Govt for independent, self-motivated cooperatives: PM

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 : The sixth cooperatives ministers conference for Asia Pacific began today with pledges to make joint efforts to battle poverty and to reduce the adverse impact of liberalisation in the region.

Addressing the inaugural session of the five-day seminar, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the government was ready to provide a conducive atmosphere for the cooperative organisations and to help them establish themselves as self-motivated and independent institutions.

Prime Minister Deuba said the cooperative movement was important in overcoming major obstacles the countries in the region are facing.

Cooperatives are the best means for bringing about positive changes in societies with inadequate economic and institutional support systems, Prime Minister Deuba noted. "Our main concern should be to enhance the movement’s capacity to address the rapidly unfolding and urgent needs of our people in the new and changed atmosphere," said Prime Minister Deuba.

"The majority of the people in our region are poor and living in poverty. It is time to root out poverty, not only for the improvement of the rural masses, but also for the promotion of peace and stability," Premier Deuba said. He added that since lack of resources is the main cause for under-development, the cooperatives are crucial in generating strengths from weaknesses.

Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahesh Acharya noted that the cooperatives have improved, and are continuing to improve, the quality of life of millions of people in our region.

In many countries, cooperatives have contributed to socio-economic changes and prosperity, said Minister Acharya. "We are marching ahead, generating more resource strengths in the form of collective wisdom and efforts based on the concept of group dynamism."

Minister Acharya said he hoped the conference would help share ideas and experiences.

Deepak Prakash Baskota, executive chairman of the National Cooperative Federation (NCF) said he believed the cooperative movement in the country should be supported with greater initiative.

President of the International Cooperative Association (ICA) Ivanov Barberini stressed the need to minimise contradiction. "Economy and solidarity should be strengthened in the context of globalisation and rapid changes."

The cooperatives can play an important role in overcoming economic and social crises everywhere and specifically in helping developing countries achieve their economic, social and political aims, Barberini noted.

Shil Kwan Lee, regional director of ICA- ROAP said concerted efforts were necessary to consolidate the cooperative movement in the region.

Acting Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Surendra Kumar Shrestha said he hoped the cooperatives would help reduce poverty in the region.

Fiscal legislation, tax laws, development of cooperatives and other issues will be discussed during the sixth cooperative ministerial conference. The role of agriculture cooperatives for agriculture, impact of globalisation, perspectives for cooperative banks, cooperative law and policy will be covered during the five-day ministerial conference.

Nepal has been continuously participating in the ministerial conference since 1992. Following the Beijing Declaration, Nepal is hosting the sixth cooperative ministers conference of ICA Asia and the Pacific region.

The cooperative movement, initiated by the 28 pioneers in 1844, has now more than 800 million members in 102 countries in the world through their 256 national cooperative organisations.

158 participants from 28 countries attend the ongoing sixth ministers conference. The previous Ministers Conferences took place in Sydney in 1990, Jakarta in 1992, Colombo in 1994, Chaing Mai in 1997 and Beijing in 1999.

The cooperative principles propounded by the Rochedle Pioneers on the basis of their practical experiences spread throughout the European countries in mid-19th century. The international Cooperative Congress held in 1895 in London established the International Cooperative Alliance.

House committee endorses terrorist control bill

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 3: The State Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives unanimously passed today the Terrorist and Disruptive Act (Control and Punishment) Bill.

The committee was discussing on the bill since Monday and, on Tuesday, it had made several amendments to the original draft to make it more lenient and practical. They include any act done under coercion will not be considered as terrorist act, and security personnel with sufficient and appropriate reasons could only take the suspects into custody.

Several changes have also been made to the original draft to avoid the misuse of the legal provisions while making arrests or carrying out a search, and legal action against anyone creating obstructions during the prevention of terrorist and destructive acts.

Those creating obstructions deliberately are liable to one-month imprisonment or a penalty of Rs. 5,000. The security personnel can resort to force and use firearms in cases of armed resistance.

The original draft had proposed one-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000.

The bill will be presented in Parliament tomorrow (Thursday) for approval and if passed, will replace the ordinance. However, the committee has also proposed a two-year validity period for the act.

The ordinance was issued three months ago, and under the law, the ordinance should be replaced by an act within three months to make it effective. The three-month period expires next week.

In the process, the committee meeting made several suggestions to the government on the present situation of the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Works and Physical Planning Chiranjibi Wagle, responsible for the Home portfolio in the absence of the Home Minister, said the government would look favourably at the suggestions.

Members of the Committee said the government should issue an order as soon as possible to manage the state of emergency. Opposition MPs Parshuram Meghi Gurung, Lilamani Pokharel, Chitra Bahadur K.C. and Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said that in addition to such an order, the government must also work to improve the security situation.

10 terrorists killed in separate encounters

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 3: At least 10 terrorists were killed in separate encounters with security forces on Monday and Tuesday, said a Defence Ministry press release.

The forces shot dead two active members of the terrorist organisation in the Narayani area of Nawalparasi and one each in the Baisataghar area of Tanahu and in the Duligaun area of Rukum on Tuesday.

Four terrorists were killed in the Sesne Khola area of Rolpa on Monday, while a woman terrorist alias Astha in Ghoda village and another terrorist alias Prakash, chief of so called Village People’s Development Committee, in the Harikitani area—both of Rolpa district—were killed in army action.

The security forces have recovered guns, weapons and socket bombs from the sites.

In a separate action yesterday, the security personnel seized a large quantity of foodstuffs in the Harmi area of Gorkha. Some of it was distributed to needy people the rest was donated to the Harihar Bhagaban temple. The terrorists had looted the foodstuffs from various places in the district.

In Dailekh, the security forces have defused two locally-made bombs planted at District Education Office at Dullu. The bucket bomb was prepared by using seven kg of explosives and the messtin bomb with two kg of explosives.

Rainwater harvesting: The Chennai way

By Navin Singh Khadka

Chennai, India, Apr. 3: More and more houses in this fourth largest Indian city have a common feature: an intake on the roof top, a pipeline connecting the attic and the tanks underground, and purification systems. Welcome to the successful network of rainwater harvesting.

So popular has the method become here that the local authorities have almost made the network mandatory for house-builders. "With this technique, people can have water supplies for more than 170 days even if they do not get the regular tap water," said Indukanth S. Ragade, Vice Chairman of Alacrity Foundations, a private operator which has already equipped more than 3,000 houses with rainwater harvesting equipment. Another 1,000 are under construction.

Inhabited by over six million people, Chennai has been reeling under perennial water supply crisis for around a decade now. This south Indian city sees only one third of its demand for six million litres of water a day met by the state’s water supply corporation. The result is a growing dependency on ground water which too is depleting fast, just like in Kathmandu.

"That is why the importance of rain water is increasing," said Ragade. His organisation has trained the people subscribing to its rainwater-tapping idea so that the water could be used during the dry season. Here is how it works: The rainwater, instead of running down the gutter, is tapped at the roof top from where it is guided through pipes to the tanks underground. The water is taken to the soil-bed in the garden that filters it naturally before it is stored in the tank.

"The idea really helps," said V.H. Prasad, an owner of a building with eight flats housing 28 people at Srinagar Colony of Chennai. He has dug a 27-feet deep well to store the rainwater whose level subsides below 20 feet during dry season while the water is available eight feet underground during monsoon. "We have been depending on it since 1998 after a severe water crisis."

Before the rain water was harvested, Prasad and others in his building had to pay Rupees 960 per tanker of water that usually sufficed them for around six days. The rain has not solved their problem completely, though. "The problem with the rainwater is that it dries away very quickly."

The rain man has been of greater help for people like T.V. Sethu who have chosen to live in the city outskirts where the state-owned water supply network does not exist. He had to dig a 270-feet deep well as the area is full of rocks. That done, the rain water in the well seeped into the six bore wells in his building premises where the water got recharged.

"The system is so reliable that we did not suffer two years ago when we had almost no monsoon rain," said Subhasini, one of the residents in Sethu’s building complex. Its harvesting has been gaining ground even as rain has made a poor show in Chennai in recent years. In the last 50 years, this costal area received only 1300 millilitres of rain.

"We have been spreading the good news about rainwater harvesting all around our state," said Bhagya Laxmi, a housewife in the same building.

Should Kathmandu lend an ear to that message? More so, at a time when the supply in the capital valley has reached the nadir during this onset of dry days? The capital cannot supply even half of the 180 million litres a day needed during the dry season.

"We have a problem with storing," said Gautam Prasad Shrestha, Deputy Director General at the Department of Water Supply.

The idea is not new to Kathmandu. The government in the early 90’s had entwined the Kodku Water Supply Project with rain water harvesting, but the necessary land could not be acquired.

With an annual population growth of around five per cent, and with ground water fast depleting – at some places by nearly 50 meters in the last 18 years – rainwater harvesting could be an effective solution for the ongoing water crisis in the capital valley, experts say. The Tribhuvan International Airport area in Kathmandu, for instance, received more than 1,500 millilitres of rain last year, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Figures like this suggest rainwater could well be a stop-gap measure until the much-talked Melamchi Water Supply Project is in operation. This scheme aims to pipe into Kathmandu Valley 170 million litres a day from the Melamchi River through a 27 kilometres long tunnel.

Face problems boldly, MPs tell govt

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): Deputy leader of the CPN (UML) Parliamentary Party KP Oli, speaking during special time at the House of Representatives meeting today, said the country’s situation is getting more complicated by the day, but the government has not yet promulgated orders aimed to manage state of emergency.

Stating that though an MP from Dolpa informed the Parliament yesterday of Maoists destroying Dolpa Airport and had requested the government to save it, the request was ignored as a result of which the airport has been destroyed, Oli alleged that the Dalit and Women’s Commissions have not been very effective.

He also spoke of the need to pass the anti-corruption bill in current session of Parliament and improve the constitution and said that the Maoist problem would have dissipated if we could win the people’s faith through reform programmes.

Withdrawal of the Nepal Bandh called by the Maoists shows that pressure on the Maoists can be effective if the entire nation becomes one, he noted.

Nar Bahadur Budhathoki of the same party said though the state affairs committee frequently informed the Prime Minister, the Chief of the Army Staff, the Defence Secretary and others concerned of the Maoist plan to attack Dolpa Airport, the request was ignored and as a result the airport was destroyed yesterday.

Pradip Kumar Gyawali of CPN (UML) accused the government of not willing to pass the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (2nd amendment) Bill, 2058 since it has not been brought yet even after the lapse of 50 days.

The government does not seem serious enough on issuance of orders aimed at managing state of emergency, he said and accused the government of lacking resolve.

Buddhiman Tamang of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party expressed the view that the country’s situation is serious, people are forced to live amid fears and unity is still a far-off thing among political parties. He also spoke of the need for the government to provide security to the life and property of the people.

Binayadhoj Chand of the Nepali Congress accused the government of not seriously taking Maoist activities and said with the destruction of Khodpe-Anarkholi section of the road by the Maoist terrorists in Baitadi, all the hilly districts including Baitadi in the Far West Region have been affected.

Nawaraj Subedi objected MP Pari Thapa of his party was unnecessarily harassed by security personnel at Maldhunga of Baglung and demanded that the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister should immediately furnish clarification about this.

Noting that the security forces are giving unnecessary troubles to legal experts, professors and journalists and orders aimed to manage state of emergency are yet to come, Subedi remarked that since the terrorists indulged
in destroying development infrastructures, the government should take the matter seriously.

CPN (UML)’s Dilliraj Khanal said that destruction of the Reshunga tower in Arghakhanchi has left the district with no communication and demanded that electricity should be provided in the district directly from the national grid via Palpa.

Khanal also spoke of the need to mobilise people’s representatives optimally to work out the next budget, promote the concept of democracy, prioritise decentralisation and transparency and provide a budget up to Rs. 10 million to each constituency on the recommendation of the concerned lawmaker.

NC’s Ram Kumar Chaudhary observed that a feeling of insecurity has increased than ever before, government property has been destroyed, socio-economic programmes promised by the Prime Minister are yet to come and no programmes have been devised so far for the development of agriculture, the backbone of the country.

Lilamani Pokharel of United People’s Party said destruction of drinking water pipes, dismantling power houses, etc are acts of utter irresponsibility, adding that the government itself should take initiatives to lead the nation towards the peaceful path.

NC’s Kailashnath Kasaudhan complained that four VDC buildings in Banke have been destroyed and a bridge linking Banke and Bardiya districts has been blown off.

Narayan Man Bijukchhe of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party said the government should be serious of the Maoist activities since they are now indulged in destroying drinking water pipes and blowing power houses and bridges.

Bijukchhe warned that there is a danger of inviting foreign army in the name of maintaining security at home.

Romi Gauchan Thakali of NC demanded that the budget allocated for construction of a motorable road linking Mustang should not be curtailed and that citizenship should be provided to children also in the name of their mother.

Prakash jwala of CPN (UML) accused the government of not being serious about the rising threat to democracy, while Devilal Thapa of the same party noted that victims of Maoist violence are not yet getting the assistance they are supposed to get.

Ratna Prasad Sharma of CPN (UML) accused the government of being indulged in power game at a time when the nation is facing severe crisis, while Kashi Paudel of NC said residents of Bardiya have suffered extremely from the Maoist violence.

His Majesty appoints

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): His Majesty the King has, in his capacity as Chancellor of Tribhuvan University and in accordance with the Tribhuvan University Act 2049 B.S., constituted a committee with Pro-chancellor of the University and Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyaya as chairman to recommend a name for appointment as chairman of the Tribhuvan University Service Commission. The members of the committee are Tribhuvan University Council member and National Planning Commission member Dr Nirmal Prasad Pandey and secretary at the Finance Ministry Dr Bimal Prasad Koirala.

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

Sub-committees formed for Buddha Jayanti

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): Eleven sub-committees have been formed to successfully mark 4546th Buddha Jayanti amid a variety of programmes across the country.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Buddha Jayanti main celebration committee chairman Bhikchhu Kumar Kashyap Mahasthavir has designated Nani Bhai Sthapit as coordinator for donation collection, Harka Bahadur Manandhar as coordinator for food management, Bhikchhu Kondanya as coordinator for communication and publication, Sangha Ratna Shakya as coordinator for calendar publication and Dirgha Man Shrestha as coordinator for dais decoration.

Similarly, Subarna Shakya has been designated as coordinator for quiz contest, Beti Bajracharya as coordinator for poetry symposium, Ratna Kaji Tuladhar as coordinator for Buddha’s relic exhibition, Rameshwar Prasad Shrestha as coordinator for blood donation programme, Ratna Bahadur Bajracharya as coordinator for ceremony organisation and Anandakuti School family as coordinator for volunteers’ mobilisation.

The 4546th Buddha Jayanti will be celebrated on May 26.

Passport books arrive to end short supply

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Arjunjung Bahadur Singh, speaking during special time at the House of Representatives meeting today, said passport books have been obtained for meeting the immediate shortage.

Stating that a total of 10,000 passport books were received from France on March 21 and 7,000 of them were provided to the Home Ministry the very next day, Singh noted that additional 5,000 passport books have already arrived from Singapore on March 27, and another 50,0000 also arrived just yesterday.

The Home Ministry has been provided 40,000 passport books and 200,000 more will be received soon, he further said.

Noting that last year, 250,000 passport books were printed and distributed, but there was a problem this year in distribution since the number of those taking passports increased unexpectedly, the State Minister remarked that an arrangement was made to provide passports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself to applicants who had their names registered till March 29.

Preserve Thakali traditions, says Ranabhat

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): Speaker Taranath Ranabhat, laying the foundation stone of the multipurpose building to be constructed by the Thakali Sewa Samiti at Balaju recently, wished the Thakali Community success in maintaining their glorious customs and traditions.

The function was chaired by president of the Thakali Sewa Samiti Gopal Man Bhattachan, Speaker Ranabhat also gave away the shield, medals and certificates to the sportsmen declared first, second and third in the individual and group bow and arrow competition and prizes and certificates to Anup Sherchan and Yashoda Gauchan who secured highest marks among the Thakali Community in the SLC Examination of 2057 B.S.

Chief secy assumes office

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): Newly appointed chief secretary of His Majesty’s Government Keshav Raj Rajbhandari assumed office at the Cabinet Secretariat today.

After assuming office, chief secretary Rajbhandari expressed his commitment to implementing the policies and decisions of the government sincerely, actively and impartially with the cooperation of everybody.

He was welcomed by secretaries Yoddha Shaha and Shashikanta Mainali and other officials and employees at the secretariat.

At a meeting held at the Cabinet Secretariat today, the government secretaries welcomed the new chief secretary and pledged their full cooperation for the success of his tenure.

Elders raise issues of concern

Kathmandu, Apr. 3 (RSS): Ram Chandra Bhattarai of the CPN-UML, taking time from chairman Dr. Mohammad Mohsin at the beginning of the National Assembly meeting today, demanded that the government make public the condition of journalist and advisor to the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Sudarshan Raj Pandey who was arrested by security forces on March 26.

He asked what Pandey was charged with and why he was arrested despite the cooperation the press is extending during emergency.

Bal Bahadur Rai of the Nepali Congress wondered why NTV in its news bulletin said today’s National Assembly meeting would be held at 1:00 pm while radio said the meeting time would be 11:00 am.

Ganga Dutta Joshi of NC demanded arrangements for food and shelter, and timber for the construction of houses for the freed Kamaiyas in five districts in the far western and mid-western regions.

Urbadutta Pant of the CPN-UML said the government has not given attention to the increasing destruction of industrial and power plants, bridges and government buildings and called for due attention to the protection of physical infrastructure such as bridges over the Karnali, Trishuli and Narayani rivers along the highways as failure to do so would lead to the collapse of national economy.