PM Dahal takes charge of Home Ministry (kh 27/01/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane found guilty in citizenship case : Loses posts of DPM, Home Minister and parliamentarian (kh 27/01/2023), Rabi Lamichhane not eligible to remain lawmaker (nlt 23/01/2023), Supreme Court annuls Rabi Lamichhane’s status as lawmaker : The Constitutional Bench concluded that the citizenship presented by Lamichhane to contest the election was invalid (kp 27/01/2023), Home Minister Lamichhane submits resignation to PM Dahal (kh), As a non-citizen, I have nothing left to say: Rabi Lamichhane : I accept Supreme Court’s decision, says Lamichhane (kh) [This distinguishes him significantly from KP Oli, who to this day does not accept the SC decisions of 2021!], The rise and fall of Rabi Lamichhane : Nepal’s Home Minister resigns after the Supreme Court rules he is not a Nepali citizen (nt 27/01/2023)

Discontent brewing in ruling coalition : Parties accuse Oli and Dahal of taking decisions unilaterally. Nagarik Unmukti Party fields its own candidate for an upper house seat, going against the alliance, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 27/01/2023) [With the putschist of 2020/21 as the true ruler and string-puller in the background, democratic structures and procedures are once again degenerating!]

PM says won't brook criticism of federalism, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/01/2023)

FinMin asks ministries to maintain fiscal discipline (ae 25/01/2023)

Agenda of Hindu nation will be strengthened: DPM Lingden (kh 24/01/2023) [A clearly unconstitutional request! The disadvantages of the Hindu state, practised for centuries, have just been erased from the Constitution, but still not overcome. The RPP should also remember that it was elected by just 5.5 per cent of the population! Nepal's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society can only exist in a secular state!], No ministers can speak against federalism: PM Dahal : Will seek clarification from those speaking against the spirit of Constitution (kh 24/01/2023) [And why are you collaborating with anti-federalists and anti-secularists like the RPP?]

Many see new ministers’ public instructions to bureaucrats on service delivery as publicity stunt : Ministers should instead get to the root of the problems in the bureaucracy and resolve them, say former bureaucrats, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 24/01/2023) [Traditionally, Nepal's politicians in positions of responsibility believe that it is enough to delegate the search for problem solutions!]

PM Dahal vows to reduce number of ministries in provinces (kh 23/01/2023) [This is urgently needed, but once again a centrally controlled measure in a supposedly federal state!]

State minister for health and population Dr Toshima Karki promises big reforms. Here are her limitations. : A new face in Nepali politics, Dr Toshima Karki, it appears, does not have enough information regarding duties and functions of minister of state (nlt 23/01/2023)

Ruling coalition fails to ensure inclusiveness in Cabinet : Political parties won’t ensure inclusion, unless it’s made mandatory by amending the constitution, says expert, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 21/01/2023) [This reflects the basic non-inclusiveness of all political parties! Nepal is still not a democracy, but an oligarchy dominated and controlled by male Khas Arya.]

The Message from New Zealand (rep) [!!!!! The first problem might already be that these incompetent, power-hungry politicians cannot even read. Maybe someone can read this meaningful editorial to them! It explains how responsible politicians like Jacinda Ardern behave.]

Government hikes salaries of judges and others left out in previous announcement : The pay increase comes six months after salaries of government employees were raised, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/01/2023)

Janamat party will decide on ruling coalition support by Sunday: Minister Khan (kh 21/01/2023)

Government transfers 42 CDOs (kh 21/01/2023)

Conflicting interests : Nepal’s new Council of Ministers includes 16 new faces, some with conflicts of interest, by Shristi Karki (nt 20/01/2023)

Step at a time : Politicians and ministers should take practical steps to wean the state off remittance (kp 20/01/2023)

Avoid conflict of interest : It remains to be seen whether this zeal shown by the government will bring about positive changes (ae 20/01/2023)

Economic recovery : The govt must bring policy-level changes to attract investments in the agriculture sector (ht 20/01/2023)

What does Dahal want?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 19/01/2023)

Right jobs, wrong people : Examples abound of individuals with conflicts of interest taking up ministerial positions (kp 19/01/2023), Home Minister vows of action against Labor Minister provided he gets evidence of his involvement in manpower company (kh 19/01/2023) [??]

Rastriya Swatantra Party goes against its own policy as it picks plum Cabinet posts : In its bargain for positions, the new party led by Rabi Lamichhane seems to have forgotten its own commitment to cutting costs of legislature and administration. Experts see the party no different in its quest for power, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 19/01/2023)

Embrace Coalition Culture For Stability, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn 19/01/2023)

Order to close crushers affects development works : The home ministry, through a circular earlier this month, ordered district administrations to shut down all illegal crusher plants, by Pawan Pandey (kp 19/01/2023)

Government announces sugarcane minimum support price : The government has fixed the support price of sugarcane at Rs610 per quintal for this year’s harvest season (kp 19/01/2023)

Litmus Test For PM Prachanda, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn 18/01/2023)

Know your ministers (With bio) (ae 18/01/2023)

Having multiple deputy prime ministers adds to the state’s liability : The trend of appointing many deputy prime ministers indicates Nepali politics’ degeneration into just a ‘number’s game’, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/01/2023), Deluge of deputies : Top leaders continue to prefer the symbolism of attractive posts to the substance of delivery (kp 18/01/2023)

26pc women in new Cabinet, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht 18/01/2023) [All of them are Khas Arya. Only four of them are full-fledged ministers, i.e. 20 per cent. This is again a clear violation of the inclusion provision of the Constitution in several respects. Moreover, most of the male ministers are also Khas Arya!]

MoFA reps a must during meetings of sitting ministers with the foreign representatives (rep 18/01/2023), Government reintroduces diplomatic code of conduct : Successive administrations have failed to enforce the code first introduced in 2011 (kp 19/01/2023)

Communications Minister Rekha Sharma appointed government Spokesperson (kh 18/01/2023)

New foreign minister stresses non-alignment : Experts say Bimala Rai Paudyal has challenges both on domestic and foreign fronts (kp 18/01/2023)

New Minister of State for Tourism Sirpali takes oath (kh 18/01/2023)

Trouble surfaces in ruling alliance as PM Dahal expands cabinet : PM inducts 12 ministers and three state ministers, allocates ministerial portfolios to those appointed earlier, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 18/01/2023)

(Un)Common Minimum Program : Anyone taking a deeper dive into the new coalition government’s common minimum program will immediately find it to be hurriedly drawn, highly ambitious, populist and distributive in character, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 17/01/2023)

No government in waiting : The idea of Dahal and Oli as rotating prime ministers could still face constitutional hurdles, by Achyut Wagle (kp 17/01/2023)

Major coalition partners reach agreement on ministerial allocation : Unhappy with its share, Janata Samajbadi Party says it will not join the government immediately, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 17/01/2023), PM Dahal expands cabinet; new ministers sworn in (kh 17/01/2023), Team Prachanda: Know your ministers in the 23-member cabinet : According to the constitution, the members of the council of ministers cannot exceed 25. As such, the ruling coalition can appoint only two more members in the cabinet (nlt 17/01/2023), RSP minister criticized for conflict of interest : Newly emerged political force Rastriya Swatrantra Party is heavily criticized on social media for sending a remittance company CEO to handle the Ministry for labor, employment and social security (nlt 17/01/2023), Bimala Rai Paudyal: Third female foreign minister of Nepal : The newly appointed foreign minister has assured that Nepal will stick to the policy of non-alignment in its foreign policy conduct with neighbors and friendly countries (nlt 17/01/2023)

Ruling alliance finalizes power-sharing deal, dispute remains over post of President (rep 17/01/2023)

PM to expand cabinet on Tuesday (kh 16/01/2023), RPP and RSP to get three ministries each along with DPM : UML gets 8 ministries, Maoist Center 4 and Janamat Party 1 ministry (kh 16/01/2023)

Will the cabinet get full shape today as claimed by PM Dahal? (kh 15/01/2023)

New PM's Overwhelming Mandate, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 15/01/2023)

Coalition struggles to expand Cabinet with too many contenders : Mutual suspicions between Dahal and Oli may also have tied the hands of the PM who is juggling seven forces, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 14/01/2023)

Now the economy, stupid : Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel must undo the mistakes of his predecessor, but his own past record is not stellar (nt 13/01/2023)

Dahal government faces global pressure to right war-era wrongs, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 13/01/2023), Dahal’s immediate external challenges, by Kamal dev Bhattarai (ae 13/01/2023), PM Dahal faces foreign policy challenges of Himalayan scale, by Gopal Khanal (ae 13/01/2023)

PM Dahal got 268 out of 270 votes in a confidence motion. What does this mean for him, for other parties? With all the parties drawing to him like moths to flame, PM Dahal has gained politically and personally but at the cost of many other things that actually matter (nlt 13/01/2023), Nepal’s opposition-less Parliament : Near-unanimous support for PM Dahal creates a legislature without opposition in Nepal, by Shristi Karki (nt 13/01/2023)

CMP Underscores Inclusive Development, by Lok Nath Bhusal (rn 13/01/2023)

RPP demands four ministries, including Deputy PM (kh 13/01/2023)

New government, new commitment on transitional justice : Successive administrations have listed transitional justice among their top priorities but the delivery is dismal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/01/2023) [The one who declared to be responsible for the death of 5,000 people during the time of the uprising without drawing any consequences is PM again. What should we expect?]

Ruling coalition discussing cabinet expansion (kh 12/01/2023), Cabinet meeting taking place today (kh 12/01/2023)

Government’s liabilities soar amid declining revenue : Successive governments have been burdening the economy with populist cash schemes, by Prithvi man Shrestha (kp 11/01/2023)

Investment promotion will be at the center of the govt agendas to achieve high growth rate: PM Dahal (rep 11/01/2023)

I will deliver on my election promises: PM Dahal (rep 11/01/2023) [You have already trampled on your election promises!]

Nepal’s parliament becomes opposition-less : In the parliamentary system, the role of an opposition party is considered crucial to follow the principle of check and balance. But Nepal’s parliament, on Tuesday, approved the opposition-less government (nlt 10/01/2023) [A victory from the point of view of the old, long-failed political guard, but a heavy defeat for democracy!], Main opposition concept comes into question : Congress leaders say the party has lost moral ground to claim opposition role after giving confidence vote to Dahal, by Anil Giri (kp 11/01/2023), No opposition party in parliament!, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 11/01/2023)

Government of national consensus: Easily said but difficultly done, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 10/01/2023)

PM Dahal wins confidence vote : Prime Minister Dahal gets 268  votes in his favor with two votes against him (kh 10/01/2023), Nepal's new PM secures vote of confidence in parliament (ht 10/01/2023), PM Dahal wins vote of confidence (ae 10/01/2023), Unopposed PM: Maoist chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal wins vote of confidence from nearly all members of parliament : Addressing the house session before the confidence vote, PM Dahal dubbed the support as 'unprecedented' and justice done to him by political parties (nlt 10/01/2023) [And what about justice for the victims of the Maoist insurgency?], Prime Minister Dahal proves his majority—and how! Of the 270 lawmakers present, 268 voted in favour of Dahal, while two voted against the prime minister, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/01/2023)

Ruling parties commit to bring back India-controlled Nepali territories : It is likely to be the top priority of Prime Minister Dahal during his upcoming India visit, say sources, by Anil Giri (kp 10/01/2023) [This is reminiscent of the numerous hardly fulfilable promises made by political parties in their election manifestos!]

Govt unveils Common Minimum Program (kh 09/01/2023)

Sceptics discount Lamichhane’s cutbacks as gimmicks : Similar populist programmes have in the past proved to be ineffective and unsustainable, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 09/01/2023)

Ruling coalition trains its focus on service delivery : Parties in power pledge to issue citizenship in hassle-free way, curb corruption, and mark Prithvi Jayanti on Paush 27 (kp 07/01/2023)

Prachanda’s Third Innings : Treading A Tightrope, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 08/01/2023)

PM Dahal's Difficulties (rep 07/01/2023)

Experts suggest executive take bureaucracy into confidence to improve services : Prime Minister Dahal this week upbraided bureaucrats for their tardiness in providing services to the public, and threatened action, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 07/01/2023)

Nepal’s political economy : The new government's biggest challenge is to save Nepal's economy (and itself) from collapse (nt 06/01/2023)

Talk is cheap : Government should lead by example on good governance : The new government can also take a leaf out of the book from some good practices the governments in the past had tried to institutionalize, by Ashim Neupane (nlt 05/01/2023)

Will a slew of executive instructions fix bureaucracy?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 05/01/2023) [It is always the same: The government appoints administrators who are loyal to it but often incompetent. Otherwise, their actions are exhausted by orders. Personal responsibility does not exist!]

Why can't CIAA probe Cabinet decisions, asks apex court, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 05/01/2023), Govt and CIAA : The govt must take policy decisions only in the public interest confined to the existing laws (ht 06/01/2023)

RPP demands 4 ministries including Deputy PM : RPP likely to settle on three ministries: Source (kh 05/01/2023), Govt to finalize Common Minimum Program by Friday (kh 05/01/2023) [In a democratic state, coalition partners only form a government after adopting a common government programme! In Nepal it is primarily, if not exclusively, about power and positions!]

Prime minister struggling to strike a power-sharing deal in coalition : Due to the delay in Cabinet expansion, four ministers are left without portfolios, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/01/2023), UML likely to get 9 ministries; Maoist 5, RSP 3 (kh 05/01/2023)

Development projects suffer from funds crunch as government revenue takes hit : Prime minister questions poor revenue collection, dismal development spending in 30-point directive to secretaries, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/01/2023)

PM Dahal instructs concerned ministry to reduce fuel prices (kh 05/01/2023)

Why the new government should revitalize Hello Sarkar : Revitalization of Hello Sarkar can be the first step of the new government to receive and address people's grievances and complaints and establish some semblance of accountability (nlt 04/01/2023)

Prime minister Dahal warns top bureaucrats to either shape up or ship out : Dahal wants immediate improvements in the government’s service delivery mechanism (kp 04/01/2023), PM takes govt secretaries to task over poor revenue collection (ae 04/01/2023), Former PSC chairman Mainali’s suggestion to PM Dahal: Change the policy before issuing directives (rep 04/01/2023)

PM Dahal issues 30-point directive to govt secretaries (kh 03/01/2023)

Bureaucracy snubbed the Prime Minister’s directive? In less than a week, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal twice directed the bureaucracy not to implement MDMS. But has the bureaucracy complied with the PM’s directive? (nlt 03/01/2023)

New parties say they will pick ministers based on expertise and experience : PM Dahal will expand his Cabinet after the House session begins on January 9, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 03/01/2023)

Dahal may be the prime minister, but it’s Oli who runs the show, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 02/01/2023) [Oli was already responsible for the failure of the 2017 legislature because of his authoritarian and finally unconstitutional ambitions for power. ]

Prime Minister Dahal to take vote of confidence on January 10 (kh 02/01/2023)

Actions Speak Louder Than Words, by Ballav Dahal (rn 02/01/2023)

Can Dahal succeed as prime minister of a fragile coalition? The nod to a high-level political mechanism under KP Sharma Oli suggests his over-dependence on the UML, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/12/2022)

More rough weather ahead : The political parties did not develop a common minimum programme to tackle the growing problems of the country, and the coming days could be more difficult for the people, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 30/12/2022)

Can Prime Minister Dahal steer the fragile coalition?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 30/12/2022)

Still waiting for justice after 16 years : The thousands of victims of the decade-long Maoist insurgency do not trust the government anymore as no progress has been made in providing justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/12/2022) [The one who confessed to being responsible for the deaths of 5,000 people is now PM for the third time : Target achieved!], Dahal is the new prime minister in Nepal’s tit-for-tat politics : The post-poll alliance surprised all, including Nepal’s close neighbours, China and India, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 30/12/2022), New Coalition Govt: Policy or Office Seeking?, by Hrishita Badu (rep 30/12/2022)

Give Some Time To New Government, by Yug Bahadur (rn 30/12/2022)

Cabinet to be expanded only after PM takes vote of confidence (kh 29/12/2022)

Challenges Of New Government (rn 29/12/2022)

Govt to bring Common Minimum Program within 5 days : UML Chairman Oli picked coordinator of the ruling alliance (kh 29/12/2022) [In 2020/21, Oli repeatedly attempted a coup, which went unpunished. Now he returns to power in steps! Is Dahal ultimately just a puppet in Oli's power ambitions?]

Dahal has the opportunity to fully implement federalism. But will he? Previous governments wasted such chances due to their vested interests, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/12/2022)

PM Dahal initiates efforts to bring Unified Socialist, JSP on board (jh 28/12/2022)

RPP meeting: Majority in favor of joining govt (kh 28/12/2022)

Government’s first decision: Hassles free distribution of passports and driving licenses (rep 27/12/2022)

Expectations from the New Government, by Shanker Man Singh (rep 27/12/2022)

Finance Minister Paudel appointed government’s Spokesperson (kh 27/12/2022), Finance minister inherits a troubled economy again : Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel vows to take measures to overcome the economic problems, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 27/12/2022), Nepal gets new Finance Minister amid economic doldrum : CPN-UML leader Bishnu Prasad Paudel was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister on Monday. But he confronts myriads of challenges to correct the course in the economic sector, by Ashim Neupane (nlt 27/12/2022), Challenges facing the new FinMin, by Rajesh Khanal (rep 27/12/2022)

Nagarik Unmukti Party decides not to join government (ae 26/12/2020), RPP not to join government (ae 26/12/2022), JSP not to join govt immediately : Party holding meeting on Jan 2 and 3, 2023 (kh 27/12/2022)

Janamat Party to send Abdul Khan to become Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (rep 26/12/2022)

Surkhet children displaced by floods are dropping out of schools : In August 2014, floods hit several villages in Surkhet and displaced around 970 families. Several children living in the camp are deprived of formal education for financial difficulties, by Tripti Shahi (kp 26/12/2022) [All major parties have been in government several times since and have not cared!]

President administers oath of office and secrecy to newly-appointed PM Dahal (kh 26/12/2022), Eight-member cabinet formed with three Deputy Prime Ministers (kh 26/12/2022), PM Dahal takes oath of office and secrecy wearing Daura-Suruwal (rep 26/12/2022), Eight-member cabinet formed : The newly-formed cabinet includes the Prime Minister, three Deputy Prime Ministers and four ministers without portfolio (nlt 26/12/2022), Dahal unveils eight-member Cabinet : The Maoist chief has appointed three deputy prime ministers and four other ministers, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 27/12/2022), Eight-member cabinet sworn in, by Devendra Gautam (ae 27/12/2022)

Maoist Center decides to appoint Narayan Kaji as Deputy PM (kh 26/12/2022) [Since seven parties are involved in the government, there will probably soon be seven deputy prime ministers. Why don't the three independent MPs who support the election of Dahal also get such a post?], RSP Chair Lamichhane to be sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister (kh 26/12/2022), UML’s Bishnu Poudel likely to become Deputy PM and Finance Minister (kh 26/12/2022)

RSP to join govt under Chairman Rabi Lamichhane’s leadership (kh 26/12/2022), We joined govt after formation of a commission to probe corruption was ensured: Lamichhane (rep 26/12/2022) [Yes, please trust that the corrupt will control the corruption!]

Dahal becomes prime minister again, Oli the new kingmaker, by Tika R Pradhan and Purushottam Poudel (kp 26/12/2022) [And the non-partisan president is beaming more than she has in a long time. This time she didn't even have to do anything immoral; Dahal, Oli and others did it for her!]

Nepal’s too-quick high-voltage political drama, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 26/12/2022), China, India congratulate Prachanda, moment after being appointed Nepal PM (nlt 26/12/2022), Congratulatory notes keep coming for newly appointed Nepal PM : The US envoy to Nepal and Prime Minister of Pakistan have extended congratulations to Prachanda (nlt 26/12/2022), Maoist Center Chair Dahal checkmates Deuba, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp 26/12/2022)

NC, CPN-MC fail to agree on next PM : Nepali Congress leaders not willing to make way for Dahal to lead the new government, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/12/2022), Prachanda accuses PM Deuba of breaking promise (kh 25/12/2022) ["My party got an overwhelming 11 per cent of the votes, so all the people want is me as prime minister!"], Prachanda holding talks with UML Chair Oli on govt formation (kh 25/12/2022) [The failed, ageing politicians - Dahal, Oli and Deuba - continue to work on the destruction of the country instead of finally transferring the responsibility to a younger generation!], As deadline to form new government approaches, ruling alliance on the verge of split : Both the Nepali Congress and Maoist Center do not want to compromise in the power-sharing deal. This has resulted in the last minute twist in the ruling alliance (nlt 25/12/2022) [Thanks to the power-hungry but incompetent top politicians, the electoral alliance is finally proving to be a big fraud on the voters! Without the electoral alliance, the CPN (MC) would have fallen into the abyss!], RSP Chair Lamichhane meets UML Chair Oli in Balkot (kh 25/12/2022) [???], Four parties in Balkot after ruling coalition fails to forge consensus (kh 25/12/2022), CK Raut reaches UML Chair Oli’s residence in Balkot (kh 25/12/2022), Possibility of forming government with Congress is over now: Madhav Nepal (kh 25/12/2022), Balkot meeting: Parties recommend Prachanda as PM (kh 25/12/2022), Prachanda gets support of 166 MPs (kh 25/12/2022), Unlikely happens in final hours; KP Oli agrees to share power with Prachanda (nlt 25/12/2022),
Prachanda at Shital Niwas with the support of 7 parties (kh 25/12/2022), Maoist Center Chair Prachanda appointed as PM for the third time : Oath to office and secrecy at 4 pm tomorrow (kh 25/12/2022), Prachanda appointed Nepal’s new prime minister (nlt), JSP decides to join Prachanda-led government (kh 25/12/2022), Janamat Party decides to join Prachanda-led govt (kh 25/12/2022

All options open as new government deadline looms : Deuba firm on continuing as prime minister, Dahal wants to dethrone him. Oli seeks to drive a wedge between them, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/12/2022) [It's always the same with these failed politicians. These three are mainly responsible for the failed renewal of the country after Jana Andolan II. And still none of them says what he wants to do differently now than before.], NC, Maoist Center at odds over power-sharing deal, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 24/12/2022)

Save people from the cold (ae 22/12/2022) [This is your responsibility, Mr Deuba!]

President’s call hastens the PM race : NC chief unwilling to wait, but Dahal to stay only if he gets the first shot at prime minister, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 20/12/2022) [Please none of them! The change to a younger generation could be a compromise and finally a solution!]

Limi locals deprived of social security grants for 17 months : More than 200 beneficiaries haven’t been able to reach the bank to verify their KYC applications and hence haven’t been able to collect the money, by Janak Bahadur Shahi (kp 19/12/2022) [??!!]

Dahal stakes formal claim to government leadership with Deuba : With the Maoist chief’s proposal, negotiations on new government formation have entered a decisive stage, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 18/12/2022) [So continue as before! Sticking with these old failed politicians means not only stagnation but regression for Nepal's political stabilisation! The voters voted these politicians out when they denied them a majority!]

New parties keen on joining government, but with caveats : Nagarik Unmukti presses for Resham’s release, Janamat eyes Madhesh chief minister, Swatantra remains divided, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 17/12/2022)

Who will be the next prime minister? Deuba may be a strong contender for the post, but he has competition within the coalition, as well as the NC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 17/12/2022)

Who will be Nepal’s next PM?, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep 15/12/2022)

Which first: PM appointment or House session? President’s Office says there has been no consultations about which of the two routes to take (kp 15/12/2022) [Article 76 of the Constitution states that the politician who has a majority of deputies in the HoR shall be appointed prime minister. But this majority can only exist after the House has met for the first time!]

Challenges Of Coalition Government, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn 13/12/2022)

Government saddles Sheetal Niwas with disputed ordinance : Attempts to rope in new coalition partners by pardoning convicted criminals has come under withering criticism, even from within Nepali Congress, by Anil Giri and Nishan Khatiwada (kp 13/12/2022), Govt to recommend President Bhandari to issue Civil Code of Criminal Procedure (First Amendment) Ordinance-2079 BS (rep 13/12/2022) [May political corruption never end in Nepal!], Ordinance on pardoning political prisoners draws flak, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht (13/12/2022)

Parents face hassles in birth registration of children (rep 12/12/2022)

Husband arrested for murdering wife (rep 12/12/2022)

Forest Ministry is empty as key officials are either on foreign tour or are retired (rep 10/12/2022)

Janamat Party decides to join ruling coalition to form new government (kh 08/12/2022)

Ruling alliance two seats shy of majority : At the end of proportional representation vote counting, the five-party alliance has 136 seats against the 138 required to prove a majority in the 275-strong House, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/12/2022)

Four ruling parties agree to continue partnership : Discussions over government formation will be held once the Election Commission presents poll results to the President, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/12/2022)

New government expected in 2 weeks : Election Commission plans to submit the election report to President Bidya Devi Bhandari early next week, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/12/2022)

In a volte-face, Maoists renew vow to continue with Congress alliance : With UML tipped to back a Congress government without being part of it, Maoist Centre leaders fear being kept out, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/12/2022)

Ruling alliance mulls ‘package deal’ on major portfolios : Leaders say they are waiting for final results of the elections (kp 03/12/2022)

Doti earthquake victims languish in tents : Six people died, seven injured and hundreds were displaced in the November 8 quake, by Mohan Shahi (kp 30/11/2022) [Neglect of duty or even disinterest on the part of the government?]

Deuba and Prachanda agree on continuing five-party alliance (kh 26/11/2022)

Government inaction makes life miserable in two flood-prone Banke villages : Residents of Chaupheri and Ramnagar of Duduwa Rural Municipality face inundation and floods every monsoon, by J Pandey (kp 25/11/2022) [Neglect of duty or even disinterest on the part of the government?]

Earthquake victims in Far West languish in temporary shelters : Hundreds in Doti and Bajhang have been awaiting resettlement to safer places, by Basanta Pratap Singh and Mohan Shahi (kp 20/11/2022) [Assistance denied by government and administration!]

Market prices rocket while officials busy themselves with election : Consumer activists and economists say that the recent increase in prices is the result of lack of market inspection, by Krishana Prasain (kp 20/11/2022) [Neglect of duty or even disinterest on the part of the government?]

Election not a priority for migrant workers from Jumla : A majority of young men from Sinja are currently working in various Indian cities and are not coming home for next week’s elections, by DB Budha (kp 16/11/2022) [Both the Oli and Deuba governments deliberately failed to provide postal voting to migrant workers as mandated by the SC years ago!]

Earthquake victims of Doti waiting for relief, by Dil Bahadur Singh (rn 13/11/2022) [Neglect of duty or even disinterest on the part of the government?]

Many aspirants in ruling parties could complicate prime minister selection post polls : Leaders say Deuba and Dahal might have reached a deal to head the government by turns, by Anil Giri (kp 10/11/2022) [Please not these again! A pre-arranged change in the PM office means the opposite of stability. It serves only the personal lust for power by incompetent politicians!]

Classes began 7 months ago but students have no books : Local authorities are actively involved in preparing school compounds for upcoming elections but have done nothing substantial to supply textbooks, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 09/11/2022) [Complete disinterest of the central and provincial male elite in fulfilling their actual tasks!]

Victims of last month’s Pyuthan landslides languish in school buildings : Authorities concerned have offered assurances but haven’t done anything to resettle the displaced victims yet, they say, by Shamsher Bikram GC (kp 03/11/2022) [Neglect of duty or even disinterest on the part of the government?]

Coalition government at all levels after upcoming elections: Home Minister Khand (rn 21/10/2022) [In a federal state, this is definitely not the decision-making power of the national government!]

Government mute spectator as extreme weather hits farmers : As climate change-induced disasters increase, thousands of people face the risk of hunger, by Arjun Poudel (kp 18/10/2022) [Too busy with power struggles and election manipulations?]

As dengue spread across country, authorities sat on their hands : Little was done to contain the virus. Proper risk communication found lacking, by Arjun Poudel (kp 16/10/2022) [Once again, the government has failed to fulfil its duties and obligations. The preservation of power is more important to it!]

Prime minister sacks four Janata Samajbadi ministers : They had believed that Deuba wouldn’t take such a major decision after the poll code came into force, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 14/10/2022)

Ruling coalition holding meeting to discuss issue of rebel candidates (kh 11/10/2022), Ruling coalition directs rebel candidates to withdraw nominations (kh 11/10/2022)

Conflict victims worried as fate of transitional justice commissions hangs in the balance : Terms of Truth and Reconciliation and Enforced Disappeared Persons commissions expire on October 17, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/10/2022)

As nomination day nears, key partner quits ruling alliance : Unhappy with coalition’s offer, Janata Samajbadi reaches out to Oli. Loktantrik Samajbadi jumps in to fill the void, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 08/102022), LSP leaders in Baluwatar for decisive talks with the ruling coalition (kh 08/10/2022)

Congress-led alliance reaches seat deal : Leaders of the Nepali Congress-led alliance have reached an agreement on sharing of seats for the federal and provincial elections scheduled for November 20 (kp 08/10/2022) [see list of common candidates (ka 08/10/2022)], Ruling coalition close to allocation of seats for Nov 20 polls : NC to get 84, Maoist 47, and United Socialist 20 (kh 08/10/2022)

Janata Samajbadi hints at leaving five-party electoral alliance : Leaders from Unified Socialist and Janata Samajbadi are irked as Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre want more seats while diminishing their prospects, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/10/2022)

Coalition crafts seat deal but Congress has a caveat : A meeting of the five-party coalition earlier on Thursday apportioned the 165 first-past-the-post House of Representatives seats based on a four-point criteria, by Purushottam Poudel Nishan Khatiwada (kp 30/09/2022)

Four federal ministers and three secretaries on foreign junkets, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep 29/09/2022)

Ruling parties still haggling for seats as nomination deadline draws closer : Political leaders claim that they have reached a deal on most of the 165 House of Representatives seats, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 28/09/2022) [Democracy as interpreted by the failed predominantly male high-caste politicians to preserve their power!]

ICJ deplores lack of public health preparedness in Nepal necessary to address latest surge in dengue cases : “Unfortunately, the government’s responses and preparations to combat dengue fever remain wholly inadequate” (nlt 26/09/2022) [see report by ICJ, 23/09/2022] [People need to understand that politicians are so busy with their power struggles and manipulations that they cannot care about such things!]

Dengue outbreak in Nepal: Deuba-led government’s flagrant indifference to curb the disease : More than 20,000 cases and 25 deaths, it appears, are not enough for the Deuba government in taking initiatives to control the disease (nlt 25/09/2022)

Ruling coalition to begin discussion on provincial seat sharing (kh 25/09/2022) [It shows a complete lack of understanding of federalism when the national level interferes with the competences of the provinces and the local level!]

Dr Govinda KC ends hunger strike after 10-point agreement with govt (nlt 25/09/2022) [As always before, the government will not stick to anything it has agreed to!]

Ruling coalition discussing President’s ‘rejection’ of Citizenship Bill (kh 21/09/2022), Ruling coalition issuing statement against President’s move (kh 21/09/2022), Ruling coalition lambasts President Bhandari’s “unconstitutional” move to reject Citizenship Bill (kh 21/09/2022), PM Deuba calls legal experts for consultation (kh 21/09/2022)

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 18/09/2022)

Govt forms talk team to initiate dialogue with Dr KC (rep 17/09/2022) [Whatever the government promises, as it has done for years, it has no intention of implementing such promises!]

PM Deuba vows to hold Nov 20 elections in a fair manner as term of parliament expires at midnight tonight (kh 17/09/2022) ["Fair" also means: no pre-selection of candidates by the high-caste male party leaders 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.]

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 17/09/2022)

Loan Shark victims and govt signs a five-point agreement (rep 17/09/2022)

Govt to launch ‘Prime Minister Nepali Production and Consumer Promotion Program’ to reduce import (kh 15/09/2022)

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 14/09/2022) [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 14/09/2022) [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 14/09/2022)

Ruling alliance to finalize seat sharing only after preparing PR list (kh 14/09/2022)

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 13/09/2022)

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 13/09/2022)

Parliamentary panel instructs OPMCM to punish those involved in illegal awarding of contract for Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track (rep 12/09/2022)

Seat-sharing becoming tricky; five-party coalition meeting today (kh 11/09/2022)

Coalition members engage in blame game after impasse in seat-sharing talks : Parties accuse each other of being overly rigid in their demands, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 10/09/2022) [A symbol for unity among power-hungry male Tagadharis!]

Marriage of convenience : There is no guarantee that the alliance will remain intact once the parliamentary elections are over (kp 07/09/2022) [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 07/09/2022)

Why have PM Deuba and his ministers not disclosed their property details?, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep 06/09/2022)

Conclude Protracted Peace Process, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 06/09/2022)

Ruling alliance homing in on a seat-sharing formula, leaders claim : Congress has settled for 86 seats, according to several task force leaders, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 06/09/2022), Seat Sharing Conundrum, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 06/09/2022)

Upper House lawmakers draw govt’s attention to contemporary issues (kh 06/09/2022)

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 05/09/2022) [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 05/09/2022), Guard arrested for doing his duty : Asked minister to come in queue for visa biometrics (ht 05/09/2022) [The cocky arrogance of some politicians can hardly be surpassed!], Security guard who asked a minister to wait in queue freed : Home minister orders Gurung’s release after Minister Shrestha pardoned him (kp 06/09/2022) [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 06/09/2022)

Government only thinking of taking temporary benefits: Madan Krishna Shrestha (rep 03/09/2022)

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 03/09/2022) [What is morally wrong can never be legally right! The previous parliament is history from the time of the new elections at the latest!]

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 30/08/2022)

Unified Socialist :  A Cog In Ruling Alliance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 30/08/2022)

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 28/08/2022) [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!], Another leftist coalition, barring UML, could form if NC does not agree to just seat sharing: Prachanda (kh 28/08/02022)

400 engineers protest against Cabinet decision, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep 28/08/2022)

TU demands security from the government (nlt 28/08/2022) [Threats from the students union of the ruling NC?]

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 27/08/2022)

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 26/08/2022) [irresponsible misconduct by government and authorities!]

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 26/08/2022)

Seat allocation on the basis of votes acquired in local poll: NC leader Koirala (kh 26/08/2022) [Only<absolutely no seat allocation would be democratic!], Ruling parties present their demands of seats for elections : The coalition partners’ demand exceeds the number of seats up for grabs (kp 26/08/2022)

Ruling coalition meeting on power sharing ends inconclusively (kh 23/08/2022)

Nepal needs prudent measures as inflation hits global level, by Rajendra Koirala (rep 23/08/2022)

Niharika Rajput breaks hunger strike on 17th day (nlt 22/08/2022)

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 22/08/2022)

Seat-sharing deal eludes coalition as partners stick to their guns : Task force members say they can’t work out a formula until the top leaders themselves reach agreement on seats, by Anil Giri (kp 20/08/2022), Finalising candidates in some constituencies appears a tough row to hoe for ruling coalition : Besides splitting the 165 seats for direct election among allies, a major challenge will be managing the aspirants, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 21/08/2022), Ruling coalition leaders holding meeting to discuss seat distribution (kh 22/08/2022) [In a democracy, parliamentary seats should be allocated through free and fair elections and not through manipulation by authoritarian party leaders!]

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 19/08/2022) [It is a primary duty of the government to prevent this!]

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 19/08/2022) [Another grave failure of the Oli and Deuba governments which shows the continuing centralisitic mindset!]

EC issues four-point directive to govt for effective security management (kh 18/08/2022)

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 17/08/2022), Task force fails to find seat-sharing formula, will seek top leaders’ help : Each party wants a big bite but is shy of saying the number, by Anil Giri (kp 18/08/2022)

Ruling coalition decides to send the Citizenship Bill to the President as it is (kh 16/08/2022)

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 16/08/2022) [May democracy rest in peace!]

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 13/08/2022)

Police detain single mother Niharika Rajput who attempted self-immolation at the President’s Office (rep 12/08/2022) [This raped woman needs justice and medical help, not arrest! What kind of policy is that?], Should a mother be ready to self-immolate for a DNA test of her child? This is just too much: KMC Mayor Shah (rep 13/08/2022)

Coalition task force fails to decide seat-sharing model : The five-party ruling coalition has tasked 11 members with finding a seat-sharing arrangement by August 16, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/08/2022)

‘Controversial bureaucrat’ Pushkar proposed as Finance Secretary (rep 12/08/2022)

‘Flood is bad, govt's dishonesty worse’, by Upendra Lamichhane (rep 11/08/2022)

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 10/08/2022) [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!]

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 10/08/2022)

Poor and damned : State must act to extricate the poor from the teeth of loan sharks (kp 10/08/2022)

Bhattarai keen to join ruling coalition (ht 10/08/2022)

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 09/08/2022) [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!]

Coalition Seat-sharing Onus On NC, Maoist Centre, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 09/08/2022) [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!], Ruling parties engage in discussion on allocation of Kathmandu constituencies (kh 10/08/2022) [Die fast, democracy!]

Preserving heritage : Prioritising locals in restoring important landmarks would help alleviate unemployment (kp 09/08/2022)

NC President Deuba calls meeting of party leaders to discuss seat allocation (kh 08/08/2022) [Democracy looks different!], 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 08/08/2022) [This is anti-democracy: the choice must be made by the people and not by the party leaders!]

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 08/08/2022)

Electric vehicle imports see-saw as government policy fluctuates : Experts say different budgets come up with different priorities on EVs just as Nepal aims replace fossil fuel vehicles creating confusion, by Krishana Prasain (kp 08/08/2022)

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 08/08/2022) [At least since KP Oli's autocratic rule, Nepali governments have preferred ordinances anyway!]

Why do DGs and secretaries change when ministers change?, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep 07/08/2022)

Nepal minister’s return shows anything goes : Tainted finance minister’s reinstatement underscores coalition government’s moral bankruptcy (nt 05/08/2022)

Police detain single mother Niharika Rajput (rep 05/08/2022) ["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 05/08/2022)

SC summons Tourism Minister Shrestha over contempt charge (rep 05/08/2022)

Ruling alliance forms task force for allocation of electoral seats among themselves (rep 05/08/2022), Ruling coalition forms 11-member task force to finalize sharing of seats (kh 05/08/2022) [Once again an overwhelming participation of women! Long live patriarchy!], Formation of electoral alliance by ruling parties is against constitution: Bhim Rawal (rep 05/08/2022) [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!]

Temporary police to be recruited for November 20 elections (rep 04/08/2022) [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.]

Finance Secretary Marasini transferred to Prime Minister’s Office : Marasini had refused to continue at the ministry following Janardan Sharma’s reappointment as finance minister after a probe committee acquitted him of tax tweak charges (kp 04/08/2022)

Govt decides to hold federal, provincial elections on Nov 20 (kh 04/08/2022) [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!]

Unholy acts : Ruling coalition and main opposition party are united in their misplaced priorities (kp 04/08/2022)

Prime minister under pressure to move National Investigation Department back under Home Ministry : Cross-party lawmakers including those from the CPN-UML say the department can function better under the Home Ministry, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/08/02022)

Coalition partners agree to hold parliamentary, provincial polls on Nov 20 (nlt 03/08/2022), 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 04/08/2022)

State capture by ‘Kathmandu Cocoon’ : A highly cemented network of the ruling elite decides everything related to state affairs, by Achyut Wagle (kp 02/08/2022)

Deuba outdoes himself : He has fortified his legacy as a repeat offender when it comes to endangering the rule of law (kp 02/08/2022)

“Deuba and Prachanda can’t protect country’s nationalism”, interview with Chitra Bahadur KC, Chairman of Rastriya Janamorcha Nepal (kh 01/08/2022) [Against federalism, for patriarchal nationalism based on Hindu values, against equality of all citizens in citizenship law!]

Exonerated Sharma may return to Finance Ministry, Maoist party members say : Observers say it would be wrong practice as they question the rationale behind forming such a House committee, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/07/2022), Janardan Sharma re-appointed Finance Minister (kh 31/07/2022), Epitome of misrule: Janardan Sharma’s reappointment as Finance Minister is a glaring evidence that the rot runs deep in Nepal (nlt 31/07/2022),
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 01/08/2022), Acquittal of the finance minister: Overshadowed by partisan politics, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 02/08/2022)

Govt to provide free of cost treatment to acid attack survivors (rep 30/07/2022) [It is the government's duty to prevent acid attacks. This includes, first of all, a strict control of the sale of acid!]

Farmers reduce acreage for lack of adequate fertiliser : Drop in production could lead to food shortages and higher prices in a country already reeling from inflation, experts say, by Sangam Prasain, Shankar Acharya and Rajesh Mishra (kp 29/07/2022) [Neglect of duty on the part of the government!], 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 29/07/2022)

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 28/07/2022)

NIC directs public sector, political parties to implement right to information (kh 27/07/2022)

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 26/07/2022)

Panel probing tax tweak charges seeks film footage from Singha Durbar gates : Committee yet to find anything substantial as police take time to look into the hard drive it gave on Wednesday, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 25/07/2022), Nepal Police submits report on Finance Ministry hard drive to probe committee : Panel members say the content will be known when its meeting convenes on Tuesday morning (kp 25/07/2022), Nepal Police forensic lab provides 'recovered' CCTV Footage of Finance Ministry to probe committee (rep 26/07/2022), Panel more confused as it fails to gather evidence to implicate Sharma in tax tweak : As the committee struggles to decipher the Finance Ministry CCTV data retrieved by the police, Home Ministry says it doesn’t have footage of Singha Durbar gates, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/07/2022), How probe turns into a farce: House panel says it found nothing against Sharma (kp 29/07/2020), Parliamentary probe committee concludes unauthorized person not involved in budget formulation (nlt 29/07/2022) [This probe was completely superfluous. Only an investigation by a completely independent body would be of any value!], House panel presents report absolving ex-finance minister Sharma of tax tweak charges : Amid speculations Sharma could return to the job, Maoist leader Pun says choice is his, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)

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 24/07/2022)

Ruling alliance advised prime minister to put US visit on hold: Upendra Yadav : It’s not that the visit won’t take place; it has not happened at this time due to some internal reasons, says the chair of Janata Samajbadi, a coalition partner (kp 22/07/2022)

In light of policy gap : Lack of opportunities at home means the trend of mass departures will likely continue (kp 21/07/2022) [There continues to be a complete lack of interest in ensuring the right of people to work in their own country!]

Foreign ministry delays implementation of Cabinet decision to withdraw from SPP (rep 21/07/2022)

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 19/07/02022)

Bodies responsible for improving the sliding economy are at odds, by Balkrishna Gyawali (rep 18/07/2022)

NIC empowered to recommend action against rights violators (ht 18/07/2022) [Given the strict denial of social inclusion by the ruling male Tagadhari elite, there should be endless complaints!]

NC President Deuba in hot water (kh 18/07/2022)

Govt raises medical education fees by 3.6 percent effective from new FY beginning Sunday (rep 17/07/2022) [It is not special qualifications but wealth that decides whether one is allowed to practise medicine at some point!]

Oxygen underestimation led to scourge of second wave, report says : The government failed to supply oxygen cylinders to hospitals as per need assessment it made with World Health Organisation long before the second wave of the pandemic struck, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/07/2022)

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 17/07/2022)

Court says Singha Durbar CCTV data loss unimaginable, as probe struggles : No progress in investigation into charges against Janardan Sharma with the Finance Ministry refusing to provide footage. Secretaries to be grilled today, probe members say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/07/2022), Probe panel yet to find CCTV footage of the time when tax rates were tweaked : Members say they are in the process of grilling officials as part of their investigation, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/07/2022), Investigators to seek technical help to recover missing May 28 CCTV footage : While the panel is seeking footage of May 28, the ministry has supplied records of later dates, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/07/2022), Parliamentary committee summons ex-Minister Sharma to record statement (nlt 19/07/2022), Ex-Minister Sharma denies involving outsiders in budget formulation (nlt 21/07/2022), Deadline for parliamentary committee to probe allegations against Sharma extended by a week (nlt 21/07/2022)

Challenges Of Good Governance, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn 15/07/2022)

Govt decides to extend the term of Truth and Reconciliation Commission officials (kh 15/07/2022) [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!]

Demand to remove finance and revenue secretaries (rep 15/07/2022)

Weapons for police won’t be procured immediately: PM Deuba (kh 14/07/2022) [??], Revealed: Businessman Bhatta is mastermind behind controversial arms procurement deal for Nepal Police (rep 15/07/2022)

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 14/07/2022)

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 14/07/2022)

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 13/07/2022),
A litany of failures : The first year of Deuba's fifth term is a story of unfulfilled promises—and disillusionment (kp 13/07/2022)

Parliamentary committee formed to investigate against ex-FinMin Sharma starts work (nlt 12/07/2022)

It’s shameful to fail to nominate Deputy Speaker and Vice-Chairman: Bamdev Gautam (kh 12/07/2022) [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.]

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 12/07/2022)

Government failure to estimate actual population size hits Covid vaccination programme : Experts say real-time data on population size is crucial for formulating plans and policies and for their success, by Arjun Poudel (kp 12/07/2022)

Govt registers Citizenship Bill in Parliament : Home Minister and Law Minister in a rush seeking consensus (kh 11/07/2022), Govt holds discussion with UML leader Nembang on citizenship bill (rep 11/07/2022), CPN-UML positive on new Citizenship Bill: Nembang (rn 11/07/2022), Home Minister meets Dahal to discuss citizenship amendment bill (rn 11/07/2022) [You'd better talk to women's advocates and human rights activists about it!]

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 11/07/2022), From the wrong playbook : The government dare not tamper with constitutional provisions and rule of law (kp 12/07/2022)

Speaker Sapkota rules govt to furnish replies on issues raised by lawmakers (nlt 11/07/2022)

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 10/07/2022) [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!]

Govt buying weapons worth Rs 840 million in times of economic crisis (rep 10/07/2022) [To keep discontented civil society under control or for what?], Massive corruption at play as govt expedites arms procurement worth millions of rupees for Nepal Police, by Tapendra Karki (rep 11/07/2022), Weapons Purchase Case: House committee gives three days to home ministry to furnish details (rep 12/07/2022)

Language, literature, culture are nation's pride: PM Deuba (rep 10/07/2022) [In relation to the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural society of Nepal, these terms must be used in the plural!]

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 08/07/2022)

Deuba’s US visit, initially proposed for mid-July, appears uncertain : Foreign Ministry officials say the prime minister’s visit is ‘still on the plan’ but they are yet to hear from Washington, by Anil Giri (kp 08/07/2022)

Deuba’s knotty US visit : When and why?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 07/07/2022), When is Deuba going to the US?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 07/07/2022)

Finance Minister Sharma resigns (nlt 06/07/2022), Parliamentary special committee to investigate Janardhan Sharma’s alleged manipulation of tax rate (kh 06/07/2022), Finance minister resigns after public outcry and probe panel : Main opposition UML boycotts the House meeting where Janardan Sharma announced his resignation. Parliamentary panel has 10 days to submit its investigation report, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/07/2022), Sharma could return to the ministry, many say citing the turn of events : Maoists say Sharma likely to come back after probe; some in Congress don’t rule that out, by Anil Giri (kp 07/07/2022), Finance Minister Sharma resigns : CPN-MC may not send his replacement in the Cabinet till the probe is over, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 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 07/07/2022), FM's financial crime : The panel should be able to uncover what transpired between Sharma and the select business groups (ht 08/07/2022)

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 06/07/2022)

On finance minister, who has courted controversy, Deuba, Dahal hem and haw, by Anil Giri (kp 06/07/2022)

Government decides to withdraw citizenship bill : To register a new bill by removing some ‘controversial’ provisions in the existing draft, a minister says (kp 05/07/2022)

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 05/07/2022)

Govt told to give compensation to victims (ht 05/07/2022)

Finance Minister should resign immediately: Gagan Thapa (kh 04/07/2022), 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 04/07/2022), Prime Minister Deuba may oust Finance Minister Sharma soon: Sources (kh 05/07/2022) [Constant misbehaviour, even by the Prime Minister, was normal in the days of the Oli government, but you promised to be different, though you are not!], 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 05/07/2022), 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 05/07/2022), Of deceits and erasures : The sooner the finance minister exits the government, the better for the nation (kp 06/07/2022)

PM Deuba shuffles cabinet replacing three JSP Ministers (kh 04/07/2022), President administers oath to three Janata Samajbadi ministers : Mohammad Ishtiyaq Rayi, Pradip Yadav and Mrigendra Singh Yadav are the new ministers (kp 04/07/2022)

JSP hands over list of new ministers to PM Deuba : Ministers likely to be sworn in today itself (kh 04/07/2022)

Ad hocism may lead to fiscal indiscipline, as shown by decision on petroleum prices : Flippant decision-making will bring policy instability and ultimately hit the investment climate in Nepal, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/07/2022)

Capital expenditure at less than 40 per cent (ht 01/07/2022)

EC urges govt to manage e-voting machines for upcoming polls (nlt 30/06/2022) [Yawn, says the Deuba government! This is just like voting rights for the millions of excluded eligible voters!]

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 30/06/2022), Janata Samajwadi Party row: Yadav, Bhattarai agree to part ways (nlt 30/06/2022), JSP row: Baburam and Upendra to part ways (kh 01/07/2022)

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 29/06/2022). Power sans responsibility : Rather than a sense of security, the presence of the police strikes fear in people’s hearts (kp 30/06/2022)

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 29/06/2022)

Janata Samajwadi Party decides to recall ministers (nlt 28/06/2022), JSP decides to call back its ministers without Baburam’s consent : Dr. Bhattarai and Ashok Rai pushed aside (kh 28/06/2022)

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 28/06/2022)

Nepal imports vegetables worth over Rs 34 billion in 11 months : Potatoes worth Rs 7 billion and onions worth Rs 5 billion imported (kh 27/06/2022) [Nepal is really not able to grow enough vegetables by itself? This is quite obviously a mistake in agricultural policy!]

Four Unified Socialist Ministers sworn in (kh 27/06/2022), 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!]

Why government should not run a business : Let’s assume the government goes ahead with its plan to revive sick industries. Will these industries actually prosper? Will they show any kind of innovation? Will they be able to compete with the private sector?, by Prakash Maharjan (nlt 27/06/2022)

Unified Socialist ministers replaced in Cabinet reshuffle: New ministers will be sworn in on Monday morning (kp 26/06/2022), Prime Minister Deuba reshuffles cabinet (nlt 26/06/2022), 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 27/06/2022)

Unified Socialist ministers make desperate efforts to save their posts (kh 26/06/2022), Minister Ale commits to stepping down with a letter to party chair : His aide says he has submitted a commitment letter to Nepal saying he would resign whenever the party wants (kp 26/06/2022)

Three ruling parties want seat-sharing arrangement before poll dates are set : The move appears to be aimed at building pressure on Congress so as to wrest more constituencies, by Anil Giri (kp 26/06/2022)

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 25/06/2022), 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 25/06/2022)

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 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 24/06/2022)

Madhav Nepal’s tale of woe continues with ministers defying party decision : Unified Socialist chair wants Cabinet reshuffle but Deuba is reluctant, stoking blame game, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/06/2022)

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 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 23/06/2022), PM Deuba not to reshuffle cabinet “anytime soon” (kh 23/06/2022)

PM Deuba calls meeting of ruling coalition to discuss cabinet reshuffle (kh 22/06/2022)

Ruling alliance lawmakers express indignation toward govt (rep 22/06/2022)

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 22/06/2022) [This is a result of the total disinterest of the Oli and Deuba governments!]

Govt rebuffs NHRC’s recommendations (kh 21/06/2022) [?????]

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 21/06/2022), Court halts enforcement of new rules on extraction of stones, sands and pebbles : A government move to ease extraction rules has drawn criticism for allowing crusher plants to come closer to forests, villages and rivers inviting environmental, health and landslides concerns, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 23/06/2022)

Unified Socialist likely to send new ministers to cabinet by Wednesday (kh 21/06/2022)

Govt decides to reject SPP deal (nlt 20/06/2022), 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 21/06/2022)

SC orders not to implement govt. decision to restrict loan disbursement (kh 20/06/2022), Classification required for fragmentation of land (rep 21/06/2022)

NC general secretaries advise PM Deuba to end SPP debacle once and for all (kh 20/06/2022)

External affairs, domestic battles : Our governance and policy-making are routinely held hostage to political squabbling, by Anurag Acharya (kp 20/06/2022)

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 19/06/2022)

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 19/06/2022)

Pandemic and Covid vaccination affect several other health programmes : Despite the increasing burden of diseases and responsibilities, there have been no significant increments to the human resource, officials say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 19/06/2022)

Liquidity crisis can hardly be addressed by this fiscal policy, by Kamlesh Agrawal (kh 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 19/06/2022)

Decision on Cabinet reshuffle early this week : A meeting of the ruling coalition partners on Sunday is expected to decide on the reshuffle, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp 19/06/2022)

Culture Minister Ale calls for preserving country’s religion, culture (kh 19/06/2022)

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 18/06/2022)

School students struggle with the change of medium of instruction : A new government directive to teach ‘Social Studies’ in the Nepali language is giving a hard time to both students and teachers, by Rajani Shrestha (kp 18/06/2022)

NAC Chairman Adhikari, who was mistreated by Tourism Minister Ale, demands security (rep 18/06/2022)

Political leadership was unaware of Nepal Army’s correspondence with US Army over SPP’ (rep 18/06/2022) [KP Oli and his government at the time lied to the people all the time! Why should they believe it now?]

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 17/06/2022) [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 17/06/2022), 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 18/06/2022), PM Deuba skips International Relations Committee meeting called to hold discussions on SPP (nlt 19/06/2022), House committee decides to summon prime minister again : Deuba skipped Sunday’s meeting citing his busy schedule. Panel says not abiding by its call amounts to undermining it. Congress lawmakers disagree (kp 19/06/2022)

Change of government is a mere rumor: Gajurel : PM Deuba-led government will continue till parliamentary elections (kh 17/06/2022) [interview]

Why Janardan Sharma must go (ae 16/06/2022)

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 16/06/2022)) [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!]

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 15/06/2022)

Govt withdraws two-day weekend decision, from today office hours to remain the same as before (rep 15/06/2022)

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 14/06/2022) [If you believe it, you will be blessed!], M 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 15/06/2022), Will not sign SPP with the United States: PM Deuba  (kh 15/06/2022) [Inform the people and parliament correctly and in detail! This is your duty!], Nine communist parties demand cancellation of PM Deuba’s US visit  (kh 15/06/2022)

Federal government handles small bridge projects against the spirit of federalism : But local road projects will be handed over to provinces, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/06/2022)

Local election, delay in material supply for printing to blame for delay in providing textbooks to students: Minister Paudel (rep 14/06/2022) [However, this does not justify the regular deferral of remote areas in particular!], There is always an excuse
Fertiliser shortages have been a perennial problem with the authorities always finding ad-hoc measures (kp 15/06/2022), Textbooks yet to reach Baitadi (rep) [Is this also due to the elections held five weeks ago? One has never heard of similar problems in the urban centres, especially in the KTM Valley!]

Five-Party Alliance Must Hold On, by Naryan Upadhyay (rn 14/06/2022), Future route of coalition in Nepal: Less rosy, more thorny, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 14/06/2022)

Despite PM Deuba’s reluctance to reshuffle Cabinet, JSP and Unified Socialist continue to exert pressure (kh 14/06/2022)

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 14/06/2022)

The chronic water problem : The provision of necessities for the people should be the government’s top priority (kp 13/06/2022)

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!]

Maoist Center preparing to recall FinMin Sharma, Information Minister Karki likely to replace him (rep 13/06/2022)

Late as usual : Delayed delivery of textbooks infringes the right to education of Nepali students, by Karuna Parajuli and Timothy Fish Hodgson (kp 12/06/2022)

Despite the onset of monsoon, Home Ministry yet to approve Preparedness and Response Action Plan (kh 12/06/2022) [No time for the really important tasks of a government? Only time for power struggles?]

Nijgadh Airport will be built somewhere near the proposed area: PM Deuba (kh 12/06/2022) [In another forest area worthy of protection? If an airport is to be built there, you will either have to destroy nature, agricultural land or settlements, or a bit of everything!]

NRNA controversy in Parliament, lawmakers demand information on talks with the UK (rep 11/06/2022)

Govt seeks ‘freebies’ along with fertilizers resulting in a shortage: MPs (rep 11/06/2022)

Strike banned in 25 most essential services (rep 11/06/2022)

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 10/06/2022)

Loktantrik Samajbadi presents its wish list to Deuba in preparation for joining government : The prime minister is seeking to broaden the alliance in view of upcoming elections and also to save the government from possible unplugging of support, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/06/2022)

Size of govt employees to be reduced by 10% (kh 09/06/2022)

Lawmakers propose expenditure budget cuts for different ministries (kh 08/06/2022)

Nepal clears hurdles to import fertiliser from India to tide it over paddy season : To fast-track the process, the Cabinet has opened the way for a rush shipment of vital crop nutrients, officials say, by Sangam Prasain and Anil Giri (kp 08/06/2022)

Deuba nixes call for Cabinet rejig to pre-empt disputes in ruling parties : Prime minister stalls reshuffle a day after Unified Socialist’s request, following consultions with coalition partners, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 07/06/2022), Deuba rules out Cabinet reshuffle, by Ram Kumar Kamat (rn 07/06/2022)

Weeks into new session, Bajura schools facing shortage of textbooks : As per an estimate, 2.4 million textbooks are required in Sudurpaschim this year (ht 07/06/2022) [????]

Govt overturns its decision on giving two days weekly leave : Public holiday to be granted only on Saturdays from June 15 (kh 06/06/2022), Government rolls back Sunday holiday rule : Starting June 15, it’s again one-day weekend on Saturdays, as the two-day weekend system is revoked in just three weeks (kp 07/06/2022)

Indifference to education : Successive governments have failed to address the concern related to the supply of textbooks (kp 06/06/2022)

CPN (Unified Socialist) recalls its cabinet ministers, recommends new names for ministerial appointments (rep 05/06/2022), I abide by party’s decision: Outgoing Minister Ale (kh 06/06/2022), Unified Socialist-recommended new ministers being sworn in today (kh 06/06/2022), As Unified Socialist recalls ministers, talk of Cabinet reshuffle gains momentum : The party has recommended replacements to the prime minister, but coalition leaders doubt Deuba will comply immediately considering the possible ripple effect, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/06/2022), Shuffle of Unified Socialist’s Ministers in limbo (kh 06/06/2022), No Cabinet reshuffle anytime soon: Minister Khatiwada (rep 06/06/2022)

NHRC urges govt to investigate death of Harijan in custody (kh 04/06/2022)

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 04/06/2022)

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 03/06/2022), Govt itself  doesn’t want to build Nijgadh Airport, by Subodh Gautam (kp 05/06/2022) [The government is not even allowed to do that, but has to bow to the SC's decision!]

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 03/06/2022), Lawmakers call on government to provide relief to people by arresting inflation (kh 03/06/2022)

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 02/06/2022) [This is the result of the direct failure of the Oli and Deuba led governments and the entire party political leadership of the country!]

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 02/06/2022)

An eye on the elections : It is customary to bring a large budget and then dial down the allocations over the year (kp 31/05/2022)

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 29/05/2022), 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 29/05/2022)

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 29/05/2022) [Providing equal educational opportunities to all of the nation's children is a duty of government!]

Govt delaying, denying justice: Conflict victims (ht 28/05/2022)

New book, old stories : The policies and programs cannot break with the past (ae 26/05/2022)

Govt transfers six secretaries (nlt 25/05/2022)

Government to promote industrial production and electricity use : Policies and programmes document for new fiscal year says a special scheme will be launched to boost production of paddy, maize, potato, onion, apple and walnut, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/05/2022), President presents government's policies and programmes, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/05/2022),
Promises galore : People have become used to taking these hollow statements with a pinch of salt (kp 26/05/2022)

Govt prohibits strikes in 25 essential services (rep 25/05/2022)

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 25/05/2022) [It is the same every year, no matter which incompetent government is in power!]

Start-ups wait for promised funding that never comes : The government’s lacklustre attitude towards start-ups has discouraged business innovators, entrepreneurs say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 20/05/2022)

Govt to present Policies and Programs for new fiscal year in parliament on May 21 (rep 11/05/2022)

Why import ban is undesirable : This policy is practically suicidal since the banned items are major sources of revenue, by Achyut Wagle (kp 10/05/2022)

Budget session recommended for May 17 : The government needs to present the annual budget on May 29 (kp 08/05/2022)

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 07/05/2022)

SC seeks written response from Chief Secy on contempt of court (kh 06/05/2022)

Ruling alliance decides to nullify rebel candidacies in local election (kh 06/05/2022)

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 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 05/05/2022)

NHRC calls for further investigation into newly-appointed IGP Singh for human rights violation (rep 04/05/2022)

SC seeks written response from govt for not submitting reports on time (kh 03/05/2022)

Govt raises a loan of Rs 221 billion in nine months (kh 03/05/2022)

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 03/05/2022)

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 03/05/2022)

Cabinet decides to appoint AIG Dhiraj Pratap Singh as new IGP (kh 01/05/2022), AIGs Pokhrel, Thapa prepare to move court against Singh’s promotion to IGP (kh 01/05/2022), NC leader Koirala denounces govt decision over IGP appointment (kh 01/05/2022) [Once again, decadent shadows of nepotism and extreme party politicisation of all sectors of the Nepali state?], Meritocracy, seniority and organizational norms have been completely ignored by politicians in power in the promotion and appointment of Nepal Police high officials, by Narayan Adgikari and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 01/05/2022), Amid controversy, newly-appointed police chief conferred with insignia : Two AIGs of the Nepal Police have already decided to move the apex court, arguing that the government appointed the new chief breaching the regulation of the security force (nlt 02/05/2022)

Local election: Five-party coalition emphasizes economic development (kh 01/05/2022)

School question papers prepared by local governments are full of errors : Experts hold the federal government equally responsible, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/05/2022)

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 29/04/2022) [Nepal is a federal state. The national party leadership cannot issue directives in this regard, at best recommendations!],
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 30/04/2022) [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!], Ruling alliance to take action against cadres violating directives (kh 01/05/2022)

Supreme Court continues interim order against govt’s decision to suspend NRB Governor Adhikari (nlt 29/04/2022), Supreme Court says government decision to probe Governor Adhikari was arbitrary : Maha Prasad Adhikari, who returned to office on April 20, will continue in the job until a final verdict, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/04/2022)

Coalition partners seek electoral alliance within camp (rn 27/04/2022) [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 27/04/2022) [By then, these self-appointed leaders will have successfully destroyed local democracy!]

Government to provide public holidays two days a week (kh 27/04/2022), Nepal will have two public holidays a week - Saturday and Sunday - from May 15 (rep 27/04/2022), Government decides to have two-day weekend : Starting May 15, government offices will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays (kp 28/04/2022), Resetting the workweek : The idea of a five-day working week wouldn’t be too farfetched at all (kp 28/04/2022), Two-day weekend will add to case backlogs at hospitals, doctors say : Concerns grow patients needing surgeries, renal transplantations will suffer more, by Arjun Poudel (kp 29/04/2022)

Education Minister seeks more budget for education sector (kh 25/04/2022)

Writ petition challenges ambassadorial nominations : Petitioners say recent nominations have ignored principles of inclusion and call for new nominations (kp 23/04/2022)

Nepal dissatisfied with the distribution of local level seats among the coalition (rep 23/04/2022)

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 23/04/2022) [The top politicians of all major parties continue to practise the centralist state!]

State-sponsored economic crisis : The real emergency in Nepal’s economy is not the Ukraine War, but a self-serving government (nt 22/04/2022)

Trade deficit widening despite govt attempts to curb import (kh 22/04/2022)

Should Sharma quit? If the past is any guide, then Finance Minister Janardan Sharma should resign on moral grounds (ht 21/04/2022)

Supreme Court stays govt’s decision to suspend NRB Governor Adhikari (nlt 19/04/2022), Suspended Governor Adhikari resuming duties today (kh 20/04/2022), 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 20/04/2022), 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 20/04/2022)

Ruling coalition to finalize distribution of metropolises and sub metropolises today (kh 19/04/2022) [Nepal is a federal state. Nominating candidates for local elections is not the responsibility of national party leaders!]

Nepal seeks overseas nationals' help to build up forex reserves amid economic woes (rep 17/04/2022)

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 16/04/12022), Local level free to use discretion regarding electoral alliance: NC Gen Secy Thapa (kh 16/04/2022)

State-sponsored economic crisis : The real emergency in Nepal’s economy is not the Ukraine War, but a self-serving government (nt 15/04/2022)

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 15/04/2022) [What can you expect when the majority have no diplomatic experience but get their posts on the basis of kinship or party affiliation?]

Govt’s capital expenditure stands at meager 27.45 percent of the targeted amount in Q3 (rep 15/04/2022)

Government positive to address demands of Janamat Party: Home Minister Khand (rep 15/04/2022) [Election campaign tactics send their regards!]

Small industries in government priority: Badu (rn 15/04/2022)

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 14/04/2022)

Scrutiny In Diplomatic Appointments, by Mukti Rijal (rn 14/04/2022)

 Managerial efficiency in question as thousands of Covid-19 vaccine doses are set to expire : Officials say wastage of the life-saving vaccine will be common in the coming days, by Arjun Poudel (kp 11/04/2022)

Ruling parties issue joint appeal, vow to face local elections together (rep 11/04/2022)

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 09/04/2022), Shooting the messenger : Action against Nepal Rastra Bank governor is more whimsical than a studied decision (kp 11/04/2022), 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 11/04/2022), 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!], 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 12/04/2022), 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 12/04/2022)

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 09/04/2022)

Coalition calculation : The Congress vs Maoist feud over Chitwan could determine the fate of the governing coalition (nt 08/04/2022)

Cabinet makes a slew of crucial appointments, besides taking other decisions (rep 08/04/2022)

President nominates Dahal as NA member (kh 08/04/2022) [Nepotism at its best!]

Deuba’s unfulfilling Delhi trip (ae 07/04/2022)

Government recommends names of ambassadors to 20 countries (with list) (kh 07/04/2022) [Three quarters of them are Bahuns, which once again shows who considers themselves as the owners of this land! Is this government not ashamed of itself?], 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 08/04/2022), Ambassadorial appointments: Unqualified, yet fortunate individuals, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 13/04/2022) [Nepotism as usual!]

Advocate Gobinda Bandi, a non-lawmaker, appointed as law minister (rep 07/04/2022) [There cannot be enough male Bahuns in the government!], 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 08/04/2022)

Ruling coalition forms mechanism for electoral alliance (kh 05/04/2022), Ruling alliance forms Poudel-led preparation and monitoring committee for local polls (rep 05/04/2022), Ruling alliance finds it tough to divide up six metropolis mayor positions
Prime minister’s party Nepali Congress feels pressure from within to keep at least four mayoral posts for itself, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/04/2022)

Chitwan NC delegation to draw leadership’s attention towards Bharatpur mayor’s post (kh 05/04/2022)

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 04/04/2022)

Prime Minister Deuba’s India visit: What he discussed, what he missed? (nlt 04/04/2022), 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 04/04/222), Diplomatic hobnobbing : Nepal’s politicians need to have the astuteness to translate friendly ties into economic advantage (kp 04/04/2022)

Ruling coalition intensifies discussion for forging electoral alliance (kh 04/04/2022)

PM Deuba visited BJP office as NC president, not as PM: Foreign Minister Khadka (kh 03/04/2022)

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 02/04/2022)

Nepali public sees ‘view towers’ in rural areas as misplaced spending : Observers and experts say scarce funds should have been used in necessary infrastructures like health facilities and schools, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 02/04/2022), How myopic they are : People in far-flung areas lack basic necessities, and they are building view towers (kp 05/04/2022)

Massive transfers and appointments ahead of local polls (kh 02/04/2022)

‘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 31/03/2022), Ruling coalition agrees to forge electoral alliance in local polls (kh 31/03/2022), 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 01/04/2022)

Cabinet promotes three DIGs to AIG, to bring ordinance against acid attack (rep 31/03/2022) [Laws must be passed by the elected representatives of the people, not by the executive with the blessing of the president! What kind of democracy is Nepal, anyway?], Two DIGs knock on SC’s door against promotion of three DIGs to AIGs (rep 31/03/2022)

A big test of PM Deuba and Nepal-India ties as he goes on official visit to India : When PM Deuba returns home he should have something solid to show in matters of resolving outstanding issues so that he can proudly announce what he gained for Nepal, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt 31/03/2022)

Agenda and delegation of PM Deuba’s April visit to India still undecided (kh 29/03/2022) [Having no agenda or a constantly changing agenda is typical of Nepal's politicians. For example, Deuba entered peace talks with the Maoists in 2001 without any agenda. The result is well known: Escalation of the conflict, mobilisation of the army, restriction of fundamental rights, coup by Gyanendra!], Cabinet decision: Four ministers to accompany PM Deuba to India (kh 31/03/2022)

Prime Minister Deuba to visit India from April 1 to 3 (kh 28/03/2022)

It is govt responsibility to grant citizenship to people: JSP Chairman Yadav (rep 27/03/2022)

Government needs to 'hone its diplomatic skills' (ht 25/03/2022)

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 25/03/2022)

High-tech surveillance : Political leaders cannot be trusted to allow the elections to happen freely and fairly (kp 25/03/2022)

Recommendation to free 44,000 ropanis of land for new cities in Kathmandu (rep 25/03/2022)

No deliberation on sexual violence in parliament due to obstruction: Minister Regmi (kh 24/03/2022)

Deuba to visit India on April 1-3 in first official foreign trip since taking office : The prime minister set to leave for Delhi immediately after the Chinese foreign minister concludes his Nepal visit, by Anil Giri (kp 24/03/2022)

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 23/03/2022)

Prachanda asks PM Deuba to provide subsistence allowance to the injured and disabled of armed conflict, others (kh 22/03/2022) [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?]

Top leaders of the coalition meet in Baluwatar (kh 22/03/2022)

LSP likely to join govt as PM Deuba prepares to reshuffle Cabinet (rep 22/03/2022)

Political parties reiterate commitment to give voting rights to Nepalis abroad (rep 21/03/2022) [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!], No voting rights for Nepalis abroad, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/03/2022), 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 21/03/2022)

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 21/03/2022) [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!]

Another COVID wave looms, govt dithering on jabs (ht 19/03/2022)

Govt policy aimed at prohibiting growth and development of small businesses, says FCAN (rep 19/03/2022)

Future of ruling alliance depends on NC’s behavior: Dahal (rep 18/03/2022) [And when will you finally behave?], Maoists’ dilemma: They need Congress but can’t fully trust it : Dahal says option of joining hands with the UML open if electoral alliance with coalition partners is not possible, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) 18/03/2022)

Efforts underway to revitalize COVID-19 hit economy: FinMin Sharma (rep 18/03/2022)

Right to education for children with disabilities: It's the government's responsibility, by Dev Datta Joshi (ht 17/03/2022)

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 17/03/2022) [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 17/03/2022)

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 16/03/2022) [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 16/03/2022) [The government, President and KP Oli should be held personally accountable!]

Govt recommends proroguing parliament session (kh 15/03/2022) [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!]

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 15/03/2022)

‘Impartiality’ in public appointments : The obvious resultant pitfalls thereof are mismanagement and unchecked corruption, by Achyut Wagle (kp 15/03/2022)

Taskforce recommends to limit Secretary post to 45 to 48 : Urges to abolish 24 to 27 secretary posts (kh 15/03/2022)

Landslide-displaced families await relocation : More than a hundred families from two villages in Sankhuwasabha were displaced by a landslide two monsoons ago. The displaced are still living in temporary shelters, by Dipendra Shakya (kp 14/03/2022)

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 14/03/2022)

Senior citizens demand effective implementation of Senior Citizens Act-2006 (kh 14/03/2022)

Abysmal public service : A people-friendly government agency is something long overdue in Nepal (kp 14/03/2022)

Electoral alliance among ruling parties uncertain: Gagan Thapa (rep 13/03/2022)

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 12/03/2022)

Initiative to conclude citizenship Act amendment with consensus: Minister Khand (kh 10/03/2022) [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.]

Ruling coalition has agreed to make an electoral alliance in local elections, claims Madhav Nepal (kh 09/03/2022), Prospects of electoral alliance: Maoist Center and  Unified Socialist want it badly, Nepali Congress  in wait and see : Until now, CPN-Maoist Center and CPN (Unified Socialist) are the vocal advocates for the continuity of the alliance while Nepali Congress remains indecisive, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 10/03/2022), NC must forge an electoral alliance to ensure success: PM Deuba (kh 10/03/2022), Electoral alliance excluding NC could be formed for upcoming polls: Tuladhar (rep 10/03/2022)

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 08/03/2022)

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 08/03/2022)
[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!]

Women lawmakers ask Home Minister to address issues of citizenship, visit visa (rep 07/03/2022)

Govt to release budget for rehabilitation of monsoon-hit survivors (ht 07/03/2022)

Interpretative declaration: Makes no change in compact, by Durga Prasad Bhurtel (ht 04/03/2022)

Ruling coalition discusses electoral alliance (kh 03/03/2022)

MCC Ratification Deepens Alliance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 01/03/2022)

Rastriya Janamorcha leaves ruling alliance (rep 28/02/2022) [The hooligans who attack the police in the most aggressive form and destroy public property definitely do not represent the Nepali people!]

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 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 27/02/2022), Ruling parties set to ratify MCC Compact thru consensus (kh 27/02/2022), Ruling coalition decides to ratify MCC compact (nlt 27/02/2022), Ruling coalition decides to ratify MCC today with interpretative declaration (kh 27/02/2022), Maoist Center holding PP meeting to inform about party’s decision on MCC : Maoist Center to vote on MCC with interpretive explanation (kh 27/02/2022), Cabinet approves ‘interpretative declaration’ on MCC (kh 27/02/2022)

Alternatives being sought to keep ruling alliance intact: Prachanda (nlt 26/02/2022), Ruling coalition likely to split due to MCC, says Prachanda (kh 26/02/2022), PM Deuba urges Prachanda to take institutional decision on MCC (kh 26/02/2022), ‘We are searching alternatives to protect alliance, resolve national problem’: Prachanda (kh 26/02/2022), 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 26/02/2022), PM Deuba gives ultimatum to Dahal to finalize Maoist Center’s stand on MCC grant agreement by 3PM (rep 26/02/2022), Another People’s War likely: Chairman Dahal (rep 26/02/2022) [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!)], Maoist Center should leave alliance if not in favor of MCC: Former PM Bhattarai (rep 26/02/2022), Ruling NC holding talks with main opposition UML at Balkot : Prime Minister Deuba to meet UML Chair Oli soon (kh 26/02/2022)

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 26/02/2022)

Vehicles brought with taxpayers' money gathering dust in govt offices (Photo Feature) (rep 26/02/2022)

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 25/02/2022) [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 25/02/2022)

Ruling coalition likely to collapse due to differences over MCC ratification (kh 24/02/2022)

Call to make foreign employment safe (ht 24/02/2022)

Feeling the inflationary heat : Policymakers have done nothing much to contain inflation, which is primarily import driven (kp 24/02/2022)

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 24/02/2022)

PM Deuba and Maoist Chair Prachanda hold talks, leaders still at odds on MCC endorsement (nlt 24/02/2022), Pressure mounting on top leaders as deadline to pass MCC approaches (kh 24/02/2022), MCC will not be ratified: Former PM Khanal (kh 24/02/2022), Ruling coalition can break if no support in endorsing MCC: NC leader Poudel (kh 24/02/2022), PM Deuba meets Oli again, seeks UML’s support in MCC agreement ratification (rep 24/02/2022)

PM Deuba urges Prachanda not to stand against MCC even if no vote for it (kh 23/02/2022), Conspiracy being hatched to break coalition and overthrow government: Prachanda (kh 23/02/2022) [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!], NC is free to partner with UML to ratify MCC: CPN-US leader Khanal (kh 23/02/2022), Prachanda in search of strategy to hit two targets with one arrow (kh 23/02/2022), PM Deuba has been manipulated by US: Former PM Khanal (rep 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 23/02/2022)

Severe fertiliser crisis looms as government continues to fumble : Sources say that government will not be able to meet even half of the chemical fertiliser requirement which may trigger farmer protests during the proposed local elections in May, by Sangam Prasain (kp 22/02/2022), So what's new? Bogus promises represent the callousness with which those at the top function (kp 23/02/2022)

Prachanda urges Maoist lawmakers to wait for a while when asked to quit government (kh 21/02/2022), Ruling coalition will not be affected by MCC: Maoist Chair Prachanda (kh 22/02/2022) [... says the former revolutionary who talks differently every few hours and can't remember what he said before!]

Ruling coalition to split today itself if MCC not tabled in Parliament (kh 20/02/2022), Ruling coalition meeting begins at Baluwatar : To forge consensus on MCC (kh 20/02/2022), 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 20/02/2022), Ruling coalition decides to table MCC in Parliament (kh 20/02/2022), Prachanda did not agree in coalition decision to table MCC: Prachanda’s secretariat (kh 20/02/2022) [Obviously, Dahal and his party want to be nothing but history soon!], BAC to table MCC in Parliament amid Maoist’s objection (kh 20/02/2022), Parliament meeting begins, MCC to be tabled in today’s session (kh 20/02/2022), Minister Karki tables MCC on behalf of Finance Ministry (kh 20/02/2022), Khanal concerned over his party’s decision to table MCC at parliament (rep 20/02/2022), CPN (US) for tabling MCC deal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 20/02/2022)

CPN (Unified Socialist) to allow tabling of MCC Compact (nlt 19/02/2022), 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 19/02/2022)

Ruling coalition meeting makes no headway on MCC (nlt 18/02/2022), Is PM Deuba in deep trouble?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 18/02/2022), Going against alliance not beneficial to NC: Senior leader Poudel (kh 18/02/2022), 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 18/02/2022) [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 18/02/2022), Cadres of ruling parties burn tires in protest against MCC (rep 18/02/2022), 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 18/02/2022)

She lost her eyesight at 8. But she had her vision clear : Neera Adhikari has overcome many obstacles to become the first blind person to be promoted to the post of under-secretary of the Nepal government, by Shranup Tandukar (kp 18/02/2022)

MCC: Prachanda shakes PM Deuba’s strong foundation of trust, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 17/02/2022), Prachanda pressurizes to halt MCC as PM Deuba remains adamant not to backtrack (kh 17/02/2022),
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 17/02/2022)

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 16/02/2022), 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 16/02/2022), Maoist Center to quit govt if MCC tabled without coalition’s consent (kh 16/02/2022)

Supreme Court issues show cause order against Minister Ale (kh 16/02/2022)

New Deal On MCC, CJ Impeachment, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 15/02/2022)

Govt transfers 11 joint secretaries (kh 15/02/2022)

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 13/02/2022), Reactionary forces are trying to break ruling alliance: Chairman Dahal (rep 13/02/2022) [?????]

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!]

Prachanda asks PM Deuba if he is trying to remove Speaker Sapkota (kh 12/02/2022) [As a person accused of murder, Mr. Sapkota has never possessed the qualifications for this office. As long as this is not cleared up by a court procedure, he is not qualified, regardless of his momentary attitude!]

Government recommends 39 names for Deputy Secretaries (kh 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 12/02/2022), 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 12/02/2022) [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 12/02/2022)

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 11/02/2022)

Ministers should focus on policy issues, not publicity, experts say : Former bureaucrats say newly formed CPN (Unified Socialist) is in dire need of funds to finance elections and the stunts could also be a part of their scheme to collect some cash, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/02/2022)

Home Ministry’s Reform Plan Geared Towards Paradigm Shift, by Mukti Rijal (rn 10/02/2022)

Fissure in ruling alliance over MCC compact (ht 10/02/2022)

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 08/02/2022), MCC and likely political developments: Headed to uncertainties, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 08/02/2022)

Govt decides to hold local polls on May 13 (rep 07/02/2022)

Govt to provide relief for kin of disappeared conflict victims (ht 07/02/2022) [Relief is not enough, they deserve justice! People who have already partly admitted their responsibility, must finally stand trial!]

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 07/02/2022), MCC will not be passed without national consensus, amendment: CPN (Maoist Center) (rep 07/02/2022), Govt to table MCC agreement in parliament on Feb 9 (rep 07/02/2022)

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 07/02/2022), MCC: PM Deuba has just three weeks; so he’s in trouble (kh 07/02/2022), Unnecessarily dragging MCC into dispute could have serious consequences, warns Dr Bhattarai (kh 07/02/2022), 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 07/02/2022)

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 05/02/2022), PM Deuba, Prachanda under pressure to ratify MCC Compact as Feb 28 deadline approaches (kh 06/02/2022), 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 06/02/2022)

House disruption could pose threat to achievements: RJN Chair KC (kh 04/02/2022)

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 04/02/2022),
MCC risks split in Nepal’s ruling coalition : Geopolitical pressure from Beijing to refuse American infrastructure grant threatens governing partnership (nt 04/02/2022)

NHRC reprimands Minister Renu Yadav for issuing threat to Raut (ht 04/02/2022)

871 million rupees allocated for construction of administrative buildings (ht 04/02/2022)

Settle the MCC now : The government should table it in parliament and let the sovereign body decide (ae 03/02/2022) [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.]

Political economy of patrimonialism : Deuba has failed in making an honest attempt to disentangle the interwoven knots of structural corruption, by CK Lal (kp 02/02/2022)

Children urge govt to administer vaccines to missed-out age groups (rep 02/02/2022)

Care Economy Growing Fast, by Namrata Sharma (rn 02/02/2022)

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 02/02/2022)

Govt decision to mandate vaccination cards for access to public services challenged at Supreme Court (rep 01/02/2022)

Govt preparing to register a proposal to remove Speaker, by Ishwari Subedi (rep 01/02/2022), UML will help NC if proposal to impeach speaker tabled: Secretary Rayamajhi (kh 03/02/2022) [???], 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 03/02/2022), Ruling alliance will not be broken under any circumstances: Chairman Dahal (rep 03/02/2022), MCC creates ripples in ruling coalition: Leaders rush to save alliance (rep 03/02/2022), Ruling alliance is on the verge of disintegration due to MCC: Gajurel (rep 03/02/2022), MCC Compact will not be endorsed in the status quo: Prachanda : Maoist Center has been criticized for disowning the Compact that was signed in 2017 when it was in the coalition government with Nepali Congress (nlt 03/2/2022), Revealed: In the letter to MCC, PM Deuba and Prachanda had categorically promised to ratify Nepal Compact immediately : ‘We will jointly request the speaker of the House of Representatives to plan for the tabling of the compact for the ratification as soon as possible,’ reads the letter, by Ashim Neupane and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 03/02/2022)

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 31/01/2022)

Ratification of MCC causes rift in ruling coalition (ht 31/01/2022), 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 01/02/2022), 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 01/02/2022)

Ruling alliance decides to hold local level poll by mid-June (rep 29/01/2022), 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 30/01/2022), '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 30/01/2022)

Ruling coalition fails to reach consensus on election date : Coalition meeting to take place at 4 pm again (kh 29/01/2022) [Please abide by the constitution! These discussions are completely unnecessary!], PM Deuba proposes coalition partner to hold election in April (kh 29/01/2022), [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 29/01/2022)

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 28/01/2022) [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!]

Does Deuba have a ‘Plan B’? Deuba fears that a unilateral decision on elections could split the coalition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 27/01/2022)

Have Nepal-China ties soured under the Deuba government? Many believe the current government has, instead of building trust, upset China, for instance by raising the issue of China’s alleged border encroachment without consulting Beijing, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 27/01/2022)

Nepal's coalition government: How long will it last?, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 27/01/2022)

Complaint lodged with Rautahat police against Minister Yadav (kh 27/01/2022)

Government officials, businessmen charged with corruption : Some of the country's renowned names in business are accused of causing losses to the state (kp 27/01/2022)

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 26/01/2022)

Taskforce formed to review number and necessity of secretaries (kh 26/01/2022)

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 25/01/2022)

Subedi) (nlt), Back to the eighties : Stringent government measures will only throttle formal businesses and push them to leave Nepal, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 25/01/2022)

A case of sheer govt negligence: Over 7,000 tons fertilizer dumped to rot at Birgunj dry port, by Narayan Neupane (rep 24/01/2022), Rotten fertiliser : How can we expect agriculture growth in the country when the concerned officials do not take decisions on pressing issues? (ht 26/01/2022)

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 23/01/2022)

Govt preparing to spend additional Rs 240 million to decorate new ministers’ quarters (rep 23/01/2022) [Corruption in its purest form!]

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 22/01/2022) [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!]

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 22/01/2022) [You have so many urgent tasks that need action, not talks!]

PM Deuba directs govt agencies to prepare for polls : Despite criticisms that Deuba’s six months in office was a failure, the Prime Minister, in his first address to the nation, claimed the government was heading on a right track (nlt 21/01/2022)

Ruling coalition agree to fix local election date after consultation with legal experts (kh 21/01/2022), 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 22/01/2022)

Prachanda’s proposal of ‘early elections’ triggers ripples in Nepali political spectrum (kh 21/01/2022)

Minister Renu Yadav gives provocative statement; threatens to kill CK Raut (kh 20/01/2022) [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 20/01/2022), Civil society representatives protest life threatening remarks of sitting minster (kh 21/01/2022), 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 22/01/2022), NC General Secy Sharma suggests dismissal of Minister Yadav (kh 22/01/2022)

Queues and chaos : Every wave seems to expose our lack of preparedness, always leaving things to be done at the eleventh hour (kp 20/01/2022)

Issues of Public Procurement in Nepal : More from Author Issues of Public Procurement in Nepal There are lots of problems in the procurement system of Nepal. Public entities procure without an approved multi-year and annual procurement plan, to say the least , by Ram Bahadur Shah (rep 19/01/2022)

Frontliners face hassles for boosters amid mismanagement : A lack of communication and poorly managed vaccination centres lead to crowds, forcing many to stand in line for hours, by Anup Ojha (kp 18/01/2022) [???]

PM Deuba’s personal Secretary Bhanu Deuba tests COVID-19 positive (kh 18/01/2022)

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 17/01/2022)

Tourism Minister Ale tests positive for COVID-19 (rep 17/01/2022)

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 15/01/2022)

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 14/01/2022)

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 14/01/2022)

PM Deuba's Return To Work, Cabinet Meeting Today, by Laxmi Prasad Upadhyaya (rn 14/01/2022)

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 13/01/2022)

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 13/01/2022)

Prime Minister Deuba to undergo PCR test tomorrow (kh 12/012022)

Control the spread : To break the chain of spread requires a concerted effort of the authorities and the entire community (kp 10/01/2022)

Deuba government condemned for staying mum over Modi’s remarks on Lipulekh road (nlt 09/01/2022)

PM Deuba intensifies efforts to ratify MCC  (kh 09/01/2022)

Prime Minister Deuba in isolation after Maoist Center Chair Prachanda got coronavirus infection (kh 08/01/2022), PM Deuba undergoing PCR test today (kh 09/01/2022), 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 09/01/2022), Communications minister Karki in home-isolation (kh 09/01/2022)

Home ministry to formulate guidelines for taking the salute (rep 07/01/2022) [Hopefully the government will take into account that Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural state where different forms of salute coexist!]

Koshi victims seek PM's initiative for long overdue compensation (ht 07/01/2022)

Govt’s duty to provide basic services to the people: PM Deuba (kh 06/01/2022) [???]

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 06/01/2022)

Vibrant Gujarat Summit postponed amid rising COVID-19 cases : PM Deuba's visit "cancelled" (kh 06/01/2022)

Political Coordination Committee meeting at Baluwatar : Dwells on NA elections, PM's India visit (kh 06/01/2022), Ruling coalition to form coordination committee for NA election campaign (kh 06/01/2022)

Incorrigible sloths : Spring up into action before a third wave sweeps us away (kp 05/01/2022)

Top leaders of ruling parties hold meeting at Baluwatar (nlt 03/01/2022), Ruling coalition meeting today to pick candidates for NA poll (kh 03/01/2022), Ruling coalition shares seats in National Assembly : To jointly field candidates in NA poll (kh 03/01/2022), Ruling parties reach agreement to share 19 seats in the upcoming National Assembly polls (rep 03/01/2022), Ruling coalition partners divide 20 upper house seats among them
Congress to get 6, Maoist Centre and CPN (Unified Socialist) 5 each, Janata Samajbadi Party 2 and Rastriya Janamorcha 1 (kp 03/01/2022)

End interference in security bodies, CIAA tells home ministry (ht 02/01/2022)

Extrajudicial killings and the wait for justice : Unlawful executions by police, especially in the Tarai, have continued despite rights organisations including the United Nations calling on Nepal to act to stop them, by Tufan Neupane (kp 01/01/2022)

Government doing little to assuage stress of parents and students : Several schools across the country have recorded Covid-19 cases after they resumed in-person classes. But no measures have been taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus, by Anup Ojha (kp 01/01/2022)

Nepal unique in guaranteeing women’s rights: PM Deuba (kh 01/01/2022) [No, Mr Deuba, the opposite is the case!], Female community health volunteers feel neglected : They have long been demanding competitive salaries and allowances but to no avail (kp 02/01/2022), Over 9,000 crimes against women in five months (ht 02/01/2022)

Demand for electricity in Kathmandu “exceeded NEA’s expectations”: Kulman Ghising (kh 31/12/2021) [No wonder, since the government has repeatedly called on people to switch from gas to electricity!]

Consensus and collaboration needed for protection of nationality, democracy: PM Deuba (kh 31/12/2021) [Make national identity and democracy inclusive first, i.e. independent of ethnicity, religion and gender, before advocating for their preservation!]

PM promises to address Dr KC’s concerns : The anti-corruption crusader calls for action against malpractices in medical education, impeachment of the chief justice and heeding the demands of Banke women activists, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/12/2021) [He has made similar promises to KC at least four times when he was PM in 2017/18!]

Calling CEO Regmi a bull, Minister Ale said, "Don't even dream of buying my honesty" (rep 31/12/2021)

Government mulls confining Federal Affairs Ministry to policymaking : Task of transferring staff to be handed over to subordinate agencies and the provinces, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 30/12/2021)

Madhyapaschim University Vice Chancellor bats for experts in govt (kh 28/12/2021)

Sugarcane farmers to launch fresh protest from mid-Jan after failing to receive previous years’ dues (rep 27/12/2021) [There is obviously still no state interest in finally putting an end to the criminal practices of the sugar mills!]

Keep Five-Party Alliance Intact, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 26/12/2021)

Minister Ale’s all play and no work : The minister has been busy pursuing his controversial pet projects while pressing issues under his jurisdiction lie unattended, by Sangam Prasain (kp 26/12/2021)

In an effort to resume operation, Janakpur Cigarette Factory calls for AGM to settle its financial liabilities of past two decades : The government enterprise is in process of resuming its operation after shutting down manufacturing for two decades (rep 26/12/2021) [Tobacco consumption makes people sick or even kills them. The government should do better for people's health!]

All kinds of discriminations against women will be ended: Minister Regmi (rep 24/12/2021) [For this, the constitution would first have to be amended!]

Deuba leaving for India on January 10 to participate in Gujarat Global Summit : Detailed itinerary was not immediately available. A one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi on the cards, by Anil Giri (kp 24/12/2021)

Foxes pretending to be lions : It's distressing to see that Premier Deuba has almost no fight left in him anymore, by CK Lal (kp 22/12/2021)

How Finance Minister Janardan Sharma is failing Nepal’s economy : Janardan Sharma’s five months at the helm of finance ministry is characterized by considerable ambivalence and continual fluctuations between different, sometimes opposing, working modalities and principles, by Ashim Neupane (nlt 20/12/2021), Economy faces headwinds but finance minister is oblivious to the crisis : All domestic and external indicators are down, but no concrete measures have been taken to address the problem, which experts say could spell a disaster,  by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 22/12/2021), Worrisome economy : The Finance Minister's decision not to seek any "legitimate sources of investment" has put the country's image at risk (ht 22/12/2021), ‘NRB unveils positive report of country’s economy following FinMin’s pressure’ (kh 23/12/2021)

Ex-PM Bhattarai Sees Need Of Relevance Of Existing Political Alliance Till Polls (rn 20/12/2021)

PM Deuba calls all-party meeting at 4 pm today : To discuss UML's obstruction in House and MCC; CPN-UML to abstain (kh 19/12/21021), Plan to table MCC in Parliament set to charge up politics : Deuba for moving the bill for its passage amid reservations from his coalition partners who want amendments to some clauses in the US grant agreement, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/12/2021), On MCC, UML sits on the fence as issue threatens coalition : Oppositions skips Deuba-called meeting, where majority voices oppose immediate tabling of US grant in the House, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 20/12/2021)

Government forms team to receive $14 million (ht 18/12/2021)

PM Deuba in preparation for all-party meeting to dwell on running parliament (kh 17/12/2021)

Four years on, government keeps Lal Commission report secret : Governments have defied calls, including a court order, to make the report public, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/12/2021)

Start jabbing : Why is the government never prepared for anything that comes its way? (kp 17/12/2021)

Cabinet meeting concludes (rep 17/12/2021)

What to expect of Deuba? If Deuba can again preside over timely and free and fair elections, he will have played a vital role (ae 16/12/2021)

Does Deuba’s victory mean early elections? Instead of trying to manage what is an increasingly unwieldy coalition, Deuba may dissolve the House and call for early elections, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 16/12/2021)

Nepal is in throes of economic slowdown: Observers criticize government indifference : Overall indicators paint a bleak picture of the country’s economy: The remittance inflow has declined. The current account and the balance of payments are in the deficit. The foreign exchange reserve is depleting. And the trade deficit is widening, by Ashim Neupane (nlt 16/12/2021)

Deuba’s comeback as party chief reassuring for ruling alliance, but concerns remain : Coalition members want long-term partnership, but much will depend on how the Congress president, also prime minister, deals with issues like MCC and House obstruction, by Anil Giri (kp 16/12/2021)

Dispute between UML and Speaker continues as House reconvenes : Experts on parliamentary affairs say while the Speaker and the prime minister should take initiatives for dialogue, the UML must also understand that House obstruction is not going to offer a solution, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/12/2021)

Defence Minister Dr Minendra Rijal announces resignation (nlt 16/12/2021), Defense Minister Dr Rijal resigns; says he would remain active for the country’s sake (kh 16/10/2021), PM In-Charge Of Defense Ministry (rn 20/12/2021)

Last year’s flood victims from Dhorpatan still await relief : Several government officials had reached the flood- and landslide-hit areas and announced relief packages but none of the promised funds has come through, by Prakash Baral (kp 10/12/2021)

Nepal testimony to resolving complicated political differences through dialogue : Prime Minister Deuba's address to US President Joe Biden's virtual summit (kh 09/12/2021)

MCC likely to be main agenda of the winter session of the House starting next week : Prime Minister Deuba has over the past few months assured several US officials that the compact would be passed through Parliament, by Tika R Pradfhan (kh 09/12/2021)

Amid the pandemic : The absence of essential medicines for almost two months is nothing short of maleficence (kp 06/12/2021) [The Deuba government exists only on paper. The fulfilment of tasks and duties must wait. Power struggles and party conventions have absolute priority!]

Farmers upset by government delays in buying their paddy : They say the holdup is messing up their crop plans, and they need the money to buy fertiliser and seeds for their winter crops, by Ganesh Chaudhary (kp 05/12/2021)

Fertiliser crisis could spell economic disaster, experts warn : Essential farm nutrients could be in short supply in Nepal amid global shortages, by Sangam Prasain (kp 03/12/2021) [This does not interest Nepal's politicians at all, as it has nothing to do with their power ambitions!]

Deuba-led Tribhuvan University meeting decides to hire teachers without open competition : Experts say such a practice will promote incompetence and ruin students’ future, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/12/2021)

nsuring government service delivery : The money we earn goes to the government as taxes and is spent without accountability, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 30/11/2021)

Prime Minister moving to new residence with bunkers (rep 29/11/2021)

Food depots in Mugu district empty as contractors delay supply of subsidised rice : District residents have to pay higher prices to buy the grain from local markets, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 23/11/2021), First duty of the state : The government must ensure judicious use of resources to maximise its social welfare output (kp 24/11/2021)

Ad hocism in healthcare : The prerogative of providing health care as a service rests heavily on the government (kp 23/11/2021)

Ruling coalition should form a consensus for judicial reform: Dr. Baburam Bhattarai (kh 22/11/2021)

'Federal civil service act to be introduced thru ordinance' (ht 21/11/2021) [This is not the way to introduce laws in a parliamentarian democracy!]

October disaster victims in Bajhang deprived of relief : People complain of discrepancies in beneficiary list prepared by District Administration Office as fake victims lay claim to government grants, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 20/11/2021)

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu meets UML Chairman Oli : “Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government has not consulted with UML about MCC” (kh 19/11/2021)

Govt yet to settle arrears of over Rs 25 billion of FY 2020/21 (rep 19/11/2021)

Government indecision delays scrapping of anti-poverty body : Staffers of Poverty Alleviation Fund remain unpaid for four months, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/11/2021)

Ruling coalition breaks silence, calls for averting apex court deadlock soon (kh 17/11/2021)

CCMC scrapped, new mechanism in place : The new body CCMCC to be led by Secretary at OPMCM (kh 16/11/2021)

Government focusing on promotion of clean energy to cope with climate change: PM Deuba (kh 16/11/2021)

Private sector urges PM Deuba to ratify MCC from Parliament (kh 15/11/2021), Private sector writes to prime minister asking for MCC compact ratification : Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal, however, stays away from the demand (kp 15/11/2021)

Protesting lawyers say they will not relent until Chief Justice Rana quits : Prime Minister Deuba tells leaders of his Nepali Congress party that the executive cannot interfere in the judiciary, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 13/11/2021) [But the executive is heavily involved in the judiciary. 40 per cent of the members of the Judicial Council, which decides on appointments to judges' offices, are selected by the respective government. The executive takes the right to decide whether or not to accept court decisions, very often the latter. The judiciary is constantly abused for the power games of the executive and the political parties. The executive is responsible for the functioning of the governance system, and the judiciary is currently functionless!]

October floods and landslides disrupt water supply in Bajhang : Around 20,000 families are left without safe drinking water, which could lead to outbreak of diseases, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 12/11/2021) [Denial of assistance?]

Cut Wasteful Public Expenditures, by Mukti Rijal (rn 11/11/2021)

PM Deuba challenges former King Gyanendra to contest polls (kh 10/11/2021) [Not a good idea! Nepal does not need another authoritarian putschist for election. Just like most of the top party leaders, Gyanendra belongs to the completely failed generation of political leaders.]

Consumer committees barred from receiving contract of development projects (rep 09/11/2021)

Five parties to form an alliance in NA and by-elections (kh 09/11/2021), Ruling alliance forms panel to implement common agenda (ht 09/11/2021), NC leader Singh rules out relevancy of political mechanism (kh 10/11/2021), ‘Coordination committee’ to assist government is but a farce, observers say : The committee that the ruling coalition has instituted, at the behest of Dahal, would rather create hassles than ease day-to-day administrative functioning, by Anil Giri (kp 10/11/2021)

Govt replaces governors in Province 1, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces (kh 09/11/2021)

Drug Administration Department to be restructured: Minister Khatiwada (kh 09/11/2021)

MCC has to be endorsed; anti-development elements spreading false rumors: Dr. Bhattarai (kh 09/11/2021)

FinMin says his goal is to collect 200 times more revenue than target (rep 09/11/2021) [Another absurdly utopian statement by a politician!]

Ruling alliance in a fix as it faces a host of challenges : Coalition partners differ over MCC as crisis in the judiciary makes it more difficult for them to make a joint stance, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 08/11/2021), PM Deuba calls meeting of ruling coalition (kh 08/11/2021)

Government committed to endorse MCC: PM Deuba : “Prachanda and I have sent a letter to the US government saying we will pass the MCC.” (kh 04/11/2021), MCC will not be endorsed sans national consensus: Prachanda (kh 05/11/2021)

Prime Minister’s Office is blocking Health Ministry’s attempt to buy Pfizer vaccine : Ministry says it wants approval for purchasing 6 million doses of the vaccine through a non-disclosure agreement, by Arjun Poudel (kp 04/11/2021)

Government readies guidelines for cash grant to the pandemic-hit poor : Around half a million poor households will receive  Rs 10,000 as a one time-cash grant, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/11/2021)

Congress mum as Dahal, Nepal claim coalition will forge electoral alliance : Nepali Congress is in a comfortable position and may not partner with others for a poll alliance, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/11/2021)

PM Deuba arrives in Scotland, to meet with PM Modi tomorrow (kh 01/11/2021)

Possibility of early elections diminishing : The constitution has no provision for vote before schedule and most parties in the ruling alliance are still unprepared, by Anil Giri (kp 31/10/2021)

Prime Minister Deuba in London (kh 30/0/2021)

Congress youth leaders call for political intervention to clean up mess in judiciary : Leaders close to Prime Minister Deuba say the independence of judiciary should be honoured and Supreme Court should resolve the crisis on its own. Parties in the ruling coalition are also largely in favour of letting the court find its way out, by Anil Giri (kp 30/10/2021) [Nepal's party politicians have never respected the independence of the judiciary. On the contrary, they are in many ways responsible for the current crisis!]

Over 100 days since taking office, ministers yet to disclose their assets : Campaigners say revealing property is first step for public position holders to show they are transparent and fair, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/10/2021) [Keeping all doors open for political corruption!]

Intervention in judicial crisis unlikely as political parties are divided : Ruling alliance has not yet discussed the controversy and Deuba is leaving on a four-day visit to the UK today, by Anil Giri (kp 29/10/2021)

M Deuba flying to Glasgow Friday to attend COP26 (kh 28/10/2021)

Govt recommends ambassadors to India, UK and US (kh 28/10/2021), Government  recommends  envoys to India,  the US and the UK (kp 29/10/2021)

Ministry formulating poverty alleviation plan (kh 26/10/2021)

Congress may appoint deputy Speaker, leaving state minister seat for Janata Samajbadi : Pushpa Bhusal has been touted as Congress nominee, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/10/2021)

Deserted Chief Justice Rana entertaining PM Deuba’s support (kh 25/10/2021) [No close ties between CJ and PM? This partisanship also sidelines the PM!]

PM Deuba to inspect flood, landslide damage in Eastern Nepal (kh 24/10/2021)

PM reassures of relief to survivors of floods and landslides (kh 24/10/2021), Relief will be provided to victims even if we have to request assistance from foreign donors: PM Deuba (rep 24/10/2021), Relief Package For Flood-Affected People To Be Announced Soon: PM Deuba (rn 24/10/2021) [Relief is something that is needed immediately, not anytime soon, Mr Deuba!], MCC endorsement only after consensus among political parties: Foreign Affairs Minister (kh 25/10/2021), Protect paddy farmers : Ease of access to compensation makes all the difference for the farmers hit by the deluge (kp 26/10/2021)

Conflicting views by Deuba, Khadka hint rift growing in ruling coalition over MCC : Contrasting the prime minister, country’s top diplomat says compact cannot be approved in its existing form, by Anil Giri (kp 24/10/2021)

Non-government of Nepal : A distracted government’s apathy magnifies the impact of disasters and injustice on citizens, by Sonia Awale (nt 22/10/2021), 100 days : The report card for Nepal’s 5-party coalition government gives it failing grades on most subjects, by Ramesh Kumar (nt 22/10/2021), Who wants early elections, and why? 100 days into office, Nepal’s ruling coalition wants polls before it messes things up even more, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt 22/10/2021)

NC leader Thapa “displeased” with government’s functioning (kh 22/10/2021)

As Deuba marks 100 days, Maoists want official position on MCC pact : Observers are unimpressed with the coalition government’s performance, by Anil Giri (kp 22/10/2021)

Early elections are in talks, but there are complications galore : Besides legal hurdles, coalition partners also have some issues, while Deuba may face a hard time justifying it, by Anil Giri (kp 20/10/2021)

Parties using deputy Speaker’s position as a bargaining chip is wrong, observers say : The ruling alliance has agreed to give the long vacant deputy Speaker’s post to the Janata Samajbadi Party as part of a power-sharing deal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/10/2021)

MCC is in Nepal’s interest: PM Deuba (kh 20/10/2021), Govt efforts centered mainly on COVID-19 response and economic recovery (rep 20/10/2021)

Government completes 100 days (kh 20/10/2021)

Unified Socialist issues 10-point code of conduct to its ministers (kh 17/10/2021)

Police open fire during clash with squatters in Motipur Industrial Area (kh 10/10/2021), Six injured as police, land encroachers clash in Motipur Industrial Area : Locals from Butwal and neighbouring areas have encroached around 200 bigha of land in the industrial area, said police (kp 10/10/2021), Curfew imposed in Motipur Industrial Area of Butwal (kh 10/10/2021), Four people killed in clash between police and squatters (kh 10/10/2021)

Minister Hamal, criticized for being appointed from CJ Rana’s quota, resigns (kh 10/10/2021), PM Deuba approves resignation of newly-appointed Industry Minister Hamal (kh 10/10/2021)

Deuba’s onslaught on democracy : Congress leader’s move to appoint a non-parliamentarian minister at chief justice’s behest is going to live in infamy in the annals of Nepal’s political history, by Anil Giri (kp 10/10/2021), Minister Hamal, criticized for being appointed from CJ Rana’s quota, resigns (kh 10/10/2021), Hamal’s induction into Cabinet gives legal professionals a shock : More than 70 lawyers demand sack for controversial Supreme Court justices, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/10/2021)

NC leader Singh dismayed over lack of NC’s representation from Kathmandu in government (kh 10/10/2021) [Why do you not criticize that 16% of the minister are from the Shrestha caste even though Shrestas hardly constitute 1% of the total population? Why are half of the ministers Tagadhari, which according to Hindu conception also include the Shrestha? Why is there only one Dalit, although they constitute about 12% of the population? Why are only 20% of the ministers women, when women should be represented at all levels of the state by at least 30%? Most political leaders live predominantly in Kathmandu, regardless of where they are originally from. There is still an extreme lack of social inclusion, but Kathmandu is definitely not disadvantaged!]

Could not include all deserving candidates in cabinet: PM Deuba (kh 09/10/2021) [How fortunate that the Council of Ministers can only comprise 25 persons! You had better explain why, once again, half of the ministers come from the Bahun and Chhetri circle!], Carrying the Hindu nation agenda, Hamal becomes minister, by Arjun Oli (rep 09/10/2021), Minister position for non-parliamentarian ‘close to’ chief justice causes uproar : Prime Minister Deuba appoints Gajendra Bahadur Hamal, a district level leader of Nepali Congress, industry minister, by Anil Giri (kp09/10/2021), Decisions made through loopholes in law will haunt you forever: NC leader Thapa (kh 09/10/2021), No truth on power sharing with judiciary, says Maoist Chair Dahal (kh) 09/10/2021), Responsibility of country’s development now rests on female ministers’ shoulders (rep 09/10/2021)

PM Deuba expanding cabinet today; swearing-in at 4 pm (kh 08/10/2021), Coalition partners strike power-sharing deal after hard bargains : Maoists to lead five ministries, CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi four each. Unified Socialist will get two chief ministers, deputy Speaker is for Janata Samajbadi, by Anil Giri (kp 08/10/2021), Deuba gives full shape to his government, three months after assuming office : Five new ministers from Congress, three from the Maoist Centre and four each from CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi inducted on Friday (kp 08/10/2021), PM Deuba expands cabinet after 88 days of taking charge of government (With list) (kh 08/10/2021), Cabinet Gets Full Shape (rn 08/10/2021), Cabinet gets full shape nearly three months after formation of new govt (rep 08/10/2021)

A long and arduous walk for justice : The 20-day journey by 14 people, including 11 women, to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj on foot reflects the labyrinthine red tape inhibiting the Nepali justice system and exposes how the state is failing its citizens, by Anup Ojha (kp 08/10/2021), Protest at Maitighar demanding justice : A group of 14 people, including 11 women, walked all the way to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj after they were denied justice (kp 08/10/2021), Police round up protesters from NepalgunjA group of 14 people, including 11 women, had walked all the way to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj demanding justice for Nakunni Dhobi and Nirmala Kurmi (kp 09/10/2021), Politicians, who rose through protests, loathe citizens on streets : Detaining Banke justice seekers from Maitighar for agitation shows Deuba government’s double standards, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/10/2021), Supreme Court orders police to present Ruby Khan, one of the Nepalgunj protesters, in person : Police on Friday arrested Khan and since then her whereabouts are unknown (kp 10/102021)

Shaky Coalition : Passing the budget from both the Houses, the two months old four party coalition government led by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has heaved a sigh of relief (sp 08/10/2021)

Government withdraws Civil Service Bill from Parliament (kh 08/10/2021), Govt to withdraw four bills (rep 08/10/2021)

Rule through ordinance threat to democracy, observers say : Finding himself in a tight spot, Deuba mulls withdrawing some bills that have passed a House and proroguing Parliament, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/10/2021)

Ruling coalition preparing to expand cabinet today (kh 07/10/2021), Discussion among partners of ruling coalition underway in Baluwatar : Preparation to expand cabinet today itself (kh 07/10/2021), CPN-Unified Socialist dissatisfied over distribution of ministries (kh 07/10/2021), Inordinate delay : The problems that have emerged in the coalition will not be resolved even after the cabinet is expanded in a day or two (ht 07/10/2021), CPN-Unified Socialist agrees to lead four Ministries at center (kh 07/10/2021)

Deuba’s archrival camp convenes meeting to pick names for cabinet (kh 06/10/2021), Sitaula faction calls meeting to pick minister : Gagan Thapa invited (kh 06/10/2021), Deuba still struggles to appoint ministers : Madhav Nepal and Upendra Yadav demand more ministries than what has been allotted to them, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/10/2021), Distribution of ministerial berths among ruling coalition decided, NC to hold eight ministries (rep 06/10/2021)

Ruling parties agree to expand cabinet soon (kh 05/10/2021) [You have been claiming this for almost three months!]

Do what is right for democracy : This is an opportunity for Prime Minister Deuba to redeem himself from his controversial past, by Naresh Koirala (kp 04/10/2021)

Chief Justice Rana refutes allegation that he sought share in cabinet (kh 04/10/2021)

NEA starts removing internet cables from utility poles (rep 03/10/2021), NTA urges NEA to resolve issue regarding rent hike of utility poles through dialogue (rep 03/10/2021), Internet Service In Many Areas Across Country Affected Following NEA’s Move (rn 03/10/2010) [The use of the internet is one of the basic rights of people today. In times of Covid-19, it can be life-saving. It is your duty as Prime Minister to stop this crazy nonsense immediately, Mr Deuba!], Consumers bear brunt of fight between internet companies, power utility : To punish internet providers, Electricity Authority cut wires and cables after a longstanding dispute over rental fee in a move that curtails people’s basic rights, activists say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 04/10/2021), Internet service affected in many areas across country following NEA's move (ht 04/10/2021)

Govt transfers CDOs of 11 districts (kh 03/10/2021)

Legal hurdle in Cabinet expansion as ruling-opposition deadlock persists : Main opposition CPN-UML skips an all-party meeting called by the prime minister to find a way out of the crisis, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 01/10/2021)

Swapping ambassadors midway : A government so self-obsessed that it cannot appreciate the role of its women ambassadors does not deserve respect from its citizens (nt 01/10/2021)

No law on oath raises questions over rulers’ adherence to rule of law : The daily updates on inoculation show more doses have been administered than the country has actually received, which experts say could affect Nepal’s vaccination target. An ordinance related to the administration of oaths  lapsed on September 15, creating a legal vacuum, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 30/09/2021)

NC likely to pick three ministers to participate in govt today : Gagan unlikely to become minister (kh 29/09/2021)

Writ filed seeking annulment of oath taken by Foreign Minister Khadka (rep 29/09/2021)

After Covid-19 pandemic, it’s price rise that is biting Nepalis hard : There is a government but there is no governance, say experts, as the administration has failed to limit inflation ahead of festivals and elections, by Krishana Prasain (kp 28/09/2021)

Minister Sharma stresses fully proportional election (kh) [This was already mandated by Article 63 of the Interim Constitution of 2007, but it was strictly disregarded by the high-caste male party leaders! The 2015 Constitution in the form of a retrograde step does not even mention social inclusion for the selection of FPTP candidates!]

Federal democratic republic, inclusiveness and proportional system be promoted: Minister Bhusal (kh 28/09/2021)

President revokes ordinance on political parties (kh 28/09/2021)

Ordinance relating to Political Parties will be withdrawn today: Prachanda (kh 27/09/2021) [An ordinance for which the HoR session was specially terminated so that the parties could split is now to be withdrawn. This approach sounds neither democratic nor constitutional, even though the Political Party Act also contains various undemocratic passages. In its present form, it underpins party rule, not people's rule!], President revokes ordinance on political parties (kh 28/09/2021), Abrupt withdrawal of ordinance relating to political parties shows it was meant for UML split: KP Oli (kh 28/09/2021) [How true! The Deuba government's action was as undemocratic and unconstitutional as the various actions of the previous Oli government. The top politicians are destroying democracy! The Political Party Act urgently needs to be revised, but please through Parliament!], Ordinance on political parties repealed, but moral questions remain : Experts say the way the government has acted, in  introducing and repealing the ordinance, it has clearly  misused power and undermined the rule of law, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 28/09/2021)

Deuba is struggling. But what is Maoist Centre up to? It has intrigued many as to why Dahal, the leader of  the key coalition partner, is not providing a list of ministers to the prime minister to help him expand the Cabinet, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/09/2021)

As parties mull repealing ordinance on Political Parties Act, experts say this will raise moral questions : CPN (Unified Socialist) optimistic after Friday’s ruling of the Supreme Court on the ordinance but Janata Samajbadi Party is not convinced, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/09/2021), Ruling coalition urges PM Deuba to take immediate decision on Ordinance (kh 26/09/2021)

Supreme Court denies interim order against ordinance on Political Parties Act : Way cleared for Madhav Nepal-led CPN (Unified Socialist) to join the Sher Bahadaur Deuba-led government, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 25/09/2021)

NC leader Dr Khadka appointed Foreign Minister; to fly to New York today (kh 22/09/2021), New Foreign Minister Khadka sworn in amid reservation of NC’s Paudel faction (rep 22/09/2021), Deuba faces censure from own party over Cabinet expansion : The ruling coalition, despite a series of meetings, has failed to provide names for ministerial posts, earning bad repute for the government, by Anil Giri (kp 23/09/2021)

Deuba recalls 12 envoys appointed by Oli : Twenty-three missions are now set to go headless, and some are in key countries—India, China, US, UK and Qatar, by Anil Giri (kp 22/09/2021), Cabinet decides to recall non-career Nepali ambassadors (ht 22/09/2021)

Deuba’s plan for Cabinet expansion constrained by coalition partners : Janata Samajbadi Party wants ordinance to ease party splits withdrawn while CPN (Unified Socialist) wants the prime minister to wait until court order on Oli’s petitions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 21/09/2021)

Government allocates record Rs15 billion for fertiliser supply : The entire budget allocation may be enough to procure 350,000 tonnes of fertiliser for this fiscal year, still 50,000 tonnes short of the desired 400,000 tonnes, by Sangam Prasain (kp 21/09/2021)

No regard for rule of law as Nepali state runs on ad hocism : Ordinances are allowed by constitution but governments are issuing them as per their wish, not paying attention  to their timely approval, leading to legal vacuum, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/09/2021) [Both Oli and Deuba are guilty of this, but ultimately so is the president, whose main task is to prevent this!]

The Sher Bahadur Deuba government’s decision to confer medals on Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana and justices Anil Kumar Sinha, Sapana Pradhan Malla, and Bishwambhar Shrestha has drawn flak from the legal sector  : Constitution Day honour for CJ, justices draws flak (ht 20/09/2021)

Preventable deaths : There will be no change in the plight of migrant workers as long as the concerned governments are reluctant to act (ht 20/09/2021)

Why is Nepal facing a government shutdown? (kp 18/09/2021)

Government moving forward undemocratically: Dr. Shekhar Koirala (kh 18/09/2021)

Coalition leaders divided over power-sharing deal; task-force assigned to resolve (kh 17/09/2021)

Prime Minister Deuba’s Cabinet expansion woes (kp 16/09/2021), Deuba Cabinet expansion faces ordinance hurdle (ht 16/09/2021)

Replacement bill stuck in the parliament, govt expenditure to be affected for few days (kh 14/09/2021), Government faces financial deadlock as budget fails to get  through Parliament : A shutdown situation as no spending allowed and  further delay could lead to a crisis, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 15/09/2021)

Budget plans low-cost meals, monetary aid for the poor, but experts smell electoral motives . Government has yet to identify the prospective beneficiaries, by Anup Ojha (kp 14/09/2021)

Govt's new budget : Many social programmes proposed by the government are likely to remain only on paper due to lack of funds and its capacity (ht 13/09/2021)

Cabinet expansion to be delayed as ruling coalition meet strikes no chords (kh 12/09/2021)

Govt claims to achieve inflated economic growth rate without introducing concrete programs (rep 12/09/2021) [??]

Deuba tells coalition leaders can’t wait too long for Cabinet expansion : The government is facing criticism for failing to give full shape to his Cabinet even after nearly two months, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/09/2021)

SC issues interim order not to implement appointing expert member of NOC (kh 10/09/2021)

Deuba’s diplomacy of expedience, by Biswas Baral (ae 09/09/2021)

After over a month, and much criticism, Nepal writes to India on Darchula incident : The disappearance of a man in Mahakali river, in which Indian security personnel are said to be involved, has become a diplomatic headache for Prime Minister Deuba, by Anil Giri (kp 07/09/2021)

NC leader Thapa accuses govt of making series of wrong decisions (kh 06/09/2021)

Government attempts to curb protests, public debates : Home Ministry’s two statements in three days warning of actions over activities against ‘friendly nations’ amount to curtailing of fundamental rights, analysts and leaders say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/09/2021), HM warns not to protest against neighbouring countries (ht 06/09/02021) [A government that suppresses freedom of opinion is not democratic!],
Government prepares to endorse MCC agreement through parliament, security vigilance upped across the country, by Tapendra Karki (rep 06/09/2021), Take it easy  : Dissent and debate are quintessential elements of democracy (kp 07/09/2021)

As MCC becomes a lightning rod for controversy, Deuba is in a tight spot : The prime minister appears to have fallen into a trap with coalition partners’ strong reservations about the American programme, as US officials are due to arrive this week, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 05/09/2021)

Who gets what?, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt 03/9/2021)

NC President Deuba pledges to move ahead by winning people’s trust (kh 03/09/2021) [Presumably he will start sometime in the next millennium!]

Border issue with China exposes Nepal’s unstable foreign policy : When it comes to relations with neighbours, a studied approach that is above partisan interests is required, and both Oli and Deuba have bungled, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 03/09/2021)

Cycle of ineptitude : We should not expect much from a government by the least suitable people (kp 02/09/2021), Cabinet expansion likely only after Sept 8: Nepal (rep 02/09/2021) [Deuba has already failed as PM for the fifth time, and so have all the other leaders of the ruling coalition!]

Will Deuba government bring back Nepal’s territory encroached by China? Government must bring it back: Foreign affairs expert Subedi (kp 02/09/2021) [And will the Deuba government also bring back the territory encroached by India?]

Deuba struggles to expand Cabinet as coalition partners squabbleWhile Janata Samajbadi demands withdrawal of ordinance that eases party splits, CPN (Unified Socialiast) eyes  plum ministries. Maoist Centre has its own demands, by Anil Giri (kp 01/09/2021) [As always, it's all about posts and access to funds! This generation of politicians will never change. They must be replaced urgently!]

Unsavoury soup of cooked books : The disgraceful picture  portrayed by the auditor general’s report reflects lack of accountability, by Achyut Wagle (kp 31/08/2021)

PM Deuba’s defining moment, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 31/08/2021)

Ruling coalition meeting inconclusive today as well : Meeting fails to strike deal on distribution of ministers (kh 31/08/2021)

Coalition partners ask Deuba to release report on Dhami disappearance case : Prime Minister Deuba seems to be trying to dismiss the incident in order not to offend India, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/08/2021), Living on the margins : Dhami’s story is the story of a democratic state failing to fulfil its responsibility (kp 01/09/2021)

Ruling coalition initiating formal discussions on cabinet expansion from today (kh 30/08/2021) [Please don't hurry, Deuba is only 50 days in office so far! It is already clear that this government, too, is guided only by the power interests of the party leaders, who have long since failed and are anti-democratic, and not by the concerns of the state and the people!], Ruling coalition partners fail to take decision on cabinet expansion
Agree to expand government immediately (kh 30/08/2021)

PM Deuba prepares to deactivate ordinance on party split before cabinet expansion (kh 29/08/2021) [Deuba manipulates parliament and laws to enforce his political power interests. Where is the difference to Oli?], Will defy media laws enacted unilaterally: FNJ. The incumbent government has endorsed the same bill drafted by Oli’s government (ht 29/08/2021) [Once again: Where is the difference to Oli?]

Ruling coalition partners discuss Cabinet expansion but no headway yet : It has been more than six weeks Deuba was appointed prime minister, but he has not been able to give the government full shape (kp 29/08/2021)

Nepal-led Unified Socialist forms High Command to elect ministers for govt : PM Deuba to give six to seven ministries (kh 28/08/2021)

JSP to join government within a week: Chair Yadav (kh 26/08/2021)

Madhav Nepal’s CPN (Unified Socialist) to join Deuba-led cabinet (rep 26/08/2021)

Deuba’s fifth term: Six weeks go by with 17 ministries still under him : The prime minister has not been able to expand his Cabinet even in more than 40 days, and observers say a lack of dedicated ministers hugely affects governance, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 25/08/2021)

Bureaucratic inertia delays report on Darchula missing youth probe : Almost a month since Dhami fell into Mahakali trying to cross the river on a cable, the government is yet to share what exactly happened and its position on the incident, by Anil Giri (kp 24/08/2021)

Govt sacks Administrator of Employees Provident Fund Gautam (kh 22/08/2021)

Will Deuba set a legacy different from his predecessor?, by Abhaya R. Joshi (kh 21/08/2021)

Thakur-Mahato group to participate in govt if newly proposed DSP gets EC’s go-ahead (kh 21/08/2021)

Deuba knows MCC approval will lead to his downfall, interview with Shyam Shrestha (ae 19/08/2021)

The pot and the kettle : Deuba’s selfish act will go down in history as yet another beginning of the undoing of democracy (kp 19/08/2021), PM Deuba, can you handle it?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 19/08/2021) [No, Deuba has already proven four times before that he is not up to the tasks of a PM. Now he has also shown that he acts just as reprehensibly and anti-democratically as Oli. This whole non-inclusive generation of failed politicians at the top of the parties should finally disappear!], Deuba on Oli’s footsteps (ae 19/08/2021)

Maoist Chair Prachanda rules out immediate expansion of cabinet (kh 19/08/2021), PM Deuba calls cabinet meeting after discussing with Prachanda, Nepal (kh 19/08/2021), ‘Cabinet will be expanded as soon as CPN-UML (Socialist) gets EC’s approval’ (rep 19/08/2021), Cabinet to get full shape only after newly split parties get recognition : EC to take at least one week to grant them recognition (kh 20/08/2021)

Disaster victims still awaiting grant to build houses in Dhankuta (ht 18/08/2021)

18 years on, justice still a far cry for people killed by Nepali Army in Doramba (ht 18/08/2021)

People forced to buy drug used to treat severe Covid-19 patients in black market : Patients paying up to 17 times the government approved price for Tocilizumab, a drug that is in short supply; Malpractice also common in private hospitals  treating Covid-19 patients, by Arjun Poudel (kp 18/08/2021)

House prorogued  : The govt has deliberately undermined the role of the parliament by putting it under the shadow of the executive (ht 18/08/2021) [This is an unchanged continuation of Oli's anti-democratic and unconstitutional policy! Deuba has already failed mercilessly even in his fifth attempt as prime minister!]

Govt money meant for the poor being spent on treatment of politicians (rep 18/08/2021)

An ordinance that makes it more evident Deuba no different from Oli : The Congress-led government has done exactly the same for which the party criticised Oli government last year. It’s the UML that is launching an attack on Deuba now, by Anil Giri (kp 18/08/2021)

Govt bringing ordinance to amend Political Parties Act 2017 : Province and local level representatives will be able to choose the party (kh 17/08/2021) [Many amendments to the Political Parties Act would be necessary. The current amendment is mainly to facilitate a split of CPN-UML and JSPN. But why is the amendment again made through an Ordinance and not through Parliament, whose session was therefore ended the day before?], Opposition lashes out at the government for proroguing Parliament : After failing to give business to the House, the Deuba administration, which is unsure of its strength to pass bills, has ended the session that started a month ago, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 17/08/2021) [The criticism is well-founded, but the tradition of ruling without parliament and democratic rules was introduced by KP Oli! That Deuba continues this is shocking!], Govt's move to prorogue Parliament condemned, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 17/08/2021), Deuba-led govt, too, introduces ‘party-split’ ordinance (rep 17/08/2021), It’s wrong to bring ordinance bypassing parliament, says NC leader Thapa (kh 18/08/2021), Prez Bhandari issues ‘party-split’ ordinance (rep 18/08/2021)

Do not take the economy for granted : The government seems to be in no hurry to address the common man’s quest for survival, by Achyut Wagle (kp 17/08/2021)

SP leaders meet PM Deuba to discuss Madhesh agenda (kh 17/08/2021)

Government to prorogue parliament session (kh 16/08/2021) [The way the Deuba government deals with the legislature seems to be little different from the Oli period. Democracy looks different. There should be so many laws passed!], President prorogues parliament : Minister defends prorogation saying government needed time to build consensus on pending (kp 16/08/2021)

Nepali citizens in Afghanistan plead for their immediate rescue after Taliban insurgents storm Kabul (rep 16/08/2021)

Outgoing NEA Managing Director Shakya files writ petition against Kulman Ghising’s reappointment (rep 16/08/2021)

Migrant workers’ contribution: Where is the Government?, by Nitish Lal Shrestha (kh 16/08/2021)

Nepal plans to start road to economic recovery as third wave looms : Even though the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Deuba on July 13 had decided to introduce a special package to revive the economy within a month, it's yet to announce any package, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 16/08/2021)

Nepal government still silent on Gurkhas’ London hunger strike for pension parity : Demanding pension and other perks at par with British personnel, they want a Nepali and British talks team to resolve the issue. But Nepali officials don’t sound hopeful, by Anil Giri (kp 15/08/2021), Govt to urge agitating ex-Gurkha veterans to withdraw their hunger strike (rep 16/08/2021)

Pandemic-hit youth entrepreneurs complain about lack of government support : According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 54.5 percent of all establishments in the country are owned by young people, by Krishana Prasain (kp 15/08/2021)

Govt’s Common Minimum Program: Effective implementation expected, by Shanker Man Singh (rep 15/08/2021)

Deuba has struggled to form the Cabinet. He lacks team of advisers as well : In the absence of ministers, role of persons with expertise can be crucial in governance, but Congress leaders say the prime minister is waiting to give government full shape, by Anil Giri (kp 14/08/2021)

With government unsure of its own strength, House deprived of business : Deuba cannot risk rejection of bills without ensuring the support of Nepal faction of UML and Thakur camp of Janata Samajbadi that gave him trust vote, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/08/2021)

SC orders govt to provide door to door COVID-19 vaccination facilities to elderly, differently-abled people (kp 13/08/2021) [Why does Nepal's executive constantly need instructions from the judiciary rather than fulfilling its duties and obligations?]

PM Deuba instructs to remove promotional video from social media (kh 13/08/2021)

Teachers preparing to stage protest outside PM’s official residence arrested (rep 13/08/2021)

Deuba government to revise ordinance budget presented in May-end : Experts say revision to the budget and its size necessary, but the white paper came just to discredit Oli government, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 11/08/2021)

Public messaging : The government must review its Covid-19 communication strategy (kp 10/08/2021)

Deuba’s double trouble: timely party convention and managing coalition : Pressure building on Nepali Congress president to keep house in order and expand the Cabinet, by Anil Giri (kp 09/08/2021)

Supreme Court orders government not to implement its decision to scrap land commission : The bench has called the government and petitioners for discussion on August 17 to discuss the matter further (kp 09/08/2021), Cabinet meeting to discuss on formation of new land commission (kh 09/08/2021) [Contempt of court also on the part of the Deuba government! Your legitimacy is based on the fact that the unconstitutional machinations of Oli had to be stopped, not for you to similarly misbehave, Mr. Deuba!]

Wear a mask, or else : The #MaskUpNepal campaign launched by Deuba is too little and too late (kp 09/08/2021)

Government’s talk of expediting transitional justice process fails to convince conflict victims : Conflict victims doubt the Deuba government is committed to amending the transitional justice laws as per the 2015 Supreme Court ruling, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/08/2021) [Deuba and Dahal have both had a great responsibility for the escalation of the conflict and should therefore have no interest in justice for the victims!]

Leaders finalize CMP; to unveil this afternoon (kh 08/08/2021), Document to ‘assist’ the government is nothing but a farce, observers say : The ruling alliance has spent more than three weeks  on the common minimum programme, making it  a prerequisite for Cabinet expansion, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/08/2021)

Taskforce drafts agenda for functioning of coalition govt, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 07/08/2021)

Ruling, opposition parties on collision course after land commission scrapped : More of the Oli government’s decisions will be scrapped, Congress leaders say. Analysts argue that all decisions need not be overturned but there is no system in place, by Anil Giri (kp 06/08/2021)

Ready to be minister if PM wants: Gagan Thapa (kh 04/08/2021)

Nepal helped Deuba return to power. Now he’s hobbling Cabinet expansion : Even three weeks after assuming office, prime minister  is unable to expand the Cabinet. Allotment of ministries delayed as UML dissidents who voted for Deuba vacillate, by Anil Giri (kp 04/08/2021)

Commission to mark land for landless dissolved, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 04/08/2021)

PM Deuba likely to expand cabinet Monday (kh 01/08/2021), Madhu Kumar Marasini appointed as Finance Secretary (kh 01/08/2021), Ruling coalition decides to expand cabinet only after publicizing minimum common program (kh 02/08/2021)

Issues in ruling parties further delay Cabinet expansion : Upcoming convention occupies Congress. Other partners have too many aspirants for limited ministerial portfolios, by Anil Giri (kp 30/07/2021), Cabinet reshuffle likely to be delayed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 30/07/20021)

UML’s Madhav Nepal faction not to join government (kh 29/07/2021), Ruling alliance decides to give full-shape to cabinet sans Nepal-Khanal faction : NC to have 8 ministries, Maoist Center and JSP 7 each (kh 29/07/2021)

Whose backing Deuba has anyway—parties or individual lawmakers, or both? Analysts say the Congress leader has mixed support, but confusion persists as there is a lack of clear constitutional explanation, which may emerge in case differences arise, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/07/2021)

JSP-N decides to join Deuba's government (ht 29/07/2021)

Ruling alliance decides to expand cabinet within two days (kh 28/07/2021)

Govt preparing to remove chiefs of three provinces (kh 27/07/2021)

Challenges Before PM Deuba, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 27/07/2021)

NC lawmaker Shrestha appointed Minister of State for Health (kh 25/07/2021)

From vaccines to a balancing act, Deuba faces tough foreign policy challenges : It is not just about India and China anymore. With the changes in international rivalries, Nepal needs to tread carefully while safeguarding its interests, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp 24/07/2021)

Communists’ inability to unite results in power loss, Deuba’s test ahead (kh 24/07/2021)

Ruling coalition partners to form a task force to assist govt (kh 23/07/2021)

Deuba’s denouement : Few national leaders are offered so many chances to get it right (nt 23/7/2021)

Nepal has no health minister as Covid-19 cases rise again : Deuba appoints supporters in powerful portfolios but leaves the helm of Health Ministry vacant (nt 23/07/2021)

Will Deuba be a changed man in his fifth outing? There seems to be little hope that Deuba would be any better than Oli in terms of governance, by Deepak Thapa (kp 22/07/2021), The Accidental Prime Minister, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 22/07/2021)

Expanding the CabinetSorry folks, there aren’t enough ministerial berths to go around (kp 22/07/2021)

JSP demands 7 ministries; Thakur-Mahato faction willing to join govt (kh 22/07/2021)

PM Deuba-Mahanta meet: JSP’s Mahanta faction likely to join govt (kh 21/07/2021)

Deuba as the new PM: Opportunity to enhance tarnished image, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 21/07/2021), Time To Show Exemplary Leadership, by Namrata Sharma (rn 21/07/2021)

Vigilance centre gets more responsibility but not enough funds and personnel : The centre has been asked to conduct technical audits of all infrastructure projects worth over Rs100 million, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/07/2021)

Centres run out of jabs once again as recipients are those other than from target groups : Health workers say they are threatened and pressured to administer single-shot J&J jabs to those close to political leaders and other influential people, by Arjun Poudel (kp 21/07/2021)

The economic challenges facing Deuba : The new prime minister has appointed somebody with unknown credentials as finance minister, by Achyut Wagle (kp 20/07/2021)

PM Deuba and Maoist Center Chair agree to overturn ‘unconstitutional appointments’ (kh 20/07/2021)

Dr. KC tables 5-point demand before new government (kh 19/07/2021)

Deuba set to govern for a year and a half as he wins House confidence : As many as 165 lawmakers vote in favour of Deuba’s trust motion while 83 vote against and one remains neutral, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/07/2021), Deuba wins trust vote, moots national govt : 165 lawmakers, including 23 from UML, vote in his favour • 83 UML MPs vote against him, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 19/07/2021)

Critical fortnight : Nepal’s Covid-19 response needs to see a radical departure from the shot in the dark decisions (kp 19/07/2021)

PM Deuba to visit vaccination centers today (kh 19/07/2021)

PM Deuba unveils outline of govt’s foreign policies : To keep friendly ties with both China and India (kh 19/07/2021)

Deuba wins vote of confidence in the reinstated House : The win ensures Congress leader’s tenure as prime minister for a year and a half–until the next elections are held (kp 18/07/2021), Deuba wins vote of confidence in parliament with 165 votes (rep 18/07/2021), PM Sher Bahadur Deuba wins trust vote in House of Representatives, secures 165 votes (ht 18/07/2021), PM Deuba secures vote of confidence in Parliament : Out of 249 votes: Yes 165; No 83; 1 Neutral (kh 18/07/2021)

Deuba likely to take vote of confidence today : Speaker calls meeting of Business Advisory Committee (kh 18/07/2021), PM Deuba confident about getting a vote of confidence (kh 18/07/2021), We will vote for Deuba for parliament’s sake: UML leader Jhankri (kh 18/07/2021)

Yadav-led Janata Samajbadi Party to join Deuba cabinet (rep 18/07/2021)

Government cancels appointment process of 11 ambassadors (kh 18/07/2021), Deuba govt scraps nine ambassadorial appointments made by Oli govt (rep 18/07/2021)

Sher Bahadur Deba : Fifth Inning As PM (sp 16/07/2021)

First on the list : Deuba needs to channelise his focus on fighting the coronavirus pandemic (kp 16/07/2021)

Deuba for the fifth time, by Pranaya SJB Rana (rec 16/07/2021), Deuba.5, by Shristi Karki (nt 16/07/2021), From the fire into the frying pan (nt 16/07/2021)

Khati appointed Attorney General (kh 15/07/2021)

Coalition partners hold meeting at Singha Durbar : UML senior leader Nepal does not attend the meeting (kh 15/07/2021)

UML leader urges PM Deuba to appoint him as minister (kh 15/07/2021) [??]

PM Deuba to take vote of confidence within few days : His strategy to secure vote of confidence (kh 15/07/2021), Cabinet meeting taking place today : Likely to appoint Attorney General (kh 15/07/2021), Uncertainty ahead : Deuba cannot afford to be "incompetent" again. But his hands are tied (kp 15/07/2021)

Deuba returns as prime minister with challenges ahead : Congress leader has taken over the reins for fifth time with a duty to fight pandemic and clean up the mess left by Oli, by Anil Giri (kp 14/07/2021), Confidence vote will decide how long new government lasts : If Deuba wins, it will be 18 months. If not, he’ll have to hold polls in six months, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/07/2021)

Government prepares to scrap Poverty Alleviation Fund in next three months : Relevance of the fund has been questioned after elected local governments were established, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/07/2021)

Outgoing PM Oli leaving Baluwatar today : NYAN to escort Oli to Balkot in a motorcade (kh 14/07/2021) [After all he has done, he does not deserve such a farewell! Obviously, this intransigent politician wants to incite further unrest!], Telling it like it is : The court has made it clear that snollygosters must be thrown out (kp 14/07/2021), Oli misrepresents facts in address to nation (ht 14/07/2021)

President Bhandari appoints NC President Deuba as new Prime Minister : Swearing-in ceremony to take place at 6 pm (kh 13/07/2021), President’s Office statement skips mentioning constitutional provision by which Deuba is appointed (kp 13/07/2021), President appoints Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba prime minister : The appointment comes after the Supreme Court ordered it on Monday. It ruled that the rejection of his claim, with the support of 149 lawmakers, by the President in May was unconstitutional (kp 13/07/2021), Deuba sworn in as prime minister : Four ministers also sworn-in (kh 13/07/2021)

Sharma from Maoist Center and Yadav from JSP to participate in Deuba-led govt (kh 13/07/2021), Deuba plans to form a ‘small size’ cabinet (rep 13/07/2021)

People’s mandate is in my favor, NC Prez Deuba got SC’s: PM Oli (kh 13/07/2021) [This is a lie! Oli continues to be intransigent and ignores the fact that the representatives of the people withdrew his mandate in a democratic process on 10 May 2021. Everything he has done since then has been unconstitutional!], PM Oli says SC decision disturbed balance of powers, democracy in peril (kh 13/07/2021) [Reversal of reality!], PM Oli announces resignation in his address to nation (kh 13/07/2021)

PM Oli visits Helambu, almost a month after flood and landslide (rep 10/07/2021) [This long hesitation is an indication of Oli's lack of interest in the real concerns and needs of Nepalis!], What made you wait for a month, Mr Prime Minister?, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep 11/07/2021)

PM Oli’s reply to SC arrogant: NC spokesperson Sharma (kh 09/07/2021)

Oli’s aversion to federalism and secularism becoming more apparent : A proposal at UML top panel to review major achievements of the constitution does not portend well for the charter which has come under increasing threats, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/07/2021), Don't even think about it : Political adventurism to scrap secularism and federalism will backfire (kp 06/07/2021) [Oli has already smashed democracy and major parts of the constitution. Abolishing federalism and secularism would be just another step towards Hindu authoritarianism!]

Govt preparing to transfer secretaries (kh 05/07/2021)

‘A’ status of rights commission under threat due to controversial appointments : Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions has asked the commission to furnish a justification over the controversial appointments of its office bearers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/07/2021), The world is watching : It would be shameful if the National Human Rights Commission’s status were to be downgraded (kp 05/07/2021) [Thank you, Mr Oli!]

PM Oli has skipped constitutional provisions, HoR will be reinstated: Yogesh Bhattarai (kh 04/07/2021)

Rupa Sunar files writ petition against Minister Shrestha on caste-based discrimination allegation (kh 04/07/2021)

All efforts on rescue, relief distribution, temporary settlement to disaster survivors: DPM Poudel (kh 04/7/2021)

Election body preparing for polls despite uncertainty : The Election Commission plans to issue a tender notice next week for the procurement of election materials, by Prithvi Man Shrestrha (kp 03/07/2021) [Oli is now to blame for this situation for the second time. He should be held personally responsible for the completely unnecessary expenses if the SC declares his actions unconstitutional this time as well, which is to be assumed! It would have been much more important to use the time to finally prepare a postal voting option so that migrant workers and other expatriate Nepalis, election workers and security personnel could also vote. Denying them the right to vote is unconstitutional!

PM Oli claims there will be enough vaccines from Sunday (kh 02/07/2021) [Direct connection to heaven?], NAC’s widebody aircraft bringing 1 million COVID vaccines from China (rep 02/07/2021) [Someone should explain to Oli that "enough" would be at least fifty times that amount!], Govt seals deal with China on COVID vaccine procurement; supplies to begin from July 8 (kh 03/07/2021), As US supplies vaccines to some countries, Nepal waits and wonders : Nepal fails to become Washington’s priority for vaccine aid despite its urgent needs. There is no clarity on doses and delivery of the jabs White House announced last month, by Anil Giri (kp 03/07/2021)

Oli’s olive branch (ae 01/07/2021) [Oli is not a person whose words can be trusted in any way!]

'Government unwilling to implement federalism' (ht 01/07/2021)

Protests intensify against HoR dissolution in capital (photo feature) (rep 01/07/2021)

Party venues go under due to restrictions : The government has not provided any relief packages to catering service providers, insiders say, by Krishana Prasdain (kp 30/06/2021)

PM Oli cautions Education Minister Shrestha for latter’s ‘indecent’ behavior (kh 29/06/2021) [Anyone who supports caste discrimination is unacceptable as a minister!]

Isn’t parliament a forum to seek vote of confidence? Chief Justice Rana asks govt attorney (kh 29/06/2021)[What a confusing argumentation on the part of the Attorney General!], HoR Dissolution: Political parties subject to party whip in democratic country: Joint Attorney General Pandey (kh 29/06/2021) [Accordingly, most of the democratic states in the world are not democratic at all if they put the freedom of conscience of the members of parliament above party discipline, e.g. Germany!], PM’s resignation not envisaged by constitution, argues DAG Pandey (kh 29/06/2021) [Mr Pandey, please read Article 77 (1) (a) of the Constitution. A leading jurist in the country should be familiar with this passage!]

Chief Minister Raut alleges federal government does not want the provinces to prosper (kh 28/06/2021) [KP Oli and many other central party politicians would prefer not to have a federal system but a return to centralism with an all-powerful prime minister at the helm who is beyond the control of parliament!]

No, Mr Prime Minister! KP Oli’s tendencies are wholly and growingly anti-democratic. He seems to hold no conception that an MP’s power to vote in parliament is derived from the trust from the sovereign people, and not from the party’s chairman, by Manish Jung Thapa (rep 27/06/2021) [In this regard, all party leaders of Nepal think alike, with Oli topping all others. It must be enshrined in the Constitution and the Political Party Law that MPs are representatives of the people and not of the political parties and that they are only accountable to their conscience!]

Apex court issues interim order not to appoint Yuvraj Karki as ambassador (kh 27/06/2021) [Prime Minister Oli loves to bend the constitution and laws to suit himself!]

Himalayan Reinsurance Company: Rs 1 billion ‘deal’ for operating license (rep 27/06/2021)

Milk worth Rs118 million wasted due to supply disruptions, farmers say : Lockdown forces farmers and cooperatives to dump milk as ghee and milk powder could soon expire for lack of buyers, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 26/06/2021) [The ill-conceived regulation of the lockdown is one of the biggest mistakes of the Oli government!]

Three UML lawmakers in Karnali suspended again (kh) [Nepal obviously does not have a democracy, but a party dictatorship. MPs are the representatives of the people and not of the party; they have only to follow their conscience! Moreover, decisions of the SC are binding law that all parties, including the Prime Minister, have to abide by!]

Political mishandling aggravates vaccine uncertainty, experts say : Oli’s focus is on politics rather than governance, as he has been shuffling ministers, including at Health Ministry, and there’s a lack of will, not resources, to arrange for the jabs, by Arjun Poudel (kp 25/06/2021)

The real cost of Nepal’s second wave : The pandemic makes Nepalis poorer and ruins the economy, but the government has no solutions, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 25/06/2021)

Prez Bhandari appoints 20 commissioners in various constitutional bodies (rep 24/06/2021) [The unconstitutional actions of the Prime Minister and the President continue unabated!], President appoints 20 to constitutional bodies while case is sub judice in court : With the House dissolved, their hearings could not be conducted. Lawyers argue that provision of appointment after 45 days is applicable only when hearing is possible, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/06/2021)

Don’t count Oli out just yet, by Biswas Baral (ae 24/06/2021)

PM Oli shuffles portfolios of ministers : Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Poudel gets Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance (kh 24/06/2021), Cabinet members assigned additional portfolios two days after Supreme Court dismissed 20 ministers (rep 24/06/2021)

Chief Justice turns a blind eye to ‘Doctrine of Necessity’: PM’s Press Advisor Thapa (kh 24/06/2021) [It is not the SC that is responsible, but only the coup-mongering Prime Minister Oli and is personal president who keep breaking the Constitution to maintain power, not to help the country and its citizens, Mr Thapa! The SC has only done its constitutional duty!],
Political blow : The reversal of govt decisions by the SC time and again does not augur well for the image of the PM (ht 24/06/2021)

Saffronisation of the body politic : Oli wants to be the republican inheritor of Hindu rule, by mingling royalist yellow with Marxist-Leninist red, by CK Lal (kp 23/06/2021)

In a big blow to Oli, Supreme Court annuls appointments of 20 ministers : Interim order asserts government is a caretaker one and terms induction of new ministers earlier this month, after prime minister lost a confidence vote, unconstitutional, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 23/06/2021) [Why are only the new appointments of ministers considered unconstitutional under Article 77 (3), but not the dismissals made at the same time? In any case, the aforementioned article does not make any distinction.]

President should have said PM Oli “You’re no more Prime Minister: Senior advocate Karki (kh 23/06/2021)

Supreme Court quashes cabinet reshuffle : 20 ministers relieved of their positions (kh 22/06/2021) [Oli and Bhandari have been taught that they are not above the constitution and have to respect it like any other citizen of Nepal! The next lecture will be about the renewed dissolution of the House of Representatives. The damage done by Oli and Bhandari is already immense! But if the interim cabinet should not have been changed under Article 77 (3), then the dismissed ministers should also be returned to their posts now, shouldn't they? If Oli is not able to read the clear words of the Constitution himself, he should at least surround himself with competent lawyers to explain it to him!], Supreme Court quashes appointment of 20 ministers : Oli had inducted the ministers in two different Cabinet expansions after the government became a caretaker one following May 21 House dissolution (kp 22/06/2021)

Lockdown drags on but no relief package for the urban poor, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/06/2021)

Is Nepal still a democratic state?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 19/06/2021

Crime against Humanity : Instead of making genuine efforts toward vaccine procurement, the PM urged the public to gargle with guava leaves and drink turmeric-infused water to prevent COVID, saying even the vaccine does not guarantee total immunity. This was the time when cases had started increasing by 100%, by Sambridh Ghimire (rep 19/06/2021)

Nepal talks about vaccines from China. And the Chinese are not happyConcerns from Sinopharm and Chinese Embassy forced Health Ministry to ‘refute’ media reports. But everyone, including prime minister, is giving statements on the jabs, by Anil Giri (kp 19/06/2021) [The people's basic right to correct information is not exactly what Oli and his government are aiming for!]

Hunger for governance : Childhood malnutrition in Nepal has its roots in political failure, the same reason more children are going hungry during the pandemic. (nt 18/06/2021), Nepal’s epidemic of hunger : Malnutrition among Nepali children pre-dates Covid-19, but the pandemic has made it worse, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 18/06/2021)

Bhandari, Oli defend House dissolution, Sapkota calls it unconstitutional : In their responses, the President claims her action cannot be tested by judiciary, prime minister argues court cannot give a prime minister and Speaker says both are wrong, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 18/06/2021) [What kind of argument is this? No one is above the constitution. The duties of the president and prime minister are clearly defined there. If they violate them, they become a case for the judiciary!], Court cannot appoint a Prime Minister, PM Oli says in his written response to SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 18/06/2021) [This confused and idiosyncratic interpretation of the constitution and democracy suggests a basic suspicion of mental confusion! Important votes in parliament, such as the vote of confidence, should be held in secret, if only to protect the MPs. In a democratic state, how a member of parliament votes is his or her personal decision of conscience!]

This is not fair, Prime Minister Oli!, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep 18/06/2021)

SC issues interim order to halt govt’s plan of exporting river products (kh 18/06/2021), Supreme Court puts brakes on government’s plan to extract aggregates for export : Extracting the Chure resources in the name of decreasing trade deficit would degrade the environment, critics say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 19/06/2021), Settlements in Chure foothills at high risk of flood, landslide : Conservationists blame exploitation of forest and riverbed materials in the Chure region for the incidents of floods and landslides occurring frequently in recent years, by Bhawani Bhatta and Mohan Budhaair (kp 23/06/2021) [This demonstrates once again the irresponsible politics and plans of the Oli government!]

Parliamentarians cannot breach party discipline: PM Oli claims in his written response to Supreme Court (rep 17/06/2021) [MPs are the elected representatives of the people, not of the Prime Minister or his party faction, Mr Oli! It is a feature of democracy that they must follow only their conscience and the constitution in doing so! Anything else would be party dictatorship.], Oli says government formation a political process and it cannot be decided by the court : In his response to the Supreme Court, Oli argues he dissolved the House after it could not give a new government (kp 17/06/2021) [Hopefully, not even this reality denier and ignorant of the constitution himself believes in this!]

Elections will be held during COVID-19 pandemic, claims PM Oli (kh 17/06/2021) [???]

The way to environmental degradation : The decision to extract sand, stones and soil for export to reduce the deficit is unwise, by Shyam Mainali (kp 17/06/2021)

Oli’s attempts to rule by dicta : Since coming to power, Prime Minister Oli has attempted numerous times — via ordinances — to bypass the legislation and vest the powers to make laws within himself, by Robin Sharma (rec 16/06/2021)

Decentralise SEE and honour statute, experts advise government : Education experts say the government with a centralised mindset doesn’t want to lose any of its authority, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/06/2021)

Is Oli government’s new Nepal map more about optics than substance? As India continues to expand the road via Lipulekh, Nepal has yet to make any diplomatic response. Foreign Ministry says it has asked Home Ministry to look into the matter, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/06/2021) [Oli's statements are empty slogans without content! Or does he want to build a road on Indian territory in response?]

Nepal to purchase 4 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China : Officials say procurement will be under a non-disclosure agreement. Price is not disclosed yet but is said to be around $10 per dose. No other details are available, by Anil Giri (kp 16/06/2021) [In a democratic state, people have a right to information (see Article 27 of the Constitution). There is no law that makes the purchase of vaccine a confidential matter!], Lack of response to President’s letters for vaccines a diplomatic failure, observers say : There has not even been ‘reciprocal response’ to the President’s letters requesting for vaccine support, by Anil Giri (kp 16/06/2021)

Covid-19 pandemic, snap polls cast a shadow of uncertainty over census : Central Bureau of Statistics wants to conduct the 12th national census from July 30 to October 1, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 15/06/2021) [Another consequence of PM Oli's destruction of the state and the nation guided by greed for power!]

Pressure from all sides for jabs, but there is no sign of vaccine arrival : Officials say there has been pressure on health workers across the country to  give the Covid-19 jabs to friends and family members of influential people, by Atjun Poudel (kp 15/06/2021)

Paddy transplantation begins amid fertiliser shortage fears : Officials at Agriculture Inputs Company say that sales resumed last week but stockswould not last long at any depot or cooperative due to panic buying, Sangam Prasain, Bhawani Bhatta and Mohan Budhaair (kp 15/06/2021) [This surprises the Oli government every year!]

Hunger & Scarcity Hit Badi Community, by Mahesh Nepali (Badi) (rn 15/6/2021)

Government says it has plan to tackle monsoon disasters, but local units are not assured : With rainfall expected to be above normal this year, authorities say they are better prepared than last year. But experts say rather than anticipatory plans, focus is on post disaster response, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 15/06/2021), Saptari stares at flooding season with no concrete plans : Most of the settlements in the district are prone to floods and inundation in the  absence of proper embankment along the rivers and a lack of water outlets, by Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp 15/06/2021), River management project announces inability to control floods as monsoon arrives (kh 15/06/2021) [This is the reality, Mr Oli!]

Authorities appear clueless about how to ease or lift lockdown : Prohibitory orders currently in place in the Valley have been extended by a week and the rest of country follows the model. Little else is being done to check virus spread, by Arjun Poudel (kp 14/06/2021) [The Oli government is finding it difficult to deal rationally with the pandemic. Oli himself is only interested in staying in power, may the country go down the drain.],
Daily earners hit hardest by prohibitory orders in Lumbini : The workers have no source of income and have received no relief from the authorities and social organisations during the ongoing second coronavirus wave, by Sanju Paudel and Mohan Budhaair (kp 14/06/2021), Petty traders selling non-essential goods getting wiped out : Preventing the spread of the virus is essential, but the rules unfairly impact small businesses over large businesses, insiders say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 14/06/2021), “Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed,” says AI in new briefing (kh 14/06/2021) [see Amnesty International report (14/01/2021)], Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed, says Amnesty International (ht 14/06/2021)

Quo Vadis? Given the state of affairs since  December 20, 2020 - the date of the first dissolution of the House of Representatives - the lack of constitutional norms and political morality and the character of leadership to bypass everything that becomes inconvenient for power grab, where is the leadership taking the country?, by Dinesh Bhattarai (rep 13/06/2021)

Citizens’ movement condemns threat on medical education commission executive : Brihat Nagarik Andolan alleges that the prime minister and ministers have been exerting undue pressure on Dr Giri to approve affiliation to B&C College (kp) 13/06/2021)

Government agrees to grant affiliation to B&C Medical College : Despite protests against affiliation, the prime minister-headed commission has asked for the necessary paperwork to be completed within a week, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/06/2021) [Nepotism at the highest level!], Former VCs condemn PM's pressure tactics (ht 16/06/2021) [This is a particularly serious form of nepotism and corruption, as it was initiated by the Prime Minister who is still in office!]

International condemnation for HoR dissolution (ht 12/06/2021) [see statement by IBARI (10/06/2021)]

Supreme Court orders government not to enforce citizenship ordinance : Constitutional Bench says legal complications could arise if the ordinance fails to get through Parliament, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/06/2021) [Extreme complications and costs will also arise if the Supreme Court declares the renewed dissolution of parliament and cabinet reshuffle by caretaker Prime Minister Oli unconstitutional, which is to be expected given the clear wording of the constitution!]

3 health ministers in 1 year : Prime Minister K P Oli has switched health ministers five times since he assumed office in 2018 (nt 11/06/2021) [This shows the value Oli places on the health sector in the pandemic. All ministerial posts were primarily to satisfy his ambitions for power!]

A Case of Two Cartoons, by Manjeet Mishra (rp 11/06/2021)

While he has yet to clarify his June 4 Cabinet expansion, Oli does it again : Seven more ministers appointed to curry favour with his supporters and  an eye on the elections, by Anil Giri (kp 11/06/2021) [A completely unconstitutional government policy by Oli!]

Chure is not just environment, but a political issue, experts say : Degradation of the hills, a crucial zone balancing Nepal’s fragile ecosystem, should be a top political agenda, as it can have a profound impact on the generations to come, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 11/06/2021)

Ruling UML to go on vacate against the SC order (kh) [When a court rebukes Oli for his undemocratic and unconstitutional measures, it amounts to lese majeste!]

PM Oli not to attend all-party meet called by Speaker Sapkota (kh 11/06/2021)

PM Oli picks Pahadi as minister from Nepal-Khanal faction (kh 10/06/2021), PM Oli appointing 8 ministers including one state minister today : Adhikari to be appointed as Home Minister (kh 10/06/2021), Oli expands Cabinet Prime minister appoints seven new ministers (kp 10/06/2021), PM Oli expands Cabinet, Khagaraj appointed Home Minister (kh 10/06/2021), Newly-appointed ministers sworn in (kh 10/06/2021), PM rewards Badal by appointing his wife Nainkala as Minister (kh 10/06/2021)

President, PM hold talks on show case notice  at Shital Niwas (kh 10/06/2021)

Walking two hours daily for a free mealHundreds of families in the Capital are struggling to manage two square meals after they lost their means of livelihood, by Anup Ojha (kp 10/06/2021)

Paradoxical powerlessness of the Supremo : The anti-Maoist elements of civil society have made Oli an icon of Khas-Arya  ethnonationalism, by CK Lal (kp 09/06/2021) [It belongs to Oli's duries to help these people!]

Nepal's caretaker government : A total embarrassment, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 09/06/2021)

Bench-hunting sets a bad precedent for the judiciary, according to experts : Crucial time of the Supreme Court is being wasted on unnecessary things, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/06/2021) [This is intentional on the part of Oli and other politicians!]

That’s the way to do it : Court order unbanning online delivery  services is a relief (kp 09/06/2021) [This extremely incompetent government needs a court ruling for everything!]

PM Oli pushing country into perpetual abyss under cover of nationalism: JSP leader Bhattarai (kh 08/06/2021)

Raghubir Mahaseth as pick for deputy prime minister and foreign minister surprises many : His choice is for UML to gain influence in the Madhes and for his potential ability to procure Russian vaccines, observers say, by Anil Giri(kp 07/06/2021)

Oli's proposal aimed at weakening parliament dissolution case in Supreme Court: Panta (rep 07/06/2021)

Impoverished family hit hard by prohibition order struggling to survive (kh 07/06/2021) [Thanks to Oli's short-sighted and completely ill-conceived policy!]

Few convinced as government body defends plan to export construction materials : The government’s plan to export construction materials from mines in order to reduce trade deficit has been criticised as an environmentally disastrous idea, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 07/06/2021)

SC receives writ petition seeking reversal of cabinet reshuffle (kh 06/06/2021)

Change in criteria to appoint ambassadors meets with widespread criticism : The share of political appointees among envoys has grown and if the candidate is a former minister a high school degree would qualify them for the role, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp 06/06/2021), Govt amends eligibility criteria for ambassadors to make space for ‘relatives’ (kh 06/06/2021)

Leadership of task force formed to fight the pandemic comes into question : Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre needs to be led by experts, not ministers or security personnel, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/06/2021)

Migrant workers return to India in search of jobs, by Mohan Budhaair (kp 06/06/2021) [A follow-up to the highly successful employment programme of Oli!]

How we bungled vaccine procurement : We have only ourselves to blame for not being able to get enough Covid-19 vaccines, by Kiran Raj Pandey (kp 06/06/2021)

Civil society, environmentalists against Chure exploitation (ht 06/06/2021)

For Oli, power—not governance—is priority, as country fights virus wave : Thakur-Mahato faction joins government, inviting questions for themselves of being complicit with someone who they once opposed for his loathing for the Madhes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/06/2021) [Another serious breach of the constitution by KP Oli: He now only heads a caretaker government. Such a government is supposed to remain in office until the election of a new prime minister, but according to Article 77 (3) of the constitution it may not be changed!], Oli reshuffles Cabinet, appoints Mahato deputy prime minister, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 05/06/2021)

Health workers at Bheri Hospital call probe committee’s report unfairMedical fraternity in Banke says the committee failed to provide a fair investigation into all aspects of the incident since it has not addressed the issue of violence against women, by Thakur Singh Tharu, Rupa Gahatraj and Madhu Shahin (kp 05/06/2021)

Friday Cabinet reshuffle: All but four incumbent ministers sacked : DPM Ishwor Pokhrel, and ministers Pradeep Gyawali and Hridayesh Tripathi among others sacked (kh 04/006/2021) [The most urgent dismissal is missing; that of KP Oli!], New ministers to be sworn in at 8 pm today (kh 04/06/2021), PM Oli reshuffles cabinet; inducts 8 new faces : New ministers sworn-in (kh 04/06/2021), PM Oli brings massive reshuffle in his cabinet, Paudel, Mahato and Mahaseth sworn in as Deputy Prime Ministers (rep 05/06/2021)

A yam between two Indias : Nepal does not just need to balance India and China now, it has to keep out of India’s polarised politics (nt 04/0/2021)

A budget without economic objectives : Every government has tried to launch schemes to stir up the public for election gains, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp 04/06/2021) [Criminal procedure!]

Community forest user groups lambast government for not addressing concerns : They had hoped the government would resolve their outstanding issues of tax and PAN through new budget, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 04/06/2021) [What deviant expectations of the Oli government interested only in its hold on power!]

JSP likely to join government today (kh 04/06/2021), Five JSP leaders including Mahato likely to take oath as ministers today (kh 04/06/2021)

Fact Check: Is this elderly woman applauding the increase in old-age allowance? (kh 04/06/2021)

Non-implementation of Cabinet decision halts distribution of relief funds to families of COVID-19 victims (rep 03/06/2021)

Farmers face getting wiped out for lack of market access : Vegetable growers are forced to destroy their produce due to lack of transportation, by Krishana Pasain (kp 03/06/2021) [Bravo Mr Oli, you really are the greatest!]

Fertilisers not on ‘essential commodity’ list as paddy farmers wait anxiously : Decision to block supply can have an overarching effect, as it may hit paddy crop, and slash economic growth in turn, by Sangam Prasain (kp 03/06/2021), Always a shortage : There is something seriously wrong when farmers face a lack of fertiliser every year (kp 04/06/2021)

JSP Thakur-Mahato faction holding talks with PM Oli (kh 03/06/2021)