Prominent citizens decline govt awards

KATHMANDU, May 30: The government decision to honor prominent personalities from various sections of society with medals has been widely criticized.

A list of over 200 personalities was announced on the occasion of the Republic Day on Saturday for their distinctive roles in their respective sectors for the betterment of society. President Dr Ram Baran Yadav is to confer the awards on them.

Chief Justice (CJ) Ram Prasad Shrestha has seriously objected to the government decision to honor some judges with the awards without his knowledge.

"My attention has been drawn by the cabinet decision to award the incumbent judges with medals without coordinating with the chief justice, who is also the chief of the judiciary and the Judicial Council, and without taking advice from him about the level of performances of the judges, and what type of contributions their works made to society," reads a statement issued by the chief justice.

The government has recommended to the president to award judges Nilkantha Upadhyaya, Nawaraj Upadhyaya, Shyam Prasad Lawati, and Mohammad Juned Ajad with Suprabal Janasewa Shree (third class).

In the statement, Shrestha stated the awardees are those who have not made significant contribution in the field of judiciary, and that has discouraged those who have been making special contributions. The chief justice has stated that the government move has reduced the state honor to a thing of mockery.

Other personalities from various sectors have refused to accept the state medals. Journalists Kanak Mani Dixit and Yubaraj Ghimire, among others, have thanked the government for deciding to award the medals but declined to accept them.

"At a time of deep political polarization, I think it is inappropriate to accept this recognition," Dixit said, adding, "I would like to thank the government for the honor but am unable to accept it."

Similarly, in his statement, Ghimire said, "As it would go against my norms and wishes to accept the medal, I express my unwillingness, while thanking the president once again, to accept the medal."

Comedian duo Hari Bansha Acharya and Madan Krishna Shrestha also declined to accept the medals. Likewise, Dr Mahesh Maskey also refused to accept the award.

Source: http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=19296