Submit your Article

The European Union Election Observer Mission contends that the constitutional provision for proportional representation in Nepal is flawed, in that the PR quota includes “well represented social groups such as Khas Arya”. Whether the PR system is flawed or not, it is beside the point. Our constitution is not flawless, and it will be amended as and when needed. But what to amend and when should be entirely up to Nepali actors. It is particularly baffling when responsible members of the international community—among them those who first defined the concept of sovereignty for nation-states no less—poke their nose into a purely internal matter for Nepal.

We fully support the prime minister when he says no attempt to disturb social harmony in Nepal will be tolerated. KP Sharma Oli, who now commands absolutely majority in federal as well as all seven provincial assemblies, is arguably the strongest prime minister of democratic Nepal. It is good to see that at least in his early days he is clearly spelling out our national interest, and making it crystal clear that the days when foreigners could openly meddle are over. The foreign ministry, under the competent hands of Pradeep Gyawali, also deserves credit for its swift and unambiguous rebuttal of the provocative observer mission report.

Foreign envoys in Kathmandu traditionally enjoyed outsize clout as our political leaders were always at their beck and call. There is no shortage of leaders in Nepal who have asked resident Indian envoys to place their children in good Indian universities, or those who have finagled cushy trips to China from resident Chinese envoys. Our MPs and ministers, over the years, have also been a little too eager to go on all-expenses junkets to the US or Europe, often by compromising the country’s interest.

It is too early to say whether Oli’s ministers will be any different. But early signs are encouraging. Now that Nepal has a constitution as well as a strong government elected under it, the prime minister also made it clear that political inputs from the outside are needed no more. Of course, if our foreign friends want to help Nepal in its new quest for equitable economic development, or if they are keen to pursue mutually beneficial deals, they are most welcome.

The new rule of engagement for foreign actors could not be simpler: if you want to do business in Nepal, you will have to learn to play by our rules, just like we play by yours when we are on your territory.

Wicked Spoon Fork & Rock, as the name sug­gests, is all about great food and good music. Located conveniently opposite the parking lot behind St. Mary’s School in Jhamsikhel, right next to the famous Roadhouse Café, Wicked Spoon is a popular venue for live music in the area.

With a dedicated stage complete with sound and lights, this live music venue fea­tures band and artists of different genres every weekend. From rock, blues and pop to contemporary and jazz, Wicked Spoon serves a variety of music combined with an elaborate multi-cuisine food menu. Combine that with the flaming bartenders mixing a delectable list of cocktails and you’re in for a treat.

THE MENU

Chef’s Special:

Beer Battered Fish and Chips

Lemon Chicken

Wicked Crispy Chicken

Opening hours: 10:00 am-10:00 pm

For reservations: 01-5522968

Cards: Not Accepted

Average meal for two: Rs 1,500 (including starters & main course)

Following the bank’s dispute with the Nepal Banker’s Associ­ation, Laxman Risal’s resigna­tion as has been approved by NIC Asia Bank. Roshan Kumar Neupane has been appointed the acting CEO. The 345th board meeting of the bank approved Risal’s resignation. The same board meeting also appointed Neupane as the acting CEO. NIC Asia has a customer base of one million across the country and has been providing services through its 184 branches and 187 ATMs outlets.

Hansraj Hulaschand & Co, the sole authorized distribu­tor of Bajaj motorcycles, has announced its New Year cam­paign ‘Bajaj Yugarambh’ with the tagline ‘Naya Nepal ko Naya Subharambh’. As per a media release, the special cam­paign titled ‘Bajaj Yugarambh’ indicates a new era where the youth is responsible for nation building and shaping its future.

Every customer buying a Bajaj motorcycle from an autho­rized dealer will get a sure-shot discount of Rs 7,500. The buyer will be further booked for a lucky draw to win an exciting prize of Rs 75,000 every day.  

Targeting the upcoming Nepali New Year in mid-April, Jagdamba Motors, the sole authorized distributor of TVS Motors in Nepal, has launched a new scheme for its custom­ers. The company has launched ‘Naya Barsha ko Shuruwat Jiwan Bhar ko Saath’ campaign for its new customers in which customers will receive Rs 8,001 instant cash back on every pur­chase of a TVS motorcycle or scooter. The offer, which will be valid for the next few months, is applicable to all TVS authorized distributors and showrooms across the country.  

Tea is produced in over 26,000 hectares of land, mostly in the eastern districts like Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Sankhu­wasabha and Terathum.

Production is growing even in Terai districts. Yet the country’s exports worth some Rs 2.5 bil­lion is miniscule given that Nepal produces 24 million kg of tea every year.

In order to boost exports, the third edition of the International Tea Festival is being held in Kathmandu from April 6-8. The event, being organized by Nepal Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB), aims to better market and promote Nepali tea abroad.

It will feature 25 globally recognized tea traders from 13 countries. On the occasion, var­ious tea-related events will also be organized in different parts of the country. The icing on the cake? A tea tasting ceremony at the Mount Everest base camp on April 6.

Nepal Tea trademark will also be formally launched at the fes­tival. This is expected to help the export of orthodox tea, which is gaining popularity across the world as it contains antioxidants and low caffeine.  

A total of 485,586 students are appearing in the secondary education examinations (SEE), which started on March 22. The exams are being held simultane­ously at 1,956 exam centers across the country.

The exams, which are held at the end of grade 10, span 13 days, start­ing with the English paper on the first day. Arrangements have also been made for practical examina­tions in all compulsory subjects except mathematics.

Following the eighth amendment to the Education Act-1972, the erst­while School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations, were scrapped and replaced by the SEE last year.

To conduct the SEE examina­tions, some 64,762 people are being deployed this year. AGENCIES

PAV’s Sindhuli district chief Ramala Bhandari said that Rs 517 million has been invested via the revolving fund and another Rs 256 million on infrastructure develop­ment. Under the latter category, there have been invest­ments in micro-hydro plants, schools, farmers’ markets, farm product storage centers, irrigation channels, etc, all of which contribute to income generation and capacity building of low-income families.

According to Bhandari, the PAV has completed 12 income generation projects and 242 infrastructure proj­ects in the district by collaborating with 10 local partner organizations. She said that all such projects will soon be handed over to the newly elected local bodies.  

By RAJAN GAUNLE | SINDHULI