I n d e p t h    A n a l y s i s
What other course?

Kathmandu: At the very outset this analysis is an attempt to limit ourselves within current restrictions imposed for obvious reasons which at the moment we can't but support given the overt demonstrations of partisanship in the media and other organized sector which helped in the near collapse of the state regardless of our repeated attention.

As it is, none can disagree with the well-worded analysis expounded in His Majesty's address to the nation last week for which the current measures have been imposed in order to provide the nation the opportunity for redress and relief. Of this, the general public and the media are aware and are thus willing momentarily to sacrifice their prerogatives on behalf of the nation.

It will thus be necessary to better clear the environment by recounting here the repeated constitutional attempts of His Majesty the King to nudge the correct course from an erring political sector.

On October 4th 2004, His Majesty King Gyanendra sacked Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba after he demanded that he continue in office having failed in his attempt to conduct elections in the constitutionally stipulated period for which he had asked the King to dissolve parliament.

It is now no longer hidden that HM had consulted leaders of political parties in the dissolved parliament for a unanimous government representative of the dissolved parliament. It is also known publicly that the major leaders found no reason to oppose Deuba's sacking while they recommended themselves for Prime Minister-ship and concurred on L.B.Chand as the next option as a result of which Chand was nominated to that post. Simultaneously the political sector began nitpicking on the issue of executive powers, which the King had been forced to assume under article 127 and would automatically have been delegated to a new Prime Minister after appointment under the constitution.

It need not be motioned here that the partisan media chose blatantly to drawn constitutional reason in favor of the partisan standpoints of the political sector which now took to the streets with blatantly unconstitutional demands such as the revival of the dissolved parliament or even the use of article 128, the continuity clause legitimizing the transaction of the current constitution.

Equally remarkable is the fact that the agitation of the major parliamentary parties coincided with the talks held with the Maoists who had finally come to the table after the enactment of article 127, and the attempt by the King to forge a national governing.

In order to mount public and international pressure against the monarchy, the political leaders ignored their role in the appointment of Chand and turned a blind eye to the consequences on the crucial talks with the Maoists on a result of which Prime Minister Chand resigned.

Again, HM the King launched a series of meetings with the political sectr following which S.B.Thapa was allowed to head the government. It took a while before none less than Mr. Girija Koirala could reveal to his party-men of his nod to Thapa's appointment.

Moreover, Thapa himself a critic of the manner of party-man colleague Chand's appointment, formed a small ministry of his party coterie on plea of accommodating other parliamentary parties to be more representative parliament wise.

Once again talks with the Maoists resumed. Significantly the parliamentary parties once more resumed their street agitation. The Maoists had all to gain from walking out again.

Of course, Thapa resigned and the King launched another series of meetings yet to convince the parliamentary parties of the need of a national government at this juncture of piling crisis in the nation that these talks too could not yield to necessary parliamentary concurrence is demonstrated by the fact that HM launched a public call for claimants to the Prime Ministerial seat to forge an accord on government. Ridiculed publicly by the agitating parties as a call to submit a "tender" for government the royal move nevertheless exposed to the public that the leaders of the two major political parties, the CPN (UML) and NC failed to agree on a single candidate as a result of which the UML backed the claim of the last elected Prime Minister S.B.Deuba and forged what is as yet the nearest thing to a coalition cabinet commanding support from, if not all, at least a majority of the composition of the dissolved house.

With the scheme of things so advantageous, the Maoists found it very convenient to refuse Deuba's call for talks. Senior partners in government, t he UML made clear from the very outset their position to the talks. Deuba's leadership could hardly perhaps ramrod preparations for elections set within a deadline of his Royal Mandate. The partnership grew so precarious as to even render government appointees difficult. The Chaos mounted.

If vulnerable insurgents could hope to take advantage from this national chaos the challenges to the State from within and without would inevitably mount. Could the State cope?

HM issues relief orders

His Majesty the King in accordance with Clause 7 of Article 115 of the Constitution of Nepal 1990 has issued various orders to come into effect immediately.

According to a notice published on 7th February by His Majesty's Press Secretariat, travel, buying and selling of assets and stay in the country are allowed but that should not disturb the sovereignty, integrity, peace and security and should not have adverse impact on the state of emergency. The order has also mentioned that the local administration can prohibit the aforementioned activities if needed.

According to the order, if His Majesty's Government feels it necessary then the regional administrator, chief district officer or any assigned official can temporarily or permanently transfer ownership of any tangible and intangible asset after due compensation.

The order has also mentioned that activities like seminars, gatherings, meetings and interactions, which do not affect the sovereignty, integrity, peace and security of the Kingdom of Nepal and do not go against the state of emergency, can be organized in a predetermined venue, after receiving prior permission from the regional administrator, chief district officer

According to the order, His Majesty's Government can appoint, transfer, depute, delegate authority or place appointments in vacant posts, temporarily to government employees for the period of the state of emergency.

The employees of the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government, Ministries or the departments under it, and other offices or the offices under His Majesty's Government are prohibited from setting up any kind of organization having political affiliation, and any such existing organizations should stop all activities, that affect the sovereignty, integrity or peace and security of the Kingdom of Nepal, the order says.

The order also prohibits making any direct or indirect public comment regarding the work of the security agencies that could affect the morale of the security agencies.

During the state of emergency, if the security personnel, security official or any assigned official feels it necessary, then he can monitor or ban the use of telephone, radio, fax, television, email or any other form of electronic media.

According to the notice, anyone violating the aforementioned points, disobeying orders, or noncompliance to the same thereof, can be immediately put under house arrest and action may be initiated against such persons. The notice has also states that whatever is mentioned in the order will be as per the order and points not covered by the order will be as per existing laws.

21 point Agenda of the new cabinet

The first meeting of the new cabinet held under the chairmanship of 'His Majesty the King on Wednesday has brought out a 21-point programme with a focus on good governance and economic growth.

The meeting decided to initiate a legally supported special programme to conduct on-the-spot investigation in cases of corruption and to seize and nationalize the property of those found guilty in amassing property through abuse of authority, smuggling, tax evasion, illegal contract and commission and take strong action against them. In this connection, in the first phase, a Royal Commission will be constituted within15 days. Besides, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority will be made proactive by empowering it in terms of authority as well as resources.

The meeting also decided to make arrangements within 15 days to deliver goods and services to the people in a transparent way within the set time limit and develop an effective inspection and monitoring mechanism. The meeting also decided to make arrangement of an effective punishment system to bring delays, favoritism, nepotism and bribery to an end.

The government will set up a land bank and make judicious distribution of land to squatters, landless pheasants and freed Kamaiyas.

With a view to raise income in order to alleviate poverty, the government will initiate a long-term programme to modernize farming, implement small and big, irrigation schemes and run horticulture, cash crops and livestock on the basis of geographical possibilities.

The state will offer special assistance for the development and promotion of cottage industries and encourage the private sector for the optimum exploitation of the water resources for setting up, developing and expanding other industries. Besides, domestic and foreign resources will be mobilized to develop hydel projects on a priority basis.

As the tourism industry has huge prospects in the country, the government, in order to increase national income and promote religious tourism, is immediately formulating a master plan and implementing it to provide necessary cooperation and facilities to big and small hotels, resorts, tourism destinations and tourism industries.

The disabled, underprivileged and dalit students studying up to secondary levels will he provided free education along with free textbooks and provision of scholarships. Also, the private schools and colleges will be obliged to provide free education to a certain percentage of underprivileged, dalit, minority and disabled students.

The curriculum will be improved in order to produce patriotic human resources and provide vocational education. The textbooks will be made easily available to all the students at reasonable prices.

The students holding identity cards will be given concession on public transport fare and medical treatment at state hospitals.

In order to narrow down the existing gap between the rich and the poor in the capital city, other big cities as well as in areas moving towards urbanization, certain standards of housing lands will be fixed and legal provision requiring the construction of houses as per the government's anti-earthquake regulations will immediately be made.

Considering the increase of population, diminishing agriculture land and facilities related to drinking water, electricity, drainage, telephone etc. apartment systems will be developed with the participation of the local bodies, private sector and His Majesty's Government to reduce the encroachment and pressure on productive land.

To give momentum to the rate of economic development and to make the transport system easy, a long-term plan will be devised for east west electric train. In addition, work will be started for the development and expansion of short road, tunnel way, waterway and ropeway in feasible areas.

The political, economic, social, administrative and semi-judicial powers will be gradually taken to the villages to provide maximum autonomy to the local entities as per the principle of decentralization.

To solve the growing problem of unemployment, opportunities for employment will be sought both within the country and outside and necessary training and loan facilities will be provided.

For those who have suffered from terrorism and also those who had gone ashtray by following the path of violence but have shunned violence or are willing to return to normal lives, arrangement for job opportunities will be made to them in the country and outside by providing necessary training.

Special programme will be brought to control the river by building embankments in rivers in the Terai. This will help develop transportation, flood control and irrigation and the land recovered from river control mechanisms will be used for rehabilitation and development of landless.

A Karnali Development Programme will be brought immediately for the overall development of the Karnali region. The Surkhet-Jumla road will be brought into operation within the next 13 months and the construction of roads linking the district headquarters of the Karnali zones will be started.

Special programmes will be brought to make the local people self-sufficient in areas such as agriculture, health and education.

The pledges made in areas reforms in governance, management of public sector and programmes aimed at poverty alleviation will be completed in time. There will be special mechanism to monitor projects running under assistance of bilateral and multilateral countries and donor agencies. The implementation of poverty alleviation programmes will be made more effective by improving the relations with the bilateral and multilateral Countries and agencies. To make appropriate participation of women, dalit and ethnic communities in government institutions, a policy of positive affirmation will be adopted in the civil service for a definite period.

For the development of the private sector, programmes on policy reform and promotion will be brought immediately. To initiate the private sector in the investment of infrastructure development, special arrangements will be made by simplifying the legal provisions and providing other facilities.

Arrangement will be made by which the people will be the decider and implemented of the development programme. Special focus will be given to implement development programmes through the stockholders instead of contractors.

FM Rana meets chamber delegation

Kathmandu: The newly appointed Finance Minister, Madhukar S. Rana has said that the private sector's suggestions and timely advice would be imperative for the development of stable economy and a corruption free society.

Minister Rana was speaking at an interaction program with a delegation from the Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce the other day.

According to the press note minister Rana also emphasized the need for the establishment of a permanent peace, security in the country, long lasting economic development and providing relief work were top priorities of the present government.

"With private sector's support, we can achieve this target, " said minister Rana, states the release.

The government was committed to streamline financial transactions, generate employment opportunities and stabilize price situation and urged private sectors' immediate suggestion in these matters", Rana added.

ADB-Nepal registers growth

Kathmandu: The total loan disbursement of the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB/N) in the Sagarmatha zone has seen an unprecedented rise during the first six month of the current fiscal year.

According to a press release issued by the ADB-N here on Monday, 29 field offices of the ADB/N in the five district offices of Sagarmatha zone disbursed more than Rs 374 million in loan during the first six month of the current fiscal year, which is a 131 percent increment as compared to the initial projected target for the same period. Similarly, the total loan recovery of the bank has also increased to Rs 302.5 million during the period. This amount to 124 percent increment as compared to the initial projected target for the first six months, states the release.

Of the total loan recovery, majority of it belongs to the Non Performing Loan (NPL) category. Similarly, the total deposit mobilization of the 29 field offices has increased to Rs 1.4 billion at the end of the mid-January 2005, states the release.

Qatar NRN conference

Kathmandu:The Non Resident Nepalese (NRN) conference-cum-entertainment program took place in Doha, Qatar from January 21 to 24. NRNs from 20 countries across the globe attended the conference. During the conference, the participants, senior government officials and the then ministers covered issues like investment, facilities and privileges for NRNs, foreign employment and other key matters like peace and stability in Nepal, states a press release. On the occasion, a cultural program too was organized, in which various Nepali artistes performed their songs and other entertaining items, the release adds.

Rise in tourist arrivals in llam

Kathmandu: Arrival of tourists in the eastern hilly district of Ilam marked an increment of 25 per cent in the year 2004 compared to that of the previous year.

During the period, a total of 15,693 foreign and domestic tourists visited the hill queen of eastern Nepal. In the year 2003, Ilam district had received 12,447 tourists.

According to Ilam Sarokar Manch (ISM), an organisation affiliated to the tourism industry and activities in the district, the arrival of Indian and the domestic tourists increased by 28.02 per cent, while there was a minor decline in the number of foreign tourists visiting the district.

The ISM statistics shows that some 7,000 Indian tourists entered the country through Pasupatinagar and Manebhanjyang transit points located east of the district.

A significant number of Bangladeshi, Japanese, American and

British nationals are among the foreign tourists to visit the district.

The number of Indian tourists visiting Ram saw a significant growth after the Darjeeling administration gave entry permit to Indian nationals six months back, says Pasupati Acharya, local development officer. He also credited the Antu Festival-2003 for the rise in tourist arrivals.

The Darjeeling administration had stopped issuing entry permission to Indian nationals to enter the country citing security reason last year. A large number of foreign tourists enter Nepal through Ram after visiting Darjeeling, the neighbouring tourist destination in India.

llam district is famous for tourist destinations such as Sandakpur, Shiddithumka, Tumbling and Antu Danda or Antu hill is regarded as one of the best places in the country for viewing sunrise and sunset. The area is also famous among the foreign tourists for viewing mountain ranges and its natural beauty.

Road accident deaths on rise

Kathmandu: The number of vehicles is increasing all over the country and people are gradually getting concentrated in the Valley where road condition and infrastructure has not improved over the years.

Curiously, the Valley Traffic Police Office records show that the number of road accidents has remained nearly steady, with a slight raise over the past few years.

The mishaps record of this fiscal year 0601061 BS is 2227, which is just two above the record of last fiscal year. Some 2180 accidents were recorded in the fiscal year 0581059 BS while 2055 accidents took place in and around the Valley in 057/058 BS. Incidentally, there is a significant rise in the loss of human beings. A total of 108 people had died last year but this fiscal year 147 people died in mishaps. DSP Romendra Singh Deuja said it was because of the increasing competence of the

400-odd traffic polices of the VTPO that the number of accidents have been controlled. Despite pathetic road conditions, lack of necessary infrastructure and reforms in existing inadequate taws of the land, the traffic police have been successful in controlling road accidents.

Deuja said 14 overbridges in the Valley were urgently needed. Considering the growing traffic, at least 60 such bridges will be needed to cope for safe and secure travel within the Valley.

The DSP said the VTPO has been organising awareness campaigns for school students - the most vulnerable group of society - and also for people from different organisations.

Deuja lamented there were very few parking spaces for microbuses and other public vehicles.

He stressed that the 800 km macadamised Valley roads should be widened, with ample parking space and footpaths for pedestrians.(Courtesy: THT)

Thaksin wins Thailand Elections

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has declared victory in Thailand's election.

The head of a multi-billion dollar telecommunications empire and reputedly Thailand's richest man, Prime Minister Thaksin while talking to a media man in Thailand said, "I want to eradicate poverty. Poverty is very important. We have to help them [poor people]," he said.

Thaksin Shinawatra was born on July 26, 1949, into a family of silk merchants originally from southern China. He attended school in his native Chang Mai province, in northern Thailand, and graduated from Thailand's Royal Police Academy in 1973. Five years later he received a doctorate in criminal justice from Sam Houston (Texas) University in the United States.

After surviving a legal challenge to his victory, Mr. Thaksin set about delivering on some of his promises and launched a subsidized public health program, low-cost loans for rural poor, and village-based micro-industries.

He also lowered interest rates, leading to a consumer-based economic boom, and paid off early billions of dollars worth of international loans left over from the 1997 financial crisis.

Kumaratunga in Islamabad

Katmandu: Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga arrived in Islamabad to hold wide ranging talks with Pakistani leadership on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

During her two-day stay in the Pakistani capital, the Sri Lankan President will have comprehensive exchange of views with Pakistani leadership on matters concerning increased interaction between the two countries in different spheres of economy. They are expected to hold discussions on matters related to regional and international issues and SAARC in particular.

Coffee Farming

Katmandu: Farmers of Parbat district are being attracted towards coffee cultivation after the local coffee output found an international market. Farmers became attracted towards coffee cultivation after the coffee entrepreneurs association made arrangements for marketing. Some 700 farmers have started commercial coffee cultivation, it is reported. Thirty-two coffee groups have been formed in 13 VDCs of the district to manage the coffee market.

Parbat district is suitable geographically and environmentally for the coffee cultivation, according to the Agriculture Development Office.

Well water unsafe

Kathmandu: A study has revealed that water in 65 percent of the 460,000 tube wells in Rupendehi is unsafe to drink. Some 550,000 people in the district depend on tube wells for portable water.

Lack of proper structures around the wells has made4 well water more prone to contamination, the study conducted by Rural Drinking Water and Hygine District Project said. Tube wells deeper than 10 meters and with good structures on the surface are less likely to have any kind of bacteria, but the study showed that even tube wells with good structures on the surface were not safe enough.

Resignation

Kathmandu: His Majesty the King has in accordance with the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990 approved the resignation submitted by Attorney General Mahadev Prasad Yadav. This is stated in a notice issued on 4th February by the Press Secretariat of His Majesty the King.

Nepal not Polio free

Kathmandu: Nepal could not be listed among polio-free countries by the World Health Organization (WHO) aftr a polio patient was found in Madar of Sirha district recently. Krishna Mahara,9, was diagnosed with the disease in October last yea when he was staying at his maternal home in India, according to family sources. "WHO was all set to announce Nepal as a polio free country since no such patient was detected from 2001 ro 2004", said Ravindra Prasad Karna, WHO official.

NHRC Concerned

Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has shown concern over protection of human rights in the country in the context of the state of emergency. Issuing a statement here on last Friday, the Commission has also mentioned that, as a member of the United Nations and a signatory to a host of international human rights accords, it is the obligation of government to protect human rights of the people. It has also urged the government to take any decision by remaining within the ambit of human rights.

Golcha blacklisted

Kathmandu: Credit Bureau last week blacklisted Golcha Brothers, shareholders of Arihat Apparels, for failing to repay their loan amounting to around Rs. 200 million to Nepal Bank Limited within the agreed timeframe.

As per the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, blacklisted companies including their promoters and shareholders are automatically disqualified from acquiring new loans from banking system. Black listed companies would even need to deposit cent percent sum to open letters of credit.

The black listed shareholders of Arihat Apparels include Arduvan Investment Inc, Hulas Chand Golcha, Lokmanya Golcha, Mahendra Golcha, Dinesh Golcha, Chandra kumar Golcha, Akash Golcha, Hulas Metal Craft, Raj Kumar Golcha, Hitesh Golcha, Surendra Golcha, Hemanta Golcha, Diwakar Golcha, Shekhar Golcha, and Hulas wire and Industries. The chairman of Golcha Organization Hulas Golcha is the Consulate General of Poland to the Kingdom of Nepal.

Refugee oppose third party resettlement

Kathmandu: Bhutanese refugees have once again emphasized that they want to return home under any circumstances and ruled out third party resettlement. This view was expressed by refugees participating in a two day seminar on "refugees' views on the Three Options," organized last week in Beldangi camp by South Asian forum for Human Rights. The three options were repatriation to Bhutan, living in Nepal and third country resettlement. At the seminar Bhutanese refugee leaders and representatives roundly rejected the third option, which Nepal and UNHCR have started to entertain as a possible alternative.

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