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The Supreme Court has launched online registration of cases and sending notification of the cause list via the automated system from today.

Inaugurating the service, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha expressed the confidence that with the launching of this service it would be easy and convenient for the people from the far-flung areas to avail of this service. 

He said preparations are being made to gradually implement this system developed by the Supreme Court's Information Technology Section at the High and District courts as well. The Chief Justice urged one and all to cooperate in making this accomplishment successful.

"Information technology promotes transparency and this technology has been used to provide access to justice to the members of the general public and people living in remote areas. All the writs and cases can now be registered online. This should be made successful," he added.

It is believed that the use of this system will facilitate remote and online registration of cases through firms, which will reduce both the cost and time of in-person registration of cases at the court.  

Likewise, the Supreme Court has stated that no fees are charged for using this system for registering cases, works like case registration will gradually be paperless and management of archives will be easier with the development of the digital files of cases, among others.

The preliminary estimate for the reconstruction of structures damaged due to the three earthquakes that occurred at various times is Rs 63.58 billion.

The preliminary damage assessment conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) determined the damage worth approximately Rs 58 billion and the reconstruction is estimated to cost over Rs 63.5 billion.

Chief of NDRRMA, Policy, Planning and Monitoring Division, Bharat Mani Pandey said the required process for the reconstruction has been moved ahead after carrying out the preliminary study.

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Jajarkot on November 3, 2023. One hundred and fifty-four people were killed and 366 others injured in this disaster. A temblor measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit Bajhang on October 3, 2023, killing one person and injuring 30. Before this, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale occurred in Doti on November 8, 2022, resulting in the death of six people and injuries to eight others.

These three earthquakes damaged 95,787 houses, as per the NDRRMA data. The damage to this many houses is estimated to be worth Rs 43.39 billion. Apart from this, 204 school buildings, 70 government and public buildings, 11 cultural heritages, nearly 200 kilometers of road and 121 irrigation projects were damaged due to the earthquakes.

The Jajarkot earthquake caused the largest extent of human and property damage. More than 86, 000 houses were damaged in this disaster alone.

The NDRRMA preliminary assessment estimated the total cost of Rs 63.58 billion for the reconstruction of different sectors- Rs 52.46 billion for the reconstruction of private houses, government buildings, and health, education and cultural buildings, Rs 7.18 billion for the reconstruction of other infrastructure sectors and Rs 1.73 billion for the enterprises sector. 

Necessary process for the reconstruction is being forwarded on this basis. A decision was already taken to ask for consent of the Finance Ministry for necessary budget for this purpose after approving the concept of detailed damage assessment to carry out retrofitting, reconstruction and resettlement of quake-damaged private and public building and other physical infrastructures in Jajarkot, Bajhang and Doti. 

NDRRMA Executive Chef Anil Pokharel shared that reconstruction activities would be forwarded as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee chaired by Home Minister had already approved the 'Retrofitting, Reconstruction and Resettlement Grant Procedure for Private Houses of Disaster Affected, 2081'.

This time, the beneficiaries would be categorized as 'A', 'B' and 'C' and housing reconstruction activities would be forwarded.

Much responsibility has been given to the local levels in the procedure. The local-level would keep a preliminary record of the losses. The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee would identify the beneficiaries by reviewing the details received from local levels. Thereafter, an agreement would be reached between beneficiaries and ward chairperson.

A procedure has been prepared to complete reconstruction within two years after signing the agreement.

When we think of art, many of us will most likely always imagine exquisite paintings displayed at exhibitions, made by famous painters around the world. We don’t think of the art around us. Have we ever looked at our homes and considered it to be a work of art?

For Jeewan Magar, the walls of houses are blank canvases. His brushes add color and life to them. “People don’t think what I do is art,” he says. “For them, it’s just something that must be done to make their homes more habitable. For me, filling blank walls motivates me to move forward in life. It’s my art.”

Despite his wealth of experience and exceptional talent in the field of painting and masonry, Magar remains a remarkably down-to-earth mason-painter. With a career spanning over 15 years, the 38-year-old has honed his skills and expertise in the bustling city of Kathmandu.

Throughout his career, Magar has lent his hands and expertise to the transformation of thousands of homes, leaving behind not just the marks of his craftsmanship but also stories of dedication and hard work. His commitment to his craft and his humble demeanor makes him not only a skilled professional but also a beloved figure in his community and among colleagues.

Magar, who hails from the picturesque district of Kavre, has come far from his humble beginnings to establish himself as a mason-painter. His career has taken from him working from the traditional homes and structures in his village to committing his skills on the grandeur of architectural marvels in international locations.

With his expertise and dedication, Magar has contributed his craftsmanship in the making of stunning buildings and houses in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. Each project he undertakes not only showcases his technical prowess but also reflects his passion for his work and his commitment to excellence.

“Despite getting more experience and the opportunity to go abroad to work, I never forget where I come from,” he says. “Even after all these years I still feel like a child from Kavre trying to make it in life. I’m aware of my origins and my sense of self. It’s not merely a feature of who I am.”

In Kavre, as a child, he’d watch the people around him in his neighborhood hustling away with their tools and craft. Magar recalls being fascinated by the people around him, observing with keen interest as they meticulously crafted and constructed with purposeful precision. These early experiences planted the seeds of curiosity and passion in him, setting the stage for a remarkable trajectory that would unfold as the years went by.

Magar says he was born with the ability to paint. His skills were not acquired through any sort of conventional training or mentorship from any professional but it emerged as a natural talent. For him, the disciplines of masonry and painting transcend mere profession. They are an integral aspect of his identity, intricately woven into the fabric of his existence.

“No one taught me how to paint, or sculpt or anything related to what I am doing professionally today. Everything I know how to do today is something I have observed from people around me,” he says.

“I didn’t have big dreams for myself,” he adds. “Growing up, my family faced financial hardships that made it impossible for us to afford higher education. While other children dreamed of prestigious careers and university degrees, I found myself grappling with the reality of limited opportunities and societal expectations.”

Despite the many challenges he faced, Magar refused to be held back by his circumstances. Determined to make something of himself, he turned to his skills and abilities, seeking out opportunities wherever he could find them. He took on odd jobs and worked tirelessly to sharpen his skills.

He encountered skepticism and doubt from those around him, who questioned his choice of profession and urged him to pursue something ‘practical’, something that would bring in financial stability. There were times when Magar wondered if he was on the right track or if he should heed the advice of others and settle for a more conventional life. But, he says, he knew this profession was for him. So, he decided to work even harder and overcome the hardship by persevering, adapting, and growing.

Magar’s hands, as a mason-painter, have sculpted and painted the walls of many houses and structures around Kathmandu. His skill goes beyond simply building things; it also involves converting areas into livable, character-filled works of art. Magar’s artwork displays his love of his trade and dedication to perfection.

Magar emphasizes the importance of honesty and diligence in your work, stressing that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from giving your best in every task you undertake.

Magar believes that a job well done is not merely about meeting deadlines or fulfilling obligations. It’s about taking pride in the quality and craftsmanship of the work produced.

“I firmly believe that if you aren’t satisfied with what you’ve accomplished, you haven’t done justice to your craft. Satisfaction is a measure of the quality and integrity of your work.”

Described by coworkers as a ‘happy soul’, Magar is known for his infectious positivity and unwavering work ethic. Despite facing inevitable challenges in his line of work, he approaches each day with a smile and a can-do attitude, inspiring those around him to persevere and maintain high standards of professionalism.

As he contemplates the road ahead, Magar remains committed to what he is doing and the opportunities it presents. He acknowledges the possibility of returning to work abroad for extended periods of time, driven by the demands of the season and the allure of new horizons. While he harbors a deep love for his homeland and the communities he serves in Kathmandu, he recognizes the practical necessity of seeking employment opportunities abroad to support his family.

Six houses have been robbed at Haripur Tole in Lahan Municipality-17, Siraha district on Monday.

A gang of dacoits carried out bomb blasts before robbing the houses.

Some of the locals were injured in the explosion.

The dacoits robbed cash and gold ornaments from the houses of Raj Dev Yadav, Ajay Kumar Yadav, Ram Babu Thakur, Ram Awatar Thakur, Ram Prasad Yadav and Niranjan Yadav last night.

Yogendra Yadav and Niranjan Yadav, who were injured while trying to retaliate against the dacoits, have been sent to Biratnagar for treatment.

Ram Babu Yadav, Biracha Thakur, Jogendra Yadav and Mani Yadav, who were also injured in the incident, are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Mayor Mahesh Chaudhary said that the Lahan Municipality has decided to provide Rs 100, 000 each to the victim as relief and for the treatment of the injured.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.