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The National Concerns and Coordination Committee of the National Assembly directed the government to review the proposal to scrap the district election offices. A meeting of the committee held in Singha Durbar on Wednesday directed the government to consult with the Election Commission and review the proposal to scrap the district election offices and bring the offices under the jurisdiction of the district administration offices. The meeting also directed the government to provide necessary support to the Election Commission to hold the election in a free, fair and transparent manner, Committee President Dil Kumari Rawal said. She further said that necessary instructions will be given to the government by holding a meeting again on security and other issues. During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha said that the government has no intention to scrape the district election offices. He said that the government is clear that such decisions should not be taken without consulting with the Election Commission. On a different note, Minister Shrestha said that it will be easier for the government to take the next step if the court takes decision on the issue of citizenship at the earliest. Meanwhile, he said that police are carrying out investigations into the fake Bhutanese refugee scam in a transparent manner.    

Police have arrested Nepal Student Union (NSU)Morang President Saroj Pokharel for his alleged involvement in smearing black soot on the face of Purbanchal University Service Commission Chairman Mahesh Dahal. A joint team of Sunsari and Morang police apprehended Pokharal from Budhiganga area of Morang on Wednesday. Police have taken him to Sunsari to proceed with the necessary investigation and action. Sunsari Police Chief SP Prabhu Prasad Dhakal said that Pokharel has been arrested for smearing black soot on the face of Purbanchal University Service Commission Chairman Mahesh Dahal. “Investigation has been started from various angles after the incident of smearing black soot on the face of the University Service Commission chairman by a group of 10-15 persons came to light. A person leading the group has been arrested,” he said, adding, “A team has also been mobilized to nab other persons involved in the incident. “ On Tuesday, a complaint was filed at the Area Police Office, Itahari of Sunsari against those involved in the incident. The team led by Pokharal smeared black soot on the face of Purbanchal University Service Commission Chairman Dahal at around 9:30 am on Monday. The NSU has been claiming that the black soot was smeared on the face of Dahal at this residence after he was not found at this office. Issuing a statement, NSU President Dujang Sherpa, however, made it clear that the NSU will not own up the responsibility of the incident.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the government's positive initiatives in favor of the people have created a fear among anti-people forces. While receiving a memorandum from a delegation of the Press Centre Nepal at his official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister stressed on the need of resisting the culture of protesting government's 'commendable actions'. Initiations to provide direct services to the people, to promote rights of Nepali who are abroad, to end malpractices and misconducts and steps taken during the recent India visit have contributed to building a positive atmosphere, causing panic among reactionary and regressive forces, according to him. He said, "Anti-people forces are now without any agenda and are well exposed to the people.  Endeavors taken by bracing the odds have made the government further strong." Through the memorandum, the Press Centre has drawn the government's attention towards several issues facing the country, people and the working journalists. The Centre stressed the need of further institutionalizing the right to Press and the right to opinion and the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution, underlining the need of unity among progressive forces towards that end.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said no compromises would be made in corruption control efforts as the government is tough on this matter. Addressing a program organized at the CPN (Maoist Centre) party office in Parisdanda today on the occasion of the fourth death anniversary of former minister and party leader Dhaniram (DR) Poudel, Prime Minister and Party Chairman Dahal reiterated that the government is moving ahead in a steadfast way to maintain good governance. "I see some people casting doubt whether the government will give in or compromise (in its move against stemming corruption). But I say it clearly that the government is not paramount for me. For me, good governance and service to the people is paramount," he added. Giving assurances that the government will move ahead steadfastly to wipe out corruption, the Prime Minister pledged not to compromise and bow out on this. The Maoist Centre Chair said that they are actively moving ahead of the communist movement as per the new situation and were focusing on the process of forming a socialist front to conclude the socialist revolution. Stating that the party suffered an irreparable loss with the sudden demise of DR Poudel, party chairperson Dahal recalled the late leader as the one who always fulfilled his duties and responsibilities given him by the party. "I had given him the responsibility of the Education Minister so that he would establish himself among the people. He also carried out his responsibilities well," PM Dahal said. On a different note, the PM said that the achievements of the movement have come under attack in recent times and those forces considered democratic have turned out to be involved in undemocratic and lowly conducts. "The responsibility of defending the achievements of the movement by struggling against the attacks has fallen on our shoulders. We have to prove that only the communists are honest and capable. Therefore, the government front has to be maximally used in favor of social justice, good governance and prosperity," he asserted. Party's senior Vice-Chair and Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that it is the responsibility of all to make the government successful under any circumstances. Stressing the need of expediting the journey towards prosperity, he insisted that the present government should be successful in fulfilling the public aspirations. "The political change happened on the backing of the People's Movement waged under the Maoist leadership. However, the economic and social transformation has still become a far-cry. Although some achievements have been made, the kind of social and economic transformation as directed by the historic political change and as expected by the people has not been experienced yet. The incumbent government will materialize this," he reiterated. Vice-Chair duo Pampha Bhusal and Agni Prasad Sapkota, general secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, deputy general-secretary Haribol Gajurel and Girirajmani Pokhrel, among other leaders paid tribute to Dhaniram Poudel on the occasion.