Submit your Article

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that reconstruction of physical infrastructures damaged by earthquake, and floods and landslides is progressing at a rapid pace.

Addressing the 28th meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) today, Home Minister Lekhak said that the assessment of the damage caused by the disaster and reconstruction works would be speeded up.

"Today's meeting decided to start the disaster damage assessment (DDA) work on the damage caused by the earthquake, and floods and landslides in Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Jajarkot and to proceed ahead with the reconstruction works in the areas where the DDA has already been carried out," he said.

Home Minister Lekhak said that decisions have been taken on the legal and economic issues required for the reconstruction in places where the DDA has been conducted.

"The disaster risk reduction and management standards have been passed some time ago. We have approved the work procedure in this regard today. Assessment of disaster damage of the Jajarkot earthquake will begin from the first week of February," he said.

According to him, this decision shall be presented in the meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council scheduled to be held at 7 pm today at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will preside over this meeting.

Minister Lekhak said that the reconstruction work will be expedited after today's council meeting takes a decision.

The National Dalit Commission of Bagmati Province has submitted its report for the fiscal year 2080/81 BS to Bagmati Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota.

The Commission spokesperson Sundar Purkuti submitted the report to the Province Chief.

According to Article 294 (3) of the Constitution of Nepal, the report of the National Dalit Commission has been submitted. The Commission has submitted the report prepared with seven chapters and six schedules.

It includes the introduction of the Commission, provisions related to the rights and interests of Dalits, the situation of Dalits and their representation in state bodies, the implementation status of the annual program of the Commission, the recommendations and suggestions of the Commission and the status of implementation, opportunities, challenges and future directions of the Commission.

The caste discrimination and untouchability practice in Nepal and the related legal system from the beginning and end of untouchability, the provisions against untouchability and discrimination in international law, the provisions related to Dalit rights in the Constitution and laws of Nepal, the law for the end of caste discrimination and untouchability, the efforts of the state through laws, other laws and regulations among other issues were discussed in the report.

Spokesperson Purkuti said that the report covers the policies and readiness of the government to end all kinds of caste-based discriminations, prejudice, superstition, crime, exclusion, deprivation and violence through the constitution, laws, and laws and enable them to lead a dignified life.

He said that the details and population of the Dalit community in the National Census, 2078 BS,, human development index, annual income, education, health and sanitation are still lagging behind the Dalit community were incorporated in the report. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli commended the activism of women people's representatives in enhancing the legitimacy of local government and ensuring effective public service delivery.

Addressing the 'She Leads Icon' programme organized by an organization, Kalpa, to honour women people's representatives on Friday, PM Oli further praised the representatives' leadership in upholding the dignity.

He asserted, "While the literacy rate among women was dismal in the past, we see them in the leadership position in the present. It is a huge achievement of political changes."

Stating that 40 per cent of the people's representatives in the local level are women, the Head of the Government observed, "It is a progressive representation, which needs further increase."

On the occasion, PM Oli honoured 27 women representatives for their excellence in delivery of public services.

Likewise, three women representatives were conferred on the 'Icon Award'. 

Kathmandu, Jan 3: Minster for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, paid tributes to former US President and Nobel Laureate, Jimmy Carter, by expressing grief over his demise.

Reaching the US Embassy in Kathmandu today, Foreign Minister Rana signed the Book of Condolence opened in memory of former President Carter.

She extended heartfelt condolence on the behalf of the government, the people of Nepal and her own on the passing of Carter.

The Foreign Minister said Carter was a true friend and well-wisher of Nepal as well as exemplary figure in philanthropy, peace and democracy.

"Carter's contributions were widely admired for their lasting impact on upholding human rights and democratic values. His legacy of peace, benevolence will forever be cherished and will continue to serve as an inspiration to the people around the world", writes Minister Rana.