Bhaktapur, one of oldest cities in the Kathmandu valley, is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bhaktapur praised for its initiation to preserve cultural identity.

Preparations underway to declare Bhaktapur a cultural city

Bhaktapur, March 13 (RSS): Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Sarat Singh Bhandari said that His Majesty’s Government was doing the necessary home work for declaring Bhaktapur a Cultural City.

Minister for Culture Bhandari said this while addressing the concluding function of the two-day workshop seminar jointly organised by Bhaktapur Municipality and the Department of Archaeology with the objective of collecting suggestions on the conservation of the historical "55 Window Palace" of Bhaktapur.

The "55 Window Palace" of Bhaktapur is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It is necessary to classify and develop the natural, religious and tourism heritage throughout the country, he said, pointing out the need for a national consensus and common viewpoint regarding the conservation and protection of such national assets.

On the occasion, Minister Bhandari presented memento to those presenting working papers at the seminar.

Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality Prem Suwal said that the municipality successfully carried out renovation of the five-storey Nyatapol temple, Siddha Pokhari pond and the Bhairab temple and expressed the hope it will get the opportunity for the protection of the historical 55 Window Palace.

Director General of the Department of Archaeology Mrs. Riddhi Baba Pradhan said that all should be active in the conservation and preservation of important historical monuments.

At the programme presided over by former Bhaktapur Mayor Gyan Bahadur Naichai, various speakers including prof. Premnath Maskey and Om Charan Amatya also expressed their views.

Participants of the seminar expressed the view that traditional skill, Architectural style and tools should be used for the renovation of the monument built some 300 years ago by the then king of Bhaktapur Bhupatindra Malla.

The participants suggested that the art and architecture of the main palace and originality of the frescos and mural paintings inside it should be preserved while carrying out the renovation.

They also suggested that the plan and programmes of the conservation should not be determined by the amount of foreign assistance and that the renovation works should start before the building goes down.

The frescos and mural paintings on the inside walls of the 55 Window Palace depicting the life and travails of lord Krishna is the representative art form of the medieval Malla period, according to chief of the Bhaktapur National Museum Damodar Gautam.

Half the ancient 55 Window Palace is being used by the national museum and the portion with the mural paintings has been closed for some years after the building reached a state of collapse. The seminar attended by some 125 persons including architects, conservationists, historians, archaeologists, intellectuals and engineers.

Bonded labour system to be abolished in 4 yrs

Nepalgunj, March 13 (RSS): The Ministry of Land Reforms and Management has taken a resolve to abolish the bonded labour system both legally and practically within the next four years.

Secretary at the Ministry of Land Reforms and Management Yoddha Shaha made this remark while inaugurating a mid-Western Regional and far Western Regional seminar on land management organised by the Department of Land Reforms under the auspices of the Ministry here Sunday.

The Ministry has already initiated works aimed at generating income of bonded labourers by providing them with skill-oriented training and a plan of action has been worked out for launching programmes in an integrated manner with a view to improving the quality of their life.

The Ministry is also considering advancing this work as project by setting up a coordination directorate in Nepalgunj for coordinating activities of all governmental and non-governmental organisations working for the welfare of the bonded labourers.

Talking to RSS, Mrs Shaha said that the directorate will be set up within the current fiscal year.

His Majesty’s Government has been operating the programme for emancipation and career development of bonded labourers since 2051/52 B.S.

Under the programme, skill-oriented training such as carpentry, masonry, wielding, driving, cycle repairing, weaving, sewing, vegetable farming, animal health, pig-rearing, etc, have been provided.

Subscribing to the ministry’s view that children’s emancipation will bear no meaning unless the whole bonded labour system is removed, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is keen to help eliminate the system by providing a "package" programme, Mrs Shaha said.

According to a survey of 2051/52 bs conducted by the department, the bonded labour households number 15,152 spreading over five districts of Banke, Bardiya and Dang of the mid-Western Region, and Kailali and Kanchanpur of the Far Western Region.

Of the total of 83,375 bonded labourers, Kailali district has the most of all with the figure being put at 30,463 and Banke has the least of all with the figure being put at 6,846.

Altogether 2,736 bonded labourers have already received skill-oriented training and 766 of them have switched over to other occupations, according to Director General of the Department Tirtha Prasad Ligal.

Co-existing of democracy, human rights and fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, and "bonded" labour sounds paradoxical in the present context. This being so, His Majesty’s Government and several other NGO’s have been involved in their welfare and betterment. But how many of them were freed and how many are yet to be is still unclear.

The total amount of loans the bonded labourers have to pay in the five districts in question runs into some Rs 48 million. But freeing them from loans (or Sauki) is not an end to the entire system, and providing them food and housing along with education and training is just as necessary.

Mr Ligal also spoke of the need to launch an effective programme for paying off their loans while at the same time continuing skill-oriented training.

In Bardiya, His Majesty’s Government, the Ministry of Land Reforms organised a discussions meeting of Kamaiyas (bonded farm labourers) from different VDCs of Bardiya district in Gulariya, the district headquarters recently.

On the occasion, Minister for Land Reforms and Management and central chairman of the landless settlers problems resolution commission Dr. Gangadhar Lamsal said that the government was committed to resolving the problem of landless settlers by identifying their genuine problems.

Proper identification of the landless people, landless settlers and Kamaiyas and taking steps to resolving their problem is the main objective of the government, he said.

Secretary at the Ministry of Land Reforms and Management Yoddha Shaha said that various skill development training were being held and interest-free loans being provided to Kamaiyas for their emancipation.

At the programme, vice-chairman of Bardiya District Development Committee (DDC) Chitra Bahadur Shrestha, District Convenor of the Landless Settlers Problems Resolution Commission Shiva Prasad Upadhyaya, Gulariya Mayor Govinda Prasad Pandeya, Chief District Officer Khom Raj Nepal and others shed light on the steps to be taken by the government and the landless settlers problems resolution commission regarding the landless squatters and the kamaiyas.

Concrete measures for river control in Bhadrapur demanded

Bhadrapur, March 13 (RSS): The Kankai River Erosion Prevention and Concerns Committee, Jhapa, has announced a series of protest action programmes to press the government to take concrete steps for flood control measures on Jhapa’s largest river system.

The Kankai river has been causing a lot of damage in Jhapa district over the years due to flooding during rainy season.

Speaking at an interaction programme held at the District Development Committee (DDC) office in Chandragadhi, president of the action committee Punya Prasad Dhakal said that the government should immediately take concrete measures for river control in view of the extensive damage it has caused due to erosion and flooding.

On the occasion, chief of the district irrigation office Prakash Poudel said that the Kankai has changed its course and started shifting westward.

If this trend continues and no measures are taken to divert its flow on its regular course, then worst lies ahead, he warned.

He said although the government releases Rs 40-50 lakhs for river training works for the entire district, the outlay was meagre considering the sheer size of the Kankai and pointed out the need for formulating a long term policy in this regard.

DDC member Hom Prasad Gautam complained that the DDC lacked resources to begin large scale river control works on its own and therefore has been requesting the government time and again for allocating necessary funds for the Kankai River Control Project, a priority project of the DDC.

The Kankai river has eroded nearly about 1,300 Bigaha land in Satasidham, Shivgunj, Panch Gachhi and Mahabhara VDCs in the district over the last five years affecting some 550 families.

An additional 1,000 Bigaha land, a high school, a primary school, the historical Chillagadh pond and a temple at wrds 7 and 8 of Satasidham VDC are in danger of being washed away this monsoon season if timely measures are not taken, it is learnt from the committee.

Similarly, nearly 1,000 Bigaha crop land at Ward Nos. 1,5,6,7 and 9 of Shivagunj VDC and adjoining areas and the Shivagunj Bazaar located on the banks of the river are under threat from the Kankai.

So the case in Panchgachhi and Mahabhara VDCs. Several hectares of land, school property and houses in these VDCs are in danger of being washed away if timely measures are not taken.

About 100 families from Satasidham VDC rendered homeless by the floods in the Kankai in July-August last year are still taking shelter at local school.

The Kankai river concerns committee comprising local people’s representatives, representatives of political parties, intellectuals and social workers from the four affected vdcs has been requesting the government to take flood control measures every year but to no avail.

The committee was compelled to announce the agitation programme after repeated pleas for flood control measures with the government were not given due hearing, committee secretary Khodnath Chapagai said.

The protest programmes announced by the action committee include a mass meeting and a rally on March 18, a one hour long token transport strike on March 22 and 23 and an indefinite transport closure along the Mahendra Highway from March 24.

Awareness campaign

Rauthat, March 13 (RSS):Saraswati Youth Club, Chandranigahapur, took out a rally here Caturday shouting "Send Children to Schools," "Do not Discriminate Between Son and Daughter".

As only the sons are sent to schools keeping the daughters stay at home to perform household chores, the cycle rally aimed to raise awareness against this tendency, according to club chairman Jaya Kumar Shah.

The rally taken out under the convenorship of the member of the club Manoj Kumar Singh went through various places including Mothiyahi, Tekantol, Durga Chowk, Dhikar Tol, Chidiyadaha of Chandranigahapur town.

About 600 persons including local teachers, intellectuals, supporters of various political parties and journalists participated in the cycle rally declared open by ex-MP Uddhav Dhakal.

Their Majesties perform Puja

Kathmandu, Mar. 13 (RSS): Their Majesties the King and Queen today visited Karma Ngedhon ösel Choekhor Ling at Hasantar, ward No. 9 of Syuchatar village development committee and offered worship to the image of Lord Buddha there.

On the occasion, the chief Lama of the Monastery, Manang Dharma Guru Sherab Gyaltsen Rimpoche, and chief Bhikshunis (Buddhist nuns) presented Ku-Sung-Thug to Their Majesties the King and Queen.

According to Buddhist religious tradition, presentation of "Ku-Sung Thug" brings one good health, long life, innermost peace, fame and accomplishment.

On the occasion, the Royal couple inspected various sections and rooms of the monastery and witnessed various religious dances.

Their Majesties also granted audience to the chief Lama and distinguished persons.

Earlier, on arrival at the venue, Their Majesties the King and Queen were accorded warm welcome by the chief Lama of the Monastery, Lamas, Bhikshuni (Buddhist nuns), and Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Sharat Singh Bhandari.

The construction of the Monastery ‘Gompa’ was started in 1994 A.D. and successfully completed in 1999 due to the valuable support of traditional Manangi Buddhist, supporters and followers of Buddhist religion, who also helped in buying land for it. The four-storey "Gompa" (monastery ) with 70 rooms covers an area of 6 Ropani, 2 Anna and 2 Paisa out of the total 22 Ropanies.

The total cost of the land and construction is estimated at Rs. 25 million, borne through the co-operation and donation of Nepalese community.

At present 85 nuns are receiving Buddhist education at the Monastery.

At the function the copper inscription installed there in commemoration of the worship offered by Their Majesties the King and Queen was unveiled by Minister Bhandari.

Princess Sruti opens exhibition

Kathmandu, Mar. 13 (RSS): Her Royal Highness Princess Sruti Rajyalaxmi Devi Rana inaugurated a handicraft exhibition at "Maiti Nepal" amid a function here today.

The handicrafts on display have been made by women rehabilitated at "Maiti Nepal", a non-governmental organisation.

HRH the Princess also inspected the rehabilitation house on the occasion.

At the function, the president of Maiti Nepal, Anuradha Koirala, said that the gracious presence of hrh the Princess had provided additional energy, enthusiasm and encouragement to combat girl trafficking.

General secretary of the institution Bishwa Raj Khadka said that the government and the social institutions should launch campaign against girl trafficking.

DPM denies talks with Maoists

Kathmandu, Mar. 13 (RSS):Deputy Prime Minister Ramchandra Poudel has made it clear that a day-long seminar held, in co-operation with various human rights organisations, by the High Level Commission for resolving the problems resulting from the so-called Maoist violence was a seminar proper, not any dialogue with Maoists.

At the House of Representatives today, Deputy Prime Minister Poudel gave this clarification while replying to a query which Subas Nemwang of cpn-uml made referring to an interview published today in a local weekly.

Earlier, mp Nemwang had referred to Mr. Rishikesh Shah’s interview with the weekly "Jana-Bhavana," in which Mr. Shah claimed that a talk was held between former prime minister and convenor of the commission Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoists at Himalaya Hotel before Mr. Deuba’s departure for Australia, which led to various accords and that the Deputy Prime Minister also was present at the talk. MP Nemwang had sought information in that context.

No improvement in Janajati lifestyles: Survey

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Mar. 13: Bulk of Nepal’s Janajati (also called the Nationalities) population do not think that there has been any improvement in their lifestyle despite reintroduction of democracy in 1990. This was disclosed at a press meet organised by the Media Services International that recently conducted a survey on the janajatis of Nepal.

Fifty-three percent of the janajatis interviewed by the Media Services International (MSI) in different parts of the country said that they felt no improvement in their way of life, but 36 percent said that some improvements had been made. Those who did not know anything about the improvement accounted for 11 percent of the respondents.

Among those who felt some improvement had been made in their lifestyle, 44 percent said improvement was visible in the social sector, 38 percent said in the political sector and 19 percent said in the economic sector.

On the much-talked about issue of under representation of the nationalities in the administration, 59 percent of the respondents were of the view that they did not have a fair representation in the administrative sector. The number of those who believed the representation was fair and those who volunteered no opinion on the matter was almost equally divided (21 percent and 20 percent respectively).

Among the janajatis who thought the representation in the bureaucracy was not fair, when asked if certain number of seats should be reserved for members of their community, 79 percent said yes, 18 percent said no and 3 percent said nothing.

To the question as to where has the representation been not fair enough? 33 percent pointed at parliament, 31 per cent at cabinet, 16 per cent at political appointments, 11 percent at village, town and district development committees, 9 per cent at political parties and 5 per cent at other sectors.

The opinion poll survey with a sample size of 1068 was conducted in 15 districts encompassing the mountains, hills and terai of Sindhupalchok, Kaski, Bhojpur, Lamjung, Panchthar, Chitwan, Makawanpur, Ilam, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Palpa, Dang, Jhapa and Sunsari.

The interviewees were selected from among the members of janajati groups- Thakali, Yolmo, Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Chepang, Magar, Lepcha, Jyapu, Tharu, Dhimal, Satar, Jhangad and Danuwar.

This poll was conducted between January 5 and 15, 2000 with a grant from the London based Westminster Foundation of Democracy (WFD), it was disclosed at the press meet.

NTV reach being extended, says Poudel

Kathmandu, Mar. 13 (RSS): Deputy Prime Minister (dpm) and Minister for Information and Communications Ram Chandra Poudel has said that work is being carried out withthe objective of providing Nepal Television services to a few districts of the Far Western Development Region by the middle of the Fiscal Year 2000/2001.

Mr. Poudel made this remark in reply to a query of Ramesh Lekhak of the Nepali Congress at the House of Representatives today.

Mr Poudel informed the House that homework is being undertaken with the objective of expanding Nepal Television services throughout the Kingdom through a satellite.

Stating that Nepal Television transmission has reached about 32 per cent of the Nepalese territorym Mr. Poudel said that it is estimated that 47 per cent of the Nepalese population can receive Nepal Television services.

His Majesty’s Government is making efforts to extend Nepal Television services throughout the Kingdom, he added.

In reply to a query of Bijaya Subba of the cpn-uml, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the salaries of the representatives involved in additional post offices, the postman and "Jaach Bahak" are being increased in the same ratio as those of the civil servants.

Mr. Poudel said as the employees of the additional post offices do not work full time as done by the civil servants of the government post offices, their allowances have been fixed accordingly.

The Minister for Information and Comunications said that newsprints are being provided to the newspapers falling under the classification of the audit bureau of circulation of the Press Council on a monthly basis for the development of journalism.

Answering a question of Nara Bahadur Hamal of the cpn-uml, the Deputy Prime Minister said at present the newspapers have been classified into four categories. His Majesty’s Government has been spending Rs. 550,000 a month for providing newsprints to the newspapers, he added.