Accent on mutually beneficial future-oriented cooperation

Nepal-India joint press statement

New Delhi, Aug. 3 (RSS): In the present context of increasing globalisation and the communication revolution and the fast-changes that have taken place at the national, regional and global levels, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee were convinced that the agenda of partnership in the 21st century must focus on expanding mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation.

According to a joint press statement issued today in connection with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's official visit to India, the two prime ministers agreed that the institutional mechanisms for dialogue and interaction in existence over the pass 50 years be reviewed and rationalised in the context of the new millenium to set the tone for mature relations and cooperation in the decades ahead.

In pursuing cooperative relations in this new framework, the two Prime Ministers agreed to respect each other's sensitivities and concerns and to address such issues that might arise from time to time in a constructive manner.

The two prime ministers noted that in recent years the ties between India and Nepal had been reinforced by their shared commitment to multi-party democracy. They noted that their commitment to the consolidation and institutionalisation of democratic values and principles had given the bilateral relations a news dynamism.

The wide-ranging discussions during the visit were held in an atmosphere of warmth and cordiality, the joint statement states.

During these discussions, the prime ministers of Nepal and India noted that the age-old and traditional friendship between the people of the two countries, based on the enduring bonds of history, georgraphy and shared social and cultural values, had been reinforced in recent times and bilateral cooperation expanded to embrace new areas of economic and developments activities.

The Prime Ministers reiterated the commitment of their governments to further stengthen the close and friendly relations between the two countries, in a spirit of equality, mutual respect and partnership and on the basis of an enhanced level of trust and understanding, keeping the long term perspective in mind.

The two prime ministers were conviced that a regular dialogue at various levels was required to continuously explore new avenues of cooperation, implement understandings reached in the past and avoid complacency.

In the new milliennium, the two countries must constantly nurture and upgrade their partnership, which derived sustenance from traditional links and shared values.

It was agreed that the first meeting of the revived India-Nepal joint commission would be convened during the forthcoming visit of the external affairs minister of India to Nepal. The joint commission would act as an umbrella body at the level of foreign ministers to oversee the entire gamut of bilateral relations and to provide directive on measures to further strengthen them. It would also review and rationalise the existing inter governmental mechanisms.

The two prime ministers noted with satisfication that the work on the B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences at Dharan, the 22 bridges project on the east west highway and the maternal and neo-natal intensive care units at Paropakar Indra Rajya Laxmi Maternity Hospital, Kathamndu, had been successfully completed.

They directed that the work on the India-Nepal cooperation projects under implementation, including finalisation of the framework for continued cooperation on the B. P. Koirala institute of health sciences at Dharan with the strengthening and extenstion of Indian faculty support to the institute till October 2000, the 200 bed emergency and trauma centre at Bir Hospital, Raxaul Sirsiya rail link project and the Mahendranagar Tanakpur link road project be expedited.

The prime ministers were apprised of the outcome of the fifth meeting of the India-Nepal high level task force held in Kathmandu on 6-7 June, 2000. They endorsed the recommendations made by the high level task force and agreed on cooperation between the two government in improving physical facilities and infrastructure at important border customs stations and check posts, beginning with three major border crossings at Raxaul-Birgunj, Sunauli-Bhairahawa and Jogbani-Biratnagar, and cooperation in development of infrastructure, including transportation and communication links, in the adjoining districts of Nepal and India.

They also spoke of the need of launching of jointly developed pilot project in Nepal in the field of rural and community development and cooperation between the two governments in jointly setting up a small or medium sized hydropower project in Nepal.

They also agreed on cooperation in setting up an export processing zone or free trade zone close to the inland container depot being developed at Birgunj, developing the dairy industry in Nepal, with the involvement of the National Dairy Development Boards of India and Nepal, and establishing a technology institute in Nepal as a partnership project, with information technology being one of its key components, the joint press statement states.

The two prime ministers also noted with satisfication that the India-Nepal Trade Treaty of December, 1996 and the Transit Treaty of January, 1999 had contributed to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and in facilitating Nepal's transit through India.

During the delegation level talks, views were exchanged on some practical problems which had emerged during the implementation of these treaties, particularly on the special additional duty, definition of manufacturing, issues of misdeclaration, facilitating, facilitation access of Nepalese food products into the Indian market and certification procedures for import of Indian ehicles under Nepal's new emission norms.

It was agreed that exports from Nepal to India would be exempted from the levy of special additional duty on customs, and certification procedures for imports of Indian vehicles into Nepal under Nepals's new emmision norms would be permitted on the basis of self-certification by Indian vehicle manufacturers based on type approval.

The Indian side conveyed that testing facilities were being set up at Gorakhpur and Raxaul, which would help to streanline procedures for Nepalese food exports to India. The Indian side also agreed to assist in upgrading the testing facilities in Nepal.

Both the Prime Ministers directed that the inter-governmental committee on trade transit and unauthorised trade headed by the commerce secretaries of the two governments, be convened soon to effectively address the remaining issues in a constructive manner and to take steps to promote trade and economic links between Nepal and India.

The joint statement also stated that initiatives taken in recent years, including the conclusion of the Trade Treaty with its provision for preferential entry of Nepalese manufactures into the Indian market and liberalisation of procedures for Indian rupee investments in Nepal, had led to increased investment by Indian companies in Nepal.

The two sides agreed to facililate expansion of the industrial production base in Nepal, including through enhanced participation of the private sector. With this objective, it was agreed to conclude a bilateral investment protection and promotion agreement (BIPA) at the earliest.

The two prime ministers also directed that the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on trans-border movement of motor vehicles be expedited.

Noting that the bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) have had preliminary exchanges on cooperation in the field of standard, they observed that this would be desirable for further promoting bilateral trade and investment.

As regards water resources the two prime ministers noted that the huge potential for development of hydropower resources in Nepal and the projected demand for power in India in the coming decades offered rich opportunities for cooperation to bring about rapid, environmentally sustainable economic growth on both sides of the border, however, the process of achieving concrete results had been relatively slow and needed to be accelerated.

The prime ministers also directed that a joint committee on water resources, headed by the water resources secretaries of the two governments be set up to discuss all important issues pertaining to cooperation in the water resources sector including implementation of existing agreements and understanding. The joint committee, which would meet at least once in every six months, would also oversee the work of all technical and expert level committees and groups in this field.

The Prime Ministers reiterated that the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty would be given high priority. They directed that the remaining investigations and studies be completed as per the schedule agreed upon by the joint group of experts on Pancheshwar and that the work on the preparation of the DPR be completed latest by the end of 2001. Unresolved issues pertaining to the DPR would be addressed by the joint committee on water resources.

On the Sapta Kosi high dam and Sunkosi-Kamala diversion projects, they agreed that the ongoing process be expedited.

The two prime ministers directed that the joint task force on flood control and forecasting be set up immediately to review cooperation in a comprehensive manner and give its recommendations to the two government.

It was also agreed that there would be close consultations between the concerned authorities of the two governments regarding flood control structures, which may cause damage to life and property in the adjoining border districts of India and Nepal.

Responding to the Nepalese concern of inundation in the Banke district of Nepal the Indian side assured that measures were being taken to ensure that the flood control embankment constructed in the Indian side would not cause inundation in the adjoining regions of Nepal and that the situation in this regard would be monitored jointly and necessary action taken.

Concerning cooperation in science and technology, the two prime ministers noted that an agreement of cooperation in science and technology would be concluded shortly.

In response to a request received from the Nepalese side, the Indian side agreed to extend their cooperation in the development of information technology in Nepal. It was agreed that a technology institute would be established in Nepal as an India Nepal partnership project with information technology as the key thrust area. Other avenues of cooperation in this vital sector would be identified through mutual consultations.

Taking note of traditional links between India and Nepal in the field of human resources development, the two prime ministers agreed that the cooperation in this key sector must be reinforced and this would include, inter alia, the continuing involvement of India, both at the governmental level as well as through the private sector, in development of institutions of higher learning and technical studies in Nepal.

The Indian side noted the concern expressed by the Nepalese side regarding the high fee structure for the Nepalese students pursuing higher education in India and assured that necessary measures would be taken to address the problem.

Noting that India and Nepal shared a rich cultural heritage and there were a large number of cultural sites which were of importance to the peoples of the two countries, the two Prime Ministers agreed that joint efforts, both at governmental and non-governmental levels, to conserve such cultural heritage sites would be mutually beneficial and that the possibility of setting up a cultural foundation would be explored.

As regards boundary demarcation, the two prime ministers reviewed the progress in the work of the joint technical level boundary committee and directed the committee to complete its field work by 2001-2002 and final preparation of strip maps by 2003. The committee was also directed that in case it was unable to reach mutually acceptable agreement on certain specific segments of the boundary despite its best efforts, detailed reports on those pockets, including a compilation of the available evidence, would be submitted to the two governments for their consideration.

The prime ministers also directed the joint working group of the joint technical-level boundary committee to expeditiously complete its examination of the facts relating to the alignment of the boundary in the western sector, including the Kalapani area, and in other pockets, where there were differences in perceptions of the two sides.

On 1950 treaty, the prime ministers directed the foreign secretaries to undertake a review of all issues pertaining to the 1950 Treaty. The foreign secretaries would meet within six months.

The prime ministers reiterated the determination of the two countries to work closely and fight the scourge of terrorism. They renewed the commitment of the two countries not to allow their respecitive territories to be used for activities directed against on prejudicial to the security of the other.

In pursuance of their shared objective of combating terrorism and cross-border crimes, the two governments agreed to devise effective modalities and measures to strengthen their existing cooperation in this regard.

The two prime ministers were also apprised of the outcome of the discussions held by the home secretaries of the two governments in Kathmandu from 5-7 July, 2000.

Expressing their satisfaction at the progress made in those discussions, they directed the home secretaries to meet regularly to review and expand the cooperation between the concerned law enforcment and security agencies of India and Nepal.

While expressing the determination of the two governments to preserve the mutually beneficial open interaction between the nationals of the two countries across the border. The prime ministers agreed on the need to prevent the misuse of the open border by terrorists, criminals and other undersirable elements. They directed that cooperation in this regard be stepped up. Discussions on the management of the border would continue in the joint working groups on border management as well as in talks between the two home secretaries.

In response to the request made by the Indian side for the regularisation of the services of Indian school and college teachers employed in Nepal, the Nepalese side assured that the decision taken by His Majesty's Government in 1998 in this regard would be implemented.

Responding to the long standing Indian request for the setting up the consulate general of India at Birgunj, the Nepalese side informed that the request was under consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Nepal invited the prime minister of India to pay an official visit to Nepal at an early date. The invitation was accepted with pleasure. The dates of the visit would be decided through diplomatic channels.

Elders told about Twin Otter crash

Kathmandu, Aug 3 (RSS):Taking time from chairman Dr. Mohammad Mohsin at today's meeting of the National Assembly, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Tarini Dutta Chataut informed the Upper House about the RNAC's twin otter accident which took place on July 27 and the relief works being carried out there.

Minister Chataut said it was found out at 2:40 p.m. on the same day from the police on the basis of information provided by the local residents that the plane had crashed at Jarayathali Ward No. 9 of Jogbudha VDC in Dadeldhura district.

He said after the site of the accident was found, directives were given to carry out relief works speedily. The first helicopter landed at near the accident site at 15:24 p.m. due to adverse weather condition. As soon as the information was received from the relief workers that none of the 25 passengers were alive, directives were issued to airlift the bodies to Dhangadhi, he added.

Due to the adverse weather condition, the body of the pilot was taken to Nepalgunj the same evening and other bodies were taken to Dhangadhi, Minister Chatuat said, adding that the bodies of the crew members were taken to Kathmandu and handed over to their relatives after post mortem. The remaining bodies were handed over to their relatives at Dhangadhi after performing post mortem there.

'I was myself involved in the relief operation the next day,' he said, adding that directives were given to provide a lump sum of Rs 10,000 to the local people who assisted in the relief works, Rs 5, 000 each to local residents Hikmat Bahadur Bista, Dhan Bahadur Bista and Govinda Bahadur who provided information about the accident of the aircraft and Rs 25,000 each to the relatives for the funeral of the deceased on behalf of the corporation.

Mr Chataut said a seven member investigation commission has been constituted by His Majesty's Government under the chairmanship of the Deputy Attorney General to submit report within 60 days after carrying out investigation into the crash.

Minister Chataut said HMG is serious about the accident and will not lag behind in taking any measures for safe air services.

As per the wishes of the relatives of the deceased, the bodies will be taken to Bajhang from Dhangadhi, he said, adding that it could not be done so far because of the bad weather condition.

Koirala arrives in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Aug. 3 (RSS):Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, in connection with his week-long official visit to India arrived here this afternoon by a special Indian Air Force Boeing-737 aircraft.

Premier Koirala was received by Governor of Andhra Pradesh Dr. C. Rangrajan, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, State Ministers, senior government officials and other distingnished personalities at the Rajiv Gandhi Airport.

A large number of people had gathered at the airport to extend warm welcome to the Nepalese Prime Minister.

Earlier, Prime Minister Koirala was seen off at the Indian Airforce Airport in New Delhi by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Ajit Kumar Panja, chief of protocol and other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and Royal Nepalese Embassy.

Mr Koirala is scheduled to visit hitech city and acquire information about software technology parks of India, meet the business community and visit Super Speciality Hospital at Puttaparthy and meet the Swamiji.

The Prime Minister will also attend a dinner hosted in his honour by the governor and chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Koirala is being accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Chakra Prasad Bastola, Royal Nepalese Ambassador to India Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Deb Mukharjee, Prime Minister's Daughter Ms. Sujata Koirala, the MPs, the chief secretary, the secretaries, the principal private secretary to the Prime Minister and other members of the entourage.

Bonded labourers march to apply declaration

Kathamndu, Aug. 3 (RSS):The bonded labourers liberation campaign committee has started a march of the bonded labourers from Raikabar of Kanchanpur district with the objective of making the declaration of the government effective.

HMG had announced on July 17 that all the bonded labourers of the kingdom had been freed and those keeping the bonded labourers would be prosecuted.

But as there has not been any significant social and administrative change towards the system of bonded labourers, the committee has initiated the first phase of the programme.

The programme has been launched in a bid to inform the concerned people that as the system of bonded labourers was illegal in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, legal provision including the Civil Code and the declaration of HMG, and agricultural labourers must receive at least Rs 60 for working for eight hours a day.

The committee has also called upon the governmental and non-governmental organisations and local bodies to make the march programme a success without affecting ethnic and communal harmony.

In Bardiya, the task of identifying the bonded labourers and taking their details has commenced here after HMG announced the emancipation of the bonded labourer and waived off their debts.

According to land reforms officer Dandapani Paudel, employees have already been despatched to update the details of the bonded labourers according to the records of 2053 B.S. and submit a report in this regard within 15 days.

A committee has been constituted with Bharat Bahadur Shaha as the chairman to help the freed bonded labourers.

Gupta seeks debate on Rights to Information Bill

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, August 3:Information and Communications Minister Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta has said that the Rights to Information Bill that is directly concerned with the common citizens should be extensively discussed before tabling it at Parliament for approval.

"Since the Bill is related to the one of the most important aspects of our Constitution, all of its major clauses should be seriously discussed," he said at a one-day talk programme on 'Right to Information and the Proposed Bill' organised here today. "The Nepali Congress government is always in favour of the Bill, which will be tabled at Parliament for approval after completing the necessary procedures."

Minister Gupta said that the Bill, which is to become law after approval, should not be passed in haste as it would have an adverse effect on the democratic system. "The Bill will get materialised after the concerned committees send recommendations to it."

After the enactment of the Bill, the flow of information would be free and transparent in the present context when the tendency of information flow has been wrong, he said.

Federation of Nepalese Journalists Suresh Acharya said that the Bill would play an important role in consolidating free press. "The Bill that guarantees people's rights to information has to be passed in Parliament as soon as possible."

From the chair, Chairman of the Development Committee of the House of Representatives Tanka Prasad Rai said that the government should protect people's rights to information by approving the Bill as soon as possible.

Presenting comments on the proposed Bill in the second session of the programme, Parliamentarian Raghuji Panta charged the government of failing to check the growing trend of hiding information.

The second session was conducted under the chairmanship of former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana.

Panta said that there were some shortcomings in the Bill and suggested the concerned authorities to correct them in time. "The government formulates laws, which have not been able to ensure people's rights to information," he adding, "The Bill should not deprive the press of their freedom of publication and their rights to free information."

Another Parliamentarian Navaraj Subedi said that there was a big gap between the principle and practice regarding information.

Similarly, Parliamentarians Dhanendra Basnet, Krishna Prasad Dahal, Tanka Rai, and Mahendra Yadav pointed out the problem that the formulated laws have not been practised properly. They also suggested that the Bill should be passed after correcting the shortcomings.

Visit to create positive environment in ties

New Delhi, Aug. 3 (RSS): Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala who was here on a week long goodwill visit to India at the friendly invitation of Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has completed the official programmes.

Mr. Koirala was repeadly saying before coming on the goodwill visit to India that he wanted to create an atmosphere of "confidence building" between the two friendly countries with very close ties since time immemorial.

Now after completing the major programmes of his good vill visit, he says, "I am satisfied".

In an interview to star TV and BBC television this morning, the Prime Minister said, "I had come here with a good will message from Nepal and I am returning with good will message".

Replying to a question about terrorism he said, Nepal is also equally concerned about terrorism and we have common feelings about this.

"It should be viewed in a broader perspective and there should be understanding between the two countries," he added.

The visit is said to be very fruitful in creating the positive environment in Nepal- India relations.

Prime Minister Koirala and Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee held extensive discussions on many issues of Nepal-India relations which included Kalapani, the 1950 treaty, border deliniation, Laxmanpur Barrage, promotion of trade and investment, problems faced by Nepalese in India and future cooperation.

Nepal and India are very close and there are some problems between the two countries and the visit of the Prime Minister was not only very fruitful to convey the feelings of the Nepalese people but also very helpful to move forward the friendly and cordial relations subsisting between the two nations with ancient civilization.

Prime Minister Koirala had said, "This goodwill visit has helped to move forward Nepal and India relations to the new footing and positive direction".

Royal Nepalese Ambassador to India Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa states that the visit has created a positive atmosphere to resolve the new and old problems existing between Nepal and India.

There was complete cordiality from all sides in India, even the media, about the feelings of Nepal and the visit is very meaningful to resolve problems and look forward to new possibilities of cooperation, he said.

The Prime Minister discussed all the major issues which he had been saying including the 1950 treaty, Laxmanpur Barrage, Kalapani, the border, future cooperation, trade and investment and many other issues, Dr. Thapa said.

According to the ambassador, Nepal and India have agreed to jointly monitor and control the inundation, border issues, small and medium sized hydro power development, development of information technology and high-tech, and continue development cooperation.

Meeting with the leaders of various political parties, government officials and distinguished persons including senior journalists of India and conveying the feelings of Nepal was also a very positive aspect of the visit which helped to relay the messages and feelings of Nepalese people to people of all walks of life in India.

Prime Ministers Koirala and Vajpayee reviewed the past fifty years of Nepal-India relations and discussed ways to move forward the cordial friendly relations in a positive direction in the new millennium.

Chairman of Nepal-India Friendship Association R.N. Marda says the visit has helped to forward the over all aspects of Nepal-India relations in a new direction.

Being very close, Nepal and India have a very close friendship and cordiality, but there are certain problems since long time that need to be resolved in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding and in this sense the visit has paved the way to move towards the positive direction which needs to be continued.

Prime Minister Koirala had said, "this is a good will visit with a confidence building mission", and he is successful in what he had said.

Upper House discusses various issues

Kathmandu, Aug. 3 (RSS):Immediately after the start of the National Assembly meeting today, CPN-UMlL's Shanta Manavi demanded that since 618 out of the 852 women employees of women's development division, founded with the objective of producing skilled manpower and promoting women's awareness are temporary employees, immediate measures need to be initiated to provide them permanent status.

Ramchandra Bhattarai of the same party drew the attention of the sector concerned to the massive loss of property caused by floods and landslides in different parts of the country recently. He also drew government's attention to the plight of 947 employees of Parasari Garment Industry in Rupandehi who have not received their salaries for the past four months.

Jivan Prem Shrestha of Nepali Congress drew the government's attention to the pains and sufferings of the relatives of the victims of the recent air crash, who have been stranded in Dhangadhi, and have not been able to return to their homes to perform the last rites of their deceased relatives.

CPN-UML's Lal Bahadur Biswokarma called the government's attention to the condition of more than 1000 Kamaiyasor bonded labourers in Kanchanpur district who have nowhere to go and nothing to eat following their liberation.

Goma Devkota of the same party demanded that the government provide permanent status to the 618 temporary women employees of women's development division.

Surendra Prasad Pandey, also of CPN-UML, demanded that the government make immediate arrangement for the relatives of the victims of the recent air crash to reach their homes and perform the last rites of their deceased relatives.

He also demanded stern action against the person who had been playing with the health of the people in Kathmandu under the guise of a doctor.

Ganga Datta Joshi and Mahendra Kumar Mishra of NC also drew government's attention to various current issues.

Taking special time at the upper house meeting today, CPN-UML's Bir Bahadur Lama said development of Pashupatinath Temple has not been carried out in acordance with the level of its income.

Mr Lama also drew the attention of the government towards the irregularities being held in Swargadwari of Pyuthan district.

MP Chanda Shaha said devotees visiting the temple of Lord Pashupatinath equals the number of devotees thronging the famous temple of Lord Shanker in Babadham of India but the facilities here are discouraging. The works being carried out by Pashupati Area Development and Improvement Committee is not satisfactory and the road leading to Pashupatinath in Gaushala from Baneswor and Chabahil is also in a dilapidated condition.

Arbinda Kumar Thakur of Nepali Congress said liberation of Kamaiyas or bonded labourers is a very big achievement of the country and society. He welcomed the ongoing discussion in the parliament to give equal rights to women, who have been deprived of many opportunities and dejected from the family.

CPN-UML's Thammaya Thapa demanded that the government investigate the death of Binod Khatri,19, who was shot dead by police while he was taking part in a mourning procession in Myagdi district.

Sukraraj Sharma of Nepali Congress accused non-government organisations working to uplift the living standard of the poor and helpless of becoming a medium to make some individuals more prosperous.

Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyaya has said that establishment of an agricultural university was the first priority of the country and the government was making preparation for an introduction of a bill in the parliament in this regard.

Furnishing replies to oral questions asked by MPs at the meeting of the National Assembly today, Minister Upadhyaya said that HMG would provide posts of teachers on the basis of the education rules and regulations.

He informed that there was a provision for at least 3 teachers in schools having upto three class, 3 to 5 teachers in schools upto five class, 7 in schools upto eight class and 7 in schools upto 6 to 10 class.

Jagannath Paudel of the Nepali Congress and Tham Maya Thapa and Lal Bahadur Bishwakarma authorised by Mohan Bahadur Bam had posed questions to Minister for Education and Sports Upadhyaya.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Cooperatives Baldev Sharma Majagaiya said the Nepal labour Force Report-1998/99 of the Central Bureau of Statistics estimates that the number of women involved in agriculture is 4,841,000.

Responding to queries raised during the meeting of the Upper House today, Mr. Majagaiya informed the House that the Rs 3,811,000 allocated last fiscal year under the women farmers development programme was used in providing training to 105 technicians in the five development regions of the country and 10 best women farmers involved in farming and animal husbandary were awarded.

The amount was also used in preparing the programme implementation directory, evaluating the past programs and running programmes for promoting women entrepreneurs and farmers.

Minister of State Majagaiya replied to Lal Bahadur Biswokarma.

The officiating secretary at the National Assembly meeting today tabled some Nepal Acts Amendment Bill, 2057 and some Nepal Acts Amendment Bill, 2057 concerning communications which originated at and were endorsed by the House of Representatives.

At the meeting, National Assembly chairman Dr Mohammad Mohasin read out a message from the Royal Palace on the acceptance of the resignation of Minister of State for Forests and Soil Conservation Mohammad Aftab Alam.

The meeting expressed deep sadness over the demise of ex-member of the National Assembly Khadga Bikram Shaha who had been undergoing treatment at a nursing home in Lucknow, India and wished eternal peace to the departed soul.

A proposal to this effect was presented by its chairman Dr. Mohasin.

The meeting also observed one minute's silence wishing eternal peace to the departed soul.

The National Assembly will meet again tomorrow at 12 noon.

Meanwhile a meeting of the National Assembly Business Advisory Committee held today discussed the future agenda of the House.

Vice chairman of the National Assembly Chiranjibi Rijal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mahantha Thakur, whip of the ruling party Dil Bahadur Gharti, whip of the opposition party Surendra Prasad Pandey and MP Aindra Bikram Thamsuhang were present at the meeting chaired by National Assembly chairman Dr. Mohammad Mohasin.

Similarly, a meeting of the House of Representatives Population and Social Committee held today completed clausewise discussions on the Martyr Gangalal National Heart Centre Bill 2056 and on amendment proposals to the bill and decided to submit its report to the House of Representatives.

Minister for Health Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Minister of State for Women, Children and Social Welfare Kamala Pant, Minister of State for Health Tirtha Ram Dangol, MPs Asta Laxmi Shakya, Kailashnath Kashoudhan, Krishna Charan Shrestha, Ganga Prasad Nepal, Bhakta Bahadur Balayar, Dr. Banshidhar Misra, Yadav Bahadur Rayamajhi, Ratna Prasad Sharma Neupane, Shankar Nath Sharma Adhikari, Savitri Bogati (Pathak), Ishawar Pokharel, Gorakha Bahadur Bogati, Nara Bahadur Hamal, Subhas Nemwang and Prem Bahadur Singh were present at the meeting held under the chairmanship of committee chairman Narendra Bahadur Bam.

Also today, a meeting of the House of Representatives natural means and resources committee concluded clausewise discussions on the bill designed to amend the co-operatives act, 2048 and decided to submit its report to the House of Representatives.

The meeting was chaired by committee chairman Lekha Nath Acharya.

NTUC says it will oppose new pay shceme

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, August 3:The Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) has said that it would pursue its protest programmes against the new salary arrangement in the government corporations in a more forceful way.

According to a press release of the National Protest Programme Coordination Committee, tomorrow it will gherao the chiefs of the Corporations from 10:00 A.M. to 13:00 P.M. and will submit a protest letter to the Finance Minister later in the day. The Coordination Committee includes the Nepal Trade Union Congress, Nepal Inter-Corporation Employees' Union and Nepal Financial Organisation Employees' Union.

Under the programme, on Sunday, district offices of the Corporations outside the Kathmandu valley will be gheraoed. The protest programme also include the stoppage of all vehicles of the Corporations from 10:00 to 13:00 hours on Monday and it will be increased by one hour everyday till next Wednesday.

The press release also says it will stop work at all the Corporations on August 10 and 11 if its demands are not fulfilled. However, the press release says, works in essential services will not be stopped.

The protest programme was started from July 31 demanding the implementation of the salary increment in the corporations without cutting down the existing grades and facilities. The demand also include the abolition of the existing policy and the process of privatisation of the corporations, abolition of income tax on the employees' gratuities and pensions and making all temporary, contractual and waged employees permanent.

At a press conference held today, Coordinator of the Protest Programme Coordination Committee, Pushkar Acharya accused the government of being insensitive to the problems of the Corporations. He said with the conditions laid down by the government the salary increment have failed to benefit the employees of the Corporations.