Nepal sits pretty on a seismically active zone and experts believe that a tremor, which is a cyclic phenomenon, is long overdue in Nepal. Although tremors could not be predicted, the preparedness and rapid response are all the more essential to ward off greater loss of life and property in case a tremor of high magnitude hits the nation. Amid the looming danger of earthquake, Narayan Upadhyay of The Rising Nepal spoke about different dimensions of this kind of disaster with respect to Nepal’s problems, preparedness, and its ability to tackle challenges emanating from the disaster, with Surya Narayan Shrestha, Deputy Executive Director of National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (N-SET). An excerpt:
1. Can an earthquake be predicted? Why are there so many hue and cries about earthquakes hitting our nation or Kathmandu any time soon? Is the doom-saying well placed?
Earthquakes cannot be predicted. Scientific researches so far have not been able to predict earthquakes. However, by studying geology and historical earthquakes in a particular location, it can be identified that certain area is prone to earthquakes.
Nepal is prone to earthquakes. Nepal sits astride the boundary between Indian and Tibetan tectonic plates; due to internal geological processes, such boundary area is seismically very active. Large amount of strain is accumulated every year in this convergence zone and when such strain exceeds the capacity of rock masses, it is released through the active faults in the form of earthquakes. A mapping, done during the national building code development project in 1992-1994 identified 92 such active faults throughout the country which are potential sources of earthquakes.
Historically also, Nepal has suffered number of large magnitude earthquakes. In the past nine centuries, seven major earthquakes hit Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas. On average an earthquake of magnitude 8 or above has occurred once every 70-100 years. The last major earthquake that hit Nepal was in 1934 (popularly known "Nabbe salko mahabhukamta") during which 8,519 were killed throughout the country and 4,296 in Kathmandu Valley. Since then, a significant amount of stress has accumulated and a major earthquake is around the corner. Scientists even say that a big one is already overdue.
2. What are the things that must be followed to tackle the challenges of earthquakes and to save the loss of life and property?
There is a common saying that "Earthquakes do not kill people but the unsafe buildings do!" Main cause of human casualty during earthquakes is the damage and destruction of houses that people live in. If you go through cases of big earthquakes hitting developing countries like us, almost 80 percent of loss of life is found to be due to building collapses. Therefore, our main focus should be on constructing safe buildings. That can help reduce probable losses of life and property.
We can tackle this challenge with three-pronged approach: a) Stop increasing risk, b) Reduce the existing risk, and c) Be prepared for the possible consequences. We should not add up more risks in our new construction i.e. buildings to be built in earthquake-resistant manner. We should assess & identify the prevailing risks and adopt ways to reduce that. Ideas of non structural mitigation works and also technical interventions like retrofitting the existing structures which can improve earthquake safety of buildings can ensure better safety. Third area of work is to enhance preparedness at various levels, from individual to community to state level. We should have enough knowledge and skills on what we should do before, during and after earthquake.
3. Where is Nepal in terms of tackling the challenges of natural disasters like earthquakes?
During later years, there have been significant efforts from state and non-state stakeholders in promoting earthquake safety in Nepal. But such efforts seem to be very little as compared to the extent of problem that we face. We have been able to make a few number of schools earthquake safe, a few number of hospitals safe and a few number of communities prepared for the consequences. Comparatively very small number of Nepali communities have been reached for raising their awareness and helping them build capacity. Only few municipalities have been able to implement building codes. Several trainings and knowledge sharing efforts to policy makers, engineers, sub-engineers, masons, house-owners and community people have been conducted but still not enough. It is thus I would say we are on right track but a lot of works are still lying ahead.
4. What are the problems that are obstructing the nation in bringing out concrete plans to mitigate the effects of earthquake?
Let me first endorse your point that we need to have long term, short term and immediate plans to mitigate the effects of earthquake. Not having concrete plans means we are having lots of problems. Main problem is actually not giving justifiable priority to earthquake issues at various levels. Like other many disasters, earthquake considerations should be integral part of development approaches which we are missing, knowingly or unknowingly. We still lack well set institutional mechanisms and proper policy instruments in place. After endorsing National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management in 2009, Government of Nepal is now about to bring out the Disaster Management Act in the near future and then perhaps we will have more structured plans and activities to improving the disaster safety in Nepal.
5. It is generally believed that the houses and big structures are built flouting the earthquake resistant rules? As an earthquake expert, what are you suggestions to address this issue?
Yes, there has been a general tendency that people neglect issues of earthquake safety while constructing buildings. This is because of lack of awareness in one hand, and on the other hand, most of the municipalities do not have a system of checking safety provisions while issuing the building permits. Only few municipalities initiated the mandatory implementation of building codes. I think to avert the situation, we have to have three strategies: a) Raise awareness of the people of earthquake safety issues so that people themselves demand safe construction; b) Enhance knowledge and skills of masons so that they can construct buildings in proper manner (almost 90% of the buildings in Nepal are constructed by the masons, head masons or the petty contractors); and c) devise a system of mandatory implementation of building code in all urban and urbanizing areas of the country so that engineers are made liable to the design and construction of the buildings.
6. The haphazard urbanization and a lack of land use plan creating problems in making the city safe from earthquakes? What is N-SET is doing to make Kathmandu Valley and other parts safe from the ill effects of tremors?
Our strategies for achieving ‘earthquake safe communities in Nepal are:
Public Awareness: Each and every individual should be made aware on earthquake safety. By awareness raising myths and fallacies can be eradicated, fatalism can be reduced and community can be convinced of impending seismic risk and way out to mitigate it. NSET has developed innovative ideas to aware people from all walks of life – policy and decision makers, politicians, media, international agencies etc. And of course, the objectives of awareness raising are different for the different target groups: for politicians and senior officials, it is to convince them of the necessity to look at disaster risk reduction as a development issue, for the general public it is enabling them to understand the risk and to identify possible measures that could reduce the vulnerability on an incremental basis.
Capacity Building/Training: In addition to public awareness we stride to make community safer by imparting knowledge skills required for reducing the risk. IT is through training of masons and technical professionals on earthquake safer construction, it is through training of local volunteers on community level preparedness and so on.
Our focus is on the internalization of the knowledge and ultimately its ownership and use, as much as possible, in day to day life. We strongly believe that each and every activity on earthquake preparedness should be institutionalized to achieve earthquake safe communities.
Institutionalization: Institutions be it municipalities, VDCs or departments and ministries should be made stronger and capable to implement DRR. Institutional capacities will ensure sustained efforts for DRR.
7. Is there any obstruction in carrying out the plans you and your institution have envisioned to lower the ill effects of earthquake in the nation? If yes, what are they?
As I have already mentioned there has been several good examples and successes in terms of demonstrating feasible earthquake risk reduction measures. However, such good examples and successes need up-scaling and institutionalization so that the entire country and the communities can be made safer. One of the biggest challenges lying ahead is to make earthquake risk reduction a national priority and reflected in policy and institutional mechanisms.
8. Since an earthquake is a cyclic event and considering this fact, an earthquake is long due in Nepal. In such a precarious situation, is the rapid response to an earthquake in place now?
We do have some systems for emergency response. Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible to provide such emergency response. In minor to moderate event of incidents like frequent floods, landslides, and snow avalanches, the system is somehow capable to cope with the situation. However, recent experiences have shown that current system and legal mechanism are not well enough to cope to major disaster such as that the expected earthquake devastation in Kathmandu Valley.
9. No doubt, the role of government agencies is important in making policies and taking actions to ward off any eventuality from an earthquake. Do you think that the government bodies are doing needful in this regard?
The perception about risk in decision-making level is still not enough. This is what makes people more vulnerable. Everybody should do disaster preparedness. It is not only earthquake but also other disasters like avalanches, floods and landslides that have risks associated with human life and property. Ultimately what is required is a culture at all levels including at household and prime ministerial level about the risk and mitigation. We did have some household culture in the past. We did have indigenous level of culture on how to face the flood, landslides or earthquake. There is a necessity for forcefully bringing this practice into the mindset of the people and their behavior. For that what we require is a very strong policy commitment as well as legal instruments to support. What are missing in Nepal are such kinds of mechanisms - which could take into consideration the totality of disaster scenario.
Recently National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction has been approved which will serve as country’s guide for subsequent action planning and implementation for effective disaster risk management (DRM) in Nepal. NSDRM has envisioned highest level institution the National Commission for DRM (NCDRM) under the chairmanship of honorable Prime Minister responsible for endorsement of national policies on DRM and approving the national-level DRM plans and programs, guide and oversee management of fund generation and mobilization and provide policy guidance for bilateral, sub-regional, regional and international cooperation in the area of DRM.
However to implement the strategy the pertinent act is required which has been drafted but not yet approved by the parliament. Unless the act is enacted the formation of the council is not possible. So we hope it will come out very soon.
http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/rising.detail.php?article_id=50850&cat_id=29
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
PM says he is committed to 5-pt pact; asks NC to take initiation for national unity govt
Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal addressed the nation Tuesday, clarifying that he was committed to the recent five-point agreement signed by the three major parties that saved the Constituent Assembly.
PM Jhal Nath Khanal
In his televised address to the nation this evening, Prime Minister Khanal urged the main opposition Nepali Congress to take initiative for consensus government, as outlined in the agreement.
"I am ready to play constructive role for the formation of national consensus government, but the Nepali Congress as an opposition party needs to be more serious about it," PM Khanal said.
According to the PM, his government would not be an obstacle to the formation of an all-party government and that he was ready to step down once the parties forged consensus for the same.
However, he gave a clear hint that he would not resign before there is a concrete agreement to form the unity government as he mentioned that resigning now without an 'alternative' would leave the country in a state of uncertainty.
"Such a state of uncertainty will have long-term impact on the country's economy and security situations."
PM Khanal, who said that his government had faced criticisms from the very beginning, also mentioned that it took a long time for him to give full shape to the cabinet since UCPN (Maoist) took a long time to take a decision on its ministerial candidates.
Khanal offered an apology for the failure to meet the 28 May deadline of the CA.
The Prime Minister, in his 13-minute long address delivered from the National Planning Commission hall in Singha Durbar, also noted that parties had already done major exercise by finalising several pending issues concerning the new constitution and said something significant could happen regarding peace process in a few weeks time. nepalnews.com
PM Jhal Nath Khanal
In his televised address to the nation this evening, Prime Minister Khanal urged the main opposition Nepali Congress to take initiative for consensus government, as outlined in the agreement.
"I am ready to play constructive role for the formation of national consensus government, but the Nepali Congress as an opposition party needs to be more serious about it," PM Khanal said.
According to the PM, his government would not be an obstacle to the formation of an all-party government and that he was ready to step down once the parties forged consensus for the same.
However, he gave a clear hint that he would not resign before there is a concrete agreement to form the unity government as he mentioned that resigning now without an 'alternative' would leave the country in a state of uncertainty.
"Such a state of uncertainty will have long-term impact on the country's economy and security situations."
PM Khanal, who said that his government had faced criticisms from the very beginning, also mentioned that it took a long time for him to give full shape to the cabinet since UCPN (Maoist) took a long time to take a decision on its ministerial candidates.
Khanal offered an apology for the failure to meet the 28 May deadline of the CA.
The Prime Minister, in his 13-minute long address delivered from the National Planning Commission hall in Singha Durbar, also noted that parties had already done major exercise by finalising several pending issues concerning the new constitution and said something significant could happen regarding peace process in a few weeks time. nepalnews.com
Royal massacre still a mystery 10 years on
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE
KATHMANDU, May 31: A decade after Nepal´s crown prince stunned the world by gunning down nine family members, mystery still surrounds the massacre that plunged the monarchy into a crisis from which it never recovered.
Many Nepalese believe they may never know the truth about the night of June 1, 2001, when a drink- and drugs-fuelled prince Dipendra ran amok with an automatic weapon at a family dinner at the palace in the capital Kathmandu.
Dipendra, dressed in military fatigues, killed his revered father, King Birendra, his mother, brother and sister and five other relatives before shooting himself, according to official findings.
The 31-year-old Eton-educated heir to the throne was believed to have been crazed with anger after being stopped by the queen from marrying the woman he loved.
But conspiracy theories continue to swirl in Nepal about the bloodbath, which caused outpourings of hysterical grief in the impoverished nation where the king was seen as the reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
"The high-level (government) commission formed to investigate the massacre only reported what happened and how it happened," said Vivek Kumar Shah, a former military secretary at the royal palace.
"It didn´t say why it happened," he added.
Shah said some internal and external forces could have provoked the crown prince but declined to elaborate, saying only: "There were interest groups who wanted to end the monarchy."
The royal massacre, believed to have been the worst since Russia´s Romanovs were shot on the order of Vladimir Lenin in 1918, prompted rumours about the possible role in the slayings of the king´s less popular brother, Gyanendra.
Gyanendra was away from the Nepalese capital on the night of the killings.
"The people, who were numb with grief, reached a hasty conclusion it was a conspiracy (involving Gyanendra)," Kishor Shrestha, editor of Nepalese weekly Jana Aastha, said.
From the start of his reign, Gyanendra was much less beloved than his brother who in 1990 had legalised political parties, ushering in a new era of democracy and constitutional monarchy.
Gyanendra´s unpopularity only deepened when he dismissed the government and embarked on a period of autocratic rule in 2005, a move that united Maoist rebels with political parties, paving the way for mass protests that forced the king to step down three years ago.
A Maoist-dominated constitutional assembly declared a republic in May 2008. Many ordinary Nepalese were delighted to see the back of the dour king as well as his playboy would-be heir, Paras.
On June 11, 2008, Gyanendra left the palace for a hunting lodge on Kathmandu´s outskirts, marking the final end to a royal lineage founded by his warrior ancestor Prithvi Narayan Shah, who conquered dozens of small kingdoms in the 18th century.
"The monarchy lost its traditional respect" with Gyanendra´s decision to dismiss the government, said Nepalese journalist Yubaraj Ghimire.
"Looking back, I think the politics of 2006 when the Maoists and other parties were arrayed against the monarchy played a critical role in its demise," Ghimire said.
Now, Nepal remains in tumult, racked by political crisis as parties struggle to draft a new constitution and oversee the peace process that began when the decade-long Maoist civil war ended in 2006.
The widespread hope that followed the end of the conflict and the abolition of the unpopular monarchy has been replaced by a growing sense of anger and frustration in Nepal, one of the world´s poorest countries.
And 10 years on from the royal massacre, even though many Nepalese believe they still do not know the full truth, there is a waning desire to reopen old wounds with another investigation.
"Nobody is interested in probing it," Shrestha said.
KATHMANDU, May 31: A decade after Nepal´s crown prince stunned the world by gunning down nine family members, mystery still surrounds the massacre that plunged the monarchy into a crisis from which it never recovered.
Many Nepalese believe they may never know the truth about the night of June 1, 2001, when a drink- and drugs-fuelled prince Dipendra ran amok with an automatic weapon at a family dinner at the palace in the capital Kathmandu.
Dipendra, dressed in military fatigues, killed his revered father, King Birendra, his mother, brother and sister and five other relatives before shooting himself, according to official findings.
The 31-year-old Eton-educated heir to the throne was believed to have been crazed with anger after being stopped by the queen from marrying the woman he loved.
But conspiracy theories continue to swirl in Nepal about the bloodbath, which caused outpourings of hysterical grief in the impoverished nation where the king was seen as the reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
"The high-level (government) commission formed to investigate the massacre only reported what happened and how it happened," said Vivek Kumar Shah, a former military secretary at the royal palace.
"It didn´t say why it happened," he added.
Shah said some internal and external forces could have provoked the crown prince but declined to elaborate, saying only: "There were interest groups who wanted to end the monarchy."
The royal massacre, believed to have been the worst since Russia´s Romanovs were shot on the order of Vladimir Lenin in 1918, prompted rumours about the possible role in the slayings of the king´s less popular brother, Gyanendra.
Gyanendra was away from the Nepalese capital on the night of the killings.
"The people, who were numb with grief, reached a hasty conclusion it was a conspiracy (involving Gyanendra)," Kishor Shrestha, editor of Nepalese weekly Jana Aastha, said.
From the start of his reign, Gyanendra was much less beloved than his brother who in 1990 had legalised political parties, ushering in a new era of democracy and constitutional monarchy.
Gyanendra´s unpopularity only deepened when he dismissed the government and embarked on a period of autocratic rule in 2005, a move that united Maoist rebels with political parties, paving the way for mass protests that forced the king to step down three years ago.
A Maoist-dominated constitutional assembly declared a republic in May 2008. Many ordinary Nepalese were delighted to see the back of the dour king as well as his playboy would-be heir, Paras.
On June 11, 2008, Gyanendra left the palace for a hunting lodge on Kathmandu´s outskirts, marking the final end to a royal lineage founded by his warrior ancestor Prithvi Narayan Shah, who conquered dozens of small kingdoms in the 18th century.
"The monarchy lost its traditional respect" with Gyanendra´s decision to dismiss the government, said Nepalese journalist Yubaraj Ghimire.
"Looking back, I think the politics of 2006 when the Maoists and other parties were arrayed against the monarchy played a critical role in its demise," Ghimire said.
Now, Nepal remains in tumult, racked by political crisis as parties struggle to draft a new constitution and oversee the peace process that began when the decade-long Maoist civil war ended in 2006.
The widespread hope that followed the end of the conflict and the abolition of the unpopular monarchy has been replaced by a growing sense of anger and frustration in Nepal, one of the world´s poorest countries.
And 10 years on from the royal massacre, even though many Nepalese believe they still do not know the full truth, there is a waning desire to reopen old wounds with another investigation.
"Nobody is interested in probing it," Shrestha said.
Monday, May 30, 2011
बहस:- 'नयाँ विनियमावलीप्रति बीमा कर्मचारीको आपत्ति'
''खाइपाई आएको सुविधा कटौती गरेर विनियमावली ल्याइँदै छ'' - पूर्णबहादुर थापा
अध्यक्ष
बीमा समिति कर्मचारी सङ्गठन
बीमा समितिले अपुग जनशक्ति पूरा गर्नेबाहेक अन्य कुनै संस्थागत सुधारका कुरा पनि प्रस्तावित विनियमावलीमा समेटेको छैन । अझ कर्मचारीले खाइपाई आएका सुविधासमेत कटौती हुने गरी स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाइएको छ । मन्त्रालयसम्म विनियमावली स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाउँदा हामीसँग छलफलसमेत गरिएन । परिमार्जनसहित ल्याउनुपर्नेमा नियमावलीमा भएका सकारात्मक पक्षलाई हटाएर ल्याउन खाजिएको छ । बीमा समितिले स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाएको विनियमावलीमा ०५४ सालदेखि कर्मचारीले खाइपाई आएको औषधोपचार खर्च कटौती गरिएको छ ।
त्यस्तै कर्मचारीले मन्त्रालयसँग माग राखी ०६४ सालदेखि प्राप्त गर्दै आएको विभिन्न भत्तासमेत कटौती गरेको छ । खाइपाई आएको कुनै पनि सुविधा कटौती गर्नु नहुने कानूनी प्रावधानलाई समेत सञ्चालक समितिले बेवास्ता गरेको छ । कर्मचारीको हितविपरीत हुने किसिमको विनियमावली स्वीकृतिका लागि मन्त्रालय नपठाउन हामीले अनुरोध गर्दागर्दै पनि समितिले पठाएको छ ।
हामीले श्रम कार्यालय, अर्थमन्त्री, अर्थसचिव, सञ्चालक समितिका सबै सदस्यलाई यो विनियमावली हाम्रो हितविपरीत आउन लागेको छ भन्ने कुराको जानकारी पनि गराइसकेका छौं । सञ्चालक समितिलाई एउटा ज्ञापनपत्र पनि बुझाएका छौं । हाम्रो मागको सुनुवाइ नगरिए अधिकार प्राप्तिका लागि हामीले वैकल्पिक बाटो रोज्नैपर्ने बाध्यता आउन सक्छ । हामी आन्दोलनमा जान सक्छौं । कानूनी प्रक्रियाका लागि अदालत जान सक्छौं । यही रूपमा विनियमावली आयो भने हाम्रा यिनै विकल्प हुनेछन् ।
''विनियमावली नआई आत्तिहाल्नु पर्ने अवस्था छैन'' - शेखरकुमार अर्याल
प्रवक्ता
बीमा समिति
बीमा समितिको संस्थागत सुधारका लागि लामो समयदेखि आउन नसकेको विनियमावली बल्ल आउने प्रक्रियामा छ । विनियमावली संस्थागत सुधारका लागि ल्याइने हो । बीमा समितिले संस्थागत सुधारका लागि कर्मचारीका तर्फबाट आवश्यक प्रतिवेदन माग गरेको थियो । सोहीअनुसार कर्मचारीले पनि सुधार कार्यका लागि आफ्ना तर्फबाट प्रतिवेदन पेश गरेका थिए । त्यसमा समितिका संस्थागत सुधारका विषय समेटिएका थिए । कर्मचारी नियुक्ति गर्दा समावेशी हुनुपर्ने, समयसापेक्ष कर्मचारीको सेवासुविधामा परिमार्जन गरिनुपर्नेलगायत बुँदा समेटिएको थियो ।
कर्मचारीहरूले आफ्ना तर्फबाट दिएको प्रतिवेदन संस्थागत सुधारका लागि बन्ने विनियमावलीका लागि एउटा सुझाव मात्रै हो । कुनै कामका लागि कसैले दिएको सुझाव अक्षरशः लागू हुन्छ भन्ने पनि होइन । उनीहरूको मागलाई स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाइएको विभिन्न बुँदाले समेटेको पनि हुन सक्छ । बीमा समितिले स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाएको विनियमावली जस्ताको तस्तै मन्त्रालयले स्वीकृत गर्छ भन्ने पनि छैन । उसले पनि आवश्यक परिमार्जन गर्न सक्छ । उनीहरूले उठाएका कतिपय विषय उचित पनि होलान् ।
त्यसैले विनियमावली आउनुअघि नै कर्मचारीहरूले आत्तिनुपर्ने कुरै छैन । सरकारी निकायले नै कानूनविपरीत कार्य गर्ला भनेर सोच्न हुँदैन । यदि त्यस्तै हुन गएछ भने पनि ऐनकानूनविपरीत कार्य गर्ने निकायलाई कानूनको कठघरामा ल्याउने निकाय पनि त छन् । त्यसैले पारित नभएको विनियमावलीका सम्वन्धमा नकारात्मक धारणा बनाइ हाल्नु पर्ने आवश्यकता छैन ।
http://www.abhiyan.com.np/article-bahas_15_jetha
अध्यक्ष
बीमा समिति कर्मचारी सङ्गठन
बीमा समितिले अपुग जनशक्ति पूरा गर्नेबाहेक अन्य कुनै संस्थागत सुधारका कुरा पनि प्रस्तावित विनियमावलीमा समेटेको छैन । अझ कर्मचारीले खाइपाई आएका सुविधासमेत कटौती हुने गरी स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाइएको छ । मन्त्रालयसम्म विनियमावली स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाउँदा हामीसँग छलफलसमेत गरिएन । परिमार्जनसहित ल्याउनुपर्नेमा नियमावलीमा भएका सकारात्मक पक्षलाई हटाएर ल्याउन खाजिएको छ । बीमा समितिले स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाएको विनियमावलीमा ०५४ सालदेखि कर्मचारीले खाइपाई आएको औषधोपचार खर्च कटौती गरिएको छ ।
त्यस्तै कर्मचारीले मन्त्रालयसँग माग राखी ०६४ सालदेखि प्राप्त गर्दै आएको विभिन्न भत्तासमेत कटौती गरेको छ । खाइपाई आएको कुनै पनि सुविधा कटौती गर्नु नहुने कानूनी प्रावधानलाई समेत सञ्चालक समितिले बेवास्ता गरेको छ । कर्मचारीको हितविपरीत हुने किसिमको विनियमावली स्वीकृतिका लागि मन्त्रालय नपठाउन हामीले अनुरोध गर्दागर्दै पनि समितिले पठाएको छ ।
हामीले श्रम कार्यालय, अर्थमन्त्री, अर्थसचिव, सञ्चालक समितिका सबै सदस्यलाई यो विनियमावली हाम्रो हितविपरीत आउन लागेको छ भन्ने कुराको जानकारी पनि गराइसकेका छौं । सञ्चालक समितिलाई एउटा ज्ञापनपत्र पनि बुझाएका छौं । हाम्रो मागको सुनुवाइ नगरिए अधिकार प्राप्तिका लागि हामीले वैकल्पिक बाटो रोज्नैपर्ने बाध्यता आउन सक्छ । हामी आन्दोलनमा जान सक्छौं । कानूनी प्रक्रियाका लागि अदालत जान सक्छौं । यही रूपमा विनियमावली आयो भने हाम्रा यिनै विकल्प हुनेछन् ।
''विनियमावली नआई आत्तिहाल्नु पर्ने अवस्था छैन'' - शेखरकुमार अर्याल
प्रवक्ता
बीमा समिति
बीमा समितिको संस्थागत सुधारका लागि लामो समयदेखि आउन नसकेको विनियमावली बल्ल आउने प्रक्रियामा छ । विनियमावली संस्थागत सुधारका लागि ल्याइने हो । बीमा समितिले संस्थागत सुधारका लागि कर्मचारीका तर्फबाट आवश्यक प्रतिवेदन माग गरेको थियो । सोहीअनुसार कर्मचारीले पनि सुधार कार्यका लागि आफ्ना तर्फबाट प्रतिवेदन पेश गरेका थिए । त्यसमा समितिका संस्थागत सुधारका विषय समेटिएका थिए । कर्मचारी नियुक्ति गर्दा समावेशी हुनुपर्ने, समयसापेक्ष कर्मचारीको सेवासुविधामा परिमार्जन गरिनुपर्नेलगायत बुँदा समेटिएको थियो ।
कर्मचारीहरूले आफ्ना तर्फबाट दिएको प्रतिवेदन संस्थागत सुधारका लागि बन्ने विनियमावलीका लागि एउटा सुझाव मात्रै हो । कुनै कामका लागि कसैले दिएको सुझाव अक्षरशः लागू हुन्छ भन्ने पनि होइन । उनीहरूको मागलाई स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाइएको विभिन्न बुँदाले समेटेको पनि हुन सक्छ । बीमा समितिले स्वीकृतिका लागि पठाएको विनियमावली जस्ताको तस्तै मन्त्रालयले स्वीकृत गर्छ भन्ने पनि छैन । उसले पनि आवश्यक परिमार्जन गर्न सक्छ । उनीहरूले उठाएका कतिपय विषय उचित पनि होलान् ।
त्यसैले विनियमावली आउनुअघि नै कर्मचारीहरूले आत्तिनुपर्ने कुरै छैन । सरकारी निकायले नै कानूनविपरीत कार्य गर्ला भनेर सोच्न हुँदैन । यदि त्यस्तै हुन गएछ भने पनि ऐनकानूनविपरीत कार्य गर्ने निकायलाई कानूनको कठघरामा ल्याउने निकाय पनि त छन् । त्यसैले पारित नभएको विनियमावलीका सम्वन्धमा नकारात्मक धारणा बनाइ हाल्नु पर्ने आवश्यकता छैन ।
http://www.abhiyan.com.np/article-bahas_15_jetha
Mid night Coup averted, Indian RAW, Congress-I backs ex-Nepal King
Telegraph Nepal
A great political turmoil, as the luck would have it, got averted.
The now sidelined King, Gyanendra Shah, was all set to stage a grand come back had the parties failed to extend the Constituent Assembly tenure.
Though the CA tenure has been extended through foul means yet the extension has averted the political disaster which was about to grip the country for some time to come.
High placed sources claim that the former King had already drafted a message to be addressed to the nation wherein he was supposed to have announced his taking over the charge of the nation once again.
Clearly, the message former King had drafted was all the handiwork of the visiting RAW officials, Alok Joshi.
Joshi, according to the high placed sources, had mainly come to Nepal with a single objective: To install the sidelined King in Nepali throne if the parties failed in extending the CA tenure.
Joshi stayed in Kathmandu for over a week.
A tentative message which was to be broadcast on May 28 late evening read like this: “We had abandoned the throne hoping that the political parties will act as per the aspirations of the people but we are pained to record that the political parties failed in their mission......”
This statement was about to be sent to various media houses late evening May 28, 2011. The message further stated that the sidelined King was hurt with the increasing confusion in the nation due to the failure in drafting the constitution and carrying the peace process to its logical end.
But the message could not materialise as the parties, which more or less smelt the dark chamber game, hastily arrived at a consensus and extended the CA tenure.
Must have been a great set back.
The Naya Patrika daily reports, 30 May, 2011, that even Dr. Karan Singh, the International Advisor of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi was specially sent to Kathmandu to extend his party’s unconditional support to the sidelined King.
The China factor.
Telegraph Nepal had already reported that the former King threw a lavish dinner in the honour of the visiting RAW top officials from India at his personal residence, Nirmal Niwas, May 27, 2011.
Those who enjoyed the ROYAL dinner were, AB Mathur, Alok Joshi, H. Khare, K. V. Rajan and possibly Dr. Karan Singh-the special emissary of Congress-I President, Sonia Gandhi.
Unsubstantiated reports have it that Gyanendra Shah had a secret meet with RAW second man-Alok Joshi for over one hour.
Mr. Joshi was some time back the RAW station chief in Kathmandu.
Those who met with the visiting Indian deities were, S. B. Thapa, Pasupati Rana and Kamal Thapa.
No wonder Mr. Rana has changed his political overtones and has begun pouncing upon the present day Nepali leaders whom he sees now as a bunch of power lust people.
The RAW activities in Nepal had begun, May 22, 2011.
Should this then mean that the Indian regime and the Indian intelligence agencies were in a mood to apologise for all what they did with Nepal King in the recent years?
Wisdom appears to have finally prevailed.
http://www.telegraphnepal.com/headline/2011-05-30/mid-night-coup-averted-indian-raw-congress-i-backs-ex-nepal-king
A great political turmoil, as the luck would have it, got averted.
The now sidelined King, Gyanendra Shah, was all set to stage a grand come back had the parties failed to extend the Constituent Assembly tenure.
Though the CA tenure has been extended through foul means yet the extension has averted the political disaster which was about to grip the country for some time to come.
High placed sources claim that the former King had already drafted a message to be addressed to the nation wherein he was supposed to have announced his taking over the charge of the nation once again.
Clearly, the message former King had drafted was all the handiwork of the visiting RAW officials, Alok Joshi.
Joshi, according to the high placed sources, had mainly come to Nepal with a single objective: To install the sidelined King in Nepali throne if the parties failed in extending the CA tenure.
Joshi stayed in Kathmandu for over a week.
A tentative message which was to be broadcast on May 28 late evening read like this: “We had abandoned the throne hoping that the political parties will act as per the aspirations of the people but we are pained to record that the political parties failed in their mission......”
This statement was about to be sent to various media houses late evening May 28, 2011. The message further stated that the sidelined King was hurt with the increasing confusion in the nation due to the failure in drafting the constitution and carrying the peace process to its logical end.
But the message could not materialise as the parties, which more or less smelt the dark chamber game, hastily arrived at a consensus and extended the CA tenure.
Must have been a great set back.
The Naya Patrika daily reports, 30 May, 2011, that even Dr. Karan Singh, the International Advisor of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi was specially sent to Kathmandu to extend his party’s unconditional support to the sidelined King.
The China factor.
Telegraph Nepal had already reported that the former King threw a lavish dinner in the honour of the visiting RAW top officials from India at his personal residence, Nirmal Niwas, May 27, 2011.
Those who enjoyed the ROYAL dinner were, AB Mathur, Alok Joshi, H. Khare, K. V. Rajan and possibly Dr. Karan Singh-the special emissary of Congress-I President, Sonia Gandhi.
Unsubstantiated reports have it that Gyanendra Shah had a secret meet with RAW second man-Alok Joshi for over one hour.
Mr. Joshi was some time back the RAW station chief in Kathmandu.
Those who met with the visiting Indian deities were, S. B. Thapa, Pasupati Rana and Kamal Thapa.
No wonder Mr. Rana has changed his political overtones and has begun pouncing upon the present day Nepali leaders whom he sees now as a bunch of power lust people.
The RAW activities in Nepal had begun, May 22, 2011.
Should this then mean that the Indian regime and the Indian intelligence agencies were in a mood to apologise for all what they did with Nepal King in the recent years?
Wisdom appears to have finally prevailed.
http://www.telegraphnepal.com/headline/2011-05-30/mid-night-coup-averted-indian-raw-congress-i-backs-ex-nepal-king
Friday, May 27, 2011
School buses to have uniform colour
The government has decided to have uniform colour for all school and college buses in the country.
A cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided to have uniform colour for school buses for easier identification to provide special security.
The Ministry of Education will decide the colour of the buses after consultation from stake holders, said education minister and government spokesperson Gangalal Tuladhar.
The cabinet has also decided to construct separate toilets for girl students in all community schools and have reserved seats in public buses for girl students.
Security posts to be installed at hydel project sites
Wednesday’s cabinet meeting has also decided to install security posts at the construction sites of hydropower projects and take action against those involved in the disruption of projects. Energy minister Gokarna Bista said, the cabinet has also decided to form a commission to coordinate with local residents, collect their grievances and address them in order to improve the hydropower project’s relation with the local residents. nepalnews.com
A cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided to have uniform colour for school buses for easier identification to provide special security.
The Ministry of Education will decide the colour of the buses after consultation from stake holders, said education minister and government spokesperson Gangalal Tuladhar.
The cabinet has also decided to construct separate toilets for girl students in all community schools and have reserved seats in public buses for girl students.
Security posts to be installed at hydel project sites
Wednesday’s cabinet meeting has also decided to install security posts at the construction sites of hydropower projects and take action against those involved in the disruption of projects. Energy minister Gokarna Bista said, the cabinet has also decided to form a commission to coordinate with local residents, collect their grievances and address them in order to improve the hydropower project’s relation with the local residents. nepalnews.com
Chure Bhawar Bandh partially affects normal life nationwide
Normal life in various parts of the country including capital Kathmandu has been partially hit due to a bandh (shutdown strike) called by Chure Bhawar Rastriya Ekta Party and few other groups. Reports coming in say that more than four vehicles were vandalised by bandh organisers at different parts in Kathmandu this morning. However, there are no reports of any clashes between the police and protestors or arrests.
Bandh organisers vandalized and torched Kantipur Television van that was ferrying its staff at Balaju, a bus belonging to Nepal Yatayat at Lokanthali, micro-bus at Maitidevi and a taxi at Basundhara this morning.
Less number of public and private vehicles is seen in the streets of Kathmandu due to fear of reprisal from Bandh organisers while shops and
businesses in many parts of the city are open except at the main market places like New Road, Putalisadak and Bagbazaar.
People were seen heading towards their offices on foot due to lack of enough public vehicles while most of the educational institutions including schools and colleges remained closed.
Reports say that the bandh has partially affected life in many other parts of the country with transportation coming to a grinding halt and main market places including factories, educational institutions, offices partially open.
Chure Bhawar Rastriya party general secretary Bhumi Raj Niraula said the party is conducting the bandh in a peaceful manner and that none of its activists were involved in vandalizing vehicles or public property.
"Our party is organising a peaceful bandh and is not involved in any act of vandalism," he told Nepalnews, adding that cadres of other groups who also called a bandh today might have been involved in vandalism and other disruptive activities.
Niraula also informed that activists of his party is planning to picket the CA building at New Baneshwor later this afternoon by defying the prohibitory orders.
Chure Bhawar declared two-day of general strike demanding dissolution of the Constituent Assembly and formation of a national consensus government. nepalnews.com
Bandh organisers vandalized and torched Kantipur Television van that was ferrying its staff at Balaju, a bus belonging to Nepal Yatayat at Lokanthali, micro-bus at Maitidevi and a taxi at Basundhara this morning.
Less number of public and private vehicles is seen in the streets of Kathmandu due to fear of reprisal from Bandh organisers while shops and
businesses in many parts of the city are open except at the main market places like New Road, Putalisadak and Bagbazaar.
People were seen heading towards their offices on foot due to lack of enough public vehicles while most of the educational institutions including schools and colleges remained closed.
Reports say that the bandh has partially affected life in many other parts of the country with transportation coming to a grinding halt and main market places including factories, educational institutions, offices partially open.
Chure Bhawar Rastriya party general secretary Bhumi Raj Niraula said the party is conducting the bandh in a peaceful manner and that none of its activists were involved in vandalizing vehicles or public property.
"Our party is organising a peaceful bandh and is not involved in any act of vandalism," he told Nepalnews, adding that cadres of other groups who also called a bandh today might have been involved in vandalism and other disruptive activities.
Niraula also informed that activists of his party is planning to picket the CA building at New Baneshwor later this afternoon by defying the prohibitory orders.
Chure Bhawar declared two-day of general strike demanding dissolution of the Constituent Assembly and formation of a national consensus government. nepalnews.com
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