Cease-fire will be short-lived: Koirala

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MORANG, Feb 14 : Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala today said that present cease-fire would be short-lived though it has brought a wave of happiness among the people. He said no homework has been done for confidence building measures for the upcoming peace talks even after the announcement of the cease-fire.

Talking to reporters at his residence in Biratnagar, Koirala said that the cease-fire was not reliable and transparent.

"Both the sides should have come up with a code of conduct along with the cease-fire. Therefore, it is not transparent," he said, adding, "I have heard that the Maoists and the King’s representatives are holding dialogue. Rather than holding talks with the King’s representatives they should hold talks with the people."

Any dialogue between the Maoists and the King’s representatives would be irrelevant if both sides kept major political forces at bay, he added. He claimed that there has been a division within the Maoist ranks over the questions of whether they should side with the palace or parliamentarian forces.

He reiterated that the King should revive the dissolved parliament and allow it to resolve the national issues including the Maoist one. He also questioned about the modality of the much-talked roundtable conference.

When asked about his stand regarding the constituent assembly, Koirala said that it should first be made clear whether the rebels have dropped the concept of republic or they are still adamant about it. "Will the King go for the constituent assembly accepting the challenge of a republican concept?" he asked.

Over 17,000 students set to receive scholarship

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SALYAN, Feb 14 : District Education Office (DEO) here has made necessary arrangements to award scholarships to 17,760 students, for the fiscal year 2002/2003, under the Education Programme.

Included under this scholarship scheme are the students enrolled in the Primary level education system, within the age group of 6 to 10. Importantly those who are either physically challenged, Dalits, socially deprived ethnic group, economically unstable, helpless and the street children can get the scholarship.

District Education Officer (DEO), Om Prakash Neupane, says that the poor Dalits, socially deprived ethnic groups, orphaned and street children of the district have always been deprived of education. So, with a motive of exposing these children to the benefits of education, such scholarship distribution programmes are being conducted in this district he added.

Neupane says that an amount of Rs 4.44 million has been obtained for this scheme. 7912 students falling within the criteria are expected to be provided scholarship within a week’s time. According to District Education Officer Neupane, each of these eligible students will be getting a scholarship amount of Rs 250. This amount will be deposited in the account of respective primary schools, under the trustee of two, a local representative, and the Government’s clerk-level employee. In order to make the distribution of scholarship amount effectively the respective schools availing this scheme shall be provided with the third four-monthly scholarship donation, only after producing the receipts verifying that the students have received the scholarship.

In Salyan district there are 356 primary schools at present, and 43,470 students have been pursuing basic education at these schools. Of these schools, 7912 students from 303 schools are being distributed the scholarship during the first phase of the scheme, while the remaining students will be provided with this bonanza in the next four-monthly scheme.

Neupane is very optimistic that the scholarship programme will assist in the rise of Dalits, physically challenged, destitute, economically weak, and socially deprived students, thereby bringing a positive change in their lives.

The programme is being conducted with the joint effort of His Majesty’s Government and the Donor Agency, IDA. It is learnt that of the 17,760 students who have been listed for receiving the scholarship, 7912 scholarships will be provided by the Basic and Primary Education Programme under His Majesty’s Government, while the IDA will be responsible for providing scholarship to 9848 students.

In the Management Committee formed for this Scholarship distribution programme, District Education Officer has been designated as its chairman, while others include at least a representative from District Administration Office, District Education Committee, women representatives from among the various Dalit organisations existing in the district, District Development Committee and the project affiliated with it, and branch officers of the DEO.

Maoists hold open meeting in Bara

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BARA, Feb 14 : Maoist rebels yesterday organised an open meeting in Haraiya Village Development Committee (VDC) for the first time after the cease-fire announcement. Locals said that the rebels spoke for about two hours in the premises of the VDC office, located about 12 km north-east of Bara’s district headquarters, Kalaiya. Around 500 people including women and children were present in the meeting. They had arrived there on tractors, locals said.

Addressing the meeting, rebel leaders warned that they would again raise arms if the proposed peace talks between the government and the Maoists ended up on an inconclusive note. They also accused the administration of carrying out organised robbery in various parts of the district.

Janakpur youth fall for Valentine’s Day craze

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JANAKPUR, Feb 14 : A majority of youth, both girls and boys in Janakpur, were busy buying gifts for their beloved, on the eve of Valentine’s Day yesterday. Gift shops such as Pushpavatika and Lovely Gift House near the Janaki temple, were teeming with love-struck Romeos and Juliets, shopping for gifts of their choice for their Valentines and the ones that were very dear to their hearts.

It is learnt that even Dynasty Gift Shop and the ornament shop at Bhanuchauk had seen extra crowds as compared to other days, lending credence to the belief that ‘Lovers Day’ is fast gaining popularity in Nepal.

According to the proprietor of Puspavatika, Deepak Jha, on the eve of this international occasion, sales have shot up twice as high as compared to the normal days. The boys had shown more interest in buying roses, while the girls seemed more attracted by the cards.

A girl at this gift shop, Renuka Shah, who was buying a card for her lover boy with the heart-imprint inside, when enquired about the gift said, " I’ve gone for the card because if I chose roses as a gift, I’m scared they might draw my parents’ attention, while they won’t be able to figure out much about the card."

On being asked as to why she was so scared to let others know about her love for someone, she retorted, " Do you know that sugar when it is stolen, tastes much sweeter?"

It was learnt that majority of the youth who had come to buy gifts were not shy of revealing their lover’s names when asked.

This festival of love which is slowly gaining social recognition even in our society now, seems to present more of a picture where boys are entangled in one-sided love. A student of 10+2, Raman Acharya says that he is in love with a girl but has not been able to express it to her. He adds that he will express his feeling in words by giving her a rose this Valentine.

However, married couples were also seen buying gifts of love for their spouses. Archies, a popular gift and card production company has decided to celebrate February 11 to 17 as Valentine Week.

Siraha hospital doctor yet to take charge

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SIRAHA, Feb 14 : On recommendation of the Public Service Commission, the Health Department had appointed Dr Rakesh Kumar Shah, who was asked to fill in the vacant post at the District hospital of Siraha. But, it is learnt that he has not yet assumed his post even to this day.

Dr Shah was appointed on January 2 but even after the expiry of 35 days, he has yet to take charge, says chief of Siraha hospital, Dr Murali Prasad Singh.

The legal branch of Health Department had made an enquiry to elicit information about Dr Shah’s presence there.

Dr Singh says that though the district hospital is supposed to have at least three doctors, at the moment they are managing with just two doctors.

Grand preparations underway for mahayagya

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MAHOTTARI, Feb 14 : Grand preparations are underway for the hugely popular Kotihom Mahayagya (holy fire ceremony), and Shree Sitaram Nam Sankirtan Shanti Mahayagya which starts at Rajguthi Math (religious sanctum) in Matihani from February 12 and lasts upto February 23.

Around 108 kirtan mandap (dias) have been erected for this upcoming mahayagya. A very attractive canvas covering has been constructed over the mid-portion of the historically popular Lakshmi Sagar, from where the mud had been carried for the erection of the wedding mantle, required for the wedding ceremony of the daughter of King Janak of Janakpur, Sita, and Lord Ram, the son of King Dashrath of Ayodhya, using around 50,000 bamboo props as support.

This canopy, being constructed with an amount of about Rs one million is considered to be the main attraction. However, this tent which is being constructed over the holy Lakshmi Sagar is being erected in such a way that it imparts a holy look.

Hindu pilgrims from all over the world, including prominent religious heads and priests, ascetics, sages, pious devotees, mahantha (priest), intellectuals, and common people not only across the country but from other countries as well, are expected to converge here during the mahayagya.

During the mahayagya, a huge kalash procession, Akhanda Jyoti Yagya-mandap prayers, followed by Akhanda Prabachan (holy discourses), Ram Charitra Nawaha (discussion on Lord Ram’s character), Krishna-Lila, (antics of Lord Krishna), Ras-Lila and many other religious functions will be conducted.

The mahayagya which will take place on an area of about two square kilometres, is going to be the first of its kind in this region, and enthusiastic locals are already very excited about this holy event. As a prelude to this event, lots of activities can be observed around this region and momentum is gaining with each passing day.

Due to this grand religious event, which is being organised at the town of Matihani, adjacent to the Indian border, it is expected to be visited by hundreds of Indians, living near the border, who are looking forward to this event with great expectation.

Foolproof, special security arrangements will be made during the event, which is expected to be thronged by about 3.5 million Hindu followers from across the globe, informs the Superintendent of Police, Narayan Kumar Acharya.

In order to avoid the occurrence of any mishap, talks between the security personnel from India and Nepal at Madhawapur has just concluded, which will assist in ensuring peace and security along the border, reiterated Bimal Dhakal, CDO.

The expenditure for this mahayagya is expected to be around Rs 30 million, and they are already facing a financial crisis, says manmahantha (priest) Jagannath Das Shastri. The priest laments that they are already under a debt of Rs 1.5 million.

UNESCO aid for literacy programme

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KATHMANDU, Feb 14 : United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has approved two separate grant assistance of US $ 4,76,406 and US $ 200,000 each for the furtherance of literacy programme in Nepal.

US $ 4,76,406 has been provided for the development of Community Literacy Centre (CLC) and US $ 200,000 for the expansion of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, a source at the Ministry of Education and Sports revealed here Friday.

Currently, the government is running two Community Learning Centres in Kathmandu and Baitadi as pilot projects. With UN’s support, it is establishing 205 more CLCs across the country within the tenth plan period.

The assistance would be utilised mainly for literacy classes of the out-of-school children and adults. A part of it would be utilised in training, generating educational awareness, skill development and for post-literacy programme. All this will begin ‘soon’, Ministry spokesperson Laba Prasad Tripathi said.

US $ 200,000 will be solidly used for expanding ECD centres, according to Tripathi.

The government has envisaged providing pre-schooling to children through the construction of ECD centres under the Basic and Primary Education Programme (BPEP-II).

So far, the programme has led to the building of 4,200 ECD centres. To reduce the persistently high rate of school drop-outs and improve schooling outcome, the government needs at least 5,700 ECDs.

UNESCO has 56 offices around the world. It aims to contribute to the creation and smooth running of institutions working in education, science, culture and communication and assist countries in drawing up national policies that will enable them to attain their stated objectives.

Traffic awareness campaign to curb road mishaps

By Shyam Bhatta

KATHMANDU, Feb 14 : "If you don’t know traffic rules and regulations, it is better not to leave your house. Stop during a red light, be cautious and cross the road only when the light is green. Always use the zebra crossing, when crossing the road." Young people, wearing jackets similar to those of the traffic police, have been repeating instructions through microphones for the past month at new intersections in Kathmandu.

The trend of ignoring traffic signals, installed for pedestrians and vehicle drivers, has increased in the capital. The increasing traffic in the valley prompted the Japanese government to provide a fund of Rs 640 million for intersection improvement, which was constructed by the Obyasi Construction Company.

Recently completed, these intersections have been modelled along Japanese and American standards. However, a traffic awareness campaign was organised after many city-dwellers flouted traffic rules, said company officials.

The campaign that began on January 2 will end after February. The company, whose contract terminates in March hopes that before it leaves, the public will be properly aware of traffic rules and follow them accordingly.

After more than a month of organising the campaign, company officials have found that in some parts they have been effective in teaching the public, while in other places they were unsuccessful. This was mainly due to the fact that many people ignored traffic rules despite being aware of them.

Around 20 volunteers, who give two hours of their time during week days, place themselves at the intersections constructed by the company in an effort to make the public follow the traffic rules.

Site engineer Rajiv Shrestha told The Kathmandu Post that although the first plan has been completed, more intersections still need to be improved in the valley. However, the intersections already completed are yet to be fully utilised.

Even school students are giving their time to bring traffic awareness to the public. The support of the schools has been very supportive in the campaign. Each week, the company takes students from three schools for campaigning.

"Due to these young volunteers it has been easier," said Govinda Thapa, traffic police officer at Kalimati. The volunteers also said that they were receiving help from traffic officers.

"We have found that the elderly, young school students, and well-dressed individuals all violate traffic rules," said volunteer Dawa Lama. "Many say that they are in a hurry and cross the zebra crossing when the lights are still red."

The intersections have been constructed in the busy areas of Kalimati, New Baneshwore, Kalanki, Putalisadak, Keshar Mahal, Singha Durbar, Maitighar, Koteshwore, Tinkune and Ramshahpath. The lights are solar-powered.

If the public could understand the aim of the construction of the intersections, it would be easier to further improve other areas. The city would be beautiful, said the officials of Obyasi Company.

Focus on agricultural production for poverty alleviation

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb 14 : Experts have emphasized the need for utilising modern technologies in the national agricultural system in order to bring changes in the agricultural production, which often is not equivalent to the invested capital and labour.

The application and use of modern agricultural technologies should be extended up to rural level so as to issue a better agricultural product, which is essential to strengthen the national economy and help alleviate poverty in the country, they pointed out.

At a symposium organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology to discuss the final draft of Science And Technology Policy - 2003 being prepared by His Majesty’s Government, the participant speakers suggested the maximum utilization of modern developments in science and technology to enhance the agricultural and industrial production in the country.

They emphasised the need to formulate appropriate policies and regulations for the sustainable development of available means and resources in the country using effective technologies.

Declaring open the symposium Minister for Health and Science and Technology Dr Upendra Devkota said it is always better to develop our own technologies and make them known in the international markets rather than imitating foreigners in each and every matter.

‘Other people have advanced technologies but we have unique resources and herbs, through which we can identify ourselves and our nation in the world provided we are able to exploit the resources in a proper way,’ Minister Devkota said.

Minister on the occasion informed that the government is preparing for formulating balanced policies considering the fact that national development is impossible without the development of science and technology in the country.

Vice-Chancellor of RONAST Professor Dr Dayananda Bajracharya demanded of the government to be serious in implementing the commitments made in the 10th Plan to develop science and technology in the country.

Member of National Planning Commission Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada stressed the need to formulate policies in such a manner that rural people should be benefited more from the technologies and consequently contribute in the gross agricultural production.

Also speaking on the occasion were secretary at the Ministry for Science and Technology Mahesh Lal Shrestha, chief scientific advisor of the Ministry Prof Dr Kedar Lal Shrestha and others.

The draft of the policy after giving it a final form will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval, it was said on the occasion.

His Majesty’s Government has already started the construction work of Information Technology (IT) Park in Banepa in accordance with the policy of developing in the field of science and technology, and internet facilities will be available in more than 1500 VDCs in the kingdom by the end of the 10th plan, it was informed on the occasion.

The government also has adopted the policy to provide computer education to all by 2010.

Weekly record of road accidents

KATHMANDU, Feb 14 (PR)- This week witnessed as many as 36 accidents in the Kathmandu Valley alone and two people died in the mishaps.

In a press statement issued by the Valley Traffic Police Office today, twenty-eight people were injured in various road accidents and seven of them were in serious condition.

Meanwhile, police held four for drunken driving and two were arrested for using mobile phones while driving.

The number of people violating the traffic rules stand at 3441 and the fine collected was Rs 3,87,901.

Indian assistance for Deuri water project

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KATHMANDU, Feb 14 : The Ministry of Local Development of His Majesty’s Government and the Embassy of India, Kathmandu signed an agreement today on Indian assistance of Rs. 7.34 million for the implementation of Deuri Water Supply project in Triyuga Municipality in Udayapur district, according to a statement released today.

The Ministry of Local Development signed the agreement on behalf of the District Development Committee (DDC), Udayapur. The DDC will follow prescribed procedures for tendering and awarding the contract for the project and will ensure quality of the construction through constant monitoring and supervision.

Similarly, a Consumers’ Committee, consisting of eleven local citizens, has been constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Local Self- Government Act, 2055. This committee will be responsible, among other things, for mobilizing people’s participation for effective implementation of the project and overseeing the execution of the work.

The project is expected to provide drinking water to about 1500 households residing in 4 wards in the municipality. The estimated cost of the project is NRs. 9.72 million, of which NRs. 2.38 million will be generated through local contribution, according to the statement.

Viral disease in Bajura brought under control

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb l4 : An outbreak of viral disease in Jukot VDC of Bajura district has been brought fully under control, according to the Health Service Department Disease Control Division.

Six persons between the ages of 22 and 55 died in the disease outbreak which started about a month ago, according to Dr Govinda Ojha of the division.

The District Public Health Office dispatched a medical team to the affected VDC and treatment was provided to another 260 people who have now recovered, it is also stated.

Deputy Speaker in Tokyo

KATHMANDU, Feb. 14(RSS): Deputy Speaker Chitralekha Yadav visited the Gender Equality Department in Tokyo, Japan Thursday morning and familiarised herself of the activities there. Director General of the Department T. Uesugi informed her about the activities. Likewise, Yadav also met with ex-prime minister Riutaro Hasimoto and discussed matters of mutual interest. Yadav left for the port city of Yokohama, yesterday. Charge d’ Affairs of Nepal to Japan Mohan Krishna Shrestha also had a meeting with her.

Book released

KATHMANDU, Feb 14 (PR)- A book on Bikash Prashashan (Development Administration) was released amid a function held here today. Authored by Yuba Raj Pandey, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, the 574-page book explores theories on development administration and its implications in Nepal. Published by Vidyarthi Pustak Bhandar, Bhotahity, the book also examines at length the problems related to different issues on development and makes critical evaluation of the successive five-year plans.