Submit your Article

Simrik Air, a private-sector helicopter company, has announced its commitment to providing extensive support for combating forest fires across the country.

The company’s General Manager, Muralidhar Joshi, stated that Simrik Air is ready to deploy helicopters to fight fires if requested by the government. “Our helicopters are equipped to assist in fire control operations,” he explained.

Joshi mentioned that Simrik Air uses the ‘Bambi Bucket’ system to tackle forest fires, which involves deploying water from the air to extinguish flames. He highlighted that the company had previously used this system to control fires in Pathibhara, Lukla, Tanahun, Shivapuri in Kathmandu, the Balaju industrial area, and several other locations.

Additionally, General Manager Joshi emphasized that Simrik Air has a history of contributing to firefighting efforts as part of its corporate social responsibility. He encouraged municipalities across the country to ensure the availability of water resources to facilitate aerial firefighting.

Founded in 2001, Simrik Air is a leading helicopter company in Nepal with a strong reputation for high-altitude rescues. The company employs experienced pilots and rescue specialists trained in the United States and Switzerland.

Simrik Air is also hosting a press conference and an interaction program on fire prevention and aerial firefighting on Monday to further discuss its firefighting capabilities and the importance of proactive measures to prevent forest fires.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 200 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 135, 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 135, 400 per tola on Sunday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 134, 950 per tola. It was traded at Rs 134, 750 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 660 per tola today.

The Bagmati Province government has decided to issue an ordinance to amend the Province Higher Education Act, 2078.

Minister of Internal Affairs and Law, Ganganarayan Shrestha, who is also the Spokesperson of the Provincial Government, shared that the meeting of the Provincial Council of Ministers held on Sunday decided to issue an ordinance to amend the Provincial Higher Education Act, 2078. He said that this decision was taken to amend Section 13 (5) of the Act.

Similarly, the Cabinet has decided to provide relief support of Rs 100, 000 each to the three families who lost their loved ones while trying to control the forest fire in Lalitpur and Ramechhap district. The support will be provided through the disaster management fund under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law.

A few days ago, three people had died while trying to control the forest fires in Lalitpur and Ramechhap districts of the province.

Federalism, as a governance model, has emerged as a cornerstone of modern political discourse. It offers promises of inclusivity, decentralization, and equitable development. However, its  implementation is often fraught with complexities, as exemplified by Nepal’s transition to a federal  democratic republic. In examining the socio-political dynamics of federalism within Nepal’s context, it becomes evident that the journey towards federalism is fraught with challenges, yet it also  presents opportunities for transformative change. 

Nepal’s transition to federalism in 2008 marked a significant departure from its centralized past.  There was a commitment to address historical grievances and foster inclusive governance. The  adoption of the Constitution of Nepal 2015 laid the groundwork for a federal structure. It aims to  distribute power and resources more equitably among diverse regions. The federal system changed the governing system, empowering local communities and ensuring their representation  in decision-making processes.  

The federal structure comprises three tiers of government: federal, provincial, and local. At the  central level, key responsibilities such as national security and foreign affairs are managed. While provinces and local bodies handle matters of regional and local significance. This  distribution of powers and responsibilities was intended to foster greater autonomy and  accountability at the grassroots level. However, the road to effective federalism has been filled  with hurdles, revealing deeper socio-political issues that demand attention and resolution. 

One of the primary challenges facing Nepal’s federal experiment is the struggle to establish powerful legal and institutional frameworks at the provincial and local levels. Despite the noble intentions behind decentralization, Nepal encountered several challenges in its implementation. One significant hurdle was the limited administrative capacity and resources at the local level.  Many municipalities lack the infrastructure, human capital, and financial resources needed to  effectively deliver services and govern their jurisdictions. This led to disparities in service delivery and hindered the realization of decentralization’s potential benefits. 

Despite constitutional mandates, the decentralization of power has been met with resistance and  bureaucratic inertia, hindering the effective delivery of public services and impeding developmental initiatives. Many local governments lack the institutional capacity, technical  expertise, and financial resources to fulfill their mandated responsibilities effectively. Delays in  devolving authority over key sectors such as education and law enforcement have led to friction  between federal and provincial authorities, increasing governance gaps.  

In addition to administrative challenges, political interference at the local level has threatened the  autonomy and effectiveness of local governments. Favoritism politics, nepotism, and corruption  undermined the principles of decentralization and eroded public trust in governance institutions. 

Moreover, Nepal’s federal journey has been marred by intergovernmental conflicts over resource  allocation and revenue sharing. The tug-of-war between federal and state governments reflects  broader tensions regarding the distribution of power and fiscal autonomy. In the absence of clear 

guidelines and mechanisms for cooperation, these conflicts have stymied progress and undermined  the potential benefits of federalism. For instance, disputes over the distribution of natural  resources, such as water and minerals, have escalated into protracted legal battles, further  polarizing stakeholders and impeding economic development. 

Beyond institutional challenges, Nepal’s federal experiment has also laid bare deep-seated social  divisions and identity-based grievances. Ethnic-based demands for greater autonomy and  representation have underscored the complexities of managing diversity within a federal framework. The proliferation of identity politics and ethnic tensions has raised concerns about the  potential for fragmentation and conflict, highlighting the delicate balance between autonomy and  national cohesion. For instance, the demand for provinces based on ethnic lines has fueled debates over territorial boundaries and resource allocation, posing existential challenges to Nepal’s nation building project. 

However, amidst these challenges, Nepal’s federal journey also offers insights into the  transformative potential of decentralized governance. The devolution of power to local  governments has empowered communities to participate in decision-making processes and shape  their own development agendas. Grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting social inclusion and  gender equality have flourished, showcasing the capacity of federalism to foster bottom-up  innovation and participatory governance. For example, initiatives such as community forestry  programs and women’s cooperatives have demonstrated the effectiveness of local ownership in sustainable resource management and crisis management as seen during the covid pandemic. 

As Nepal continues to navigate its federal journey, several key considerations emerge for  policymakers and practitioners worldwide. Firstly, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration between different tiers of government is essential for the success of federalism. This requires a clear distinction of roles and responsibilities, as well as mechanisms for resolving  disputes and promoting dialogue. Secondly, investing in local capacity-building and resource mobilization is crucial for empowering decentralized institutions and enhancing service delivery at the grassroots level. Thirdly, addressing underlying socio-economic disparities and identity based grievances is essential for promoting social cohesion and preventing conflicts within a federal framework. Finally, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement is vital for building trust in decentralized governance institutions and ensuring their  legitimacy and effectiveness. By embracing these principles and lessons learned from Nepal's  federal transition, countries can navigate their own decentralization journeys more effectively and  realize the transformative potential of federalism.

Aastha Pokhrel

BA LLB 

Kathmandu School of Law 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha and his Japanese counterpart Kamikawa Yoko held bilateral talks on Sunday.

During the meeting held in Singha Durbar, the two foreign ministers discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and Japan.

This is Kamikawa's first visit to Nepal since her appointment as Japan's foreign affairs minister.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, DPM Shrestha shared that they dwelt on broadening economic cooperation between the two countries besides deliberating on various international affairs.

Since it is Kamikawa's formal goodwill visit, no agreement was made between the two counterparts during the bilateral talks, clarified DPM Shrestha.

Kamikawa arrived in Nepal this afternoon at the invitation of DPM Shrestha. Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal welcomed the visiting Japanese foreign minister and her delegation at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the President House in Sheetal Niwas today.

On the occasion, President Paudel said Nepal is very much concerned about protecting the Himalayas and sources of water to save the earth and urged the carbon-emitting developed nations to become sensitive for the climate change impacts reduction, the President's press advisor Kiran Poharel quoted the President as saying.

Stating that Nepal and Japan have close cultural ties since the dissemination of the teachings of Gautam Buddha, the Light of Asia, President Paudel said Nepal and Japan have enjoyed trouble-free relations and Nepal has always realized a higher level of goodwill from Japan. 

Saying that Japan was an important and trustworthy partner for Nepal's socioeconomic development, the President expressed confidence that the areas of cooperation and assistance between Nepal and Japan would further expand.

Likewise, the President said that they should give priority to expanding people-to-people relations and viewed that more Japanese tourists would come to visit Nepal due to the religious and cultural proximity between the two countries and also due to Nepal's natural beauties.

On the occasion, Japanese Minister Kamikawa shared that Japan is also worried about the impacts of climate change and all should collaborate to protect the Himalayas of Nepal and other countries.

She added that a massive revolution was imperative in the technology for the use of alternative energy.

Furthermore, the Japanese minister shared that Japan would extend every possible support to Nepal realizing that Nepal's development and stability was needed for this region.

The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal has split on Sunday.

After the split of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal led by Upendra Yadav, a new party has been formed under the chairmanship of Ashok Rai, leader Pradeep Yadav told Annapurna Post, sister publication of the Annapurna Express.

JSP Chairman Yadav is currently on a US visit.

Nine lawmakers stood in favor of Rai.

According to Yadav, nine lawmakers representing in the federal Parliament filed an application at the Election Committee for the registration of a new party.

“I and Rai along with Renu Yadav, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudhi, Birendra Mahato, Ranju Kumari, Hasina Khan and Sushila Shrestha among nine lawmakers filed at the Election Committee for the registration of a new party,” Yadav said.

He said that the new party’s name has been proposed as Janata Samaj Party.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and mutual interests, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat informed.

The Japanese foreign minister arrived in Kathmandu on a one-day visit this afternoon at the cordial invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

Prior to meeting the Prime Minister, she observed the Basantapur area of Kathmandu.

She spent about half-an hour there, seeing around Kalbhairab, Hanumandhoka and the Nepali cultural heritages and artifacts. She also bought a Buddha statue.

This is Kamikawa's first visit to Nepal after her appointment as Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister.

She will pay a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel today itself, the Foreign Ministry said.  

The Japanese foreign minister is scheduled to meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shrestha today itself. Minister Shrestha will host a dinner in her honor.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa will leave for Japan tonight via Nepal Airlines plane.