Crisis solution (current year)

Since the Delhi Agreement between seven parliamentary parties and the insurgent CPN (Maoist) of 22 November 2005, the people of Nepal have been waiting in vain for the promised realisation of an inclusive democratic system. Although the then putsching monarchy was abolished and a constitution was passed in 2015 after long power struggles between the political parties, even this was the sole work of the exclusively male leaders of the three major parties, predominantly male Bahuns. The appropriate participation of all social groups, as provided for in the interim constitution of January 2007, did not take place. In this respect, the constitution of 2015 even represented in part a step backwards compared to the interim constitution.
Thus, apart from the abolition of the monarchy, not much has changed since the 1990 system. Numerous fundamental human rights continue to be disregarded. There is no inclusion of all social groups. All power and the majority of all state functions are still in the hands of male Tagadharis, especially male Bahuns.  The latter make up only 6 percent of the population, but the identification of the state and its society and culture, in short the nationalist image of the state of Nepal, is still based on the culture and partly narrow-minded, anarchic, patriarchal and socially discriminating view and thinking of this small minority. As long as this state of affairs continues and the failed generation of political leaders of all parties is not replaced by a younger generation that is inclusive, open-minded, receptive and not exclusively oriented towards personal power interests, there will be no end to the crisis situation.

22/05/2022: Post politics in Nepal : Disillusioned or not with the parties, a large number of people turn out to cast their votes, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Local Polls: Outcome And Message, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Visiting US official meets with Tibetan refugees despite Kathmandu’s caveats : Nepal is in a precarious situation as it navigates carefully to maintain a fine balance amid rapid geopolitical shifts, by Anil Giri (kp), Residents of Khotang depend on helicopters to reach hospitals : Pregnant women suffer the most from a lack of good hospitals and roads in Khotang, by Dambar Singh Rai (kp), Statute of limitation related to rape comes under fire, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

21/05/2022: #MeToo gathers force but calls for sustained movement : Social media posts by a girl detailing sexual violence necessitate immediate action to reform laws to ensure justice as society is invariably failing women and girls, by Aakriti Ghimire and Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Youths protest in Kathmandu demanding justice for rape victim : A case of alleged sexual abuse of a woman has triggered a rage against rape in Nepal. Youths in Kathmandu have taken to the street demanding justice for a victim who was allegedly raped some eight years ago (nlt), Youths demonstrate demanding justice for victim, action against perpetrator (In pics) (kh), Home Ministry urges for help in investigating video clip told incident related to VAW (kh), Rape accused Manoj Pandey arrested (nlt), Vote count in 684 out of 753 local bodies over : NC wins mayor/chair in 303 local levels; UML in 185 and Maoist Center in 116 (kh), Stability was a common refrain. Local polls hint at more unstable politics : It’s tough for any party to gain majority in general elections. Experts suggest measures to ensure stable governments, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Overcoming Public Policy Dilemma, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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20/05/2022: Protesters demand justice and extension of statute of limitation in cases of sexual violence (With Photos) (rep), A howl for justice : Galvanized by a series of videos detailing one woman’s harrowing experiences of being raped as a minor, Nepali women and men take to the streets in protest, by Nishi Rungta (rec), Stop blaming the rape survivors, speak up for justice, by Shreena Nepal (nlt), Building Public Faith to Build Our Democracy, by Milan Jung Katuwal (rep), Vote count in 628 of 753 local levels over : NC wins mayor/chair in 280 local levels; UML in 173 and Maoist Center in 112 (kh), Over 150 local units set to be devoid of representatives, creating a vacuum : Experts show problem with the system, including the law that restricts poll body’s powers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Increasing concrete cover in Valley causing more urban floods : Experts for building infiltrating ponds to avert flood disasters and recharge groundwater, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Cut down to size : Citizens have shown what they think of CPN-UML's actions in recent past (kp) [The question remains: Why are Oli's coup and the anti-democratic months-long blockade of parliament still not being prosecuted?], JSP accuses NC and Maoist Center of betrayal in polls (rep), Election Economy : After the election, there is an economic disaster waiting to strike Nepalis, by Rabin Giri (nt), How not to be a Sri Lanka : Nepal’s disease may not be as severe as Sri Lanka’s, but the symptoms are the same (nt)
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19/05/2022: NC dominates results tally with wins in 252 local units, UML victorious in 164 municipals (nlt), How local elections punctured CPN-UML’s bloated ego : The largest party from the 2017 elections appears set to get relegated to a distant second with gains for the Congress and more bargaining power for the Maoists, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Impressions from the election past : The big takeaway is that nothing mattered in the end except the promise of change, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Crunching effects of inflation : The adversely affected are always those at the bottom of the economic pile (kp), Civic Engagement At Local Level, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Balen Shah's popularity: Nepal seeks a new national party, by Sumit Pathak (ht)
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18/05/2022: Uphold Women’s Constitutional Rights, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
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17/05/2022: Constantly spurned, how Dalits united to create history in local elections : A team of independent Dalit candidates wins four out of five seats in Ward 8 of Kanakasundari Rural Municipality in Jumla, including the post of chair, by DB Budha (kp), Sexual assaults on blind women go unreported : Several blind women have fallen prey to sexual assaulters in Bajhang but the families’ apathy and society’s behaviour towards sexual assault victims have kept many of them from claiming justice, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Towards voting reform : Election symbols were an alternative when the literacy rate was 20 percent in 1960, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Slow-paced counting : The best way to reduce the time for counting the votes is to switch to the Electronic Voting Machine (ht)
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16/05/2022: Why aren’t more women selected as candidates? Patriarchy alone is not a sufficient explanation for the lack of women in candidate selection for the recently held local elections, by Seira Tamang (rec), Inflation making life difficult for the poor and vulnerable : Global price rises, devaluation of the Nepali rupee and artificial price hikes by traders pushing goods and services out of reach, by Krishana Prasain and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Pregnant women in Achham die for want of treatment : Rural women are deprived of safe motherhood services due to illiteracy, poverty and lack of public health awareness, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Disillusioned voters : The truth of the matter is that people are fed up with the antics of politicians (kp), Local polls: Nepali Congress looks set to gain, and also to be saviour of Maoists : UML reacts with charges of rigging as alliance seems to have worked to give the odds in favour of ruling parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp) Sluggish vote counting calls for switching to tech-friendly elections : The pace at which ballot papers of municipal elections are being counted is tiring and cumbersome and is a source of controversy, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)
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15/05/2022: Nepalis in general love to vote. Why is turnout low then? Disenchantment? In Kathmandu Metropolitan City, poll officials say, just half of the registered voters showed up to cast their ballot, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Festering political feud resulted in violent election day, observers say : Single-phase vote also stressed security, making forces unable to contain the violence, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Call for action against those who made it difficult for persons with disabilities to vote : Depriving persons with disabilities of their voting right has legal consequences, rights bodies say (kp)
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14/05/2022: People vote with hope and fervour even as they resent politicians, parties : There are some reports of violence in different parts of the country, but the vote was largely peaceful, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Counting votes within wire fences reflects degrading political culture : Fears of shenanigans have grown, prompting measures like CCTV and fencing, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
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13/05/2022: Local polls: Nepal votes to elect local representatives for the next five years :This is the second time Nepal is voting in the local polls after the country adopted a federal democratic system in 2015 following the promulgation of a new constitution, by Ashim Neupane and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Nepal votes for local leadership (rec), Nepalis head to the polls to shape the country’s future (kh), Nepal polls: Go vote for grassroots democracy : 17.73 million people are voting today to elect over 35,000 local representatives for 753 local units, by Binod Ghimire (kp), People displaced by the earthquake in Rasuwa are still awaiting resettlement : As many as 174 quake-displaced families are staying in temporary shelters at Khalte, by Balaram Ghimire (kp) [They urgently need the right to vote "None of them"!], Tell your own story : Citizens can decide whether they want to elect somebody who governs them or serves them (kp), Raute community deprived of voting right, again (rep), Health insurance must be an election agenda : Nepal’s health insurance program is due for urgent reform, or it risks being obsolete, by Gaj B Gurung (nt)
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12/05/2022: The more teeth to poll commission, the stronger democracy will be, observers say : There are laws but the election body lacks resources—human and financial—to crack down on wrongdoers, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Mute representatives : Clueless about the day’s business in the House, lawmakers are hardly keen to discuss the bills (kp), The pace of federalism : Federalism is a new exercise in Nepal, and it is not unusual for challenges to appear., by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Implications of low women representation in local polls, by Neelam Dhanuse (rep), Local Polls : Parties Put Heavy Stakes, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Local election: Are candidates aware of climate issues?, by Ghanashyam Khanal and Yatish Acharya (ht), For a new destiny : Let’s turn our collective anger into wisdom. This time, let’s vote for Nepal, the Nepalis and a new destiny, by Devendra Gautam (ae)
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11/05/2022: Lack of voter education in Achham villages may lead to invalid votes : Both parties and their candidates have failed to give due importance to the voter education campaign. As a result, many eligible voters are unaware of the voting process creating high chances of invalid votes, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Nepal’s lawmaking process lacks consultation : Four years of federal parliament have been disappointing for participatory lawmaking, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [KP Oli in particular, but also the Deuba-led government, have repeatedly tried to eliminate the popularly elected parliament. It is completely incomprehensible why these politicians want to run again in parliamentary elections!], Voting rights for all : Persons with disabilities in Nepal continue to be excluded from the electoral process (kp), The oligarchy celebrates local polls : The fundamental appeal of municipal polls lies in their ideological vacuity, by CK Lal (kp), Inflation fears as banks report large withdrawals ahead of local elections : Central bank expects currency in circulation to rise by Rs10-15 billion during the elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Only 31% capital budget spent (rn), Local election manifesto: More ritualistic, less realistic, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

10/05/2022: About half of Nepal’s voters will not be able to cast their votes in local polls (rep), Despite law, Nepal fails to achieve Dalit women representation in wards : Parties say they failed to find candidates, an argument Dalit activists do not agree with, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), For people with disabilities, there are barriers galore to right to voting: Secrecy, lack of ballot papers with tactile relief, and tall tables are key infrastructural issues, by Aakash Chaudhary (kp), Waiting for inspiration : Unless our politicians realise the plight of the ordinary people through their suffering, nothing fruitful can be expected (kp), Tall promises : "None of the political parties has unveiled any plans for generating resources to fulfill their promises" (ht), Revenue collection hit by import curbs amid falling foreign exchange reserves : Sluggish capital spending and liquidity crunch also blamed, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Why import ban is undesirable : This policy is practically suicidal since the banned items are major sources of revenue, by Achyut Wagle (kp)
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09/05/2022: Balen Shah: A youth icon, and a ray of hope amid politics of despair. Balen Shah has emerged as a symbol of hope for change, an icon for those who are deeply dissatisfied with established political parties to look up to in Kathmandu, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Promises, promises : Candidates have been promising voters the earth and the sky as usual (kp), All roar, no bite: Poll body says will monitor spending. Experts doubt : The Election Commission has announced it will deploy officials to monitor campaign expenditures, but analysts say they see little chance of action against overspending, a key source of corruption, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), In Madhesh Province, the political landscape is changing : Analysts say the CPN-UML will likely gain from the deep divisions in the Madhesi parties and the alliance politics of five ruling forces, by Anil Giri (kp) [KP Oli has also pursued a sometimes brutal anti-Madhesh policy since 2015 and has shown no understanding for the concerns of the Tarai people. It is hard to imagine that the people have already forgotten this!], Farmers high and dry as local units fail to help : Local governments only care about construction of roads and bridges, neglecting agriculture, voters say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Education Voters : Unless voters are shown what a real ballot paper looks like, they could be disoriented in the booth (ht) [Because of the anti-democratic manipulations of the local elections by the national party leaders, it may be even worse this time than five years ago!]
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08/05/2022: A left turn Congress is taking as the party attempts to counter communist forces : The grand old party, which believed in free and open market policy, is now toeing the line leftist forces followed, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Local Polls: A Democratic Milestone, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), EC warns against use of other party flags, election symbols (ht), Majority of local levels see old faces (ht)
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07/05/2022: The list of wrongdoings by the Deuba government goes long but Kathmandu is fairly quiet : Don't be fooled. Not much has changed since Deuba replaced Oli, except that Deuba could get the much-debated MCC Compact ratified, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt), Call to facilitate participation of persons with disabilities (kh), Civil society body urges EC to facilitate participation of differently-abled people in local polls (rep), Local polls more complicated now to predict with alliance politics and splits : Despite Deuba’s wish and Dahal-Nepal’s compulsion, their poll partnership did not take off well, and UML hopes gains, by Anil Giri (kp), Arzu under fire for her remarks to stop grants where Congress loses : Analysts say her remarks reflect a lack of understanding of how the state functions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [This is not only offensive, it is criminal and corrupt!], Election hits school enrolment campaign : School enrolment campaign has not been able to make much headway since most people are either out participating in political rallies or listening to the political campaigners, say educators, by Samjhana Rasaili (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

06/05/2022: Season of lies : The range of dissemination possible in the social media age helps amplify false information (kp), Dahal’s theatrics and his fixation with Bharatpur stoke discontent in party : Insiders allege Pushpa Kamal Dahal is all about his family and kin at the expense of the CPN (Maoist Centre), by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Budget session is just weeks away but uncertainties loom : Holidays and House rules are obstacles, and there’s the protesting UML too (kp), Local Polls Deepen Democracy, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn) [But not if they are appropriated and controlled by the national level!], Women in the informal economy: Recognise their contribution, by Shreeju Niroula (ht), Exploring the barriers to the right to inclusive election in Nepal : Despite elaborate provisions on including persons with disabilities in political and public life in Nepal, political participation by persons with disabilities remains minimal, by Dev Datta Joshi (rec), Press for people : Nepali journalists find themselves at the crossroads: carry on doing what they did, or adjust to a new mediascape, by Sahina Shrestha (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

05/05/2022: Nowhere safe to go, people in disaster-hit areas live in terror as monsoon nears : Hundreds of people still living in places identified as unfit to reside seven years ago, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Salyan villagers forced to use polluted river water : Around 40 percent of the people in the district have no access to clean water, by Biplob Maharjan (kp), Electoral syndicate against women : From the first election, one thing that hasn't changed is the politics of hegemonic masculinity, by Chandra Bhadra and Sucheta Pyakuryal (kp), Global inflation straining Nepal’s forex reserves : Nepal’s external economic situation isn’t worsening to the level of Sri Lanka but warning signs are visible, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Going local : Candidates seem to be in the dark about the powers and functions of local bodies (kp), Industrial sites continue to be hammered by power outages : Nepal has to fall back on imported power in the winter when domestic output drops to one-third of the installed capacity, by Madhav Dhungana and Shankar Acharya (kp), EC’s Push For Electoral Reform, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Cause of rebel candidature: Party indiscipline or wrong modus operandi?, by Jibaraj Pokharel (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

04/05/2022: Sthapit’s remarks, audience reaction put society’s view of women in focus : Concerns over safety and security of women under leadership of such patriarchal men, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Modi to visit Nepal amid need to review relations in the wake of geopolitical shifts : Delhi sending Navin Srivastava, a strong China hand, as its new Nepal envoy ahead of the Indian prime minister’s trip, by Anil Giri (kp), EC directs candidates, political parties to spend through banking system (kp), NHRC calls for further investigation into newly-appointed IGP Singh for human rights violation (rep), Roti-Beti, Electricity, Connectivity, Security and Beyond, by Samar SJB Rana (rep), Press Freedom Still Faces Challenge, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
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03/05/2022: Nepal: The culture of silence among journalists on the rise, by Guna Raj Luitel (rep), World Press Freedom Day 2022: Nepal records 55 incidents of press freedom violations in a year : “No efforts were made to address impunity relating to crimes against journalists. Justice is awaited both in conflict era and post-conflict cases.” (nlt), 75 incidents of press freedom violation occur in a year (kh), Nepal progresses in Freedom of Press Index (kh) [??], A troubled agency called Nepal Police, thanks to Nepali politicians : Country’s key law enforcement agency faces controversies because of political parties’ vested interests, by Anil Giri (kp), Covid response fund releases money after 14 months : The fund remained idle during the second and third waves due to political wrangling, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), SC seeks written response from govt for not submitting reports on time (kh), Nepal progresses in Freedom of Press Index (kh) [??], CEC Thapaliya calls on mass media to aware people on voting rights (kh) [Also on the voting rights of election workers, security personnel and the millions of migrant workers that have been denied by politicians for years, despite clear directives from the Supreme Court?], Govt raises a loan of Rs 221 billion in nine months (kh), Private sector suggests govt impose high customs duty on goods that can be produced domestically (rep), NRB tightens cash withdrawal through credit cards (rep)
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02/05/2022: As the election date is approaching, game of lies and deceit in Nepal  : The political parties have started distributing freebies to attract voters and secure their seats. Taxpayers are going to have to bear the costs. The government’s capital budget is going to take a huge toll, by Anjila Shrestha (nlt), Election Commission has stricter code of conduct but lacks mechanism to monitor it : Observers find many clauses impractical as neither parties can follow them nor officials can check compliance, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), The school of failure : Local governments should invest in quality education at the school level (kp)
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01/05/2022:  May Day: Let’s acknowledge the contributions of older workers, by Sanju Thapa Magar (nlt), Voters in Birgunj are perplexed as to who to vote for because of alliance politics : Since the Madhes Movement, the parties that championed it have splintered and ultimately joined hands with the forces they once rebelled against, puzzling voters, Tufan Neupane and Bhusan Yadav (kp), Listen to the locals, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn), Row Of Rebel Candidates, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Americans are flying into Nepal in droves. Is there any renewed interest? The MCC Compact’s passage and 75 years of bilateral ties are the reasons, but there’s more to it, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Making Nepal Prosperous: The Way Forward, by Suyesh Raj Pyakurel (rep), 35pc Bajura people living in extreme poverty (ht), International Workers’ Day: Daily wagers struggling to survive (kh)
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30/04/2022: Women leaders from across the political spectrum say they feel constrained : Their representation in local elections has been trimmed but they cannot speak up. Female politicians say the fight will continue though, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), As alliance parties threaten rebel candidates, Election Commission says that’s criminal act : The election body states that the threats violate citizens’ legal and constitutional right to take part in elections, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [When will the so-called top politicians finally be punished appropriately for their constant high-handed behaviour? Non-election of such persons and their protégés would be an appropriate response!], Over 4,000 withdraw candidacies, by Ranju Kafle (rn), RPP expresses concern over death threat issued against the party’s candidate (rep), Political Empowerment Of Citizens, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Women rights group demand action against Sthapit over his insensitive comments : The UML mayoral candidate for Kathmandu is not fit to run for the post, say 45 rights organisations (kp), Making Nepal Prosperous: The Way Forward, by Suyesh Raj Pyakurel (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

29/04/2022: Woman tortured for dowry, despite court order (ht), Expanding fiscal health space in Nepal : The government needs to explore additional sources of financing to expand the fiscal space of healthcare services, by Gauri Pradhan (nlt), Fewer women this time : Underrepresentation of women in politics has long-term drawbacks (kp), Poll panel's new directive unfair to fairer sex : Can affect women's representation in civic bodies as parties prefer to oblige alliance partners, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), All-male executive candidates (ht) [related to Itahari], Whose election is it anyway? Kin and clan networks will once again play a formidable role in determining victory margins, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Coalition Politics – Feat or Anarchism?, by Devesh Jha (kh), Rebel candidates refuse to heed party orders to withdraw from race : Election Commission officials say it is against the code of conduct to pressure the candidates to pull out, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Just to remind you: In November 1994, "rebel candidates" caused Girija's defeat after he refused to meet Ganesh Man Singh's legitimate demands!], Ruling alliance directs rebel candidates to withdraw candidacies : Nepali Congress is making a last-ditch effort to appease Jagannath Poudel who has filed an independent candidature against Renu Dahal in Bharatpur Metropolis to withdraw his candidacy (nlt) [Nepal is a federal state. The national party leadership cannot issue directives in this regard, at best recommendations!], Don’t force anyone to withdraw candidacy: Election Commission (rep), Indicators look bad but statistics bureau paints glowing picture of Nepali economy : Economists question 5.87 percent optimistic growth data released just before Nepal goes to polls, calling it a cheery prediction, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Top US official to visit Nepal prior to local elections : Under secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights arriving in the first week of May, by Anil Giri (kp) [Sounds like ongoing US influence!], Local Bodies Need Capacity Building, by Udbodh Bhandari (rn) [The centrally imposed party alliances aim at exactly the opposite!], Ruling parties agree to cancel coordination with other parties immediately (rn) [If this is to apply to all levels of the federal system, then the latter is reduced to absurdity!], Supreme Court continues interim order against govt’s decision to suspend NRB Governor Adhikari (nlt)
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28/04/2022: Dalit youth thrashed to death over dispute (ht), Public availability of electoral roll data raises privacy concerns : Experts are wary of potential misuse of the data on all registered voters that has been made public and is easily accessible to anyone on the internet, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Alliance politics impacts female candidacy in local level elections : Close to 41 percent women had won in 2017, but fewer will be elected this time, with nomination number itself down, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepali Congress in turmoil as alliance politics chafes scores of local leaders : Insiders say leaders and cadres in lower committees deprived of their right to speak up, by Anil Giri (kp) [The party leaders' understanding of democracy is exactly the opposite of democracy!], Deuba urges ‘rebel’ NC leaders and cadres to withdraw their candidacies (rep) [Local politicians should not be called rebels just because they stand up for democracy and federalism, which are disregarded by the party leadership!], Arguing for depoliticization of local level elections, by Sarita Giri (kh), Industrial sector to face more power cuts amid reduced supply from India : Supply disturbance from the southern neighbour has forced the Nepal Electricity Authority to repeatedly cut power to the sector, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Electricity export from India affected : Industrialists propose two-day power cut; Face losses running into billions (ht), Nepal bans imports of luxury goods amid dwindling forex reserves : The government response follows growing concerns that the country could face an economic crisis (kp), Priority Agenda For Health Strategy, by Jhabindra Bhandari (rn), Curbing Monetary Muscle In Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn)
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27/04/2022: Parties’ freebies and doles blow hole in state coffers, economists say : During the election season, political forces make announcements of free goods and services which could do more harm than good and destroy the system, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Centralised decisions to pick local poll candidates raise questions galore : Deuba warns Congress rebels to back off. Oli tells UML mutineers to resist impulses, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The Political Party Act needs fundamental democratic revision: the power of party leaders must be drastically curtailed; all parties must be forced to comply with the constitution and laws and to be socially inclusive at all levels of the parties and in the nomination of election candidates, under threat of deprivation of party status; expulsion or otherwise "punishment" of party members for expressing an opinion different from that of the party leaders must be made almost impossible. In the context of local elections, all parties are acting anti-democratically and unconstitutionally!], Coalition partners seek electoral alliance within camp (rn) [These so-called top politicians simply do not want to understand that in the federal system they have no right to prescribe such things to the local level!], Keep the peace : The alliance among the ruling coalition partners is likely to evaporate by the time of the federal elections (ht) [By then, these self-appointed leaders will have successfully destroyed local democracy!], Party nomination for local poll  : Marked by dissent and disappointment, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Crack the whip : The Election Commission should punish the candidates or parties that flout the code (kp), Voting: A Voice Of The Voiceless, by Balmukunda Regmi (rn) [But only if candidates are also nominated who represent their interests and not those imposed by the central party leadership!], Low Women Candidacy Breaches Statute, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Believing in democracy, once-extremist forces of Chand and Raut are joining the poll fray : The hardliners joining the elections is a good move and it does not matter whether they win or lose, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
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26/04/2022: Talking out of their hat : Lest the parties forget: They cannot fool all of the people all of the time (kp), Hard to retain last election’s achievements with less women candidates this time (kh), How disinformation poses security threat and what Nepal should do : Failure to prevent disinformation and misinformation on time could lead to a serious national security crisis in the long run, by Narayan Adhikari (nlt), The idea of ‘alternative politics’ is failing in Nepal. What went wrong?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Keshav Sthapit’s candidacy for Kathmandu mayor sparks furore : Sthapit has been accused of sexual harassment by at least two women, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Health care issues despite being vital remain neglected in local elections : Candidates and parties must come up with practical and realistic health care plans, say doctors, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Mangalsen women see no point in voting : Women of the remote Achham local unit demanded a ban on alcohol, introduction of women-centric programmes at the local level and accessibility to a good healthcare system, but their demands remain unaddressed, by Menuka Dhungana (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

25/04/2022: Local Election 2022 : Expectation vs reality, by Ayushma Maharjan (nlt), On a slippery slope : After sliding into particracy, Nepal's democracy is degenerating into kleptocracy (kp), All deals are local : Electoral alliances will essentially make the voting process a formality in many places, by Anurag Acharya (kp), Supreme Court set to decide today on petition on women’s representation in local governments : Deadline given to political parties to file nominations for the May 13 local level elections ends today, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Albatross of an election alliance. Coalition yet to decide candidates for most places : Election offices brace for a hectic schedule today with just around 10,000 candidacies filed on Sunday, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The fundamental interference of party leaders to enforce central power interests in local elections does not fit the democratic principles of a federal state anyway!], First Five Years of Federalism in Nepal, by Khim Lal Devkota (rep) [Yes, the federal state could be a good political system for Nepal if the top politicians of the parties finally gave up their centralist pattern of thinking! Right now they are again preventing democracy and development on the local level!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

24/04/2022: Democracy or kakistocracy? Democratic values undermined, institutions heavily politicized, meritocracy completely neglected, rampant corruption and nepotism unabated. Nepal, many believe, is heading toward a democratic kakistocracy (nlt), Parties struggle to select candidates for local polls on the eve of nomination filing : Coalition’s challenges huge despite deal to share seats at all units. Even UML has yet to decide on various positions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Poll Alliances And Discontents, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Contractors launch ‘construction holiday’ starting from today (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

23/04/2022: Alliance for local polls raises spectre of the notorious ‘all-party mechanisms’ : The so-called all-party committees were a tool for the parties to share the spoils, and experts fear a repeat of the practice that will degenerate into kleptocracy, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Congress faces revolt in grassroots bodies over seat-sharing decision : Disgruntled leaders and cadres in several units vow to defy alliance and contest local elections as independents, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The top politicians of all major parties continue to practise the centralist state!], AWC appeals voters not to vote human rights violators (kh), EC asks leaders in closed list of PR system to remove names if they want to contest local polls (kh), Writ petition challenges ambassadorial nominations : Petitioners say recent nominations have ignored principles of inclusion and call for new nominations (kp), From Parochial To Reflective Citizen, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

22/04/2022: Call for meaningful participation of Dalits in local level polls (kh), Putting Hometown First : The local leadership should be selected based on whether the elected leaders can develop their village or town and how patriotic they are, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), JSP dissatisfied as ruling coalition allocates mayor of Nepalgunj to NC (kh), UML feels the heat as nomination filing dates draw closer : The opposition party, which was putting on a brave face, is now seeking support from several fringe parties, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), China asserts, with envoy addressing issues—help for Nepal to world order : Hou Yanqi says Beijing stands for its southern neighbour as she sheds light on the difficulties investors face in Nepal and challenges in cross-border railway from north, by Binod Giri (kp), Street vendors are crucial to urban economy, but their plight is huge : Those doing business on footpaths and alleys need help, not harassment, experts say, by Pawan Pandey (kp), Trade deficit widening despite govt attempts to curb import (kh), State-sponsored economic crisis : The real emergency in Nepal’s economy is not the Ukraine War, but a self-serving government (nt), Mismanaged Nepal, by Tilak Rawal (sp), A Tumultuous Destiny, by K. Uprety (sp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

21/04/2022: NHRC calls for ensuring women’s proportional representations in local election (kh), Advocacy group calls for meaningful representation of Dalits in local governance : Samata Foundation says existing representation is encouraging but not in proportion with the population (kp), “Voters should exercise their sovereign rights while voting”, interview with Laxman Phuyal (kh), Parties’ promises in doubt as most are drafting local poll manifestos centrally : Until local committees get to draw their bespoke manifestos, such papers become mere campaign rhetoric, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Discontent brews in Congress after allies finalise seat-sharing for 17 major cities : A section in the party and observers denounce alliance politics, saying such a practice shrinks democratic space, by Anil Giri (kp) [Nepal is a federal state in which the national party leadership can only make recommendations to the local party level, but should not impose any directives, especially regarding the nomination of local election candidates and electoral alliances!], What’s enticing some central and provincial leaders into local politics : Assembly members and former ministers are eyeing mayoral posts because of the lack of space at top tiers and more resources at the local level, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [... and contribute to making the local level socially even less inclusive!], Lower revenue collection raises questions about health of economy : Officials say liquidity crunch and sluggish capital spending slow down economic activities but tourism hopes are high, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), It’s the economy, stupid : You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing (kp), Party leaders reach Musahar settlement after five years since last election (kh) [This proves the whole disinterest of the politicians!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

20/04/2022: CM Pokhrel blames federal curb for province’s failure to work as per expectation (kh), Nepal Rastra Bank’s autonomy restored : There is room for the Ministry of Finance to act like a big brother should it choose—wrongly—to do so, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Nepal finance minister faces moral question after top court rules against move to suspend central bank governor : With an interlocutory order to the government not to enforce its April 7 decision, Adhikari is set to resume office, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Power shortage in India hits supply to Nepal. Firms in east face outages : Nepal still relies on power imported from the south, where generation is running low now, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Patchy approach : What the government has done to address the problem seen with the foreign exchange reserve is inadequate (ht), Pre-local election dynamics in Nepal : Theory and reality, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

19/04/2022: How think tanks and social innovation can help in better policymaking : A new crop of think tanks is emerging. The government can step up and work with them with some help from the donors if needed, by Simone Galimberti (nlt), Ruling coalition to finalize distribution of metropolises and sub metropolises today (kh) [Nepal is a federal state. Nominating candidates for local elections is not the responsibility of national party leaders!], “Keeping us out of elections will obstruct peace process”, interview with Khadga Bahadur Biswokarma (CPN), On the horns of a dilemma: To restrict imports or make the revenue : Private sector for hiking duties to curb imports instead of banning foreign goods amid looming economic crisis, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Krishana Prasain (kp), NC Stands To Benefit From Poll Alliance : Having allied with the ultra-rightist party of Kamal Thapa's RPP-Nepal and pro-Christian party, Nepal Pariwar Dal, Oli has made his intentions clear, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Elected representatives need to resign if they wish to contest again : Supreme Court quashes petition against poll commission’s mandatory requirement of resignation (kp) [This is now binding law, but still not rationally comprehensible. The then Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi did not even resign from his position as CJ in 2013 when he took over as head of the executive.], In Madhes Province, voters turning away from Madhes-based parties, by Mukesh Pokhrel (rec), Supreme Court stays govt’s decision to suspend NRB Governor Adhikari (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

18/04/2022: Patriarchy plagues the lives of young girls in Siraha : When one girl acts beyond the traditional norms, all other girls in the village face the consequences—their education is discontinued and they are married off, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Achham district judge who passed a controversial decision on a rape case called to Supreme Court : Nabin Kumar Joshi last month slapped a three-and-a-half-year jail term to a rape victim, citing a non-existing legal provision (kp), Former Judges Forum-Nepal seeks probe into incompetent judges (kh), Dalits demand respectable, proportional representation in upcoming elections (ht), As political parties focus on winning seats, electorate takes a back seat : Polling day is only 26 days away, but none of the parties except for Rastriya Janamorcha has unveiled their manifesto for the local level election, by Binod Ghimire (kp), No drastic measures : Politicians need to get their heads out of the sand and start thinking constructively (kp), Is the crisis deepening? It is not that the economy is not in trouble, but it is not so severe or dire as some are saying, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), Correct Information Key To Fair Polls, by Ballav Dahal (rn), CPN-UML to support Joshi's son (ht) [Here, too, nothing more than flawless nepotism!], NC cadres against electoral alliance in local election: Leader Thapa (kh), In search of subnational policies : A large number of policies are going to remain the same across all provinces and our development aspirations, for the time being, will be determined more by federal policies and institutions than by provincial institutions and policies, by Yatindra KC (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

17/04/2022: Election alliances of Nepali parties: sense or nonsense in local elections?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), Alliance politics may help parties but for first-time voters, it comes with confusion : During local level elections, an adult votes for seven candidates. Remembering all the symbols and cross-party candidates will be difficult, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), In desperate bid, UML collaborates with two fringe parties on polls : As the five parties take forward their electoral alliance plan, the opposition party makes boastful claims even while pursuing any potential tie-up, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal seeks overseas nationals' help to build up forex reserves amid economic woes (rep), NRB staffers protest against govt move to suspend Governor Adhikari (rep), Seeking reinstatement, suspended NRB governor files petition at Supreme Court (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

16/04/2022: Some 100 provisions in 43 Acts are discriminatory to women : If political parties don’t want to amend the discriminatory laws, then the constitution itself should be amended, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The constitution has to be amended anyway to uphold women's rights. The Oli government has always fundamentally rejected this and the current government is no better.], Dalit women were elected in numbers. But have they been empowered? Despite holding posts, experience as decision makers was not encouraging as discrimination continued, they say, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Allies set ways of candidate selection but disputes remain on the ground : Members of the ruling coalition themselves doubt the alliance’s effectiveness, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Local level free to use discretion regarding electoral alliance: NC Gen Secy Thapa (kh), Solutions to the Crisis of Depleting Forex Reserves, by Lokesh Todi (rep), Governance Of Economic Life, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), 74 incidents of press freedom violation in 2078 BS (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

15/04/2022: Nepal's political system: Does it need to change for the better?, by Mim Bahadur Pariyar (ht), Rising inflation, slower growth stoke stagflation concerns : As inflation galloped to a 67-month high of 7.14 percent in March, World Bank slashes Nepal’s growth forecast to 3.7 percent, by Sangam Prasain and Krfishana Prasain (kp), State-sponsored economic crisis : The real emergency in Nepal’s economy is not the Ukraine War, but a self-serving government (nt), Take restrictive measures to avert an economic crisis, by Surendra Pandey (kh), Economic diplomacy takes a back seat as diplomats fail to push it : Experts stress making it a part of the country’s overall diplomacy so as to advance and achieve economic goals, by Anil Giri (kp) [What can you expect when the majority have no diplomatic experience but get their posts on the basis of kinship or party affiliation?], Landless see ploy in distribution of temporary land ownership papers ahead of local elections : Local representatives distributed 1,197 temporary land ownership documents to landless families in Shuklagandaki and Bandipur last week, by Samjhana Rasaili (kp), Govt’s capital expenditure stands at meager 27.45 percent of the targeted amount in Q3 (rep), Debunking the Low Capital Expenditure Practice : What Engineers Say!, by Pradip Kumar Kafle (rep), Nepal to miss growth target as concerns about economic woes intensify : Fuelled by higher commodity prices, surging inflation is also making life much tougher for many Nepalis (ht), Government positive to address demands of Janamat Party: Home Minister Khand (rep) [Election campaign tactics send their regards!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

14/04/2022: Women in politics : One can have all the rules and yet find a million ways to sidestep them (kp) Is Nepal heading toward the worst economic crisis? While indicating that the worst may be yet to come, economists warn that if the government doesn’t work on correcting the course, the Nepali economy might end up in a red zone soon, by Ashim Neupane (nlt), Warning signs : Our total export is insufficient even to purchase fuel alone, whose prices have soared due to the war in Ukraine (ht), Nepal’s economic growth projected at 4.7% in FY 2079/80 (kh) [??], Slower yet gradual growth expected for Nepal amid global challenges, says World Bank (ht), Central bank independence : Inflation can be high when there is a problem in the central bank’s independence, by Ram Neupane (kp), NC endorses election manifesto (kh) [Local elections do not so much need a party manifesto at the central level. They are primarily about the local concerns and interests of the voters, and these vary widely from region to region. The same applies logically to electoral alliances.], Electoral alliance will not serve NC’s interest: Gen Secy Thapa (kh), How remittance is fuelling agricultural risks and unplanned sprawl : In 1989, the urban cover occupied just 221.1 sq km of the Tarai, but this had increased to 930.22 sq km by 2016. Agriculture’s share in the GDP has fallen markedly over a decade, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), EC for vacating stay on code provision, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Elections law defines circumstances of ballot counting centre capture (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

13/04/2022: Let Women Lead Local Levels, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Ambassadorial appointments: Unqualified, yet fortunate individuals, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh) [Nepotism as usual!], Dr. Deuba calls for electoral quotas for women based on proportional inclusion (kh), Central bank paints grim picture of Nepal’s economy : Inflation is rising, BoP is ballooning, remittances are falling and imports surging, Nepal Rastra Bank reports, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Experts warn against supply cuts as daily fuel imports hit Rs1 billion : Fuel accounts for 14.1 percent of Nepal’s imports. Officials believe curbing imports can put economy back on track, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Unhappy countries of South Asia : The commonality of unhappy countries is as clearly recognisable as that of the happy ones, by CK Lal (kp), UML and RPP-Nepal ink a deal to forge electoral alliance, RPP-Nepal candidates to contest the poll with UML’s election symbol (rep) [It is legally hardly conceivable that RPP-Nepal candidates should be allowed to stand with the party symbol of the UML!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

12/04/2022: ‘The human rights situation in Nepal is still far from satisfactory’, interview with Nirajan Thapaliya, Director, Amnesty International Nepal (nlt), Sledgehammer to central bank autonomy : The passage of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act was seen as a safeguard against political interference, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Action against governor may put Nepal in IMF’s bad books : One of the IMF’s conditions for approving $396 million credit facility is that central bank and its personnel’s autonomy should be strengthened further, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Anil Giri (kp), Funds shortage hits plan to expand nutrition rehabilitation centres across the country : Nepal’s Sustainable Development Goals target on nutrition is unlikely to be met, health officials say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Nirvik Nari: An event celebrating women : Panellists describe the challenges women face at both social and policy levels (kp), Rising campaign spending : Failure to ensure financial transparency will facilitate corruption and cronyism (kp), No to luxury items : As there is no sign of replenishing the foreign reserve, we have to impose a ban on importing luxury goods (ht), Opponent bashing in politics: An appalling civic felony but not in Nepal, by Pushpa R Joshi (ht), Peak of liquidity crisis: Borrowing reaches Rs 101 bln, liabilities cross Rs 200 bln (kh), Women’s Participation in Elections in Nepal, by Shreeju Niroula (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

11/04/2022: Election year is here. Poll expenses major cause for concern : Questions asked: Who funds politicians and why do they do that? Observers say costly polls are a source of corruption, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Shooting the messenger : Action against Nepal Rastra Bank governor is more whimsical than a studied decision (kp), Governor faced action for not cooperating with finance minister: PM Deuba (kh) [When COAS Katawal refused to cooperate with the Maoist-led government in 2009 and was therefore dismissed, the then President Ram Baran Yadav, who was elected as the NC candidate, immediately reversed this decision. How times change!], Ex-FinMins condemn suspension of NRB guv : Call it ruling coalition's move 'to cover up its own incompetence under finance minister' (ht), Bad precedent : The erosion of NRB's autonomy could lead to the appointment of a new governor with change of govt (ht) [Yes, because of the total party-political infiltration of all spheres of public life, all functionaries of the country will then be replaced on average at least once a year. This means that politicians will still have no time at all for their actual tasks! But at least they can cover up their incompetence!], Economy in crisis but how grave is it? Economic turbulence looms large with half of the country’s income going to import bills. But situation manageable if immediate mitigation measures are taken, economists say, by Sangam Prasain and Krishana Prasain (kp), BRI and MCC : Implications for Nepal, by Dron Lamichhane (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

10/04/2022: Governments come, governments go. Badis’ condition as bad as ever : Ranked at the bottom even among Dalits, generations of Badi have endured extreme socio-economic marginalisation over the past century, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), What ails five-year-old provinces? Provincial governments were largely non-performers but non-cooperation from Singha Durbar is to blame, leaders say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Action against governor causes unease among Congress leaders : Leaders say the party has been dragged into Maoist agenda and the uncalled for decision could backfire, by Anil Giri (kp), Date set but why some are doubting timely polls : Several factors at play including difficulty in forming alliances and petitions at court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Health insurance policyholders bear the brunt of payment arrears by authority : Hospitals curtail services to those covered by health insurance owing to delay in payment by insurance board, by Madhab Aryal (kp), Doing diplomacy differently: Bridging the gap between policies and people : Public diplomacy should not just be about promoting culinary delicacies and cultural traditions but also about finding better ways to involve and engage people in foreign affairs, by Simone Galimberti (nlt), Nepal’s deepening economic crisis: Opposition CPN-UML slams the government on economic slowdown : The Opposition said the coalition parties themselves have conflicting views on vital issues such as economic policy formulation, bi- and multilateral assistance mobilization, and role of the private sector in the economy (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

09/04/2022: Financially hard for women to contest elections (kh), Keep up our local level representation, women leaders urge Deuba, poll body : Parties fighting elections in an alliance are likely not to field women candidates for both top local government positions, taking advantage of a flaw in the law, by Binod Ghimre (kp), Election Commission tweaks provision for level representatives to contest polls : People's representatives registering candidacy in the local-level elections should sign a document mentioning not availing government facilities (nlt), Governor suspended when economy is in crisis and finance minister in question : Government forms a committee to look into Governor Adhikari’s activities, leading to his automatic suspension, by Anil Giri and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Government’s health insurance scheme fails to retain subscribers : Only 20 percent of the total population is covered by the scheme and dropout rate is high owing to poor service delivery at healthcare institutions, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Middlemen rake it in while farmers and consumers suffer : Kathmandu residents pay high prices for vegetables, but growers get little of the money, by Pawan Pandey (kp), Just Pursuit Of Civil Society, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

08/04/2022: Five years of local governance: What went wrong? Several instances show that the local governments have grossly failed to abide by the constitutional spirit. Corruption is what they have excelled at, by Jivesh Jha (nlt), Time to cleanse local governments : If the parties field incompetent and corrupt candidates, voters should reject them, by Dinesh Pant (kp), EC ready to make clear code of conduct (kh), Can Bandi bring the transitional justice process on track? Victims and rights activists say it is possible if he doesn’t compromise on the stand that he has so far been taking, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ambassadors recommended for 20 countries including China : Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, a rights activist and conflict victim, has been picked for Beijing under Maoist quota, by Anil Giri (kp), No data as malnutrition turns into major killer in Bajura villages : Lack of detailed study in Muktikot, other villages worsens situation when the actual toll of deprivation is unknown, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Around 500 women and children rescued from Nepalgunj border point (rep), President nominates Dahal as NA member (kh) [Nepotism at its best!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

07/04/2022: Nepal Amid Triangular Geopolitical Game, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Bipartisan Congress delegation from US to arrive on April 23 : Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to lead the team to Kathmandu. The team from Washington is arriving on the heels of MCC Compact’s passage, which Beijing has objected to, by Anil Giri (kp) [Sincere help is very welcome and urgently needed by Nepal, but not interference and abuse of Nepal in international power conflicts, especially those with its immediate neighbour China! Of course, this also applies reciprocally to China], Voting process is going to be complex as parties go for electoral alliance : Voters of parties in the alliance will have a tough time finding the poll symbols and remembering which party has fielded candidates for which positions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), UML objects to provisions in election code of conduct (nlt), Time is of the essence : Every little measure should be taken to ensure economic stability at a precarious time (kp), Policy conflict in Nepal : Up until the 1970s, there was a misconception that once policy is made, it is implemented, by Chandra Ghimire (kp), Advocate Gobinda Bandi, a non-lawmaker, appointed as law minister (rep) [There cannot be enough male Bahuns in the government!], Lakhan Thapa Magar Foundation demands UML Chair Oli to withdraw his statement on first martyr of Nepal (kh), Nepal bans import of luxury items amid depleting forex reserves (rep), Citizen Participation In Service Delivery, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Government recommends names of ambassadors to 20 countries (with list) (kh) [Three quarters of them are Bahuns, which once again shows who considers themselves as the owners of this land!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

06/04/2022: Voting rights for Nepalis abroad: Full of promises, lack of action : Political parties have promised suffrage to Nepali citizens living abroad time and again but have not taken definite measures to actually allow them to vote, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), China’s boomerang policy and MCC in Nepal, by Saurav Raj Pant (kh) [Nepal is a pawn in the global power struggle between China and the USA. Like China, the latter has problems with democracy and human rights, internationally as well as at home. No other country has waged so many wars far from its own borders, sometimes justified with lies, and supported dictators when it served its own interests. They have not yet overcome racist thinking and actions in their own country. China basically bad and the USA basically good does not help Nepal. The country must try to use the global conflict between the two major powers for its own benefit with diplomatic skill.], Election security: Concerns arise from parties fighting polls : Not much threat from so called armed outfits and those boycotting the vote. Observers and experts say it would be better if parties fix their rifts and conflict, by Anil Giri (kp), Election code of conduct in question after the UML refuses to sign it : Experts fault Election Commission for failing to win the confidence of all parties registered to contest the polls, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), High and dry : Infrastructures built without proper planning end up causing long-term destruction (kp), President Bhandari issues five ordinances (rep) [Continued ordinances instead of laws: This is the state of parliamentary democracy in Nepal as already favoured by KP Oli before!], Poll preparation, monitoring panel formed (ht) [There must be poll monitoring independent from government and political parties!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

05/04/2022: NRB puts ban on import of private vehicles (kh), How myopic they are : People in far-flung areas lack basic necessities, and they are building view towers (kp), EC holding meeting with leaders of political parties today : To seek written commitment on election code of conduct (kh), Leaders engage in heated argument in meeting called by EC to discuss local polls (rep) [The party leaders prove once again that they are unwilling to abide by democratic principles and prefer unlawful behaviour!], Main opposition UML refuses to sign in election code of conduct citing noise in the hall (kh) [???], Reinvigorating Literacy Campaigns, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Malnutrition up in Muktikot (ht), UN, development partners and AIN concerned over possible coercion, force or intimidation directed at their staff or partners in upcoming polls : "We are particularly concerned when our staff and projects face challenges, such as pressure from any stakeholder to provide donations or in-kind assistance," reads the joint statement (nlt), Election Commission issues directives to compulsorily field woman candidate (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

04/04/2022:  Alliance politics may trim women’s representation in local governments : As coalition partners plan to fight May 13 polls in alliance, observers wonder if the inclusion idea is at stake, by Binod Ghimire (kp), How to address inflation pressure amid current economic hardship? The authorities have always been intervening in the wrong areas to tackle the surging price level in the economy, by Prience Shrestha (nlt), Prime Minister Deuba’s India visit: What he discussed, what he missed? (nlt), Deuba returns home from India trip with pilgrimage to Kashi : Visit may be trust-building bid but many view it differently amid geopolitical flux and evolving Nepal-India relations, by Anil Giri (kp), Diplomatic hobnobbing : Nepal’s politicians need to have the astuteness to translate friendly ties into economic advantage (kp), Many agreements, little action : Any future Nepal-China deal should include an implementation schedule to ensure it is carried out, by Purushottam Ojha (kp), Absence of bridge puts students’ lives at risk : Seven students have lost their lives crossing the river in the past three years, say locals, by Biplab Maharjan (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

03/04/2022: Action against victim of rape creates furore : Achham District Court judge in the dock. Questions raised over his competence as well as Nepal’s judicial system, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), On boundary row, brief talk with no concrete resolution : Deuba and Modi renew commitment to better bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on energy, connectivity. Experts term the visit a confidence booster, by Anil Giri (kp), Flag-waving duplicity : Nationalism and national interest are not natural bedfellows, although politicians tend to conflate the two, by Avasna Pandey (kp), Prisoners, detainees still face humanitarian problems (ht), 'Govt not serious about decriminalising abortion, by Ram Kumar Kamat' (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

02/04/2022: Legally unmarried, socially married : In Karnali, early marriages, driven by a host of factors, are rampant, which have multiple consequences, especially on girls, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Elderly people in rural Bajura face hassles in getting allowance : As the villages have no transportation services, most of the beneficiaries have to walk quite a distance to receive the social security allowance from the designated banks, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), As fuel prices rise, Nepalis buffeted by stagnant incomes and high inflation : The Department of Transport Management has allowed transport entrepreneurs to jack up bus fares and freight charges on inter-provincial routes by 10 to 14 percent, by Krishana Prasain (kp), How will the Nepali Congress-led alliance fare in the metropolitan cities? Nepali Congress has declared electoral alliance with Maoist Center, CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi Party for the upcoming local elections. How will they fare in six metropolitans?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Nepal, India sign four agreements (nlt), ‘Save the Himalayas, save the river’ campaign (kh), Enhancing Efficacy Of Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), 'Empowering local governments a must' (ht)
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01/04/2022: A case against nostalgia : The past would seem better if one belonged to the upper castes or were associated with royalty, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Coalition members seek to fortify alliance plan for local elections : There’s, however, many a slip twixt cup and lip, with Madhes-based parties involved, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Experts doubt implementation of latest trade deal with China : Beijing has agreed to provide duty-free treatment to Nepali goods, but the northern neighbour has been barring exports from Nepal for years, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Youths head for India in droves indifferent to elections : Say earning livelihoods and feeding their families are more important to them, by Thakur Singh Tharu and Bhawani Bhatta (kp) [It is the criminal failure of the previous Oli government, but of course also of the present Deuba government, to have simply and purposefully disregarded the SC's directive on the participation of migrant workers in the elections! It has already been established for five years that 2022 is an election year!], Industrial outage may continue for a month : Factories are facing up to 14 hours of power cuts in the eastern industrial belt as electricity imports get too costly, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), UML and RPP discuss electoral collaboration (rep) [Oli seeks proximity to the anti-federal, anti-secular, Hindu-fundamentalist and pro-monarchist RPP, in short, a party that fundamentally opposes the 2015 Constitution? Yet only a few hours earlier he had claimed that his party would dominate the elections even without an alliance!], Campaign launched to field independent candidates in local level election (kh), Air Pollution : One of Nepal’s key policy failures, by Shuvam Rizal (rec), Deputies drive development in rural Nepal : Nepal’s female deputy mayors and chiefs vie for top local government positions in May's local election, by Laxmi Basnet (nt), Periphery within the periphery in Nepal : A remote village in far-west Nepal readies to vote in local elections with anticipation and hope, by Kunda Dixit (nt), Grassroots democracy promotes good health : Expensive medical care is making Nepalis poorer, but there are examples of local governments trying to change that, by Sagar Budhathoki (nt)
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31/03/2022: Violence against girls goes unabated : Seventy-nine rape cases reported in Morang this fiscal year; nearly two-thirds of the victims are children, by Binod Bhandari (kp), ‘Out of compulsion’: Ruling coalition’s electoral alliance easier said than done : Nepali Congress needs it, but the Maoists need it more. Leaders and analysts say there are complications galore, by Anil Giri (kp), Misinformation questions media credibility: PM Deuba (kh) [That of the politicians as well!], Scars of Maoist Insurgency: ‘Dear PM, first save the victims!’, by Guna Raj Luitel (rep), Tackling Electoral Offences, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Election staff must arrive at polling stations three days in advance (rep) [And what about the opportunity for these staff members to vote themselves? This is a fundamental right of all Nepalese, and the government must ensure that this right can be exercised.], Nepali Army and U.S. Army hold Nepal-U.S. Land Forces Talks in Hawaii (kh) [Against the background of the global competition between the USA and China, this proves anything but Nepal's neutrality!], Deuba’s India visit: Symbolism over substance : With India closely monitoring the US-China competition in the Himalayas, it could convey to PM Deuba a message in this regard, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
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30/03/2022: Chitwan National Park once again sets settlers’ huts ablaze : The park burnt around a dozen huts in the area on Sunday while several others were demolished, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), Making Deserted Villages Alive, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Discourage Muscle, Mafia & Money In Polls, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
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29/03/2022: Amnesty International’s report highlights government’s failure to safeguard citizens’ rights (nlt) [see AI report on Nepal], Two injured as IED goes off in Itahari (kh), Two injured in explosion in Itahari (rep), Loans on commercial terms could greatly increase Nepal’s debt burden : Focus should be on grants, and if credit is a must, interest should be nominal, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)
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28/03/2022: 39 cases of caste-based discrimination (ht), Chinese minister wraps up Nepal visit with mixed signals and messages : Beijing reiterates BRI but Kathmandu fails to mention. Experts say deals signed are customary, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp), The stress of entrance exams : The entrance examination is a barrier to young children's growth and development, by Dipu Shakya and Kenji Kitamura (kp), EC decides to provide 73 small parties their own election symbols (kh)
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27/03/2022: Deprivation, hunger and infant deaths in a remote Bajura village : Mothers in Muktikot suffer from lactation insufficiency for lack of nutritious food and lose their babies either in the womb, at birth or at neonatal and postneonatal stages, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), 84 kids in Muktikot suffering from malnutrition (ht), Wang visit: Nepal, China sign nine agreements, none on BRI : Nepali side conveys it wants more grants from China than loans. Two foreign ministers underscore the need for concerted efforts to expedite execution of ongoing projects, by Anil Giri (kp), Left Unity Proposal : A Fanciful Move, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [This anti-inclusive gathering of egomaniacal, power-hungry and yet incompetent top politicians will never find unity, much to the detriment of Nepal!], 'Pro bono lawyers need resources' (ht), It is govt responsibility to grant citizenship to people: JSP Chairman Yadav (rep)
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26/03/2022: Two held for attacking a woman with acid (kh),  JSP Chief Whip Pramod Sah attacked; guard’s pistol snatched away (kh), Federal MP Shah seriously injured in clash over land dispute, by Madan Thakur (rep), JSP accuses UML of attacking their Chief Whip Shah (rep), Indian firms Tata, Airtel warn to block internet bandwidth in Nepal (rep), Building Civic Capacity Of People, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Bajura Gandharvas Living In Makeshift Huts, by Sher Bahadur Sarki (rn), NA Chair Timilsina Urges Party Leaders To Follow COVID-19 Health Protocols (rn), Nepal and China sign nine agreements : One of the agreements is on a technical assistance scheme for the China-aided feasibility study of the cross-border railway (kp), Nepal, China sign nine bilateral agreements (nlt)
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25/03/2022: Commission to dig up sites in search of missing persons : Disappearance commission set to excavate possible places where victims could have been buried after being killed by either the state or rebel forces, by Binod Ghimire (kp), High-tech surveillance : Political leaders cannot be trusted to allow the elections to happen freely and fairly (kp), Nepal wants to be off aviation blacklist. It has not passed key bills yet : The government has been working on the proposed legislation since 2009 when it made a commitment to ICAO to split the civil aviation body during the safety audit, by Sangam Prasain (kp), 417 households getting land ownership certificates after 36 years (rep), Don’t act on the Act : The vagueness of a new amendment to the broadcast law is designed for arbitrary application (nt), Fixing the broken parts in Nepal-China ties : Foreign Minister Wang Yi must use his Kathmandu visit to clear the growing distrust between Beijing and Kathmandu, and seek to better understand Nepal, including its age-old links to Tibet, by Kanak Mani Dixit (nt), Sky high fuel price hits Nepal’s tourism, airlines : Fallout of Ukraine war knocks country’s aviation as it struggles to recover from pandemic (nt)
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24/03/2022: No deliberation on sexual violence in parliament due to obstruction: Minister Regmi (kh), No interim order in cases of constitutional body appointments : Appointees from the time of Oli government can continue their work pending final hearing, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Musahar children in Rautahat deprived of formal education and state benefits : Musahar children are deprived of birth and citizenship certificates due to the apathy of local government, guardians say, by Shiva Puri (kp), Jumping ship : This party-hopping exercise is nothing short of betrayal of the people’s trust (kp), Women Prove Leadership Mettle, by Mukti Rijal (kp), Impeachment of CJ: Generating more smoke than fire, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), What kind of financial help are we getting from China? On each of the nine projects Nepal has shortlisted under the BRI, it has to negotiate loans with Chinese banks, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
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23/03/2022: Local governments failed to live up to the people’s aspirations : Will the upcoming election change anything?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), UML Chair Oli defends HoR dissolution as just : Says dissolution was meant to retain NCP unity (kh) [The decision of the court is binding law, even for godlike persons like KP Oli. His renewed statement is tantamount to contempt of court!], Beijing mission is a priority, but Nepal has had no envoy there for 5 months : Nepal’s political parties have made ambassadorial posts a tool to appoint people of their choice disregarding ethical and political principles, by Anil Giri (kp), This is poll season and party-hopping is rife : Quitting one party to join another is not unusual but an upward trend points to rise of opportunism, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is facilitated by the fact that all parties lack vision, have undemocratic structures and their leaders swagger in opportunistic wisdom!], Happy about what? Happiness, for Nepalis, has remained a dream deferred for quite long (kp), National Broadcasting (11th Amendment) Regulation, 2021 looks suspicious: Nepal Working Group for Internet Freedom (rep), President Bhandari issues Railway Ordinance (rep) [Nepal is a parliamentary democracy, that is run by ordinances without active parliament! Isn't this funny?], Local Polls Bolster Democracy, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Addressing gender violence in cyberspace, by Prasansha Rimal (rec)
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22/03/2022: Prachanda asks PM Deuba to provide subsistence allowance to the injured and disabled of armed conflict, others (kh) [And what about all those people who were killed, wounded or disappeared in the course of the atrocities committed by the insurgent Maoists or the army? What about justice for the victims, regardless of which side they were on?], Center should not intervene in federalism to smoothly function: CM Pandey (kh), Election Commission defends rule requiring local officials to resign before seeking re-election : Officials say rule ensures level playing field for all candidates by preventing possible misuse of state resources, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [But that does not justify a constitutional violation. The harshest possible punishment of the incumbents running again in case of misconduct without ifs and buts could be an option.], Supreme Court stays rule requiring resignation by local officials seeking re-election : Clause 36 of the Election Code of Conduct says elected officials seeking re-election must resign before filing their nomination for the upcoming local elections (kp), Voting rights : If 115 countries can realise out-of-country voting, there is no reason why Nepal cannot do so (ht), CPN-Biplav leader Manik Lama nabbed in allegation of planting explosives (kh), Nepal Army and US Army launch joint medevac training exercise in Kathmandu (kh) [??], LSP likely to join govt as PM Deuba prepares to reshuffle Cabinet (rep)
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21/03/2022: Rape cases continue unabated despite harsher laws (ht), School teacher arrested on sexual harassment allegation (kh), Curfew in Letang following death of police constable in a clash, by Binod Bhandari (kp), Curfew clamped in Letang after police killed in clash (kh), Disenfranchised – millions of Nepalis have no voting rights : Despite the outsized impact that migrant workers have on Nepal, they are still unable to vote in elections as Nepal has no provisions for absentee voting, by Marissa Taylor (rec), No voting rights for Nepalis abroad, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Political parties reiterate commitment to give voting rights to Nepalis abroad (rep) [This statement by the political parties is simply a lie. The SC's prescription has been there for years. Neither the Oli nor the Deuba government, nor the parties involved in them, have done anything to implement it. The right to vote belongs to all Nepali citizens, including the helpers and security personnel deployed on election day, including the many people who are denied citizenship papers by the state for gender-discriminatory reasons!], Writ filed at SC against provision of level representatives to resign for contesting polls (nlt), As coalition’s poll alliance conundrum continues, Congress to decide on Friday : CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist), with their options limited, ratchet up the rhetoric, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [An electoral alliance of the ruling parties would prevent a return of the coup leader Oli. If the NC refuses, there could be an alliance of other parties and the NC would possibly be the big loser again! The chances of CPN (MC) and CPN (US) seem slim without an electoral alliance. What the top politicians of all parties pompously proclaim does not correspond to reality anyway!], Solar Irrigation Pumps, Women and Smallholders in Eastern Tarai, by Gitta Shrestha and Labisha Uprety (rep)
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20/03/2022: EC to not allow int’l organizations to observe local level elections (kh), PM Deuba says govt committed to holding free, fair elections (kh) [This must be confirmed by independent observers. The advance exclusion of international observers is questionable!], When does the term of current House expire? No one actually knows : Constitution sets five-year term but does not say when date starts. Experts differ, some saying polling day, others insisting date when Parliament first met as the beginning, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Nepal is a parliamentary democracy. In such a democracy, parliament should not be dissolved, but should remain constant. It makes sense for a parliamentary term to last from the day of the first sitting of a parliament until the first sitting of the next elected parliament. Unfortunately, the Nepali parliament is often seen as an obstacle by the executive and is therefore misused to enforce its policies.], Rule for local officials to resign to contest May polls courts controversy : Election Commission says move aimed at creating a level playing field. Opponents call it an unwarranted move, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [What has been said about the federal parliament also applies to the term of office at provincial and local level.], EC's 'unjust' election code kicks up a row : Provision requiring local reps to quit to contest polls condemned, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Maoist Center is open to all options for electoral alliance : Prachanda alleges NC leaders for using derogatory language (kh) [Dahal knows that without an electoral alliance, his party may face disaster.], New Poll Alignments In Making?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)
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19/03/2022: Nepalis are dying in the Gulf. Not enough done to prevent loss of life : The causes of death are not being properly investigated, says a report, highlighting how migrant workers are exposed to a series of risks to health, including heat and humidity, by Binod Ghimire and Arjun Poudel (kp), Nepal turns the happiest country in South Asia (kh), The Locomotives Of Local Self-Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Another COVID wave looms, govt dithering on jabs (ht)
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18/03/2022: Good governance is vital. How can Nepal achieve it?, by Yogendra Prasad Lamichhane (nlt), Election Code of Conduct:  Resignation mandatory prior to becoming candidate (kh) [This rule is nonsense, anti-democratic and a violation of Article 215 of the Constitution, which guarantees a term of five years and does not declare that this term must be shortened if incumbent representatives wish to run again!], Supreme Court delays passing verdicts after giving interim orders : Experts say cases on which temporary orders have been issued must be cleared swiftly by conducting the final hearing, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Feudalism to Federalism : Districts are obsolete and redundant, doing away with them will save money and free Nepal of a centralised mindset (nt), Local government by the people, for the people, of the people : Local elections in May give Nepalis a chance to vote in capable leaders based on performance, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)
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17/03/2022: Women’s representation and intersectional (un)inclusion, by Kalpana Jha (rec), Ways to commit to democracy : Nepal needs an essential internal effort to drive reforms that are well overdue, by Blair Glencorse and Narayan Adhikari (kp), US delegation to be in Nepal right after Chinese foreign minister’s visit : A team of 25 Congressional members, the biggest ever, is flying into Kathmandu after the MCC compact’s passage, which Washington has hailed and Beijing has noted, by Anil Giri (kp) [The power games between China and USA on the back of Nepal continue!], Ukraine War: Lessons for Nepal, by Dron Lamichhane (rep), If chief justice impeachment delayed, parties charging him will be in dock : Experts say failure to impeach Rana for ‘corruption and incompetence’ sets bad precedent, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This was obviously the aim of the coalition government when it prorogued the session of Parliament!], Misuse of power : It seems that the impeachment motion was tabled in the House only to sideline Rana from his office (ht), There is no disagreement in the alliance over electoral tie-up: Dahal (rep), Prachanda says electoral alliance with UML possible (kh) [Dahal continues to change his mind within hours. Oli is a putschist and therefore unelectable. Dahal has claimed responsibility for the deaths of 5,000 people during the insurgency and should face trial immediately! The real reason for Dahal's statement is his fear that without an alliance, his party will no longer have a chance.], Breaking Indoctrination Culture, by Tulasi Acharya (rn), Right to education for children with disabilities: It's the government's responsibility, by Dev Datta Joshi (ht), PM Deuba urged not to act mute spectator to imminent split in NRNA (rep) [The extreme politicisation by the political parties, which are often not very democratic and power-oriented instead of people-oriented, will also be the doom of this once hopeful organisation!], Do young climate activists have roles in local elections?, by Sonam Lama (ae)
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16/03/2022: Designed for systemic dysfunction : No constitution can work if an ethnonational elite is unwilling to give up its privileges, by CK Lal (kp), Conflicting geopolitical interests of big powers and its implications in Nepal  : Is Nepal likely to become a pawn between Washington and Beijing’s rivalry? Will Nepal benefit materially from its inherent position?, by Niyati Adhikari (nlt), House is prorogued; questions arise over motion to impeach chief justice : Impeachment proposal against Cholendra Shumsher Rana, registered on February 13, is in Parliament. With no session now, it is in a state of limbo, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp) [KP Oli understood parliamentary democracy as proroguing or dissolving the popularly elected parliament to rule autocratically with ordinances and the present government is not much better!], Inauguration of Jayanagar-Janakpur railway falls uncertain as ordinance related to it is now rendered invalid (rep) [The government, President and KP Oli should be held personally accountable!], Too close to the bone : Perhaps there's more truth in the song than what politicians want us to believe (kp), As Election Nears, Trend Of Switching Parties Rises In Madhes, by Shiva Shankar Mishra (rn)
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15/03/2022: Minister Regmi informs global community on Nepal’s efforts on women empowerment (kh) [Improvements yes, but the reality is different. In the constitution, laws and society, equality between women and men is still a long way off!], Towards Gender Equality, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Chinese company which bagged Melamchi reconstruction contract reluctant to work (kh), BSP expels 26 leaders including Bagmati Province Assembly members (kh) [The Political Party Act needs revision in many respects. This must include that the party leadership cannot so easily expel disagreeable party members if they differ from the opinion of the party chairperson. This is the opposite of democracy!], BRI to be in focus when Wang Yi visits Nepal this month : Signing on at least two projects likely during the Chinese foreign minister’s trip, on the heels of ratification of American grant that Beijing has taken exception to, by Anil Giri (kp) [In face of Putin's war of aggression, the BRI project has clearly lost value. The trade routes to Europe sought by China are likely to be blocked in the long run.], Consumer fraud proliferates as government drags its feet : World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on March 15, but there has been little respite for harassed Nepali consumers, activists say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), A song that took the country by storm : Prakash Saput’s music video portrays the disillusionment of former Maoist fighters while depicting the real story of society, observers say, by Anup Ojha (kp) [watch song video], ‘Impartiality’ in public appointments : The obvious resultant pitfalls thereof are mismanagement and unchecked corruption, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Prospect Of Electoral Alliance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Fringe parties threaten to boycott polls (ht), Govt recommends proroguing parliament session (kh) [Parliament is not a tool for autocratic top politicians, but the basis of Nepal's political system. Countless laws have long demanded to be passed by parliament, but autocratic politicians like Oli and also the leaders of the current ruling alliance don't give a damn!], Assessing Nepal’s foreign policy after MCC Compact ratification and Ukraine crisis : Has the Deuba government really deviated from the fundamental principles of non-alignment and Panchasheel? What does non-alignment and Panchasheel mean for Nepal?, by Geja Sharma Wagle (nlt)
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14/03/2022: How Nepal’s public procurement process is hindering quality outcomes : It is immensely important for Nepal to do away with the anti-competitive practice that has afflicted infrastructure development in the country, by Ayushma Maharjan (nlt), With motion to impeach Rana tabled in the House, new questions arise : What will happen to justices and judges who have been charged with being complicit in corruption with the suspended chief justice, experts wonder, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Human Rights and Peace Society demands action against suspended CJ Rana (rep), Debate on Rana impeachment on Mar 16 (ht), Climate change: A matter of political will : Despite alarming reports on Nepal’s vulnerability to the climate crisis, the lack of political commitment is deeply concerning, according to experts, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Abysmal public service : A people-friendly government agency is something long overdue in Nepal (kp), Budget for populist projects in election year a pattern, observers say : There are fears the current Deuba government too could include such projects in the upcoming budget, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Local Level Election: Issues of Political Representation, by Rajendra Bahadur Singh (rep), NHRC facing challenges for want of physical resources (ht) [This reflects the value that government, state organs and political parties place on human rights!]
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13/03/2022: Women serving as deputies at local units aspire to take up executive roles : As local elections near, women representatives, however, doubt the male-dominated parties where patriarchy is deep-rooted will make way for them, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The male party rulers will never let women participate in power in the way they deserve!], Fringe parties demand level playing field : As local elections draw close, candidates not getting uniform symbols puts them at a disadvantage, politicians say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC orders to present the writ against 14 lawmakers for final hearing (nlt), SC asks to hold full hearing on UML Chair Oli’s writ on April 3 : Writ demanded dismissal of 14 defecting lawmakers, including leader Nepal (kh), Let’s give Prachanda the benefit of doubt, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Prachanda rules out immediate possibility of alliance with UML (kh) [????], Cash margin on import to address challenges in economy: Finance Minister Sharma (kh)
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12/03/2022: Times of non-alignment are over, it is good for Nepal : Nepal voted against Russian aggression in Ukraine at the UN General Assembly. It could herald a new era of truly independent foreign policy for Nepal, by Simone Galimberti (nlt), Ruling parties to form panel for working out local polls seat-sharing : While leaders of CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist) are keen on electoral alliance, second-rung leaders of Nepali Congress say the idea goes against their party statute, by Anil Giri (kp), Social Discipline In Time Of Transition, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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11/03/2022: Visit visa for all? No, terms and conditions apply, by Anjila Shrestha (nlt), MoHA asks DoI to regulate visit visa (kh), None of the above : Citizens should get to show they prefer a non-existent entity to a politician that betrays them (kp), Not much has been done to address problem of invalid votes : Local level polls are just two months away, but the Election Commission has yet to start voter education, which can hugely reduce the number of votes that go void, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Strengthening female representation : Women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions reflects a combination of the design of the quota system and party nomination behaviour, by Rohini Pande, Michael Callen, Binod Paudel and Satish Wasti (kp), Making gender equality closer to reality: Let's devise a contest, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Nepal’s impeachment template: justice or a political ploy? The power of impeachment is an extraordinary power enshrined in the Constitution to reaffirm the democratic idea that no one is above the law. In Nepal, however, this power is exploited whimsically, by Robin Sharma (rec)
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10/03/2022: New country, old rules : Systemic discrimination against women, minorities and free-speech advocates continue in subtle and not-so-subtle ways (ae), Time for Nepali women to stand higher : With local elections coming up, we must double down on our efforts to create equal opportunities for Nepali women to lead, by Nicola Pollitt (ae), Initiative to conclude citizenship Act amendment with consensus: Minister Khand (kh) [After all, the citizenship law must not contradict the corresponding regulations of the constitution. And even its rules on citizenship are extremely discriminatory, especially for women.], Forgotten children : A solution must be found to the stateless children, whose problems will only compound as they grow up (ht), Voters unlikely to get right to reject candidates in local level elections ; Court’s eight-year-old ruling to give people right to cast negative votes yet to be implemented for the lack of a law, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [To this day, the autocratic politicians do not want to understand that decisions of the Supreme Court are binding law that the executive and the legislature have to abide by.], Voters Must Reject The Corrupt, by Mukti Rijal (rn), MCC story has been the best ‘lesson learning’ for all, by Yogendra Prasad Lamichhane (kh), Planned visit from the north after MCC pact’s passage piques curiosity : Chinese foreign minister set to travel to Nepal, most likely on March 26-27, amid Beijing’s reservations about Kathmandu’s nod to the Washington grant, by Anil Giri (kp), Duties decentralized, resources centralized : Five years since their election, local governments are still grappling with legal, budgetary and human resource constraints, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
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09/03/2022: Mountain women’s problems are taller than the mountains, by Upendra Lamichhane (rep), The balancing act : Any policy devised to correct the trade imbalance, if done in isolation, will be pointless, by Bijendra Man Shakya (kp), The first step towards a gender-inclusive political system : The 2017 local elections saw over 14,000 women elected as local representatives, but for many of them, their tenure has been mostly about navigating social challenges, by Pinki Sris Rana and Shranup Tandukar (kp) [This was undoubtedly a significant improvement, but the males remained in control of most of the top positions.], Only by making the local level self-reliant can the country develop: FinMin (rep) [Yes, and with the additional prevention of any political interference from the national level in the affairs of the provinces and local units. Since the beginning of Oli's ruthless power struggles, the federal system has been abused in the interest of the national party levels.], Discrimination against women continues, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Forgotten children : Woes of migrant women, by Mausam Shah Nepali (ht)
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08/03/2022: Women look for a human economy— equal for all : Problems ranging from managing cash, paying workers, rent and repaying loans caused distress to women during Covid-19 pandemic, forcing many to quit entrepreneurship, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Banks to remain closed today (kh) [Because of International Women's Day? Why? As long as the machos at the top of the extremely patriarchal state do not give women absolutely equal rights and participation, nothing will change. And this is definitely not what all the almost exclusively male top politicians want. Their brains are not capable of such insight.], Harsh toll on visit visa: Govt likely to ask citizens to hold on their travel dreams : Ironically, only rich Nepalis can travel abroad, by Eak Raj Bastola (kh), Wake up Nepal : Young Nepalis do not want to be based in a country where the government can be so stupid, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Home Minister Khand takes initiative to forge deal on citizenship bill (kh) [Completely turning away from male bias?], Nepal-India railway service becomes uncertain as ordinance has expired : Nepal Railway Company has been operating trains on the 35-kilometre Kurtha-Jayanagar Cross Border Railway without passengers since February 13, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [This really symbolises the whole farce of Nepali politics and the unconscionable behaviour of the top politicians who actually believe that their only task is power struggles and personal enrichment!], MCC And Interpretative Declaration, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)
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07/03/2022: Respect international laws to respect women : We all need to work for the actual implementation of UN conventions and international laws. Otherwise, the celebration of women’s day will be nothing more than a formality, by Jivesh Jha (nlt), Gender Equality Still A Far Cry: Stakeholders (rn), Women lawmakers ask Home Minister to address issues of citizenship, visit visa (rep), Misinformation, disinformation, false news and trial by social media : Unchecked false and fake news and videos are rife online and they can affect investigations as well as harm the victims, experts say, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Gaps pointed out in fiscal federalism (kh), Parliament forms committee to study allegations against Chief Justice Rana : The 11-member Impeachment Recommendation Committee has four members from CPN-UML, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Know when to talk : The MCC row may be over, but the Nepali media and intellectuals need to reflect on their role, by Anurag Acharya (kp)
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06/03/2022: Ensuring gender equality, by Diksha Sharma (kh), Child marriage still rampant in Rolpa : As many as 31 underage couples tied the knot in Rolpa Municipality-2 alone in the past two years, by Kashiram Dangi (kp) [Just to remind you: in the mid-1990s, Rolpa was one of the early Maoist strongholds. What social improvements did the uprising actually bring about there?], Electoral alliance and Prachanda’s election mathematics, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Maoist members question Dahal’s ‘high-handedness’ in party decisions : At the ongoing Central Committee meeting, the chairman has the challenge of keeping the party united as the MCC row festers, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Like many top Nepali politicians, Dahal is more of an autocrat than a democrat. This is also reflected in the Political Party Act and party statutes, some of which are not very democratic.], Interpretative declaration : Assists Alliance To Ride The Storm, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), World Bank pulling out of transmission line projects shows challenges for MCC : Land acquisition for transmission towers and the right of way are major hurdles, which must be settled before the five-year US grant enters into force, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), The chase for money : The anxiety to sustain life and livelihood propels people to try and earn as much as they can for a modicum of security, by Avasna Pandey (kp), Russia-Ukraine Conflict Likely To Have Cascading Effects In Nepal, by Laxman Kafle (rn), 'House obstruction causing system to fail', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), HoR meeting adjourned again, next meeting scheduled for March 13 : HoR forms impeachment recommendation committee (kh), HoR moves forward impeachment motion against Chief Justice Rana : 11-member impeachment recommendation committee formed (kh), CPN-US Chair Nepal says HoR dissolution likely (kh) [As the Supreme Court has twice told Mr Oli, the House of Representatives cannot be dissolved so easily, certainly not by any so-called top politician. New elections are due in a few months anyway. What's the point? It would certainly be better for the Nepali people if parties that prevent parliamentary work by hook or by crook or (want to) constantly dissolve parliament were themselves dissolved!], Parliament obstruction is an infringement of people's sovereign rights: Bhim Rawal (rep) [!!!!!! Wake up, Mr Oli! Voting for your party would be a waste of votes!]
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05/03/2022: Agriculture census to record impact of climate change : Experts say warming temperatures are cause for concern for Nepal’s food security, as droughts, flooding and erratic rainfall, among others, are causing damage to produce, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), A dysfunctional House is betrayal of democracy, electorate, observers say : Parliament has failed to function for the last six months due to the protests by opposition UML against the Speaker, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [KP Oli has made it clear for years that it is against parliamentary democracy!], Ensure Rights Of Older People, by Sanju T Magar (rn), Building An Egalitarian Society, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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04/03/2022: “High time we worked towards strengthening federalism”, interview with Lal Babu Raut, Chief Minister of Madhesh Province (kh), Six fringe parties holding protest rally against MCC at Khulamanch (kh), UN vote on Ukraine shows geopolitical shift in South Asia, observers say : Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives vote for resolution to deplore Russia. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan abstain, by Anil Giri (kp), UN Human Rights Council to set up independent inquiry into alleged rights violations by Russia in Ukraine : During a vote in the 47-member body today, 32 nations including Nepal voted in favour (kp), Private gas stations refuse to buy fuel from NOC, fuel shortage likely (rep), Child marriage unabated, thanks to ignorance of legal provisions (ht), Discuss impeachment : The parties must find a way out of the quandary as they did for the ratification of the MCC compact (ht), Interpretative declaration: Makes no change in compact, by Durga Prasad Bhurtel (ht), Can Nepal elections change its male-stream politics? This May, vote for women leaders and minority groups and make our local governments more inclusive and less tokenistic, by Aditi Adhikari (nt), MCC And The Weaponization Of Aid : MCC, with its super power political pressure, has also badly distorted the 12-Point Delhi Deal inspired 2006 “democracy” and the politics of major parties, exposing the two-faced sleaze within them, by Dipak Gyawali (sp), MCC ratification : Crisis Averted, by Keshab Poudel (sp)
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03/03/2022: Monitoring disparities in gender : It is the informal sector that we need to watch to measure the depth of the law’s penetration (kp) Maoist support to MCC pact exposes fissures in the party : Compact opposers in the party, however, rule out a split, by Anil Giri (kp), MCC acknowledges parliamentary ratification of Nepal Compact : Move enables work to continue towards implementing the electricity and road projects, the US aid programme says (kp), Meeting our commitments : New view towers, built to encourage tourism, don’t fit into the economic worries of the hills, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Ruling coalition discusses electoral alliance (kh), Revamp Federal Civil Service, by Khagendra Prawaha (rn), Reining In Poll Expenses, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Liquidity crisis : Nepal's economy will further deteriorate should the remittance inflow continue to plummet (ht), A sitting lawmaker provokes youths to demand dowry. Who will hold him accountable?, by Rojina Rai (nlt), Immature diplomacy costing Nepal dear : Both America and China violated diplomatic protocols by trying to force Nepali leaders to toe their respective lines, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Can Nepal be a reliable energy provider? India will buy electricity only from the projects developed by the exporting country or by Indian investors. Only a few Nepali projects qualify, by Nihar R Nayak (ae), Climate change and migration : Global warming exacerbates Nepal’s old problems of poverty, marginalization, state neglect, inequality, discrimination, and out-migration, by Minani Gurung (ae), Few women in federal, provincial executive bodies : Nepal has constitutionally assured 33 percent women representation in all governmental bodies, but the provision’s implementation remain poor, by Pratik Ghimire (ae)
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02/03/2022: Nepal comes top in South Asia in closing gender gaps : Nepal outpaces all countries in the region in World Bank’s Women, Business and Law index, but experts say Nepali women continue to face hurdles, by Krishana Prasain (kp) [see World Bank report data on Nepal], Gender Parity Still Far Cry, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Individual Brilliance, Collective Failure!, by Pradip Kumar Kafle (rep), Prohibitory order lifted in Birendranagar (kh), MCC head office acknowledges Nepal’s MCC ratification (kh), ‘There are manageable challenges ahead’, interview with Himesh Dhungel, first country head of MCC Nepal (kp), Electoral alliance among ruling parties still up in the air : Some fear UML might try to exploit its position on the MCC pact during elections, by Anil Giri (kp) [Which position? The UML's main concern is to prevent parliamentary democracy!], Ruling parties 'ashamed of' prolonged House obstruction (rep), NC Spokesperson Dr Mahat rules out electoral alliance among ruling partners (kh), Time for Pax Sinica? The Chinese have shown that even Americans need their indirect consent to have their way, by CK Lal (kp), MCC's approval through parliament : Defeat of polarisation and extremism, victory of realism, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
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01/03/2022: Dahal defends MCC pact after protesting against it for long : Leaders in his own party insinuate that the Maoist chair has displayed duplicity on multiple occasions over the US grant, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Dahal is very much to blame for the continued unrest and riots on the streets!], Birendranagar mostly calm after curfew order (rep), The way is forward : The frantic running around turned out to be all sound and fury, signifying nothing (kp), MCC through, with a Chinese shadow : China, like never before, chose to directly meddle in Nepal’s decision-making process, by Achyut Wagle (kp), MCC Ratification Deepens Alliance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), China reacts positively (ht), Ukraine and the political value of renewable energy ; Russia’s economic and political power as an energy exporter emboldens its invasion of Ukraine. There is a lesson here for emerging economies like Nepal, by Shuvam Rizal (rec), After MCC Compact ratification, a lot to reflect on and learn for Nepal : The MCC's Nepal Compact had to be ratified by parliament and it did. The focus now should be on its speedy implementation but there is a lot to learn as well (nlt)
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28/02/2022: Geopolitical sandwich : A robust foreign policy is only possible against a backdrop of sound economic fundamentals (kp), Growing pains or down a rabbit hole? Kathmandu should demonstrate credible commitment to transfer power to the provinces, by Gambhir Bhatta and Sameer Khatiwada (kp) [None of the high-caste male top politicians are really interested in federalism because it means relinquishing control of power.  The commitment to federalism in the constitution they created only served to ensnare the masses who saw in federalism the chance for better inclusion of the country's population groups and regions.], Banda keeps public vehicles off the streets; most schools, colleges remain closed (rep) [Every bandh is a fundamental crime against people, especially against children. ! Nepal is not the property of autocratic politicians!], Suspicious object found in Banepa, defused (kh), Suspicious object found in front of parliament building (kh), MCC ratification is Nepal’s sovereign decision: US. "Nepali government will now be able to continue to work towards implementing the five-year program" (kh), Ratification will mean more jobs for Nepali people, a reliable supply of electricity and lower transportation costs: US Embassy (rep), Compact to be terminated if it violates Nepali laws (ht), President to donate to sadhus, ascetics (ht) [Nepal is still not a secular state!], Rastriya Janamorcha leaves ruling alliance (rep) [The hooligans who attack the police in the most aggressive form and destroy public property definitely do not represent the Nepali people!], Curfew clamped in Surkhet (kh)
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27/02/2022: As Nepali Congress continues talks with UML, alliance seeks ways to ratify MCC : Coalition partners working on ‘interpretative declaration’ which Maoists, Unified Socialist believe can be middle path, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp), Ruling coalition decides to ratify MCC compact (nlt), Ruling coalition decides to ratify MCC today with interpretative declaration (kh), Maoist Center holding PP meeting to inform about party’s decision on MCC : Maoist Center to vote on MCC with interpretive explanation (kh), MCC on Parliament’s agenda; UML likely to obstruct meeting (kh) [Oli claims to do everything exclusively in the interest of the people. This is probably why he has been blocking the work of the people's elected representatives for months. Why does this party still want to stand for elections at all?], ‘Nepal will not be part of any US military alliance by being party to MCC Compact’ : 11 points of Nepal's interpretative declaration on MCC (kh), Protest against MCC continues (With Photos) (rep), Nepal’s Parliament ratifies MCC Compact with “interpretative declaration” (kh), Nepal Parliament ratifies MCC compact : The US grant, one of the most debated agreements in the country’s history, gets through the House after the coalition agreed on interpretive declaration, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), What’s in the declaration that led to passage of the US grant from Nepal House, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Nepal will not be part of any US military alliance by being party to MCC Compact’ : 11 points of Nepal's interpretative declaration on MCC (kh), Five years after signing, America-funded MCC Compact ratified by parliament : The $500 million MCC Nepal Compact had become the victim of extreme politicization. Nepali communist leaders had vehemently stood against parliamentary ratification of the Compact, by Adhim Neupane and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), MCC Nepal compact: What is in the “interpretative declaration” endorsed by Nepal’s parliament? (nlt), Deliberations on much-debated MCC Compact in parliament : Who said what? , by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Gagan Thapa forwards a strong reason for MCC Compact ratification ; The Nepali Congress General Secretary says Nepal should ask for more grants from China and India as well (nlt), Transitional justice law yet to be revised 7 years since court order : Campaigners to move court to hold officials in contempt for not abiding by the ruling, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
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26/02/2022: Nepal sees progress in CSO Sustainability Index (nlt) [see report (Nepal pp. 38ff)], Nepal sees progress in CSO Sustainability Index-2020 (kh), Alternatives being sought to keep ruling alliance intact: Prachanda (nlt), Ruling coalition likely to split due to MCC, says Prachanda (kh), PM Deuba urges Prachanda to take institutional decision on MCC (kh), ‘We are searching alternatives to protect alliance, resolve national problem’: Prachanda (kh), Deuba in a fix as Maoists vacillate, UML refuses to commit on MCC pact : As Dahal keeps on moving the goalposts, Congress is increasingly under pressure. Oli refuses to budge, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), PM Deuba gives ultimatum to Dahal to finalize Maoist Center’s stand on MCC grant agreement by 3PM (rep), Another People’s War likely: Chairman Dahal (rep) [And who should follow you? The victims of the first "people's war", to whom and their families you deny justice? The numerous members of the Maoist rank and file who sacrificed life and health and whom you have wiped out of your memory while enriching yourself beyond measure and living a nice life? Come to reality and retire from politics today, and please take the whole guard of other failed politicians and the monarchists with you! (This statement is not meant to excuse the abuse of Nepal for the American and Chinese power games!)], Ruling NC holding talks with main opposition UML at Balkot : Prime Minister Deuba to meet UML Chair Oli soon (kh), They Hate MCC And Destroy Public Property, by Aashish Mishra (rn), Maoist Center should leave alliance if not in favor of MCC: Former PM Bhattarai (rep), Flood victims in Bajhang decry government apathy : Floods victims in the district have been seeking rehabilitation in safe locations for the past two decades but no help has been forthcoming, locals say, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Value Premises Of Democratic Regime, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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25/02/2022: HoR meeting postponed till February 27 : Deterrence likely to affect MCC ratification deadline (kh), A new equation is in the making as Congress, UML take negotiations forward : With his government partners standing against the MCC’s ratification, Prime Minister Deuba has expedited talks with opposition leader Oli, who has a litany of preconditions, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp) [Oli is the worst possible bedfellow. Only a few months ago, Deuba saw it necessary to topple the Oli government because Oli repeatedly trampled on the constitution and parliamentary democracy in the most authoritarian manner. Since then, Oli should be politically an untouchable!], Talks between PM Deuba and UML Chairman Oli make no headway as Oli remains adamant to his stance (kh), Issues in foreign employment : Nepal's foreign employment management regulation remains a subject of controversy, by Thaneshwar Bhusal (kp), 34 political parties and organizations to protest against MCC today (rep), Large number of security personnel deployed from Maitighar to New Baneshwor (rep), CPN (Unified Socialist) to participate in parliamentary discussions on MCC (rep), Civil Society’s Role In Governance, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), It’s decision time : Ratification of the American-funded MCC grant to Nepal goes right down to the wire, by Hoang Chu (nt), The message is the medium
The MCC debate shows how social media tools can whip up populist hyper-nationalism and stifle rational voices (ht)
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24/02/2022: NHRC urges for peaceful demonstration (kh), “Victim identification hinders attempts to counter human trafficking” (kh), Parliament meeting slated to discuss MCC Compact today (nlt), House meeting postponed until Friday (nlt), Pressure mounting on top leaders as deadline to pass MCC approaches (kh), MCC will not be ratified: Former PM Khanal (kh), Ruling coalition can break if no support in endorsing MCC: NC leader Poudel (kh), Why a deadline if it’s a ‘gift’? China taunts at US over MCC : Beijing’s remarks just a day before a plan to put the American grant to vote makes it more clear that Nepal has fallen into a big geopolitical quagmire, by Anil Giri (kp), MCC and the communists : What beats reason is why our communist parties feel the need to ‘protect’ China, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Tabling of MCC in parliament : A step in the right direction, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Tourism industry flying blind for lack of post-pandemic recovery roadmap : Tourism Ministry officials say they have ‘no idea’ what the tourism revival committee has been doing, by Sangam Prasain (kp), New Baneshwor overwhelmed with protestors against MCC (rep), Successful Mayors Make It To The Top, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [This should hardly be expected in a Nepal of socially non-inclusive rope-lines and male top politicians endowed with undemocratic power!], Ruling coalition likely to collapse due to differences over MCC ratification (kh), Is Nepal being pushed to the geopolitical trap?  Nepal can fall into the trap if we drag China and the US into the issues that Nepal ought to be able to deal with on its own and if China and the US begin to allow their bilateral matters with Nepal to be enmeshed in their rivalry, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt)
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23/02/2022: Oli meets Deuba after talks with US ambassador as MCC deadline approaches : Nepali Congress, CPN-UML expedite dialogue on a new deal just as coalition partners drift apart over the American grant. Efforts are on to save the ruling alliance, by Anil Giri (kp), Conspiracy being hatched to break coalition and overthrow government: Prachanda (kh) [The main person responsible for this coalition crisis is Pushpa Kamal Dahal! Please don't play Putin! On the other hand, the main problem is that the US and China are increasingly playing their power games on the back of Nepal. Both are primarily pursuing their own interests!], Prachanda in search of strategy to hit two targets with one arrow (kh), NC is free to partner with UML to ratify MCC: CPN-US leader Khanal (kh), PM Deuba has been manipulated by US: Former PM Khanal (rep), JSP leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai floats two options for ratification of MCC agreement (rep) [??], MCC in Nepal: Games Nations Play!, by Shankar Man Singh (rep), Political Consensus Needed For MCC, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Gone Wrong, In System Or In Actors?, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), China sees US-backed MCC Compact as coercive diplomacy in Nepal (kh)
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22/02/2022: Supreme Court refuses to register writ against MCC (nlt), De-sensationalizing the MCC debate : Media and social media have a very important role to play when it comes to spreading knowledge and awareness about the MCC Compact, by Sudeep Uprety (nlt), Strategic planning in place to achieve SDGs: NHRC Member Dr Dhungel (kh), Ruling coalition will not be affected by MCC: Maoist Chair Prachanda (kh) [... says the former revolutionary who talks differently every few hours and can't remember what he said before!], With US compact in House, Deuba weighing up options to get it ratified : While the prime minister wants his two alliance partners, opposers of the compact, to come on board, he is in talks with the CPN-UML as well, by Anil Giri (kp), Confusion remains as to how the MCC grant will move forward : Lawmakers set to start discussions on $500 million American assistance from Thursday, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal: Status of International Relations, by Ranjeev Kunwar (kh), Nepal’s external debt down due to dollar slide : Fluctuations in exchange rates resulted in an exchange gain of Rs16.47 billion in the second quarter of the fiscal year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Belated but welcome : Caste-based discrimination is an abomination of our society (kp), Local Election, National Importance : Democracy seems to delight people only as long as they feel they are getting fast, fair and free services from the local bodies, by Atindra Dahal (rep)
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21/02/2022: Khas-Arya women are ‘de facto’ women leaders : While Nepal has reserved quota for women, the majority of the positions at administrative, political, and bureaucratic levels are occupied by those from the Khas-Arya group, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Let us all speak our languages : It needs to be ensured that not a single language becomes extinct. If it does, then it means Nepal has failed to live up to its constitutional ethos, by Jivesh Jha and Bidhan Chandra Jha (nlt), 37 languages on verge of extinction in Nepal being preserved (kh), International Mother Language Day being observed today (kh), Pie in the sky : There is no end to ludicrous talk from the politicians when it comes to promises (kp), MCC compact tabled in the House as two ruling parties say they are against it : Observers and cadres alike disapprove of double-dealing by the Maoist Centre and the Unified Socialist, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Prachanda urges Maoist lawmakers to wait for a while when asked to quit government (kh), Prime Minister Deuba wooing parties to ratify MCC (kh), Anti-MCC protests disrupt road traffic in Kathmandu throughout the day : Thirty-five ‘violent’ protesters arrested from New Baneshwar area. Daily wage earners see difficult days ahead, by Anup Ojha and Shuvam Dhungana (kp), MCC protesters face tear gas, water cannon (ht), Anatomy of MCC complexities: A lesson for political parties, by Sisir Bhandari (ht), Government debt reaches Rs 1728.93 billion : External debt decreases due to US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, by Eak Raj Bastola (kh), Let us salute migrant workers : They do not command the respect they deserve in government policy or people’s minds, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Politically pardoned : The president’s power to pardon criminals needs reform as it has been misused numerous times by governments for political ends, by Shreya Joshi and Prakriti Acharya (rec), Nepal’s social media platforms are full of false information and sensational content regarding MCC grants. Is it disinformation for clickbait or organized propaganda?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
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20/02/2022: Nepali politicians are big on promises but short on delivery :Observers see disconnect between politicians and people, as leaders barely heed citizens’ basic concerns, by Anup Ojha (kp) [There is absolutely nothing to add to this! This whole generation of politicians should finally be sent into retirement!], Between domestic politics and diplomacy : It is interesting how political leaders and scholars have interpreted the MCC document differently, by Purna B Silwal (kp), Ruling coalition to split today itself if MCC not tabled in Parliament (kh), Ruling coalition meeting begins at Baluwatar : To forge consensus on MCC (kh), Unified Socialist to allow MCC pact’s tabling in the House : The scenario surrounding the US grant’s parliamentary ratification seems to be changing with the party maintaining a tough position softening its stance, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal’s ruling alliance agrees to table MCC compact in the parliament : Parliamentarians are supposed to discuss the project under MCC grant on the basis of facts and logic to debunk false narratives propagated especially by social media and YouTubers (nlt), Ruling coalition decides to table MCC in Parliament (kh), Prachanda did not agree in coalition decision to table MCC: Prachanda’s secretariat (kh) [Obviously, Dahal and his party want to be nothing but history soon!], Khanal concerned over his party’s decision to table MCC at parliament (rep), We don't support MCC: Nepal (Setopati) [How should I know what my mouth said yesterday?], BAC to table MCC in Parliament amid Maoist’s objection (kh), Parliament meeting begins, MCC to be tabled in today’s session (kh), CPN (US) for tabling MCC deal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Minister Karki tables MCC on behalf of Finance Ministry (kh), Govt tables MCC in parliament amid protest of UML and Maoist lawmakers (rep), Next HoR meeting on February 24 (rep), First Dalit woman CDO says caste discrimination is an affront to society : Born as a girl in a Dalit family meant a lot of struggle for this 44-year-old civil servant, who is determined to work towards fighting the social scourge of casteism, by Anup Ojha (kp), Impeachment Against CJ Rana Can It Revitalise Judiciary?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), UML to not immediately form position on MCC (Setopati), MCC tabled on instruction of foreigners: UML (Setopati), Act of tabling MCC in parliament an insult to Nepalis: Bhim Rawal (rep), If Bhim Rawal wants to oppose MCC, he should declare UML Chairman Oli a traitor first: Gagan Thapa (kh), MCC introduced in House to prevent further polarization in society: Speaker Sapkota (kh), Minister Karki insists on ratifying MCC compact agreement through parliament (rep), Foreign Ministry says parliament will decide what development aid to accept : Nepal will accept aid based on its national interest and priorities, statement adds (kp), Police resort to firing to control mob in Baneshwor (kh), Police fire rubber bullets as protesters rally against MCC at New Baneshwar (Ratopati), Duplicity again: Prachanda takes to social media to lambast the government for tabling MCC Compact. Can he come clean? A leader whose credibility has steadily eroded over the past few years, Prachanda is known for doublespeak and dubious character. He has exhibited this trait on MCC Compact repeatedly, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
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19/02/2022: Nepal’s democracy revolutions, and achievements and failures : As the country celebrates democracy, observers see some gains, some hollow promises, by Binod Ghimire (kp), CPN (Unified Socialist) to allow tabling of MCC Compact (nlt), Caught between ruling coalition and MCC, Deuba feels the heat : Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wants to ratify the US grant, but doing so comes with the risk of breaking the five-party alliance. His choices are limited (kp), US Embassy takes to social media to dispel MCC rumours : There have been a number of videos on YouTube awash with disinformation on the MCC compact, calling it an American ploy to ‘trap’ Nepal, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Incarnation Of Free Spirit, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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18/02/2022: A house of cards : Nepali politics is a circus for the making and breaking of governments for petty reasons (kp), The ideological wasteland of the Nepali communists : It has been extraordinary to witness the prevarication, doublespeak and large-scale mobilisation against the MCC, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Parliament meeting today, MCC Compact not on the agenda (nlt), Is PM Deuba in deep trouble?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Deuba reaches out to Oli after ruling alliance fails to find consensus on MCC : Coalition split looms as Congress and UML explore options after tough Maoist stance against US grant’s ratification, by Anil iri and Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The government partners must be aware that a cooperation of NC and UML could mean a return to power by the attempted destroyer of parliamentary democracy!], UML Chair Oli asks PM Deuba to come up with blueprint for cooperation (kp), Maoists threaten to withdraw support. How will it affect the government? Legal experts have divided opinions and interpretations of the constitutional provisions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parliament meeting postponed till Sunday (kh) [Politicians and parties that fundamentally reject parliamentary democracy should not be allowed to participate in future elections! The behaviour of Oli and his CPN (UML) is highly damaging to the state and destroys the future of the country!], Cadres of ruling parties burn tires in protest against MCC (rep), Coalition partners’ student wings protest against MCC : Sister wings of Maoist Centre and CPN (Unified Socialist) took to the streets to protest the American grant programme (kp), Time for consensus : Quite unlike previous US aid, the MCC agreement is pouring money explicitly (ht), As protests erupt in Nepal over MCC, US Embassy says violence and incitement to violence are never acceptable : “We are a strong supporter of free speech and public discourse based in fact. The right to express one’s views is intrinsic to democracy, and people must be allowed to peacefully share their views.” (nlt), China speaks about the US-funded MCC’s Nepal compact. Can Nepal’s leadership avert falling into a ‘geopolitical trap’? While the USA is asking Nepal’s political leaders to meet or renege on their commitments of ratifying the compact, the comment from a Chinese official on the matter is feared to fuel the controversy (nlt), High tension in Nepal : The longer Nepal drags MCC ratification, the more credibility it loses as a functioning democracy, by Rabin Giri (nt), Using power wisely : Inability to share political power jeopardises Nepal’s ability to source US funds for distribution of electric power (nt), To be or not to be on the MCC : Billions invested by Nepalis in the hydropower sector will be in danger if transmission lines are not built, by Anil Shah (nt), What the Chinese think about Nepal’s Maoists : After 2006, Beijing muted criticism of Prachanda because his party is 'Maoist', by Aneka Rajbhandari (nt), Still looking for Dad missing in Nepal : A daughter grows up to be a journalist to find her missing father who disappeared 17 years ago during the insurgency, by Anita Bhetwal (nt)
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17/02/2022: Politics and expletives : Politics in Nepal has been attracting people from those quarters devoid of any form of modesty (kp), The dark underbelly of Nepal’s internet : Nepal’s cyber bureau registered 3,906 complaints of online harassment against women in the final five months of 2021, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), SC issues order to register writ petition against local elections (nlt), Supreme Court accepts petition challenging date of local level elections : The court had earlier refused to register the petition, which argues that May 13 polls will deprive thousands of elected representatives of their right to serve for full five years, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 104 child workers at two wards of Melamchi alone (kh), Coalition on the brink of breakdown as Maoist Centre plays spoilsport : Ruling parties are meeting today to try to find an elusive consensus as Maoist Centre and CPN (Unified Socialist) are unlikely to change their positions on the US grant, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp), Transmission lines’ worth lost in the din of charged-up MCC row : Projects to be developed under the US grant will be the backbone of a high capacity system to transport power on a large scale in the country and beyond, stakeholders say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), The water and food nexus : Despite Nepal's vaunted water resources, there isn't enough for growing more food, by Khem Raj Sharma (kp), Nepalis expect double-digit inflation over next one year : Although government figures show a relatively modest inflation, people are feeling increasing inflationary pressure, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), What if… voters got to reject candidates?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [What do the high-handed politicians care about a ruling of the Supreme Court?], Right to reject : What we need is a mechanism for the public to express its disappointment with politicians (ae) [There are probably not many countries where this is as urgently needed as in Nepal!], The debased politics of bargaining : The political parties were indifferent to the crisis in the judiciary, all the while looking to exploit it for vested interest. They got to do so on February 13, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
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16/02/2022: Alienation of Muslims in Madhesh : The ‘othering’ of the most significant minority will probably require more effort from civil society, by CK Lal (kp), Government set to table MCC compact in House today, but confusion remains : Congress, the key ruling party, says the Speaker has given word on tabling of the grant. Ratification may take longer though depending on how politics unfolds, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp), Deuba, Prachanda agree not to table MCC Compact today : CPN (Maoist Center) that had earlier allowed tabling the Compact changed its tone today. The party has warned of leaving the government if the Compact is tabled without consensus in the ruling alliance (nlt), Maoist Center to quit govt if MCC tabled without coalition’s consent (kh), Maoist Center holds protests against MCC (rep), Demonstrations held in support of MCC in Kathmandu (kh), Anti-MCC protestors clash with police (rep), Govt directs security agencies to beef up security (rep), Minor impact of bandh; 18 arrested (kh), Nepal's period poverty: Time to bring about change, by Apekshya Basnet (ht), Facts speak for themselves: All major parties and their top leaders were involved in the process of finalizing the MCC grant : Political leaders seem to be using the MCC grant as a bargaining tool to secure their political and personal gains. But leaders of all major parties were involved in the process of negotiations and approval of the $500 million Compact at different stages, by Ashim Neupane and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
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15/02/2022: Federal spirit in local elections : The parties should let their subnational organisational entities distribute election tickets, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Political weaponization of MCC may be damaging for Nepal, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Snakebite, an invisible neglected crisis in Nepal : Close to 3,000 people die of snakebites every year in Tarai alone, many before reaching the hospital, by Arjun Poudel (kp), New Deal On MCC, CJ Impeachment, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Implement SC order to enable Nepalis abroad to vote' (ht), Announcement of local polls: Dual contest between UML, NC, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Climate change as a driver of child marriage, by Shuvam Rizal (rec)
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14/02/2022: Gender-based discrimination unabated in Nepal, says NHRC (ht), Rana suspended as ruling parties move a proposal to impeach him : As many as 98 lawmakers of Nepali Congress, Maoist Centre and CPN (Unified Socialist) register a motion to impeach Cholendra Shumsher Rana amid a fluid political situation, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), What impeachment motion against chief justice is and how it will proceed : Rana’s been suspended, but what it takes lawmakers to actually remove him from office, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Health workers concerned over high maternal mortality rate in Banke : Teenage pregnancies and a lack of regular health checkups, nutritious food and awareness among family members are the leading causes behind the high maternal mortality rate in Banke, health workers say, by Rupa Gahatraj (kp)
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13/02/2022: Impeachment motion against CJ Rana registered at Parliament Secretariat (nlt), Lawmakers level 21 charges against CJ Rana (with full text) (rep), Senior-most Justice Deep Kumar Karki becomes acting CJ following the suspension of Rana (nlt), Speaker Sapkota calls an all-party meeting Monday (kh), How the House restored twice became totally dysfunctional : Politicians, both from ruling and opposition parties, have trampled on the sovereignty of the hallowed parliament, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), [The incompetent and anti-democratic so-called top politicians should be disposed of in the dustbin of history as soon as possible! None of them wants democracy, rule of law, inclusion, real secularism and federalism!], Parliament meeting postponed again (kh), HoR meeting rescheduled for Feb 16 (rep), Deepening rift over MCC among partners threatens the unity of ruling coalition : Maoist Centre sticks to its guns on the US compact as Deuba appears firm on tabling it for ratification, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘Nepal risks losing decades of progress on health care’ : Dr Bibek Kumar Lal, director of the Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Services, on Covid situation, vaccination challenges and how badly the pandemic impacted the country’s regular health programmes (kp), Karnali residents suffer from salt shortages every year : Understaffed salt depots and mismanagement on part of relevant authorities forcing villagers to buy the commodity from traders at exorbitant prices, by Krishna Prasad Gautam and Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp) [Continued neglect by government and administration!]
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12/02/2022: Congress, UML mull motion to remove Speaker Sapkota if no cooperation on MCC : Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is seeking the main opposition’s support to ratify the US grant as his key coalition partner, Maoist Centre, is playing spoilsport, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Observers see diplomatic, economic risks for Nepal if US reviews its policy : Washington’s warnings over continued delays in ratification of its $500 million grant pact do not bode well for the country, officials at foreign and finance ministries say, by Anil Giri (kp) [The great powers USA, China and India ruthlessly play out their power interests in tiny Nepal and the latter's politicians continue to put their ideological interests above the urgent needs of the country and its people.], Differences persist among top leaders over MCC compact : Dahal wants consensus bid postponed until after elections while Madhav Nepal and Upendra Yadav call for review of pact terms, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Unified Socialist Chairperson Nepal suggests postponing MCC agreement till election (rep) [What an unrealistic claptrap!], Dalit Community In Earthquake-Hit Barpak Still Under Makeshift Huts, by Narendra Dhakal (rn), Buttressing Social Welfare State, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Govt discusses issues of 3-point deal struck with Chand-led party (kh), Govt, Biplav-led NCP discuss implement of three-point deal : The erstwhile government and the party on March 5, 2021, had signed a three-point peace deal that brought the underground outfit to peaceful politics (nlt)
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11/02/2022: Nepal’s unpunished war crimes : On the 20th anniversary of Muktinath Adhikari’s murder by the Maoists, his daughter pleads for justice, by Sabita Adhikari (nt), Still 1.1 million children are engaged in labour in Nepal (kh), Why policies fail in Nepal : Lack of research on policy implementation makes it difficult to pinpoint the causes, by Chandra Ghimire (kp), A make-or-break situation that the ruling coalition is in : Alliance partners expedite meetings, and the CPN-UML has emerged as a key player as Millennium Challenge Corporation Nepal Compact becomes a crucial issue, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Top American official says US will review Nepal ties if MCC compact is not ratified : Donald Lu from the State Department in phone calls to Deuba, Oli and Dahal expresses deep concerns over delay in ratifying the $500 million grant, by Anil Giri (kp),  US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu urges top leaders for MCC endorsement at the earliest : The telephone conversation was held at a time when the deadline set for the MCC endorsement is approaching near (nlt), Decoding Donald Lu’s message to Nepali leaders : The telephone call itself is a strong message to the Nepali political actors that the perennial delay in the Compact ratification has become a source of frustration in Washington (nlt), Political parties weigh their electoral prospects as US presses for early decision on MCC grant deal, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), The deal-breaker : The US-supported MCC project can make or break the governing coalition ahead of elections, by Sonia Awale (nt), Government dials down annual budget, once again, after failing to spend : Economists say an electoral spending boom this year and last year’s low base effect may help the economy grow to some extent but the 7 percent target still looks too ambitious, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Annual budget size reduced to Rs 1.546 trillion (ht), Bird's eye view : We remain predatory humans that seek to thrive by disregarding the lives of others (kp), A tale of displacement for conservation : The longstanding ‘park-people’ conflict surrounding Chitwan National Park, which includes instances of gross human rights violations against the Tharu community, is a story that is often buried in the garb of conservation, by Nirupan Karki (rec), 13 February : On the 26th anniversary of the start of the Maoist insurgency, history repeats itself as a farce (nt)
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10/02/2022: This is why MCC transmission line seems crucial (kh), Break the impasse : Parliament cannot continue to remain the centre of disorder created by petty politics (kp), Will people from Kalapani region get to exercise their franchise? There’s no voter list update. Nor does the poll body know which local units it is supposed to conduct elections in, by Prithvi man Shrestha and Anil Giri (kp) [Sorry, but given the current circumstances, this question sounds ridiculous!], Politicians, individuals compete to form new parties as elections near : Ten political parties were registered with the Election Commission in past three months and more are coming, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Low education standard and equity among key challenges to promote human capital in Nepal: WB report (rep) [see corresponding WB report], ‘Nepal’s economy is at an alarming stage’, by Eak Raj Bastola (kh), Let 753 flowers bloom : It is still difficult to easily subvert Nepal’s democratic spirit (ae), My Vision for Nepal : End the politicization of vital sectors, by Sanduk Ruit (ae)
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09/02/2022: The art of dirty politics : Politicians seem to forget that citizens are not their subjects and the country is not their fiefdom (kp) [In every respect, the top politicians see themselves as arrogant heirs of the authoritarian monarchy, to whom democracy, the constitution, human rights, inclusion and true secularism appear as obstacles to their quest for power!!], House of Representatives to meet on Feb 14 (kh) [The time for a decision on MCC is rapidly running out. In the event of a rejection, the discontinuation of various power plant constructions should also be considered. Without the transmission lines financed with MCC money, they do not make much sense!], Janamat Party Chair Raut warns of obstructing elections if farmers’ demands not addressed (kh), Alcohol use a driving cause behind domestic violence in Makawanpur : Although most victims of domestic violence choose to settle their cases out of court, more women are coming forward with complaints against their perpetrators these days, police say, by Pratap Bista (kp), Supreme Court rejects petition challenging the date of local election : The petitioner, who approached the court arguing May 13 polls will deprive thousands of elected representatives of their right to five-year term, says he will appeal against the court’s refusal (kp), MCC, BRI and The Game Theory: Nepal’s Quest for Equilibrium, by Pradip Kumar Kafle (rep), Why MCC transmission line seems crucial, by Ramesh Lamsal (rep)
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08/02/2022: Government decides to hold local level polls on May 13 : Those elected from second and third phases of polls in 2017 say they would challenge the move in the court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [This doesn't have to be a problem. The elections can be held nationwide on one day. But those elected in 2017 will not be replaced by the newly elected until their five-year terms expire.], Coalition’s future hangs in balance as elections declared amid MCC confusion : Leaders say too early to talk about electoral alliance but those opposing the US grant say any move to push it for ratification would lead to a breakdown of the coalition, by Anil Giri (kp), Ratify MCC Grant At Earliest, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Time to act : The MCC might have been ratified a long time back if the parties did not keep shifting their stance on the issue (ht), MCC and likely political developments: Headed to uncertainties, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Clearing the air on the MCC : Excerpts from a discussion between representatives of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum and officials from MCC and MCA-Nepal, by Amun Thapa, Nirnaya Bhatta and Manish Shrestha (rec), To China, with questions and a message : As the MCC debate heats up once again, accusing fingers are being pointed at China not only for making efforts to stall the ratification of the American grant but also about non-cooperation on Nepal-China land route trade, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt), Acute food crisis hits Rudhi village in Bajura (ht), Citizens demand investigation on murder case against House Speaker, say he is not fit to remain in post : “The major political parties must immediately take action against Agni Sapkota in order to protect the values and principles of the parliamentary system." (nlt) [He should never have been elected to that office until a court confirmed his innocence. What kind of constitutional state is this?]
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07/02/2022: Govt decides to hold local polls on May 13 (rep), Politics of smokescreen: How the MCC debacle exposes a crisis of credibility in Nepali politics : The debate on the MCC grant shows a collective failure of Nepal’s political leaders. The dishonest rigmarole has exposed the dubious character of politicians, politicians' mistrust in our own institutions, and priority on petty interests over development, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Dahal’s mendacity, double-dealing and subterfuge : How two letters exposed the Maoist chair’s political shenanigans using the MCC compact, by Binod Ghimire (kp), MCC: PM Deuba has just three weeks; so he’s in trouble (kh), Unnecessarily dragging MCC into dispute could have serious consequences, warns Dr Bhattarai (kh), A confused coalition now clearly is in trouble amid MCC muddle : Deuba holds a meeting with Dahal and Oli in the wake of recent developments. Opposers of the US grant ratification say ruling alliance will break if it is tabled in Parliament, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), MCC will not be passed without national consensus, amendment: CPN (Maoist Center) (rep), Govt to table MCC agreement in parliament on Feb 9 (rep), Govt to provide relief for kin of disappeared conflict victims (ht) [Relief is not enough, they deserve justice! People who have already partly admitted their responsibility, must finally stand trial!]
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06/02/2022: PM Deuba, Prachanda under pressure to ratify MCC Compact as Feb 28 deadline approaches (kh), PM Deuba makes frantic efforts to forge consensus on MCC, Maoist and Unified Socialist “not positive” (kh), Dahal under pressure as his and Deuba’s letter to MCC becomes public : Millennium Challenge Corporation in its response sets February 28 deadline for compact ratification as committed by the Maoist leader and prime minister (kp), Let's Endorse MCC Compact At The Earliest, Leaders Say (rn), MCC’s response to PM Deuba and Prachanda: ‘Continuing with the compact is Nepal’s sovereign choice’ : The MCC has set a February 28 deadline to ratify its Nepal Compact (nlt), Fatema Z Sumar: ‘We are looking for the compact to be ratified by February 28’ : The MCC vice president of Compact Operations says it’s within MCC Board authority to discontinue Nepal’s eligibility to receive the $500 million grant and such a decision will end MCC’s partnership with Nepal, by Jagdishor Panday (kp), Failure to ratify compact may mean ramifications for Nepal, MCC warns : In its response to a letter by Deuba and Dahal, MCC Compact Operations has indicated cuts in aid, assistance, private investment and foreign direct investment, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp), Avoiding Geopolitical Pitfalls, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Devolution of sycophancy : With federalism giving rise to new power centres, ‘chakari’ culture has taken newer forms, by Avasna Pandey (kp), ‘Nepali Congress should learn from BP Koirala’s playbook on China to resolve border issues with India’. Interview with Geja Sharma Wagle, foreign policy analyst (nlt)
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05/02/2022: A farce that MCC task force became with nothing to say : The government team formed to ‘study’ the US grant has no suggestions to put forth as the members are divided, by Anil Giri (kp), MCC Will Do No Harm To Nepal, Say Experts, by Modnath Dhakal and Aashish Mishra (rn), Holding local level elections on May 18 may not end legal complications : Representatives elected in the second and third phases of the local level polls conducted in 2017 can move court asserting their right to serve for full five years, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Concluding The Transitional Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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04/02/2022: With vaccination cards made mandatory, many women and gender minorities are deprived of public service : For people to receive a proper identification card such as citizenship, they need to have a vaccination card and vice versa, which keeps them in a never-ending loop, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), The story the numbers tell : The census has thrown up several questions our policymakers will need to keep in mind in the years to come, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Nepalis moving from mountains to plains : There is much more than meets the eye in the preliminary results of Nepal's 2021 census, by Shristi Karki (nt), MCC pact remains stuck but there’s been spending under it : Rs4 billion spent so far for implementation of projects under the US grant whose fate is hanging in the balance, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), MCC risks split in Nepal’s ruling coalition : Geopolitical pressure from Beijing to refuse American infrastructure grant threatens governing partnership (nt), Let’s grow our own : The state cannot remain a mute spectator when market-driven imports are causing a dent in the economy (kp), NHRC reprimands Minister Renu Yadav for issuing threat to Raut (ht), Deliberative democracy: Engaging citizens in political process, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Power to the periphery : Local elections in May is a chance to devolve political power, and allow federalism to function, by Sonia Awale (nt), Ground reality of landlessness in Nepal : Politicians have weaponsied land for elections without addressing the deeper crisis of landlessness, by Rabin Giri (nt), Owning land gives former slaves self-respect : Nepal’s former bonded labourers build homes, find financial independence and dignity, by Unnati Chaudhary (nt), Partisan interests once again govern politics, by Robin Sharma (rec)
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03/02/2022: CK Raut-led Janamat Party obstructs East-West Highway (kh), Sapkota’s role as a nonpartisan post holder comes into question : Amid Deuba’s plan to move MCC grant for its ratification from the House, the Speaker has expedited his own consultations which experts call unwarranted, by Binod Ghimire and Anil Giri (kp), UML will help NC if proposal to impeach speaker tabled: Secretary Rayamajhi (kh) [???], Ruling alliance is on the verge of disintegration due to MCC: Gajurel (rep), How Nepal, a country of farmers, became a food importer over the years : Nepal spent nearly $1 billion on buying food from India alone in a year as agriculture stumbles due to faulty policies. Food import bills have grown 78 times in two decades, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Diversifying trade : The embargo highlighted the need to reduce our dependency on products of the agricultural sector (kp), National census preliminary report on Bajhang comes into question : Local units in the district have accused the government of failing to collect and report factual data, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Not all 66 percent urban residents have access to even minimum urban amenities : Most municipalities formed by merging erstwhile village development committees are considered ‘urban’ despite a severe lack of resources and infrastructure, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Settle the MCC now : The government should table it in parliament and let the sovereign body decide (ae) [But according to the understanding of democracy of the supreme rulers of the political parties, they alone decide how their elected representatives have to vote, not their conscience.], Representation at the local level : Effect of political parties’ mergers and breakups are certain to be reflected in the outcome of the impending local elections, by Pratik Ghimire (ae), What if… we didn’t need the National Assembly? Influential political leaders want to be MPs as non-parliamentarians cannot become ministers for more than six months, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [In the federal system, the National Assembly has special significance as the representation of the provinces at the national level, but the central party elites must be strictly prevented from influencing its staffing. Completely superfluous, however, is the office of the largely functionless vice president, whose task could be performed in exceptional institutions, for example, by a functionary of Parliament.]
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02/02/2022: Don’t blame women, blame misogyny : Here is a look at how books and literature from Swasthani to Mahabharata to Badhusikshya have portrayed women as being inferior to men and why we should unlearn the claims, by Shreena Nepal (nlt), Coalition’s vote alliance will depend on how the US grant moves ahead : Sources say Deuba has been telling Congress leaders not to discuss poll alliance until MCC issue takes decisive turn, by Anil Giri (kp), Lawyer who fought Rayabhar case pro bono says many innocents may be in jails : The Post talked to advocate Radhika Khatiwada, who took up Umashankar Rayabhar’s case, to learn what motivated her to take up the case and in what ways she will be involved in the case in the future (kp), Barking up the wrong tree : Rayabhar landed in prison due to lack of integrity and common sense among the authorities (kp), Political economy of patrimonialism : Deuba has failed in making an honest attempt to disentangle the interwoven knots of structural corruption, by CK Lal (kp), Right to leadership of persons with disabilities and issue of accessibility, by Krishna Gahatraj and Simone Galimberti (rep), Care Economy Growing Fast, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Call for amending the Local Election Act: Do we need a constitution at all?, by Birendra P Mishra (ht) [A disturbing article by this author, whom I otherwise hold in high esteem. Even the initial assertion that no other constitution in the world provides for someone to become head of government who is not also chairman of the governing party has no basis in fact. Just one counterexample: In Germany, Angela Merkel was most recently chancellor for many years, but not party chairman. Her successor Olaf Scholz is not chairman of his party either. But what is most confusing is the final demand that politicians abolish the constitution, which I hope is meant ironically. The constitution contains even more serious contradictions and inadequacies than the ambiguities about electoral law. Subordinate laws may not contradict the constitution, but should help eliminate ambiguities.], Bhutan’s shame: why the world must continue to remember the expulsion of ethnic Nepalis : Over 100,000 Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in third countries but 7,000 remain in camps in Nepal, hoping that one day they will be allowed to return home, by Prasansha Rimal (rec)
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01/02/2022: Government, Election Commission agree to hold local polls on May 18 at one go : As Election Commission officials and the prime minister agreed on the date it will be formally announced through a cabinet decision soon (kp), Govt preparing to register a proposal to remove Speaker, by Ishwari Subedi (rep), Women light the World (kh),  Dr. Bhattarai challenges Bhim Rawal to substantiate allegation against him (kh), How worthless wrangling is delaying MCC ratification in Nepal : The US has a clear agenda; the grant comes with greater benefit and less risk (kh), Deuba, Oli in talks through various channels on MCC pact, leaders say : Even as Prime Minister Deuba appears confident that his coalition partners will support the passage of the US grant, he is keeping multiple options open, by Anil Giri (kp), MCC compact threatens coalition’s unity : Despite deep divisions over the US grant, two partners say the coalition will remain intact as a break-up will bring down the government, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Dr. KC files supplementary petition with DLMI against CJ Rana (kh), Nepal’s climate change migrants : More and more Nepalis are being pushed out of their homes by extreme weather events, agricultural difficulties, and the pursuit of economic freedom from the elements, by Shuvam Rizal (rec)
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31/01/2022: Impunity behind disappearance cases in Nepal, finds report (ht), SC orders to implement rights for Dalits (kh), Girls in Pipalgaun deprived of education : There are more than 30 girls of school-going age in Pipalgaun, a Dalit settlement in Achham, and none of them goes to school as the parents want them at home to help run the household, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), More ways to tackle a problem : Remote regions have suffered from years of negligence, and nothing has been done to ensure a lasting solution (kp), Local level elections: Law revision must or not? Depends who you ask : Ruling alliance says it will amend Acts to make them compatible with the constitution. First declare dates; if it’s by May 19, there is no need, the main opposition says, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Prepare for the polls (ht) [And don't forget, the local units were dissolved by Sher Bahadur Deuba at that time instead of extending their terms!], Dr Bhattarai reinforces the need to ratify MCC without further delay (kh), UML leader Rawal urges govt not to ratify MCC through parliament (rep), Province 1 government decides to split 7 ministries into 12 (kh) [This is a waste of money for the pure satisfaction of power interests], Lawmakers call for measures to retain hill, mountain populations : As many as 32 districts have witnessed population declines owing mainly to outmigration, according to preliminary figures of the latest census, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Government unaware of extent of Covid spread, asks people to report results of home testing : Experts say accurate data is key to planning and lack of data means the authorities are not serious about the pandemic, by Arjun Poudel (kp)
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30/01/2022: What constitution and election laws say about local level polls : Politicians and experts are divided over constitutional provisions and poll-related laws. Interpretations are different, by Tika R Pradhan and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Coalition makes a turnabout, agrees to hold local level polls by mid-June : Plans are afoot to align election laws with constitutional provisions. Confusion, however, persists, by Anil Giri (kp), 'Hold local polls from mid-April to mid-May' : The ruling alliance also wants Local Election Act amended to eliminate contradictory provisions, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Ethos of disillusionment : A state of general laziness is taking over the culture of awakening and resistance, by Abhi Subedi (kp), High inflation amid low growth: Worrying case of the stagflation predicament in Nepal : Surging oil prices amid the pandemic disrupt economic activities, while savings erode and banks run short of funds (nlt)
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29/01/2022: Ruling alliance decides to hold local level poll by mid-June (rep), Ruling coalition fails to reach consensus on election date : Coalition meeting to take place at 4 pm again (kh) [Please abide by the constitution! These discussions are completely unnecessary!], PM Deuba proposes coalition partner to hold election in April (kh) [Whatever you write into the Local Level Election Act, it must not contradict the provision of the superior constitution!], Ruling coalition in law revision bid as poll body stresses timely local elections : Commission says it is in the dark about the amendment process, as ruling alliance attempts to reach a decision, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Why is Mt Everest becoming a trash dump site?, by Eak Raj Bastola (kh), Supreme Court orders release of a man languishing in jail for no apparent crime : Uma Shankar Rayabhar’s release order comes after continuous reporting on how the poor man was framed. Legal experts say the case shows many problems in the system, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)
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28/01/2022: Can Nepal’s Latest Citizen-Led Street Protests Shake Things Up?, by Amish Raj Mulmi (Carnegieendowment), Local polls: Why is Nepali Congress submitting to coalition partners at the cost of democracy? Prime Minister Deuba, who is also the president of the Nepali Congress, looks bent on putting democratic values and constitutionalism at stake for the sake of keeping the coalition intact, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt) [Deuba has also put democratic values and constitutionalism at risk in the past in order to maintain his personal power. Just think of the year 2002!], Congress forms 37-member central work execution committee : The mechanism, as powerful as the Central Working Committee, will take up the issue of local election and its date (kp), Oli’s couldn’t-care-less attitude about the coronavirus continues : A Covid denier while he was prime minister, the UML chair attends a public function when he is supposed to isolate, by Tika R Pradhan and Arjun Poudel (kp), Demographic imbalances : Short-sightedness has led to this imbalanced distribution of population (kp), Demographic picture : The rapid population shift toward the plains from the hills will have political consequences in the long-term (ht), Opportunity or victim of geo-politics : Nepal’s geo-politics has both opportunities and risks depending on the capability of our leaders, by Lok Raj Baral (kp) [Since Nepal has no capable leaders, or they are prevented by the incompetent ones, the focus is likely to remain on risk.], Lumbini Province’s coalition as per centre’s decision: CM KC (kh) [Clearly, the politicians at the central level do not understand the meaning and rules of federalism at all!], All politics is local : Local governments elected in 2017 show what the country can look like when people are put first, by Sahina Shrestha (nt), Think nationally, vote locally : Local government elections cannot be held hostage just because two national parties are afraid they will lose (nt), Hiding their head in the sand : Illegal sand mining on Chure rivers displaces farmers, decimates a fragile landscape, y Ramu Sapkota (nt)
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27/01/2022: Nepal’s population is 29,192,480 : Census preliminary data shows population grew by an average 0.93 percent annually, the slowest growth in 80 years, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), As row over polls deepens, provinces’ case is different : Legal experts and provincial leaders assert that politicians in Kathmandu should not decide on provincial assembly elections as the provinces are empowered to do that, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Why Local Polls Draw Growing Interest, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Madhes Province issues order to book violent Janamat Party cadres (kh), Tip of the corruption iceberg : Ordinary Nepali citizens bear the ramifications of being labelled as citizens of a corrupt state (kp), Government officials, businessmen charged with corruption : Some of the country's renowned names in business are accused of causing losses to the state (kp), Not bad, not bad at all : Local governments fulfil many of the expected functions yet they continue to be undermined, by Deepak Thapa (kp), VCs flay government decision to appoint ministry staff at BPKIHS (ht) [The system has long been in need of change: neither a king nor a prime minister belongs at the head of a university or similar institution This is the only way to avoid political interference and nepotism!], Corruption flourishing : With the CPI showing no improvement, whatever has happened to our leaders' repeated pledges not to tolerate corruption? (ht) [This is like the peace process: perpetrators and others responsible will never bring about improvement!], Nepal's coalition government: How long will it last?, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Intraparty Democracy at Stake in Nepal, by Arpan Gelal (rep), Complaint lodged with Rautahat police against Minister Yadav (kh)
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26/01/2022: Nepal’s population is 29,192,480, Central Bureau of Statistics says : Preliminary data unveiled on Wednesday shows the country’s population grew by an average 0.93 percent annually since 2011. The growth rate is lowest in 80 years (kp), National Census 2021: 95 Men Per 100 Women Gender Ratio, by Prakash Silwal (rn), Nepal’s population reaches 29.1 million, growth of 0.93 percent : As per the preliminary report, at least 2.1 million Nepalis are abroad (nlt), Nepal's population reaches 29.1 million (rep), Nepal’s population reaches 29.91 million (kh), More than 2.16 million Nepalis live abroad: CBS  Report (kh), Nepal’s urban population reaches 66.08 percent : Increase in the number of municipalities adds to urban population percent (kh), Back to their old tricks : As if there weren’t enough problems, the politicians are constantly looking to add to them (kp) [Nepal's incompetent and autocratic politicians are the biggest obstacles to an inclusive development of democracy and society. This was already the case under the monarchy and the panchayat system and it has hardly improved since then!], Extralegal entity making the calls on crucial issues a cause for concern : Experts say the political coordination committee, formed ‘to assist the government’ should refrain from dictating on important matters like elections, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Tear gas fired to disperse protestors from disrupting elections (rep), CK Raut’s cadres attack a doctor in Janakpur (nlt), CK Raut’s cadres vandalize Mayor’s vehicle in Sarlahi : Janamat Party cadres clash with police in Janakpur (kh), Nepal’s position in corruption index remains unchanged : Nepal ranks 117th among 180 countries and territories in the latest Corruption Perception Index. The country is behind Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka in South Asia, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Averting a potential catastrophe : Water scarcity due to the drying up of water reserves has given rise to many problems, by Aadesh Subedi (kp)
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25/01/2022: Plan to amend law to delay local polls faces criticism : Parties should not create instability by misinterpreting constitutional provisions, leaders and experts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Local level elections will be held by mid-April 2023: Madhav Nepal (kh) [According to Article 225 of the Constitution, local elections must be held five years after the last elections, and at the latest six months later. This is binding. What is written in subordinate laws may not be constitutional and then as irrelevant as the arguments of a handful of male Tagadharis at the head of the government and political parties. Nepal is not their property!], Quandary Over Election Dates, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), 60 percent of households with children lost income and livelihood during pandemic: Survey : The survey found out that the major emerging needs of families in the pandemic are reportedly financial assistance, food and employment (nlt), What is behind the rift inside the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal?  Party insiders point to issues ranging from an unequal distribution of ministerial positions in the government to the recent ‘death threat’ by Renu Kumari Yadav against CK Raut, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Politicians’ incompetence is turning the best minds away, ruining Nepal’s future: A renowned US-based Nepali expert came to Nepal to help the country create well-paid jobs for fellow Nepalis but Nepali politicians responded in such a way he began to lose hope, by Anjali Subedi (based on talk with Ramhari Subedi) (nlt), Back to the eighties : Stringent government measures will only throttle formal businesses and push them to leave Nepal, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Transparency International ranks Nepal 117 on corruption perception index (rep)
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24/01/2022: Despite constitutional provision, women in Nepal struggle to get their rightful share of ancestral property : Although the constitution states that women are equally entitled to have their share of ancestral property, the law's implementation has been sketchy, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), Legal experts suggest ruling parties to amend inconsistent laws (kh), Don't misinterpret law : The political parties in power should not misinterpret the legal provisions, simply to serve their political interest (ht), Country’s imports hit Rs1 trillion mark in the first half of the fiscal year : If inflation reaches double digits and trade deficit keeps rising, the situation may turn from bad to worse, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Sangam Prasain (kp), Cash scheme for pandemic-hit poor receives poor response in Kathmandu : Officials say strict criteria for grant eligibility might be responsible, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Resuscitation of the Bygone Loksewa Legacy, by Pradip Kumar Kafle (rep), A case of sheer govt negligence: Over 7,000 tons fertilizer dumped to rot at Birgunj dry port, by Narayan Neupane (rep), Once a power-starved nation, how Nepal is now wasting its precious electricity : As the government has failed to export surplus electricity to potential buyers like India and Bangladesh, or offer it to domestic consumers at a competitive rate, Nepal is wasting hundreds of megawatts of clean energy every year (nlt)
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23/01/2022: EC directs RPP to remove ‘monarchy’ and ‘Hindu state’ from its statute (kh), EC warns of action if RPP does not amend statute, party logo (rep), RPP calls office bearers’ meeting as EC asks to remove Hindu state, monarchy from party statute (kh), RPP to seek political and legal redressal against EC’s call to remove Hindu state, monarchy from party statute (kh), What if the local elections are not held on time? As the government is dithering over when to hold the local elections, experts warn that deferring local polls can have consequences on federalism and can also invite constitutional crisis, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), 'Simultaneous elections not feasible', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Confusion in Nepali Congress over polls, particularly local elections : Deuba is in a fix as he feels obliged to coalition partners while he faces pressure from his own party leaders, by Anil Giri (kp), It is govt’s responsibility to shape local level by holding polls: EC (rep), Pandemic can derail progress made in child nutrition, UNICEF warns : Says Nepal achieved marked progress in reducing child stunting during 2002-2016 (kp), Govt preparing to spend additional Rs 240 million to decorate new ministers’ quarters (rep) [Corruption in its purest form!], Model social inclusion policy for local levels (ht), World Economics Forum outlines 5 risk factors for Nepal in 2022 (kh), Politics of amnesia: Opposition UML lambasts the government on the same charges labeled against it while in power : Around six months in power, the coalition government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba has ruled the country in such a way main opposition leader KP Sharma Oli is now in the position to question its integrity and intention (nlt)
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22/01/2022: Amid sluggish government response, Covid-19 third wave rampages the country : Public health experts say without prompt, reliable and effective response to battle the pandemic, Nepal risks becoming the hotspot of the unimagined rapid surge, a rise of serious cases and even deaths, by Amish Neupane (nlt) [There is nothing to expect. Nepal's politicians have only their power interests in mind, not the concerns of the people, for whose solution they have applied and want to apply again this year!], Nepal progresses significantly in nutrition of mothers and children at risk: UNICEF. There are many reasons behind this improvement but one of the major reasons is the involvement of more than 50,000 female community health volunteers (nlt), Ruling alliance to consult legal experts amid confusion over timing of three polls : Deuba’s coalition partners say they are considering holding the three tiers of election simultaneously, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal Oil says it is bankrupt, further price rises foreseen : Situation is so bleak that it is back to the bad old days when the loss-making, cash-strapped public enterprise used to ask the government for handouts to import fuel, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Activists call for sacking Minister Yadav for her incendiary remarks : A group of activists has said a sitting minister threatening target killings is the result of unchecked lack of accountability in the country (kp), NC General Secy Sharma suggests dismissal of Minister Yadav (kh), Prime minister says all outstanding issues will be sorted out through talks : Deuba, in his address to the nation, says the House will resume through agreement (kp) [You have so many urgent tasks that need action, not talks!], Around 33 percent households remain at risk of falling into poverty due to COVID-19 pandemic, survey reveals (kh), Nurture Good Politics In Nepal, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Experts underscore overhauling reforms in formulating legislation (kh) [What legislation? This has been blocked for months by the anti-democrat KP Oli, who even before as PM preferred not to pass laws through parliament, but to impose them through ordinances!]
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21/01/2022: The foe within : Our entire state is a shining example of commissions, kickbacks, and kleptocracy, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Measuring poverty in Madhesh: What should be done? The government of Madhesh province has been claiming all along that it is a pro-poor government. On what basis is the government evaluating the poverty situation of the province?, by Randhir Chaudhary (nlt), Maoist chair Dahal’s non sequitur sends ripples across the political spectrum : Proposal to hold general elections in April-May by delaying local level polls, which must be held by that time, has been criticised as being against the system and rule of law, by Anil Giri (kp), Prachanda’s proposal of ‘early elections’ triggers ripples in Nepali political spectrum (kh), Dance of democracy : Two parties in ruling coalition block holding local elections on schedule, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt), Polls in the time of pandemic : Playing politics with local elections will undermine Nepal’s democracy and grassroots development (nt), Women journalists say they face harassment, but actions rarely taken : Calls for making working space safe have been lost in din of the ‘nothing unusual’ refrain, by Ankit Khadgi (kp), Victims of negligence : Most of the relief work usually falls on the shoulders of ordinary citizens rather than the state (kp), Working-journalists Association demands probe over Civil Hospital’s neglect to treat journo (kh) [Rejected for reasons of caste??], Civil society representatives protest life threatening remarks of sitting minster (kh), The scars of war : Two siblings who survived a Maoist attack in 2002 speak of their long struggle and hopes for the future, by Sahina Shrestha (nt)
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20/01/2022: Panel to ask PM on inclusive, proportional system in envoy appointment (ht), Democracy in political parties : Why do the same leaders continue?, by Krishna Man Pradhan (ht), Minister Renu Yadav gives provocative statement; threatens to kill CK Raut (kh) [If the minister has really expressed this in such a way, she is no longer sustainable for a minute and should be dismissed immediately!], Nepal’s sitting minister threatens to repeat the ‘Gaur massacre’: Here’s the story of the 2007 carnage and impunity that followed : Since 2007, victims of the carnage have been demanding justice but to no avail, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), No China involvement is India’s caveat for buying power from Nepali plants : The southern neighbour has but one concern about buying electricity—who is helping develop projects in Nepal, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Interference by both India and the U.S. in the context of their own anti-China interests!], New school reform plan set for rollout despite two previous flops : A 10-year Rs953.43b Education Sector Plan will come into action in July, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Prioritise Public Education, by Umesh Raj Regmi (rn), Queues and chaos : Every wave seems to expose our lack of preparedness, always leaving things to be done at the eleventh hour (kp), Quick and effective decisions : The government should show how its policy decisions can create changes on the ground in favour of farmers, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Have No Dilemma On Local Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Shocking revelation : It proves that the persons assigned to vaccinate the public had sold them in the black market for personal gain (ht), Dahal proposes to hold general election in April-May, by Ameet Dhakal (Setopati), संवैधानिक व्यवस्थाअनुसार ६ महिनाभित्र स्थानीय निर्वाचन गर्न सकिन्छ : दाहाल (ka)
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19/01/2022: Constitutional and legal contradictions surface amid local election talks : Some parties in the ruling coalition appear to be in bid to exploit the loopholes to delay local level polls, which have been proposed by the poll body for April-May, by Anil Giri (kp), The Election Commission should be allowed to decide when it wants to hold the polls (kp), Provinces, local units rely heavily on Kathmandu for resources : Sub-national governments have been forced to compromise on their autonomy in decision-making due to their over-reliance for resources on the federal government, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Redrawing the map : Territorial issues between countries are as challenging to resolve as claims over land ownership between squabbling siblings, by CK Lal (kp), Internally democratic : Nepal’s political parties are required to ensure inclusive, decentralized democratic processes in their internal functioning but they remain highly centralized, by Sambridh Ghimire (rec) [Today's male party leaders are neither willing nor able to do this! They see themselves as the only rightful and godlike owners of Nepal!]
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18/01/2022: Children without father or born through second marriages deprived of birth registration : Many children are stateless as they are unable to get citizenship certificates due to lack of birth registration documents issued by ward office, by Amrita Anmol (kp) [How can a state that calls itself a democratic constitutional state deny citizenship to children because their parents were not legally married to each other? This is a serious violation of international law!], Ruling alliance agrees to hold local polls in April (nlt), Experts call for bringing India, China on board to resolve Kalapani row : Modi statement on Lipulekh has created fresh uproar, with Delhi, Kathmandu issuing statements one after another, by Anil Giri (kp), Stagflation looms large : Decreasing remittances, dwindling forex reserves and widening balance of payment deficit are impossible to be reversed overnight, by Achyut Wagle (kp), The lasting scars of war: sexual violence during the conflict : Fifteen years since the 10-year conflict ended, there is no justice and little peace for victims of rape and sexual violence, by Ameesha Rayamajhi and Deepesh Shrestha (rec)
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17/01/2022: Fake stories on MCC Vs nationalism: Readers confused with eye-popping headlines (kh), Mass meetings, rallies and gatherings banned until Feb 12 (kh), Nepal reeling under fertilizer shortage as China reluctant to supply it on time : 38,500 metric tons of fertilizer stuck in China, by Eak Raj Bastola (kh), Deuba in poll dilemma— whether to listen to his party or alliance partners : At least two parties in his coalition want three tiers of elections in one go. Congress thinks otherwise, by Anil Giri (kp), Migrants return : The reverse movement of migrants can be perceived either as a problem or an opportunity by the authorities (kp), UML seeks government accountability while it holds the House of Representatives hostage : A dysfunctional Parliament is unlikely to convene meetings anytime soon amid Covid-19 scare, by Binod Ghimire (kp), CK Raut-led Janamat party announces protest programs (kh), Janakpur voted permanent capital of State 2 (kh), The bitter struggle behind sweet sugar: Is the industry on the verge of collapse? Sugar mills are crushing farmers instead of sugarcane, while the successive governments stand as mute spectators secretly serving the crony capitalists while ignoring the farmers who are fighting for justice (nlt)
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16/01/2022: Rights violation of women, children worrisome (ht), FDI in first five months of current FY increases by 49.6 percent; Govt’s capital expenditure stands at 13.44 percent (kh), Govt’s capital expenditure stood only 13.44 percent in the first half of current FY, less than last year’s 14.4 percent (rep), NA Meeting Scheduled For Monday Postponed Again (rn), HoR meeting postponed due to COVID-19 (kh), COVID-19 third wave: Political leaders in isolation (kh), Government reiterates Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh belong to Nepal (kh), Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani integral parts of Nepal: Government : Nepal government has been requesting Indian government to stop unilateral construction/expansion of any road that goes via Nepali territory, Minister Karki says (kp)
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15/01/2022: Division over local level poll dates as two ruling parties press for delays : CPN-UML for Election Commission-proposed dates while the Congress wants fresh discussion with political forces, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Calls grow in ruling parties for Deuba to speak up on Lipulekh : Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is under pressure to respond to Modi’s statement on India’s road expansion through the territory that Nepal has included in its map, by Anil Giri (kp), Media for Deep Democratization : Democratization should not be misunderstood as merely creating more structures, populating them and pursuing ritual elections, by Mohan Nepali (rep), Public Space Makes Authority Responsible, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Janamat Party stages protest rally in Gaur (ht), Six months in power: Deuba Government has been a monumental failure : Here is a list of major failures that mark the six months in office of Prime Minister Deuba, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
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14/01/2022: Amid a virus crisis, Nepalis grapple with an inflation burst : Inflation hits a 64-month high to 7 percent. Prices are going through the roof, which could affect the overall standards of living and hamstring economic growth, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Nepal’s economy’s facing hard time: Former Finance Minister Dr. Lohani (kh), Economic forecast : For a country like Nepal to fully return to the pre-pandemic level, the govt needs to vaccinate its total eligible population (ht), Gamgadhi fire victims shiver under flimsy tents in winter chill : A massive fire on November 15 last year had destroyed 21 houses in the Mugu district headquarters, by Raj bahadur Shahi (kp) [Failure of the Deuba government to provide assistance! The party convents were probably more important!], New virus wave hits political meetings, gatherings : Cabinet has not been able to meet since January 5. With their leaders in isolation, political parties have postponed scheduled events, by Anil Giri (kp), The right to live : The misuse of technology to enforce sex-selective abortion needs to stop (kp), Nepal’s global image : There is no logic that resource-rich Nepal should remain at a lower rung of the development ladder indefinitely, by Yagya Bahadur Hamal (kp), Will the current coalition continue until the next election? CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN (Unified Socialist) are the biggest advocates of sustaining the coalition until the elections as if their existence would be endangered if they compete in the election under the respective party banners, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Nepal’s ruling party Nepali Congress asks New Delhi to immediately stop road construction in the Lipulekh area : Nepali Congress has categorically claimed that Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are Nepal’s territory and India should respect historical evidence (nlt), Lessons still not learnt : On National Earthquake Safety Day on 15 January, let us remember that the 2015 quake taught us to be better prepared (nt)
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13/01/2022: Nepal failed in preventing Covid deaths and addressing rights challenges: HRW (kp) [see HRW report on Nepal], Gender bias forcing women into sex-selective abortions : Sex-selective abortions are illegal in Nepal but are still widely practised for preference of sons over daughters, rights activists say, by Rupa Gahatraj and Aakash Chaudhary (kp), Deuba’s six months in office: A poor show of governance : There is not much for the government to boast about on any front, observers and analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Poor families yet to get one-time grant of Rs10,000 : Those receiving the government incentive must be willing to work voluntarily in the future under the Prime Minister Self Employment Programme, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Dang police office registers complaint in conflict-era disappearance case : Victims are losing hope in transitional justice bodies and are turning to regular justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Covid surge threatens to hinder Nepal’s economic recovery : Nepal’s economy has been estimated to grow 3.9 percent this fiscal year, unchanged from its June 2021 outlook, the World Bank says in its Global Economic Prospects report, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Inflation soars to 7.11 percent in the fifth month of current FY, general people hit hard as prices of daily essentials reach five-year high (rep), Inflation on the rise, remittance dwindling and foreign exchange reserve depleting (kh), MCC, Indo-PacificStrategy and Nepal-US Relations, by Dron Lamichhane (rep), Civil Society At The Crossroads, by Mukti Rijal (rn)
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12/01/2022: Supreme Court orders immediate distribution of senior citizen allowance (kh), Two major Madhes-based parties in crisis : Disputes deepen in Upendra Yadav’s Janata Samajbadi Party and Mahantha Thakur’s Loktantrik Samajbadi Party over key appointments (kp), Nepal Faces New Geopolitical Reality, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Investigation stopped : It seems that the attorney's office is under pressure from the powers that be which do not want the case to move forward (ht), Why case filing in document forgery in Lalita Niwas land grab scam has been delayed : Police submitted documents so as to move case by January 11; district attorney office returns it for more investigation, says statute of limitations not applicable, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Country in crisis: Need for responsible Opposition, government, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
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11/01/2022: Cronyism in Nepali politics : The government instead of acting as a neutral player seems instead to be a puppet in the hands of a few individuals (kp), Divisive politics : The disillusionment campaign begins in an election year with millions of first-time voter, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Nepal’s democracy, political parties and internal politics, by Raghab Sharma (kh), Second wave caught Nepal unawares. No lessons learned a year later : No strategies made to fight new surge when there was lull despite warnings of an explosion of infections, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Prithivi Jayanti and National Unity Day: Unity in Diversity, by Shankar Man Singh (rep), Enhancing the Dialogue Efficiency of Political Parties in Nepal, by Dev Raj Dahal (tn), That iconic portrait of Prithvi Narayan Shah, by Pranaya Shamsher JB Rana (rec)
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10/01/2022: As cases rise, Covid response agency recommends slew of new measures : Limiting gatherings to 25 people, school closure until January-end, and vaccination cards at public places, among the suggested measures, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Education Ministry decides to close schools until Jan 29 (kh), Nepal’s mask-averse politicians : On most occasions, Nepali leaders barely cover their nose and mouth, while they often play fast and loose with health safety protocols, disregarding the virus threat, by Tika R Pradhan & Binod Ghimire (kp) [At the same time, politicians continue to call for mass meetings. This can be called irresponsible at best, but it is more criminal!], Control the spread : To break the chain of spread requires a concerted effort of the authorities and the entire community (kp), He was murdered for his fight to save environment. Justice eludes his family two years on : Justice has not been served in Omprakash (Dilip) Mahato’s murder. Instead, the victim’s family faces false allegations, by Tufan Neupane (kp)
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09/01/2022: Need for openness in governance : The age of democratic accountability in Nepal also needs to emphasise citizen engagement, by Taranath Dahal (kp), PM Deuba intensifies efforts to ratify MCC  (kh), Deuba makes overtures to Oli over House obstruction, MCC : UML chair says position remains the same on both issues, by Anil Giri (kp), Senior leaders in isolation after Dahal tests positive for Covid-19 : Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other ruling alliance leaders were present in two meetings on Thursday and Friday attended by the Maoist chair, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Taking economic growth rate to 7 percent is challenging: Governor Adhikari (kh), Political leadership’s myopic vision impeding national drive for development: Dr. Bhattarai (kh), Ward member, teacher arrested for settling rape case involving 77-year-old woman (rep)
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08/01/2022: Health institutions in Achham reel under lack of infrastructure and manpower : There are more than 500 health institutions in the district and none of them is equipped to provide essential services, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Dilapidated Salyan Prison overcrowded with inmates : The stone-and-mud building with four rooms shelters 129 inmates, including 22 women and three of their children, by Biplab Mahrajan (kp), Govt mulls closing int'l border, suspending flights to and from Nepal as COVID-19 cases see a fresh spike (rep), Oli has held parliament hostage: NC General Secretary Thapa (rep), Why are some countries rich and others poor?, by Vaishally Shah (rep), Perils Of Pre-Political Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), CCMCC decides to close schools till Jan 29 in view of surging COVID-19 cases : Vaccination card made mandatory at public places, including airports (kh)
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07/01/2022: Despite constitutional mandate, women’s representation in Nepali politics remains minimal, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), 90 percent employed women are working informally in Nepal : Women informal sector workers share a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work and family responsibilities that limit their job opportunities, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Declining standards of journalism : Spreading misinformation affects media credibility and harms all democratic institutions, by Ila Sharma (kp), Battling the Shame of Periods Stain : Why cannot we just normalize a period stain? Why do girls have to be ashamed of something biological and completely natural?, by Jyoti Sharma (rep), Ruling, opposition parties doing little to end stalemate, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Study shows only 0.30 % of news stories in Nepali media have bylines of women journalists (rep) [see corresponding report], Volatile Mix of Politics and Religion : Local elections this year will be a kind of referendum on federalism and secularism (nt), Clean up elections to clean up politics : In a democracy, elections force accountability but the voting process itself needs to be overhauled, by Shristi Karki (nt)
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06/01/2022: The fire of Hindutva upsurge : The combustible mixture of religion and politics is likely to widen the gulf between different communities, by CK Lal (kp), Despite current calm, standoff in Supreme Court portends larger complications : Constitutional Bench is unable to sit, Judicial Council is ineffective and Judicial Service Commission hasn’t met, delaying judges’ appointments, promotions and transfers, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Since the beginning of KP Oli's authoritarian and anti-democratic actions, Nepal has increasingly been showing signs of a failing state!], No encouragement for start-ups : Strategies must be put in place to provide a conducive environment to allow the youths to thrive (kp), Industry and commerce in disarray due to headless ministry : The Deuba administration has not appointed a new industry minister since the previous incumbent left office last May, by Krishana Prasain (kp), All officials, except two, at Maoist Center’s central office test positive for COVID19 : Maoist Center Chair Prachanda isolating himself from today itself (kh), Is Landlockedness a Boon or a Curse for Nepal? Changing the Grand Narrative, by Pradip Kumar Kafle (rep), Charge-sheet ready : Land mafias would not have dared grab the govt land without a nexus of the politicians, bureaucrats and even justices (ht), Nepal as a battleground in the era of ‘Great Power Competition’, by Rajan Karki (tn), Burning despair : The recent law on acid attacks is a step in the right direction but it would’ve gone a longer way had it also accounted for burn survivors, by Marissa Taylor (rec), What if… (local) elections cannot be held on time?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Nepal’s federal provinces: Missed opportunities, by Thira Lal Bhusal (ae)
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05/01/2022: Nepal can do much better : Journalists and state agencies are both to blame for the low ranking in the press freedom index, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp), Nepal emerging as a transit and destination country for forced labor and sex trafficking: Report. The study has also found out that traffickers have also been operating under the cover of educational consultancies to lure young children to go abroad for education (nlt) [see corresponding World Bank report], Over 4.4 million people involved in informal sector face vulnerabilities, by Eak Raj Bastola (kh), All you need to know about National Assembly elections : 19 members will be elected on January 26 to replace those who are retiring on March 4 (kp), Their five-year terms are ending but most local units still don’t own office buildings : Federal officials blame lack of funds and unresolved issues at the local level, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Women’s Battle For Leadership, by Namrata Sharma (rn), 128 Landslide Survivors In Nawalparasi Continue To Spend Night In Open (rn), Chinese Ambassador Hou meets MCC Task Force Coordinator Khanal (kh), What is CK Raut up to? After earning opprobrium for being a secessionist for a long time and then receiving praises for joining mainstream politics respecting Nepali sovereignty, CK Raut is again in the headlines. Is he doing politics the right way?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
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04/01/2022: Nepal's federalism: Time for a review : The first elected local governments under the federal constitution promulgated in 2015 are near completion of their five-year tenure, by Achyut Wagle (kp), And the chairman proclaimed: ‘I am the chairman; elect me’ : The Maoist Centre convention is much ado about nothing, as its sole aim was to reinstall Dahal as leader, insiders and observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Convention of appointees : The message from the jamborees is a preview of what to expect during the general elections (kp) [Voters shall once again only be allowed to choose between the old and repeatedly failed politicians who do not represent society in terms of gender or ethnicity. All parties agree on this! What kind of democracy is this anyway?], Major parties pick candidates as they brace for National Assembly elections : Prospects grim for UML. Except in Province 1, ruling alliance controls enough weight to beat the main opposition party, by Anil Giri (kp), EC dismisses Milan Pandey's complaint (rep)
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03/01/2022: Electoral Integrity: A Crucial Aspect of Sustaining Democracy, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Hope and despair : Beneath their tall claims, politicians desire to attain power at any cost (kp), Maoists pledged to uplift marginalised. And they further marginalised them : Dalits in party are questioning if they are going to get the promised space, as they are left out of committees now, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Deuba accused of nominating only supporters to Congress central committee : Among 13 nominated, just two, or mere 15 percent, are women, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Deconstructing Political Hierarchy, by Madhav Prasad Aryal (rn), Stop interfering : Frustration runs high among those police personnel who don't have the connections or money to influence their promotions and transfers (ht), Ruling coalition shares seats in National Assembly : To jointly field candidates in NA poll (kh)
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02/01/2022: Police open fire on CK Raut’s party cadres, five injured (kh) [The police shot at these people just because they were demonstrating? Not even in the case of damage to property would the use of firearms have been appropriate!], At least 16 injured as Janamat Party cadres clash with security personnel in Dhanusa : Eight security personnel and eight party cadres have been injured so far. Authorities are still trying to bring the situation under control, said police (kp), Desmond Tutu and Nepal : Tutu’s death has become an occasion of soul-searching in tackling the multiple whammies, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Wake up from this dreamy world : Ours is a country where personal interests always take precedence over national interests, by Tim Gurung (kp) [And all the failed "top politicians"! are so ignorant and refuse to understand that they have to go if they want to finally do the country a service!], Maoist Path Of Revolution : Who Will Bell The Cat?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Follow Einstein’s Socialism, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn), Incidents Of Violation Of Press Freedom Increasing (rn), Over 9,000 crimes against women in five months (ht), End interference in security bodies, CIAA tells home ministry (ht)
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