Hetauda Textile facing fund crisis; staff on strike

Hetauda, Jan. 12 (RSS): Hetauda Textile Mill is reported to be facing a serious financial constraint and has remained closed for the past few weeks for its failure to buy its much needed raw material-- cotton.

The mill management says it requires 1200 metric tons of cotton a year and the present crisis is precipitated by the shortage of cotton.

It may be noted that Nepal Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC), Kathmandu, provided a grant assistance of Rs 90 million to the mill on the recommendation of HMG two years back, thus helping it to resume operation immediately.

Located in Hetauda Industrial District (HID), the mill is running into a serious financial trouble and about 1200 of its staff, technical hand, and labourers are still not getting their five months' pay and allowances.

They are now resorting to a phase-wise move, demanding payment of salary and allowances. Their move aims to draw the attention of the government, NIDC, the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Supplies to the plight of the industry as well as to the need to operate it in a more planned manner.

The Mill All-Labour Action Committee has staged a strike Thursday at the mill, urging a 3-day token strike at other factories of the industrial district, according to the District Administration.

The mill management is reported to be holding talks with high officials of the ministry of supplies and the Ministry of Industry and other units in that connection.

The mill needs a loan assistance of about Rs 320 million to get it out of the present crisis, it is learnt.

Built with the assistance of the Chinese government, the mill was handed over to His Majesty's Government 22 years ago. Its textile products are reported to be stockpiling in its warehouse for failing to compete in the local market.

'Cooperatives medium to strengthen country'

Lalitpur, Jan. 12 (RSS): Minister of State for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Narendra Bikram Nembang inaugurated the first annual general conference of Shirijunga Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd. here recently.

The share capital of the Society, set up with a capital of Rs 160,000 at the beginning with the objective of contributing to the economic development of society and the country, has reached Rs 1,260,000, it was disclosed on the occasion.

After setting aside Rs 211,516 from net profits for the reserve fund, the Society has decided to provide dividends of 15 percent to shareholders who subscribed to shares by the end of Ashadh 2057 Bikram year.

On the occasion, Minister of State Nembang said that taking into consideration the present situation, the country should be made strong and capable through the medium of cooperatives.

He said that the government should seriously heed the suggestions and advice given by the society for resolving the problems of cooperatives.

MP Bijaya Subba said the government should pay attention to making the environment congenial for the development of cooperative societies.

Society secretary Shashi Bhushan Khapung presented a financial report. Former minister Parashu Ram Khapung and others also expressed their views at the function chaired by vice-president captain Daya Prasad Angbung.

Trainers' training held

Dhankuta (RSS): A nine-day Koshi Zonal Level Trainers' Training of social mobilisers of the "Biseshwar With The Poor" Programme was held here recently.

Chairman of the Trainers' Training Gopal Poudyal gave away certificates to the participants at the concluding session of the training programme.

Nineteen social mobilisers from Koshi Zone had taken part in the training.

Badri Timilsina of the district education office presided over the programme.

Mt. Everest Brewery felicitatesEverest climber

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Jan. 12: Dr. Daman Bahadur Amatya, executive director of Mt. Everest Brewery Pvt. Ltd., gave away a cheque of Rs. 100,000 to Lakpa Sherpa, team leader of Women New Millennium Everest Expedition Spring 2000, who successfully scaled Mt. Everest last year.

Dr. Amatya also gave Rs. 25,000 each to members of the expedition team—Mingma Yangji Sherpa Dawa Yangji Sherpa and Dolma Sherpa, who reached 50 metres short of the top of the world—Mt. Everest.

He lauded the team for achieving a prestigious feat of scaling Mt. Everest.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, Managing Director of Asian Trekking and vice-chairman of a committee formed by Sushma Memorial Trust to assist the team, extended thanks to Mt. Everest. Mt. Everest Brewery Limited, which is the brewer of San Miguel, Golden Tiger and Genius beers in the country.On the occasion, Birendra Dahal and Pushpa Thapaliya were also present.