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A day after the Pushpa Kamal Dahal government blasted the then government under CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli for not duly communicating with the international community about Nepal’s new map comprising the Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas, the main opposition CPN-UML had the government in its crosshairs.

Addressing the Lower House, Raghuji Panta, a UML lawmaker, said, “The Parliament approved the new map of Nepal unanimously. But China’s recently-issued map does not show Nepal’s pointed map (including the territories of Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura) in its neighborhood. It shows the old map.” “The Foreign Minister has flayed the previous government for ‘not communicating with the world’ about the new map,” he said. Panta went on, “With how many countries has this government communicated regarding Nepal’s new map? I demand an answer, pronto.”

Dil Kumari Rawal, another UML lawmaker, joined forces with Panta and accused both China and India of seeking to undermine Nepal’s status as a fully sovereign country.

Speaking at the National Assembly, Rawal blamed the two neighbors for disregarding Nepal’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.    

She was referring to India’s act of including Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani in its new political map issued in 2019 and China’s recent act of including the old map of Nepal shorn of the 400-sq km that it has been claiming as her own by presenting historic records like land ownership certificates issued to local people and the receipt of land tax from them.

Rawal expressed doubts that the omission may have occurred due to weak diplomatic steps on the part of governments vis-a-vis the new map. She urged the government to attend to this serious matter. 

It may be noted that India and China signed a 40-point pact in 2015, which, among other things, envisages using Lipulek for bilateral trade, by sidelining Nepal. The then government had objected to the move, to little avail. 

Successive governments have pledged to resolve the dispute with India through diplomatic means, yet they have done precious little toward dispute resolution with the thorny issue not even figuring in bilateral talks. 

The government should chalk out agendas before Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to China. Such preparations are standard for any official visit. However, the government’s main focus should be on executing the agreements inked with China in the past. We have many agreements with our northern neighbor awaiting implementation. 

Additionally, the government should actively engage with the Chinese government to boost the arrival of Chinese tourists to Nepal. Bringing in more tourists is vital for the growth of Nepal’s tourism industry.

Regarding the recent alterations to China’s map, it is imperative for the government of Nepal to engage in diplomatic discussions with Chinese officials. Prior to this, the government should ensure that the international community is duly informed about Nepal’s updated map. It’s worth noting that the map issue was not taken up during the PM’s visit to India, even though it’s an important matter concerning our bilateral relationship.

The author is a former ambassador of Nepal to China

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed the government's commitment to establishing a credible transitional justice process to uncover the truth, providing reparations to the survivors.

In his address to the National Conference on Sentencing Regime in the Context of Transitional Justice Process in Nepal here today, the Prime Minister pledged to bring those responsible for grave human rights violations to justice and move towards establishing reconciliation in society. "In this endeavor, we will be guided by the Comprehensive Peace Accord, the directives of the Supreme Court of Nepal, and relevant international commitments, as well as the concerns of the victims."

In the event organized by Advocacy Forum and International Commission on Jurists (ICJ), the Prime Minister called for a strong support from all walks of the society including survivors, civil societies, political parties and international community to conclude the process successfully.

Stating that though the Bill to amend the Enforced Disappearance and Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2014 was tabled in the Parliament in July 2022, the document could not be passed because the expiry of the tenure of the parliament, the Prime Minister said," After the commencement of the new parliament, the bill has been registered with some reform and now is under consideration in the parliamentary committee.  We hope that the Committee will resolved some of the issues that have been raised by the stakeholders."

He said that if the Bill is endorsed by the House, it will open a space for the development of a comprehensive and coherent transitional justice strategy that will allow Nepal to achieve both the greatest possible satisfaction of the rights of survivors and a lasting peace.

"The new constitution itself is the product of the peace agreement which incorporates almost all human rights enshrined in the international human rights law. The immediate enforceability of the economic, social and cultural rights in the constitution, can be marked as the major achievement which was a key agenda of the conflict," the Prime Minister said.

Also speaking at the program, former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha said it would not take much time to conclude the transitional justice process if ‘justice' was prioritized through the whole process.  "We are in the course of a sustainable peace in the nation and the goal is achievable if the essence of justice is prioritized."  He was of the opinion of making the Bill relating to transitional justice widely-acceptable and concluding the peace process without any further delay.

Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the United Nations resident coordinator of Nepal, underscored the importance of involving stakeholders and survivors in the transitional justice process to ensure its effectiveness.

Santiago A Canton, the secretary general of ICJ, echoed the need to prioritize the concerns of survivors in the transitional justice process.

Suman Adhikari, a representative from the survivors' community, urged the Prime Minister and political leaders to pay special attention to conclude the process, ensuring justice for survivors.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal called on President Ram Chandra Paudel on Monday.

During the meeting held at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, the head of the government apprised the head of the state of his upcoming participation in the United Nations General Assembly and the China visit, according to President's press advisor Kiran Pokhrel.

On the occasion, the two exchanged views on other contemporary affairs, it has been learnt.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government has accorded top priorities to the accomplishments of social justice, good governance and prosperity goals.

In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the Gaijatra and Janai Purnima (Rakshabandhan) festival today, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to combating corruption, misconduct and mismanagement to pave the way for establishing good governance.

"The government is making efforts to bring a quality change among the lives of citizens," the head of the government said, adding that its focus was on reviving the economy affected by pandemic, global geopolitical crisis and internal limitations for managerial skills.

In the message, he said since ancient times, Nepal has remained a symbol of religious tolerance, social harmony, and unity among various castes, languages, cultures, and civilizations, adding that such diversities were the reasons for its unique identity and self-esteem for the Nepalis.

He expressed his hope that the festival would inspire all the Nepalis to realize the needs for nation building and for promoting family happiness, social goodwill, and unity.

Furthermore, he extended his wishes for joy, peace, prosperity, and sustained progress for all Nepalis within the country and abroad on the occasion of this festival.

British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday.

During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Baluwatar, they held a discussion on a wide array of issues ranging from bilateral interests to the Nepal-UK cooperation, said Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sewa Lamsal.

Secretary General of SAARC Esala Ruwan Weerakoon paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday.

In the meeting held at Baluwatar, the two discussed various issues relating to the SAARC.

The Prime Minister applauded the leadership of Weerakoon as the SAARC Secretary General and his role in advancing the SAARC process, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stood before the Parliament to answer a slew of questions from parliamentarians. 

The topics raised in the Q & A session included transitional justice, government action against corruption, good governance, farm reforms and education for all. 

In all, Dahal responded to more than a dozen questions coming from cross-party lawmakers. Out of them, we have selected top 10 questions and responses from PM Dahal.

Ek Nath Dhakal: Isn’t it your duty to meet Gangamaya Adhikari, who has been on a hunger strike for years seeking justice?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been formed for the administration of transitional justice in order to deal judicially with the incidents during the conflict and the government is committed to the administration of transitional justice as soon as possible. Regarding Gangamaya Adhikari, under the prevailing legal system, the government is providing humanitarian services and protection to her. The government, to date, has provided Rs 3.74m for her treatment.

Asim Shah: The opening of corruption files was just to keep other parties in size. Is the stunt over now?

Good governance has been a priority since the formation of the government and because of that, we have succeeded in eradicating the hatred of the people toward the political system.

The public has also started to believe that our good governance was possible because of the unbiased investigations. No guilty should escape and no innocent should suffer. Not only my party members but even if the prime minister is found guilty in the investigation, there is no need to leave him out of the radar. All those involved in corruption will be prosecuted on the basis of facts and evidence.

Rishikesh Pokharel: The progress status of most of the national pride projects is worrisome...

I am regularly taking progress reports of national pride projects. Necessary budget has also been allocated for the timely completion of these projects. Two of the national pride projects have been completed and the work progress of 14 has reached 80 percent. The progress of five projects is 50 to 80 percent and the progress of two projects is 50 percent. The government is making efforts to complete these projects as soon as possible.

Ishwari Devi Neupane: Will your speech about turning Nepal to a caste state help in establishing social harmony?

The expressions that disrupt social harmony will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The government is determined to prevent any kind of action that disturbs social unity, harmony and social coexistence that has been maintained since time immemorial.

Nepal being a multiracial and multicultural nation, people of different castes, races, religions and cultures have been living together with mutual cooperation, respect and deep harmony since centuries. Unity in diversity is our uniqueness and also the basic character of Nepali society. By maintaining the coexistence of all, protecting and promoting originality, our national unity will be sustainable and strong.

Aain Bahadur Shahi: During your visit to China, is there any plan to discuss the opening of Namche Langa border?

During my upcoming visit to China, there will be talks about opening a new trade channel. It is almost certain that there will be a talk about opening the Namche Langa crossing in Mugu. The government will give priority to the development of tourist areas including Rara.

Asha BK: Caste-based discrimination and untouchability is still there in the society and violence is still occuring in various parts of the country, what is your take on it ? 

Nepal’s constitution 2015 has ensured rights against untouchability and discrimination as a fundamental rights of every citizen. So the government is committed to ending such discrimination and taking action against those who are involved in such crimes.

Urmila Majhi: Nepal is known as an agricultural country but our productivity is going down and people are not interested to be involved in the agriculture sector. What is the government’s plan to motivate the farmers?

To achieve a sustainable independent economy, the government has put a high priority on qualitative and reformative agriculture. Government has given high-priority to mechanization, modernization and commercialization to improve agricultural productivity.  The government has allocated the sufficient resources for agriculture.

Asthma Chaudhary: The number of eye patients rising across the country, what is the government’s plant to control this epidemic?  

Government has launched a nation-wide campaign to control conjunctivitis.  Similarly, several initiatives have been launched at the local level in order to create awareness in the local level.

Urmila Thebe: Government has adopted the policy of free-education but everywhere the cost of education is increasing, but the government is still hesitant to table a bill on education which aims to address those issues.

Government is fully committed to provide a free and affordable education to all. As stated in the constitution, the government has made necessary arrangements to provide free education to all secondary-level students. Similarly, local governments are investing in the education sector.

Ishwari Gharti: Rolpa district was the base of the 10-year long insurgency but the government under your leadership has not taken any initiative to improve the people’s livelihood, what is your plan for the future? 

There is do doubt that Rolpa has played a historic role in all political movements of Nepal. In every historical juncture, we appreciate the contribution made by the people.  I have been giving high-priority for the social and other development of Rolpa district.

Interpretative declaration should be implemented: PM Dahal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that interpretative declarations adopted by Parliament while endorsing the grant under Millennium Challenge Corporation should be implemented.

Speaking at a public program on Tuesday, the head of the government said that he would inquire with the senior MCC officials whether the US is ready to make the declarative interpretation as part of MCC compact.

Dahal further added “If something wrong happens in declarative interpretation, the key base to go to the street will be interpretative declaration.”  The interpretative declaration is the property of the Parliament and there are doubts whether it will be implemented, PM Dahal said. He further added that interpretative declaration is a valid document under international law. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal extended his best wishes to the Nepali cricket team.

Holding a virtual meeting with the Nepali cricket team, who reached Pakistan to play the Asia Cup, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dahal extended his best wishes for the matches.

Extending his best wishes, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his belief that the Nepali team will bring good results in the tournament. He further said that he has always paid attention to the welfare of the players.

During the meeting, Capitan Rohit Paudel informed the Prime Minister that the team is preparing well for the games and will perform accordingly.

Nepal will debut in the Asia Cup in Multan of Pakistan on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has commended the contribution and courage of the people of Rolpa district for a political change in Nepal.

Responding to queries raised by lawmakers in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, he said the government has focused on the development of the district. "The government has prioritized bringing the backward region in terms of development onboard the mainstream. The government has given priorities to social justice, good governance and public service."

On police investigations into various cases recently, the PM said the government had clearly directed the police administration to freely and impartially investigate the cases so the guilty should not escape and innocent must not be booked. "There is no need to halt investigations when it comes to investigating cases relating to the Prime Minister. Put aside my party in this regard," he said. Those found involved in corruption would face action, he added.

The government is committed to preventing any such activities that would disturb social unity, harmony and social coexistence, the PM said, adding the government would not give exemption in activities that disturb social harmony and go against culture and religion of each other.

While maintaining the coexistence of all of us, our national unity will be strengthened through the protection and preservation of our originality thus consolidating our nationality in a true sense, PM Dahal reiterated.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that his visit to China will further strengthen the historical relations between the two countries.

During a question-answer program with Prime Minister Dahal at the Parliament meeting on Tuesday, Dahal said that the visit is focused on giving a new momentum to the social and economic development of Nepal.

During the visit, Prime Minister Dahal said that he would stress on the implementation of the agreements reached earlier.

He claimed that his visit would make the trade between Nepal and China easier.

The Prime Minister said that discussions will also be held to make the border operation effective and to open a new border point.

He said that priority will be given to the roads, energy and agriculture sector.

The team representing the Campaign for Nepali Congress Transformation today called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and demanded the government take action against all those found indulging in corruption.

The team urged the government to act tough against corruption to promote good governance in the country.

The delegation comprising Madhu Acharya, Jagadishwar Narsingh KC, Bhupendra Jung Shahi, Khagendra Malla, Janardan Acharya, Shanta Bastakoti and others had been at Baluwatar, the official residence of the Prime Minister, to urge the PM to ensure impartial investigations into the Lalita Niwas land procurement scam and to hold accountable all individuals proven guilty in the case. 

The team also drew the government's attention not to harbor any political favor towards and prejudice against anyone in the investigation in relation to the gold scam and to conclude the case impartially. The delegation also called for thorough investigation into the fake Bhutanese refugee scam and to bring it to a conclusive resolution.

The delegation stressed the significance of holding anyone involved in corruption accountable, regardless of their political or social status.

In response, the Prime Minister assured the delegation that the government is committed to concluding all the corruption related cases with impartially and seriousness.  

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed his grief over the Dhading bus accident.

At least nine people were killed and over a dozen others injured when a passenger bus skidded off the road and plunged into the Trishuli river at Gajuri Rural Municipality-2 in Dhading district today.

The bus was heading towards Beni of Myagdi from Kathmandu.

Offering his condolences, PM Dahal directed the effective rescue efforts.

"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the deceased, and the bereaved families and well-wishers. While wishing for speedy recovery to the injured, I direct the Home administration, security agencies and local administration to carry out effective rescue efforts."

The government on Wednesday endorsed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s New York visit.

A Cabinet meeting held this morning endorsed PM Dahal’s New York visit, Minister of Communication and Information Technology and government spokesperson Rekha Sharma said.

Leading a Nepali delegation, Prime Minister Dahal will leave for New York to take part in the 78^th General Assembly of the United Nations on the proposal of Foreign Ministry.

The Social Security Fund (SSF) has launched a contribution-based social security scheme for informal sector workers and self-employed. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on Wednesday, unveiled the program which will now enable Nepalis working in the informal sector and self-employed Nepalis to be part of SSF.

With this, four sectors—formal sector, foreign employment, informal sector, and self-employed have joined the SSF. There is a provision in the Social Security Fund Act that workers in the informal sector and self-employed persons can join the SSF. Workers in the informal sector include those working in the agricultural sector, construction sector, and those whose employer is not fixed.

Launching the new program, Prime Minister Dahal said that the launch of the scheme for informal sector workers has given a message that no one will be left out of the scope of social security in Nepal. “In that sense, he said, this day should be considered an important historical day for the establishment of labor rights,” said Dahal.

According to Dahal, all the workers working in the informal sector will gradually participate in the scheme. Dahal said that the social security scheme would be run as an intensive campaign by integrating it under the integrated concept. “The fund is an important mechanism of the state for neglected, suppressed, and oppressed people of the society,” he said. 

As per the SSF procedure, an agreement can be made through the local level to include workers in the informal sector and self-employed persons in the fund. Based on this arrangement, two local bodies—Phendi Khola Rural Municipality of Syangja and Bhimphedi Rural Municipality of Makwanpur have already started enrolling informal sector workers and self-employed in the SSF. 

According to SSF, informal sector workers and self-employed workers can now apply to join the fund. They have to first produce an identity card from the local level as an informal sector worker and self-employed. And, they (informal sector workers) have to contribute a minimum of Rs 2,024 per month. 

As per the procedure, a total of 20.37 percent will be contributed to the fund, of which 11 percent will be from the workers and 9.37 percent will be the supplementary amount provided by the government. However, self-employed persons will have to contribute 31 percent of the minimum wage.

Workers and self-employed persons in the informal sector who join the fund will be able to participate in all kinds of facilities operated by the fund. Contributors will be able to get medical treatment, health and maternity protection, accident and disability and dependent family protection, and old age protection scheme.

The SSF will pay a maximum of Rs 700,000 for the medical expenses incurred in the hospital to the contributor in case of an accident, under the accident and disability protection scheme. 

After joining the SSF, informal sector workers and self-employed workers will get disability pensions, lifetime pensions, and scholarships for their children. 

The contribution-based social security scheme was launched by the then KP Sharma Oli-led government in Nov 2018 with the objective to provide social security coverage to private sector employees.

Though formal sector workers have been receiving benefits from the social security plan for three years back, the SSF started to incorporate migrant workers and self-employed persons living abroad, as well as workers from the informal sector for the first time.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the social security scheme would be run as an intensive campaign by integrating it under the integrated concept for receiving the expected returns on the development of the economy.

Structures would be created for implementing the scheme in an integrated way for its sustenance and removing dual benefits while making many social security allowance schemes being based on contribution, he said while addressing the inaugural of the social security plan for workers and self-employed people in the informal sector at an event organized here by the Social Security Fund on Wednesday.

"The Fund is an important mechanism of the state for neglected, suppressed and oppressed people of the society. The mechanism has the ability of increasing entire production by making the internal production cycle active. On the other hand, hopes of workers are there in such a fund. The scheme helps in the context when workers in the informal sector have to work until their body allows and they have to retire empty-handed from the job."

The constitution cannot be fully implemented until workers' right to social security is implemented, he said.

Stating that Nepali migrant workers have been covered by the social security scheme, he assured of fully implementing the government's campaign to bring all workers under the scheme.

Stating that guaranteeing the rights of workers including social security was a mandatory condition for establishment of socialism-oriented political and economic system as envisaged by the constitution of Nepal, Prime Minister Dahal argued that social security was not a general concept.

"It would rather create an enabling environment for all citizens to avail education, healthcare services, employment, concession and rewards without discrimination," asserted Dahal.

Pressing for effective implementation of the 'Contribution-based Social Security Act-2074 BS' to make social security sustainable and organized, he pledged to mobilize regulatory agencies to oversee implementation of the Act keeping in view that no citizens are deprived of benefits of social security act.

Furthermore, he said efforts would be coordinated for registration of the establishment, renewal, taxation system, participation in procurement process among others to ensure that workers from formal sectors are affiliated with the Fund.

To enhance capacity of the Fund and to maintain its credibility and ownership, he also assured to rope in the government offices' workers working on the basis of contract and daily wages in the Fund.

He said that the government was serious towards enforcing the co-contribution of the State for the welfare of workers in the informal sector.

Similarly, Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari articulated readiness of the government to revise and implement various plans unveiled by the Fund to contribute towards poverty reduction and increase attraction of the labor force in the labor market.

Likewise, Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal suggested that the Fund should prepare to maintain record and manage the statistics of the Fund keeping in view the increasing number of its beneficiaries.

Joint Trade Union Labor Coordination Committee (JTUCC) President Binod Shrestha underscored practical implementation of labor rights issues provisioned in the constitution, law and policy.

Representatives from employer companies and international labor organizations were present in the program.