HAN Annual General Meeting
Govt to accord high priority to revive tourism, PM assures

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 21: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today said that the government has given a high priority to the tourism industry as it is a major source of foreign currency and the largest sector to generate employment.

"The government is fully committed to developing tourism products to attract more tourists and lengthen their stay in Nepal. It has recently opened more than 100 peaks for climbing and trekking to encourage tourists to visit the country," Premier Deuba said, while delivering his inaugural speech at the 35th Annual General Body Meeting of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) here today.

The theme of the meeting was "Prospects and Problems of the Tourism Development between Nepal and India."

He further said that many tourists visit Nepal to enjoy the beauty endowed with unparalleled natural bio-diversity, magnificent Himalayas and unique culture. "In spite of such a combination, Nepal has not been able to capitalise on it," he said.

Dwelling on the government’s policies, Deuba stated that the government encourages the public-private partnership to take initiative to develop the tourism industry and harness the country’s potentialities.

"The government has formed Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) with a greater participation of the private sector for the promotion of Nepal’s tourism effectively and aggressively. The public-private partnership is a must to enhance the country’s image abroad," he added.

He informed that the government has initiated a number of policies to reduce air-pollution and address other environmental problems.

He admitted that Nepal’s tourism was not doing well due to various reasons in the past two years. "The government is well aware of the fact that hotel occupancy has gone down substantially, and the hotel industry is facing a serious crisis while remaining in business. The government is committed to supporting this industry in all possible ways," he assured.

Calling the theme of the general meeting as ‘appropriate’, he said that the relation between Nepal and India goes back to centuries. "People of Nepal and India have been visiting each others’ countries as pilgrims, tourists, researchers and for medical purposes since time immemorial. So, the relation between the two countries is more of a sentimental nature than being merely as good neighbours," he said.

He also emphasized the need for Nepal and India to work together for the promotion of tourism in the region as well as in the international arena.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sarbadhan Rai said that the terrorist activities have adversely affected Nepal’s tourism industry.

Rai stressed on the need of cooperation and understanding between the government and private sector to promote tourism.

Delivering his keynote speech on the theme, Dr. I. P. Singh, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, said that despite a marked decline in the number of Indian visitors to Nepal since the last two years due to various reasons, more Indian visitors could visit this country in the future.

Dr. Singh said that the various unforeseen and tragic national and international events of the years 2000 and 2001 were the predominant causes behind such a drop in the number of Indian visitors to Nepal.

He expressed the hope that the scenic beauty, pilgrimage spots and the renowned warmth and hospitality of Nepalese people will continue to work their wonders to lure Indian families in the days to come. "Nepal has potentials to develop as the foremost tourist and conference centre in the entire region."

He further said that the cultural, linguistic and other similarities between the two countries coupled with exoticism and mystique of the Himalayas and the unique culture of the Kathmandu Valley would make Nepal at once a comfortable and exciting travel option for the Indian travelers.

"The figures for Indian tourists coming by land cannot be estimated accurately as we have an open border and there are no immigration statistics maintained at our land border posts," he said.

India is the largest tourism market for Nepal. Out of the total visitors visiting Nepal, the Indian visitors make up around one-third. Each year, around three million outbound Indian tourists visit different parts of the world. Of them, Nepal receives only about 150,000.

He expressed the view that the recent package developed by Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC), which offers free sightseeing and accommodation to Indian tourists, will certainly attract considerable number of visitors from India. He said that the government’s efforts to disperse tourism activities across various parts of the country, outside the beaten track of Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan, are sure to bear fruit.

He added that India is also looking towards streamlining procedural requirements for travel between the two countries," he added.

He also emphasized the need for Nepal and India to work towards promoting tourism jointly. "The two countries have to launch a joint struggle against elements destructive of the peace in our region which must be made safe and peaceful for an overall progress and development."

He also suggested that tour groups coming to India from other countries should be encouraged and facilitated to add at least a couple of destinations in Nepal to their itineraries and the same for the tour groups in Nepal.

Welcoming the participants, Narendra Bajracharya, President of HAN, said that the global tourism scenario has changed following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Bajracharya said that the number of Indian visitors to Nepal has decreased acutely for the last two years due to the royal incident, Maoist activities, frequent Nepal bandhs, hijacking of a jetliner of Indian Airline and subsequent suspension of its flights to Kathmandu.

"Imposition of rigorous procedures for air travelers from India, which includes requirement of passports or voters’ ID cards at the airport has not only made traveling to Nepal complicated for them but has also scared them away from traveling to Nepal," he said.

He asked the governments of Nepal and India to simplify the procedures so as to encourage the movement of visitors between the two countries.

"Indian visitors should also be awarded with the customs rebates and duty facilities as third country visitors," he said.

He also pointed out the need for Nepal and India to conduct marketing and promotional activities jointly in the international arena. "There are many spheres in tourism in which Nepal and India can work together to achieve our common goal in all possible levels but also should promote the two countries together in different fairs and marts. We should also aim for SAARC pavilion concept as far as possible to promote the entire region," he said.

He was of the opinion that the successful completion of the 11th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu has given a positive image to Nepal and its tourism industry.

On the occasion, Balbir S. Mayal, Vice-President of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said that terrorism and tourism can never go together.

Prakash Shrestha, First Vice-President of HAN, delivered a vote of thanks.

The 35th Annual General Body Meeting of HAN has also unanimously elected a 21-member executive committee for the next two years under Narendra Bajracharya as President. Gautam Das Shrestha is the Immediate Past President. Likewise, Prakash Shrestha, Ajay R. Sthapit, Prashiddha Bahadur Panday and Shyam Sundar Lal Kakshapati have been elected First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Similarly, other executive members include B. K. Shrestha, Suresh Lal Shrestha, Stefan Voogle, Samir Khanna, Binod Shankar Shrestha, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, Manjeshree Rana, Raj Kumar Shrestha, M. A. Lari, Govind Thapaliya, Palsang Gurung, Pasang Dorje Lama, Hari Gurung and Amar Man Shakya.

Parliament committees meet

Kathmandu, Jan. 21 (RSS): The meeting of the House of Representatives Finance Committee today decided to invite the Finance Minister on January 10 to furnish information on the overall economic scenario including the Finance Ordinance recently introduced by the government.

Committee chairman Smriti Narayan Chaudhari presided over the meeting.

Meanwhile, a meeting today of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Committee presided over by committee chairman Som Prasad Panday has decided to extend the tenure of the sub-committees constituted as per the decision of a meeting on October 3 by two months from today.

At the meeting, it was stated that the attention of the Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Committee had been drawn towards some articles of the Constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights also being rendered inactive after the proclamation of a state of emergency in the country.

The meeting decided to adopt a resolution stating that the committee directs the government to be fully alert so that the rights of the people are not affected under any circumstances.

The meeting also decided to invite to the committee meeting to be held on January 23 office bearers of committees constituted by the various political parties to monitor developments in the country since introduction of the emergency.

It likewise decided to invite the monitoring committees of the party Parliamentary Committees and the spokesmen of the various political parties to the meeting January 23.

Empower local bodies: Wagle

Lalitpur, Jan. 21 (RSS): Minister for Physical Planning and Works Chiranjivi Wagle, inaugurating the network seminar of the central region coordination committee here today, said that His Majesty’s Government has brought the local self-governance act into force after holding extensive interactions and discussions on devolving power to the local bodies and making them strong.

Addressing the seminar organised in Lalitpur by the Lalitpur District Development Committee (DDC) with the joint cooperation of the local
self-governance programme and the participatory district development programme, Minister Wagle said that the nation will not be strong unless and until the local bodies become efficient.

Stating that the Maoists were the product of a political mentality and not of poverty, he said that they were giving false assurances to the downtrodden and oppressed classes.

Minister of State for Local Development Duryodhan Chaudhari said that the local self-governance act was introduced with the intention of making the local bodies more efficient and effective and that tax should not be collected from the local bodies in contravention of the provisions of the act.

Assistant Minister for Local Development Ajaya Kumar Chaurasiya wished success to the seminar and said that development was taking place in the districts through enhancement of the efficiency and resources of the local bodies.

MP Raghuji Panta objected to the curtailing of the budget of local bodies on the pretext of sustaining the government and the emergency.

Speaking from the chair, Lalitpur DDC chairman Madhav Prasad Paudel lamented that only 10 points in the local self-governance act were being amended whereas suggestions were made to the government to amend 23 points.

Secretary at the Ministry of Local Development Udaya Raj Soti, National Planning Commission (NPC) member Dr. Jagadeesh Chandra Pokharel, Kabhre DDC chairman Krishna Prasad Sapkota and Lalitpur DDC vice-chairman Surendra Mohan Sharma Bajgain also expressed their views at the inaugural function.

Attending the seminar are the chairmen, vice-chairmen and local development secretaries of
19 districts of the central development region.

Govt to expand health services

Mahottari, Jan. 21 (RSS): Minister for Health Sharat Singh Bhandari has said that the present government is committed to taking health services, one of the basic needs, to the doorsteps of all Nepalese.

Inaugurating a five-day free health camp organised by the district public health office, Jaleshwar Municipality, Nepal Red Cross Society and Jaleshwar Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the cooperation of Interplast U.S.A. and in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Minister Bhandari pointed out the need for the community based health services to reach out to the common people through timely improvements.

He said that the health institutions in the governmental, non-governmental and private sector should move ahead with proper coordination.

At the programme, director of Interplast USA Dr. Shankar Man Rai, head of the district public health office Dr. Pawan Kumar Thakur and Shambhu Mandal of NRCS shed light on the utility of the camp.

At the camp, plastic surgery will be performed and deformity of the lips corrected. Also treatment will be provided for hydrocele, hernia, wounds, injuries and burns and lab tests will be carried out.

Likewise, Minister Bhandari visited Ram Secondary School at Matihani VDC, offered bouquets at the Samadhi of martyr Keshav Koirala and paid him emotional tributes.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health Mohan Bahadur Basnet today pledged that the government would provide necessary assistance to hospitals and nursing homes run in the private sector.

Minister of State Basnet made the pledge in the course of inspecting Kathmandu Hospital Pvt. Ltd. today.

On the occasion, he spoke at length on the government’s commitment to making health services accessible to the people.

Five terrorists killed in retaliatory action, rifles seized

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 21:Security force on Sunday gunned down five terrorists, injured two others, and arrested a terrorist and 20 suspected persons besides recovering six rifles from different places across the country, Defence Ministry stated in a press release today.

In a retaliatory action of the security personnel against terrorists who had launched a socket bomb attack from a cave at Surungdi nearby Amlachaur Area of Baglung district, three terrorists Narayan Acharya, Tilak Chapagain and Jivan Subba died on the spot while two other injured terrorists dived into the Kali Gandaki River and have been missing since. Massive explosives and many socket bombs have been recovered from the incident site.

In an encounter between security troops and terrorists at Sawa Area of Taplejung district, a terrorist named Narendra Limbu died while Karna Bahadur Limbu has been arrested. The security personnel recovered five rifles, three pressure-cooker bombs set to be exploded, three speakers and terrorism-related documents from the same area.

A terrorist identified as Birkha Bahadur Singh died during the exchange of fires between security force and terrorists at Malumela Area of Bajhang district. He is learnt to be the area commander of the terrorist organisation. Security personnel have recovered socket bombs from the spot.

During their operation at Kupura and Galtha Areas in Kukena Village Development Committee of Arghakhanchi district, security forces recovered one pistol, combat dress, nine mm round and explosives kept hidden by terrorists and arrested five suspected persons for investigation.

In a similar operation in Kotiwang Area of Rolpa district, security forces recovered nine mm round, 60 rounds of arms made in Czechoslovakia, 52 pieces dresses of terrorists, explosives and socket bombs hidden by the terrorists.

The security forces have brought under its control 14 suspected persons from Naubise Area of Dhading district and one from Thum Pokhara of Syangja district have been investigating them.

A bomb disposal team of the security force defused a banner bomb placed at the height of 15 metres on a lamp-post at a public place of Dhikpur Area of Dang district. The same team also defused yet another banner bomb ticking to blast at LaxmipurVillage Development Committee of the same district.

Discussion on draft papers
Poverty reduction high on 10th Plan agenda: Dr. Mahat

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 21: Politicians, policy makers, bureaucrats and representatives from international agencies extensively discussed the draft papers on Tenth Plan and Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and suggested the agenda to be presented at the Nepal Development Forum (NDF) meet–2002.

Speaking at the Pre-NDF Consultations that started here today, they strongly put forth their views to accord top priority to agriculture for poverty alleviation. Besides, certain plan of action should be chalked out to control corruption and irregularities, they said adding Nepal should have certain agenda to win the confidence of donors during the upcoming NDF–2002 meet slated for February 4-7. Dwelling upon the papers presented by the secretaries of various ministries, the discussants echoed their voice to put in extra efforts for increasing agriculture productivity. If agriculture productivity remains stagnant, poverty reduction is not possible, they noted.

Speaking about the Concept Paper on Poverty Reduction Strategic Plan (PRSP) and Tenth Plan, some experts strongly pointed out the need for amendment of the draft papers in order to make them more pragmatic and reliable.

Addressing the Pre–NDF Consultations on Tenth Plan/MTEF meet today, Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat said that the medium term expenditure framework to be introduced for the first time would help streamline economy to a great extent.

Chairing the discussion programme, Dr. Mahat maintained that the government in its Tenth Plan has accorded a high priority for poverty alleviation by creating employment opportunities and enhancing productivity in agriculture.

Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Prithvi Raj Ligal said that the Tenth Five-Year Plan would be based on Poverty Reduction Strategic Programme (PRSP) which has been produced after consultations with the stakeholders at various levels. Broad-based economic growth has been a major focus for enabling people to engage in economic activities, he said, adding emphasis should be given to decentralisation for faster economic growth.

Dr. Shankar Sharma, member of the NPC, while presenting the Concept Paper on PRSP/10th Plan said that its main objective is to identify the much sought after poverty reduction approach in Nepal. The key public actions for the approach include policy changes, institutional reforms, programmes and projects. PRSP/10th includes three to five years’ time-bound action plans for poverty reduction. They will consist of macro-economic framework and policy matrix for faster economic growth.

Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture R. L Kayastha said that the majority of the rural farmers have so far not been reached out to. Since the economy of the country obviously rests on the yoke of small farmers, there is a serious need of bringing them into the mainstream of agriculture development so as to achieve the national goal of poverty alleviation.

Lava Kumar Sapkota, Secretary at the Ministry of Education, noted that the share of government budget to education has remained almost the same in the past ten years. In that period, the major share of education budget has gone for primary education. Present thrust is on reforms in the Education Ministry and its line organisations. Besides, quality, access and equity have been given top priority, he noted.

Mahendra Nath Aryal, while presenting a working paper on health sector, noted that substantial reform measures have been initiated to provide health services to all across the country.

Similarly, Lok Man Singh Karki, Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources said that the Ministry has accorded priority to enhance private participation in irrigation and hydropower.

Dinesh Pyakurel, Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Physical Planning, said that uncontrolled growth of major cities including Kathmandu and inadequacy in the provision of physical and social infrastructure have created problems.

Among the discussants, MP Chakra Prasad Bastola said that the government should introduce strong programmes for poverty alleviation.

MP K.P. Sharma Oli strongly pointed out the need for introducing programmes for corruption control. Lack of fiscal discipline has created a pathetic economic situation, he said.

MP Hridayash Tripathy also stressed the need for introducing new programmes for economic development. However, it is not possible without controlling corruption in real sense, he added.

MP Bharat Mohan Adhikary demanded the government should provide subsidy on agriculture so as to alleviate poverty.

MP Binay D. Chand also raised the issue of maintaining fiscal discipline in government and non-governmental organisations.

Dr. Badri Prasad Shrestha, former vice chairman of the NPC, commented that the draft papers were not consistent and failed to identify major areas for economic development.

Dr. Mohan Man Sainju, another former vice chairman of the NPC also pointed out some inconsistent figures in the draft papers and suggested making amendments.

Laxman Ghimire of Nepali Congress also stressed the need to take measures to overcome hurdles for economic development.

Chris Jackson, an economist at DFID, also suggested some measures for poverty reduction.

Emergency may be extended, says Deuba

By Our Correspondent

Pokhara, Jan 21: The State of Emergency could go beyond three months, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba told a press meet here today.

Prime Minister Deuba expressed the confidence that the terrorists would be defeated. "For that we need to forge a national unity and fight against the terrorists," he said.

Deuba mentioned that he was not happy to have a large cabinet with 41 members, but then, he said, he was compelled to do so.

"There is a game of numbers going on again within our party," the Prime Minister said while adding, "given understanding among us all the size of the cabinet can be reduced."

Answering journalists, Deuba said that he was the one to have initiated dialogue with the Maoists and he was the one to "receive flak for that."

Why talk with the Maoists now? he asked. "If they want talks, they should surrender arms first and come to the negotiating table," Premier Deuba said.

The programme was organised by the Kaski branch of the Nepal Press Union and presided over by its president Gangadhar Parajuli.

Tax rates revised to meet security needs: PM
‘Govt for growth of business’

By Ramesh Poudel

Pokhara, Jan. 21: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has cited security needs as the reason behind the recent upward revision of tax and customs rates.

"The government needed to mobilise additional five billion rupees for maintaining law and order," Prime Minister Deuba told an interaction organised here today by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"The terrorists not only attacked police and army but also wreaked havoc on the entire industries, set fire to property worth hundreds of million rupees and spelled doom for the country’s tourism," Deuba said. "This is what compelled us to declare the State of Emergency."

Prime Minister Deuba stressed that the revision only affected general tax which, he said, could be undone once peace is restored in the country. "All sections of society should cooperate with the government to materialise this," he added.

The Prime Minister called on all organisations and political parties to join forces in defeating the terrorists.

"The government is all for the growth of businesses," Deuba said. "I am in favour of a liberal economy."

He pointed out the need of political commitment from all parties to wipe out corruption and take action against the corrupt for which, he said, stringent laws were in the offing.

On the development of Pokhara, Deuba said that necessary work would be initiated to build an international airport in the tourist town.

"If Pokhara is to be developed, you come to me — I will provide necessary financial support on behalf of the government," he said, adding, "however, the Pokhara Sub-metropolis should also work in that light."

The Prime Minister pledged a government assistance of up to 20 million rupees for the protection of the famed Phewa Lake "if the action plan for it is implemented."

Ananda Raj Mulmi, former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, pointed out the need for the government to adopt austerity measures to cut down on its expenses and not only impose taxes on businessmen to meet the revenues.

Assistant Minister for Industries, Commerce and Supplies Prakash Bahadur Gurung, among others, was present at the function presided over by President of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Basant Udas.

World Hindu body to build statue of late King

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 21: The World Hindu Sanatan Dharma Unity Federation at its sixth general assembly meeting held here approved a series of activities it will be carrying out during the current fiscal year.

It plans to organise Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Parayan Gyan Mahayagya for peace and welfare at home and abroad and for the eternal peace of the souls of those members of the Royal Family who died in the tragic incident of June 1, 2001 and other known-unknown departed souls of the world.

It is also planning to make magnificent statues of Their late Majesties the King and Queen as well as the statues of Lord Ganesh, Kumar, Uma-Shankar, Radha-Krishna and Buddha to be installed at the premises of the central office of the Federation.

Lastly it also plans to organise Shree Shivapuran Katha Karayan Gyan Mahayagya at Pashupatinath Kailash where its Head Office is located.

Earlier, the sixth general assembly meeting was held under the chairmanship of Rita Bahadur Budhathoki.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur K.C. was chief guest on the occasion. Budhathoki was elected central chairman of the organisation on the same occasion.

The federation was renamed as World Sanatan Dharma Unity Federation at the same function. The budget of the federation was also passed on the occasion.

‘Nepal is safe for travellers’

Kathmandu, Jan. 21 (RSS): Royal Nepalese Ambassador to Japan Kedar B. Mathema, addressing a gathering of the Japan Mountaineering Association of Tokyo on Janaury 19, said that peace has returned to Nepal and the Kingdom recently hosted a number of foreign dignitaries including heads of state and government from six South Asian countries, Japan’s former prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and very recently U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Highlighing the recent visit of former prime minister Hashimoto, Ambassador Mathema quoted him as saying that "Nepal is peaceful and very safe for travellers to visit."

He also told the audience of the recent decision of His Majesty’s Government to open 103 new peaks for climbing
and called upon Japanese mountaineers to challenge the newly opened peaks and set new records.

Lauding the role played
by Japanese mountaineers, ambassador Mathema expressed his hope that the year 2002, the year of the mountain, will witness more activity by japanese mountaineers in Nepal.

Speaking form the chair, president of Japan Mountaineering Association Fumio Tanaka expressed his thanks to the people and the government of Nepal for the assistance given to Japanese Alpinists and hoped that the activities of the latter will further contribute to strengthening Nepal-Japan relations.

Japan Mountaineering Association, started in 1960, is estimated to have 200,000 member all across Japan.