देवेन्द्र कोइराला
शेयरमा लगानीको हिसाबले सबैभन्दा बढी आकर्षक ठानिएका नेपालका 'क' वर्गका केही वाणिज्य बैङ्कहरूले जारी गरेका हकप्रद शेयर संस्थापकहरूले लिन सकेनन् वा इच्छा देखाएनन् । त्यसकारण अहिले त्यस्ता शेयर सर्वसाधारणमा विक्रीका लागि सूचना प्रकाशित गरिएका छन् । वाणिज्य बैङ्कहरूको हालत त यो छ भने अरू कम्पनीको अवस्था के होला, सहजै अनुमान गर्न सकिन्छ । विगतमा बिहानैदेखि सक्कल नागरिकताको प्रमाणपत्र हातमा च्यापी लाइनमा बस्ने र १० कित्ता शेयर पर्दासमेत एकापसमा बधाई साटासाट गर्ने नेपाली लगानीकर्ताहरूका लागि यसले दिने सन्देश कम मार्मिक छैन । अझ त्यसअघि ताप्लेजुङका राई, धादिङका चेपाङदेखि बाजुराका दलितसम्मका नागरिकताका फोटोकपी राखी आवेदन भर्ने गरेका यस क्षेत्रका केही खेलाडीहरूको मन अहिले कति पोलेको होला, जोकोहीले अनुमान गर्नसक्छ । शेयरलाई सुनको अण्डा पार्ने कुखुरीभै+m पालेका र शेयर प्रमाणपत्रका चाङ थुपारेर तेस्रो संसारको कल्पना गरिरहेकाहरूका लागि अहिलेको परिस्थितिमा यो बतासे फुलभित्र के रहेछ भन्ने ज्ञान विस्तारै पलाएको होला । अर्कातिर शेयर भनेको के हो र यसले कसरी प्रतिफल दिन्छ, शेयरमा लगानी गरेर नाफा आर्जन गर्नका लागि कुनकुन कुराले बढी भूमिका खेलेका हुन्छन्, अनि यसमा आउने उतारचढाव कसरी विश्लेषण गर्ने, बुझ्ने र खेल्ने भन्ने कुरामा पटक्कै ज्ञान नभएका साधारण जनता अहिले रमिते बनेका छन् । यसैबीच शेयरका खेलाडीहरू आफ्नो घाटाको हिसाब गर्दै पिल्सिएका मात्र होइन, आफूजस्तै अरूको हालत देखेर दङ्ग पनि परिरहेका छन् । शेयरको परिभाषा नबुझेका बाँकी मान्छेहरू आधा ज्ञानको गफ छाँट्दै अरूलाई खिस्याइरहेका छन् ।
कुनै पनि व्यवसायमा प्राप्त गर्ने प्रतिफल तार्किक र स्वाभाविक हुनुपर्दछ । अस्वाभाविक मुनाफा आर्जन गर्ने धन्धालाई कुनै पनि हालतमा व्यवसायको संज्ञा दिन सकिँदैन । व्यवसायमा विक्रेता र ग्राहक वा सेवाग्राहीहरूका बीचमा गरिने कारोबारबाट विक्रेतालाई प्राप्त हुने लाभको अनुपात गुणात्मक रूपमा बढी हुन्छ भने एक प्रकारले त्यो ठगी नै हो । यसकारण कि त्यसमा क्रेताले निकै ठूलो मूल्य चुकाउनुपर्दछ । जस्तो- १० रुपैयाँको चाउचाउमा तातोपानी हालेर मलेखुका छाप्राहरूमा ५० रुपैयाँमा बसका यात्रुहरूलाई बेचिन्छ भने यहाँनेर क्रेताले तोकिएभन्दा ४ गुणा बढी नोक्सानी बेहोरेको हुन्छ । बैङ्कहरूले आर्जन गर्ने करोडौंको मुनाफा उनीहरू आफैले उत्पादन गरेका होइनन् । त्यो त सेवाग्राहीको लाभलाई कटौती गरेर वा ऋणीहरूलाई ब्याज वा अन्य सेवाबापत बढी आर्थिक दायित्व वहन गराई आर्जन गरिएको मुनाफाको हिस्सा हो । तैपनि बैङ्क वा सङ्गठित संस्थाले गर्ने कारोबारमा पारदर्शिता हुन्छ र त्यसको प्रतिफल कर्जाको उपयोगको माध्यमबाट वा अन्य उपायबाट राज्य र सरोकारवालाहरूले प्राप्त गर्न सक्छन् । तर, असङ्गठित र कानूनको दायरामा नआएका कारोबारमा राज्यको पहुँच पुगेको छैन र यो कारोबार सङ्गठित कारोबारभन्दा कैयौं बढी रहेको अनुमान गर्न सकिन्छ ।
एक वर्षअगाडि जग्गाको कारोबार र यसको मूल्यवृद्धि कृत्रिम र अस्वाभाविक थियो । विशेषतः काठमाडौं तथा चितवनमा जग्गामा खेल्न सक्ने सामान्य व्यक्ति १ महीनाभित्र हजारपतिबाट करोडपति भयो । अत्यन्तै न्यून मूल्य राखेर किनबेच गरिने यस्ता कारोबारबाट राज्यलाई पित्को राजस्व उठे पनि यो पेशाबाट केही मुठ्ठीभरका दलाल र व्यापारीहरूले निकै फाइदा उठाए । विगतमा घरमा एउटा दुहुनो भैंसी र एउटा साइकल हुनुलाई गर्वका रूपमा हेर्ने समाजमा रातारात करोडौं सोहोर्ने जमात खडा भयो र राज्यको ढुकुटी यही अनुत्पादक पेशाका माध्यमबाट उनीहरूको निजी सम्पत्तिमा दाखिला भयो । यसरी अनुत्पादक मात्र होइन, अपारदर्शी तरीकाबाट रातारात करोडपति बन्ने यो धन्धा वित्तीय अनुशासनको हिसाबले एक गम्भीर अपराधका रूपमा हेरिनुपर्ने हो । तर, राज्यले उनीहरूमाथि आफ्नो पहुँच स्थापना गर्न सकेको छैन ।
कुनै पनि कानून र त्यसबाट असर पर्ने सरोकारवालाहरूबीचको सम्बन्धलाई परिभाषा गर्नुपर्दा मुख्यतयाः दुईओटा उपायको अवलम्बन गर्ने गरिन्छ । पहिलो कानून बनाएर कम्पनीहरूलाई त्यसमा समाहित गराउने र दोस्रो, कम्पनीहरूलाई सक्षम बनाएर त्यसको व्यवस्थापन गर्न कानून बनाउने । विशेष गरी ०४७ सालपछि खुला आर्थिक नीति लागू गरिएपछि नेपालमा रहेका पुराना नीति तथा कानूनहरूलाई परिमार्जन र समयानुकूल परिवर्तन गर्ने कामले तीव्रता पायो । यसबीचमा यसका सकारात्मक तथा नकारात्मक दुवै परिणाम देखियो । सरकारी स्वामित्वमा रहेका संस्थानहरूमा राजनीतिक धमिराहरूले घर बसाए र त्यसलाई खोक्रो बनाइसकेपछि पत्रुको भाउमा निजीक्षेत्रलाई बेचिए । विशेषगरी नेपाली काङ्ग्रेसको दिमागबाट उब्जेको त्यो नीति भनेको भैंसी दुहेर सकेसम्म दूध बेच्ने र दूध दिन कम भएपछि त्यसलाई काटेर सिनो बेच्ने सिद्धान्तमा आधारित थियो । यसरी दूध दिने भैंसीहरू धमाधम काटिए तर नयाँ भैंसी उत्पादन गर्ने र पाल्ने काम गरिएन । एक हिसाबले त्यो नेपालको सङ्गठित औद्योगिक क्षेत्रको विकासविरुद्ध फाँसीवादी अभ्यास नै थियो । पारदर्शी तरीकाबाट व्यवसाय सञ्चालन गर्नेहरूलाई सिक्रीले कस्दै र निचोर्दै जाने तर आफूभित्र चाहिँ सङ्गठित रूपले राजनीतिक आडमा अपारदर्शी धन्धा चलाउने उनीहरूको प्रवृत्तिका कारणबाट अहिले देशको भान्सा दूधविहीन छ ।
अहिले बीमा ऐन, २०४९ लाई प्रतिस्थापन गर्ने उद्देश्यले नयाँ बीमा ऐनको विधेयक संसद्मा प्रस्तुत हुने क्रममा रहेको छ । प्रस्तावित ऐनमा जीवनबीमाका लागि रू. २ अर्ब र निर्जीवन बीमाका लागि रू. १ अर्ब चुक्ता पूँजी पुर्याउनुपर्ने व्यवस्था गरिएको छ । त्यसबाट बीमा कम्पनीहरूमा अहिले निकै ठूलो बहस सृजना भएको छ । अहिले जीवनबीमाको रू. २५ करोड र निर्जीवन बीमाका लागि रू. १० करोड चुक्तापूँजी हुनुपर्ने प्रावधान छ । यस हिसाबले अब निर्जीवन बीमा कम्पनीले १० गुणा बढी पूँजी उठाउनुपर्ने अवस्था आएको छ । नेपालको बीमा बजार सङ्कुचित छ । व्यावसायिक भाषामा भन्नुपर्दा त्यो निकै प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक छ र चलनचल्तीको भाषामा भन्नुपर्दा लुछाचुँडी, अस्वस्थ वा मगन्ते अवस्थामा छ । आफ्नो व्यवसायबाट मात्रै चित्त नबुझेर केही ठूला वाणिज्य बैङ्कहरूसमेत सूचीकरणको नाममा बीमाको कमिशन आफ्नो पोल्टामा दाखिला गर्न थालिसकेको अवस्था छ । यस्तो अवस्थामा बीमा कम्पनीहरूको चुक्ता पूँजी १० गुणा बढाउनु भनेको 'सिष्टर कन्सर्न'का रूपमा सञ्चालित केही कम्पनीहरूबाहेक अन्यका लागि अलौकिक कल्पनाको संसारमा रमाउनुसिवाय केही हुने छैन ।
नेपालमा लगानी र मुनाफाको हिसाबले सर्वोत्कृष्ट ठानिएका वाणिज्य बैङ्कका हकप्रद शेयरसमेत उठ्न नसक्ने अवस्थामा १० गुणा बढी शेयर उठाउन बीमा कम्पनीहरू तयार होलान् भनेर यो व्यवस्था ल्याइएको हो भने त्यो उनीहरूको आवेगमा गरिएको निर्णयाहेक केही हुन सक्दैन । १० गुणा पूँजी वृद्धि गर्नका लागि केकस्ता कुराहरूलाई आधार बनाइएको छ भन्ने कुराको रहस्योद्घाटन भइसकेको छैन । हुन सक्छ, अहिले चलिरहेका कम्पनीहरूप्रति बीमा समितिका मान्छेहरूको चित्त फाटेको छ । वा बीमा कम्पनीलाई 'सिष्टर कर्न्सन'का रूपमा चलाएका एक-दुई व्यापारिक घरानालाई यो पूँजी बढाउन कुनै अप्ठयारो पर्ने छैन भन्ने आँकलन पनि हुन सक्छ । दौडन सक्नेले नै दौडमा भाग लिनुपर्दछ र नसक्नेहरूले मैदान छोड्नुपर्दछ भन्ने मान्यताबाट यो पूँजी वृद्धिको अवधारणा आएको पनि हुन सक्छ । वित्तीय सुधारका हिसाबले राष्ट्र बैङ्कबाट चालिने प्रयासहरूलाई पछयाउँदै जाने प्रवृत्ति अन्य नियमनकारी निकायहरूमा पनि देखिएको छ । तर, राम्रो कामको अनुशरण गर्नु उचित नै भए पनि सबै घरका मूलढोका पूर्वपट्टि नै हुन्छन् भन्ने मानसिकताले काम गर्नु उचित होइन ।
बीमा कम्पनीको पूँजी १० गुणा बढाउँदैमा यसमा सुधार हुनेछ वा कम्पनीको जोखिम क्षमतामा वृद्धि हुनेछ भन्ने सोचाइ कागजी हिसाबले जति तर्कसङ्गत छ, व्यवहारतः त्यत्तिकै निरथक छ । कुनै पनि व्यवसाय प्रतिफल प्राप्तिका लागि गरिन्छ । तर, अहिलेसम्म लगानीकर्ताहरूलाई खास प्रतिफल दिन नसकेका बीमा कम्पनीहरूमा थप लगानी गर्न कोही तयार हुने छैन । बीमा कम्पनीहरूको संस्थागत सुधार गर्नुपर्छ भन्नेमा बीमति हुन सक्दैन । तर, त्यसो गर्नुको अर्थ यसैले नेपालमा थला परेर ओछ्यानमै नसुते पनि जुरुक्क उठेर दौडिने अवस्था नभएका बीमा कम्पनीहरूमाथि डण्डा चलाउनु वा भारी बोकाउनु होइन । उनीहरूलाई बाटो देखाएर, वातावरण बनाएर र प्रोत्साहन दिएर आत्मानिर्भर बनाउने तर्फ सरोकारवालाहरूले सोच्न जरुरी छ ।
लेखक लुम्बिनी जनरल इन्स्योरेन्स कम्पनी लिमिटेडका कम्पनी सचिव हुन् ।
Admin 2011-05-25
http://www.abhiyan.com.np/article-dristikon_11_jetha
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Nepal may escape blacklisting
KATHMANDU: The Parliament today passed the much-awaited Anti-Money Laundering Act (first amendment), keeping Nepal’s hopes alive that the country would not be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force, a global anti-money laundering agency.
“Apart from giving legal teeth to executing agencies, it has paved the way for approval of two other acts — Mutual Legal Assistance Bill and Extradition Bill,” according to officials at the Ministry of Finance. “FATF could also consider our request and not blacklist us as Nepal has fulfilled one of the commitments.”
The government tabled the Act yesterday following clearance from the parliamentary Statute Committee on Friday.
However, Nepal still needs to endorse two other Bills — Mutual Legal Assistance Bill and Extradition Bill — apart from two UN conventions —Convention on Suppression of Financing of Terrorism and Convention against Organised Financial Crime. The regional review meeting of FATF in Macau on May 13 had asked Nepal to submit the progress report by June 21, just ahead of its plenary scheduled for June 23-25.
“The Act — that has formed a coordination committee led by finance secretary — has also defined up to five years jail term and penalty of up to Rs 500,000 for such crime,” according to the Act that has defined money earned through tax evasion, earnings made from arms trade, flouting foreign exchange law, robbery, dacoity, fake documentation, drugs peddling, human trafficking, banking and organised financial crime under money laundering.
The Act has made all the regulatory agencies more responsible and they can, through the Financial Information Unit under the central bank, seek issuance of directives as per which the Revenue Investigation Department will investigate suspected activities.
Earlier Nepal had requested deadline extension to meet the requirements citing country’s transitional phase and FATF had given June 7 deadline — after Nepal failed to meet the first deadline of December 2010 — to fulfil its commitments on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
Nepal’s failure to meet the deadline could earn Nepal a tag of blacklisted in 170 countries.
Under international laws, though blacklisting carries no formal sanction, it causes intense financial pressure and Nepal may find it difficult to get foreign aid from international organisations like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Foreign banks may not trust the letters of credit issued by Nepali banks creating difficulties for Nepali businessmen at the international level. Nepali businessmen may also be subjected to harassment at foreign customs offices, with authorities there not allowing Nepali goods to go through the green channel.
“Apart from giving legal teeth to executing agencies, it has paved the way for approval of two other acts — Mutual Legal Assistance Bill and Extradition Bill,” according to officials at the Ministry of Finance. “FATF could also consider our request and not blacklist us as Nepal has fulfilled one of the commitments.”
The government tabled the Act yesterday following clearance from the parliamentary Statute Committee on Friday.
However, Nepal still needs to endorse two other Bills — Mutual Legal Assistance Bill and Extradition Bill — apart from two UN conventions —Convention on Suppression of Financing of Terrorism and Convention against Organised Financial Crime. The regional review meeting of FATF in Macau on May 13 had asked Nepal to submit the progress report by June 21, just ahead of its plenary scheduled for June 23-25.
“The Act — that has formed a coordination committee led by finance secretary — has also defined up to five years jail term and penalty of up to Rs 500,000 for such crime,” according to the Act that has defined money earned through tax evasion, earnings made from arms trade, flouting foreign exchange law, robbery, dacoity, fake documentation, drugs peddling, human trafficking, banking and organised financial crime under money laundering.
The Act has made all the regulatory agencies more responsible and they can, through the Financial Information Unit under the central bank, seek issuance of directives as per which the Revenue Investigation Department will investigate suspected activities.
Earlier Nepal had requested deadline extension to meet the requirements citing country’s transitional phase and FATF had given June 7 deadline — after Nepal failed to meet the first deadline of December 2010 — to fulfil its commitments on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
Nepal’s failure to meet the deadline could earn Nepal a tag of blacklisted in 170 countries.
Under international laws, though blacklisting carries no formal sanction, it causes intense financial pressure and Nepal may find it difficult to get foreign aid from international organisations like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Foreign banks may not trust the letters of credit issued by Nepali banks creating difficulties for Nepali businessmen at the international level. Nepali businessmen may also be subjected to harassment at foreign customs offices, with authorities there not allowing Nepali goods to go through the green channel.
Nepali Congress‚ 14 parties block bill tabling process
HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
KATHMANDU: The government’s third attempt to table the interim constitution amendment bill so as to extend the Constituent Assembly (CA) term failed today, following obstruction by the Nepali Congress (NC) and 14 other political parties.
Now, the process of amending the interim constitution through normal process has ended with only four days remaining before the CA term expires. This means the House will have to suspend some provisions in the parliament regulation, for a certain time is required to move the amendment process of the bill seeking one-year extension for the CA, whose term expires on May 28.
When CA Chairman Subas Nembang was about to begin tabling the bill, NC Chief Whip Laxman Prasad Ghimire said opposition parties would not allow the bill to be tabled until the NC’s 10-point roadmap was followed.
“The NC gave ultimatum with today’s deadline to the government and Maoists to address its roadmap for ensuring the peace and constitution writing processes. As there has been no progress in this regard, we will not allow the bill to be tabled,” said Ghimire.
Lawmakers of 15 parties, and one independent member
started chanting slogans ignoring repeated requests from the CA Chairman to allow the tabling process, Nembang postponed the House until for 3 pm tomorrow.
Earlier, opposition parties had let two bills on money laundering and caste discrimination and untouchability to pass.
Before beginning today’s House meeting, senior leaders, including the chiefs of UCPN-M and NC had met, but failed to find a solution.
“Although, the deadline of our ultimatum will expire today, we will wait through the remaining four days because, if the Maoists are willing and honest about the peace and constitution writing processes, the issues of handing over weapons and command and control of cantonments to the government, the bill can
be passed in one day,” said NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula.
But if the Nepali Congress roadmap is not followed, the party and its allies will not vote for extending the Constituent Assembly’s term, he said.
KATHMANDU: The government’s third attempt to table the interim constitution amendment bill so as to extend the Constituent Assembly (CA) term failed today, following obstruction by the Nepali Congress (NC) and 14 other political parties.
Now, the process of amending the interim constitution through normal process has ended with only four days remaining before the CA term expires. This means the House will have to suspend some provisions in the parliament regulation, for a certain time is required to move the amendment process of the bill seeking one-year extension for the CA, whose term expires on May 28.
When CA Chairman Subas Nembang was about to begin tabling the bill, NC Chief Whip Laxman Prasad Ghimire said opposition parties would not allow the bill to be tabled until the NC’s 10-point roadmap was followed.
“The NC gave ultimatum with today’s deadline to the government and Maoists to address its roadmap for ensuring the peace and constitution writing processes. As there has been no progress in this regard, we will not allow the bill to be tabled,” said Ghimire.
Lawmakers of 15 parties, and one independent member
started chanting slogans ignoring repeated requests from the CA Chairman to allow the tabling process, Nembang postponed the House until for 3 pm tomorrow.
Earlier, opposition parties had let two bills on money laundering and caste discrimination and untouchability to pass.
Before beginning today’s House meeting, senior leaders, including the chiefs of UCPN-M and NC had met, but failed to find a solution.
“Although, the deadline of our ultimatum will expire today, we will wait through the remaining four days because, if the Maoists are willing and honest about the peace and constitution writing processes, the issues of handing over weapons and command and control of cantonments to the government, the bill can
be passed in one day,” said NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula.
But if the Nepali Congress roadmap is not followed, the party and its allies will not vote for extending the Constituent Assembly’s term, he said.
Oli tables proposal asking PM to quit
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, May 25: Ruling CPN-UML Standing Committee member KP Sharma Oli tabled a proposal at the Central Committee meeting Tuesday demanding Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal´s resignation, stating that this had become indispensable to pave the way for a national consensus government.
"This CC meeting directs comrade Jhalanath Khanal to tender his resignation from the post so as to save the Constituent Assembly (CA) and the peace process and pave the way for forging a national consensus," reads the proposal registered by Oli at the CC meeting.
Oli recorded the nine-point proposal in the last minutes of the meeting, and it was not discussed due to time constraints.
CPN-UML leaders said the proposal will be tabled for discussions during the next CC meeting scheduled to start on May 31.
The rival faction in the party, which is led by Oli and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, has been lobbying for the prime minister´s resignation allegedly because he was acting at the behest of the Maoists and against the UML´s decisions and policies.
In the proposal, Oli has demanded the scrapping of the seven-point deal that the prime minister and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal reached secretly just before Khanal became prime minister in February.
Oli has claimed that Khanal, while signing the deal, agreed to implement the Maoist agenda, discarding the UML´s official policy of people´s multiparty democracy. He has also accused the prime minister of violating the party decision in connection with appointing ministers.
He has demanded that the prime minister revoke his decision to appoint Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara as home minister and appoint an UML leader to the same post as per the party decision.
The CC meeting endorsed the party´s politburo decision to pave the way for a national consensus government.
"At the end of the meeting the chairman said that we would demonstrate a maximum level of flexibility to forge a national consensus and extend the CA term, and would be ready to pave the way for [new] government formation if there were strong grounds for that," said the statement issued by party Secretary Yubaraj Gyawali.
At the meeting, 53 CC members aired their views on the politburo´s proposal. Some lawmakers including Ghanshyam Bhusal, Raghubir Mahaseth, Gokarna Bista andYogesh Bhattarai stood against the proposal that suggested the prime minister to be ready to step down if necessary for national consensus.
Other leaders from the Nepal-Oli camp, including General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel, Bishnu Paudel, Bhim Rawal, Jagannath Khatiwada, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Ganesh Timilsina, Jagat BK, Devraj Bhar, Karna Thapa, Devi Gyawali and Kalyani Khadka argued that the prime minister should be ready to resign to pave the way for national consensus.
KATHMANDU, May 25: Ruling CPN-UML Standing Committee member KP Sharma Oli tabled a proposal at the Central Committee meeting Tuesday demanding Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal´s resignation, stating that this had become indispensable to pave the way for a national consensus government.
"This CC meeting directs comrade Jhalanath Khanal to tender his resignation from the post so as to save the Constituent Assembly (CA) and the peace process and pave the way for forging a national consensus," reads the proposal registered by Oli at the CC meeting.
Oli recorded the nine-point proposal in the last minutes of the meeting, and it was not discussed due to time constraints.
CPN-UML leaders said the proposal will be tabled for discussions during the next CC meeting scheduled to start on May 31.
The rival faction in the party, which is led by Oli and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, has been lobbying for the prime minister´s resignation allegedly because he was acting at the behest of the Maoists and against the UML´s decisions and policies.
In the proposal, Oli has demanded the scrapping of the seven-point deal that the prime minister and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal reached secretly just before Khanal became prime minister in February.
Oli has claimed that Khanal, while signing the deal, agreed to implement the Maoist agenda, discarding the UML´s official policy of people´s multiparty democracy. He has also accused the prime minister of violating the party decision in connection with appointing ministers.
He has demanded that the prime minister revoke his decision to appoint Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara as home minister and appoint an UML leader to the same post as per the party decision.
The CC meeting endorsed the party´s politburo decision to pave the way for a national consensus government.
"At the end of the meeting the chairman said that we would demonstrate a maximum level of flexibility to forge a national consensus and extend the CA term, and would be ready to pave the way for [new] government formation if there were strong grounds for that," said the statement issued by party Secretary Yubaraj Gyawali.
At the meeting, 53 CC members aired their views on the politburo´s proposal. Some lawmakers including Ghanshyam Bhusal, Raghubir Mahaseth, Gokarna Bista andYogesh Bhattarai stood against the proposal that suggested the prime minister to be ready to step down if necessary for national consensus.
Other leaders from the Nepal-Oli camp, including General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel, Bishnu Paudel, Bhim Rawal, Jagannath Khatiwada, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Ganesh Timilsina, Jagat BK, Devraj Bhar, Karna Thapa, Devi Gyawali and Kalyani Khadka argued that the prime minister should be ready to resign to pave the way for national consensus.
Insurance companies plan merger
HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
KATHMANDU: The insurance industry might witness few mergers taking place in the near future even before the regulator goes with its plan of increasing their paid up capital.
Prudential Insurance, United Insurance and Shikhar Insurance are planning to opt for a merger to meet the probable increment in paid up capital requirement by the regulatory authority. “The three non life insurance companies have formed a committee to conduct feasibility study for the probable merger,” according to them.
Prudential Insurance — promoted by Vishal Group — had started its operations in 2002, while Shikhar Insurance started its operation in 2004. United Insurance started its operation from 1993.
Insurance Board — the regulatory authority of insurance companies — has proposed the upward revision of paid up capital of both life and non-life insurance companies in the Insurance Act (amendment).
“The proposed amendment has planned paid up capital to be increased to Rs 1 billion for non-life insurance companies and Rs 2 billion for life insurance companies,” informed chairman of Insurance Board Dr Fatta Bahadur KC.
Currently, life insurance companies must have paid-up capital of Rs 250 million and non-life insurance companies must have Rs 100 million.
The budget for the this fiscal year has also especially led stress on introducing timely reform in insurance business. The fiscal policy has also emphasised on merger and acquisition of banks and financial institutions and also that of insurance companies to strengthen their financial health.
In order to facilitate mergers, the budget has introduced the provision of taxing assets and liabilities as disposal after merger to make it non-taxable.
“The increased paid up capital will compel insurance providers to opt for mergers, if they want to remain in the business,” KC said, adding that the merger will help reduce unhealthy competition among the insurance companies and larger the size of the company making them stronger and lessening their risk.
At present there are 25 insurance companies in the insurance market. There are 16 non-life insurance companies and eight life insurance companies while Rastriya Beema Sansthan — the government owned insurance company has both life and non life insurance units.
The amendment will give more power to the regulator and will be rechristined as an authority. The Finance Ministry is sending the proposed amendement to the law ministry for its opinion and then to the Cabinet. “If it is endorsed, the regulator could tak over insurance companies in case they fail to abide by the rules, regulations and directives and harm the interest of the insured,” according to proposal.
“It will strengthen the regulator,” KC said, adding that the regulator has to be given right to take control of such companies for up to two years.
“The regulator will also enjoy the right to force such companies into merge with another, hand over business of such companies to another company and even scrap the registration. The existing Act has no provision of merger and acquisition.”
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Insurance+companies+plan+merger+&NewsID=289181
KATHMANDU: The insurance industry might witness few mergers taking place in the near future even before the regulator goes with its plan of increasing their paid up capital.
Prudential Insurance, United Insurance and Shikhar Insurance are planning to opt for a merger to meet the probable increment in paid up capital requirement by the regulatory authority. “The three non life insurance companies have formed a committee to conduct feasibility study for the probable merger,” according to them.
Prudential Insurance — promoted by Vishal Group — had started its operations in 2002, while Shikhar Insurance started its operation in 2004. United Insurance started its operation from 1993.
Insurance Board — the regulatory authority of insurance companies — has proposed the upward revision of paid up capital of both life and non-life insurance companies in the Insurance Act (amendment).
“The proposed amendment has planned paid up capital to be increased to Rs 1 billion for non-life insurance companies and Rs 2 billion for life insurance companies,” informed chairman of Insurance Board Dr Fatta Bahadur KC.
Currently, life insurance companies must have paid-up capital of Rs 250 million and non-life insurance companies must have Rs 100 million.
The budget for the this fiscal year has also especially led stress on introducing timely reform in insurance business. The fiscal policy has also emphasised on merger and acquisition of banks and financial institutions and also that of insurance companies to strengthen their financial health.
In order to facilitate mergers, the budget has introduced the provision of taxing assets and liabilities as disposal after merger to make it non-taxable.
“The increased paid up capital will compel insurance providers to opt for mergers, if they want to remain in the business,” KC said, adding that the merger will help reduce unhealthy competition among the insurance companies and larger the size of the company making them stronger and lessening their risk.
At present there are 25 insurance companies in the insurance market. There are 16 non-life insurance companies and eight life insurance companies while Rastriya Beema Sansthan — the government owned insurance company has both life and non life insurance units.
The amendment will give more power to the regulator and will be rechristined as an authority. The Finance Ministry is sending the proposed amendement to the law ministry for its opinion and then to the Cabinet. “If it is endorsed, the regulator could tak over insurance companies in case they fail to abide by the rules, regulations and directives and harm the interest of the insured,” according to proposal.
“It will strengthen the regulator,” KC said, adding that the regulator has to be given right to take control of such companies for up to two years.
“The regulator will also enjoy the right to force such companies into merge with another, hand over business of such companies to another company and even scrap the registration. The existing Act has no provision of merger and acquisition.”
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Insurance+companies+plan+merger+&NewsID=289181
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday's Valley bandh called off
The Chhettri Samaj Nepal has withdrawn its bandh (general strike) in the Kathmandu Valley on Monday.
The Samaj agreed to call off the bandh after reaching an understanding with the government during the talks held at the Ministry of Peace Sunday evening.
The Samaj withdrew the bandh as the government side agreed to form a committee to look into the demands of the Samaj.
Demanding status of indigenous nationality for Chhettris, the Samaj enforced bandh in the Valley today, which paralysed normal life from early morning till evening.
Nearly 300 bandh organisers were arrested from different parts of Kathmandu valley today. nepalnews.com
The Samaj agreed to call off the bandh after reaching an understanding with the government during the talks held at the Ministry of Peace Sunday evening.
The Samaj withdrew the bandh as the government side agreed to form a committee to look into the demands of the Samaj.
Demanding status of indigenous nationality for Chhettris, the Samaj enforced bandh in the Valley today, which paralysed normal life from early morning till evening.
Nearly 300 bandh organisers were arrested from different parts of Kathmandu valley today. nepalnews.com
UML proposes putting up only 5 thousand PLA combatants for integration into state security forces
CPN (UML), which leads the current ruling coalition, has started discussion on the possibility to put up not more than five thousand People's Liberation Army (PLA) combatants for integration into state security forces.
The discussion started following a report, which was submitted by party general secretary Ishwor Pokharel at the UML politburo meeting held at UML headquarters in Balkhu on Sunday, suggested that there is possibility to integrate only five thousand PLA combatants into the security forces.
UML politburo members put forth their views and suggestions on the report and discussed Prime Minister and UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal's recent parleys for extension of Constituent Assembly (CA)'s term, during today's meeting. The discussion is set to continue tomorrow also.
The report which is yet to be made public also states that integration and rehabilitation of PLA combatants should be finished within the next nine weeks.
According to a party source, the report further suggests one year term extension for the Constituent Assembly (CA), compulsory formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Commission for Disappeared and State Restructuring Commission at the earliest.
The report also suggests that the parties should forge agreement on the fundamental principles and features of the new constitution before going for the term extension of CA.
It is learnt that the proposal will be endorsed during the party's upcoming central committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday. nepalnews.com
The discussion started following a report, which was submitted by party general secretary Ishwor Pokharel at the UML politburo meeting held at UML headquarters in Balkhu on Sunday, suggested that there is possibility to integrate only five thousand PLA combatants into the security forces.
UML politburo members put forth their views and suggestions on the report and discussed Prime Minister and UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal's recent parleys for extension of Constituent Assembly (CA)'s term, during today's meeting. The discussion is set to continue tomorrow also.
The report which is yet to be made public also states that integration and rehabilitation of PLA combatants should be finished within the next nine weeks.
According to a party source, the report further suggests one year term extension for the Constituent Assembly (CA), compulsory formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Commission for Disappeared and State Restructuring Commission at the earliest.
The report also suggests that the parties should forge agreement on the fundamental principles and features of the new constitution before going for the term extension of CA.
It is learnt that the proposal will be endorsed during the party's upcoming central committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday. nepalnews.com
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