Joshi comes hard on his own colleagues as he quits

By a staff reporter

Kathmandu, Sept. 29: Only two days after saying that resigning from his post now would be tantamount to shunning his responsibility (of maintainting law and order), Home Minister Govinda Raj Joshi has announced that he will resign, but not before making some scathing attacks on some of the disgruntled leaders within the Nepali Congress.

At a press meet called by him at the Home Ministry today, Minister Joshi said he has decided to resign not to facilitate the committee formed by the government to investigate on the incident at Dunai, headquarters of Dolpo district, rather than on moral ground.

He called the most recent attacks by the Maoists as a planned conspiracy to fail the Prime Minister's planned visit to the Maoist-affected areas before the Dashain festival and to discourage the people from returning to their homes in those areas.

Reading out a three-page long statement, he blamed the incidence in Dolpo and to the lack of weapons and training to the police personnel and the failure to raise the armed police force. He, however, praised the police for fighting valiantly despite so many odds. He criticised the army for not providing the weapon to the police under an understanding whereby the army should have provided weapons worth of Rs. 170 million to the police. In thinly veiled words, he also accused the army for not assisting the police, while they were fighting the Maoists in Dolpo.

He said he has demanded for equipping and modernising the police force to fight the insurgency and added that he has already submitted two action plans to the cabinet after the Dolpo incident and one of them has even been submitted to His Majesty the King.

He, however, reserved his harshest criticisms for some his own colleagues in the party, especially Sher Bahadur Deuba, coordinator of the high-level committee formed by the previous government to recommend suggestions to the government on the Maoist problem.

He said, "Deuba has been speaking on behalf of the Maoists rather than for the government." In his statement, the Home Minister even suspected about the nexus between the Maoists' actions and the attacks on the government from within the ruling party itself, and accused them of trying to gain political benefit of the situation. He said the Dolpo incident has been directed against him personally.

The Home Minister had come under severe criticism for failing to maintain law and order when in two days earlier this week the Maoists killed 20 police personnel, injured three dozens more, looted more than 60 million rupees and destroyed several offices.

'Land linked with women's empowerment'

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 29: At a time when the Women's Property Rights Bill is facing uncertainties in the Parliament, a Delhi University Professor in capital said today that rights to land is a key to women empowerment.

"Property rights is the key to women empowerment and land is the most significant form of property in rural South Asia," Professor Bina Agrawal told a talk programme on 'Land and Livelihood: A Gender Perspective' here this morning.

The livelihood of the South Asian women is critically linked to agriculture, Agrawal said adding that the women should have the right of ownership as well as of control. "But few women in this region own land and fewer control it."

Dwelling on the central idea of her celebrated book A Field of One's Own, Agrawal said that women's rights to land would ensure their economic welfare, social security and political empowerment. "Women's rights to land will ensure welfare of the children and the family, enhance efficiency, and guarantee equality and empowerment."

"But women's property rights is extremely fragile in Nepal as it is conditioned by women's age, marital status and sexual conduct, let alone uncertainties and social and administrative obstacles," she said.

Agrawal called for conceptual, legal, social, infrastructural, and institutional shifts for Nepalese women to enjoy the rights to land.

It is possible only when the gender progressive groups initiate collective action, she told the programme organised by the United Nations Development Programme's Nepal office.

New bus park at Kalanki due soon

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 29:   Hundreds of buses and trucks parked haphazardly in and around ring road will soon cease to be an eye sore in the capital beginning this Dasain. And in the days to come, Kathmanduites can breathe a relatively fresher air, relieved of the pollution created by heavy vehicles inside the city.

As construction work to complete the first phase of a Bus/Truck Parking at Teenthana, Kalanki is rapidly progressing so that parking facilities may begin during Dasain, more than six hundred vehicles can be parked at the said parking site.

This parking faciltiy, which is estimated to house about one thousand vehicles once all its pahases are completed is semicircular in structure with a semi circular building near the entrance.

The parking facility being built by Kathmandu Parking Pvt. Ltd at the tender of HMG, will be equipped with all the modern facilities. As more facilities will be gradually added at different phases of completion, the parking will also boast of a huge State-Of-Art semicircular structure which will house a waiting lounge, area for booking tickets, restaurants and shops. Besides the Semicircular building of approximately 60,000 sq ft., other stuctures including a water tank and other Ware Houses will also come up in the successive phases.

According to the Executive Director of Kathamndu Parking Pvt Ltd., Krishna Prasad Wasti, construction work is being carried out day and night and the facilites of electricity and drinking water are soon being connected.

"Sixty per cent of the first phase Project cost that amounts to rupees nine crores is being provided by Nepal Bank Limited," said Wasti talking about the private sector investment being made in building infrastructure project.

Ambar Bahadur Khadka, the Chief Manager at the Nepal Bank Private Ltd. siad,"A study of the proposal and feasibility study of the Project revealed that the Project will cover its costs within three to three and half years. So based on this estimate, the Bank has already provided about five crores until the current stage of construction from the nine crores approved for the first phase."

The promoters of the Project are confident that vehicles will be attracted to this parking facilitiy for the security, services and facilities provided there even though they have to pay a certain parking fee for the services.

The parking charges for the services has not yet been fixed.

Keeping in mind the prospects of the parking facility, Sajha Pasal Sewa is now interested in putting up a filling station inside the facilty. According to Laxmi Ratna Bajracharya, General manager of the Sajha Pasal Sewa, " The new fuel pump at the Kalanki parking facilty shall be the second as the one at Ratna Park is the first."

Dr. Ramananda Prasad Singh, another Executive Director of Kathmandu parking Private Ltd said, "Related governemnt departments have already been informed of the imminent operation of the Parking facility and we are expecting the construction of a TSI Junction and implementation opf "No Parking" in the Ring Road to begin soon."

Mentioning the Public notice to make the Ring Road a "No Parking" area issued by the Ministry of Transport some months back, Dr Singh said, "Once the parking facility starts operation, the pollution around Ring Road and the worsening condition of the Ring Road will be checked.

Army obeying govt orders: Defense Ministry

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): The Defense Ministry has, in a press statement, today clarified that the Royal Nepal Army is an inseparable part of His Majesty's Government and it has always been dutifully carrying out the directives of the government and responsibilities bestowed upon it as per the constitution of the Kingdom and relevant rules and regulations.

As the army is a main security organ of His Majesty's Government it is the duty of the army to follow orders and directives received according to the law, the statement says adding that while staying within this parameter the Royal Nepal Army has been playing an active role, all the while remaining aware and alert towards the interests of the country and people.

The question does not arise of the Royal Nepal Army disobeying the orders of His Majesty's Government and the Defense Ministry has no record of any such example in the history of the Royal Nepal Army, the statement adds.

The Royal Nepal Army is usually brought into the discussions whenever any incident takes place following increase in violence due to Maoist activity and comments are also made over lack of cooperation from the Royal Nepal Army, the statement says adding that serious debate alleging guilt on the part of the Royal Nepal Army following the attack by Maoists at the headquarters of Dolpa on September 25 has drawn the attention of the Defense Ministry.

Stating that the Defense Ministry in its capacity as the chief security organisation of the country is sensitive over the Maoist problem and the resulting violent activity, the statement also says the stance of His Majesty's Government is that resolution of the Maoist problem without mobilising the military and through other appropriate alternatives would be in the overall interest of the nation.

Report on Union rights made public

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): 'Trade Union Rights', a survey report of the trade union movement of the past decade done by the Nepal Trade Union Federation to cover the state of union rights and duties, services and facilities and humane living conditions for Nepalese workers following the restoration of democracy was made public here today.

The report says important measures taken in the past ten years were positive for most workers and the working class has also been able to exercise democratic rights after the restoration of multiparty democracy although most of these had come unexpected.

In the ten years important programmes were accomplished like the preparing of basic legal structures concerning labour, organisational arrangements, ratification of some important international labour conventions, the hosting of the first national labour conference, review of the minimum pay scale, the right of agriculture workers to organise, fixing of minimum wages for agro-workers and proclamation of Kamaiya emancipation.

The survey included short questions like what was there in 2046 B.S. and what was not, and what is / is not there in 2056 B.S.

The survey centred on economic facilities, discouraging of women workers, social security and health among other things.

The survey states that with few exceptions the expected outcome has not been realised including reduction of the sexual exploitation of women workers.

It says though the increase in wages and related income in the past ten years has been an achievement, the difference between minimum wages for workers and the salary hike for civil servants has been very wide.

The report says though some progressive changes have been made with regard to leave, study leave has been shortened, casual leave is in dispute and leave for women has not been realised yet.

The report also says cases of registering applications at the labour office have increased which is a sign that some progress has been made in the implementation of regulations and court verdicts as compared to ten years back despite the fact that unjustified labour practices still exists in the Nepalese labour market.

Maoist attacks gross violence of rights: NHRC

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): The National Human Rights Commission (NRHC) has said that the armed attacks by Maoists in Dunai, Dolpa district and Bhorletar of Lamjung, resulting in loss of life and property, and incidents of looting and arson are being taken as serious and gross violation of human rights.

In accordance with the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990 and globally recognized principles of human rights, everyone has the right to express one's views independently and hold peaceful demonstration, the commission says in a statement issued here today, adding however that depriving people of their right to live peacefully in the name political belief goes against the norms of human rights as well as against humanity.

The Human Rights Commission is of the view that no sector should in any situation violate human rights and emphasizes the need for everyone in a democratic society to demonstrate peacefully.

Stating that it is the primary duty of the government to not allow violation of human rights, but to preserve and promote human rights and maintain law and order in the country, the commission has also called upon the government and quarters concerned to not allow such incidents to take place again, and also guarantee the public full security of life and property.

Interpol organises training

Kathmandu. Sept. 29 (RSS): Regional training of the NCB (National Centre Bureau ) for officers of twelve countries of the Asia and Oceana region organised by interpol at the National Police Training Academy, Maharajgunj, concluded today.

At the concluding function, chief guest and Home Secretary Padma Prasad Pokhrel gave away certificates to the participating trainees.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that through interpol it has become much easier to face challenges like preventing crime, arresting criminals and carrying out investigations at the international level.

Pokhrel said that Nepal has already made commitments to control of drug trafficking, terrorism and other crimes.

IGP Achyut Krishna Kharel stressed the need to move ahead through timely expansion of mutual cooperation and coordination among the police of various countries.

Kharel said the Nepal police will cooperate with the international police community in the control and investigation of crime.

Regional training chief of Interpol Raouf Alicllah said the training which was designed to inform officers about international police organisations in the context of the internationalisation of criminal activity will be instrumental in resolving the problems of crime seen in each of the countries.

Altogether 21 police officers from various countries took part in the training which began on September 18.

Week-long Mahayagya at Syangja

Syangja, Sept. 29 (RSS): MP Shankar Prasad Pandey, while initiating a week-long Gyan Hamayagya held by the Paropakar Youth Club, Bhalyankot, the other day, said such religious programme would purify the mind of human being and also inspire all to follow a right path.

He also called on the youth to adhere to their religous faith.

The Mahayagya which started on September 27 will continue till October 4.

Cash and goods to be collected during the Mahayagya will be used to end social aberrations.

The fund will also be used to renovate roadside shelters, shrines and the village trails as well as to upgrade the physical and educational standard of the local schools.

Nepal Tarun Dal, Syanja district chairman Shiv Kumar Giri and Nepali Congress youth leader Baburam Giri wished the Mahayagya a success.

Poverty alleviation top agenda: Acharya

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): Finance Minister Mahesh Acharya met with president of the World Bank James D. Wolfensohn at the Congress centre in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, on Thursday.

On the occasion, Finance Minister Acharya, while apprising World Bank president Wolfensohn of Nepal's economic challenges and prospects, said as the alleviation of poverty was the main challenges of Nepal, His Majesty's Government gave top priority to poverty alleviation under its economic reform programme.

Informing the World Bank president about overall economic indicators and the main achievements of socio-economic sector in Nepal, Finance Minister Acharya said as the World Bank had significant role to play in socio-economic development of Nepal, more investment was needed in accelerating the pace of her socio-economic development.

The World Bank's assistance would also help His Majesty's Government significantly in setting up the Poverty Alleviation Fund to take the poverty alleviation programme to the rural poor and to mobilise the means and resources accordingly, he said.

On the occasion World Bank president Wolfensohn expressed satisfaction at the progress Nepal made in economic reform programme and assured Finance Minister Acharya of the World Bank's full co-operation in Nepal's economic reform programme.

The World Bank president also stressed the need to alleviate poverty to the maximum through further speeding up economic reforms programme.

Expressing the confidence that Nepal's economic reforms programme would play an important role in overall national development, the World Bank president lauded His Majesty's Government's commitment towards that direction.

The World Bank investment in Nepal would increase because of her economic reforms measures and the bank would also extend its assistance for Nepal's Poverty Alleviation Fund, he added.

On the occasion, the World Bank managing director Mr Shengman Zhang and vice president Mr Meiko Nishimizu were also present also present from the Nepal side were Nepal Rastra Bank governor Dipendra Purush Dhakal, finance secretary Dr Bimal Prasad Koirala and joint secretary at the Finance Ministry Madhav Prasad Ghimire.

Short News

HM grants audience

Kathmandu. Sept. 29 (RSS): His Majesty the king granted audience to Abdelaziz Touri, leader of the high level UNESCO delegation, president of World Heritage Committee and secretary general of the Ministry of Culture of Morocco, along with delegation members Dr Eduard Sekler, professor of Art, History and Architecture at Harvard University, and Fransisco Bandarini, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, at the Royal Palace today.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Tarini Datta Chataut and Royal Nepalese Ambassador to France Indra Bahadur Singh were also present on the occasion.

Bhattarai lauds courage of policemen

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai went to Birendra Police Hospital at Maharajgunj today and acquired information about the condition of policemen who were injured during encounters with terrorists in Dolpa and Lamgunj districts the other day and are now undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Lauding the courage of the policemen fighting for the nation, Mr Bhattarai on the occasion gave assurances he would work for the benefit of policemen.

Medical director of the hospital acting DIGP Dr Kashiram Kunwar apprised Mr Bhattarai of the condition of the injured and also of the physical state of the hospital.

Crown Prince pays homage to Lord Shiva

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): His Royal Highness Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev paid homage to Lord Shiva at the Mukti Gupteshwor temple in Sydney, Australia.

Minister of State for Education and Sports Dilendra Prasad Badu was also present on the occasion.

The temple was built in 2039 BS at the initiative of Nepalese residing in Australia.

His Majesty the King had sent a message to the temple's foundation laying ceremony.

CFC's AGM concludes

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 29: The annual general meeting of Chhatrapati Free Clinic (CFC) presided over by clinic's chairman Bijaya Mali concluded here recently.

The meeting unanimously passed an estimated budget of Rs. 1 crore 44 lakhs and 74 thousand presented by CFC treasurer Shankar Raj Joshi.

CFC founder Keshav Krishna Shrestha and others have provided Rs. 560,064 for CFC's Memorial Revolving Fund, according to Ms Leena Shakya, administrative officer of CFC.

MIS celebrates parent's day

BY A STAFF REPORTER,

Panauti, Kabhre, Sept. 29: Malpi International School (MIS) celebrated its second Parent’s Day last wedenesday at its premises in Malpi, Kabhre.

The chief guests at the occasion were Her Royal Highness Princess Sharada Shah and Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah. Ms. Gomati Venkateshwar, the Principal of the school delivered the wecome speech and highlighted the activities in the School.

The School, located in the pristine surroundings of Malpi Hills in Malpi was established two years ago with the purpose of providing quality education of international standards in Nepal so the exodus of children going to boarding schools abroad could be checked.

On the occasion of the Parent’s Day, the children staged a musical play, "Ramayan", another play based on PremChand’s Short story and also presented a short act on a poem by Vikram Seth. The children also staged dance on the folk tune of Rajamati......, a Newari Folk love tragedy.

HM accepts resignation of Joshi

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): His Majesty the King has, in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990, accepted the resignation submitted to His Majesty by Home Minister Govinda Raj Joshi through the Prime Minister.

Likewise, His Majesty has, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, designated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Ram Chandra Poudel to look after the affairs of the Home Ministry.

This is stated in a notice issued today by the Principal Press Secretariat of His Majesty the King.

Devghat area committee reconstituted

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): His Majesty's Government has reconstituted the Devghat Area Development Committee under the chairmanship of Devendra Prasad Upadhyaya (Bharatpur-9, Chitwan), according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

The committee has seven members.

Clean-up campaign

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): Australian ambassador Crispin Conroy inaugurated a world clean-up day programme organized at Thaiba VDC of Lalitpur disrict today by Nepal-Australia Friendship Society and the Australian embassy jointly.

On the occasion, he distributed dust bins to 16 schools.

Students from about 600 schools took part in the programme.

Reception hosted

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): The United States Information Centre hosted a reception in honour of former and present Peace Corps Volunteers in Nepal here today.

Volunteers serving in the Peace Corps in 1962, the first time in Nepal, were also present on the occasion.

The former volunteers said they found that Nepal has progressed in roads, communications, transport etc.

Some volunteers said that during their stay in Nepal they had the opportunity to study the Nepali language, culture and lifestyle.

The Peace Corps team is leaving for Pokhara tomorrow.