Crisis solution (2021)

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

31/12/2021: From a united whole to multiple fragmentations: How Nepal’s Maoist party lost its relevance in 15 years : Once the kingmaker of Nepali politics, CPN (Maoist Center), now is probably the most divided and splintered political party in Nepal, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), RPP Chair Lingden and Bibeksheel Sajha Chairman Mishra discuss party unity (kh) [Similarly minded parties, but this spells the final end of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party. Rabindra Mishra's alternativity means a return to the non-inclusive Hindu monarchy that more than 17,000 people sacrificed their lives to abolish! Whether Hindu state or secularism is not a question of religion. More than 40 per cent of the people are not Hindus from a social point of view. Hindu women and Dalits are also extremely discriminated against. Unfortunately, even the major parties have not come close to delivering what they promised in 2006. Therefore, Nepal has remained a state of high-caste Hindu men under a supposedly inclusive and secular republic.], Consensus and collaboration needed for protection of nationality, democracy: PM Deuba (kh) [Make national identity and democracy inclusive first, i.e. independent of ethnicity, religion and gender, before advocating for their preservation!], A year of political ups and downs and surprises : Political one-upmanship and power struggles dominated the greater part of 2021, by Anil Giri (kp), A forgettable year : Leaders have turned politics into a rat race, whose endpoint is Baluwatar (kp), How political parties rendered Parliament dysfunctional : It started with KP Sharma Oli, and the onslaught on the platform of people’s representatives continued with no one showing respect to the hallowed House, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Uncertain political stability : The multiparty experiences in the post-Panchayat era were not up to the minimum standards, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), The return of political instability : Differences over policy among the coalition partners do not help increase confidence among investors, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Judiciary: Applause and then controversy and crisis : 2021 has been the worst year in the history of the judiciary because it was embroiled in the ugliness of individual greed and the vested interests of its stakeholders, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), A year of social movements : Compared to 2020, this year saw a rise in public discourses around pertinent social issues of caste, impunity, and safe spaces, by Ankit Khadgi (kp), Chure degradation continues amid catastrophic projections : Even when there is visible environmental degradation, the local government has focused on promoting the Chure area as a tourism spot, putting the ecology of the region at risk, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp), Stop Downplaying Street Harassment, by Ameesha Rayamajhi (rep)
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30/12/32021: Nepal has over 4.4 million informal workers, majority of them underpaid and excluded from social protection: Report. Nepal has seen reforms in labor and social security acts but these reforms have made little to no impact on the lives of informal sector workers, the report says, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt), Enforce Party Law For Democratisation, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Election body’s removal of ‘unconstitutional’ terms from Maoist statute triggers debate : Election Commission says some phrases including ‘communism’ in the party charter contradict the constitution, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [And what about parties that oppose the fundamentals of the constitution like RPP and Bibeksheel Sajha Party when they reject the achievements of the past decades and want to return to authoritarian Hindu monarchy? This is clearly against the interests of the multi-ethnic and multi-religious society of Nepal! The secular Republic of Nepal is ailing only because of the incompetent, corrupt, disinterested political elite that remains deeply rooted in Hindu thinking!], Former RPP Chair Kamal Thapa to launch “new campaign” (kh) [Anyone who advocates a return to the Hindu state, with or without a monarchy, is clearly acting unconstitutionally!], How Nepal’s bid to diversify trade after the blockade fell flat : Experts say over-reliance on the southern neighbour has rather increased because of a lack of strong policies and failure to implement recommended measures, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Addressing economic woes : We must reinvent our economy to escape the throes of an unstable environment (kp), Talking marathons : A succession of gasbags trying to hoodwink their fellow partymen and the nation in turn, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Taking Nepal forward with MCC, by Deepak Rauniyar (rep), MCC project choices: To be or not to be, by Gaurav Shamsher JB Rana (ht)
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29/12/2021: Anti-Chhaupadi campaign in Achham losing steam : Neither the police administration nor the local units and local people are showing interest in effectively implementing the campaign, women say, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Ensuring Effective Border Management, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), Six parties protest against strike (ht), Educate about RTI : Not many would know that RTI covers not just government agencies but also political parties and NGOs funded by foreign agencies (ht), MCC opposition in Nepal: Rhetoric or reality?, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
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28/12/2021: Cultural, linguistic diversities are asset of nation: Province Chief Gurung (kh), Madhyapaschim University Vice Chancellor bats for experts in govt (kh), Dahal proposes three-front fight for identity-based federalism : Admits to making mistakes that led to his party paying political price (ht), Ram Karki dissents on Prachanda’s dossier, questions the relevance of federalism (kh), Prachanda accuses US of preparing for war, strengthening ties with India (kh), What Ails The CPN-UML?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Weaknesses, Issues, Problems and Challenges of Nepalese political leadership, by Ram Kumar Dahal (tn)
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27/12/2021: Poverty keeps children in Mugu out of school : Around 60 percent of children in Sayakhola, Kotilla and Mundu of Chhayanathrara Municipality are out of the school system, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp), Who is nurturing violence in Nepal’s public campuses? Acts of violence against teachers in Nepal’s public campuses continue unabated despite student unions’ assurances to control them, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt), Govt urged to ratify UN convention on statelessness (ht), Medical colleges snub Medical Education Commission under political protection : Colleges are demanding higher fees from MBBS students ignoring the fee structure fixed by the regulator, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Burden on state coffers : Various perks and privileges for each additional minister add an extra burden on the already stretched budget (kp), NC politics: Factionalism exists, rank and file are “clientelistic” loyalties, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), As Maoists hold national convention, focus remains on managing leaders : Ideology takes a back seat as party is forced to propose 15 office bearers to ‘adjust’ aspirants, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Sugarcane farmers to launch fresh protest from mid-Jan after failing to receive previous years’ dues (rep) [There is obviously still no state interest in finally putting an end to the criminal practices of the sugar mills!]
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26/12/2021: Provinces are in an ‘ugly competition’ to appoint more ministers : Experts say more ministries means increased administrative expenses at the cost of development activities, and call for constitutional curbs, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A tale of two conventions : The public wanted the younger generation to take over the leadership from the ageing, corrupt incumbents, by Naresh Koirala (kp) [Continuation of the politics of failure, and the CPN-MC seems to be following them as well.], Keep Five-Party Alliance Intact, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Dr. Govinda KC warns of hunger strike seeking CJ Rana’s ouster (kh), Complaint demanding investigation of CJ Rana assets filed at Money Laundering and Investigation Department (rep), Dolakha residents chip in to restore quake-ravaged heritage structures : Six years after the devastating earthquake, authorities including the Department of Archaeology have yet to take any concrete initiative to restore heritage sites, by Kedar Shiwakoti (kp), CK Raut cadres block highway in Siraha : Vandalize trucks and other vehicles (kh), Janamat party members vandalise private vehicles on East-West Highway (rep), [So this is what you call "non-violent", Mr Raut?], Juvenile justice in shoddy state (ht)
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25/12/2021: The revolution has stalled : The Maoist Centre is at a loss for what to do next. As it goes to ‘national conference’, it seeks to reinvent itself. But can it?, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Truth Commission wraps up 29 war-era cases of atrocities, victims unhappy : Commission says it has prioritised complaints that don’t need prosecution, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Shifting Development Culture, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Everyone Will Be Represented In Party - PM Deuba (rn) [This will only be the case when the proportion of male Bahuns and Chhetris at all levels of the party is reduced to no more than 15 per cent in total and the seats hitherto occupied by them are given to members of all other sections of society in proportion to their share of the population! Incidentally, this applies to all political parties!]
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24/12/2021: Authorities sit on probe report as Banke activists’ sit-in nears month : One of the accused, former Constituent Assembly member Badshah Kurmi is contesting for Banke district president of the ruling Nepali Congress, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Politics and crime continue to be close and politics likes to prevent necessary legal investigations. Persons accused of crimes should not hold public office until a legal clarification has been made! This also applies, by the way, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well!], EC proposes to hold local levels election on April 27 (kh), All kinds of discriminations against women will be ended: Minister Regmi (rep) [For this, the constitution would first have to be amended!], NRA's term comes to an end (ht), Secularism and sectarianism : Nepal is not yet secular. We still have a long way to go, by Indra Adhikari (nt), China lobbying against MCC : The holdup in ratifying the MCC is not because of Nepal’s domestic politics, but geopolitics, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)
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23/12/2021: Taking hostage of parliament undemocratic: Former PM Bhattarai (kh) [Not undemocratic, but anti-democratic! Democracy is the rule of the people, but the authoritarian KP Oli prevents the elected representatives from exercising this rule!], Politics Of Material Advantage, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Central bank says more deposits, less in loan sign of improving liquidity : Despite getting indications of looming foreign exchange depletion as early as April, the central bank waited for the situation to self-improve, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), ‘NRB unveils positive report of country’s economy following FinMin’s pressure’ (kh), When should the local elections be held? Election Commission says by May next year. Political parties don’t seem to be prepared, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Embezzlement by employees at Hulak Bachat Bank has snatched vulnerable groups of their savings, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), No political party for Nepalis with disabilities, by Pratik Ghimire (ae)
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22/12/2021: 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), Work As Per People’s Aspirations, by Namrata Sharma (rn), “Structural reform is still a long shot”: Nepal’s young lawyers open up about judiciary debacle : An assessment of how inclusive the protests against the chief justice were, particularly for younger lawyers, and whether pertinent issues concerning them were addressed, by Rishav Sapkota (nlt), NC jamboree fails to give message of inclusion, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Election Commission holding local level election on May 3 (kh), A hot potato that MCC is in Nepal : Four years on, US grant continues to be a divisive element, as parties talk it ad nauseum but fail to find consensus, by Anil Giri (kp), Retaining students in schools : The myopic view of prioritising economic relief comes at the cost of increasing dropouts (kp), Chandre Kami found after a week (rep)
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21/12/2021: Political confusion remains the same one year on : 12 months after Oli’s House dissolution move: Parliament is deadlocked, judiciary is in crisis and government is hobbling with coalition partners having nothing in common, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Nothing will change as long as this incompetent and failed generation of power-hungry politicians remains in control, ruining the state and society just as the monarchy did before!], Next generation Nepali Congress : Many of these young leaders started their political careers after restoring democracy in 1990,  by Achyut Wagle (kp), China “playing foul” on MCC; Nepali communist leaders under China’s pressure (kh) [The problem is that both countries, the USA and China, are primarily pursuing their own interests. China is not democratic, but the USA is also anything but a guarantor of democracy and human rights!], Blind men and the MCC elephant : What is as clear as day is that none of the leaders is honest in their analysis of what MCC is (kp), Making a Constitutional Case for Climate Action, by Apurva Singh (rep), Increasing trend of splitting provincial ministries takes the number to 69 (rep) [The focus is not on demand-oriented politics, but on power politics of the parties oriented towards the allocation of posts, which is reinforced in view of critical majorities in the provinces.], Stakeholders urge govt to ratify ILO Convention 190 (ht)
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20/12/2021: Pandemic worsens disparities in young children’s development and learning in Nepal: UNICEF. “The pandemic has especially affected the health, learning and psychosocial well-being of the children” (nlt) [see press release by UNIC EF as well as Child and Family Tracker (presentation)], 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), Committee formed to mark Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day (kh) [In commemoration of the birthday of Prithvi Narayan Shah, who once conquered the numerous mini states by military force, subjugated their inhabitants, mainly ethnic groups, and subjected the country to a patriarchal and hierarchical social order based on Hindu law. What a cause for celebration!], Cases of sexual abuse of women go unreported in Banke : The cases of sexual abuse are weak and the accused are usually let free because the victims withdraw their complaints on their own accord or under pressure from family, police say, by Madhu Shahi (kp), No knee-jerk reaction : The only weapon in the government’s armoury in tackling Covid-19 happens to be a strict lockdown (kp), Ban on strikes in supply of essential services still on (ht)
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19/12/2021: Tame the inflation, ensure greatest good of the greatest number of Nepalis : Why should we, the commoners, suffer at the hands of the few unscrupulous business people? Should not the state guarantee the greatest good to the greatest number of the commoners?, by Jivesh Jha (nlt), PM Deuba calls all-party meeting at 4 pm today : To discuss UML's obstruction in House and MCC; CPN-UML to abstain (kh), 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), Of politics and teachers : The history of overt and covert allegiances of teachers to political groups spans many decades, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Food adulteration offences rise even during lockdown : As long as consumers consider food adulteration a minor problem and the government plays down its impact, such offences will keep growing, rights activists say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Sexual harassment case settled secretly (rep) [Such serious crimes must not be settled, they have to be punished very severely, if these men should prove to be guilty!], Landless squatters from Chitwan demand land ownership certificates (rep) [Unequal land ownership is also a historical consequence of monarchy, its arrogant allocation of land and Hindu state thinking!], NHRC takes stock of situation of freed haliyas in Bajura (ht), Musahars on the margins : The Musahar community has long been marginalized and discriminated against, but the Covid-19 pandemic only made things worse, by Rakesh Prasad Chaudhary (rec)

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18/12/2021: Campaign launched to reduce violence against women (kh), Experts warn of economic slump, urge govt for immediate measures (kh), Foreign employment leaving villages sans youths (kh), Unraveling Nepal’s instability conundrum, interview with Purna B Silwal, Major General (Retd) of Nepal Army (nlt), Planned ‘development law’ to clear hurdles in infrastructure projects : Bill says landowners must accept the compensation agreed on by over 50 percent of affected landowners, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Overcoming Politics Of Winner’s Curse, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Sindhuli Quake Victims Not Getting Govt Grant, by Baburam Devkota (rn), 32 per cent children in Nepal chronically malnourished' (ht), Nepal retains its position in Seventh Annual Human Freedom Index (ht) [see full report by Fraser Institute, Nepal tabels on pp. 267-268]
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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), Forgotten commitment by political parties : The law says that there should be at least one-third women at party committees at all levels, by Ila Sharma (kp) [The machos at the top of the parties will never change without drastic punishments. Exclusion of the parties concerned at the next elections would be a guaranteed effective remedy! CPN-UML and NC would definitely be candidates!], End party meddling : Institutes of higher education or even schools cannot be a playing ground for the political parties any longer (ht), Parliament is the only panacea, by Gopal Thapa (kh), 32 percent children in Nepal chronically malnourished: Report (kh)
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16/12/2021: Global alliance to wait for court decision before deciding on rights watchdog’s status : National Human Rights Commission could lose ‘A’ status if appointments made in it through ordinance are found unconstitutional, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 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), Party in need of change: What next for Deuba and Nepali Congress? Deuba won the presidency in Nepali Congress but he has failed to come up with agendas and visions to set up the future political course for the party, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), 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), Same old faces : The truth of the matter is that back door dealings are an open secret (kp), 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), Partial human development : For a number of reasons, certain groups do better than others but we are not being told by how much, by Deepak Thapa (kp), In Defense of Democratic Institutions, by Ambika Prasad Joshi (rep), Nepal struggling to deal with new refugees : Nepal has been treating 716 nationals from 10 countries as illegal migrants. Even though the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) lists them as refugees, the country does not recognize refugees from anywhere bar Tibet and Bhutan, by Shambhu Kattel (ae)
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15/12/2021: The long arm of the law : The victims have found a new ray of hope with the courts stepping in to solve insurgency-era crimes (kp), Parties: Orphans Of Ideology, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Don't obstruct House : People will be closely watching to see if the lawmakers will allow the passage of the MCC compact in the House (ht), MCC grant agreement : Don't twist facts, by Gandhi Pandit (ht)
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14/12/2021: Whither Transitional Justice?, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), The spectre of unknown enemies : Political parties have been harping that the hard-earned achievements are at risk from ‘internal and external forces’, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Cronyism in Nepali politics : We have seen the lives of people who became close to politicians transform dramatically, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Govt tables six ordinances amid UML’s obstruction, House meeting postponed for a week : The main opposition party, UML, had obstructed the earlier House session as well demanding that 14 lawmakers it took action should be dismissed (nlt) [A party that prevents the urgently needed work of the legislature should be excluded from future elections, as it quite obviously rejects the parliamentary rule of the people, which is bindingly prescribed by the constitution! What the UML criticises must be settled through the courts!], Lawmaker Tripathi announces ‘People’s Progressive Party’ (kh) [Constantly new parties are not the solution. Nepal urgently needs a new, charismatic and socially inclusive generation of politicians and policies!], ‘Karyakarta’ teachers : By participating in political conventions, teachers are flouting court orders (kp)
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13/12/2021: Congress is broken. It needs fixing : An overhauled ideology—and an organisational rejig—is a must to inject new blood into the grand old party, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Journalists misbehaved at NC General Convention; photojournalists put down cameras (kh), Green, resilient and inclusive development : The Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction highlighted lessons learned from the earthquake recovery, by Faris Hadad-Zervos and John Roome (kp), UML Chair Oli has a leap in factionalism: Dr. Bhim Rawal (kh) [The authoritarian anti-democrat Oli continues his course of destroying the CPN-UML!], Social Innovation for Nepal, by Rajesh Poudel (rep), Ensure Digital Human Rights, by Narayan Prasad Ghimire (rn), Federal govt empowers local levels (ht)
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12/12/2021: 28 women and girls fall victim to domestic violence during 16 days of violence against women campaign (rep), NC 14th Convention : Will It Take Socialist Course?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [No, the NC only calls itself socialist. In reality, it is a party clearly to the right of centre with conservative elements that question the most important achievements of today's constitution, such as the republic and secularism!], NHRC laments non-cooperation of government (ht)
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11/12/2021: RTI In Nepal, by Aashish Mishra (rn) 16-day campaign against gender violence limited to Achham district headquarters : The women leaders and activists take up all the space and in doing so exclude real victims from conversations about gender violence, local women say, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Parties offering high offices to pacify leadership aspirants subverts cause : Observers say Nepal should start appointing non-partisan individuals as the country’s President and Vice President to protect the impartiality of the top positions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The Guts Of Public Inquiry, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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10/12/2021: Nepal should deliver on social justice promptly, UN Special Rapporteur says : Olivier De Schutter says poverty reduction must be part of the country’s transition strategy to an emerging economy (kp), 'Nepal must deliver on promise of social justice' (ht), Human rights still a far cry for many (ht), The Nepali state in the Himalaya : The food shortage in Limi Valley has highlighted Nepal’s weak state presence in the Himalayan borderlands, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Constitution needs amendment to make it more inclusive: Mahantha Thakur (kh), JSP Chair Yadav emphasizes need for amending constitution (kh), Former DIG Ramesh Kharel announcing new party today (kh) [Nepal does not need more parties, but a comprehensive democratisation of the existing ones with adequate inclusion of all social groups and a renunciation of the authoritarian machinations of the existing party elites!], Menstrual exclusion practices continue even in modern educated families : The caste and gender hierarchies are designed to control women’s sexuality by regulating their menstruation, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), For the women, by the women : On the occasion of '16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence', four women across Nepal, who have been relentlessly fighting to end gender violence, share their experiences, by Pinki Sris Rana (kp), 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), The Religious Shock Doctrine and Cultural Genocide, by Bimal Rawal (rep), Media As Human Rights Watchdog, by Kundan Aryal (rn), Conflict Victims Will Get Justice: PM Deuba (rn) [And when will this happen? When all the perpetrators and the victims and their relatives have died?], Purchasing power, by Ramesh Kumar (nt), Battle lines drawn for Nepal elections : Politicians and their parties position themselves for the 2022 polls, with secularism and monarchy topping the agenda (nt), Is democracy too expensive for Nepal? Heavy election expenses deter women candidates from running for office in the 2023 elections, by Laxmi Basnet (nt)
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09/12/2021: High courts intervene after police refuse to register conflict-era disappearance complaints : The Penal Code introduced three years ago lists enforced disappearance as a criminal offence, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC orders to mention perpetrator’s in conflict victim’s identity card (kh), Hey Bhagwan : Politicising religion in Nepal has the potential to create major social and religious conflicts, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Reservation and quota, how justifiable?, by Ruby Khadgi (kh), Katha Ghera’s adaptation of “Animal Farm” takes a jibe at Nepali kleptocracy : The theatrical adaptation of George Orwell’s satirical novella “Animal Farm”, being staged at Kausi Theater, reflects on the deficiency of a proper leadership in Nepal, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), 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), Staring into the void : Medical students who completed their studies in China are in a bind as they can't intern in Nepal (kp), A test of patience : Buddhist communities whose monasteries were damaged by the 2015 earthquakes express frustration at the delay in reconstruction, by Pasang Dorjee (kp), Democracy Slides Globally, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [In Nepal, the state of the already weakly implemented democracy has deteriorated considerably in recent years!], Soils under threat : Halt salinisation, by Dinesh Panday (ht)
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08/12/2021: How menstrual stigma intersects with violence against women : Confining women and young girls to small sheds for three or more days and keeping surveillance on their daily mobility is a form of violence against women, by Jyotika Rimal (nlt), Dalits living in rented homes hesitant to reveal caste during census : Enumerators say they found many families who were not keen to disclose their last names fearing eviction, by Prakriti Dahal (kp), Dhanusha attorney office says no need to probe Musahar’s custodial death : District attorney’s office claims Musahar committed suicide. Family members say he was tortured to death, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Political Metaphor and the Turbulence Ahead, by Madhav Prasad Dahal (kh), No decision on ways to curb Omicron spread except talk on action plan : Public health experts say reactive approach has been the problem all along and immediate measures are a must, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Wind of change : It is time youth politicians from across parties started actively challenging the old guard (kp), Rightward drift of Nepali politics : The demise of political ideology and progressive idealism was slow and painful, by CK Lal (kp)
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07/12/2021: Amid the pandemic : The absence of essential medicines for almost two months is nothing short of maleficence (kp) [The Deuba government exists only on paper. The fulfilment of tasks and duties must wait. Power struggles and party conventions have absolute priority!], Nepal's e-governance pipe dreams : An automated system will make the stream of illegal income dry up for politicians and bureaucrats, by Achyut Wagle (kp), MCC dominates ambassadorial hearing : Parliamentary committee has endorsed ambassadors—Shankar Sharma for India, Sridhar Khatri for the United States and Gyan Chandra Acharya for the United Kingdom, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), World Bank report underlines reforms to support fiscal federalism, green growth in Nepal : The report also stresses the importance of strengthening investment processes and fiscal policies for green growth (kp), World Bank’s report underlines reforms to support fiscal federalism, green growth in Nepal : While federalism is helping bring policymaking closer to the people, it has also increased fiscal spending and exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic led to a sharp rise in fiscal deficits and public debt, report finds (nlt) [see WB report], Surprising Election Results, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Stakeholders suggest long-term solution for Nepal’s liquidity crisis (kh)
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06/12/2021: What to make of teachers’ involvement in party politics? The teachers have been promoted, honored, and received many other lavish facilities for serving political leaders and parties. They also get transfers according to their wishes, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt), Stop Politics In Apolitical Institutions, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Online harassment rife but largely ignored as system fails to recognise it : Nepal Police has a bureau to deal with the cases, but a lack of sensitisation among officials is leading to victimisation, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Voting from abroad : It will take several years for political parties to reach an agreement regarding the out-of-country voting (ht), JSP Chair Yadav advocates for change in socio-political system for Dalit liberation (kh), A death foretold : Nakunni Dhobi and the 20-day march to Kathmandu: How many women have returned to private cages of violence, never to reach out again?, by Reshma Thapa (rec)
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05/12/2021: Lesson forgotten: Political parties are up with huge public gatherings as new variant of Covid-19 is raising its head again : Public health experts argue one after another mass gatherings by political parties, without complying with the safety protocols, could spell disaster for Nepal, by Ashim Neupane (nlt), A limping economy crippled by external sector vulnerability : Nepal’s road to recovery is fraught with challenges due to falling remittances and rising imports. Experts stress the need for short-, mid- and long-term strategies, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Linguistics in political times : The biodiversity of languages in Nepal, where 123 languages are spoken, is of universal interest, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Govt not ready for out-of-country voting : EC says existing laws need to be amended to enable Nepalis living abroad to vote, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [The government has had more than four years to fulfil the SC's order in this regard!], Inequality behind country’s backwardness: JSP Chair Yadav (kh)
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04/12/2021: Former President’s concern over no good change in political system (kh), Party politics getting costlier is a matter of concern : Citing the ballooning expenditures of party’s internal elections, observers say politics, which should serve people, is moving out of ordinary people’s reach, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal preparing to issue identification cards to refugees living in the country : Plan for now is to provide them to refugees from Bhutan, with no discussions yet on doing so for Tibetan refugees, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepalis’ Infinite Pursuit Of Freedom, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Impeachment against CJ Rana unlikely sans consensus among parties: Maoist Chair Prachanda (kh)
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03/12/2021: 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) [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), What ails construction projects in Nepal? Taxpayers have every right to expect roads and bridges that do not get washed away with the first rain, by Rudra Sharma Aryal (kp), Manufacturing and business shudder as virus resurgence threatens recovery : Another lockdown would be disastrous when the economy is starting to rebound from two years of despair, insiders say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), UML will not allow the parliament to function unless expelled MPs are sanctioned: Chair Oli (kh) [The anti-democrat Oli already wanted to abolish the democratically elected House of Representatives when he was PM! For him, the manipulation of parliament only serves to implement his authoritarian machinations!], Coalition govt has destroyed the foundation of democracy: Oli (rep) [Incredible words from the mouth of a coup leader who as PM tried to abolish parliamentary democracy!], Lest we forget : The risk of transmission is high at huge gatherings, and the coronavirus is still very much in circulation (kp) [Only party conventions are free from such risk of transmission, as UML and RPP have already irresponsibly demonstrated!], Ending 40 days long row, SC judges agree to hear all kinds of cases : Nepal Bar to continue protest unless CJ Rana's resignation (kh), Vow against VAW : As Nepal marks 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Ruby Khan makes an impassioned plea for justice from her sit-in near Singha Darbar, by Ruby Khan (nt)
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02/12/2021: Declining democratic practices : Whether it is party politics or national politics, democratic norms seem to be waning, by Kushal Pokharel (kp), UN special envoy in Kathmandu to study food crisis (kh), 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, by Sonika Lamichhane (kh), Speaker Sapkota-led delegation returns home from Madrid : Says will now be focused to end parliamentary deadlock (kh) [What fairy tale of achieved inclusiveness did you recount in Madrid?], Supreme Court turns the page with lottery system, but will the crisis end? More questions remain to be answered as the judiciary problem is more than meets the eye, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Master out of class : It may never have been necessary to push for a lottery system had they have faith in the leader (kp), Nepali importers suffer as China continues to hold up shipments : Delays in the delivery of goods and constant disruptions on the roads to Khasa and Tatopani have also resulted in higher transportation costs, traders say, by Krishana Prasain and Anish Tiwari (kp), President issues six ordinances (rep) [Nepal is a parliamentary democracy and there is a popularly elected parliament responsible for legislation. There is no need for ordinances!], Ensure Right To Health, by Prakriti Nepal (rn), Political parties should be self-directed in obeying laws: CEC Thapaliya (kh) [Government and political parties very often do exactly the opposite and should be punished in such cases, just like any other citizen!], President Bhandari stresses on preserving Nepali original culture (kh) [And what is the original Nepali culture in a multiethnic, multicultural, multireligious and multilingual state?], What constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace? An explainer on what sexual harassment is, the legal frameworks that aim to prevent and eliminate it, and what else can be done, by Prakritee Yonzon (rec), Alternative politics: Is there still hope? Populist politics and no tolerance for dissent means a demise of the alternative political movement, by Dinkar Nepal (ae)
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01/12/2021: From Democracy To Oligarchy, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), UML congress: Oli and his ilk form the nucleus of the party : Internal democracy, well practised in the communist force for years, reaches a nadir, as one man appears to be calling the shots, restricting dissent and competition, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Brouhaha in Sauraha : By the time the convention was over, it was clearer than ever who called the shots in the party (kp), Himalayan Quadrangle or Himalayan Triangle?, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Mindset Change A Must To Curb VAW, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Chepang Children In Dhanding In Need Of Warm Clothes (rn), Shuklaphanta National Park Displaced Ones Await For Justice For Nearly Two Decades, by Sher Bahadur Singh (rn)
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30/11/2021: Experts fault Deuba for prioritising domestic politics over foreign policy : As the MCC’s ratification hangs in the balance, questions arise over the fate of projects under the BRI, by Anil Giri (kp), Development paradox : Can we rise up to the challenge of being classed as a developing country? (kp), Ensuring government service delivery : The money we earn goes to the government as taxes and is spent without accountability, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Khas Arya domination continues in UML (ht) [This is a serious violation of the Constitution and the Political Party Act. Nepal is not the property of male Bahuns, but a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual state with over 51 per cent women. Parties that do not reflect this are out of place!], Locals in Rudhi village facing acute food crisis for eight years (ht)
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29/11/2021: Nepal’s graduation to developing country hinges on political stability : Experts stress taking measures at reducing the cost of doing business by improving the country’s infrastructure connectivity and human resources, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), LDC graduation : Parties must have a common vision of development so that policies remain the same regardless of change of government (ht), Oli cult in the making: How UML’s national congress is fueling Oli’s authoritarian streak? At an event which is supposed to elect central committee members and office bearers through elections, cadres and influential leaders stood firmly against the competitive process, by Ashim Neupane and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt) [Oli's authoritarianism is a serious threat to the development of democracy, which is already endangered by the parties, politicians, monarchists and Hindu nationalists!], How UML convention got mired in Oli’s chutzpah and hubris : Party chair’s late night meeting in Chitwan fails to find consensus. Vote to be held today, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Why Prachanda should help in parliamentary ratification of MCC’s Nepal Compact : It is time for Prachanda to choose whether he is for or against parliamentary ratification of the Compact. PM Deuba might push the Compact, with or without Maoist Center's support, by Uttam Gaulee (nlt)
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28/11/2021: Advancing discourses on women-led climate justice in Nepal : Global studies also highlight that due to climate induced displacement, women and children are more vulnerable to violence and abuse, as they are forced to leave their homes, by Sudeep Uprety, Popular Gentle, Lhamo Yangchen Sherpa and Jagadishwor Ghimire (nlt), Oli fears his party would “splinter into pieces” if the national congress goes for elections : Oli is pushing for a consensus fearing the party would split again if the National Congress goes for elections, party insiders say, by Ashim Neupane (nlt) [Oli should finally ask himself what role his authoritarian and anti-democratic leadership style plays in this!], After consensus eludes UML, Oli asked to select leadership : Observers and insiders call it an undemocratic process as leaders who aspire to be elected to top party positions are being pressed to fall in line with the chairperson, by Binod Ghimire and Tika R Pradhan (kp) [In a democratic party, all posts should be filled through elections, respecting the rules of social inclusion!], UML Chair Oli’s dominance ends democracy in the main opposition: NC leader Thapa (kp) [Oli finished the last remnants of democracy in the CPN-UML already in 2020!], List of proposed UML leadership submitted to party Chair Oli (kh) [Don't forget the requirements of Article 15 of the Political Party Act: at all levels of a party, at least 33 per cent must be women and the country's social diversity must be reflected!], Nepal: Political Puzzle in Judiciary, by Rajeev Kunwar (kh), Alternative force necessary to give outlet to the country: Dr Bhattarai (kh), Financing climate adaptation : It is necessary to educate the public that clean energy usage is economically viable, by Siddhant Raj Pandey (kp), Custodial deaths probe : Independent mechanism sought, by Ram Kumar Mamat (ht)
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27/11/2021: Banke activists resume sit-in in Capital alleging government dishonesty : Protesters led by Ruby Khan demand immediate arrest of ex-CA member Badshah Kurmi over a woman’s disappearance and release of probe report, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Enumeration over, data processing to begin soon (ht), Two enumerators pass countless hurdles to reach frontier villages : Khagendra Karki and Lokendra Ter chase a treacherous trail abandoned for long in the call of their duty to count Nepalis living in the country’s north-western corner, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [India is really a true friend of Nepal!], Why is democracy failing to deliver?, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (rep), Culture As Construct Of National Identity, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Lawyers press for CJ's impeachment, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)
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26/12/2021: With lottery system, chief justice loses the master of roster role : A system of drawing lots for assigning cases will come into effect starting December 1, but the judiciary crisis may not end anytime soon, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal to be upgraded from LDC category : With the preparatory period of five years, Nepal will graduate to a middle-income developing country by December 2026 (kp), Can Sapkota be investigated in Spain under principles of universal jurisdiction? Nepali rights groups demand Spain probe Sapkota over an insurgency-era abduction, killing, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Toothless Commissions : Former enemies are now in the same governing coalition, neither want to rake up war crimes (nt)
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25/11/2021: Independence of umbrella organization of Nepali journalists comes under scrutiny : The FNJ is supposed to be an organization that promotes freedom of expression, journalists’ rights, and independence. But its incumbent officials are vying for public positions in major political parties, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt), UNGA endorses Nepal’s graduation from Least Developed Country category : The five-year transition period is provided on an exceptional basis mainly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, which would normally be for three years (nlt), Province 2 set to finalize its name and capital, calls provincial Assembly meeting for Dec 15 (kh), Finance Minister’s discontent over meagre capital expenditure (kh), Upcoming upper house polls could leave a weakened UML even weaker : A loss may be solely the UML’s but holds the potential for affecting national understanding by deepening the divide, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Infrastructure: Burden or opportunity? The current project implementation method must undergo profound restructuring and reform, by Sambriddhi Acharya (kp), Rights groups denounce Nepal Speaker’s participation in IPU assembly : They have demanded that the International Parliamentary Union cancel the invitation to Agni Sapkota (kp), Eradicate Caste-Based Crimes, by Shreya Joshi and Rakshya Singh (rn), Population Census 2021 : Data Vs Reliability, by Nir Bahadur Karki (rep), Party conventions of NC, UML : Competition of old and new leadership, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
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24/11/2021: First duty of the state : The government must ensure judicious use of resources to maximise its social welfare output (kp), Diplomatic dilemmas of the hybrid regime : It seems Indians are as worried about US involvement as they are about the Chinese role in the organisational politics of Nepal, by CK Lal (kp), Season 2 of ‘Jaat Ko Prashna’ highlights the ills of the caste system : At the heart of the recently released show are the voices of those impacted by caste-based discrimination and violence, by Pinki Sris Rana (kp), PAPAD to participate in march in solidarity with NBA (rep), Bill related to COVID-19 stalled in parliament (rep), Give Justice To People, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Cultivating Democratic Culture, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), EC warns NC, UML against using govt staff (ht), Many Nepali politicians have personal websites but they are either un-updated, unreachable or errorful : The irony is the leaders who tried to sell us the dream of digital Nepal themselves have a sketchy digital presence, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt)
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23/11/2021: Transitional justice bodies spar over who should look into which cases : Truth commission and disappearance commission say they have received many complaints that they cannot investigate given their nature, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Amnesty International Nepal calls for urgent and concerted action to prevent custodial deaths : The human rights organisation raises concerns about the increasing number of custodial deaths despite earlier calls to the Nepal government for responsibility and accountability of the lives of detainees (kp) [see AI appeal in Nepali], Haven for dictatorial gerontocracy : Political parties would not bother holding the convention had the constitution not forced them, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Nepal’s largest communist party gears up for its National Congress. Here’s everything you need to know about it : The National Congress is likely to be a test of strength for the country’s largest communist force, CPN (UML), which endured a split recently, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), 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), Standoff At SC : Urgency To Give An Outlet, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), NBA makes a slew of charges against CJ (ht), UML Chair Oli opines all judges should resign (kh) [Even more important would be the resignation of the entire generation of failed and largely over-aged so-called political leaders!]
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22/11/2021: White Man's burden and Brahmanism, by Mim Bahadur Pariyar (Margin), Fractured peace : The so-called representatives of the working class are the new elites of Nepal (kp) [And this elite continues to be recruited from the same social strata. Under the monarchy, male Chhetris were in the majority. With the "democratisation" of 1990, male Bahuns took over this role. The Maoist uprising, Jana Andolan II and the new constitution have not changed this, as this traditional elite has deceived the people about adequate social inclusion until today!], Parties’ opaque finances are cause for concern as they fuel corruption : Poll body plans to implement ‘accounting format’ to ensure transparency, but experts are not hopeful. A strong law is a must to make parties accountable, observers say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Agitating lawyers handing over letter of attention to political parties today (kh), Restructuring Nepali Army : We must make security forces more inclusive and effective to make them more attractive for peacekeeping, by Kul Chandra Gautam (kp), Inflation expectations among Nepali consumers hit new highs : A majority of people expect average prices of goods and services to rise by a staggering 11.3 percent over the next year, according to the Inflation Expectation Survey released on Sunday, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Let The Subaltern Speak, by Tulasi Acharya (rn)
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21/11/2021: “15 years since CPA, Nepal’s pledges to TJ remain unmet” (kh), Conflict victims losing patience—and lives—in wait for justice : In 15 years since the peace accord was signed, political parties have failed even to assure insurgency victims that they’ll be delivered due justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Where is peace without justice? Successive governments and the major political parties have failed to prioritise justice to the victims, by Suman Adhikari (kp), Transitional justice has failed former child soldiers : They deserve special support from the government to genuinely complete Nepal’s peace process, by Kul Chandra Gautam (kp), Nepali peace process as a global model : One reason why it has become successful is that it adopted a home-grown approach to end conflict, by Pushpa Kamal Dahal (kp) [Statement by one of the main perpetrators of the numerous unpunished victims of the conflict and of the denial of justice!], Int'l bodies urge Nepal to act on peace pact (ht), National Human Rights Commission demands end to impunity through justice delivery . Several victim associations and human rights groups seek immediate and urgent steps from the authorities towards reviving the transitional justice process (kp), Nepal: 15 Years On, Act on Peace Agreement Pledges, joint statement by AIHRW, ICJ and TRIAL International, Malnutrition a cause for concern in Province 2 : Malnutrition is a serious health challenge in the province mainly due to a lack of awareness among guardians regarding nourishing food for children, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Nepal, Catch-22 and history : Those entrusted to uphold the constitution have forsaken the principles of the present system, by Abhi Subedi (kp), 'Federal civil service act to be introduced thru ordinance' (ht) [This is not the way to introduce laws in a parliamentarian democracy!]
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20/11/2021: 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), Lawyers’ protest against Rana to continue even as justices return to duty : Some say Nepal Bar should now change its tack and focus on ‘isolating’ the chief justice while they boycott hearings, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), On MCC pact, US message to Nepal is getting more clear: Take it or leave it : A visiting American official calls for a decision on the grant through democratic consultation while hinting that Washington has options to take it to some other country, by Anil Giri (kp), US wants MCC pact ratified by Dec 14 (ht), Democratic Recession in Nepal, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep), National Assembly member election to be held on January 26 (rep), Creating An Inclusive School, by Shak Bahadur Budhathoki (rn)
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19/11/2021: All eyes on the 2021 census : The new census attempts to provide disaggregated data all the way to the local level but concerns remain over the government’s capacity to pull it off without compromising quality, by Sovit Subedi (rec), Public’s reluctance to share details could impact census outcome : Experts say a lack of campaigns to make people aware of the importance of the decennial campaign could have made many wary of enumerators, by Anup Ojha (kp), Chief Justice Rana assigns 10 benches today : Agitating lawyers engage in minor scuffle with police (kh), Two held for abusing Nepal Bar lawyers (kh), Supreme Court turning to normalcy (kh), What’s the lottery system for assigning cases and does it really work? Justices’ protest against Rana may end when they start getting to hear petitions by drawing lots, but this process has its own complexities and is easier said than done, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Senior advocates urge political parties to impeach chief justice Rana (rep 19/11/2021), 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), Visiting US official urges Deuba to ratify MCC compact at the earliest : Deuba fails to secure commitment from Dahal for pact’s ratification, by Anil Giri (kp), US Assistant Secretary Lu calls on Maoist Chair Prachanda : US official urged Prachanda to reach an early decision on US grant MCC (kh), Government planning to send 10,000 nurses to the UK for employment (kh) [These nurses are not needed in Nepal?], Census team heads towards Darchula villages on foot through Nepali territory : India refused to provide entry passes for enumerators to use Indian territory to reach Tinkar and Chhangru (kp) [India is, as always, an extremely helpful and friendly neighbour!]
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18/11/2021: Government indecision delays scrapping of anti-poverty body : Staffers of Poverty Alleviation Fund remain unpaid for four months, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Forget Kalapani, Nepal struggling to conduct census in Darchula villages : Enumerators need to travel via India to reach Tinkar and Chhangru, which Indian authorities have yet to permit, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Justices willing to make peace if Rana assigns cases by drawing lots : An unrelenting Nepal Bar Association gives the chief justice until Friday to step down, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC full court agrees to execute lottery system to assign cases (kh), Police use force to disperse agitating lawyers in SC (kh), At least seven including Nepal Bar chair injured in a scuffle with police : Clash occurred when security personnel tried to stop protesting lawyers from moving towards the gate chief justice has been using to enter office (kp), NHRC urges govt to stop use of force on agitating legal practitioners (kh) [The Deuba government is behaving much like the previous one of the authoritarian anti-democrat Oli. And the police still do not respect the fundamental rights of the people!], Challenges Of Good Governance, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), CJ accused of corruption in NBA meet (ht), FNJ urges CJ to save apex court's dignity (ht), Resolve it from within : If the CJ is forced to resign under undue pressure, it will set a bad precedent in the entire judiciary and justice system (ht), Piecemeal Changes Won’t Reform Judiciary, by Mukti Rijal (rn), We can’t afford to lose judiciary’s independence at a time when all other institutions have been compromised : Nepal’s Supreme Court has stood firm in several critical junctures in recent history. The roots of that institution have now been shaken to the core, by Mandira Sharma (nlt), General Conventions: Old parties, old faces, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Hard lessons of history, by Dinkar Nepal (ae)
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17/11/2021: Citizenship issue : Inability to solve the citizenship issue is only adding more and more people to the number of stateless persons year after year (ht),  World Vlog Challenge highlights the despoliation of Khumbu region by climate change : Ten vloggers/creators from around the world trekked to the Khumbu Glacier to tell stories about the rapidly melting Himalayan glaciers and its repercussions on people in the region, by Rishav Sapkota (nlt), Kuznets and Nepal’s Climate Goals, by Mamata Aryal (kh), Leaders, Lackeys And Lapdogs, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Chiefs of eight constitutional commissions call for talks to end Supreme Court crisis : Among 39 issuing the statement, 36 were recommended for appointment in December last year and in May as per the ordinance to amend the Constitutional Council Act, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Supreme Court standoff takes a new turn as four judges return to work : Protesting lawyers say they will start calling out all those justices who side with Chief Justice Rana, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Legal practitioners continue sit-in, CJ Rana assigns nine benches for hearing (nlt), Senior Advocate Thapa challenges SC judges to issue verdicts sans participation of lawyers (kh), Ruling coalition breaks silence, calls for averting apex court deadlock soon (kh), Political parties will seek a political solution to SC stalemate if not resolved soon: Prachanda (kh), FNJ urges Chief Justice to display high ethical conduct to maintain court’s dignity (kh), US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu arriving Nepal today : Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Kelly Keiderling to arrive on Thursday (kh) [????], CPN's Nepal bandh largely defied, 212 held (ht), Chand’s banda is a dud, but the general public is at the receiving end : General strikes are a thing of the past and such old ways of protest must be shunned, observers say, by Anup Ojha and Shuvam Dhungana (kp) [Bandhs are always crimes against the people!], Six students unions demand immediate withdrawal of hike made in the prices of petroleum products (rep), Travesty of activism : Political actors must find more creative ways than a 'banda' to protest a fuel hike (kp), Minority Kayat community announces to not participate in census (rep)
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16/11/2021: Biplav-called banda hits commuters in Valley (kh), Police arrest 11 Biplav cadres in Tanahun (kh), Nepal bandh has general effect (kh), Nationwide strike by Chand-led CPN affects vehicular movement in Kathmandu Valley (rep), Problems seen at the Supreme Court should be resolved at the earliest: Political Coordination Committee (rep), Eminent Persons’ Group meeting and its significance, by Prithvi Bahadur Bogati (kh), Constitutional bodies for resolving deadlock in judiciary through talks and dialogue (kh), Justices divided on their struggle against chief justice : Five of those who campaigned against Rana demanding his resignation have decided not to attend any meetings except for a full court, as lawyers step up protest, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Eight constitutional commissions call for talks to resolve standoff in the judiciary : Issuing a statement, 39 chairs and members of the constitutional bodies say the prolonged crisis in the Supreme Court threatens the rule of law and constitution (kp), Dispute among people’s representatives deprives students of textbooks : Chhinnamasta Rural Municipality in Saptari has not yet released the budget for the education sector, by Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp) [Such irresponsible party politicians should not be called "representatives of the people"!], Main census questionnaire does not recognise queer people : The gender category ‘others’ in Form 1 of the census has been removed in Form 2 of the census, much to the dismay of activists, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp), Who is stalling reforms? We need to stop involving 'cartelpreneurs' in policy discourses around reforms, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Corruptions in local governments still alarming: CIAA report (rep), Women’s Attraction To Judiciary Rising, by Kalika Khadka (rn), Lawmakers urged to pass new citizenship bill (ht), Population Census 2021: Dual duty of government and citizens, by Nir Bahadur Karki (ht)
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15/11/2021: Charimaya Tamang: ‘Who will wipe out the tears of trafficking survivors if I start crying myself?’ From survivor to savior: Charimaya Tamang continues to turn around the lives of trafficking survivors in Nepal, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), NC President Deuba “not in favor of electoral alliance” with other parties (kh), Lawyers ratchet up protest. Judges in bid to find a middle path out of court row : With Chief Justice Rana refusing to relent, justices are under pressure as hearings have been affected for three weeks. Nepal Bar calls on judges to not hear cases, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Calls for House session as judicial crisis protracts : Observers say the House should be summoned so that lawmakers can discuss the disputes in the Supreme Court, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Chief Justice Rana calls for unity against attempts to derail judiciary : Calls Nepal Bar Association for dialogue (kh), Dialogue with CJ Rana, no way: Nepal Bar (kh), Chief Justice’s resignation is our ultimate demand: Nepal Bar Association. Nepal Bar and SC judges held discussions Monday; discussions to continue Tuesday as well (kh), Former Judges Forum urge political parties to impeach Chief Justice Rana (kh), Private sector writes to prime minister asking for MCC compact ratification : Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal, however, stays away from the demand (kp)
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14/11/2021: Should the court be left alone to clear the air over judiciary? Experts say government should summon Parliament to start impeachment process, by Anil Giri (kp), With Chief Justice Rana refusing to budge, observers call ongoing protests misplaced : Experts suggest protests should focus on pressuring political parties for impeachment, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The scars of corporal punishment : School teachers inflicting physical and psychological abuse on students is rampant in Nepal, reflecting the sorry state of education in the country, by Swikriti Kattel (rec)
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13/11/2021: Judiciary down the rabbit hole as there’s more to crisis than meets the eye : Even if Chief Justice Rana vacates office, immediate complexities are immense. Experts say piecemeal efforts won’t offer solutions to all the ills in the Supreme Court, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 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) [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!],
Call to protect judicial independence, integrity crisis in apex court (ht), Language policing and what we overlook : In a country that prides itself on its diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and a wide array of vernaculars, the discourse surrounding language gets particularly inflammatory, by Pasang Dorjee (kp), Waning Constitutional Welfare State, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Four former TU vice chancellors urge govt, political parties to address crisis in judiciary (kh)
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12/11/2021: Parliament unaware about 80 per cent laws formulated under its nose (kh), International rights groups call for an end to Nepal Supreme Court crisis : The call comes as confrontation is escalating in Nepal’s judiciary amid justices and lawyers’ demand of chief justice’s resignation (kp), HR bodies call for protecting judicial independence as lawyers continue protest demanding CJ's resignation (rep), Public Interest Litigation or Private Interest Litigation?, by Hrithik Yadav (kh), Bar ups the ante as court crisis deepens. Lawyers not to let Rana enter office : Confrontation escalates after up to six lawyers got injured in a scuffle with police while protesting against the chief justice who refuses to resign despite mounting pressure, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Tension as Nepal Bar lawyers clash with pro-CJ Rana lawyers; five held (kh), Clashes outside Supreme Court as agitating lawyers try to stop Chief Justice Rana from entering office (With Photos) (rep), PM Deuba instructs police not to interfere in lawyers’ agitation (kh), Parties’ reluctance to speak on judiciary row stems from fears : Many cases are pending in Supreme Court related to individual political parties, by Anil Giri (kp), Local units angry after consumer groups barred from procurement : Government defends its decision citing irregularities in procurement and substandard work by such groups, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), No backdoor entry : Food security arises from an unequal distribution of resources rather than a paucity of food itself (kp), Between fact and fiction : Examples of flawed historical interpretations abound in our everyday affairs, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), A Story of Good Slogans, Bad Performance, by Kamal Raj Dhungel (rep), Urgency about Nepal’s economic emergency : The real uncertainty Nepal faces today is not about who succeeds Chief Justice Rana, but the fate of the economy (nt), How the climate crisis adds to child marriage in Nepal : As harvests fail due to drought and floods, girls from marginalised families are forced to marry earlier to escape poverty, by Sonam Lama (nt)
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11/11/2021: Report finds child labor rife among informal, small businesses : New campaign calls for governments and international agencies to focus on tackling the worst forms of child labor found in thousands of small, informal businesses (nlt), Nepal unbans import of genetically modified crops : The move has sparked protest with scientists and lawyers questioning the government’s intention behind allowing controversial products into the country, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Coming to one’s census : There is a reason why the number of caste/ethnic groups went up from 60 in 1991 to 125 in 2011, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Political parties brought the change people pushed for but who will sustain it? The achievements are at stake as political actors engage in power games without commitment to the system, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Half-baked projects : Politicians use incomplete projects as bait to entice the people to vote in their favour (kp), Landslide-hit Miklajung village faces food shortage : Despite promises from the federal and the provincial governments, no help has reached the disaster-hit areas in the last three weeks, by Laxmi Gautam (kp), Chand-led CPN announces nationwide strike against recent hike in prices of petroleum products (rep), Cut Wasteful Public Expenditures, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Tackling Liquidity Crisis, by Prakash Kumar Shrestha (rn), Rights activists urge Parliament to pass citizenship bill (ht), Nepal’s judiciary debacle: Serious allegations are directed toward the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Nothing has happened since, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt)
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10/11/2021: Emboldened by parties’ silence, chief justice goes  on the offensive :Rana assigns cases to justices who have boycotted  benches for the last two weeks, in a clear sign of escalating confrontation in the judiciary, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Govt to hold National Assembly elections by Jan 22 (kh), NC leader Singh rules out relevancy of political mechanism (kh), ‘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), Nepal receives just around half of the committed foreign loans : In the past five years, the government was able to claim just 30 to 54 percent of foreign loans committed by donors. Failure to spend on time and timely reimbursement blamed, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Disillusionment of Madhesi mainstreamers : Madhesis have been hamstrung with conflicting emotions of conformism and confrontation, by CK Lal (kp), PM Deuba challenges former King Gyanendra to contest polls (kh) [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.], Make Census 2021 Inclusive, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Govt urged to ratify Violence and Harassment Convention (190) (ht)
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09/11/2021: Five parties to form an alliance in NA and by-elections (kh), Ruling alliance forms panel to implement common agenda (ht), Supreme Court on trial as it’s justices vs chief justice : With Chief Justice Rana refusing to budge, judges wonder how long they can deprive the public of their right  to justice, as the crisis in the judiciary deepens, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), SC justices to hear habeas corpus petitions from today : Not to sit in a division bench with Chief Justice (kh), SC Justices boycott all benches after CJ Rana assigned hearing for all cases : None of the SC judges attended the 10 benches today following breach of understanding CJ Rana had reached with them (kh), Act on education : Successive governments have pledged to pass a Federal Education Act, but it has not happened (kp), Conflicting claims by ruling leaders complicate MCC ratification : Differing views from Deuba and Dahal have raised  a serious question—at least one person is lying , by Anil Giri (kp 09/11/2021), MCC has to be endorsed; anti-development elements spreading false rumors: Dr. Bhattarai (kh), Liquidity crunch and low capital expenditure : The government must find ways to substantially increase capital expenditure, by Achyut Wagle (kp), In defence of military diplomacy : It is a crucial  instrument complementary to official diplomacy, by Shantosh Bhallave Pouyal (kp) [In many respects a doubtful statement : diplomacy is not the task of the army!]
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08/11/2021: 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), PM Deuba calls meeting of ruling coalition (kh), Clean Energy and the Ambiguity in National Documents, by Mamata Aryal and Anurag Pokharel (kh), Court’s image has tarnished; Chief Justice should step down, interview with Former President Dr. Yadav (kh), Watch out : The government should design long-term support programmes to support pandemic victims (kp), Preparations for National Census 2021 completed (kh), CPN-UML convention : No females and Dalits elected in the leadership of 84 wards of Baitadi (rep) [Here the CPN-UML shows its true colours of a patriarchal Tagadhari party! According to the 2011 Census, 54 per cent of Baitadi's population were women. The proportion of Dalits was 20 per cent! This means that about 65 percent of the population remains excluded!], To submit or quit: Hamletian predicament of ten dissident leaders of CPN-UML : As ten dissident leaders are insisting on the implementation of the ten-point agreement, Chairman Oli and leaders close to him have turned deaf ears to the call, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt) [Authoritarianism without borders! Oli says what he wants, does what he wants and doesn't care about his yesterday's chatter! This is the direct path to the destruction of democracy!], People gathering to demand climate justice in Nepal (The Margin), JSP Chair Yadav says people will make another constitution if existing one not amended (kh)
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07/11/2021: Woman beaten to death by her husband (rep), Panchthar residents affected without repair of facilities damaged in landslides, flooding (kh)
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06/11/2021: Pradesh 1 to be named on basis of identity: CM Rai (kh), Increasing Road Accidents in Nepal, by Sonika Lamichhane (kh)
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05/11/2021: Political parties dragging their feet as key institutions decay : The crisis in the judiciary follows problems in the legislature and the executive, by Anil Giri (kp), Federal education act remains an unfulfilled promise : In the absence of the law, local governments have not been able to manage school-level education in their jurisdictions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), NRNA’s brush with politics : The Nepali Congress’s  interference in the  NRNA’s internal matters  is deplorable, by Naresh Koirala (kp)
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04/11/2021: Election Commission legitimizes Chair Mishra-led Bibeksheel Sajha Party : The election body approves the party's recent amendment to statute (kh), Party will take action against ministers not working on behalf of people: Prachanda (kh) [And what about the numerous party leaders who are not working on behalf of the people? Even the Political Party Act is more in the interest of party leaders than in that of the people!], Parties mum on judiciary crisis, but lawyers affiliated to them speak up : Advocates aligned to Congress and UML, who are under the Nepal Bar Association that is demanding Rana’s  resignation, say court hearings should not be obstructed, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), 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), 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), Nepal’s debt sustainability : Nepal has enough fiscal space to  use more debt for development, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), No possibility for early election: Gagan Thapa (rep), Civil Service In A Quandary, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Conflict victims condemn govt for failing to amend act (ht)
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03/11/2021: Nepal’s democracy has evolved into a company: Former CJ Kalyan Shrestha (rep), Power export permission: 39 MW surplus power to be sent to India in first phase (kh), Delhi opens door for Nepal to sell power in India’s energy exchange market : Several hundred megawatts of electricity in Nepal are being wasted amid low power demand in the country and lack of market access abroad, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Doors open to sell electricity to India: NEA (rep), Stalemate persists in top court as judges sense chief justice not serious on exit : Protesting lawyers and justices, saying Rana’s proposal is unclear, are working on counter terms of negotiation, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), No quick fix : The pandemic is a reality check for the authorities who are entirely reliant on the service sector (kp), COVID- 19 and Nepali Tourism Industry : Nepal needs to start thinking about post-COVID tourism strategies as a country with considerable dependence on tourism income, by Tulsi Paudel (rep), Parties In Existential Crisis, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Check Misuse Of Power And Authority, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Media Action Nepal calls on government to end impunity for crimes against journalists (ht)
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02/11/2021: Democracy in Nepal: The Long Game, by Rajeev Kunwar (kh), Justices return to work after a week, set to discuss chief justice’s proposal : Congress leader Sitaula says if needed his party will  intervene to resolve the dispute in the judiciary, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Restore Faith In Judiciary, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Delhi opens door for Nepal to sell electricity in India’s energy exchange market : Several hundred megawatts of electricity in Nepal are being wasted amid low power demand in the country and lack of market access abroad, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)
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01/11/2021: As key institutions fail to perform, regressive agenda at play : The more democratic institutions weaken, the powerful the right wing forces become, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Start reforms :The controversy surrounding the CJ demands far-reaching reforms before the trust of the common people in the Judiciary starts waning (ht), Advocates warn that the silence of the parties in Chief Justice Rana case will be fatal (kh), Jump in inflation sparks worries about economic recovery : October floods have made some food items costlier for consumers already feeling heat of rising energy prices, by Krishana Prasain (kp), MCC headquarters concerned over delay in compact ratification : While the US grant has become a political hot potato in Nepal, a Maoist leader says  its endorsement by Parliament is unlikely before the upcoming general elections, by Anil Giri (kp)
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31/10/2021: Hearing on cases at SC uncertain today as well : SC Justices adamant; Nepal Bar launches phase-wise agitation from Sunday (kh), Judiciary facing unprecedented setback due to adamant Chief Justice, by Govinda Luitel (kh), Deadlock Mars Court’s Dignity, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), 'CJ's exit won't bring reforms in judiciary', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Biplav demands a referendum to decide the system of governance (kh), 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), Authorities indifferent to poor state of Karnali road : 136 people have been killed and 300 others maimed, injured in several accidents since the highway came into operation in 2007, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Realigning justice with the judiciary : The current controversy surrounding the chief justice reflects a broader problem with the judiciary, which is in urgent need of reform, by Prakritee Yonzon (rec)
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30/10/2021: As crisis in judiciary deepens, justices feel pressure to return to work : Judges want other stakeholders, including political  parties, to make a move against chief justice as they  cannot afford not to hear cases for long, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), 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) [Keeping all doors open for political corruption!], 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) [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!], NC young Turks for cleaning up judiciary : 'NC should back those fighting against acts that undermined basic norms of democracy, justice' (ht), Mediators Of Democracy’s Contradictions, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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29/10/2021: Writ filed at Supreme Court demanding order to justices to resume hearings : Petitioners say halt to habeas corpus writs hits fundamental right of the people in detention (kp), CJ Rana in soup as all 19 SC Justices in favor of his resignation (kh), What is happening to Nepal’s Supreme Court? Politicians who interfered with judicial appointments are irked with a Chief Justice who interfered with ministerial appointments, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt), 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), House prorogation stalls prospect of chief justice being impeached for now : An impeachment motion can be registered even when the House is not in session, but the House has to be in session for forming the impeachment recommendation committee, discussing the motion and for putting the motion to vote, by Binod Ghimire (kp), If it pleases the court The judiciary, which is the last refuge of the people, cannot remain in the eye of a storm for too long (kp), Nepal wants people to use more electricity to prevent wastage : To ‘increase’ power consumption, Electricity Regulatory Commission has slashed charges, but does it make sense?, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Woman beaten on charges of witchcraft, by Binod Subedi (rep), Ex-Maoist Combatants organization submits memorandum to acting PM Khand (kh)
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28/10/2021:Justice seekers hit by judicial deadlock : Hearings of over 700 cases affected in the last three days as justices boycott bench in protest against Chief Justice Rana, by Binod Ghimire (kp),  Nepal Bar to hit streets, bar CJ from entering Court as part of protests (kh), To impeach or not to impeach? Political parties at their wits’ end : Amid calls for resignation of Rana, who has refused  to budge, politicians wonder whether they should make  a move in Parliament to remove the chief justice, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [This is also a question of the two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. Cooperation on the part of KP Oli and his party can still not be expected.], Practising austerity : A country that relies on foreign aid should not allocate money for extravagant perks and benefits (kp), In defence of alternative narratives : We have a huge mass unaware of our history and how it continues to shape present-day interactions, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Nepalis pay more for internet than other South Asians, report says : A Nepali spends 2.6 percent of their gross annual income on internet while it costs less than one percent in India and Pakistan, by Krishana Prasain (kp) [Nowadays, affordable internet access is one of the basic rights of the people in Nepal and must be guaranteed by the state!], UML obstruction in parliament continues (kh), HoR meeting adjourned till Nov 15 : UML's sloganeering continued Thursday as well (kh) [According to the constitution, Nepal is a parliamentary democracy. As PM, Oli has tried several times to eliminate the parliament. Now in opposition, he continues to try to prevent any work by the people's elected representatives. This is an attack on the very foundations of the Nepali state.], Bibeksheel Sajha passes proposal to abolish federalism with two-thirds majority (kh), Govt recommends ambassadors to India, UK and US (kh), “We will not stop”: Nepalgunj protestors’ long march to justice and the road ahead, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), Explainer: What is happening inside Nepal’s judiciary? Why is it difficult to correct the course?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), History lessons for energy sector : Through its policies and program, the government is shrugging off the movement that is building around distributed renewable energy, by Bishal Thapa (ae), How and when will the three-tier elections be held?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Misogyny in Nepal: Little acts, big consequences, by Cilla Khatry (ae)
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27/10/2021: Judicial deadlock looms large as chief justice and justices stick to their guns : Rana refuses to step down, saying he will rather face  the constitutional process. He, however, says is ready to resign if other justices in question agree to do so too, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal’s judiciary is plagued by systemic problems : Current crisis in Supreme Court has been in the making for years and is a result of bad precedents, political  meddling and flawed appointment process, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Brihat Nagarik Andolan calls on parties to move impeachment motion against chief justice : Pressure has mounted on Rana from justices and lawyers to step down (kp), 15 SC Justices meeting even today; not to attend bench unless CJ resigns (kh), Bar warns of nationwide protest if Chief Justice Rana doesn’t resign (rep), Congress set to postpone general convention again : Some leaders say convention by mid-December is not  certain, even more so if the country goes to early polls, by Anil Giri (kp), PM Directs NC Poll Body To Prepare Calendar For Dec-15 Convention (rn), Let the autumn anguish end : This Deepawali, light a lamp in memory of the fallen paddies, lost hopes and broken families, by CK Lal (kp), Baitadi faces acute water shortage, over 50 drinking water projects damaged by recent floods and landslides (rep), Waning Power Of Political Catchwords, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Bagmati Province CM Shakya Resigns (rn), Bagmati Province Chief Minister Shakya resigns (kh), Rohingya refugees who once saw Nepal as 'promised land' now stare at uncertain future, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht)
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26/10/2021: Non-Nepali children of Nepali parents demand rights (ht), What happens when you formulate laws but do not implement them? In Nepal, we have scores of laws which have never been implemented. This has had a deleterious effect in good governance and rule of law, by Jivesh Jha (nlt), Nepal’s judiciary in crisis : Collusion among the judiciary, executive and legislature must end to ensure reforms: The rot runs deep. The Chief Justice’s ouster alone will not guarantee reforms. The PM, former PM and top brass of political parties need to come clean as allegations of collusion and other forms of misconduct are levelled against them. If not, they should also be accountable on moral grounds (nlt), SC judges to meet CJ Rana today; to urge him to step down (kh), Will not resign under pressure and influence: CJ Rana (kh), Noose is tightening around chief justice’s neck : Supreme Court Bar demands Rana’s  resignation as Nepal Bar Association  calls for ‘giving a way out’ / Political parties maintain an uncanny silence, by Tika R Pradhan/Anil Giri (kp), Amidst mounting tensions at SC, Judges shorten leaves to attend court (kh), 15 SC judges urge CJ Rana to step down (kh), After meeting with CJ Rana, SC judges engage in discussion (kh), Way out seems remote as CJ and SC judges stick to their guns (kh), CJ Rana should put in papers for damage control: Constitutional expert Acharaya (kh), Chief justice says ready to resign if other justices who have come into question do so : Rana tells Supreme Court judges he will rather face the constitutional process.(kp) [A first step towards stepping down?], Judges Society calls for speedy redressal of issues concerning leadership and judiciary (kh), Nepal Bar’s Advisory Committee also calls for resignation of Chief Justice (kh), 15 SC judges’ meet decide not to attend bench until CJ resigns : A meeting of 15 judges concluded CJ is cause of current crisis (kh), Will exit only after completing constitutionally-bestowed responsibility, says CJ Rana (kh), Election Commission gears up for local elections (kh) [One should not expect too much. None of Nepal's parties and political leaders feel bound by the constitution and laws!], Women take pills to delay periods. But many are not aware of the side effects : The deeply ingrained notions of ‘impurity’ around menstruation are forcing women  to pop pills so that they are socially acceptable during festivals and rituals, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp) [A consequence of the discriminatory attitude of the medieval patriarchal society of Nepal!], Government comes up with austerity plan but doubt remains about its implementation : Past experience shows the austerity measures are thrown into the backburner with change in government, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Tampering with public procurement : The procurement regime needs a complete overhaul, but the motive and method are doubtful, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Seats of 20 National Assembly lawmakers falling vacant (rep)
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25/10/2021: Dalit representatives complain of social discrimination : Ensuring Dalit rights as fundamental rights is not enough unless they get implemented, Dalit leaders say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Supreme Court justices to boycott full court meeting called by Rana : Pressure is mounting on chief justice, who has run into controversies, to step down from his post, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Supreme Court judges up the ante against CJ Rana, convene meeting (kh), NBA holding meeting to dwell on SC’s latest development (kh), Nepal Bar also concludes CJ Rana should resign : Formal announcement after Tuesday's Advisory Committee meet (kh), CJ Rana convened full court meet ‘postponed’ due to ‘unwillingness’ of SC judges (kh), Deserted Chief Justice Rana entertaining PM Deuba’s support (kh) [No close ties between CJ and PM? This partisanship also sidelines the PM!], Supreme Court judges conclude Chief Justice should resign (kp), Four ex-CJs also demand CJ Rana’s resignation (kh), Grant contract signed for reconstruction of houses after one year (kh), 11 Afghan nationals arrested from a hotel in Kathmandu (kh) [??], Consult Delhi for census in Kalapani, census bureau asks Foreign Ministry : The Central Bureau of Statistics has yet to decide on  sending enumerators to the region, which Nepal has brought within its borders but India claims as its own, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Congress may appoint deputy Speaker, leaving state minister seat for Janata Samajbadi : Pushpa Bhusal has been touted as Congress nominee, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Railblock ahead : Delay in operating the Janakpur-Kurtha rail is a masterclass on how not to run projects (kp), What led to the violence in Motipur that left four people dead? The clash between squatters and police on October 10 was the culmination of years of back-and-forth between the two sides but also at hand are wider issues of development and displacement, by Abha Lal (rec)
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24/10/2021: The rise and fall of ‘rebel leader’ Prachanda : The leader of a political party that once claimed to be the messiah of the proletariat is now reduced to a symbol of opportunism and malpractices, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt), 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), Police launch crackdown on roadside vending at Thamel : Authorities claim roadside vendors were involved in illegal activities and blocking the road. Meanwhile, vendors who live hand-to-mouth fear for their livelihoods, by Anup Ojha (kp), CJ Rana Holds Talks With NBA Office Bearers (rn), Allegations against Chief Justice : NBA to raise issue with CJ Rana (ht), SC judges conclude CJ Rana ought to be investigated (kh), Chief Justice Rana calls Full Court meeting for Monday (kh), Supreme Court judges hold discussion on their participation in tomorrow’s Full Court meeting (kh), I urged PM not to make Hamal a Minister: CJ Rana (kh), CJ Rana loses confidence of Supreme Court judges : Majority judges at SC conclude CJ should be subject to investigation, by Govinda Luitel (kh), Supreme Court judges decide not to participate in tomorrow’s Full Court meeting (kh)
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23/10/2021: Protest held denouncing killing of Bharatpur’s Bhim Bahadur BK (kh 23/10/2021), Women carry body to the pyre (kh) [What sounds like a normality not worth mentioning is a great revolution in arch-patriarchal Nepal!], Bomb blast at Surkhet community forest injures two persons (kh), Study panel says ‘there are issues’ along Nepal-China border in Humla : The committee has made a dozen recommendations and called for not politicising border disputes based on political ideologies, by Anil Giri (kp), Chief justice under fire: Calls grow loud for Rana to come clean on controversies : Former judges join chorus asking him to clear ground for restoring the judiciary’s sanctity, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Former judges ask Chief Justice Rana to quit (ht), Campaign overspending an issue of concern amid talks of new elections : A total of Rs131.3 billion was spent in the last elections, according to Election Observation Committee, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The lived experience of a ‘low caste’ Newa person : For a person belonging to an oppressed caste group, the path to reclaiming and embracing one’s culture and caste isn’t easy, by Ankit Khadgi (kp), Leveraging The Strategic Geography, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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22/10/2021: Unseasonal October rains to shave up to 0.6 percentage points off GDP : Losses could be in billions of rupees as heavy rains  damage paddy crops across the country, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Death toll from post-monsoon disaster reaches 101 : Sudden and extreme rainfall in the third week of October has left experts worried about the impact of climate change on economy and livelihoods. Forty-one people were still missing  as of  late Thursday afternoon, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Postponing House meeting without compelling reasons, a wrong trend that continues : Analysts stress need for the House calendar to end the practice, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 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), MCC will be passed without any amendments: PM Deuba (rep), Indecisiveness On MCC Nepal Compact, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Ex-CJ’s Forum implores CJ Rana to uphold judiciary’s dignity (kh), What is preventing youths from coming into politics? What can be done? The youths of political parties should unite, continue their movement inside their party and fight for their equal representation in leadership and positions, by Nirmal Kandel (nlt), Rain-induced disaster claims 111 lives; 37 go missing (kh), Nepal Bar Association gives 15-day ultimatum to CJ Rana for judicial reform (kh), Non-government of Nepal : A distracted government’s apathy magnifies the impact of disasters and injustice on citizens, by Sonia Awale (nt), 100 days : The report card for Nepal’s 5-party coalition government gives it failing grades on most subjects, by Ramesh Kumar (nt), 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), Feel angry? Read this : Archaic patriarchal beliefs will persist for years but you can't let negative emotions consume you, by Anjana Rajbhandary (nt)
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21/10/2021: Finding a ray of hope in Nepal’s gloomy politics : In many respects, what is tarnishing Nepali democracy at the national level is a generational problem with leaders too old to really imagine a different way of doing politics, by Simone Galimberti (nlt), Until something happens : No matter how effective it is, disaster response and rehabilitation is just not enough (kp), Maoists mull mechanism to ‘help’ party ministers : But experts think such a mechanism could straitjacket ministers, promote corruption, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Need Of Political Consensus For MCC, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), Nepal’s decennial census needs a rethink : Experts say the government ought to work on making the current census system more efficient and technology-friendly. At the same time, it should also prepare for an alternative, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)
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20/10/2021: In Mahottari, two women are abused physically on witchcraft charges, one of them murdered : In a span of two days, two women in Mahottari were accused and physically abused for ‘practicing witchcraft’. One of them was killed, the other rendered emotionally traumatized, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), 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), Banke protesters postpone sit-in after  government announces probe panel : Rights activist Mohna Ansari says the composition of the panel has made her hopeful, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), 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), Counting the cost : The spread of water-borne diseases has broader economic and social consequences (kp), The Nepal factor in the Indo-Pacific strategy : Nepal should not rush to side with either of its neighbours carrying hegemonic ambitions in the region, by Gaurav Raja Dahal (kp)
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19/10/2021: Despite laws in place, justice still out of reach for Dalits in Nepal : As discrimination and deaths continue, experts say law needs amendment to lift the burden of proof off victims, by Parbat Portel (kp), Govt signs deal with activist Ruby Khan (kh), Police slammed for using excessive force on protesters (ht) [see report by HRW: Nepal: Police Allegedly Use Excessive Force on Protesters, Target Activists : Killings Linked to Land Rights Expose Lawlessness, Impunity], Four held for force-feeding human excreta to woman (ht), Poor rule of law : The political parties, bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies are to blame for the poor rule of law and bad governance (ht), Judiciary-executive nexus in Nepal: Need for top-level cleansing, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Two years since Xi’s visit, Nepal-China ‘strategic partnership’ remains an enigma : During Xi’s Nepal visit in 2019, the two countries made some big announcements, but there has been little progress, by Anil Giri (kp), 1,500 metric tons of chemical fertilizers stuck at Tatopani checkpoint due to unofficial China blockade (kh), UML to continue obstructing House proceedings (ht)
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18/10/2021: In Bharatpur, a Dalit man gets brutally assaulted and killed for reportedly arguing for Dalits’ right to enter a temple : While Nepal Police say an investigation into the incident is ongoing, many locals, witnesses and rights activists have said that caste-based discrimination was what led to the incident, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), Government is ignoring Nepalgunj protesters’ demands, activists sayProtest leader Ruby Khan, who is on a hunger strike, was taken to TU Teaching Hospital after condition worsened, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal drops two notches in rule of law : Ranks 70th among 139 countries and jurisdictions. Nepal’s overall rule of law score decreased 1.1 per cent in the World Justice Project Index-2021, which evaluates rule of law in 139 countries and jurisdictions (ht) [see WJP Rule of Law Indey Nepal], Ruling coalition mulls holding three-tire elections simultaneously (kh), Experts blame centralised governance for instability in the provinces : Some fear growing aberrations could fuel public frustrations against federalism, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Probe into claims : The controversy surrounding the CJ's alleged wrongdoings raises questions about the integrity of the judiciary (ht)
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17/10/2021: Government offices that remained closed for Dashain reopen today (kh), Home Ministry forms probe team on death in detention : Govt committed to disclose facts on death in detention center (kh)
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16/10/2021:Seven cops injured in clash with locals in Rukum West (kh)
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15/10/2021: Bada Dashain being celebrated across country today (kh), Indo-Pacific : A new theatre of opportunities and rise of China, by Divya Rai (kh), NC General Convention likely to be deferred (kh) [Another postponement of the party conference can hardly be justified by the Corona pandemic. This is clearly about organisational deficits of the ruling party. According to § 16 of the Political Parties Act (PPA), elections to the party's central committee must be held at least every five years.  Both deadlines have long been exceeded. According to § 54 of the PPA, this can lead to a fine or even suspension of the party!]
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14/10/2021: India's decision to slash custom duty on the import of edible oil from third countries could hurt Nepal’s export earnings (kh)
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13/10/2021: The decline of social solidarity : No organisation has felt it necessary to add its voice to the cry of the complainants from Banke, by CK Lal (kp), Curfew lifted in Rupandehi (kh), Tame the police : Great crimes have been committed in the name of maintaining law and order (kp), Large quantity of petrol bombs and home-made weapons raided from Motipur: Police (kh) [??], 4.5 million girls at risk of not finishing school due to pandemicA UN report says with children remaining out of school,  the risk of child labour, gender-based violence, early and forced marriage, and early pregnancy may increase, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Brain drain: Compulsion or a wish?, by Sonika Lamichhane (kh)
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12/10/2021: Four deaths in Rupandehi put spotlight on Nepal’s trigger-happy cops : Law enforcement agencies tend to show discriminatory behaviour against protests and crowds in the Tarai and  by the underprivileged, rights activists say, by Shuvam Dhungana and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Unresolved disputes likely to delay Nepali Congress general convention by at least a month : While the party hasn’t been able to confirm active members in Bara, Rasuwa and Rautahat, ten districts are planning their conventions after Dashain, by Anil Giri (kp) [Based on Nepali law, the NC is already an illegitimate party. Another postponement of the convention could no longer be justified by the Corona pandemic!], Gagan Thapa unhappy with frequent postponement of convention schedule (kh), Chinese Occupation of Nepalese Minds!, by Saroj Mishra (kp), Staff pay stuck as local units fail to bring budget on time : Federal, provincial and local governments cannot spend without presenting their annual budgets, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Market failure in festival economy : The state’s planning needs to look for vibrancy in the economy beyond the festival glitter, by Achyut Wagle (kp), CJ Under Public Scrutiny, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Democracy without monarchy, and monarchy without democracy not relevant in Nepal: Former King Gyanendra (kh) [For all the justified criticism of the failed elite of the leading political parties, such open criticism of the foundations of the modern Nepali state must not be accepted! More than 17,000 people had to die before the institution of monarchy, which was responsible for the undesirable developments of the state for centuries, was finally abolished. With statements like this, Gyanendra is trying to exploit the failure of politicians to create new suffering for the people. What is needed is not a return to anti-democratic and authoritarian monarchy, but an immediate replacement of the failed party leaders by an upright and democratic generation of politicians!], NHRC calls for impartial investigation into Motipur incident (kh), SC orders govt to produce Ruby Khan before court on Thursday (kh), ‘Ordinance meant for combatting violence against women ineffective due to opposition’s protest’ (kh) [Thank you, Mr. Oli!]
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11/10/2021: Long march to justice : In suppressing dissent, the government is accelerating the decline of the Nepalese state (kp), Minister’s resignation soon after swearing-in shows rot runs deep : Question is not who got appointed and how, the question is how the system has failed over the years, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Four people killed in clash with police in Rupandehi : The clash ensued when police deployed to demolish illegal huts erected on government land were attacked by squatters, by Ghanashyam Gautam, Sanju Paudel and Amrita Anmol (kp), Ex-PM Bhattarai for resolving landless problems in a sustainable manner (kh), Trespassers on govt land will be punished: MoHA (kh) [???? But this does not justify the murder of desperate and homeless people! You are responsible for police actions!], SC orders police to produce Ruby Khan before court today (rep), China’s BRI in Nepal burdened with hollow promises as Rasuwagadhi border remains closed, by Govinda Luitel (kh), Programme for girl children fails to bear fruit in Karnali Province : The provincial government has launched ‘Bank Account for Daughters for Secure Life’ but many people in rural areas are unaware of the scheme, by Chandani Kathayat (kp), Unlocking the full potential of girls : One of the critical issues hindering a girl’s ability to reach her full potential is early marriage, by Partti Anttinen and Elke Wisch (kp), Support girls left behind due to gender discrimination, says UN Population Fund (ht), Congress lays claim to Bagmati chief minister seat : Coalition partners warn breach of agreement with CPN (Unified Socialist) could affect political alignment at the centre itself, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), ‘All governments lie’, Nepali startups and innovators say : Last week, Finance Minister Sharma promised to groom startups and innovators as soon as possible. But most of the startups the Post contacted do not think it will be implemented, by Krishana Prasain (kp)
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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), Minister Hamal, criticized for being appointed from CJ Rana’s quota, resigns (kh), 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), 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), 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), Sunsari tense after youth ‘commits suicide’ in police custody (rep), Police open fire during clash with squatters in Motipur Industrial Area (kh), 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), Curfew imposed in Motipur Industrial Area of Butwal (kh), Four people killed in clash between police and squatters (kh)
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09/10/2021: International Day of Girl Child: Discrimination must end at home (kh), 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), Responsibility of country’s development now rests on female ministers’ shoulders (rep), Carrying the Hindu nation agenda, Hamal becomes minister, by Arjun Oli (rep), 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 (kp), Decisions made through loopholes in law will haunt you forever: NC leader Thapa (kh), No truth on power sharing with judiciary, says Maoist Chair Dahal (kh), Foreign Policy in the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, by Rajeev Kunwar (kh), Pregnant women in rural Achham still dying for want of timely medical care : Lack of health awareness, poverty, geographical remoteness and non-cooperation of family lead most women to go for home births despite risks, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Due Diligence Of Civil Society, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Tragedy of the Commons, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep)
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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), 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), The pursuit of justice : Security establishments cannot continue to shield their officers accused of extrajudicial killings (kp), Government withdraws Civil Service Bill from Parliament (kh), Govt to withdraw four bills (rep), Bote community demands unhindered access to fish in Chitwan park rivers : Park officials are reluctant to issue licences to more Bote people because of conservation efforts targeted at preserving the aquatic life in the area, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), 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), 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), PM Deuba expands cabinet after 88 days of taking charge of government (With list) (kh), Cabinet gets full shape nearly three months after formation of new govt (rep), Cabinet Gets Full Shape (rn), Climate crises affecting children’s learning and protection (kh), As Political Uncertainty Looms Ominously…, by Dipak Gyawali (sp)
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07/10/2021: Truth above all else : Restriction of media freedom would, in effect, lead to the limitation of civil liberties (kp), Government employees in politics: Court issues interim order against it : The interim order has given hopes as partisan of employees along the political ideology has been directly reflected in the service delivery and favoritism based on affiliation to a particular political party has become visible (nlt), Nepal’s surplus energy is going to waste as there are no buyers yet : The country is losing millions of rupees due to  non-utilisation of available power output, which exposes authorities’ policy failure and their myopic vision, by Pritvhvi Man Shrestha (kp), 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), Private sector wants MCC compact endorsed from Parliament : Amid controversy surrounding the US aid, three trade associations say the programme has economic benefits for Nepal, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), 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), Increasing Costs Hinder Justice Delivery, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Indian ignorance on Nepal : Few Indians seem aware that China’s debt diplomacy is something endlessly discussed in Nepal, by Viswas Baral (ae), No political joy this Dashain : If our politicians were serious about bringing people some festive joy, nobody would have to worry about how to celebrate Dashain, by Lok Raj Dahal (ae)
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06/10/2021: The pandemic has further increased Nepali children’s vulnerability to forced labor and trafficking : In a recent incident, a total of 12 Nepali children who left for work to India after pandemic canceled classes were rescued by human rights organizations, by Rishav Sapkota (nlt), Sexual exploitation of minors unabated in capital, authorities mum, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), ‘Fair criticism of court and verdicts does not amount to contempt of court’ : In full text of verdict quashing petition seeking contempt charges against Kantipur, court emphasises freedom of expression and public opinions, even in sub judice cases, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The rot runs deep : This nexus between the pillars of democracy is nothing short of malfeasance in office (kp), Internal income of province should be 50 percent’ (kh), Developing country, here we come : Nepal’s graduation from LDC status is imminent, and the private sector seems to have stage fright, by Bijendra Man Shakya (kp), Distribution of ministerial berths among ruling coalition decided, NC to hold eight ministries (rep), Into the World of Tax-free and Stigma-free Period, by Monika Shrestha (rep), FNCCI, CNI and NCC seek ratification of MCC (kh)
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05/10/2021: Call to free judiciary from political influence (kh), As chief justice comes under scrutiny, concerns grow if the rot has set in : Judiciary head getting caught into controversy over ‘bargains’ with executive when legislature is dysfunctional bodes ill for democracy and constitution, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Ugly connivance: People deserve to know about the ‘secret deal’ between the Judiciary and the Executive : The erosion we see today in major organs of the state—the legislative, the executive and the judiciary—will lead to an unimaginable disaster if it is left unchecked (nlt), Undeclared blockade by China: Over 1000 trucks stuck at Tatopani and Kerung borders : Less than 20 containers enter Nepal daily from these borders (kh), Take up border issue with Beijing, Home Ministry asks Foreign Ministry : Communication comes ahead of the 60th anniversary  of signing of Nepal-China Boundary Treaty, which called  for joint inspection every 10 years, by Anil Giri (kp), Service unavailable : On no pretext can the utility and communication service providers create an information abyss (kp), Towards multi-modal connectivity : With geopolitics rapidly changing, Nepal needs to make multi-modal connectivity a reality, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Ruling parties agree to expand cabinet soon (kh) [You have been claiming this for almost three months!], UML protests continues in HoR, House postponed in eight minutes : Next meeting scheduled for Friday (kh) [As prime minister, Oli repeatedly shut down parliament to push through his authoritarian and sometimes unconstitutional moves. As a no-longer-prime minister, he blocks the work of the elected people' s representatives from the inside! Yet Nepal calls itself a parliamentary democracy!]
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04/120/2021: A country where victimization of vulnerable women in the name of practicing witchcraft is still rampant : In Nepal, there’s still no let up in cases of violence based on witchcraft accusations, despite the fact that the country’s law has criminalized it, by Anushka Nepal (nlt), National Women Commission gears up its activities (kh), 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), Internet service affected in many areas across country following NEA's move (ht), UN help for justice : With the Maoists enjoying immense power and clout here, it will be difficult to push the transitional justice mechanism forward (ht, [Not only the Maoists, also those who were then responsible for the state forces re in power!), Directly elected prime minister idea floated at UML convention : Observers warn against the idea saying that it will make the executive more autocratic, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Please, no autocrats in the style of Oli!], 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), Chief Justice Rana refutes allegation that he sought share in cabinet (kh), Nepal Bar warns of agitation against leadership of judiciary and government (kh), Not always in the public interest : The number of Public Interest Litigation cases is rising every year and while this could be a good thing, many are simply being filed for publicity and to fulfill personal interests, by Prasansha Rimal (rec)
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03/10/2021: Cash scheme for poor families likely to get delayed : Finance Ministry says it plans to distribute the cash before Dashain but the working procedures have not been approved yet, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Fair probe into Paudel’s killing doubtful, advocates say : Supreme Court has directed Sarlahi District Attorney’s Office to register the case after repeated refusals by police, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Police officers who refuse to do their duty should face consequences!], Regional security after Taliban takeover : Nepal needs to be concerned about its preparedness for  preventing and countering  violent extremism, by Surendra Shah and Bam Bahadur Bhandari (kp), Early Polls Go Against SC Verdicts, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Constitutionally compromised : The constitution mandates the chief justice be a member of a council that makes constitutional appointments while also leading a judicial bench that oversees those same appointments, by Robin Sharma (rec)
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02/10/2021: No more dishonest rigmarole on the MCC grant: Let parliament decide its fate : Rejection of MCC may put us in such a situation that China, too, might see us as an unreliable partner in BRI cooperation (nlt), As Non-Aligned Movement marks 60 years, many are questioning its relevance : Experts say new alliances are emerging and the world is heading to become multi-polar, so Nepal needs to tread cautiously while disengaging itself from strategic alliances, by Anil Giri (kp), Beyond System Of Interstate Relations, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), After the fall, UML hatches comeback plan around Oli cult : he party is holding its first statute congress, setting the stage for Oli to become the uncontested leader and shunning collective leadership and organisational system, by Anil Giri (kp) [The hope remains that the voters are clever enough not to give another chance to someone who has tried to destroy the constitution and parliamentary democracy!], Elections are costly and fuel corruption. But there has been no check : Overspending has become a norm but poll body has failed to curb practice, observers say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [There is even a politician who has twice in the past nine months initiated new elections in a completely superfluous manner and ultimately in vain, thus causing great costs to the state!], No ground to charge ex-chief justices with contempt of court, top court observes (kp) [If there is anyone who should be prosecuted for repeated contempt of court, it is KP Oli!], Kathmandu yet to see Dashain travel rush : Many people cite reduced incomes due to the pandemic as the reason for cancelling their annual holiday journeys home, by Anup Ojha (kp)
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01/10/2021:  Nepali state has lied, once again, on transitional justice, conflict victims say : Those awaiting justice write to UN chief, urging him to use his good offices to help conclude stalled peace process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Four former chief justices acquitted in contempt of court case (kh), Money isn’t enough : We need to hold a wider discussion on how we plan to manage the ageing population (kp), Policy interrupted : Rather than non-alignment, Nepal’s foreign policy represents a lack of continuity, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), 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), Female foeticide to football : From an unwanted daughter to Nepal’s national footballer, by Srijana Singh Thakuri (nt), 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), We need to talk about climate change trauma : In addition to building resilience against climate change, we must also come to terms with the trauma it leaves us with, by Shuvam Rizal (rec)
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30/09/2021: Scattered mess: Nepal surely needs a new generation of leadership, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Data discrepancy: Ministry providing confusing numbers on vaccination : 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, by Arjun Poudel (kp), UML continues Parliament obstruction as KP Oli pitches for early elections : Experts argue that UML has challenged the Speaker’s move in court so it should wait until the court gives its verdict, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The MPs were elected to represent the people and not the parties. Perhaps voters should think twice at the next elections before voting for a party that prevents the legislature from doing its much-needed work!], All-party meeting ends without any transient results : Urges UML Chair Oli not to obstruct parliament (kh), 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), Authorities may no longer fast-track procurement of medical goods : They will now have to follow regular procurement process, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Activists want President to act to convert ‘Kathmandu View Tower’ into National Library : Thousands of books and historical manuscripts are at risk of damage as the Lalitpur-based National Library building has fallen into disrepair following the 2015 earthquakes, by Anup Ojha (kp), Assessing the country’s total wealth, by Shanker Man Singh (rep), Appointments to constitutional bodies : CJ urged to resume hearing on cases (ht), Overcoming Democratic Deficit, by Mukti Rijal (rn)
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29/09/2021: Haphazard extraction of riverbed materials poses risk to settlements in Bajhang : Vast tracts of arable land have been swept away due to unchecked riverbank erosion along the Seti river in last few years, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Government spent big in just four days : A government shutdown situation had halted government spending for several days, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Why is Oli right this time? Experts question motive behind introducing and repealing the ordinance on political parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Tentacles of the treatment industry : What Nepal needs most are more barefoot doctors taking their services to the people’s doorsteps, by CK Lal(kp), Writ filed seeking annulment of oath taken by Foreign Minister Khadka (rep), Hearing on case against Speaker Sapkota deferred again (rep), Poverty In Nepal, by Dixya Poudel (rn)
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28/09/2021: The right to know : Effective implementation of the RTI Act is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in Nepal, by Mahendra Man Gurung (kp), President revokes ordinance on political parties (kh), Why Planning Fails in Nepal?, by Sambisha Godi (kh), Abrupt withdrawal of ordinance relating to political parties shows it was meant for UML split: KP Oli (kh) [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), 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), Malnutrition a cause for concern in Sudurpaschim : As per a 2016 survey, 36 percent of children under five were stunted, nine percent wasted, and 28 percent were underweight in the province, by Arjun Shah (kp), Thief’s route : The non-disclosure provision is just a garb to provide sanctuary to a narrow, exclusive circle (kp), Communist curse on Nepal’s development : Nepali communists need to transform themselves and prove that they are not anti-development, by Achyut Wagle (kp), 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!], Girl killed for rejecting marriage proposal (rep), MCC compact agreement cannot be amended only for Nepal: FM Khadka (rep) [????? This must be decided by the US government, not by the Nepali Foreign Minister! For Nepal, the only question is whether or not it can justify signing or refusing to sign.]
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27/09/2021: Ordinance relating to Political Parties will be withdrawn today: Prachanda (kh) [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!], 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), Maoist Center decides to hold consultation with coalition partners to give full shape to the cabinet (rep), Over 1,000 containers carrying goods imported by Nepali traders stopped at Nepal-China border (kh) [Perhaps Nepal should reconsider its position on BRI. Nepal has nothing at all to gain from such trade relations!],  No need to disclose investment source raises money laundering risk : Even though intent of not seeking source of investment may be good, it can have consequences, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Move on infra investment opposed (ht), Government policies fail to reduce infant mortality rate in Palpa : The number of infant deaths has increased across the district in last four years despite several programmes implemented at the local and district levels to save mothers and babies. For every 100,000 births, 229 women die during or after childbirth in Nepal, data show, by Madhab Aryal (kp), Flawed constitution has increased political instability: Chairman Thakur (rep), Budget crunch hits shelter programme for citizens (ht)
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26/09/2021: Freed Kamlaris yet to receive identity card (kh), Oli’s document and his foreign policy duplicity—when in and out of power : Ahead of UML’s statute convention and elections, party chair is ratcheting up his old nationalistic rhetoric, again, by Anil Giri (kp), 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), Ruling coalition urges PM Deuba to take immediate decision on Ordinance (kh), Falling remittances, foreign currency reserves worrisome amid resurging imports :Nepal’s imports surged by 75.7 percent while remittances fell by 18.1 percent in the first month of the new fiscal year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), No takers for houses at Dolakha integrated settlement : A majority of beneficiaries have decided to stay back in their old village because they do not want to leave behind their farmland and cattle. The integrated settlement has been constructed for the quake-displaced Thamicommunity, by Kedar Shiwakoti (kp), In the name of Development Aid, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (rep)
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25/09/2021: Top court in the dock as the Constitutional Bench issue gets even more complicated : Chief justice last month decided to recuse from hearing, but benches set by him have created more confusion, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Women and activists see red over pink tax : The government last fiscal year collected Rs342.31 million in revenue from imports of  sanitary napkins. Calls grow to ensure easy accessibility of menstrual hygiene products, by Krishana Prasain and Aakriti Ghimire ( kp), 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), Musahar children can’t enrol in schools for lack of birth certificates : Child marriage, which is illegal in Nepal, is still common in the community leading to unregistered births of children from underage marriages, by Bharat Jargha Magar (kp) [Every child living in Nepal has a right to unhindered school attendance! What does this have to do with birth documents denied out of narrow-minded and partly patriarchal ways of thinking?], Leaders blamed for slow progress to achieve SDG 16 (ht), Government, development partners join forces on Nepal's GRID (ht), Framing Independent Foreign Policy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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24/09/2021: Hand-picking leadership in sister wings, parties undermine democracy : Political observers say appointing the leadership—be it in the mother parties or in the sister wings—reflects the dwindling democratic practice among the parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Child goes missing in a drain in Kathmandu : Who is responsible?, by Smriti Dhungana (rep), Watch your step : Neglected open sewers in the city should be a matter of criminal negligence (kp), Speaker Sapkota urges UML lawmakers not to comment on sub judice matters (rep), Social Beliefs On Menstruation Take Tolls On Youths’ Mental Health, by Smita Adhikari (rn), 'No changes made in the tax imposed on sanitary pads in new budget' (rep), "Do not impose tax on my period" (Photo feature) (rep), ADB's projections : Since immunisation is key to economic recovery, it behooves the govt to speed up the vaccination campaign (ht), Progress toward SDGs disappointing (rep), Sino-Nepal ties in the ‘post-Afghan’ era : The MCC debate in Nepal must be seen in the context of Asia’s restructured geopolitics, by Bhaskar Koirala (nt
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23/09/2021: 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), Welcome home : The government should appoint a larger number of career diplomats to our diplomatic missions abroad (kp) [There should be no political nominations at all!], New rule may prevent conflicts of interest in user groups : Elected officials, office-bearers of political parties and government staff, among others, may be denied seats on user committees for public projects, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), President authenticates appropriation bill ending government shutdown : Bill was passed by upper house majority Thursday (kp), Unified Socialist decides against passage of MCC in current situation (kh), Unified Socialist picks seven vice-chair, forms 301-member Central Committee (kh) [The newly formed CPN (Unified Socialist) is proving to be no more socially inclusive than the older parties. Only six percent of the population are male Bahuns, but the party is headed by three male Bahuns, and of the seven deputy chairpersons, all men, two are Bahuns. General Secretary is a male Bahun, among his three deputies is another male Bahun. There is also another Bahun among the four secretaries. Here, Ram Kumari Jhankri is the only woman among the party's 18 top leaders.Thus, the new CPN (US) violates the provisions of Article 15 of the Political Party Act and does not represent Nepal's society any more than do the other major parties!], Nepal needs annual budget of Rs 2 trillion 25 billion under SDGs (kh)
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22/09/2021: UML’s partisan politics enters upper house, as members demand Speaker’s resignation : Observers say Nepali parties have failed to comprehend the spirit of the National Assembly and made it a platform to squabble over petty interests, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Perhaps it is not necessarily the parties, but rather the old, long-since failed and anti-democratic so-called party leaders who should be sent packing if Nepal is finally to come to its senses politically!], The birth and life of Nepal’s most iconic revolutionary song : Once anathema to the regime, ‘Gaun Gaun Bata Utha’ has become go-to anthem for change, by Ankit Khadgi (kp) [Time to sing this song again!], 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), Fix Term Age Limits For Politicians, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
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21/09/2021: 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), Getting there, slowly : The government should discourage people from gathering in big crowds as markets reopen (kp), Resilient Nepalis : Crises seem to spur Nepalis to achieve the impossible, as we witnessed in the months after the earthquake, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Maoist Center to select all level leadership via election (kh), Insult to the titles : The govt must honour only those who have made contributions to the nation from outside public office (ht)
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20/09/2021: Just another day : Even as we celebrate the constitution, we must remember that large sections still feel neglected (kp) [This is a constitution of the ruling male highcaste elite who have thus secured their privileges. The representatives of the people were only allowed to nod off in 2015!], Civic group marches in Kathmandu to demand amendments to constitution : Activists call for unity among the marginalised, as they call for efforts to ensure wider acceptance of the charter, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Ordinary people vent their frustrations on Constitution Day, by Anup Ojha (kp), 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) [Both Oli and Deuba are guilty of this, but ultimately so is the president, whose main task is to prevent this!], Yangma residents deprived of even basic services : The remote village in Taplejung does not have health, education and communication services, by Ananda Gautam (kp), Lower house endorses budget amid UML protest : The bill now will be sent to the upper house. The government shutdown would be lifted once the bill gets through (kp), To MCC or not to MCC : The MCC debate, explained, by Pranaya SJB Rana (rec)
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19/09/2021: Six years since promulgation, problems remain with the constitution : Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, and women are still unable to take ownership of the statute due to the document’s failure to encompass their aspirations, by Prasansha Rimal (rec) [This was the intention of the high-caste male party leaders who had given this constitution to their MPs for an unopposed vote in blatant violation of the interim constitution!], At six, constitution’s fragility has only grown, observers say : Those who promulgated the charter have remained non-committal on its implementation and those who once objected to it lack the heft to push for amendments, by Binod Ghimire (kp), We promulgated the Constitution despite threats and intimidation: UML leader Nemwang (kh) [But you did it in grave violation of the 2013 interim constitution: not socially inclusive elected representatives of the people, but the traditional male highcaste elite of the parties decided on the constitution, securing their privileges in the process! Already in the nomination process for the FPTP system, the inclusion required by Article 63 (4) was grossly disregarded!], Tharu community to observe Constitution Day as a black day (kh), Constitution needs to be rewritten: Prabhu Sah (CPN-UML) (kh) Media persons reject govt-conferred medals and honors on Constitution Day (kh), Constitution Day award ceremony draws widespread criticism (rep), Pro-monarchy groups holding demonstration restoration of 1991 Constitution (kh), Talks on to clear Parliament impasse, but no deal in sight : There is a rumour in the political circle that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba  and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli are aiming for early elections. Oli wants the House dissolved to see  himself  vindicated, Nepali Congress spokesperson says, by Anil Giri (kp) [Early elections will not solve the many problems as long as there is no alternative to failed and anti-democratic politicians like Oli, Deuba, Dahal etc.! There is no justification for Oli's coup and his repeated breaches of the constitution anyway!], NC leader Sharma proposes term-limits for executive posts in government (kh) [A very good suggestion! Moreover, persons who have plotted against the state and parliamentary democracy should never again be allowed to hold political office and be admitted to elections!], Selection of undeserving projects is one of the main causes of slow capital expenditure: Finmin Sharma (rep), Govt spent Rs 207.20 million from state coffers in two days after budget holiday (rep), Controversial amendment to Income Tax Act: Manipulation to legalize illegal property, by Dilip Ppudel (rep)
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18/09/2021: Adoption of official languages recommended for provinces challenging, experts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Indo-Pacific Strategy and its possible impact on Nepalese Economy, by Sagar Jung Karki (kh), Will Kalapani residents fit into ‘my census, my participation’ motto? Central Bureau of Statistics, the agency conducting  the national census, is not sure whether it could count households and number of people in the region physically., by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Anil Giri (kp), Big confusion as top body responding to Covid-19 becomes defunct : At a time when the government is facing a financial gridlock, the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre getting invalid could spell a catastrophe, experts warn, by Tike R Pradhan a nd Sangam Prasain (kp), Why is Nepal facing a government shutdown? (kp), Need for clear action plan to abolish untouchability from country stressed (ht), Breaking The Sluggish Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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17/09/2021: Land to landless is more political than a socioeconomic issue : Yet another commission formed, 14th since 1990, but the landless people’s problems  persist, as governments have failed to find a permanent solution, by Binod Ghimire (kp), COVID-19 control work hit over failure to endorse budget (kh), Coalition leaders divided over power-sharing deal; task-force assigned to resolve (kh), Malnutrition cases up several fold amid Covid-19 pandemic : Severity and deaths will increase if malnourished children are infected with the coronavirus, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Hard times for kids : Failure to address the present crisis of the children is bound to be reflected in the future (kp), An urban horror story : Nepal’s cities are a disaster waiting to happen. What can we do about it?, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), UML attacking state organs to dissolve parliament and push country to mid-term polls: Rastriya Janamorcha (kh), ‘Some elements using MCC as weapon in bid to dismantle ruling coalition’ (kh), Make it systematic : It is imperative to ensure banking services in all the local levels to make the social security scheme more systematic (ht)
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16/09/2021: Country’s three key state organs are in disarray : The executive is hobbling, legislature is facing an impasse, and the judiciary is caught in tangles, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), UML looks set for a showdown amid spending halt : Ruling alliance may steamroller the budget through lower house, but its passage from upper house looks difficult without a deal with main opposition, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp), Prime Minister Deuba’s Cabinet expansion woes (kp), Local bodies want to exercise constitutional rights freely: Mayor Shrestha (kh), Deuba Cabinet expansion faces ordinance hurdle (kp)
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15/09/2021: Six years of ethnonational upsurge : Khas-Arya supremacists consider the Divya Upadesh to be the manual of nationalism, by CK Lal (kp), 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), Child marriage cases up by 31.25pc (ht), Bedlam in parliament: Speaker's political bias to blame, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Which Socialism They Mean, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), MCC For Electricity Infrastructure, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
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14/09/2021: The perils of toxic rhetoric : Politicians are crossing ethical lines by employing toxic language to demean and attack their opponents, and it seems that the public approves, by Jagadish Paudel (rec), Replacement bill stuck in the parliament, govt expenditure to be affected for few days (kh), House of ruckus : Unruly behaviour reflects poorly not just on the representatives but on the people too (kp), House obstructions, if continue, can lead to financial deadlock : As Speaker fails to resolve the crisis, there are concerns the government may have its hands tied when it comes to spending, with just two days to get the budget endorsed, by Tika R Pradhan and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Behind the anti-MCC protests : Will Nepal remain in the world’s democratic club or be a decoy agent for strategic powers?, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Journo Dixit files FIR against defamation circulated via fake ‘MCC’ document (kh), SC issues interim order allowing lawmakers Pandey and Sharda Devi to join Unified Socialist (kh), SC paves way for UML lawmakers Pandey and Bhatta to join (Unified Socialist) party (rep), UML obstructs parliament meeting today as well : Next meeting on September 20 (kh), 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), Building back stronger with nature ; Investments in forestry, ecotourism and organic agriculture could help in resilient recovery from the pandemic, by Lily Shrestha and Nabin Bhattarai (rep), Retired SC justice moves apex court : The constitution does not prevent retired judges from filing a case in the court, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)
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13/09/2021: ‘Example of compulsory and free education act is enough to know status of law implementation’ (kh), Court puts brakes on arbitrary hirings at public entities, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), UML Chair Oli’s writ assigned to Deepak Kumar Karki and Mira Khadka’s bench : UML Chair Oli's writ assigned to Deepak Kumar Karki and Mira Khadka's bench (kh) [By the way, when will Oli actually pay for all the damage he has caused with his repeated breaches of the constitution, contempt of court and completely pointless initiations of electoral processes?], UML demands resignation of Speaker; not to attend all-party meet (kh), MCC officials wrap up visit hoping the US programme’s ratification : A message, however, is clear to Nepali leadership—it has already been too late and further delay could impact  economic recovery at a time of the pandemic, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), What MCC is and what it is not, by Jagadish Paudel (rep), 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), Rs 750 million allocated for free repatriation of stranded migrant workers, only Rs 13.5 million used, by Rudra Khadka (rep)
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12/09/2021: Cabinet expansion to be delayed as ruling coalition meet strikes no chords (kh), Coalition partners fail to agree on Cabinet expansion : While CPN (Unified Socialist) wants Deuba to wait until Monday, Janata Samajbadi says it won’t join the government unless the party split provisions are changed (kp), MCC ratification delay slows down transmission project implementation : Four years into signing, the agreement is languishing in Parliament, as US officials are in town to make a final push, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), A teacher’s tale : Leaders squabble over the age of the members, but not about their status as students, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Speaker calls all-party meeting for tomorrow (kh), Corruption continues to plague local levels (ht), Let Parliament Run Smoothly, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Entrepreneurs warn to picket Singha Durbar if tourism business is not allowed to open soon (rep), Govt claims to achieve inflated economic growth rate without introducing concrete programs (rep) [??], Dreaming of a Government of Technocrats, by Simone Galimberti (rep)
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11/09/2021: Deuba tells US delegation he is hopeful of MCC ratification soon : Millennium Challenge Corporation officials continue meetings as the fate of the US  programme hangs in the balance, with the Maoist Centre not making a clear position, by Anil Giri (kp) [Such a desperate struggle to finally give Nepal 500 million US dollars completely selflessly? Sounds strange somehow!], Congress may have avoided risk of invalidation but challenges remain : The party has written to the poll body, informing about the start of its convention at the ward level. The party’s 13th general convention was held on  March 3-6, 2016, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), 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), Onus on Speaker Sapkota to fix broken House of Representatives, observers say : As the presiding officer of the legislative body, they say the Speaker should take the initiative to diffuse the situation, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Replacement Bill passed amidst mayhem, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [What a shame! This behaviour in parliament is unworthy of representatives of the people and damages Nepal's reputation in the world!], Democracy Needs Enlightened Citizens, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Flood Victims Of Banke Living In Forests For 30 Years, by Siraj Khan (rn)
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10/09/2021: Political parties are holding Parliament hostage : The government, the opposition and the Speaker are only concerned about petty party interests, a former Speaker says, by Binod Ghimire (kp), US officials get down to business with a series of meetings, starting with Oli : MCC delegation is in Kathmandu for what appears to be one last push to get the American programme through Nepal Parliament, as the aid project hangs in the balance, by Anil Giri (kp), PM calls National Security Council meeting amid sporadic protests against MCC (rep), Major highlights of substitution budget introduced by Finance Minister Sharma (rep), Govt to provide Rs 10,000 in grant to about 500,000 poor and needy families (kh), Nepal less and less able to feed itself : Growing population, rising income and stagnant domestic production mean more dependence on food imports to meet growing demand, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)
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09/09/2021: Security tightened in Valley targeting MCC Vice Chair Fatema’s Nepal visit (kh), 15 arrested while trying to show black flag to MCC delegation in Koteshwor (kh), Fringe parties stage protest against MCC (ht), MCC delegation calls on Unified Socialist Chair Nepal (kh), MCC responds to Nepal’s concerns ahead of its top officials’ arrival : The response comes as House session starts in Kathmandu amid differences among ruling partners  over the US programme’s parliamentary ratification, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Anil Giri (kp), Deuba’s diplomacy of expedience, by Biswas Baral (ae), MCC compact : Decide now : If the US does not revise the compact and if there is no broad political consensus, it is better to reject the compact than risk further instability, by Pragya Ghimire (ae), Crime and turpitude : A series of murders points to lawlessness and the degeneration of society (kp), Give Momentum To TRC, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Solving Landless People Problem in Nepal, by Keshav Bhattarai (rep)l
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08/09/2021: Dozens of people registered as disappeared during Maoist insurgency found alive : In the last six years, the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons has received 3,223 complaints of enforced disappearances implicating either security forces or the rebel Maoists.Commission has found 2,494 cases that fall under its jurisdiction for investigation, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Large number of children deprived of virtual learning, UNICEF survey shows : For 63 percent of children, textbooks are the only source of information. The survey was carried out among 6,643 children and guardians across the  seven provinces, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC receives writ petition against Home Ministry’s statement (kh), Parliament meeting adjourned; to meet again on Sept 10 (kh) [Preventing parliamentary work or even dissolving it is an anti-democratic speciality of Oli and his CPN-UM! Nepal does not have a party democracy but a parliamentary democracy with MPs who should only be accountable to the sovereign people and their conscience!!], MCC has no hidden agenda: Vice President Fatema (kh) [Yes, just like the Chinese BRI!], Nepal: Bridge or ‘Burden’ to China’s South Asia Ambitions?, by Gaurav Bhattarai (rep), Respect Women’s Dignity, by Namrata Sharma (rn)
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07/09/2021: Take it easy  : Dissent and debate are quintessential elements of democracy (kp), Why parliamentary transparency matters : Parliamentary record-keeping in our case has been somewhat superficial, by Shraddha Pokharel (kp), Govt set to conduct National Census-2021 from Nov 11 to 25 (kh), 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), Moment of truth for Nepal on MCC, by Dai Yonghong (rep)
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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), HM warns not to protest against neighbouring countries (ht) [A government that suppresses freedom of opinion is not democratic!], Six arrested from outside U.S. Embassy in Maharajgunj (kh), Pouring destruction Floods will be recurring tragedies if we do not act on them immediately (kp), Government prepares to endorse MCC agreement through parliament, security vigilance upped across the country, by Tapendra Karki (rep), Enhancing women’s access to finance : As a first step, we need to identify the actual needs and study international practices, by Shreya Subedi (kp), Political Party Act odinance : Ruckus expected from UML in HoR (ht), Cases of witchcraft allegation rise by 79.41pc in 2020-21 (ht), Language Commission recommends province-wise official languages before government (kh), NC leader Thapa accuses govt of making series of wrong decisions (kh)
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05/09/2021: President summons Federal Parliament meetings (kh), CJ Rana hearing writ filed against EC, Speaker today (kh), 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), Why Gagan Thapa’s candidacy can be good gesture for Congress—and other parties : Amid growing leadership handover debate, Thapa is set to contest for party general secretary, five years after an unsuccessful attempt for the same post, by Anil Giri (kp), Hearing on cases related to constitutional appointments in limboThe Supreme Court has issued an interim order to first settle whether the Constitutional Bench can sit without the chief justice, who has recused himself from the hearing, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Lamenting The Party Split, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Government on statement spree over protests, debates : After warning of action against those making statements on foreign-funded development projects, ministry objects to protests against Indian prime minister (kp)
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04/09/2021: Court observation on public debate on sub judice cases raises questions : Restricting public discourse could be tantamount to gag order, which is a detriment to democracy, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt starts preparation for new session of parliament (kh) [Thanks to the prorogation of the House of Representatives and the immediate subsequent amendment of the Political Party Act, the parties were able to split to secure the Deuba government. Now the legislature of the elected representatives of the people can get back to work!], Cabinet requests Prez to summon house session on September 8 (rep), Overcoming Crisis Of Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Tackle Human Trafficking, by Aashish Mishra (rn), Earthquake Victims Of Barpak Dalit  Settlement Await Reconstruction, by Narendra Dhakal (rn), Nepal writes to the US to clarify ‘controversial’ provisions of MCC agreement (rep)
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03/09/2021: Govt to mark 7th Constitution Day for three days (kh) [The celebration of a constitution that the male leaders refuse to implement and some of them already want to revise?  Ex-Prime Minister Oli even wanted to destroy it!], Trivialising the apex court : When the executive flouts the judiciary’s decisions, it raises questions on the constitution’s legitimacy, by Bijesh Joshi and Laabhesh Thapa (kp), Lack of political culture has bred mistrust among parties, observers say : Unable to trust the Maoists, Deuba has started approaching the main opposition, CPN-UML, mainly for the endorsement of the bill on the MCC grant. The level of distrust among the state organs too is deepening, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal’s PM, too, hasn’t assertively said they have accepted EPG report, interview with SD Muni (kh), 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), No official communication on Darchula issue from Nepal yet, India says, by Rajesh Misdhra (kp), Supreme Court stays hearing on appointments in constitutional bodies, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), After Supreme Court’s interim order on Constitutional Bench, NBA calls Advisory Council meet (kh), 10 arrested from anti-MCC demonstration in front of US Embassy (rep), Madhav Nepal’s CPN (Unified Center)’s student union burns effigy of Indian PM Modi (rep), Federalism: Is It a White Elephant?, by Rajendra Koirala (rep) [The problem is not federalism as such, but its opposition by the self-centred, anti-democratic male highcaste politicians. It sounds like 1960 when King Mahendra claimed that Nepal was not made for democracy!], The systemic silencing of stories of harassment : Stories of abuse and harassment at educational institutions continue to emerge but there are few consequences for the perpetrators, by Kabita Bahing (rec)
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02/09/2021: Families of persons disappeared during insurgency start filing criminal cases with police : Victim families say they have lost faith in the transitional justice commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Understanding the Tharu perspective on the 2015 Tikapur incident, by Prasansha Rimal (rec), Cycle of ineptitude : We should not expect much from a government by the least suitable people (kp), Nepal’s ‘socialist’ parties : Ordinary people rarely care about complicated political philosophies, say analysts, stressing that politicians should focus on delivery, not jargon, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Communists, socialists or whatever : The real test for Madhav Kumar Nepal’s outfit will come during the elections in a year’s time, by Deepak Thapa (kp),  Darchula incident makes a diplomatic test case with India for Deuba : Government has yet to make any position on Jaya Singh Dhami’s disappearance in Mahakali river, despite a probe committee submitting its report, by Anil Giri (kp), Curate Politics Thru Election System, by Mukti Rijal (rn), No citizenship, no job : Young Madhesis have been deprived of numerous opportunities as they can’t apply for citizenship. They can’t even go abroad for work, by Jitendra Narayan Thakur (ae), Young menace : Revival of militant youth groups is bad news for upcoming elections (ae), Prachanda-path 2.0 : If Prachanda and his Maoist Center intend to govern, they must return to their roots and empower individuals and local communities, by Bishal Thapa (ae), What fuels political instability in Nepal?, by Pratik Ghimire (ae)
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01/09/2021: A case of political déjà vu : Unfortunately, for the people of Nepal, we are entrapped in a maze of instability, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp), Let courts try cases : The issue of rights violations committed during the conflict will remain unsettled unless the TRC Act is amended (ht), Young Nepalis are waking up to the climate crisis, but officials aren’t listening, by Shuvam Rizal (rec), Living on the margins : Dhami’s story is the story of a democratic state failing to fulfil its responsibility (kp), 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) [As always, it's all about posts and access to funds! This generation of politicians will never change. They must be replaced urgently!], Shakya and Acharya may lose chief minister posts if they remain in UML : With some UML assembly members defecting to CPN (Unified Socialist), Oli supporters could slip into minority, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Hearing on murder case against Speaker Sapkota deferred again (rep), Recent UML political phenomena: Merger, forced termination, division, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
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31/08/2021: 'Allow regular courts to try conflict era cases' (ht), Nepal caught in virus geopolitical games as US and China spar over origin : Kathmandu should maintain a neutral position, as  Covid-19 crisis is not over yet and it cannot afford  to antagonise any friendly nations, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Anti-MCC people have nexus with China, interview with foreign affairs expert Arun Subedi (kh) [Nepal can desperately use this US aid. The problem is that everything the US initiates in South Asia is always part of its rivalry with China. They are not interested in the possible impact on Nepal's relationship with China!], 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), Unsavoury soup of cooked books : The disgraceful picture  portrayed by the auditor general’s report reflects lack of accountability, by Achyut Wagle (kp), BSP divided over issues of federalism and secularism : Party Chair Mishra, Coordinator Pandey call separate meetings (kh) [Rabindra Mishra is about to  dump his once hopeful party and himself in the dustbin of oblivion!], Bibeksheel Sajha on the verge of split, again : Party chair Rabindra Mishra and convener Milan Pandey have called separate meetings of the Central Committee on Thursday (kp) [Each and every member of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party should distance him/herself from the backward-looking chairman!], Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), PM Deuba’s defining moment, by Narayan Manandhar (rep)
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30/08/2021: Status of those  disappeared during insurgency continues to elude families : Conflict victims are not hopeful of the government’s  latest plan to conclude the transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Where are they? The failure to address insurgency-era grievances inhibits our ability to build a peaceful future (kp), Ensure justice for Nepal’s “Disappeared”: ICJ (kh), Nepal: ensure justice for Nepal’s “Disappeared” (ICJ), Nepal govt urged not to stop stalling enforced disappearance inquiries (rep), International rights bodies call on Nepal to stop stalling enforced disappearance inquiries : Three global rights organisations say that international partners should strongly back victims’ needs and credible legal process (kp), Judicial announcement of death made 21 years after disappearance, by Dinesh Subedi (rep), Right to reject: To vote or not to vote?, by Anoushka Pant (ht), Poll prospects of new parties depend on how alliances evolve : Formation of CPN (Unified Socialist) and Loktantrik Samajbadi could lead to vote splitting, and for them to gain, they will have to rely on others, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Journo Tripathi demands end of federalism and secularism, and restoration of monarchy (kh) [Another completely superfluous party. Why not turn back the wheel of history to the time before the Gorkhali conquests: no Shah monarchy, no Hindu state, no Bahunbad, just a garden of ethnic flowers, which Prithvi Narayan then abolished to establish his state of exclusion and social statification?], Gyanendra was dethroned, Oli was overthrown but the game for power continues: Bhattarai (rep)
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29/08/2021: In Nepal’s politics and governance, old faces rule the roost : Top leaders’ penchant for power and young generation’s failure to challenge the seniors have made leadership handover a distant dream, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [And they are overwhelmingly male Tagadharis, especially Bahuns, although the latter represent only a very small minority of six percent of the population! Is this the socially equal and inclusive Nepal that the same politicians promised in 2006 and again in 2008?], PM Deuba prepares to deactivate ordinance on party split before cabinet expansion (kh) [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) [Once again: Where is the difference to Oli?], Nepal’s budget allocations to repay foreign, domestic loans tripled in five years : Experts say it’s high time governments were more selective in borrowing with the debt to GDP ratio crossing 40 percent, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)
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28/08/2021: Six years after Tikapur incident, Tharus still wait for justice : Those who were tortured and sent to jails but acquitted say the state has failed them  and their entire community, with no political party willing to take up their cause, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rana not to sit on Constitutional Bench to hear case of controversial appointments : Questions were raised whether Rana should preside over the bench to hear the cases where he has conflict of interest, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), CJ Rana recuses self, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Divisive Politics Breeds Instability, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Nepal now has six national political parties (rep)
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27/08/2021: ‘Stability’, Nepal’s political parties said. And then they ruined the idea : Three and a half years after vote under new charter, the country is back to square one, and as polls are just around the corner, the spectre of the old vicious cycle looms large, by Anil Giri (kp), CPN (Unified Socialist) party in a dilemma to choose ministers : Too many aspirants make it difficult for Madhav Kumar Nepal to choose leaders from his party for ministerial berths in the Deuba-led government (rep) [Ministerial posts and other functions are all that top politicians have in mind!], Hearing on Constitutional council postponed after lawyers raise ethical questions against CJ Rana : CJ Rana likely to quit Bench (kh), CJ Rana not to be part of Constitutional Bench hearing case related to appointments to constitutional bodies (rep), Hearing postponed on mass murder case against NC lawmaker Alam (rep), Youth activists demand dismissal of rape-accused Karnali minister within 24 hours (rep), Hridayesh Tripathi to form a new party (rep) [Put an end to the moronic factionalism within all the major parties! Every party leader needs his own party! This will provide much needed political stability?!], Nepal’s unequal marriages : Men cheat and get away with it, while women are blamed for shaming the family, by Arjana Rajbhandary (nt)
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26/08/2021: Court’s intervention natural when leaders don’t follow charter, ex-chief justices say : Parties have the tendency of criticising the court  whenever rulings do not go their way, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal’s communist movement takes yet another turn : CPN-UML, the country’s largest party, splits. Madhav Nepal now leads the CPN (Unified Socialist), by Anil Giri (kp), A late start, perhaps We will have to wait to see whether Madhav Nepal bounces back or fades into obsolescence (kp), Madhav Nepal’s CPN (Unified Socialist) to join Deuba-led cabinet (rep), Government mulls options to ease growing burden of social security allowances : Observers call for alternatives even as safety net for the elderly, poor, vulnerable and needy is state’s responsibility, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Disaster preparedness sorely lacking in Karnali Province : Floods and landslides take lives and ravage properties in the province every year. Many people say the severity can be mitigated by prioritising preparedness, by Chandan Kathayat (kp), Nepal’s archaic land acquisition laws : Projects have failed to acquire land because of compensation disputes with locals, by Prem Khanal (kp), Political Cases Swamp Supreme Court, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Born unequal, treated unequally : The world treats people differently based on sex and it starts as soon as the gender of the fetus can be identified, by Balmukunda Regmi (ae), Nepal as a self-confident, educated, skilled and prosperous democracy, by Bipin Adhikari (ae)
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25/08/2021: Identifying the vulnerable: Key to reducing poverty, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Critique Of Non-Political Activism, by Bhupa P. Dhamala (rn), Migrant Workers Prone To Human Trafficking, by Namrata Sharma (rn), UML Chair Oli signals to move forward with proposal of a powerful chairman (kh) [The party leaders of CPN-UML and NC already have an undemocratically large amount of power. The autocrat Oli in particular, but also Deuba, have abused this time and again. Since Nepal does not practise democracy but party rule, this is particularly worrying. As part of an urgently needed revision of the Political Party Act, the power of party leaders should therefore also be significantly restricted.]
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24/08/2021: OAG report paints bleak picture of country’s fiscal governance (kh), Leader Nepal backs Ashta Lakshmi Shakya in Bagmati Province (kh), 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), 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), Impose inheritance tax to change politics : Family feuds generally revolve around ancestral assets in the form of land and property, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Six years on, Tikapur carnage victims still worried about justice (ht), Severe food crisis looms large in Bajura district (ht), Arrested journo freed, two constables suspended (ht), Congress In Driving Seat, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), The real ‘Gaijatra’: Sheer stupidity on display, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep)
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23/08/2021: In UML split, Maoist Centre sees chance at regaining its relevance : As Madhav Nepal moves to register new party, the former rebel party, under threat of being wiped out of political scene, appears to be major beneficiary besides Congress, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), How splits in parties may affect provincial politics, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Socialist centre in Nepal : A realistic vision or an ambitious idea? Some politicians, including Baburam Bhattarai, a former Maoist leader, have been making a pitch for bringing like-minded forces to build a new model of socialism, by Anil Giri (kp), Government yet to pay Nepal Airlines for last year’s Omni chartered flights : Payment remains stalled while the carrier faces acute financial problems due to flight suspensions, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Shambolic management : Official ineptitude cost too many lives during the second wave. We cannot let a repeat show happen (kp), Saptari flood victims crying for relief (kh), She wrestled for the nation, but is deprived of citizenship card : There is no provision for issuing a citizenship in the name of mother (ht)  [Nepal's high-caste patriarchal machos at the top of the state consider the land their property; women are only tolerated!], Piling arrears : Unless there is a change in the attitude of those in power, it would be futile to expect good governance (ht), Rein In Arrears (rn), UML Is What It Is Not, by Mukunda Raj Kattel (rn), Ruling alliance expresses serious concern over ‘threats’ issued by UML lawmakers against Speaker Sapkota (rep), Ruling coalition objects to UML’s ‘threat’ to House Speaker : Issuing a statement, Congress, Maoist Centre, Janata Samajbadi, Rastriya Janamorcha and Madhav Nepal group urge all to respect constitutional decorum (kp), 142 Cases Of Human Rights Violation Reported In A Month (rn) [see INSEC report)
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22/08/2021: How Hindu state idea is trying to gain ground in Nepal : Analysts say it is not easy to undo the achievements  guaranteed by the constitution, but threats remain, by Anil Giri (kp), Unity among good communists a must: Maoist Center leader Pun (kh) [And who are the good communists? Those who admit to being responsible for the deaths of 5,000 people during the Maoist insurgency but continue to deny any justice for the victims?], Auditor General’s report points out anomalies in pandemic management and procurements : The report also pointed out a substantial differences in  the prices of medical goods procured by the government agencies to combat Covid-19 in the fiscal year 2019-20, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), State treasury misused on pretext of peace, security, OAG report says (ht), Nepal’s bureaucracy seriously lacks accountability: 58th annual report of OAG (rep), Confrontation between UML and Speaker continues UML chair Oli has accused Speaker Sapkota of disregarding the party’s recommendation to dismiss 14 lawmakers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Can Nepal Lead Socialist Movement?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)
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21/08/2021: Will Deuba set a legacy different from his predecessor?, by Abhaya R. Joshi (kh), Thakur-Mahato group to participate in govt if newly proposed DSP gets EC’s go-ahead (kh), Alliance politics set to make a comeback as two parties split : Stability, a common refrain of Nepali politicians, goes up in the smoke as they squabble over power, partisan interests, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Pandemic rages on but money in Covid-19  fund remains unspent for past six months : Not a single rupee has been released from the Coronavirus Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund since January 27 (kp) [Cheers to the incompetence and ignorance of the former Prime Minister Oli!], There are only nine banking outlets serving every 100,000 people in Province 2: NRB (rep)
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20/08/2021: Implementation of basic humanitarian standards stressed (kh), An ordinance nation, and rule of law : How President, despite having  constitutional roles, can be instrumental in keeping political processes on track, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The question is whether now, unlike during the Oli government, the President actually waited a day to sign the bill to thoroughly review the ordinance. Or did she simply want to give Oli's CPN-UML enough time to expel the dissidents from the party so that they lost their MP status before the amended law took effect and MK Nepal's party could easily split.], UML mounts pressure on Speaker to initiate action against its 14 lawmakers : Speaker to forward action as per law (kh) [According to article 35 of the Political Party Act, the speaker has 15 days time to do so!], With ordinance challenged in court, doubts over Nepal and Thakur’s new parties : Six advocates have petitioned against Deuba government’s ordinance to ease party splits, demanding its annulment and actions based on it, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Apex court moved against ordinance amending PPA, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), UML cannot take action against 14 lawmakers: Lawmaker Devkota (kh) [In view of the Supreme Court ruling of 12 July, this is absolutely correct! The judgement is binding law also for Mr. Oli!], Karnali CM sees need of strengthening federalism for respect to martyrs (kh) [The implementation of federalism and secularism is not only important for the martyrs, but also for those who live today and in the future!], Nepal faction proposes new name for party–CPN (Ekikrit Samajbadi) (kp), Split in UML, JSP-N : What is true is that none of the political outfits that have broken away from the establishment have been able to expand their base (ht), People’s representative from Dalit community tied to a pole and beaten : Police nab 8 on assault allegation (kh), The Plights Of Rape Survivors And Criminal Investigation, by Govind Prasad Thapa (sp)
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19/08/2021: Pandemic may leave Nepal’s poor more deprived, report says, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), 17.4% people under poverty line in Nepal: Govt data : Highest in Karnali (39.5%); lowest in Bagmati (7%) (kh) [see Multidomensional Poverty Index by NPC et al. (report as PDF)], Most parties fare poorly on internal democracy : Parties have been postponing their conventions under various pretexts. Observers say this must end, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Aided by Deuba ordinance, dissidents split two parties : Madhav Nepal applies for CPN UML (Samajbadi) and Mahantha Thakur for Janata Samajbadi Party (Loktantrik), by Anil Giri (kp), The pot and the kettle : Deuba’s selfish act will go down in history as yet another beginning of the undoing of democracy (kp), PM Deuba, can you handle it?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh) [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), Shakya becomes first woman chief minister, by Subas Bidari (kp), Angling for the sympathy of conservatives : Rabindra  Mishra’s ‘alternative’ thoughts seem to have been fossilised in the bygone decades of the Panchayat era, by Deepak Thapa (kp), UML piles pressure on Speaker to dismiss 14 lawmakers (kh), Five writs filed at SC against ordinance on party split (kh), Petitions registered at Supreme Court against ordinance to amend Political Parties Act (kp), Distributive Justice in a Plot of Land, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Violence against women, by Nitesh Raj Joshi (ht), Afghan lessons for Nepal (ae), Rabindra Mishra: Nepal’s Trump. Like Trump, Mishra seeks to harness the grievances of Nepal’s privileged class whose traditional sources of authority are being challenged by the new republican, federal, decentralized, and secular structure, by Bishal Thapa (ae)
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18/08/2021: 18 years on, justice still a far cry for people killed by Nepali Army in Doramba (ht), It’s wrong to bring ordinance bypassing parliament, says NC leader Thapa (kh), 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), Ordinance lowers threshold for splitting parties (ht), House prorogued : The govt has deliberately undermined the role of the parliament by putting it under the shadow of the executive (ht) [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), Prez Bhandari issues ‘party-split’ ordinance (rep), Tharu Morcha in protest, pressuring government to implement past agreements : Brihat Nagarik Aandolan, an alliance of civil society members and people from various walks of life, supports the protest, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 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), Ghising outlines poor performance of power utility under previous leadership : While his appointment is challenged at the Supreme Court, Ghising has announced plans to increase domestic consumption and export electricity, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Antics of MCC critics : Given Nepal’s current situation, MCC or no MCC is not going to make any difference. The sky is not going to fall without the MCC, nor will we be having a heavenly ride with the MCC. Yet, the political forces in the opposition have found it to be a rallying cry, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), UML Samajwadi Party registered with Election Commission : Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal (kh), Mahantha Thakur registers JSP Nepal (Democratic) at EC : "Bicycle" as election symbol (kh), Nepal’s poverty was reduced to 17.4 percent before pandemic hit the country: NPC (rep)
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17/08/2021: 164 Nepalis return home from Afghanistan; 134 register their details : Foreign Ministry: 1,500 Nepalis in Afghanistan, NAFEA: 15,000 (kh), 118 Nepalis arrive from Afghanistan via Kuwait : Officials say they were working inside the US embassy in Kabul and evacuated by the Americans (kp), Nepalis in Kabul appeal for immediate rescue, by Yogendra Yogi (kh), Nepal scrambles to evacuate Nepalis from Afghanistan : Easier said than done, officials say, as the country lacks  diplomatic links and mechanisms, including dedicated ministers. Government relying on employing countries, by Anil Giri, Sangam Prasain and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Govt bringing ordinance to amend Political Parties Act 2017 : Province and local level representatives will be able to choose the party (kh) [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?], Govt's move to prorogue Parliament condemned, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 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) [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!], Oli expels 14 members of the Nepal faction as lawmakers : Decision comes amid an ordinance to ease laws for party split (kp), UML on the verge of split : UML dismisses 14 of its lawmakers, including Madhav Kumar Nepal (rep), Deuba-led govt, too, introduces ‘party-split’ ordinance (rep), SP leaders meet PM Deuba to discuss Madhesh agenda (kh), 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), Reimagining and owning politics : Why is politics—a value-neutral word–a taboo in Nepal?, by Sushav Niraula (kp)
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16/08/2021: Migrant workers’ contribution: Where is the Government?, by Nitish Lal Shrestha (kh), Half of the population already exposed to the virus, new study says : Experts caution against interpreting the number as achieving herd immunity and call for taking precautionary measures and scaling up vaccination, by Arjun Poudel (kp), 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), Snarling global geopolitics : How does Nepal sense it?,  by Madhav Shrestha (ht), Government to prorogue parliament session (kh) [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), Nepali citizens in Afghanistan plead for their immediate rescue after Taliban insurgents storm Kabul (rep)
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15/08/2021: Just as virus cases surge, non-Covid-19 patient numbers are rising too : Demand for oxygen doubled in Kathmandu in the past week. But authorities are still not focussing on  preventive measures like tests, experts say, by Arjun Poudel and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp ), Protesters demand justice for Krisala Chaudhary (rep), With major shifts in party organizations, Maoist Center’s CC meet concludes (kh) [But standing Committee not affected? The provision of the constitution applies to all party levels!], SC orders full ban on plastics (thinner than 40μ) within 21 days (kh), What the UN’s ‘Code Red’ climate report means for Nepal : With rising temperatures all but certain, Nepal must focus on a more realistic and comprehensive emissions reduction strategy, strong regional cooperation, and effective global diplomacy, by Shuvam Rizal (rec)
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14/08/2021: Women still face witchcraft charges in Sunsari : Rights activists say most of the victims of such allegations are women from marginalised communities, by Sumnim a Chamling (kp), 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), Nepal-Khanal faction mulling to form new party : Accuses Oli of moving ahead unilaterally (kh), Shift in political dynamics may lead to oversized governments in provinces, experts warn : With UML no longer in power at the centre, provincial governments are also undergoing shake-ups. But there is a risk of the new power-sharing deal leading to bloated cabinets, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Under Article 168 (9), the number of members of a provincial council of ministers is limited to a maximum of 20 per cent of the number of MPs in the province, for example, 8 in Karnali Province and 22 in Bagmati Province.], Monetary policy prioritises relief and recovery for the pandemic-hit : Extension of repayment deadline, availability of cheaper interest loans, refinance among the measures announced by the new policy, by Prtithvi Man Shrestha and Krishana Prasain (kp)
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13/08/2021: SC order on reservations draws flak, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 'Court prejudiced against reservation' (ht), They fail, we fall : Not even the rise of the Hindu right, monarchists, or the call to scrap federalism and secularism has united Nepal’s politicians (nt), 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), After the Melamchi disaster : Planners need to realise and accept that the era of megaprojects in Nepal is over, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Nepal’s Endless Democratic Transition, by Chandra D Bhatta (rn), SC’s division bench refuses to hear Aftab’s pleading citing conflict of interest (kh)
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12/08/2021: What new global climate report that paints a bleak picture means for Nepal : While poor nations should press rich countries to scale up aid, they should also try to be part of solution, experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), After authorities failed to ramp up antigen tests, kits are close to expiry : Health Ministry in May planned 25,000 antigen tests a day, but numbers hover around 5,000. Experts say no one is paying attention to testing, first step in fighting the virus, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Unions set up roadblock against long stalled aviation bills : The trade unions say they fear the government will gradually privatise the airports, causing them to lose their perks and pay, by Sangam Prasain (kp), A voice from nowhere: Battling for rights away from Kathmandu : Manoj Ram, a Parsa-based Dalit rights activist, believes it’s his moral duty to struggle against all odds for his community, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp), Poor economic health : Fiscal deficit cannot be reduced to the desired level unless the government takes measures to increase the production base (ht), Nepal’s rightwing fallacy: The question is, which part of the current political system is unique to Nepal? (ae) [fUnique to the multiethnic and multicultural society of Nepal or unique to the small elite of male Bahuns and Chhetris?]
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11/08/2021: The fishing village and the stolen boat : They stole our ghats. They stole our boats. They stole our rivers and our fish. Crushers in our rivers, they even stole the lands of our ancestors, by Raju Syangtan (rec), 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), National coffers running a deficit of Rs 143 billion (ht), Nepal’s public borrowing increasing at an alarming rate: Govt’s whitepaper (rep)
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10/08/2021: Indigenous people are victims of conservation 'success story' (ht), Indigenous people’s role to consolidate nationality: Province Chief Gurung (kh) [The male Bahuns and other male Tagadharis must finally stop identifying nationality with their own culture and way of thinking! Male Bahuns make up only six percent of the population but control almost all posts and functions of the state!], Indigenous Peoples Suffer Under Conservation Policies: Report (rn) [see report by Amnesty International], Once power-starved, Nepal now aims to export electricity : The country now is energy surplus after an increase in total installed capacity, and the realisation of the plan to sell power to India would mark a milestone, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), SEE results once again show effect of centralised education system : Federal authorities say local units lack competency to oversee school education as prescribed by the constitution, but experts argue that has to be tested first, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Public messaging : The government must review its Covid-19 communication strategy (kp)
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09/08/2021: Indigenous people worry hard-won gains may be lost : Achievements made since 1990 are at risk as secularism and federalism are yet to be institutionalised and recent court ruling is another challenge, activists say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The traditional elite, especially male Bahuns, continue to control the country, prevent social inclusion and the development of federalism and secularism, and constantly demand that the wheel of time be turned back instead, e.g. Ganga Thapa, Rabindra Mishra, KP Oli, Shashanka Koirala, etc.], 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), 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), Cabinet meeting to discuss on formation of new land commission (kh) [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!], Chief Justice Rana justifies appointments to constitutional bodies, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [?????], BSP Chair’s Dangerous Proposal, by Mukunda Raj Kattel (rn) [Rabindra Mishra has been preaching Bibeksheel Sajha Party for years as an innovative and alternative political force. Now he is showing his true Hindu fundamentalist face. If there is anything Nepal truly does not need, it is a return to the Hindu state, monarchy, centralism and Panchayat glorification. If the BSP is to have a future, it must part company with its chairperson immediately! There is no sign of a rethink among the established parties. This could be an opportunity for the BSP!]
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08/08/2021: 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) [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!], Man dies in Police custody in Sindhupalchok (kh), People with disabilities left out of Covid-19 vaccination drive : Although the government has decided to inoculate people with disabilities,  vaccines are not accessible to all in the target group, by Biplab Maharjan (kp), Exiles at home : Migrant workers are heroes of the nation, but the  government treats them as lesser humans, by Deepak Thapa (kp), The networking of politics: families, funds, and favoritism, by Rajib Neupane (rec)
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07/08/2021: Consensus foreign policy: Desirable, but  can parties have it?  A task force of the ruling alliance has called for a foreign policy based on consensus. It is possible if national  interest is kept above petty party interests, experts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Changing officials too often may hit plans to jab all in next eight months : Technical manpower in health departments continues to get transferred. As new appointees take time to learn, fight against the pandemic will be affected, former officials say, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [This is also a consequence of frequent changes of government, when all leading positions in the administration are re-staffed in a pathological manner according to party allegiance!], Children in Jajarkot villages deprived of nutrition pay : Local officials say around Rs 4.7 million meant for nutrition allowance was frozen, as NIC Asia bank could not release the amount on time, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp), Fostering Representative Links Of Citizens, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Politics and Business, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Cases of violence against women on the rise (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

06/08/2021: Going backwards : The idea that reservation must be based on need, and not caste, is flawed (kp) [The judges also bear the characteristics of being male and high-caste. They obviously cannot escape their acquired view. As long as adequate participation in society is not guaranteed by a restrictive quota system also in the judiciary, a correct assessment of the situation of the traditionally excluded is unlikely to be realised!], In defence of secularism : A forgotten incident from the Panchayat era tells us why we must protect minority religions, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), 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), School textbooks yet to reach remote Karnali districts : High airfare and disruption of road networks have delayed the transportation of textbooks, by Chhapal Lama (kp), The business of politics in Nepal L To uproot cronyism, the next election must stop votes being bought with notes, by Shekhar Kharel (nt), RPP Chair Thapa objects plan to ‘bring local levels under Province govts’ (kh) [Thapa's idol Mahendra once called it "Back to the Village National Campaign" with various facilities to control and spy on the people! This sounds like a return to panchayat times.. Nevertheless, the local level must not be brought under the control of the provincial level!], Unstable All The Time, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Nepal’s Unsteady Progress Towards Fiscal Federalism, by Bishnu Adhikari, Parshuram Upadhyaya, Amol Acharya and Abhas Ghimire (sp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

05/08/2021: One step forward, two steps back : Recent court ruling to revisit reservation and affirmative actions for those discriminated against by the state is regressive and defeats the purpose, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Sorry state of affairs : Challenges of implementation of the reservation policy for women in Nepal persist, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp), Ignored for three years, EPG report is losing its relevanceEminent Persons’ Group, formed to review various aspects of Nepal-India ties, including the 1950 Treaty, finalised  the report in July 2018, but it continues to gather dust, by Anil Giri (kp) [Who was in political charge again in the last three years?], 'Indecision' of Madhav Kumar Nepal-led faction over whether to join govt delays Deuba's plan to expand cabinet (rep), Referendum on secularism? 10 public intellectuals weigh in, by Pratik Ghimire (ae) [It is shocking to read how many intellectual Nepali Hindus define Nepal exclusively as a state of their own. Nepal is a multi-religious and multi-cultural state. Such a state should not identify itself with one culture and religion. This creates discontent among those who cannot identify with a Hindu state and fuels conflict, as one can learn from Nepali history. It is not about using a referendum to prove that there are more Hindus living in Nepal than members of other cultures. The state must give all inhabitants a possibility of identification, and this only works in a secular state. Linking state identification with a particular religion is poison! Overcoming this grievance has been one of the greatest achievements of recent years. The fact that the ruling elite, all high-caste male Hindus by the way, have not developed this ideal further, probably quite deliberately, is no reason to return to the failed state identification of the male Hindu elite.]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

04/08/2021: The broken drum of meritocracy : Loyalists of the old order seem to be trying to sabotage the agenda of the 2008 pronouncement, by CK Lal (kp),  Instances of VAW far from declining yet, by Sabina Karki (kh), 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), Bureaucratic run-around : The government can at least ensure hassle-free access to testing, jabs and vaccine passports (kp), Commission to mark land for landless dissolved, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Twenty-six lives lost in risky river crossings in Darchula in last 27 years (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

03/08/2021: The woes of migrant workers to get vaccines and certification : After waiting for weeks to get jabbed, youths planning  to head for foreign countries for work have to struggle again for paperwork showing proof of vaccination, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Target groups left out from Covid-19 vaccination campaign in Bhimdatta Municipality : Locals accuse health workers deployed at vaccination sites, people’s representatives and municipal employees of stealing vaccines for family, friends, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp), School scholarship funds go unspent while students drop out due to poverty : Hardly Rs150 million was distributed to the target student groups in the previous fiscal year leaving around Rs700 million unspent, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Tame the beast : Recent controversies in the stock market have raised doubts among investors (kp), Central planning versus federalism : The National Planning Commission is a relic of the centralised planning era of Panchayat, by Achyut Wagle (kp), SC orders halt in excavation of riverine substances (rep), EC cancels registration of 41 political parties (kh), PM Deuba instructs Minister Bhusal to appoint Kulman as NEA Executive Director (kh), Bibeksheel leaders unveil alternative proposal (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

02/08/2021: Prevention is cure : The Deuba administration has to rope in top experts in the field to assess our latest situation (kp), Ideals of the rule of law : The laws of the nation must bear the fundamental ideals of justice, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp), Sugarcane farmers resort to agitation again after government breaks promise : Farmers say sugar mills still owe them Rs250 million that includes the subsidy amount given to them by the government, by Krishana Prasain (kp), SC validates UML’s action against 4 Karnali lawmakers (kh), Four UML Province Assembly members breaching party whip lose their positions (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

01/08/2021: With hospitalisations on the rise, lockdown is inevitable, experts say : Restrictions are not being enforced and those vaccinated are growing complacent even though the risk of Delta variant, predominant in Nepal, is higher, by Arjun Poudel and Anup Ojha (kp), CCMC proposes smart lockdown to stem COVID spread (ht), Foster Intraparty Unity, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn) [This will not be possible without democratising the internal party structures and processes, criminalising the authoritarian machinations at the party leaderships and finally making the parties socially inclusive, as prescribed by the constitution and the Political Parties Act!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

31/07/2021: Prospect Of Democratic Stability, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), UML unity only possible after current leadership quits: Leader Jhakri (kh) [This is absolutely correct. If political conditions in Nepal are to improve and democracy is to be saved, the leaders of all the major parties must resign in unison and make way for a younger and more socially and culturally inclusive generation!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

30/07/2021: Rights commission tells global body ‘court will test legality of key appointments’ : Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions is set to revisit the ‘A’ status of National Human Rights Commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Standing with Nepal’s survivors  of trafficking in persons : Ultimately, to eliminate trafficking in Nepal, we must address the underlying issues, by Randy Berry and Nicola Pollitt (kp), Cabinet reshuffle likely to be delayed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Political trilogy, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Nepalis queueing up all night for proof of jab : Vaccine certificates are just another in a long checklist of permits and authorisations for Nepali workers headed overseas, by Upasana Khadka (nt),, 2AM is too late : The lines at Teku this week showed appalling indifference towards those at the mercy of the state (nt), Coping with patriarchy : Tracking the struggle of women in a Nepali clan across four generations, by Bhumi Ghimiré (nt), Treaty, agreement should be in national interest: Dr Rawal (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

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), US interest, Nepal foreign policy under Beijing’s watch with changes in Kathmandu : China would want to make a push for implementation of BRI projects, just as Deuba government prepares to move the American MCC programme forward, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp), Patients deprived of free essential medicines at Mugu government health institutions : The District Hospital in Gamgadhi sends patients to private medical stores due to  a shortage of medicines at the hospital, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp), Keep the third wave away : Our centralised and  inaccessible health system definitely needs a complete makeover, by Bimala Joshi (kp), Sugarcane farmers in capital once again to protest as sugar factories fail to clear their dues (rep), Rabindra Mishra: Wrong right turn : He has betrayed the idea of alternative politics and hence lost the moral authority to lead the movement, by Dinkar Nepal (ae), Why should women accept patriarchal norms?, by Cilla Khatry (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

28/07/2021: Our history offers grim hope : Government after  government has failed to address the grievances of the insurgency period, by Mohna Ansari (kp), Alternative politics continues to be a chimera in Nepal : Analysts say conservatism and regressive ideas still prevail with no parties or leaders, despite promises, able to inject hopes in a society that yearns for a change, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Keep your fingers crossed : Alternative politics has remained an excellent idea on the drawing board only (kp), Lawmakers press for passage of citizenship bill (ht)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

27/07/2021: Back to the future: Dream of a utopian Nepal, by Ashok Kumar Khand (ht), Government must up its efforts to prevent human trafficking, stakeholders sayChanging forms of human trafficking and gap in existing laws have made things worse for the victims as well as authorities working to prevent them, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Trafficking laws incompatible with Palermo Protocol (ht), Govt preparing to remove chiefs of three provinces (kh), Challenges Before PM Deuba, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Deuba govt won’t get excuse for erring as Oli govt: Gagan Thapa : Says previous govt reached Balkot from Baluwatar for its misdeeds (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

26/07/2021: As Nepal is getting jabs, vaccine administration presents new challenges : Experts warn that crowded immunisation centres could turn  into virus hotspots. Authorities urge the public to register  for vaccination but the response has been lukewarm, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Heritage activists welcome anti-corruption body probing Pashupati jalahari installation : In February, the Pashupati Area Development Trust had replaced the receptacle at the base of the Shiva Linga with a golden 96-kg one inside the temple defying a court order (kp), Too quick a fall : The exit of a ‘communist’ government has left  the critics of Nepali  communism vindicated, by Jiwan Kshetry (kp), Justice eludes victims of heinous crimes: NHRC (ht), The Social Enigma behind Untouchability, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Changing Course : Nation Above Notion. Abolition of Federalism by Restructuring and Strengthening Local Bodies : Referendum on Secularism, by Rabindra Mishra (paper on personal website)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

25/07/2021: With Congress leading government, its general convention becomes uncertain : Dispute over party membership, focus on governance, pandemic, natural calamities and Deuba’s desire to lead party for another term could mean it will be postponed, by Anil Giri (kp) [After the CPN-UML, the NC is also showing its major democratic flaws and losing its legitimacy!], Government promotes police officer involved in extrajudicial killings : Sub-inspector Dipendra Chand is promoted despite the national rights body recommending action against him, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dalit woman, son thrashed in Siraha (ht), Nirmala murder case remains a mystery even after three years (rep), One arrested for misusing photo of President, PM (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

24/07/2021: Communists’ inability to unite results in power loss, Deuba’s test ahead (kh), 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), Controversial issues might be raised to break the alliance: Prachanda (kh) [Nepal's political future is still at stake, Mr Dahal! This is no time for power games. The old generation of top politicians of all parties should take their leave by the elections at the end of next year at the latest!], UML claims Deuba doesn’t have popular mandate. Experts disagree : Political and constitutional experts say UML leaders are undermining the people’s mandate and promoting negativity against the judiciary by questioning Deuba’s appointment as prime minister, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nearly half a million Nepalis rescued from abroad since the start of pandemic : According to the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre, most of those rescued are from places including the Persian Gulf, Malaysia and India, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Nepal’s Search For Political Stability, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

23/07/2021: Round and round goes the wheel : Why is Nepal stuck in a loop of musical chairs between the same old men?, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Teachers Service Commission out of work with vacant leadership positions : The commission is unable to announce vacancies for at least 12,000 schoolteachers and decide on promotions of over 2,500 teachers in the absence of chair and members, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Thank you Mr Oli, you were the most incompetent PM Nepal has ever seen!], Nepali ‘Kabuliwalas’ : Repatriating Nepalis in Afghanistan needs to be a high priority for Deuba (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

22/07/2021: The House got a new lease of life. Now it should get deputy Speaker : Experts say parties in power must not undermine the fact that constitutional obligations are attached with the post, which the previous government failed to pay heed to, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 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), Denial of citizenship due to lack of relevant law affects thousands (ht), The Accidental Prime Minister, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), जति नेता त्यति गुट : जुन समुदायमा आफ्नै सरकारसँग लड्ने शक्ति हुन्छ, त्यसले चिरकालसम्म उसलाई पराजित मनोविज्ञानमा रहन दिन्न । [The more leaders, the more factions : A community that has the power to fight its own government should not be allowed to live in a defeatist mentality forever], by Chandra Kishor (ka), Discredited parliament : We blame politicians and political parties, but in one form or another, we end up concluding that this system is hopeless, by Bishal Thapa (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

21/07/2021: Teach cadres manners instead of making them ruffians: Raghuji Pant (kh), Outraged Oli supporters continue spitting venom at Dahal, Nepal (ht 21/07/2021), Deuba struggles to expand Cabinet, more so by issues in his own party : The prime minister has to satisfy the rival faction of his party. The Maoist Centre and the Janata Samjabadi are his key partners and he can’t ignore the Nepal group either, by Anil Giri (kp) [After only a few days, the usual power-seeking and factionalism seems to be back in Deuba's government as well!], Deuba as the new PM: Opportunity to enhance tarnished image, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Janata Samajbadi’s birth was accidental and it may meet with an accident of split : Factions led by Upendra Yadav and Mahantha Thakur have drifted apart and reconciliation between them is unlikely in the current circumstances, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Towards safer births : Superstitions and discriminatory customs continue to deny women their basic rights (kp), The curse of tinpot heroes : Our self-important politicos falsely believe they have made huge sacrifices for the country, by CK Lal (kp)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

20/07/2021: The show’s over : Nepali politics has finally returned to a semblance of stability (kp), After Deuba’s trust vote, UML seems to be unravelling : As differences between Oli and Nepal have reached the point of no return, the only question is how many will side with the latter as he appears set to quit the party, insiders say, by Anil Giri (kp) [It is unbelievable how an authoritarian and power-hungry politician like Oli destroys his party, which has played such an important role in the last 30 years!], Women in remote Baglung village are sent to animal sheds to give birth : Many women die for want of treatment and maternity care in Dhiri since they do not go to hospitals for delivery, by Prakash Baral (kp), The economic challenges facing Deuba : The new prime minister has appointed somebody with unknown credentials as finance minister, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Work for stability : Hopefully, with the new mandate, PM Deuba will provide the much-desired political stability that has remained elusive for the last seven months (ht), PM Deuba and Maoist Center Chair agree to overturn ‘unconstitutional appointments’ (kh), The Politics of Quotas, by Sanjit Shrestha (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

19/07/2021: In Kalikot, gender discrimination begins at birth : Despite efforts from social organisations and local authorities to raise awareness on gender discrimination, prejudices against girls are still prevalent, by Tularam Pandey (kp), 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), 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), Embracing The Essence Of Democracy, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

18/07/2021: Deuba likely to take vote of confidence today : Speaker calls meeting of Business Advisory Committee (kh), PM Deuba confident about getting a vote of confidence (kh), We will vote for Deuba for parliament’s sake: UML leader Jhankri (kh), UML senior leader Khanal urges lawmakers to vote for PM Deuba (kh), Amid mixed signals, Nepal faction’s support for Deuba is not a certainty : UML leaders continue unity bid even if it means rethinking the roles of Oli and Nepal. Meanwhile, more Samajbadi Party lawmakers switch sides to support the government, by Anil Giri (kp), Congress has opportunity to restore parliamentary supremacy, experts say : Besides over a dozen ordinances of previous government, there are scores of bills awaiting endorsement. Some related to federalism have been pending since 2018, by Binod Ghimire (kp), In criticising court, Oli defies rule of law, experts say : UML Standing Committee decides to ‘expose’ Supreme Court’s verdict ordering Deuba’s appointment as prime minister, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Court Steps In To Save Parliament, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [Oli no longer even had the mandate of the people after the HoR withdrew its confidence in him. This is also one of the many untruths spread by Oli!], Legacy of KP Oli: Dismantling rule of law, by Sumit Pathak (rep), Prez Bhandari annuls ordinance amending Constitutional Council procedure (rep), Govt tables ordinance-based budget presented by Oli led govt at parliament (rep), 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), Deuba wins vote of confidence in parliament with 165 votes (rep), PM Sher Bahadur Deuba wins trust vote in House of Representatives, secures 165 votes (ht), PM Deuba secures vote of confidence in Parliament : Out of 249 votes: Yes 165; No 83; 1 Neutral (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

17/07/2021: In new fiscal year, hopes for economic revival hinge on jabs : Nepal’s economy lost two years to pandemic. Economic activities were picking up but then the second wave hit in April. Except for tourism, prognosis is good, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Provinces following Oli’s example of governing through ordinances : Karnali governed by Maoist Centre-Congress alliance and Lumbini by UML prorogue provincial assemblies and introduce new fiscal budgets through ordinances, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is due to the fact that Nepal has party rule rather than people's rule, particracy instead of democracy!], The Anatomy Of Authoritarianism, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Advocacy Forum-Nepal, Amnesty International Nepal urge govt to ratify Rome Statute (rep) [see joint statement]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

16/07/2021: Transitional justice bodies get new term but conflict victims have little hope : Rights activists say the Congress and Maoist Centre have got another chance to complete the peace deal by settling insurgency-era cases, but progress remains dismal, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [There is not much to expect. Dahal, by his own admission, was responsible for the Maoists' crimes, and Deuba was at times responsible for the actions of the state security forces. In particular, Deuba was responsible for the mobilisation of the army and the resulting escalation of the conflict!], Proposed policy to ban small importers sparks individual rights concerns : Provision will limit the number of importers and make it easier to identify them and track their transactions, report says, by Prithvi ManShrestha (kp), Caste discrimination case : SC tells police to book ex-minister Shrestha (ht), INSEC Urges to Ratify Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (INSEC)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

15/07/2021: EC cancels election schedule for HoR (kh), Let’s appoint a retired justice as President, suggests ex-PM Bhattarai (kh), PM Deuba to take vote of confidence within few days : His strategy to secure vote of confidence (kh), Uncertainty ahead : Deuba cannot afford to be "incompetent" again. But his hands are tied (kp), In KP Oli’s ouster, there are lessons for others—what not to do when in power : A fall from grace for the leader who squandered a historic opportunity and strong mandate to govern, implement the constitution and safeguard democracy, observers say, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Cabinet recommends House meeting at 4pm Sunday : The lower house was restored by the Supreme Court on July 12 (kp), Three days after the abrupt ending of NA, Deuba calls for its new session (kh), Conflict victims not to engage with commissions sans law amendment (ht), Reframing Our Youth Employment Problem, by Surath Giri and Saurabh Shah (rep), President Bhandari calls HoR, NA meeting on July 18 (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

14/07/2021: 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), 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), Budget hit as Oli govt nosedives 3 days prior to its implementation (kh), After court’s observations, questions arise over fate of ordinance budget : The court called the introduction of the budget through  an ordinance a week after House dissolution fraudulent. Legal experts say Deuba government can bring a new one, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Telling it like it is : The court has made it clear that snollygosters must be thrown out (kp), Reproductive rights of women, young people must be protected, says UNFPA (ht), End Comedy Of Political Errors, by Namrata Sharma (rn), SC issues interim order to stay works on Kaligandaki River diversion (kh), NC leader Gachhadar released on Rs 1 million bail (kh), UML cadres demonstrate against SC order in Oli’s hometown Damak : Effigy of Chief Justice also burned (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

13/07/2021: Oli flew too high : The judiciary has rescued Nepal’s parliamentary democracy and averted a constitutional disaster (kp), Supreme Court shows Oli the door : Constitutional Bench orders Nepali Congress President Deuba’s appointment as prime minister and reinstatement of the House. Legal experts say the court verdict is a victory of rule of law, constitutionalism, independence of judiciary and democracy, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Court verdict raises serious moral question for President Bhandari : As Supreme Court restores House, it says Head of State’s actions are subject to judicial review and that it is the judiciary’s responsibility to correct any unconstitutional moves, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Speaker can call meet of Lower House: Apex court (ht), Congress President Deuba set to return to power, for fifth timeThe Congress leader needs to be appointed prime minister by 5pm today as per court order. UML’s Nepal faction, however, has severed ties with the opposition alliance, by Anil Giri (kp) [This could mean that new elections will be held within the next 6-7 months, this time under the rule of law. After all, such new elections are likely to be inevitable.], Senior UML leader Nepal breaks alliance with opposition parties (rep), UML holding Standing Committee meeting today : Likely to endorse 10-pt consensus deal (kh), Nepal-Khanal faction meeting prior to UML SC meeting : To decide whether to attend SC meeting or not (kh), Is Nepal likely headed for political unrest? The country cannot afford another political turmoil, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Attorney General Badal resigns (kh), People’s mandate is in my favor, NC Prez Deuba got SC’s: PM Oli (kh) [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) [Reversal of reality!], PM Oli announces resignation in his address to nation (kh), President Bhandari appoints NC President Deuba as new Prime Minister : Swearing-in ceremony to take place at 6 pm (kh), President’s Office statement skips mentioning constitutional provision by which Deuba is appointed (kp), 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), Deuba sworn in as prime minister : Four ministers also sworn-in (kh)
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12/07/2021: SC reinstates House of Representatives yet again : "Appoint NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba as Prime Minister within two days" (kh) [see Nepali text of the verdict, alternative link in case of overload of the SC server], Court orders President to appoint Congress leader Deuba prime minister by 5pm Tuesday : The decision of the five-member Constitutional Bench also orders summoning of the House by 5pm July 18 (kp), Apex court reinstates parliament, issues mandamus to appoint Deuba as new PM (rep), What’s in the SC verdict? (rep), Supreme Court reinstates House, issues verdict in favour of Deuba's claim (ht), Lawmakers free to give vote of confidence for PM under Article 76 (5): SC  (kh), MPs can’t be imposed whip as per Article 76 (5): SC (rep) [This is a particularly important part of the ruling, as elected representatives are granted unrestricted freedom of conscience: Nepal has a democracy and not a party dictatorship! This also applies to those parties that now see themselves on the winning side!], Oli supporters take to streets against SC verdict on House dissolution case (ht), 23 UML lawmakers’ signatures in support of Deuba will remain intact: UML leader Nepal (kh), For an inclusive Congress : Caste, class, culture and gender diversity is imperative to end the status quo, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp) [And with it comes an unwavering commitment to federalism and secularism. Advocates of a return to the Hindu state should have no place in this party that will now have to take the lead in the future government!], Reinstatement of Parliament: Arguments and counterarguments, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Precedents of dissolution and reinstatement of HoR (kh), SC verdict is flawed and unpleasant yet we will accept it: CPN-UML (kh) [Let's hope so! You don't seem to accept that a Supreme Court decision is binding law!], Opp’n alliance decides to form govt led by NC President Deuba (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

11/07/2021: Police intervene in civil society demonstration : Dozens of demonstrators arrested (kh), Police arrest 19 protesting civil society members : The Brihat Nagarik Andolan group were demonstrating against irregularities in the medical education sector in front of Singhadurbar (kp), China aims to create an alternative regional bloc in South Asia : Observers say Nepal needs to tread carefully as the Beijing-led Poverty Alleviation Centre minus India is part of Chinese attempts to expand its influence and countervail New Delhi’s clout in the region, by Anil Giri (kp), What made you wait for a month, Mr Prime Minister?, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep), Details of UML task force’s 10-point unity deal : UML task force announces 10-point unity agreement (kh) [At the beginning of the agreement, the most important point is missing: Oli's immediate resignation from all state and party offices. Putschists are unacceptable in a democracy!]
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10/07/2021: Cases of missing person go up during Covid-19 pandemic, police records show : The National Human Rights Commission in 2019 had reported that nearly 1.5 million Nepalis are at risk of various forms of human trafficking; 10,418 missing person reports were filed in first eight months of  the current fiscal year, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Newlywed inter-caste couple attacked, girl taken away (ht) [An archaic patriarchal way of thinking and acting that raises doubts as to whether Nepal really has a civilised society! This violation of basic human rights requires the toughest possible crackdown by the government and the judiciary!], Ideas For Systemic Conflict Transformation, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Good and bad nationalism, by Surendra Singh Rawal (rep)
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09/07/2021: Don’t wait for free jabs, pay to secure them, World Bank tells Nepal : The donor agency, which has provided $100 million for vaccine procurement, says money should not be an issue when it comes to vaccinating the population, by Sangam Prasain (kp), With majority population unvaccinated, concerns abound over hasty lifting of Covid-19 restrictions : Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre says it is devising a strategy to tackle a possible third wave, by Anup Ojha (kp), Codifying the breaking of wind : The Nepali state’s desire to control all aspects of life, including our orifices, is omnipresent, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), The deep dive : Specter of secularism, by Pranaya Rana (rec), Parliamentary whiplash : Hopefully, by this time next week a Supreme Court verdict will show us a way out of this maze (nt)
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08/07/2021: Legitimacy of the CPN (Maoist Centre) challenged at the Election Commission : Former Maoist leaders claim the party has breached the constitutional provision of holding the periodic general convention, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Fewer flights, expensive tickets and Covid-19 restrictions hit migrant workers : Vaccination rule has added uncertainty to Nepal’s foreign employment sector. Nepali diplomats in labour destination countries say workers are facing similar hardship as last year, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), A bunch of hogwash : The government is known for bullshit, but even it could have supported citizens better against Covid-19, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Elderly People: Waiting for Justice at Very Important Phase of Life, by Punam Pant (rep), What does it mean to be a casteist? To not be a casteist, we must recognize that caste is structural and exists in invisible forms in Nepali society, by Tarun Timalsina (rec)
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07/07/2021: Ties of tradition that bind and blind : Without more aggressive politicisation of the  inclusive agenda, cultural divisions are unlikely to end, by CK Lal (kp), Critical Citizenry Vital For Democracy, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Fate of opposition alliance at stake as CPN-UML factions step up unity talks : As talks to bring Oli and Nepal together are termed positive, the future of the alliance, formed to make Nepali Congress President Deuba prime minister, is uncertain, leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp), Split in Samajbadi Party is no surprise as its formation was unnatural, analysts say : The Election Commission will decide which of the two rival factions will get the party name and election symbol, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)
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06/07/2021: Government is way behind tax revenue target as fiscal year ends on July 15 : Annual target is Rs450 billion but the Inland Revenue Department has collected just Rs373.26 billion until July 3, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Don't even think about it : Political adventurism to scrap secularism and federalism will backfire (kp), Supremacy of the constitution : To preserve democratic values and norms, the reinstatement of the House is inevitable, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Court likely to give its verdict on July, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), SC Verdict To Seal UML Fate?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn) [All parties must change fundamentally if Nepal is to have a future. Nepal's political parties are not democratic, socially non-inclusive and in the hands of patriarchal machos with a greater or lesser proximity to Hindu political thinking!], JSP headed towards split as EC’s last-resort effort to strike deal between two factions fails (kh), Janata Samajbadi Party decide to split a little more than a year after merger : The Election Commission will decide on which of the two warring factions led by the two chairs Thakur and Yadav will get the party’s name and symbol (kp)
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05/07/2021: 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), Arguments centre on if court can appoint Deuba prime ministe r: Chief justice asks whether it will be the right thing for  the bench to pick prime minister as demanded by  petitioners, as hearing on House dissolution continues, by Binod Ghimire (kp), HoR Dissolution: Three senior lawyers presenting counter-arguments today : Four hours remain for writ against HoR (kh), Hearing on parliament dissolution case over, verdict likely on July 12 (rep), Rupa Sunar moves court demanding sacking of Education Minister Shrestha : Shrestha had escorted an alleged perpetrator of caste discrimination from the police office to her home on June 23 after the district attorney’s office ordered her release (kp), The world is watching : It would be shameful if the National Human Rights Commission’s status were to be downgraded (kp)
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04/07/2021: ‘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), House Dissolution: Constitutional Bench hearing debates today as well : Legal practitioners to debate on behalf of Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota (kh), No party whips on the govt formation as per Article 76 (5): Speaker Sapkota’s lawyer (kh), Constitution was violated by President: Senior Advocate Kharel (kh), PM Oli has skipped constitutional provisions, HoR will be reinstated: Yogesh Bhattarai (kh), Rupa Sunar files writ petition against Minister Shrestha on caste-based discrimination allegation (kh)
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03/07/2021: Ratnanagar not to allow lactating mothers to go abroad (kh) [This is archaic patriarchy! According to Article 18 of the Constitution, all people are equal, regardless of their gender. Consequently, men with children of this age are also no longer allowed to leave the country!], 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), 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 Shrestha (kp) [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!, SC to pass its verdict on HoR dissolution case next week (rep)
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02/07/2021: Questions galore before the Supreme Court as it hears House dissolution : How the Constitutional Bench looks into arguments from the petitioners and defendants and how it passes a verdict will help define the constitution, experts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), HoR Dissolution: Govt attorneys to finish pleading today : Lawyers to begin arguments on behalf of Speaker (kh), Without dedicated health, foreign ministers, vaccine purchase will be hit, ex-ministers say : Two Nepal Airlines flights will bring vaccines from Beijing next week, officials say. But other sources of vaccine are unclear, by Anil Giri (kp), The great headcount : The bureau must sensitise the enumerators on the need to appreciate social diversity (kp), Federal government continues handling local roads and bridge projects : Road officials say local governments still don’t have capacity to implement such projects, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [This is a consequence of the fact that the Oli government, as the first government elected under the new constitution, refuses to this day to really implement federalism!], PM Oli claims there will be enough vaccines from Sunday (kh 02/07/2021) [Direct connection to heaven?], Labour migration : A sound policy is required to make productive use of the remittance, instead of squandering it on importing luxury goods (ht), Not the right time to conduct polls : Faulty comparisons, by Mahendra P Joshi (ht), After the petitioners, now the defendants, by Narayan Manandhar (rec)
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01/07/2021: Koshi Tappu residents protest decision to turn their homesteads into leasehold forest : The proposed area is home to 500 families, mostly flood and landslide victims, squatters and impoverished households, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp), Central Bureau of Statistics told to make plan for conducing census before Dashain : With a third wave of Covid-19 projected to hit the country around the same time, the bureau faces challenge, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), NHRC's call against caste-based inequality (ht), Abide by the code : The office-bearers must live up to the people's expectations and take impartial and fair actions as per the legal provisions (ht), Writ petition filed at SC, demanding  halting of Kali Gandaki-Tinau Diversion Multipurpose Project (rep), Secure Demographic Dividend by Attending to Nepali Youth Now, by George Varughese and Richard Howard (rep), Protests intensify against HoR dissolution in capital (photo feature) (rep), 16 ordinances presented at NA meeting (kh) [That is complete nonsense! Does the Oli government really think the people of Nepal are stupid? According to Article 114 of the Constitution, ordinances require the approval of both houses of parliament. Approval by the National Assembly alone is absolutely meaningless. At least some of the ordinances should have been tabled a long time ago when both houses were in session. Indeed, according to Article 114 (2) (a), this has to be done in the first session of Parliament after the promulgation of the Ordinances, otherwise the latter are deemed to be repealed. However, the Oli government deliberately failed to make such a submission!], Hold Nepali politicians to account : Perhaps what Nepal needs is a figurative demise of dishonourable, untrustworthy, corrupt netas. That demise can only begin if the average Nepali decides to stop being a marionette, by Shreya Soni (ae)
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30/06/2021: American firms say unable to supply vaccines to Nepal before 2022 : J&J and Moderna’s inability to sign any deal within this year shrinks government’s options, just as Nepalis wait desperately to get inoculated amid a third wave threat, by Anil Giri (kp), Five student unions staging protest against HoR dissolution today (kh), Lawyers defending House dissolution face intense grilling : Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana asks lawyers whether it is mandatory for  the President to appoint a prime minister after Article 76(5) is invoked, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Anti-defection law key weapon of defence team (ht) [Once again, it is evident that Nepal does not have democracy but party rule. Since the parties are not structured democratically and the party leaders claim almost absolute power, the constitution and the party law must be amended so that decision-making power lies with the elected representatives of the people who, despite all the necessary party discipline, are primarily responsible to their conscience! Hopefully, the SC will demand this in its final judgement!], Caste persists, nurtured by the state, by Shradha Ghale (rec)
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29/06/2021: NHRC discusses with Health Ministry on COVID-19 control efforts (kh), The difference between communism in China and Nepal : Three decades of existence has shown us that Nepali communists have misguided priorities, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Isn’t parliament a forum to seek vote of confidence? Chief Justice Rana asks govt attorney (kh) [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) [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) [Mr Pandey, please read Article 77 (1) (a) of the Constitution. A leading jurist in the country should be familiar with this passage!], PM Oli cautions Education Minister Shrestha for latter’s ‘indecent’ behavior (kh) [Anyone who supports caste discrimination is unacceptable as a minister!]
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28/06/2021: Nepal hasn’t seen a single conviction for torture and custodial deaths in the past three years : Police cannot be trusted to conduct impartial investigation into cases where own officers are involved, says a 2020 Supreme Court ruling, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Investigate torture : Only an independent mechanism can investigate and prosecute all acts of torture and ensure justice to the victims (ht), Dalit rights: No respite at the top. Those in power are allowed to get away with perpetuating atrocities against Dalits, by Deepak Thapa (kp), HoR dissolution: Govt attorneys delivering arguments on behalf of Prime Minister from today : Ramesh Badal, Sushil Panta and Agni Kharel to advocate (kh), Court should order Deuba be appointed prime minister, lawyers argue : As Article 75 (5) has already been activated, the question now is who should lead the government on its basis, they say. The defendants’ arguments begin today, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Writ filed against HoR does not fall within jurisdiction of Constitutional Bench: Attorney General Badal (kh) [And what about Article 137 (2) in combination with Article 133 (1)? The Attorney General's statement casts doubt on his legal qualifications!], Attorney General Badal claims President saved face of opposition alliance (kh) [The President and the Prime Minister only had to abide by the Constitution. The mandatory second vote of confidence would have brought absolute clarity. Everything else was unconstitutional!], Get the point? Nepali migrant workers cannot travel to labour destinations as they are yet to be inoculated (kp), Judiciary in federalism of Nepal: Universally agreed principles ignored, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (ht), Are We Heading Towards Socialism?, by Mukunda Raj Kattel (rn), Chief Minister Raut alleges federal government does not want the provinces to prosper (kh) [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!]
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27/06/2021: HoR Dissolution: Debates on behalf of writ petitioners concluding today (kh), Press Council’s censure of social media posts draws condemnation, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Justice eludes victims of heinous crimes: NHRC (ht), 'Establish dedicated mechanism to investigate torture' (ht), Grand old party is in transition and seems to be in a dilemma : Nepali Congress is preparing for its general convention to elect a new leadership, but with too many aspirants to lead the party, leaders are busy forming alliances, by Anil Giri (kp) [The old familiar party leaders, most of whom have already failed several times, who have led the party into the abyss over the years, are applying again, some of whom are seriously calling for a return to the Hindu state. If the NC now misses the chance for a fundamental change to a younger generation of politicians, an internal democratisation and, above all, social inclusion at all levels, the party will face a difficult future and that is not good for Nepal!], UML’s unity mantra : The Nepal camp has unequivocally supported Oli and turned a blind eye to his transgressions, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Biplav expedites meeting with other party leaders on holding a referendum (kh), Judiciary, Executive On Collision Course, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Himalayan Reinsurance Company: Rs 1 billion ‘deal’ for operating license (rep), 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) [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) [Prime Minister Oli loves to bend the constitution and laws to suit himself!]
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26/06/2021: Opposition alliance builds pressure on Oli, but it too faces questions galore : The group with five former prime ministers also has answers to provide to the public and come up with what exactly it is aiming for, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), President’s actions can be subject to judicial review, lawyers argue : Advocates pleading on behalf of petitions against House dissolution wind up their arguments, bringing the Head of State’s role and intentions under scrutiny, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Of course, the President is not above the law. She has to fulfil her constitutional duties diligently and must act in a completely non-partisan manner! Her allegiance to the CPN-UML must rest as long as she is President! And she must accept criticism as long as it is factually justified!], 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!], Book perpetrators to justice: National Human Rights Commission (kh), The Myth Of Merit, by Aashish Mishra (rn)
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25/06/2021: Article 76 (5) is meant for individual lawmakers—not parties, lawyers tell bench : On the second day of hearing on House dissolution,  advocates attempt to interpret the provision’s legislative intent and how it has been breached, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), PM and President have no right to dissolve HoR: Advocate Pokharel (kh), Today’s hearing on House dissolution case over, petitioners now have 2.35 hrs for debate (rep), 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), 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), Nepal is in disarray. Its foreign policy doesn’t need to be : Foreign policy cannot serve individual interests. In Nepal, unfortunately, this is the norm, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), 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), Dalit Commission calls for impartial investigation into alleged refusal of a house owner to rent her premises to a woman of the Dalit community : In a statement, it has also questioned the role of the education minister in securing the release of the house owner while the investigation was ongoing (kp)
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24/0672021: Chief Justice turns a blind eye to ‘Doctrine of Necessity’: PM’s Press Advisor Thapa (kh) [It is not the SC that is responsible, but only the coup-mongering Prime Minister Ol and his 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), Lawyers question President’s intent as hearing on House dissolution starts : The way Bhandari acted on May 21 makes it clear that  she wanted Oli—and no other person—as prime minister, advocates argue. Hence she rejected Deuba’s claim, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM’s appointment is not discretionary right of President: Advocate Shrestha (kh), “Article 76 (5) provides discretionary right to parliamentarians to act independently” (rep), Prez Bhandari appoints 20 commissioners in various constitutional bodies (rep) [The unconstitutional actions of the Prime Minister and the President continue unabated!], PM Oli shuffles portfolios of ministers : Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Poudel gets Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance (kh), Restore political course : The administration has a lot on its plate amid vaccine deal fiascos and natural disaster alerts (kp) [Three basic conditions would have to be fulfilled for this: First, the immediate replacement of the unconstitutional Oli government by a transitional government, if necessary under Deuba. Secondly, exchange the leadership of all political parties for a younger generation of politicians. Thirdly, democratisation of the political parties and the law governing them.], Nepal’s foreign policy failure : The oft-repeated policy of equidistance between India and China is unrealistic, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Nepal’s transitional justice hurdle : At the core of Nepal’s current constitutional crisis is a deeper struggle over who will direct its transitional justice process, by Bishal Thapa (ae)
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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) [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.], SC hearing writs against HoR dissolution from today (kh), President has gone beyond the Constitution: Advocate Bandi (kh), President should have said PM Oli “You’re no more Prime Minister: Senior advocate Karki (kh), PM Oli dissolved HoR with an ill intent, argues Senior Advocate Khati : Seeks mandamus to appoint Deuba as PM (kh), Economic growth target unchanged for the next three years despite the pandemic : Target of 6.5 percent for 2021-22 may be met if situation normalises given the negative growth last fiscal year, but double digit growth after that is impossible, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [A political way to raise unrealistic hopes!], 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), Kathmandu’s street vendors find no respite despite loosening of lockdown, by Anup Ojha (kp), 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), The Failed Dalit Struggle : The dream of creating a classless society has remained just a dream. It could never become a reality, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (rep)
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22/06/2021: Twists and turns: What will happen next?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Supreme Court quashes cabinet reshuffle : 20 ministers relieved of their positions (kh) [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?], 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),  Politics, gerontocracy-style : The very politicians who fought for democracy hold on to power and influence stubbornly (kp), Nepal’s abstention on Myanmar resolution at UN raises questions : Diplomats, experts and rights defenders say Nepal, despite being a member of the Human Rights Council, failed to show its commitment to human rights and democracy, by Anil Giri (kp)  [Both states are experiencing a similar scenario, Myanmar a coup by the army, Nepal one by the prime minister! In both cases, democratic structures and procedures are being disrupted. Nepal has never been qualified to be a member of the UN Human Rights Council!], Ilam sees hard times ahead as tourists stop coming : If the situation continues, a large section of the population will lose jobs, insiders say, by Biplav Bhattarai (kp), SC issues interim order to vaccinate 1.35 million senior citizens awaiting second dose of Covidsheild vaccine (kh)
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21/06/2021: UML lodges writ against SC’s decision to reinstate Karnali lawmakers (kh) [Unbelievable that not even the SC accepts the supremacy of Prime Minister Oli!], Manpower and hydropower : This monsoon is a wake-up call. We ignore these moving mountains at our own peril (nt)
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20/06/2021: Dr Bhattarai emphasizes “radical transformation” of political parties (kh) [This is indeed a very important point. But there is also a second one: The constitution and the law on political parties, as they stand, are geared exclusively to the interests of the party leaders. Members of parliament, as representatives of the sovereign people, must not be bound by the orders and instructions of their party leaders and must be bound only by their conscience. Party discipline must have its limits when party leaders put their personal power interests above the welfare of the people and the state! Furthermore, the selection of election candidates must come from the grassroots. Only then can better social and regional inclusion be achieved.], SC issues interim order to prioritize vaccination for journalists (kh), Police nabs landlord in Babarmahal for caste-based discrimination (kh), Litmus Test Of Judiciary, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Pseudo-experts and Economic Policy, by Ram Prasad Mainali (rep)
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19/06/2021: Is Nepal still a democratic state?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), 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) [The people's basic right to correct information is not exactly what Oli and his government are aiming for!], 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), Lockdown drags on but no relief package for the urban poor, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Essence Of Native Civil Society, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Enhancing Public Trust In Judiciary, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn), 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)
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18/06/2021: 100 nursing colleges to close down (kh) [Given the particularly high demand for nurses in times of pandemic, the Oli government should explain this absurd policy immediately!], 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) [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) [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!], Decade of disasters : Our challenges have grown due to climate change, geological conditions and misguided policies (kp), The Chure conundrum : The consequences  of mining aggregates  are more severe than  deforestation, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), SC issues interim order to halt govt’s plan of exporting river products (kh), Supreme Court issues interim order not to implement the government policy to export sand, pebbles and stones : There had been widespread criticism of the government’s policy, announced in the budget for the fiscal year 2021-22, to export these materials needed for construction (kp), This is not fair, Prime Minister Oli!, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep), 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), Nepal’s epidemic of hunger : Malnutrition among Nepali children pre-dates Covid-19, but the pandemic has made it worse, by Anita Bhetwal (nt)
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17/06/2021: Two transitional justice commissions getting another term extension : But conflict victims say the commissions have done very little to deserve added tenure, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Monsoon displacements could complicate pandemic : Temporary shelters for the displaced can turn into coronavirus hotspots while there is the risk of water-borne and vector-borne infections, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Depending on handouts : The provinces still rely heavily on fiscal transfers and revenue sharing (kp) [This is not what is meant by federalism! Oli and other leaders continue to stand for a central state to keep everything under their control!], 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), Wage gap between men and women persists: Report; The widest difference is in the professional category where a male worker earns Rs23,800 monthly compared to Rs12,000 for a female, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Govt urged to provide relief to underprivileged, needy people (ht), 'Federation of Nepali Journalists cannot be a mere spectator to journos' woes' (ht), Party Democratisation Should Top The Agenda, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Parliamentarians cannot breach party discipline: PM Oli claims in his written response to Supreme Court (rep) [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) [Hopefully, not even this reality denier and ignorant of the constitution himself believes in this!], Who will fight for you? Irresponsible government and geopolitical rivalry mean darker times ahead for Nepal unless the youth resolve to unite and act, by Dinkar Nepal (ae)
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16/06/2021: 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) [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), 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) [Oli's statements are empty slogans without content! Or does he want to build a road on Indian territory in response?], 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), No safe space : Women who faced sexual violence during the 10 years of the Maoist armed conflict continue to suffer, by Susan Risal (kp), The Space Creator : Ujwal didn’t want a professional political party like the ones which have been in power for the last thirty years in Nepal, where the only way someone could serve had to go through decades spent on the different rungs of party membership, by Simón Dhungana (rep), 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)
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15/06/2021: No let-up in cases of violence against women and children during lockdown : On average 53 cases of violence against women and children are reported daily across the country, according to records maintained by police, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), 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), 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) [Another consequence of PM Oli's destruction of the state and the nation guided by greed for power!], River management project announces inability to control floods as monsoon arrives (kh), Upheavals In Provinces : UML Bickering Boon For Opposition, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Hunger & Scarcity Hit Badi Community, by Mahesh Nepali (Badi) (rn), EC’s decision partial and prejudiced, says JSP Chair Yadav (kh), Maoist Spokesperson Shrestha accuses EC of being govt’s hand puppet (kh)
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14/06/2021: Arrogant attitude among top leaders main obstacle for party unity: UML leader Bhattarai (kh) [There is only one solution: You must get rid of all of them as soon as possible. This would be the best for the party, the people and the nation!], Ego-centric politiciansEven as the pandemic rages on,  they can’t see beyond their nose (kp), Political uncertainty puts Nepal’s federal process on a bumpy road : Confusion created by KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu has percolated into the provinces and it endangers implementation of federalism, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 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) [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), 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), “Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed,” says AI in new briefing (kh) [see Amnesty International report (14/01/2021)], Supreme Court moved against Constitutional Council Act Ordinance (ht)
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13/06/2021: Newly-wed spouse ruthlessly battered for not bringing dowry (kh), Man arrested for attacking wife with acid (kh), New severe media law in the offing : Media publishing, broadcasting news on prohibited issues to be shut down (kh) [related to Lumbini Province], A setback for Oli, as his aide is replaced by Congress leader in Gandaki : Nepali Congress’ Krishna Chandra Nepali takes over chief minister after Prithvi Subba Gurung lost confidence vote, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Let our children thrive : We should act to ensure that children are not robbed of their childhood and dreams , by Narayan Bhattarai and Shiva Shanker Dangol (kp), Province 2 Chief asks CM to make cabinet more inclusive (kh) [Cabinets in Nepal have never been inclusive. They are still dominated by men, except for Province 2 by male Bahuns. Janajatis (population share about five times that of male Bahuns) and Madheshis are severely underrepresented, women find at best a pseudo-representation. Dalits and Muslims are extremely rarely included.], Five former PMs call for joint struggle against Oli's unconstitutional move (ht), The Court Calls The Shots, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), 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), 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)
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12/06/2021: International condemnation for HoR dissolution (ht) [see statement by IBARI (10/06/2021)], Leadership Crisis Plagues The Nation, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), 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) [Nepotism at the highest level!], Apex court's stay on citizenship ordinance raises questions (ht), PM’s Advisor claims Baidya swore to take PM’s life  : Bhattarai demands Baidya be booked by law (kh), Baidya’s statement is unacceptable: NC leader Gagan Thapa (kh), NC Spokesperson Sharma directs Baidya to apologize for his statement  : 'NC has no tradition to cover objectionable statements' (kh), Baidya’s statement highy objectionable and criminal in nature: UML (kh), NC Bagmati Province member Baidya self-criticizes, withdraws his controversial statement (rep), Social activist Gyanendra Shahi assaulted (kh), Families await support amidst loss of large scale jobs and income sources, survey reveals (kh), Risk communication strategy key to fighting virus, but there’s none : As cases continue to rise and without a strategy in place, the public is left confused and panicking, experts say. The latest example is conflict during ongoing vaccination, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Army’s foray into agriculture sector sparks debate : There should be a clear distinction between what a national defence force should and should not do, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp), Freed haliyas bearing the brunt of pandemic (ht)
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11/06/2021: Going down with the ship : Nepal’s leaders are fighting it out with deck chairs on the Titanic,  by Kunda Dixit (nt), Civil society members held for protesting in Baluwatar (kh), 20 civil society leaders including Narayan Wagle, Khagendra Sangraula arrested from Baluwatar (rep), Experts say Speaker discussing House dissolution is undemocratic : The issue is sub judice in court but after holding meetings with former Speakers and lawyers, Sapkota has called a meeting today of the parties represented in the dissolved House, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The Prime Minister's constant unconstitutional measures are also undemocratic!], SC stays citizenship ordinance, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Because of the Hindu thinking of the ruling elite, women continue to be discriminated against. If children of Nepali women with foreign men do not have an unrestricted right to citizenship, then according to Article 18 of the Constitution this also applies to children of Nepali men and foreign women! However, neither is right!], Stateless in their own country : The ordinance gave thousands of Nepalis who have no citizenship hope that they could perhaps finally get one. But with the Supreme Court declaring it void, that hope has been lost for now, by Raksha Ram Harijan (rec) [Oli didn't want this change either, he only initiated it now for political reasons because he wanted to get supporters from the Tarai with it!], PM Oli put in difficult position as Supreme Court stays his major decisions (rep), Speaker Sapkota holding all-party meeting on HoR dissolution today (kh), PM Oli not to attend all-party meet called by Speaker Sapkota (kh), 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)[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!], 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) [A completely unconstitutional government policy by Oli!], Gandaki Province Assembly member Thapa again relieved of his post (rep) [Continued disregard of constitution, legislature and jurisdiction means anarchy!], 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), A break from an all-male tradition : Hisila Yami’s feminist leaning brings a different perspective to the Maoist conflict. But is it adequate?, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), 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!], COVID-19 pandemic threatens progress made by Nepal to reduce child labor (rep) [see report by UNICEF and ILO], Half of Nepalis lost jobs in past month : New survey shows most households got little or no support from the government (nt)
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10/06/2021: PM Oli picks Pahadi as minister from Nepal-Khanal faction (kh), PM Oli appointing 8 ministers including one state minister today : Adhikari to be appointed as Home Minister (kh), Oli expands Cabinet Prime minister appoints seven new ministers (kp), 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), Wealth communism : That Gyawali’s asset declaration should surprise Nepalis itself is a surprise, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Supreme Court issues interim order not to implement citizenship ordinance (kh), Saving Nepal’s flawed constitution : Only a truly non-partisan a-political civilian movement can bring about this shift to institutional stability and help reinforce our crumbling constitution, by Bishal Thapa (ae)
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09/06/2021: With politics a preference in provinces, pandemic has become a non-issue : Chief ministers are so busy saving their chairs that they have failed to make the fight against the coronavirus, which is spreading fast in rural Nepal, their priority, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Who decides vote of confidence, HoR or the President?, Senior advocate Thapa asks : ‘As the ad-hoc PM has dissolved HoR, Interim order should be issued’ (kh), Supreme Court issues show cause notice to offices of the President and prime minister over House dissolution : Constitutional Bench has asked the defendants to furnish clarification in writing by June 23 (kp), SC refuses to issue interim order against HoR dissolution, hearing to be continued from June 23 (rep)  SC allocates 15 hours each to both parties of HoR dissolution case (kh), SC seeks amicus curiae on Parliament dissolution case (kh), 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) [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) [This extremely incompetent government needs a court ruling for everything!], 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), Six ministries to be split into 10 in Pradesh 2 to include NC and Maoist Center (kh) [Thanks to Oli's power politics games, puffed-up councils of ministers are back in Nepal politics!], Nepal's caretaker government : A total embarrassment, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Republic, federalism and secularism are agenda imposed by foreigners: RPP Chair Thapa (kh) [They are intellectual achievements of human civilisation, Mr Thapa. Those who think that multi-ethnic and multi-religious Nepal must remain in the centuries-old state of exclusion and social discrimination have understood nothing!]
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08/06/2021: Entirely over to the judiciary : As politicians go beserk for power, there is no alternative to nuanced judicial activism, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Supreme Court hearing writs against cabinet expansion today (kh), How upper house has become inactive, to the extent of being irrelevant : The National Assembly has certain roles to play. When the lower house is dissolved and the judiciary is in crisis, it has an even bigger responsibility, but it has failed, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ease restrictions cautiously : Let experts handle the situation instead of leaving the job to bureaucrats (kp), All Eyes On Supreme Court, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn)
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07/06/2021: UML leader Acharya suggests all first generation leaders in the party to resign en masse (kh) [This is the only right way to save Nepal's democracy and political parties. It applies to all major parties and should be implemented immediately so that the people in this difficult time finally get the policies and help that the old and failed top politicians deny them in their delusion of power!], All eyes on Chief Justice Rana, as crisis deepens in the judiciary : After Rana constituted the bench on seniority basis, Oli’s lawyers demand expulsion of two justices for their position that current House dissolution is linked to March 7 verdict, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Court on trial : The judiciary must ensure its independence so that it remains loyal to the citizens and not the powers that be (kp), Oli's proposal aimed at weakening parliament dissolution case in Supreme Court: Panta (rep), 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), Triangular geopolitical rivalry : Nepal must maintain a balance among the big powers, or it will turn into a playground, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), Impoverished family hit hard by prohibition order struggling to survive (kh), Right to bodily autonomy under threat, say activists (ht), Three years in jail for assaulting health workers (rep)
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06/06/2021: CJ Rana forms Constitutional Bench of senior judges : Constitutional Bench to hear House dissolution case today (kh), Govt lawyers object to Constitutional Bench reformation (kh), Now, it’s ruling side lawyers’ turn to question constitution of Constitutional Bench : Lawyers argue 11 justices of the Supreme Court cannot be included in the bench (rep), AG Badal expresses dissatisfaction over reformation of Constitutional Bench (kh), CJ Rana warns lawyers of charging with contempt of court as they raise questions over 11 justices (rep), Chief Justice Rana warns of suing on defamation allegation (kh), SC receives writ petition seeking reversal of cabinet reshuffle (kh), SC orders reinstatement of Rastriya Janamorcha’s expelled lawmaker Thapa (kh) [What does this provisional ruling mean for the numerous party expulsions in recent months, all of which were based on power politics?], 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), Govt amends eligibility criteria for ambassadors to make space for ‘relatives’ (kh), Covid-19 fund idle as pandemic paralyses nation : Coronavirus Prevention and Control Fund officials say there was no demand for resources, but others blame political crisis for the disuse, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Migrant workers return to India in search of jobs, by Mohan Budhaair (kp), Sunsari-Morang sees 20,000 workers laid off as lockdown chokes factories : The industrial heartland in the eastern region is home to 500 factories which employ around 50,000 persons, by Binod Bhandari (kp), Civil society, environmentalists against Chure exploitation (ht)
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05/06/2021: 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) [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), World is giving medical goods to Nepal. Concern is if they are fairly distributed  : Foreign missions say they keep track of what they provide, but some observers do not rule out misuse of such assistance, by Anil Giri (kp), Discrimination cases got worse during pandemic, Dalit rights advocates say : Incidents of discrimination haven’t decreased due to lax implementation of law, according to national rights body, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [see press release by NHRC (in Nepali)], 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)
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04/06/2021: CJ Rana forms a constitutional bench comprising senior judges in the roster : The Bench to hear the ordinance related to citizenship today (kh), Amendment to rules redundant for Constitutional Bench formation: Full Court (kh), SC hearing against citizenship ordinance adjourned till June 10 : Hearing on HoR dissolution to resume from Sunday (kh), Petition seeks exclusion of 11 judges in Constitutional Bench (kh), Curbs need gradual lifting, with other measures to control pandemic, experts say : Contact tracing, testing and isolating are the key and for  this whole government machinery must be deployed. But Health Ministry alone cannot do everything, officials say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), KMC provides hotline number 1180 in aid of people without food (kh), Fact Check: Is this elderly woman applauding the increase in old-age allowance? (kh), 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), 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), Lockdown has been especially hard on Valley’s visually-impaired persons : Most of the visually-impaired persons in the Valley were employed in the informal sector, by Anup Ojha (kp), NHRC urges to ensure Dalit’s rights to justice and equality (kh), 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), Friday Cabinet reshuffle: All but four incumbent ministers sacked : DPM Ishwor Pokhrel, and ministers Pradeep Gyawali and Hridayesh Tripathi among others sacked (kh) [The most urgent dismissal is missing; that of KP Oli!], New ministers to be sworn in at 8 pm today (kh)
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03/06/2021: Who Nepal’s political parties represent anyway : None seem to be concerned about the people hit by the virus, as they deal with crises of their own, paying little attention to their electorate, by Anil Giri (kp), 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), Fertilisers not on ‘essential commodity’ list as paddy farmers wait anxiouslyDecision to block supply can have an overarching effect, as it may hit paddy crop, and slash economic growth in turn, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Police misbehaviour with citizens under scanner, thanks to social media, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Pay Tax, Demand Welfare And Accountability, by Kamal Parajuli (rn), Non-implementation of Cabinet decision halts distribution of relief funds to families of COVID-19 victims (rep)
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02/06/021: A reconstituted bench to hear petitions against House dissolution : Chief justice to designate new justices on seniority basis to Constitutional Bench after row over his choice earlier. Two members refuse to recuse and the other two opt out, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Malnourished children deprived of care as nutritional rehabs are converted into isolation facilities : Doctors warn child and infant mortality will increase, and years of effort and investment  in reducing child mortality will go to waste, if the issue is continuously ignored, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Budget heavily relies on foreign funds for Covid-19 prevention : Government aims to get Rs 26.21 billion or 71.67 percent of the allocation for  the Covid-19 Prevention and Control Programme from foreign donors, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Licence to plunder : The outrageous announcement erodes years of conservation efforts at the stroke of a pen (kp), Strike ban on areas of essential goods and services expanded (ht), Relentless Ripples In Political Pond, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Nepal’s Failed Governance and Unemployment Problem : The government is least concerned about the chaos in the country created by the unemployment problem. Instead, the Oli government’s every move shows that Oli is only worried about saving his chair, by Prakash Pokhrel (rep), Prohibitory orders must be eased but scientifically: Experts, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep)
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01/06/2021: Who is poisoning our democracy?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), House Dissolution : Blow to political future of Nepal, by Geeta Kochhar (ht), Back in court : The world will be watching the political and legal eccentricities taking  place in Nepal, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Judiciary in the dock as justices come into question : Never in the past has the Supreme Court faced a crisis  of such immense proportions where it has to fight to  justify the composition of a bench, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Oli's state-destroying policies continue to work just fine!], Justices divided on recusal, hearing put off, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Justices Karki and Bhattarai quit as KC and Shrestha decide to remain in bench (kh), Chief Justice Rana to reconstitute Constitutional Bench with justices on seniority basis : After Bam Kumar Shrestha and Tej Bahadur KC refuse to recuse, Deepak Kumar Karki and Ananda Mohan Bhattarai leave the bench. Hearing on House dissolution to start on June 6 with a new set of justices (kp), Janata Samajbadi wants ordinance to split party before joining government : Thakur-Mahato faction wants a split fearing expulsion by a powerful Yadav-Bhattarai camp if Parliament is revived, by Anil Giri (kp), JSP Yadav faction expels four leaders, including Thakur and Mahato (kh) [Oli continues to succeed in dividing parties!], JSP letter on party action registered at Election Commission (kh), JSP Chair Thakur faction decides to expel Chair Yadav (kh), Govt signs 6-point deal with Tharuhat/Tharuwan Struggle Committee (kh) [This agreement will probably not be worth the paper it is printed on either!], Government agrees to take initiatives for the release of Resham Chaudhary and other Tharu leaders : They had been convicted for their involvement in the 2015 Tikapur riots in which nine died. The release has been a long-standing demand of the Janata Samajbadi Party which is in talks to join the government (kp), President’s initiatives for Covid-19 vaccines seen as foreign policy failure : The move is an attempt to improve the President’s image tarnished after her complicity in the prime minister’s move to dissolve the House, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp) [Her blind support for the Oli coup with all its aftermath cannot and must not be excused! The constitution prescribes exactly the opposite behaviour! What she is doing now, she could have done months ago.], Environmentalists warn plan to export stones, pebbles and sand can spell ecological disaster : The announcement in the budget speech was made without Environment Ministry’s knowledge, say officials who fear it could lead to unchecked exploitation of resources to the point the country may not have enough for itself, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Withdraw quarrying program from budget: NEFEJ tells government (kh)
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31/05/2021: The country be damned  : No one seems to be able to stop Oli’s whimsical actions, even if it ends up destroying the country, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Lawyers continue to question composition of bench examining House dissolution : Chief Justice Rana has agreed to review his selection of justices and is expected to announce a decision today. Public faith in the judiciary is at stake, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Petitioners call for CJ, two justices to recuse themselves from case, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Supreme Court Justices’ meeting underway (kh), Opposition parties working on a strategy for an electoral alliance (kh), Antigen kits rolled out in hundreds of thousands but daily tests remain dismal : As pandemic reaches villages which lack PCR labs, antigen tests are the alternative. Health Ministry officials blame the reluctance of local officials for the lacklustre testing, by Arjun Poudel (kp), In a pandemic-hit economy, state offers little hope for creating jobs : The budget for the upcoming fiscal year aims to create around 350,000 new jobs whereas  500,000 youths enter the labour market every year, by the government’s own estimates, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Ban on roadside vending  disrupts livelihoods of Kathmandu’s poor : Over 6,000 vegetables and fruits hawkers have been robbed of their incomes, by Anup Ojha (kp), All bark and no bite : Reflecting on the government that announced it, Budget 2021-22 is bound to be unimplementable (kp), Time to end the unacceptable: Together we can end child labour, by Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa (ht)
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30/05/2021: Indifference is not an option : We must challenge the politicians and expose their treachery, by Naresh Koirala (kp), SC to hear petitions on House dissolution today as well (kh), A bloated budget of Rs1.64 trillion through ordinance : With some focus on fighting the coronavirus, the financial plan of Oli administration carries lofty promises which observers say are aimed at the uncertain elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Sangam Prasain (kp), Government unveils nearly Rs 1.65tn budget for 2021-22 (ht), Incentives and tax rebates galore in new federal budget with focus on midterm elections : Incentives include deduction of value added tax on diesel and cooking gas for businesses and on payments through electronic mode, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Opposition parties term budget as “populist” (kh), Opposition parties warn government to refrain from making decisions having long-term impact (kh), Small parties lament a full budget from caretaker government (kh), Lawyer say judges KC and Shrestha should leave bench to maintain SC’s dignity (kh), House dissolution case: Senior lawyer Thapa suggests Chief Justice Rana to stay on leave (kh), Amid heightened rift, JSP leaders engage in a tug-of-war (kh), As monsoon nears, Nepal will have to cope with virus and seasonal diseases : Since seasonal diseases have symptoms similar to Covid-19, experts warn that treatable conditions may not be diagnosed in time and this may be fatal, by Arjun Poudel (kp), School dropout remains a challenge, survey report shows : Poverty, parents’ illiteracy and lack of learning environment are major reasons behind high dropout rates, education experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [see report by Ministry of Finance in Nepali], Online classes a far cry for many students (ht)
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29/05/2021: A fledgling republic and a vulnerable constitution : How a charter that institutionalised republicanism has come under threat from someone elected  to protect it–the President, by Binod Ghimire (kp) 14th Republic Day today; President stresses socialism-oriented economy (kh) [Which republic? In a republican state the people are sovereign and not prime minister and president! The sovereign people have their representatives elected into parliament and the constitution is the legal basis for all citizens of the country!], Four former Chief Justices call House dissolution an unconstitutional exercise, say it is against past SC verdict (ht), Migrant Workers’ Contribution vs. Government Behavior, by Nitish Lal Shrestha (kh), Composition of bench questioned as hearing on House dissolution begins  : Plaintiffs’ lawyers say Shrestha’s presence constitutes conflict of interest as he was part of the bench that  invalidated Nepal Communist Party (NCP) in March,  by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimirwe (kp), Untangling The Tangled Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), UML leader Bhusal confesses violating parliamentary norms : Claims he signed for NC Prez Deuba to safeguard Constitution (kh), Budget 2021/22: Most debated Constituency Development Fund revoked (kh) [Finally a positive step, but not born out of the conviction that the project means political corruption at the highest level for only directly elected and thus selected by party leaders and usually high-caste male MPs!]
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28/05/2021: Four former chief justices warn of mockery being made against rule of law : In a statement, they say the dissolution of the House of Representatives is against the letter and spirit of the constitution and democratic values (kp), Constitutional Bench to decide the fate of 30 petitions : Petitioners wanted an extended full bench to look into the case of House dissolution, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC allocates 10 minutes for hearing on writ petition related to HoR dissolution (kh), SC hearing adjourns as concern raised over Justice Shrestha’s inclusion in Constitutional Bench : Hearing on HoR dissolution to continue Sunday (kh), Buying Chinese vaccines easier said than done, officials and experts say : Though some provisions have been eased, the  non-disclosure agreement condition proposed by Sinopharm could pose a challenge to procurement, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Anil Giri (kp), Aid pours into Nepal, but where be vaccines? International community rushes oxygen and PPEs, but Nepal is not even getting the vaccines it paid for, by Sonia Awale (nt), Ramp up testing : Without curbing the infection rate, we risk a perilous situation of a flare-up in new cases and deaths (kp), New provisions issued to empower women (ht), Health workers at Bheri Hospital attacked by relatives of deceased patient, by Arjun Oli (rep), Health ministry expresses concern over physical assault on health workers at Bheri Hospital (rep), “There was no option but to jump off the window to save our lives” (rep), Political exercise of democratic republic turns helpless: Former Chair Regmi (kh)
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27/05/2021: Bending constitutional provisions for government formation, the KP Oli way : Constitution drafters failed to foresee that prime minister elected under 76 (1) would dissolve the House after three years at the helm, as that article clearly ensures full term, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dissolution of Lower House condemned (ht), 'PM's repeated moves to dissolve parliament not good sign for democracy, constitutional system' (rep), SC to begin hearing writs against HoR dissolution today (kh), CJ Rana sends all 19 petitions on HoR dissolution to constitutional bench (kh), SC refuses to issue interim-order, all writ petitions to be heard at Constitutional Bench (rep), Speaker Sapkota warns of taking “tough and strenuous step” to protect constitution (kh), Stop intimidating journos: Amnesty International (ht), Govt to skip policies and programs this year (kp) [How easy it is for Oli to rule and control this country after he has marginalised the opposition in every way by unconstitutionally dissolving the House of Representatives! This is much better for Oli than democracy and the rule of law.], Thakur faction of JSP likely to register RJP at EC today : JSP on verge of split (kh), JSP-N on the verge of split? Rift widens as co-chairs seek explanation from each other (ht), Speaker Sapkota consulting with constitutional experts on House dissolution (kh), What about the poor? Officials cannot continue to evade responsibility even as people go to bed hungry (kp), Lockdown disrupts dairy sector as sales suffer, feed becomes scarce : With hotels and restaurants shut, farmers can’t sell their milk because there are no buyers. Residents also do not want to come out of their houses to buy milk due to risk of infection, by Chandani kathayat, LP Devkota and Biplab Bhattarai (kp), The UK must help Nepal : The British Parliament discusses Nepal’s Covid crisis after Nepalis organised a petition, by Sanyukta Shrestha (kp), The subtle art of misogyny: Time to break free of it, by Supriya Pudasainy (ht), Political Expediency Overrules Ethics, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Do not bring budget through ordinance: Nine former NPC vice-chairmen (kh), Oli following in Modi’s footsteps (ae), Existential crisis : In recent times, fissures in communist parties have largely, if not exclusively, been guided by personal calculations (ae) [This has been typical for Nepal's political parties since the late 1940s!], Let them eat cake, Madam President, by Bishal Thapa (ae)
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26/05/2021: Supreme Court summons editors over news reports. Not everyone is amusedExperts say court’s rebuttal of news suggesting a meeting between prime minister and chief justice is uncalled for and demanding proof from editors wrong, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Supreme Court to hear writs against HoR dissolution on Thursday and Friday (kh), House dissolution “unconstitutional”: Constitution Monitoring Group (kh), Dissolution at midnight: Yet another travesty of the constitution, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Civil Society stages protest against HoR dissolution in capital (rep), A watershed in country’s communist  movement as ruling UML nears split : The Madhav Nepal faction of the CPN-UML, currently the largest communist party  in the country, decides to part ways with Oli, charging the chair with shenanigans, by Anil Giri (kp), JSP on verge of split with both factions taking action against each other (kh) [Oli is again successful in using the Hindu political means of bheda by division, betrayal, sowing discord among opponents!], Leaders of CCP and political parties of Nepal holding zoom meeting today (kh), UML’s Sudurpaschhim Province PP meeting underway (kh) [According to the 2015 constitution, Nepal is a federal state. In such a state, the central party leadership can only make recommendations to that of the province, but cannot issue orders.The measure is merely part of KP Oli's hate campaign and is aimed at destroying governability at all levels of the federal system!], UML’s Sudurpaschim province PP defies SC decision : Decides not to withdraw support from the province government (kh), Controversies, conspiracies and  the constitutional crisis : With more holes in it than a strainer, the convoluted constitution was fated to fail, by CK Lal (kp), Covid-19 fuelling child labour in Nepal, a new Human Rights Watch report says : With little support from the government, children have been forced to work for long gruelling hours for low pay (kp) [HRW report “I Must Work to Eat” - Covid-19, Poverty, and Child labor in Ghana, Nepal, and Uganda], “Immediate rescue plan needed for Nepalis stuck abroad” (rep) [As in 2020, the oh-so-competent Oli government refuses to honour its responsibilities!], 15 UML SC members appeal to stand against Chairman Oli’s arbitrary rule : Yogesh Bhattarai and Gokarna Bista come back to Nepal-Khanal camp (kh), Nepal Public Health Association demands to annul mid-term elections (kh), HoR dissolution is unconstitutional and undemocratic: Nepal Bar Association (kh),
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25/05/2021: Opposition alliance moves court against House dissolutionAs many as 146 members from Congress, Maoist Centre, UML’s Nepal faction, Janata Samajbadi’s Yadav-Bhattarai faction and Janamorcha demand restoration of House, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), SC fixes May 27 and 28 as hearing dates for writs against HoR dissolution (kh), PM-CJ meeting at night in Baluwatar does not bode well: JSP leader Bhattarai (kh) [The Chief Justice should not meet people who are the focus of a serious case in the making!], UML row: Nepal-Khanal faction to establish new party (kh), Fight for survival, by Nitish Lal Shrestha (kh), Valley’s poor worry about food as authorities prepare to extend lockdown by another week : Rights activist Mohna Ansari says the state must support the needy in times of crisis, by Anup Ojha (kp), Lockdown violator to face 1 year jail-term or fine of Rs 500,000 from today (kh) [And why do repeated violators of the Constitution go unpunished? Why are leading politicians allowed to lure people en masse onto the streets in the middle of a pandemic with impunity?], Speaker Agni Sapkota holding talks with former speakers (kh) [The non-participation of Subas Nembang is very telling!], Former Speakers conclude HoR dissolution unconstitutional ( kh), Nepal woefully short on human resources for Covid-19 treatment : An expert group says it had sent a list of health workers trained in critical care before the first wave but there was no response from the Health Ministry, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Doctors in Dolpa warn of halting Covid-19 treatment : The health workers have been deprived of allowances and facilities due to them for the treatment of Covid-19 patients since the last fiscal year, by Hari Gautam (kp), Chain of injustice : The perpetrators of the caste killings in Rukum West are yet to face justice (kp), Faltering Intraparty Democracy : The deepening crisis of intraparty democracy brushes off the achievement of democratic values and legal standards and creates a feeding ground for brutal and egregious dictators. We are, in a true sense, living under a dictatorship, by Nilam Sangroula (rep), Preparation to file contempt of court writ against PM Oli (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

24/05/2021: Democracy’s gravediggers : KP Sharma Oli proved that you may win elections and still be a loser (kp), Oli attempts to use citizenship ordinance for his political gains : Timing raises questions over intentions as bill had been pending in Parliament for years, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Attorney General Badal addresses concerns on citizenship ordinance (kh), Nepalis on social media take a dig at Oli over his criticism of a Kantipur cartoon : The Post’s sister paper had run the cartoon two days after President Bhandari endorsed Prime Minister Oli’s House dissolution decision with promptitude, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), 23 UML lawmakers join protest against HoR dissolution (kh), Opposition alliance files petition at Supreme Court demanding House reinstatement : 146 lawmakers, including 23 from the Madhav Nepal faction of the UML, have signed the petition, also demanding that Congress President Deuba be appointed prime minister (kp), 146 lawmakers of opp’n parties file writ against HoR dissolution : Key demands: appoint Deuba as PM, reinstate parliament (kh), Opposition alliance raises three concerns in writ against HoR dissolution (kh), We came to SC to show we are competent to form govt: Gagan Thapa (kh), Chand-led Communist Party demands withdrawal of citizenship ordinance (kh), CPN-UML expels 11 leaders, including Madhav Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal : Also decides to withdraw support given to Sudurpaschim govt (kh)
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23/05/2021: President Bhandari faces more questions for failing to abide by her duty : The head of state comes under scrutiny for being  Oli’s accomplice in undermining the constitution  that she is supposed to protect, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Elections in the time of a raging pandemic, a recipe for disaster : In India campaigning for assembly polls in states in April contributed to a deadly second wave. In Nepal elections are scheduled during a potential third wave, experts say, by Atjun Poudel (kp), Thakur-Mahato faction of Janata Samajbadi to join government : An observer of Madhes politics says the party will split  if the faction joins the Oli Cabinet amid polarisation, by Anil Giri (kp), Severe flaws in the governance system : The mantra of politics, it is increasingly being realised, does not appear to be the spirit of freedom and equality, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Politics Takes Dramatic Turn, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), CPN (Unified) Party registered at EC : Party’s leader Jiwan Rai is close to Madhav Nepal; election symbol pen (kh) [This indicates a formal split of the CPN-UML in the making!], House dissolution and announcement of midterm election amid COVID-19 pandemic is inhuman cruelty: Bibeksheel Sajha Party (rep), NC cadres protesting against house dissolution arrested in capital (rep), HoR dissolution “unconstitutional” (kh), Devkota reveals he was intimidated to back out from NA by-election (kh), No complaint can be filed against president’s discretionary rights: PM Oli (rep) [Oli dreams of infallibility of PM and President! The problem is that Article 76 (5) is not a right of application of the President. This paragraph of Article 76 only applies automatically after a PM elected under Article 76 (3 and 4) has his confidence withdrawn by Parliament after 30 days. Your vote of confidence, which is required for this, is still pending, Mr Oli! Consequently, Article 76 (5 - 7) may not yet be applied at all on the basis of the Constitution and the House of Representatives may not be dissolved at all. To disregard this is a serious breach of the constitution!], Budget will be introduced through ordinance on May 29: PM Oli (rep) [Oli needs neither constitution nor parliament, in fact no cabinet either. He only needs his president to sign his ordinances! What was it said about the power of the King in the Panchayat Constitution? Yes, the sovereignty of Nepal is vested in His Majesty and all powers - executive, legislative and judicial - emanate from Him! Nothing to add to that!], Prez Bhandari issues ordinance on citizenship (rep) [In order to manipulate the JSP!], President issues Citizenship Ordinance : The ordinance addresses concerns of Madhes-centric parties (kh),
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22/05/2021: Oli calls emergency cabinet meeting at midnight; decides to dissolve house, announces snap elections (ht) [Again, although the Supreme Court has made it unmistakably clear to him that he is not empowered to do so and must follow the steps provided by the Constitution. This is a gross disregard of the court and, in view of the extreme pandemic situation, a serious crime against the people of Nepal!], PM Oli dissolves parliament, announces midterm elections in November, by Kosdh Raj Koirala (rep), President dissolves House, calls snap polls for November 12 and 19 : After a day-long political drama, through a midnight Cabinet meeting, Oli, as he failed to get reappointed, takes the country towards elections amid a raging Covid-19 pandemic, by Anil Giri, Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), President dissolves Parliament; declares elections on Nov 12 & 19 (kh), Social media awash with criticisms against President’s move to announce mid-term polls (kh), Actions of PM Oli and Prez Bhandari cannot be pardoned: Parties; NC: Unconstitutional; Maoist: Oli on Gyanendra’s path (rep), NC decides to take political as well legal action against HoR dissolution (rep), Why didn’t NC Prez Deuba agree to go for impeachment and no-confidence motion? (kh), Thakur-Mahato faction of JSP welcomes House dissolution (Setopati) [This means the end of the JSP and thus another success of Oli's policy!], Before heading to prez, Oli urged opposition to let him lead national govt (ht) [This proves that Oli is only concerned with maintaining his personal power in everything he does, even if the country is destroyed in the process!], I Paved The Way For Alternative Govt: PM (rn) [This person must be completely insane to claim that he knows better what would be useful than the Constitution!], Parliamentary system does not suit interest and need of Nepali people: NCP Gen Secy Biplav (kh), Govt can now impose state of emergency to curb COVID-19,  if necessary (rep), PM directs Election Commission to gear up for election (kh) [Just like Oli's forced election preparations after the first unconstitutional parliamentary dissolution, those of the present one will mean a lot of wasted money for which Oli and Bhandari will have to be held personally accountable once they are out of office!], The devil on one side and a pandemic on the other, by Pranaya SJB Rana (Record), Opposition alliance calls house dissolution and call for snap polls unconstitutional and regressive : In a statement three parties, a faction of the ruling party and a faction of Janata Samajbadi have accused the prime minister of announcing the polls with the ill-intention of prolonging his autocratic regime as it cannot be held (kp 22/05/2021)
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21/05/2021: With President’s complicity, Oli hammers another nail in the coffin of the constitution : Bhandari’s call to form a new government in less than 24 hours at the request of the incumbent one bypassing  the due parliamentary process is unconstitutional, experts and political parties say, by Anil Giri (kp) [Oli's constitutional options would be immediate resignation or another vote of confidence and, if that fails, immediate resignation as well. Anything else is unconstitutional and the president is once again acting as his stooge!], Nepal Tarun Dal voices impeachment against President Bhandari (kh), NC leader Thapa suggests President’s ouster through impeachment (kh), Opposition parties discuss impeaching President : Meeting at Sher Bahadur Deuba's residence, Budhanilakantha (kh) [According to Article 61 of the Constitution, the President has only two duties: Promoting national unity and respecting and protecting the Constitution.  With her blind support for Oli's largely unconstitutional and unlawful machinations to secure his grip on power, she has done exactly the opposite! She is a servant of Oli and not of the people!], Six writ petitions filed at SC against President’s move (kh), Bibeksheel Sajha Party urges opposition parties to impeach Prez and form a new government (rep), The many sins of Bidya Bhandari, by Pranaya SJB Rana (Record), Govt invoked Article 76 (5) to form new govt for budget: PM Oli (kh) [Article 76 (5) cannot be invoked by the government. It is merely a provision of the Constitution if the incumbent Prime Minister loses the necessary second vote of confidence in the House of Representatives within 30 days on the basis of Article 76 (3 and 4) and is thus deemed to be voted out standing!], Nepal Constitutional Crisis: What happens after 5 PM today?, by Kamal Subedi (rep), Opposition parties reach Sheetal Niwas with signatures of 149 lawmakers : NC President proposed Prime Minister (kh), PM Oli reaches Sheetal Niwas before the opposition leaders : PM Oli, President holding talks as opposition waits for President to submit its claim (kh), PM Oli too claims stake on govt formation with support of 153 lawmakers (kh), Opposition parties’ claim registered at President’s Office : President told the opposition alliance that a decision would be taken after consulting experts (kh), Oli, Deuba stake claim for Prime Minister (kh), Nepal’s opposition alliance to stake claim to new government with support of 149 lawmakers : Congress President Deuba proposed new prime minister (kp), UML’s Nepal faction leaders issue contradictory statements over support to Deuba : They say they never agreed to make Deuba the PM (kh), Is Nepal headed toward early elections?, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), JSP leader Bhattarai calls to resolve imbroglio invoking Article 76 (5) (kh), JSP holding PP meeting to dwell on power-sharing today (kh), PM Oli-Thakur agree to form task force to amend constitution (kh) [Oli promised the same in 2018 when he was elected prime minister, but later he would not hear of it. He belongs to the circle of those male Tagadharis, especially  Bahuns, who pushed through the constitution in this very form to ensure their dominance!], Rules apply to all : When the head of the government doesn't follow rules and regulations, it gives others ample reason to do likewise (ht), A pandemic of apathy: How our MPs failed to address Covid-19 : It’s our great misfortune that the ones in power  continue to protect their own interests, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Correcting Nepal’s Political Course, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

20/05/2021: Red tape, indecision and politics blamed for delay in getting Chinese vaccines : Initially there was over-dependence on India and when the crisis deepened, authorities scrambled to acquire shots but made little effort to reach out to Beijing, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp), Pandemic leaves migrant workers with worries piling up and savings depleting : With international flights suspended, many cannot return home–and they don’t have jobs as their contact is over, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Pandemic pushing more families into  poverty as unemployment soars : People have been deprived of their basic right to health, education and livelihood, rights activists say, by Binod Ghimire and Anup Ojha (kp), Scars of the Maoist conflict : Resetting the truth  commission now is  a priority if citizens  are to get closure, by Anttoni James Numminem (kp), Khim Lal Devkota defeats Ram Bahadur Thapa in National Assembly election : Devkota, an independent candidate backed by Nepal-Khanal faction of the UML, had the support of Congress and Maoist Centre. Thapa was fielded by the UML (kp) [Both Oli and Thapa really deserve this!], Khimlal Devkota elected to National Assembly (kh), Dr Devkota secures victory in National Assembly by-poll (rep), Supreme Court scraps appointment of seven ministers who are not lawmakers : Chief Justice Rana’s bench says their appointment and oath, on May 14, prima facie, against constitutional provisions. All of them had joined the CPN-UML after deserting the Maoist Centre (kp) [Oli as well as Thapa and the other deserters really deserve this! Finally respect the constitution, the laws and the parliamentary defeats, Mr Oli, and resign!], SC scraps appointment of non-MP ministers, seven including Home Min Thapa relieved (ht), SC Orders Seven Ministers To Stop Works (rn), Reappointment of former Maoist leaders as ministers unconstitutional: SC (rep), President calls on HoR members to form govt as per Article 76 (5) by 5pm Friday : PM Oli opted to pave way to form new government as he did not see possibility of him gaining parliament's trust (kh), Railway ordinance stipulates provision for dedicated security unit (ht) [Why by ordinance at all, when Nepal has a popularly elected parliament, which the prime minister has so far been unable to abolish despite all his efforts?], Public Policies Fail To Deliver Results, by Mukti Rijal (rn), President Bhandari issues two ordinances (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

19/05/2021: Janata Samajbadi in a bid to bring a new twist to the tale of Nepal politics : The party says it is ready to lead the government, a condition that could leave Oli in a precarious position, by Anil Giri (kp)  [This demand is not new and it is understandable in one respect: The three other parties want to continue as before, with the same, largely failed and non-inclusive party leaders!], RPP issues whip to vote for Home Minister Thapa (kh) [The monarchists and supporters of the Hindu state support the election of a former Maoist! Someone must have radically changed his mind, and it is not the RPP!], Youth dies in APF firing in Nawalparasi (rep), PM Oli violates election code of conduct, EC warns of action (rep), PM Oli urges to cast votes for Thapa in NA by-elections (kh), Afno manche, all over again in Nepal : If any of you wants a government/bureaucratic job in the next two years, profess your loyalty to the UML, then join a clique, then prove your loyalty to your leader, by Trailokya Raj Aryal (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

18/05/2021: Morality and policy and the means (upaya) of Hindu politics, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh), Leaders underplay spectre of split hovering over JSP-N (ht) [The dissent within the JSP is also a result of PM Oli's use of the Hindu political device bheda (sowing discord among opponents)], JSP Chairmen Thakur and Yadav agree to consolidate party : JSP would rather lead the government than joining Oli-led govt (kh), Oli mulling budget through ordinance as his vote of confidence in Parliament remains pending : The federal budget for the next fiscal year must be presented on May 29. Parliament session is yet to be called for presenting policies and programmes and pre-budget discussions, by Anil Giri (kp) [Oli needs no parliament, just a president who willingly signs his every ordinance!], Send oxygen, not circulars : Oli’s prime ministership has been riddled with a lethal combination of ignorance and arrogance (kp), Minister Shrestha is ignoring most pressing issues facing education sector, experts say : While schools remain closed and key exams have become uncertain due to the pandemic, the education minister hasn’t announced any measures to address the problem, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [That alone qualifies him to be a minister in the Oli government!], SC seeks written response from PM on swearing-in (kh), SC refuses interim order, seeks written response from defendants within 15 days (rep), Prolonged prohibitory orders hit valley's daily wagers hard (ht), How not to manage a crisis : Society’s handling of the pandemic reflects on the government’s performance, by Sujeev Shakya (kp)
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17/05/2021: Authorities continue to fumble around amid Covid-19 surge : With pandemic showing signs of sliding into a devastating crisis, authorities mull a new law to streamline response, as they ignore the basics like tracing, testing and isolating, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Help us, world : Nepal is counting on you for life-saving  oxygen equipment and vaccines (kp), The economy has been eroding : Given the rapid spread of Covid-19, CBS’s growth  projection will most likely be an overestimation, by Chandan Sapkota (kp), Vegetables rot in fields as lockdown paralyses market : Groceries are allowed to open briefly in the morning and sales are at minimum level, traders say, by Pratap Bista and Krishana Prasain (kp) [This is an expected consequence of the totally ill-conceived pandemic policy of the incompetent Oli government!], Controversy over PM's swearing-in snowballs : Petition filed in the Supreme Court demanding that Oli be sworn in again, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Nepali politics: Testing waters of democracy, by Geeta Kochhar (ht), Daily wage earners struggling to meet survival needs (kh),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

16/05/2021: Do we have a government?, by Kamal Subedi (rep), Despite increase in health budget, preparations for crisis were sorely lacking : Plans to set up enough oxygen plants, ICU beds and to  procure equipment remained only on paper. Less than  4 percent of Covid-19 capital budget has been spent, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Contact tracing yet to take off as ministry assigns job to local level : Cases won’t come under control unless they are checked at the source but whether local governments have the capacity to do the task is another question, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Army ignores House panel’s directive, forges deal for expressway : Bypassing the directives of the House committees is an act of defying the sovereign entity, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli’s envoy appointments could erode country’s credibility, experts warn : Only two out of eleven ambassadorial nominees are career diplomats, by Anil Giri (kp), Govt urged to protect citizens' right to life (ht), Oli’s Third Innings In Government : The entire drama indicates that political culture and constitutional conduct is yet to take roots in the federal republic, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), What are Nepali youth thinking?, by Jagannath Lamichhane, Sanjaya Mahato and Sushav Niraula (rep) [see corresponding Niti report],
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

15/05/2021: An oath of office when people are gasping for breath as well as answers : As Oli has been sworn in as prime minister again, he now must focus on fighting the pandemic and saving lives, leaving his political games aside, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal’s missions abroad have little to show in seeking Covid-19 assistance : Even as country battles the virus and the world shows concern, diplomats have failed in actively lobbying for support, By Anil Giri (kp), Flimsy huts set up in lieu of holding centre at Gaddachauki border point : Kanchanpur authorities are yet to set up a holding centre for people returning from India, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp) [Unlike the completely superfluous power struggles, this would have belonged to the real tasks of a competent and morally oriented prime minister!], Lawmakers get second dose of vaccine while citizens are still waiting for theirs : They didn’t pressure the government to ensure vaccines for all as they knew they wouldn’t be deprived of the second dose, says a former general secretary at Parliament Secretariat. Around 1.3m people are still waiting for second jabs, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [!!!!], Government preaches but does not act, political analysts and local units say : Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum alleges that the central government has just been issuing instructions while doing little to address the Covid-19 crisis, by Anup Ojha (kp), People can’t go out, and they can’t get home delivery : Online stores are confused about providing service due to lack of clear guidelines from the government regarding ecommerce, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Cabinet recommends 11 envoys for various countries : Of the recommendations, nine are political appointees while only two are from the foreign service (kp), Rato Machhindranath chariot being pulled despite the pandemic terror (kh),
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14/05/2021: Losing trust in the republic : As citizens scramble for oxygen and a hospital bed, our state has disappeared, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp) [It is not the republic, the top politicians have failed. The monarchy was no better. The party-political oligarchs behave like the monarchy once did, without conscience, without morals, oriented only towards their own power interests!], A tale of two Nepals : As the country reported 8,842 new Covid-19 cases and 214 deaths, Nepali politicians had but one number in mind—136, the figure that could secure them power; Oli reappointed prime minister, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp) [There must be a way to get rid of these failed and totally irresponsible politicians! Unfortunately, even possible elections are hardly hopeful, as only these self-declared masters of Nepal decide on the selection of candidates and will never change their undemocratic party structures!], Virus in the villages : The perennially marginalised cannot be left to fend for themselves (kp), Daily infection count hovers around 9,000 mark but deaths could continue to rise : As hospitals are not admitting patients due to oxygen shortages, many infected are in home isolation. Without timely and sufficient care, they are at high risk, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [Thank you Mr Oli, you have all the time in the world for your power struggles but no time to fulfil your obligations as Prime Minister and care for the people in their need!], Ill-timed trust vote may scupper pre-budget session : Avoiding the pre-budget discussion is like barring people from participating in the budget process, a former Parliament Secretariat official says, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [PM Oli does not need a budget. He can rule without one and also without parliament! The money earmarked for the country's development is never spent as planned anyway!], Defeat of confidence motion : Herculean challenge for new govt, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), We need a functioning govt (rep)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

13/05/2021: Data discrepancy amid virus crisis could spell disaster : Different figures on Covid-19 death toll, which have  puzzled many, raise concerns if there are more virus  fatalities than what the government is reporting, by Binod Ghimire (kp), How the raging coronavirus pandemic is tearing families apart : The government’s inefficiency and apathy towards  handling the pandemic has made things much more  challenging for people infected with Covid-19, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp), End of the Oli show : Oli’s departure from the scene will not and should not be lamented, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Rawal urges CPN-UML lawmakers to quit (ht), Only essential services to remain open from today (rep), Talks between UML Chair Oli and senior leader Nepal end on a positive note : Resignation on hold; leaders agree on making a task force (kh), NC and Maoist Center bid to form majority govt fails (kh 13/05/2021), Nepal needs political consensus, again : Such political consensus is long way off. But that should not stop our political actors from trying, by Biswas Baral (ae)
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12/05/2021: Oh, what a fall it was : Oli will be remembered in Nepali politics and society for all the wrong reasons (kp), It’s time to go, El Supremo : Oli considers the amoral pragmatism of Marxism-Leninism and Maoism to be the guiding principle of his political life, by CK Lal (kp), Nepal’s health system cracks under the strain of rising Covid-19 cases : More people are in dire need of oxygen, but plants are falling short of production, as hospitals say they cannot take new patients for lack of the life-saving gas, by Shuvam Dhungana and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Country faces political crisis on top of a deepening virus crisis : With political turmoil ignited by Oli, parties are now in the number games, which look like a futile exercise, given their strengths and internal feuds in UML and Janata Samajbadi, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Housemaids and elderly hit hard by  prohibitory orders in Kathmandu  : The lockdown has not just put many domestic helps out of their jobs, elderly people have also lost their caregivers, by Anup Ojha (kp) [The Oli government again fails to realise that countless other things need to be considered and thought through in a lockdown. Anyone who even makes the remotest power play in such a situation is completely out of place.]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

11/05/2021: Noxious politics hits the nadir : We need a wholly new approach to regain the sanctity, independence and efficacy of our institutions, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Public policy implementation : Ways to upending barriers, by Madhav Shrestha (ht) [No prime minister after 1990 could build on such a stable majority government as Oli, but his delivery was the worst Nepal has seen since!], Regaining Lost Credibility, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Oli loses vote of confidence : Parties have until Thursday to form a new government, but the process appears to be tricky. Congress and Maoist Centre look to Janata Samajbadi as they lack numbers, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), As things stand, Oli is likely to be PM again under Article 76 (3) (kh) [This is definitely the last thing Nepal needs at this critical hour!], Oratorical genius Oli missed a golden opportunity, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh), Janata Samajbadi’s Thakur not to support government formation process : Thakur’s Monday midnight statement makes the government formation even trickier as the Congress and the Maoist Centre lack the numbers (kp) [Obviously, you want Nepal to go further down the drain or prolong the disastrous Oli government, which is somewhat the same thing, Mr Thakur! How can you want to destroy your homeland so deliberately?], NC to stake claim on govt formation after discussion with all parties (kh), The sting operations : It is very difficult to say what possible impacts the ban will have on the anti-corruption drive, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), HRW urges Nepal to act urgently to avert looming COVID-19 disaster (ht)  [see: Nepal: Act to Avert Looming Covid-19 Disaster : Desperate Need for Supplies, Oxygen as Cases Surge (HRW 10/05/2021)], Human Rights Watch calls on Nepal government to act urgently to avert a looming Covid-19 crisis : The rights body urges donor countries like the US, UK and EU to make life-saving oxygen equipment and vaccines equitably available (kp),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

10/05/2021: Nepal Prime Minister Oli fails trust vote in Parliament : Of the 232 lawmakers present, 93 cast votes in Oli’s favour and 124 against him while 15 lawmakers stayed neutral, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), PM Oli fails to secure parliament’s confidence, what next? (rep), PM Oli fails to retain confidence of parliament (kh) [Budget session of parliament ended on its very first day?], Speaker Sapkota writes to President saying PM failed the floor test (kh), PM Oli reaches President’s Office (kh), Out of control : It is the coronavirus pandemic, and not the media narrative, that should be under control (kp), Chief justice in dock for attending council meet : Experts say Rana, who has refused to hear a petition against ordinance on Constitutional Council Act, committed judicial misconduct, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli dangles a carrot as Nepal-Khanal faction wavers : Nepal-Khanal group remains indecisive as prime minister faces a trust vote today. Janata Samajbadi is a divided house. Congress waits and watches. So do the Maoists, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), No immediate plan to evacuate workers affected by flight suspension : Officials say the government will repatriate the affected workers if the flight suspension remains for an extended period, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp) [A similar lack of interest from the Oli government as during the first lockdown!], Oli appeals to stop anti-party activities : Says it’s a crime to attempt to pull down the party (ht) [The one who has been misbehaving in this way for months is above all you personally, Mr Oli: sowing discord among political opponents, dividing your own and other parties, destroying democracy and the constitution, disregarding numerous laws, pretending false facts, neglecting urgent measures to contain the pandemic, suppressing fundamental rights, neglecting any moral responsibility, etc.], Nepal records highest single-day spike with 9,127 new Covid-19 cases : Health Ministry says 139 deaths based on statistics from the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre and Nepal Army (kp) [The Oli government really has it all under control!], Super-spreader Special Session of Nepal’s Parliament . Oli loses confidence vote in the midst of a raging pandemic, demonstrating why the country is in crisis (nt)
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09/05/2021: Oli’s virus ‘situation under control’ remark meets with criticism : Crisis continues to deepen with over 8,000 new cases  and 53 deaths. Many from Oli’s orbit and over two dozen lawmakers test positive ahead of May 10 House session, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Valley hospitals face shortage of oxygen, many have stopped admitting patients : Oxygen manufacturers say demand has gone up four times their production capacity. China has given 3,500 cylinders as a grant but they will take three weeks to arrive, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Anti-COVID-19 Cooperation : Can China’s Move Fill Regional Void?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Constitutional Council recommends appointments to various Constitutional Commissions (kh) [Last manipulated appointments before Oli is finally dumped?], Can’t give a vote of confidence: Mahanta tells PM Oli (kh), Prohibitory orders likely to be extended by two more weeks (kh),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

08/05/2021: Nepal wanted to buy millions of jabs. Here’s how it failed : Over the past months, conflicting narratives have emerged on what went wrong in Health Ministry that leave the country without vaccines, as virus crisis deepens, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Govt rules out vaccine import in near future (ht), Elderly waiting for second dose, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Residents in Karnali and Sudurpaschim hit hard by the second wave of pandemicPandemic brings challenges to regions suffering from lack of proper health care system, and poor road connectivity, by Hari Gautam, Chhapal Lama, Menuka Dhungana and Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Deuba, Dahal reach understanding to foil PM Oli's bid to secure vote of confidence (rep), Deuba leaves NC PP meeting in the middle to chalk new strategy (kh 08/05/2021), Main oppn leader Deuba, Speaker Sapkota to boycott Constitutional Council meeting (rep 08/05/2021)
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07/05/2021: Oli’s preference for politics to virus crisis is an affront to people, analysts say : The UML chair and prime minister is paying no attention to soaring coronavirus cases, as he busies himself with political schemings ahead of his May 10 trust vote, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp), Pandemic is getting out of hand, as government has its focus misplaced  : Officials fail to heed fundamentals like increasing contact tracing and testing as they see lockdowns as only option, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Factories face shortages of raw materials as prohibitory order cuts supply lines : Entrepreneurs say they can handle a short period of immobility, but worry the lockdown may be prolonged, by Madhav Dhungana (kp), Health Ministry refutes news reports on the involvement of govt in COVID-19 vaccine procurement scam (rep), Vaccine procurement scandal is not just a case of corruption but a ‘crime’: MP Thapa (rep), Nepal is a hotbed of virus and politics : In the midst of a pandemic, Nepal’s prime minister calls for a confidence vote in Parliament, by Kunda Dixit (nt), Microcosms of a pandemic : In the absence of government, municipalities and communities on the frontlines manage the second wave, by Sonia Awale (nt), PM summons Constitutional Council meeting on Sunday (kh) [Oli continues to try to prove that a Prime Minister, no matter how incompetent, has the right to govern without respect for the Constitution and the rule of law!]
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06/05/2021: No plan B to break infection chain as virus continues to rage : Experts say prohibitory orders can slow the spread of the coronavirus but until there  are other measures simultaneously in place, a let-up in the surge is unlikely, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Govt's indecision threatens vaccination drive : Agents of vaccine producing companies want advance payment, health ministry not ready to pay (ht), Oli reaches out to Deuba as opposition forces band together : Meeting follows talks between Congress, Maoist Centre and a section of Janata Samajbadi leaders, by Anil Giri (kp), What happens after Monday’s voting on confidence motion : Oli will be in difficulty if the Nepal faction with its around 30 lawmakers resigns before vote, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Flight suspension stalls Covid-19-related imports : Suppliers say almost all oxygen concentrators in the market have already sold out causing an acute shortage of equipment, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Things to do before the budget : Institutional structures  at the federal level  should be reduced by at least a quarter, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

05/05/2021: Complacency, miscalculation and missteps : Country records highest daily coronavirus death toll and new cases. Oli’s chest-thumping and false claims  continue as vaccine supply is nowhere in sight. 47 percent of total tests return positive results, byArjun Poudel and Binod Ghimire (kp), Rights activists find rapid response team ineffective : The job of squad representing several ministries is to keep supply lines clear during the prohibitory period aimed at containing rising Covid-19 cases; Traders say trucks bringing food items to Kathmandu have to wait at entry points for long, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Will Oli’s confidence vote plan shake up political landscape? Maoists withdraw support and Nepal-Khanal supporters are mulling resigning as lawmakers. Congress party eyes  government and Janata Samajbadi is still a divided house, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Restoring balance : The relationship between the people and political parties is reaching a breaking point, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Maoist Center submits letter of withdrawal of support to govt at Parliament Secretariat (kh),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

04/05/2021: Sick and tired : The monkey business that is called democratic politics (kp), Authorities enforced antigen tests but failed to increase numbers : Such tests at border points could have been helpful  but they were few and far between, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Frontline health workers deprived of promised risk allowances : Health workers who were engaged in setting up quarantine and isolation facilities and providing treatment to Covid-19 patients last year say they feel cheated by the authorities, by Madhav Aryal (kp), Kathmandu Valley district administration offices decide to enforce prohibitory orders more strictly : Shops selling essential foodstuffs will be allowed to open only in the mornings and up to 9 am. Vehicle passes will not be issued anymore (kp), Covid-19 restrictions once again cast uncertainty over labour migration : After a disastrous 2020 when labour migration dropped to a new low, the foreign employment sector has once again started to feel the heat amid surge in coronavirus cases, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Maoist Centre decides to withdraw support to government : The decision comes days after Oli said he would go for a floor test (kp), NC decides to foil PM Oli’s bid to garner majority in HoR (kh), Second wave of corona : Quality education compromised, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)
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03/05/2021: As if there’s no pandemic : Oli and his clique’s seeming indifference to the raging coronavirus and unfolding tragedy is stark. Even as virus cases hit a new record of 7,137 and death toll clocks 3,325, political games continue, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Campaigners join global call for lawful postings at human rights commission : The National Human Rights Commission has the chance of becoming a mere shadow of the government, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Organisations asked to divert some funds to fight pandemic : The government has asked domestic and international relief organisations to divert 5 to 20 percent resources for pandemic relief depending on the size of their budget, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), After Health Ministry bows out, municipal officials bear the brunt of Covid-19 crisis : Ward chiefs say they’re flooded with phone calls from people asking for hospital beds. Kathmandu lacks isolation or quarantine facilities, infected persons can’t access bottled oxygen, by Anup Ojha (kp), Pupils in limbo : The cabinet needs to reconsider its  decision to conduct in-person exams (kp), Conflict victims seek prosecution of perpetrators (ht) [see statement by Advocacy Forum-Nepal]
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02/05/2021: Covid-19 peak yet to arrive, warn experts as they lay stress on curbing infections : Doctors say increasing number of beds and keeping  an eye on possible hoarding of oxygen cylinders, as well  as expanding testing, should be an immediate priority, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Oli caused formation of Janata Samajbadi Party. Now he is prompting its split : Cracks have emerged in the party which was formed in April last year through the merger between Rastriya Janata Party Nepal and Samajbadi Party Nepal, by Anil Giri (kp), NHRC urges govt to handle health crisis effectively (ht), Offices to operate with only 25 per cent staffers (ht), Prohibitory order in the Valley to be tightened from today (rep), PM Oli calls cabinet meeting at 4 pm today : Likely to take crucial decisions on COVID-19 (kh), Nepal records highest-ever 7,211 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours : Kathmandu Valley witnesses 3,595 fresh COVID-19 cases (kh), Resignation of CM Pokharel approved, preparations to form UML-led one-party govt (rep), Lumbini Province: UML parliamentary party decides to form new govt under Pokharel’s leadership (rep), Lumbini Province Assembly Member Bimala Khatri joins Maoist Center, CM Pokharel loses majority (rep), Pokharel re-appointed CM in Lumbini Province (kh) [Article 168 (1) requires a majority of the party concerned, in this case the CPN-UML, in the provincial assembly for such action. As of today, however, the UML no longer has such a majority. The procedure is a clear breach of the constitution following KP Oli's trick!], Pokhrel’s bid to form UML-led government in Lumbini meets with obstacles : A Provincial Assembly member, Bimala Khatri, chooses to side with the Maoist Centre, making the UML fall short of a seat to prove majority (kp), Opposition requests Lumbini Province Chief to stop Pokharel from forming govt : Maoist leader Kul Prasad KC says he should form new govt as Pokharel lacks majority claim now (kh), Three UML lawmakers resign in Lumbini : UML loses its majority in the province assembly (kh) [All these political capers are a direct consequence of KP Oli's power games after his failed coup at the central level!], PM Oli sees need for paperless government service system (kh) [Is that all he sees? But the little insight comes too late!], Domestic and international non-governmental organisations required to divert 5-20 percent of budget to fight Covid-19 : Such funds can be used to procure medical supplies and equipment, distribute relief and run small construction projects targeting employment for migrant workers, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

01/05/2021: ‘We give up’ : Health Ministry asks people to be ‘sensible’, saying the health system cannot cope, as hospitals have run out of beds with new cases crossing the 5,000 mark, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [Since Oli and other top politicians are largely to blame for this situation, this is a declaration of bankruptcy by the government and party political circles!], To Prime Minister Oli’s relief, Deuba rules out no-confidence motion : With Janata Samajbadi Party not wholly supportive of  such a motion, the numbers would not be enough to  oust Oli, the opposition leader says., by Anil Giri (kp), JSP-N to back no-confidence motion : Opposition to the move by Thakur, Mahato might split the party, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [This is all a consequence of Oli's policy of sowing discord among his political opponents, one of the traditional means (upaya) of Hindu politics to maintain a ruler's power!], Permit no longer needed for essential services within Kathmandu : From Friday, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu started issuing permits only to those who have to travel out of the Valley for funeral rites or highly essential purposes, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Biplav-led NCP splits as Dhamala forms Jana-Samajwadi Manch (kh), Three decades of movements, uprisings, putsches and constitutions: Did they promote democracy?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

30/04/2021: Lash of a lockdown : It’s the decline in the moral foundation of Nepali politicians that is causing this situation (kp), Modern-day Neros : Our political leadership’s abdication of responsibility borders on criminality, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp) [Today's party leaders will go down in history as the great destroyers of the country!], Nepal: A victim of party politics and power games, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (rep), Ugly face of Nepali politics : Ruling party engaged in ugly horse-trading as opposition parties mount effort to oust it from power in provinces (rep), Scrambling for jabs, Nepal in talks with Russia, China, US : With India, the vaccine powerhouse, itself in dire need  of international support, the government looks to other countries to acquire shots as coronavirus cases surge, by Anil Giri (kp), Kathmandu Valley’s daily wage earners worry about survival : For many daily-wage earners and squatters living in Kathmandu, they have nowhere to go to escape the brunt of the pandemic, by Anup Ojha (kp) [The problem repeats itself from the first lockdown, as the Oli government is not at all interested in these people and once again believes it can solve all problems with a lockdown!], 1.1 million child labourers in the country: Report; 3.3 per cent of child labourers in urban areas involved in hazardous work (ht) {see report], Prohibitory orders to be stricter from today (kh), JSP’s “majority members” agree to bring no-confidence motion against PM Oli (kh),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali):

29/04/2021: Politics in the midst of a pandemic as people suffer : At a time when politicians should have demonstrated unity to fight the virus, they are busy in their petty political games, which represents a betrayal of citizens’ trust, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Government and Janata Samajbadi Party near deal : Agreement is expected to address several longstanding demands of the party, including the release of jailed party lawmaker Resham Chaudhary, by Anil Giri (kp), Failure of Nepali political class, by Biswas Baral (ae)
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28/04/2021: Lawmakers across parties for continuing pork barrel funds : They say misuse of the funds in some places doesn’t mean the Local Infrastructure Development Partnership Programme has failed across the country, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The system implies high levels of political corruption, as it only helps handpicked mainly male directly elected MPs to secure future re-election!], Consequences Of Power-Centered Politics, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Govt decides to withdraw 15 cases filed against 120 people (with list) (rep) [This is part of Oli's desperate efforts to maintain his power. Just to remind you, during the Madhesh Movement, his attitude was totally adamant!]
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

27/04/2021: Back to square one, or even worse : No contact tracing even as the number of active cases crosses the 20,000 mark. Country reports 3,442 new cases and 12 deaths, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Set up soup kitchens : With yet another lockdown, we are back to square one. Are we better prepared this time? (kp) [Definitely not! The Oli government has been busy all along with power struggles, breaking the constitution and laws and suppressing basic human rights! There was no time to deal with such trivial things as the pandemic!], Take harsh measures : Nepal may not have much of a choice other than to place extraordinary civil restrictions to break the chains of infection (ht), Prohibitory orders enforced in Kathmandu Valley for 15 days starting Thursday : Decision comes amid rising number of coronavirus cases in the Valley, which recorded more than half the total new infections reported across the country in the past 24 hours, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), United Nations special rapporteurs urge Nepal to rectify the appointments in the National Human Rights Commission : They have pointed out the appointments were not in line with international practices and undermines the independence, integrity and legitimacy of the rights body (kp), More than 900 women go missing in Morang (ht), SC refuses to issue stay order against Oli's action (ht)
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26/04/2021: A system that failed in the fight against pandemic : Failure to empower sub-national governments and political games in Kathmandu impacted provinces, thereby  deepening the coronavirus crisis, experts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Police defy court to arrest journalist, media manager: Anil Tamang and DL Tamang of ujyaalonetwork.com were detained for publishing document bearing purported signatures of KP Oli and Samant Goel, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ujyalo Network editor, publisher arrested for crime against state (ht) [Oli ist nicht der Staat! Außerdem eine solche Regierungsmaßnahme gerichtlich untersagt untersagt!], FNJ demands immediate release of journalists (ht), Phallic fallacies : The Dharahara inauguration drama amidst the coronavirus crisis was in bad taste (kp), What is wrong with Nepal govt's COVID response, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [What response? The Oli government is irresponsible in every respect and only interested in prolonging the power it no longer has anyway!], Covid-19 prohibitory orders re-introduced in Kathmandu valley; regulations effective from Thursday (ht), Prohibitory orders in Kathmandu Valley from Thursday : The decision by three chief district officers comes amid rising number of coronavirus cases in the Valley which recorded almost half of the total infections across the country, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Act now! (rep), Local administrations given authority to impose prohibitory orders : Educational institutions cannot hold examinations and those entering Nepal have to stay in quarantine, by Tika R Pradhan (kp),
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25/04/2021: People ignoring social distancing measures despite spike in infections : When government officials and politicians themselves have been organising functions and rallies in defiance of  Covid-19 restrictions, ordinary people have stopped taking precautions, experts say, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp) [This criminal behaviour of Oli and the other so-called top politicians was a deliberate part of their ruthless and self-serving power struggles!], As cases surge and hospitals fill up, doctors are worried : With only seriously ill cases coming for treatment, doctors say that the virus is much more widespread than daily infection data shows and the next two months will be critical, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Amid fears of oxygen shortage, government talks to suppliers : Manufacturers say production is sufficient but supply could be disrupted if hospitals start hoarding oxygen.  To increase capacity, more cylinders need to be imported, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Lax health security checks at Darchula  border points ; There is no official record of entries through five of the six border points in Darchula, by Manoj Badu (kp), JSP-N undecided, new govt formation in limbo (ht), Fickle Comrades Bicker Over NCP Day, by Ritu Raj Subedi (kp), PM Oli urges party rank and file to fan out for control of COVID-19 (kh) [With your months-long calls for mass public meetings for the purpose of maintaining your personal power, you bear an outstanding responsibility for the development of the pandemic in Nepal. Resign from all offices at last!], DAOs in Kathmandu Valley suspends non-essential services from Monday (kh),
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

24/04/221: Nepal seeks support in virus fight from crisis-hit India : The request for oxygen, antiviral drug and intensive care beds exposes the government’s inaction despite warnings of a looming crisis, experts say, by Anil Giril (kp) [All oxygen available in the country should be used exclusively for Covid-19 patients and not for mountaineers!], A second wave prompting  a new exodus : Fearing lockdown, people are moving out to avoid the trouble they faced last year, by Anup Ojha (kp), After Nepal Communist Party (NCP), now UML headed for vertical split : Oli constitutes a 19-member Standing Committee excluding leaders close to Nepal—an indication the two leaders are prepared to go their separate ways, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Most handwash stands installed in Valley last year are not in working condition: Authorities say they are working to repair and restore the handwashing stations  but even after four days since the commitment, the situation remains the same, by Anup Ojha (kp), Health Ministry recommends immediate lockdown in Kathmandu Valley (kh),
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23/04/2021: When governance took a backseat, second wave took hold : At border points, authorities are failing to conduct tests and quarantine people, just as health facilities are on the verge of buckling under the caseload, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [The Oli government is behaving almost more incompetently and irresponsibly than during the first Corona wave!], Government mismanagement  leads to crowding at hospitals : Many were forced to return without getting the jabs despite waiting in line for hours, by Anup Ojha (kp), Billions spent on Dharahara but school reconstruction suffering in lack of funds : Reconstruction of college buildings damaged in the 2015 earthquakes is yet to begin as the government only recently decided to take Indian loan despite stringent conditions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Health ministry seeks Rs 33 billion for vaccines (ht) [That would have made more sense than 95 kg of gold for the Dharahara top!], Politics In A State Of Flux, by Dhruba Hari Adhikari (rn), Arrested democratic transformation in Nepal : International civil society intervention could make a difference, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (kh)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

22/04/2021: Lives vs livelihoods? Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, lockdown fears loom : Authorities must devise strategies to contain the spread without imposing blanket restrictions as such curbs can severely impact the economy and the people, analysts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Red alert : The government has to stop waiting for things to turn worse and urgently prepare for the worst (kp), Justice eludes rape victims in six South Asian countries, including Nepal : Rape survivors and their families face pressure to withdraw complain (ht), Khadka held from UML HQ for calling CM Rai a ‘rapist’ (kh) [??], Fostering Intergovernmental Ties, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Caste discrimination still prevalent in Karnali, by lalit Bahadur Budha (ae)
see also news programmes of Kantipur TV : morning (English), evening (Nepali)

21/04/2021: Swearing by political principles and acting just the opposite : Nepali politicians are losing their moral compass, they themselves say to criticise others. Analysts say such a lack of political ethics among leaders is a threat to democracy, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), An old mindset prevails : Public confidence in federalism is waning because of the Constituency Development Programme, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp) [The CDP is an instrument of political corruption by the non-inclusive male ruling oligarchy!], Online classes for some : The pandemic has exposed yet another  harsh reality—the digital divide (kp), Thousands participate in Seto Machhindranath chariot procession (ht) [An excellent behaviour in times of strongly increasing Corona infections!], Need Of Robust Civil Society Movement, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Maoist Center entrusts party chairman Dahal to take decision to withdraw support to Oli-led govt (rep)
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20/04/2021: Government issues a slew of orders  amid threat of a second wave : More than 25 people cannot gather at one place; schools and places of worship among others closed till May 14. Testing and treatment made free, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Schools close again but there have been no preparation for virtual learning : Distance learning was not effective last year and as the virus may not go away soon, a long-term policy is required rather than seeking ad-hoc solutions, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Building institutions : The focus on the individual must be replaced by a culture of institution-building, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Import controls go as foreign exchange reserves swell : Experts say that Nepal should increase earnings from other sources and not depend too much on remittance, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Lower House of Parliament prorogued, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht),
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19/04/2021: Vaccination rate dismal even as cases are surging with only 100,000 taking Chinese shots : Poor planning on accessibility, target groups, and awareness campaign; and vaccine hesitancy cited as reasons, by Arjun Poudel (kp), ‘Strategic plan’ hints federal civil service law will be delayed by around two years In the absence of the law, provinces have been unable to recruit staff since 2017; The Bill faced delays after Oli prorogued the House on July 2, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Oli and many other central leaders are not interested in federalism!], In MCC, Oli sees a chance to play domestic and geopolitical games : The prime minister is using the American aid not only to rein in opponents in his party but also to curry favour with international power centres, analysts and insiders say, by Anil Giri and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), The elusive no-confidence motion : What are the options to replace Oli and restore sanity in Nepal’s politics?, by Naresh Koirala (kp) [The endless infighting of the failed and incompetent top politicians results in the morally reprehensible Oli government remaining in power and continuing to play its manipulative games!], President Bhandari ends winter session of HoR (ht) [This means that all ordinances ipso facto cease to be effective according to article 114 (2) of the constitution since they have not been tabled at the session of parliament held after their promulgation! Is Oli about pushing MCC through without Parliament?], Siraha woman accused of practicing witchcraft, tortured (ht), Good Governance: Myth Or Reality?, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), Govt decides to withdraw cases filed against JSP cadres (kh) [Part of Oli's policy to win over the divided JSP? Not to forget: Already in 2018, Oli had promised the party all sorts of things without ever delivering!]
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18/04/2021: Democracy and political parties in crisis, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh) [See also shortened Nepali text], Officials forgot duty, public dropped masks; now second wave is here : New variants of the coronavirus are more transmissible and deadlier, but people are not taking precautions and there is not enough testing and monitoring of those in home isolation, by Arjun Poudel (kp), In the CPN-UML, Oli has found a new spin doctor—Pradeep Gyawali : The foreign minister lectured on ‘democracy with Nepali flavour’ and morality as he defended House dissolution. Now he says Karnali incident is against parliamentary system, by Binod Gyawali (kp), Oli asks parties for support to ratify MCC in Parliament : With the Nepali Congress and Janata Samajbadi Party in favour, the compact will likely  be ratified but the Speaker has to  agree to table it for vote in the House meeting, by Anil Giri (kp), Home Min Thapa loses ministership after being removed from National Assembly; reappointment likely today (ht), Leader Badal Re-Appointed As Home Minister (rn), 2077 BS: Annus Horribilis, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Most INGOs in Nepal yet to work in areas beyond Kathmandu Valley (rep), PM Oli warns of seeking Speaker’s alternative if MCC not presented in HoR (kh) [Mr. Oli should finally get to grips with the constitution. The replacement of the Speaker of Parliament is not a matter for the executive, but requires the support of a two-thirds majority of MPs (Article 91 (6) (c)). Much more important would be the election of a Deputy Speaker of Parliament who has been pending for more than a year! In the current constellation, this post would belong to a woman!],
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17/04/2021: Janata Samajbadi, amid differences within party, close to a deal with Oli : Leaders say the government has given them word to free their lawmaker and to withdraw cases against their cadres in return for support to Oli on early polls and the MCC, by Anil Giri (kp), Shahi survives vote of confidence in Karnali as four UML members defy whip : The decision to cross the floor is aimed at sending across a message to Oli, says  a leader who decided to vote to save the Maoist Centre provincial government, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Karnali CM wins confidence vote : Four UML lawmakers cross, by am Kumar Kamat (ht) [Oli's manipulations foiled!], Message from Karnali: No govt is safe unless internal conflict is resolved (kh), To open, or not to open : Contradicting messages from government about running schools  amid the coronavirus scare confuse guardians, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Election Commission earns disrepute over communist party legitimacy indecision : The commission has time and again failed to resist influence despite being a constitutional body, observers say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Political Shifts And Public Intellectuals, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Political Space for Youths : The political space for youths is going to contract further in South Asia including Nepal until and unless the senior leaders voluntarily give the youths the chance to lead, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep),
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16/04/2021: No-confidence motion filed against Gandaki Chief Minister Gurung : Since the Provincial Assembly was prorogued hours before the motion was filed,  provincial lawmakers have also called for a special session, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Unmasking the second wave : Nepalis are ignoring the new coronavirus surge, by Sonia Awale (nt), Preparing for a ‘No Normal’ : Nepal’s Covid-19 second wave is here, and it is an exact re-enactment of 2020 (nt), Miracle Boy, six years after Nepal quake : Baby survived being buried under the rubble for 22 hours, but his family still struggles to cope, by Monika Deupala (nt), Quarter of Nepalis still hungry during pandemic : A year into the Covid-19 crisis, Nepalis have more food but still suffer under-nutrition (nt), PM Oli calls an all-party meeting for Saturday (kh), Discriminatory citizenship laws continue to disenfranchise Nepalis : Despite constitutional provisions, inaction on supporting laws has meant that individuals are routinely denied citizenship through their mothers, by Bimita GC (Record) [Thanks to Oli and all the other patriarchal so-called leaders!]
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15/04/2021: Why Nepal is not on the list of invitees for climate summit called by Joe Biden : The country has failed to demonstrate its actions to mitigate impacts and make concerted efforts to show its vulnerabilities before the world despite bearing the brunt, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Anil Giri (kp), Mountain blues : The government must invest in  climate change research (kp), Verdict ahead of parliamentary hearing raises multiple questions : Experts say the Supreme Court saying Nahakul Subedi is qualified for the post of justice before a parliamentary hearing threatens the principle of separation of powers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Armed and unrestrained : Wrangling concessions from a pliant leadership, the army’s professionalism is compromised, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Purse Plays Havoc In The Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Ominous 2078 : As the Oli government battles for its very survival, it has been badly distracted from the growing virus menace (ae), Debt without reforms : Financing debt without adequate policy reforms is a bit like financing the gambler, by Bishal Thapa (ae), Gandaki Province Assembly winter session prorogued (rep) [Practising KP Oli's undemocratic methods to prevent his dismissal!], No-confidence motion filed against Gandaki CM Gurung, NC’s Pokharel proposed as new CM (rep), Opposition parties in Gandaki to call for special session (kh), Fearing no-confidence motion Gandaki Chief Minister Gurung prorogues Assembly : Leaders of the Maoist Centre say a no-confidence motion will be filed nonetheless and the party will support the Nepali Congress to form a new provincial government (kp), Health Ministry urges not to attend schools in COVID-19 affected districts, including Kathmandu (kh),
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14/04/2021: A lament for lost opportunities : The excitement of achievement in 1990 turned out to be a rather short one, by CK Lal (kp), Political lull in Nepal : All the major parties to be blamed, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), The second wave is knocking on the border : The government seems to be unconcerned about a possible renewed virus outbreak, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), Covid-19 infecting more children, but government reluctant to close schools : Epidemiology and Disease Control Division says the UK variant B.1.1.7. might be responsible for over 60 percent of the new infections in Nepal, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Janata Samajbadi willing to form new government under its leadership : Party leaders say the candidate will be based on a consensus, by Anil Giri (kp), Government has failed on employment front (ht), Supreme Court scraps provision requiring online media to renew their registration each year (rep), Oli govt is trying to usurp the rights of provinces: Prakash Man Singh (kh)
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13/04/2021: Experts warn against lapses and complacency as virus cases surge : As Nepal reports 13 new deaths with a daily count of  496, concerns grow over a repeat of last year’s cycle if  authorities fail to ramp up measures to contain the spread, by Arjun Poudel (kp), New Virus Variant : Averting Second Wave Of Pandemic, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Lumbini Province sees surge in Covid-19 cases ; Health officials are concerned about cases increasing in all districts of the province that borders with India, by Thakur Singh Tharu and Sanju Paudel (kp), Accountability? What? The Baskota case shows how little politicians care about public opinion (kp) [KP Oli stands out in a particularly negative way. He can be bluntly described as a protector of corruption!], Performance contract blues : Such contracts have failed due to the lack of ownership and concrete incentives, by Achyut Wagle (kp), JSP leaders Yadav, Bhattarai holding talks with NC President Deuba in Budhanilkantha (kh)
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12/04/2021: A third of Oli’s Cabinet ministers are not members of federal parliament : Analysts say the prime minister is showing utter disregard for constitutional provisions for his political gains, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Oli should one day be held accountable for his continued destruction of the state and democracy, but his opponents are also to blame! The drama would end if the CPN-MC finally officially ended the coalition with the CPN-UML!], Ghode Jatra draws huge crowd at Tundikhel amid Covid-19 risk : People are not following simplest of advice like wearing masks in public, by Anup Ojha (kp) [And the Oli government supports this criminal madness by doing nothing to stop it!], Baskota’s recommendation to House committee raises concern about conflict of interest : The ex-minister, who was embroiled in a Rs700 million bribery scandal, has been recommended as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [This is probably part of Oli's way of fighting corruption!], Free legal aid inadequate, ineffective, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Ensure Voting Rights Of Persons With Disabilities, by Dev Datta Joshi (rn), World Hindu Federation office vandalized in Kathmandu (kh)
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11/04/2021: Bipul Pokhrel-led panel sweeps all positions of Federation of Nepali Journalists (kp) [The media should be free from any infiltration by political parties!], Erosion of poetry in Nepali politics : The most alarming aspect of politicians’ use of language is the production of lies, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Nepal needs an ICT census : The survey will provide facts and figures to help manage education during crises, by Sagun Shrestha (kp), Particracy Undermines Democracy, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn)
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10/04/2021: NC asks CPN-MC, JSP-N to help form government, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Janata Samajbadi seeks time to decide and politics is stalled again : Three parties finally meet to discuss unseating Oli. Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre agree to join hands, but the fourth largest party wants to  wait for Oli’s response, by Binod Ghimire and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Dialogue As Tool To Solve Conflict, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn),
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09/04/2021: Deuba’s intriguing dilemma and his credibility chasm : The onus of taking political process forward is upon the Congress chief. But given the dynamics in his party, and his relations with Oli and other parties, he is hesitating, by Anil Giri (kp), Three parties meet today for talks on new government formation : If the negotiations between Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre) and Janata Samajbadi Party are  positive, further discussions will be held on the way forward to unseat Oli, Congress leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp), An election of journalists under the shadow of political parties : Almost all candidates have backing of parties, leaving little space for independent ones to lead, which many say could affect independence of Federation of Nepali Journalists, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), FNJ Must Rise Above Partisan Interest, by Kundan Aryal (rn), Untangling the knots : What is happening in Nepali politics is impossible to explain in a nutshell. But we will try (nt), JSP as Nepal’s king-maker party : “I have given my word to Oli that I will not turn against him”, interview with Mahantha Thakur (nt), Maoist Center suspends National Assembly membership of Home Minister Thapa, seeks clarification from lawmaker Khadka (rep), PM Oli to reappoint four former Maoist Center ministers, oath-taking later today (rep), Govt mulling to stop physical classes as the COVID-19 cases see a fresh spike (rep), Health ministry recommends to CCMC to stop physical classes as second wave of COVID-19 hits Nepal : COVID-19 infection rate doubled among children below 18 years of age (rep),
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08/04/2021: How rigid provisions are hobbling Nepal’s political process : A no-confidence motion is a tool parties can use against prime minister, but strong conditions aimed at stability have weakened opposition forces in the House instead, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Coalition to topple govt merely a chimera, by Ram Kumar kamat (ht), Election in crisis : Why we need to talk about, by Apurva Singh (ht) , Four Maoist Center lawmakers lose their posts (kh), NC leader Gagan Thapa invites PM Oli to HoR (kh), Amnesty International paints bleak picture of rights situation in Nepal Report calls Nepal out for custody deaths, police brutality, curbs on freedom and failure to probe conflict-era crimes (kp), AI paints dismal picture of human rights in Nepal (ht), Combat human trafficking : As many as 300 children, more girls than boys, go missing every month in Nepal (kp), Politics and institution building : Political tactics and  short-term gains trump institution-building for frontline politicians, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Struggling for breath : The biggest problem right now is that people have zero faith in their government (ae),
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07/04/2021: Are Nepal’s parties taking the country towards early polls? Oli is for elections, and Congress, the main opposition, Maoist Centre, Oli’s former ally, and Samajbadi Party, the fourth but a key force, appear to give their tacit consent, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Break the deadlock : The political parties have squandered the opportunity given by the Supreme Court (kp) [Nepal's political parties lack democratic structures and plitical culture!], Politics of fear and international influence : Political processes in Nepal are now increasingly being influenced by networks of greed, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Government plans to hold census in Kalapani but doesn’t know how : Sending enumerators there looks impossible, local leaders say. Authorities are mulling over counting residents on  the basis of past Indian census data or satellite imagery, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Early marriage and teen pregnancy rampant in Karnali Province : According to the Ministry of Social Development, 41,000 teenage girls got married in Karnali in the last three years, by Chandani Kathayat (kp), VAW On Rise, Seven Rape Cases Reported Daily In Nepal, by Deepa Chaudhary (rn), Nepal 2020 (excerpt from Amnesty International report 2020/21), Nepal records 339 fresh cases, tally hits 2,78,809 (kh), Nepal’s security forces used excessive force in peaceful protests : Amnesty International (kh)
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06/04/2021: As Congress and Janata Samajbadi Party hem and haw, politics has stagnated : Congress leaders say Deuba must take a lead, but he is still reluctant with one eye on the polls. Maoist Centre’s indecision on withdrawing support complicates things, by Anil Giri (kp), NC's New Initiative JSP In Decisive Position, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Maoist Center taking action against its Ministers in Oli-govt (kh), Maoist Center writes to Parliament Secretariat to expel four of its lawmakers (kh), Poverty Alleviation Fund was scrapped, but it still exists. What does it do? The fund created at the height of insurgency has lost its relevance with local governments in place, officials admit, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Three years have passed, but no consumer court in sight : Consumer rights activists accuse the government of deliberately delaying the implementation of the law, by Krishana Prasain (kp)
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05/04/2021: Local governments say they don’t get enough resources : The federal government needs to hand over their constitutional responsibilities as well as staff to subnational governments, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Women representatives in Achham are excluded from decision-making roles : Most women ward members say the inclusion policy has only served as a token gesture to fulfil gender and caste representation requirements at the local level, by Menuka Dhungana (kp) [All the male Bahuns who dominate all levels in the state and parties, even though they are recruited from only 6% of the population, consider the state as their property and have no interest whatsoever in social inclusion, decentralisation and federalism! Ending the Bahun patriarchy requires a fundamental change in the state, parties and society!], On the campaign trail : Oli is on an inauguration spree with an eye on elections (kp), NC urges JSP-N to help form govt (ht), The Vice Of Factionalism, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn), SP leader Mahato hints at party’s intent to lead new govt (kh),
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04/04/2021: Oli capitalises on other parties’ lack of heft to act against him : Experts say the prime minister needs to seek  a vote of confidence by Tuesday, but there is  no answer to what happens if he refuses to do so, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Political course unclear despite Nepali Congress decision to unseat Oli : Maoist Centre has to withdraw support but more importantly Janata Samajbadi has to make its stance clear. And early elections cannot be ruled out, leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal-Khanal faction mulls forming a party and joining broader alliance, insiders say : With its leaders suspended from the UML and Oli in no mood to compromise, the  cornered faction has few options before it as its leaders’ political future is at stake, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Oli rushes to inaugurate 165 road projects without their preparatory works complete : Observers term prime minister’s move a populist ploy aimed at securing his political position, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Freed haliyas in Bajura still remain victims of state apathy (ht), Thorny political course versus conceited leaders (kh),
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03/04/2021: United Nations questions rights body’s autonomy after controversial appointments : Five National Human Rights Commission office bearers were appointed after the Oli government introduced an ordinance in December to amend recommendation rules, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepali Congress appears to be ready to get the ball rolling : The main opposition decides to seek Oli’s resignation and start process to form a government led by its president, by Anil Giri (kp), NC demands resignation of PM Oli : NC to take initiative to form a new government under its own leadership (rep), Judge's daughter-in-law complains of torture (ht)
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02/04/2021: A setback for Dahal as court rejects his review petition : With the court refusing to revisit the revival of the Maoist Centre and UML, Dahal’s options are limited, as Nepal faction joining hands with him soon is unlikely, insiders say, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp), Rainfall brings some respite from pollution but threat of more wildfires remains : With the rain, the number of wildfires came down to 59, air quality index to 42 from  a high of 334, and visibility went up to 7,000 metres from 1,000 metres, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Public hearing by Greater Civic Agitation : The disgrace that was!, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (kh), Reinstated HoR has become dysfunctional: PM Oli (kh) [Yes, this has been your intention for months!], Political smokescreen : The smoke that shrouded Nepal for the past week was a metaphor for the state of the state (nt), Why On The Thirteenth Day? As birds of the same feather flock together, and as there are neither permanent friends nor foes in politics, it is likely that the politicians will come to a political deal that suits them rather than what is best for the country, by Hemang Dixit (sp)
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01/04/2021: Be no fool : We must start questioning the intention and integrity of those who govern us (kp) [This whole generation of failed so-called political leaders must go immediately! Anyone who thinks and acts like them should not even apply to be their successor!], Whatever happened to equity and inclusion? That one group should progress so disproportionately talks about the failure of the state-society compact, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Disregard of constitutional norms : Manifestation of hubris syndrome, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), A complex political triangle of Maoist Centre and two opposition parties : The Maoists are looking to the Congress, which does not want to make any move, while the Janata Samajbadi is  a divided house. Amid this, Oli continues to wield power, by Anil Giri (kp), Nothing is being done to curb local pollution, environmentalists say : Vehicle emissions, industries, brick kilns and construction are major sources of air pollution, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Supreme Court refuses to review its verdict to revive UML and Maoist Center (rep), Maoist Center not to withdraw support to govt immediately (kh), The Political Imbroglio, by Narayan Manandhar (rep),
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31/03/2021: Judiciary in the spotlight as political process is halted : Nepali politicians’ inertia and failure to find solutions to the deadlock politically could give room to non-political actors, which is not good for democracy, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Worsening wildfires a reminder that the country lacks clear policies : Despite their frequency, in which lives, wildlife and hundreds of thousands of hectares of green cover are lost, forest fire disasters have been largely ignored by authorities, experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Talks between the government and Tharu Welfare Society termed positive : The dialogue takes place two days after the home minister met the agitating group whose demands include  the release of jailed lawmaker Resham Chaudhary, by Tika R Pradhan and Ganesh Chaudhary (kp), PM Oli should gain vote of confidence from parliament by April 5: CPN (Maoist Center) leader Gurung (rep), Govt’s constitutional validity ends on Apr 5 if vote of confidence not taken: Maoist Center (kh) [KP Oli was elected prime minister by the CPN-UML and CPN-MC MPs under Article 76 (2), i.e. he was prime minister of a coalition government whose two components only later merged to form the NCP. Article 100 (2) is not very clear on the situation at hand. The NCP is again divided into the original parties by the SC decision; however, it was in principle already divided into the Oli and Dahal/Nepal factions before the ruling. At that time, therefore, Oli should already have asked for a vote of confidence under Article 100 (2). Formally, however, it is also the case today that Oli was elected by the two aforementioned parties in 2018 and the CPN-ML has not withdrawn its confidence in Oli to date.], Take the initiative to form new govt: Prachanda urges Deuba (kh), Highly-proclaimed People’s Housing Program goes sluggish : 31 percent budget and 30 percent construction in 11 years, by Sabina Karki (kh),
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30/03/2021: Education institutions ordered shut for four days, stakeholders criticise delayed response, by Anup Ojha (kp), 52% Nepalis support declaring Nepal a Hindu state: Nationwide survey, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep) [This little opinion poll was not a political election. In a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious state like Nepal, one cannot link state identification with any one of these cultures and religions. Otherwise, we will have the same situation that has existed for centuries and is the cause of many of today's serious social problems. Even according to the opinion poll, more than 40 per cent would obviously feel discriminated against. Only a secular and socially inclusive state suits Nepal, but the country is still miles away from that! Why at all is the Hindu state brought into play in this otherwise purely politically oriented opinion poll?]
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29/03/2021: Deteriorating air quality amid spike in Covid-19 cases causes concerns : Experts say asking people to stay inside and wear  face masks is just a temporary solution and stress  a long-term plan to deal with such situations, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Gasping for air : The government’s response to the ongoing air pollution emergency is grossly inadequate (kp), There’s House and there are political parties. But politics is deadlocked : While Congress has been partly blamed for not making any move, the Maoist Centre’s indecision over support to Oli is the major reason the political process is stalled, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [PM Oli has lost all moral legitimacy for political office after his failed coup, but the rest of the so-called top politicians are no better!], Disregarding Covid-19 risk, hundreds celebrate Holi : Health experts fear the revelry could become a ‘super-spreading’ event, by Anup Ojha (kp), Subnational level finances : The provinces should enlarge their own sources and not depend on fiscal transfers only, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp) [But Oli and many other central level politicians don't really want federalism and decentralisation!], Child marriage continues unabated (ht), Home Minister-led talks team formed to address demands of Tharuhat movement : The list of demands includes the release of Resham Chaudhary, convicted for masterminding the 2015 Tikapur incident in which nine people were killed (kp), CPN (Maoist Center) to withdraw support to govt in Bagmati Province (kh) [A test for a similar approach at the central level?]
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28/03/2021: As controversy over Constitutional Council continues, recruitment in state agencies is hit : Office bearers of Public Service Commission retired last week. With the ordinance on Council challenged in court and bill stuck in House, new appointments can’t be made, by Anil Giri (kp) [How much longer will Oli and all the other would-be leaders be allowed to destroy this beautiful country and its newly won democracy?], Data collection for national ID card distribution hits snag : Against the target to collect the details of 10 million people, the government may only be able to collect the details of 4.4.5 million people because of Covid-19 scare, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [And what about the millions of Nepalis who are denied citizenship because they do not fit into the male Bahuns' concept of national identity?], Law implementation remains weak in cases of caste-based discrimination : A report says police are reluctant to register cases. And even if cases get registered, they lack evidence to back up the claims, which results in low conviction rate, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Jurisdictions of human rights protection ambiguous: NHRC (ht), Investing in youth : Big employment generating programs must be carefully evaluated while small innovative pilots should be supported, by Simone Galimberti (rep), Speaker Sapkota meets PM Oli, discusses a host of issues including crucial bills (rep),
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27/03/2021: Janata Samajbadi looks set to support Oli even as some leaders oppose idea : Those holding talks with the prime minister say there is  no harm in joining the government if their demands, including freeing Resham Chaudhary, are met, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [If KP Olis, one of the biggest opponents of Madhesh interests, is supported, the JSPN will be permanently damaged!], Team formed to hold talks with government regarding release of Tikapur riot convictsTharuwan/Tharuhat Rashtriya Morcha says it will continue movement until government releases all prisoners related to Tikapur incident and withdraws cases filed against them, by Mohan Budhaair (kp), Tharuhat-Tharuwan National Front forms team : Six-member talks team is led by Resham Chaudhary (ht), Only 217 migrant workers availed of government’s pandemic repatriation scheme : Poor implementation of the programme led to low numbers, labour rights experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp) [One of numerous cases of complete failure by the Oli government!], Challenges Of Political Leadership, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), High-level mechanism advised for effective RTI implementation (kh),
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26/03/2021: House panels aren’t doing their part when government decisions are being questioned : Parliamentary committees should spring into action when the House has been rendered ineffective, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Give business to HoR : Some of the bills are sensitive and require cautious deliberation before they are passed by the parliament (ht), Break the cycle of impunity for rape : Repeal statute of limitations,  by Laxmi Pokharel and Boram Jang (ht), JSP won’t join Oli-led govt under any circumstance: Upendra Yadav (rep), KP Oli sits pretty as opposition forces in Nepal run out of options, by Ashok Dahal (ae), No replacement for Oli in Nepal? (ae), Only 20 percent budget spent in eight months, by Shivaraj Bhatta (ae), In a state of disillusionment : A public opinion survey shows disenchantment for the centre, but hope in local leaders (opinion poll (nt) [A damning but understandable verdict for the government and the political parties! What is incomprehensible, however, is what people in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious state of Nepal with its endless discrimination against women, Dalits and ethnic groups expect from a Hindu state!], PM Oli discloses his plan to end parliament session soon (kh) [Oli-archy does not need parliament! But all ordinances become invalid if they are not decided by this session, Mr Oli!],
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25/03/2021: Which party those elected under Nepal Communist Party now represent? Analysts say they have freedom to choose between the UML and Maoist Centre but don’t rule out complications, by Binod Ghimire (kp), No-confidence motions against Rai and Poudel to be withdrawn : The positions of Province 1 and Bagmati chief ministers were challenged after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20 last year; A UML leader says the indecision on the part of  Nepali Congress also led to the decision, by Deo Narayan Sah (kp), Parliament in limbo, bills pending, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Get thee to work : Lawmakers should understand that their primary role is making laws (kp), 17 Dalits killed after introduction of act against untouchability (ht), Deputy Mayors Disempowered At Local Level, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [And most of the are women! This is typical for Nepal's macho patriarchy!], Marriage is no license to rape : Sexual violence by intimate partner is largely unreported due to social stigma as well as the belief that forced sexual relation by a husband without the consent of the wife doesn’t constitute violence, by Roshani Giri (rep)
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24/03/2021: Oli and Janata Samajbadi Party take their talks one step aheadBut hurdles remain as not all in Samajbadi Party are willing to support Oli government, by Anil Giri (kp) [No one from any party should support Oli after all the reprehensible and anti-democratic things he has done out of pure lust for power!], JSP-Nepal leaders offer support to Oli, by Ram Kumar Kamat (kp), A forgettable year : Not much has changed a year after Nepal went into lockdown (kp), Supreme Court: Arbiter of democracy : One bad stumble is all it takes for a fledgeling system to suffer a fatal blow, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), My body, my rights : There is growing evidence that the Covid-19 economic recession has led to increased vulnerabilities, by Christian Manhart and Eunsong Kim (kp), Govt to decide on lockdown after analyzing the pandemic risk (kh)
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23/03/2021: Nepali politics is becoming devoid of principles, ethics and ideologies : Beneath the veneer of their high-sounding claims of fighting for the system and democratic norms and values lies politicians’ insatiable desire to attain power and control, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Provincial, local governance hit as key law delayed : It has been more than two years since bill on federal civil service was registered. But passage of bills has not been a priority of the House, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Oli and many other top politicians are among the most adamant opponents of federalism and any kind of decentralisation!], NC will neither table no-confidence motion nor join govt: Deuba, by Binod Subedi (rep) [This literally means: Deuba is committed to keeping PM Oli in power, as the latter could only finally be deprived of power through the active participation of the NC.], UML and JSP discuss constitution amendment, government formation (kh) [This is exactly what Oli had already promised the JSPN once in 2018. After their entry into his government, he no longer wanted to know anything about it! But even with the participation of the JSPN, the Oli government would not have a majority in parliament!], Guilty until proven innocent? The practice of making suspects public too quickly is wrong (kp), Girl injured after boyfriend sets her on fire by dousing her with kerosene in capital (rep)
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22/03/2021: Political instability an excuse to delay justice, conflict victims say : Leaderships of major political parties have refused to sit for a meeting with the victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Deuba’s silence has resulted in status quo—and it is benefiting OliCalls are growing within the Nepali Congress that the party president must take initiatives to form an alliance with Maoist Centre and Janata Samajbadi Party to unseat Oli, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp), Enough of bickering : The arbitrary ways of the PM are making it more and more difficult to effect a reconciliation with the rival faction (ht)
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21/03/2021: As Oli tightens grip on the party, he tells rivals to support him or face the music : UML Central Committee amends Parliamentary Party statute giving its leader sweeping powers including that to sack lawmakers. It asks four of them for clarifications, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The party structure of the UML is not democratic but dictatorial, which, by the way, is similar in all political parties. According to Article 269 (4) of the Constitution, such parties should not even be registered by the Election Commission! All office-bearers of a political party should be elected democratically from the grassroots upwards and in a socially inclusive manner, must be accountable at all times, face a re-vote at regular intervals and must not have authoritarian powers! Well-founded criticism and dealing with it without aggression are part of the basis of democracy!], Rite of passage : Nepal is excited by the prospect of moving up from the LDC status, but dreads losing the benefits, by Bijendra Man Shakya (kp), Health ministry urges not to organize any gatherings, rallies and seminars as threats of COVID-19 grows (rep),
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20/03/2021: Representation of women in state organs dismal: NHRC report (ht) [see annual report of NHRC], As Janata Samajbadi rift grows, so does uncertainty over new coalition formation : While the Thakur-Mahato faction of Janata Samajbadi Party supports Oli, the Yadav-Bhattarai faction wants to join hands with the Congress and the Maoist Centre, by Anil Giri (kp), To ally with Oli or NC-Maoist Center: JSP in Hamletian dilemma (kh) [The Oli government should not be supported on moral grounds!], Oli wants to prove House irrelevant, critics say : The prime minister neither attends meetings, nor does his government provide any business to the House of Representatives, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Prime minister's resignation sought on moral grounds : Opposition lawmakers cite examples of ministers in Oli govt who did so not long ago, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Beating The Politics Of Attrition, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), COVID-19 Crisis Management Center is ‘nonfunctional’ : The CCMC sat for a meeting after a gap of three months on Thursday (rep), Nepal ‘happiest’ country in South Asia (rep) [Maybe that's because they're laughing at Oli and all the other failed politicians, although it' more like crying!]
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19/03/2021: No to censors : Functioning democracy and regulated speech just don’t go together (ae), Moment of truth : The leadership should leave no stone unturned to manage the vaccine shortage (kp), PM Oli has lost all moral, ethical grounds to rule: NC leader Thapa (kh), UML vs UMLThe Nepal-Khanal faction plans to revive all party committees to counter KP Sharma Oli while the latter appears firm on bulldozing decisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Oli accused of promoting factionalism in UML (ht) [Oli is currently one of the most destructive politicians in the world. Everything he does is done with full intention, without regard for democracy, state, nation and party!], Government directed to run VAW classes in schools every week (ht), HoR holding fourth meeting; when is address by top leaders?, by Narayan Neupane (rep) [What good is parliament if it is not even willing or able to remove from the prime minister's office a putschist who has only a small proportion of MPs on his side? Democracy looks different!], Attorney General Agni Kharel resigns (rep) [This was overdue since his strange justification of the Oli coup!], “The goal is empowerment and independence of women”, Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla on the struggle ahead for Nepal’s feminist movement (interview) (nt)
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18/03/2021: Why KP Oli must go : Failing to sack Oli out of power is tantamount to breeding a situation of impunity at the highest level of executive authority, by Narayan Manandhar (rep) [After his departure, additional judicial steps should be considered.], Rigging the match : The president is deeply enmeshed in the ruling party’s mess, and that is not good for the republic (kp) [Both Oli and Bhandari have failed completely, because they know no duties, but are only oriented towards their personal advantages!], Parliamentary hearing no more than ritual, experts say : Former bureaucrats, committee members say panel is obliged to toe the party line, by Binod Ghimire (kp), UML’s Oli faction withdraws support to Karnali government : Parliamentary Party won’t back Chief Minister Shahi from CPN (Maoist Centre), leaders say; Shahi now has two options: step down or prove majority  in the provincial assembly, by Kalendra Sejuwal (kp) [Just like Oli on the national level!], Language chauvinism : The recent arrests in Balaju show the need for greater understanding of language diversity, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Health service cuts resulting in more child deaths (ht), Integration, disintegration of parties : Lack of ideological debate responsible, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht) [Even more significant is the lack of democratic party structures and the personal claims to power of the top politicians, even if they have already failed several times!]
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17/03/2021: House is reinstated, but neither government nor opposition has faith in it : The government hasn’t given Parliament any business, and the opposition too hasn’t used it to hold officials to account, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [When will people realise that they have neither democracy nor a future with this generation of failed politicians?], President’s all-party meeting comes into question over intent : Oli proposing House dissolution and fresh elections makes the event look like Sheetal Niwas dancing to Baluwatar’s tune, leaders attending the meeting and analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp) [Bidya Devi Bhandari is a president by Oli's grace. Since then, she has therefore been a compliant tool in support of her Prime Minister's ambitions for power, forgetting her constitutional duties!], Prez criticised at all-party meeting (ht), Laws are not enough : We risk reversing years of hard-earned progress toward keeping children, especially girls, in school (kp), Musahars deprived of land for lack of citizenship (ht)
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16/03/2021: The spectre of split hovers above CPN-UML even as Oli and Nepal hold talks in a fence-mending attempt : The factions led by party chair and senior leader refuse to budge from stances, thereby deciding to make their own moves, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Delay in talks hobbles the Congress, Maoist Center, Janata Samajbadi Party’s attempts to forge an alliance : What looked like an easy game has turned out to be cumbersome exercise with multiple factors coming into play by the day, by Anil Giri (kp), In Kalikot district, incidents of child marriage are still rampant169 incidents of child marriage were reported in two local units of the district in 2020, by Tularam Pandey (kp), Shun violence : Let us hope Nepal is not witnessing a resurgence of those violent activities that brought the country to a standstill (ht), No End To Political Theatrics, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), HoR meeting concludes in just seven minutes, next meeting on March 19 (rep) [The farce continues! All top politicians care more about personal power claims than democracy and the well-being of the people!], Let women lead : Men must be part of the equation but women must be prepared and assert themselves, by Simone Galimberti (rep)
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15/03/2021: Court yet to hear case on constitutional body picksChief Justice Rana himself is a defendant in the case that should constitutionally be heard by the bench he chairs, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [The Chief Justice is clearly biased and cannot judge objectively in this case!], Eight injured, two critically, in a blast at a government office in SirahaThe explosion, for which Jaya Krishna Goit-led group has taken responsibility, shows radical forces continue to exist and they should be brought to the talks table, analysts say, by Bharat Jarghamagar and Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Only a few days ago, PM Oli claimed that there was no militancy left in Nepal, except for the one he had started. That was probably a false statement!], Maoist Centre is in a fix over its next move : The party has decided to seek clarification from its members who have sided with Oli but it is yet to chart out further strategy, by Binod Ghinire (kp), Why participation isn’t enough : Women’s participation  in decision making may  not mean they are truly empowered, by Sahara Basnet (kp), Making our democracy work : The thing to do is rein in political corruption and depoliticise public institutions, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Many senior citizens continue to be neglected: NHRC report (ht),
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14/03/2021: Renewed feud leads CPN-UML towards a vertical split : As Oli prevails, the Nepal-Khanal group is in a bid  to form parallel party committees and has called  a national gathering of its own on March 17-18, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [How can a party leader who has gone berserk work himself up into such a frenzy and destroy his party? All political parties must finally democratise themselves and drastically curtail the authoritarian rule of their leaders!], Congress, Maoist Centre and Janata Samajbadi pursue deal to remove Oli : But they are aware that the whole political scenario could change if Oli offers premiership to Samajbadi Party which, with 32 votes in Parliament, has turned kingmaker, by Anil Giri (kp), The Tragic End Of NCP, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Bomb blast at Lahan’s Land Revenue Office, three injured, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep), Lahan Blast: Pamphlets of Jay Krishna Goit-led Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha recovered from incident site, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep), Tarai Janatantrik Mukti Morcha’s leaflet found in Lahan blast, by Kamalesh Thakur (kh)
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13/03/2021: Elusive Democratic Stability : The domination of personality conflict in Nepali party politics demonstrates the return of old politics of authoritarianism that devalues participatory impulses and the spirit of democracy in their inner life, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), As Deuba gets nod to lead government, efforts on to build coalition to oust Oli : The former prime minister, however, has an eye on party’s general convention in August as well as on next general elections before playing his card, leaders close to him say, by Anil Giri (kp) [Oli must be replaced immediately, but not by Deuba. The latter acted in 2002 in a similar way to Oli now, exclusively to preserve his own power. It would be a chance to change to younger politicians like Gagan Thapa!], Congress-led new coalition government soon: Gagan Thapa (kh), JSP, NC and Maoist Center inching close to forming a new government (kh), JSP-Nepal leaders meet Deuba (ht), Oli tightens his grip in UML relieving leaders from Nepal camp of their roles : Nepal and other leaders returned to their old party and have vowed to fight, form parallel committees, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [In no democratic party in the world would the chairperson have such authority, in other words, the CPN-UML is definitely not a democratic party under Oli!], Oli cuts Nepal down to size in CPN-UML : His aides divested of responsibilities, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Nepal-led faction of UML forms parallel party committees (rep), UML’s Nepal-Khanal group forms parallel structure to counter Oli’s move (kh), CPN-Maoist Centre calls back its members from the Cabinet (ht), CPN (Maoist Center) decides to recall its minister including Home Minister Thapa from cabinet : The party asks to Maoist lawmakers joining UML to choose either the party or the position of lawmaker within 24 hours (rep), Rebuttal to international rights concerns draws flak : The National Human Rights Commission’s response to statements by Human Rights Watch and others is unprincipled, unwarranted, ex-officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is part of the destruction of Nepal's reputation in the democratic world by the machinations of Oli!],
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12/03/2021: It’s broke, fix it : The best-case scenario now would be if the four main parties skipped a generation and elevated a new crop of untainted younger leaders (nt) [!!!], PM Oli should be toppled at any cost: NC leaders (kh), Supreme folly : A dangerous precedent of largely political questions being settled by the judiciary could be set (ae), A crucible of fragile coalitions : There's little to expect from political partnerships that have repeatedly failed the people in the past, by Shekhar Kharel (nt), Congress to wait for Oli, Janata Samajbadi and Maoist Centre moves before making its own : An alternative government with the Nepali Congress at the helm only if the Maoist Centre withdraws support to Oli and he fails to strike a deal with Janata Samajbadi Party, by Anil Giri (kp), JSP-N leaders set riders for support : Party emerges key player in formation of next government, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Going into coalition with a PM who has repeatedly cheated the Madheshis and plotted against the state and the constitution is morally reprehensible!], Janata Samajbadi Party PP meeting concludes, no new decision taken to join govt (rep), Oli strips leaders close to Nepal of responsibilities : The move comes days after Nepal and other leaders were forced to return to the CPN-UML after the court revived it and the Maoist Centre, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Under the Oli-archy, the autocratic chairman enjoys absolute decision-making power to punish his internal party critics! This is democracy as Oli understands it!], PM Oli was confident of the tide turning in his favor, by Ashok Dahal (ae), Oli nominates 23 ex-Maoist leaders including Ram Bahadur Thapa as UML CC member (rep) [Under Article 89 (e) of the constitution, MPs lose their parliamentary seat if their original party suspends them, which is likely to happen in this case!], Badi people end protest after 16 day : Provincial government of Karnali has pledged to address the demands concerning their rehabilitation and reintegration, by Kalendra Sejuwal (kp),
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11/03/2021: It is spring, and the political games have begun, again :As parties start talks on government formation, they are weighing each other up before forming an alliance, by Anil Giri (kp), Speaker under scrutiny as much rests with him to keep the House in order : Parliament is set to turn into a battleground and Agni Sapkota must demonstrate tactical acumen to maintain the dignity of the chair he holds, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Turning the tide : The fight now should be about how we can stop making democracy a zero-sum game (kp), New gender equality policy to end discrimination (ht) [???], Fluid politics : The most likely scenario is that the NC or UML will try to form the next government with the backing of two other parties (ht) [After his attempted coup, Oli has no legitimacy to play a leading political role!], Secular stagnation : Ways to push ahead for Nepal, by Sumit Pathak (ht), Dalit Network urges govt to address Badi people’s problems (kh), Possibility of joining the govt. cannot be ruled out: Biplav (kh),
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10/03/2021: Poll body’s rush to enforce court decision raises questions about its credibility : That the commission had shown no urgency to resolve the NCP dispute leaves room for suspicion, former officials argue, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Court verdict on Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and possible after-effects : The decision has revived the CPN-UML and the Maoist Centre, thereby leading to a split in the Dahal-Nepal faction and opening up myriad possibilities (kp), What’s Article 76 on which the House will focus now onwards : The provision on  government formation will come into play as Oli will try to remain in power while others to unseat him, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Changed context catapults Janata Samajbadi Party into the spotlight : Both UML and Maoist Centre are in a bid to woo fourth largest party, for its 32 members in Parliament now hold the key, by Anil Giri (kp) [The united NCP has repeatedly lied and deceived the JSPN in the past. Oli was not sympathetic to the concerns of the Madheshis as early as 2015!], Restoration of multiparty democracy : The new round of political surprises can push forward political realignment, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Making the country safe for women : Many times people who have been raped feel it was their fault and they end up feeling disgusted for something which was not their fault at all, by Nilima Adhikari (rep), Meeting of House of Representatives adjourned till March 16 (rep) [?? Artificial extension of the validity of ordinances initiated by PM Oli??], PM Oli in mood to split JSP for new power sharing (kh) [A person without any morals and political culture, who destroys the entire state if necessary to safeguard his personal power interests!], CPN (Maoist Center) not to withdraw its support to the government (kh), No violence of any type exists in country now: PM Oli (kh) [However, the violence of the Oli-archy continues to prevail, seeking to destroy all democracy and political culture!], अक्करमा अड्किएको राजकाज : समसामयिक परिवेशमा प्रतिगमनलाई पनि निर्वाचनको वैधानिकताबेगर बाँच्न कठिन हुन्छ । त्यसैले सत्ता साझेदारीको जोड–घटाउबाट उम्किएर राजनीतिक दलहरू जनताका घरदैलोमा पुग्नु बुद्धिमानी हुनेछ  [Government work formally stuck : Even in the current environment, regression is difficult to survive without the legitimacy of elections. Therefore, it would be wise for the political parties to reach the doorsteps of the people by escaping from the tension of power-sharing], by CK Lal (ka)
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09/03/2021: What next for NCP after the court verdict? If NCP Double is to split along UML and Maoist Centre what will happen to those MPs crisscrossing between Oli and Dahal-Nepal camps?, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), A setback for Dahal as his allies from CPN-UML decide to return home : With 53 seats, the Maoist Centre is now the third party in Parliament. And to make any substantial move, the Maoist chair has to look to Congress and Janata Samajbadi Party, Tika R Pradhan (kp), Apex Court Ruling : Headache For NCP Leaders, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Review petition likely against SC verdict, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Congress revising strategy as court decision changes political equations : With the CPN-UML and the Maoist Centre revived, the main opposition is exploring  two options—leading the government and going for early elections, by Anil Giri (kp), Maoist Centre to consult Nepali Congress and Janata Samajbadi Party on government formation : The party, which was revived on Sunday by the Supreme Court after scrapping the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), has 53 seats in Parliament, well short of the required number to form a government (kp), Prachanda and Deuba hold talks (kh), Political uncertainty : Oli's chances of getting the support of either the NC or the FSP is very slim due to his move to dissolve the HoR (ht), Politicians influencing constitutional body decisions comes to light once again : As a minister implicitly admits the Election Commission was ‘pressured’, analysts say independent bodies are increasingly being brought under the control of the executive, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Why only a few came : There is a serious lack of information about the vaccination drive (kp), Lost in transition : Political beliefs and actions are driven by whims rather than carefully judged thinking, by Atul K Thakur (kp), Global bodies' statements against country's sovereignty, says NHRC (ht) [The allegations of the NHRC prove that this commission in its present composition, fabricated by PM Oli, has lost all independence and is in thrall to the Oli government!],
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08/07/2021: Harassment, misogyny still all too common for women : The law has ensured women’s representation in the  political sphere but attitudes have not changed, by Samiksha Baral (kp), The (NCP) party’s over : Now there is political mess as the Supreme Court invalidates the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal and revives the pre-merger CPN-UML and Maoist Centre, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), SC deals legal blow to teetering ruling party, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Gopal Kiranti-led CPN Maoist threatens to move Court (kh), PM Oli tells Rawal: Go to SC to ask which party I belong to (kh) [This man knows nothing but mockery, lies and authoritarian behaviour! He should be aware that it does not require a formal split of the CPN-UML to vote him out. It is not only for moral reasons that such a vote out is urgently needed!], Politics of no confidence in House, boycott and sloganeering : Dahal-Nepal faction walks out in protest, Nepali Congress and Janata Samajbadi Party bar government from presenting ordinances, as Parliament convenes after it was reinstated, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Nepal's politicians once again prove their lack of political and democratic culture!], Ruckus in House over ordinance : Opposition lawmakers demand withdrawal of Constitution Council Amendment Ordinance (ht), People of Limi and Yari in Humla deprived of immunisation against Covid-19 : Public health experts say the government has failed to ensure equal health care rights to all people, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Our right to move : Restrictive policies have only served to delegitimise women’s free movement, by Neha Choudhary and Sandhya Sitoula (kp), Dip in per capita income challenge to Nepal’s graduation to developing country status, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Social media is ‘dangerous’ to women journalists in Nepal, by Anjali Subedi (rep)
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07/03/2021: Many Nepalis deprived of citizenship certificate (ht), Civil Society staging demonstration today in favor of democracy (kh), Supreme Court awards Nepal Communist Party to Rishiram Kattel : The decision makes the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) registered under Oli and Dahal in May 2018 illegitimate (kp), SC recognizes Rishi Kattel’s party authentic NCP : Annuls Prachanda-Oli’s NCP (kh) [This means that the two divided factions of the ruling party must immediately look for a new names. Both use of the name NCP is illegitimate! The question remains why the SC took so long to make this important decision. The EC should never have recognised Oli and Dahal's party as NCP under existing law!], House of confrontation : As Parliament session begins, Oli will try to prove his legitimacy while the Dahal-Nepal faction, though still confused, prepares to nix his plan, by Binod Ghimire and Anil Giri (kp), Nation Awaits Political Cliffhanger, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Prachanda-Nepal faction holding emergency PP meeting (kh), Badi people’s sit-in continues for two weeks : Around 400 people of the Badi community have come to Surkhet for the protest, demanding land plots, by Kalendra Sejuwal (kp), As chief ministers go troubleshooting for Oli, provincial governance takes hit : Every time prime minister faces trouble in the Nepal Communist Party, Pokharel and Gurung rush to Kathmandu. They are now at the forefront of efforts to save the party, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Federalism Oli's way! Centralism to keep the Prime Minister in power!], Three years of provincial governments : Despite the challenges, all seven provinces of Nepal have made many achievements, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), SC verdict on NCP name dispute strengthens PM Oli (kh) [Why? On the basis of the judgement, the unification of the two parties never took place. Oli, who lost all legitimacy anyway because of his coup, therefore only has the 121 MPs of the original CPN-UML on his side. Because of the switch of many these MPs to the original CPN-MC, their number is likely to be even much smaller!], NC obstructs House session demanding withdrawal of ordinances (kh), HoR adjourned till 1 PM Wednesday (kh)
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06/03/2021: Congress lawmakers against backing Oli and rather for leading new government : But with a formal proposal yet to be made to the party  and the Nepal Communist Party besieged with legal  complications, it is in no hurry to make a decision, by Anil Giri (kp) [The problem here is not the NC party, but its top politicians: Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has already failed four times as PM, behaved in 2002 just as KP Oli does now, asking the then head of state to dissolve parliament in order to prolong his personal power, which heralded the end of the 1990 political system and the split of his party. In 2010, Ram Chandra Poudel blocked the work of the first Constituent Assembly for months simply because he wanted to become PM, although he had no chance of success. When will the political parties realise that a younger and more open-minded generation is needed immediately?], NC leaders Deuba, Poudel and Shekhar not to run after PM’s post (kh), Chand commits to peaceful politics but many questions remain unanswered : The three-point deal signed with the government does  not say much about arms management and addressing the Communist Party of Nepal’s political issues, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), In his meeting with home minister, CPN Gen Secy Chand seeks immediate release of jailed party leaders, cadres (rep), Ill practices, society's attitude root causes for sexual violence (ht), Experts slam government on restrictive approach on governing women’s mobility : The government imposing bans on women from migrating instead of making labour migration safer for them only infringes on their rights to mobility and employment, they say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), All eyes on House session beginning tomorrow amid heightened dispute in NCP : PM Oli is likely to face a no-confidence motion in the House session beginning tomorrow (rep), Supreme Court final verdict on NCP’s name row on Sunday (kh)
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05/03/2021: Chand party agrees to shun violence, government lifts ban : Details of the three-point pact to be made public today. It’s unclear what happens to the outfit’s political demands like scrapping of parliamentary system and a round-table meet, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The question remains whether in a democratic state the government is allowed to ban another political party so easily! In Western democracies, at least, this is an extremely complicated and lengthy process in which the judiciary plays a decisive role.], Hold on to peace : The truce with the Chand-led party is a much-needed flicker of hope for Nepalis (kp), Biplob bungle : Why was the CPN banned if talks were to be later held with no change in its violent modus operandi? (ae), Chand expresses commitment to abide by three-point agreement : The Communist Party of Nepal leader, who made his public appearance after two years, however, reiterated that the existing political system is flawed (kp) [You can't disagree with that!], Nepal witnessed economic recession but quick recovery likely, economists say : There was negative growth in the last quarter of 2019-20 and first quarter of 2020-21. In the final analysis year-on-year growth in the last fiscal year was minus 1.99 percent, by Sangam Prasain (kp), More politician, less finance minister, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (ae), Address Badis' woes : It is the responsibility of the government to provide basic amenities to the underprivileged groups (ht), Of trafficking and absurd rules : Long before, women travelling abroad were routinely subjected to humiliating questions about why and with whom they were travelling, or how they could afford to do so, by Bishal Thapa (ae), Two decades of debate on female migration : A look back at how we have come back full circle in 20 years about the ban on migration. Or maybe we never left, by Upasana Khadka (nt), Erosion of elections : The idea of elections has changed from an eagerly awaited event to an occurrence that could be good or bad but necessary for the continuance of the present political system, by Sambridh Ghimire (rep), Security of VIPs in Nepal: Need vs. Obsession, by Abhaya Raj Joshi (kh),
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04/03/2021: They put excessive focus on stability. But they failed  to achieve it : Nepal’s lawmakers and framers of the constitution wrote strong provisions to end instability, but instead of helping politics move ahead, the laws have made it hobble, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The president and the prime minister : Bidya Devi Bhandari and KP Oli have ridden roughshod over accepted political norms, by Deepak Thapa (kp), PM's ire against the intelligentsia : Indicator of despotic tendencies, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Indecision in Congress, Samajbadi Party as Dahal and Nepal grope in the dark : Former election commissioners call on the Election Commission to resolve the Nepal Communist Party dispute at the earliest to facilitate the political process, by Anil Giri (kp), Govt and Chand-led CPN reach three-point agreement, the underground outfit to renounce violence to advance its political goals (rep), Govt and Biplav group seal 3-pt deal (kh),
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03/03/2021: Linguistic discrimination and conflict : As long as there is unfairness, the goal of an inclusive and prosperous Nepal is impossible, by Sangmo Yonjan-Tamang (kp) The court verdict is a temporary respite : The pyrrhic victory of democracy has restored judicial supremacy in place of Parliament’s sovereignty, by CK Lal (kp), Oli takes initiatives for talks with Chand party as he struggles to stay afloat : The government forms a team under Home Minister Thapa to hold dialogue with Communist Party of Nepal, an armed outfit led by Dahal’s one-time trusted lieutenant, by Anil Giri (kp), Challenges to manage sufficient doses of vaccine for the second phaseManufacturer has refused to sell jabs at $4, the price Nepal paid earlier, and WHO may not supply vaccines on time. This could lead to shortages for second dose for those above 55, by Arjun Poudel (kp), While focus is on vaccination, other strategies to fight pandemic ignored : The European Union had offered help to perform a seroprevalence study and strengthen surveillance and early  warning systems a year ago but the government has not taken up the offer yet, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [This too is part of the utter failure and disinterest of the Oli government!], Overcoming The Trust Deficit, by Namrata Sharma (rn), NC should join government: Shashanka Koirala (kh), Deuba says he is ready to shoulder the responsibility as a PM (kh) [It cannot be a democratic solution if Deuba, who in 2002 putsched against the state and democracy in a similar way as Oli did recently, is now to be made his successor!]
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02/03/2021: Political flux and geopolitical manoeuvres : Despite the Supreme Court decision, the murky political waters of Nepal will not quieten anytime soon, by Achyut Wagle (kp), House braces for Nepal Communist Party factional infighting : Half of the party still is ruling the country and the other half is acting as the ‘opposition’ trying to unseat Oli, raising risks of confrontation when the House convenes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepali Congress mulls over at least four options amid rising political uncertainty : Leaders say a deal with Oli cannot be ruled out provided that he agrees to play along, either to let the party lead the government or create a situation for an early election, by Anil Giri (kp), Plan for Oli statue reeks of feudalism, analysts say : Terming the prime minister as ‘Father of Industrial Revolution’ his statue is to be put up at the China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park in Jhapa, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [A case of megalomania in its terminal stage!], Nepal’s debt nearly triples in the last five and half years : Experts, however, say the country still has room for borrowing needed for development but insist that there should be productive use of the borrowed funds, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Supreme Court lenient on pressing contempt charge against journalists, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [!!!], Ready to work with Oli-led faction if it accepts its mistakes: Madhav Nepal, by Binod Subedi (rep) [??? Hopefully, the leaders of both factions will then personally pay for the completely unnecessary state expenditures that their irrational power struggle has caused! Oli is unacceptable in a constitutional state for all time to come!]
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01/03/2021: Nepal’s Human Rights Commission’s integrity in jeopardy, three international human rights groups say : In a joint statement on Monday, Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, and Amnesty International said that lack of transparency in appointments undermines effectiveness and public confidence (kp) [see common statement of AI, HRW and ICJ: Nepal: Human Rights Commission’s Integrity in Jeopardy : Lack of Transparency in Appointments Undermine Effectiveness, Public Confidence], International rights bodies demand withdrawal of ordinance (ht), NBA opposes recent appointments in constitutional bodies (ht), Oli does not want to quit on moral grounds but instead is talking of horse trading : Implying elected representatives are for sale is disrespecting the House and electorate, lawmakers and analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Politics becomes more complicated in ways that will exacerbate gridlock : Oli refuses to budge as the Dahal-Nepal faction explores options, only to realise that there are none as of now, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Graduating wisely : We need a solid post-graduation plan to enjoy the perks of becoming a developing country (kp), Focus on GNI : Nepal must do adequate homework to meet the necessary threshold related to GNI per capita to graduate from a LDC (ht),
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28/02/2021: They spoke up and they are receiving threats : Harassment, death and rape threats, and bigotry against women are a silent epidemic affecting their right to speak up against issues, women activists say, by Samiksha Baral (kp), Nepal needs strategy, robust trade deals to graduate from poor club, experts say : As the United Nations recommends Nepal’s graduation from least developed country after 2026, challenges are of sustained growth since nation will lose existing support, by Anil Giri (kp), Oli’s unconstitutional House dissolution leads to unwanted burden on state treasury, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Thank you, Mr Oli! Nothing is too expensive for you to maintain your power, but you, like the other top politicians, do not care about the country and its people!], COVAX jabs supply to fall short of forecast : WHO likely to provide only 380,000 doses of 2.25 million it was expected to deliver to Nepal in the first phase of scheme, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Road upgradation continues amidst tight security (ht) [What does the Oli government care about Supreme Court directives!], Tharuhat-Tharuwan National Front's special convention begins in Kailali (ht), Triumph Of Constitutionalism, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Olitics-politics and ethics : Prime Minister Oli is very much the part of the problem. Therefore, cannot be part of the solution, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), NC, JSP not to support no confidence motion sans agreement prior to HoR meeting (kh),
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27/02/2021: Who owns the constitution anyway : As those elected to protect the charter assaulted it and those with reservations emerged as the vanguard, analysts call for work towards its wider ownership and acceptability, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [In any case, the constitution was not created as the interim constitution had prescribed. It is the work of the traditional male elite from the so-called high Hindu castes and continues to safeguard their interests in particular!], What if Supreme Court gives Nepal Communist Party to Kattel? The decision could make Nepal Communist Party (NCP) null and void, taking the warring factions to the state prior to May 2018 when UML and Maoist Centre had merged, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Diplomats are meeting political leaders but Foreign Ministry is unaware : The interest that foreign envoys show in Nepali politics during political instability is the result of political leadership giving them unhindered access, leaders and experts say, by Anil Giri (kp), A year of pandemic teaches a lot, but lessons not learnedPublic health experts say the Covid-19 crisis exposed a lot of weaknesses, which could be used as an opportunity to improve and prepare for the future, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Civic Activism Of Civil Society, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn),
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26/02/2021: Narrow the gap : Although the constitution has not discriminated its citizens based on gender, the laws need to be amended to see this in practice (ht) [The constitution, too, discriminates against women, for example with regard to citizenship law!], Supreme verdict : Nepal’s Supreme Court has put the derailed political and democratic process back on track (ae), Cabinet decides to summon HoR meeting on March 7 (kh), House restored but poll body still has to settle ruling party dispute : Experts say the Supreme Court verdict may have taken some pressure off Election Commission but it cannot sit on the case forever, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Janata Samajbadi Party seeks clarity from Dahal and Nepal as they approach it for supportThe party asks which party the leaders head and if they are ready to address its demands, including charter revision, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepali Congress to wait and watch developments in the Nepal Communist Party unfold : Following the two warring factions’ approach to help it form a new government,  a meeting of top Nepali Congress leaders decides not to take sides for now, by Anil Giri (kp), Obstacles, confusion galore over the election of new Nepali PM : Neither NCP faction can claim government leadership without the support of Nepali Congress. But the jury is still out on whether NC will support an NCP faction or itself claim leadership, by Ashok Dahal (ae) [Given what Oli has done, he and his party do not deserve to be part of the next government. However, Dahal and Deuba also have plenty of negative responsibility! Ke garne? Nepal desperately needs a new generation of political leaders!], Calm before another storm in Nepal : A day after Supreme Court verdict political forces jostle to form new government (nt), House of cards : We are just reshuffling the cards. We may need a new deck (nt), Parliamentary arithmetics, by Mukesh Pokhrel (nt),
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25/02/2021: Citizens’ manifesto : The Citizens’ Movement has called for freedom from political regression and justice for the marginalised, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Congress weighs options as both Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions make overtures to it : The party has emerged as a clear beneficiary but its  leaders are hesitant to make any move until a formal split of the Nepal Communist Party, by Anil Giri (kp), How KP Sharma Oli’s authoritarian politics bid boomeranged on him : House dissolution move turned out to be a trap for Oli, as he is set to lose prime minister’s post and even likely to be reduced to playing second fiddle either to Deuba or Dahal, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [After his grave breach of the constitution, perpetrated out of pure greed for power, Oli has no legitimacy whatsoever to play any kind of fiddle anymore!], Sapkota: The fate of no-confidence motion against Oli depends on the party that registered it : The House speaker on Supreme Court verdict, how the parliamentary process will move ahead, his relations with Prime Minister Oli and his petition in the court (kp) [interview], Prisoners of uncertainty : We can’t afford to return to the old days of horse trading (kp), Sales of masks, sanitisers drop as people become carefree : The pandemic is not over yet, and people should take precautions even if they have been vaccinated, health experts say, by Krishana Prasain (kp) [Highly responsible for this aberration are Oli, Dahal, Nepal Deuba and all the other so-called top politicians who lure the people en masse to the streets for their political power games and make them believe that there is no pandemic in Nepal!], Give this constitution a chance : The only democratic way forward, by Raghav Gautam (ht),
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24/02/2021: House reinstated : Constitution has prevailed, parties and analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp), In landmark verdict, SC reinstates Lower House : Orders government to call new session of Parliament within 13 days, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), The constitution wins : Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli must step down on moral grounds (kp), Supreme Court may have brought politics on track but experts say crisis hasn’t ended : The Nepali Congress, with 63 seats in the House, will be the kingmaker. But if it chooses to stay out of the fray, Parliament may struggle to give a new government, by Binod Ghimire (kp), With court verdict reinstating the House, alliance talks begin : Gyawali says House meeting will be called within 13 days. Both factions of the Nepal Communist Party reach out to the Congress (kp) [The Oli faction lacks any moral basis to be involved in the next government. In particular, KP Oli personally must never hold public office again!], Prime Minister Oli, resign immediately : If KP Sharma Oli has an iota of respect for the people and the democratic processes, he should resign immediately and pave the way for forming  a new government (rep), PM Oli says he is not in the mood to resign soon (kh), SC issues interim order against Jalahari installation at Pashupatinath (kh), President Bhandari reaches Pashupatinath to begin installation of golden ‘Jalahari’  (kh) [???], A season of revolutions : Neither elections nor revolution is a solution to the current problems, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Haliyas declared free on paper but their plight remains same : The former bonded labourers say the state has done little for their rehabilitation, by Jyotee Katuwal (kp), Curtailing women’s liberty : The rule proposed by Department of Immigration tries to force the patriarchal vision of society onto women through the fabric of legislation. This policy is based on classification of sex, by Niyati Adhikari (rep),
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23/02/2021: SC reinstates House of Representatives : Orders government to summon House session within the next 13 days (kh), House of Representatives reinstated with the verdict of Supreme Court on Dissolution case (ht), In a landmark verdict, Supreme Court reinstates House of Representatives (Read the verdict) (rep), Supreme Court scraps all appointments made by govt to various constitutional bodies after Dec 20 (rep), Addressing HR violations : Nepal Police needs to reform, by Mohna Ansari (ht), Six held for seeking justice for Nirmala (ht) [It is a crime to demand justice for rape victims when His Majesty the Prime Minister is in town!], Execute penal code : The government should take corrective measures to make improvements in the criminal justice system (ht), Army chief’s meeting with chief justice stokes speculation of political message : The meeting between Thapa and Rana comes at a time when the nation is awaiting a verdict on House dissolution, which could determine the country’s future course, by Anil Giri (kp), Security Council discusses lifting ban on Biplav outfit (kh), Cabinet meeting to follow National Security Council meeting, today (ht), Initiating development projects after poll notice is abuse of resources, analysts say : Week-long plan of laying foundations of five industrial estates begins even as progress of ongoing projects is poor; Oli has warned of  agitation if  the court decides against dissolution of  Parliament, by Prithvi man Shrestha (kp), HoR dissolution case on SC’s cause list for today (kh), Provincialising instability : Balloting alone can be inadequate to gauge the aspirations of the people (kp), EC undecided which NCP faction legitimate (ht), Congress A Mute Spectator?, by Narayan Upadhyay (ht), Members of Badi community stage sit-in protest in front of Karnali Chief Minister’s Office (rn)
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22/02/2021: Oli faction cripples provincial assemblies to save two chief ministers : The Nepal Communist Party feud is having an impact on provinces, which will be detrimental to democratic  principles and the constitution, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Oli destroys the state and the constitution out of pure greed for power and calls this the preservation of democracy! The other top politicians also have little interest in the latter, but Oli's behaviour is unbelievable and should be punished most severely!], SC order on corrective measures for prisoners remains unimplemented, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Supreme Court decisions are binding law, but the Oli government sees it completely differently!], Secretariat member of Chand-led CPN Bastola arrested again, despite SC order to free him (rep), Nutrition deficiency still prevalent despite country spending billions to address the issue : Distribution of complementary foods and micronutrients alone will not address the problem, nutritionists say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Government to respond to Chand’s call for talks after next Cabinet meeting : If the dialogue takes a positive turn, jailed leaders and cadres of the outfit will be released gradually as demanded, officials say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), What’s in a language : The government should learn from the past blunders of promoting one language (kp), Bhojpuri language not developed thanks to govt apathy (ht), Stronger laws needed : Merely handing down prison terms and fines is not going to deter people from engaging in human trafficking law (ht), Army chief Thapa meets Chief Justice Rana (rep) [Contempt of court??], How Oli government botched COVID-19 response, by Ashim Neupane (rep), Manifestation of misogyny : If the government really wants to ‘protect’ women it needs to make the country safe from violence, prejudices, practices and laws that harm and humiliate women, by Grishma Bista (rep),
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21/02/2021: Nepal needs to amend human trafficking laws to fully enforce Palermo Protocol, experts say : Existing laws define the crime in a narrow sense and fail to protect the victims, they argue, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), 'Trafficking is crime of moral turpitude', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Chand-led party expresses willingness to hold dialogue with the government : The announcement, two years after the party’s activities were banned, comes amid a changing political scenario  in the country since the lower house was dissolved, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Deuba reluctant to organise protests against House dissolution : Some Congress leaders suspect a tacit understanding between Deuba and Oli could be the reason, by Anil Giri (kp)  [Two autocratic opportunists show their anti-democratic sentiments. For Deuba, too, it is only about personal power, not about law and constitution!], Wisdom of the crowds : The only definite way of gauging the will of the people is through an election, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp) [There may have to be early elections in the near future, but not now. At the moment, the only question is whether Oli was allowed to dissolve parliament in order to prolong his personal power or whether he had to abide by the internationally customary democratic rules of the game: resignation or a vote of confidence in parliament. Only then, if no new government can be formed, may there be new elections!], Nirmala’s mother watches Bhagarathi case unfold, wants Dilip Singh Bista to be investigated (rep)
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20/02/2021: To reclaim democracy, citizens hold Tundikhel march : Brihat Nagarik Andolan vows to fight to protect the country from falling into an abyss, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), With hearing over, justices will now study legal briefs and discuss case before verdict : More than 100 lawyers, including amicus curiae members, spoke on the legality of Oli’s move. Arguments on both sides were weak and repetitive and waste of time, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ensure Fair Distribution Of Responsibility, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Biplav outfit “positive” for dialogue with government (kh),
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19/02/2021: End of war is not peace : A generation later, the legacy of war is seen in residual violence and impunity, extortion and murder, rape and torture (nt), The lingering trauma of war : 15 years after opposing sides in Nepal’s conflict made peace, a victim’s fight for truth and justice continues, by Pratibha Tuladhar (nt), From the frontlines of Nepal’s war : Five reporters remember their coverage of the people caught up in the Maoist ‘People’s War’ (nt), Nepal’s democracy challenges : Analysts say the major impediment to democratic process in the country is a lack  of political culture among leaders and their failure to put people first, by Anil Giri (kp), Civil Society to unveil its manifesto today (kp), Intra-Party Feud Causes Instability, by Bhupa P. Dhamala (rn), Hearing In HoR Dissolution Case Ends (rn), Hearing on writ petitions against HoR dissolution concludes, verdict awaited : The apex court is expected to issue the verdict anytime after Feb 23 (rep), President removes Tilak Pariyar as Province 2 governor, appoints Rajesh Jha : Pariyar was appointed in November 2019 under the former Maoist quota (kp), Why Pushpa Kamal Dahal repeatedly finds himself alone : Dahal’s critics say his first preference while making important appointments are his immediate family members, by Ashok Dahal (ae)
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18/02/2021: People are fed up : Undemocratic practices have been the hallmark of politicians across parties (kp), In a state of confrontation : Oli’s moves, especially the ordinance on Constitutional Council Act and the House  dissolution, set off events which have created hostility among key state organs, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dumping federalism : The discriminatory immigration rule targeting women reflects the values of an illiberal government, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Food availability in Nepal : Challenges faced with urbanisation, by Sauravi Regmi (ht), How proposed immigration policy on women is deeply flawed : Limiting women’s education, employment and movement hinders their economic empowerment and freedom thereby perpetuating their dependency on men, by Tara Kanel (rep), Is parliament dissolution constitutional? Prime Minister Oli has not been able to prove how exactly the House of the Representatives did not cooperate with him in carrying out his duties, by Neha Sharma (rep)
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17/02/2021: Contempt of conscience : Let freedom of speech and divergent views flourish (kp), Temptations of saffron secularity and hybrid democracy : The political call for a Hindu Rashtra poses a mortal threat to the very idea of an inclusive Nepal, by CK Lal (kp), A constitutional crisis in the offing : Without some sort of settlement, Nepal cannot be rescued from the present imbroglio, by Narayan Manandhar (kp) [All those responsible for this must ultimately be held legally accountable!], House dissolution hearing in final leg as amicus curiae starts presenting brief : The first of the five friends of the court in his arguments wavers talking about ambiguities in the constitution  rather than the legality of KP Sharma Oli’s move, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Cabinet clears way to procure 2 million vaccine doses : Nepal is buying the jabs from the Serum Institute of India at $4 per dose, for which the government, changing existing guidelines, has given the nod to 80 percent advance payment—around Rs749 million—to the manufacturer, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Government seeks logistical support from India, China even as poll uncertainty continues : Poll body has yet to resolve dispute in Nepal Communist Party, a must for holding elections, but it has expedited other works, by Anil Giri (kp), Dahal-Nepal camp drafting white paper to convince otherparties, civic groups to join stir : Members of the civil society have been questioning the faction’s commitment  to democracy, rule of law and social justice, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), NHRC urges govt to save Ganga Maya (ht), Enact the law : It is hard to define what constitutes contempt of court when the parliament has not enacted a law to this effect (ht)
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16/02/2021: Former chief justices reply to the court, reasserting why free speech matters : In saying House dissolution is unconstitutional, they say they used their right to freedom of expression and that does not amount to contempt of court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Oli says he was not allowed to work. But he flaunts his achievements : Analysts and leaders say prime minister is making contradictory statements to justify House dissolution, by Anil Giri (kp), Ramechhap earthquake survivors have no proper homes even six years after disaster : Three integrated settlements remain incomplete as the National Reconstruction Authority has not issued funds, by Tika Prasad Bhatta (kp) [The early elections ordered by Oli, which are completely unnecessary, are certainly considerably more expensive!], Nepal at risk from new virus variants, experts warn : The government’s focus on vaccination while ignoring importance of testing, contact tracing and genome sequencing could prove costly, they say, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [The completely wrong and conceptless handling of the pandemic is undoubtedly one of the biggest areas of failure of the Oli government!], Create more jobs : The scheme of a minimum of 100 days of work is, at its best, a complementary project (kp), Failure on the economic front : A thorough evaluation shows that this government has more severely failed Nepal on economic matters, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Intellectual property versus consumer rights : Regulators must come between the act of cheating and the violation of consumer rights, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp), Abduction and murder case filed against 42 members of the Communist Party of Nepal, including its leader Chand : They have been charged with kidnapping and killing a teacher in Morang on December 4 (kp),
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15/02/2021: He was chosen to strengthen the charter. He has left it weakened : In three years, Oli took measures to impair federalism until he dealt a blow to the constitution, throwing stability dream down the drain and inviting uncertainties, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Misreading the provinces : Attempts to further weaken the provincial sphere will result in the scrapping of federalism, by Ajay Das (kp), Vaccination begins for third group, but experts say target will be missed again : Around 300,000 local representatives and staffers and those working at financial institutions are on the list, but without proper planning, it’s unclear if all will be covered, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Ensure right to speech : It is sure to backfire on the government should it introduce the directives aimed at curtailing the freedom of speech (ht), Poll body steps up preparations, but indecision on Nepal Communist Party legitimacy continues : Amid concerns over spring elections, Dahal-Nepal faction says preparations lack meaning without resolving party row, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Mudslinging in Nepali politics : Going from bad to worse, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), For a pinch of salt : The government must ensure that essential commodities reach rural areas efficiently (kp), Former chief justices respond to the Supreme Court, say their statement does not amount to contempt of court : The court had sought reply in writing from four former justices over their January 8 statement in which they called Oli’s House dissolution move unconstitutional (kp) [But the statements of Oli and his henchmen do this in an extremely diverse way!], We are still determined that House dissolution was unconstitutional: Four former chief justices (rep)
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14/02/2021: Broken promise : The Nepal government has failed to live up to its commitments on transitional justice, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (kp) [Oli has implemented almost nothing of what he had announced three years ago. All Nepali politicians think and act similarly, but Oli's failure is particularly extreme!], Bardiya municipalities unite to keep memories of war victims alive : Local and provincial governments can now do their bit to  provide relief for victims of the conflict, experts say; Governments formed after the peace accord have failed to bring  justice to victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp), More women joining protests in capital (ht), NHRC introduces policy to ensure gender equality (ht), Oli’s large-scale secretary transfers in lead-up to elections come into question : More transfers of bureaucrats as well as of police officers are on the cards, officials say. Past experience shows  that officials have a role in influencing elections, by Anil Giri (kp), 'Reject contitutional appointments bypassing parliamentary hearing' : Rights activists are very certain that the National Human Rights Commission will not be able to do its job effectively as it lacks legality and validity (kp)
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13/02/2021: ‘Justice, justice, justice’ : Fed up with inaction, women march to demand end to impunity, by Samiksha Baral (kp), Hundreds rally in capital for women’s rights (ht), The legacy of the decade-long ‘people’s war : ’Former fighters don’t deny the gains of the sacrifices but wonder whether the political achievements have indeed brought socio-economic transformation in the country, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Draft directives to regulate social media give authorities power to define decency : Provisions of the directives, to be enforced by the Department of Information Technology, are from the controversial Information Technology Bill which is in Parliament., by Bijay Timalsina (kp), New directives to control online media worry free speech proponents (ht), Two years after shortening public holiday list, government starts adding to it again : Officials are calculating potential political benefits while taking decisions on holidays, critics say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Constitutional Imperative Of Civic Education, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Nepal’s constitutional crisis and mounting security challenges, by Abhaya Raj Joshi (kh)
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12/02/2021: Nepal’s ‘inferior’ women : Nepal is still a highly patriarchal society that looks upon women as second-class citizens (ae), History of female (im)mobility in Nepal : Immigration Dept proposal is just the latest proof of a misogynist, bungling bureaucracy, by Upasana Khadka (nt), ‘Women’s March’ in Kathmandu to demand an end to violence against women and impunity : People from various walks of life are participating in the march from Basantapur to Singha Durbar gate (kp), In Jhakri’s arrest, analysts see Oli government’s intent to curb free speech : The leader was charged with crime against the state, before she was released, for her remarks on the President, but legal experts say police stretched the law a bit too far, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Jhakri arrested for remarks against prez : Freed more than five hours later following protests led by parties, civil society (ht), Proposed travel rule change may not help control women’s trafficking, experts say : Immigration official tries but fails to convince protesters that the government is not trying to curtail anyone’s rights, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Samikshy Baral (kp) [But it helps the patriarchy to control women even better! According to the thinking of Hindu fundamentalists like Oli, this is perfectly fine!], Day trippers : Organisers and demonstrators must be mindful that the risk of coronavirus transmission looms large (kp) [The responsibility lies mainly with top politicians like Oli, Dahal, Nepal and others, who call people to the streets in large numbers almost every day for demonstrations, where most of them turn up without mouth-nose masks!], KP Oli has assassinated democracy, claims Democratic Thought Society (kh), Revolution and counter-revolution : Why have the Maoists  run out of steam, and  their vision become nearly void?, by Hisila Yami (kp), Most businesses still operating in the red despite end of lockdown, report saysA survey conducted by the Ministry of Industry showed that 10.81 percent of firms have shut down, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Oli’s follies : Deceit and thuggery have gone to such an extent that in one moment PM says one thing and in the next moment does opposite of what he just said, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Is KP Oli staying on, or will the SC verdict be his final farewell?, by Ashok Dahal (ae),
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11/02/2021: New rule on foreign travel for women under 40 draws ire as patriarchal and preposterousIn what is described by public and rights defenders as a regressive move, government says women under 40 years of age must take consent from family to fly abroad on visit visas, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Samiksha Baral (kp), Women under 40 require a letter, and permission from family to travel abroad: DoI Director Paudel (with audio), interview with Teknarayan Paudel, director of DoI (rep), DoI expresses concern over news reports on alleged requirement of letter from local govt and permission of family to woman under 40 to travel abroad (rep), Girl abducted and raped in Morang, by Chuman Basnet (rep), Smash rape culture : Impunity is one of the reasons why sexual violence continues to thrive (kp) [The Oli government and political parties care more about their sympathisers, even if they are perpetrators! They also regard women as inferior creatures, subordinate to men in every way!], Children becoming victims of sexual exploitation due to internet misuse (ht), Youth revolt: the battle for democracy  and transparency; For the freedom-loving, educated in Nepal, Oli and company represent regression and hypocrisy, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Dahal seeks international community’s support to save democracy in Nepal : It’s nearly two months since Oli dissolved the House, but major countries, including India, the US, the UK and China, have opted not to speak up on the political situation here, by Anil Giri (kp) [This may also be due to the person of Dahal, who claimed responsibility for the death of 5,000 people during the time of the insurgency, but did not draw any further legal and political consequences from it!], Hearing on House dissolution to take at least one more week to conclude : The bench is yet to hear from lawyers representing Speaker Sapkota, counter-argument from plaintiff and statements from the amicus curiae—a process that could go on till February 17, a court official says, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This long duration of the trial is irresponsible in view of the immense damage already done to the country!], Govt attorneys conclude debate in writs against HoR dissolution (kh), Rallies may be by Oli or Dahal but it’s always citizens who suffer : Political parties and their leaders are interested in mass protests, but the people, including the participants of such demonstrations,  say they are not., by Anup Ojha (kp), Government yet to respond to Biplav group’s call for talks : Since the split in Nepal Communist Party, both factions are trying to woo leaders of the banned outfit. The ruling  faction’s efforts, however, seem half-hearted as it fears they might support the rival camp once they join the mainstream, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Pliant Cadres Fail Democracy, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Leader Ram Kumari Jhakri Arrested (rn), NCP's Dahal-Nepal faction leader Jhakri arrested from home for "committing a crime against state" (rep), Dahal-Nepal faction protesting outside Jhakri’s residence as police prepare to arrest her (rep), NC leader Thapa takes strong exception to Jhankri’s arrest (kh), Dr. Koirala condemns Jhakri’s arrest, demands immediate release (kh), Habeas corpus petition filed at SC against Jhakri’s arrest (kh),
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10/02/2021: Lactating mothers, newborns in the far-west forced to stay in cowsheds after childbirth, by Prakash Singh (ht), Eliminating gender based violence : The way political leadership is working to end gender-based violence in our country is not inspiring enough. There should be greater commitment and more actions, by Mandip Lamichhane (rep), New rule requiring women under 40 to take approval from family, local ward office to go abroad draws criticism : Social media users call it a regressive move, saying the decision deprives women of their agency and limits their right to free movement (kp) [Oli, the misogynist!], New directives to regulate media, social networking sites in offing (ht) [Media censorship in preparation!], Is Oli right to say he dissolved the House, just the way UK prime minister did?No. In October 2019 Boris Johnson invoked the Fixed-term Parliaments Act-2011 as per which his election motion was endorsed by more than two-thirds of Members of Parliament (kp), Oli asking poll body not to get into any party disputes raises concerns : As polls are not possible until the Nepal Communist Party issue is resolved, analysts wonder if the prime minister has a different game plan to drive his opponents into a corner, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Cabinet decides to hold Secondary Education Examinations centrally : The decision is against the spirit of federalism envisioned in the constitution, provincial officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ministry mulls vaccinating workers who come in frequent contact with public : Bankers, transport staff and public utility workers, among other priority groups, to get the vaccine, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Lack of strategic thinking : The constitutional mess in Nepal could lead to political and security dilemmas, by Binoj Basnyat (kp), Time will soon come to gherao Singha Durbar and Baluwatar, Prachanda warns (kh) [Now, at the latest, Dahal is also playing the Trump. Of course, he is not one bit better than Oli. It's enough to give you the heebie-jeebies!],
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09/02/2021: Three incidents of rape and attempted rape reported in five days in Gorkha (rep), Why women should be given equal rights in citizenship : Nepal’s sovereignty will be stronger if we empower our women and children and weaker if we disenfranchise the children of Nepali mothers. A nation that treats its citizens unequally is doomed from within, by Riti Prasai (rep), Poor planning responsible for low Covid-19 vaccination rate in first phase, experts say : Studies were needed to inform policy on who to get the vaccine and when, they suggest, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Conduct sero survey : We cannot afford to let our guard down yet (kp), Why are more than 245,000 frontliners refusing to get COVID-19 vaccine? : Though the government had planned to vaccinate at least 430,000 frontline workers, only 184,857 people chose to get the shot (rep), Effects of the dissolution : Two dozen bills will lapse or have their enforcement processes halted until the House resumes, by Sushrey Nepal (kp) [The responsibility for this lies with the power-hungry KP Oli and the president who blindly supports him!], Politics of convenience of Nepali Congress : Nepali Congress is putting its feet in two boats in its response to House dissolution. In other words, Congress is playing a politics of convenience but will it help?, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep),
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08/02/2021: Amend the laws : Amending the laws as per the protocol would ensure adequate compensation to the victims and tough punishment to the traffickers (ht), What if polls fail to happen even if way for it were cleared : Country could face constitutional and political vacuum of an unprecedented proportion, and the constitution and hard-earned gains could unravel as a result, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Oli has already destroyed so much with his inimitable greed for power, arrogance and incompetence that it can hardly be repaired. The rest will be done by the other top politicians, who are no better in their attitude!], Amid global powers’ vaccine diplomacy, analysts say Nepal should make the most of it and tread carefully : After India gifted 1 million doses, China is offering half a million shots, and there are other countries too joining the fray, by Anil Giri (kp), Heed the protocol : The government has consistently failed to set the priorities right amid a public health emergency (kp), Number of new Covid-19 cases has come down dramatically and experts wonder howFewer tests, virus variants becoming weaker and already infected population are some of the hypotheses, but doctors say no one should be complacent and warn of a resurgence, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [The figures reported by the Oli government are completely unrealistic. Those who do not test do not detect new infections. At the same time, Oli and the opposition he has aroused call masses onto the streets every day, mostly without mouth-nose masks or not wearing masks correctly. Nepal seems like the only wonderland in the Corona crisis: the Oli government does nothing to contain it and yet the disease is visibly disappearing even without vaccination.], Political leaders on ribbon-cutting spree in Lumbini in a bid to woo voters : Residents say they want leaders to work on improving education and health sectors instead of engaging in publicity stunts, by Durga Lal KC (kp) [Once and again: Forget this whole generation of current so-called political leaders!], Pandemic offers rare opportunities for  sustainable transformation, study says : While the Covid-19 pandemic affected people and pushed back achievements of the past, the crisis also offered lessons for the future., by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Defending lawyers told to end arguments by Feb 12 (ht), Hearing on HoR dissolution: Chief Justice Rana turns strict on time limit : Orders advocates to end debate instantly (kh), Show cause notice to govt on new appointments (ht), ओलीको श्रीपेच–सपना र मार्क्सवादी हिन्दुत्व : जनता र मुलुकका प्राथमिकताहरूतिर पिठ्युँ फर्काएर सोच्ने प्रत्येक अधिनायकवादी शासकको सबभन्दा स्वाभाविक आकांक्षा नै श्रीपेच लगाउने हो [Oli's Crown of a King dream and Marxist Hindutva : The most natural aspiration of every authoritarian ruler who turns his back on the priorities of the people and the country is to wear a crown], by Achyut Wagle (ka),
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07/02/2021: Attack on federalism unacceptable : It is important for the Nepali people to raise their voice strongly against this move, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Human trafficking laws need to be amended, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), With extended vaccination deadline for frontliners over, only about half took the jabs : Lack of proper risk communication, overestimating the number of health workers and geography are the reasons, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Govt’s COVID vaccination target falls short by half (kh), Dahal, Nepal desperate for joint movement but no one, including civil society, is keen : As court verdict nears, shows of strength seem to be modus operandi. While other parties continue to be suspicious of the Dahal-Nepal faction, civil society asks why join hands, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), 25 percent startups have folded up since pandemic began : Other than the lack of proper business plan and demand, they collapsed after the government failed to provide subsidised loans, experts say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), How Nepali migrants suffered during the pandemic : In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, job loss created a financial hardship to low-skilled migrants. It cut off the survival lifelines of the family members back home, by Dinesh Prasad Joshi and Laxmi Kumar Parajuli (rep), Public prosecutors’ debate likely to end today, time limit set to 15 minutes (kh)
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06/02/2021: Speaker moves court bringing key institutions of state in confrontation : Agni Sapkota files petition against the constitutional body  appointments made by the Constitutional Council where prime minister is the chair and chief justice a member, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli counts his achievements as if in a poll rally and defends move of dissolving the House : Addressing a mass gathering, prime minister expresses his commitment to the federal democratic republic, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Oli’s show of strength strikes different notes with different people : While commuters see it as a traffic nuisance, supporters rally behind the prime minister, by Anup Ojha (kp), Committed to democracy, claims Oli : 'No one can reverse republican order. Polls will decide who forms govt' (ht) [No, Mr Oli, you commit yourself to a coup against democracy. Only the representatives of the sovereign people elected for five years decide who forms a government! There is no need for new elections and no right of the PM to dissolve parliament prematurely as part of his intra-party power struggles!], Home minister announces ‘third people’s movement’, but many wonder what it means : In a bid to win Oli’s favour, Thapa warns his former comrade Dahal that if his agitation turns violent he, as home minister, will lock up the former rebel leader in the zoo, by Anil Giri (kp) [Sick brain?? This statement alone is a proof!], Professionals, workers organise symbolic protest against HoR dissolution (kh), Government has not procured essential drugs for over 18 months : The essential drugs provided for free are key to preventing deaths by non-communicable diseases, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Traders say China imposing ‘undeclared blockade’ : Shipments are still being held up at the northern border for over 16 months now on the pretext of Covid-19 pandemic, much to importers’ chagrin, by Krishana Prasain (kp). Polarised Politics Jeopardises Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)
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05/02/2021: Tenure of two transitional justice bodies to be extended but it is not enough, conflict victims say : Law that allows amnesty for rights violators must be changed first, victims and activists demand., by Binod Ghimire (kp), Seeking to change narrative, Oli resorts to show of force : Despite leading the government, Oli is holding a mass gathering in front of Narayanahiti, once the seat of kings, raising concerns if the communist prime minister is taking the country on a regressive path, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Confrontational politics could lead  to uncertainty and instability : The way Nepal Communist Party factions are at each other’s throat bodes ill for all, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), General strike affects life nationwide : Five trucks were vandalised in Chitwan on Thursday; vehicular movement disrupted in many other places, by Ramesh Kumar Poudel (kp) [Since 1991, the cadres of the political parties do not understand what the fundamental right to strike and demonstrate entails. In any case, vandalism and coercive methods against civil society are not part of it!], Banda for what? People are not going to tolerate it when any political group declares shutdowns and restricts their mobility (rep), As citizens bear the brunt of strikes, they ask who politicians are servingSix vehicles were vandalised in the Capital during Thursday’s general strike called by the Dahal-Nepal faction. Their fault—going about their lives to feed their families, by Anup Ojha (kp), Anarchy let loose : Their intent does not seem to be to bring the democratic process back on track (kp), NCP’s Oli-led faction staging a mass gathering in the capital today (rep) [And what is he trying to prove? Does he want to prove the constitutionality of his coup by the mass march of his cadres who blindly obey him, because he cannot find anything in the constitution?], All eyes on Nepali Congress for joint agitation, but it’s not ready to commit : Parties opposed to Oli’s House dissolution move are prodding the Congress  to jointly launch protests, but they are perplexed by Deuba’s reluctance, by Anil Giri (kp) [Sher Bahadur Deuba is keen to become Prime Minister for a fifth time. So cooperating with the coup leader Oli seems to be the quickest and safest way. The unconstitutionality of Oli's actions interests him, as it does Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal, only marginally!], Nepali Congress takes undemocratic road : Nepali Congress leaders choose to undercut their own leadership, undermine judicial independence and even hamper party unity, by Kalyan Man Shrestha (ae), Speaker Agni Sapkota files writ petition at Supreme Court against appointments made at constitutional bodies (rep), SC issues show-cause notice over appointments to constitutional bodies (kh), Clear the way for elections : It is important to create broad political consensus on viable election dates and remove the disquieting state of uncertainty (ae), A state of permanent revolution : Democracy today is not threatened by those who oppose a government, but by the government itself, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), The ongoing political chaos may leave serious negative impacts on the country’s economy, by Rajesh Khanal (rep), Healing political hopelessness in Nepal : Healing the mass pessimism requires political forces to adopt policies that provide sustainable solutions to everyday problems of people, by Ambika P Joshi (rep) [Please do not take anything positive from the current political leaders!], Lawmaker Pal advises PM Oli to do away with federalism (kh) [One cannot simply change the fundamentals of the constitution, even if Oli would very much like to do so. Ms Pal should remember : parliamentarians who had previously sided with the coup-plotting king were expelled from parliament in 2005 when the latter was reinstalled!]
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04/02/2021: New appointments yet another Oli bid to wield control over key institutions : Analysts say Oli’s actions are making a mockery of the  rule of law, as agencies meant to keep the government  in check are being hugely compromised, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Appointments to constitutional bodies receive widespread flak : Questions raised over Nepali Congress’ role as party supporters feature on list of appointees, by Anil Giri (kp), Supreme Court moved to quash appointments (ht), Dahal-Nepal faction supporters hold protests in major cities across the country : Five trucks were vandalised in Chitwan on Thursday; vehicular movement disrupted in many other cities, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), Taxi set on fire, vehicles vandalised; over 70 arrested in Kathmandu during Dahal-Nepal faction general strike : The Dahal-Nepal faction is protesting against Wednesday’s appointments and House dissolution (kp) [Demonstrations and strikes against Oli's coup are necessary, but vandalism is a crime for which the organisers must be accountable!], Police arrest 157 strike enforcers, 11 incidents of vandalism reported (rep), Police arrest scores of NCP cadres including Standing Committee member Shakya as they try to enforce general strike (rep), Ex-minister Jha injured in clash between police and agitating Dahal-Nepal faction cadres in Janakpur, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep), On the eve of Friday’s mass gathering, youths, students close to Oli-led NCP hold march-past in capital (rep) [The question is not whether Oli can bring followers onto the streets in support of his coup, but whether his actions are covered by the constitution. He still fails to prove the latter!], Nepal-India ties: Expectations and reality; It is imperative that the two sort out their problems to reduce other geo-political tensions, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), National Development Agenda Obscured, by Mukti Rijal (rn),
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03/02/2021: Comedy of errors of communist rule : The very party chief who boasted so much about having two-thirds majority dissolved the parliament and called for next elections, again, to secure the two-thirds majority, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Police likely to take strong action against “forceful enforcers” of general strike (kh), Attorney general flounders as he defends Oli’s House dissolution move : Legal experts closely following the hearing say Agni Kharel focussed more on political than constitutional grounds to justify why prime minister was right to dissolve the House, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal failed to stand up for democratic values while reacting to military coup in Myanmar, analysts say : It took a whole day for the Foreign Ministry to come up with a statement where it called for immediate release of elected leaders but stopped short of showing concern over the risk of reversal of democratic reforms in the Southeast Asian country, by Anil Giri (kp) [How can the Oli government criticise what is happening in Myanmar when it is taking its own country back to the democratic stone age?], The stable sterility of ‘ethnocratic’ regimes : Ethnonationalism and democracy are incompatible principles, by CK Lal (kp), Misplaced trust in a sovereign : The youngsters have little knowledge and experience of the tyrannical monarchy days, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Is Nepal’s judiciary independent? The influence of political parties is the most common threat Nepali judiciary is facing. When judges are appointed based on political affiliation judiciary will be politically influenced, by Abesh Adhikari (rep), Govt moves ahead with appointments in constitutional bodies despite objection from Speaker Sapkota (rep), CIAA chief Rai among others take oath of office and secrecy (rep), Vice President Pun, Speaker Sapkota boycott swearing-in ceremony of newly-appointed office bearers of constitutional bodies (rep), Writ filed at SC against newly-appointed office bearers of constitutional bodies (kh), Flood, landslide-displaced Baglung villagers still wait for new houses : The displaced families say government authorities and the people’s representatives are indifferent towards their problems, months after they were forced to abandon their homes, by Prakash Baral (kp),
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02/02/2021: Artists, writers and cultural activists announce protest against House dissolution : PM Oli’s ‘regressive move’ undermines the achievements of the 2006 people’s movement and pushes the country towards authoritarianism, they say (kp), How Oli’s actions put heads of two houses at odds : Speaker and National Assembly chairman spar over Constitutional Council’s December 15 recommendations, in a brazen display of their partisan allegiance, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Provinces, Local Levels Are Government's Organs, Minister Says (rn) [Nepal is and remains a centralised state. The citizens have misunderstood the idea of federalism! In general, the constitution is completely overrated!], Dr. Govinda KC announces 20th Satyagraha (kh)
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01/02/2021: Speaker sends back constitutional body recommendations : The Council, headed by prime minister, had appointed office bearers to various constitutional bodies on December 15 after introducing an ordinance, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Assessing constitutionality of parliament dissolution : Dissolution of the House of Representatives is the last resort, only when all options mentioned in Article 76(1), (2), (3) and (5) are exhausted, by Sneha Shrestha (rep), Electoral eyewash : With polls in mind, Prime Minister KP Oli has been crossing the moral boundaries of democratic politics (kp), Don't murder constitution: Pahadi tells PM (ht), PM elected from two-thirds majority can dissolve parliament: Attorney General Kharel (kh) [Apart from the fact that there is nothing about this in the Constitution, a House of Representatives that is 100 per cent elected by the sovereign people cannot be dissolved by a Prime Minister whose power depends solely on this very Parliament!], It may take years to inoculate everyone against Covid-19, experts say : Health Ministry officials say only preparations to start a mass vaccination campaign may require three months, by Arjun Poudel (kp), The electric vehicle tax : The government has taken all the wrong steps in trying to curb air pollution, by Kritagya Shah (kp),
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31/01/2021: Disappearance commission starts issuing ID cards : Kin of victims say cards not associated with any facility from the state are of no use when officials are reluctant to address their concerns, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Writ petitioners’ pleading over, govt side to plead against writ petitions starting Monday (rep), Oli, despite leading caretaker Cabinet, on spree to inaugurate and award projects : Inaugurating them is an attempt to influence elections which the poll body should look into and awarding them risks future governments not owning them, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp) [The minimum punishment for a coup plotter should be that he should never again be allowed to participate in elections or hold public office!], Addressing amnesia in Nepal : In Nepal, political parties are plunging headlong into a culture of post-truth, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Hundreds participate in peaceful protest led by Wagle, KC (ht), Litmus Test Of Constitutional Bodies, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), ‘No parliamentary hearing can be held on political appointments made by Constitutional Council in absence of lower house’ (rep),
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30/01/2021: Nepal Communist Party dispute risks further delay in justice for war victims : As Oli is wooing former Maoist combatants for his political gains, Dahal is warning that the peace process could be derailed because of the House dissolution move, by Binod Ghimire (kp), It’s time for parties to register for polls but Oli-Dahal’s legitimacy row remains : Election Commission this week decided not to give legitimacy to either faction of Nepal Communist Party. But with elections nearing, it will have to make a choice, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Wouldn't it be time for an interim order by the Supreme Court to halt election preparations pending a final decision on the constitutionality of the dissolution of parliament? Nepal is facing irreparable damage!], CJ Rana asks lawyers' organizations to help safeguard independence of judiciary (rep), Amid political uncertainty, Congress seems to have forgotten about its general convention : Deuba faces charges within the party of putting excessive focus on power games rather than holding the convention which must be held by September if the House is restored, by Anil Giri (kp) [Deuba, who has failed several times as prime minister, is eager to become prime minister again. He does not need a party convention that might elect a new party president. In this context, it must be remembered that Deuba's internal power struggles in 2002 made Gyanendra's subsequent coup and the demolition of the 1990 constitution possible at all. Deuba acted in 2002 in a similar way to Oli today!], Shortcomings Of Patrimonial Regime, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn),
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29/01/2021: House dissolution: A step towards the constitution’s failure in Nepal?, by Ashok Dahal (ae) [Nepal's seventh constitution in 70 years also has numerous shortcomings. Every time there are idiots who exploit them mercilessly for their personal interests. The multi-ethnic state of Nepal needs a secular constitution that gives equal rights and participation to all genders, ethnicities, castes, religions and social classes without restrictions!], Civil society activists stage protest near statue of martyr Shukraraj Shastri (rep), Back in the streets (nt), Court orders Oli to be present with written reply on contempt charge : The bench has given the prime minister seven days to furnish clarification why he should not be punished for making disparaging remarks against the judiciary, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), PM Oli suffers from ‘parliament phobia’: Senior advocate Bidari (rep), The fate of elections is up in the air, but Oli already seems to be in campaign mode : Analysts say Oli’s gatherings targeting polls need scrutiny given the chances of misuse of state resources as his House dissolution move is still being tested by the court of law, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Article 93 of constitution : Flouted clause in HoR dissolution, by Pushpa R Joshi (ht), Lack of probe into deaths at hands of police concern for UN : Four special rapporteurs on human rights remind Nepal of its obligation to look into such cases, punish perpetrators. Officials say they are unaware of such correspondence, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Pork barrel politics : Spend the Rs6.56 billion on vaccines, not some dubious partnership programme (kp), Forced labour, bonded labour and child labour prevalent in country’s brick kilns sector, new report says : Organisations call for concerted efforts by all key stakeholders–government, industry employers and workers–to work for a decent work agenda in the country’s brick production industry (kp) [see UNICEF report], KP Oli goes to Pashupati : Nepal has had its share of conflicts of late. The last thing it now needs is a religious strife (ae), Nepal’s geopolitical nightmares : During such heightened uncertainty in the region, Nepal does not even have a permanent government, by Biswas Baral (ae),
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28/01/2021: Threat to Nepal’s hard-fought democratic ideals : The civil society movement not only must insist on punishing Oli, but also push for a new political culture, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Political turbulence amidst the coronavirus pandemic : Nepal is facing growing humanitarian losses and serious socio-economic consequences, by Ram Sharan Mahat (kp), Supreme Court summons Prime Minister Oli within seven days with written response in contempt of court case : The court has also summoned former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana and four former chief justices for speaking up on the House dissolution case which is being heard by the Constitutional Bench (kp), Advocates continue pleading against PM's move (ht), Poor HR record : Making amendments to the TRC Act and NHRC Act are a must to gain support from the international community (ht), Clarification on alleged extrajudicial killing sought (ht), Four UN special rapporteurs on human rights seek details on investigations into deaths in custody and police actions : In a correspondence addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the four special rapporteurs have said that non-investigation into such deaths is against international conventions Nepal is party to (kp), Despite concerns, government releases budget for projects chosen by lawmakers : Rs6.56 billion has been released for Local Infrastructure Programme even as House has been dissolved and polls announced, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Taxpayers' money to former MPs of a parliament now dissolved by the PM, who were once handpicked as candidates by the party leadership in a non-inclusive manner : Corruption cannot be practised any better!], Civil Service, Politics And Politicians, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Public perception of corruption rises further in Nepal; the country becomes fourth most corrupt country in South Asia (rep),
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27/01/2021: Do not suppress dissent : The attack on citizens’ peaceful protests is unacceptable in a democracy (kp), Assault on civil liberties : Monday's use of force against civil society activists and intellectuals is a fresh reminder of how the Oli government is inching toward an authoritarian rule (rep), Justice Malla asks writ petitioners: How long should this case go? (kh), Nepal Communist Party legal dispute may invite more political chaos : With poll body’s lukewarm approach to the two factions’ legitimacy claims, elections, even if court clears way, may be pushed back creating political and constitutional vacuum, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Can the Hindu movement become an alternative political force? : The appeal of monarchy and Hindu forces can backfire, as they disavow principles of inclusion and democracy, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Contempt of court case filed against four former chief justices (rep) [If anyone deserves a contempt of court charge, it is KP Sharma Oli. His daily declarations alone that his actions are constitutional and that the elections will take place as scheduled clearly violate the ongoing court case!!], PM Oli vows to roll out COVID-19 vaccine for free to all Nepali nationals within three months (kp) [What a lucky country Nepal is. They have a putschist as prime minister who guarantees that all 30 million Nepalis will be vaccinated within the next 3 months. The Europeans should take a leaf out of their book. To give just one example: In Germany, they say that another 14 weeks are needed to vaccinate the over-80s alone. Oli is simply a brilliant loudmouth!!], Is this the time for election? Government’s effort should have been centered on reviving the economy and protecting people from the huge financial and mental loss. Nepal cannot afford costly elections at this moment, by Bikram Thapa (rep),
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26/01/2021: Contempt of court case against Oli filed at Supreme Court : Two advocates have filed separate petitions, saying the prime minister disparaged the court and legal practitioners (kp), Nepal has made little progress on transitional justice, Amnesty International Nepal says : The rights group says despite making numerous commitments at international forums, the country achieved little in terms of real delivery (kp), Campaigners decry use of force by police on peaceful civic protest against the House dissolution move : Unwarned, protesters were hit by water cannons and  beaten up as they marched towards Baluwatar. Earlier in the day, rights activists were rounded up from same area, by Anup Ojha (kp), [The police action as now ordered by the Oli government is criminal and a serious violation of basic human rights. The behaviour of the police has not changed since the end of the authoritarian royal Panchayat system!], Rights activists protesting HoR dissolution arrested from Baluwatar (ht), Police use water canons, baton charge citizen protesters in Baluwatar (ht), Oli’s temple visit carries an underlying political message, leaders and observers say : Prime minister’s puja at Pashupati comes at a time when calls are growing for restoration of a Hindu state with monarchy and the country has been pushed towards uncertainty, by Anil Giri (kp) [After destroying the constitution and democracy, Oli is also trying to eradicate the remnants of social harmony in the multi-ethnic state of Nepal by once again proving himself to be a Hindu fundamentalist!], Arguments against prime minister’s move continue, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), How India is using vaccine diplomacy to recalibrate its neighbourhood first policy : Foreign policy watchers and experts say the jabs could prove for Delhi, which is in a bid to win over its neighbours, a shot in the arm, by Anil Giri (kp), For a few dollars more : We must begin to ask ourselves if the foreign labour market is worth dying for (kp), Leaders, mind your language : Nepali political leaders have stooped so low in accusing the opponents by using uncivil, socially offensive and rude language, by Chiranjibi Paudyal (rep),
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25/01/2021: Decoding controversies surrounding writ petitions, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), In mocking lawyers and judiciary, Oli is making a mockery of rule of law : Legal experts say ever since he dissolved the House, the prime minister has been making attempts to justify his move and in doing so he has turned the whole situation into a farce, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Former presidents of NBA condemn PM’s remarks (ht), Ethical question raised against Attorney General Agni Kharel (ht), Oli, Nembang and Kharel might have a different version of constitution: Senior advocate Thapa (rep), Several protesters injured as police use force on participants of Baluwatar March : Writers, poets, artists, intellectuals and members of the public were participating in the rally (kp) [Even more than the protests of the parties, these intellectuals endanger Oli's ambitions for power and must be silenced, he thinks!], Rights activists protesting HoR dissolution arrested from Baluwatar (ht), Baluwatar wears tense look as police obstruct march by civil society members (with photos), by Monika Malla (rep), Slowly recovering economy could be stalled again by political instability : As Nepal marks a year since the first Covid-19 case, latest indicators have been encouraging but as far as tourism is concerned, it will take years to get to pre-pandemic levels, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Sangam Prasain (kp), Poll body refuses to give legitimacy to either faction of Nepal Communist Party : Factions led by Oli, and Dahal and Nepal have failed to follow procedures, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), ‘मांसाहारी’ राजनीति : दाहाल र उनको गुटका कसैले पनि बहुदलीय लोकतन्त्रप्रति इमानदार चिन्ता प्रकट गरेको कतै सुनिएको छैन । उनीहरूले सडकमा गर्ने भाषणमा ओली लोकतन्त्रवादी नभएको होइन, कम्युनिस्ट नभएको र पार्टीको आदेश नमानेको आरोप बढी लाग्ने गरेको छ । ['Non-vegetarian' politics : No one from Dahal or his faction has been heard expressing sincere concern for multi-party democracy. In his street speeches, Oli has been accused of not being a democrat, not a communist and disobeying the party's orders], by Achyut Wagle (ka),
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24/01/2021: Govt urged to implement NHRC recommendations (ht), Our troubled democracy : Unless the bleeding of democracy stops, the resto-ration of the House alone is not going to save it, by Naresh Koirala (kp), NC, JSP-N not keen on joint struggle : NC says it’s protesting, JSP-N blames NCP of betrayal (ht), Petition filed at Constitutional Bench seeking examination of authenticity of House dissolution notice published in Nepal Gazette (rep), SC will not be influenced by external factors: CJ Rana (kh) [Nobody tries to influence the SC's decision like KP Oli. The SC must finally silence him and stop his unjustified election preparations! The rule of law and democracy are on the brink of extinction in Nepal!], Former Nepal Bar Association chairs condemn Oli’s ‘shameful attack’ on legal profession : They say the prime minister should apologise for slandering the country’s most senior lawyer and the legal profession (kp), Covid-19: The year of living dangerously : One year since Nepal reported its first case, government response has been dismal. Vaccines are likely to be available sooner or later, but the path to inoculate all is not clear, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Poverty and lack of awareness and access forcing many to resort to unsafe abortion : Even 19 years after legalisation, women’s struggle for safe abortion continues. As a result, they put their health at risk and are unable to exercise their rights, experts say, by Samiksha Baral (kp), Health workers deprived of risk allowance warn of halting serviceAs many as 53 frontline health workers at Dolakha District Hospital in Jiri have been  deprived of the Covid-19 risk allowance for months, by Anish Tiwari (kp), With political instability, market prices soar : When elections approach, market monitoring gets lax and prices remain high, activists and experts say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Dr KC objects to recommendation for increasing medical education fee (kh),
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23/01/2021: Nepal yet to ensure transitional justice: Officials have been repeating same commitments at international fora, but have done little to implement them, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The statement read out by the foreign minister sounded in part like a fairy tale story! Promises made for years, but not kept, were presented as if they would be implemented!], NHRC urges govt to ensure implementation of its past recommendations (rep), Urge to implement NHRC recommendations (kh), PM Oli assures ex-Maoists commanders of finding solution to their problems (kh) [And what about the problems of the victims of the insurgency and their families, Mr Oli??], Kalikot teens run successful campaign against Chhaupadi : Campaign inspires girls and women to abandon period sheds, by Tularam Pandey (kp), When will Dalit lives matter? Despite voices being raised in the Capital and across the country against the injustices inflicted on Dalit people, their plight remains the same.  The Post takes a look at the events that took shape last year and why they were not enough, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp), A scrambling Oligovernment produces gazette before court, but it’s backdated : Hiding information and distorting it have been the hallmark of the Oli government and not publishing the House dissolution notice is a major procedural lapse, experts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Confusion and dilemma in Nepali Congress continues, now with eyes on leading government in provinces : Views differed in the party over House dissolution. Now there are questions whether it should join hands with Oli or Dahal-Nepal faction in Bagmati and Province 1, by Anil Giri (kp) [It is becoming clear that the feigned outrage over the dissolution of parliament is sheer mockery. Oli's coup is gladly accepted if it means that one can regain power oneself. What rotten politicians!], Protest against Oli’s decision draws huge response in capital (ht) [The term "decision" trivializes Oli's constitutional breach!], A motley crew of people and political talk at Capital protest : Thousands attended Friday’s rally called by Dahal-Nepal faction of Nepal Communist Party against Oli’s House dissolution move. But not everyone was there to protest, by Anup Ojha (kp), Civil society group to stage protest outside PM's residence in Baluwatar against parliament dissolution (rep), Dr KC staging protest against HoR dissolution today (kh), Lawyers spell out flaws in PM’s move, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), PM Oli makes mockery of legendary lawyer whom judicial sector respects as ‘Guru’ : ‘Calling hearing a spectacle contempt of court’ (kh) [!!!???], Nepali women migrants repatriated from Beirut : Migrant workers, mostly women, have been hit hard in the West Asian country reeling under multiple crises, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Is foreign employment a choice or a compulsion? Labor migration is not safe for innocent Nepali migrant workers. The government should ensure that every single Nepali worker in foreign land is paid decent salary and treated with dignity, by Bipana Thapa (rep), The Alchemy Of A New Class, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Pressure cooker bomb planted by Biplab-led group defused in Banepa (rep), Biplav outfit torches Bolero van in Makwanpur (kh), BP Highway disrupted following explosion; bomb planted on Arniko Highway defused (kh), Three cadres of Biplav outfit arrested in Tikapur (kh), Joint meeting of Dahal, Dr Bhattarai with Vice Prez sparks speculations in political circle (rep),
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22/01/2021: Universal Periodic Review: Nepal quizzed on transitional justice, rights, Tibetan refugee issue : Foreign Minister Gyawali reiterates Nepal’s commitment to human rights, deflects US queries on Nepal-China agreements as a bilateral matter, by Anil Giri (kp), United Nations urged to tell Nepal government to protect civic freedom : Physical attacks on journalists, rights activists continue to undermine civic space (ht), Why KP Sharma Oli is behaving as though he is the state : Ever since Oli dissolved the House of Representatives, all his statements have revolved around ‘I, me and myself’, as he has shown utter disregard for the checks and balances enshrined in the constitution, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rs 100 billion: The cost of Nepal’s next parliamentary election, by Ashok Dahal (ae), Nepal to rely mostly on foreign aid to buy Covid-19 vaccines for its people, officials say : Rs48 billion has been estimated for vaccines. Government, however, says it won’t have a resource crunch for midterm elections, which will cost it as much as Rs 20 billion, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Who gets to write our history? The nationalist narrative conveniently sets aside other histories that don’t see Nepal as a great nation, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Sugarcane farmers  to resume protest  to get paid in full : Both the government and the sugar mills are refusing  to disclose the details of the payments made so far, by Krishana Prasain (kp), NHRC urges govt to save Ganga Maya’s life (ht), Failure of Nepali communism : The most understated reason for the failure of Nepali communism is their new penchant for central planning and development without the capability to deliver on them, by Bishal Thapa (ae), Messing up the system : When a government elected with an overwhelming majority dissolves the House due to the failure and inability to manage intra party wrangling and discord, it could become a bane for democracy, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Polluted politics : If driver exhalation is checked for alcohol, why not vehicle exhaust for pollutants? Governance failure. Corruption (nt), Breathing is hazardous to health : Only public pressure on politicians will clean up Kathmandu’s hazardous air pollution (nt)
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21/01/2021: Oli’s legacy of shame : KP Oli put Nepal’s young democracy to the test, and the political class helped him do it, by Deepak Thapa (kp), All’s not well inside Janata Samajbadi Party : While Bhattarai and Yadav want to protest against the dissolution of the House, Thakur and Mahato have other plans, by Anil Giri (kp), After House dissolution, questions raised over local infrastructure programme, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), CJ fixes 30 minutes for lawyers to plead their case (ht), Relief for the returnees : There should be no delay in the disbursement of financial relief to migrant workers (kp), NHRC urges govt to pay sugarcane farmers pronto (ht), Way to address the concerns of sugarcane farmers, by Ayushma Maharjan (rep), Politics, Polls And Power, by Mukti Rijal (rn), President should roll back govt's decision to dissolve parliament: Advocate Aryal (rep),
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20/01/2021: Inoculating the masses against  demagogic populism : The challenge for  Nepali society is to work  for a relatively peaceful transition, by CK Lal (kp) [The best way would be to replace the entire patriarchal old Tagadhari leadership of all political parties with a younger, open-minded and socially inclusive generation!], ‘Constitution gives prime minister no right to dissolve HoR’ (ht), Advocates demand SC to curb PM Oli’s statement that the parliament cannot be reconstituted (kh), In attacking Oli, Dahal ratchets up incendiary rhetoric, only to draw flak : Civil society members say Dahal’s inciting of violence is more abhorrent and could put the country on slippery slope, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Nepal set to get Covid-19 vaccine from India within days, officials say : Health Ministry and Indian Embassy in Kathmandu are expected to jointly announce the details of the supply of vaccines, including the number of doses, to Nepal today, by Arjun Poudel and Anil Giri (kp), One million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to arrive in Nepal from India on Thursday : The announcement was made at a joint press conference by the Health Ministry and Indian Embassy in Kathmandu (kp), Five signatories withdraw from no-confidence motion against Rai, by Deonarayan Sah (kp), Having returned empty-handed, workers seek compensation for losses : A large number of migrant workers have returned home with hefty loans after losing their overseas jobs. Migrant rights activists say they should receive compensation for their ordeal, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp),
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19/01/2021: What is legislative intent and why lawyers want the Constitutional Bench to look to it : Advocates bring an interview and video clip of Subas Nembang to justices’ notice to argue the point that constitutional provisions be followed not only in letter but in spirit too, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Arguments put forth against House dissolution (ht), Has Oli captured the state? Whether the Constitutional Bench upholds House  dissolution or not, Oli has his tentacles all over, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Amid political uncertainty, Dahal-Nepal faction seems to be completely lost : While Oli’s party appears confident about polls and forces like Congress and Janata Samajbadi Party are weighing their options, the Dahal-Nepal camp is groping in the dark, by Anil Giri (kp) [This is due to the fact that the Dahal/Nepal faction is primarily concerned with taking power from Oli, both within the party and nationally. Oli's coup is merely a means of argumentation to an end.], As Nepal prepares for Covid-19 vaccination drive, challenges are huge, experts say : From transportation to chain of command issues, from training of health workers to surveillance of the population as each needs two doses, much has to be considered, by Arjun Poudel (kp),
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18/01/2021: At House dissolution hearing, advocates prod bench to look to legislative intentStating that constitution does not provide room for the prime minister to dissolve Parliament, lawyers demand debate transcripts and records of charter drafting process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Was poll body consulted on midterm elections, Dahal-Nepal faction asks : The law states that government must take the Election Commission into confidence before announcing poll dates. But an official says there is no written record of consultation between the two sides, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Oli should be banned from politics : The prime minister’s hunger for power is likely to push the country into political chaos, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), PM has no right to dissolve House, SC told : ‘Lawmakers even supported the prime minister’s absurd claims’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [And the President has to protect the constitution even if the PM wants to smash it to preserve his power!], CA Chairman Nembang’s statement that “PM cannot dissolve parliament” recited during hearing at Supreme Court (rep), Hearing on writs against HoR dissolution likely to be protracted : Only six out of 188 advocates debate till Monday (kh), Media fails to uphold its role as watchdog : The government tried to stop criticism by  threatening and spreading fear among journalists, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp), ‘Govt working to end discrimination against women’ (ht) [This claim is a farce as long as the political patriarchy that dominates all parties is not willing to treat women as equal to men in every way, that is, in the constitution, laws, citizenship, and any kind of inclusion and participation. And none of the autocratic male Tagadhari politicians are willing to do that!], 90pc VAW cases settled thru reconciliation (ht) [This cannot be called justice. It overwhelmingly proves the unequal legal position of women. VAW is a serious crime and must be dealt with and punished by public courts. In case of legal loopholes, the courts must bindingly oblige the legislator to adjust the laws immediately!], Nepal likely to get COVAX vaccine after four months, by Pabitra Sunar (rep), Nepal is falling into a trap of India, China and the US : America might use its weight to obligate Nepal to honor TPSA and get the MCC endorsed. India might stand behind. China might warn Nepal against doing that, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep),
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17/01/2021: Has Oli accepted the constitution has flaws and it needs amendments? In his House dissolution recommendation, Oli has said snap polls are required to revise the charter. But analysts wonder if he has any other sinister motive, as there’s no  certainty that elections, if they happen, will give him such a majority , by Binod Ghimire and Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Oli is constantly talking only about his critics being against elections. Yet elections are not the issue to begin with. At the beginning, there is the question of Oli's constitutional legitimacy to dissolve parliament prematurely. No such legitimacy is apparent. The Supreme Court should finally decide to redeem Nepal from this superfluous crisis!], Hearing on writs against HoR dissolution to continue on Monday (kh), Gyawali’s overhyped Delhi visit turns out to be a damp squib : There were no concrete outcomes from the visit on the border row or vaccine procurement. It just marked a resumption of bilateral engagements between Nepal and India, by Anil Giri (kp), More than 50 different items are needed for polls, Election Commission says as preparations begin Even if Supreme Court decides Oli’s dissolution was constitutional, dispute in Nepal Communist Party has to be settled before polls are possible, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [And what about the voting rights of expatriate Nepalis, especially the millions of migrant workers? The Supreme Court's ruling in this regard is binding law, but the incompetent Oli government has done nothing so far!!], Clash of dreams in politics : There are silent communities in Nepal whose dreams are ignored in the hegemonic structure of power, by Abhi Subedi (kp),
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16/01/2021: Constitutional Bench to continue hearing petitions against House dissolution : The five-member bench led by chief justice rejects calls for sending the writ petitions to an extended full bench, saying the issue warrants serious constitutional interpretation, by Binod Ghimire (kp), With a different letter than one sent by  the Cabinet, Oli adds to the confusion : While the House dissolution decision signed by the chief secretary does not cite articles, the one undersigned by Oli includes those, thereby creating grounds to suspect foul play, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), Oxford-AstraZeneca jab gets emergency use nod : Government should fulfil its promise to inoculate all eligible citizens, only allow private players to import if authorities can’t do so, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Building Resilience At Critical Moment, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), People will take to the streets against court if it uploads House dissolution: Dr. KC (kh),
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15/01/2021: Lost and never found: Hundreds of children, more girls than boys, go missing every year The majority of children who go missing are eventually found but stakeholders  fear all those who go missing are vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Vaccine for allThe government cannot evade its primary obligation to the citizens (kp), Are we poised for Jana Andolan III? The bigger the political void and uncertainty, the greater the chances for a people’s movement, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Nepal approves ‘Covishield’ for emergency use (kp), Constitutional Bench to continue hearing writs against HoR dissolution : Continuous hearing from Sunday (kh), PM Oli recommended House dissolution “without mentioning article of the Constitution” : Petitioner questions alleged meeting between PM and Justices (kh) [???], Whose Nepal Communist Party is it anyway?, by Ashok Dahal (ae), NCP's race to the bottom (ae),
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14/01/2021: Constitutional Bench still unsure which bench will hear House dissolution case : While government wants Constitutional Bench to hear the case, petitioners say full bench must look into it, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt claims it’s working to address woes of conflict victims (ht) [Measured against the government's inaction for years, this statement sounds like a mockery!], Money should be no issue for government to procure Covid-19 vaccines, experts say : Public health experts react after government publishes  a notice seeking contributions to vaccinate Nepalis saying saving lives is its legal and moral responsibility, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Why national unification day and Prithvi Narayan Shah should not be celebrated, by Binayak Sundas (rep),
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13/01/2021: Parliament dissolution is constitutionally wrong, politically illegitimate : If a majority government does not wish to run the government only sensible way out is to resign and pave the way for others to form the government, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Sapana Pradhan Malla replaces Hari Krishna Karki, as Constitutional Bench is set to hear House dissolution case : Karki had recused himself from the bench on January 6 after questions that his presence constituted a conflict of interest (kp), Petitioners to press for grand full bench, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Attorney General At Odds With Demand On Extended Full Bench On HoR Dissolution Case (rn), Hearing On HoR Dissolution Writ Petition Goes Short Of Time; Next Hearing On Friday (rn) [With the state and democracy at stake, clarification by the Supreme Court must be a top priority and much faster!], SC keeps HoR dissolution case in ‘on-hearing’ status : Next hearing on Friday (kh), All democratic forces urged to unite to protect federalism (ht), Political instability as usual : The best among the worst choices is to seek a fresh mandate by holding an election, by Ajay Das (kp) [Presumably, new elections will hardly be avoided if there is to be a majority government without opportunists again. First, however, the Supreme Court must uphold the constitutional violation by Oli and Bhandari. Coup plotters must answer to the courts and never again be allowed to run for state office!], Has Oli killed two birds with one stone - or two interviews for that matter : He has earned praise for a nationalist stance, but some say he managed to distract Nepalis from ongoing crisis while sending a message to Delhi he is ready to play along, by Anil Giri (kp) [Like his great inner-party rival Dahal, the Hindu fundamentalist Oli loves to fly his flag according to the wind. He takes the truth just as seriously as his role model in the White House!], Despite rhetoric of nationalism, Oli more dependent on foreign forces : When political leaders  lack concrete ideology, they often take recourse to ideas of stability, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Nepal Communist Party has been cleaved in two, but a formal—legal—split seems to be heading to stalemate : The Election Commission says neither the Oli faction nor the Dahal-Nepal camp has presented the necessary  paperwork for it to be recognised as the legitimate party. And neither seems to want to take the blame for split, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Heed their plight : It is not easy catering to tens of thousands of applicants, representing different sectors of the economy, all at once (ht),
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12/01/2021: Why the Congress is hemming and hawing, failing to make a firm stance : The party that had been licking its wounds after the 2017 electoral defeat is suddenly licking its lips at the thought of returning to power whichever way the situation unfolds, by Anil Giri (kp) [The answer is quite simple: Just like the top politicians of the NCP, those of the NC are only concerned with personal power and access to coffers, not with the state and the people, and certainly not with the rule of law!], Vaccine diplomacy and Nepal : Leaders are busy negotiating when they should be focusing on public health issues, by Bikram Timilsina (kp), Govt agencies directed to stay alert over possible second wave of COVID-19 (rep), Three strikes on democracy : If President Bhandari had downplayed her party affiliation, revisited the list of her duties as a President and sought counsel, instead of rushing to satisfy Oli, she could have reached a different conclusion, by Mukesh Baral (rep), Civil society holding protest rally against HoR dissolution today (kh),
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11/01/2021: Oli resorting to vituperation turns the conversation ugly and nasty : The prime minister lately has launched acerbic attacks on his opponents and all those who criticise him, overstepping the bounds of propriety and decency, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), House dissolution a political issue: PM, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Any "political" action by the government must be based on the Constitution, Mr Oli! How stupid do you think the people of Nepal are?], Civil society members call for HoR reinstatement (ht), With upper house prorogued, two  key aviation bills left in the lurch : Experts say it may now take another four to five years to get Nepal  removed from the European Union air safety list, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [Thanks be to PM Oli, the greatest democrat in the world, who truly selflessly does everything only for the good and in the interest of his country!], Supporters of monarchy and police clash in front of Singha Durbar : Hundreds of people had gathered to garland the statue of the late king on the occasion of Prithvi Jayanti when clashes erupted (kp) [Oli is not the only one trying to destroy the state and democracy!], Beyond the death penalty : Anti-rape activism needs to expand, by Meghna Adhikari (ht), Army chief inaugurates Prithvi Narayan Shah Study Center at army HQ (rep) [Is the army still royal or is it now loyal to the sovereign people?],
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10/01/2021: Observers call Oli’s bid to woo Madhes with ‘dhoti rally’ a farce : If Oli, whose scorn for Madhesis is no secret, is thinking about winning over some constituencies in the plains, he has completely lost the plot, leaders and analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp) [A putschist must never run for public office again!], PM Asks Former Justices To Respect Judiciary (rn) [Only I, the godlike PM has every right to break the Constitution and give opinions on ongoing Supreme Court litigation, but not the extremely concerned constitutional experts of the country!], Chief justice mandatorily chairing Constitutional Bench exposes a major oversight by charter drafters : Recommendations of Constitutional Council meeting attended by Rana have been challenged at the Constitutional Bench. Can he sit on the bench which has to decide on a case which has his involvement?, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Binod Ghimire (kp), Half of Covid-infected not maintaining social distancing at home, study finds : Public health experts say the findings are alarming as the second wave of infections may start soon in the country, by Arjun Poudel (kp), For the region and beyond : Nepal’s institutions have a historic opportunity to make Nepali democracy a model, by Dnyanesh Kamat (kp), Clearing Fallacies About PN Shah, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [This article is a prime example of the view of the elite that has dominated and controlled Nepal since Prithvinarayan's conquests: What about experiences of those sections of the population who have since been marginalised and excluded? Deprived of their traditional culture, languages and way of life? Who have been imposed laws, ways of thinking and living based on Hindu state thinking? Who do not find themselves included at all in Nepal's national identity? Yes, Prithvinarayan Shah unified Nepal and thus secured its place in history, but that does not change the fact that his action was a conquest that primarily served to satisfy his own power and economic interests. No conquest in the history of mankind has been done with the noble foresight in the exclusive interest of his "subjects" to which Prithvinarayan has been so fondly attributed!], How the country can be kept safe is my biggest worry at present: Former King (rep) [Tell the confused followers of monarchy and Hindu state that they are clinging to failed and outdated aspects of Nepali history. After that, you had best leave the country and never return. Oli and the other so-called top politicians are well on their way to destroying the country. But they are only completing what the monarchy could not complete before. Only a younger charismatic generation of politicians from among Nepali citizens with a commitment to inclusion, democracy and secularism and an aversion to theocracy and overrated political ideologies can save the country!], Winter session of National Assembly concludes (rep), PM Oli draws flak for spitting inside NA (kh) [This illustrates Oli's disrespect for institutions of democracy such as the National Assembly. Why was it convened for only one week in the first place? Of course, the all-powerful PM can regulate laws much better by ordinance, which are then signed by the president. Democracy works in Nepal, doesn't it?],
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09/01/2021: Seven held from Oli’s event for wearing t-shirts with slogans demanding justice for Nirmala Pant : People who attended the function say they were not allowed to wear anything black, even caps or masks, by Mohan Budhaair (kp) [Many authoritarian politicians are prone to such misbehaviour. Moreover, he must once again put up with the question of whether he personally is deliberately trying to prevent the crime against Nirmala Pant from being solved!], Oli throws caution to the wind as he addresses a mass gathering : Once again ignoring the fact that his December 20 move  is sub judice in court, Oli says the House cannot be restored and urges all to prepare for elections, by Anil Giri (kp), Former chief justices speak out against dissolution of House (kp), Congress in driver’s seat as power play begins in provinces : Both factions of Nepal Communist Party need backing of opposition party to further their cause in the provinces, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [This means a redistribution of power among politicians without charisma and morals who have long since failed repeatedly and who have no interest in the country and its citizens!], Women hit by pandemic, domestic violence at high risk of traffickingTraffickers have been using the Jamunaha border in Banke to smuggle girls and women to India on the pretext of sending them abroad for jobs, anti-trafficking officials say, by Madhu Shahi (kp), Performing Intricate Balancing Act, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn),
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08/01/2021: Four former Chief Justices term HoR dissolution unconstitutional (kh), With their tactical plans, parties reluctant to join hands against Oli in upper house : Though they had agreed to jointly table a resolution motion against the ‘unconstitutional’ lower house dissolution, they now seem to be taking possible polls into consideration, by Binod Ghimre (kp) [The interests of the top politicians of all parties are similar: personal power and direct access to state privileges and coffers. The course must now be set for this. The criticism of the destruction of democracy and the state now initiated by Oli serves at best as a means to an end!], Nepal keeps mum as world leaders condemn attack on US democracy : Foreign Ministry chose to remain silent, with officials  saying they have received no orders from ‘higher political authority’—whether to say something or not say anything, by Anil Giri (kp) [Oli's attitude and self-aggrandising way of thinking resembles that of his great role model in the White House. So what is he supposed to criticise?], No permanent friends, only permanent interests : How does Oli’s dissolution of Parliament affect our neighbours and other powers like the US?, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Families displaced by Bheri-Babai diversion project deprived of compensation, by Chandani Kathayat (kp), Don’t rely on one country for Covid-19 vaccines, experts say : Nepal and India are likely to sign an agreement on procurement of vaccines during Minister Predeep Gyawali’s visit to New Delhi next week, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Dirty politics = Dirty air, by Sonia Awale (nt), Drawing a line in the sand : A year after Dilip Mahato was killed by the sand mafia, his family still seeks justice, and illegal mining continues unabated, by Bhrikuti Rai (nt), Youths demanding justice to Nirmala Pant arrested from PM Oli’s mass assembly (kh),
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07/01/2021: What’s stopping joint political movement against Oli’s move? Observers and parties say the nature of split in the Nepal Communist Party is still unclear. Should the two factions decide to unite, the movement will be a dud, they say, Anil Giri (kp) [First of all, the dissolution of parliament is a legal issue. It is incomprehensible why the Supreme Court does not come to a decision as soon as possible. On the political side, the party leaders' power ambitions are always in the foreground, cleverly exploiting the ambiguity of the legal question!], Karki recuses himself after lawyers question why he was on bench : Next hearing on writs against House dissolution on January 13 will focus on whether the  five-member Constitutional Bench should hear them or send them to extended full  bench, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC justices advise CJ to send House dissolution case to extended full bench, by Shova Sharma (Setopati), Why is everyone talking about Subas Nembang? Nembang, who led Constituent Assembly, is heard in a 2019 video clip saying constitution does not allow House dissolution. But he hasn’t called Oli’s move unconstitutional, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Hard life for the disabled : Nepal is failing to adequately protect persons with disabilities from discrimination and marginalisation, by Dev Datta Joshi (kp), COVID pandemic worsens citizens’ right to employment (ht), Polluted air likely to worsen COVID situation (ht), Air pollution more dangerous than coronavirus (rep), Clear the air : Unlike other cities of the world with poor air quality, Kathmandu’s pollution is caused largely by emissions from vehicles (ht), FNJ flays journalists’ arrest in Kathmandu (ht), House Dissolution Triggers Debate, by Mukti Rijal (rn),
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06/01/2021: House dissolution: Final hearing begins today with arguments in favour of writs : The supremacy of the constitution is at stake and it is up to the five-member Constitutional Bench to safeguard constitutionalism and set a good precedent, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp). All eyes on the Supreme Court : The role of the Supreme Court now is to provide a fair interpretation which must protect the spirit of the current constitution, by Abesh Adhikari (rep), Petitioners seek full bench of Supreme Court in the hearing of house dissolution case (rep), Advocates, Justices fall out over modus operandi of hearing writs (kh), Justice Karki announces exiting Constitutional Bench (kh), SC to conduct next hearing on HoR dissolution on Jan 13 (kh) [The SC should wait with its decision until the power-addicted politicians have finally destroyed the democratic state!], NC leader Thapa raps Nembang for keeping mum on HoR dissolution (kh), Gandaki chief minister says assembly can’t be dissolved : Gurung, however, defends prime minister’s move to dissolve House of Representatives, by Pratiksha Kafle (kp), Winter of despairEven as Nepal faces another wave of infections, leaders continue to slug it out (kp), Worsening air quality raises public health concerns amid pandemic : As air pollution soars to a record high level, making Kathmandu the most polluted city in the world, doctors and government urge members of the public to exercise caution, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Despite quotas, hill Brahmins disproportionately land civil service jobs : In fiscal year 2019-20, 28 percent of applications for civil service jobs were from the community but 45 percent of those recruited were from it. This has been a trend for past few years, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [If one also takes gender into account, the disproportionality in favour of male Bahuns is even much greater!], Torments of an ideological vacuum : Doctrinal vacuity could have survived political scrutiny had Oli been able to deliver development, by CK Lal (kp), EC amends rules to recognise NCP split : Will decide which faction of the party should use original party’s name, flag, and election symbol during polls (ht), Families of flood victims still living in tents (ht), Capital Budget Spending Stuck At 12.2%, by Modnath Dhakal (rn), Democracy is the defense of Nepali sovereignty, by Robert A Portada and Uttam Paudel (rep), Regular power outage raises fear among Kathmanduites : Former NEA MD Ghising says it’s not the time for power cuts, by Amrit Raj Kafle (kh), May such day never come again!, by Madhu Paudel (kh),
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05/01/2021: Save Ganga Maya, ensure justice for her, says NHRC (ht), Worries grow as NCP rival factions issue veiled threats to influence Supreme Court verdict on parliament dissolution (rep) [The judgement should be made quickly and it must be based on the constitution and be binding! Every day that goes by unused will be used by the irrational squabblers to further inflame emotions!], Oli’s claims House can’t be restored objectionable, analysts say : Since dissolving Parliament, Oli has in almost all his public appearances said it cannot be revived, even though the Supreme Court is hearing the matter, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Oli continues to play little Trump!], Letting provinces hold grade 10 exams is just delegation of administrative task, experts say : Until provincial governments are allowed to prepare their own curricula, there is no devolution of powers as per a federal dispensation, they argue, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Bhandari removed as NCP chief whip in Province 1 : The Dahal-Nepal faction of the Nepal Communist Party also relieved Shankar Pokharel and Prithvi Subba Gurung as the party’s in-charge of Lumbini and Gandaki provinces, by Deo Narayan Shah (kp), Lift restrictions in all sectors, says COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre (ht), Experts warn reopening cinemas and schools now is inviting second virus wave : Prime minister and ministers have been attending  meetings and gathering crowds ignoring the risks, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Government mute as Kathmandu air deteriorates to ‘hazardous’ levels : Air Quality Index crosses the 600 mark, raising public health concerns amid the Covid-19 pandemic, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), China’s foreign aid agency is all set to make foray into Nepal’s northern region : China International Development Cooperation Agency to fund 15 pilot projects in 13 of the 15 districts that border Tibet, by Anil Giri (kp), Why Indo-US policies failed in Nepal : The two powers have often bet on the wrong side, attempting to fulfil short term interests, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Eschew Demeaning Language, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), When women are not paid : Until and unless Nepali women are relieved of their burden of unpaid domestic works, gender equality in workforce will remain a mirage and the goal of women empowerment elusive, by Roshani Giri (rn),
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04/01/2021: SC issues show-cause notice against Cabinet expansion (kh), Oli argues House dissolution a political move, not a matter of judicial review : Constitutional experts say the prime minister either doesn’t understand the constitution or he is twisting facts and constitutional provisions to defend his action, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Incidents of sexual assault rampant in camps for flood displaced in Surkhet : A few cases get reported but a majority of them are settled within camps, families displaced by the 2014 floods say, by Chandani Kathayat (kp) [Further proof of the Oli government's lack of sense of responsibility! Oli always speaks only of his rights, not of his duties!], New variant of coronavirus is travelling but authorities are watching arrivals only from UKNepal had directed all airlines not to bring passengers from the UK or those transiting through the country but people are still arriving in the country through transit flights, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Just transition : Policymakers seem unaware that their decisions  are capable of causing  indescribable suffering, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Nepal : Politically Volatile, by S. Binodkumar Singh (SAIR), Provincial assemblies, too, can be dissolved: Minister Tumbahangphe (rep) [In other words, the supposedly best constitution in the world is not even worth the paper it is printed on and only serves to maintain the power of the once elected executive!],
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03/01/2021: Deuba eyes leading government as Oli hints at an understanding : After holding one round of protest against House dissolution, the Congress party has decided not to go for joint agitation amid talks of a power-sharing deal between Deuba and Oli, by Anil Giri (kp) [The two most incompetent prime ministers in recent history among the numerous power-hungry and self-serving politicians at the helm of political parties are poised to deal a death blow to democracy, the Constitution, their parties, indeed the entire state! Deuba must take note that Oli will never give up his personal claim to power. For this he is ready for everything!], NC announces nation-wide protest against house dissolution (rep), New Year with a bang : Lust for power will govern the ways of the politicians and the passion of Statism in the years to come, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Dahal and Nepal on receiving end of PM Oli’s satire (ht) [To resolve power issues within his party, Oli gives himself the right to break the constitution and abolish democracy! How sick is this person? Even if the power ambitions of Dahal and Nepal are equally reprehensible, sovereignty lies with the people, whose representative is the elected parliament, not the PM!], Home Minister Warns Of Action Against Those Speaking Indecent On President (rn) [The President is not above the law! Politely presented factual criticism is allowed if she does not fulfil her constitutional obligations!], Defendants furnishing reply to SC over HoR dissolution (kh), Non-cooperation to the government led to dissolution of HoR: PM Oli tells SC (kh) [A democratic PM resigns if he has no longer the majority support in party and parliament! At least he asks for a vote of confidence!!],
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02/01/2021: Religious minorities, marginalised people more vulnerable to humanitarian crisis (ht), Hearings on Constitutional Council ordinance, appointments get deferred : The deferral comes when questions are being raised over the alleged influence of the executive over the judiciary, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Large number of people could be disenfranchised if polls are held as planned : The government has announced midterm elections on April 30 and May 10 but experts say there isn’t enough time for new voters to get registered, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), National Assembly session begins but experts worry it could end soon : With no lower house, upper house is the only legislative body to hold the government to account, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Prime minister draws flak in Upper House (ht), Nepali Congress’ refusal to join protests raises eyebrows : Dahal-Nepal faction reached out to it but Deuba wants to wait for verdict on House dissolution before deciding on protest, by Anil Giri (kp) [In the hope of coming to power again as soon as possible, Deuba, who has failed four times as PM, willingly accepts the destruction of democracy and the constitution by KP Oli!], Protests called for release of eight people convicted in 2015 Tikapur incident : The individuals who have been jailed for life are ‘political’ prisoners, struggle committee says, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Supreme Court orders sugar mills to pay farmers within a month (kp), Reckoning Stability Of Regime, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Nirmala Panta's Case Revisited : Apathy delays justice (rep), Human rights matter : Recent events show how important it is for the countries in the world to uphold human rights, by Simone Galimberti (rep), Coronavirus-effect all over, by Narayan Pangeni (kh), Stooping too low!, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh),
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Timetable
(as of 6 March 2022)