Banks should invest in huge projects, says Deuba

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 14: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today inaugurated Kumari Bank amidst a function here this afternoon. The country’s fifteenth commercial bank was in operation for the last five months.

"The private sector has made a good progress in the banking sector," Prime Minister Deuba said in his inaugural address. "I feel that the commercial banks should now channel their investment into the big projects in hydropower, tourism and agriculture sectors for the overall development of the nation."

Premier Deuba said the commercial banks should run targeted programmes for the uplift of the poor people and assist the State to alleviate poverty.

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s Governor Dr. Tilak Rawal said many commercial banks and financial institutions came into existence with the adoption of liberal economic policy by the State since the mid 1980s.

Rawal said the rumours that the commercial banks did not have enough liquidity to pay their clients were not true. "The banks do have enough liquidity to pay the clients." Many depositors rushed to the banks in the recent weeks to withdraw their deposits when the lawmakers of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Nepal Sadhbhavana Party stalled the House of Representatives demanding a ceiling on property. Their move came as a reaction to the government’s announcement to reduce the land holding ceiling.

Rawal conceded that some people withdrew their deposits and purchased gold, adding the situation was normal now. He denied that the Nepalese currency would be devalued in the near future.

He, however, said peace was a precondition for economic growth. He hoped the situation would improve with the government giving top priority to peace and security. "We should move ahead sensitively in context of the global meltdown."

Rawal said Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriyal Banijya Bank were not in a situation to be closed immediately. "They should instead be reformed as they can play a crucial role to industrialise the nation."

Rawal appealed to the commercial banks to avail of the refinancing facility and forward maximum loans to the most needy.

In his welcome address, Bank chief executive officer Surendra Bhandari said his institution would work in line with the policy of the State and the central bank. "We will devise our policy keeping in view the directions of the government and the NRB and the opinions of the clients."

The objective of the Bank is not only to earn profit but also to serve the interests of the depositors and to contribute to national development, Bank Chairman Noor Pratap JB Rana said. He informed the Bank would launch Internet banking and home banking soon and open branches in different parts of the country.

The bank has collected a total deposit of Rs. 600 million, advanced Rs. 580 million loans and earned a profit of Rs. 5.8 million during its five months’ operation.

'No Nepal-connection on terrorist attacks in US'

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 14: Larry M. Dinger, Charge d’Affairs a.i. of the United States Embassy in Kathmandu, said that the United States would welcome any information from Nepal and Nepalis on the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Talking to journalists at the US Embassy today, Dinger said that the US is working with many countries, including Nepal, to eliminate these terrorist activities from the world stage.

"I have gone to the government of Nepal to seek assistance on any information and I couldn’t be more pleased with what they say," the acting US ambassador said. The Nepalese government has said that it would assist as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba expressed in the Nepalese parliament, he said.

He also said that they have not received any information of Nepal-connection in the attacks but added that the United States was incredibly gratified to know how Nepal and the world reacted. "The reaction from His Majesty the King, the government, the Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers, NGO community, press and the people showed that every one has been affected," the Charge d’ Affairs said and added ‘thank you so much’.

"There is a long line to sign the condolence book with people carrying flowers and words of compassion, we appreciate that." Dinger said.

He said the response from South Asia was so great and it may be that the region has also been facing such problems.

The US diplomat also said there would be efforts to work with all countries and there is very serious investigation going on in the US with thousands taking part.

Dinger said the US will continue on with its life as the US is a very strong, vibrant and resilient society. He, however, said that I couldn’t imagine on any change in the US policy on immigration and also the US government opposes drawing of conclusion on any community or ethnic groups. "The attacks have been done by people or groups who have taken their political oppositions in a very wrong way."

Gorkhapatra's journo Joshi gets film award

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 14: The maiden award of the Nepal Film Journalists Association has been given to Radha Prasad Joshi. Jaya Prakash Rijal is also the recipient of the award. The award was given amidst a ceremony held in Kathmandu today. The awards were presented by the Chairman of the Nepal Film Development Board and senior artiste Yadav Kharel..

Joshi, who is associated with Gorkhapatra daily, a sister publication of The Rising Nepal, as associate editor, is a columnist on film and entertainment since about a decade. Rijal is associated with Classic FM.

Joshi and Rijal have been given the awards for their contribution of films and entertainment in print and electronic media.

The award carries a commendation letter, trophy and a purse of Rs. 5001. At the programme, the Film Journalists Association also said that it has formed a Film Journalists’ Welfare Fund.

Rally calls for solution of Maoist issue

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 14: A massive rally consisting of thousands of people marched through the streets of Kathmandu demanding that the Maoist problem be resolved through talks and other peaceful means.

The rally, organised by People’s Solidarity for Peace Campaign, consisted of teachers, civil servants, employees of different industries, travel and tourism people, doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, human rights activists, business people, social workers and also common people walked around the city chanting slogans in favour of peace.

The rally, estimated at about 20,000 people, carried placards and banners saying, ‘Peace through talks, give up violence for peace’, ‘there is no alternate to peace’, ‘We have enough violence, it’s time for peace’ and other such slogans.

Pramod Dhungel, a teacher who was carrying a placard bearing a peace slogan, said this unprecedented show of solidarity of all professionals and people will put pressure both on the government and the Maoists to resolve the problem through dialogue. "The Maoists may have their political and other demands, but they must give up their path of violence, which leads to nowhere but distruction."

Spilling of blood by the Maoists and the government will only lead the country and the society to anarchy and disintegration, said another marcher Keshav Shrestha, a social worker.

Today’s rally was probably the biggest one the Capital has ever seen in favour of peace.

"We saw dozens of rallies in the last 10 years, but this was totally different from others – a reflection of the people’s hearts and minds," said Laxmi Shrestha, a housewife, who also joined the march.

The rally even caused a huge traffic jam in the city, but one motorist did not mind. "We were caught in many more traffic jams before, but to this I don’t mind. Because unlike others, this reflects our feelings," said Ganga Bahadur Basnet, a taxi driver, who had to wait for more than half-an-our at New Road to pass through.

Meanwhile, the organisers say they are going to hold similar peace rallies in other parts of the country.

"What we wanted to do was to show that people really wanted peace and this rally did exactly the same thing," said Bhawani Prasad Khanal, a member of the organiser.

Meanwhile, RSS adds from Bhaktapur, a massive peace rally was taken out today morning under the convenorship of Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the call of peace campaign people's solidarity committee wishing for the success of the ongoing peace talks between hmg and the Maoists as well as restoration of peace and amity in the country.

The Particapants of the peace rally carried placards with slogans like "Peace: the wish of all the Nepalese," "Give Up Violence" and "Learn to Live and Let Others Live," "Peace for All and Forever" and "Let's Build a Society Free from Fear" written on them.

The rally which concluded at Bhaktapur Durbar Square was organised with the cooperation of Peace Rally Coordination Committee, Nepal Human Rights Organisation and Private and Boarding School Organisation of Nepal.

The rally was participated in by industrialists, businessmen, human right activists, lawyers, journalists, intellectuals, doctors, teachers, students and representatives from various political parties.

The rally commenced from Bhaktapur Durbar area and passed through Balakhu, Chochhen, Bhlachhen, Mahalaxmisthan, Nagpokhari, Datratreya, Golmadhi, Sukuldhoka, Taumadhi, Nasmana, Banshagopal and Bharwacho.

Similarly, reports of peace rally being organised have been received from Butwal of Rupandehi, Gulariya in Bardiya, Jaleshwar in Dhanusa, Nepalgunj in Banke and from Mahottari wishing for success of the ongoing peace talks between HMG and the Maoists.

Govt, Maoists talks to continue today

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 14: The second round of talks between the government and the Maoists continued for the second day today at the Tiger Tops Resort inside the Royal Bardiya National Park, Bardia without reaching to a concrete decision. Although there were two sessions, the talks ended inconclusively today and it is expected to resume tomorrow.

The first session of today’s talks started at 9:45 A.M. in the morning and lasted till 12. The talks resumed again at 2 P.M. and continued till 8 P.M.

According to our correspondent at Bardia, the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and tomorrow’s meeting may chart out ways in finding a solution to the six-year-long insurgency.

After the talks mediators from CPN-Maoist said that both the sides put forward their respective agenda and were very responsive to each other’s arguments.

Among other things the government side has asked the CPN-Maoist representatives to postpone their proposed mass meeting in Kathmandu on September 21 keeping in mind the favourable atmosphere being created for talks. However, the Maoist delegation has reiterated that the September-21 mass meeting would be held peacefully as told by CPN-Maoist leader Prachanda – alias Puspa Kamal Dahal.

Meanwhile, our correspondent in Bardiya has said that after the end of today’s talks, the Maoists distributed a four-page long written statement to the journalists.

In the statement they have demanded, among others, to make public the condition of their supporters Danda Pani Neupane and Matrika Yadav. Similarly, they have also demanded the government to annul the Public Security Regulations, scrap the armed police force, repeal the Integrated Development and Security Package and return back the Royal Nepalese Army to the barrack.

RSS adds: convenor of the government talks team Minister for Physical Planning and Works Chiranjivi Wagle and members Minister for Water Resources Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahesh Acharya, Chakra Prasad Bastola and Narahari Acharya had taken part in the talks.

Similarly, on behalf of the Maoists, chief negotiator Krishna Bahadur Mahara and members Agni Prasad Sapkota and Topa Bahadur Rayamajhi had taken part.

Former speaker Damannath Dhungana and former minister Padma Ratna Tuladhar participated as facilitators.

The Royal Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel had provided tight security and no journalists were allowed to go to the talks venue.

'Unity to consolidate democracy'

Kathmandu, Sept. 14 (RSS): President of the Nepali Congress and former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that everyone should unite for consolidation of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in the country.

NC president Koirala made this remark at a interaction programme on "Nepal Trade Union Congress and social interaction" organised jointly by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) to mark the 88th B.P. Jayanti here today.

Koirala stressed the need to formulate development policy taking into consideration the social, economic and geographical condition of the country.

The people should be made the focal point for attainment of social justice, Koirala said, adding that problems could be faced in acheiving success from projects formulated by the foreigners.

I feel that the Maoists are trying to establish communism in the country, the NC president said, adding "I dont understand what the Maoists are trying to do by closing down schools, factories and industries."

NC general secretary Sushil Koirala said any kind of problem can be resolved through talks under democracy.

Expressing confidence that the talks between the government and the Maoists will be successful, Koirala said that unity among the people is necessary to move the country along the path of development by removing all weaknesses in the social, economic and political sectors.

Member of the NC central committee and MP Ramchandra Poudel said that social changes cannot take place by using force.

Privatisation of any institution will not help to make improvements in the institution, he said, adding that the employees of the institutions should carry out their responsibilities sincerely.

At the function chaired by NTUC president Laxman Bahadur Basnet, the MPs and professors also expressed their views on social justice.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress president and former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala has urged planners to improve the existing education system taking into consideration the socio-economic and geographical situation of the country.

Speaking at a talk programme on democratic socialism and education organised by Nepal teachers’ association Kathmandu district committee here today, Koirala said as education could help move the campaign against poverty and unemployment forward and speed up national development work emphasis should be given to technical and vocational education.

The country and people today want to liberate themselves from violence, Koirala said adding that after liberating the people from violence we should concentrate on development works and on reforming the education policy.

NC central member Arjun Narsing K.C. and MPs Tirtha Ram Dangol and Sukra Raj Sharma also emphasized the need for quality and moral education at the programme chaired by organising committee chairman Laxmi Kishore Subedi.

RPP NSPboycott House meet

Kathmandu, Sept. 14 (RSS): MPs of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) and Rastriya Prajanantra Party (RPP) opposed the proposal put forth by the Prime Minister and Minister for Land Reforms and Management Sher Bahadur Deuba seeking to send the land (fifth amendment) Bill, 2058 to the concerned committee for clause-wise discussions and boycotted the meeting of the House of Representatives today.

Immediately after the start of the meeting which began an hour behind schedule, Badri Prasad Mandal of the NSP reiterated the party's stand that ceiling be imposed on all property.

Objecting to restriction imposed on the ruling party's MP from exercising his right of commenting on a highly sensitive issue pertaining to the ceiling on land, he asked the speaker to issue a rulling for safegaurding legislators' rights to express his views for the sake of democracy and advancement of the country both of which are at stake because of the misconduct of the government.

Intercepting the meeting, Chief Whip of NC Tek Bahadur Chokhal vehemently opposed the views expressed by Mr Mandal and argued that no legislator has the right to speak against the decision of any other party.

As there seems to be a serious conspiracy against the proposed land amendment bill, the party had been compelled to take action against its MP, he added.

Pashupati Shamsher J. B. Rana of RPP opined that the surplus land to be received after the imposition of ceiling is inadequate for distributing to the targetted groups. It is also improper to distribute land to the citizens of the Terai who are still deprived of citizenship certificates, he added.

Priority should be given to distribute citizenship certificates to the Dalit and backward communities of Terai belt, he said, pointing out the need to amend the constitution if such underpriviledged groups are to be provided assistance.

RPP does not intend to obstruct the regular proceeding of the appropriation Bill but will continues to protest aganist the land (fifth amendment) Bill-2058 and declared that his party was boycotting the meeting.

Nepal gets US support for pvt sector

Kathmandu, Sept. 14 (RSS): The United States of America has agreed to provide a grant assistance of US $ 18.7 million (approximately Rs. 1,399.7 million) to Nepal to implement two different programmes.

Of the total grant assistance pledged, $10.0 million will be used to support increased private sector participation in environmentally and socially sustainble hydropower development and the rest $8.7 million will be used for strengthening governance of natural resources and selected institutions.

The first programme under Strategic Objectives 4 (SO4) of the US Government is aimed at strengthening institutions to promote private sector participation in hydropower development. Under this programme, USAID and His Majesty's Government will address the long-term energy needs of Nepal by continuing to support the institutional strengthening of HMG agencies to enable private sector development of hydropower for both the domestic and export markets.

The second grant, to be provided under SO5, will be used to improve the governance of natural resource management and assist in capacity building of selected public and private institutions including some constitutional bodies and HMG line agencies.

Two separate agreements to this effect were signed and exchanged between His Majesty' Government and the government of the United States of America today at the Ministry of Finance.

Madhav Prasad Ghimire, joint secretary at the Ministry of Finance, signed the agreement on behalf of His Majesty's Government and charge d'affaires of the American Embassy Larry Dinger and Joseph C. Williams, acting USAID director, signed the agreement on behalf of the government of the United States of America.

His Majesty' Government has expressed its gratitude to the United States for its assistance and cooperation in the social and economic upliftment of the Nepalese people.

'Free Internet facility to MPs to continue'

Kathmandu, Sept. 14 (RSS): Minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash Gupta has said that as the free Internet access provided to incumbent MPs for one year by Nepal Telecommunications Corporation (NTC) has been well utilised, this facility would be extended for the rest of their terms.

He also said that internet access to all government highschools where this is available would be extended for one more year.

Furnishing replies today to questions raised by MPs at the House of Representatives at different times, Minister Gupta said that it has been difficult for the government to meet the set target of providing telephone connections to each and every village development committee (VDC) by 2060 Bikram Era owing to non-availability of the US dollars 70 million needed for this purpose.

Stating that at present, telephone facilities were available at 1,765 VDCs and a committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission (NPC) had evolved an action plan to extend the facility to the rest of the VDCs for which US dollars 70 million was necessary, he said NTC was to provide US dollars 30 million and the remaining sum was to be provided by the Ministry of Finance and the Telecommunication Authority, but as the money could not be made available, the Rural Telecommunications Programme could not be extended as per the set target.

Minister Gupta stated that the US multi-national Titan Wireless which had been awarded the tender last year to extend telephone lines to the remaining 534 VDCs with World Bank assistance had pulled out citing security reasons, and the process of re-calling a tender had been initiated.

Stating that the concerned agency itself had to investigate the reasons for the presence of a low number MPs in parliament, he said that if this was due to inadequate media coverage of deliberations during zero hour and special time, the parliamentary committee concerned should find out how to disseminate parliamentary news and information.

Stating further that NTV coverage of parliamentary proceedings and especially question hour during the previous parliament had had little impact, Minister Gupta said the report submitted to the speaker by the task force constituted by the Ministry of Communications some time ago should be searched for.

The government was sensitive about parliamentary deliberations reaching the people in a factual form, he said and added that the special information and Communications Committee should disclose its activity in this regard.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyaya, responding to queries raised by MPs during question hour at the meeting of the House of Representatives today, said temporary primary, lower secondary and secondary schools in the country will be gradually made permanent from next fiscal year on the basis of the schools’ mapping and exam results.

He said that the government is making efforts to establish permanent schools of various levels in different parts of the country and make arrangement for teachers’ posts accordingly.

Minister Upadhyaya replied to queries from MPs Shanker Nath Sharma Adhikari, Nar Bahadur Hamal and Prakash Jwala.

Maoists perpetrate violence, force resignations

Kathmandu, Sept. 14 (RSS): His Majesty's Government has furnisherd information about various vilent activities caried out by the Maoists in various districts from July 23 to September 4.

According to the information, on July 25 three persons calling themeselves Maoists threatened and looted a pistol from the house Kaliprasad Halwai in Bhadrapur Municipality of Jhapa district, looted 12-bore guns fron Bachchala Biraji, Damodar Biraji and Bujhnarayan Biraji of Madhuwapur-6 of Saptari district and one 12-bore gun from Pashupati Prasad Amatya of ridibazaar, Gulmi district.

The Maoist also recently looted a 12-bore from Dharaplal Rajbansi of Darbes VDC of Morang district and on Aug. 5 looted one gun each from Dal Bahadur Chemjong Khadka Chemjong and Padma Bhakta Chemjong of Syabrumba VDC of Panchthar district.

On Aug. 11, the Maoist looted one gun each from Ganesh Yadav, Chanku Teli, Rammilan Bahadai, Yati Ram Chamar, Magare Charam, Tilakram Yadav and Laxmi Narayan Yadav o mahamdapur of Bardia district and from Kiribahadur Singh, Padma Dhanuk, Maniram Joshi, narayan Chaudhari, Bango Bhat, Ram Bahadur chaudhari, Gopa Dhanuk nad Indra Bahadur Singh of Jhalai VDC of Kanchanpur district.

The next day, Maoists looted one each gun from chairman of Rudreswor VDC in Baitadi district Surendra Bahadur Pal and Kaman Bahadur Pal, Prem Bahadur , Nar Bahadur Singh, Lal Bahadur Thagunna and Harshadev Pant of the same VDC.

The Maoists also recently looted 8 to 10 home-made gun from some persons of Deuthala VDC of Darchula district, one 12-bore gun from the house of Hariram Luhar of Gangapur VDC in Banke district, one home-made gun each from Nar bahadyr Shahi, Patri Bahadur Shahi, Iswor bahadur singh and Nanda Rokaya of Jankot VDC in Bardia distric, one each from Raj Bahadur Pal and Shankar Bahadur Pal, in Deuthala VDC of darchula district and home-made guns from nine persons, Kaski Thahunna Ram singh Thagunna, Dhanpati dhagunna, jaya Bahdur Thagunna, Bir Thagunna, Mangaley Thami of Khar VDC of Darchula district whle they were on they way to submit the guns to the local administration.

On Aug. 17, the Maoists looted one 12-bore gun and its ammunition from the house of Nagendra Prasad Sinha of Auoraiya VDC od Rauahat district and on Aug. 21 looted one 12-bore gun each from the house of Hari Prasad Yadav, Bodh Prasad Yadav, Baitha Lal yadav and Girija Prasad Yadav of Bardanda VDC in Morang distric.

They also recently looted one 12-bore gun from Surendra Jung Shahi of Jukot VDC in Bajura district, one home-made gun from the house of Madan Bahadur Shaha of Kuldevmandou VDC of Bajura district, one gun each from Jung Bahadur Sinha, Harka bahadur Khatri, Jagat bahdur Sinha and Dambar Bhadur Singh of tapoban VDC in Darchula district, one gun from Bam Bahadur Pal of Shikhar VDC of the same district and one 12-bore gun from Krishna Bahadur Mali of Mod Kathmandu.

On Aug. 4, the Maoist looted one 12-bore gun from Lal Bahadur Bham of Mugu district and one 12-bore gun and four ammunition from the house of Baldev Bhattachan in Ravi Bhavan of Kathmandu.

During the same period, the Maoists also perpetrated forceful resignation of people's representatives of various political parties, beatings looting, kidnapping and extortion.

On July 25, some masked person severely injured cahirman of Haripur VDC of Sarlahi district Ramchandra Chaudhary by attacking kim with a sharp weapon and next day attacked chairman of Samundratar VDC of Nuwakot district Nur bahadur Thapa.

Likewise, the Maoists abducted and released on July 30 chairman of Leguwa VDC in Dnhankuta district, Tanka bahadur Giri and recently forced chairman of Chisapani VDC of Syanjha istrict Giriraj Padhya, vice-chairman Megha Bahadur Thapa and all other members of the VDC to resign.

Six workers of the rastriya Janamorcha includeing Shekhar Hada Pariyar and Bhim Bahadur Fauji were kidnapped by the Maoists on Aug. 7 and recently threatened Malarani VDC chairman of Surkhet district Dhruva Kumar shahi, vice-chairman Chitra Bahadur Thapa and ward member Khum Bahadur Rana to resign from their posts.

On Aug. 14 RPP Panchami district member Krishna Prasad Yongya was beaten at his house in Panchami VDC and on aug. 18, chairman of Raha VDC in Dolpa district Ram Prasad Mahat was kidnapped by an armed group of Maoists.

Lkewise, the Maoists recently demanded Rs. 100,00 as donation from the house of NC General Committee member Sitaram Bhandari of Bharatpur VDC of Mohattari istrict and preseurised CPN-UML active worker Hirabahadur B.K. of Kunthari-1 of Surkhet to leave the party.

On Aug. 20, vice-chairman of Gaikhu VDC of Gorkha district Om Bahadur Barakoti was threatened to resign from his post.

The Maoists also recently presurized chairman of Muralibhanjhang VDC in dhading district Bhim Prasad dhungana, Khalte VDC chairman Ramhari Dhungana, Jyamruk VDC chairman Dambar Bahadur Adhikari and his office-bearers to resign from their posts and threatened to take action if they disobeyed.

During the same period, president of Nepal Tarun Dal Mijureldanda village unit and NC village committee secretary Ram subba of Kaski resigned due to pressure from the Maoists and people's representatives of Thanki, Hansapur, Bhijureldanda, Saimrad and Machok VDCs of Kaski district received threats to resign.

On Aug. 30, the Maoists released chairman of Raha VDC of Dolpa district Ram Prasad Mahat who was kidnapped a few days ago and on Sept. 4 threatened Sunsari VDC charman Arbinda Prasad Mehata for refusing to give donations.

The Maoists recently wrote letters demanding Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 15,000 from NC general committee members in Bijayanagar VDC of Pyuthan district Mukti Prasad Subedi and ex-minister of state Shivaraj Subedi respectively, and threatened ward chairman of Kapan VDC-3 in Kathmandu Pramod Kandel to resign from his post.

During the same period a letter demanding big amount as donation was received by Chidika VDC chairman of Arghakhachi district Rishiram Adhikari and chairman of Thulapokhari VDC of the same district Gopal Panthi and Dansaparajul VDC chairman of Dailekh district Maniram Tiwari was pressurized to resign.

Likewise, chairman of Nayagaon VDC Pyuthan district Resham Bahadur Magar nad other office-bearers of the district were pressurized to resign and local people's representatives in Dhading district also received letters demanding their resignation