His Majesty visits temple at Chhinnamasta

By Our Correspondent

RAJBIRAJ, Jan. 5: His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited the Chhinnamasta Temple at Chhinnamasta of Saptari this morning and worshipped Goddess Bhagawati. His Majesty also received tika and prasad of the Goddess.

Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chanda, Defence Secretary Madan Prasad Aryal and Chief of the Army Staff Pyarjung Thapa were present on the occasion.

The King was heartily welcomed by thousands of local people and officials, including Chief District Officer Ramkrishna Bhurtel, former member of parliament Mrigendra Kumar Singh Yadav, and Satyanarayan Yadav, former president of the VDC.

Late King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya had visited the temple 15 years ago. Then King Birendra had handed over Rs. 500,000 to renovate the temple.

The temple is situated near the Indian border, about 10 km south of the district headquarters. About three decades ago, the temple was known as Sakhada. The idol of the goddess does not have a head, hence, it has come to be known as Chhinnamasta.

About 50 goats are sacrificed every day. During Dasain, thousands are sacrificed. Legend has it that the blood from sacrifices does not stick onto clothes and flies do not touch the blood either. It is one of the famous shaktipiths (shrines of goddess of power) of Hindus in Nepal.

His Majesty returns to capital

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KATHMANDU, Jan. 5: His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev returned to the capital today on completion of a few days' visit to the eastern region.

Monarchy point of unity, says Pandey

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BUTWAL, Jan. 5: Minister for Information and Communications and General Administration Ramesh Nath Pandey has said that future course should be sketched out by making monarchy the point of unity for the resolution of national problems and for the greater good of the country.

Winding up the industrial and trade fair here today, he said ideological differences and struggles are natural in a multiparty democratic set up, but there should be a point of unity and that is monarchy.
Pandey said His Majesty is committed to multiparty democracy and there is purity, determination and faith in the commitment of His Majesty.

Minister Pandey said as directed by His Majesty at the felicitation programme in the eastern region, market economy, corruption free rule and transparency are the national agenda and it is the need of the hour to run the country by internalising this.

Pandey said it is urgent to protect the monarchial tradition as a symbol of past glory, in the national interest of Nepal.

A complex situation has been created in the country because of embroilment in an individualistic tradition rather than democratic norms and values in the past 12 years, he said, adding that political culture is what is needed for the country to develop.

The minister also expressed happiness over the trade fair being successful in arousing the interest of the people and familiarising them with the achievements of the industrial sector in the country which is heading towards self reliance.

He said peace, good governance and people oriented policies are indispensable for economic strength.

Central member of the FNCCI Gyanendra Kasaju said employment will be created only after there is industrial development.

Vice chairman of the Nepal Chambers of Commerce Surendra Bir Malakar said the fair will assist in import substitution and identification of new export items.

At the function, Minister Pandey awarded Prajapati Ceramics Product Bhaktapur, Boss Hastakala Industries Makwanpur and Nepal Organic Products which stood first, second and third respectively along with commendation letters. He also honoured artist Narayan Rayamajhi with a Dosalla.

At the function presided over by president of the Butwal Chambers of Commerce and Industry Kush Prasad Malli, various other speakers including FNJ Rupandehi president Hari Lamsal and president of Siddharthanagar Chambers of Commerce and Industry Omkar Gauchan pointed out the need of a permanent exhibition ground.

The fair held from December 26, was viewed by about 230, 000 consumers.

Transfer of BPC to accelerate privatisation

By Raj Kumar K.C.

KATHMANDU, Jan 5: The privatisation and liquidation of Public Enterprises (PEs) is expected to pick up momentum following the transfer of state ownership of Butwal Power Company (BPC) to Interkraft Nepal AS on Friday.

As per its Economic Reform Programme, the government has initiated the process of privatising Birgung Sugar Factory, Lumbini Sugar Factory, Hetauda Cement Factory, Bhakatapur Brick and Tile Factory and Orient Magnesite, according to sources at the Ministry of Finance.

The government recently formed a study committee to look into the financial health of some PEs like Himal Cement Factory, Bhaktapur Brick Factory and Birgung Sugar Factory.

As soon as the study committee submits its report to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), the government will decide its course of action, the Ministry said.

Apart from this, the government has initiated the process of liquidating a few more government enterprises like Nepal Coal Limited, Cottage and Handicraft Sales Depot, Hetauda Cotton Mills and Nepal Yatayat Sansthan. The previous government had announced their liquidation last year.
On the one hand, ailing PEs are adding extra burden on the government each year. The PEs failed to yield positive results in the total economy. On the other hand, the investments that have been made over the years in the PEs have been high.

Though the contributions of the PEs to the national economy is around 15 per cent, the harrowing fall in their productivity and low turnover has considerably swelled up the government's budget deficit each year. Till the running fiscal year, more than Rs. 1.3 trillion have already been put into the PEs. But the return is almost nil in comparison to the investment.

But Dr. Narayan Manandhar, an expert on Nepalese PEs, said that the opportunity cost of privatisation and liquidation should be assessed before going into action. Dr. Manandhar, who has been closely monitoring the activities of the PEs before and after privatisation, said that the privatisation of the BPC after five years of controversy would give vent to the privatisation of other ailing PEs.

He says the future of privatisation will be determined by the success or failure of the BPC. However, he says that liquidation should not be understood as privatisation. Liquidation is, in fact, a natural death of a PE. But the Privatisation Act-2050 has defined liquidation as privatisation.

Unfortunately, the privatisation drive in Nepal has virtually failed to meet those expectations due to political instability, corruption, bad governance and lack of transparency.

According to the report published by the Ministry of Finance, the financial situation of the PEs has been worsening day by day owing to unbearable burden of liabilities created without reviewing its position. Besides, the PEs have not shown any seriousness in carrying out its day-to-day business. Account updating, final and internal auditing are rarely completed in time.

Privatization itself is not harmful if it is properly carried out, but the intention of the government should be fine, says Khila Nath Dahal, a trade union leader. The poor performance of more than 75 per cent of the privatised institutions during the past one decade, according to economists, is evidence that privatisation of the PEs in Nepal should be restructured and thoroughly reviewed.

When Nepal initiated the process of privatising the state enterprises as part of its move towards western-styled economic liberalisation in 1991, privatization was expected to inject new blood and improve their overall performance.

The government has invested Rs. 17,943.4 million as equity and Rs. 53,298.9 million as loan capital totaling Rs. 71,242.3 million so far. Most PEs have a very weak financial position and lack professional competence. Especially the industrial enterprises have been bearing losses for many years, the MoF report says.

Niva best band at Shikhar Beat Contest

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 5: The Hyumat Tole-based Niva won the prize by shining out as the best band of the year at the Third Shikhar Music Beat Contest. The event was held at capital's Dasharath Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.

The Niva was also adjudged the best for the bass guitarist and the best vocalist award, fetching it two more coveted prizes.

The second place was taken by Prerana Samuha, also from Kathmandu. The Panam, the band from Bara district took the third position.

The young performers of the winning band Niva say that they were inspired by Kicha, another band from Hyumat Tole.

Gopal Rasaili of the Green Chilli won the title of the best lead guitarist. Bikash of Niva judged the best bass guitarist. The title of the best rhythmist went to Darshan of Prerana Samuha while Pramod of Nissad came out as the best lyricist.

Preeti Singh of Nissad won prize for the best vocal performance and Kishan Khadgi of Panam was judged the best drummer. They won a prize of Rs. 6,000 each.

Eleven bands performed on the second day of the contest Sunday. Nine had given their performance on Saturday. The Dasharath Stadium burst to its seams with tens of thousands of cheering and the dancing audience.

The contest had drawn more than 90 bands from Kathmandu and other urban centres. Twenty bands, one from Bara and 19 from Kathmandu, made it to the final round. While most of them were men-only bands, there were some which had mixed members. The Creative was the sole all-women band.
The bands to perform in the second day were The Crescent, Green Chilli, The Maun, The Maze, The Creative, The Mritunjay, The Panam, The Prerana Samuha, The Shree Om, The Smooth and Who Cares.

Patriotism was the theme of the songs today, as against love on the first day. The Prerana Samuha dedicated its song to the late Royal Family members with Ekohoro Samjhana Airahanchha (We constantly remember) while Who Cares urged for peace in the country.

The centre of attraction was Gopal Rasaili of the Green Chilli mesmerized the crowd by playing guitar with his teeth and legs.

As guest artiste, Girish-Pranil enthralled the crowd with their song which threw a biting satire at the political parties and their activities. Other guest artistes of the day were singers Neema Rumbha and Nalina Chitrakar.

At the end of the two-day music fest, singer Deep Shrestha as chief guest awarded prizes to the winners amid thunderous applause from the audience.

The first prize carried a purse of Rs. 75,000, and the second the third Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively. The individual prizes were worth Rs. 6,000 each.

The contest was sponsored by Surya Nepal Co. and Vogue Advertisement & Event Management.

Community mediation emphasised

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan.5: Community mediation can be another way of resolving conflicts especially at the local level without the conflicting parties knocking the doors of the courts, where much money and energy are wasted.

"Community mediation has a crucial role in dispute settlement, says Dr. Yub Raj Khatiwada, member of National Planning Commission (NPC).

National development should associate all dimensions of society along with social progress otherwise the development becomes disabled, added the chief guest Khatiwada, speaking at a workshop "Potentialities and Challenges of Community Mediation in Nepal," organized by the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT) in the capital today.

He stressed the role of NGOs, which, he said, have played crucial role in creating awareness in the society through participatory practice.

He said that the role of NPC was important in designing strategies for community mediation, but he said that he was not in a position to make any commitment regarding this.

"Of several ways of conflict resolution, community mediation has proved to be a successful model in preventing and settling disputes," said Dr. Bhogendra Sharma, president of the CVICT.

The CVICT has implemented this model in 45 Village Development Committees in three districts of Ilam, Jhapa in the east and in Saptari in south east of the country, he added.

The programme has played a crucial role in reducing the number of disputes and has exercised practices of settling them at the local level. "Further, it has created social harmony in the local level." "We are planing to extend the programmes in 12 districts with in a year."

Agni Kharel, a lawyer and consultant to CVICT, urged the government to provide funds and carve strategies for community mediation. He stressed on resolving local conflicts locally rather than taking them to courts.

Social scientists Shambhu Kattel, Sadhuram Shapkota and co-attorney general Nagendra Prasad Pathak presented papers on various aspects of conflict resolution.

Political parties hail Royal Address

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KATHMANDU, Jan. 5: The Prajatantrik Samajwadi Manch Nepal has said His Majesty the King's Address delivered in Biratnagar on Jan. 3 is a directive to end the present uncertain situation in the country.

A press release jointly signed by president of the Manch Dhundi Raj Shastri and general secretary Keshab Marhattha states the phrase that we should all rise above class, regional and party interest in the larger interests of the nation included in His Majesty's Address is a proper guideline for taking the country out of the current situation.

Similarly, Nepal National Democratic Party has responded to the Royal Address by stating that people are deeply convinced that His Majesty the King would run the state as per the wishes of the people after evaluating the common views of the people.

The National Press Club Nepal, in its reaction to the Royal Address, drew attention towards His Majesty's commitment to Constitutional Monarchy and multiparty democracy and welcomed His Majesty's emphasis on dialogue, consensus and understanding for resolving the present problem.
Likewise, the people's progressive party has heartily welcomed His Majesty's Address, which, according to the party, has given inspiration to all the political parties to work with nationality, democracy and patriotism as the main focus.

The Peace Party Nepal has also hailed the royal address stating that it is the ray which will clear away the clouds of uncertainty, violence and confusion in the country.

Politicians give positive response to Royal Address

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Jan. 5: The address to the people by His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev at the civic reception function in Biratnagar was filled with nationalistic feeling, say political observers.

This should be the guiding principle for all of us if we want to move ahead on the path of progress, said analysts and observers who included former ministers.They were sharing their observation about the content of the Royal Address at an interaction with the journalists in Kathmandu today.

They said that the expression in the Royal Address that "Nepal's monarchy in the 21st century is for democracy, democracy is for the country's development, and both monarchy and democracy are for a prosperous future of the country" was the most significant and meaningful.

Former minister Dr. Ramsharan Mahat said that the message for talks and unity was positive. "Our conduct should be directed towards that direction," he said. Mahat added that the Royal Address had nothing controversial and debatable.

Former minister Prakash Man Singh said that the people had heard too many sweet promises in the last 12 years, and in this context His Majesty's call not to let petty interests divide us has a very positive message. It guides everyone to walk together on the path of harmony and unity, Singh added.
He said if the spirit of the Royal Address could be translated into practice it will help the nation come out of the current political situation.

Another ex-minister Nilambar Acharya viewed that the suggestion of seeking a solution to the problems through dialogue, as mentioned in the Royal Address, is a substantive point. ''It is timely and substantive,'' he said.

Acharya believed that if the points mentioned in the address are materilised, the present problems could head for a resolution of the existing problem and restoring normalcy and reconciliation in the country.

Omkar Shrestha, also an ex-minister, said the commitment to democracy and constitutional monarchy in the Royal Address was positive. This has sent a message to the political parties to unite and not indulge in bickering.

"The Royal Address asks all to come together and sort out the problems the country is facing,'' he said, adding His Majesty has stressed for intimate relations between the people and the monarch. If all work according to the spirit of the Royal Address, the present confusion could be ended, he added.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Taranath Dahal said that no political force should miss the opportunity for talks.

His Majesty's expressions could stimulate all the political forces to minimuse the misunderstanding and replace conflict with harmony, he said.

Professor Pitambar Sharma Dahal said the the King's commitment to democracy has been reiterated, and it has made all suspicions about it unfounded. "The King has expressed comaraderie toward the people, and His Majesty's only intention was that patriotism should be the basis of resolving all feuds." His Majesty's deep commitment for democracy has been reitarated, said Prof. Dahal.
Meanwhile, RSS adds Nepal Hariyali Party has expressed complete confidence in the statement of His Majesty the King that monarchy in the 21st century cannot be anti-democratic.

A press release published by the party here today said that the responsibility of safeguarding democracy, strengthening national unity and promoting nationalism has befallen on the shoulders of Constitutional Monarchy.

This is a time when the parties which framed the Constitution of 1990 are sometimes talking about respect for monarchy, and sometimes talking irresponsibly and in an unprincipled and threatening manner about destroying it and joining hands with the republican forces indulging in violent politics, it has been stated further in the release.

The press release issued after a meeting of the executive committee of the Hariyali Party here today further states that as the party believes in Constitutional Monarchy, multi-party democracy, a clean political environment and corruption-free governance, it fully supports His Majesty the King's address to the huge gathering of people at Biratnagar.

The fact that monarchy in Nepal is popular among the masses and has conducted affairs in line with the aspirations of the people has been vindicated once again by the gathering at Biratnagar, and the Hariyali Party Nepal thanks the people of the eastern region for their continued faith and confidence in monarchy, it has also been mentioned.

The statement of His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev at the Biratnagar civic reception calling for no division on Constitutional Monarchy, multiparty democracy and minor issues related to the development of the country has been welcomed by the 23rd meeting of the Nepal Samata Party held here today.

TU results

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KATHMANDU, Jan. 5: Tribhuvan University has published the results of the proficiency Certificate Level I. Ed. first year examinations under the Faculty of Education held in 2002.