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Dissatisfaction is gradually brewing up inside the ruling Nepali Congress over the performance of the coalition government led by CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli.

On one hand, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal is provoking NC leaders to break the coalition with UML, while on the other, there is increasing dissatisfaction inside the NC rank and file. A couple of factors are widening the rift between the two parties.  

First, NC leaders have openly criticized the government’s move to introduce four ordinances by delaying to call the Parliament session. Senior leader of the party Shekhar Koirala, who is currently in the United Kingdom, said that instead of calling the winter session of Parliament, the government is focusing on bringing ordinances.

I have a doubt whether the powerful government of two parties is turning into an authoritarian one, said Koirala, who has already declared his plan to run for the party president.

In the past, Koirala was one of the strong advocates of the NC-UML government, stating that it would bring stability but after six months, Koirala and leaders close to him have begun openly criticizing the government. 

Even those leaders close to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba are criticizing some of the decisions and speeches made by Prime Minister Oli. A few days back, Prime Minister Oli said that the constitution amendment will take place in 2030 because the amendment cannot take place without majority seats in the government.

Former foreign minister and Central Working Committee member NP Saud has publicly said Oli's statement on constitution amendment, made without consulting NC, is a violation of the agreement reached between two parties while forming the new government. Similarly, NC senior leader Arjun Nara Singh KC said that relevance of the seven-point agreement between two countries has ended after Oli’s objectionable statement on constitution amendment. The statement came at a time when NC and UML were preparing to form a taskforce to work out the modality of constitution amendment. Even a leader close to Prime Minister Oli said that there is a very slim chance of constitution amendment as some forces and parties are preparing to raise the radical agenda.

Already, there is dissatisfaction inside the NC over the signing of a framework agreement on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Leaders say though the party has stood against accepting loans under the BRI, the crux of the framework agreement is accepting loans. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said time and again that Nepal has denied loans under the BRI, but NC leaders are not convinced. Senior leaders of the party such as Prakash Sharan Mahat, NP Saud and scores of leaders close to Shekhar Koirala are objecting to the signing of the BRI. 

There is another point of friction, which NC leaders have not spoken publicly about but share in private conversations: the relationship with India and western countries. They say the government's mishandling of the issues related to foreign policy has sourced NC’s relationship with India and other western powers.

Especially, our relationship with India has soured after we joined UML to form a new government, plus, Foreign Minister Deuba has failed to improve ties with India, the NC leader said: after her visit to India in August, relationship between two countries and relationship between NC and India has further deteriorated, which is concerning. According to NC leaders, before his China visit, Prime Minister Oli used to heed the advice and respect the position taken by NC but after that he is gradually dominating the NC in the decision-making process. For instance, Oli heeded NC’s position of not removing Nepal Electricity Managing Director Kul Man Ghising but now he is bent on removing Ghising.

The growing dynamics inside the NC is equally responsible for the growing criticism of the government. Now, it seems that General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa is with party President Deuba and he is supporting and in many cases he is involved in some of the decisions of the government. The Shekhar Koirala faction believes that Thapa is seeking Deuba’s support for the party presidency. It seems Deuba, Shashank Koirala and Gagan Kumar Thapa are coming closer to weaken Shekhar Koirala. If that is the case, the Shekhar Koirala camp will work to topple this government, the NC leader said.

At the same time, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is reaching out to NC leaders, who are publicly expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of the Oli government. Dahal is urging NC leaders to make extra efforts to bring down the government. Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Sindhupalchowk, Dahal said due to the dissatisfaction inside the NC and unpopular decisions it has taken, this government will collapse.

I cannot predict the date but I think it does not have a long life, Dahal said, due to the internal dynamics of the NC government which cannot move ahead comfortably. Dahal added that though they did not want this government to continue, they were not making any effort to topple it.  NC President Deuba, despite the differences, is in favor of the continuation of this government with a view that Oli would peacefully hand over power to him.  Dahal has conveyed the message to Deuba that the Maoists would support the NC-led government till the next elections.

Business of traditional sweet, Chaku, made from jaggery molasses is now experiencing the bitter taste of a shortage of workers which in years might widen the gap between demand and supply. Rohit Shrestha (19) is the fourth generation within his lineage to continue the business of Chaku (molasses) in the ancient town of Tokha in the outskirts of Kathmandu but things are going to change from his generation onwards. “I am the fourth generation who has been working on this family business of Chaku (molasses) making. I started assisting in the factory from an early age. I recently have completed my intermediate level (+2) and haven’t enrolled in the Bachelor’s level (Graduation). I want to go to foreign country after completion of my studies, where as of now am planning to continue promoting the molasses,” Shrestha told ANI while taking a break from his work at the factory.

The rising trend of flying abroad in search of better opportunities and education has been rising in the country. The majority of those flying abroad are youths and earning age groups queuing up at the airport ready to take off leaving the elderly behind.

The aroma of boiling stacks of sugar lumps filling the air around the Tokha is fading out in Tokha which is popular for first-class molasses which has high demand in the market. However, the making of molasses is seasonal and the industry only works full-fledged for just two months in a year with production made sparsely based on the demands.

Tokha, an ancient settlement inside Kathmandu Valley, is believed to have been in existence from the Malla Period, long before the unification of Nepal by Prithivi Narayan Shah and currently has around 15 molasses-making home-based industries.

The word ‘Tokha’ has an appendage from a Newa word ‘Tyokha’ meaning sweet and molasses were the main product of this place which has continued over the centuries. The Newa community of Kathmandu valley consumes a high volume of Chaku (molasses)—confectionery made from concentrated sugarcane juice, jaggery, ghee and nuts which holds significance on Maghe Sakranti—the first day of the 10th month as per the Lunar calendar.

This process involves melting jaggery, stirring it continuously and then cooling it in clay pots. It is then whipped, slapped, and stretched until it turns dark brown. The confectionery is then weighed, topped with nuts, and packaged. The whole process takes two to three hours.

Shrestha’s factory which used to employ about 20 people last year now is hosting 11 struggling to keep afloat the business. The current number also includes his family members who are now assisting in the factory work to continue the business. The situation in coming years can be dire for the small-scale industries that exist in this ancient town within the valley provided the steep rise in immigration culture that is brewing among the youths and active population group. With this, the sweet business of molasses is now experiencing the bitter taste of a shortage of workers which in years might widen the gap between demand and supply.

“Every year the demand for the Chaku (molasses) is continuing to rise but the shortage of the staff to work in the factory is resulting in the downfall of the supply. Many of the youths are now vying from foreign countries (the Gulf, Australia, Europe and the US) which has resulted in a shortage of staff to work in the factory which has cut the supply in terms of demands,” Buddha Shrestha, the Vice-Chair of the Tokha Traditional Chaku (Molasses) Conservation Society told ANI.

Kathmandu is beautiful. Tourists are fascinated by the myriad things you can do here, from cultural walks and temple visits to one-day hikes and hilly getaways. But for those of us living here, things can become a bit mundane, especially if you don’t have a full day to indulge in activities. This week, we bring to you four things you can do when you are bored and need a little something to cheer you up but only have a few hours at your disposal

Attend the evening aarati at Pashupatinath

The Pashupatinath temple is a really nice place to go to when you want to spend some time by yourself or immerse yourself in some spiritual or religious activities. There’s a lot of space and a lot of things to do in the area. The evening aarati in Pashupatinath riverbanks which in winter takes place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm every day is something everybody must witness. It’s a special puja that priests do to worship Lord Shiva and the entire environment comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of prayer and worship. Those who have seen it confess to wanting to attend it whenever they can. It’s a sight that slowly calms you down and fills you with a sense of peace. Make sure you go a little before time so that you get a nice place to sit as it can get a bit crowded.

Evening stroll at Patan Durbar Square

A mini vacation is just what we need after a hectic work week. It’s a great way to relax and recharge for another busy week. But a weekend getaway isn’t always possible or practical. This is when a visit to any one of the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley comes in handy. It’s like a mini getaway. There is so much to do and see at the Durbar Squares. Patan Durbar Square is one of our favorites. From quaint little eateries and tea shops to various kiosks selling all sorts of knickknacks, a stroll at Patan Durbar Square makes you feel like a tourist in your hometown. You can just sit on one of the benches at the center of the square and take in the surroundings. It’s especially beautiful at night when all the lights come on. Be sure to bargain if you decide to do some shopping as the vendors tend to hike the prices at random.

Enjoy some delicacies at the farmer’s market at Le Sherpa Restaurant

There are many farmer’s markets in Kathmandu these days. Some happen during the weekdays while others are up and running on the weekends. Our favorite is the one at Le Sherpa that takes place every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. People can be seen just basking in the sun, indulging in some hot tea or coffee or some cold beer too. There are all sorts of stalls with various kinds of food available here to suit your taste. From Biryani and Pad Thai to cakes and cheeses, you can take your pick depending on what you are in the mood for. You can also shop for jewelry, perfumes, handicrafts, home decor, etc. Gather your friends and family and spend a lovely Saturday morning catching up with them at the market while you buy your week’s worth of groceries. You will also be supporting local businesses so it’s a win-win situation.

Spend a few hours at a bookstore

There was a time when Kathmandu didn’t have good bookstores. Now, the book industry is trying to change that. There are many new bookstores coming up and even the ones that have been in business for years have revamped their spaces and services to make shopping for books a fun affair. Ekta books at Thapathali, Kathmandu, spread across three expansive floors, is a nice place to hunt for your next read. They have recently opened a cafe too so you can even have a drink and grab a bite to eat while you read a few pages. Books Mandala in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, is another great place to visit. Here, you are very likely to find the book you have been searching for as they stock all sorts of titles, from popular authors to lesser known writers. Wisdom Books and Aroma Center in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur, can be your go-to place to browse through books, buy some cool notebooks, incense, candles, stationery items, and handicrafts. They have recently opened a small cafe of sorts where you can get some tea, coffee, and homemade food.

Shanti Silwal is a burn violence survivor. She is the mother of a seven-year-old who, she says, makes her happy to be alive. At 41, she’s braved life’s roughest storms but she says it’s not made her bitter, and for that she is grateful to “her spirit that refuses to give up”.

“I don’t want people to look at me and feel sorry for me. I want them to look at me and see a strong, determined woman,” says Silwal, who suffered above 40 percent burn when her husband set her on fire following an altercation 13 years ago.

The scars have healed. The pain remains. It’s something she will never forget. It’s limited the opportunities she would have gotten had she not had debilitating scars on her face and body. But Silwal is brave enough not to let her scars define her.

Under Inara, a social enterprise by Astitwa Nepal, an organization that supports and rehabilitates survivors of acid and burn violence, she has participated in multiple trainings to pick up skills that can help her create a good life for her son and herself. What caught her interest was jewelry making, she says. A few years ago, she participated in a workshop where she learned how to make earrings and bracelets.

“I can make 50 simple bracelets or 10 pairs of earrings in an hour,” she says, the pride evident in her sparkling eyes. It wasn’t always so easy though, she adds. A handmade earring might look simple but you need to know how to use the tools and have good hand-eye coordination to make a decent pair. Also, two pieces in a pair need to be exact replicas of each other and that is difficult to achieve.

Trisha Pradhananga, program and operation officer at Inara, says Silwal is extremely talented as well as quick and eager to learn. She is able to complete orders that take others a week or more in just a day or two. Her attitude and approach towards her work is inspiring, says Pradhananga.

Silwal says she can function on very little sleep if she has work. She is driven by her need to do more and to do better. It has always been like that. Work, she says, is worship. Even as a child, Silwal was a go-getter who had to excel in the simple tasks her guardians asked her to do.

Driven by the motto that no work is small and that everything you do must be done with passion and a sense of gratefulness at being able to use your mind and body, Silwal tackles work with commendable zeal. She goes to bed at midnight and wakes up at six in the morning or even earlier depending on her workload. The early hours are for prayers, chores, and getting her son ready for school. The rest of the day is for working on the orders—making customized earrings and bracelets.

Pradhananga says the pieces Silwal makes are good. Even though she works fast, she doesn’t compromise on the quality of the products. Inara too wants to ensure the quality is maintained so that those who buy them get their money’s worth. “We want people who shop at Inara to feel like they are supporting a cause as well as investing in really good pieces of jewelry,” she says.

This is how training and workshops have been able to help. Burn violence survivors get to learn different crafts like jewelry making, pottery, macrame, etc. which provides them with income generating skills. Silwal says they have been a boon to her.

“I try to participate in as many workshops as I can so that I can learn new skills and use them to increase my income,” says Silwal as an instructor shows her how to create neat layers on a bead necklace at a recent workshop organized by Inara.

Out of the eight participants, Silwal was the first to complete a five-layered necklace and to do so without having made any mistakes. She then helped other participants, while also berating them for wasting time and resources when they spilled beads on the floor or used excess thread and wire only to eventually cut and toss them in the bin. The two trainers at the event agreed she could very well have been one of them.

“I have always disliked wasteful behavior and believe we must respect the things we have to live a prosperous life,” says Silwal. Having always struggled with not having enough in life, she believes you must make the best of what you’ve got. She’s also a firm believer in the power of hard work. It never goes unnoticed and unappreciated, she says.

However, Silwal admits that she loves the financial freedom her work gives her. As a burn survivor, it’s difficult to get work. They aren’t hired as receptionists or in positions where they have to deal with a lot of people. The society today has a much broader outlook but biases run deep. The changes in people’s attitude towards burn survivors, Silwal says, is superficial. Their scorn is masked by sympathy or rarely empathy.

“So I’m happy to be doing what I’m doing. I love making things and it brings in some money for me to be able to buy what I need and want,” she says. She doesn’t have to ask anyone for money. She is able to eat out when she’s bored of homemade food or doesn’t feel like cooking. She has even managed to save a little and that puts her mind at ease. “Being able to earn has also made me confident. I don’t fear the future like I once used to. I know whatever happens I’ll be able to manage things on my own,” she concludes.