Dignity For National Assembly
Elders’ Initiative A Must

By Ram Bahadur K.C

NATIONAL Assembly is a permanent, independent and integral part of Legislature in Nepal. Generally, its functions are to complement the House of Representatives in legislation, formulating Joint Committees and passing joint motions and resolutions. The rationale of having National Assembly is to act as a counter-check, a brake and a watch-dog of the Representative House that may formulate inappropriate policies, pass hasty legislations and agree to anti-national treaties and negotiations at any cost. That is why the Upper House is also nick-named as the House of Elders.

Significant

Recently historical meeting of the Senators of the world was organized on March 14, 2000 in Paris which related a desire to celebrate with appropriate solemnity and given the significant resurgence in Bicameralism amongst the contemporary Parliaments. The Meet made an encouraging observation that while some 45 countries had a two-chamber legislature in early 1970’s, today the number has risen to 76. Moreover, a dozen and even more nations are considering the creation of a Senate or Second Chamber.

The Meet very boldly and importantly listed the causes of the current resurgence in Bicameralism in respect of facilitating decentralization policies, a process of democratization or of a consolidation of the rule of law, a process of re-appropriation of parliamentary system, a modern means of ensuring the separation of powers, a guarantor of efficiency in enhancing the legislative process and a means to materialize the contemporary political philosophy of representing a man in his entirety.

Interdependent and complementary roles of the two House are more important than merely being independent and neutral to make parliamentary exercise a success. Co-ordination and understanding between the two Houses is a must. There should be no debate, comment or criticism on this point. However, sometimes there arise some difficulties in this respect.

For reasons of faulty definitions and wanton interpretation of Financial Bill the National Assembly has no business and House-sittings are few and far between. Since most Bills are unilaterally stamped as Finance Bills, the Lower House has the congestion of business whereas the Upper House has vacancies in respect of legislation The members are vehemently voicing against being deprived of the legislative rights.

The reports on delegated legislation as passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the Lower House long time back have still to be considered and ratified by the other House, which means the lapses and errors as identified in the reports have not been corrected and implemented accordingly. Hence faulty rules and by-laws have remained intact which means a great lapse in the legislation.

In a newly set-up multi-party democratic system in Nepal. Policy-making, passing Bills and resolving pertinent issues have to be achieved with the two Houses trusting each other and working unitedly and in a complementary manner. Competition for ego’s sake is usually harmful. The Upper House should look upon the Lower House as true representative of people and assist in resolving pertinent issues, and likewise the former should look upon the Upper House as a coordinator, a watch-dog and a politically neutral and integral part of the Legislature.

Sometimes and more recently there have been some sort of difficulties in the mutual understanding again in respect of Finance Bill and more particularly in the amendment of the Citizenship Bill, unilaterally passed by the Lower House despite rejection by the other House and strong public criticism.

Proper lack of understanding is quite contradictory to the principle of inter-dependence and complementarity between two Houses. In fact, such spirit is the quintessence of Bicamaralism. Such event may sometimes give a feeling of superiority and inferiority complexity between two Houses whose existence in isolation is constitutionally meaningless and incomplete.

Initiative

Against the background above the question is how to fight for the good of the National Assembly and who is to take the necessary initiative for correcting the present anomalies and imbalances, and subsequently enhancing the prestige of the House. The House of Representatives should realize that the National Assembly is an integral partner, co-operator and a watch-dog. It should not try to show superiority complex and impose last hour rush and helplessness.

The Upper House on the other hand should have due respect or the House of Representatives and should work earnestly in co-operative spirit. The members of this House should have even greater responsibility to enhance the prestige of the House by being more sober, and competent in the deliberations of the House business. The dynamic and wise leadership should come from the Chairperson.

They should substitute transparency and dedication for prestige, political neutrality for partisan attitude, service for facilities and benefits, and fight for legitimate and constitutional rights for House privilege.

Manipal College: Medical Education’s Jewel

By Madan Sharma

DOCTOR-PATIENT ratio in Nepal is one of the worst in the world. There is only one doctor for about 36 thousand patients in rural Nepal. In urban centers the ratio may be a little better, but not quite satisfactory yet. The disparity between the urban and rural settlements in terms of medical facilities is appalling.

History

This situation is result of Nepal’s national educational history. Nepal was deprived of public education until 1950. During the Rana family rule (1846-1950), people were not allowed to open schools. After the revolution that overthrew the Rana rule in 1951 there was a wave of public enthusiasm in education. But it was only in 1960 that Nepal had its own university - Tribhuvan University. There were very few colleges in this Himalayan kingdom even in the 1960s.

Nepal’s first Institute of Medical Science under Tribhuvan University began teaching medical science at graduate level only in 1978, and it produced its first medical graduates (MBBS doctors) in 1982. That explains why there is such a bad doctor-patient ratio in Nepal.

After the restoration multiparty democracy in Nepal in 1990, there was a renewed wave of enthusiasm in technical education. The government gave permission to open a number of private universities and colleges of medicine and engineering in various parts of Nepal. In fact, there was a kind of revolution in the educational sector. B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences was established in Dharan in 1992 with a massive economic and technical assistance from the Government of India.

Realizing the crying need of medical manpower in the country, the Government of Nepal gave permission to open several other medical colleges in the country. The most outstanding one among them is the Manipal. College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS) in Pokhara, which was established in 1994. MCOMS is affiliated to Kathmandu University.

MCOMS admits about 100 students, and produces about 100 doctors every year. There are about 400 students all the time. Currently, MCOMS has students from 14 countries. Besides students from Nepal, India and Sri Lanka, there are students also from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Estonia, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, UK, USA and Zambia. The first batch of students graduated from MCOMS in July 1999.

The Professors at MCOMS have been largely drawn from the Manipal and other reputed institutions from India and Nepal.

The infrastructure of the MCOMS in the Pokhara valley is very impressive. On the background of the beautiful Annapurna and Machapuchre Himalayan peaks, over 50,000 square feet of buildings have been already constructed in the lush green valley irrigated by Seti and other rivers and rivulets. There will be more construction as needed. Upon visiting the college, one shall definitely say, "the location of this medical college could not possibly be in a better place on earth."

The lecture halls and laboratories of MCOMS are excellent. The library is stocked will latest reference books, research journals, WHO publications and bound volumes. Thanks to the advancement in electronic technology, there is also a huge amount of material available in CDs, and MEDLINE is available both online and on CDs. MCOMS also has very good skills lab and sophisticated audio-visual teaching aids including LCD projectors and CD ROMs and projection imcroscopes.

Hostels for the students and the teachers and staff quarters of MCOMS are of international standards. There is a 700 bed Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH) being completed in a phased manner on a 30-acre plot in Phulbari. MTH is being set up with the state of the art facilities for medical education and health service delivery in this part of the subcontinent. CT scan, ultrasound scanners, digital color-doppler system, 800 mA X-ray unit, with flourilux IITV system, diagnostic 300 mA X-ray unit, etc. have been installed.

The operation theaters at MTH have been equipped with computerised OT tables, cold OT lights, cardiac monitors and other instruments. Also, the dental department has been set up with computerised ultradent dental chairs and light cure.

MCOMS has been accorded recognition by the Nepal and Sri Lankan Medical Councils. MCOMS in Pokhara has also started accepting elective residents from Loma Linda University USA and Cambridge University, UK.

MCOM in Pokhara is a unit of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). The first and oldest college of this group is the Kasturba Medical College (KMC) in Manipal.

The Manipal initiative in education as such was the result of the dedicated work of the late Dr. TMA Pai, physician, educationist, banker banker and philanthropist. The new generation of doctors produced by MCOMS in Pokhara and the people of Nepal as a whole are grateful to the late Dr. Pai. It is his glorious tradition and inspiration that has resulted in such an institution at one of the most beautiful places - the dreamland or the Shangri La — on earth. With these medical educational facilities in Pokhara, which is a focus of attraction for world tourism, one can fully assured that Nepal’s medical education will be greatly enhanced. It will also help to gradually improved Nepal’s doctor-patient ratio by producing more doctors.

By attracting a greater number of students from a greater number of countries around the world, MCOMS may even change Nepal’s image from "a tourist destination" to "a citadel of learning."

Manipal College of Medical Sciences in Pokhara is a jewel of medical education in the country, of which Nepal can rightly be proud.

The son of late Dr. TMA Pai Dr. Ramdas Dai is successfully commanding the Manipal group of Educational and Social Institutions including MTH, Pokhara.

HMT Complex is a biggest such project which is established and running by Nepal’s private sector, it is a great symbol of people to people faith generosity and helping hands.

MCOMS will be commencing post graduate courses in all basic science subjects and ophthalmology in the near future. PG in clinical subjects will also start shortly thereafter.

92 students of the first batch of MCOMS appeared for the Final MBBS Examination of Kathmandu University in July 1999. Of these 83 passed.

The 700 bed Manipal Teaching Hospital is nearing completion. 450 beds are already functional with modern diagnostic facilities and supporting services. MCOMS is also utilising 300 beds of the Government Hospital (Western Regional Hospital) and Himalaya Eye Hospital. Therefore a total of 750 beds are available for the clinical teaching and training of students.

The Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH) has a total built up area of 500,000 sq. ft. The basement which covers 100,000 sq. ft. is being equipped for all the support services to the hospital, The basement area is biggest one of Nepal. MTH has been constructed with a futuristic approach laying emphasis on the space required for teaching programmes for undergraduates, postgraduates and allied health manpower. The quality of services provided are of a high standard. Once the hospital is fully established it will be an excellent health facility for the region with a good mix of the services.

Recognition

Nepal Medical Council is the professional body which regulates standards of medical education in Nepal. MCOMS was provisionally recognized by the Nepal Medical Council from inception till 22nd July 1999. Full recognition by the Nepal Medical Council has been accorded to Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara with effect from 23rd July 1999. This recognition was given on the basis of continuous monitoring over a period of five years followed by a technical inspection by a 16 member team of the Nepal Medical Council on 23rd/24th April 1999. Recognition of the Medical Council of India has been applied and hoping it will be fulfilled in near future, Nepal waiting very eagerously.

WHO listing: Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal is listed in the 7th edition of the World Health Organization’s world directory of accredited medical schools published in 2000. Copy of the relevant page is enclosed.

Social Life Under Rana Regime-2

By Guna Dev Bhattarai

AFTER his visit to Europe Jung Bahadur Rana took some measures to wipe out some social evils prevailing in the country. Accordingly he promulgated the first legal Code of Nepal on January 5, 1854 A.D. It was the first comprehensive written code of Nepal. The chief aim of the said Code was to bring about uniformity in punishing high and low caste people. However it did not alter the fixed principles of caste system as handed down from the ancient period.

Jung Bahadur had divided the caste into two categories: Pure and Inpure. The pure caste was again divided into two categories: Tagadhari (sacred thread wearer) and Matwali (alcohol drinker). The Brahmins, Kshetriyas including Rajputs, Deo Bhajus (priests of some sectins of the Newars), Sanyasis (hermits) and others belonged to the Tagodhari caste group. Among them the Brahmins were of superior status followed by the Rajputs and then by others.

The Matwali caste group was also divided into two sections: those who could be enslaved and those who cannot be enslaved. The former had some sections of Newar, Magar, Gurung, Dunuwar etc in it, while the latter include Bhote, Chepang, Kumahal, Haya, Tharu, Gharti and the like. The main difference between these two sections of Matwali caste groups was that the former could not be enslaved in life while the latter could be enslaved.

The inpure class group was also further divided into two sections-Chhoye Chhito Halnu Naparne (water unacceptable but touchable) and Chhoye Chhito Halnuparne (untouchable). The former consisted of Muslims, Dhobis, Madhesi. Tet, Kulu, Kasahi, Mlechno, Kusale from whose hands water could not be accepted but were touchables. The latter belonged to Sarki, Damai, Kami, Gaine, Churaute, Bhat, Pode, Chyamkhalak (all untouchables.)

If any one was found violating caste system he would be fined according to the gravity of the offence. Further if any one took dried pieces of turnip, vegetables, sour bamboo shoots and peeled fruit from untrouchables he was simply fined a nominal amount of money but his caste would not be degraded. Such minor offences pertaining to food committed between Togadhari and Matwali were simply fined but not degraded from their caste. If a Brahamin intentionally took the meat of a duck he would be fined and given Patiya. If a priest performed Upanayana of a man who was not entitled to wear sacred thread, the former would be fined five rupees. If the concerned person did not pay the fine he would be confined into captivity for a short time. If some one took out the sacred thread of a Tagadhari, he would be fined a hundred rupees.

If untouchables were found sitting together with higher caste persons on the occasion of fair, festivals they were furnished according to law so much so they were debarred from entering into the temples but were allowed to take flowers and the like from outside the temples. Nevertheless, we can find inferior caste people who have been the caretakers of some temples. The introduction of Tantricism had facilitated them to occupy the such sacred seats in temples.

On some occasions and during Panchak (Deepawali or Tihar) festival in particular, gambling was made legal throughout the country. Persons below sixteen years old were not allowed to participate in gambling. Persons aged twelve to below sixteen, if they were found gambling, would be fined rupees ten. Nevertheless, the Rana Prime Ministers and Juddha Shumsher Rana in particular would sometime invite their nephews to participate in gambling within the four walls of the Singha Durbar. Juddha Shumsher reduced the peeriod of gambling from five to three days but Mohan Shumshere again revived the days to five as his father, Chandra, had fixed that said period. If an earthquake or any natural catastrophe tookplace, the termination of gambling would be lengtherd for a day or two.

During the Second World War (1939-45) Nepal had militarily helped the Allied Powers. Wherever any major victory of the Allied Powers over the Axis Powers occurred, Juddha Shumshere made it customary to legalise gambling for a day or two. Such occasions occurred on May 2, may 8, September 2, 1945 when Italy, Germany and Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Powers respectively.