viable resolution of Maoist insurgency could not be achieved," Nepal said, conceding that some positive pieces of legislation had been adopted.

Nepal also slammed Prime Minister Deuba for having "failed to fulfil commitments made before the sovereign parliament." He appreciated the positive role played by political parties to pass the bills drafted to remove socio-economic anomalies and corruption.

Arguing that the government has failed to curb rising violence, Nepal suggested Prime Minister Deuba to quit and pave way for a new government. He flayed the use of force to curb violence.

Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), flayed the government for trying to shirk from the responsibility of seeking a long-term resolution of the problems dogging the nation.

Badri Prasad Mandal of the Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP), Leader of National People’s Front (NPF) Chitra Bahadur KC, Lilamani Pokhrel of the United People’s Front (UPF) and Narayan Man Bijukchhe of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) stressed strictest enforcement of the bills passed to make any impression.

Govt awards TV licence to private companies

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KATHMANDU, April 17 The government has finally decided to award television transmission licences to three private parties, ending years of delay, false starts and inevitable speculations.

According to a high level official of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC), the Ministry today gave away licences to Image Channel Pvt Ltd, Kantipur Television Network Pvt. Ltd and Shangri-La Television Pvt Ltd.

Image Channel has been awarded the licence for operating a metro station, while Kantipur Television Network has been given the go-ahead to set up and operate a nation-wide terrestrial television channel and Shangri-La Television for satellite uplink.

The licensees are required to begin their operation within 18 months of acquiring licences.

The licences were awarded as per the decision of a committee formed by the Ministry to study and submit report for granting licence, as per the government’s policy of opening up television station to the private sector. The MoIC had requested for proposals from the interested parties to establish, operate and maintain terrestrial TV station on October1, 2000, through a public notice.

Responding to the call of the Ministry, nine private companies had applied for both the metro and nation-wide categories of terrestrial television broadcasting station two years ago.

Following the completion of the first phase of the evaluation, the Ministry had asked all the selected applicants to submit a detailed proposal including some specific provisions it added later. They were required to furnish technical, financial and commercial details and minutiae of programmes, investment portfolio, type of investment - foreign or domestic - and a security bond of five per cent of the total investment.

However, it took more than two years for the Ministry to open the proposals. On February 13, 2002, a three-member committee headed by Suresh Kumar Pudasaini, advisor to the Ministry, opened the proposals and by that time the validity of security bond committed by the respective parties had expired except for Kantipur Television Network Pvt Ltd.

The request for proposal documents (RFPD) of Himalayan Television Pvt Ltd, and Sagarmatha Television which had applied for a metro station were neither sealed nor contained security bond. While Space Time Network had submitted unsealed RFPD for a metro station.

Though the committee was entrusted with the responsibility of submitting final report within 15 days from the opening of proposals on February 13, 2002, it had to give some time to submit fresh security bond of those applicants whose bank guarantee had expired. This further delayed the decision on awarding licences to two companies: one for metro and one nation-wide TV station.

Kantipur Television says it will use ultra modern equipment in the station and commence operation as soon as possible in keeping with the need of the time.

Shangri-La Channel, Kantipur Television Network Pvt Ltd, Annapurna Media Transmission Pvt Ltd and Professional Broadcasting Pvt Ltd had applied for nation-wide TV station. Similarly, Sagarmatha Television, Image Channel Pvt Ltd, Prime Broadcasting System, Space Time Network Pvt Ltd and Himalayan Television Pvt Ltd had applied for metro station in Kathmandu Valley.

Neer Shah, Executive Director of Shangri-La Television, said that he was encouraged by the decision of the government. In the present context of globalisation and liberalisation, the government has taken a good step by awarding licences to private television stations. He also said that his station would use most modern technology and start operation within 6 to 8 months.

With the new entrants, now there are altogether 6 TV channels: Nepal Television, Nepal Television Metro Station, Channel Nepal, Kantipur Television Network, Image Channel and Shangri-La Television Pvt Ltd.

Work progresses on new Valley traffic intersections

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KATHMANDU, April 17 The Rs 602-million Japanese funded project for improvement of traffic intersections in Kathmandu Valley is proceeding full steam ahead, and it’s first phase is likely to be completed by March end next year, officials associated with the project say.

By March end, officials of the Department of Roads(DoR) say that 10 new and well managed traffic intersections will come on line to smooth out the traffic flow in Kathmandu Valley. By the time the second phase comes to an end some time later, an additional 10 intersections will also begin serving traffic and pedestrians.

DoR official Sunil Poudyal told The Kathmandu Post that the project is aimed at improving major intersections of the Valley’s roads which today are heavily congested by chaotic vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The new intersections being constructed will be similar to the Japanese-constructed Thapathali crossroads, but will also feature solar-powered traffic lights. Other regular features such as zebra crossings with bars, pedestrian control lights, railings carriage ways, foot-paths and concrete drainage systems will also be installed.

The first phase of the construction work has begun at the intersections of Maitighar, Kalimati, Padmodaya, Tinkune, Singh Durbar, Dilli Bazar Chowk, Keshar Mahal, New Baneshwor, Koteshwor and Kalanki. The intersections at Maitighar, followed by Padmodaya and Kalimati, will be completed next month, says Poudyal of the DoR.

In addition to the Japanese official assistance, the government has contributed Rs 20 million towards the Project. About 300 construction workers are already labouring day and night at five major intersections across the city. "It’s been more than a month we have been working day and night," said Madhav Adhikari, a labourer hired by Obayashi Corporation, a Japanese company contracted to build the intersection at Tinkune Chowk. The prime piece of land was taken over by the government some months ago.

Along with efforts of the DoR, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) will do landscaping, including the construction of walls and enclosure for flowers and grasses.

According to Krishna Bahadur Dangol, a site In-charge for Obayashi, a trial for installing traffic lights has been going on at an intersection in Kalanki after which it will be decided where to locate the control panel for the intersections.