Permanent crisis (current year) [partially commented link collection]

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 Khas Arya, especially male Bahuns.  The latter make up hardly 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.

Since today's political parties and their leaders are proven to be disinterested in solving the crisis and, to make matters worse, supporters of the long-failed systems of monarchy and Hindu state are trying to use the failure of politics to revitalise their own interests, the title of this sub-page has been changed from Crisis solution to Permanent crisis.

20/09/2024: Political parties and post-truth politics : What we are experiencing is a period marked by general anxiety about what to believe as truth, by Sucheta Pyakuryal (kp), Nepal’s TJ process: Paradox or a reality, by Charan Prasai (rep), 16 of 17 envoy picks clear House hearing amid some questions : Nominations approved by majority, overriding objections, by Anil Giri (kp) [The non-inclusive owner elite of Nepal will never change! Disregard for the constitution is one of their characteristics!], Nirmala Kurmi supporters nudge rights watchdog for action against Banke Nepali Congress leader : They have been staging protests for 42 days, demanding legal action againstBadshah Kurmi, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Nirmala (kp), Over to home minister : Lekhak has a chance to implement the probe committee report he so earnestly championed (kp), Modern slavery : For thousands from Nepal and other countries, shadowy recruiters turn dreams into nightmares, by Nilanjana Ray (kp), Nepal’s public debt to GDP ratio reaches alarming level at 44.34 percent. The ideal ratio of public debt to GDP for Nepal is 35.43 percent: NRB, by Rajesh Khanal (rep), Inherited features of effective public policies, by Janaki Kumari Sharma (ae), Nepal-China military exercise ‘Sagarmatha Friendship’ from Saturday (kh), Leader Nepal worries over anomalies plaguing communist parties (kh) [Which communist parties? The ones from Nepal only call themselves that!]

19/09/2024: Law revised, but political row stalls transitional justice : Rights watchdog ‘awaits new request’ to send its representative to panel that picks commissioners, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Constitution Day being observed today (kh), Constitution guarantees rights for all citizens: PM Oli (kh) [But definitely not equal rights. Nepal is still a patriarchal state, based on Hindu hierarchical thinking. This is also reflected in the constitution of 2015. If the latter is to be changed, then this grievance must be addressed!], Gone astray : Madheshis are not impressed by the dual nature of the local political parties (kp), Constitution amendment debate : We must consider all sides instead of ramming through amendments based on parliamentary strength, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Really, What’s There to Celebrate!, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep), Government decides to implement House report on cooperatives fraud : Now role of police, investigating agencies crucial, says PM (kp) [??], Congress-UML coalition reaffirms pledge to review and amend statute : Ruling parties have pledged to set up a high-powered cooperative regulatory body as per the recommendation of the parliamentary inquiry committee (kp) [A common minimum programme is normally agreed before a coalition government is formed. In Nepal, this happens a good two months after taking office.], Global tension mounts. Does it spell disaster for Nepal? Conflicts’ repercussions could cause Nepal to lose foreign aid. Climate crisis could cost Nepalis food security, experts warn (kp), Mea Culpa and Cooperative Scams, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), PHC approves 16 ambassadors (rep) [What do those in power care about the constitution and the rule of law? The PHC's initial objections due to a blatant lack of social inclusion were obviously once again pure waste!], Kathmandu Mayor supporters assaulted in National Day Concert in Durbar Marg (kh), Senior citizens now eligible for 50% healthcare discount at 64 hospitals across Nepal (kh)

18/09/2024: House’s job done, state must now probe and sue, say experts : Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi urges impartial CIB probe now that Lamichhane is no longer home minister, by Binod Ghimire (kp), CMs’ insights on federalism : They highlight the urgent need for reforms in Nepal’s federal system, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Licences of hundreds of health facilities in Bagmati Province not renewed for two years : Investors complain they are deprived of importing equipment, taking loans from banks and accessing other services due to the apathy of authorities concerned to renew licences (kp), Upholding Balanced Foreign Policy, by Balmukunda Regmi (rn), Eradicate Residues Of Slavery, by Namrata Sharma (rn)

17/09/2024: Call for radical reform to combat corruption and inequality, by Ganga Thapa (kh), Police remove attendees wearing Balen Shah T-shirts at Indra Jatra (kh) [Is Nepal on the way to becoming an authoritarian police state? Obviously, Oli is once again proving to be authoritarian and anti-democratic. He should finally stop claiming the opposite!], Police detain 13 Mayor Balen Shah supporters during Indra Jatra (rep) [On which legal basis? Suspected lèse majesté? Support for critics of the Prime Minister should be punished in the most severe way?], Rajendra Mahato announces new political party (kh) [There can never be enough political parties. The bottom line is that this only helps the so-called big parties that have long since failed. More Tarai parties weaken the representation of the interests of the local population there anyway!], Rajendra Mahato announces formation of Rastriya Mukti Kranti Party (rep), Lamichhane guilty of cooperatives funds misuse, forgery: Probe. He can be booked for cooperative fraud under Cooperative Act, fraud and duping under National Penal Code, organised crime under Organised Crime Prevention Act and money laundering under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, lawyer says, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Parliamentary panel urges govt action against Rabi Lamichhane over cooperative fund misuse, by Tapendra Karki (rep), What action will be taken against those guilty in the cooperative scam, and when?, by Kamal Bista (rep), Constitution is not the problem : Critical constitutional reforms are required to protect and promote the rights of the disgruntled groups, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Parties Clash Over Rana Magar’s Ouster, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Intergenerational Synergy Key To Progress, by Nain Singh Mahar (rn), Local governments: Hotspots for corruption, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Government’s spending 7.5 per cent in two months of current fiscal year (kh) [We can see that the Oli government is completely different from the previous governments!!]

16/09/2024: Playing with fire : How can people take seriously a government that is seen to be protecting the corrupt? (kp), Cooperative fraud case: Rabi Lamichhane found ‘guilty’ : Committee to initiate further investigation into Dhanraj Gurung's case (kh), Misappropriation of cooperative funds: Action recommended against Lamichhane, Joshi, Ramtel, and GB Rai (kh), House session ending amid Maoist-UML war over a word : Government asks President to prorogue Parliament session with effect from Monday midnight, by Binod Gimire (kp) [Governments may change all the time, but political instability and decadence are constantly advancing thanks to power-hungry, incompetent and often corrupt politicians.], Poison Information Centre on the brink due to funds crunch : Health workers in remote areas rely on the centre’s hotline for crucial advice from national and international experts, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Civil society members call upon prime minister to take urgent steps to improve road safety : Urge for enhanced legislation, increased traffic personnel, and advanced monitoring systems (kp), Madhesh parties split on how to observe Constitution Day : LSP to mark Black Day, Janamat to light lamps (kp), Resurgence of the judiciary: A new dawn in Nepal. Strong, independent courts are essential to upholding the rule of law, by Anupam Bhattarai (rep), UML roadmap for 2027 elections, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [Oli desperately wanted to be PM again, supposedly because this was urgently needed and would guarantee political stability. But instead of dealing with the urgent concerns of government work, his party is worrying about elections that are more than three years in the future!]

15/09/2024: Political leaders caught in massive cooperative fraud scandal (kh), Oli vows to clean up co-ops as politicians are linked to scam: Police are investigating the cooperative connected to Nepali Congress Vice-president Dhan Raj Gurung (kp) [Having a completely pointless high-rise tower built with public money in your own electoral district in order to make a name for yourself is also a form of corruption, Mr Oli!], Speaker Ghimire calls meeting to resolve parliament obstruction (kh), Meeting called by Speaker ends without conclusion (rep), Oli opens fronts against Maoist Centre, new parties, royalists and Kathmandu mayor—all at once : Asks party members to counter the narrative being set against his party UML (kp) [There is only one political future for Nepal in which Oli, Dahal, Deuba, the monarchists/Hindu State fanatics and corrupt elements are not involved and the future must be based on a reasonable social inclusion! Oli, Dahal and Deuba will never change!], Parliamentary Hearing Committee meeting adjourned (rep), Meeting of both federal parliament houses underway; set to pass Banking Offenses Bill (rep), Justice Raut-led panel fails to resolve dispute over law amendment : As the panelists remained divided, two separate reports were presented to Chief Justice Shrestha making the appointment of judges uncertain (kp)

14/09/2024: UML holds off decision on ousting Deputy Speaker : Party discussed issue on Friday, but no consensus reached on how to proceed, says General Secretary Pokharel, by Anil Giri (kp), Deputy Speaker Rana denies allegations against her (rep), Maoist Centre decides to continue House obstruction : The main opposition reiterates its position to defend Deputy Speaker Rana if ruling coalition tries to remove her from position (kp), Does taking action against Deputy Speaker Rana ensure the rule of law?, by Bal Krishna Adhikari (rep), Parliament to be blocked until disrespectful remarks against Maoist movement are corrected: Dahal (rep), As dengue spreads nationwide, Nepali public resigns to fate : Authorities have abandoned preventive measures such as mosquito search-and-destroy, leading to rise in infections, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Damak View Tower unused six months after completion : Despite significant investment, the 18-storey landmark in Jhapa remains idle due to unsolved ownership issues, by Parbat Portel (kp) [Waste of money and other machinations on the initiative of KP Oli in his constituency!], Nepali Army and US Army to begin joint exercises from September 15 (rep) [But military skills are not part of humanitarian practices!], The Spectacle Of Democratic Life, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Dalit activists conduct shirtless rally from Maitighar to New Baneshwar (In Pictures) (rep), Citizenship directives will be reviewed: Home Minister Lekhak (kh)

13/09/2024: Do Or Die, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Maoists to obstruct Parliament over ‘violence’ records dispute (kh) [All major parties in Nepal love to block the work of elected representatives. It could hardly be more anti-democratic! Besides, the Maoist insurgency has only resulted in 17,000 deaths and countless injured and displaced people. You can't call that ‘violent’, can you?], Panel set up to settle dispute over widening CIAA’s jurisdiction : Congress and UML lawmakers are at odds over a bill expanding anti-graft body’s oversight to private sector, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Congress-UML coalition not working to weaken other parties: Deuba. General Secretary Thapa says flaws in the constitution will be corrected through amendments (kp) [The flaws lie not so much in the constitution as in its non-implementation and its abuse by failed politicians!], Constitutional Council fails to recommend Chief Justice (kh) [What do Nepal's so-called top politicians care about the provisions of the constitution?], Safer migration for women : Nepal is a remittance economy, but it is mostly male migrants who get credit. What about the women?, by Sonia Awale (nt)

12/09/2024: Why amend Constitution without fully implementing it?, by Sobita Gautam (kh), Govt’s annual target progress falls short of expectations (kh), Congress joins ally UML in push to oust Deputy Speaker: But there is some disagreement in the coalition over timing and motives behind the plan to remove Rana, by Anil Giri (kp), PM Oli, Prachanda and Deuba hold talks at Baluwatar (kh) [Three of Nepal's biggest problem creators sitting together!], The politics of friendship : Nepali political friendships are less about collective visions and more about calculated self-interest, by Raj Baral (kp), Instability Hits Provincial Administration, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [Here, too, special thanks go to the anti-democrats Oli, Dahal and Deuba, who abuse federalism as a tool of their centralist thinking for the purpose of their personal power interests!], Karnali schools struggle with chronic teacher shortages : From remote areas to urban centres in the province, the shortage of qualified subject-specific teachers continues to affect schools and students, by Tripti Shahi (kp), Swargadwari Trust tenant farmers resume protests : Demand implementation of past agreements with the government (kp), Don’t waste another day : Tuesday’s protest against Rabi Lamichhane suggests victims of cooperatives are running out of patience (kp), Dalit-friendly workplace: A call for change, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (ae)

11/09/2024: Quo Vadis? Given the country’s political-economic situation, it is time to ask: Where are we heading towards?, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), The grammar of political protests: None of the four forces of the political mainstream seems credible or capable of leading a political protest, by CK Lal (kp), Public trust in the state is waning, by Raj Kishore Yadav (kh), Ruling coalition plans to oust Deputy Speaker Rana : She courted controversy after revelation that she requested US embassy for visa interview dates for 6 persons last year, by Rurushottam Poudel (kp),  PM Oli calls meeting of Constitutional Council (kh) [In a questionable manner, at extremely short notice and knowing that the opposition leader is out of town!], Constitutional Council meeting postponed until Friday (kh), No place for women online : With the rise of AI content, women are being subjected to more forms of online abuse (kp), Panchthar blast: Govt to provide 5 lakhs for families of deceased (kh) [What are children who are murdered by delayed munitions of war worth? The equivalent of 3,300 euros! The calculation is presumably based on the significantly reduced sentence for offenders on the basis of the amended TRC Act.], Are NC and UML serious about amending the Constitution?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), One-door policy for relief distribution, by Balmukunda Regmi (ae)

10/09/2024: Deliver Transitional Justice Fairly, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Following backlash, government promises to pick envoys on the basis of inclusiveness : The parliamentary hearing special committee on Monday inquired Foreign Minister Arzu Rana why the government failed to make the appointments inclusive as per the spirit of the constitution (kp), Ruling parties discuss constitutional amendment : The discussion also focused on improving delivery as government faces criticism (kp), Socialism: A national ‘bluff' : Nepali political parties are competing to prove themselves purer socialists than others, by Achyut Wagle (kp), SC issues a show cause order against government for delay in settlement of the COVID-19 insurance claims (rep), Lumbini Province lawmaker KC released after serving a day in prison despite a one-year sentence (rep) [Of course, not all people are equal before the law! And what about the application of Article 178 of the Constitution, according to which KC should not have been a member of a State Assembly in the first place? What was the Nepali Congress actually thinking?], NC, UML Say No To Poll Alliances, by Narayan Upadhya (rn) [This means nothing, as you know. Statements, promises, agreements and the like are never meant honestly among Nepal's politicians! The constitution, laws and court decisions are not always respected either!], NC and UML push to remove Deputy Speaker; RSP terms it ‘vicious political tactic’ (kh) [The ruling parties should finally give up their power politics and take care of their infinitely many urgent tasks. This is unbearable!], Maoist Center warns of protests if Deputy Speaker Rana is removed (rep), Subordinate laws must be formulated within six months: HoR’s law committee (rep) [First all posts have to be exchanged, laws can wait!?]

09/09/2024: Reminiscing last week: Political shifts, other developments (kh), UML, Congress form team to draft minimum programme : The coalition was criticised from within the ruling parties for its failure to prepare its common minimum programme even months after government formation (kp) [In a democracy, the common minimum programme lays the foundation on which a coalition government is built in the first place. This proves that Oli and Deuba were only interested in power, whatever the cost. They are obviously not interested in content.], Weak laws protect corruption : The bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002, shows the deteriorating political mentality in Nepal, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Lumbini Province lawmaker sent to jail over forgery : Elected from Rukum East-1 (b), KC, a Nepali Congress lawmaker, was convicted in a divorce-related case, by Durga Lal KC (kp), Mismatched incentives : Just giving out gongs won’t serve the purpose either of motivating civil servants or attracting qualified ones (kp), Valley Road Expansion Victims’ Struggle Committee demands impeachment of SC judges (kh), Govt to reassess SC’s 20-meter riverbank construction ban (kh), There is disconnect between Nepal’s LGBTQIA+ rights image and reality : Our ultimate goal is to amend the Civil Code so that marriage is defined as a union between two individuals, rather than being restricted to one between male and female, interview with Manisha Dhakal (kp), Earth Democracy: Enshrining the Rights of Nature in the Constitution, Bimal Pratap Shah (rep), Nepal-India relations under Oli government, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

08/09/2024: Stability, of the unwanted kind : New kinds of political competition are playing out, but changes to the status quo look difficult, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Congress shelved its exit policy but debate on term limits rages : In Maoist Centre, Sharma has challenged Dahal’s leadership lasting over three decades. Issue is relevant for UML too, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Deuba, Oli, Dahal and a few others should retire from politics, better sooner than later. They are the cause of the endless continuation of so many of the country's problems. However, a new beginning can only promise success if it is based on general and appropriate social inclusion and the end of patriarchy, Bahunbad and hierarchical thinking. The three politicians mentioned stand for the opposite!], UML-Maoist war of words continues to escalate : Leaders from both parties are using incendiary rhetoric against each other, divided on issues including narrative of Maoist insurgency and constitutional amendment (kp) [See previous comment!], Judge appointment process hits hierarchy hurdle : Judicial officers object to negotiations between bar and bench to resolve the controversy over changes in regulations (kp), Lumbini province lawmaker KC  sent to prison on a 33-year-old case (rep), Over 46,000 citizens disappear in three years, by Yukala Paudel (kh)

07/09/2024: Coalition government and constitutional practice, by Kalyan Shrestha (kh), Police round up Ruby Khan-led protesters near Singha Durbar : Frustrated campaigners from Banke breached no-go line over unfulfilled agreements on disappearance investigation (kp) [This is what the government calls the practice of human rights: people who demand justice are arrested, while people accused of a crime are appointed ministers!], PM Oli says no immediate prospects for salary increment for civil servants (rep) [There is not enough money to pay the civil servants adequately, but new and completely superfluous ministries can be created in the provinces to keep the clientele happy! This corruption should be fought as hard as possible, Mr Oli!], The Verve Of Political Change, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Urgency Of Transformative Justice In Nepal, by Anil Karki (rn)

06/09/2024: Reaffirming affirmative action : Reservation has uplifted some of Nepal’s left out, but others are still underrepresented in the civil service, by Dhanu Bishwakarma (nt), Leadership transition : Old parties are under immense pressure to stay relevant even though they might not admit it, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Constitutional amendment sparks new political debate (kh), Probe member hints Lamichhane misused co-op cash : Lekhnath Dahal, a Maoist Centre lawmaker, says there is evidence of Rabi Lamichhane’s guilt in fund misappropriation, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), PM Oli loses 77,000 Facebook followers amid “unfollow” campaign; only 3,000 recovered (kh), Facebook apologizes and restores Balen's status (rep), Ignorance no excuse : The prime minister cannot be in the dark on a vital issue like queer rights (kp), Public Land Encroachment: A Challenge To Authorities, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), True Spirit Of Parliamentary Hearings, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn), Amend the Charter for clarity, brevity : People deserve to live in a democratic polity that respects constitutionalism and ensures stability and rule of law, by Jivesh Jha and Rajendra Paudel (ae), Quality of equality for women : The Nepal government should stop moral policing of Tij, and focus on ensuring true socio-political representation by women (nt)

05/09/2024: Nepali women and girls under siege in digital space : Nepal Police bureau reports 90 percent surge in a year in cyber violence against women, by Aarati Ray (kp), Gender discrimination in rural Nepal, by Lilesh Kumar Yadav (ae), Nepal Civil Society Conference calls for actionable plans for accountability, social justice and digital transformation : The conference featured discussions on peace, inclusion, and digital transformation, and will influence Nepal’s position at the upcoming Summit of the Future, the UN Information Centre said (kp), Conflict Victims' Association submits memo to PM Oli (rep), PM Oli will see people’s power now: Prachanda (kh) [??], Prachanda’s extremist approach destabilizing country: UML leader Pokharel (kh) [Not only Dahal, but also Deuba and especially Oli must be seen as the biggest destabilisers of recent years!], Experts doubt implementation of government’s populist decisions : The new government has pledged to end long waiting lists in hospitals, raising health insurance coverage to Rs500,000 and running outpatient care on public holidays. But they are not feasible with existing resources, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Act on your words : Big parties have committed to fighting elections on their own strength. There is room for doubt (kp), Election without alliance: Is it possible?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [Since in Nepal the alliances formed before the elections are nothing but smoke and mirrors for the politicians afterwards, they are nothing more than fraud against the voters!], NC and UML to contest election without forging pre-electoral alliances (rep) [The two governing parties should finally devote themselves to the infinite number of tasks of their current government, which was supposedly so necessary to take over. To prioritise the elections now, which are only due to take place in more than three years' time, is completely absurd.], Import ban impacts in Nepal : The negative consequences and long-term harms of import restrictions should not be overlooked, by Nischal Dhungel (kp), Who Will Care for ‘Kinless’ Seniors?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), Making Bureaucracy Functional, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Need To Overcome Gender Inequality, by Pradeep Kumar Jha (rn), Lessons from Bangladesh : If leaders fail to addresspeople's grievances swiftly, public outrage may erupt like a volcano in Nepal as well, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ae)

04/09/2024: Travails of the orphaned, landless and stateless : Ramrati Tharu, elderly and frail, is denied her elderly allowance because she lacks citizenship. Several others in Madi share her plight, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), Constitutional Amendment and the Question of Stability : It is also wrong to place all the blame on proportional representation, by Saroj Bhattarai (rep), Structural reforms in the constitution, by Durga Prasad Khanal (ae), Ground laid to begin transitional justice work following appointment of office bearers : With new regulations in the works, government aims to ensure swift reactivation of the two dormant commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [??], Media Should Ease The TJ Process, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Can Maoist Centre hold large-scale street protests it’s warning about? The Maoist Centre simply does not have enough public support for a major agitation that has transpired in Nepal’s South Asian neighbours, analysts say, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Are Balen’s supporters ‘unfollowing’ PM Oli’s Facebook page? (kh), Foreign Minister Rana promises to make envoy selection inclusive ‘next time’ : Lawmakers question her about the efforts she made during her India visit last month to make two new airports operational (kp) [No, Ms Deuba! The selection of ambassadors is already unconstitutional at this very moment, as is, incidentally, the composition of the Council of Ministers and endless state institutions. You can't explain that: Now I do what I want and then in a few years' time I will perhaps abide by the constitution!], As in Nepal, so in the US : Nepali women suffer from intimate partner violence in their own country as well as abroad (kp), Addressing GEDSI in Tarai amidst disasters, by Ujjawal Upadhyay (ae)

03/09/2024: Mitigating caste violence : Dalits must stop believing their political masters and focus more on religious and spiritual causes, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), House panel urges govt to adhere to proportional inclusive principle in ambassadorial appointments (rep), Prime Minister Oli’s remarks on LGBTQIA+ issue rattles members of the community : Confusing rhetoric about the community perpetuates ignorance and prejudice among the broader population, and trickles down to the daily lives of queer individuals, activists say, by Aarati Ray (kp), Cruel reminders : The stray explosions show that a country can never fully recover from a bloody civil war (kp), Former IGPs call for action against Communication Minister Gurung (kh), Kathmandu’s rapper mayor Balendra Shah battles PM Oli over inaction : Experts link Shah’s outsider status and unconventional approach to rising tensions with political elites, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), At least 40 Nepalis fighting for Russia confirmed dead : DNA tests are underway for more than 50 Nepali nationals, so the death toll could spike, say officials, by Anil Giri (kp), Action taken against 35 industries for child labor (rep), Statute amendment : Easier Said Than Done, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Resolving Urbanisation Anomalies, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

02/09/2024: Reminiscing last week: Leadership shifts, legal and cultural highlights (kh), Deepak Manange resigns after ministry transfer (kh) [One minister with a criminal past less!], Kathmandu Mayor Balen advises PM Oli to enhance workers’ political knowledge (kh)

01/09/2024: Blast of conflict-era explosive reopens old wounds : Two children were killed and two others were injured when an explosive suspected to be from war-era went off in Panchthar on Thursday, by Laxmi Gautam (kp), Experts call for timely initiatives to address public anger : Politicians term the widespread disenchantment with political parties a ‘manufactured narrative’, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Thame GLOF Rings Alarm Bells, by Regab Sapkota (rep), Protest march held from Maitighar to Baluwatar against the appointment of Badshah Kurmi as Minister (In Pictures), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Police charged batons on cooperative victims in Bhadrakali, by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Photos: Traffic gridlock in Kathmandu (kh)

31/08/2024: Women’s Equal Status and Challenges, by Milan Adhikary (rep), Constitutional Arrangements And Dalit Representation, by Sushil Darnal (rn), Reform in social behaviour reduces unjust treatment to women, girls: Minister Jaiswal (rn), Two senior Secretaries resign over appointment of new Chief Secretary (kh) [They may be personally affected, but from the outside it doesn't matter. They are all male Bahuns anyway! At less than 6 per cent, these only make up a very small minority of the population, but they are in almost all positions!], Ramechhap landslide survivors struggle with freezing cold and dire conditions : New mothers and elderly face harsh, overcrowded conditions in temporary shelters, by Kedar Shiwakoti (kp), Panchthar grenade blast toll hits two after another child dies : Home Minister Lekhak says the explosive that went off there was a remnant of the Maoist insurgency, by Laxmi Gautam (kp) [Those responsible need not worry. Even if they are convicted, they will be subject to an extremely lenient application of criminal law on the basis of the highly praised amendment to the TRC law!], People As Source Of Welfare Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Youths stage anti-corruption protest in Kathmandu (kh)

30/08/2024: Over 800 cases mired in delay at human rights commission : Officials blame misplaced priorities while commissioners cite focus on transitional justice, upcoming conference, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Battle cry from Kolkata : The RG Kar Medical College rape-and-murder should ring alarm bells all over South Asia (kp), Leaders agree to remove proposed five-year statute of limitations in corruption cases (rep), Congress divided on exit policy for top leaders, poll alliances : Party chief Deuba wants to amend proposals, but the two general secretaries are firmly opposed to any changes, by Anil Giri (kp) [Of course, the all-powerful party chairman Deuba will do everything in his power to prevent the imminent end of his political career! The guidelines proposed by the two General Secretaries should urgently be adopted by other parties in a similar way.], Road ahead no smooth sailing, Oli briefs senior party leaders : There is a need for the government and the party members to work harder-Oli (kp), International community welcomes transitional justice bill authentication : President Ramchandra Paudel authenticated the bill earlier in the afternoon (kp) [It is doubtful whether they really understand this! Do the victims see it the same way?], Ensuring Justice To Conflict Victims, by Krishna Chandra Chalisey (rn), Youths arrested for protesting against PM Oli and Deuba released on bail (kh), Nepal ranks as the third most-polluted country in the world, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep), Take action against culprits of Panchthar explosion incident: NHRC (rep), Bad air and polluted politics : Political resolve to improve air quality will add 3-5 years to the lives of Nepalis, by Sonia Awale (nt)

29/08/2024: On the same boat : Small parties like to blame the big ones for being undemocratic. Yet they are often worse (kp) [This anti-democratic behaviour is encouraged by the Political Party Act, which gives party leaders virtual omnipotence and prevents freedom of expression and a commitment to social inclusion.], The subtext of the text : As India expands regional outreach, Nepal must pursue foreign policy in its own larger interest, by Sanjeev Satgainya (kp), President Paudel authenticates Transitional Justice Bill (kh), 10 countries welcome TRC Bill, pledge support for implementation (kh), 2,200 Nepalis selected through lottery to work as caregivers in Israel (rep) [It would be completely irresponsible to send Nepalis to Israel in the current situation, as the Israeli government is in the process of turning the entire region into a war zone!], Ek Narayan Aryal appointed Chief Secretary (rep) [Thank God, another male Bahun. This once again guarantees the continuation of social non-inclusion!]

28/08/2024: Ritual burial of Maoist insurgency : The TJ Bill is the mechanism through which the dominant trio in Nepali politics wants to bury the past and move on, by CK Lal (kp), Proposal worth pondering : Is it really the case that there are no good replacements for the current set of Nepali political leaders? (kp) [It's hard to believe, because it could not be any worse!], Dahal’s not-so-subtle power ambition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [May Nepal be saved from further power struggles, intrigues or even governments of the so often already failed politicians Dahal, Oli and Deuba!], The elusive dream : If we are to realise the dream of 1951, mediocracy must be replaced by meritocracy, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Government under fire for ignoring inclusiveness in envoy picks : Lawmakers across the political spectrum allege exclusion and constitutional breaches, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The government and the political parties are socially non-inclusive entities. They identify the state as an entity of male Khas Arya!], Menstruation taboo is keeping many Achham girls and female teachers from school : Students and women’s rights activists claim schools and officials are unwilling to create a conducive environment for girls in periods to attend classes, by Menuka Dhungana (kp) [This is also part of the male Khas Arya craze! Western Nepal has been predominantly inhabited by Hindu castes at least since the time of the Khas kingdom.], RSP condemns arrest of youths protesting against PM Oli and NC President Deuba at Tudikhel (kh) [Typical authoritarian Oli, who is not interested in people's cries of despair!], Avoiding Unforced Errors, by Yogesh Oli (rep), 1,346 Nepali migrant workers died last year (ae), HoR Session: Dispute erupts over term ‘violence’ (kh), SC postpones verdict on Agni Sapkota case for fourth time in 12 years (kh) [What else?]

27/08/2024: Two months after convention, Unified Socialist to elect office bearers through a vote : The leaders spent two months in consensus bid but eventually headed for panel-wise competition for the posts (kp), Pandey elected Senior Vice Chair of Unified Socialist unopposed (kh) [All those named here as elected are male Bahuns. Like the CPN (UML), CPN (MC) and NC as well as numerous other parties, the necessity of and constitutionally prescribed social inclusion is simply denied. Who do these parties actually represent? Male Bahuns are a small minority of not even 6 per cent of the population! Why do they hold most of the important positions in the state and in the political parties?], Nepal doesn’t play one neighbour against the other: Oli. Says not everything should be seen through geopolitical lens (kp) [Nepal must not play the two neighbours off against each other, but must strike a clever balance to achieve the best for its own interests. This is made more difficult by the overriding geopolitical interests of the interfering USA in its power and economic competition with China!], Rising unemployment sparks surge in online job scams, by Sita Neupane (kh), Prachanda says he will not engage in pursuit of power (kh) [Such brazen lies are typical of Nepal's politicians. KP Oli also declared shortly before becoming PM for the fourth time that he could not imagine himself holding the post this year.], PHC receives nine complaints against 17 proposed ambassadors (rn) [Once again, the focus is on the deliberate disregard for social inclusion!], Govt files review petition against SC’s order to adjust employee salaries (rep), Rabi Lamichhane on Tundikhel Incident: People’s intervention has begun, political parties must reform (kh) [Presumably top politicians like KP Oli will judge the civil protests as ‘lèse majesté’!]

26/08/2024: National rights bodies to confer on gender inclusion : Human Rights Commission, together with the Asia Pacific Forum, is holding an International Conference on Gender Inclusiveness in NHRIs to discuss gender mainstreaming (kp), Reminiscing last week: Tragedy, policy shifts, and diplomacy (kh), Justice delayed for consumer court : Two and a half years after top court order, the government renews its push to finally set up a consumer court, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Improving SRHR Access for Adolescent Girls, Women with Visual Impairments in Nepal, by Jalasa Sapkota (rep)

25/08/2024: Rights commission on board on transitional justice appointments : Work stalled by National Human Rights Commission’s reluctance to send a representative to the recommendation committee goes ahead after Parliament passes amendment bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp) National ID not mandatory for Social Security allowance: SC (kh), After 130 aircraft deaths, ministry deems insurance bill’s adoption necessary : Since 2019, there have been six fatal crashes. Families of victims are denied proposed relief of $100,000 each, by Sangam Prasain (kp), House panel’s ability to draw definite conclusion about cooperatives scam comes under question : The committee, formed on May 28 with a three-month deadline, recently concluded its interrogation phase without quizzing the prime suspect, GB Rai, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Geopolitical squeeze and vulnerability : Nepal’s political parties agree on national interests, but internal weaknesses derail their policy positions, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Choreographed migrations : Migrants’ ability to make migration an informed choice remains attenuated, as it is a compulsion for livelihood, by Sanjit Shrestha (kp), Dalit and indigenous communities more vulnerable to monsoon-induced disasters, by Pabitra Sunar (rep), National census report shows over 74,000 children get married before 17 in Nepal (rep)

24/08/2024: What's Next for ‘Prachanda’?, by Pawan Adhikari (rep), Chair Dahal: Talks underway to unite all leftist and maoist forces (kh) [Is Dahal grasping at one last straw to continue his long-failed political career? His plan seems utopian, quite apart from the fact that Oli and his UML make up the largest group of left-wing forces and are not interested in joining forces with others, at best under Oli's leadership and his authoritarian conditions!], National Responsibilities Of Citizens, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), How Private Security Services Can Address Government Needs, by Ganesh Amgain (rn)

23/08/2024: Democratic flux : The crisis of legitimacy in all its manifestations works against the longevity of governments, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Nepali Army seeks 280 officers for recruitment (kh) [A good half of the posts are intended for the general public, which usually means predominantly for male Khas Arya, although at just under 15 per cent they really only make up a small minority of the total population. All shares of the other social groups are far from the constitutionally required appropriate participation. Until a clear upper limit is set for the participation of male Khas Arya, social inclusion of all population groups cannot be achieved in all job advertisements!], Youth end fast-unto-death after four-point agreement signed for Kamala river bridge construction (kh), Why Nepal’s poverty rate is stuck : After a dramatic drop in the past decade, poverty is now static despite remittances and state intervention, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)

22/08/2024: Maoist insurgency victims protest against TRC Bill (photos) (kh), Trust: The cornerstone of the TJ process. Political consensus is not enough for a durable solution. More important is building trust, by Charan Prasai (kp), Nepal government lifts ban on TikTok (kh), Ministry unveils blueprint to ensure free education : An extra Rs222.91 billion is needed to give every child free, compulsory education, and to hire 50,000 more teachers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Anti-Corruption Antics, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Govt Has No Option But To Deliver, by Mukti Rijal (rn), A plot to mute marginalized voices online : Certain provisions in the Social Media Bill may be used to silence the voices of disadvantaged communities, by Saurav Raj Pant (ae), Nepal’s education crisis: A call for reform and equity, by Samriddha Upreti (ae)

21/08/2024: Three global rights groups slam flaws in transitional justice law revision : Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists call for aligning law with global norms, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Transitional justice bill faces scrutiny : Three human rights organizations, issuing a joint statement on Aug 20, raised concerns about possible shortcomings and challenges in implementing the transitional justice bill, by Pratik Ghimire (ae), Fall of Moral Leadership and Rise of Corruption, by Ganga Thapa (kh), I took office to drive change and foster innovation: PM Oli (kh) [Only you believe in this rubbish! Nobody drove you to become PM again! Why didn't you introduce the innovations in your earlier terms of office and instead instigated a coup d'état?], Coordination for effective federalism : A centralised mindset has hindered the effective implementation of the IGR law, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), No Flaws In Electoral System, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)

20/08/2024: Nepal’s Transitional Justice law a ‘flawed step forward’: Human Rights bodies (kh), Nepal: New Transitional Justice Law a Flawed Step Forward : Address Serious Shortcomings; Robust Implementation is Key (HRW, AI and ICJ) [American and European governments obviously have little idea about Nepal or did not really read the document when they praised the amended TRC law!], Fugitive lawmaker KC casts vote for Lumbini CM Acharya despite criminal conviction (kh) [The criminal attitudes, actions and protections of Nepalese politicians and parties need no further proof. Their slogans to the contrary are obviously lies!], Bursting out : Developed nations must help Nepal with climate disaster risk assessment (kp), Initiating religious reform at Pashupati : The presence of Krishna Damai, a Shudra body, in such a sacred and holy space was significant, by Mitra Patriyar (kp), Control Policy Level Corruption, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), 28 percent of local levels are yet to receive full-fledged electricity supply (rep), 539 of 753 local levels fully electrified; 99% of citizens now have access to power: NEA (kh), Indian PM Modi interested in religious visit to Nepal (kh) [Wants to establish Hindu Rastra in Nepal?]

19/08/2024: Citizens should have easy access to public information: PM (kh) [This is correct. RTI is a fundamental right of citizens. Unfortunately, the government is not fulfilling its obligation in this regard, regardless of which of the three supposedly only competent PMs is in power!], Upendra Yadav’s party to back constitution revision, with conditions : Analyst blasts Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal for recycling old agenda, accuses Yadav of betraying Madheshi people, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [The end of the JSP-Nepal seems to be approaching!], Loan shark victims continue to suffer as perpetrators exploit legal loopholes : Police say dishonesty rampant among both lenders and debtors, making it difficult to identify real victims, by Laxmi Shah (kp), Reminiscing Last Week: Parliament passes TRC Bill (kh), Remittance, tourism drive economy. Other sectors lag : Nepal’s 3 external indicators—foreign exchange reserves, remittances, and tourism earnings—all hit historic highs, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Unified Socialist can’t run like this. It’s better to merge with UML : If the party merges with the Maoist Centre, our cadres will eventually return to the UML. Rather than irritate UML, we must take each positive gesture as an opportunity for unity, interview with Ram Kumari Jhankri (kp) [KP Oli would gradually destroy MK Nepal and all those who left the UML with him politically! They would have no future in the UML as long as KP Oli is still in power!], A call for change : Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s alternative as Maoist party chair will be found only when they start looking for one (kp)

18/08/2024: Prachanda’s Decline: From Revolutionary leader to failed PM, by Jitendra GC (kh) [A good analysis, but one that also applies in the same way to the two other PMs who have failed far too often in recent years, Oli and Deuba!], Maoists thought their internal rift was plugged. Not quite so ; The standing committee meeting was believed to have pacified dissidents. The row emerged again on Saturday, by Anil Giri (kp) [Without fundamental changes in terms of personnel and ideology, the decline of the major parties in recent decades will continue. The authoritarian attitudes of their ‘great’ leaders will not help either.], Prachanda's Politics On Rough Track?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), ‘All we got was silence’: Chure activists share their ordeal : After staging protests for over three months in the Capital with no government response, Chure activists now prepare for the second phase of their agitation, by Aarati Ray (kp) [This proves once again that the ‘top politicians’ are all equally disinterested in solving the really urgent concerns of the country and its people!], Nepal received Rs 1.445 trillion in remittances; 704,100 Nepalis went abroad for work last fiscal year (rep, PM Oli urges athletes to protect national unity amid rising division attempts (kh) [National unity is important. It is particularly jeopardised by those forces that oppose proper social inclusion and instead push Bahunbad and the patriarchal state, as all governments led by Oli, Dahal and Deuba have done in recent years! Nepal's athletes are certainly not responsible for this!]

17/08/2024: Supreme Court seeks specific law to address human smuggling : The court rules that the offence cannot be dealt with by the Human Trafficking or Foreign Employment act, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Glacier lake burst in Nepal’s Khumbu region triggered massive flood in Thame river (kh), Posthumanism’s Clash with Communism and Neoliberalism, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep), Social Justice Key To Democratic Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

16/08/2024: Nepal's transitory justice : Nepal’s cross-party consensus on transitional justice leaves serious doubts about some provisions and implementation (nt), Renewed hope for justice : The passage of TRC bill is welcome, but the victims should get a hearing throughout the process (kp), Parties still hesitant to let go of time limit for corruption probe : Prime Minister Oli and Maoist chief Dahal yet to make their positions clear, amid growing opposition to bill’s provision, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is not the rigorous policy that Oli announced so grandly! Corrupt politicians and their clientele must be protected somehow!], Corruption and Statute of Limitations, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Dahal faced a storm at Maoist party meet. Then he pacified two lieutenants who led opposition : Party will resolve theoretical as well as ideological differences through dialogue, says Maoist Centre Secretary Karki, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Dudhkoshi flood devastates 40% of houses in Thame village (kh), Dudh Koshi Flood: Bad weather halts helicopter rescue operations from Kathmandu (kh), Flood in Thame village of Solukhumbu sweeps away 12 houses and a school (rep), Dudhkoshi Flood Update: Five rescued, one missing, 20 houses inundated (kh), Dudhkoshi Flood: Security personnel conduct search and rescue operations in Thame (kh), IN PICS: Massive flood in Dudh Koshi  river devastates Nepal’s Thame village (kh), Dudhkoshi flood sweeps away dozen houses, hotels, school, and clinic in Solukhumbu (kh), Flood in Solukhumbu destroys 12 houses : One missing as swollen Thame River sweeps through settlements in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in the Everest region (kp), MPs demand separate agency to deal with VAW (rep), 50 climate activists unite to launch nationwide campaign for environmental justice (kh), The geopolitics of Nepal’s politics… …as the Subcontinent becomes a political, economic, and socio-cultural battleground for Asia’s emerging powers, by Shristi Karki (nt)

15/07/2024: Nepali society must stand up for Dalit rights, by Simone Galimberti (ae), Nepal’s Peace Process Hits High Note : A moment of historic unity and commitment, by Ishwar Khanal (kh), Nepal’s peace process gets fresh push after transitional justice law revision endorsed ; Amendment bill passed by the House is silent on child soldiers, crimes against humanity and other acts of war crimes, by Binod Ghimire (kp), AWC criticizes ‘missed opportunity’ in Nepal’s transitional justice legislation (rep), Social media’s influence on politics: A double-edged sword, by Hari Prasad Ghimire (ae)

14/07/2024: Nepali women creating milestones, by Sumitra Karki (ae), New coalition, constitutional reform and political instability, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep), Bill to amend transitional justice law lands in House : Detailed discussion will be held on the bill today before it is put to a vote in Parliament (kp), House of Representatives passes TRC Bill (kp), US, EU and Switzerland welcome parliamentary endorsement of the Bill to amend TJ Act (rep), Nepal's Male-female Ratio Expected To Alter, by Namrata Sharma (rn), Power struggle resurfaces in Congress, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [This is a consequence of the anti-democratic authoritarianism that dominates all political parties and is encouraged by the Political Parties Law! True democracy requires diversity of opinion, fruitful dialogue and the appropriate inclusion of all sections of society. None of this exists in Nepal's political party landscape.], Get married in your 20s: PM (ae) [??], Supreme Court dismisses writ petitions against PM Oli’s appointment (kh)

13/08/2024: Dalit activist Khagendra Sunar arrested in Kathmandu (kh), South Asia’s battered democracies : At the core of every malaise is the lack of democratic intent among major political players of the region, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Chairman Dahal faces unprecedented challenge in party : Two deputy general secretaries urge the Maoist Centre chief to set a timeline for leadership transfer, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Dahal, Oli and Deuba are responsible by name in their parties for an authoritarian leadership style and the lack of practised democracy and social inclusion. The sooner they withdraw from active politics, the better for Nepal!], Dahal’s self-serving leadership under scrutiny, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), How Nepal can avoid a political debacle : The new government would do well to focus on good governance, by Pramod K Kantha (kp) [It would be a prerequisite that the political parties abolish their patriarchal Bahunbad and endeavour to represent the interests and concerns of all social groups in the country equally!], Push for 50 percent women candidates in direct electoral system (kh) [This is a very good demand, but it should go hand in hand with the correct participation of the numerous social groups on the basis of the census figures, which was already prescribed by the 2007 interim constitution, but was simply ignored by the political parties. This would have the logical consequence, for example, that only 6 per cent of candidates would be male Bahuns. With its enormous ethnic and cultural diversity, Nepal could become a model country.], Corruption with an expiry date : The impractical five-year deadline for filing graft cases harms national interest (kp) [Do politicians and parties want to protect themselves and their clientele?], Writ petition filed against TRC Bill at Supreme Court (kh), TRC Bill presented to House of Representatives (kh), Address Landless Squatters' Problems, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

12/08/2024: Reminiscing last week: Helicopter crash, political developments (kh), Mistrusted, misguided : No one will be fooled by Dahal’s new bid to resurrect his image as a champion of progressive agendas (kp), Political renewal : If you are in a position to form the government, your art of deal-making must be at a different high, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Political Instability takes Toll on Nepal’s Economic Development, by Dutta Shree Duwadi (rep), Constitution amendment and concerns of Madhes, by Randhir Chaudhary (ae), Congress-UML constitution revision proposal against election mandate : A polarisation between those who want to protect the statute and those who want to trample on it has become inevitable, interview with Giriraj Mani Pokharel, CPN-MC (kp), Ensure Justice To Conflict Victims, by Ballav Dahal (rn), The curious case of disappearance of Indian TV channels : For the past two weeks, 72 channels under Sony, Star, Zee, and iCast banners have been stopped in Nepal, by Krishana Prasain (kp), More than 2 lakh children in economic activity, by Bishwas Regmi (rn), Mukul Dhakal’s letter to PM: Abolish provincial structure (rep) [It is not the federal system that should be abolished, but its abuse by the political parties and the national political level. Only people who want to prevent proper social and regional inclusion and the abolition of Bahunbad can wish for the abolition of federalism and the PR electoral system!]

11/08/2024: Maoist leader Janardhan proposes leadership overhaul : Calls for expanded ideological focus (kh), New push for a law to raise vote threshold to secure PR seats : In amendments proposed in the bill to integrate election laws, the poll commission gives voters the NOTA option, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [An extremely anti-democratic approach by two ostensibly large parties that were able to win just half of the votes in the last elections and at the same time suffered double-digit losses! The sole aim seems to be to eliminate smaller parties and increase the share of their own parties in parliament!], As RSP expands, it is following in the footsteps of the old parties it despised : To achieve bigger electoral success, the two-year-old party now advocates stronger organisation. That might create its own problems, analysts warn, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Who benefits from migration bans? It’s time to abolish migration bans on domestic work and regulate the actors profiting from t7ese policies, by Ayushman Bhagat, Sita Mademba and Rajib Neupane (kp), SC issues show cause order for Chudamani 30arma's imprisonment (rep9

10/07/2024: Rights g1oup slams gaps in transitional justice revision bill : Accountability Watch Committee calls for key changes to ensure respect for victims’ rights and judicial independence (kp), Activists in fresh protest demanding provincial minister’s dismissal : Badshah Kurmi, a Congress leader and Provincial Assembly member in Lumbini, is the prime accused in Nirmala Kurmi’s disappearance and capture of her property (kp), Nepal invests billions in hydel. But new fuel pipelines will grow carbon footprint : India has agreed to build new petroleum pipelines, storage. Another pipeline to supply LPG to Nepal is on the table, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Nearly 60 percent of drinking water in Lalitpur district contaminated with deadly microbes : Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited, the water supply agency, urges the public to boil water properly before drinking (kp), Stability Requires Improved State's Indicators, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Supreme Court's Order Aims At Saving Valley Rivers, by Hasana Timalsina (rn), Dalit community protests against unequal ministerial and political appointments (with photos) (kh)

09/08/2024: Accountability Watch Committee raises objections on TJ bill (rep), Top court orders law amendments before next polls to ensure constitutional spirit of inclusiveness : ‘Nepal should also follow the criteria of narrowly tailored proportionality like in other countries while giving opportunity to the deprived community’, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Higher vote threshold for political parties will be hard to set, analysts say : Election authority working to amend law on political parties but revisions not yet known, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [CPN (UML) and NC have received just 52 per cent of the votes and now they want to throw the other half of the votes under the bus by manipulating the electoral system? Since NC and UML have no real common ground, this coalition, which is determined by power aspects, will not last long anyway. How fortunate that the two parties do not have the two-thirds majority in parliament needed to amend the constitution!], Supreme Court stays dismissal of Acharya and Pun from NEA directorsn : The top court orders authorities not to implement the ministerial-level decision until next order (kp), Three men in a rocky boat : Nepal’s top political leaders feel entitled, just like a certain Begum chased out of her country, by Biswas Baral (kp), Smoothening the transition : Nepal is accomplishing the goal of graduating from the LDC status, but its readiness will be tested, by Hanaa Singer-Hamdy (kp), Brain gain into brain drain : Invest in quality higher education to deter youth out-migration and revive the economy, by Sonia Awale (nt)

08/08/2024: Poor implementation of Constitution fails Dalits, by Sushil Darnal (ae), Top leaders vow to pass transitional justice law amendments : PM Oli, Congress President Deuba and Maoist Centre chair Dahal jointly receive recommendations from a taskforce, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Don’t squander this moment : A rare opportunity has presented itself to bring the peace process to a desired end (kp), The stability chimera : The Congress-UML coalition runs the risk of causing bigger problems, by Mohan Guragain (kp), Nepal’s LDC graduation full of challenges, opportunities : A study highlights need to reform regulatory frameworks, enhance institutional procedures, improve human resource capabilities, diversify export markets (kp), Issues For Constitutional Review, by Mukti Rijal (rn), The answer to Nepal’s brain drain, by Robert Vanwey (ae)

07/08/2024: Narratives on Corruption and Anti-Corruption, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Oli’s claim that he won’t indulge in corruption raises eyebrows : Opposition leader says Oli is not serious about corruption control and challenges him to do more than offer lip service (kp), Dissent in UML : KP Oli as the party’s custodian should be promoting healthy debates and discussions (kp) [Democratic dialogue with other opinions does not fit in with KP Oli's authoritarian management style!], Post-legislative scrutiny: Lessons from the UK : The involvement of both parliament and the government makes PLS comprehensive, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Air Dynasty helicopter crashes in Nuwakot, four dead (rep), Female labor force participation up in Madhes, by Manika Jha (ae)

06/08/2024: Dalit repression by ethnic groups : Ethnic leaders excluded Dalits from their movements and didn’t talk about ending untouchability, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Time for mature diplomacy : Why not pick envoys through political consultations and let them work for a full four-year term? (kp), Oli, Geopolitics and Look-around Foreign Policy, by GP Acharya (rep), Peace Process Towards Conclusion, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), The world should stand for Bhutanese refugees’ rights, by Sabina Jamarkattel (ae)

05/08/2024: Successive governments ignore directives on Dalit representation : Dalit lawmakers decry persistent discrimination despite political changes, by Binod Ghimire (kp) ["The Dalit shall have the right to participate in all bodies of the State on the basis of the principle of proportional inclusion." (Article 40 of the constitution). In view of the deliberate disregard for this article, all governments, including the current Oli government, are illegitimate. Their misbehaviour is not a trivial offence but a serious breach of the constitution! Male Bahunbad must be ended immediately. For example, in view of the inclusion provision of the Constitution, there should only be 1-2 male Bahuns in the Council of Ministers, but there are currently 10!], Indigenous Commission urges govt to celebrate World Indigenous Day as a national event (kh), Reminiscing last week: Political shifts and challenges (kh), Oli says no to factionalism in UML : Analysts criticise the directive coming from the leader who once built a strong faction to reach the party’s top, by Puruashottam Poudel (kp) [How could they? All critics were silenced in the most authoritarian manner, pushed onto a siding, punished or forced out of the party!], Do it anyway : Nepal’s three biggest parties have committed to fighting future elections on their own. They should (kp) [First asking for the votes of other parties, as happened with the electoral alliances, and then forming other coalitions with these votes is not democratic and fair, but highly criminal electoral fraud!], Monetary policy blunder : Bringing out the policy a week later than the scheduled time doesn’t boost the confidence of foreign investors, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Political consensus for amending charter, by Jagadish Dahal (ae), Prachanda urges Nepali leaders to learn from B’desh crisis (kh) [It may indeed be time for Nepal's civil society to make the politicians realise that it is time to take a stand and get off their self-important high horse!]

04/08/2024: Two-party deal short of giving provinces promised stability : The Congress-UML agreement suggests that the change in federal coalition will sway provincial governments, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [The so-called top politicians do not want a federal system. In their centralised way of thinking, they want to keep everything under their direct control. The provinces serve them only to provide posts for their clientele and to satisfy subordinate politicians who have to obey their orders. The decisions regarding the provinces are made exclusively by the high-caste lords in Kathmandu.], Mani Thapa’s exit puts spotlight on the fate of ex-Maoists in UML : A leader says former Maoists who joined the UML were given importance at the time of NCP split but were gradually sidelined, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [This fits in with KP Oli's authoritarian style, who is happy to walk over dead bodies to realise his personal interests! His current government partners are also likely to realise this soon.], Justice For Conflict Victims On Horizon?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [In principle, people who were in one way or another responsible for the crimes at the time are not suited to bring about justice for the victims and their families!]

03/08/2024: ‘Chhaupadi’ is ubiquitous: Call to establish dignified menstruation as a social norm (kh), Bill shortage stagnates Parliament : 15 bills are stalled in committees, awaiting political consensus to move forward: Official, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The new government calls this "political stability". There is no recognisable change from the previous governments, all led by Oli, Deuba or Dahal.], Constitutional Amendment for Financial Referendums, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep), Panchasheel: Keystone Of Nepal’s Foreign Policy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

01/08/2024: Task force on TRC reaches consensus (kh) [The law must fulfil international standards and not serve the interests of the representatives of the forces that were in charge at the time, i.e. the Maoist leaders, the government, the army and the monarchy!], Oli: New versus old : More disappointments are on the way. Or will there be a collective explosion of people’s anger?, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Make it better : Parliamentary hearing has gotten a bad rap. Rather than ditch it, it should be made more effective (kp), Cooperative victims take to streets with masks and tape over their mouths (Photos) (kh), Sindoor, tika and topi now allowed while taking National ID Card photos (rep) [Does this apply only to the cultural attires of the Hindu castes or also to the other types of the country's numerous ethnic groups?], Electoral Reform On The Anvil?, by Mukti Rijal (rn) [The male party leaders are in favour of a return to a purely direct election system because this would make it much easier for them to expand the Khas Arya state and manipulate politics. This would mean that a great promise made in 2006, the creation of a socially inclusive state, would finally be shelved. Social unrest is becoming more likely. It would make more sense to reform the PR system and free it from the nominations by the party leaders!], Crisis and its long-term impact on mental health in Nepal, by Nabin Prasad Joshi (ae)

31/07/2024: Antecedent of the ethnonational majoritarianism : Hegemonic assertions that Nepal enjoys ‘a culture of peace and harmony’ at all times are purely synthetic, by CK Lal (kp), Nepal conflict victims reject sentence reduction : Ex-child soldiers criticise omission of role in transitional justice law revision bill, demand recognition and support, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Can Oli the autocrat become a democrat? It requires a willingness to embrace collaboration and a respect for democratic principles, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp) [Be sure he cannot! In a truly democratic system, he would never have become PM again after everything he did in 2020/21!], Rethinking ‘brain drain’ : There is no easy way to make young Nepalis stay back in their own country, either to work or to study (kp), Rastriya Swatantra Party: A Dwindling Hope, by Mahesh Kushwaha (rep), A Treaty Without Any Utility?, by Dhruba Hari Adhikary (rn), Nepal's public debt doubles in just five years (rep)

30/07/2024: Women and tokenism : Instead of creating a more equal field, tokenism will destroy our gender-equal dreams (kp), Misuse of reservation quota rampant, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep) [Long live the patriarchy and nepotism of the Khas Arya minority, especially the Bahuns!], NC, UML and Maoist Center near breakthrough in TRC agreement (kh) [Without the participation of the victims?], Hearing panel rejects Pradhan’s nomination for election commissioner : Rejection follows allegations of past sexual abuse and Pradhan’s withdrawal of candidacy on Monday, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Monetary policy orchestration : The policy has blatantly failed to reinvigorate the small-and-medium- enterprise (SME) ecosystem, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Relevance of  Two-Party System in Nepal, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep) [The two parties together did not even receive 53 per cent of the votes in 2022 and they are in constant decline (13 per cent less than in 2017). There is no recognisable justification for a two-party system.], Cabinet names 19 envoys, replaces three province heads : Ashok Sigdel appointed acting chief of Nepal Army. He will be army chief on September 10. Several secretaries transferred, by Anil Giri (kp 30/07/2024) [An extremely serious violation of Article 282 of the Constitution: The ranks of ambassadors are no more socially inclusive than the Oli Cabinet is.]

29/07/2024: Monsoon-displaced families yet to get promised money : At least 140 people have died since June 10. Local officials say they are helpless as relief funds are tied up in red tape, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [The constant power struggles between politicians and parties at all levels of the political system are much more important than respecting the guiding principles for the governance that are mentioned in part 4 of the constitution. To be on the safe side, Article 55 also stipulates that these principles cannot be enforced, i.e. a carte blanche for hollow promises and failure to provide assistance by the state!], When crime pays : The country’s two biggest and best established political parties are openly promoting criminals and gangsters (kp), Economic reforms are the most we can expect from this coalition : Party leaders haven’t spoken against the selection of gangsters as ministers. Even the office bearers are silent now. This is dangerous, interview with Govind Raj Polharel, Nepali Congress (kp), Breaking the cycle : The recent success of upstart parties is a testament to changing voting behaviour, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp) [But the upstart parties must also stick to what they promise and not chum up to the misguided old parties in order to participate in their state-damaging machinations!], Pradhan withdraws candidacy for Election Commissioner amid controversy (rep), Widen Dalits' Participation In Media, by Sushil Darnal (rn),

28/07/2024: Strong state, weak governance : Sovereignty of the state can be preserved only through prudent domestic and foreign policies, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Ruling alliance mulling to appoint a new speaker and deputy speaker, by Ishwari Subedi (rep) [The shortcomings of the political system are many as the constant manipulation by the ‘democratic’ top politicians mercilessly demonstrates!], He ‘disappeared’ a woman. Congress made him minister : Badshah Kurmi, a Lumbini assembly member, is accused in Nirmala Kurmi’s disappearance, of grabbing property, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Navigating Kathmandu with disability is a challenge : Even the new pavements built in the metropolis do not meet the standard measurements for wheelchair use, say users, by Aarati Ray (kp), Socialist Front Left Rudderless?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [Dahal's political decline and that of his party seems unstoppable, but given the constant manipulation of Nepalese politicians, you can never be sure!]

27/07/2024: Three-party taskforce ‘near deal’ on transitional justice law amendments : Activists, victims decry reduced sentencing citing threats to judicial independence (kp), Rate cuts, payment extension as Nepal moves to ‘easing’ : For the first time, central bank admits the country suffered an ‘economic slowdown’ in the past two consecutive years, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Challenges Confronting the New Coalition, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Nurturing The Virtues Of Social Cohesion, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Navigating Nepal's Transition From LDC Status, by Aastha Pokhrel (rn), UML and NC to lead Koshi government in turns (kh) [Unproductive and democratically unjustifiable nonsense. The link with the planned new transfer of power at national level finally renders the idea of federalism absurd.]

26/07/2024: Exploring the concept of ‘high moral character’ in constitutional context (kh), Aerial death traps : No corrupt leader or bureaucrat should be allowed to stop the bifurcation of the CAAN (kp), Deal on reduced sentencing concerns rights defenders : A three-member panel representing the three major parties claims to have reached an agreement on reducing the sentence for serious conflict-era rights violators by three fourths (kp) [The dishonest politicians simply refuse to do justice to the victims of the Maoist uprising, presumably because they are afraid of being held responsible themselves!], Wealth distribution among provinces : The wealth distribution data from the 2021 census provides essential insights for targeted policy interventions, by Hem Raj Regmi (kp), Industrial districts unable to propel private sector growth : Average industry capacity utilisation fell to 58.47 percent in third quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24, compared to 62.31 percent in the second quarter (kp), Crash raises concerns about its impact on tourism and transport industries, by Sara Pahari (rep), Democracy’s sidekicks : Nepal’s two biggest parties uniting gives both added reason to be accountable to voters, by Shristi Karki (nt), To save the Tarai, save the Siwalik : Degradation of the most fragile fold of the Himalaya threatens the plains where half of Nepalis live, by Kamal Maden (nt)

25/07/2024: Parties or personality cults? One sphere where the ‘Afno Manchhe’ culture has really thrived is the political parties of Nepal (kp), Planes are coming down. Nepali state is least bothered : On a sunny Wednesday, a passenger jet of Saurya Airlines crashed in Kathmandu airport, killing 18 people. The flight captain survives and is recovering, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Relatives of Saurya Airlines crash victims question the regulator’s role : They hold the airliner and the civil aviation authority responsible. Others want to focus on hard facts, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), A textbook case of bad writing : From grammar to syntax, Nepali textbooks, even those prescribed by expensive schools, read awful, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Journalist Shrestha receives bomb threat; calls for immediate action (rep)

24/07/2024: Are the provinces truly a burden? The institutionalisation of the provinces has been neglected by the federal government and key party leaders alike, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Delay in filling party positions highlights decay in internal democracy : JSP-N and CPN (Unified Socialist) recently held their general conventions, but have delayed filling key positions, opting to handpick office bearers instead of holding elections, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [All of Nepal's political parties lack democratic structures and procedures and, in particular, social inclusion. They are dominated and controlled by the patriarchy of so-called high Hindu castes, actually a minority of the country's entire population, who have declared their culture, language and religion to be national identity.], How long will the NC-UML alliance last?, by Balkrishna Adhikari (rep) [Not for long! The power struggles among the top politicians are all about personal power ambitions. They couldn't care less about the country and its people!], NC makes murder-accused Badshah a minister; Activists say the current govt belongs to ‘oppressors’ (rep) [None of the parties has any scruples about covering up for people accused of capital offences or corrupt elements and promoting them to high political or administrative positions! Trials go on for many years and are repeatedly delayed.], NHRC urges against appointment of controversial figures to public office (kh), Increase in FDI vs Inflation Control, by Nisha Jha (kh), Chinese aid delays lead Nepal to self-fund Araniko Highway upgrade : Maoist lawmaker says the government has allocated Rs3.6 billion to upgrade a 26-km section of the highway (kh) [This is not honest of China, but Nepal should not focus on foreign aid for everything!], Challenges Facing the Nepali Education System : Over 50% of students failed to secure any grades in SEE, by Anuricca Giri (rep), Time To Instil Hope In People, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn)

23/07/2024: A Cabinet sans Dalits : The previous coalition government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal had no Dalit minister either., by Mitra Pariyar (kp) [Nepal's male Bahun are so competent that they could actually do without other social groups completely. According to the constitutional rules of social inclusion, the current 22 ministers would include three Dalits but only one male Bahun (see Article 40 of the constitution)!], Nepal will settle Kalapani through diplomacy: PM : Says the country’s claim will rely on Sugauli Treaty, various maps and historical facts and evidence (kp) [And why did you do the opposite during your previous failed premiership? By the way, India is not expected to relent. Kalapani was just one of many Indian bases along Nepal's northern border during the India-China conflict. All the others were evacuated by India in the early 1970s. India is well aware of the wrongful situation!], District hospitals struggle with budget cuts for family planning programmes : Experts warn funding shortfall could trigger a rise in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal and child deaths, by Arjun Poudel (kp), New Alliance Poised For Smooth Ride, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Two-thirds prime minister : Oli’s success depends on whether he entertains differing viewpoints in and outside the coalition (kp) [This says nothing at all, as Dahal's numerous confidence questions and his ultimate failure prove. Nepal's politics will remain unpredictable as long as Oli, Dahal and Deuba continue to play their power games!], The coalition conundrum, by Anupam Bhattarai (ae), Limitation of press freedom should be determined: Minister Gurung (rn) [???]

22/07/2024: Broken ladder for women in politics : The current state of the Cabinet is not just a disappointment; it is an outrage, by Divya Rana and Devika Thapa (kp) [This applies not only to the lack of participation of women, but also to the continued marginalisation of Dalits, Muslims and other social groups, which together make up the overwhelming majority of the Nepalese population. This criticism affects not only politics, but all areas of public life. Male Bahunbad sends its regards!], Minister's concern over low representation of women in media (rn) [The representation of women should be at least as high as in the cabinet?], Oli wins trust vote, pledges stability, economic recovery : Secures 188 votes, exceeding two-thirds majority by four votes, by Purtushottam Poudel (kp) [This is an opportunistic assertion without any recognisable basis. The very agreement that the government should change again after about two years indicates continued political instability and highlights the ongoing power struggle between the so-called top politicians as their main concern! They never honour agreements anyway.], Prime Minister Oli outlines his domestic, foreign policies, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Chief ministers of Bagmati and Lumbini resign : Congress’ Bahadur Singh Lama may become Bagmati chief minister, by Subash Bidari and Birendra KC (kp) [The centralised carousel of power continues to turn in supposedly federal Nepal!], ‘Only 20 percent of landless squatters in Kathmandu are genuine’ (rep)

21/07/2024: Bankariya people have become squatters in their own land : The endangered community members, known as the ‘children of land’, are rendered landless, a violation of their fundamental right to life, security, shelter and dignity, by Aarati Ray (kp), Achham landslip victims languish in temporary shelter : It is not possible to send the landslide displaced people home anytime soon as the risk is still there, chief district officer says, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Switch in coalition partners a challenge or an opportunity?, by Binod Basnyat (kh), Oli’s floor test today amid calls to make 2-party deal public : The prime minister is poised to win the support of over two thirds of House of Representatives members, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Former coup plotters should not be PM. Doesn't the UML have a clean politician?], Judge Dhakal to conduct hearing of case filed against PM Oli’s appointment (rn) [The problem is less to be seen in a misapplication of the constitution than in Oli's disqualification due to his machinations in 2020/21!], Writ against PM Oli’s appointment moves to constitutional bench (rep 21/07/2024), PM Oli secures two-third vote of confidence (rep), Three Madhes-based parties back Oli-led government (kh), Congress general secretaries ask Oli to quell doubts over future power transfer : As they demand Congress-UML deal be made public, a Congress leader says they were simply venting frustration at having been excluded from power-sharing negotiations (kp) [Your own party president was part of the deal. He should therefore disclose this in the same way!], PM Oli unveils seven-point agreement between NC and UML (rep), Dancing with Deuba, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Behind Oli’s sly return to power : He may have tossed the idea of constitutional amendments with the intent of humouring New Delhi, by Sanjeeb Satgainya (kp), Is Mixed Electoral System Flawed?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn) [To put it better: the problem lies in the abuse of both the direct and the proportional election system by the high-caste male elite of the parties. In this form, the direct voting system, which has never been honestly intended and is ultimately distorted by anti-democratic electoral alliances, prevents a correct distribution of power and social inclusion!]

20/07/2024: Capital expenditure growth enters slow lane after Covid : In the past four years, the average capital spending has remained at 60 percent, demonstrating the slow pace of economic and development activities, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Leveraging The Flair Of Diplomacy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

19/07/2024: Public debt exceeds Rs 2.434 trillion, increasing by over Rs 305 billion in one year (rep), Testing Times for PM Oli, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rep), Oli’s path forward (ae) [He found himself in a similar situation in 2018 and did the worst thing he could have done to the young federal republic!  People should finally stop seeing a perspective in Oli.], Parliamentary committee directs govt to reopen closed sugar mills (rep), Surya Darshan Cooperative transferred 50 million to Rabi Lamichhane associated Gorkha Media: Surya Thapa (kh), Rivers be dammed : Nepal struggles to balance energy and water needs with dams that damage livelihoods and ecosystems, by Pinki Sris Rana (nt)

18/07/2024: Police start inquiries about missing kin, families claim : Conflict victims’ rights advocates, relatives object to interrogations while two commissions stay idle, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Freed Kamaiyas’ journey from bondage to prosperity : Before liberation in 2000, Asturni Dagoura worked tirelessly, on a landlord’s farm, struggling with debt. Now she lives with her family in her own house, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp), PM Oli wooing fringe parties; aims for a two-thirds majority (kh), Court ruling to boost KMC’s push to evict riverside squatters: Bagmati Civilisation officials say squatter hut demolition will resume with a simultaneous relocation plan, by Purushottam Poudel (kp)

17/07/2024: Supreme Court orders removal of riverside squatters : Says authorities should clear settlements along Bagmati and provide alternative housing for genuine squatters, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Annex on IMF report shows Nepal cooperatives risks, advises actions : Suggests liquidation with repayment of savings of failed cooperatives, and asset transfers to healthy cooperatives, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Mixed signals : Prime Minister Oli has given out both positive and negative vibes in his first few days in office (kp) [What are the positive ones?], Perplexities of the permanent minority : Strengthening the Khas-Arya supremacy appears to be the main agenda of the Oli government, by CK Lal (kp), Harnessing Demographic Diversity, by Jhabindra Bhandari (rn)

16/07/2024: PM Oli cabinet overshadowed by two controversial ministers (kh) [It must be remembered that Oli's 2021 image is also anything but worthy of government!], Sharat Singh Bhandari becomes minister for the 20th time!, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep), Jajarkot earthquake survivors are battling monsoon in temporary shelters : Many displaced have fallen ill in affected districts of Jajarkot, Rukum West and Salyan (kp) [In 2022, the top politicians made grandiose promises of rapid aid during their "tourist visits" to the earthquake region. The victims must understand that the constant power struggles and changes of government first require all the energy of the politicians!], Data cooking in government surveys : There is a dearth of institutions in Nepal capable of carrying out large-scale research, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Balancing Infrastructure with Ecology, by Bhuvan Dharel (rep), Bolster Federalism For Good Governance, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), SC orders eviction of squatters from riverbanks with compensation (kh)

15/07/2024: Strengthening Indigenous Rights: Key to Peace and Prosperity in Nepal's Federal Era, by Nabraj Lama (rep) [The ruling Khas Arya minority refuses to understand this!], Writ petition filed against appointment of UML Chair Oli as Prime Minister (kh), These are the 21 new ministers of the Oli-led government : Singh and Paudel named Deputy Prime Ministers, Arzu Rana Minister for Foreign Affairs (kh), Oli Cabinet sans Dalit representation, women get two seats (kh) [Outstanding social non-inclusion in the tradition of Khas Arya patriarchy! And nepotism is also present!], Challenges of NC-UML coalition, by Kamal SDev Bhattarai (ae), Oli gets opportunity to fix his chequered history : Amid government failures, there is not much excitement in the public but Oli has no luxury to fail, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Oli will never change! He should never have become PM again simply because of his attempted coup in 2021!], Oli 4.0 : Has KP Oli really learned from his mistakes? The onus is on him to prove his critics wrong (kp), Oppressed classes felt betrayed, other sections didn’t accept Maoists : A force mightier than the Maoists may emerge to take the space it occupied in the past, interview with Ram Karki, CPN-MC (kp), Finance Minister Paudel views stock market as mirror of economy : Vows to form committee to explore new public finance options (kh), NEPSE declines on the first day of new Finance Minister’s tenure (kh), High court allows KMC to expand pavements in New Road (rep)

14/07/2024: Absurdities of political parties : Nepali leaders take pride in becoming prime ministers often, leaving behind no imprints of their governments, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Power struggles render parliament ineffective, by Tejendra Kafle (rep) [Three power-hungry and at the same time incompetent politicians are ruthlessly destroying the country! The new government will have just as little positive effect as all the previous ones. It were always the same demagogues anyway.], Is Proportional Representation the Cause of Frequent Government Changes in Nepal?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep) [The problem is not the PR system as such, but the fact that it is solely in the hands of a few top politicians. They are the real problem because they also misuse the direct election system as an anti-inclusion tool! This is one of the main reasons for political stagnation, constant changes of government and corruption!], Public Interest Litigation versus Publicity Interest Litigation, by Bivek Chaudhary (kh), Infrastructure Cooperation a Leverage of Soft Power and a Challenge, by Binoj Basnyat (kh), KP Sharma Oli to be appointed prime minister today : Nepali Congress and CPN-UML working to prepare their lists of ministers for the swearing-in on Monday, by Anil Giri (kp), UML Chair Oli appointed Prime Minister, swearing-in on Monday (kh), President appoints KP Sharma Oli as prime minister : This is Oli’s fourth stint as the country’s chief executive (kp) [The coup-monger of 2021 is back in office. This is what they call constitutional democracy in Nepal!], Observers cast doubt over the longevity of Congress-UML coalition : The collaboration may not be smooth sailing as the two parties are the major competitors in national politics, they say, by Purushottam Poudel (kp)

13/07/2024: Prime Minister Dahal loses vote of confidence in House : Dahal lost his position as only 63 lawmakers gave him the vote of confidence, less than half the majority figure of 138 in the 275-member House, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli claims prime minister’s post with Congress backing : Dahal ousted after losing trust vote. President to appoint Oli PM by Sunday, by Anil Giri (kp), The Challenges of NC-UML Coalition, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), UML Chairman Oli to be appointed PM on Sunday morning, swearing-in ceremony in  afternoon (rep), Bolstering Sovereignty Of Public Goods, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), New alliance of UML and NC demand resignation of Sudurpaschim CM Sodari (kh) [Long live the centralised state!]

12/07/2024: Nepal's demographic window is closing : The country must make the most of its youth surge to prepare for tomorrow's ageing society, by Sonia Awale (nt), IMF flags risks from fragile politics and cooperatives failure in Nepal : Warns of growing financial vulnerabilities, and risk of lender failures threatening banking sector’s stability, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Low capital expenditure, financial sector vulnerabilities and political instability likely to affect Nepal’s pace of economic recovery: IMF (rep), Corruption: Nepal’s cry for help : Nepal has ratified the 2011 UN Convention Against Corruption, so the government should take all measures to fight corruption, by Bishow Parajuli (kp), Almost certain to fail, Dahal goes for a floor test today : Backed by 268 lawmakers in his first floor test, Dahal is likely to see that count slashed by almost 200 this time, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), PM Dahal fails to secure confidence vote (kh), Dahal loses PM post after failing to secure parliamentary trust vote (rep) [What do we learn from this? Votes of confidence mean nothing. They are ordered by the party leaders according to their personal power interests and change every few weeks. The main thing is to maintain the political instability of the country! Politicians never mean what they say!], President Paudel summons constitutional experts to discuss formation of new govt (kh)[The constitution is very clear. Article 76 (3) only comes into question if a government cannot be formed on the basis of Article 76 (2), i.e. if there is no politician who can demonstrate a majority of votes in parliament. The NC and UML have obviously reached an agreement on this. In view of the power struggles that have already begun between these two parties, however, the next government is unlikely to last long. The earliest we can hope for political stability is when Oli, Dahal and Deuba are finally sent into retirement!], President Paudel calls for parties to stake claim for new government as per Article 76 (2) (kh), NC-UML alliance poised to nominate Oli for Prime Minister post (kh), Congress, UML struggle over power-sharing : KP Sharma Oli is said to be against appointing any deputy prime minister in his Cabinet, by Anil Giri (kp) [The NC should have known that making deals with the most dishonourable politician of the lot is all about personal power and positions! The next government will also be short-lived, but the future PM will cling to power by all legal and illegal means, similar to 2020/21.], Oli-Dahal-Deuba show : As Oli prepares to replace Dahal as PM, it is worth pondering when this sordid cycle will end (kp), Maoist Centre-UML tussle surfaces in National Assembly : Meeting deferred without discussing and endorsing the three bills on the agenda, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Government backtracks on plan to make National ID cards mandatory for social security allowance : Cabinet meeting extends terms of two transitional justice commissions until mid-July 2025 (kp), Rabi challenges new alliance to prove him guilty in fraud case (rn) [This is for a court to decide, not the executive! If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear. If the Dahal government protected you, it would also have to face the consequences.], The more things change, the more they remain the same : Vehicles mired in the mud on Nepal’s highways are a fitting metaphor of the nation’s politics (nt), What’s cooking in Nepal besides politics? Over-reliance on hydroelectricity at the cost of solar power is high-risk and high-cost, by Sonia Awale (nt)

11/07/2024: Nepal rights commission delays law revision after avoiding downgrade : Global alliance of rights bodies has called for NHRC Act revision in line with Paris Principles, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Cooperatives victims press House panel to probe Rabi Lamichhane, GB Rai : Though the panel invited representative victims of 29 cooperatives, they focused on Gorkha Media Network and the two prime accused in the scam (kp), A taste of his own medicine : Dahal now finds no one but himself to blame for the unsavoury situation he has led his party into, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Oli defends deal with Deuba, says constitution amendment still a matter of negotiation : UML chair says two largest parties have agreed to amend the charter to protect national interests and uplift Nepalis’ condition (kp) [It makes no difference whether Oli, Dahal or Deuba are PMs. They all have neither charisma nor perspective and have amply demonstrated their incompetence. All three are only interested in personal power!], Oli conspired against me, says PM Dahal : The prime minister faces the vote of confidence in the House tomorrow (kp), Community initiatives in Lumbini Province are helping dropout girls return to school : In the villages of Rupandehi, cultural norms and economic pressures keep many Dalit and Muslim girls from school, by Sanju Paudel (kp), Bhutan: The Paradox of Happiness and Human Rights Violations, by CM Niroula (rep), Consumer Law: Safeguarding all customers’ rights, by Durga Prasad Khanal (ae), Govt fails to spend 43 percent of development budget as FY 2023/24 nears end (rep), Govt decides to extend the terms of TJ bodies by one year (rep) [Without the will for justice for the victims of the uprising, the creation of the necessary laws based on international standards and sufficient personnel and financial resources, this is a sham and a waste of time and money!]

10/07/2024: Time to amend the constitution : Nepal stands at a crossroads where constitutional amendments can pave the way for a prosperous future, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Constitutional amendment through referendum : Power-hungry politicians gravitating toward new parties/faces in search of solutions have failed the people, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Congress and UML waiting for ‘right time’ to disclose deal : Other parties demand prompt disclosure saying they need to know proposed amendments to the constitution, by Anil Giri (kp), Recurrent violence plagues Nepal’s juvenile correction centres : Watchdog says these homes resemble prisons, lack basic amenities and are overcrowded (kp), Bangladesh writes to Nepal to proceed with power trade agreement : Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Ghising says export of 40 MW of electricity will start this monsoon (kp) [Nepal produces plenty of electricity during the monsoon. The foreign currency would be important for the country. But the politicians are more interested in the eternal power struggles, changes of government and replacement of personnel.  This is the only thing they understand by democracy!], The Cost of Remittances : Is Nepal Sacrificing Its Future for Present Gains?, by Dikson Limbu (rep), If anything, Dahal should be thankful to Oli and Deuba: He managed to remain in power so long by playing off UML and NC against exh other, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [But the other two self-centred politicians, who have failed several times, will not make things any better. All three of them should finally say goodbye to politics for the good of Nepal!]]

09/07/2024: What’s in the sinister deal? The oppressed are beginning to worry that the Congress-UML pact is a conspiracy to curtail their rights and privileges, by Mitra Pariyar (kp) [Even the drafting of the constitution was ultimately the work of the male high-caste elite, especially of the NC and UML. It included further steps to maintain the dominance and privileges of the traditional elite and to prevent the promised social inclusion, e.g. reduction of the proportional electoral system, release of the direct election system to the traditional male highcaste elite, cutting and naming of the provinces in the interests of the Khas Arya elite, identification of state and nation with the culture of the Khas Arya minority, non-implementation of the federal state, etc. Now it is obviously a matter of eliminating the few remaining improvements after the Maoist uprising and the end of the authoritarian Hindu monarchy.], Balen's Posthumanist Vision for the Mindfulness City : This holistic approach aims to conserve natural habitats, revitalize urban areas, and promote biodiversity within the cityscape, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep), Governor blames regulatory gaps for cooperatives crisis : Identifies unlimited expansion, unregulated deposits, undefined operational boundaries as contributing factors, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Missing state : Little has been done for those affected by floods and landslides over the years (kp), Dahal’s impending political downfall : Despite being part of Nepal’s transformative changes, he has remained an insecure politician, by Anurag Acharya (kp), Can Dahal turn the tide?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Can NC-UML Alliance Restore Stability?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn) [No, not in this form! The first thing they would have to do is get rid of their failed, power-hungry top politicians and transform themselves into socially inclusive parties that are orientated towards the good of the country and its citizens.], Govt continues spending excessively in the last month (rep)

08/07/2024: NHRC wants war crimes and crimes against humanity to be non-amnestiable : National Human Rights Commission unveils report today detailing its efforts and positions on transitional justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Reminiscing last week: NC-UML coalition, UML ministers’ resignation spark political turbulence (kh), Constitution review is certain, amendment only if needed : If the amendment process begins, it will be limited to the extent of ensuring political stability. We won’t touch other aspects of the constitution, interview with Pradeep Gyawali, CPN-UML (kp), Easy does it : Amending the constitution is a serious matter and not something that can be done overnight (kp) [Above all, a constitutional amendment must not be used to further exacerbate the social non-inclusion in favour of the minority of male Khas Arya, especially Bahun, which was re-established in the constitution in 2015! The direct election system primarily serves to maintain this imbalance and does not bring political stability. Above all, a constitutional amendment must not be used to further exacerbate the social non-inclusion in favour of the minority of male Khas Arya, especially Bahun, which was re-established in the constitution in 2015! The direct election system primarily serves to maintain this imbalance and does not bring political stability. The federal system is one of the most important results of the new constitution. However, its implementation is being deliberately prevented by the extremely centrally minded national leaders!], UML quits Bagmati govt, withdraws support (rep) [A lack of understanding for the federal system or deliberate chaos as part of perverse power endeavours?], The last straw on PM Dahal’s back : PM Dahal’s fifth trust vote on July 12 highlights the intricate interplay of power dynamics, alliances and political strategies, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ae), RSP ministers vacate quarters despite continued support for government (rep), JSP ministers' resignations accepted after 4 days, PM takes over 10 ministries (rep), Capital expenditure only 52 percent on final payment day: Spending exceeds revenue by Rs 319 billion (kh)

07/07/2024: Experts stress clear rationale, broad talks on constitution revision : An analyst says shrinking the scope of proportional representation would make Khas-Arya a more dominant force in Parliament, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is the true face and intention of the ruling male Khas Arya minority (<15% of the population)! Their political leaders strictly reject appropriate social inclusion because they would then lose dominance and privileges in the multi-ethnic, non-patriarchal state. For them, politics is a toy without social responsibility!], Congress-UML deal begins impacting provincial governments : Madhesh Chief Minister Singh has secured a trust vote based on the new alliance. Lumbini and Sudurpaschim cabinets are reduced to minority (kp) [These anti-democrats will never understand the meaning of the federal system, which must continue to serve the interests of centralist political leaders!], UML urges PM Dahal to resign immediately (kh) [Yes, KP Oli did exactly the same thing in 2021 after losing his parliamentary majority, i.e. he had to be removed from office by the Supreme Court months later after breaking the constitution and telling numerous lies. This is how Nepal's undemocratic politicians tick!], Oli will become prime minister as per Article 76 (2), says Nepali Congress : Leaders close to the prime minister argue that since the Dahal government was formed under Article 76 (2), the process would now move to the next article (kp) [Finally elect a charismatic and capable politician as prime minister who has the concerns and needs of the state and its people at heart and not personal power interests. He or she should therefore not be known as Oli, Dahal or Deuba! Oli has disqualified himself for any political office in 2021 anyway!], Achham women’s ordeal of becoming entrepreneurs : Women Entrepreneurs Association says the tax waiver for industry registration, easy bank loans, and subsidies provided to women are being misused, by Menuka Dhungana (kp)

06/07/2024: Promote a Culture of Respecting Healthy Criticisms (rep) [Criticising a party leader in Nepal is tantamount to lèse majesté, even if the criticism is justified!], What’s wrong with Prachanda?, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), Embattled PM Dahal holds discussions with coalition partners amid preparations to take vote of confidence in parliament (rep), Concerns grow over poll commissioner nominee : A woman has come forward to accuse Krishna Man Pradhan of years of sexual exploitation, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ambassador : appointment process halted after UML withdraws support to the Maoist Center-led govt (rep) [This is an essential part of the governments that rotate every few months between Dahal, Oli and Deuba. All important political and administrative offices are then exchanged according to party affinity. The aforementioned incompetent politicians refer to this as political stability!], Civic Competence Vital For Functional Polity, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Cooperative issues now under political shadow, leaders argue (kh), Balen asks Oli: Will politics of votes at the expense of people’s lives go on forever? (kh)

05/07/2024: UML informs parliament of withdrawal from govt, will assume opposition role (kh), UML withdraws support to provincial governments : Pullout leaves Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara’s government in Lumbini and Dirgha Bahadur Sodari’s government in Sudurpaschim in minority, by Ghan Shyam Gautam and Arjun Shah (kp) [The anti-federal behaviour of centrist politicians continues uninterrupted!], Investigation reveals Rs 630 million loan to companies linked to GB Rai and Minister Rabi Lamichhane (kh), Justices split on attorney general’s ‘clean chit’ to Rabi Lamichhane : Supreme Court full bench will now decide whether Dinmani Pokharel did the right thing, by Binod Ghimire (kp), UML warns Prime Minister Dahal not to make important decisions as he refuses to quit : Two largest parties have alternative plans if he takes longer to quit or seeks a vote of confidence, leaders say (kp) [This is the demand of the person who extended his term of office in 2021 for months after losing his parliamentary majority by lying and breaking the constitution!], PM Prachanda to seek vote of confidence on July 12 (rn), We are to be blamed!, by Sambridhi Gyawali (rep), Govt not doing enough for Chepang community, ‘the connoisseurs of nature’, by Pratyencha Koirala (rep)

04/07/2024: Chhaugoth demolition drive to resume in Achham : Besides demolishing menstrual sheds, local officials and activists will raise public awareness and take legal action against violators, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Budget cut to hit pregnant women, new mums and children in Karnali : Officials say over 30 percent of children under five in Karnali Province are stunted, indicating chronic undernutrition in remote parts of the country, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Leaders claim deal near on reduced sentencing for insurgency-era crimesHouse panel members say all contentious issues will be resolved soon (kp) [The well-founded criticism is not directed against the sentencing of the former perpetrators, some of whom have since been promoted to high-ranking positions, but is primarily about justice for the victims and their families. The potential responsibility of leading personalities on both the Maoist and state side must not be marginalised!], PM Dahal appears defiant despite finding himself in minority (kh), All four ministers of RSP resigning today (kh), After talks with PM Dahal, RSP rules out quitting government (kh), The RSP paradox : A political outfit founded on the popularity of an individual rather than an ideology is destined to fail (kp), Supreme Court deadlock on Home Minister Lamichhane’s case (kh), JSP ministers to resign from Dahal-led govt (rep), Can the NC-UML alliance bring stability?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)