By Kamal Raj Sigdel
JUNE 2006: Kathmandu
With the visit of the State Councilor of China, Tang Jiaxuan, Nepal has seen newer prospects for developing its export market in one of the world's fastest growing economies. Tang's visit remained meaningful in many respects.
In an economist's perspective, China granted duty free access for Nepalese commodities to its markets. This is an opportunity opened for Nepalese economy at a time of political unrest. Call it a coincidence, at a time when international community is not in the support of present government. The fact is that it came after more than five years of bargaining with China. However, boasting upon it as a political achievement and as a gimmick to gain public confidence, while making no headway ahead will make nothing out of it. Though it will have no immediate results visible in our economy, in the long term it will promote Nepal's export sector thereby recovering Nepal's balance of payments with China. It is up to us whether we could build on this new trade agreement. Both the public and private sectors should start thinking towards making strategies on how could the facility be best utilized before it is too late for us.
However, the situation is that Chinese markets are still largely incomprehensible to Nepalese entrepreneurs. There is a seer lack of knowledge on Chinese markets, which has been a great challenge for potential Nepalese exporters. Without a better knowledge base, scientifically tested studies and market research, it is for sure that Nepalese commodities will not be able to compete in the Chinese markets. At such scenario, if some concrete actions are not taken to address this basic problem, opening of Chinese markets to Nepalese products will make no difference however liberal may it be.
For a beleaguered economy like ours, opportunities in today's world of competition and liberalism come along with challenges. WTO came to us in much the same way. There were questions among debates when Nepal as a first LDC entered into WTO: "are we prepared enough"? The trade agreement signed between Nepal and China during Tang's visit for providing duty free access to Nepalese goods, brings to us opportunities (came out of the same WTO negotiations) that Nepal never had. But to our weakening economy, there are challenges too, i.e. to be able to fully capitalize on this opportunity.
The fact is that Nepal will not only be a player in Chinese markets, even in neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region. In a move to fulfill its commitments made at WTO, China is granting duty free access to other LDCs as well as. Besides, Chinese goods would appear as much daunting as rest of the challenges for Nepalese exporters in Chinese markets. Ignorance of Chinese market organization, structures, behaviors, demands, local competencies, cultures and systems will further add up to the challenges as these factors are always critical to exporters.
Addressing these issues, therefore, seem very critical for Nepalese business community that is willing to grab this opportunity at this time. Tapping up this opportunity is also very important for HMG Nepal, as it shows possibility of balancing Nepal's huge trade deficit that is still with majority of its trading countries including India and China. Compared to the situation of trade balance with India, which accounts for 61.28 % of Nepal's total trade, the situation with China is unfavorable. More than the mainland China, its Tibet Autonomous Region occupies most of the trade activities with Nepal, as it is the closest market for Nepal in the north. Compared to the Tibet, the possibilities of expanding Nepalese export to China's major markets seems daunting as the distance to major Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing is longer. With the same token, the Tibet Autonomous region faces some challenges in bringing goods and services from mainland China's central markets which stretch thousands kilometers away from Lasha, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.
At such scenario, regarding distance and other factors, Nepal will be better performing in promoting its export market in the north if major focus is given to Tibetan territory while we try to capitalize this recent trade agreement. As a part of our long-term plan, the first target market for Nepal in utilizing China's open market would, therefore, be the Tibet Autonomous region followed by Hong Kong and mainland China.
When we get start with Tibet as our first target, our strategy to make entry into Chinese Markets, should not be based on the past trade profiles. Rather we should explore new initiatives for trade diversification while thinking of ways to sustain competing-capacity of currently exporting items in the future competitions.
Currently, Nepal is exporting mainly woolen carpets, woolen garments, hides and skins, leather, sculptures, jewellery, and articles of plastics. Wee will soon be facing clear competition in these goods. Though other goods like live plants, black salt, handbags, bags, paper products, cotton garments, Gurkha knives, paintings etc. are also the items that are exported to Tibet, the amount is insignificant so as to contribute in balance of trade. There are several other products, both agricultural and non-agricultural, which have market in Tibet, but having done no studies in that sector, Nepal is lagging far behind in product diversification. As a result, statistics up to now show that Nepal's trade deficit is growing with China, practically, the Tibet Autonomous region.
Since the fiscal year 1998/99, trade deficit soared high up to Rs. 4.773 billion in the fiscal year 2000/01, which is four times grater compared to the figures in fiscal year 1998/99. However, slight decrease in import coupled with slight increase in export in the period between fiscal year 2000/01 and 2003/04, did show positive effect in decreasing trade deficit. But after the fiscal year 2003/04, the trade statistics show Nepal's trade deficit increasing rapidly, which has been further intensified by the increasing import and decreasing export scenario. Nepal's export to Tibet alone decreased by 17.73% during the fiscal years 2003/4 and 2004/5.
This reinforces the need of promoting Nepalese export market in Tibet. Tibet has been one of the major trading partners of Nepal from before the unification of Nepal (around 238 years ago). In recent days, markets in Tibet are growing as the population and development activities are growing simultaneously. China has already set out to develop infrastructures including transport and other facilities to link Tibet with major cities in China mainland. At this situation, Tibet is increasingly becoming one of the attractive markets for Nepalese goods. Nepal should act hard to make environment for maximum utilization of the facility provided by this long-term forged Nepal-China Trade Agreement. But most importantly this agreement should be made stable and trustworthy so as to let Nepalese entrepreneurs gain confidence in strategizing long-term business plans on its basis.
Sigdel a Nepali journalist currently working with Confederation of Nepalese Industry (CNI) can be reached at kamal.sigdel@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Committee to study 600MW Budhigandaki
BY THIRA L BHUSAL
KATHMANDU, June 20
The government has formed a committee to study prospects of the 600MW Budhigandaki hydel project as it has failed to attract investors even after two calls for bids to international companies.
Not a single company applied for the storage-type hydel project even though the government extended the deadline for submission of applications.
The company has formed a three-member committee led by Anup Upadhyaya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). Sunil Bahadur Malla, Deputy Director General of the Department of Electricity Development, and Bhoj Raj Regmi, General Manager (Engineering) of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) are two other members of the committee.
"We have formed the committee to study how to take the project ahead as not even a single investor showed interest in the project even though we called for bids twice," Shankar Koirala, Secretary of MoWR told the Post.
The committee will study the prospects of the project and possible modalities to proceed ahead, according to him.
The government had last year decided to invite international companies for competition to undertake the project under Build-Own-Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. But, no company applied till the deadline of 26 May.
The government had two years ago called for international proposals for Upper Karnali (300 MW), Arun-III (402 MW) and Budhigandaki (600 MW).
Nine proposals were submitted for Arun, 14 for Karnali and only two proposals were registered for Budhigandaki.
However, the taskforce, which was headed by former Finance Secretary Bhanu Acharya to study the financial and technical aspects of the proposals had disqualified both proposals .
THE KATHMANDU POST
KATHMANDU, June 20
The government has formed a committee to study prospects of the 600MW Budhigandaki hydel project as it has failed to attract investors even after two calls for bids to international companies.
Not a single company applied for the storage-type hydel project even though the government extended the deadline for submission of applications.
The company has formed a three-member committee led by Anup Upadhyaya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). Sunil Bahadur Malla, Deputy Director General of the Department of Electricity Development, and Bhoj Raj Regmi, General Manager (Engineering) of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) are two other members of the committee.
"We have formed the committee to study how to take the project ahead as not even a single investor showed interest in the project even though we called for bids twice," Shankar Koirala, Secretary of MoWR told the Post.
The committee will study the prospects of the project and possible modalities to proceed ahead, according to him.
The government had last year decided to invite international companies for competition to undertake the project under Build-Own-Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. But, no company applied till the deadline of 26 May.
The government had two years ago called for international proposals for Upper Karnali (300 MW), Arun-III (402 MW) and Budhigandaki (600 MW).
Nine proposals were submitted for Arun, 14 for Karnali and only two proposals were registered for Budhigandaki.
However, the taskforce, which was headed by former Finance Secretary Bhanu Acharya to study the financial and technical aspects of the proposals had disqualified both proposals .
THE KATHMANDU POST
Govt approaches India on Gandak
Delhi will act promptly: Indian embassy
BY THIRA L BHUSAL & NARAYAN SHARMA
KATHMANDU / NAWALPARASI, June 20
The government has written to its Indian counterpart about the issue of inundation in over a dozen VDCs due to obstruction of flow in the Gandak Canal in Nawalparasi district.
The Indian embassy here has already forwarded a letter to the government in Delhi. "The government of Nepal submitted some measures for the improvement of the situation over there to us. We have conveyed it to the concerned authority of the Indian government a few days ago," said Gopal Baglay, spokesperson of the embassy. He also informed that the Indian government is going to take prompt action over the matter. He further said that the Gandak Canal authorities will see to fulfillment of 12 of the demands raised by protestors in bordering villages of Nawalparasi district.
Nepal's government wrote to the Indian government after the completion of a field report on the problem. Two senior divisional engineers from the Department of Irrigation (DoI) prepared the report. "We have submitted the report with our findings and recommendations to the Ministry (of Water Resources)," said Madhusudan Poudel, director-general at DoI. "We have recommended immediate, mid-term and long-term solutions," he added.
Poudel informed that the problem arose because there was no cleaning of the syphons in the canal. Nepali officials had frequently requested Indian representatives to ensure thorough and frequent cleaning of the syphons. He also stated that the syphons should be connected directly to the outlet points to ensure smooth flow of the water.
Raising a 21-point demand, locals from over a dozen VDCs in Nawalparasi district affected by inundation have been staging sit-in protests round the clock at the canal site since May 24. The locals blamed the Nepal government for failing to properly raise the issue.
However, Poudel said that the Nepal government can do nothing except to talk to its Indian counterpart as the entire responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the canal lies with the government of India.
Locals have for years been demanding the cleaning of the syphons, maintenance of the dilapidated canal, construction of a road alongside, permanent solution to the inundation problem, and renovation of dilapidated bridges over the canal, among other things. They said that they will be continuing their struggle until they receive compensation from the Indians.
Over 1,000 locals join the demonstrations each day, the locals said. Apart from threatening to demolish both banks of the canal as well as the barrage, they have threatened to stop the water flow in the canal for two months if their demands are not fulfilled. Prem Chandra Gupta, secretary of the struggle committee, vented his ire against both governments for not taking any initiative to resolve the problem.
"The Indian side needs to clean the syphons before the monsoon begins so as to protect the areas from inundation," Gupta said.
Of the 21 demands forwarded by the locals, the Gandak Project has agreed to see to the fulfillment of 12, said Baglay. "As the officials have given assurances to fulfill their 12 genuine demands, the locals should have called off their agitation," he said. However, members of the struggle committee and officials at the site claimed that they have not been informed about any initiative being taken from the Indian side.
"I have no knowledge of initiatives taken for fulfilling the 21 demands," Anand Parajuli, liaison and land acquisition officer at the site, said. Lately, the locals have added a new condition for reviewing the bilateral agreement as their demand for compensation for inundation and erosion was not fulfilled by the Indian government even after years of protest.
Triveni-Susta, Pratappur, Guthisuryapura, Somani, Thulokhairtawa, Kudiya, Rupouliya and Bedauli VDCs among others have been badly affected. The canal stretches 19 kilometers through Nepali territory before entering UP in India.
In July 2002, then Minister for Water Resources of Bihar, Jagatananda Singh, had made a commitment to provide compensation to the affected Nepalis. Also, erstwhile Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during an inspection visit, committed himself to talking to the Indian side about prompt compensation for the locals. However, not a single victim has been provided any relief since then.
The Indian embassy here has already forwarded a letter to the government in Delhi. "The government of Nepal submitted some measures for the improvement of the situation over there to us. We have conveyed it to the concerned authority of the Indian government a few days ago," said Gopal Baglay, spokesperson of the embassy. He also informed that the Indian government is going to take prompt action over the matter. He further said that the Gandak Canal authorities will see to fulfillment of 12 of the demands raised by protestors in bordering villages of Nawalparasi district.
Nepal's government wrote to the Indian government after the completion of a field report on the problem. Two senior divisional engineers from the Department of Irrigation (DoI) prepared the report. "We have submitted the report with our findings and recommendations to the Ministry (of Water Resources)," said Madhusudan Poudel, director-general at DoI. "We have recommended immediate, mid-term and long-term solutions," he added.
Poudel informed that the problem arose because there was no cleaning of the syphons in the canal. Nepali officials had frequently requested Indian representatives to ensure thorough and frequent cleaning of the syphons. He also stated that the syphons should be connected directly to the outlet points to ensure smooth flow of the water.
Raising a 21-point demand, locals from over a dozen VDCs in Nawalparasi district affected by inundation have been staging sit-in protests round the clock at the canal site since May 24. The locals blamed the Nepal government for failing to properly raise the issue.
However, Poudel said that the Nepal government can do nothing except to talk to its Indian counterpart as the entire responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the canal lies with the government of India.
Locals have for years been demanding the cleaning of the syphons, maintenance of the dilapidated canal, construction of a road alongside, permanent solution to the inundation problem, and renovation of dilapidated bridges over the canal, among other things. They said that they will be continuing their struggle until they receive compensation from the Indians.
Over 1,000 locals join the demonstrations each day, the locals said. Apart from threatening to demolish both banks of the canal as well as the barrage, they have threatened to stop the water flow in the canal for two months if their demands are not fulfilled. Prem Chandra Gupta, secretary of the struggle committee, vented his ire against both governments for not taking any initiative to resolve the problem.
"The Indian side needs to clean the syphons before the monsoon begins so as to protect the areas from inundation," Gupta said.
Of the 21 demands forwarded by the locals, the Gandak Project has agreed to see to the fulfillment of 12, said Baglay. "As the officials have given assurances to fulfill their 12 genuine demands, the locals should have called off their agitation," he said. However, members of the struggle committee and officials at the site claimed that they have not been informed about any initiative being taken from the Indian side.
"I have no knowledge of initiatives taken for fulfilling the 21 demands," Anand Parajuli, liaison and land acquisition officer at the site, said. Lately, the locals have added a new condition for reviewing the bilateral agreement as their demand for compensation for inundation and erosion was not fulfilled by the Indian government even after years of protest.
Triveni-Susta, Pratappur, Guthisuryapura, Somani, Thulokhairtawa, Kudiya, Rupouliya and Bedauli VDCs among others have been badly affected. The canal stretches 19 kilometers through Nepali territory before entering UP in India.
In July 2002, then Minister for Water Resources of Bihar, Jagatananda Singh, had made a commitment to provide compensation to the affected Nepalis. Also, erstwhile Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during an inspection visit, committed himself to talking to the Indian side about prompt compensation for the locals. However, not a single victim has been provided any relief since then.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
KUKL schedule adds insult to public plight
BY THIRA L BHUSAL
KATHMANDU, JUNE 13
A few days back, water supply pipes dried up for nine days at Bahiti in Sitapaila area. Though people in the locality have been facing water related problems for years, this time things have worsened.
"As not even a single drop of water dripped down the tap for such a long period, I went to the Nepal Army (NA) barracks area [where NA personnel distribute water to locals] at 2 am," said Gyani Maya Limbu, who runs an tea shop at Bahiti, "There was already a long queue of empty vessels and children, youths and elderly people were quarrelling over their turn."
Had the NA not supplied water, people of this area would be in great crisis, she said.
Currently, the government utility supplies water once every five, six or even more days in the area, but that barely lasts for half-an-hour. "Many a time I have returned with my empty utensils after hours of waiting," said another tea shop owner Urmila Shrestha, from the same place. Even if we manage to
get some water, the amount is too little even for drinking water for one or two days, she added.
I have been staying at this house on rent, but for the past nearly nine months I have not used water from the tank at this building, said Gyani Maya. "There is no point in blaming the landlords because they have been buying water from outside to fulfill their own requirement," she added.
They no longer expect any improvement from the government utility. They are just waiting for the monsoon for things to get better.
People of this area are heavily dependent on the water provided by NA from its tank at Chhauni. "People from Kimdol, Bahiti, Sitapaila, Bafal, Museum chowk and other surrounding areas fetch water from this tank," said an army officer. NA distributes drinkable
water from six to nine in the morning and three to six in the evening.
Apart from this, people of the area fetch water all the way from Swoyambhu, around 1.5 KM from Bahiti, or some other places on their cycles, motorbikes and other vehicles.
Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), which was established four months ago to improve water supply system in the capital, published a water distribution schedule on Thursday. According to the schedule, water will be distributed after a gap of six days in several places in the capital. Bahiti, Kapurdhara, Maheshline, Driverline and British Chihanline, are among the areas where water will be distributed for 45 minutes after a gap of six or more days.
"This is a shameless, hateful act ," said Narayan Poudel, a shopkeeper from Bahiti, adding, "It would be better if KUKL had not published this. It has done nothing but added insult to our plight."
According to KUKL,
water will be supplied from Kuleshwor to Kalimati and Tahachal areas once every four to five days.
It is distributing water for two hours after a gap of four days in about 50 localities inside Kathmandu. Interestingly, people in these areas have to wake up at 2 to 4 am and 4 to 6 am to fill up on water.
Many people approached by the Post expressed their ire against the authorities saying the discriminatory and irresponsible behavior of officers and staffers at the water utility is worsening the situation.
"The mischief of staffers assigned to the water distribution system is equally responsible," Poudel said, adding, "This area (Bahiti) is very close to the place from where water is released. But, still we are getting no water."
Kavita Pandey, an advocate lives in Sangam Chowk, Chachhu Marg in Baneshwor, where, according to the notice, water will be released once after a gap of four days. She claimed that around 10 households in her neighborhood that have links to higher authorities have made special arrangements by connecting larger pipes to their buildings.
KUKL published a notice on Thursday but people have no faith in its implementation.
Like tea shop owner Gyani Maya, who is looking forward to the monsoon for improvement in the situation, Deputy General Manager of KUKL, Ganesh Chandra Bajracharya has no better assurances for the public. "The present situation is a little bit difficult due to dry season. It will be better once monsoon begins," Bajracharya says.
From THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-06-13 19:06:18 (Server Time)
KATHMANDU, JUNE 13
A few days back, water supply pipes dried up for nine days at Bahiti in Sitapaila area. Though people in the locality have been facing water related problems for years, this time things have worsened.
"As not even a single drop of water dripped down the tap for such a long period, I went to the Nepal Army (NA) barracks area [where NA personnel distribute water to locals] at 2 am," said Gyani Maya Limbu, who runs an tea shop at Bahiti, "There was already a long queue of empty vessels and children, youths and elderly people were quarrelling over their turn."
Had the NA not supplied water, people of this area would be in great crisis, she said.
Currently, the government utility supplies water once every five, six or even more days in the area, but that barely lasts for half-an-hour. "Many a time I have returned with my empty utensils after hours of waiting," said another tea shop owner Urmila Shrestha, from the same place. Even if we manage to
get some water, the amount is too little even for drinking water for one or two days, she added.
I have been staying at this house on rent, but for the past nearly nine months I have not used water from the tank at this building, said Gyani Maya. "There is no point in blaming the landlords because they have been buying water from outside to fulfill their own requirement," she added.
They no longer expect any improvement from the government utility. They are just waiting for the monsoon for things to get better.
People of this area are heavily dependent on the water provided by NA from its tank at Chhauni. "People from Kimdol, Bahiti, Sitapaila, Bafal, Museum chowk and other surrounding areas fetch water from this tank," said an army officer. NA distributes drinkable
water from six to nine in the morning and three to six in the evening.
Apart from this, people of the area fetch water all the way from Swoyambhu, around 1.5 KM from Bahiti, or some other places on their cycles, motorbikes and other vehicles.
Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), which was established four months ago to improve water supply system in the capital, published a water distribution schedule on Thursday. According to the schedule, water will be distributed after a gap of six days in several places in the capital. Bahiti, Kapurdhara, Maheshline, Driverline and British Chihanline, are among the areas where water will be distributed for 45 minutes after a gap of six or more days.
"This is a shameless, hateful act ," said Narayan Poudel, a shopkeeper from Bahiti, adding, "It would be better if KUKL had not published this. It has done nothing but added insult to our plight."
According to KUKL,
water will be supplied from Kuleshwor to Kalimati and Tahachal areas once every four to five days.
It is distributing water for two hours after a gap of four days in about 50 localities inside Kathmandu. Interestingly, people in these areas have to wake up at 2 to 4 am and 4 to 6 am to fill up on water.
Many people approached by the Post expressed their ire against the authorities saying the discriminatory and irresponsible behavior of officers and staffers at the water utility is worsening the situation.
"The mischief of staffers assigned to the water distribution system is equally responsible," Poudel said, adding, "This area (Bahiti) is very close to the place from where water is released. But, still we are getting no water."
Kavita Pandey, an advocate lives in Sangam Chowk, Chachhu Marg in Baneshwor, where, according to the notice, water will be released once after a gap of four days. She claimed that around 10 households in her neighborhood that have links to higher authorities have made special arrangements by connecting larger pipes to their buildings.
KUKL published a notice on Thursday but people have no faith in its implementation.
Like tea shop owner Gyani Maya, who is looking forward to the monsoon for improvement in the situation, Deputy General Manager of KUKL, Ganesh Chandra Bajracharya has no better assurances for the public. "The present situation is a little bit difficult due to dry season. It will be better once monsoon begins," Bajracharya says.
From THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-06-13 19:06:18 (Server Time)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Gyanendra's last night at Narayanhiti palace
BY Thira-E-Zine SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
KATHMANDU, JUNE 11
The recently deposed king Gyanendra Shah in Nepal is saying goodbye to the Narayanhity Palace where the royal family lived for over 100 years today evening.
He was compelled to do so as sweeping majority of the recently-elected constituent assembly members proclaimed the country a republic by abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy and directed the government to implement republic in the first CA meeting on May 28.
The government had issued 15-day ultimatum to the former king to vacate the Narayanhiti palace. The government also suggested the king to stay at Nagarjun palace in the suburb of Kathmandu valley until for other arrangement is made.
Hence, Nepal's former king Gyanendra has spent his last night in the Narayanhiti Palace.
Recently king-turned-ordinary citizen of Nepal Gyanendra Shah, is scheduled to give his first opinion as a citizen at a press conference before he and his wife Komal, the former queen, move to Nagarjun, in the north-western suburbs of Kathmandu, according to officials.
Several TV channels, FM Radio stations are making preparation and expecting to give immediate news, if not live, of king's departure from the palace.
Gyanendra's son Paras, his wife Himani along with their family have been staying at Nirmal Niwas Mahargunj, where Gyanendra lived before he ascended to the throne following the royal massacre.
The government has decided to convert the Narayanhiti Palace into a national museum.
However, the government also has decided to let Gyanendra's stepmother and grandmother (Tribhuwan's concubine) will be staying at a fenced off building inside the Narayanhiti palace compound itself.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Maoist nod for simple majority
Parties closer to consensus
BY YUVRAJ ACHARYA & THIRA L BHUSAL
KATHMANDU, JUNE 8
The three big parties in the Constituent Assembly have come closer to a consensus on most of their differences including amendment of the constitution, following parleys at bilateral meetings, Saturday.
They have agreed to a meeting Sunday morning at Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's residence, during which they will set up two tripartite panels - one to prepare a draft of the amendment to the constitution and the other to prepare a package for taking the ongoing peace process to a logical end.
"We have agreed to set up the panels and reach a consensus by day after tomorrow," said Dahal, coming out of a meeting with Nepali Congress leaders at Singhdurbar.
He said the new agreement will cover ways to take the ongoing peace process to a logical end, amend the constitution and prepare a power-sharing deal among the parties.
"We still have pending issues concerning integration of the armies, they (other parties) have called for change in the YCL's working style, return of land and relief to the conflict victims, which is still an unresolved issue, and a commission for disappearances and others are yet to be formed," said Dahal, adding, "We have to address all these."
The second issue to be addressed immediately is amending the constitution, he added. "There is debate over two-third majority and simple majority for forming the government, the constitution has mentioned the names of the seven parties and attached a list of legislators - which are all irrelevant in the present context," said Dahal. He said another issue was related to power-sharing. "Discussion on the issues has been quite positive," he said.
The parties have put constitutional amendment, the peace process and power-sharing in that order of priority, according to NC general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi. He said there was an understanding in principle to address the issues in a package and make a strong commitment to refrain from getting involved in the petty game of frequent change of government at least for a few years or until the new constitution is promulgated.
"We are not against the simple-majority system for formation and ouster of the government but what we wanted is that there should not be space for the petty game of frequent change of government," said Maoist Chairman Dahal.
UML leader Bhim Rawal said the parties would come up with a commitment to a common minimum program to stop such unhealthy practices in future. "The progress made during today's parleys is agreement to immediately end the YCL's paramilitary structure and change its modus-operandi, and an agreement to prepare a draft constitutional amendment."
‘Maoists should have proposed Koirala for prez’
Amidst for and against arguments by leaders of the major political parties over Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala as the country's future president, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula on Saturday said Koirala's name should have been proposed by the Maoists themselves.
During his meeting with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Saturday, Sitaula said he was surprised the Maoists did not propose Koirala's name, recognizing the octogenarian leader's contribution to leading the country to the present stage.
"During my talks, I told them in context that they (Maoists) should have offered the post to Koirala because of his role from thrashing out the 12-point understanding to successful holding of the Constituent Assembly polls," said Sitaula.
Sitaula said there was no logic behind the argument that a parallel power center will be created when Koirala becomes president with the Maoists holding the position of chief executive in their capacity as the largest party. "The president is above all the party lines and becomes a symbol of the unity of people across the country," Sitaula was quoted as having told the Maoist leader.
"I did not find the Maoists negative towards the concept of making Koirala president but we did not discuss the matter in detail," he said. "We stressed the need for immediately determining the election procedure for the president.
The Maoist supremo, however, said the NC has proposed Koirala's name but his party is not in favor of Koirala because of his age and health factors.
"NC leaders, might be with a view to making him a national figure, have gotten ready to relieve him of all party responsibilities but we still believe he cannot fulfill his responsibility due to his failing health and age," said the Maoist leader. "There will be tension of some type or other for a person of that age, so we are not in favor of giving him that tension and want to put him in some other respectable position."
THE KATHMANDU POST
BY YUVRAJ ACHARYA & THIRA L BHUSAL
KATHMANDU, JUNE 8
The three big parties in the Constituent Assembly have come closer to a consensus on most of their differences including amendment of the constitution, following parleys at bilateral meetings, Saturday.
They have agreed to a meeting Sunday morning at Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's residence, during which they will set up two tripartite panels - one to prepare a draft of the amendment to the constitution and the other to prepare a package for taking the ongoing peace process to a logical end.
"We have agreed to set up the panels and reach a consensus by day after tomorrow," said Dahal, coming out of a meeting with Nepali Congress leaders at Singhdurbar.
He said the new agreement will cover ways to take the ongoing peace process to a logical end, amend the constitution and prepare a power-sharing deal among the parties.
"We still have pending issues concerning integration of the armies, they (other parties) have called for change in the YCL's working style, return of land and relief to the conflict victims, which is still an unresolved issue, and a commission for disappearances and others are yet to be formed," said Dahal, adding, "We have to address all these."
The second issue to be addressed immediately is amending the constitution, he added. "There is debate over two-third majority and simple majority for forming the government, the constitution has mentioned the names of the seven parties and attached a list of legislators - which are all irrelevant in the present context," said Dahal. He said another issue was related to power-sharing. "Discussion on the issues has been quite positive," he said.
The parties have put constitutional amendment, the peace process and power-sharing in that order of priority, according to NC general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi. He said there was an understanding in principle to address the issues in a package and make a strong commitment to refrain from getting involved in the petty game of frequent change of government at least for a few years or until the new constitution is promulgated.
"We are not against the simple-majority system for formation and ouster of the government but what we wanted is that there should not be space for the petty game of frequent change of government," said Maoist Chairman Dahal.
UML leader Bhim Rawal said the parties would come up with a commitment to a common minimum program to stop such unhealthy practices in future. "The progress made during today's parleys is agreement to immediately end the YCL's paramilitary structure and change its modus-operandi, and an agreement to prepare a draft constitutional amendment."
‘Maoists should have proposed Koirala for prez’
Amidst for and against arguments by leaders of the major political parties over Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala as the country's future president, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula on Saturday said Koirala's name should have been proposed by the Maoists themselves.
During his meeting with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Saturday, Sitaula said he was surprised the Maoists did not propose Koirala's name, recognizing the octogenarian leader's contribution to leading the country to the present stage.
"During my talks, I told them in context that they (Maoists) should have offered the post to Koirala because of his role from thrashing out the 12-point understanding to successful holding of the Constituent Assembly polls," said Sitaula.
Sitaula said there was no logic behind the argument that a parallel power center will be created when Koirala becomes president with the Maoists holding the position of chief executive in their capacity as the largest party. "The president is above all the party lines and becomes a symbol of the unity of people across the country," Sitaula was quoted as having told the Maoist leader.
"I did not find the Maoists negative towards the concept of making Koirala president but we did not discuss the matter in detail," he said. "We stressed the need for immediately determining the election procedure for the president.
The Maoist supremo, however, said the NC has proposed Koirala's name but his party is not in favor of Koirala because of his age and health factors.
"NC leaders, might be with a view to making him a national figure, have gotten ready to relieve him of all party responsibilities but we still believe he cannot fulfill his responsibility due to his failing health and age," said the Maoist leader. "There will be tension of some type or other for a person of that age, so we are not in favor of giving him that tension and want to put him in some other respectable position."
THE KATHMANDU POST
Saturday, June 7, 2008
ADB to review Melamchi progress
BY THIRA L BHUSAL
KATHMANDU, June 6
A mission of Asian Development Bank (ADB) is beginning a progress review of the Melamchi Water Supply Project from Friday. The mission from the principal donor of the project will conclude on June 13, said an ADB official from its Kathmandu office.
Urban Development Specialist Gyongshim An, the mission leader, arrived in Kathmandu from ADB's headquarters in Manila on Thursday, according to the ADB official.
Gyongshim and another Urban Development Specialist Notio Saito are in the mission from Manila, while five other members of the mission will join from the Nepal Resident Mission in Kathmandu, the ADB official said.
The objectives of the mission are: review and assessment progress in implementation of institutional reforms and transition works, and follow up on pending issues raised by the Specialist Urban Development Division (SUDD) with respect to the government's assurances on restructured projects and institutional reforms.
The mission will facilitate institutional assessment in implementing sub-projects under the amended loans, discuss social safeguards and social uplift program implementation and undertake field visits to Melamchi Valley to assess the development of social programs. Likewise, other objectives of the mission are to review the progress and implementation action plan of the Technical Assistance (TA) and to undertake inception discussion with the Technical Assistance funded interim managers.
Some four months back, the government of Nepal formed Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) under public-private partnership concept as ADB and other donors had been pressuring the government that water distribution responsibility in the capital be handed over to an autonomous body for improving the water supply system in the valley.
ADB provided technical assistance to help in management and operation of water services in Kathmandu Valley during KUKL's initial operation period of 18 months. Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC) had been carrying out water supply work in valley in the past. The government had handed over some assets and staff of NWSC to KUKL on February.
Melamchi is designed to supply 170 million liters of water daily into the capital. The current water demand in the Valley is 250 MLD, while supply stands at only one-third of the demand.
THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-06-05 21:07:06 (Server Time)
KATHMANDU, June 6
A mission of Asian Development Bank (ADB) is beginning a progress review of the Melamchi Water Supply Project from Friday. The mission from the principal donor of the project will conclude on June 13, said an ADB official from its Kathmandu office.
Urban Development Specialist Gyongshim An, the mission leader, arrived in Kathmandu from ADB's headquarters in Manila on Thursday, according to the ADB official.
Gyongshim and another Urban Development Specialist Notio Saito are in the mission from Manila, while five other members of the mission will join from the Nepal Resident Mission in Kathmandu, the ADB official said.
The objectives of the mission are: review and assessment progress in implementation of institutional reforms and transition works, and follow up on pending issues raised by the Specialist Urban Development Division (SUDD) with respect to the government's assurances on restructured projects and institutional reforms.
The mission will facilitate institutional assessment in implementing sub-projects under the amended loans, discuss social safeguards and social uplift program implementation and undertake field visits to Melamchi Valley to assess the development of social programs. Likewise, other objectives of the mission are to review the progress and implementation action plan of the Technical Assistance (TA) and to undertake inception discussion with the Technical Assistance funded interim managers.
Some four months back, the government of Nepal formed Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) under public-private partnership concept as ADB and other donors had been pressuring the government that water distribution responsibility in the capital be handed over to an autonomous body for improving the water supply system in the valley.
ADB provided technical assistance to help in management and operation of water services in Kathmandu Valley during KUKL's initial operation period of 18 months. Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC) had been carrying out water supply work in valley in the past. The government had handed over some assets and staff of NWSC to KUKL on February.
Melamchi is designed to supply 170 million liters of water daily into the capital. The current water demand in the Valley is 250 MLD, while supply stands at only one-third of the demand.
THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-06-05 21:07:06 (Server Time)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
12 fringe parties to group against biggies
BY THIRA L BHUSAL
KATHMANDU, June 3
A meeting of 25-parties being being represented in the Constituent Assembly (CA) concluded without entering the agenda -- formation of CA Business Advisory Committee and CA Regulations Drafting Committee.
The meeting actually didn't take place as the Maoist CA member failed to show up. The meeting ended in just two minutes. Nepali Congress leader and senior-most CA member, Kul Bahadur Gurung, who is acting as Chair of the CA, informed that the discussion would now take place a few hours before the second CA meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Representatives from larger parties immediately left the meeting hall at the Parliamentary Secretariat in Singha Durbar.
Then it was the turn of representatives from 12 small parties gathered at the place. Twelve of the total 25 parties had won no seat in the first-past-the-post electoral system. They won less than five seats under the proportional electoral system.
"Now, let's enter our [small parties'] topics," said Dr Keshav Man Shakya of Nepal Rastriya Party.
Then leaders from small parties spoke their mind. "I think we should term it as a coalition of 12 parties in the CA," said Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani, Co-Chairperson of Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP).
This should be for fighting against the hegemony of the 13 parties, said Chandra Bahadur Gurung of the staunch royalist party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal.
One of the leaders said, they were not even informed properly about the 25-party meeting. "I came here to participate in the meeting only after I knew about it through radio," said Pari Thapa of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified).
"I learnt the agenda of this meeting only after entering this hall," added another CA member.
Thapa said smaller parties needed to fight against larger parties as they have displayed big brotherly attitude right from the beginning of the CA. "We fought for inclusive system. But, unfortunately, the CA itself has adopted exclusive policy," Thapa said.
Biswendra Paswan of Dalit Janajati Party was of the opinion that smaller parties should unite and fight in the CA against larger parties' 'dictatorship' and 'discrimination' toward smaller parties. "We should be clear about our role in the CA," he added. Ek Nath Dhakal of Nepal Paribar Dal, echoed similar sentiment.
Likewise, Keshav Prasad Mainali of Chure Bhawar Ekta Samaj emphasized that smaller parties should not be merely witnesses who support larger parties' decisions without any role.
Now these fringe parties are thinking of forming a coalition against 'big' parties. "Those who have felt discriminated even within the 13 parties are welcome to join our coalition," said Lohani.
"Then, perhaps only three largest parties will remain there and the remaining others will join our group," added Gurung of RPP-N. They concluded that once they unite, their role in the CA would grow.
Lohani proposed to be more specific and clear about the coalition's objective. "It's clear. Number one, we should fight for inclusive policy in the CA," said, Thapa, adding, "Number two, the unity will be issue wise."
The 12 parties have 21 members in the Constituent Assembly elected under the proportional electoral system.
THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-06-03 18:38:41 (Server Time)
KATHMANDU, June 3
A meeting of 25-parties being being represented in the Constituent Assembly (CA) concluded without entering the agenda -- formation of CA Business Advisory Committee and CA Regulations Drafting Committee.
The meeting actually didn't take place as the Maoist CA member failed to show up. The meeting ended in just two minutes. Nepali Congress leader and senior-most CA member, Kul Bahadur Gurung, who is acting as Chair of the CA, informed that the discussion would now take place a few hours before the second CA meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Representatives from larger parties immediately left the meeting hall at the Parliamentary Secretariat in Singha Durbar.
Then it was the turn of representatives from 12 small parties gathered at the place. Twelve of the total 25 parties had won no seat in the first-past-the-post electoral system. They won less than five seats under the proportional electoral system.
"Now, let's enter our [small parties'] topics," said Dr Keshav Man Shakya of Nepal Rastriya Party.
Then leaders from small parties spoke their mind. "I think we should term it as a coalition of 12 parties in the CA," said Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani, Co-Chairperson of Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP).
This should be for fighting against the hegemony of the 13 parties, said Chandra Bahadur Gurung of the staunch royalist party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal.
One of the leaders said, they were not even informed properly about the 25-party meeting. "I came here to participate in the meeting only after I knew about it through radio," said Pari Thapa of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified).
"I learnt the agenda of this meeting only after entering this hall," added another CA member.
Thapa said smaller parties needed to fight against larger parties as they have displayed big brotherly attitude right from the beginning of the CA. "We fought for inclusive system. But, unfortunately, the CA itself has adopted exclusive policy," Thapa said.
Biswendra Paswan of Dalit Janajati Party was of the opinion that smaller parties should unite and fight in the CA against larger parties' 'dictatorship' and 'discrimination' toward smaller parties. "We should be clear about our role in the CA," he added. Ek Nath Dhakal of Nepal Paribar Dal, echoed similar sentiment.
Likewise, Keshav Prasad Mainali of Chure Bhawar Ekta Samaj emphasized that smaller parties should not be merely witnesses who support larger parties' decisions without any role.
Now these fringe parties are thinking of forming a coalition against 'big' parties. "Those who have felt discriminated even within the 13 parties are welcome to join our coalition," said Lohani.
"Then, perhaps only three largest parties will remain there and the remaining others will join our group," added Gurung of RPP-N. They concluded that once they unite, their role in the CA would grow.
Lohani proposed to be more specific and clear about the coalition's objective. "It's clear. Number one, we should fight for inclusive policy in the CA," said, Thapa, adding, "Number two, the unity will be issue wise."
The 12 parties have 21 members in the Constituent Assembly elected under the proportional electoral system.
THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-06-03 18:38:41 (Server Time)
Demonstrations deluge Baneshwor, elsewhere
BY THIRA L BHUSAL / KOSH RAJ KOIRALA
KATHMANDU, May 28
Rallies and celebrations marked Kathmandu throughout Wednesday to welcome the dawn of Republican Nepal.
Thousands of cadres affiliated to various political parties, including CPN (Maoist), CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress, came on to the streets in various parts of the capital city early morning today to celebrate the beginning of New Nepal sans the 240-year old institution of monarchy. They chanted slogans against monarchy and walked through the city hoisting their party flags and banners welcoming the republic.
Several groups of civil society leaders, artistes and people from different walks of life inundated the areas around International Convention Centre (ICC), New Baneshwor, the venue of Constituent Assembly (CA), pressing the ruling parties to declare implementation of federal democratic republic without delay. They sang songs, recited poems and chanted slogans in favor of republic. Earlier in the morning, they held a mass rally from Basantapur Durbar Square to New Baneshwor to mark the glorious day.
UML leaders and cadres led by senior UML leader Bamdev Gautam took out a huge rally from Maitighar and arrived outside ICC. Likewise, Maoist cadres also gathered there from several places.
As political party cadres gathered in front of ICC, dozens of media persons and ordinary public reached to the main entrance of Narayanhiti Palace in a bid to capture the historic moment of king Gyanendra leaving the palace once and for all. But they had to return empty-handed as the first CA failed to convene on time.
Keeping in view possible untoward incidents during the CA meeting, local administration deployed huge number of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) personnel in and around BICC, Narayanhiti royal Palace and Singha Durbar. Likewise, the administration barred vehicles from plying on different road sections in the capital to beef up security. A large number of Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) cadres were also mobilized keeping in view the possibility of untoward incident.
The public, who had spontaneously gathered around BICC and several other places with expectant faces to celebrate the arrival of the new era, were seemingly frustrated as political parties failed to declare republic even hours after the scheduled time.
Meanwhile, pro-royalist group staged rally in New Road Area Wednesday afternoon. Addressing a corner meeting, Jagat Gauchan, a staunch royalist, said they will fight until death against the decision to remove the institution of monarchy through CA meeting.
What the public waiting outside ICC said?
Pavitra Parajuli Bagle, daughter of late Chhaya Devi Parajuli, a noted democracy fighter during the April uprising, said as generations of Nepalis fought against the king's regime, power should not be centralized on a single person once again. "Be it any President or Prime Minister, power must not accumulate in a single person. It must go to the people," she said.
Chhaya Devi, who established herself as a committed democratic fighter even in her eighties, died two years ago.
Beduram Neupane, Bachelor level student of Ratna Rajya Campus, TU, described it as very important moment as the country's total power that was centered on a single person has ultimately come to the people.
Neupane, who hails from Anguri VDC of Arghakhanchi district, said this situation should be further stabilized and focus must be given to development activities in the days to come.
Neupane's friend Rudra Dev Pandey, who hails from Thulapokhara of Arghakhanchi, said the governing system of the country should be based on equality among all castes and communities.
Ice cream vendor Maiya Karki, 35, from Sindhuli district, hoped the political change would bring meaningful changes for poor people as well.
Likewise, 36 year-old Man Kaji Shivakoti from Sunakhari VDC of Dolakha district, who was selling water-melon in front of ICC hall, said political parties should give priority to providing employment opportunities to the people.
THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-05-28 18:09:42 (Server Time)
KATHMANDU, May 28
Rallies and celebrations marked Kathmandu throughout Wednesday to welcome the dawn of Republican Nepal.
Thousands of cadres affiliated to various political parties, including CPN (Maoist), CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress, came on to the streets in various parts of the capital city early morning today to celebrate the beginning of New Nepal sans the 240-year old institution of monarchy. They chanted slogans against monarchy and walked through the city hoisting their party flags and banners welcoming the republic.
Several groups of civil society leaders, artistes and people from different walks of life inundated the areas around International Convention Centre (ICC), New Baneshwor, the venue of Constituent Assembly (CA), pressing the ruling parties to declare implementation of federal democratic republic without delay. They sang songs, recited poems and chanted slogans in favor of republic. Earlier in the morning, they held a mass rally from Basantapur Durbar Square to New Baneshwor to mark the glorious day.
UML leaders and cadres led by senior UML leader Bamdev Gautam took out a huge rally from Maitighar and arrived outside ICC. Likewise, Maoist cadres also gathered there from several places.
As political party cadres gathered in front of ICC, dozens of media persons and ordinary public reached to the main entrance of Narayanhiti Palace in a bid to capture the historic moment of king Gyanendra leaving the palace once and for all. But they had to return empty-handed as the first CA failed to convene on time.
Keeping in view possible untoward incidents during the CA meeting, local administration deployed huge number of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) personnel in and around BICC, Narayanhiti royal Palace and Singha Durbar. Likewise, the administration barred vehicles from plying on different road sections in the capital to beef up security. A large number of Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) cadres were also mobilized keeping in view the possibility of untoward incident.
The public, who had spontaneously gathered around BICC and several other places with expectant faces to celebrate the arrival of the new era, were seemingly frustrated as political parties failed to declare republic even hours after the scheduled time.
Meanwhile, pro-royalist group staged rally in New Road Area Wednesday afternoon. Addressing a corner meeting, Jagat Gauchan, a staunch royalist, said they will fight until death against the decision to remove the institution of monarchy through CA meeting.
What the public waiting outside ICC said?
Pavitra Parajuli Bagle, daughter of late Chhaya Devi Parajuli, a noted democracy fighter during the April uprising, said as generations of Nepalis fought against the king's regime, power should not be centralized on a single person once again. "Be it any President or Prime Minister, power must not accumulate in a single person. It must go to the people," she said.
Chhaya Devi, who established herself as a committed democratic fighter even in her eighties, died two years ago.
Beduram Neupane, Bachelor level student of Ratna Rajya Campus, TU, described it as very important moment as the country's total power that was centered on a single person has ultimately come to the people.
Neupane, who hails from Anguri VDC of Arghakhanchi district, said this situation should be further stabilized and focus must be given to development activities in the days to come.
Neupane's friend Rudra Dev Pandey, who hails from Thulapokhara of Arghakhanchi, said the governing system of the country should be based on equality among all castes and communities.
Ice cream vendor Maiya Karki, 35, from Sindhuli district, hoped the political change would bring meaningful changes for poor people as well.
Likewise, 36 year-old Man Kaji Shivakoti from Sunakhari VDC of Dolakha district, who was selling water-melon in front of ICC hall, said political parties should give priority to providing employment opportunities to the people.
THE KATHMANDU POST
Posted on: 2008-05-28 18:09:42 (Server Time)
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