PM not to compromise

against democracy

Kathmandu, Apr. 19 (RSS): Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that he will not compromise with anyone against democracy.

Mr Koirala, addressing a function organised by the Nepal Students' Union (NSU) on the occasion of its 32nd anniversary here today, remarked that the Nepali Congress has taken democracy as an article of faith and no conspiracy or design will finish it off.

Calling on the opposition parties who have taken to street agitation demanding his resignation to come within the bounds of the constitution, the Prime Minister spoke of the need for the Nepal Students Union to play a crucial role in the preservation of democracy keeping in mind the present situation of the country.

NC leader and ex-prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai observed that the street agitation by the opposition for Koirala's resignation is unparliamentary, adding that the PM's resignation is being demanded not by the opposition but by the ruling party itself.

The NSU has yet to launch a great struggle for quality education and for the development of the whole education sector, he added.

NC leader Shailaja Acharya observed that as the country is passing through a very critical phase, the NC should move ahead unitedly.

It will be unfortunate for the nation if the NC in the name of sticking to power protects corrupt persons, she further said.

Former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba spoke of the need of national unity and said the Prime Minister should take along with him all parties including the main opposition.

NC central member Sushil Koirala stressed that the government should become strong for the protection of people's lives and property.

Various other speakers including NSU general secretary Yadav Pandit and former presidents of the union also spoke at the function chaired by NSU president Bishwo Prakash Sharma.

On the occaison former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai felicitated young scientist Ganesh Khatri, disabled student Sudarshan Gautam and Mrs Maiyadevi Shrestha (mother of NSU central member Shyam Sunder Shrestha who was killed by the Maoists) by wrapping shawls around them.

EC's new household record to case voter's updating

Kathmandu, Apr. 19 (RSS): The Election Commission has started the household inventory system from this year with the objective of bringing about an effective updating of the voters' list.

Under the household inventory system, a household registry along with the names and details of each members of a family will be prepared and the names will be included accordingly in the voters' list under the first phase of the programme in five districts including Morang, Makawanpur, Kaski, Banke and Kailali districts.

The Election Commission believes that the household inventory system, introduced for the first time, will eliminate the possibilities of the inclusion of ineligible people, people from different constituencies and non-Nepalis in the voters' list, help in improving accuracy of the voters' list and in estimating the number of voters as well as in resolving problems in certifying the voters.

As per information given at a press conference called by the Election Commission in the capital today, the programme will be gradually implemented throughout the country with the financial assistance of the Danish International Cooperation Agency, DANIDA.

The task of updating the voters' list is going on in the other 70 districts of the Kingdom (other than the five districts where the first phase of the household inventory system has been implemented from April 14) as per the objective of gradually updating the voters' list which is the key to holding elections in a free and fair manner.

As per its programme, the Election Commission will complete collecting the names of the voters by the end of Baisakh, publish the corrected version of the voters' list by the end of Jeth, make further corrections and additions of missing names in the list till the 15th of Asar, then publish the amended and updated copy of the voters' list by the end of Asar, allow a grace period of 15 days for making claims and counter claims on the voters' list and publish the final voters' list by the end of Shrawan.

The task of updating the voters' list is in full-swing, it is learnt from the Election Commission.

The total number of voters, according to the latest available data, is 14.2 million.

A special programme for creating awareness among the voters to exercise their voting rights as well as to make them conscious on the election process so as to enlist the maximum participation of the voters has been launched, EC spokesman Purushottam Sapkota said.

The programme, which is currently being implemented in five districts, is to be extended to ten other districts within the current fiscal year.

Vandalism to erode public faith

Kathmandu, Apr. 19 (RSS): Nepal Freedom Fighters' Association has, in a statement, said that all the democratic forces should remain alert as the vandalism resorted to by the opposition under the pretext of launching a protest against the elected Prime Minister is not only against the values and norms of parliamentary democracy but also a big conspiracy for reducing the people's faith in democracy by creating an atmosphere of anarchy in the country.

The Nepal Freedom Fighters' Association has appealed the Nepali Congress to create an atmosphere of unity by satisfying the dissidents within the party and protecting democracy by foiling the activities of the anti-democratic elements.

ADB reckons Nepal's growth rate at 5%

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Apr. 19: Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its 13th annual survey of Economic Developments in the Asian and Pacific Region today which said that Nepal’s economy was likely to grow by 5-5.5 per cent in 2001.

Asian Development Outlook 2001 (ADO 2001) has based its forecast on "sound macroeconomic management coupled with another year of relatively strong agricultural growth". Nepal’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.4 per cent in 2000 due largely to a strong agricultural recovery.

"Given appropriate economic policies, Nepal has potential for growth rates exceeding five per cent a year," the ADO 2001 notes. "However, actual performance is still vulnerable to changes in weather and the Indian economy given India’s dominance as a trading partner and Nepal’s narrow industrial base."

The ADO 2001 says that the country’s agricultural growth may decline slightly to about four per cent, down from five per cent in 2000. The industrial growth, too, is likely to range between 7-8 per cent (down from 8.7 per cent in 2000), with the final outcome depending on export growth rates. The service sector, however, is expected to remain stable at about six per cent.

The inflation is expected to rise from 3.5 per cent in 2000 to 5.5 per cent, with declining food prices - particularly for rice - being more than offset by rising non-food prices, due mainly to higher fuel costs.

According to the ADO 2001, the government’s "ambitious" development expenditure and revenue targets of 45 per cent and 24 per cent respectively (up 11 per cent in 2000) will be "difficult to achieve", owing to salary increments and the voluntary retirement scheme introduced for the civil servants. "Actual revenue performance will depend on the effective implementation of the value added tax as well as the success of current efforts to boost customs and income tax revenues."

The development expenditures, as in previous years, are expected to bear the brunt of any shortfalls in domestic revenues and foreign grants. According to the ADO 2001, the fiscal deficit for 2001 is projected to reach 4.5 per cent of GDP (up from 3.9 per cent in 2000) and rise slightly in 2002.

The ADO 2001 projects the current account deficit to widen slightly from 1.5 per cent in 2000 as aid-related inflows continue to increase. Strong economic growth in India will continue to bolster Nepal’s exports. The exports to other countries, too, with the predominance of readymade garments, will face increased uncertainty given the gradual removal of quotas as part of the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, says the Outlook. However, the country’s foreign reserves remain healthy.

Given that the majority of the poor in Nepal live in rural areas, the ADO 2001 notes the importance of agricultural development in addressing poverty. It recommends the government to push forward with policy reforms within agriculture to further encourage private sector participation in the sector.

The ADO 2001 also highlights the need to boost domestic resource mobilisation through financial sector reform. "Inefficiencies in the financial sector, which is dominated by state-owned financial institutions, hamper the mobilisation of domestic resources. The financial sector is, therefore, another key area where extensive reforms are needed."

Another key to poverty reduction is the introduction of meaningful civil service reform and governance reform, says the ADO 2001. "A coherent approach to improving the performance of the civil service is required," it notes, "one that will give the public a voice in determining the services desired and how they will be delivered."

Nepal for latest technology

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, April 19: Nepal was moving ahead in the application and use of modern scientific technology for the overall and sustainable advancement of the country and it sought help from countries that have made tremendous progress in this sector.

This was stated by Minister for Science and Technology Surendra Prasad Chaudhary while inaugurating a one-day workshop on "Geomatics and Space Science Technology Applications" amidst a special function organised here today.

Hailing the achievement of space science technology made by the world people Minister Chaudhary added, "We have now fulfilled the wish of peaceful space and earth the people of earlier centuries had dreamed of."

The one-day workshop extensively discussed themes like future of Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, research and applications; data products and services available from space agencies, status of GIS and remote sensing technology in Nepal, India and leading Asian countries. Similarly, dissemination activities of national, private, academic and non-governmental agencies in the field of GIS and remote sensing in Nepal and the region was also discussed.

The seminar jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) of India, and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), also dwelt on the scope of establishing space application centre in Nepal and the related governing policies.

The symposium also focused in facilitating linkages and face-to-face discussions among partner institutions with the common interest of generating greater benefits to Nepal from GIS and remote sensing technology and its applications.

The seminar is also hoped to establish greater co-operation and collaboration amongst the key players (data providers, data use facilitators, and end user’s of data) currently promoting the use of GIS technology and remotely sensed data.

Nepal has recognised GIS and remote sensing technology as a necessary decision-making tool for planning and development activities. Through close collaboration of various national and international institutions, Nepal has established a global network with institutions and professionals involved in the field of GIS and remote sensing technology. NRSA has been the major provider of remotely sensed data and products to various organisations in Nepal and the entire South Asian region. Meanwhile, ICIMOD is also contributing towards the promotion of GIS and remote sensing technology and its applications in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region.

President of ESRI of the USA Jack Dangermond, head of NRSA Dr. D. P. Rao, and director of CSSTE Professor B. L. Deekshatulu also spoke of the uses and applications of GIS and remote sensing technology. Scientists from Nepal and India also made presentations on the subject matter of the workshop.

Together with the workshop, an exhibition on GIS and Remote Sensing Data Products and Services was organised at the workshop venue at Birendra International Convention Centre. The exhibition was inaugurated by ESRI president Dangermond.

Scientists and professionals from various countries of the world and officials from government organisations, academic institutions, INGOs and NGOs participated in the workshop.

UML, NSP rap recent govt actions

Kathmandu, Apr. 19 (RSS): The CPN-UML at its meeting today has concluded that the measures employed by the present government to suppress the leaders and MPs of the opposition parties and the general public who have called for the Prime Minister's resignation while remainining within the constitutional parametres are regressive, anti-national and anti-people.

Stating that the present Prime Minister's resignation is necessary even for building a conducive atmosphere for investigation into the Lauda Air case, the meeting decided to make the movement more effective and expand it throughout the country.

`The meeting was chaired by party general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal.

Meanwhile, Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) has strongly denounced the arrest of leader of the opposition party in parliament Madhav Kumar Nepal and other leftist leaders during the demonstration seeking the resignation of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

The NSP has also denounced the police excesses meted out to the leaders including MPs and activists of the leftist parties in the same connection.

96 injured in confrontation in Bisket Jatra

Bhaktapur, Apr. 19 (RSS): Ninety six persons including members of the general public and security personnel were injured in a confrontation that took place on the final day of the Bisket Festival last night.

The three seriously injured are undergoing treatment at B and B Hospital.

Police had to lob tear gas shells and charge with batons to bring the situation under control.

Brick-batting in the confrontation has caused damage to the winows, glasses and roofs of the 55-window palace, Nyatpole temple and Bhaktapur Municpality building.

Two persons have been arrested for necessary investigation, the chief district officer said.

Water shortage to hit South Asia

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, April 19: A three-day workshop is being held in Kathmandu from April 18-20 to discuss the perspectives, trends and conditions of key issues related to environmental and natural resources in South Asia and to assist the US government to better understand the problems of environment in South Asia.

Called as the review workshop on the preliminary findings on a study done by USAID’s Global Bureau Environmental Centre through the Environmental Policy and Institutional Strengthening Indefinite Quantity (EPIQ), it is meant to help the US government’s region-wise and country-specific programmes.

The review workshop will be followed by a seminar in Washington D.C. on the study’s findings possibly in Many.

Robert Kerr, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, said the review workshop is being participated by 40 participants from the US missions and agencies in the region and experts from Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"The outcome of the study, under the South Asia Regional Environmental Profile, will help the US government to thrash out its strategy on the current and the likely future environmental and natural resources management issues affecting US interests in South Asia," he said.

At a press conference today, Dr. John Wilson, Environmental Officer at the USAID’s Bureau for Asia and the Near East, said the result of the study will help for making decisions at the regional and country-specific level on key environmental issues. He said EPIQ’s preliminary study has found water, energy and environment will be the key issues of the region in future.

Elaborating it further, Dr. David McCauley, Director of Asia-Pacific Region of the International Resources Group said, the preliminary findings of the study has identified four sectoral and three cross-cutting issues as key to the trends and conditions of South Asia’s environmental and natural resources.

The four key sectoral issues are: water resource management; forest and land resource management; urbanization; and the energy and its environmental dimension.

On the water resource management, he said South Asia will face severe shortage of water in the next 10-20 years, but there are also opportunities for regional cooperation for flood protection, water-sharing and trans-boundary cooperation of energy and hydro-power development.

He said the forest and land management is already human dominated and human influenced. He said human domination of forest and land may be slightly less in Nepal, but it is characterized by high density of crop and population density.

Urbanization will be another environmental challenge for South Asia with pollution of air and water and problems of solid waste disposal and wastewater management. He said South Asia urgently needs urban planning.

Regarding energy, Dr. McCauley said the region needs to have improved efficiency in the electricity sector and concerns regarding energy production and consumption. He said there is a tremendous potential of regional cooperation in the energy sector.

The three cross-cutting topics identified by the preliminary report relates to better coordination in disaster forecasting, preparedness and management; role of the judiciary on laws and actions to improve environmental quality, need for more public awareness and participation in environment management and need for more cooperation between the government and the private sector, NGOs and the civil society to address inefficiency and corruption of government on environmental issues; and growing potential of misunderstanding leading to conflicts over natural resources.

Concern expressed over decline of jute production

Biratnagar, Apr. 19 (RSS): Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyaya says in an open society, the farmers cannot be forced to cultivate any crops that does not provide any tangible benefit to them.

Inaugurating a day long seminar on "jute production and its export potentials" organised by Nepal Jute Industries Association and Trade Promotion Centre, Minister Upadhyaya said if the jute growers were involved in the seminar, the problems faced by them (jute growers) would be come to light.

Stating that statistics of jute brought out in the past differed from the ground realities, he said the government and all concerned bodies including industrialists and traders were responsible for the decline in production of jute in the country.

It would be injustice to the society as well as the nation if decisions were taken only with the motive of making money, he said.

He urged the industrialists and the traders to be clear on whether they are in favour of an open policy in this sector or government's protection.

Mr Upadhyaya also called for rising above party interests on issues of national importance and forging understanding in every segments of the society.

Morang DDC chairman Khadga Bahadur Basnet said that local bodies would opt for empowering the local farmers through community-based programme.

President of FNCCI revenue committee Jagadish Prasad Rathi, president of Morang Industries Association Sushil Dhanawat, member of board of director of Nepal Trade Promotion Centre Lokendra Kumar Malla and mayor of Biratnagar Sub-Metropolis Ramesh Chandra Poudel pointed out the need for a government's clear policy and conception towards the private sector.

President of Morang Byapar Sangh Uday Ojha, vice-president of Nepal Jute Producers' Association Nirmal Vyas and executive director of Nepal Trade Promotion Centre Naresh Chandra Lamichhane expressed concern over the declining trend of jute production in Nepal at a time when products made out of naturally-grown raw materials are on the rise.

Mohan Chandra Ghimire of Nepal Jute Industries Association presented a working paper on "Jute industry in Nepal and its challenges" and regional agricultural director Ghanshyam Singh on "Jute cultivation in Nepal and its prospects" at the seminar chaired by Nepal Jute Industries Association president Raj Kumar Golchha.

Nepalese jute industries have been on the brink of collapse since the last few years as a result of the lack of interest of the farmers in cultivating jute, a major cash crop of the eastern region.

Books on Nepal's culture, art released in Moscow

Kathmandu, Apr. 19 (RSS):  Two books in the Russian language entitled "The arts of Nepal" and "Nepalese culture: tradition and modernity" were relcased at a function held at the Royal Nepalese Embassy, Moscow yesterday.

The arts of Nepal, written by scholar Ms. Inna Fyodorovna Murian, is an output of her twenty years of study and research on Nepal.

The other book-Nepalese culture: tradition and modernity- is a collection of research studies by scholars at the state Institute for Art Studies, Moscow.

Presenting a copy of the book to Royal Nepalese Ambassador Mr. Lila Prasad Sharma, assistant director Ms. Irina Vladimirovna Popova paid a glowing tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and spoke of the satisfaction of the institute of state arts studies at being able to take this pioneering step to acquaint the Russian people about Nepal and its culture. Ambassador Mr. Sharma expressed great appreciation on behalf of His Majesty's Government and the poeple of Nepal to the writers and publisher of the books.

He also assured the assembled guests of all possible cooperation of the embassy in ensuring continuation of research and studies in various aspects of Nepalese society.

The function was followed by a reception in honor of the writers. University professors, directors and research scholars of the institute of oriental studies, the Russian Sciences Academy and the Oriental Literature Publication House were present, according to the Royal Nepalese Embassy in Moscow.