PM indicates management inefficiency for slow growth

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 17: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today urged the private sector and the civil society to join hands with the government to overcome social discrimination, unemployment and poverty.

"The government alone cannot address the challenges facing the nation. The private sector and the social organisations should also come forth to face these challenges," Premier Deuba told the inaugural ceremony of the 21st national convention and annual general meeting of the Management Association of Nepal (MAN) here this morning.

Deuba said the country’s economy had failed to grow fast enough due to poor management efficiency, adding the organisations like MAN could play a vital role in developing capable human resource in the country. He said MAN could contribute to the fight against poverty by developing human resource, promoting skills and entrepreneurship, and empowering the citizens.

He said the Association should be proactive to consolidate the management sector of the country.

"We are in a state of crisis management," President of the Association Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada said. "The government, private sector as well as the non-governmental organisations suffer from this problem."

He said all these sectors should review their strengths and weaknesses to produce better results in the future, adding the involvement in politics should not be seen as a qualification to hold positions in management.

General Secretary of the Association Purushottam Ghimire shed light on the activities of the organisation while Vice President Shambhu S. Rana welcomed the guests.

On the occasion, MAN declared Manoj Goyal, Chief Executive of Bank of Kathmandu, as the best manager of the year 2001. The Association started awarding the best manager since 1987.

The Association, established two decades ago with an objective to promote good management, now claims of over 1,500 members.

Nepal-India Trade Treaty
Value addition, labour content to dominate talks

By Raj Kumar K.C

Kathmandu, Feb. 17: Nepalese and Indian commerce secretaries are meeting here in the capital from Monday to decide on the fate of the Nepal–India Trade Treaty 1996, which is awaiting renewal after it expired in December last year.

The Indian delegation led by Commerce Secretary Deepak Chatterji arrived this afternoon for the two-day talks.

According to a high level source at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the sixth round of trade talks will be crucial in determining the fate of the treaty.

When the fifth round of talks held here in the capital on December 1 and 2, 2001, failed to strike a deal, India extended the December 5 deadline by three months. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bhari Vajpayee sent a letter to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba calling for the extension of the treaty on December 4, 2001.

Officials at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies here said they were burning midnight oil in preparing the agenda for the talks.

However, Nepal's response to India's proposal regarding a value addition slab of 50 per cent on Nepalese export items, including the labour component, entering the Indian market will be the main agenda of the talks.

India proposed a 50 per cent value addition slab on Nepalese export items like ghee, acrylic yarn, zinc oxide etc, during the fourth round of talks held in New Delhi in the early week of November. Nepal wanted the slab at 30 per cent.

Nepal and India have already held five round of talks since India demanded for the review of the Article XII of the Nepal India Trade Treaty in August 2001.

According to the Article, "The treaty shall remain in force up to December 5, 2001 and shall be automatically extended for next five years at a time unless either of the parties gives to the other a written notice, three months in advance of its intention to terminate the treaty."

Nepal from the very beginning is striving to convince its southern neighbour for the automatic renewal of the treaty, but India has been constantly pressing Nepal that the treaty should be reviewed to provide safeguard to its industries.

India claims that the Nepalese export items like vegetable ghee, acrylic yarn, GI pipes, copper wire and zinc oxide have adversely affected its industries.

India further claims that Nepal is taking a huge benefit out of the treaty, which provides Nepalese products unlimited duty free access to the Indian market and it has raised the issue of surge on the export.

India is a member the World Trade Organization and it believes on free trade. On top of that the SAARC members have already endorsed the SAFTA- South Asian Free Trade Arrangement during the SAARC summit held in January this year.

The business communities --CII and FNCCI-- from both the countries agree upon 30 per cent value addition, there arises no question of 50 per cent, reaffirms Ravi Bhakta Shrestha, President of the Federation of the Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

Even the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has already approved that the renewal of the treaty should be in its original form. The CII – the counterpart of the Federation of the Nepalese Chambers of Commerce (FNCCI) and which represents private sector in India- has already recommended the Indian government to give continuity to the treaty.

FNCCI president Shrestha says that both sides should follow the recommendation of the Joint Economic Council (JEC).

According to a report, none of the 'alleged' exports such as – vegetable ghee, acrylic yarn, GI pipes, zinc oxide and copper wire exceeds the given limit which ranges from 0.5-3 per cent. Besides, Nepalese manufacturers claim the export items of Nepal also involve several manufacturing processes as well.

For India, Nepal's export is very insignificant. The total volume of Nepalese export to the giant neighbour is around 0.1 per cent of India's total import.

On pressing for Nepal to whittle down its export of the five items, India invokes Article V-2 of the Nepal-India Trade Treaty 1996- "In the event of a surge in the imports generally or in the import of any particular article, the two governments shall enter into consultation with a view to taking appropriate measures"

Recommendation of JEC

• Both Nepal and India should take strong measures to curb unauthorised trade.
• Improvement of check-posts in various places.
• JEC should be given responsibility to define surge
• Implementation of the recommendation of technical committee
• To establish laboratory in Jogbani, Nautanawa and other main check points.
• Nepal should avoid restrictions on import of Indian cars
• To encourage Indian investment in Nepal
• The treaty should create atmosphere for industrial stability.

Excellency awards given away to students

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 17: At an august function organised in Kathmandu recently on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Anandakuti Vidhyapeeth, late Purna Lal Bajracharya Memorial Excellency Award and late Professor Rameshwor Man Singh Memorial Excellency Award have been distributed to the students of Anandakuti Asian College securing top marks in the BBS level and 10+2 Management respectively, it is stated in a press release of the college.

Co-founder and chairman of Anandkuti Vidhyapeeth and co-founder of Anandakuti Asian College Nhucchhe Bahadur Bajrachrya conferred on the gold medals and certificates to Kabindra Shrestha and Alina Tuladhar who obtained the top marks in the BBS and 10+2 Management levels.

late Purna Lal Bajracharya Memorial Excellency Award was establsihed by Sharmila Bajracharya, co-founder of Anandkuti Asian College in her father's memory. Likewise, late Professor Rameshwor Man Singh Memorial Excellency Award was instituted by the college co-founder Tulsi Man Singh in his father's memory, the press release stated.

Also at the same function, winners of the inter-school chess competition organised by the college to mark the golden jubilee of the Anandkuti Vidhyapeeth were also awarded.

On the occasion, Ratis Shrestha of the New Summit Higher Secondary School, Prabin Chandra Tiwari and Mukesh Verma, both of Little Angels' School and Sudeep Rokka of Suryodaya Jyoti Secondary School bagged the first, second, third and consolation prizes in the boys' category of the chess tournament.

The first, second, third and consolation prizes in the girls' category went to Sabina Shahi, Subita Pradhan, Ramila Maharjan (all of Annapurna Higher Secondary School) and Nilu Basnet of Shree Kumari School respectively.

In the inter-school quiz contest, Annapurna Higher Secondary School, Anandkuti Vidhyapeeth, Shreepanch Ratna Rajya Laxmi Devi School and Mohan Siddhartha School bagged the first, second, third and fourth prizes respectively.

Also on the same occasion, winners of the inter-school essay competition were awarded. Subarn Adhikari of VS Niketan Higher Secondary School, Saroj Poudel of Suryodaya Secondary School, Satish Prasad of Rhododendron International and Suraj Pant of the New Summit Higher Secondary School bagged the first, second, third and fourth prizes respectively.

An entertainment programme including fashion show and musical concert was organised in the premises of the Anandakuti Asian College at Swayambhu, Kathmandu, according to the press release.

Chusyabaha restored to original grandeur

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 17: Chusyabaha, one of the best-preserved Buddhist monastic buildings of downtown Kathmandu, has been restored to its original glory at a cost of Rs. 5 million.

Chusyabaha, probably founded in the 15th century, remained in a state of neglect due to the lack of awareness among the people.

When some westerners took photographs and stated that the Vihar was very important, the people started to reconstruct it, with substantial contributions from the IUCN and the German Government.

Rudigor Lemp, German Ambassador to Nepal, said that now that the Vihar has been restored everyone should take the responsibility to preserve it. To preserve the Vihar, vehicles should not be allowed in its vicinity, Lemp stressed.

He assured the German Government’s help to preserve such historically and culturally important heritages.

Dr. Nil Gutchow, representative of a German research centre, said that such unique bihars should be preserved to boost the number of tourists.

According to a press release of the German embassythe entire roof of the quadrangle was repaired using traditional techniques. The walls were not replaced, but carefully repaired using traditional bricks. And the space below the eaves was regained by reconstructing the plinths around the entire building.

Over 100 security personnel killed in Maoist attacks

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 17: More than 100 security personnel died overnight in separate encounters with the Maoist terrorists at Mangalsen of Achham and Lalbandi of Sarlahi districts.

Altogether 49 policemen died in the encounter at Mangalsen. Ten injured police personnel have been brought to Kathmandu for treatment.

The terrorists also killed Mohan Singh Khatri, the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Achham district, Lok Raj Upreti, an officer of the National Investigation Department, and his wife, one employee of the post office and a local resident of the district, the Home Ministry said today.

Three dead bodies of the terrorists were found on the spot. The terrorists also looted some arms and ammunition from the District Police Office. Reinforcement has been sent to the area.

Likewise, 48 army men were killed when a group of terrorists attacked them in Mangalsen. One army man was injured in the incident, the Defence Ministry said.

Quoting eyewitnesses, the Ministry stated that hundreds of terrorists had also died in the encounters. According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists took away the dead bodies of their comrades.

The Ministry said that the army personnel had bravely fought till the last minute against the dastardly terrorists, who are learnt to have used the weapons looted from Dang in November last year. The terrorists also set fire to different establishments in the district headquarters before attacking the security forces.

The Ministry said additional security forces have been mobilised, and the area has been cordoned off to carry out necessary search operations. The Ministry has also wished eternal peace to the departed souls and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families at such a sad hour.

Meanwhile, according to our Sarlahi-based correspondent, five policemen were killed last night when a group of terrorists attacked the police post at Lalbandi of Sarlahi district. Officiating CDO of Siraha Binod Khanal informed that the police and the terrorists fought for hours. The terrorists damaged the police post with bombs.

Those killed in the incident included Min Bahadur G.C. (Parbat), Nawaraj Lama (Rautahat), Lal Bahadur Thapa (Chitwan), Rati Lal Danuwar (Morang) and Pramod Kurmi (Parsa).

Sub-inspector Madan Jha, sergeant Muktinath Bishwakarma and policeman Sushil Shrestha and one non-combatant employee were brought to Kathmandu by helicopter for treatment today.

Meanwhile, a group of terrorists killed Govind Khadka, resident of Bethan VDC of Ramechhap district yesterday.

The Home Ministry said three persons in Ilam and two in Nuwakot surrendered before the administration, renouncing their affiliation to the terrorist organisation today.

It also said that the police nabbed six suspects from Tulsipur Municipality of Dang district yesterday.

Security forces killed four terrorists, injured one and arrested two others in their ongoing search operations conducted in different parts of the country Sunday, said a Defence Ministry statement.

The statement said that three armed terrorists—Bal Krishna Bhandari (Jatil), Dan Bahadur Nepali (Himalaya) and Datta Bahadur Mahatar (Ananda)—were killed in army action in Dhaulapur area of Jumla district on Sunday. The forces also arrested one terrorist and recovered a cache of arms, explosives and socket bombs belonging to the terrorists from the site.

In Kailali, the security personnel shot dead one terrorist and seized weapons in Labuli area of the district, according to the Ministry.

Meanwhile, the security forces have nabbed three terrorists and recovered nine guns, bullets of .303 weapons, explosives and six socket bombs from the site of the event.

The forces recovered 38 socket bombs, seven pressure cooker bombs and a drill machine hidden in a den of Kiregud Bhir in Dubekama area of Khotang and one gun in Saurpani of Gorkha on Saturday.

Similarly, the forces recovered jewellery of three tolas of gold and Rs 2,900 Indian currency in Attariya bazaar of Kailali on Saturday.

Meanwhile, five suspects were taken into custody in Kawa Chaupari of Parbat, three in Dhangadhi Municipality of Kailali, two in Pokhara sub-metropolitan city of Kaski and one each from Silung Deurali of Gorkha and Besisahar of Lamjung, said the press release of the Ministry.

A bomb disposal unit defused banner bombs laid at Chun Devi of Arniko Highway in Bhaktapur, Saikal chok and premises of a school in Katuwachaupari area of Parbat and Khareni bazaar of Kerapani area of Rupandehi.

Local people from different places of Dang collected 13 guns and handed them over to the security forces on Saturday, the press release said.

His Majesty listens to chanting of verses

Kathmandu, Feb. 17 (RSS): His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev listened to the chanting of verses from the Vedas at a special ceremony held at the Hanumandhoka Durbar this morning on the occasion of Basanta Panchami, the fifth day of the new moon marking the advent of spring.

At the ceremony, His Majesty received prasad offered by the Bada Guruju and the Mool Purohit.

On the occasion, a contingent of the Royal Nepal Army presented the Royal Salute to His Majesty the King.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was present on the occasion.

Also present on the occasion were the Speaker, chairman of National Assembly, the Rajparishad Standing Committee chairman, Ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, high ranking officials of His Majesty's Government and high ranking officials in the Royal Palace service.

Hindu, Buddhist varsities to be set up

Kathmandu, Feb. 17 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba unveiled the idols of Lord Bedbyas and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, installed on the premises of the Nepal Ved Vidyashram Sanskrit High School here today.

The two images had been constructed by the school at a cost of approximately Rs 80,000 with cooperation from Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur K.C.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba said that His Majesty's Government would do whatever it can for the establishment of a Hindu University and a Buddhist University.

It is a highly commendable job to protect religion and culture through one's efforts, the Prime Minister noted, pointing out that institutions and individuals involved in such important works should be extended the maximum cooperation from the society.

At the programme, Prime Minister Deuba presented commendation letters to Swami Dr. Ramananda Giri for making significant contributions to development of the Gurukul system of education and sculptor Dharma Raj Shakya who designed the idols.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur K.C. said that necessary home work was being done for setting up a Hindu University and a Buddhist University in the country, calling on scholars and academics from the culture and religious fields to extend cooperation in such an important mission.

He pointed out that all should extend a hand of cooperation in the effective implementation of the Pashupati Area Master Plan which has been introduced with the objective of enhancing the historical and archaeological importance of the Pashupatinath area and to maintain the religious and cultural environment of the area.

He also expressed the government's determination to achieve the set objectives of the Pashupati Area Development Master Plan.

Chairman of the school management committee Ram Prasad Dahal and principal of the school Keshav Prasad Adhikari also expressed their views on the occasion.

King Birendra, Gandhi apostlas of peace, says Rao

Kathmandu, Feb. 17 (RSS): Former prime minister of India P.V. Narasimha Rao recently released a book titled "Memoirs of King Birendra" authored by Shyam Goenka, amid a function in New Delhi recently.

Addressing the function, the former Indian prime minister paid rich tributes to the late King and described him as extremely gentle.

He said Mahatma Gandhi and King Birendra both were apostles of peace, and both had succumbed to bullet injuries.

Royal Nepalese Ambassador to India Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa appreciated the sentiments of the Indian people who wept with Nepal on that tragic day.

Dr. Karan Singh, a distinguished guest at the function, also spoke of the virtues of the late King.

Book author Shyam Goenka said that the motivation for writing the book came from the extreme benevolence showered on him by the late King.

Heads of diplomatic missions in New Delhi, academics, intellectuals, historians, journalists and well-wishers of Nepal also attended the meeting, it is stated in a press release.