Report submitted

Sher Bahadur Deuba, former prime minister and coordinator of a High Level Committee formed last year to solve the Maoist problem, submitted the committee’s report to the Prime Minister. The report focuses on the democratic exercises and talks that could alone help solve the Maoist insurgency.

Releasing the report, Deuba said the Maoists have been taking advantage of the existing dissatisfaction caused due to poverty, unemployment and social and economic discriminations among the people.

He claimed that his committee sincerely forwarded the process of talks, convincing the Maoists and other political parties. According to him, one of the obstructions the committee had to face while working was another parallel step taken by the government.

National conference of SIMON

The fifth National Conference of the Society of Internal Medicine of Nepal (SIMON) and Continuing Medical Education Programme (CME) programme on "Update on Neurology" began in Kathmandu.

According to organisers, around 125 physicians, including senior neurophysicians and internists from various parts of the country, are participating in the three-day conference. The conference will benefit all the practicing neurophysicians as they can share their experiences with one another.

Renowned foreign doctors — Dr. Robert Lee, Dr. Robert Seveck, Dr. Robert Bell, Dr. Anne Louse Lafontaine and Dr. Mary Anne Lee are scheduled to present papers on neuro-related issues.

Learn From Kirtipur

By Our Correspondent

There is a lot Kathmandu could learn from Kirtiupur Municipality in making use of its solid waste.

Unique Group of Kirtipur, a club which comprises of nearly 50 local youths, is managing the waste of the town area of Kirtipur Municipality by collecting and turning it into compost fertiliser.

The Group collects nearly three tons of waste everyday from 260 containers made available to the Group by the Municipality.

Half a dozen employees are involved in separating the waste, processing and making heaps out of them. After three months, the waste turns into compost fertiliser which are packed into bags of two kilo each and sold for Rs. 5.

So far, the Group has produced about 700 bags of compost fertiliser and sold them to the farmers.

Basanta Dangol, a local farmer who has bought the fertiliser from the group, says that the compost is as good as any other fertiliser. "If we encourage them by buying their product, others will also be encouraged and the waste disposal problem will no longer be a problem in the valley," he says.

Kirtipur today is virtually clean because no waste remains uncollected in the streets and people are aware about its impact on public health. Many farmers at Kirtipur outskirts dump their wastes on their own homes and produce compost.

The Municipality, with the help of local clubs, has been organising various awareness programmes.

Local clubs here are very supportive. Sometime back, Unique Group had organised a photo exhibition that showed garbage piling up at every nook and corner and its impact on the environment and the locality. "The exhibition seems to have made a great impact on the local people," says Mayor of Kirtipur Municipality Hirakaji Maharjan.

Apart from the land and 260 containers, the Municipality has been supporting the Group by providing two employees — one dumper, one driver and two three-wheelers.

People are very supportive. They have been helping us by dumping their waste in the containers," Rabi Maharjan of the Group told Sunday Despatch.

The Group plans to buy a recycling machine after it collects enough money by selling the fertiliser.

There Is No Danger To NC Unity : K.C.

Born in Rautbesi village development committee (VDC) of Nuwakot district in 1947 A.D., Arjun Narasingha KC is one of the most influential and dynamic leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress. Member of Central Working Committe of NC, Mr. KC, an M.A. in Political Science and BL from Tribhuvan University, not only worked as a law professional but also taught Political Science at Saraswati Campus from 1974-1976.

Founder member of the Nepal Students Union (NSU), students’ wing of the Nepali Congress, KC took over the responsibilities in various ministries as minister from 1982 to 1998. Articulate and able to present his views in a forthright manner are his special qualities.

In a talk with Prem N. Kakkar of Sunday Despatch, he shared his ideas and views on various issues related to his political career and politics in general. Excerpts:

How do you feel that the Nepali Congress party boat is sailing?

On the overall, I feel it is satisfactory. It is the largest political party with democratic culture so the party has remained united despite the differences that creep in at times among its members. Parties like RPP and CPN(UML) split up but nothing of this sort has happened with NC. Controversies exist but they have not affected the party unity.

In your opinion, what are the plus points of NC as compared to other parties in the opposition?

I feel that democracy and Nepali Congress are synonymous. I think, NC has worked to strengthen the people’s faith in democracy. No other party is at par as far as NC’s contribution for democracy and freedom are concerned. The extreme dedication and sacrifice of the NC leaders and workers should also be taken into consideration.

What have you to say about the post-mid-term polls in 1994 till the last general elections?

There were aberrations in the past, specially after the mid-term polls in 1994. Hung parliament led to minority and coalition governments. Even horse trading was seen. Yet, last year’s elections giving a majority to NC has made everything right.

Has Nepali Congress been able to capitalise on the majority it gained in general elections last year?

I feel it has. It is not right to compare the long democratic history of Britain with that of Nepal. Nepal has barely enjoyed 20 years (in total) of democracy in the past 50 years (from 2007-2017 B.S. and from 2046 B.S. till the present time).

For democracy to sustain itself, the civil society must be ever alert and vigilant. There is lack of awareness among the people, yet the situation is improving and there is no need for disappointment. I am ever-optimistic.

How have you contributed to the party in your individual capacity?

I feel satisfied that I have been able to contribute to the party. Open discussion and democratic pattern is what NC follows. Everyone has the right to speak his/her mind without hesitation. Yet, I am not the one to evaluate my own contributions. It’s for others to do so.

Intra-party wrangling is evident in every party. What about NC and its method of strengthening the by maintaining unity among the members?

There are many challenges. The other parties have made NC their target. And, therefore, arises the need for NC members to go ahead unitedly. There is also a need for consensus on national issues with other political parties.

I also feel that when there is wrangling within the party, solutions are found and NC has always emerged the stronger, as past experience has shown.

Has the NC government been able to deliver the goods based on the expectations of the people?

It’s true that all of the people’s expectations have not been met though this does not mean that the NC government is not doing its utmost best for the welfare of the people.

Now the opposition parties are out on the street protesting the petroleum price hike and in price in general. What will be the government’s strategy to contain the situation?

The opposition’s role is also vital in a democracy. Their protests must also be taken seriously. But as far as the increase in price of petroleum products is concerned, prices have to go according to the global rate. Much subsidy has been provided to POL products. But I think that the price of kerosene could have been somewhat lowered to provide relief to the common people. On the other hand, Nepal Oil Corporation should be made more efficient.

Any comment on corruption that is said to be rampant in the country?

Corruption is a chronic disease in Nepal. It leads to many aberrations or anomalies in the society. Hence, effective anti-corruption measures are very essential. Questions may also be raised about how some people amass a lot of wealth and property when they come to power.

It must be an all out effort on the part of all the parties to fight corruption. Every major political party, except Mashal and Janamorcha, have been in the government so they must realise the gravity of the situation and come out with ways and means to tackle corruption.

I feel it necessary that wealth disclosure must be made including what has been inherited as parental property. Rhetoric alone does not pay, action is necessary. Maintenance of law and order, anti-corruption drive and transparent and accountable administration is necessary. For this the government is doing its best and working together with the opposition is also necessary.

What solution do you see from the present problems within the party and is the second generation of leaders ready for the job?

I strongly feel that the generation yardstick is not the appropriate one for leadership. So there is no question of power passing on to the second generation. Leaders who are credible, confident, have character and can generate the trust of the people can come out to lead the race. This is the NC mechanism that is working. Leadership doesn’t come by itself. There are many qualities that contribute to it.

Anything on the Maoist problem?

Dialogue is a must to solve the lingering Maoist problem. But too much publicity in the media is not good.

Violence cannot work in the interest of the nation. The Maoists must join the mainstream of national politics.

Do you feel that the cabinet reshuffle will be done soon?

I don’t think so.

Will the 10th NCCWC convention will be held on schedule in light of the two members resigning from the election committee?

The convention will be held as per schedule. There will be no change. It’s a process within the party and the resignation of two members from the election committee will make no difference.