Property right
Women’s Bill awaits House debate soon

BY RITU RAJ SUBEDI

Kathmandu, Oct. 7: The government is expected to present the Women’s Property Right Bill in the House of the Representatives soon that will become a milestone in empowering women if it is passed by the Parliament.

There have been mounting pressures from the opposition parties as well as the women’s rights activists to present the Bill that has been lingering in the Parliament for a couple of years.

Those advocating for the Bill say after it is approved by the Parliament the Bill will give women some historic achievements. The Bill has established women’s right to their parents’ property irrespective of her age. Under the existing Civil Code a woman can have equal right to the parental property equal to the sons only if she remains unmarried till the age of 35.

Chief Whip of the ruling Nepali Congress Tek Bahadur Chokhyal said the Bill would establish women’s right to parental property by not disturbing the present family structure.

"Till a woman remains in her parent’s home she will have equal right to her parent’s properties as her brothers, but as she gets married she forfeits that right, but it will establish her right to property in her husband’s house."

He said women’s position and status changes as she goes from her parent’s home to her husband’s.

Chokhyal, however, said a woman can claim her share of property before she gets married and spend it as she wishes. But after marriage she will have to return it to her parents. But he did say that this would not be compulsory if she has spent or used up all the property.

However, those who are advocating for women’s right to property in the absolute sense say the Bill is incomplete and even handicapped. They have even accused the government of changing the main thrust of the Bill – that is the giving women the right to parental property irreversibly.

They have even registered note of dissent over the change at the parliamentary committee meeting.

Asta Laxmi Shakya a UML MP, said the bill was incomplete and has failed to grasp the spirit of the Constitution regarding equality of gender. She said her party would strongly oppose the Bill in the Parliament.

Meanwhile, Kamala Pant, a Nepali Congress MP also feels that women will achieve their rights but only partially if the bill is passed by the Parliament. "We will have reached only half the journey to Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest)," she said.

She, however, said the Bill is a major step forward in ensuring women’s rights for which they have been fighting for decades.

But she said the issue of property right is not the only thing in the Bill, and it must not overshadow the other important issues related to women proposed in the Bill. There are 16 clauses in the Civil Code related to the women and of them 13 clauses are related to women’s rights.

The new Bill has proposed amendments to several clauses of the existing Civil Code such as the fixation of same marriage age for both men and women at 20 and others related to early and underage marriage, polygamy, incestuous relations, rape and other crimes against women. The Bill has doubled the punishment for raping minor or underage girls and it is also liberal to abortion with certain conditions.

But the opposition parties are not convinced. Shakya of the UML said women must have equal right to parental property as the sons, and we will not allow the bill to be passed in the Parliament if that does not happen.

The oppositions want a complete turn-around of the present inheritance provisions. They want the women to keep the properties they have inherited from their parents for good.

The opposition parties in the Parliament, mainly the CPN-UML, have said that the bill has killed the major agenda of the Bill. The party has even accused the government of backing off from the agreement by going for returning the property after marriage.

Life returns to normal as rain recedes in Terai

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Oct. 7: Taking toll of millions of property along with some lives in the eastern Nepal, the unpleasant and unexpected heavy rainfall stopped today.

The torrential rain, which continued for three days from October 3, destroyed hundreds of houses, completely inundated over five hundred hector of paddy field leaving the general life in limbo in Sunsari district alone.

However, life in Sunsari district is slowly coming back to normalcy and the urban areas of the district are not much affected, according to Chief District Officer of Sunsari Ram Prasad Khatiwada.

Meanwhile, he maintained that the agricultural sector of the area has faced a severe damage due to the heavy rainfall.

"It was pouring in such a manner that we could not think what to do. We had thought we will be swept away. But thank god, the rain stopped today," exclaims Siddhartha Sharma of Biratnagar.

In the past several days the area, which had received below normal rains throughout the monsoon, got record rainfalls causing severe damage.

Over one hundred houses in Mia Tol and fifty houses in ward No. 6 of Inaruwa Municipality have been completely submerged. Likewise, the flood swept away about one hundred and fifty cottages. Nearly fifty families are reported to have become homeless and many government buildings are also damaged. The flood water is still to subside completely in many places.

The army barrack at Ward No. 4 and factories like Reliance Spinning Mills, Multi Fibers are still on a heavy poor of water. Likewise Mahendra Highway near Bhantabari of Sunsari has been severely damaged.

The impact of rainfall had been such that Biratnagar virtually remained closed on Friday. In Biratnagar one house was swept away by the flood, hundreds of bighas of paddy fields have been damaged in Belbari and Urlabari of Morang district.

Likewise, in Saptari district one hundred houses and 150 bighas lands have been swept away by Mauli Khola. In Dhanusha district, the railway line has been obstructed and two houses have been damaged and in Siraha district, one house crumbled down.

Nepal’s response to counter terrorism encouraging: US envoy

Kathmandu, Oct. 7 (RSS): US Charge d’Affaires Larry Dinger has said that Nepal’s willingness to help in every way possible to counter terrorism is encouraging.

In an exclusive interview to RSS executive editor Chiranjibi Paudyal, Dinger said regarding Nepal’s response to counter terrorism, it has been totally responsive and very encouraging.

He said, "It is very obvious that intensive efforts are being made not just by the American Government but by most of the countries of the world to start the process which will be a very long process in finding ways to counter terrorism and remove it."

The American diplomat said, "It is really heartening that so many countries including Nepal have expressed their willingness to help in every way possible to counter this problem."

So far thousands of people are investigating the particular issues surrounding September 11 throughout the world and they have made a lot of progress, he added.

  Dinger said, "I think the problem is much bigger and the global coalition is attempting to resolve the problem. Careful concerted effort has to be made as to who gets blamed and how the world deals with this issue."  

Referring to the operation against the terrorist, he said "I won’t go into detail about the operation" but the global coalition is looking for like minded governments and like minded nations providing whatever cooperation is necessary obviously one of the areas that the USA has already pointed out to is financial transactions.

He said that President Bush has already issued an executive order in the USA which freezes the accounts of 27 individuals and organisations who clearly seems to be associated with the terrorist activities and has urged other governments of the world also do the same. Very importantly, the United Nations Security Council just a few days ago passed a binding resolution that requires every UN member to ban the bank account of terrorists and close them down to deny them access to the borders of the countries and hinder the efforts of terrorist in every way the government can.

"That is the most important thing; I think that every country including Nepal can do. Regarding Nepal’s responsiveness, they have been totally responsive again in a global efforts and I am happy to say that the government sees exactly that way, "he added.

 The American diplomat said "I do think that terrorism is a global problem and the September 11 attack probably has the roots in various parts of the world. Certainly a lot of focus has been going on towards Osama bin Laden who happens to be in Afghanistan at the moment. Of course, he is not an Afghani. The global anti terrorism efforts has focused in South Asia as Al-Queda organisation has been operating in many countries of the world. I think it has a lot of other focuses as well as in USA where intensive investigations is underway."

Dinger said, "The United States has been very active in attempting to counter terrorism for years. The state department has an office to counter terrorism and it has been coordinating with lots of countries on this issue for a long time. Obviously all the efforts have intensified since September 11."

"There is so much spirit of co-operation among not only USA but a lot of countries in South Asia. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has already visited the South Asia in this connection. Many other people are focusing the issue globally. A global effort going on," he added.

In reply to a question about the Maoist problem in Nepal, he said "When people live in a democracy the way to deal with dispute is in a democratic way that is the whole idea of democracy. It allows people to find peaceful ways to achieve their goals. The negotiation process which is underway will bring some fruits because the peaceful process is the only reliable way to resolve the problem and I think democracy is the only legitimate way to handle the problem."

"We also believe in rule of law and the state has the responsibility to protect private property and personal security," he added.

Describing US support for strengthening democracy in Nepal, Dinger said, "I don’t think it is any secret at all. We strongly believe that democracy works the best. Based on our own experiences and experiences of other countries of various backgrounds, we strongly believe democracy works the best. Democracy is an evolutionary process. Our own democracy is still changing, we don’t’ claim for the moment to be perfect but democratic system can serve better and be more responsive towards what the peoples’ needs really are. So this Embassy’s highest ranking role for years, I am sure, certainly is to help Nepal in strengthening democracy."

 "Nepal’s democracy is younger and some 11 years old. When our democracy was only 10/11 years old, many experiments took place. A lot of creativity takes place as you develop the democratic institutions", he added.

Dwelling on the relationship between Nepal and the USA, the Charge d’Affaires said, "The relationship between Nepal and the USA is very friendly. People to people and government to government are good friends. The reaction that the people in Nepal gave to the tragedy of September 11 is incredible. We had thousands of written messages; we had many thousands of signatures on the condolence books. There was endless line to sign the condolence book, people have offered money and people have offered to donate blood. The government of Nepal has offered full support to the global coalition to try to eliminate the terrorism. These are the recent examples.

"We have very good friendship. I am very happy with the relations we have. How much fun it is to be an American diplomat, I suppose in Nepal, because we are friends, we work together, and we try to solve the problems together.

Replying a question about the US support in Nepal’s development efforts, Dinger said, we are contributing over 20 million dollars every year through US aid and most of that is for the health sector. A lot of indicators show that improvement have been made in this sector particularly in the last five years.

We are also very active in the hydro power sector, we are anxious to help strengthen democratic programmes and many other areas to strengthen the democratic institutions and help in the development of Nepal, he added.

Replying a question on how Nepal can attract US investment, Dinger said, "I think there are several things that are important. Resolving security issue is certainly important. Investors like to have secure environment, if this negotiation process ( between government and Maoist) bears fruit that would be wonderful." 

"Additionally, rule of law is very important, unfortunately, there is a concern among the potential investors that the rule of law is not as well developed; the corruption is still a problem. Anything that the government of Nepal can do to reduce those kinds of negative impressions will certainly help increase the number of US investors", he added. 

Couriers want recognition as industry

Kathmandu, Oct.7 (RSS): Courier service entrepreneurs have demanded that the service be recognised as industry and provided all facilities as being enjoyed by other industries.

They complained that though courier companies provide prompt services to their clients by taking their documents and parcel to the destinations in different parts of the world through air, this is yet to be taken as a dignified profession.

Speaking of the need to run this service in a well-managed way since the companies which have already had their foothold in the developed countries and transact billions of dollars annually have started showing their interests in Nepal also.

The number of courier service companies has reached 44 benefiting more than two thousand people, sources said.

Participants, speaking at the seventh annual general assembly meeting of the Nepal Courier Association here today, demanded that they should be provided customs duty exemption on equipment, concessions provided on internet services, a separate counter should be put up at the airport for releasing goods and a separate godown set up.

On the occasion, Dr Ram Sharan Mahat spoke of the need to frame fresh laws and regulations for conducting new businesses.

Stating that there has been slackness in the trade and industry sector due to Maoist terrorisms, Dr Mahat observed that the situation will improve once the Maoists stop using force and the problem is solved.

President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajeshkaji Shrestha said industry flourishes in peaceful atmosphere.

Association president Govardan Pahadi and vice president Pawan Kishore Rathi also spoke at the function.

Effective marketing of  exportable items stressed

Kathmandu, Oct. 7 (RSS): In the context of HMG’s declaration to observe 2003 as export year, Nepal Chamber of Commerce held an interaction programme here today on the situation of the export trade of the country and measures to be adopted to make it more effective.

At the interaction programme, concerned experts said that as there was no export policy in the country, such a policy should be formulated and the exportable goods identified for the benefit of the country.

It was also pointed out that finding international markets for Nepalese products was a very challenging endeavour and wide publicity should be carried out at the global level to ensure the success of the international export year.

Exporters at the interaction programme requested the government to set up a separate cell within the Finance Ministry to eliminate the difficulties encountered by the export trade.

President of Nepal Garment Association Brij Gopal Inani said that the government should formulate a separate policy for exports.

Likewise, Kabindra Nath Thakur, president of the Carpet Exporters Association of Nepal, said that a separate Labour Act should be devised and the Agriculture Ministry should take special measures to encourage sheep raising in the country to resolve the problem of dependence on Tibet and New Zealand for the supply of raw materials.

General secretary of the Nepal Carpet Association Krishna Maskey and vice-president of the Pashmina Producers Association Shankar Panday said that necessary homework for the export year should be carried out to boost the export trade.

Former secretary Mohan Deb Panta, president of Leather and Shoe Manufacturers Association Surendra Hamal and a host of other speakers also expressed their views at the interaction programme chaired by president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajesh Kaji Shrestha.

Leadership development training opens

Kathmandu, Oct. 7 (RSS): Member of the Nepali Congress Central Committee and chief of the NC Organisation Department Krishna Prasad Sitaula inaugurated the leadership development training conducted under the joint sponsorship of Nepal Health Workers’ Association, Nepal Trade Union Congress and Fedriech Ebert Stiftung here today.

In his inaugural address, Sitauda called on one and all to unite and safeguard the basic principles of the constitution at a time when democracy is under severe threat.

The Maoists should point out which articles and clauses of the Constitution hinder them to work in favour of people, he said, adding that if there are such articles and clauses which are detrimental to the people, the Nepali Congress is ready to amend them.

The Maoists should come within the purview of the democracy and human rights ushered through the popular movement of 2046 B.S., he added

President of Nepal Trade Union Congress Laxman Bahadur Basnet said that all workers should move ahead by analysing the achievements obtained within the last 12 years while keeping in mind the rights and duties.

Acting president of the Nepal Health Workers Association Muktiram Shrestha was on the chair.

One representative each from 20 district are taking part in the training.

‘NC workers, leaders need to be disciplined’

Kathmandu, Oct. 7 (RSS): Speakers at a symposium on the challenges in the consolidation of democracy organised jointly here today by the Nepali Congress (NC) constituency No. 1 committee of Okhaldhunga district and the Nepal Students Union (NSU) Okhaldhunga- Kathmandu liaison committee, pointed out that the conduct of activists as well as leaders should be improved to make democracy fruitful.

Member of the Royal Nepal Academy Dr. Tulasi Prasad Bhattarai, who was chief guest at the symposium inaugurated by MP and central member of the Nepali Congress Bal Bahadur Rai, said that the distortions in democracy started in the country after the general convention of the Nepali Congress at Kabalgudi in 2048 Bikram year and the big issue was that while ideals of the late B.P. Koirala were duly referred to discipline and duty were not complied with.

MP Gopal Rai, NSU central general secretary Yadav Pandit and a host of other speakers also expressed their views at the programme chaired by chairman of the NC constituency No. 1 committee of Okhaldhunga Juddha Bahadur Rai.