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.

25/09/2022: Dr Govinda KC ends hunger strike after 10-point agreement with govt (nlt) [As always before, the government will not stick to anything it has agreed to!], Ruling coalition to begin discussion on provincial seat sharing (kh) [It shows a complete lack of understanding of federalism when the national level interferes with the competences of the provinces and the local level!], What kind of president did the new republic imagine? President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s recent political activism has trained the focus on the roles and responsibilities of the institution she represents, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), President counter-accuses government of breaching constitution : Days after the ruling parties accused her of violating the constitution, the President writes to government to regularly brief her on Cabinet decisions, by Anil Giri (kp), President Runs The Gauntlet, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), SC issues show cause order to President’s Office (kh), People found unaware of laws (rn), Bhattarai, Dahal say they are joining forces (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

24/09/2022: A new type of people’s war is necessary for socialism: Prachanda (kh), Verdict on petitions against President’s move unlikely before a month : As court goes on Dashain vacation from September 26 to October 9, it will not hear cases other than habeas corpus (kp) [Take your time! What does it matter if the president, the prime minister or both of them in close cooperation trample on the constitution and stage coups, as has happened repeatedly in the past two years?], Adjusting To Shifting Geopolitics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

23/09/2022: Rule of the lawless : Following the rules in Nepal is an exception, rather than the rule (nt), Democratic breakdown : The chase for power has made each individual wielding authority turn against democratic institutions (kp), Public Expectations From Polls, by Yug Bahadur (rn), Will escalating tensions hit November elections? The President is accused of foiling the citizenship bill to muddy the waters, sensing UML’s poor poll prospects, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), The ball is now in Supreme Court as Sheetal Niwas and Baluwatar face off : A single bench to decide whether or not to send the petitions to the Constitutional Bench, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC scheduled to hear petitions against President’s move to reject Citizenship Amendment Bill (nlt), SC hearing on writs against President’s non-certification of Citizenship Bill fails to take place (kh) [??], President Bhandari addressed GSI against Nepal’s foreign policy: MoFA (rep), President’s precedent, by Shristi Karki (nt), Inoculation against misinformation : As Nepal’s elections near, fact-checking, media literacy and monitoring can foster trust in public institutions, by Deepak Adhikari (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

22/09/2022: The political games : One can only hope that wise heads prevail in the current coalition, by Deepak Thapa (kp), 'Commissions failed to deliver as per expectations (rn), Parties scramble for response to Sheetal Niwas subterfuge : PM consults legal experts, who suggest multiple options, by Binod Ghimire (kp), President’s message aired at China’s GSI event despite government’s reservations : Kathmandu-based diplomats call government officials to register their concerns over the President’s virtual participation in the event, by Anil Giri (kp), President must pay : Bhandari seems ready to buttress her former party’s nationalist image even if it means tainting her’s (kp), ‘An exercise to find alternative to incumbent govt by postponing elections’ (rep), Petition filed at Supreme Court against President for not certifying Citizenship Bill (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

21/09/2022: Political parties continue to abuse proportional representation system : Many nominees in the closed lists submitted to Election Commission have repeatedly occupied positions of power, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Women MPs, unite : A new women’s parliamentary caucus is needed at a time when they are being brazenly discriminated (kp), Fixing a flawed quota system : The solution to the loopholes is not discontinuation but evidence-based revision, by Divya Rana and Vibhav Pradhan (kp), President rejects citizenship bill, tramples on the constitution : Her refusal will deny state ID to half a million people who awaited the bill’s passage, by Tika R Pradhan and Purushottam Poudel (kp), President refuses to authenticate Citizenship Amendment Bill : The 15-day timeline given to the President by the Constitution for certification expired at Tuesday midnight (nlt), President Bhandari violates Constitution as she refuses to certify Citizenship Amendment Bill, by Balkrishna Adhikari (rep), President refuses to sign citizenship bill into law, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Deadline for authenticating Citizenship Bill ends : Citizenship Bill "inactive" as President declines to authenticate (kh), Prez Bhandari’s ‘rejection’ of Citizenship Bill creates ripples in political circle (kp), Ruling coalition issuing statement against President’s move (kh), Ruling coalition lambasts President Bhandari’s “unconstitutional” move to reject Citizenship Bill (kh), Bhandari attending Beijing’s GSI event after foreign ministry’s bungle, by Anil Giri (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

20/09/2022: Far West disaster victims struggle to survive : Landslides in Achham on Friday killed 22 people. In Kanchanpur and Kailali, floodwaters inundated several settlements and displaced hundreds, by Menuka Dhungana, Bhawani Bhatta and Mohan Budhaair (kp), Chief concerns : The manner in which the Chief Justice impeachment affair unfolded has been disheartening (kp), Controversies Surrounding Suspended CJ, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Minor rape victim's mother seeks security assurance after release of accused in Saptari (ht), Dr Gobinda KC refuses to fly to Kathmandu for treatment : The health crusader is currently on a hunger strike in Dhangadhi where his health condition is worrisome, say doctors. The government sent a Nepal Army helicopter to Dhangadhi to bring him to Kathmandu for further treatment on Tuesday (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

19/09/2022: Constitution Day: Time to deliver on promises rather than celebration, by Jivesh Jha (nlt) [Not even one of the old party leaders will ever deliver! Without exception, they have only selfish power interests. Besides, it is their constitution. The numerous shortcomings and contradictions of the constitution were their intention!], Centralised mindset still the biggest hurdle to charter implementation : Parties chose to block full implementation and introduced only selective changes to help themselves, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Seven Years On: Remembering Ashoj 3, by Randhir Chaudhary (rep), Leaders Must Uphold Constitution, by Bishnu Gautam (rn), “Mindset of political leaders hasn’t changed yet” : The party leaders still suffer the feudal mindset, interview with Prakash Rasaili (kh), Eighth Constitution Day: Political Correction for Proper Implementation of Constitution (kh), Seven topsy-turvy years : The constitution is by and large progressive. Only if our political parties adhered to it (kp), Five arrested for trying to torch constitution (kh) [And what about those who constantly break or disregard the constitution? In the end, this is much worse than burning a book!], Will Hinduism be an agenda in the upcoming elections? While events in India will have an impact, religion is as yet not a big vote-puller in Nepal, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [The Hindu state is not so much a question of religion, but a social and political concern. At stake is the question of inclusion and rights in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, the value of women, perceptions of caste, respect for other cultures, etc.], Vision for development in federal setup : We must get rid of the misconception that infrastructure development is just about connectivity. We must focus on creating new settlements in the rural areas, by Keshav Acharya (nlt), Challenging the old and channelling the new : Despite resistance to devolution, decentralisation has enhanced public service delivery, by Pukar Malla and Krishna Gyawali (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

18/09/2022: House panel recommends suspended CJ’s impeachment : Rana, however, is preparing to return to the Supreme Court as chief justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parliament committee recommends impeaching suspended CJ Rana : Panel divided over proceeding; new parliament to take care of it (kh), Suspended CJ Rana confined at home; police deployed to prevent him from entering SC premises (kh), Has the govt placed suspended Chief Justice Rana under house arrest? (rep), Govt has shown its malafide intention by not letting me come out of my residence: Suspended CJ Rana (rep), Nepal Bar stages a sit-in to prevent Rana from entering SC (kh), Mud-slinging the order of the day in Parliament’s last sitting : House debates were largely centered on removal of Oli government and the citizenship issue, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), It’s either 40 percent ticket share or poll boycott, rival camp threatens Deuba : Leaders supporting Koirala-Thapa faction voice their fears of the Congress not fielding candidates from the camp, by Anil Giri (kp), Loan shark victims end struggle after five-point agreement : Government agrees to take measures to compensate the victims and reclaim land illegally taken by the lenders, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [And what about the brutal police attacks?], Street Vendors Left Out In The Cold?, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

17/09/2022: How free is freedom of artistic expression in Nepal? Artists have been arrested now and then and at times censures have been imposed on their creations. What does this suggest about the freedom of expression in Nepal?, by Shrutika Raut (nlt), NGOs charged of concealing information (kh) [How is this different from the behaviour of political parties and their leaders?], Karnali residents have no grains ahead of festivals : Rice shortage is a perennial problem in the far-flung districts and government help is too little too late, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Leaders of Madheshi parties making a beeline for the UML : Observers term the election-time defections rank opportunism, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp) [Better call it betrayal of the interests of Madheshi people because of selfish motives of their so-called leaders!], PM Deuba vows to hold Nov 20 elections in a fair manner as term of parliament expires at midnight tonight (kh) ["Fair" also means: no coercion of voters by the high-caste male party leaders through electoral alliances and adequate inclusion of all social groups, e.g., 50% female direct candidates, maximum of 6% each male Bahuns and Chhetris as candidates, proportion of Dalits, Janajtis, Madheshis according to their share of the population, etc.], EC demands mayors of various metropolis to pay Rs 700,000 each in fine for not submitting election expense details on time : Those sought fine includes KMC Mayor Shah, Dharan Mayor Sampang and Bharatpur Mayor Dahal (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali) and Sagarmatha TV (evening)

16/09/2022: United in dotage : Old age runs deep in Nepal’s mainstream politics (nlt) [These failed politicians, who still believe they are indispensable, are, besides authoritarian party structures, the fundamental problem of Nepali politics!], RPP to field “popular” faces under PR category (kh) [Quite mendacious! What is sold as positive is in reality the only way to ensure the return of old politicians from this party as well, provided, of course, that the party gets over the 3-percent hurdle at all.], MP Pant's appeal to political parties to increase candidacy of women (rep), World Bank Group urges Nepal for comprehensive and scaled-up climate action (kh) [see World Bank report, 15/09/2022], World Bank launches Country Climate and Development Report : The GDP of Nepal is estimated to reduce by 7 percent in 2050 solely due to climate change (kp), Climate change expected to further affect Nepal, says World Bank report (ht), Nepal refuses to be pushed into a hasty decision on Indian’s Agnipath scheme : Ministry says government formed after November polls will take a call on if Nepalis can join Indian Army’s plan, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Speculations over communist alliance suit the Maoist Centre just fine : CPN-UML wants to forge an alliance with Maoist Centre, whose leaders won’t deny left alliance rumours, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), What will make Nepali soft power tick? Nepali stories, artists and entrepreneurs have the wherewithal to take on the world, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Govt decides to withdraw cases against Resham Chaudhary, other accused (rep), Dr KC’s health critical; he has refused to take medication, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep), 60-year-old Palpana fighting for her land for six years (rn), HoR, Province Assembly's term to expire from September 17 midnight (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), Sagarmatha TV (evening), and AP1 News (morning)

15/09/2022: Differences over definition of murder killing key TJ bill : As parties dispute over amnestiable and non-amnestiable crimes in parliamentary committee, the term of the House of Representatives expires at midnight Saturday, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Violence against LGBTQI+ people continues : Safety of sexual minorities in question after two members of the queer community were beaten up on suspicions of stealing babies in Siraha on Saturday, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp), Dalit politicians being denied tickets : Political parties didn’t field women Dalit candidates in 124 wards in the local elections last May : The number of Dalit mayors decreased by half in 2022 polls compared to 2017, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), On equal footing : The constitutional provisions for inclusion cannot be ignored or circumvented anymore (kp) [But the reality looks different as the high-caste political patriarchy does not abide by the Constitution, laws or SC rulings! And they do not even have to fear punishment!], NC restricts previous PR-elected lawmakers from becoming PR candidates again (kh), Nov 20 polls: Maoist Center to not repeat PR lawmakers (kh) [NC, CPN (MC) and all the other parties had better restrict the previously directly elected politicians from running again. After all, these predominantly male, high-caste politicians are the ones responsible for the whole misery of the state, not so much the MPs elected through the PR system!], Prachanda sees need to keep party intact to safeguard achievements (kh 15/09/2022) [Which achievements? Democracy is in a sorry state, the republic is more of an oligarchy with a patriarchal flavour, there is no question of social inclusion and federalism is in its infancy at best!], The tug-of-war between President and Prime Minister, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), Sagarmatha TV (evening), and AP1 News (morning)

14/09/2022: Instigation of TRC and CIEDP for Justice, and Psychic Therapy : Let’s not contextualize Nepal as human-rights-risk-zone, by Uttam Poudel (kh), Pathos of collective humiliation in Madhesh : Elections may come, elections may go, but the struggles of Madheshis will have to continue to establish themselves as ‘the People’, by CK Lal (kp), Chinese Speaker inquires about left unity, commits to reopening borders : Li was also keen to know about the status of the MCC Compact and commended Nepal’s stand on the SPP, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Nepal in the global power struggle of the superpowers!], Tourism hamstrung as government delays passing twin aviation bills : Nepal needs to split the Civil Aviation Authority into service provider and regulator to get out of the European Commission’s air safety list, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [Continued anti-national disinterest of Nepali governments for years: Incompetence, protectionism, corruption, what are the backgrounds?], Traffic jams amid Chinese Speaker’s visit trouble Valley commuters, by Anup Ojha (kp) [The disregard for basic civil rights because of the courting of god-like politicians and foreign state visitors is reminiscent of the royal middle ages from which Nepal actually wanted to liberate itself!], VIP movement causes inconvenience to commuters, pedestrians, office-goers (rep), Beyond grand promises : Only by making quality education an easily attainable fundamental right can we dream of a better tomorrow (kp), Dr KC’s  health deteriorates (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), Sagarmatha TV (evening), and AP1 News (morning)

13/09/2022: Revival of women’s caucus vital to advancing feminist movement : The sorority in the 2008 Constituent Assembly laid foundation for gender equality in the constitution, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Police crackdown on loan shark victims continues : As many as 30 protestors have been detained by the police on Tuesday (kp), Arrest of comedian Apoorwa Kshitiz reignites the free-speech debate : There appears to be some gap in the interpretation of free speech between new and old generations, by Anup Ojha (kp), Untimely whispers : As a high-level leader from the north visits Nepal, we must ask when the border gates will fully open for trade (kp), Nepal and China agree to enhance cooperation on multiple fronts under the BRI framework : The six-point agreement emphasised cooperation on governance, legislative and supervisory practices, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal mocks green pledges by approving new oil pipelines : The project is not only a waste of money, but also a glaring example of a fractured and unstable politics, experts say. by Krishana Prasain (kp), President certifies five bills, excluding Citizenship Bill (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

12/09/2022: Dangerous destinations : We should create opportunities at home to ensure trafficking of Nepalis comes to an end (kp), Poll manifestoes : Refrain From Populist Agenda, by Ballav Dahal (rn), Experts suggest strengthening Press Council instead of Media Bill (kh), Visiting Chinese Speaker may have speculations of left unity to shrug off : Even in the past, China has clearly expressed its wish for a strong and united communist party in Nepal, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Conclave ends with talks on geopolitics, social media and music : The event concludes after two days of discussion on issues of national and global import–from climate change and digital transformation to unleashing Nepal’s ‘soft’ power (kp), Dr Govinda KC to start fast-unto-death from Dhangadhi from today (rep), Rastriya Ekata Abhiyan denounces arrest of Chair Yadav (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

11/09/2022: Inclusiveness missing in judiciary (ht), Land of gossip : The psyche of producing gossip would remain the principal shaper of the election manifestos, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Who is playing spoilsport in seat-sharing? Congress or JSP : While JSP is confident of wins in Madhes, Congress too has ample reason not to concede too many seats, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Manipulation of what the anti-democrats once called "democracy"!], Nepal, India set for tough negotiations at next JC meet on water resources : Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, Saptakoshi high dam, compensation for people affected by two barrages and inundation in border regions are on the agenda, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Severe wasting in two eastern districts hints at a hidden health crisis : High prevalence of an acute form of malnutrition in and around Tarai, the country’s food basket, is alarming. Children are not getting enough nutritious food, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Leveraging Nepal’s untapped potential, making the world a better place : First day of Kantipur Conclave was jam-packed with insights on nation’s pressing issues (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

10/09/2022: Is alternative politics on the wane in Nepal? The leaders of ‘alternative forces’ have turned out to be no different than the conventional political parties, experts say, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), The Nepalis braving ‘death route’ to reach Europe : Tricked by organised human traffickers, Nepalis who try to land in Greece illegally via Turkey are dying and disappearing in increasing numbers, by Janakraj Sapkota (kp), What happens to motion against chief justice after lower house term ends? Suspended due to the impeachment motion, Chief Justice Rana might seek court order to return to work, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

09/09/2022: “When media cannot function independently, democracy cannot sustain”, interview with Dinesh Tripathi (kh), Final settlement on seat-sharing still elusive as parties stick to their guns : Task force submits its final report to top alliance leaders who will now take the final call, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Balen: His challenges and strengths : Changing a long-established bureaucratic culture is one of the hardest things for any leader, by Naresh Koirala (kp),15-yea r-old girl 'gang-raped' in Kailali (rep), Building Resilient Economy, by Yug Bahadur (rn), Affirmative inaction : Party patriarchy sidelines women aspirants to office, and gives bare minimum representation (nt), The power to have a say in her-story : As the November elections approach, Nepal’s male-dominated parties are loath to let women contest, by Shristi Karki (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

08/09/2022: Conflict victims on tenterhooks with House term on the verge of expiry : They fear the bill to amend Transitional Justice Act may not be endorsed by Parliament, allowing for an ordinance, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Un-presidential ambitions : Nowhere does the constitution envision for the president the kind of broad discretionary powers she seems to want (kp), High and mighty : We should debate whether we need VIPs flashing their status to our faces every opportunity they find, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Achieve Sustainable Economic Growth, by Bidhyaman Mahatara (rn), Women in climate change policy: Give them their due, by Usha Kiran Subba (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

07/09/2022: Nepal on the horns of dilemma over China’s Global Security Initiative : Experts say Kathmandu should stay away from Chinese President Xi’s concept, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal should make its position clear on China’s GSI, by Saurav Raj Pant (kh), What if President Bhandari refuses to authenticate the citizenship bill? Those the head of state has consulted of late say that is not at all a far-fetched possibility given her ‘bruised ego’, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [In terms of disregarding her constitutional duties and the fundamentals of parliamentary democracy, the president gained plenty of experience during KP Oli's premiership.], Marriage of convenience : There is no guarantee that the alliance will remain intact once the parliamentary elections are over (kp) [An electoral alliance exclusively in the interests of power of failed politicians who have remained the same for many years and definitely not in the interests of voters and democracy!], Govt withdraws proposal to extend HoR's tenure (ht), ‘Our political leaders have deluded us with ideological slogans and outdated doctrines as recipes for development, interview with Kul Chandra Gautam (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

06/09/2022: Crime and politics : By legitimising criminality, political parties have turned politics into a transactional enterprise (kp), Conclude Protracted Peace Process, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Security guard who asked a minister to wait in queue freed : Home minister orders Gurung’s release after Minister Shrestha pardoned him (kp) [The security guard needs no pardon from the failing minister, but justice and compensation.], I know tourism minister will not resign, but he should apologize publicly: National Assembly member Poudyal (rep), Election Commission opposes plan to extend House term : Election code of conduct says terms of members of lower house and provincial assembly will lose their positions after filing nominations for elections (kp) [A moronic discussion: elected MPs only become functional when parliament first convenes. No democratic country can afford to be without a legislature or executive for months!  This once again highlights one of the many shortcomings of the 2015 Constitution.], Why have PM Deuba and his ministers not disclosed their property details?, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), Seat Sharing Conundrum, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Cetamol in short supply as dengue cases rise : The shortage of cetamol is mainly because pharmaceutical producers in Nepal had to cut down production due to high cost, by Kiran Lama (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

05/09/2022: Crime-accused can contest polls but they may be barred from performing duty : Experts say flawed laws can create a situation where the electorate may not have their representative in the House, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Police arrest security guard for asking a sitting minister to wait in queue : A Chhaya Centre security guard asks Tourism Minister Shrestha, who was at the visa centre in a personal capacity, to wait for his turn, by Matrika Dahal (kp) [Ministers are no better at doing private things. The security officer deserves an award and compensation!], Security Guard Gurung tells Lamichhane from police custody, “I did not misbehave with tourism minister” (rep), Guard arrested for doing his duty : Asked minister to come in queue for visa biometrics (ht) [The cocky arrogance of some politicians can hardly be surpassed!], Jail recommended for legal heirs for not taking care of elderly (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and AP1 News (morning)

04/09/2022: Nov 20 Polls : Let’s Stop the Snollygosters!, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep), Trapped in migration and remittance : It is necessary to invest in the skills of Nepali youth to fully realise the demographic dividend, by Nischal Dhungel (kp), RPP Chair Lingden announces resignation as lawmaker (kh) [A strange view of the electoral period of a parliament! This may only end on the day on which the newly elected parliament convenes for the first time. Otherwise, the country would be without a legislature for weeks or even months, what the executive has enjoyed manipulating in the past. There is no question of a tenure extension.], Unified Socialist At A Crossroads, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Media Council bill : FNJ wants restrictive provisions removed (ht) [Especially failing politicians and corrupt elements should not be "criminalised"?]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

03/09/2022: Stateless in Nepal : Politicisation of the citizenship bill has deprived many of their fundamental rights, by Tufan Neupane and Tika R Pradhan (kp) [It is not only the extreme politicisation of all spheres of public life with which the so-called top politicians have been ruining the state and society for years, it is also the patriarchal thinking anchored in the constitution and laws that denies women the right to transfer their citizenship to their children.], Voters should be provided adequate information on election: NIC (kh), Bill proposes continuing current lower house’s term until March 4 : Experts decry plan as unparliamentary. Government has drafted a bill to amend relevant law, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [What is morally wrong can never be legally right! The previous parliament is history from the time of the new elections at the latest!], Civil society leaders urges parties to select capable, honest and reliable candidates in Nov 20 elections (kh) [Then most of the old faces should not appear again on the candidate lists, especially not the so-called top leaders!], Government only thinking of taking temporary benefits: Madan Krishna Shrestha (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

02/09/2022: In Myagdi, child marriages continue despite multi-million rupee campaigns : According to district health authority, nearly 20 percent of pregnancies reported over the last year were underage, by Ghanshyam Khadka (kp), 17 amendment proposals to the bill on transitional justice law  : Victims and rights activists say the current bill provides a loophole to define all murders as non-cruel and grant amnesty for all murders, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Theory of dissent : ‘None of the above’ is a legitimate option that allows the electorate to reject candidates, by Samar SJB Rana & Vera Jasmine Shrestha (kp), Need and greed : Citizens must organise against rampant extractivism by Nepal’s politico-business nexus, by Rabin Giri (nt), A nation built on sand : Nepal’s politico-business nexus is ravaging mountains and rivers, destroying our future, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

01/09/2022: New elections, same old faces, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [It has never occurred to me in the 72 years of my life to question democratic elections. But this time it has, perhaps because this no longer has much in common with democracy!], President consults Maoist and Unified Socialist leaders on citizenship, transitional justice bills : Responding to the President’s concerns, the leaders said the bill on Citizenship Act is only a temporary remedy and a new act is needed, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Make Poll Manifestoes Realistic, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [The power-hungry party politicians have never intended to implement the contents of the election manifestos later on. The manifestos are usually not worth the paper they are printed on!], Strict election code : The code of conduct has barred PM and ministers from campaigning in constituencies other their own (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

31/08/2022: Citizenship Bill : Maintain Gender Justice, Equality, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Indirectly elected representatives, most of whom are women, have less powers : In the upcoming elections, women aspire to contest first-past-the-post seats but political parties don’t seem enthusiastic to give them tickets, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp) [According to the patriarchal thinking of the ruling male elite, Nepal belongs only to men, especially to those from the Tagadhari castes, particularly the Bahuns. The citizenship law and the current discussion on this matter make this clear. Since because of the alliance the direct candidacies are also divided among the parties, the ruling men cannot "waste" any mandate on women!], People’s issues ignored as parties are overly fixated on power : One year since adopting their common minimum programme, the ruling parties have never discussed the commitments, by Purushottam Poudel (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

30/08/2022: Kin of disappeared wait for justice even 16 years after end of insurgency : Government and parties want to settle transitional justice process without ensuring justice to victims, say activists, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Neither PK Dahal and his Maoist comrades, nor the army, nor the leaders of the political parties responsible for crimes or their protection during the insurgency want justice for the victims. Indeed, they all then run the risk of endangering themselves!], Kin of disappeared wait for justice even 16 years after end of insurgency : Government and parties want to settle transitional justice process without ensuring justice to victims, say activists, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Shortage of textbooks affects studies in Far-west hill districts : Students, teachers left in the lurch while authorities concerned appear indifferent, by Menuka Dhungana and Tripti Shahi (kp), Unified Socialist :  A Cog In Ruling Alliance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Demolition of illegally constructed buildings: A step in the right direction, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

29/08/2022: Nepal’s human rights defenders, conflict victims seek UN support to correct flaws in transitional justice bill : Rights activists and conflict victims' organizations wrote to the UN Secretary General drawing the attention of the latter toward the flawed transitional justice bill (nlt), Lawmakers demand voting right of those Nepali residing abroad (kh) [Both the Oli and Deuba governments have shown no interest in implementing a SC directive to that effect!], Parties are fighting upcoming elections on usual planks : Congress will harp on democracy, UML will continue with ultranationalism, Maoists promise to shore up constitution, and Madhesh parties will press for constitution amendment, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Paradox of free education : Government schools haven’t been able to operate in a manner that would guarantee schooling at no cost (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

28/08/2022: Coalition close yet far on seat-sharing as individual claims too high : Congress sticks to 100 constituencies, which partners say too many, as their demands are also big, by Anil Giri (kp) [The decline of democracy is accelerated, urgently needed young forces are not given a chance, a necessary inclusion of traditionally excluded groups of society is farther away than ever! Once again, the old failed politicians will be in the foreground, who nevertheless consider themselves indispensable!], School education is free but public schools are forced to raise fee : Politicians themselves admit party leaders are unwilling to give due attention to public schools because many leaders have invested in private academic institutions, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [An aspect of corruption!], Is Nepal Trapped in Geopolitical and Geostrategic Rivalry?, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (rep), Shun Politics Over Citizenship Issue : The citizenship should be a means of connecting citizens and mustering their loyalty to the nation but it has unfortunately divided the political spectrum, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [The Citizenship Act divides Nepal's citizens into those with full rights (males) and those with limited rights (females). It is the prime example of discrimination against women in an arch-patriarchal society!], NA approves proposal on citizenship bill (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

27/08/2022: The many controversies of President Bidya Devi Bhandari : Nepal’s President is facing criticism for politicking not because of a one-off event—there actually is a long list, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A sub-alliance within the ruling coalition is in the making. But why? Observers see move as bargaining chip for seat-sharing talks, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Dalit families living on road for two months in Kailali (ht), The Rules Of Democratic Game, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

26/08/2022: Bring Fresh Faces To Leadership, by Yug Bahadur (rn 26/08/2022) [And this must be done inclusively. Given the existing disproportion, at least half should be women; at least 20 per cent should go to Dalits; a male Bahun should only be added if at least three male Bahuns drop out at the same time!], Nepal has world’s highest lung disease deaths, a new study shows : The high death rate in Nepal, according to the study, is because of the failure on the part of the authorities to effectively regulate air pollutants (nlt) [irresponsible misconduct by government and authorities!], SC refuses interim order on writ demanding expiration of HoR term : The petitioners have argued that as terms of the House of Representatives and all the seven provincial assemblies have ended after the announcement of the election, all the decisions and actions taken since then should be annulled (nlt), Nepal sees a dramatic face-off between executive and the President over citizenship bill : Both institutions seem to have played within their constitutional confines, but political colour is visible, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘Off the Cuff’ Population Policy! There is a need for a paradigm shift in Nepal - from an anti-natalist to a pro-natalist population policy - aiding economic growth, by Pradip Kumar Kafle (rep), Madhes provincial govt to provide Rs 500,000 to rape victim Niharika (kh) [Such an insignificant compensation payment by the provincial government is not justice! The perpetrator must be severely punished, make payments to the victim and at least pay for the maintenance and education of the child.]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

25/08/2022: Teachers in politics: Can Balen Shah’s directive herald a dissociation? Although several acts prohibit teachers from having political affiliation, a majority of them are openly affiliated with political parties and are campaigning for them (nlt) [Excluding certain professional groups from political activity is a serious violation of fundamental human rights. Only the abuse of their professional position, in the case of teachers for example the party-political indoctrination of students, should be legally prosecuted. In democratic states worldwide, it is normal for teachers to be politically active.], Educating voters : The Election Commission needs to ensure that voters understand the hows and whys of voting (kp), Mergers and factions : Given past experience, we might as well write off the yet-to-be-born party even before it comes into being, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Failed Bids To Form New Parties, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Mediocrity trap: Constructive criticism of the self helps, by Simone Galimberti (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

24/08/2022: Merit and myopia : The marginalised are not snatching anyone's share of the opportunity pie; the pie is already too small (kp) [Seat reservations for Khas-Arya, for example, under the PR system should also not exist. The overwhelming majority of the 60 per cent direct mandates are already given to this section of society!], Qatar expels Nepali migrant workers for joining protest : The demonstrating workers were demanding their backpay, and they were sent home after being paid in full, rights activists say, by Pawan Pandey (kp 24/08/2022) [This regime in Qatar, which despises human rights, does not accept the rights of the exploited and often cheated workers! And the world interested in football looks on idly and will celebrate with this regime in November!], Bill to amend transitional justice act tabled in Parliament : Conflict victims and rights activists have expressed concerns about some of the provisions and demanded a review (kp) , It is hypocrisy to call Citizenship Bill anti-national: Prachanda : Oli had refused to take the seven-year provision proposal to the parliament (kh) [As a woman, you would see this quite differently. Finally come down from your patriarchal horse and treat women and men absolutely equally!], Kathmandu’s garbage problem becoming international ignominy : A video clip of CNA news showing garbage heaps in the capital has triggered public rage against the politicians and Mayor of Kathmandu. Tourism entrepreneurs say it will damage Nepal’s reputation (nlt), Supreme Court quashes all writ petitions filed against Public Service Commission (kh), Supreme Court scraps petitions challenging civil servants integration : Court also revoked integration in some cases including where civil servants were adjusted in junior positions than their previous ones at the local level, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

23/08/2022: Furore among minorities as inclusion body advises ending reservations : National Inclusion Commission report says reservation cannot be a permanent remedy for empowerment and should eventually end, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [What else can you expect? The National Inclusion Commission appointed in 2019 by the Oli covernment, like almost everything else in this state, is under the total control of Tagadharis, five men and one woman. Perhaps it should be renamed the National Non-Inclusion Commission!], At least 35 bandh enforcers arrested from different parts of country (nlt) [Every bandh is a crime against the citizens, especially when it turns into militancy!], Bandh enforcers vandalize bus at Thapagaon (kh), Police arrest 17 for forcibly imposing bandh in Kathmandu (kh), Strike cripples normal life in Rolpa (rep), 523 cases against then Maoist leaders have been cleared: Law Minister (kh) [Crimes were also committed by the security forces during the uprising and protected by the politicians in charge at the time. The law is still not suitable to hold the perpetrators accountable!], Bill on Transitional Justice to be presented in HoR meeting : Law Minister to present Bill on Enforced Disappeared Persons (kh), Criminal justice system doesn’t work during conflict, TJ itself is needed: Minister for Law and Justice (kh), Government in a fix as India seeks Nepal’s position on the Army Agnipath scheme : As India plans to recruit Nepalis, it has asked Kathmandu for its views. Officials say they are discussing the matter, by Anil Giri (kp), Hundreds of loan sharking victims nationwide come forward with complaints : As many as 1,937 complaints, majority from Madhesh, received in eight days. Victims say protest will continue until perpetrators are booked, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Preparing for COP 27 : Waste management has become a political football that Nepali politicians enjoy playing, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Nepal needs prudent measures as inflation hits global level, by Rajendra Koirala (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

22/08/2022: RDN Nepal demands implementation of ‘Study report of freed Kamaiya, Kamlahari, Haruwa-charuwa Situation’ (kh), Decoding the controversies over the flawed citizenship bill : Without paying any heed to the call of the President for review, the citizenship bill has again been passed by the House of Representatives. Frankly, this smacks of political hooliganism, by Bhagirath Basnet (nlt), Niharika Rajput breaks hunger strike on 17th day (nlt), Did Maoists abandon the issue of “inclusion” and equal representation?, by Sunita Bhul (kp) [Without any doubt, this process already started with the elections to the first CA. After its defeat in the elections to the second CA, the party has forgotten all the ideals for whose implementation 17,000 people had to lose their lives!], ‘The upcoming elections will be fairer and impartial’ : Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya on poll preparations, efforts to minimise invalid votes, and checking overspending (interview) (kp 22/08/2022) [An election that is manipulated in advance by the party leaders in a non-inclusive way can hardly be called fair!], Border uncertainty in north troubles traders again— ahead of festivals : Containers holding goods imported for Dashain remain stranded at check points since last week, by Krishana Prasain (kp) [China is proving to be an extremely unreliable trading partner! Nepal should be very careful about closer cooperation!], 2021 population of Nepal: Projected vs enumerated, by Yagya Bahadur Karki (ht), Despite shortage within Nepal, government signs agreement to send nurses to Britain : Nepal on Monday signed an MoU to send at least 200 licensed nurses to the UK. Observers say this could result in a shortage of nurses in Nepal, by Shrutika Raut (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

21/08/2022: International community expresses concern over transitional justice process : Diplomats during their meetings urge Deuba and Dahal to address victims’ grievances, as the government prepares to table the amendment bill in Parliament, by Anil Giri (kp), Inclusivity just a refrain in Maoist party, as it fails to practise what it preaches : Party picks 21 office bearers with just one woman, two Madheshis, four Janajatis—none from Dalit, Muslim communities, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Oligarchy and nepotism are features of all Nepali political parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre)!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

20/08/2022: Campaign spending expected to increase inflationary pressure : Nepal’s inflation was recorded at 8.08 percent in July when the fiscal year closed, which is double last year’s figure, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Int'l communities wish for success of Nepal's unique model of peace process (rep) [The world community should know that Nepal's peace process is anything but unique. Since 2006, justice for the victims from the time of the Maoist insurgency and thus the conclusion of the peace process has been deliberately denied by the political elite!], KMC yet to find alternative places to dump waste (rn) [How about Baluwatar? Most of the " rubbish " is produced there anyway!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

19/08/2022: Malnutrition threat for pregnant women, new mums, children displaced by disasters : Nutritionists recommend distributing nutritious foods instead of noodles, biscuits and beaten rice to displaced people, by Arjun Poudel (kp), The bill that was and the bill this is: What did King Birendra do with the bill to amend Citizenship Act 1964 that became a topic of discussion after President Bhandari returned the bill to amend Citizenship Act 2006?, by Tika R Pradhan and Tufan Neupane (kp) [Whatever is being discussed now, the fundamental problem is the unequal treatment of Nepali women and men based on arch-patriarchal thinking. The very predominantly male persons of the ruling elite do not want to change this now either. Article 18 of the constitution, as the overriding fundamental rights article, prohibits precisely this unequal treatment, which is still maintained. In other words, Nepal's citizenship law continues to be blatantly unconstitutional. The current discussion is pure palaver.], “This is the last opportunity for senior political leaders” : "Politics with ideals seems out of sight of late", interview with Deep Kumar Upadhyaya (kh), Beset by disputes and splits, Madhesh parties are fighting for relevance in their own base : Janata Samajbadi and Loktantrik Samajbadi are in negotiations with bigger parties eying better prospects in November polls, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Employees, teachers to be deployed in November 20 elections (kh) [This is only legitimate if the right of these people to vote remains guaranteed!], Seven years since constitution promulgation local governments await federal education Act : The federal government has yet to ready a bill for the law and the term of the current Parliament is ending in four months with elections announced for November 20, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Another grave failure of the Oli and Deuba governments which shows the continuing centralisitic mindset!], Young Turks not getting their turn : It is natural that Nepalis want a generational change in government, but age alone does not guarantee competence and honesty (nt), Engaging Youth In Local Governance process, by Keshab Poudel (sp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

18/08/2022: Seeing Kathmandu’s garbage crisis from the perspective of Banchare Danda and Sisdole : What may seem like a garbage problem for millions of citizens of Kathmandu is a life or death crisis for the people of Banchare Danda and Sisdole. It is a human development crisis, an existential ecosystem crisis, by Simone Galimberti (nlt), Islands of waste : Our understanding of what constitutes waste and how we manage it should change (kp), Beyond graduation : People want the country to 'actually' graduate from LDC status, not just on paper, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (kp), Nepal aims 100 percent electricity access by 2024 : The country’s 92.52 percent population was connected to electricity by the end of the last fiscal year, by Pawan Pandey (kp), Why Politicians Need Moral Integrity?, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Integrity in leadership: Ways to enhance it, by Ramesh Ghimire (ht), CIAA gets notice for inaction on graft : Refusal to act lets brigadier general, former ambassador to US go scot free (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

17/08/2022: Ritualistic conduct of elections : Unless street protests erupt once again, Nepal is doomed to endure more of the same, by CK Lal (kp), Election Commission says 84 parties applied to contest upcoming general elections (nlt), Eighty-four parties apply to contest November elections : Twelve parties have formed four groups to fight the elections under four different poll symbols, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Extremely confusing for the voters and, according to section 49 of the PPA, ultimately with loss of identity for those parties that contest under the electoral symbol of another party!], Anxiety of performance : Politicians form an electoral alliance with an eye on power and position rather than ideological integrity (kp), Alliance seat-sharing gets knottier as Maoist Centre has Bhattarai, Gautam into its fold : Ruling coalition wants Dahal to accommodate the new entrants in his party’s own share, instead of asking to adjust them as well, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Unified Socialist to forward unification process with Maoist Center (kh), Parties agree to revise proposed changes to Transitional Justice Act : Some provisions in the amendment bill have met with widespread criticism over fears that they may be used to grant amnesty to perpetrators, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal receives record Rs 1 trillion in remittances (nlt), 115,131 local election candidates yet to submit expenditure statements (kh), 7.8 percent population at risk of severe food crisis in Nepal despite sufficient reserve (rn), Announcement of federal, provincial poll: Opening vistas of possibilities, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

16/08/2022: Victims protest planned changes to transitional justice law : During a demonstration on Monday, conflict victims and civil society members said the current bill drafted to amend the law favours the perpetrators and is unacceptable, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nov 20 polls: Deadline for party registration at EC ends today (kh), Ruling coalition decides to send the Citizenship Bill to the President as it is (kh) [In any case, the patriarchal thinking enshrined in citizenship law lives on and is against the constitution, irrespective of the President's intentions!], Coalition task force near compromise on four criteria for seat-sharing : Members mull FPTP and PR seats won in 2017, May poll performance, and priority to top leaders to split seats, by Anil Giri (kp) [May democracy rest in peace!], Nepali Army and US Army to conduct joint training from today (kh) [This would be comparable to the joint training of the Chinese and Mexican armies close to the US border! The USA should refrain from unnecessary Chinese provocations on Nepalese territory as soon as possible!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

15/08/2022: NHRC furnishes 12-point suggestion to govt on bill relating to transitional justice (kh), Rights body wants transitional justice process to address minors’ issue : Bill to amend law fails to take cognisance of the use of children in insurgency, rights activists say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dismantling patriarchy : Fielding a woman candidate is considered risky by the male-dominated parties in Nepal (kp), President Bhandari returns citizenship bill to Parliament calling for review : Head of state returns bill, endorsed by both houses, listing concerns as she stresses swift passage of citizenship law, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Parties need not criticize President’s withdrawal of Citizenship Bill: NC leader Thapa (kh), Tarun Dal demands President Bhandari’s resignation (kh), Baburam Bhattarai comes full circle seven years after quitting Maoist party : Looming polls and poor prospects force the former Maoist to join hands with Dahal. Bhattarai’s Nepal Samajbadi will contest election under the Maoist symbol and manifesto, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Questions of inclusivity arise over Sunday’s Karnali Cabinet reshuffle : There are eight members in the Cabinet—all men from the Khas-Arya community, by Jyotee Katuwal (kp) [Nepal urgently needs a rejection option in the electoral law if this oppressive male Tagadhari dominance is to end!], Cadres of ruling parties obstruct garbage disposal at Banchare Danda landfill (nlt), Nepal waits for consumer courts while business malpractices soar : Consumer rights activists accuse the government of holding back on setting up consumer courts due to lobbying by manufacturers and traders, by Krishana Prasain (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

14/08/2022: How political parties in Nepal are failing in moralistic culture and civic responsibility : Despite making initial brisk contributions in toppling the contemporary regime and inducing few social changes, political parties in Nepal have not been successful in establishing a long lasting political culture, by Pushpa R Joshi (nlt), President returns Citizenship Bill to HoR for reconsideration (nlt), LSP and NSP want to join ruling alliance as election nears (rep) [All parties should form an alliance and divide the seats among themselves. Then there would be no need for elections at all, the money saved could be distributed among the politicians and the latter could claim that Nepal has the best democracy in the world!], Prachanda and Dr. Bhattarai inching closer on single election symbol and manifesto agenda (kh) [Two parties, one claiming to be communist, the other socialist, but the same election symbol and manifesto? The Political Party Act does not seem to interest these politicians!], Poles apart for around a decade, Prachanda and Baburam to forge electoral alliance (nlt), In Congress, rival faction ups the ante seeking fair share of seats for its leaders, by Anil Giri (kp) [This is selfish in the interest of the old failed and non-inclusive top politicians. Adequate participation of women, Dalits and other marginalised groups would be much more important!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

13/08/2022: Voices grow for fair representation of women as major elections near : Women leaders complain parties field fewer women for direct election. Experts blame the patriarchal mindset, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), How the state is failing the poor as they fall prey to loan sharks : Poor access to finance lies at the root of the problem just as shylocks enjoy nexus with the people in power to fleece poor communities in rural areas, experts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Should a mother be ready to self-immolate for a DNA test of her child? This is just too much: KMC Mayor Shah (rep), Cultural Thrills Of Progress, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

12/08/2022: Forgetting to remember : Proposed amendments to Nepal’s Transitional Justice Act marks some progress, but will not provide justice to victims, by Sahina Shrestha (nt), Agencies working in health, gender sectors in Nepal fall short on gender equality : Only a third of Nepal’s non-governmental organisations sampled are led by women and have gender parity in senior management, new report shows, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Provincial governments set to end their first terms without enjoying key rights : Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench has been sitting on dozens of petitions relating to jurisdiction disputes between three tiers of government, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The judiciary: Don't violate its sanctity, by Jagadish Dahal (ht), China imposes unannounced blockade at Rasuwagadhi, Tatopani border entry points (kh), Police detain single mother Niharika Rajput who attempted self-immolation at the President’s Office (rep) [This raped woman needs justice and medical help, not arrest! What kind of policy is that?]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

11/08/2022: When the victims are further victimized, by Anushka Nepal (ae), Politics and courage : Their contribution to democracy is so great that we are expected to remember the past and be content, by Deepak Thapa (kp) As Congress eyes majority, Maoist Centre wants to be kingmaker : A tug of war starts in the ruling coalition, with partners working to go to polls together but also attempting to limit each other, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Ruling coalition mull current strength of parties in parliament for seat distribution (kh), Karnali still short of 60,000 textbooks (rep), Local Governance In Federal System, by Mukti Rijal (rn), ‘Flood is bad, govt's dishonesty worse’, by Upendra Lamichhane (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

10/08/2022: The 1949 Geneva Conventions and Nepal : International humanitarian law has a bearing on Nepal’s stalled transitional justice process, by Krishna Chandra Chalisey (kp), Lacuna in Nepali history: Giving rise to jingoism, by Nishant Pokharel (ht), Generation Democracy: Meet a Nepali youth who is working for advancing youth leadership  : Jagdish Ayer, a youth activist, has been working for the engagement of Nepali youth in political processes through mock parliament and other activities (nlt), Provincial poll declaration should be provinces’ prerogative, observers say : Federalism yet to be embraced in a true sense with the centralised mindset refusing to go, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ruling parties engage in discussion on allocation of Kathmandu constituencies (kh) [Die fast, democracy!], Bhattarai keen to join ruling coalition (ht), Is Deuba leading a caretaker Cabinet? Depends on who you ask : Ruling party leaders say the government is not caretaker; opposition says otherwise. Experts are equally divided, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Unlike KP Oli after his failed vote of confidence in 2021, the current government is to be regarded as a legally elected government until a new prime minister is elected and not a caretaker government if the state is to remain capable of acting! For the same reason, parliament is in office until a new parliament is elected and may not be dissolved prematurely!], Poor and damned : State must act to extricate the poor from the teeth of loan sharks (kp), Hefty salary hike proposed for these five VVIPs! (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

09/08/2022: “Party reins should be given to younger generation”, interview with Manikar Karki (kh), As elections approach, some are calling for not repeating old faces : Observes say just changing a small set of leaders may not suffice amid degrading political culture, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The SC's 2014 directive is binding law for the executive and the legislature. Prompt implementation would have meant that probably none of the top politicians who consider themselves indispensable would still be politically active today, which would be incredibly good for Nepal! Given the disenfranchisement of the electorate through the alliance manipulations of the parties, the NOTA option would be more important than ever!], Preserving heritage : Prioritising locals in restoring important landmarks would help alleviate unemployment (kp), Will Nepal vote for change? Hopefully, we can eliminate some of the faces that have spread negativity amongst Nepalis, by Sujeev Shakya (kp) [How is that supposed to work? The failed politicians at the top of the parties have already initiated anti-democratic measures to prevent change!], Coalition Seat-sharing Onus On NC, Maoist Centre, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn) [Voters should not vote for candidates of a party they do not want to vote for. The party leaders' request is completely undemocratic and leads the party system and thus ultimately parliamentary democracy ad absurdum!], Only national ID card holders can take medical entrance exams now, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep) [The problem is less likely to be with foreign students. As the patriarchal Tagadhari state continues to deny citizenship to millions, admission will only be for those whose fathers can be shown to hold Nepali citizenship. Women ever do not count as equal full human beings!], Deliberation begins on proposal of urgent public importance on proportional representation of women (rn), Derogatory names of Dalits in citizenship papers kick up a row (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

08/08/2022: Man attempts to burn wife, mother-in-law to death : The mother sustained serious burn injuries on her back, arms and leg while her daughter sustained injuries on her chest, arms and legs, by Santosh Singh (kp), Rana impeachment motion sent to probe committee, but time is running out : Proposal can’t pass the House without the support of UML, which seems disinterested in ruling coalition’s agenda, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Police transfers after announcing election date raise concerns : Observers say a caretaker government should stick to day-to-day administrative work rather than taking decisions that could influence the scheduled elections, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Running out of time : Outgoing lawmakers are oddly rushing to pass bills after sitting on their hands for years (kp), Passage of bill on electricity becomes uncertain. Energy minister mulls ordinance : An amendment that aims to allow the private sector to engage in power trade inside and outside the country has become uncertain with the country entering election mode, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [At least since KP Oli's autocratic rule, Nepali governments have preferred ordinances anyway!], Deuba asks Thakur to join ruling alliance, govt (rep 08/08/2022) [Surely all parties should join together in an electoral alliance. Then the often failed top politicians would agree on a single common candidate for each constituency and voters would no longer have to worry about whom to vote for. Wouldn't that be flawless democracy?], First meeting of Seat Allocation Task Force of ruling alliance being held (rn) [This is anti-democracy: the choice must be made by the people and not by the party leaders!]
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07/08/2022: Nepal’s geopolitical catch as Washington and Beijing lock horns over Taiwan crisis : In case Nepal finds itself in the US-China geopolitical push and pull over the Taiwan question, how should it handle the situation?, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt), South Asia in the Midst of Cold War 2.0, by Binoj Basnyat (kh), Party registration for upcoming elections begins today (kh), Parties’ move to keep House working even after declaring polls raises questions : Experts say with elections announced, the caretaker government cannot present bills in Parliament, as some new laws may lead to policy decisions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Mutual Insults Mar Left Movement, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Why do DGs and secretaries change when ministers change?, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

06/08/2022: Nepal’s phallocentric worldview on citizenship : The phallocentric world view that has seeped into the power structures of Nepal for generations explains why the citizenship bill has a provision requiring a Nepali mother to prove that the phallus is a Nepali, by Mukesh Baral (nlt), Civil society calls for scrapping Chinese development project BRI (kh), With House term nearing end, parties are trying to rush Rana impeachment : UML and ruling coalition lawmakers say time is too short for probing and putting the motion to vote, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Democracy Is Not Zero-Sum Game, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Is the burden of foreign debt in Nepal alarming?, by Ram Chandra Rupakheti (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

05/08/2022: Elections announced for November 20 : Around 18.6 million voters estimated to have been registered for the upcoming elections, with around 1 million added since the May 13 local level polls. Election Commission says 107 days enough for preparations, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The right to set an election date in the provinces lies with the respective provincial government and not with the central government! Nepal is a federal state! By the way, this also applies to local elections!], Election calculation : After vacillating, Nepal's coalition finally agrees to 20 November for elections, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt), Deluge and after : The marginalised population should not be left behind while providing flood victims with relief (kp), Police detain single mother Niharika Rajput (rep) ["Justice" or what the government and leading politicians mean by it!], Niharika Rajput arrested yet again : Rajput, a single mother from Jaleshwar Municipality 9 Mahottari, has been staging a series of hunger strikes for the past few months demanding justice for herself and her young son (nlt), SC summons Tourism Minister Shrestha over contempt charge (rep), Foreign Aid Fails To Fix Inequality, by Aarati Neupane (rn), Formation of electoral alliance by ruling parties is against constitution: Bhim Rawal (rep) [But it was perfectly fine for the two left parties to form an electoral alliance in 2017 that gave them a landslide victory? Afterwards, it became clear that these parties did not have much in common either and that their top politicians were only concerned with power, whatever the cost! Yes, electoral alliances are ultimately a betrayal of the electorate, whose concerns are simply ignored!], Nepal minister’s return shows anything goes : Tainted finance minister’s reinstatement underscores coalition government’s moral bankruptcy (nt), Nepal economic crisis getting deeper, by Keshab Poudel (sp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

04/08/2022: Unholy acts : Ruling coalition and main opposition party are united in their misplaced priorities (kp), Monthly allowance to families of martyrs and disappeared persons (kh) [related to Tarakhola RM in  Baglung only: This is good help but not justice!], Ruling coalition reaches understanding to hold elections on November 20 : Some issues remain though including transitional justice act and seat-sharing, which leaders say will be sorted out, by Anil Giri (kp), Govt decides to hold federal, provincial elections on Nov 20 (kh), Almost all water from small suppliers in the Valley is contaminated, officials say : Most of the small projects are found to be neglecting chlorination and other water purification procedures before supplying water to households taps, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Temporary police to be recruited for November 20 elections (rep) [It is the duty of the government to ensure that all Nepalis can exercise their right to vote, including deployed security forces, polling agents, migrant workers, etc.], Is Nepal heeding the warning signs from Sri Lanka’s economic crisis? Certain indicators show Nepal is heading towards the path of economic mismanagement like that of Sri Lanka, by Bhagirath Basnet (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

03/08/2022: Opportunists Dominate Politics, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Women in politics : We can expect true representation of women and others only after our democracy takes deep roots (ht) [And this will definitely not happen as long as any of today's so-called top politicians turn the levers of patriarchal and non-inclusive power!], Oli bids to couple his nationalist rhetoric with Hindu constituency : Observers say the third plank the UML leader is likely to use is the incumbent government’s shenanigans, by Anil Giri (kp), History, memory and identity : There is nothing like a theatrical performance to capture the absurdities of a complex life, by CK Lal (kp), Coalition partners agree to hold parliamentary, provincial polls on Nov 20 (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

02/08/2022: MPs demand 50 per cent FPTP tickets for women, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Deuba outdoes himself : He has fortified his legacy as a repeat offender when it comes to endangering the rule of law (kp), State capture by ‘Kathmandu Cocoon’ : A highly cemented network of the ruling elite decides everything related to state affairs, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Amendment to Act imperative to enforce Palermo Protocol (kh), New dispute hovers over judiciary with acting chief justice and justices at odds : The recent rift is over whether to allow the anti-graft body to investigate the construction of a new court building, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Resettle All Freed Kamaiyas, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

01/08/2022: Deuba, Dahal have much to answer in finance minister case, observers say : Sharma’s reappointment as finance minister points to a bigger and sinister nexus beneath the veneer of alliance the prime minister and Maoist chair harp on about, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Protest to amend Transitional Justice Bill (ht), Government plans to hold elections on November 20 : The dillydallying in declaring the date has prompted some to speculate if the ruling coalition is planning to delay the polls, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Arrest warrant issued against Biplav (nlt), Arrest warrant issued against Biplav, including others (kh), Freed Kamalaris staying at Dang hostel seek help for sustenance : For a lack of sufficient funds, the living conditions for 37 students in the hostel have worsened, by Durgalal KC (kp), EC directs govt to take action against employees who are members of political parties, by Smriti Dhungana (rep), Public post holder with political affiliation will face action: EC (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

31/07/2022: Is Nepal losing democracy?, by Ganga Bahadur Thapa (kh), Federalized Approach to Transitional Justice Process, by Preeti Mittal (kh), Conflict victims protest demanding revisions in amendment bill : Several organisations of the conflict victims from the decade-long Maoist insurgency, and civil society members protested at Maitighar Mandala on Sunday (kp), Epitome of misrule: Janardan Sharma’s reappointment as Finance Minister is a glaring evidence that the rot runs deep in Nepal (nlt), Indiscriminate use of pesticides taking toll on farmers in Tarai : There’s a lack of awareness and monitoring, which impacts not only those who use the chemicals but also those who consume the produce, experts say, by Om Prakash Thakur, Shiva Puri & Krishana Prasain (kp), Nepali Army detonates a ‘bomb’ found near Bajura Police Office (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

30/07/2022: Imperatives Of Citizen Empowerment, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), NHRC settles 412 complaints (rn), Enhance Nepal’s Diplomatic Capability, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), Govt to provide free of cost treatment to acid attack survivors (rep) [It is the government's duty to prevent acid attacks. This includes, first of all, a strict control of the sale of acid!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

29/07/2022: Are women not Nepali enough?, by Sahina Shrestha (nt) [see chart by Subin Mulmi (Twitter)], Class differences : Instead of leveling the playing field, a flawed education system is entrenching social inequity in Nepal  (nt), Institutions play a vital role to ensure that people exercise their rights : “There is a big gap between what the political parties and civil society leaders profess to do and what they actually do. That’s basically the reason why people are losing trust in them”, interview with Shibesh Chandra Regmi, Social Analyst (nlt), Shrewd Prachanda: Batting for another political mileage, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), No clarity on Rs500 billion microfinance fund meant for lending to farmers : Officials say they are working on a concept paper on how to make the scheme proposed in the budget for this fiscal year work for farmers, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Acknowledging the independents’ reality : They promise effective governance, corruption eradication, and overall, a political overhaul, by Saugat Raj Gautam (kp), Austerity Must Begin From Top, by Yug Bahadur (rn), Lawmakers sound alert on 'anti-federalism voices' raised in parliament, call for a ban (rn), Kidney racket found active in Kathmandu Valley : Street children and homeless people are among those extremely vulnerable, by Arun Bam (rep), China’s BRI will lead Nepal to debt trap besides undermining sovereignty, experts warn (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

28/07/2022: How patriarchy promotes violence against women, by Cilla Khatry (ae), Uncertainty looms over transitional justice amid delays in tabling bill : As conflict victims, rights activists and international rights bodies cry foul at some provisions, those involved in drafting the bill say there’s a lack of political will, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The bill to amend Nepal’s Citizenship Act faces public backlash yet again. Here is why : Instead of allowing members of the concerned parliamentary committee to have comprehensive discussions, the ruling coalition chose to pass the bill through a fast-track method (nlt), Despite reservation quotas for minorities, Brahmins continue to dominate civil service : Forty-five percent civil service seats are reserved for women, indigenous groups, Madhesis, Dalits, people with disabilities and those from backward regions, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [This does not only apply to civil service!], Why are parties hesitating to fight elections on their own?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Lawmakers demand removal of road obstructions (kh), Unwanted Nepalis : That Nepalis are considered ‘escape-prone’ and ‘mannerless’ has a lot to do with the wretched state of their homeland (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

27/07/2022: “Nepal seriously needs statesmanship” : People should discard candidates over 65 years of age in elections, interview with Mumaram Khanal (kh) [An excellent suggestion!], NIC directs public sector, political parties to implement right to information (kh), Employing dhami-jhankri to promote dignified menstruation : Faith healers commit to ensuring dignity of menstruators in Sudurpaschim and Karnali, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Can’t import food forever : We should work hard towards improving food security domestically (kp), US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu arriving on Thursday : The top American official’s visit, second since MCC passage, comes amid debate in Nepal over the State Partnership Program (kp) [Continued interference in the interests of global American power, but the citizens are in any case not informed about the content in advance!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

26/07/2022: Chitwan sees increased number of sexual violence cases (kh), Sexual violence on the rise in Chitwan (rep), Why auditor general’s annual reports are more ritual and less effective : Experts point at factors like frequent transfers of secretaries and lethargy of oversight bodies, because of which despite irregularities, hardly anyone is held to account, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Socialist Centre: A Bargaining Chip?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), A cautious Congress keeps close eye on communists in view of Dahal’s wiles : Maoist Centre chair’s active initiatives to build a left alliance in the name of socialist centre cause suspicion, with some wondering if it’s former rebel leader’s latest subterfuge, by Anil Giri (kp), Former PM Dr. Bhattarai forming Nepal Samajwadi Party (kh), ‘Real peace dividend should be equally distributed to sustain peace in Nepal’ : “Nepal should stand for peace at home and beyond. Achieving lasting peace should be the primary agenda of all state and non-state actors”, interview with Rabina Shrestha, Country Director, International Alert (nlt), Dirty money everywhere: Is Nepal on the verge of being blacklisted for money laundering? (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

25/07/2022: Everything you need to know about new amendment to the Citizenship Act : Amendment opens the door for thousands of children of parents who got citizenship by birth to acquire citizenship by descent; non-resident Nepalis are also eligible for citizenship, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [A step yes, but still stuck in patriarchal thinking!], Upper House approves proposal on Nepal Citizenship Bill (rep), International rights groups call for amendment to Nepal’s transitional justice bill : New draft falls short of promised reforms to protect victims’ rights, the rights organisations say (kp) [see statement by AI, HRW, ICJ and TRIAL], ‘Bill to Amend Transitional Justice Law will not fully provide justice to victims’ (kh), Exorbitant cost of justice : Lawyers are expensive, free legal aid is fiction, and the court fees are not negligible, by Nishant Pokharel (kp), Prachanda in favor of changing current election system and form of governance (kh) [As a first step, all the failed old politicians, like you, Oli, Deuba, etc., should retire from politics. Then the Political Parties Act would have to be fundamentally revised and democratised. After that, a way would have to be found to abolish patriarchy and make the state and national identity socially inclusive!], Reshaping Indigenous Movement in Nepal, by Krishna K Shrestha (rep), The center cannot hold : Some tendencies to centralize powers were expected in the early days of federalism but its continuation even after five years of completion of the federalisation process is problematic, by Yatindra KC (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

24/07/2022: Coalition partners want to stick together but there is trust deficit : The Congress and the communists are suspicious of each other even as they harp on fighting the polls in alliance, by Anil Giri (kp), Can Socialist Centre Sail Smoothly?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Upper house awaits vice-chair for months as parties show lack of interest in electing one : Lawmakers say the vice-chair position must not be left vacant because it is a constitutional position and is important in terms of inclusion, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The autocratic leading politicians never respect the constitution!], Who counts in #Me Too? One woman received an outpouring of support, the other continues to fight on her own, by Nisha Shah (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

23/07/2022: House endorses bill to amend Citizenship Act : Once the bill gets through upper house, children of parents who got citizenship by birth will get citizenship by descent, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Lower House fast tracks citizenship bill : Foreign women marrying Nepalis will not have to wait to obtain matrimonial naturalisation (ht) [But citizenship continues to be based exclusively on the birth status of men, not women, who continue to be denied the same basic rights as men!], Monetary policy reins in credit expansion to control inflation : Most of the credit issued went into import financing which contributed to a ballooning balance of payments deficit and decrease in foreign exchange reserves, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Monetary Policy focuses on controlling credit flow for this fiscal, by Kiran Lama (ht), Malnutrition a serious health crisis in Darchula : As many as 537 children in the district aged between 6 months and five years were found suffering from malnutrition in the last fiscal year 2021-22, by Manoj Badu (kp), Bringing Skills Back? Lessons for Nepal’s Future Migration Policy Approach, by Froilan Malit Jr and Anurag Devkota (rep), Civic Loyalty Key To National Sovereignty, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Amid geopolitical push and pull, experts advise caution to Nepal in relations with China and the US (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

22/07/2022: Nepal in a few words : Explaining the country in words that pervade our public discourse, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp) [An outstanding analysis!], Rein In Growing Arrears, by Yug Bahadur (rn), Doubtful of alliance, ruling partners seek ‘package deal’ despite Congress’ poll pledge : No clarity on agreement but insiders say there are calls for power-sharing besides seat distributions before elections, by Anil Giri (kp), Speaker is a failure—and ineffective, observers say : Chosen after a struggle between Oli and Dahal, Agni Sapkota is confused about his role and has failed to be assertive, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Knock, knock: Nepal’s leaders show political promiscuity as the November elections near, by Shristi Karki (nt), Geopolitical tug-o-war over Nepal : As the country nears elections in November, domestic politics increasingly gets tangled up in regional rivalries (nt), No closure after Nepal’s insurgency : Sixteen years after the conflict ended, families still struggle for transitional justice, by Mandira Sharma and Mohna Ansari (nt), Impunity through immunity : The Bill to amend the transitional justice act exempts perpetrators of war crimes committed during the Maoist insurgency, by Raju Prasad Chapagai (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

21/07/2022: Conflict victims call to rectify amendment bill on transitional justice : They have called the government to re-work the Bill to ensure that the Bill complies with national, and international laws and the decisions of the Supreme Court (nlt), Victims object to proposed changes in laws that aim to absolve perpetrators : There’s demand for withdrawal of the bill registered in parliament secretariat to amend the transitional justice Act so as to make it in line with the 2015 Supreme Court order, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Justice still elusive : The transitional justice process is not ending anytime soon (ae), 39 rights organisations call for rectifying Transitional Justice Law Amendment Bill (rn), In light of policy gap : Lack of opportunities at home means the trend of mass departures will likely continue (kp) [There continues to be a complete lack of interest in ensuring the right of people to work in their own country!], Why Alternative Forces Fail In Nepal?, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [Mostly, these forces are not "alternative" at all. Just take the ideas of Rabindra Mishra, who understands a return to Hindu monarchy and a renunciation of secularism and federalism as "alternative" in the interest of the traditional patriarchal elite!], Dahal will settle for nothing less than prime minister’s chair, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Weak spine a threat for Nepal : Our functionaries lacking the spine to stand for Nepal has been a chronic problem spanning decades, by Devendra Gautam (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

20/07/2022: NHRC draws government’s attention to transitional justice (kh), The pedagogy of spiritual secularity : Secularism is necessary to secure the fundamental freedoms of the downtrodden, by CK Lal (kp), Freedom for Haliyas a long shot even after 14 years of supposed emancipation : A good number of former bonded farm labourers in Sudurpaschim and Karnali find themselves in the dredges of poverty and privation, by Basanta Pratap Singh and Arjun Shah (kp), Left parties intensify election-centric exercises in the name of Socialist Center (kh), Leftists in Congress-led coalition discuss socialist centre idea : Dahal, Bhattarai and Unified Socialist leaders explore possibility of a left front as observers wonder if the bid is aimed at creating a sub-alliance minus UML for the upcoming polls, by Anil Giri (kp), Geopolitical Tremors In Nepal, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

19/07/2022: Criminalised politics, politicised institutions : Leaders need money to finance elections to secure victory for their cronies, relatives and sycophants, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Policy failures drive Nepalis to seek their fortunes abroad : In the last fiscal year, more than 628,503 people received labour permits, the second highest number on record, by Pawan Pandey (kp), Rabindra Mishra stands in favor of restoration of constitutional monarchy in Nepal : Earlier through a political dossier, Mishra had formally proposed abolition of federalism, and a referendum on secularism (nlt) [The bottom line is that this is a call for a coup d'état, as the most important foundations of the constitution are to be wiped out and replaced by failed non-inclusive institutions of the past!], Economic Crisis Blown Out Of Proportion, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Only 0.30pc news stories have bylines of female journalists in Nepali media (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

18/07/2022: No short-changing : Conflict victims and rights activists have voiced dissatisfaction with several provisions in the proposed law (kp), Ensure security personnel, staff on poll day get to vote: SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), NIC empowered to recommend action against rights violators (ht) [Given the strict denial of social inclusion by the ruling male Tagadhari elite, there should be endless complaints!], Two years after disasters, displaced families are still living in makeshift settlements : In 2020, a provincial ministry paid 26 times more in helicopter fares than what it spent on relief for Sindhupalchok flood and landslide victims, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Inmates deprived of basic facilities in overcrowded Morang Prison : The prison is accommodating inmates more than three times its capacity, by Binod Bhandari (kp), Dahal receives warm welcome in Delhi as Nepal’s envoy is kept cooling his heels : Officials at the Nepali embassy say they are still awaiting response from the Indian ministries for formal meetings with Shankar Sharma, Kathmandu’s ambassador to India, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Obviously, India still does not consider Nepal as an independent sovereign nation!], Nepal’s geopolitical dilemma : The US is continually pushing Nepal to the forefront of its China strategy, shrinking its leeway, by Gao Liang (kp), Bodies responsible for improving the sliding economy are at odds, by Balkrishna Gyawali (rep), A chance for UML to make people forget its mistakes as govt becomes unpopular, by Ishwari Subedi (rep) [The UML only offers a real alternative if it separates itself from KP Oli and a few others who uncritically supported his numerous constitutional and legal violations. The failures of that time will not be made better by the fact that the Deuba government is also failing!], Export promotion: Path to attain economic prosperity for Nepal. Nepal needs to focus on alternative solutions to prevent the economic turmoil. The government needs to focus on longer-term solutions like export promotion, foreign direct investment, and tourism development, by Shreya Subedi (nlt 18/07/2022)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

17/07/2022: Amendments to transitional justice law ‘progressive but not satisfactory’ : Government registers bill seeking changes in Act seven years after top court ruling that struck down amnesty provisions in serious human rights violations, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt told to ensure voting rights of security personnel, civil servants and prisoners (kh), As Congress debates rationale behind alliance politics, left parties discuss a communist front, if not unity : A section in the Congress party questions Deuba if coalition partners must fight the upcoming polls together, by Anil Giri (kp) [All think only of their power, no one of the country and the people! Earlier, monarchy and Ranas were responsible for such misbehaviour, later also the Panchas. Now the top politicians of the parties have adopted this "task". How long will they be allowed to do so? Nepal urgently needs a generation of honest political leaders without monarchists, Hindu state fanatics and failed anti-democratic party leaders!], Proposal to unify communist parties just a year after split, by Tapendra Karki (rep) [Obviously, PK Dahal and MK Nepal were not concerned with substantive differences last year, but merely wanted to use the opportunity to get rid of KP Oli in view of his numerous constitutional violations and neglect of duty and to assert their own claims to power.], JSP row: Dr. Bhattarai to remain as a lawmaker (kh) [An MP elected directly by the people cannot be deposed by undemocratic, power-hungry politicians!], Sharing university narratives : Things went wrong when the political parties turned the students' organisations into party units, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Youth programmes announced but not executed : Almost all youth programmes focused on entrepreneurs have not been implemented, Auditor General's report says, by Krishana Prasain (kp), “US attempting to use Nepali land, politics to further anti-China agenda” (kh) [Both the US and China are misusing Nepal for their global power struggles, Mr. Shrestha!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

16/07/2022: Congress’ Pushpa Bhusal elected deputy Speaker of the House : Bidya Bhattarai of the CPN-UML gets only 93 votes (kp), Education sector makes modest achievements in one year under Deuba-led govt (rep), Ensuring Political Stability, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), NHRC takes decisions on rights of trafficking victims (ht), Prachanda on three-day India visit: What is his real agenda is everyone’s guess : Prachanda, a former supreme commander of guerrilla war in Nepal, announced the visit suddenly. Experts and observers in Kathmandu have also raised the issue of apparent breach of diplomatic norms during the visit (nlt), RSS journalist Acharya gets allegedly beaten up by NEA employees (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

15/07/2022: Upper house ratifies changes to rape laws to the chagrin of some members : Contrary to demands for scrapping the statute of limitations on rape, the new amendments only increase the time allowed to report rape cases, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp) [Nepal's ruling elite of macho men continue to reject policies in the interest of women!], Suggestions given on transitional justice (ht), 'Eligible people deprived of Nepali citizenship' (ht), Govt decides to extend the term of Truth and Reconciliation Commission officials (kh) [The problem is not so much with the people in the Commission as with the politicians who refuse to make the necessary changes to the law and equip the Commission to do its job!], Paradox of Nepal’s national interest: Every party agrees on fundamentals, differs in practice : National interest discourse in Nepal is largely linked with foreign policy conducts. It is often a matter of how Nepal should deal with neighboring India and China and far-off powerful America, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt), US envoy nominee: Nepal ratified MCC despite China’s ‘disinformation campaign’ : In his opening statement before the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, Thompson says he is ‘well prepared’ to take up the assignment in Kathmandu (kp) [And what about US disinformation campaign? Both China and the US must respect Nepal's sovereignty!], Chinese embassy takes exception to Thompson’s China disinformation campaign statement : The embassy says the remarks of the US side are baseless and have not only slandered China, but also offended Nepal and its people (kp) [The US and China must immediately stop using Nepal for their global power struggles. Mr Thompson either has no understanding of Nepal's realities and foreign policy sensitivities or he wants to distinguish himself by undiplomatic ruthlessness towards Nepal even even before his official appointment!], Liu’s visit: Nothing but predatory meddling in Nepal’s internal affairs, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), The curious case of ‘M Adhikari’ : UML’s claim that the doppelganger party member is not the governor fails to satisfy observers and lawmakers, by Binod Ghimire and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Sri Lankan syndrome and Nepal : An economic crisis like in Sri Lanka is inevitable, if Nepal ignores its early symptoms, by Bijendra Man Shakya (kp), Challenges Of Good Governance, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

14/07/2022: Lies, more lies : It is our misfortune that the cast of characters has changed very little in the last three decades, by Deepak Thapa (kp), No deputy Speaker for over two years, and now they want to elect one. Why? Not aimed at protecting the constitution, experts say, as ruling parties seem to be eying something else that they think may benefit them somehow, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The disregard for the Constitution by the ruling male Tagadhari elite is simply criminal and undemocratic in every sense of the word!], Deputy Speaker of HoR: Bhusal and Bhattarai file nominations (kh) [This position is reserved for women, as the patriarchal ruling elite see only men as qualified for top leadership roles. But the question is why, once again, only candidates from Bahun circles are sent forward.], Nepal, China crucial talks today, with aim to revive mechanisms to settle boundary row : Two countries have failed to conduct joint inspection of the border since 2011. Recent reports suggest disputes in some places, including Humla, by Anil Giri (kp), BRI Is Beneficial For Nepal, by Aarati Neupane (rn), Judicial Credibility At Stake, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Chure’s exploitation goes unchecked : Authorities have turned a blind eye on illegal crusher plants that occupy the rivers and streams that flow from the Chure, by Rajkaran Mahato (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

13/07/2022: Hurdles in Nepal’s Newfangled Geostrategic Drive, by Binoj Basnyat (kh), What kind of monetary policy can spare Nepal from becoming next Sri Lanka? (kh), PM Deuba-led government claims it ended instability, misgovernance (kh 13/07/2022) [In reality, the differences with the previous Oli government are not that great. There is still a lack of democratic procedures, rule of law, respect for the constitution and social inclusion!], Deuba’s one year in office marked by misrule and tactic from Oli’s playbook : Local elections can be counted as the only achievement, else failure on all fronts, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A litany of failures : The first year of Deuba's fifth term is a story of unfulfilled promises—and disillusionment (kp), Beijing in a bid to engage Congress as it explores unity of left forces in Nepal : Chinese delegation’s visit carries multiple messages amid geopolitical shifts, experts and observers say, by Anil Giri (kp), Looming food crisis : The state has never taken food shortages seriously because of the false security net—the Indian market, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), HoR passes first Citizenship Amendment Bill (rep) [As long as Articles 10 ff. of the Constitution do not treat women and men absolutely equally, this amendment to a subordinate law means little!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

12/07/2022: From the wrong playbook : The government dare not tamper with constitutional provisions and rule of law (kp), CCP foreign department chief Liu holding talks with Oli, Nepal and Khanal today (kh) [A blatant case of intervention in internal Nepali affairs. What does this Chinese party official actually want in Nepal?], China “openly lobbying” against United States in Nepal (kh) [Not much different from the US policy in Nepal!], UML lawmaker Pal suggests doing away with provinces (kh) [This demand is clearly unconstitutional and should have legal consequences! Not the federal system is the problem, but the fact that many of the top politicians reject federalism, secularism and social inclusion, as these endanger their dominant position!], Deuba under fire— from a section of Congress, and opposition : UML charges prime minister with failing in governance. Congress group questions party president’s performance, by Anil Giri (kp), Government sets record in rush spending at end of fiscal year : On Saturday, despite being the weekend, it paid out a whopping Rs14.72 billion, setting a record for the highest one-day capital expenditure, by Pawan Pandey (kp) [This testifies to a lack of interest on the part of the responsible politicians and administrators in a structured and rational development policy!], Perennial problem : Nepal's dev process will not move ahead as long as the govt fails to spend the capital budget as per its desire (ht), Weapons Purchase Case: House committee gives three days to home ministry to furnish details (rep), It’s shameful to fail to nominate Deputy Speaker and Vice-Chairman: Bamdev Gautam (kh) [It is not only shameful, it is a serious violation of Articles 91 and 92 of the Constitution. This constitutional violation was deliberately committed by the previous Oli government, like so many others of his numerous misconducts, and has been continued by the present Deuba government. Since both positions should have been filled by women, it is also an afront against women's rights and political participation. The politicians responsible for this scandal should be held accountable as a matter of urgency.]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

11/07/2022: Govt registers Citizenship Bill in Parliament : Home Minister and Law Minister in a rush seeking consensus (kh), Workers lack security in Nepal and abroad, by Keshav Adhikari (kh), Deuba government taking a leaf out of Oli’s book in obscene fashion, experts say : A bill to amend Constitutional Council Act comes as the latest case to demonstrate current administration is no different from the previous one in disregarding rule of law, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Bill to amend Constitutional Council Act: Bishwa Prakash Sharma seeks accountability from PM : In what appears to be a case of blatant disregard for the rule of law and spirit of the constitution, the Deuba government is trying to amend the Constitutional Council Act in the same way done by his predecessor the KP Oli-led government (nlt), Speaker Sapkota rules govt to furnish replies on issues raised by lawmakers (nlt), Is Nepal Oil Corporation’s proposal to government rationale? Suffice to say, these recommendations are neither suitable for the short-term, nor are they viable long-term measures. In fact, it would pose even greater risks in the lives of the people as well as the economy as a whole, leaving everyone worse-off, by Anoushka Pant (nlt), Government spends over Rs 25bn in one day (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

10/07/2022: The system changed, but the plight of Badi community did not (rep), New citizenship bill does away with 7 years wait (ht) [Nepal's patriarchal high caste politicians simply do not want to understand that all people in Nepal are entitled to equal citizenship rights regardless of their gender. The country does not belong to men, but to all citizens!], Govt repeats late spending trend as fiscal year comes to a close : Rs 52 billion spent as development expenditure in past 25 days; Rs 15 billion spent on Saturday alone (kh) [Nepal politicians will never change unless they are replaced in their entirety by a responsible, younger and socially inclusive generation! Otherwise, the personal power struggles of failed top politicians who are not really interested in the development of the country will continue endlessly!], Federal government itself is anti-federal, politicians and experts say : Panelists concur federalism can never be strengthened unless the political parties transform themselves (kp) [Not only the government, but all the major political parties, especially Oli and his CPN-UML as well as the RPP and its related parties, the latter party having a totally unconstitutional attitude!], Govt buying weapons worth Rs 840 million in times of economic crisis (rep) [To keep discontented civil society under control or for what?], Language, literature, culture are nation's pride: PM Deuba (rep) [In relation to the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural society of Nepal, these terms must be used in the plural!], Left Alliance Still A Far Cry, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Height of irresponsibility: Gandaki province chief minister’s reckless display of profligacy in the middle of economic crisis : Even as the country staggers under the economic slowdown and rising inflation, the Gandaki province government has indulged in reckless profligacy. Is Nepal another Sri Lanka in the making?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

09/07/2022: A blueprint for political empowerment of Nepali women  : Male politicians in dominant positions should face the reality that women in Nepal have no equal opportunities to contest the elections, by Simone Galimberti (nlt), House panel for extending statute of limitations on rape by up to three years : Observers say that’s not enough and doesn’t match Nepal’s rights commitments made in international forums, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Top-level Chinese visit piques curiosity about its purpose : Chinese Communist Party’s international department chief is arriving on Sunday amid talks about a possible left alliance and Nepal’s perceived tilt towards the West, by Anil Giri (kp) [China and the USA are primarily concerned with global supremacy. Their engagement in Nepal is only a small piece of the mosaic. And Nepal's weak politicians have the mistaken view that they can use both to their advantage!], The Coming Global Recession: Will Nepal Resist the Trend?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), The Native Roots Of Freedom, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

08/07/2022: Nepal among countries with gender discriminatory nationality laws (ht) [see corresponding report by Equality Now and Index of related laws (Nepal pp. 63-63)], Import explosion and trade deficit pushing Nepal into economic crisis : Feverish consumption has been a bonanza for the trading sector, but the phenomenon brought disaster to manufacturing and agriculture sectors, experts say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Why are the top leaders of the ruling coalition defending the Nijgadh Airport project? The top leaders of the ruling coalition–Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal–look committed to the Nijgadh Airport project, whatever the supreme court verdict. Why are they so bent? (nlt), Life is precious, everybody’s : It is vital to ensure the safety of the citizens through changes in policies and practices (kp), High-profile corruption cases pending at Supreme Court for two decades, by Bhasa Sharma (rep), House committee agrees to increase statute of limitation for rape cases to two years (rep) [There should be no limitation at all in such cases!], Accountability Counts A Lot, by Yug Bahadur (rn), Parliamentarians rue over withdrawal of Citizenship related Bill (kh), State-sponsored economic crisis : Nepal's politicians lack the focus and will to bring down inflation, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

07/07/2022: In Nepal, to be able to vote is a tough nut to crack : Forced to stand in long queues, coupled with delays, service seekers express rage against the tedious voter registration process, by Shrutika Raut ans Sakshi Srivastav (nlt) [Nepal needs a mandatory population registration system using modern IT. Then additional voter registration will be unnecessary!], Women in budget : Despite significant strides, some gaps in mobility and entrepreneurship remain (kp), New Wheels In Politics, by Mukti Rijal (rn), New citizenship bill : Inability to solve the citizenship problem is pushing more and more people into statelessness (ht) [The cause is the patriarchal, high-caste machos at the top of the state and political parties, who see only males as the owners of the country and refuse full equality for all genders!], After pushing the country to the brink of economic ruin, former guerilla commander Sharma steps down : History will judge Janardan Sharma’s one-year-long tenure harshly. His policies and actions have left deep scars in the country’s economy (nlt), Bill to regulate acid business required to contain women violence: Home Minister (kh) [This has been demanded for years, but the oh-so-stressed politicians are simply too busy with their power struggles and manipulations!], How the Special Court swiftly acquits ‘big fish’ : Experts say corruption will persist so long as political appointees rule the roost in law-enforcement agencies, by Surendra Kafle (ae), Coalition culture in Nepali politics : Forging a coalition among political parties with the objective of contesting and winning national elections is rather a new concept in Nepal, by Binod Kumar Bhattarai (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

06/07/2022: Gender-responsive budgeting: Good on paper, poor on implementation : In the absence of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, existing gender financing policies of Nepal have failed to yield desired results, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Federal government overlooks statute as it wants to oversee Valley’s security : Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are in favour while the Maoists are against the proposed arrangement, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Finance Minister Sharma resigns (nlt), Parliamentary special committee to investigate Janardhan Sharma’s alleged manipulation of tax rate (kh), FinMin Sharma resigns following allegations of manipulating tax rates in budget and hiding evidence (rep), EC officials to recommend Nov 18 or 21 to hold parliamentary and provincial elections (kh), Poll commission suggests November 18 for federal and provincial elections : Holding both elections in a single phase is possible, it’s cost effective and easier from the management point of view, the commission says (kp)
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05/07/2022: How Nepal can avoid its impending foreign exchange reserves crisis : It's time to take the concrete, maybe unpleasant, steps if necessary to avoid what Sri Lanka has been through. Both fiscal and monetary sides should come together to take coordinated bold steps, by Bamadev Paudel (nlt), Calls are growing for Finance Minister Sharma to quit, as he fails to come clean : Prime minister’s reluctance to take action raises suspicion if there are too many skeletons in the closet, by Anil Giri (kp), Govt told to give compensation to victims (ht), SC orders release of robbery-accused minor from child correction centre (ht), Only 41.62 percent of capital budget spent as 12 days remain in this fiscal (kh), Government decides to withdraw citizenship bill : To register a new bill by removing some ‘controversial’ provisions in the existing draft, a minister says (kp), Former vice-chairs of National Planning Commission demand probe on budget tampering case : "The government has failed to increase exports, ensure proper mobilization of foreign aid and loans, attract foreign investment, facilitate tourist arrivals, and ensure remittance inflows through formal channels to improve the depleting foreign currency reserves." (nlt), The case of alleged financial crime exposes compromised morality of some bureaucrats. Are there provisions to hold them accountable? Nepal’s Civil Service Act (1993) has provisions regarding the removal or dismissal of government employees from service. Top bureaucrats, however, often skip action by taking advantage of their political connection and shifting the blame toward politicians (nlt), Of deceits and erasures : The sooner the finance minister exits the government, the better for the nation (kp)
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04/07/2022: “Reviving NCP and forging Left unity is the ultimate goal” : Oli and Prachanda also believe in leftist alliance and unity, interview with Tulasa Thapa, Nepal Ekta Rashtriya Abhiyan (kh 04/07/2022) [The Left Alliance of 2017 was an experiment that failed because of the personal claims to power and anti-democratic attitudes of its leaders. A repetition under the leadership of the same failed individuals makes no sense. They are intransigent and have not changed their attitudes! The constant party splits and new party formations on the left spectrum are a clear indication!], Complications galore as there’s more to Rana impeachment than meets the eye : Questions remain what happens if House expires before his retirement. Some experts argue he can return to office, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The little democratic, socially non-inclusive and anything but secular state of Nepal presents a political picture of misery. Worst of all, the people mainly responsible for this want to prolong this political chaos for another five years.], Mangalsen tense following protest over death of local youth : Police fired 12 tear gas shells to bring the situation under control; 12 police officers injured, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), 14 injured in clash between protesters and police (kh), Dahal blames NC for CPN-MC poor showing in local polls (ht) [He will never admit his own failure!], KMC slammed over violation of fundamental human rights (ht), Cronyism, protectionism and rampant corruption likely to push Nepal to the brink of economic disaster : On Sunday, Nepal’s Finance Ministry refused to produce CCTV footage of the night before the budget announcement, raising questions about whether the alleged financial crime will ever be investigated, by Ashim Neupane (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

03/07/2022: Conflict victims want new leaders in two commissions as their terms near end : Justice continues to elude victims of the decade-long war because of multiple reasons including a lack of will on the part of politicians, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Women's rights only on paper, law-enforcement limited to cities, by Dinesh Subedi (rep), Ranju Darshana to contest upcoming federal election from Kathmandu-5 (nlt), Oil Corporation increasingly anxious about piling debt to its Indian supplier : Near bankruptcy, public utility has outstanding payment dues worth Rs22 billion and the sum is expected to rise, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Left alliance has an appeal to the communists. But can they pull it off again? Ruling coalition seems to be intact so far, but recent activities hint something is cooking with the leftist forces feeling encouraged, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp), Unified Socialist Heads To Bumpy Ride, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [Even the authoritarian leadership style and the refusal of social inclusion resemble those of KP Oli!], Taking a 'corrupt judiciary' by its horns, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

02/07/2022: Nepal’s dependency on rice increasing, annual import touches Rs 50 billion : Rice, the staple crop of the country, is grown in around 1.5 million hectares of land and it requires around 6 million metric tonnes of rice annually to feed around 30 million population of the country (nlt), When Presidents and Vice-presidents stoop to play go-betweens : Experts say it is unbecoming for Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun to host meetings to bring his former comrades Dahal and Bhattarai together politically, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Another example that Nepal does not have a democratic culture!], Concept paper of independent candidacy campaign unveiled (rep), Critical Moment For Party Reforms, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Nepali remains lingua franca of all provinces, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [It is not a question of replacing Nepali with another language, but a second language of the respective province should be made compulsory, especially for the high-caste elite, who must finally get away from the mistaken belief that only their language, religion, culture, etc. represent Nepal's identity!], Nepali Congress Spokesperson raises alert against loans, Sri Lanka’s fate : Prakash Sharan Mahat raised the alarm bells while addressing a high level policy dialogue on National Interests organized by Policy Research Institute (nlt)
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01/07/2022: Despite six-decade history, parliamentary practice remains weak in Nepal : Experts say that in countries where political parties aren’t democratic, the parliamentary practice cannot be effective, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Bandi against endlessly extending TRC deadline (ht), ‘Endlessly extending deadline for TRC and CIEDP not a way out’, interview with Minister Govinda Bandi (ht), Promote Gender Equality In Politics, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), Bhattarai, Yadav set to part ways 3 years after union as discord reaches tipping point : Two leaders, who are like chalk and cheese, have partnered longer than many expected, and a split is not if but when, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Time to let go : Local governments should be empowered enough to shoulder the responsibility of education (kp), Two Faces of Civil Service, by Sarans Pandey (rep), Capital expenditure at less than 40 per cent (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

30/06/2022: Power sans responsibility : Rather than a sense of security, the presence of the police strikes fear in people’s hearts (kp), A critical look at Nepal’s ‘Other’ commissions : The 'Other' commissions hold great potential for Nepal's marginalized groups, but they are in need of urgent support to ensure sustenance, by Sneha Ghimire, Georghe Varughese and Tara Kanel (rec), EC preparing to hold federal and provincial elections by mid-December: CEC Thapaliya (nlt), Top court quashes all decisions related to Nijgadh airport : In a 3-2 ruling, the Supreme Court, however, keeps options open for building an international airport, with strict conditions of minimal environmental damage, by Sangam Prasain, Binod Ghimire and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Bhattarai faction frets as Yadav goes solo with Cabinet reshuffle proposal : Deuba calls for consensus proposal. Observers say JSP dispute could impact the coalition, by Anil Giri (kp), Janata Samajwadi Party row: Yadav, Bhattarai agree to part ways (nlt), Maoist castaways : The party and its leadership have moved on to mundane pursuits like power and money, by Deepak Thapa (kp), 'Migration ban on women counterproductive' (ht), EC urges govt to manage e-voting machines for upcoming polls (nlt) [Yawn, says the Deuba government! This is just like voting rights for the millions of excluded eligible voters!], What perpetuates patriarchy in Nepal?, by Cilla Khatry (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

29/06/2022: Most perpetrators being relatives or neighbors, challenges galore for rape survivors : Activists and stakeholders say it diminishes the survivors’ chance of justice, leaving them in perpetual trauma, by Sakshi Srivastav (nlt), Why are Nepalis living abroad deprived of voting rights? Experiences of a campaigner for more than 7 years, by Karma Lama Tamang (kh), Torture at the hands of authorities continues with little action : The Criminal Code that came into force in 2018 has criminalised torture but the cases are seldom investigated and no perpetrators have been brought to book so far., by Binod Ghimire (kp), Government unclear on how to adjust taxes days after it slashed fuel prices : Finance Ministry says Supply Ministry decided on price cuts; the former has made no move to revise the taxes yet, by Preithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Nor any drop to drink : The authorities must spring into action before water contamination becomes a full blown crisis (kp), Faulty assurances : Nepal turned into a net food importer from an exporter after the 1980s due to abysmal farm policies, by Bijendra Man Shakya (kp), Digital Harassment Impairs Press Freedom, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

28/06/2022: Cop beats doctor black and blue because he was ‘walking at night’ : The doctor was heading home after his duty at Arogya Foundation in Pulchowk when the police constable started to verbally and physically abuse him, by Anup Ojha (kp) [The police continue to claim that it is their right to brutally beat up civilians whenever they please!], Marginalized since birth : Despite legal provisions, the births of many Dalit children in the Madhes are not registered, mostly due to a lack of documentation on the part of the parents, by Rajendra Senchurey and Smriti Kafle (rec), Janata Samajwadi Party decides to recall ministers (nlt), JSP decides to call back its ministers without Baburam’s consent : Dr. Bhattarai and Ashok Rai pushed aside (kh), Supreme Court stays Pokhara metropolis’ standard on constructing physical structures around Fewa Lake (nlt), Bamdev Gautam announcing a new party today (kh) [There are not enough useless parties led by failed male Bahun politicians!], Gautam announces formation of ‘NCP Ekata Rastriya Abhiyan’ party (kh), Amid SPP confusion, home minister makes a gaffe saying pullout letter sent to the US : Foreign Ministry is yet to write to the US. American embassy says it acknowledges Nepali Cabinet’s public statements regarding its desire not to move forward on the SPP, by Anil Giri(kp), Advancing Alternative Force Easier Said Than Done, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Independent movement in Nepali politics : New wine or old wine in new bottle?, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

27/06/2022: Dismantling Chhaupadi mindset : The only effective measure would be educating people to abolish this abhorrent tradition (kp), What should Nepal learn from the SPP debacle? The SPP issue exposed the dishonesty of the Nepali leadership, both in power and in opposition. The purported SPP draft agreement and several letters associated with it further raised concerns, by Shristi Kafle (nlt), High time we saved the country’s economy : Economic growth is not the main concern, by Chandra Mani Adhikari (kh), Forex reserves down to fund imports for just a little over six months raises alarm : Questions arise if import control measures have worked and government is doing much to address economic woes, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Seeds of discord in Unified Socialist just as ministers change : Party is clearly in crisis with Madhav Nepal seeking to put the house in order., by Tika R Pradhan (kp), CPN (US) demand met, Cabinet reshuffled (ht) [All supporters of patriarchy say thank you for the further reduction of women in the cabinet. The proportion of women in the Council of Ministers is only 20 per cent, although the constitution stipulates at least 34 per cent. For this to happen, at least three of the four newly appointed ministers would have had to be women. Long live the patriarchy!], Supreme Court orders government to make arrangements for prisoners to vote : The order says those doing time should be allowed to vote for the proportional representation system (kp), Nepal imports vegetables worth over Rs 34 billion in 11 months : Potatoes worth Rs 7 billion and onions worth Rs 5 billion imported (kh) [Nepal is really not able to grow enough vegetables by itself? This is quite obviously a mistake in agricultural policy!], UML lawmakers boycott National Assembly meeting (kh) [A democratic party must not under any circumstances prevent the work of the elected representatives of the people, even if there are serious allegations. Parliament is not a kindergarten! Why should the voters give their vote to such a party again?],
BRI document reveals how China attempts to dominate Nepal’s economy with its currency and free trade provisions : China seeks economic hegemony in Nepal through BRI; experts raise concerns over not making BRI document public, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh)
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26/06/2022: Chhaupadi practice puts women with disabilities at higher risk : Disabled girls and women are more prone to getting sexually violated while staying away in chhau sheds, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), No legal clarity on how long the House of Representatives can function after election dates are announced : Government doesn’t need to dissolve House, it can simply prorogue ongoing session which means the end of its tenure, an expert says, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Unified Socialist ministers replaced in Cabinet reshuffle: New ministers will be sworn in on Monday morning (kp), Prime Minister Deuba reshuffles cabinet (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

25/06/2022: Ruling coalition directs govt to cut taxes on petroleum products : The government has been levying hefty taxes on petroleum products. It is said the price of petrol and diesel will come down by Rs 25-30 per liter once the decision is implemented (nlt), Govt slashes fuel prices following widespread criticism : The government decided to reduce petrol price by Rs 20 per liter and diesel price by Rs 28 per liter (nlt), Govt reduces petroleum product price, petrol Rs 179/liter and diesel Rs 163 now (kh), Nepal struggles with a high adolescent fertility rate (kh), Banke prison overcrowded (kh), Crisis brewing in Unified Socialist as 10 of its lawmakers up the ante : Party chair Nepal in tight spot as those said to be his close aides pressure him over decision on recalling ministers, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Riding Out Turbulent Geopolitics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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24/06/2022: Government is in a fix. It has decided to shun SPP but is not clear how to do that : Foreign Ministry officials say they’ve got Cabinet decision ‘not to move ahead’, which they find too vague to pursue, by Anil Giri (kp), China speaks about SPP: Experts say comment on Nepal-US bilateral matters not welcome : ‘China is not respecting Nepal’s sovereignty by unnecessarily commenting on its sovereignty’, geopolitical experts react to the Chinese official statement (nlt), Justice for sale : As long as judges are appointed on the basis of political affiliation, the judiciary will not improve for the better (ht), In the dock, again : The justices should remain true to the ideals of impartiality and incorruptibility (kp), Independent Mayors Must Keep Their Word, by Dhananjay Shah and Dilip Thakur (kp), Prachanda expresses desire to be executive head of country again (kh) [Please, not another one of those failed politicians who think nothing can be done without them! Dahal, Oli, Deuba and many others should retire immediately and give way to a new generation of politicians!], Breaching laws, govt released Rs 9m for Jhalanath Khanal’s abroad medical treatment : The amount was released illegally as Section 30 of the ‘Public Health Service Act 2018’ states that expenses should not be provided for foreign treatment (nlt), In a healthy state : Nepalis are sick because they are poor, and they are getting poorer because they are sicker (nt)
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23/06/2022: Rampant lawlessness: How entire system is under threat from Prime Minister himself  : Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba seems hell-bent on protecting his nearer and dearer ones at the cost of the country’s legal as well as parliamentary system. It appears Deuba can go to any length to keep his power intact, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp), Hospitals closing health insurance program (kh), Leaked audio clip of judge, lawyer talking kickbacks exposes rot in the judiciary : Judge Koirala and lawyer Pokhrel are heard discussing taking a cut totalling Rs20 million to secure release of Ichchha Raj Tamang on a bail of Rs100 million, by Binod Ghimire (kp), District court judge in bribery scandal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Rising cost of living is impacting people’s health : Cases of waterborne diseases result of inflation that is driving people into poverty, forcing many to scrimp on essentials, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Why Local Elections in Nepal Should be Held on Nonpartisan Basis, by Ambika P Adhikari and Keshav Bhattarai (rep), Mahato calls for coalition among marginalised communities (ht), Workers in the eyes of political parties : Don't take them for granted anymore, by Ajay Kumar Rai (ht), The missing coherence in Nepal’s IPS and BRI dealings : Between 2015 and 2019, Nepal twice wrote to the US expressing its desire to join the SPP military exchange program, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Learning from Nepal’s SPP fiasco, by Pragya Ghimire (ae), Why is Nepal’s Province 1 still nameless?, by Rakesh Karn (ae)
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22/06/2022: Sublimation of the subaltern : Chasing the chimaera of emancipation through political ideologies is exhausting and meaningless, by CK Lal (kp),  Judicial Council calls meeting as a leaked audio conversation between a judge and lawyer making a deal of Rs 20 million to release Ichchha Raj on bail creates ripples (kh), Ad-hoc decisions put Nepal’s aviation—and tourism—in disarray : The civil aviation body is not the only one wreaking havoc on the industry, the tourism minister has done his share of the damage too, insiders say, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Congress leaders call for letting Nepalis away vote. Poll body says not feasible : Despite Supreme Court order in 2018, no initiatives taken for out-of-country voting. Debate on the issue when polls near seems to be more for public consumption, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC asks for original copies relating to 52 appointments in constitutional bodies (kh), Property right sought for Nepali diaspora (ht)
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21/06/2022: VAW cases continue unabated (kh), Govt rebuffs NHRC’s recommendations (kh), Nepal unlikely to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 : Stakeholders identify lack of proper plan of action and localized indicators along with insufficient budget allocation as major stumbling blocks to achieving the goals, by Shrutika Raut and Sakshi Srivastav (nlt), New rule allows crusher plants even closer to rivers, forests and villages : Experts say such policies will damage environment. Questions arise at whose behest the new standards were brought, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Government decides to stay away from SPP : Confusion remains though whether Nepal is indeed part of the US scheme and how it can get out of it, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Coalition partners eye alliance for upcoming polls, but there are complexities : There are more aspirants than the 165 lower house seats up for grabs and Maoist Centre and Unified Socialist want more seats than they have now, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Voters will once again be presented with the old familiar non-inclusive male uppercaste candidates. The voters should dispose of them all in the dustbin of history!], Parties are reluctant to ensure fair Dalit representation in politics, report says : Dalit advocacy group’s report regrets dwindling Dalit representation in local governance (kp), Active cholera threat : It is usually after cases emerge that the authorities wake up to take charge of the situation (kp), Constricted devolution of fiscal power : The new leadership at the local level needs to find ways to boost capital expenditure, by Achyut Wagle (kp), “No province or municipality has shown any expenditure on drinking water for the last five years” (rep)
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20/06/2022: Recruitment tightrope : The imbalance of healthcare professionals could hinder our efforts to improve healthcare in Nepal (kp) [Nepal itself does not need nurses at all, definitely!], Deuba skips House committee meeting. Lawmakers decide to summon him again : Nepal’s prime ministers often ignore such calls, just as questions remain about parliamentary panels also, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Nepal may call itself a parliamentary democracy with a separation of powers, but the politicians in power believe they have taken over absolutist power from the ousted monarchy!], External affairs, domestic battles : Our governance and policy-making are routinely held hostage to political squabbling, by Anurag Acharya (kp), Nepal’s ‘great’ leap backward : World order is changing fast. Nations are framing strategies to deal with the unknown that is emerging. In Nepal, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is busy defending his corrupt Finance Minister, by Bikash Sangraula (nlt), Gorkha locals want Swarnim Waglé to contest the parliamentary elections from the district : Despite his formal affiliation with Nepali Congress, people from all walks of life regardless of the ideology, have been expecting Dr Swarnim Waglé to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections from Gorkha (nlt), Dozens of Chinese contractors blacklisted; scams unbridled, by Krishna Timalsina (kh), Potential foreign investors put off by Nepal’s lax law enforcement : FDI pledges in IT sector plunged 409 percent year-on-year in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year ended mid-June, by Krishana Prasain (kp), SC orders not to implement govt. decision to restrict loan disbursement (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

19/06/2022: Probe shows prison officials’ role in events leading to youth’s jail death : CCTV not functioning when Harijan ‘committed suicide’. Detailed probe by police sought, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Experts say SPP exposed Nepal’s civilian and military diplomacy failure : It’s a fiasco of epic proportions, they say, which could widen trust deficit with neighbours and the United States, by Anil Giri (kp), Liquidity crisis can hardly be addressed by this fiscal policy, by Kamlesh Agrawal (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

18/06/2022: Patriarchy blamed for suffering of mothers, kids (ht), Authority without accountability: Deuba government’s blatant indifference to ‘financial crime’ by Finance Minister : Prime Minister Deuba’s reluctance to investigate the alleged involvement of an outsider to change tax rates in the fiscal policy by the Finance Minister shows accountability is at stake in Nepal (nlt), House panel grills army chief, foreign minister on SPP : Orders government to write to the US saying Nepal is not part of SPP. Sharma claims 2019 army letter was sent with government nod, Nepal is not part of any military alliance, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Political leadership was unaware of Nepal Army’s correspondence with US Army over SPP’ (rep) [KP Oli and his government at the time lied to the people all the time! Why should they believe it now?], Mentally-ill girl gang-raped in Dang, by Devendra Basnet (rep), Textbooks yet to reach Baitadi (rep), Can Nepal absorb the shockwaves of stagflation and growth myth?, by Kedar Neupane (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

17/06/2022: On SPP, no party looks clean— all lying, playing to the gallery : A Nepal Army letter shows Nepal applied for the State Partnership Program in October 2015. While the national defence force finds itself in the dock, politicians are equally answerable, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp) [Right to information: Every citizen shall have the right to demand and receive information on any matter of his or her interest or of public interest (Article 27 of the constitution)! When will politicians finally respect the constitution? Their behaviour is criminal!], Deuba avoids House that awaited response on some pressing issues : Amid calls for answers from him on defence budget and SPP, prime minister plays truant,  by Binod Ghimire (kp), Int’l Relations Committee summons CoAS Sharma on SPP issue (kh), Nepal will not participate in any military alliance; 10-point agreement on SPP is fake: CoAS Sharma (kh), How long will China’s undeclared blockade on Nepal continue?, by Krishna Timalsina (kh), Nepali importers using southern route due to fickle Chinese transit policy : Traders say they are tired of the frequently changing Chinese transit rules and promises which have caused them massive losses, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Services halted in Budhiganga amid reelection delay : Budhiganga Municipality is without people’s representatives, which has hampered several administrative and development activities in the local body, by Arjun Shah (kp) [This is also a consequence of the imbecilic rule that incumbent politicians have to resign if they want to run again in elections!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

16/06/2022: The burdens of a Nepali woman : Women are still seen as subservient figures everywhere they go. Meanwhile, patriarchy has gone beyond being a belief system and become a way of life for many of us, by Anushka Nepal (ae), US embassy reacts as Deuba is silent while lawmakers question SPP : Hours after US officials say Nepal became part of the State Partnership Program in 2019 as per its request, Nepal Army refutes. Law minister terms whole issue ‘a rumour’ (kp) [Only a timely and continuous information policy by the government can help to avoid such irritations. People have a right to information, but Nepali governments have always relied on disinformation!], SPP debacle: Nepal Army’s request letter to the US becomes public : The letter shows that the Nepal Army, in 2015, had written to the United States Embassy in Kathmandu proposing the SPP with the American government (nlt), Nepal’s debt rises by over 7 percent in third quarter : Rupee depreciation has added Rs19.37 billion to foreign debt burden. Value of a US dollar has risen to a record high, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), On Presidential Democracy, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Fighting discrimination: Everyone's responsibility, by Simone Galimberti (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

15/06/2022: PM should answer in Parliament regarding State Partnership Program: Gagan Thapa : A purported draft proposal of the US-Nepal military pact has ignited a heated debate in Nepali politics (nlt), Will not sign SPP with the United States: PM Deuba  (kh) [Inform the people and parliament correctly and in detail! This is your duty!], A US programme triggers new debate on the heels of MCC pact’s passage : American embassy calls a purported SPP draft circulating online as ‘fake’, as questions arise if Nepal is falling into a geopolitical quagmire amid rising global tensions, by Anil Giri (kp), Nine communist parties demand cancellation of PM Deuba’s US visit  (kh), Communists fan the flames about SPP not knowing Nepal was already a part of it "SPP is neither a military alliance nor China containment tool", by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Laws related to transitional justice will be amended: Minister Sharma (kh), Poll body eyeing general, provincial elections in November in one phase : Officials say they are set to meet the prime minister within a week with their plans, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Janata Samajbadi Party’s Bhattarai faction asks Deuba to ignore chair Yadav’s unilateral decisions : Some leaders say dispute in the party has become serious and the Bhattarai faction could break away, by Anil Giri  (kp), Around 27 percent Nepalis indebted due to Covid-19 pandemic: UNICEF report, by Arjun Poudel (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

14/06/2022: Despite PM Deuba’s reluctance to reshuffle Cabinet, JSP and Unified Socialist continue to exert pressure (kh), Future route of coalition in Nepal: Less rosy, more thorny, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Finance minister in dock again ‘for using outsiders’ to tweak taxes : Lawmakers demand clarification from Sharma and investigation into allegations that he involved unauthorised people in the budget-making process, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), ‘Truth-seeking should be the first priority of the transitional justice process’, interview with Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Govinda Bandi (kp), Local election, delay in material supply for printing to blame for delay in providing textbooks to students: Minister Paudel (rep) [However, this does not justify the regular deferral of remote areas in particular!], US embassy says the ‘leaked’ document regarding State Partnership Program is fake : Nepali intellectuals and people on social media had reacted to the 'proposed' US-Nepal military pact immediately after media outlets disclosed the contents of the document (nlt) [If you believe it, you will be blessed!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

13/06/2022: Secularism is at a crossroads in Nepal : Anti-secular voices demanding a return to Nepal’s character as a Hindu state are on the rise but they ignore the larger danger to Hinduism – Hindutva, by Krishna Man Rai (rec) [The combination of Hinduism and politics is a prominent reason for the non-inclusive state. The country's ruling elite has chosen its religion and culture as the basis of national identity. But Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural state. Secularism is one of the most important achievements of Jana Andolan II. That it has not been developed and nurtured is the fault of the ruling elite, which is almost exclusively male Tagadharis. These men alone are responsible for the poor state of democracy, federalism and secularism in Nepal. Send them into retirement at last!], Cost of coalition politics : It is evident that the coalition of parties neither stands on a moral nor ideological foundation, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (kp), As storm within JSP continues to rage, the party heads towards split (kh) [Temporarily changing laws by ordinance to allow party divisions is criminal. Draft a completely new Political Parties Act that finally prescribes democratic structures and procedures for the parties and drastically curtails the power of party leaders!], People mulling independent runs for federal seats begin consultations : Members of a network named ‘Swatantra Ummedwar Abhiyan’ are holding national consultations in Kathmandu on July 1 and 2, by Binod Ghimire (kp), House panel summons PM to get information on his US visit (rep 13/06/2022), PM Deuba is preparing to secretly sign partnership deal with US: Rawal (rep 13/06/2022), Protestors  besiege MCC's central office (rep 13/06/2022), PM should inform parliament about his US visit: Chairman Nepal (rep 13/06/2022) [Not only the parliament, the entire people have a right to information. The behaviour of top American politicians in recent months and especially the current visit of the general are highly suspicious. When will Nepal finally find a way to a foreign policy that is free from American, Chinese or Indian dictates? Grow up, Nepal!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

12/06/2022: Late as usual : Delayed delivery of textbooks infringes the right to education of Nepali students, by Karuna Parajuli and Timothy Fish Hodgson (kp), Experts for weighing viability, transparency and national interests while selecting foreign funded projects (nlt), Budget debate in Nepal is about MPs seeking more for their constituencies : Parliamentarians often forget their main job—making laws. They consider themselves development workers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Meeting revenue target a tough ask amid import reduction plan : The government collects more than half of the total revenue from imports. The country’s forex reserves, however, have been dwindling fast due to import surge, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Nepal's education needs drastic change - UGC chair Subedi (rn), “First we need to understand the underlying factors that push children to the worst form of child labor”,interview with Sudarshan Neupane, Head of Tdh Nepal Country Office (nlt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

11/06/2022: Strides In Women Empowerment, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Police personnel trained to combat TIP (kh), Deforestation for development leading to environmental degradation : Trees are being cut down indiscriminately in large numbers in the name of physical infrastructure development or to accommodate the growing number of human settlements, stakeholders say, by Madhav Aryal, Durgalal KC and Birendra KC (kp), Nepal to renegotiate with Motrex to establish electric vehicle plant : South Korean automaker intends to assemble Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Butwal, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Visiting US general urges Nepal to join State Partnership Program, promises aid : Prime Minister Deuba and Nepal Army chief Sharma want political consensus before Nepal joins the program, a component of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, officials say (kp) [Baiting Nepal with money to take the US side in the global power struggle and snub China may be in the interest of the US, but it puts Nepal at great risk. Nepal needs an independent, self-determined and yet friendly relationship with China, India and the USA, not a one-sided dependence on one of these countries!], Parties that accused UML of subverting Parliament are themselves doing it : Ministers are skipping budget-related discussions and experts call it insult to the people and Parliament. Ministers must be accountable to Parliament, says UML chief whip, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Strike banned in 25 most essential services (rep), NRNA controversy in Parliament,  lawmakers demand information on talks with the UK (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

10/06/2022: Call for bill on out-of-country voting, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), HC orders govt to find whereabouts of those disappeared till 2006 (ht), Deuba’s six months as Congress chief: Success in polls but party left in disarray : Party yet to form several committees and departments while many central committee positions are still vacant. Insiders say leadership failed to adhere to party charter, by Anil Giri (kp) [All Nepali political parties lack democratic structures and processes. They are under the authoritarian control of ageing and failed high-caste male politicians who cling to their posts, disregard the diversity of society and deny the participation of women, youth and migrants!], Confusion engulfs budget plan to set up Rs500 billion fund for farm financing : Central bank says it was unaware of such plan. Bankers, who have already lent hundreds of billions to the sector, are concerned about who will regulate the microfinance fund, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Life on the line : We seem to have normalised standing in long queues as part of daily existence (kp), Forex reserves decline 18 percent in 10 months of running fiscal : Existing foreign currency sufficient only to cover import of merchandise and services for 6.53 months (kh), Foreign policy of Nepal : Learning from past, present situation and vision for future. Nepal has to grow out of the ‘a yam between two stones’ mindset and the self-defeating notions of an insignificant, impoverished, and peripheral state, by Surya Subedi (kp), Nepal’s Gen Next : Mainstream parties feel threatened by the handover of power from the past to the future, by Sarala Gautam (nt), Rise of the independents : Mayors Balen Shah and Harka Sampung prove how Nepal’s democracy should function (nt)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

09/06/2022: Tribhuvan University system doesn’t recognise transgender student : For trans individuals, it’s a constant fight in every step with systemic barriers almost on all fronts, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Janata Samajbadi on the brink as conflict escalates between Yadav and Bhattarai : Two leaders came together in May 2019, but differences have surfaced now which could even alter national politics, by Anil Giri andTika R Pradhan (kp), US General Charles Flynn arriving in Kathmandu today (kh) [The continued interference of the US in Nepali politics is intolerable. The global power struggles of the Americans are being played out completely ruthlessly on the back of little Nepal!], Top US Army official is arriving today : Nepal Army could ask for delivery of sky trucks but no agreement likely on rifle supply, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [But one can be sure that the US will again push for Nepal's participation in the Americans' Indo-Pacific security approach against China.], 'Inform parliament about US-Nepal military visits' (rn) [The fundamental right to information is unknown in Nepali politics!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

08/06/2022: Why are police so quick to shoot during protests in the Tarai? Eighteen-year-old Nabina Tharu died on Monday of bullet wounds from a police shooting, just one of at least 16 who’ve died from being shot during protests in the last five years, by Bhrikuti Rai and Shristi Shakya (rec) [The Nepali police have not yet learned to respect basic human rights. They beat, shoot, kill, torture whenever they want!], Nepal-India EPG dilemma: To receive or not to receive the report : What if the Indian government continues to refuse to receive the EPG report? Can the Nepali side make it public unilaterally?, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt), Will communist forces come together before the federal polls? As some of the communist leaders are making public statements about the need for reviving the communist alliance for the federal parliament elections, experts say the prospect is too distant at the moment, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt) [Why? All these parties are under the authoritarian and anti-democratic control of long failed ageing males with whom Nepal has no future!], Rationalizing Nepal’s Foreign Policy amid Changing Dynamics of Geopolitics, by GP Acharya (rep), Bancharedanda locals clash with police over garbage dump row : Police fire tear gas shells to disperse agitators  (kh), Six policemen injured in clash with locals in Nuwakot’s Bancharedanda : Police fire six rounds of tear gas shells, 18 protestors arrested (kh), Why are police so quick to shoot during protests in the Tarai? Eighteen-year-old Nabina Tharu died on Monday of bullet wounds from a police shooting, just one of at least 16 who’ve died from being shot during protests in the last five years, by Bhrikuti Rai and Shristi Shakya (rec)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

07/06/2022: Woman dies as police open fire in Bardiya, five-member committee formed to probe incident (nlt), Bardiya locals continue protest following death of teenager in clash with police : An 18-year-old girl died of bullet wounds on Monday when police opened fire at protestors seeking protection from wildlife attacks (kp), Do we really need public enterprises? In Nepal, public enterprises were regarded as a vehicle for development. They were taken as an instrument for the production and for the execution of socio-economic policies, by Anjila Shrestha (nlt), Nepal drops down in global rankings on budget accountability: What does it indicate? This shows that citizens now have less access to timely and comprehensive information they need to participate in decision-making and hold the government to account, by Subhash Dahal (nlt) [see report results on Nepal], Will Parliament get more independent lawmakers, after local election results? Encouraged by local poll verdict, independent candidates are eying federal elections, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The Rise Of The Independents, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), Deepening federal democracy : The experience of the last five years shows that federalism has empowered local units, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Ensure Justice To Conflict Victims, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), 17 years on, justice still eludes victims of Badarmude (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

06/06/2022: Battle of narratives : Political parties, basking in their complacency, didn't bother to check the rear-view mirror, preferring to just look ahead, by Avasna Pandey (kp), Two years on, Nepal yet to implement Nairobi ICPD25 commitments (nlt), Term limits for higher office: Focus on legacy, by Sumit Pathak (ht), Government targets too ambitious and unrealistic, experts say : Budget contains a list of populist schemes—most of them plain impractical, insiders say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Indifference to education : Successive governments have failed to address the concern related to the supply of textbooks (kp), Empowering Dalits : We still have a long way to go to end all forms of discrimination because of the cultural mindset (ht), Govt overturns its decision on giving two days weekly leave : Public holiday to be granted only on Saturdays from June 15 (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

05/06/2022: Leaving both houses without deputies reflects poorly on parties’ commitments : As House Speaker and Assembly chair are men, their deputies have to be women. Parties’ apathy leads some to suspect if they are being neglectful of women’s representation, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Nepal's macho men like to violate the constitution and laws when it comes to preventing women's participation!], Laws versus realities: Where is Nepal failing in environment protection? Nepal has ample constitutional and legal provisions to promote environmentalism. The government just needs to implement them, by Jivesh Jha (nlt), Polluted politics seeking a way out, by Devesh Jha (kh), Buoyed by success of local polls, Deuba for holding elections by end of November : Encouraged from local polls, the premier holds confidence in the coalition despite some concerns shown by partners, by Anil Giri (kp), CPN (Unified Socialist) recalls its cabinet ministers, recommends new names for ministerial appointments (rep), UML’s Premiership Offer: A Red Herring, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

04/06/2022: The caste struggle: Discrimination rife despite laws in place : 16 years ago, Nepal was declared free of untouchability and discrimination. But Dalits continue to suffer, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), No escape from poverty for marginalised Chidimars : This year’s budget has not addressed the crushing poverty of the endangered Chidimars, a community that remains marginlised for generations, struggling to manage basic needs, by J Pandey (kp), NHRC urges govt to investigate death of Harijan in custody (kh), Austerity is good but government has created more liability for itself : Costs for salary and pension of government staff and social security up by Rs76 billion for the next fiscal year as the ‘election-oriented’ budget focuses on populist schemes, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Risky Tentacles Of Social Science Game, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

03/06/2022: Ruling party lawmakers also find fault with new budget : Nepali Congress lawmaker Gagan Thapa says funds have been allocated disproportionately to benefit certain politicians in western Nepal, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Leaving no one behind : The central promise of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is to ‘leave no one behind’. But with just eight years left to achieve the target and local participation still minimal, is the UN pledge achievable?, by Biswash Chepang (rec), Lawmakers draw government’s attention to rising inflation : Lawmakers accuse government of not taking any measures to tame inflation and rising prices of petroleum products (nlt), Lawmakers call on government to provide relief to people by arresting inflation (kh), Citizens appeal to protect the dignity of Supreme Court : ‘The act of directing the government to defy the court verdict on the construction of Nijgadh Airport is against Regulations of the House of Representatives.’ (nlt), ADB projects Nepal’s GDP to fall by 4.97 percent in 2030 due to school closures : “Severe disruptions in school education during the pandemic has impacted children through their formative years which will affect their employment opportunities and earning potential for many years.” (nlt) [see ADB report], Green is the colour of money and nature : Nepal’s public and private banks start to work together to finance a green economy, by Angel Li (nt), Something Wrong : Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand said that the government is committed to implement NHRC’s recommendations (sp), Lessons From The Local Elections 2022, by Dipak Gyawali (sp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

02/06/2022: In search of justice : People who lost their loved ones during the Maoist conflict are still seeking closure (kp), House likely to expire with dozens of bills pending as tenure draws to close : Some bills, including crucial ones, have been stacked since first meeting in March 2018, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is the result of the direct failure of the Oli and Deuba led governments and the entire party political leadership of the country!], Changing political spectrum : Rejection of the ‘traditional elite’ was clearly on the minds of the Kathmandu electorate, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Clashes erupt in Nepalgunj over ex-King Birendra’s bust installation : Police open fire in the air and lob tear gas canisters to contain the clash (nlt), Tension as royalists try to install late King Birendra’s statue in Nepalgunj (kh), Nine injured in Nepalgunj clash (rep), Some police hurt in clash with local people in Nepalgunj (kh), Dahal in bid to drive a hard bargain as exercise begins for general elections : Insiders say much depends on how Deuba and Maoist chair reach a deal on a number of issues, including seats distribution and power sharing, by Anil Giri (kp), No lesson learned from the last year’s monsoon devastations : Displaced people are at risk of many communicable and vector borne diseases in the monsoon season, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Post Local Polls: Possibility of Magical Change without Civility, by Pragya Panta (rep), Parliamentary, provincial elections proposed by mid-November : Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya for conducting polls in two phases (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

01/06/2022: Conflict victims have high hopes amid fresh bid to deliver transitional justice : Two decades since the end of the war, not much has been done to address the concerns of those who faced atrocities at the hands of the state and Maoists, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Killing by other means : The criminal system that takes in young, healthy humans and returns dead bodies must stop (kp), The tests that await independents : Nepal needs to free itself from the shackles of dogmatic leaders in their 60s and 70s, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Madhesh has been completely cheated in budget for coming fiscal year: Yadav (rep), Embrace Ethical Leadership, by Tulasi Acharya (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

31/05/2022: Custodial deaths continue with little being done towards investigation : Most of those dying in custody under suspicious conditions are from marginalised groups, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parties widely used children in campaigns as poll body remained ineffective : Poll body failed to crack down on parties and stood as a mere spectator, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Implications Of Local Polls Outcome, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), The Balen Shah magic: Its retrospect and prospect, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), How Balen Shah, Harka Rai, and Gopi Hamal won their elections, by Jagadish Paudel (rec), Congress came first, followed by UML in second position in local polls. Will it shape the outcome of the federal elections? Here are some scenarios : How will Nepali political parties fare in the upcoming elections then? What will be their election strategies after the local poll results?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Upset at local election results, two Madhes parties look for options : Will Janata Samajbadi and Loktantrik Samajbadi explore merger for upcoming polls?, by Anil Giri (kp), Budget prioritises boosting local production over infrastructure : Finance Minister says budget addresses recommendations from private sector to promote production rather than trade, by Krishana Prasain (kp), An eye on the elections : It is customary to bring a large budget and then dial down the allocations over the year (kp), Rekindling hope : This election and the results have provided many pointers that we need to take positively, by Sujeev Shakya (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

30/05/2022: 22-year-old woman raped in Rupandehi (kh), Lawmakers register resolution proposal demanding removal of time limit in rape case (kh), Amend the statute of limitations : The time limit to file a case fails to reflect rape and sexual violence as heinous crimes, by Mandira Sharma and Mohna Ansari (kp), Court extends Manoj Pandey’s custody : Kathmandu District Court on Monday granted the Metropolitan Crime Division permission to extend the custody of the rape accused by seven more days (kp), The causes of invalid votes in Nepal, by Yatindra KC (nlt), Rightist Rastriya Prajatantra Party cashes in on people’s frustration with major parties : As the party improves its vote shares, it hopes to fare better in upcoming polls, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt says it’s taking Nijgadh Airport project forward despite SC order to stop it (rep) [This is a clear contempt of court! The decision of the SC is binding on the government!], House panel directs govt to remove legal obstacles to Nijgadh Airport (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

29/05/2022: Police torture a minor who killed a man for allegedly trying to rape her , by Upendra Yadav (rep), Panel to investigate youth’s death in prison : Legal experts say the probe team must be independent. Sundar Harijan, who was behind bars instead of a real criminal, died in Rolpa jail under suspicious circumstances, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Why the statute of limitations on rape cases is against fundamental rights : There is renewed debate on removing the limit while reporting cases of sexual violence, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Populism and ad-hocism in policymaking: How it will aggravate Nepal’s economic troubles : The concern right now is what will happen if international fuel and food prices and dollar appreciation do not abate? Is there a proper plan with the government to tackle such a grim prospect?, by Dikshya Singh and Kshitiz Dahal  (nlt), Budget day: Concern is rising inflation and economists warn against bloated plan : Experts call for a budget that addresses current economic challenges while avoiding populist tilts in the election year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Krishana Prasain (kp), Delay in supply of textbooks affects coursework : The new academic year in many mountain districts kicked off over 10 days ago but the lack of textbooks has rendered lessons ineffective, teachers say, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Nepal’s per capita debt reaches Rs 63,310 (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

28/05/2022: How women candidates fared in local polls : Female deputy chiefs are fewer but there are more chiefs compared to last elections, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Independent candidates rock Nepal’s local elections. What does it show about opportunities, challenges and messages? Many see the victory of independent candidates as the result of people’s frustration with and lack of trust in traditional political parties. Is that the only case?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), Local elections: 385 independent candidates secure victory (rep), 14,402 women elected in local level elections across country (kh), Sunita’s entry into politics not a coincidental one, by Asmita Belabase (rep), Electoral Shifts In Local Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Balen has challenges galore as he takes over as Kathmandu mayor : Non-partisan Shah has to navigate the officialdom and a host of party representatives who constitute municipal assembly and executive body that make and enforce decisions, by Binod Ghimire and Arjun Poudel (kp), Laws should be revised and amended to make local level effective: Gagan Thapa (kh), Why are Nepalis not keen on electric cooking? Outages and power tripping : Nepal imported cooking gas worth Rs52 billion in first 10 months of the year amid calls for making kitchens electric, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Krishana Prasain (kp) [As long as there is not enough electricity all year round, but only for a few months, this is unlikely to be an option for people.], Resolution motion calls for ending statute of limitations on child rape : The motion registered in the National Assembly also demands review of the statute of limitations on rape cases other than rape of children (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

27/05/2022: Mavericks steal the show : The victories of independent candidates reflect the frustration of citizens with the parties (kp), Despair amid hope : The Nepali state must assure its citizens the country does not just belong to upper caste men, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Is it time to put a two-term limit for executive and legislative posts? Some observers say there is a need to review provisions to make way for generational change and allow new faces to lead, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal Army chief to visit Pentagon ahead of Deuba’s Washington trip : General Prabhu Ram Sharma’s proposed travel date is late June, which comes amid increased US political engagements in Nepal, by Anil Giri (kp) [??], Top court full bench quashes decision to reduce life sentence of Ranjan Koirala : Koirala’s sentence was reduced to 8 years, 6 months. He was released on July 23, 2020, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Outburst Against Sexual Violence, by Bini Dahal (rn), Local election results: Marred by tortoise-paced counting, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), NRNA submits memo to Minister Paudel (rep)
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26/05/2022: NHRC urges to carryout effective investigation into rape and sexual violence incidents (nlt), ‘Balen’ canes parties with the walking stick : Kathmandu voters rap Congress, UML on the knuckles as they pick a rapper, also a structural engineer, as their new mayor, by Binod Ghimire (kp), China nudges Nepal on One-China policy : Beijing seems to be wary amid a series of visits from the United States and a senior official’s recent meetings with Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu, by Anil Giri (kp), Promises galore : People have become used to taking these hollow statements with a pinch of salt (kp), Supreme Court orders govt not to build international airport in Nijgadh (kh), Nepal’s top court bars govt to construct Nijgadh International Airport : Conservationists and environmentalists were against the plan arguing that it would cause irreparable damage to the environment and wildlife in the eastern Terai's only remaining natural hardwood forest (nlt), Supreme Court halts construction of multi-billion-dollar Nijgadh airport : An extended full bench quashes all government decisions regarding the airport, envisioned as an alternative to Tribhuvan International Airport (kp)
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25/05/2022: Petition filed at the top court seeking removal of statute of limitations on rape : Six female lawyers who registered the petition claim the time limit is in violation of constitution, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Sudurpaschim fails to elect women, Dalits in chief roles : Number of women representatives elected in deputy mayor and vice-chairperson positions has also decreased as compared to previous local elections, by Arjun Shah (kp), Tough Jobs Await Local Leaders, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Bibeksheel Sajha Party Chairman Rabindra Mishra resigns : Mishra said he tendered his resignation from the post of the party’s chairman on the ground of morality, taking full responsibility for the polls results (nlt) [A small step for Mishra, a big step for democracy, republic and secularism!], Fertiliser shortage haunts farmers ahead of looming paddy season : Fertiliser shortage is major problem repeating every crop season in the past several years, by Binod Bhandari and Arjun Rajbanshi (kp) [It is the same every year, no matter which incompetent government is in power!], Erosion of republican resilience : A republic works only when its citizens are committed to making it work, by CK Lal (kp)
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24/05/2022: Kin of Dalit youths killed in Rukum (West) two years ago demonstrate at Maitighar demanding justice : Nabaraj BK, along with five of his friends, was killed on May 23, 2020, for allegedly trying to elope with a girl from the so-called ‘upper caste’ (kp),  Growing concrete expanse : Unless the necessary steps are taken, nothing will prevent an urban catastrophe (kp), Scope of private blended finance : The strategy is to attract commercial capital to projects that contribute to sustainable development, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Local Poll Deflates Oli's Ego, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), A teenage girl was raped, and killed extrajudicially during insurgency, UN says : The girl, 16, was arrested by a squad of 20 army personnel from her house in Kavre on February 13, 2004 (kp)
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23/05/2022: Local polls are over. It’s time for voting reforms : Nepal had five years to plan for better elections and a better election process. But there have been no reforms, similar patterns are being repeated, by Shreya Subedi (nlt), Parties have much to learn from independents' rise, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Much talk but little action to tame rising inflation which is biting Nepalis hard : There should be social protection schemes, fair price shops and reduction of import duties to offset price rises, experts say, by Sangam Prasain and Krishana Prasain (kp), What’s in store for the five-party alliance after local vote results? With increased bargaining power, the Maoists may want to continue partnership, but CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi Party look unhappy, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Resham Chaudhary won election from hiding. His 5-month-old party claims Tikapur when he is in jail : Tharus who feel they were shortchanged by the state have spoken through the ballot, activists and analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp)
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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), #MeToo in Nepal: Yet another case of sexual assault allegation comes to the surface : A victim makes public the details of how the perpetrator, her school principal, raped and blackmailed her for two years and yet nobody believed her (nlt)
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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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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), Nepal polls: Crying foul when polls don’t go their way : This time, it is the turn of the main opposition, CPN-UML, to cry foul over the outcome even as vote counting is still underway, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
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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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali), and Nepal Live (evening)

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!]
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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!]
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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!]
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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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Timetable