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In a world of shapes and spaces wide, 

I am searching for a place where I can reside.  

With edges sharp and corners square,  

I wonder if there’s a niche somewhere. 

Is it that I can’t fit anywhere? 

Among the crowds, I feel the stare,  

A puzzle piece without a match, 

In every place, a misfit patch. 

I roam the lands, the skies,  

The seas, Seeking solace,  

A sense of ease. But in the crowd,  

I stand alone, a wandering soul, a rolling stone. 

In rooms of laughter, halls of cheer, 

I drift unseen, a silent tear.  

My colors are bright, yet shades unseen,

A tapestry without a seam. 

But in this quest, I start to find,  

A spark of light within my mind. 

Perhaps it’s not the world that’s wrong,  

But a melody that's lost its song. 

For in the cracks and in the seams,  

Lie hidden worlds and secret dreams. 

A whispered hope, a gentle sigh,  

A place where all misfits can fly. 

So I’ll embrace my different hue,  

And paint the world with shades anew.  

For fitting in is not the key, 

But finding strength in being me. 

In every heart, a place is there,  

For those who feel they don’t compare. 

And in the end, the truth will sing, 

It’s in our uniqueness, we find our wings. 

Supriya Paudel  

BBM IIIrd Semester

United College

How do you spend your leisure time in general? Do you constructively engage yourself? Most of us love spending hours scrolling through our mobile phones. We constantly chat, post updates, and endlessly use social media. With the advancement of new technologies, we are so occupied with our mobile phones that we don’t realize how it’s affecting us. Social networking is imperative for multiple purposes, effective communication, entertainment, sharing information, and many others. However, it is not always as beneficial or enlightening as we expect. Therefore, individuals can reduce their screen time by setting time limits and engaging in some productive tasks. More fulfilling use of leisure time is encouraged when it is balanced with efficiency. Following are the possible activities where we can engage ourselves.

Explore new places

We all have our go-to spots where we enjoy spending time. Have you thought of any other hidden gems waiting to be discovered? Exploring something new can be interesting. You may uncover local cafes, stores, and historical buildings that are not well known for a unique experience. Behind every discovery, there is a story. Maybe it can bring unexpected and lasting memories. Exposure to different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles can help you break the monotony of your daily routine and provide exciting experiences. Spending time exploring new locations is worthwhile. It refreshes you like nothing else, whether you drive or hike, alone or with friends. Embrace the unknown and be surprised by what lies just beyond your usual path.

Donate unwanted items

Donating unwanted items or selling them can lead to a more calm and balanced state of mind. There may be lots of unused items or clothes that you probably don’t need anymore. You can make space for new items by getting rid of old ones. Simply donating or selling unwanted items at a thrift store can benefit people who find it difficult to afford new ones. This act of giving can bring you a sense of happiness and satisfaction, knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life. Moreover, you’ll improve your well-being through generosity and decluttering.

Develop reading habits

Reading can be a relaxing activity that reduces stress levels and promotes mental well-being. They take you to different worlds, entertain you, and give you a break from your daily routine. Moreover, you will be exposed to diverse vocabulary and writing styles that stimulate creativity and imaginative thinking. Reading different types of books contributes to the development of emotional well-being, and better understanding of the world.

Grow a variety of plants

Growing a variety of plants refreshes you like nothing else. Whether indoor or outdoor plants, they nourish both the mind and the body. You will connect with nature and learn about different species of plants, their growing requirements, and how they interact with the environment. Planning and designing your garden and arranging them can inspire your creativity and create a more visually appealing environment. Furthermore, watching your plants grow brings you joy and satisfaction. Nurturing plants can be soothing and promotes mindfulness reducing stress.

Try various cuisines

Trying different cuisines isn’t simply about tasting new food. It is about appreciating culinary creativity and cultures. Through exploring a variety of cuisines you learn about different flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. The experience will be unforgettable, and it is a great way to learn about various cultures and traditions.

Volunteering

Regular volunteering means collaborating with others to achieve a common goal. Engaging yourself in meaningful volunteering activities provides you with a feeling of satisfaction and breaks your routine of daily life by offering a change of scenery and activities compared to your typical job. It brings new ideas to you and helps you acquire many skills that will be useful in different areas of life. You learn to work in a group and develop leadership skills such as time management and communication skills.

In conclusion, spending leisure time effectively is pivotal for the holistic development of young people. Engaging yourself in such activities can help you develop social skills, and improve your physical health as well as mental well-being.

Kenisha Adhikari

SEE Batch 2023/24

St Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel 

As saying in mythology, why only men  

Saying as a physiologies, why only men  

As feminine argues, why only men 

Every individual perception, why only men  

Why only men, the world might say,  

In fields where strength and honor lay? 

With hearts of fire and spirits high,  

They’ve paved the paths where heroes fly. 

Where there are men, there is a home,  

A place of comfort where hearts can roam  

With hands that build and eyes that see,  

A world of warmth and unity. 

Yet gentle souls in frames so vast,  

Their hearts are seas where kindness lasts,  

Protectors, builders, fathers dear,  

Their strength is love, their gift is cheer. 

Where there is men, foundations lie, 

Strong and sturdy, reaching high 

With every brick, with every beam, 

They build a house, they build a dream.   

In the quiet shadows, away from the throng,  

Where the world assumes men must be strong,  

There lies a place where tears can fall,  

A sacred space, a tender call. 

Beneath the armor, tough and bold,  

Lives a soul with tales untold.  

And in the stillness, when nights are long,

Men also cry, for they’ve been strong. 

Yet let us not forget, in praise,  

Those men, too, seek the sun’s warm rays.  

They dream, they love, they hope and care,  

In every action, they’re laid bare. 

Supriya Paudel  

BBM IIIrd Semester  

United College

Consumer rights are the rights granted to the consumer. According to Section 2(d) of ‘The Consumer Protection Act, 2075’, a consumer means a person or institution that consumes or uses any good or service. We, every human being, are consumers, as our daily lives are tied to consuming various goods or services, be it the vegetables we buy in the markets or the dental services we render in the clinic. Consumer rights are crucial for ensuring that consumers receive quality foods and services at fair pricing.

Present laws governing consumer rights

The foundational legal framework for Consumer Rights is the Constitution of Nepal. Article 44 of the constitution mentions consumer rights as a fundamental right and guarantees the right to obtain quality goods and services, as well as the right of compensation if such rights are violated. The government of Nepal has also enacted the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, which further ensures the various rights of consumers and states the liability of the seller, distributor, and other entities involved in the chain of supply of goods and services to consumers and further enforces regulatory provisions.

Section 3 of the Consumer Protection Act 2075 outlines key consumer rights. Under this section, every consumer is provides but not limited to the following rights:

a) The right to choose quality goods or services at a fair and competitive price.

b) The right to information about price, quality, purity, etc.

c) The right to obtain information from the producer, importer, or seller regarding the quality, ingredients, or percentage of substances contained in the goods made of or produced with a mixture of two or more substances, and others.

d) Consumers also have the right to take appropriate legal action and obtain compensation for harm caused by unfair trade if such rights are violated.

Additionally, Section 14 of the same act also provides consumers with the right to return goods or other similar goods equal to the price of the bought goods within seven days if they wish to return or are not satisfied with the goods purchased from the seller. And in the case of sealed goods, within fifteen days, if the seal of the product is not broken. 

Article 16 further prohibits unfair trade and business activities, including fake advertisements, lying about goods or services, creating artificial shortages, refusing to issue bills, selling expired goods, etc.

The complaint mechanism is specified in Section 36, which provides that an individual can file a complaint with the Central Market Monitoring Committee, Department, or Inspection Officer along with information, proof, and evidence through written, oral, or electronic means. And also ensures the identity of the complaining person will be kept confidential. 

Section 39 and section 40 outline the penalties. Section 39 mentions imposing a fine starting at 5,000 and above as per the nature of the offense committed against the consumer, while the later section mentions the provision of imprisonment for three months or more as per the nature of the offenses committed. Also, according to the National Penal Code, 2074, Section 273, if a person makes or uses a false instrument for weighing and measuring, he or she is awarded up to 3 years of imprisonment and up to a thirty thousand rupee fine.

Realities

Despite the rights guaranteed under the law, the reality of the enforcement of consumer rights at ground level in Nepal is totally different. There is a heightened number of unfair practices in the market causing a stark contrast between words and reality experienced by consumers. Some of which are:

a) The consumer cannot return the product if they are not satisfied with it. Shopkeepers refuse to take back the sold items.

b) The consumer encounters false and misleading advertisements. For example, many products are sold stating about being eco-friendly and using natural ingredients, despite having a higher percentage of chemicals.

c) There is a lack of clear labeling of the product leading to consumer deception. The quality of the goods doesn’t sometimes meet the standards prescribed by the authority. For example, the Wai Wai noodles produced by the Chaudhary Group were fined Rs 200,000 for poor quality oil and an abnormal value of acid.

d) Consumers are charged a higher price than the marked price of the product. For example, mineral water, cool drinks, and other beverages are charged more than the labeled price on the bottle. And during festival time, the transportation fares are raised up to triple or more than the assigned fare.

e) Many sellers sell expired items which could affect the health of the consumer. For example, in Feb 2022, Sparsh Food Products and Packaging Company was raided by the police and found to be using expired bakery products.

f) Many foods are found contaminated with unhealthy ingredients, especially grains, rice, dairy products, etc. For example, in January 2024, the Metropolitan Crime Division arrested Naresh Shrestha of Sindhupalchok for producing and selling fake honey. The police also confiscated 600 kg of the bogus product, which he had made by mixing glucose and sugar.

The above-stated realities are a few of many incidents happening in our country, leaving even the regulatory provision of online deceptions and fraud to consumers.

Some of the factors contributing to the ineffective implementation of consumer rights are:

a) Lack of Knowledge is one of the main reasons why consumers endure such violations of consumer rights by sellers. Nepal is one of the countries where there is the least knowledge about consumer law among citizens, and sellers have been taking enormous advantage of it, especially in rural areas.

b) Complex complaint mechanisms are also another contributing factor which leads consumers to remain silent despite having knowledge of the violation of their rights, whereas some simply don’t want to engage in the hassle of the legal process. They wear off or let go of the facts and comply with the act of the seller, because of which the authorities are cuffed to taking any measure against such a person.

c) The lagging performance of duty by the authority is also another major factor in consumer rights violations in Nepal. The investigating and monitoring mechanisms are less assertive in their duties, which has failed to control the wrongdoer and hold them accountable for their acts.

 So, for the enhancement and implementation of consumer rights from words to reality in Nepal, the consumer must be made aware of their rights, especially in the local and rural areas of Nepal. The consumer further needs to come forward in case of a violation of their rights. The authority and watchdogs should also regularly and actively inspect the market, implement surprise checks, make laws stricter to hold the sellers more accountable regarding consumer right violations.

Swekshya Karki

BA LLB IVth Year

Kathmandu School of Law