House Special Session Voting on motions today

By A Staff Reporter
The Nepali Congress has put aside its squabbling to show a unified facade at the parliament. The party has issued a whip to all its MPs to be compulsorily present in the House and vote against the resolution tabled by the UML. It has also directed to vote for the party’s amended motion.

The Special Session of the House will vote on the motions today (Wednesday). The party’s Central Committee meeting on Sunday had decided to pass the amended resolution motion registered by the party in the parliament. The Nepali Congress has a comfortable majority of 115 seats in the 205-member parliament.

The amended version of the NC’s resolution has called the government to immediately launch a special package programme to minimise the impact caused by the increase in the price of the petroleum products and chemical fertilizer. The meeting also directed the government to improve the management (of the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Nepal Oil Corporation).

At the party’s meeting on Sunday, three ministers - Minister for Water Resources Govinda Raj Joshi, Minister for Supplies Prakash Man Singh and Minister for Agriculture Chakra Prasad Bastola — had to make detailed clarifications about the price rise of the commodities related to their respective ministries.

In its resolution, the UML has called for the complete withdrawal of the increased prices of kerosene, diesel and electricity. Although the UML’s resolution is certain to fail, the UML has succeeded in cornering the government, however, with a softer blow.

The parliament started deliberation on the motion of price rise on Monday and it was continuing yesterday (Tuesday).

Speaking in the parliament on Monday, UML’s General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal accused the government of being insensitive to the people’s plight. He also accused it of failing to improve the management and financial situation of the Corporations concerned.

In his reply Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai accused the main opposition party of ignoring the realities of the price hike. “Madhav Nepal knows how much kerosene and diesel is smuggled to India from his home area of Rautahat. It is our compulsion to keep the price on the two sides of the border in parity,” he said.

He cited the reasons of increase of price in the international market for the increase in the price of diesel and kerosene, and the condition set by the donor agencies for the hike of electricity tariff.

On Tuesday, while the opposition partys’ speakers accused the government of being insensitive and irresponsible to the people by increasing the price of the energy and chemical fertiliser. They also accused the government of failing to curb corruption, mismanagement and leakages and instead putting the burden of its failures on the people. But the ruling party MPs defending the government said the government was compelled because of reasons beyond its control.

Although the main opposition’s motion will fail in today’s voting, and the government will come out largely unscathed. But the episode may not end here. Both the oppositions and the ruling party will be closely watching the government on what steps it will take to alleviate the hardship caused by the price rise. If the government fails to take substantive steps quickly, it could face troubles more from its own party than from the oppositions.

Reading between the lines

By A Staff Reporter
It has almost become a tradition in the present political set-up, to drag the Royalty into controversy whenever there is a political crisis. Perhaps that was the reason why this time also, much was made of the reply speech given by His Majesty King Birendra at a dinner hosted in Their Majesties’ honor by the Diplomatic Corps here in Kathmandu Friday evening.

It can be assumed that at present there has been some sort of a crisis troubling the ruling party and also the government headed by Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai.

So it was not that surprising when some sections of the media played up the speech of His Majesty and the people really wondered whether there was really something to read between the lines.

Many read the speech of His Majesty as a warning to the present government. This angle was specially played up by those who wanted to see the end of the Bhattarai-led government. Then there were others, who even warned of a Royal take-over. Quite naturally, all such talk and speculations did pique the interest of the intellectual circle.

His Majesty, in the speech had expressed the belief that the people’s confidence in a democratic polity will be enhanced only “if those in responsible positions carry out their responsibilities scrupulously, while the people enjoy the provisions enshrined in the Constitution without discrimination”.

His Majesty added, “it is essential  that all the institutions established by the Constitution be effectively strengthened to consolidate democracy”. The King also reminded everyone that they should make sure the faith of the people in the democratic process should not be broken.

Most people have expressed the view that as head of the state, His Majesty has all the right to express concern about the democratic process, welfare of the people and good governance. It would be ridiculous for anyone to see ulterior motives when such views are expressed.

Meanwhile, on the part of the leaders, they must accept that the people are not happy with their poor governance of the country. More responsibilities and accountability are expected from them. So when constructive suggestions are given, they should not take it in a paranoid manner and feel threatened.

The fact that His Majesty and also the Diplomatic Corps here, which represents friendly nations that have extended cooperation to Nepal in its development efforts, have shown interest in Nepal’s political welfare,  can be taken as a reflection of their awareness of the concern expressed by the people.

It would be good for the nation, if such alertness is also shown regarding the performance of both the government and political leaders and a review is done on what they have done for the nation and the people.

Thule Rai mystery over

By A Staff Reporter
The long-standing mystery on the fate of DSP Thule Rai, who had been missing since September 22, has finally been over. DSP Rai, who was abducted by the Maoists that fateful day when the rebels attacked a police post that he was in charge of at Mahatgaon of Rolpa district, quietly returned home Sunday morning.

After coming to know of his return, Home Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka hastily went and informed the House about the development. However, he said that the police officer was found after a police operation.

On the other hand, a spokesperson of the Maoists said in a press release issued the same day that they had released DSP Rai on humanitarian grounds.

Rai’s father thanked everyone, including the Maoists, for making possible the safe return of his son.

Not long term solution seen for NC

By A Staff Reporter
The Nepali Congress may be looking up at its two top leaders again to take the party out of the quagmire of its party-government feud. But many doubt whether the two grand old leaders of the party could actually give a long-term solution to the party’s incessant squabbling. According to party sources,
the two leaders had talks on Sunday morning before the resumption of the party’s central committee meeting later that day.

This was considered significant at the back drop of the signature campaign by the party’s MPs to replace Bhattarai with Koirala as the party’s leader in the parliamentary party. There were even reports of Koirala asking Bhattarai on the face to either to step down or give an alternative to the party-government stalemate.

But when Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai refused to give in, saying that he would not resign from the government’s chair, it looked like the Congress was heading towards a bloody battle like that was seen back in 1994. This might have put Koirala and others, who were demanding Bhattarai’s removal, on the defensive. It may be recalled that Koirala, who was the PM then, had criticised the opposition for not allowing him to run the government smoothly.

Meanwhile at present, the remaining aloof or non-committal by several second generation leaders to the battle, actually gave Bhattarai some strength.

Bhattarai’s hands were further strengthened when Sher Bahadur Deuba, one of the most influential leaders of the second generation, overtly said that he is not in favour of any change in the government leadership now.

At the party’s central committee meeting on Sunday, he said the present government’s leadership was mandated by the people and it would be wrong to disregard that mandate within such a short time. He said the present government should be improvised, but allowed to continue.

Now, it seems, Bhattarai’s weight on the balance has suddenly grown heavier, and Koirala may have no choice but to reconcile with Bhattarai.

Meanwhile, there are growing disbelief among the party’s rank and file about the two leaders ability to lead the party unitedly.

One of the controversial Congress persons, Shailaja Acharya, at Sunday’s meeting, even blamed the ‘secret’ Godavari agreement between the two leaders of being the basis for the present feud..

Another second generation leader, Ramchandra Poudel also said the other Congress leaders (meaning the second generation ones) should stand as witness to any future agreement or understanding between the two leaders. That means many Congressmen now want to put a rein on the two leaders and are reluctant to give the two leaders a completely free hand.

Many of them are already weary about the prolonged and practically ceaseless squabbling between the two leaders. Many of them are contemplating that it might be in the interest of the party and also for the country’s politics if the two leaders bow out of the political arena honorably and leave the task of running the government to younger leaders.

‘Only girls with low self esteem can survive in Bollywood’

By A Staff Reporter
She may not need introduction to Kathmanduites. But she is still struggling to be noticed on her own in the glittering world of Hindi cine industry. After completing seven working years and seven films, she is still known more as her mother’s daughter rather than on her own. She is the only daughter of Mala Sinha, Bollywood’s famous heroine of the 60s and 70s.

In the glittering world of Bollywood, she is known as Pratibha Sinha. However, she preferred to introduce herself as Pratibha Lohani, at least when she is in Nepal. “I am Pratibha Lohani, no matter where I am. But people in Mumbai know me as Pratibha Sinha,” she said while talking to this scribe last week. She, along with her father C. P. Lohani and mother Mala Sinha, visited Nepal for a month last month.

She started her career in Hindi film with Mere Mehaboob  almost seven years back, which went unnoticed. In the past seven years since then, many other actresses have come to Bollywood and some of them have reached the pinnacle of success overnight. But, Pratibha is still struggling. In fact, it is almost like she has left active involvement with the film industry.

“Bollywood film industry is very discriminating to women. Only the girls with low self-esteem can survive in an environment where gender bias is too much. Even the best known actress is not well paid than her male counterpart,” she claimed. “After acting in a couple of films, I got bored with the same type of characters they offered,” she further added.

Born to a Bollywood celebrity, she didn’t find any difficulties to enter the Hindi film industry. But her days in the film industry were very annoying because people including even the directors wanted her to act as her mother, dress as her mother and even dance like her mother. “For somebody who has a great self respect of herself such things are not tolerable,” she clarified.

“Beside that, we seldom get good roles. Most of the time we have nothing to do in the films,” she added. In Bollywood, people only run after glamour and they do not care about the talent. “In Khamoshi, Manisha Koirala played an excellent role. Lots of people admired her talent. But she was awarded with only the Critics Award and not with the Popular Award,” she said.

As such, she has left the film world at least for sometime. “It’s not because I am proud but because I have high self respect,” she clarified. Asked about her future plan, she said: “Honestly speaking, I don’t want to act anymore. But, acting may be my profession tomorrow. I am not sure what I will do in future. I live in today and I don’t care about tomorrow.”

“Presently, I am busy with managing my home affairs. I look after income tax management. I look after my seven dogs. I am very fond of them,” she further added. She is also planning to study graduate level in Economics with Econometrics as the major.

School aiming for all round excellence

By A Staff Reporter
Started initially with enrolment in the Nursery, KG and Grade I and II, the Chandbagh school which celebrated its Third Foundation Day Dec. 18, is now upgraded to grade IV. During the second phase of extension the plans are to upgrade the school upto 10+2 which will provide hostel facilities for the lower secondary, secondary and the higher secondary levels.

Flouting the motto In Pursuit of Excellence Chandbagh School signifies all round development of an individual in cultural, social, sports and not merely in the academies. The aim is to give a polished, personality to every individual enrolled in the institution so that each individual land hands in the progress of the nation. In their endevour to develop a complete personality in their wards the have adopted a unique style in the curriculum structure and basic concept of education that differs then from majority of schools operating in the country.

Modeled after the Doon School in Dehradun, India, on an Estate called Chandbagh, the school here started operating by the combined efforts of the Chaudhary Group and Doon School in Bansbari, Kathmandu from March 1997.

The school boasts of a campus covering 50,000 sq. ft. area. The lush green spacious lawn, clean environment create the right atmosphere conductive to healthy learning. Special attention is given to toddlers as they are provided with chairs cut out in the shape of a different animals. A spacious multi-purpose hall doubles as an auditorium, skating ring, a gymnasium, dance room, a library containing a variety of books, magazines and periodicals. Above all, computer facilities have been provided with the latest softwares to cope up with the vast changing world of Information technology.

The school, modeled after Doon School and the school management are former senior staff members of Doon School. Shomie Rajan Das, the Academic Advisor to the Chandbagh School, is not only the grandson of the founder of the Doon School but was its Headmaster for many years. Similarly the present Headmaster himself was a House Master and later Dean of Activities in the Doon School.

One of the country’s leading Industrial houses. The Chaudhary Group has laid foundation for developing human resource of Nepal to an international standards, something that the country needs, in order to compete in the forthcoming millennium. “With this school in the town it is hoped that the parents will not find the need to send their children abroad in search of quality education,” says Binod Chaudhary. “We hope that the school will attract students even from abroad,” he adds. R.C. Bhargava, the Chairman of the Doon School was the chief guest at the function. He appreciated the proceedings and the work done by the Chaudhary Education Foundation in promoting a standards education in the country.

Backed by requisite infrastructure and human resources, Chandbagh School is aiming at becoming the Doon School of Kathmandu, as was the case when the Doon School came to be known as the Eton of India, the School it had modeled after.

AIT, Nepalese Institutions see further collaboration in higher education

By A Staff Reporter

The Asian Institute of Technology, based in Bangkok, Thailand, December 10, celebrated AIT day in Nepal, with Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai as guest of honor. The celebration was held at the Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu.

AIT is an international postgraduate institution offering master’s and doctoral programme in infrastructure engineering, regional development, agricultural and natural resource engineering, management and planning, and advanced technologies.

The centerpiece of the celebration was the conferment of an honorary degree of doctor of technology on His Majesty King Birendra “in recognition of His Majesty’s tireless endeavors and innumerable accomplishments in educational development in Nepal.”

In His inaugural address, Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Highlighted the important role AIT has played in the development of Nepal stating the following “Mr. Chairman, There are many Nepalese scientists and technologists who have studied at AIT and have been contributing towards Nepal’s development. I would also like to reiterate the fact that AIT has a special meaning to US. I am pleased to express my sincere thanks to AIT for building a strong partnership with the university in strengthening the human resources of Nepal.”

In his address, AIT chair emeritus, Dr. Thanat Khoman, called attention to the steady growth in the friendly relations between Nepal and Thailand since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961. Dr. Thanat, who served as deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Foreign Minister added, “Regular exchange of visits by members of the royal family high ranking government dignitaries and other officials have further strengthened our traditional ties”. He noted that the recent visit of HRH Princess Maija Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand “has added another milestone in further strengthening Nepal-Thailand relations.” Today, we celebrate not only the relations between Nepal and AIT but also, but e also reaffirm the strong ties between our alumni and our partner organisations in the kingdom.”

Speaking at the AIT day in Nepal celebration, Prof. Armand Stressed the long-standing and Fruitful Cooperation between AIT and His Majesty’s government of Nepal, particularly in the fields of human and institutional development. “AIT views His Majesty’s government of Nepal. As an important partner in fulfilling its mission in the region, and we are confident that this tribute to His Majesty would form a New chapter of the institute is the creation of meaningful partnerships with other educational institutions,” Prof. Armand Stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Surendra Shrestha, AIT Alumni Association president, empasized that “AIT could assist in the development of Nepal, by training the trainers who are focused in national, SAARC and regional issues as well as public goods; capacity building with universities through strategic partnerships; and that through its Alumni could legitimize the mutually empowering partnerships with many generous bi-lateral donors to Nepal.”

At present, there are 592 Nepalese Alumni and there are currently 74 Nepalese students enrolled at AIT. Nepalese Alumni have held high positions in the government and other sectors. Laxman Ghimire, a 1972 AIT graduate, served as minister of water resources. Surendra Shrestha, who is president of the AIT Alumni Association, is director of the UNEP environment assessment programme for Asia and the pacific and is a 1980 AIT graduate. Pramod Pradhan, president of the AITAA Nepal chapter, is head of menris, international centre for integrated mount development (ICIMOD).

In June 1994, AIT had the honor of hosting the royal visit of Crown Prince Dipendra who attended a special training programme in information technology.

Hot Kathmanduites

By A Staff Reporter
Welcome to year 2000, the year of the three zeroes. Notice the absence of the word millennium. Are we all not tired of the word already? To herald the change in the calendar, all hot spots in town have started booking themselves with atrocious tags. What with all the jet setting crowd heading for international pastures, wonder how many can afford the fancy price tags to the hotels, discotheques and restaurants! “Who would want to spend a once in a life time event in this dreary place!”, exclaimed one high flyer when this down to earth worm confessed that it had no plans what so ever. He gave a once over to the poor mortal and decided perhaps it could not afford foreign jaunts after all and decided to be kind. “You could at least go to another town, say Pokhara for instance”, suggested he helpfully.

 When the worm explained that it had no ambitions at all to mark the event that way and it had even postponed a trip to Switzerland just to make sure not to mark the event that way;  he just shook his head, rolled up his eyes and gave up on me, the worm.

Believe me when I say, it is only a change of numbers as far as I’m concerned. Why get excited over the numericals? It has always been changing and it always will. Is this year any better than the last? Is the earth going to perform a somersault over the event? Nature remains calm and so will humbly yours amidst all the fire-crackers, midnight banshee like yelling, gyrations of overcharged bodies and intoxicated brain cells.

Why can’t one be perfectly normal in all the sense and choose not to celebrate? If somebody feels good by not following the crowd, why not let the person create his own pathway? Is it so important to conform? Well, going by all the hullabaloo, it seems so.

Call the likes of me weird, boring- yes, there are others! But do not invite us because we have other plans. We plan to light up a few Diyas or candles and pray for the renewal of spirituality in all of us all over the world,  pray for peace and pray for an end to all the madness that marked all these years. Not getting up with a hang over, bone tired or not getting up in a stranger’s bed is a good way to start your day. Oops, the new year’s day!  

Two decades of German Nepalese Help Association

By A Staff Reporter
German Nepalese Help Association (HNHA) which is celebrating its 20th anniversary today (Dec 22), isa non-profitable social and charitable organisation working as an International Non-Governmental Organisation in Nepal. Late Margot Busak, an industrialist and Chairperson of Busak & Luyken (now Shambhan), and her like minded friends of Germany founded GNHA in 1979 at Stuttgart and served as founder President of GNHA till 1991. Margot Busak also served as Royal Nepalese Consul General for Baden-Wurttemberg, Stuttgart of Germany from 1983 to 1991 December. After the demise of Busak at the age of 80 in 1991, Founder Vice-President of GNHA Erika Belz, lead the organisation till 1994. Now Andreas Falk is serving as President from 1994 onwards. The executives are elected every two years by the General Assembly. At present GNHA has 400 members and about 1200 donors spread all over Germany. GNHA also has few Nepalese members. GNHA has a formal agreement with Social Welfare Council since 1989 and agreement with Bir Hospital to run GNHA Free Dispensary at Bir Hospital premises since 1992.

Since 1979 the GNHA is providing financial and commodity support to governmental and non-governmental organisations. To date, 34 projects on public health, 17 projects on education and training, 16 projects on social relief, 18 projects on environment and infrastructure have been supported. GNHA is working with multiple project partners and the number of completed projects count more than 90. Beyond this, GNHA Christina’s Dispensary is functioning in the premises of Bir Hospital, according GNHA press release hereThe general objective of GNHA is open-ended. The projects aimed and targeted directly to the needs of general public and draws the attention of GNHA. The objectives and activities are categorized into four areas.

- Help in Environment & infrastructure development so that the project can sustain its activities. Drinking water projects also receives the high consideration from GNHA.

- Health care receives high priority for support. Extending support in medical equipments to Government Hospitals has been a significant contribution of GNHA.

- Social relief projects like girl child, destitute women, orphan children home are receiving ongoing support from GNHA.

- Education projects for marginalized; destitute, blind, disables, dalits and poor received the support either in the subsidy from or through schools established by GNHA.

GNHA is open in receiving the proposals either from governmental and non-governmental organisation. However, upon the budget earmarked for the fiscal year and based upon the past experience it is assumed that a limited number of projects could receive support. But the acceptance of new project may not exceed more than 5 projects.

A large number of NGOs have received financial support and commodities like sophisticated medical equipment support from GNHA. Subsequently, thousands of people have benefited from multiple set of activities. GNHA has grown into the biggest private German Nepal bilateral social organisation is terms of members, budget and patrons.

GNHA has a clear policy guideline to help the poor and deprived needy people and the organisation. Being an INGO supported by common German people, it believes to promote goodwill, understanding between people of Nepal and Germany. The financial rules and constitution clearly defines that all funds raised, as donation or membership fee etc. will be used for development work in Nepal. The members or executives including President of GNHA are voluntary and are not entitled to receive any allowance or travel cost to visit Nepal or project sites. The administration cost is alloted very minimum and GNHA deployed only one staff at Kathmandu and one in Germany. GNHA does not own any vehicles in Nepal and Germany as well. There is no expatriate staff in Nepal till to date. The donors of GNHA are ranging from middle class German people to business houses. Many German donors who visit Nepal on their own cost as tourist visit the project site to feel, to touch and to observe the result of their valuable contribution. GNHA has not been able to diversify its project outside Kathmandu Valley due to monitoring constraint; principle of low cost administration and German member’s interest of visiting project site at easily accessible area.

New CJ “Hard working, committed”

By A Staff Reporter
Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya is one of the few personalities who has risen to the top post of the judiciary through sheer commitment, honesty and hard work. Upadhyaya was recently appointed the chief justice of the Supreme Court, succeeding Mohan Prasad Sharma. Prior to joining the judicial service more than 40 years ago, he was a proof reader at Gorkhapatra.

Born to a poor family of Siraha, he is one of the few personalities who has the experience of all the tiers of the judiciary.

During his service period he had even come under the wrath of the ‘powerful’ ones for being honest in his duties.

After his appointment to the top post of the country’s highest court, he had expressed his commitment to improve the situation in the courts. He has also said he would speed up the process of ‘imparting justice’. This is specially significant in that the courts are over-burdened with cases, and cases are pending for years, which has eroded people’s faith on the judiciary.