Submit your Article

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the 'economic outflow' from Nepal-like countries of South Asia for higher education should be stopped.

Addressing the inauguration programme of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) - North Zone Vice Chancellors' Meet 2024 & Bharat-Nepal Higher Education Summit today, he underscored on making efforts for retaining within the country itself a majority of the youths and the resources they have. 

"There is a huge outflow of money from countries like Nepal on higher education and this trend should now be reversed. We should create an environment conducive for those youths seeking opportunities globally," PM Dahal said, pointing out the need of re-evaluating the internationalization of higher education.

Stating the education sector is struggling against the challenges brought by global forces, the Prime Minister said the latest trend of students and intellectuals getting drawn to the universities of the North is seen as they have invested much resources in skill and education development.

"The balance of higher education is seen tilted towards the North.  Although the education system of the North has attracted international students due to the expensive budget, this situation cannot last long," PM Dahal further added.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the rich intellectual heritage founded on native and indigenous knowledge systems of the South can help provide answers to the global problems today, be it the question of medicine, lifestyle or peace.

In his address to the Association of Indian Universities AIU-North Zone Vice-Chancellors’ Meet and the Bharat-Nepal Higher Education Summit, in Dhulikhel today, the Prime Minister made this remark.

In the meet themed "Globalization and internalization of higher education" and hosted by the Kathmandu University, he said, "We must do away with the south versus north divide purely based on economic parameters. Rather, we must think of ways to connect the south and north by finding common grounds."

 According to the Prime Minister and the University Chancellor, the gathering, therefore, has great significance to devise a higher education manifesto for the global south.

"I believe that this meet will be a starting point for harnessing our own resources to contribute to the global order, which is changing anyway. 

Kathmandu University is leading the way from Nepal in writing such a manifesto. In its 32-year history, Kathmandu University has served as a beacon in this endeavor, with its commendable efforts in internationalization and the expansion of academic programs, he added.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that time demands all forces that advocated for and contributed to bring about change to unite.

In his address to a party program on the occasion of the 29th People's War Day here today, leader Dahal was of the view that institutionalization of the political achievements so far is possible only through unity among progressive forces.

He also utilized the moment to call on Maoist leaders and cadres to take responsibility for protecting the achievements of the people's war. Highlighting the challenges faced, he warned that some forces are attempting to reverse the accomplishments made in the areas of socialism, good governance, social justice, and prosperity.

Party Chair Dahal also welcomed newcomers to the party from Dang and Surkhet who formally joined the party.

Party Standing Committee member and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, was also present on the occasion.

The party observed Falgun 1 each year in the Nepali calendar as the People's War Day in commemoration of the formal commencement of the people's war (1996-2005).

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also the Chair of the National Security Council, called on President Ramchandra Paudel today to present the Council's annual report.

Upon receiving the report, President Paudel expressed hope that the Council would consistently act with caution in promoting the interests of nationality, sovereignty, independence, integrity, and national security.

During the meeting, the President spoke of the need of enhancing the nation's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and autonomy.

He also stressed the need for promoting cultural, religious, linguistic, and communal harmony, social tolerance and unity, and strengthening the national social security system. Furthermore, he underscored the effective implementation of the national security policy.

President Paudel commended the Council for presenting the report with a strategic outlook concerning nationality, sovereignty, integrity, and security.

According to Article 266(3) of the Constitution, the Council is mandated to submit its annual report to the President.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Purna Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed federal government ministers to promptly address concerns relating to the implementation of federalism coming from provincial governments. 

Addressing a meeting of chief ministers of all seven provinces with the Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Thursday, the PM said, “Full implementation of federalism is our collective responsibility. You (ministers at the Center) have well understood the worries and concerns of chief ministers. Take them seriously.”

He expressed confidence that active and energetic chief ministers will make a significant contribution toward implementation of federalism, adding that his government has accorded it special priority.

Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey said federal ministers and lawmakers should be equally responsible for the implementation of federalism by taking the PM’s steps toward that end seriously. He thanked the PM for his initiation in operating the Korala transit point and drew the attention of the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport toward a prompt construction of Muglin-Pokhara and Narayangadh-Butwal roadways.

Madhes Province’s Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav urged the Ministry of Finance for the operation of Chhoti customs offices on the border with India. Pointing out to the acute problem of irrigation and drinking water in Madhes, he urged the federal government to take initiatives for resolving these problems. “Let us run irrigation projects with joint investment from the Center and provinces, and increase the productivity in Tarai-Madhes,” he suggested.

Karnali Province’s Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma sought a review regarding delays in the implementation of federalism.  

Stating that Karnali is still grappling with problems of electrification, reliable irrigation facilities and weak telecom services, Sharma advised all federal ministries to focus more on addressing these problems.

Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah, lauding the ‘PM’s initiatives in implementing federalism’, said federal ministers should match the PM’s efforts with theirs. He said a centralized mindset is mainly responsible for the delay in implementing federalism.

“Important agreements have been made regarding the development of Sudur Paschim during the Prime Minister’s official visit to India. Development of the province has been given due priority in the incumbent government’s term alone. I thank the Prime Minister for this,” he said.

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Shalikram Jamkattel said federal ministries should delegate powers to provinces sooner than later, urging the bureaucracy to unlearn the ‘unitary mindset’ while implementing federalism.

Lumbini Province Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary applauded the PM’s initiation toward effective enforcement of federalism. “Federalism is our collective achievement and we have to shoulder the responsibility of implementing it.” 

Koshi Province Chief Minister Kedar Karki urged federal ministers to internalize the PM’s spirit regarding the implementation of federalism. He urged the ministers not to hesitate to devolve power to the provinces.

Provincial wants

• Shedding of unitary mindset and devolution of powers
• Steady electricity supply, reliable irrigation, telecom and water supply services
• Irrigation projects with joint investment from the Center and provinces 
• Revival of Chhoti customs offices

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has instructed the lawmakers from his party to play an effective role in the parliament.

During a meeting of the CPN (Maoist Center) Parliamentary Party convened at the Party's office in Singha Durbar today, he urged the party's all lawmakers to go on refining their roles.

Stating that the government has preparations to table important bills in the current session of Parliament, Chair Dahal urged the lawmakers to play an active role in the law making, said Rupa Soshi Chaudhary, the Maoist Centre Whip.

The meeting also held discussions on formation of parliamentary friendship groups, formulation of the policy and programmes and the budget for the next fiscal year, the 16th periodic plan, the parliament work schedule and the parliament's and committees' meetings as well.

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.