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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) bill should be endorsed on the basis of political consensus.

A Parliamentary Party meeting of the CPN (Maoist Center) held in Singhadurbar on Monday morning, party Chairman Dahal mentioned that the Bill related to Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be endorsed by consensus in this session.

“All the people will be benefited if the TRC bill is endorsed on the basis of consensus as much as possible. We should go through the same process,” he said.

Chairman Dahal directed the party leaders and cadres to present themselves ideologically against those who are against the federal system.

Saying that federal democracy was brought in the country with their active participation, he issued a directive to play a constructive role in favor of the system.

“We have brought this system. It is our responsibility to protect and strengthen this system. That is why, we should present ourselves ideologically against the people who are against this system,” he further said.

Prime Minister Dahal also directed the party lawmakers to play a strong role in favor of the people in the Parliament.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pledged to further protect and promote the knowledge and skills of indigenous nationalities, utilizing them to enhance national income.

In his address to a program organized on the third anniversary of the Indigenous Nationalities Commission here today, the Prime Minister assured that the government would exert maximum efforts to inscribe the cultural heritages of indigenous nationalities in UNESCO and implement the Indigenous and Tribal People's Convention.

Acknowledging the resource constraints faced by the Commission and a delay in establishing provincial offices as demanded by the relevant Act, the Prime Minister promised necessary initiatives to address the absence of proportional representation of indigenous nationalities in decision-making levels.

The formation of the Commission was a result of the struggles and sacrifices made by the indigenous community against the prolonged suppression and discrimination by the then State authority, the Prime Minister said, recognizing that such achievements were hard-won. He also praised the Commission's role in building an inclusive and just Nepal.

The establishment of the Commission aimed to promote the identity and representation of the indigenous population in the state apparatus, utilizing their skills and experiences to contribute to the development of a prosperous Nepal, he added.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting with CPN-UML Chairperson, KP Sharma Oli, with an objective of making the Parliament upcoming session effective.

During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today, they discussed various issues, including completing the remaining task of the peace process and the bill related to transitional justice, said PM Dahal's press advisor Govinda Acharya.

The winter session of both houses of the Federal Parliament is commencing from February 5.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the alarming situation of brain drain from the country should be stopped.

Addressing the 7th Assembly of Rajarshi Janak University here today, the Prime Minister said that the exodus of intellectuals can be prevented through full utilization of the University's dedication, capacity and creative initiative for the intellectual nourishment of the students.

Stating that every graduate of Rajarshi Janak University carries the present picture and the future of education in the country, the Prime Minister emphasized that the education system should be reformed accordingly. The production of human resources capable of leading the nation is today's major priority, which requires qualitative improvement in teaching and learning activities.

There is a need to qualitatively improve the policy, curriculum, pedagogy and working style of the universities considering the impact of globalization in the education sector. "Competitive education based on innovation should be emphasized," he said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the University for conducting undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs in the fields of medical education, management and computer technology in a short period of its establishment.

He also assured that the difficulties faced by the University due to the lack of land and building infrastructure will be addressed gradually with the improvement of the economy.

On a different note, Prime Minister Dahal said under the federal structure, the government's policy is to develop the entire Madhesh province as a center of knowledge. "The opening of a university in the name of Rajarshi Janak for the purpose of lighting the lamp of knowledge is a profound faith towards ancient civilization, culture and cultural heritage".

Emphasizing on the need for policy and academic guidance considering the rationale and need of the University, the Prime Minister said the present government has taken various initiatives to build the dignity and academic prestige of the universities.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has underlined the need to exert all possible efforts to attract the students going abroad for education and employment in the home country.

In his address to the 12th general assembly of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Prime Minister Dahal stressed the need to introduce measures for creating employment opportunities and attracting students in the country.

Expressing pleasure over the rise in the enrolment of students in agriculture science, PM Dahal said the AFU should play a crucial role for the development of agriculture and forestry.

Noting that the targets of production and productivity could not be attained without cooperation from university teachers, agriculture scientists, students and technicians, he said, "Youths' attraction to agriculture has not increased. They should be brought to agriculture by adopting any measures. It is to spur productivity".

The Prime Minister further said he wished to see the effective role in technology production through the better education, research and extension system in the future.

The country's agriculture education, research system and agriculture and forestry university also have witnessed challenges, he said, adding, "The AFU can play a crucial role for the development of agriculture and forestry".

PM Dahal expressed happiness over the establishment and operation of eight agriculture faculties, colleges and two agriculture science centers in different provinces and suggested running educational programs in the approved colleges of Syangja and Gorkha.

He stressed the spectacular role of the university in increasing production and productivity, thereby promoting export and slashing national loss.

He said the university should provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve economic conditions and employment through scientific forestry management.

The PM underlined the need to run constructive campaigns to sustainably operate teaching and research maintaining higher quality.

The AFU was established in Nepal in 2067 BS realizing the need of technical university for education and research in the areas of agriculture, livestock, veterinary, fishery and forestry.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal  said an investigation will be conducted on the royal massacre that took place in 2001.

Talking to journalists at Simara Airport, Bara on Monday, the Prime Minister said that the royal massacre wherein the dynasty of the then King Birednra was destroyed will be investigated, according to the Prime Minister's secretariat.

The federal democratic republic system has given rights to all, PM Dahal said, adding that no one has the right to stand against the system with conspiracy.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has underlined the need of developing Nepal as a hub for higher education.

In his address to the ninth Senate of the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences here today, the Prime Minister said he is clear that Nepal should be established as a hub for higher studies.

On the occasion, the PM said he is happy to hear that Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) is welcoming students from outside the country.  

He also expressed his hope that the Academy will gain new height ahead and it is rendering direct health services to the citizens of geographically backward communities in the Karnali and Far Western provinces.  "In addition to this, it has contributed to the production of a skilled health workforce."

"The KAHS is significantly working with a full sense of responsibility and preparedness in each health crisis either it was COVID-19 crisis, or during the earthquake," he said.

According to the Prime Minister, it is the responsibility of KAHS to further strengthen the quality of its services, making it wider accessible. The graduates of KAHS should be additionally competitive and skilled who could serve the nation with a high sense of integrity.

Stating that the Academy had significantly made great strides in recent years, PM Dahal expressed his confidence that the Academy would take serious initiatives for innovation-based studies, research and invention.

Karnali should take special initiatives for medicine production

Addressing the Senate of the Academy, PM Dahal suggested that the Academy should take special initiatives in medicine production by optimally utilizing the natural resources and heritages.

He also directed the Academy to undertake necessary homework for medicine production. Lauding the Academy for delivering well in spite of resource constraints, the PM pledged his support to the plan to tap the tremendous potential of Karnali in the coming days.

"There are problems such as inconvenience of roads, lack of skilled doctors and technicians which have created challenges in production of skilled human resources and service delivery. Appropriate initiatives will be taken by the government to address it in coming days," the Head of the Government said.

Stating that he was aware about the concerns and demands of the doctors, technicians and staff at the Academy, PM Dahal assured, "I assure you that your demands will be addressed gradually."

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that health insurance should be made more effective to improve the access and use of quality health services in the country.

Speaking at the 12th assembly of Patan Institute of Health Sciences, Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Institute Dahal stressed on the need to realize the state's goal of ensuring health services for all on the basis of social security and health insurance.

Lauding the positive efforts of the local levels in making the health insurance scheme successful, the Prime Minister expressed the belief that the agreement reached with Lalitpur Metropolitan City to provide specialist health services to make the national health insurance program a success will become a model for the country.

He also expressed his belief that the health services provided by the PIHS to the general public will be of higher quality and efficiency in the future, with access to more people.

Prime Minister Dahal also recalled the institute's significant contribution to treatment of those infected with COVID-19.

On a different note, the Prime Minister emphasized on the need for international level study and research in the field of health science and the production of skilled and quality health human resources.

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli today handed a memorandum incorporating 751 plans and programs along with possibilities and challenges of the development of the Mid-hills region to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The main opposition party compiled in written form the demands, memos and suggestions that it received from the people and the problems the party itself observed in course of the 'Resolution Journey for Prosperity' campaign launched by the UML from Jhulaghat of Baitadi to Chiwabhanjyang of Taplejung from November 30 to December 17.

The UML has drawn the attention of the Government of Nepal to the latest condition of the Pushpalal (Mid-hills) highway and also to the need of realignment and improvement of the highway at several places. It is stated that the Mid-hills region has accorded priority to the highest number of 157 demands related to the road and 25 related to construction of bridges.

Among the major suggestions are related to road, education, tourism, agriculture and fruits, health, industries, energy, motorable bridges, irrigation, building construction, preservation and promotion of culture, land management, settlement development, sports, ending the evil social practices as caste discrimination and untouchability, and violence, management of drinking water and source conservation, reconstruction and rehabilitation in earthquake-affected areas, construction of tunnel way, prevention of soil erosion and construction of embankments, among others.

The memo incorporated various issues including migration becoming a big challenge in hilly settlements, some of the settlements turning empty due to outmigration, some of the schools being on verge of closure in lack of students, fertile land turning barren, some of the places even lacking family members to take care their elderly parents, as well as lack of youths to carry the dead to the cremation ground, said UML's central Publicity and Publication Department Chief, Rajendra Gautam.

Similarly, the UML urged the government to stop the uncontrolled import of agro products from foreign countries, to control exploitation by middlemen, to make arrangements of capital and technology, crop insurance, support price of production and its market.

Stating that post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation task in Jajarkot and Rukum West is in snail's pace and very disappointing, the UML assessed that death of more than 34 quake-victims from cold in lack of temporary huts and warm clothes is the matter of shame.

It also demanded the government to save the life of the people by providing relief for temporary huts and guarantee the temporary huts for them immediately.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he raised voices for the interest of the developing countries in the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala of Uganda.

At a news conference organized at Tribhuvan International Airport upon returning home after attending the 19th Summit of the NAM today, the PM said he firmly raised the issues of economic development and prosperity that the developing countries should get.

"Achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) is unlikely to be achieved. Nepal despite its efforts to graduate from a Least Developed Country has plunged into different multidimensional challenges," the PM added.

On the occasion, the PM said that he firmly highlighted the issues of economic development and prosperity that the developing countries should achieve by achieving the internationally agreed goals including the SDGs, Paris Agreement and other others.

The PM stated that while addressing the concluding program of the 19th NAM Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutterres had said the NAM countries have made a big contribution to making the world system judicious, inclusive and equitable, and its relevance has increased more in the present global context.

On the occasion, the President of Uganda called on NAM countries to come together and work for resolving our common problems, PM Dahal added.

In his address to the 19th NAM Summit, he urged the NAM members to reaffirm commitment to the values and principles of non-alignment and avoid any double standards amongst the selves, calling them to work together with utmost sincerity, harmony, solidarity, and cooperation for our shared affluence.

"Let us reinvigorate NAM to make it a force to be reckoned with to build a just, equitable, peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous world leaving no one behind," he had reiterated.

"In conclusion, I would like to thank Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda, for successfully organizing the 19th Summit of the NAM which has the most countries as its members after the United Nations and which remains as the alternative forum of self-dignity, independence, autonomy and solidarity of the Global South since long, and to Azerbaijan for providing leadership to the Movement since the last three years as its Chair," Prime Minister Dahal said.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed the belief that the remaining works of the peace process would be completed on the basis of consensus.

Addressing a special news conference organized at Tribhuvan International Airport upon returning home after attending the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) today, he reiterated that the bill on Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be taken to its logical conclusion.

The PM stated that discussions are on with all sides and the remaining works of the peace process would be concluded through consensus immediately after the commencement of the upcoming session of the Federal Parliament.

"We have made preparations on the Truth and Reconciliation Bill after holding discussions with all. It has landed in the parliamentary committee after finalization from the sub-committee. It will be taken to the full house once the parliament session opens and concluded with priority," he said. Prime Minister Dahal said he is working to have the bill decided through consensus.

The Prime Minister said the government's works have been expedited and the ministers also have been directed to carry out works accordingly. "Ministers would be made to work providing them with a target and we will take decisions accordingly if the responsibilities are not carried out in the right manner," he added.

According to the PM, although Nepal's bureaucracy is not weak in terms of efficiency and experience, there is some lacking when it comes to promptness, seriousness and courage to take initiation. He shared that he has been regularly holding discussions with the Chief Secretary, secretaries and the bureaucracy.

Govt serious on recruitment of Nepali youths in Russian military force

Asked about the woes Nepali youths have been facing after their recruitment in the Russian Army, the PM said he was serious and sensitive to that issue.

"The government is very much serious and sensitive towards the reports that Nepali youths are recruited in the Russian force and mobilized in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. We don’t have such a policy on behalf of the government," PM Dahal added.

The PM stated that the government has no policy to allow Nepalis for their recruitment in the military force in any other countries except the past agreements made for India and England. 

He also shared that a diplomatic note has been sent to Russia on this issue and the Foreign Minister has repeatedly talked about this agenda.  

The PM added that Nepal's Foreign Minister held talks with the Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at Kampala of Uganda during the 19th NAM Summit and was urged to send Nepali youths back home.

He said that talks were held regarding the youths killed in the war and the government has seriously taken the issue of compensation for them.

"Everyone should disseminate awareness among people. We should spread awareness stating that youth should not join the military service anywhere in the name of seeking jobs against the state's policy, the spirit of the Constitution and against the spirit of our democratic national independence. We should be more aware of people saying this is not the way to leave the country by avoiding formal ways. The government is serious. All should work on it (to stop)," the PM argued.

Likewise, the PM said that Nepal has taken Taiwan as an integral part of China since the beginning. "We are not in favor of the policy of separation of Taiwan after accepting One-China Principle," PM Dahal asserted.

Taiwan is China's part and Nepal has stuck to this policy since the beginning, according to the PM.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal returned home after attending the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Uganda.

The inbound and outbound flights were barred  for half-an-hour at the Tribhuvan International Airport for the Prime Minister during the time when he arrived in Kathmandu from Qatar Airways.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker and ministers had reached the airport to welcome him.

Leading a Nepali delegation, Prime Minister Dahal had left for Uganda via Qatar Airlines at 2: 15 am on Thursday.

He was accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and senior officials of Nepal government.

During the summit, the Prime Minister addressed the plenary session of the Summit on the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence’ on January 19.

During his stay in Uganda, he also held a meeting with Nepali diaspora community.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who landed in Kampala of Uganda on Thursday evening leading a Nepali delegation to attend the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held a meeting with Nepali diaspora community in Uganda.

After meeting the Nepali diaspora community, PM Dahal said that he was delighted to meet and interact with the Nepalis there, the PM's secretariat said.

On the occasion, the PM said the country cannot progress without addressing the issues of Nepalis living abroad. "I got an opportunity to know the sufferings of Nepalis living in African countries," the PM stated.

During the meeting, Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud urged the Nepali citizens residing in Uganda to work to uplift the nation's dignity adding that Nepalis in Uganda are serving themselves as the non-residential ambassadors of Nepal.

Chairman of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Uganda chapter, Rama Aryal, said the Nepalis community in Uganda was elated to receive the PM there and experienced the PM's guardianship.

According to the patron of NRNA Uganda chapter Ramesh Kandel, around 350 Nepalis are working and residing in Uganda and contributing to the nation's development, construction and trade communities.  

PM Dahal's daughter Ganga Dahal, Foreign Affairs Minister Saud, PM's foreign affairs advisor Dr Rupak Sapkota, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and senior officials of the Nepal government were present on the occasion.

The NAM Summit is being held in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, from today. PM Dahal is scheduled to address the Summit today itself that is being held under the theme, 'deepening global cooperation for shared global affluence'.

It is said the 19th Nam Summit is to dwell on the ministerial report, review implementation status of the 18th NAM Summit and pass Kampala Declaration.

Nepal is a founding member of the NAM and has been attending the NAM Summit actively since its establishment in 1961. Non-alignment is one of the fundamental foreign principles of Nepal.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka to work as acting Prime Minister during the absence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in office.

Issuing a press statement today, the President's Office informed that as PM Dahal left for Uganda leading a Nepali delegation to attend the 19th NAM summit being held in Kampala, Uganda early this morning, the President asked DPM Khadka to carry out responsibilities of PM Dahal.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has left for Uganda, leading a Nepali delegation, to attend the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He left here early this morning via Qatar Airlines.

The NAM summit is being held in Kampala, capital city of Uganda, on January 19-20.

PM Dahal-led delegation comprises his daughter Ganga Dahal, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and senior officials of Nepal government. 

PM Dahal is scheduled to address the summit that is being held under the theme, 'deepening global cooperation for shared global affluence' on Friday.

He is attending the special ceremony to be organized by the Ugandan President in honor of the visiting delegation chiefs the same day.

In the course of the summit, the PM will be holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the attending countries. Foreign Minister NP Saud had already left for Uganda for the ministerial meeting on the run up to the main event of the NAM summit.

It is said the 19th summit is to dwell on the ministerial report, review implementation status of the 18th NAM summit and pass a Kampala declaration.

Nepal is a founding member of NAM and has been attending the NAM summit actively since establishment. Non-alignment is one of the fundamental foreign principles of Nepal. NAM was established in 1961.

PM Dahal will return home on January 21.

Leading a Nepali delegation, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is leaving for Uganda tomorrow.

The visit is aimed at attending the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit to be held in Kampala of Uganda on January 19-20. The PM will board the Qatar Airlines' 2:15 am flight for Uganda, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The PM will be accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prasad Saud, Sewa Lamsal, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior government officials, the Ministry said.

On the first day of the two-day Summit, PM Dahal will address the plenary session on the theme 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence'.

On the same day, Dahal will attend the state banquet hosted by the President of Uganda, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in honor of the Heads of the delegation from the NAM member states.

In addition to the Summit activities, PM Dahal is slated to hold bilateral meetings with the Head of the States, Head of the Governments, and other dignitaries attending the event.

Foreign Minister Saud has already left here for Uganda on January 15 to participate in the ministerial meeting taking place in Uganda from January 17-18. Preceding the ministerial meeting, the senior officials meeting was held from January 15-16.

Agendas of the Summit include considering the report of the preparatory ministerial meeting, reviewing the progress achieved in the outcome of the 18th NAM Summit held in 2019 and adoption of the Kampala Declaration among others.

Nepal, being a founding member of the NAM, has been actively participating in all NAM Summits. The principle of nonalignment is one of the bedrock principles of Nepal's foreign policy.

PM Dahal is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on January 21.

Following the 19th NAM Summit, the Third South Summit is taking place in Uganda itself from January 21-22 which will be led by Foreign Secretary Lamsal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.