Govt committed to provide basic health services: PM

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand, inaugurating the Sixth International Surgical Conference, said today that the government was dedicated to providing basic health as well as surgical services to the people, keeping in mind that health is their fundamental human right.
Inaugurating the conference, organised by the Society of Surgeons of Nepal (SSN), today, Premier Chand said that the present government was fully committed to the development of surgical treatment in the country and was eager to join hands with the professionals towards the cause of the common concern in this area.The conference aims at promoting surgical treatment in the country and region by creating solidarity among the health professionals.

PM Chand, highlighting the efforts and the development of kidney transplant and cardiac surgery, added that once these specialised surgical facilities are provided, the patients inflicted by such ailments would not have to travel to other countries for treatment.

Health Minister Dr. Prof. Upendra Devkota said that the doctors should be innovative in their profession and should go to the rural areas for at least a month twice a year. Minister Devkota added that only then will the people see the doctor as a benevolent server and not someone always after money.

Assistant Minister for Local Development Dr. Asarfi Shah said that it was an irony that in a country where the Buddha was born, peace should now be an overriding concern.

Newly elected president of the SSN Dr. Ram Prasad Shrestha, Dr. RJ Shwart of Canada, Dr. A. Sampat Kumar of India, Prof. AKM Rahman of Bangladesh, Prof. Abdul Aziz of Pakistan, Dr. Crisper Jiyami of Switzerland, and Prof. Teodora J. Herbosa of the Philippines expressed solidarity with the objectives of the conference in providing a forum for sharing experiences and reviewing various problems.

The programme has the participation of 200 delegate doctors will conclude on November 23.

Free press makes democracy strong: Pandey

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: Minister for Information and Communications Ramesh Nath Pandey today affirmed that the government would respect press freedom.

Rebutting rumours that the government was introducing measures to control the press, Pandey assured that the government would fully respect the press freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. "We have no intention of putting any control on a free press," said the Minister while interacting with journalists at a face-to-face programme organised by the Reporters' Club.

The newly inducted minister said that the present government would always remain committed to the institutional development of the press and to the rights of the working journalists.

Pandey, who began his career as a journalist at the age of 13, said multiparty democracy can be strengthened only through a free press. Stating that the press sector had made a great leap forward since he was in the field, he advised journalists to work towards upgrading the dignity of the press. "Please give up all suspicions about the government," he said.

Minister Pandey, who also holds the portfolio of the General Administration Ministry, blamed bad governance for the complex problems seen in the country. It is because of this that the donors have threatened to stop all aid unless politicisation of the administration is brought to an end. "The government has begun its homework to improve the situation," he said.

The monarch belongs to all, including ministers, common citizens, political parties and the Maoists, said Pandey. "Monarchy is our legacy, pride and identity. It is the symbol of our national unity," Pandey said.

The primary concerns of this government are maintaining the rule of law, peace and security, holding elections at the earliest possible date and bringing about good governance, Pandey said. The nation is in urgent need of security and elections. It is for this reason that we are working to hold the local elections as early as possible, he added.

The government's efforts are centred on resolving the burning problems facing the nation, said Pandey, but for this all parties with faith in democracy will have to cooperate. "The positive attitude of the parties will facilitate the government fulfill its responsibilities."

Information technology is making rapid strides, said Minister Pandey and added that his efforts will be directed towards the development of both the print and electronic media.

President of Nepal Press Council Harihar Birahi said press and democracy are inseparable. The press sector should be used to resolve national problems.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Tara Nath Dahal demanded that the long-term communications policy, framed by the past government, be implemented.

Kulchandra Wagle, president of Nepal Press Union, said that the tense situation facing the press now must be brought back to normalcy. For this, the government should act, he added.

Media Society president Pushkar Lal Shrestha expressed his strong objection to foreign investments in the media sector. He also blasted the policy of allowing Kantipur Publications to operate both the print and electronic media.

Press Chautari's president Shambhu Shrestha said the nation cannot move ahead unless consensus is forged with the main political parties. Exclusion of the major political parties in the present cabinet has complicated the matter, he added.

President of Kantipur Publications Hem Raj Gyawali advised the government to hold elections after arriving at a consensus.

Law approves abortion, few know it

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: Although abortion has been legalised in the country, almost 80 per cent of the people are either unaware of it or do not know about the amendment that has been made in the Civil Code approving abortion under certain conditions.

The 21st session of the parliament last winter had approved the 11th amendment of the Civil Code that approved abortion within 12 weeks of pregnancy. The code has also approved abortion within 18 weeks of pregnancy caused by rape or by incestuous relations or if pregnancy poses a danger to the life of the mother or the foetus under medical supervision.

The amendment was approved by the Lower House of the Parliament by a two-thirds majority five years after the Supreme Court gave directives to the parliament to introduce a bill to amend the Civil Code on women's issues that include their right to abortion.

The amendment received the Royal Seal two months ago.

A survey conducted by the Centre for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA) showed that only 22 per cent of the people know that abortion has been legally recognised. The survey report was made public today.

According to the survey carried out in 10 urban centres, 24 per cent men and 19 per cent of the women know it. Even in Kathmandu Valley only 26 per cent of the population know about the legalisation of abortion. The figure outside the valley is 16 per cent.

Some 87 per cent of the respondents said that it was necessary to make abortion legal. The survey also found that 84 per cent of the respondents believed legalising abortion would help reduce unsafe abortion done by untrained personnel. But 41 per cent of the women think that it might increase the number of abortions, while and 87 per cent said they would approve if any member of their families wanted to terminate pregnancy under medical advise.

The report suggested that more people should be made aware of the legalisation through a campaign in the media in order to reduce the mortality of many pregnant women due to unsafe abortion.

Ministers: Experience and contributions

RSS

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: Newly appointed Assistant Minister for Industries, Commerce and Supplies Jagat Bahadur Gurung was born in 2000 BS at Giring VDC of Lamjung district.He was the district Panchayat President in the Panchayat period.He held the post of president of RPP (Chand) Lamjung district committee since the establishment of the party in 2047 BS. Gurung, who was elected central member of RPP following party unification, is vice-general secretary of RPP (National) at present.Asst. Minister Gurung has completed his study up to B Sc from Tri-Chandra College.Likewise, newly appointed Assistant Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ravi Bhakta Shrestha holds the chairmanship of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), the umbrella organisation of all Nepalese industrial and commercial entrepreneurs and businessmen at present.Asst. Minister Shrestha born in Lalitpur in May,1953 is the consul for Italy.A commerce graduate from Tribhuvan University, Asst. Minister Shrestha has accomplished the responsibility of president of Nepal-Korea Chambers of Commerce. Similarly, Assistant Minister for Local Development Dr. Asarphi Shah is a popular name among Nepalese people as a renowned surgeon.Dr Shah, distinguished as the first surgeon to transplant kidneys in Nepal, has made substantial contributions in the field of urology and nephrology.

Born at Dhanusha district Constituency No 2 in 1954, Dr. Shah had taken part in the World Urology Society on behalf of Nepal for the first time.

He has obtained higher academic degrees including MBBS, Ms-General Surgeon, MCH from Nepal, India and other countries.Dr Shah had participated in the general election held in 2056 BS as a candidate for member of Parliament.

Do not lose passion for service: Fukushima

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: Lion Kay K. Fukushima, President of the International Association of Lions Club, advised the Nepalese Lions not to 'lose passion for service'.

Addressing an impressive gathering of the Nepalese Lion dignitaries and the club officials organised here today the chief of the world's largest social organisation, who arrived here for four day visit to this Himalayan Kingdom said, "Lions should unite and reinforce passion to serve the community."
At the programme organised for charter presentation of 29 clubs and induction of more than 100 members, Lion K. Kay Fukushima inaugurated the new clubs and handed over charter certificates to them.

The programme was attended by Chief Election Commissioner Achyut Narayan Rajbhandari and a galaxy of Nepalese Lion luminaries. Present in the programme were Lion Pravin Malchand Chhajed, International Director and other officials of the Lions Club International .

Earlier today, Lion K. Kay Fukushima and Madame Denise Fukushima, the first lady arrived here from Bangkok. The chief of the International Association of the Lions Club was accorded a warm welcome by Lion Bodha Bahadur Raut Chhetri, Council Chairman 325 Nepal, Lion Ram Bhandari Chhetri, District Governor 325 A, Lion Sahebju Krishna Bikram Shah, District Governor 325 B, Lion R. N. Koirala Vice District Governor 325 A, Lion Giridhari Sharma, Vice District Governor 325 B and other Lion celebrities upon arrival at the airport.

Lion Kay K. Fukushima also called on Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand at his office today.

Penitence, not punishment, helps reduce social crimes

By Indra Adhikari

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: Keeping someone, who has committed a crime, in prison for a long time would cost the country more in terms of feeding and sheltering him, while the society loses a potential manpower.

At a pragramme to release a book, entitled Directives to Assist the Victims of Social Crimes, organised by the police headquarters today in Kathmandu, participants expressed that such costs can be reduced through various programmes to reduce social crimes.

Many inmates in Nepalese jails are there for committing social crimes. According to the Directive, published by the Women's Cell of the Crime Investigation Department of the Police, public offense constitutes the highest number of such crimes.

The directive, published with the help of British Embassy and UNICEF Nepal, was released today.
The directive lists more than 7,500 different crimes committed in fiscal year 2057/58. Of these, dacoity and robbery, suicides, electrocution, drowning, forgery, burglary, theft of goods and livestock, drug abuse, arson, women trafficking, polygamy, child marriage, pick-pocketing, swindling of foreign employment seekers constitute the bulk.

However, the number of crimes committed under public offense, which includes anything between creating nuisance in public places to other offenses which cannot be categorised under specific headings, remains the highest at more than 1,800. Suicide by hanging comes next with more than 1,500 cases.

In most of these crimes, it is the women and children who are the sufferers.

The Directive says that people in society fall prey to such crimes as murder, rape and sexual exploitation, terrorism and armed rebellion, misuse and abuse of authority by those in positions of power, natural calamities, accidents and domestic violence.

Releasing the book, Senior Superintendent of Police Chuda Bahadur Shrestha said that the police have been working to establish a network to manage and to lessen social crimes.

He said that one good way to lessen juvenile crimes is to reduce the number of orphans and helpless children and putting them in foster homes and in schools.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Geeta Upreti said that they were involving in making street children involved in creative activities to help them keep away from crimes and criminal attitudes.

There are many children who have been orphaned as a result of the Maoist insurgency. Since the start of the insurgency, crimes committed by children have increased. "The Maoists are even using children in their terrorist activities and instilling a criminal mentality in them," she said.

Upreti said that the NGOs should help in promoting the health and education of children involved and affected by social crimes.

Superintendent of Police Parbati Thapa said that Police had the obligation of looking after the families of the police personnel killed by the Maoists.

Associate Professor of Tribhuwan University Gopilal Neupane said that difference in the quality of education and social status sometimes created an environment of superiority and inferiority, often leading to social crimes. He stressed on attitudinal change in the people in minimising social crimes.
Presently, there are 25 women cells in 16 districts to deal with crimes related to women and girl children. There are also 37 community police stations in 18 districts to look after other kinds of crimes.

The book say victims of social crime should be dealt with compassion and respect, and the victims should have access to the mechanisms of justice and for prompt redress.

Court to decide on Wagle's remand today

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Nov. 21: The Special Court will decide on the appeal by the Commission for Investigation of the Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for a 30-day remand of ex-minister for Housing and Physical Planning Chiranjibi Wagle after lawyers from both the sides end their pleadings tomorrow.
The country's constitutional anti-corruption body arrested Wagle on Wednesday on charges of helping his son amass wealth while he was minister.

However, Wagle denies the charges. "I do not think there is any rationale in the CIAA's move to arrest me on charges of helping my son Devendra," he told the court. "We were the ones who made the CIAA powerful, but its working style looks as if it is politically motivated. Arresting innocent people like me will tarnish its image."

Pleading on behalf of the CIAA, advocates Yubraj Subedi and Prem Raj Karki said that the wealth amassed by Wagle junior could not be justified. Devendra is said to possess property worth Rs. 33.7 million.

"During our hearing, Devendra, the only son of ex-minister Chiranjibi Wagle, could prove an income of only Rs. 6.1 million," Subedi said. When Wagle became minister for the first time in 1991, he had declared property worth Rs. 600,000 only.

With the arrest of one of the most powerful ministers in the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government, the CIAA has so far detained three ministers on charges of corruption along with dozens of civil servants. It has been more than three weeks since former minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta and Home Minister Khum Bahadur Khadka have been in police custody.
In another development, advocates Nandu Raj Acharya and Rajaram Dhakal filed a petition at the CIAA today against former general manager of Agriculture Development Bank Devendra Pratap Shah on alleged involvement in corruption.

In the petition, the advocates have alleged that Shah abused his authority in seven different instances. They includes cases relating to financial irregularities, unlawfully giving jobs to his coterie of people and incurring unnecessary financial burden on the country's only agriculture bank.

Likewise, the Judicial Commission for the Investigation of Property (JCIP) today called former Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat to clarify details about his property holdings. "As the Commission is not satisfied with the accounts given by him, it summoned Dr. Mahat this afternoon," a source at the JCIP told this reporter.