RJP works for oppressed people, says Khapangi

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DHANGADHI, Feb. 15: General secretary of the Rastriya Janamukti Party (RJP) and Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Gore Bahadur Khapangi said the welfare of the oppressed, indigenous and backward class is possible only if there is a system of proportional representation in the country.

Addressing a programme organised by the RJP Farwest Regional Committee in his honour today, general secretary Khapangi remarked that the RJP was established for attaining the rights and welfare of the people who are oppressed and backward in terms of economic, political and social status and that his party was not against any particular caste, religion and culture.

The country has come to the present sorry state due to the erroneous policies of the so-called big political parties in the last 12 years after the restoration of democracy, he said and alleged that at present the leaders of these political parties were trying to provoke the Constitutional Monarch toward unconstitutional steps.

He said that the cooperation of all sides was necessary to make the ceasefire into a durable peace.
At the programme presided over by RJP regional president Narbir Pun, Laxman Tulachan, Baba Sherpa, Ratna Rana, Ram Chandra Thapa and others also expressed their views.

Measles in Kalaiya claims three children

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KALAIYA, Feb. 15: Three children died of measles in some wards of Parashurampur and Kabatigoth Village Development Committees in Parsa district, according to district health office.

Over 60 children under the age of five have been suffering from measles for the last two weeks, the office said.

The district office is to provide anti measles vaccine to the children of those village development committees, the district health office said.

'UML Congressgives message of party unity'

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 15: CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal has said that the seventh general convention of the party has given the message of spiritual and ideological unity within the party.

Speaking at a programme hosted in honour of the newly elected central members of the party here today, general secretary Nepal appealed to remain alert for the role that the party has to play in facing the national challenges.

Stating that the general convention has issued guidelines to take the party forward in the right direction, Nepal said the party's constitution was reformed as per the wishes of the workers and the central committee nominated democratically.

The party will move ahead with a concrete decision in order to keep high the morale of the workers.
On the occasion, general secretary Nepal presented letters of appreciation to the office-bearers of the management committee that worked for the success of the general convention.

Secretary of intellectual committee Pramod Sharma chaired the programme organised by the party's workers speacial district committee, Bhaktapur, students special district committee, Lalitpur and intellectual special district committee, Kathmandu.

'Nepal-Japan ties deepening'

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 15: Mrs. Chitralekha Yadava, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives paid a courtesy call on Tadahiro Matsushita, former senior vice minister of the cabinet office at his office yesterday morning.

During the meeting, Yadav and Matsumoto discussed on the issues of mutual interests.
Matsumoto expressed his happiness for being able to extend co-operation to Nepal in the field of disaster management, according to a press release issued by Royal Nepalese Embassy in Tokyo.
Matsumoto also expressed his hope that the political situation in Nepal would be stabilised soon and peaceful atmosphere restored.

He further said that many Japanese tourists would be visiting Nepal in future. Matsumoto also expressed his happiness that former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori could visit Nepal in the year 2000 which was the first ever visit by a Japanese Prime Minister to Nepal.

Yadav thanked Matsumoto for his goodwill and co-operation to Nepal and she highlighted about the recent political situation in the country and also mentioned about the recent ceasefire concluded between the government and Maoists.Senior Vice Minister Tetsuro Yano, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a luncheon in honour of Deputy Speaker Mrs.Yadav.

On the occasion, Yano expressed his great fascination with the Himalayas in Nepal and said that there are many Japanese people at different levels who love Nepal and eager to extend help to the Nepalese people.He expressed his hope to visit Nepal someday in future and also expressed his hope that the political problems in Nepal will be settled soon and peace will be eventually established.
In reply, Yadav thanked Yano for his invitation and expressed her great admiration to Japan and Japanese people.Mrs. Yadav visited Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Company in Shinjuku and she was briefed about the recent development in the visual communication means developed by ntt.

Architecture: An inherent part of culture

The Japanese culture of architectural conservation has aroused scholarly interest among the international conservation community, in particular since the early 1990s. The preservation of buildings and the preservation of traditional techniques of craftsmanship are key issues in Japanese conservation philosophy. Thus, the Japanese way of architectural conservation by means of tools, masters and procedures receives special attention.

Western observers' attention to Japan has developed in tandem with the evolution of thinking within international organisations dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings.

Since its creation in 1975 the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has contributed to broadening the values attached to building materials and cultures in a worldwide perspective by opening the doors to different categories of architectural heritage, mostly of the wooden buildings.

Unlike in other countries, architectural conservation in Japan used to be in the hands of skilled masters. These masters were accustomed to remedying materials decay and structural damage by repainting. The initial break within this custom occurred with the Meiji Restoration (1868), after which architects educated in both domestic and Western engineering directed conservation activity and experimented with use of modern technologies, thus contributing to the development of scientific conservation.

Japanese approach to architectural conservation has developed in response to dissatisfaction with new repair technologies, which were used - in Japan as well -especially in the 1970s and 1980s. International experts have realised that new preservation methodologies (which were needed to deal with a more diversified range of building materials and techniques) do not necessarily entail new technologies.

In response to this realisation, the technical literature shows a "search for tradition" in conservation and an increasing interest in cultures - like Japan's - whose conservation attitude has maintained a historical continuity with inherited customs. Thus the Japanese technical culture of conservation is based on the concepts of custom and tradition.

Following this, an exhibition of "Contemporary Japanese Architecture: 1985-1996" is going on at the Nepal Art Council Gallery in Babar Mahal.

The exhibition has 100 various architectural structures of the Japanese buildings which introduces contemporary Japanese architectures of a ten-year period.

The show has been divided into seven categories from "Metropolises" to "Medium-size Cities", "Towns and Villages" to "Suburbs", "Reclaimed Land" to "Countryside" and "Resort Areas".

The show has indicated the boom of economic prosperity in Japan and the architectural world too was full of life. However, a bubble economy fed by abnormal growth developed, and architecture followed suit with designs characterised by excess. But however today the banquet is over due to the burst of bubble and severe social conditions prevail.

Nevertheless, architects continue to make use of the experience gained in the bubble era, and the diversity of architectural expression that was achieved then is now maintained on reduced budget. This shows that architecture is a part of culture and not driven entirely by the economy.
The show has also provided a better understanding of the nature of Japan and its architecture today and also communicates not only the surface aspects of architectural design but the fact that architecture is the product of climate, society and especially the times.

Fortunately, during this scribe's visit to Japan some months back, he had feelings, and ideas relating to this rather large issue that are still fresh in mind. After visiting various sites and talking with conservation architects and concerned experts as well as officials, my impression is that despite or may be on account, of breaks in and revitalisation of traditions, there is basically a great sense of historical continuity on conservation practice in Japan. Thus, Japanese knowledge of historic conservation is recognised worldwide as crucial advising on conservation strategy.

In contrast, Japanese conservation architects play a leading role in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the research carried out before and during conservation work.

The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Kazumi Suzuki, Minister at Japan Embassy and Chairman of Nepal Art Council ex-prime minister Kirtinidhi Bista amid a function organised in Kathmandu on Monday 10th February 2003.

Speaking at the function Suzuki said that "The exhibition of contemporary Japanese architecture from 1985 to 1996 reflects the architecture as an inherent part of the culture and life of Japan which has not been changed in spite of the rapid economic growth seen in the late 20th century".

"Both geographical and social aspects are prevalent theme in Japanese architecture", he said and added that "this exhibition will certainly help to strengthen the existing ties between Japan and Nepal Further ".

Lauding the Japanese tradition based hi-tech system, Chairman Bista said "As Japanese architecture is enchanting and fascinating too it has not only maintained traditional architecture but also transformed it".

"Thus, there are many rooms that we can learn a lot from Japanese architecture", he added.
Second Secretary at the Japanese Embassy Takashi Yokoyama and the president of Society of Nepalese Architects Devendra Nath Gongal shed light on the importance of architecture in development.

The exhibition is being organised by the Embassy of Japan with the support of Japan Foundation in cooperation with the Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) and Nepal Art Council.
The exhibition will continue till 20th February.

The modern construction industry and cultural heritage conservation are two separate worlds. While the former has accepted and encouraged the use of modern materials and technologies (as safety measures against fire and earthquake) since the Meiji era (1868-1912), the latter has taken responsibility for preserving and handing down craft practices.

Japan's architectural heritage experience could serve as a reference in establishing an international standard of methodology (adaptable to local building typologies) for recording and documenting structures built. The concept of preservation and transmission of construction processes can migrate to other cultures and generate common ground on which to exchange information on the history of building techniques and local identities.

CIAA firm against fake certificate holders

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 15: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has expressed its determination to move ahead legal action against employees of any service, level and designation found guilty in course of its investigation into fake certificates of education qualifications.

Out of some 21,000 such suspect certificates of academic qualification from the civil service, corporations, police and university the commission collected so far in course of moving ahead its legal action in that connection, 1660 certificates have been verified by the bodies concerned and 16,948 have been sent to the agencies concerned for verification.

According to the CIAA, out of the certificates of academic qualification yet to be verified, 15,288 have been sent to the board/university concerned, 4052 are with the commission, investigation officers have been appointed on 206 and 68 cases have been filed in this connection.

Similarly, 1,454 such certificates have been received after being verified while information on the verification of 305 more has been sent.

Among those against whom the CIAA has filed cases at the special court are also high-level officials of the civil service, corporations and police.

The CIAA has also urged the sides concerned to verify any information or statistics concerning the certificates of educational qualification with the commission before publishing them as it feels that misleading news on any topics under investigation of the CIAA or any work accomplished by it can lead to misinformation among the general public.

Department of Forests seizes Rs 90,000 in Gulmi

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GULMI, Feb. 15: The Department of Forest has seized Rs. 90,000 put as deposit by the bidders on tender of ration called by the District Forest Office Gulmi last month on charges of irregularity.
The department canceled the tender as the three bidders were found to file tenders by collaboration in an false competition. Now the office has started providing cash for ration to its 54 employees.
The office had called a tender of Rs. 1,500,000 for providing ration to its employees.

Hearing on ex-Gorkha case to begin in Britain

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 15: The Gorkha Ex-army Association has said that the hearing of the case it filed at the High Court of Britain against the discrimination meted out to British Gorkha Army men will be held from February 18 to 21.

The association had filed a case against the discrimination in remuneration, retirement, pension and the compensation awarded to those removed following war.

In the case, the association has argued that the discrimination in residential facilities provided to the family of Gorkha army family, education, religion, uniform, weekly holiday and other issues was in violation of the Human Rights Act-1998 of Britain.

Poet Bimal Nibha to get 'Gopal Prasad Rimal honour'

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 15: The Bagar Foundation Nepal has decided to give away the 'Gopal Prasad Rimal honour' to poet Bimal Nibha for his continual creation of original poetry with revolutionary awareness in Nepalese poetic field.

Likewise, the Bagar Samman -2059 will be given to Padma Jyoti, Janak Prasad Humagain, Punya Prasad Neupane, Mahesh Bikram Shaha, Shankar Shaha, Mohan Bahadur Kayasth and Bishnu Bahadur Singh for their contributions in different fields including literature, education, administration and industry.

A meeting chaired by foundation chairman Nakul Silwal made the decision.

The foundation will give away the honours and the best Manuscript Award on February 23, on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the 'Bagar' literary magazine.

Likewise, Royal Nepal Academy (RNA) Vice Chancellor Mohan Koirala released a novel 'Adhabato' (half way) by litterateur Krishna Dharabasi at a programme organised here yesterday by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ).

The novel bases itself on history, autobiography, essay, travel litterature and journalism from 2025 to 2058 B.S. as well as the ups and downs of Nepali litterature.

Speaking on the occasion, Koirala said Dharabasi has made a niche as a skilled literary critic.
Litterateur Bairagi Kainla said eastern Nepal has made a great contribution in the cultural and literary history of Nepal.Novelist Dharabasi said the novel dwells on the social conditions of Jhapa, Ilam and Panchthar districts of Mechi Zone. FNJ president Taranath Dahal lauded the contribution of Dharabasi in journalism and literature for the past two decades.

Litterateur Narayan Dhakal said the novel can compete in the international arena.

Also speaking on the occasion were FNJ general secretary Bishnu Nisthuri, journalist Tara Baral and deputy general manager of the Agriculture Development Bank Madhav Prasad Upadhyay.

Viral disease outbreak controlled in Bajura

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KATHMANDU, Feb. l5. An outbreak of viral disease in Jukot VDC of Bajura district has been brought fully under control, according to the Health Service Department Disease Control Division.

Six persons between the ages of 22 and 55 died in the disease outbreak which started about a month ago, according to Dr Govinda Ojha of the division.

The district public health office dispatched a medical team to the affected VDC and treatment was provided to another 260 people who have now recovered, it is also stated.

Meanwhile in Bhaktapur, a day long seminar on the role of students in eradicating tuberculosis was organised here Friday by the Nepal Tuberculosis Eradication Association.

Particiating in the seminar were some 70 students.

They were instructed on the nature of tuberculosis, its social impact, the symptoms, ways of controlling the disease and treatment methods.

Likewise in Kavrepalanchok, animals have been given anti-rabies vaccines in Banepa, Panauti and Dhulikhel Municipalities to prevent rabies.

A total of 970 dogs and cats were given the vaccine by organising camps in Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti by the National Zoonosis and Food Hygiene Research Centre in Association with the District Livestock Office. The programme will also be run in another 20 VDCs of the district.

Journalism training organised

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 15: A six-week long journalism training run by the Kathmandu Communication Training and Research Centre concluded here, yesterday.

The training included radio, print journalism, fm, anchoring, live broadcast, television and photo journalism.

President of the centre Ishworman Singh gave away certificates to the successful trainees.
Also speaking on the occasion were chairman Singh, advisor Gopal Basnet, and Dhruba Thapa.
The function was presided over by senior journalist Yubaraj Gautam.

Man looses fingers while stealing electric cables

By Our Correspondent

JANAKPUR, Feb. 15: Kishun Thakur of Janakpurdham lost all the fingers of his right hand for stealing electric cables.

When the villagers of Aruhi VDC found him climbing an electric pole to cut the wires to steal the cables, he was brought down and the fingers chopped off.

The police have found two quintals of stolen wires from the place.

Thakur is a member of a group who steal electric wires, and three of his friends have fled their villages after knowing that the villagers are looking for them.

Thakur has been admitted to Janakpur Zonal Hospital.

The Nepal Electricity Authority has been laying the electric lines under the rural electrification programme the wires are often found cut and stolen.

According to the district police office of Dhanusa, police are also looking for the ones who cut down Thakur's fingers.

Action to be taken against users committees in Janakpur

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JANAKPURDHAM, Feb. 15: The Dhanusha District Development Committee (DDC) is to take action on the users committees which collected money for development works but did not start works.
The users committees have not cleared the Rs. 4,000, 000 taken for rural road, bridge and culverts, said accounts chief Chandrika Prasad Chaurasiya.

Forty per cent of the total amount is made available to the committees to initiate works in advance.

Govt bracing for promotion of religious tourism'

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KIRTIPUR, Feb. 15: Assistant Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabi Bhakta Shrestha inaugurated the Nepal branch of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) here today.
On the occasion, Assistant Minister Shrestha said that the violence, killings and terrorism have had a direct negative impact on the country's tourism sector and hoped that peace and security would be fully restored in the country after the ceasefire declaration.

He said His Majesty's Government was preparing to bring forth various programmes in association with the private sector for promotion of religious tourism in Nepal.

At the programme, representative of the BLIA head office presented the certificate of the chair of the BLIA's Nepal branch to its chief Dr. Anoja Guruma.

BLIA-Nepal vice-chairman Hariman Ranjit, secretary Devkaji Shakya and member Harsha Muni Shakya shed light on the coming programmes of the Association's Nepal branch.

Department of Forests seizes Rs 90,000 in Gulmi

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GULMI, Feb. 15: The Department of Forest has seized Rs. 90,000 put as deposit by the bidders on tender of ration called by the District Forest Office Gulmi last month on charges of irregularity.
The department canceled the tender as the three bidders were found to file tenders by collaboration in an false competition. Now the office has started providing cash for ration to its 54 employees.
The office had called a tender of Rs. 1,500,000 for providing ration to its employees.