OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Will the Move Succeed?

We can do it. If we highlight problems faced by some corrupt individuals, rest of the employees will understand what they should not follow. We must have religious orientation programs for our employees to develop moral values and ethics.

Traveling Near And Far

Oli: Enjoying overseas trip

Soon after the conclusion of the 18th session of the Parliament, all the leaders are in a whirlwind tour within and outside the country. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Speaker of the House of Representatives Taranath Ranabhat, Foreign Minister Chakra Prasad Bastola, UML Deputy Leader K. P. Sharma Oli are in an overseas trip. While these leaders are outside the country, UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel have chosen to visit different districts within the country. Interestingly, former Prime Ministers Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Sher Bahadur Deuba, however, are waiting for the arrival of Koirala.

Bharati On Bihari

The words Bihari and Bharati are given to the citizens of Bihar (Indian state bordering Nepal) and Bharat (India). Sometimes these names collide with other incidents. The debate over migration from the south was one of the issues during the book launching ceremony: Good Governance in Nepal Perspectives. As intellectuals were blaming economic debacle of Indian state of Bihar responsible for too many migrants, Bihari Krishna Shrestha, a social researcher, was listening quietly. Bharati Silwal Giri, another professional, was passing jokes on Bihari (Bihari Krishna Shrestha).

Independent Journalists

In an open society, it is very difficult to conceal the identity of any individual particularly the journos who are supposed to work for the society. When MP Pradip Nepal led a CPN-UML team for a week long visit to Kerala, among the whole lot of journalists editor of Budhabar, Kundan Aryal, was included in the team. Claiming as an independent journalist and editor of a weekly paper, was not his inclusion in a UML team itself enough to prove his political identity?

Competition Among Actresses

Just after the release of Nepali film `Apsara,' renowned director Nir Shah also released his another historic movie, Basanti. As another thought-provoking Nepali film `Mukundo' (with English subtitle) is already being exhibited, they are set for tough competition. Interestingly, heroines have the leading role in all these three films. Actresses Karishma Manandhar, Mithila Sharma and new comer Sanchita Luintel play the title role in Basanti, Mukundo and Apsara respectively.

"It Is The Best Way To Contain Corruption"

— Punya Prasad Dahal

Executive Chairman of Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) PUNYA PRASAD DAHAL has had a long innings in bureaucracy. Dahal recently revealed a new mantra to contain corruption in the Bank. Dahal spoke to SPOTLIGHT on different issues related to the corruption in the Bank. Excerpts:

Why did you say the promotion of religious values among the bank employees will reduce the current level of corruption?

When violation of rules and regulations in bank is so rampant, we cannot check it simply by punishing few employees. You need to give them religious orientation to show how sinful it is to ask for bribe.

Did you say this because you are frustrated?

It is not my expression of frustration but simply the best way to contain rampant corruption.

How can you be sure that invoking the fear of God will help reduce corruption?

It will explain about the life after death and position in the heaven or hell.