Children gift of God, symbol of power, says PM

Kathmandu, Aug. 20 (RSS): On the occasion of the 73rd Auspicious Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and 36th National Children’s Day, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala hoisted the national flag and the flag of Nepal Children’s Organisation at a function organised at Bal Mandir, Naxal today.

On the occasion Prime Minister and Chairman of Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s 76th Auspicious Birthday and 36th National Children’s Day Main Celebration Committee Mr Koirala also offered garlands to the statue of Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

Speaking at the function, Prime Minister Koirala said children are the gift of god and symbol of power and that it was with this sacred belief that the Bal Mandir or children’s home was founded.

Stating that children have always been a source of inspiration and enthusiasm to him, Mr Koirala said the government is looking forward to do more for the rights, interest and development of children.

On the occasion the Prime Minister initiated the fifth Bal Mandir Cup Inter School Football Tournament by handing over the official football to referee Mathuraram Shrestha.

He also presented shield, cup, prizes and certificates to the winners of the nation level children’s art competition organised to mark the occasion.

Likewise, Prime Minister Koirala presented certificates of sponsorship to Swaroop Koney, Chij Bahadur Gurung and Deepak Khadka for sponsoring children in the organisation and letters of appreciation to various individuals and organisations providing material and financial assistance to the organisation.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Women, Children and Social Welfare and vice-chairperson of the Main Celebration Committee Mrs Kamala Pant pointed out the need to give special attention towards resolving various problems of education, health, nutrition, labour and sexual exploitation being faced by children of the nation.

Minister of State Mrs Pant also said that only 69 of every hundred children in the country have got the opportunity to go to school, 214 children die every day, every 56 among 100 children are suffering from malnutrition, 40,000 children are bonded labourers and more than 2600,000 children have been compelled to labour for a living.

Restoration of democracy in the country led to the formulation of the Children Act-2048 B.S., Constitution of children welfare committees in all the 75 districts and extension of juvenile court and child reform houses, she added.

From the chair, central president of Nepal children’s organisation and vice-chairperson of the Main Celebration Committee Rita Singh Vaidhya shed light on the importance of National Children’s Day and pointed out the need to make a compulsory provision of providing education and health to children.

Central general secretary of the organisation and the committee member Ganeshbhakta Shrestha said that the organisation has been providing free education to some 12,000 children and shelter and protection to nearly 400 orphans and helpless children through six children’s home in the country.

The organisation also aims to provide within the next three years scholarship under the district sponsored scholarship programme to 750 students in all the 75 districts of the country and of which 125 children of 13 districts have already started receiving the scholarship, it is stated.

Tikaram Darji of Ganesh Secondary School Dhuskey, Okhaldhunga, Kaji Babu Karki of Jalpa Secondary School, Okhaldhunga and Suraj Kumar Lamgade of Jan Higher Secondary School Surkhet came out first, second and third respectively in the art competition followed by Selija Neupane of Pragyan Academy Chandragadi, Jhapa and Rajendra Poudel of Shree Ratna Rajya Laxmi Devi Secondary School, Kathmandu.

Also present on the occasion were the National Assembly chairman, the chairman of Rajparishad Standing Committee, ex-chairman of the National Assembly, Ministers, MPs, heads of constitutional bodies, representatives of diplomatic missions and other distinguished personalities.

Widow of late Gurung appeals all to put the matter to rest

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Aug. 20: Shanti Gurung, widow of singer and musician Praveen Gurung who had died in a motorcycle accident of August 6, has appealed to all to put the matter to rest.

At a press conference she organised at Hotel Garden, Thamel today, she said the accusations made against HRH Prince Paras Shah for the accident are false and also called the allegations against him by the press and the media as unfortunate.

Gurung, who looked grief-ridden, said the accident, which took the life of her husband, as unexpected and a big tragedy to her. But she added she was also saddened by the accusations made against Prince Paras.

"I do not agree to the reports in the media, accusing Prince Paras for the accident, because they were not supported by adequate proof or eye-witnesses," she said in a press statement. She, however, denied that she was making the statement under any duress.

Prince Paras was accused by the media as the one who was driving the vehicle that had knowcked Praveen down. The issue was even raised in the parliament and the MPs had demanded that an investigation be made and the culprit be brought to book.

She, however, said she is now fully convinced that one Khadga Bahadur Bhujel wass behind the wheels when the accident occurred. Bhujel was identified by the police as the one who caused the accident. Bhujel has also confessed to the crime and is presently in police custody.

In the press statement Shanti has said her sole concern now was to bring up their two sons, Biju (13) and Bishal (11), and for that she was willing to compromise on the ground of appropriate compensation from the driver and is satisfied with the recompense provided by the driver.

"I am even thinking of withdrawing the case against the driver," the press statement says.

She has, however, thanked all who have lent support to her in the hour of sorrow and grief, but also asked the media not to link the name of Prince Paras again with the accident, which took the life of her husband.

RNAC: Between the devil and the deep blue sea

BY NAVIN SINGH KHADKA

Kathmandu, Aug.20: By now, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) must have realised what it means to be between the devil and the deep blue sea. If the devil is its feeble fleet thanks to its "evergreen" mismanagement, the deep blue sea is the higher-up official intervention not leaving it with its autonomy.

The national flag carrier knows well it has no choice but to strengthen its fleet should it survive in the long run. But, that has become easier said than done of late. No sooner it sets out to "reinvigorate" its fleet, it becomes the cynosure of all eyes.

And, before it actually clinches a deal with any company — be it for leasing an aircraft or for buying one — the national airline seems to face severe official interventions. Either its line ministry — Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) — instructs it to scrap off the deal or the Commission of Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) recommends a certain way to lease aircraft. Or, for that matter, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) begins investigating all the documents of the deal thus bringing the process of leasing or buying an aircraft to a halt — even if temporarily.

These are tough days for the national airline even to maintain its basic status. After all, aircraft is to airline what water is to fish. Perhaps RNAC is among the rarest of the rare airlines in the world whose fleet is decreasing every other year. In its heydays, the national flag carrier boasted of almost one and a half dozen aircraft in its fleet. Today, it has only eight.

Worse, "external" interference keeps on thwarting its effort to add more aircraft. Remember what happened when the national airline decided to buy a Boeing 767 last year. First, it was the PAC that probed into the matter. Then came the instructions from its line ministry not to buy the aircraft recommended by an RNAC-formed committee.

In a recent example, when RNAC was all set to pay US Dollars 400,000 lock up money for two French made ATR aircraft, the PAC demanded all the relevant documents of the deal thereby bringing the buying-process of the aircraft to a halt — even if for now. The Parliamentary Committee will begin reviewing the documents from tomorrow.

In yet another instance, MoCTC issued a letter last week instructing RNAC to cancel its recent invitation for a sealed offer to lease a Boeing 767. The ministry rather asked the corporation to call global tender for the aircraft — something RNAC had done for four times in the last few months.

RNAC officials claim the corporation’s fiscal regulations allow the corporation to go for sealed offer if it fails to get the right applicant through two consecutive invitations for global tender. But, its higher-up has practically prevented it from doing so and has prescribed global tender as the only way the corporation should adopt. A Hobson’s choice for the national flag carrier, indeed.

Interestingly, no other than RNAC itself brewed the trouble. Already plagued by mismanagement, the one after another politically appointed bosses of the corporation over the years shrugged off their responsibilities. Instead, some of them even ditched the national flag carrier into infamous scams like Chase Air.

Almost all of its aircraft leasing deals in the last six-seven years have triggered controversies. If it is this bitter fact that prompted agencies like CIAA, PAC and even its line ministry to monitor RNAC’s each and every move, there is nothing wrong in it. Had these agencies moved faster then, perhaps the Chase Air scandal would not have rocked the national airline. No doubt, the mechanism of check and balance has to be there.

But, the million-dollar question is: How long will the "impasse" between its watchdogs and RNAC continue? Perhaps the answer of this question would decide the fate of the national flag carrier that at present swings in the horns of dilemma — whether it should be privatised or not.

‘Improve teaching pattern to raise standard of education’

Pokhara, Aug. 20 (RSS): Deputy Prime Minister Ramchandra Poudel has said that given the deteriorating standard of education in public schools despite the considerable investment of financial and human resources in such schools, the time has come to ponder necessary measures for improving the curriculum and teaching pattern so as to raise the standard of education.

Deputy Prime Minister Poudel said this while presenting cash prize, medal and certificate to one student each of two secondary schools being run with government grant in Kaski district today.

Drona Prasad Acharya of Shivashakti Secondary School, Phoolbari and Miss Laxmi Acharya of Saraswati Secondary School, Bharat Pokhari Chiragdi received Rs. 4,100, a medal and a certificate each for securing highest marks from among the students completing SLC examinations of 2056 from public schools in the district. The cash prize was sponsored by Khimlal Acharya and Him Kumari Acharya revolving fund.

At the prize distribution function, Deputy Prime Minister Poudel noted that not withstanding the increased facilities and rights the government has given to the teachers, the problem has remained unresolved; educational standard is continuing to deteriorate.

A gap between the educational standards in public and private schools does not augur well for the future of the students and the country also, he observed.

MP Shukra Raj Sharma lauded the Khimlal Acharya and Him Kumari Acharya revolving fund for such a meritorious deed as rewarding deserving students. The fund has been instituted with a donation of Rs. 100,001 by local residents Khim Lal and Him Kumari.

Also today, Deputy Prime Minister Poudel presented Bibhupati Social Service Award and Bibhupati Educational Service Award, both instituted by Mirmire Youth Club, Pokhara, to social worker Amrit Prasad Sherchan and educationist Mahendra Singh Thapa respectively.

On the occasion, Mr Poudel gave the information that the construction of a regional airport will be started soon on the land already acquired in Pokhara.

MP Shukra Raj Sharma stressed the need for social workers to set examples of trust and honesty.

Omraj Gautam of Ramghat-10, Pokhara donated Rs. 50,000 to the revolving fund which has been instituted to present awards to outstanding social workers of the district.

Call for preserving Pashupatinath temple

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Aug. 20: Social workers today called for united efforts of all to preserve Pashupatinath Temple (god Shiva’s shrine) and promote it as an international Hindu pilgrimage destination.

The appeal came a day after 42 social organisations agreed to join hands to save and develop one of the seven world heritage sites located in Nepal.

The social volunteers urged the Pashupati Area Development Fund (PADF) to co-ordinate with the locals and the social service groups working to preserve the area, which they said was not the case so far.

"PADF has been unable to work in harmony with the locals and the social organisations," Sachet Nepal (a social service organisation)’s President Ramesh Regmi said addressing an interaction that centred on Pashupati area’s development. Established in 1987, PADF is the apex body for the development of the holy shrine and its vicinity.

The Fund however has neither been able to implement the master plan it has prepared to develop the area nor check the unwelcome activities going on there.

Regmi said that the army and the police were ‘encroaching’ the Pashupati area, adding the government and the PADF failed to check it. "Besides, people following Christianity have been using Pashupati-area-land as a burial ground."

Regmi spoke for an empowered and aggressive PADF to check such activities and push ahead Pashupati area’s development effectively.

Conceding weaknesses on part of his office, PADF’s Deputy Administrator Ramesh Uprety said that his office failed due mainly to the uncooperative attitude of the locals and the Ward office. "The locals wish that the master plan affect only others’ and not their land."

Uprety said that resource crunch was another factor that hindered the implementation of the master plan. He said that the Temple’s income should be utilised for the development of the area.

Kathmandu Metropolis Ward No. 8’s chairman Narottam Vaidya said that implementing the master plan in the ‘residential’ area was a big challenge. "The locals are apprehensive of the PADF master plan because they fear that it will displace them." If PADF implements its plan, the locals have to sacrifice two-thirds of their land in the area it covers. They will be compensated for only one-third.

Pashupati Lions Club’s President Dinesh Poudel said that his organisation was working to keep the Pashupati area neat and clean. The club is presently involved in an opinion survey whether electric incinerator would be better than funeral pyre to improve Pashupati area’s sanitation.

Dev Shankar Lal Shrestha said that Pashupati area’s development should be a matter of national priority. On behalf or the organisers, National Concerns Society’s President Hutaram Vaidya appealed to all to join them for the common cause.

No statistics on exact number of disabled in Nepal

Kirtipur, Aug 20 (RSS): A three -day first international seminar on the special education of the Kangnam University of the Republic of Korea and the Tribhuwan University concluded here yesterday.

The seminar was organised with an objective of acquiring information from the special education of Republic of Korea and making improvements on the special education of Nepal.

At the seminar, Professor Chang Wook Kang of Kangnam University informed that special education is meant for the disabled.

Korean teacher Park Kyung Ah informed about the arts education to the disabled and another Korean teacher Kwuen Tae Jun on play therapy where as teacher Kim Eun Suk informed about games which are effective for the mentally retarded.

Teacher Lee Kun Hee said it is appropriate for the disabled to provide vocational education such as candle making and making paper cartons.

It was informed at the seminar that there is no statistics on the exact number of disabled in Nepal so far and even one per cent of the disabled have not been able to get services they need.

Chief dean of the department of humanities of Kangnam University Dr. Wong Jon Kim opined that there is a need to work out a three or four year correlation course by Nepal and Korea.

Protection centre for helpless kids opened

Lalitpur, Aug. 20 (RSS): Chairman of Raj Parishad Standing Committee Dr Kesharjung Rayamajhi inaugurated a protection centre for the helpless children on the occasion of the 73rd auspicious birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and 36th National Children’s Day today.

The protection centre has taken full responsibility for upbringing of 11 children including nine from the central jail.

On the occasion, Dr Rayamajhi presented letters of commendation to Ram Govind Maharjan and Tuyucha Maharjan by wrapping shawls around them in recognition of their long social contribution and a commendation letter to Lubhu VDC chairman Hari Govind Shrestha.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the centre launched with its own limited means and resources would significantly help the government in its resolve to protect helpless children.

Various other speakers including centre’s chairman Jitendra Basnyat, Dr Laxman Shakya and Lalitpur DDC chairman Madhav Paudel also expressed their views at the function chaired by VDC chairman Hari Govind Shrestha.

Meanwhile, news have been received of the National Children’s Day being celebrated with organising of various programmes throughout the country today.

Biratnagar:- On the occasion of the 73rd auspicious birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the 36th National Children’s Day, CDO Binod Gyawali hoisted the national flag at a programme organised by Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO), district working committee, Morang at local Bal Mandir today.

On the occasion, CDO Gyawali and chairman of NCO, Morang Kedar Adhikari, chief of RSS eastern region chief Hemraj Regmi, acting deo Rajendra Prasad Chaudhary presented prizes and certificates to the winners of various sports competition organised to mark the occasion.

At the function biscuits were distributed and medicines against encephalitis disease were administered to children in the Bal Mandir.

Mr Adhikari presided.

Bidur:- marking the same occasion, NCO Nuwakot committee organised worshipping at temples, hoisting of flag, distribution of batch and other programmes for children.

On the occasion, CDO Buddhisagar Tripahti presented prizes and certificates to the winners of children’s art competition and the students coming out first, second and third in the annual examinations of the Bal Mandir Secondary School.

NCO, Nuwakot president Chitra Bahadur k.C. presided.

Chitwan:- On the occasion of the 73rd auspicious birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the 36th National Children’s Day, DDC chairman Bishnu Ghimire gave away prizes and certificates to the winners of various competitions organised to mark the occasion.

Lions Club of Narayangadh distributed sweets to children while Lions Club of Narayani distributed stationery to students of Sardapur Secondary School.

Parasi:- Marking the same occasion, Lumbini Rana Ambika Eye Hospital, Bhairahawa and Siddhartha residential Secondary School jointly organised a three-day eye camp at Kawasoti Bazaar.

Altogether 501 persons received treatment at the camp of which more than 100 were found to have been suffering from cataract. Necessary arrangement have also been made to take them for surgery at Bhairahawa Hospital.

Gorkha:- On the same occasion, NCO Gorkha organised afforestration and sports programme in the premises of local Bal Mandir.

Mayor Biseswor Kattel and acting CDO Kesar Bahadur K.C. presented prizes and certificates to students studying in the Bal Mandir and to winners of the sports competition.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 73rd auspicious birth day of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the 36th National Children’s Day, the Ekta Savings and Credit Cooperatives Pvt Ltd organised different sports tournaments and a blood donation programme at Shanti Nagar here today.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Women, Children and Social Welfare Mrs Kamala Pant distributed prizes and certificates to children winning sports tournaments and appreciated such constructive works as blood donation and sports tournaments by such cooperative institutions.

His Majesty’s Government will provide necessary help for operating such programmes, she further said.

Many others including Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Bidur Mainali also spoke at the function chaired by Sharad Prasad Neupane of the cooperatives.

‘HMG planning to create special quota of teachers from disabled’

Kathmandu, Aug. 20: State Minister for Education Dilendra Prasad Badu said that the Ministry is planning to create special quota of teachers from disabled in government run schools across the Kingdom.

State Minister Badu said that the ministry is also mulling over to launch special programmes, which inculde education, training, sports and other creative activities for the overall development of the disabled people.

State Minister Badu was speaking at a cultural-cum-drawing competition programme organised to mark National Children Day and first Disabled Children Day here today. Hearing impaired and physical disabled children from the Kathmandu Valley took part in the competition organised by Women and Culture Committee (WCC) under National Federation of the Disabled - Nepal (NFDN).

On the occasion, State Minister Badu released a cassette known as Shantika Bahak, that contains songs of children from five to 18 years old.

He further said that the disabled should be imparted education that would help them develop a sense of self-esteem and dignity in the society.

NFDN President Munishwor Pandey said that the objective of the programme was to encourage and promote the disabled in creative activities.

Programme co-ordinator Ms Subarna K. Chitrakar and Sitaram Maskey, principal of Jaljala Secondary School also expressed their views on the occasion.

In the culture programme, Shravana Shrestha became first, Bidhyashova Tamrakar and Mukesh Maharjan came second and Nita Shrestha third.

Meanwhile, RSS adds: on the occasion of the 73rd auspicious birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and 36th National Children’s Day, Minister for Land Reforms and Management Siddhi Raj Ojha gave away sweets, fruits and crutches to disabled children here today.

At the programme hosted by Apanga Navajeevan Kendra (New Life Centre for the Disabled), Minister Ojha reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the disabled children.

He noted that the centre has performed a commendable task by imparting skill-oriented and physical education to disabled children.

Rajparishad Standing Committee member Jaya Prakash said that services to the disabled is a noble and pious act and every person should help the disabled to live a life similar to that of others.

Centre president Tanka Tiwari said that the centre has been providing necessary assistance to 42 disabled and has already rehabilitated 204 disabled children.

Disabled children of the centre presented a cultural programme on the occasion.