NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 1 NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 2 NEW

SPOTLIGHTFORTNIGHTLY Notes From The Editor

Vol.: 13,14, No.-11,No.-10, January-January-08, 24, 20212020 (Poush(Magh. 10.2076)24. 2077) Price:Price NRs.NRs.100 100 Requesting Indian government to lift the restriction Editor and Publisher Afterput a dramatic on palm day oil of violenceexport, Nepalat the US government Capitol, the Househas shown of Repre its- Keshab Poudel sentativesweakness and the to Senate traders have who confirmed have been Joe Biden’sthriving presidential and making victo- ry certifying Joe Biden’s election as US president and Kamala Harris as profits through the misuse of trade agreement’s loopholes. Contributor vice president. The storm by violent supporters of U.S President Donald TrumpInstead in the Capitalof restricting Hill, a pillar this of kindUS democracy, of short showsterm business,democracy Sabine Pretsch is notthis only request vulnerable will in boosta new countrythe morale but even of tradersin countries and like business United Statescommunity with strong institutions,who has hardly traditions shown and long interest practices. in sustainedOne of the Design/Layout beautiesand of long-term democratic industrialization order is peaceful transferof . of power With andthis rule kind of Sahil Mokthan, 9863022025 law. ofHowever, backing, storming traders capitol often with misused the instigation the preferential of a president treat of- democratic world showed the rise of despotism is possible everywhere. ments time and again to make individual gains. In the last Marketing Manager Despite mayhem and despotic nature of individuals, the US institutions, three decades, Nepal and have signed several trade Madan Raj Poudel overwhelming politicians of diverse political parties and democracy agreements with preferential treatments to Nepalese prod- Tel: 9841320517 have been saved. Although President Donald Trump forced rejection of the results,ucts with the joint certain session percentages chaired by Vice of local President value Mike added. Pence, This who strictly followed the constitutional order, traditions and practices, finally Nabin Kumar Maharjan aimed to promote industrialization in Nepal. By misusing paved the way for Biden’s victory. Tel: 9841291404 this kind of preferential treatments to generate short term benefits,Although Nepal this chapterhas neither has closed seen now,a long in theterm history and ofsustained modern democratic world and in the history of United States, January 6, 2021 Editorial Office will beindustrialization remembered as anor dark consistent day. Leaders export. from This western was world not onlyhave , Nepal condemnedapplied the to violent India butscenes with in otherWashington, countries where as rioterswell. Insupporting 1990s, Tel: 977-1-4430250 US PresidentNepalese Donald traders Trump exploited stormed the Capitol markets building. of Germany Many leaders and E-mail calledUnited for peace States and anincreasing orderly transition the volume of power, of export describing of carpet what andhap- pened as “horrifying” and an “attack on democracy”. For the people of [email protected] garment under preferential treatment. Once the period of Nepal,preferential it is nothing treatment surprising tocame see violentto an end, mob theyattacking collapsed. democracy In P.O.Box: 7256 and forcing legitimate authority including monarch to accept forceful Website abdication1996, from India the opened street. The all mob the rulemarkets works toin theNepalese country productslike Nepal www.spotlightnepal.com wherewith institutions preferential are weak. treatments With the for strong many institutions products. and Nepalese commit- mentstraders of overwhelming and business of people communities in the rule invested of law and in rightsVegetable of the Kathmandu DAO Regd. No. people,Ghee some with leaders very can nominal infringe localthe process components. not the democracy. Some traders What 148/11/063/64 Alexismade de Tocqueville billions individually in his book “Democracy but it has innot America”, made any expresses long is it’s the very strength of democratic institutions Americans are able to Central Region Postal Regd. term contribution to Nepal. Even recently, Nepalese trad- retain democracy. He also warned weakness might lead to anarchy and No. 36/067/068 ers have started to increase export of palm oil using the disorder. The United States stands for democracy around the world and a peacefulloopholes and orderly of preferential transfer of power treatment. can still However, control the it damage. came to US Library of Congress Catalogue an endHowever, following we have the decided new restrictions.to cover Prithvi This Narayan is what Shah theand No. 91-905060, ISSN : 2091-0711 his rolecurrent as a cover cover story issue of thishas issue. tried Given to look his at. important contributions (Print), ISSN: 2091-0754 (Online) in nation building and his views on inclusion, secularism, economy and institution building are highly relevant today. As the country is cele- Printing brating his birth anniversary, we have decided to cover ’s role in this context. Megha Offset Printing Press P. Ltd., Dhapasi, Kathmandu Tel. : 977-1-4363624

Keshab Poudel Editor

NEWNEW SPOTLIGHT | JanJan. 08. 24. 2021 2020 | 1 1 CONTENT

MAHAKALI TREATY A Breakthrough 3

NEWSNOTES 4

BUSINESS BRIEF 6

OPINION BINOJ BASNYAT 8 COVERSTORY: PRITHVI NARAYAN SHAH : Remembered For A Reason 22 GLOBAL VIEW Abijit Sharma and Nischal Dhungel 12

LOOMING LOADSHEDDING NEA SAYS NO 14

ARITICLE Hemang Dixit 16

MAYHEM IN US CONGRESS Blackest Day 17

POLITICS Fight To Finish 18

ENVIRONMENT Batu Uprety 28 CHINESE DELEGATION VISIT: Security Concern 10 WORLD BANK REPORT Nepal’s Growth At 0.6 30

ARITICLE Pratik Poudel 32

BOOK Remembering Past 34

BOOK Nepal And The Great First World War 35

VIEWPOINT Dr. K. Uprety 36

GLOBAL IME BANK: Growing Fast 13

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 2 MAHAKALI TREATY A Breakthrough Secretary-level committees of Nepal and India have reached an agreement over a few con- tentious points of the Mahakali Treaty. By A CORRESPONDENT

or Secretary of Energy, Water Re- Project. However, it sources and Irrigation Dinesh Kumar has now softened that FGhimire, another feather was added stance. According to to his cap. Lingering for over two and half Ghimire, both sides decades on various contentious issues of have agreed to begin interpretation of Mahakali Integrated Trea- construction of the ty during implementation, his team was canals. able to make a breakthrough in the talks. “Our focus During recent meeting held in should be to respect New Delhi, Nepal and India agreed on key the needs and wish- points of Mahakali Treaty. es of the people as it Given the nature of the treaty will help facilitate the and its state, there are still many conten- overall implementa- tious issues of the treaty which was rati- tion of the project. fied by Nepal’s Parliament in 1996 by two That is why we pro- thirds of majority. posed building the The Indian side has been claim- The agreement was finalized canals,” Ghimire said. “The Indian side ing that 93,000 hectares of land in Nepal through bilateral talks held in New Del- took this positively.” will be irrigated by the project and that Ne- hi under the leadership of Dinesh Kumar Nepal had already prepared a pal will also be helped by the 18-kilometre Ghimire, secretary of the Ministry of En- Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the ir- embankment that will be constructed. ergy, Water Resources and Irrigation, from rigation canals in Dodhara and Chandani It asserts that Nepal will gain a Nepal and UP Singh, secretary of the De- and submitted it to India. But no concrete benefit of 22 per cent. However, Nepal has partment of Water Resources, River De- progress had been made. But now, the In- been saying that it will not share the costs velopment and Ganga Rejuvenation, from dian technical side has agreed to study for these aspects because it is making alter- India. and comment on the DPR and complete native arrangements for the irrigation and As the issue of implementation all the related works within two months. A has already constructed an eight-kilometre of Pancheshwor Project had been em- 1.1-kilometre portion of the canal will have embankment on its own. “The Indians ac- phasized during the recent Nepal visit by to be built on the Indian land. knowledged our facts and have expressed Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan The two countries have also their commitment that an expert group will Shringla, the agreement is seen as a break- agreed to share the costs of the Panchesh- study and conclude these matters as soon as through. wor Project on the basis of the benefits possible,” Ghimire said. According to secretary of Min- each side will receive. The Mahakali Trea- The issue of the Lower Sarada istry of Energy,Water Resources and Ir- ty was signed between Nepal and India in Dam was also discussed in the meeting. rigation Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, both the 1996 and one of its provisions was to build India has been using all the water from the countries reached an agreement on articles Pancheshwor as a bilateral multipurpose Sarada Barrage since it was built in 1920. 3, 4 and 7 of the treaty. Article 3 discusses project aimed at generating a large amount Nepal has been asking for a share of that the cost-sharing of the Pancheshwor Mul- of hydroelectricity, provide irrigation facil- water. The two sides agreed to discuss fur- tipurpose Project, Article 4 deals with the ities and control the river. ther on the issue. construction of the Dodhara and Chandani Article 3 of the treaty mentions The meeting also looked at the irrigation tunnel and Article 7 includes the sharing the costs based on the benefits. Ne- issue of water consumption in the coastal provision of releasing water upstream. pal has been stating that since it will only area above Pancheshwor Dam. The norm is Secretary Ghimie said that the receive 50 per cent of the generated hydro- to release five per cent water to the area but Indian side was previously insistent on con- power and will not get any advantage from it appears that only one per cent may also structing irrigation canals in Chandani and the irrigation and river control aspects of be enough for consumption. So, the two Dodhara, which are Nepali territories on the project, it will only bear the costs of the sides have agreed to release one per cent of the other side of the Mahakali River, only hydropower. Secretary Ghimire reiterated the water, or two per cent when needed, and after the completion of the Pancheshwor the same view in the latest meeting. utilize the rest for the project itself.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 3 NEWSNOTES India Hands Over NR 306 Million Cheque To CEO Of NRA vices for people needing safe blood for treatment. Namgya Khampa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the The Nepal Red Cross Society Dadeldhura District Embassy of Indiain Nepal met Chapter was established in 1967 and has been providing blood Shushil Gyawali, CEO of Na- transfusion services at the recommendation of authorized doc- tional Reconstruction Authority tors of the Dadeldhura Hospital and other polyclinics. It also (NRA) today and discussed var- has an ambulance service and has been engaged in promoting ious Government of India assist- hygiene and sanitation, and humanitarian assistance. ed reconstruction projects. The Embassy of believes the project will con- She handed over a tribute towards improving medical services for patients in the cheque of NRs 306.6 millionto- district. It also believes that the support will contribute towards wards reconstruction of educa- further enhancing the friendship between the peoples of Japan tional institutions in earthquake and Nepal. affected districts of Nepal. With this cheque handover, India has reimbursed an amount of NRs 819.8 million to Govern- Lauds Nepal’s Role To Take SAARC Forward ment of Nepal towards educational sector reconstruction pro- Pakistan has lauded Nepal’s constructive role in jects. taking SARRC process forward. Pakistan’s foreign secre- Under India’s committed a grant assistance of US $ tary Sohail Mahmood said so while receiving Nepali am- 50 million towards reconstruction of educational institutions in bassador to Pakistan, Tapas Adhikari. Nepal, 71 projects have presently been taken up by NRA, in- Pakistan’s foreign secretary ‘Deeply appreciat- cluding the Central Library building of Tribhuvan University. ed Nepal’s constructive role (as Chair and host) in taking These projects are located in Gorkha, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, SAARC process forward’, Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Dolakha, Kavre, Dhading, and Sindhupalchowk districts of sharing information in its twitter handle, quoted secretary Nepal.While 3 schools in Gorkha and 5 in Nuwakot have been Mahmood as saying during the meeting with ambassador completed, construction of 56 schools in five districts is under- Adhikari. way and seven schools are in final stage of award of contract. “Foreign secretary underscored importance Pa- During the meeting, progress of various Government kistan attaches to cordial and multifaceted ties with Nepal of India funded reconstruction projects in Housing, Health and Cultural Heritage sector were also discussed. India has com- and our resolve to further upgrade them,” said Pakistan’s mitted US $ 150 million towards reconstruction of 50,000 foreign ministry. houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, US $ 50 million for SAARC reconstruction of 147 hospitals/health posts in 10 districts and (South Asian Asso- another US $ 50 million for restoration/reconstruction of 28 ciation for Region- cultural heritage sites in 8 districts of Nepal. While housing al Cooperation) sector projects are nearly completed and handed over to ben- Summit has not eficiaries, projects in Education, Health and Cultural Heritage been held for over sectors are at various stages of active implementation. six years. The 19th SAARC Summit Japan Provides Equipment To Dadeldhura Blood Bank scheduled to be The Charge d’Affaires a.i. of Japan to Nepal, Yosh- held in 2016 in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad was ioka Yuzo signed a grant contract with Madan Raj Chataut, cancelled at the eleventh hour mainly due to India’s unwill- President of the Nepal Red Cross Society, Dadeldhura District ingness to participate in the Summit. Chapter, for installing equipment at Dadeldhura Blood Bank. As the Chair of the SAARC, Nepal has been try- The project is funded under the Grant Assistance for ing to persuade all the other member countries to hold the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Summit in Pakistan as agreed in the 18th SAARC Summit Government and involves a grant of USD 56,364 (approxi- held in Kathmandu. mately NPR 6.58 million). The project will support installation of medical equipment including refrigerators, a component preparation Cambodia Gifts Medical Equipment To Nepal set, an automated blood grouping machine, microscope, micro The government of Cambodia has gifted medical pipette, electric balance, incu- supplies to help Nepal manage COVID-19. At a function bator, needle destroyers, deep held at Tribhuvan International Airport, Permanent Secre- freezer and uninterrupted power tary of Cambodia Ouch Borith handed over the supplies to supply (UPS). Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi. At the online grant The goods brought in two chartered flights -in signing ceremony, Mr. YOSH- clude 2 million face masks, 100,000 fabric masks, 20,000 IOKA said he hoped the assis- N95 masks, 20,000 goggles, 20,000 PPE sets, 20,000 face tance would contribute towards shields, 1,000 safety plastic shoes and 500 thermal guns, enhancing better hospital ser- according to joint spokesperson of the Ministry Samir Ku-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 4 NEWSNOTES mar Adhikari. Republic. According to Nepal Army, Nepali Peacekeepers On the occasion, Minister Tripathi, on behalf of prevented rebels from attacking peace keepers. Government of Nepal, thanked the Cambodian government Three UN peacekeepers have been killed by un- for the assistance. identified combatants in the Central African Republic, the United Nations said, as the country prepares for a general Finance Ministry Agreement With ADB For Grid election and fighting continues between rebels and govern- Modernization ment forces. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has signed a loan The news came after a rebel coalition called off a agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the ceasefire and said it would resume its march on the capital, electric grid modernisation in the country. as well as the arrival of troops from and Rwanda to MoF and ADB shore up the government of the resource-rich country. signed the loan agreement worth Rs 18.25 billion Marie Stopes Launches New Hotline Number 1143 for the modernisation of Sunaulo Nepal Parivar and Marie Stopes, hu- Nepal’s electric grid. The manitarian organisations that provide services such as safe agreement was signed abortion, contraception, and methods of family planning by MoF Joint Secretary across Nepal have introduced a hotline service 1143 for Shree Krishna Nepal and service-seekers. ADB Office In-Charge for The free telephone service will provide people Nepal Residential Office, with information on issues of safe sex, family planning and Rudy Van Dale. safe abortion. The major ob- Marie Stopes, since 1976, has been advocating jective behind inking this that women should give birth to children by choice not by agreement is to improve the power transmission capacity of the country. Joint Secretary Nepal said that the government has signed the agreement with ADB to improve the pow- er transmission and distribution system under the Electric Grid Modernisation Project. “We are expecting this agreement to play a crucial role in making the power supply sustainable and reliable by modernizing the power grid in the country and to develop and strengthen the capacity of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA),” Nepal said. According to Nepal, the total investment cost of the electric grid modernization project is about Rs 22.81 billion. Of this amount, ADB will bear Rs 18.25 billion, force. In line with this, the organization has been playing a while the remaining Rs 4.56 billion will be invested by the crucial role in spreading knowledge about the importance NEA. of family planning in rural parts of Nepal since 1994. Marie Stopes, issuing a press release, said the toll free number ‘1143’ is also used as a colloquial term of “I Nepali UN Peacekeepers Avert Rebel Attack love you”. It is expected to spread love and understanding Nepali UN Peacekeepers Deployed in Central Af- between partners. “All people can call the number where rican Republic helped to thwart an attack by unidentified our counsellors (meri saathi) will give advice about sex combatants contributing to restore peace in Central African health, contraceptive measures, safe abortion and other measures of family planning.” Counselling is held every day from 7:00am to 12:00pm at Marie Stopes centres. Marie Stopes also provides abortion for unwanted pregnancy at a nominal cost. It has also been organizing various educational programs related to the issue and urg- ing people to utilize the fundamental human right of sex and maternity.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 5 BUSINESS BRIEF Himalayan Bank Limited Hands Over Phaco Machine fusion of creativity with novelty ensures modern-day comfort To Eye Hospital and convenience, with a flavor of the rich cultural heritage that Himalayan Bank Limited handed over Phaco Ma- Kathmandu is famous for. The entrance to the hotel is marked chine amounting Rs. 3.5 million to Dr. Ram Prasad Pokharel by life-sized mythological animals, welcome towers and beau- Eye Hospital. tifully carved niches. Registered under Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, GATE College Receives Affiliation From EHLniversity U the hospital, which is situ- Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Educa- ated in Dhankuta, has been tion, GATE, has received a formal affiliation from EHL Uni- providing various services versity, a world renowned technical university of Switzerland. related to the eye. “The Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Under HBL’s Cor- Education, GATE has gone through constant growth in the past porate Social Responsibili- 14 years! We are a National and International Award-winning ty, Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Vocational and Undergraduate academy, training students to the board of directors of the work at all entry-level jobs in the Hospitality industry. To its bank, handed over the equipment to the representative of the great credit GATE admitted onto its Mandikatar Campus stu- hospital amid a function. dents from 19 nationalities, creating an international learning environment for the Nepalese youth,” said Khem R. Lakai, CHE NIFRA Names NIBL Ace Capital Its Issue Manager Founder/CEO . Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited has appointed “We have obtained world-class trainers, equipment, NIBL Ace Capital Limited as its issue manager for the IPO and opportunities to serve our students. These students are issuance. This is the biggest IPO in the ’s coming from cities and villages with no discrimination to their capital market. The bank is issuing IPO of 40% of its issued economic status. We are truly indebted to our original DREAM capital i.e. 8 crore units, worth NRs. 8 Arba, from Magh 02, TEAM support for their vision and belief that this new hands-on 2077 to Magh 06, 2077. way of education was possible. We also value the continued be- NIFRA has a paid-up capital of NRs. 20 Arba, and lief in the vision and results shared by our valued stakeholders, the company had collected NRs. 12 Arba paid-up capital without which this dream would not have been possible,” said from its Promoter Sharehold- Lakai. ers. Remaining NRs. 8 Arba Starting 01/01/21, GATE will be a Member of the will be collected through this EHL Network of Certified Schools (www.ehl.edu). GATE is IPO to meet its paid-up cap- now a partner in Switzerland’s ital. first Hospitality pioneer certifi- As per the current cation program that was estab- share market scenario it is ex- lished in 1893. This certifica- pected that no applicants will tion program was founded by go empty handed in this largest IPO. Jacques Tschumi, and developed Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA) is es- to its international standards by tablished by Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs), Life the Swiss Hotel Association. and Non-life Insurance Companies and other private sector EHL ranks #1 in the QS global leading entities and team of entrepreneurs in joint participa- hospitality education raking. tion with the Government of Nepal (GoN). NIBL Ace Capital Ltd. Launches Free DEMAT Account Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Awarded By SATA As Lead- NIBL Ace Capital Ltd. has launched Free DEMAT ac- ing Luxury Hotel count and Free MEROSHARE registration starting from Poush Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has announced that it 01, 2077 (December 16, 2020). This offer is for limited time pe- has been awarded with the “Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort” riod only. The Free DEMAT Account and Free MEROSHARE by South Asian Travel Award. The award was received on is offered from NIBL Ace Capital Lazimpat, Kathmandu and its December 20, 2020 at a ceremony conducted virtually on branches as well as from all the branches of Nepal Investment December 15, 2020. Bank Ltd. This is the second In addition to this, they have assured to provide demat consecutive win of the award account number and meroshare registration in the same day. for the hotel. Hyatt Regen- NIBL Ace Capital has promised to provide many cy Kathmandu is a distinct more services that would ease their customers and would like to showcase of fine architecture extend a sincere thanks to their entire customers, who have been and craftsmanship. The subtle associated and contributed with their feedback and suggestions.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 6 BUSINESS BRIEF Himalaya Airlines Supports Prayas Nepal With and trees and protect the public park and garden. Essentials Supply According to a press release issued by the bank, The Nepal- under its Corporate Social Responsibility, the bank has joint venture donated year- provided the money to the committee, which has been pro- long supply of notebooks as tecting and expanding the park for a long time. well as Covid-19 essential supplies to the organization ADB Loans For TIA, Gautam Buddha Airport on the New Year’s Eve at Nepal and Asian Development Bank (ADB) the premises of Prayas Ne- have signed US$ 150 million concessional loan pal. agreement to finance South Asia Sub Regional Co- The contribution operation (SASEC) Airport Capacity Enhancement included 1,650 notebooks, Project and US$ 40 million concessional loan and two infrared thermometers, 24 bottles of hand sanitizers US$10 million grant for the implementation of Pri- and 1,000 surgical face masks. ority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project. Himalaya Airlines has been continuously con- According to a press release issued by the tributing essential educational and snack/grocery supplies Ministry of Finance, Shreekrishna Nepal, Joint Sec- over the past three years in an attempt to make a difference retary at the Ministry of Finance, and Rudi Louis in the lives of children in the organization. This year too, Hendrikus Van Dael, Officer-in-charge, Nepal Resi- a total of 27 students aged between 8 to 20 years will be dent Mission, ADB signed the agreement on behalf receiving yearlong school necessities to follow their aca- of their respective institutions. demic courses. As per During the handover programme, Ujjwala Dali, the agreement, Head of Department – Brand and Service Improvement of ADB will pro- the Himalaya Airlines remarked, “2020 has been a year of vide concession- uncertainty and dampened spirits, especially for children al loan worth all over. Fear of COVID-19 spread and social distancing US$150 million has hit schools and colleges hard. However with vaccines for the Airport around the corner, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel Capacity En- and educational institutions are now gearing up to reopen. hancement Pro- With our persistent pledge to make meaningful contribu- ject. tions, we thought this is the right time to fulfill our annu- This al commitment to Prayas Nepal and we are determined to project will en- continue our support to the organization’s efforts to groom hance the airport capacity by constructing parallel the children in all walks of life. ” taxiway extension, hanger apron and next phase While expressing gratitude on behalf of Prayas work design of Tribhuwan International Airport Nepal, President Mani Joshi, said, “We are sincerely thank- (TIA) and construction of second terminal building ful to Himalaya Airlines for their continued support to our at Gautam Buddha Airport (GBA). children, since 2017. Himalaya’s contribution every year Likewise, the ADB will provide concession- has not only helped in boosting morale of our children al loan worth US$ 40 million and US$ 10 million in this pandemic year but has also inspired us to ardently grant for said Priority River Basins Flood Risk Man- strive for the better upkeep of our children. We wish for agement Project. steady progress of Himalaya Airlines in the coming years.” The project will contribute toward improv- ing flood protection infrastructure, enhanced flood Himalayan Bank Supports Madan Bhandari Garden forecasting and response system and improve flood And Park Committee prevention and preparedness capacity, read the press Himalayan statement. Bank Limited Pro- Addressing the signing program, Nepal vides Rs. 500,000 said, “The implementation of these programs will in financial support significantly contribute to the national economy by to Madan Bhandari increasing the existing capacity of Nepal’s airspace Memorial Garden and flood protection infrastructure.” Protection Commit- tee to purchase var- ious kinds of plants

NEW SPOTLIGHT | JanSept 08. 18. 2021 2020 | |7 7 OPINION Nepal’s Political Consternation

Two years and seven months passed by beckoning for ty administration with contribution from the NCPM. the unity of the communist parties. And has for anoth- Tempt for unity occurred and consolidated amongst er time witnessed similar dismay in Nepal’s political two co-chairs of the NCP. The proceedings and sur- course that usually tend to transpire after political al- rounding insinuate that the uncompleted unity is more terations once every decade. The two communist par- for Prachanda or Oli to grasp the party or head the ex- ties the United Marxists Leninist (UML) and the Nepal BY: BINOJ BASNYAT ecutive. Communist Party Maoists (NCPM) united to contest the The opposition is ineffec- elections, where they thrived in recording nearly two third in the tive, while opposition within the ruling party thrived. Though federal legislature after two decades in recent election history. political parties express their arrogance on the President’s decree The unconvincing harmony did not ensue due to mainly person- recommended by Oli of the dissolution of the HoR, it is yet to ality, ideological differences, theology, vision and precedence resolve due to different interpretation of constitutional arrange- of the Peace Process now steering to the announcement for a ments, which is legally being contested at the Supreme Court new mandate for 30 April and 10 May 2021with dissolution of (SC). Politics of convenience is afloat once again in Nepali polit- the House of Representative (HoR). The optimism for stabili- ical diaspora with plans for agitation in the streets. ty and economic enhancement for the Nepali people has been Politics yet again has detracted the socio-political, po- abandoned and has been twisted merely to be a planning fallacy. litical-security and political-economy impacts and challenge that There is a domestic political compulsions for PM Oli who just the country will have to address during and post COVID-19. A acquired temporary settlement. Challenges are at a march-time great set back, which indicates the political dominance in Ne- with a probability of another political discourse in the coming pal’s system of governance and the political-economic progres- months. The consolidating and strengthening of the focal trans- sion that the government had under taken has gone on limbo. formations to federalism, secularism and republicanism is once Israel that was established in 1948 with migration from around more in question. The people this day and age cannot be mis- the world is an example. Israel is about to hold the fourth elec- guided with popular political slogans as people and institutions tion in two years, yet it remains the most powerful country in the are aware of realisms, the geopolitical and geo-strategic signifi- Middle-East. cance of Nepal in the region. The ruling NCP have not given up their old ways, and The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement power tussles, ideological polarisation, competition and differ- (CPA) in 2006, ended the 10 year old conflict, but the country is ences are the order of the day which threatens to get out of hand still waiting to bring to an end the peace process with the verdict and lead to fragmentation of parties and familiar political uncer- from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the tainty. The Madhes-based parties is firm in their demand for an Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons amendment in the constitution. (CIEDP) for justice and reparation. During this time, Nepal has The trend of recommending ordnances and dissolution ascertained 12 heads of government, three heads of state, two of the HoR has been a means in Nepal’s politics but now for the Constituent Assembly elections in 2008 and 2013, proclamation sixth time it was Oli to prompt his supremacy and grip in power. of the constitution in 2015, and local, federal and provincial elec- This recaps what President elect of the US Joe Biden said “The tions in 2017 besides intermittent violence resulting in dozens right to be heard. To have your vote counted. To choose leaders of deaths. of this nation.To govern ourselves. In America, politicians don’t The UML and the NCPM amalgamated with a five take power-people grant power to them.” point agreement in 17th May 2018 and to compete all levels elec- The people in general look for honest and accounta- tions with a nationalist fervour, anti-Indian oratory and different ble governments and the recent peaceful agitation in the streets political events unfolding stemmed apart on 22nd Dec 2020. The in the last few weeks for reestablishment of a Kingdom and a country had passed through different phases of diplomatic and Hindu state is an expression of frustration but more is the lack political manoeuvring, while the prominent political personal- of people’s democratic participation in the political and social ities reckoned the end of the fight for political freedom and a transformation process right from the signing of the CPA. Exam- new era of economic advancement. Diplomatic resentment and ples can be and Zimbabwe’s socio-political and po- optimism shaped Nepal’s path within and with immediate neigh- litical-economy transformation and where both countries stand bours; while both China and India are seeking their own stance in the global judgement today. in South Asia as well as in the global platform with US pivotal The political declaration has resulted in creating three shift to the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR). narratives leading to eight challenges to national security. Nar- Even if the NCP government was projected as a two rative one – the President’s endorsement followed by election, third government, it was in effect a UML subjugated largest par- two - If the HoR is restored by the SC and the third is the call for

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 8 OPINION opening of the parliament by the Chairperson of the HoR, who and assets with political self-determination and by means of in- is part of the Nepal-Prachanda faction. The challenges remain to ternational pressure. be one, question of legality with provisions in the constitution, Second, individual interest took lead and priority and two, formal split of Nepal Communist Party, three, formation of neglected the political party’s manifestations. Intra party opposi- democrats alliance if election is to materialize which will raise tion was stronger than the principal opposition in the parliament. the likelihood of the political amendments with election manifestation, four, argument of Federalism, Secularism and Republicism with role of Presidential system, Hindu state and a space for Monarchy post-election, five, political disorder leading to social collision and law and order distress with Emergency and Presidential Rule, six, economic chal- lenges during and post COVID-19, seven, population frustration and deepening of dis- trust on political parties and finally the diplo- matic challenge is placing Nepal in the new geopolitical environment mainly with the rising of Chinese political interests raising question to traditional security order of South Asia. The IPR is refocussing and progressing on value based system of governance with democracy versus communism and on the potential of alliance and coalitions. Conclusion Nepal is going through multiple crisis from political instability, pandemic disease, miss governance, economic contrac- tion to systemic inequity and environmental degradation, the interlink challenges of sustainable development have not been vibrant. Politicization of institutions has been the core challenge to sys- National security challenges are mounting with the temizations, institutional memory and professionalization. split of the NCP, weak opposition, and politicalised institutions Third, frequent changes in government have led to un- including the Judiciary, fragile governance and failure of federal clear economic policies. The economy is being shaped more for system, which will invite political instability and security disor- the benefit of the political party in power than for the country’s der as well as restlessness within the political sphere. overall development. National economic policy to be floated as Religious intolerance, marginalized cultural and tra- economic growth has decelerated due to defect in policies ditional values and the rise in unemployment will tempt social Lastly, is conducting of the election in a free and collision. fair manner for desired ends with one, digitalizing the system The economic impact by COVID-19 will limit eco- of casting votes to avoid invalidity two, all Nepalese citizens nomic opportunities with the fall of remittance and limited eco- in whichever part of the world they may be to be able to uti- nomic activities. lize their electoral rights three, to bring policies and measures With today’s political, economic, security and social to discourage intra and inter competition and more cooperation strides and continued politicisation; all have to visualise how amongst the security forces involved in implementing security Nepal will figure post COVID-19 and shape in the next decade? measures four, executing the election in normal security envi- Question of ideology versus realism, the world geopolitical en- ronment with law enforcement forces five, electoral financial vironment and Nepal’s geostrategic placement in the IPR must expenditure and to be made public by all agencies for financial be visualized agreeably. transparency and accountability and lastly political seats and va- It is also an occasion and an opportunity for the people cancies should be allotted to the political professionals contrary to perceive what is the precise appropriate political system or ad- to financial precedence. ministrative model for Nepal. For this four concerns necessities The current episode has two angles and a long prac- to be contemplated for the sovereign people to give their verdict tice of the past. Palace existed to blame for any political mess. without fear and influence with all the lost years nonetheless Internal rift of the NCP and the tempt to stay in power adds to the with lessons learnt. practice where immediate neighbours concerns and impromp- First is about addressing corruption as institutionali- tu visits fits in like the visit by the Chief of Raw and Analysis zation of corruption as the major factor in curtailing the people Wing, India, visit by the Defense Minister and State Councillor to exercise their universal rights of freedom. The personalities of China Wei Fenghe, the upcoming visit by Chinese Vice Min- that have held public positions politician, civilians or people in ister Yezhou and PM Oli to India. uniform need to verify their rights of ownership of both money Basnyat is a strategic analyst and a Maj. Gen. (retd) of the Nepali Army

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 9 NATIONAL CHINESE DELEGATION VISIT Security Concern As usual, the message of Chinese high-level delegation was around the concern over the security on Tibet following a new political development in Nepal

By A CORRESPODENT

eteran foreign relations expert Nepal. Although China has been sup- power to turn Nepal into its influence and scholar Rishikesh Sha- porting communists in Nepal since zone including China. Vha said geography is a major 1950, Chinese Communist Party is un- People in power see China as factor determining the destiny of the able to turn the party in its favor. a counter balance to reduce the influ- country. He wrote in his article that ge- A Chinese delegation led ence of India and a section of Indian ography is a determinant to decide the by Vice-minister of the International and Nepalese intellectuals also over fate of relations with any country and Department of the Communist Party sensitize the issue of Chinese influ- Nepal is no exception. of China Guo Yezhou recently vis- ence in Nepal. The failure of the vis- With its south facing topog- ited Nepal. During the visit Chinese iting high-level Chinese delegation raphy with large stretch of flatland in leaders met President Bidhya Devi in achieving anything substantial has the south and higher mountains in the Bhandari, Prime Minister KP Sharma exposed its weakness. north, with hostile terrains to develop Oli, co-chairpersons of Nepal Com- The crisis erupted on Dec. easy access, there is a limitation for the northern neighbor due to the geog- raphy. Unlike speculations and ex- pectations, the Chinese high level del- egation came and left. With its limited capacity to bring any change in the political, social and economic order of Nepal, China’s policy towards Nepal remains unchanged: Encourage parties to unite and maintain stability. China sees the stability in Nepal is a pre-requisite for the secu- rity interest of Tibet. Chinese scholar Wang Xung in his book Nepal’s Na- tional Defense Strategy and Nepal China Relations writes open border of Nepal and India, accessible geo- graphical terrain and strong presence of Tibetan Refugees in Nepal are three major threats to China’s security in Nepal. He writes only politically sta- munist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal 20 when Prime Minister KP Sharma ble Nepal can protect Chinese inter- Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Oli, decided he could no longer work ests in Nepal. senior NCP leader Jhalanath Khanal. with rival factions within his Nepal Although China has intensi- The delegation also held Communist Party (NCP), which was fied its activities and presence in Ne- meetings with Nepali Congress Pres- formed in 2018 to unite the Marx- pal following the declaration of repub- ident Sher Bahadur Deuba and Chair ist-Leninist and main Maoist parties lic and federal order in 2006, China is of the Federal Council of Janata Sama- following their success in elections in not in a position to intervene in polit- jwadi Party-Nepal Baburam Bhattarai. late 2017. ical crisis. Geography Matters With two years of his term Their recent unsuccessful bid Destined by geography, cul- to run, Oli dissolved parliament and to bring unity in ruling Nepal Commu- ture and civilization, it is virtually im- called for fresh elections in a move nist Party indicates their weakness in possible in the present context for any that foreign diplomats say caught Chi-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 10 NATIONAL in Kathmandu viewed Guo’s mission as a brazen demonstration of China’s growing influence over Nepal’s internal affairs. “Why would a country rush a del- egation to a neigh- bouring nation amid a pandemic? It’s rather obvious they control the internal as they want to expand investments in near future,” a senior Western diplomat said. Sandwiched between India and China, Nepal’s tilt into China’s orbit is a na by surprise and plunged the impov- working towards political stability and growing concern for erished nation of 30 million people the country’s development.” India. Oli has raised border disputes into uncertainty. Madhav Kumar Nepal, a between Nepal and India at a time Within days, Beijing dis- former prime minister and one of the when India is already dealing with the patched to Kathmandu Guo Yezhou, a main critics of Oli within the Nepal worst tensions in decades along sec- vice-minister in the Chinese Commu- Communist Party (NCP), was high on tions of its long frontier with China in nist Party (CCP) International Liaison Guo’s dance card, and Ram Karki, the the . Department, which manages relation- NCP’s deputy chief of the foreign af- They claimed that the dele- ships with foreign political parties of fairs attended their meeting. gation was not in Nepal to discuss Ne- all hues, both in power and opposition. “They want to listen more pal’s domestic affairs as rumoured in “It is evident that China is than they speak. They wanted to know the media. However, their claim was angered by Oli’s abrupt move amid the reason leading to the split in the taken with a pinch of salt. a pandemic … they are clearly con- party,” Karki said of the Chinese del- Political scientist Dev Raj cerned about the massive investments egation. Dahal said China was using its soft they have pledged,” said a senior Eu- “China always wants stabili- power to influence Nepal by sending ropean diplomat. ty in Nepal. Since the CCP has a frater- CPC leaders. He said the Chinese side “They are shocked as to how nal relationship with the NCP, they are was concerned about security and Oli could make a bold political move concerned about the present situation. stability in Nepal as Nepal lay below without prior consultations,” said the Certainly, they tried to know whether Tibet, ‘the geopolitical loophole of diplomat, requesting anonymity as he there is any possibility of uniting the is not authorized to speak to the media. party,” Karki said. China’. Guo has held separate meet- Guo also held talks with the He said China was concerned ings with Oli, and rivals in the com- opposition Nepali Congress Party about stability in Nepal also because it munist party to get their sides of the leader and former Prime Minister Sher was eyeing India’s vast market and do- story, as well as leaders of the main Bahadur Deuba. ing business with India through Nepal opposition party and other politicians. “Irrespective of any change would succeed only if Nepal remained Commenting on the dele- in Nepal, China wants to continue its politically stable. gation’s visit to Kathmandu, China’s relationship with all political parties According to Dinesh Bhat- foreign ministry spokesman Zhao and its economic cooperation includ- tarai, who was present in the Chinese Lijian said China hoped “all the var- ing the Trans-Himalayan Multi Di- delegation’s meeting with Deuba, the ious parties in Nepal can put national mensional Connectivity Network,” Chinese side appreciated the role of interest and the overall situation first, Dinesh Bhattarai, a Deuba aide present the NC in promoting relations between and proceed from there, while prop- at the meeting, told Reuters. Nepal and China both at party-to-party erly handling internal differences and Still, some foreign diplomats and country-to-country levels.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 11 GLOBAL VIEW Nepal – Chini Bhai Bhai!

Given its resources, efficiency in carrying out the first one to do so since 1996, he had said activities and a highly capacitated human re- that he would encourage Chinese tourists to source, China is in a unique position to lead the visit Nepal. Xi was quoted saying that “Ne- economic recovery in the post pandemic world. pal is the first South Asian country to be des- As stated in China’s much publicizedWhite Pa- ignated an approved destination for Chinese per, China is ready to join hands with oth- BY: ABIJIT SHARMA AND NISCHAL DHUNGEL tourists”. Now would be the apt time to put er countries to address the looming global Xi’s pledge into action. recession. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his Contribution to FDI could be another way the Chi- country would provide USD 2 billion over two years to help nese could support Nepal. When Chinese investors commit- other countries respond to the impact of the Covid-19. No- ted to an FDI of USD 8.3 billion in the Investment Summit in where can China’s support be more helpful than in its neigh- 2017, many were skeptical about whether this would translate borhood, especially South Asia where countries will most defi- into action. With Nepal’s economic growth for 2020 and 2021 nitely struggle to revive the economy post the pandemic. expected to languish at extremely low levels, now would be The current situation has thus provided China anoth- the right time for those Chinese investors to prove the naysay- er opportunity to extend its support to Nepal. ers wrong. There is no doubt that Nepal needs to improve the The post-pandemic world is certain to be a very dif- red-tape bureaucracy to welcome foreign companies, but Chi- ferent one than the existing with many experts predicting the na on its part should particularly look at bringing in some of emergence of China as the de-facto global leader. In this con- its manufacturing industries in Nepal with the intent of knowl- text, China has a huge potential to support Nepal’s economic edge and technology transfer.An example of how Chinese FDI recovery post the pandemic. This might not only be through has helped economic growth is evident in Africa where it has economic aid but also through measures like encouraging Ne- contributed significantly to economic growth and become a pali tourism and implementing its pledged project. This will source of job creation in several countries, as companies have not only strengthen Nepal-China ties but also help cement established operations, particularly in labor-intensive manu- China’s position as a friendly neighbor in the entire South facturing.The World Bank claims that Asian region. To play the role of a Chinese investment in Africa has had a true friend, it will be better if China direct impact on African economy via extends its hand of support but at the rising trade, investment aid, and flows same time, does not increase ‘aid de- pendency’ in Nepal as has been the and an indirect one via China’s demand interest of many donors previously. for and impact on the prices of global One of the first areas Chi- metals and minerals. na can help is in tourism.With the There also needs to be a focus spread of pandemic, the tourism on implementing approved projects.The sector has not only experienced a Nepal Investment Board has approved huge slump but now faces the risk investment for the development of the of complete collapse. In this context, 164MW Kaligandaki Gorge Hydro- Chinese support in the tourism sector can be crucial. In the power Project in Mustang and Myagdi. The project is being past few years, number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal has developed by Chinese Yunnan Xinhua Water Conservancy drastically increased with Chinese nationals constituting the and Hydropower Investment Company. Similarly, in 2018 the second largest group of tourists visiting Nepal. In 2019, for government awarded the 762-megawatt TamorReservoir Hy- instance, out of the 1.17 million tourists who visited Nepal, dropower Project to a Nepali and Chinese joint venture firm, 15% or 169,453 were Chinese. In 2018, the figure was 153,602 Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Ltd which was a 46.8% increase from the previous year. In 2020, (HIDCL) of Nepal and Chinese state-owned Power China Cor- the government had set a target of bringing in 500,000 Chi- poration. While construction of these project will take some nese tourists to Nepal before the Covid-19 outbreak. While a time, injecting investments for these projects at a situation like 500,000 target might not be feasible given the current context, this will provide a positive encouragement to the Nepali econ- China can definitely help promote Nepali tourism sector with- omy. Not only this, it can also help generate thousands of jobs in its borders which can provide a much-needed boost to Ne- for Nepalese who have lost job due to the pandemic. pali economy. This would also provide a huge respite to hotels (Abijit is a Political Science graduate from University of Delhi and restaurants which have been reeling under the pressure of and an LLM graduate from ECUPL, China) (Nischal is an Economics and Policy Graduate Student at Levy the pandemic. When Chinese President visited Nepal in 2019, Economics Institute of Bard College, NY, USA)

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 12 GLOBAL IME BANK Growing Fast Merger helps Global IME Bank to strengthen its role

By A CORRESPONDENT

s Chanakya says a successful He also said that the person starts work by find- bank is able to help Aing satisfactory answers to and support enter- questions of why he or she is doing it. prises, industrialists What might be the results? Will I be and entrepreneurs successful? providing various As Chanakya says in his kinds of concessions book Arthshastra, Chandra Prasad and relief, proving Dhakal, Chairman of Global IME the bank as a depend- Bank Ltd, who is also the first senior able friend at the vice-president of Federation of Nep- time of crisis. alese Chamber of Commerce of In- “Our cus- dustry (FNCCI), knew the answers to tomers will remem- these questions before he started the ber us for continuing banking venture. Thus, Dhakal has our business and ser- Likewise, the bank has been made Global IME Bank, the largest vices at the time of globally terrifying making significant contributions to the bank, in just a matter of 14 years. and complex COVID-19 Pandemic. economy of the country by receiving Humble and gentle, Dhakal, This also proves that out bank is not remittances from the United States, who won the elections of FNCCI with only for business but a friend at the United Kingdom, , Malaysia, a comfortable margin, said that the time of crisis,” said Dhakal. “We will , Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qa- bank is able to provide dependable and further strengthen our services and our tar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, India and quality services to its customers by behavior.” Jordan. modernizing networks following its As per the directives of Ne- Chief Executive Officer of merger with various other banks and pal Rastra Bank, the bank has offered bank Ratna Raj Bajracharya said that financial institutions. In his message various relief packages extending the Global IME Bank is now standing as on the occasion of 14th annual cere- period payment of interest and loan, Nepal’s strong and largest bank after mony, he said that the bank has a long reduction in interest rest to private sec- merger with various banks and finan- experience of merger and successful tor. This shows that the bank can work cial institutions. operation after merger. with private sector side by side at the “Following mergers, Global In a short period of its es- time of national crisis. We also learn IME Bank is the largest and the best tablishment, the bank has become the that the crisis can be managed only bank in terms of many indicators. We largest and strongest bank in Nepal in through unity not division. need to expand our branches in all 77 terms of capital, business, branch/net- The bank’s current paid-up districts to materialize slogan banks work, as per a media release. capital is around Rs 19 billion (more for all,” said CEO Bajracharya. He hoped that the experience than Rs 21 billion after the proposed Global IME Bank Ltd has gained by the bank will further encour- 14 per cent bonus) and the reserve grown in 14 years of its initial capital. age improving the services. “After the fund will reach Rs 27.24 billion, a to- Within a short period of its establish- merger and acquisition, bank’s capital tal deposit of Rs 249 billion and a total ment, the bank is the largest and strong has increased along with competitive loan of more than Rs 211 billion. bank expanding its network of branch- capacity along with banking activities, Similarly, the bank aims to es and increasing its capital. human resources and capacity,” said provide access to banking services The bank’s paid capital is Dhakal. to all sectors and classes in all seven now about Rs.19 billion (with pro- Chairman Dhakal said that provinces and 73 districts. It is provid- posed 14 percent bonus, it will reach the bank’s credibility and trust has en- ing services from about 797 service Rs. 27.24 billion and its total deposit hanced due to continuation of banking centers including the representative is 249 billion and total loan is 211 bil- services during COVID-19 pandemic. office. lion.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 13 ENERGY LOOMING LOADSHEDDING NEA SAYS NO With frequent power cuts without notice, there is a growing concern over the possibility of load-shedding. NEA refuted this saying that there is no possibility of load shedding

By A CORRESPONDENT

t a time when almost all ho- ply and distribution. Following the dia and online portals that unan- tels, schools and industries, expiry of tenure of Kul Man Ghis- nounced load-shedding has begun Awhich used to consume over ing, large numbers of consumers and the power supply has not been 90 MW of electricity, in Kathman- have lost the confidence in the insti- managed,” read the statement. du Valley are shut down, frequent tution’s ability to sustain the gains. Electricity will be cut off power cuts look very unusual. As the The frequent power cuts due to shifting of electricity poles, undeclared load-shedding lasts for have further justified people’s fear replacement of transformers, main- hours, media and people have started about the possibility of revival of tenance and other reasons, NEA said. to assume that new load-shedding in load shedding. Given a chaos and “Load-shedding occurs the horizon. uncertainty, Nepal Electricity Au- only when the supply is less than By ending over decades of load shedding in the country, Kul Man Ghising, former MD of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), had injected the confidence among the people about the possibility of an uninterrupted power supply. Since the completion of his tenure in Sep- tember and appointment of new act- ing managing director Hitendra Dev Shakya, the frequent power disrup- tion has become a norm like in the past. As NEA has 90 MW of sur- plus electricity in the hand compared to last year, frequent power cuts all thority (NEA) has refuted the claims the demand. At present, the NEA is over Nepal have raised the question that load shedding has begun again. importing and supplying electricity of whether Nepal Electricity Author- When people, after facing from its own, private producers and ity (NEA) has imposed a new unde- frequent disturbance in power sup- even from India, so there is no load clared load shedding. ply, started suspecting whether the shedding and it is unlikely to happen Not only common people, NEA was introducing load-shed- in the future,” read the statement is- even Minister for Energy, Water Re- ding, it issued a clarification that sued by NEA spokesperson Madan sources and Irrigation Top Bahadur load shedding ended three years ago Timsina. Rayamajhi expressed his concern and there was no chance of repeating It said the NEA was work- recently. He invited all NEA’s sen- it again. ing diligently to solve such problems ior staffs, including acting Managing NEA said that the supply immediately when the power supply Director Hitendra Dev Shakya at his was halted giving prior notice while in the power system gets disrupted. office and directed to take necessary carrying out preventive work of The supply was disrupted steps to prevent power cuts. power supply and distribution sys- due to a technical problem in the sys- Minister Rayamajhi also di- tems. tem which has been solved, it said. rected NEA’s management to work “NEA’s attention has been With the installation of 315 MVA for the improvement of power sup- drawn to the reports of various me- transformers in Dhalkebar Substa-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 14 ENERGY

tion, NEA also has now the option supported by the government of Ne- importing 270 to 280 MW of elec- to increase the import of electricity pal, a 315 MVA, 220-132 transform- tricity from Dhalkebar. However, we from India for additional 100 MW. er, was added. can import 100 MW additional elec- Dhalkebar Sub-station Following the charge of tricity from India,” said Shrestha. Although it took several new 315 MVA transformer, the ca- NEA has signed a PPA years to complete due to several rea- pacity of the Dhalkebar substation agreement with NTPC India to pur- sons, following the charge of Newly has now reached to 635 MVA. Out chase 250 MW from July to No- Installed 315 MVA Transformer at of two 315 MVA transformer, the vember 350 MW from December to Dhalkebar Substation also gives al- process of installation of another one April and 200 MW from May to June ternative technical tools to prevent is currently undergoing. through the Dhalkebar-Mujaffarpur the shortage of electricity. Charged a few months ago, Transmission line which has already Acting Managing Director the 400-200 kV Dhalkebar substa- charged to 400 kV. The agreement of Nepal Electricity Authority Hiten- tion will have transformers with 945 is valid till 30 June 2021. As Nepal dra Deb Shakya said that the newly MVA. After the insulation of the new installed 315 MVA Transformer of transformer, it will help to export ad- does not have a 400 kV Transmis- Dhalekebar Substation charged from ditional energy generated by the 456 sion line, Nepal is transmitting the last night. He said that NEA can now MW Upper Tamakosi project. electricity converting it through a import an additional 100 MW from Head of Transmission line 132 kV transmission line. India. Directorate of Nepal Electricity Currently, -Dhalke- Situated in Dhanusha Dis- Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha said that bar- Inaruwa 400 kV Transmission trict, the Dhalkebar substation is the Nepal can import an additional 100 line is under construction and Kh- largest substation in Nepal. Under MW if it is necessary from this line imti Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission the Capacity Enhancement Project as per our agreement. We have been line is now under 132 kV capacity.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 15 ARITICLE Pity The Nation

The other day a friend sent me a quotation of Khalil to the formation of the First Republic lasting 10 years, Gibran: then an Empire of 11 years followed by a monarchy “Pity the nation whose people are sheep and of 34 years. This was followed by the 2nd Republic of whose shepherds mistreat them; pity the nation whose 4 years and then the 2nd Empire of 18 years. Later es- leaders are liars and whose sages are silenced, and tablished 3rd and 4th Republics were of 75 and 12 years whose bigots haunt the airwaves. Pity the nation that respectively. The current 5th Republic with Charles de raises not its voice except to praise conquerors and BY: HEMANG DIXIT Gaulle as first head came into being in 1958. Thus the acclaim the bully as Heroes and aims to rule the world establishing of a republic is no easy matter. by force and by torture…….” Following the two World Wars one had hoped that Reading this set me thinking about the existing sit- sense would universally prevail. The possession of the atom uation in Nepal and comparing with what has been happening bomb by US, England, France, Russia and the near capability down the ages in other countries. The history of the world over by others was touted at one time as ensuring peace as its first the last 15 thousand years has had its ups and down. Though use by any country would be tantamount to world destruction. initially a question of self survival it automatically led to the One wonders on this score, as the current fear is of North Korea survival of one’s community. Starting with the move and and plus other likely contender lurking about! crossing over of some Mongol tribes across the Bering Strait So where does this all put us? Subsequent to the to the Americas the story goes on about the travels of the Mon- British leaving these shores, the Indian subcontinent initially gols from the wilds of Siberia to to present day Finland and be became two and later three entities. The princely states had labelled as Lapps. been amalgamated to create the present Union of India. A During the subsequent centuries, people such as the worrying point for us in Nepal is the fact that we are as King Aryans, Mongols, Romans, Greeks, Byzantine and Turks set Prithvi Narayan Shah stated, ‘A yam between two stones’. Our up various alliances and combinations and set out periodically politicians, novice midgets by world standards, who have been to rule parts of the world. The initial rulers worldwide – both ruling had never been able to function independently for na- in the East and West were the religious ones or priests, who tional interests. Irrespective of whichever party was in power, with the aid of collaborators set up - Caesars, Emperors, Tsars, they have always been toeing the line delineated by the mas- Kings, Princes, Rajas and Sultans who ruled over the almost ters. And we the populace at large have been voting to put illiterate masses and taxed them. It was not surprising therefore them in that place again and again. Sadly, though good leaders that in the course of time the masses rose for their rights. emerge from under the canopies of faith and trust from amongst It was from the books of the East, concentrated in the the people we have not been lucky so far. Will the election, said Library at Alexandria, that knowledge of numerals and algebra to be on the horizon be any different? One cannot be sure of was taken to the West. Later, the inventions such as paper and this for it might just be a mirage like the oasis afar off. gunpowder discovered by the Chinese were also introduced to What has been our record since the time of King Europe. It was the application of that knowledge on a larger Prithvi Narayan? He created Nepal by conquering chaubises, scale that propelled Western communities to be much ahead of baieses and other states. Shah Kings then ruled from 1768 to us in the third world. 1846 when Jung Bahadur took control of government and Ra- The countries of Europe which in those early days nas held power for 104 years. The subsequent 10 years res- were small enclaves, principalities or duchies combined or pite was followed by 30 years of rule. Then came separated as per the wishes of the religious leader at Rome. Parliamentary rule and Constitutional Monarchy followed by Combinations and deductions led to formation of pioneering direct rule and ten years of constitution making and finally the forces in the countries of Belgium, England, France, Germany, establishment of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The Holland, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Turkey which then sepa- country is now decreed as just ‘Nepal’. rately set out at various times to subjugate distant lands across As we ponder over the situations in the USA with the seas. the Trump tantrums and the periodically occurring mass unrest Initially the Pope ruled over the kings and the people events in France, one realises that democracy too has to have of Europe until a division occurred and the Greek Orthodox time to take roots. For the past seventy years we have been Church separated from the church at Rome. Later the Protes- putting back to power the same old and tested out leaders who tants of many lands of Europe distanced themselves too from have failed us time and time again. Why should we the peo- Rome. The beheading of Charles I of England was followed ple always be made to suffer? Can we not hope for anything by eleven years of Republican rule under Cromwell until mon- better than these individuals? Must we all pity ourselves and archy was restored. The French Revolution of 1789 was also our nation? a rising up of the masses against the ruling clique which in- The author is a retired medical doctor and writes fiction un- cluded the church in 1793. It led in the succeeding 250 years der the pen name of Mani Dixit also. Website: www.hdixit.org.np. Twit- ter: @manidixithd

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 16 Mayhem In US Congress Blackest Day By KESHAB POUDEL

or a majority of Nepalis, the for democracy around the world and a by a mob of outgoing President Donald United States is a guardian of de- peaceful and orderly transfer of power. Trump’s supporters who stormed the US Fmocracy. They get the first hand The US Capitol was in an act of insurrec- Capitol. definition of democracy from Abraham tion that shattered a more than 220-year Vice President Mike Pence for- Lincoln -- by the people, of the people tradition of peaceful transfer of power. mally presides over the session counting and for the people. The mayhem carried Around the world, political leaders have the electoral votes. He rejected Trump’s out by the supporter of a sitting Presi- watched in disbelief as chaos unfolded claim he had the power to reject electors dent on January 6 shocked the people of in Washington. that have been “fraudulently” chosen. Nepal. “What happened today in “To those who wreaked havoc “Today is the blackest day in Washington DC is not American, defi- in our Capitol today — you did not win,” the history of democracy. That is not nitely. We believe in the strength of our he said after reopening the disrupted ses- only in America but around the world,” democracies. We believe in the strength sion in the Senate. said Eminent Constitutional lawyer of American democracy,” French presi- Senate Majority Leader Mitch Badri Bahadur Karki. “I cannot believe dent Macron added. McConnell called the storming of the that this kind of situation happens in the US lawmakers certify Joe Capitol a “failed insurrection.” US.” Biden election victory Supporters of President Don- Political leaders of Nepal, After a dramatic day of vio- ald Trump have stormed the US Capitol who have been facing a new turmoil fol- lence at the US Capitol, the US House in the most violent rejection of Trump’s lowing the dissolution of the House of of Representatives and Senate certified election loss yet. Critics say the presi- Representatives, also dent is to blame for the unprec- expressed their shock. edented disregard for democra- “It is natural for us to cy. see mob ruling. It is Armed protesters unimaginable for us storming a parliament building to see attack against over the sounds of mayhem in democracy in United the streets — not a scene you’re States,” said NC lead- used to seeing in the United er Prakash Man Singh. States. But after weeks of US As the land of Abraham Lincoln, President Donald Trump not George Washington, accepting his election loss and Benjamin Franklin telling his supporters to not let and Thomas Jefferson, Democrats steal the election America has greatly from them, that’s exactly what contributed for the rights of the people Joe Biden’s election as US president and was happening around the Cap- and constitutionalism. Kamala Harris as vice president. itol in Washington DC. However, Alexis de Toc- Vice President Mike Pence de- Although the institution pre- queville saw this kind of greatest danger clared that Congress had confirmed the vails over the individual whim, what it century ago. Majoritarian systems are a Electoral College result. The formal tal- has damaged is a democracy all over the major threat to democracy. What Alexis ly of Electoral College results counts the world. It will likely take decades to cov- de Tocqueville in his book “Democracy total 538 electoral votes, out of which er the damage made by the mayhem. in America”, expresses is that it’s the Biden won 306 and Trump 232. As Winston Churchill said very strength of democratic institutions Pence, as the session came to democracy is the worst form of govern- Americans are able to retain democra- an end, said the count “shall be deemed ment except all those other forms that cy and it is the same institution which a sufficient declaration” of Biden’s vic- have been tried from time to time. As will likely bring anarchy and disorder. tory, but offered no words of congratu- the rule of the people, we have no alter- Today’s mayhem showed how a sitting lations to the incoming administration. native other than to follow it. However, president can destroy the value of de- It capped an extraordinary mayhem in US has taught us a great les- mocracy and weaken the process. day of chaos, violence and division. son not for Americans for the countries The United States stands Proceedings had been disrupted earlier around the world.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 17 POLITICS

POLITICS Fight To Finish With the intensification of political dispute, NCP’s two factions are in a do-or-die stage of politics

By A CORRESPONDENT

urs is the original Nepal minority. An overwhelming ma- for long, PM Oli and Nepal, are Communist Party. The jority of party workers are with us. any indications, they show that Ofaction led by Prachan- Election Commission will provide NCP leaders are now in a fight to da-Nepal duo is a splinter. Thus, us our election symbol, of the sun, finish the other in the politics. the sun is the symbol of our par- by recognizing us,” said Madhav As the issue of the dis- ty. The Election Commission will Kumar Nepal, chairman of new- solution of House of Represent- recognize us,” thundered Prime ly-split Nepal Communist Party. atives is under a hearing by a Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. “Peo- “Once the court restores the dis- five-member constitutional bench, ple will discard leaders of splinter solved House, PM Oli camp will rival factions are organizing polit- group and throw them out of pol- be deserted.” ical rallies in different parts of the itics.” If the statements of two country. “Prime Minister Oli is in former comrades and close allies Leaders of both the fac-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 18 POLITICS tions are making personal attacks, very reason. Given the nature of ap- terming the other side as a demon, pointment of judges in the Supreme in public meetings. Having built Court on the basis of party close- their political career by being as- ness, petitioners will raise the same sociated with CPN-UML, the top question on the loyalty of justices. brass, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala- This will not only delay nath Khanal, KP Sharma Oli and the process of hearing but also Amrit Bohara, will have to finish question the judgment of the court the other to survive in politics. in coming days. Delayed Hearing Fight To Finish With the decision of Mem- If the current individu- ber of the Constitutional Bench al clashes and infighting between formed to hear writs on House dis- the warring factions of ruling Ne- pal Communist Party has already solution Justice Hari Krishna Karki pal Communist Party continue for expelled the current chief ministers has decided to excuse himself from some time to come, this will likely from the party membership. Oli-led hearing the writs henceforth, the displace many established political NCP has reciprocated by announc- bench postponed the hearing on the leaders of the party. ing the expulsion of the members of constitutional issue till January 13. As the split has already rival group. Justice Karki’s decision reached to the rural municipality With the infighting reach- follows questions raised regarding level, it is likely to create a political ing the provincial level, six provin- his inclusion in the bench as he was ripple from center to local levels. cial governments are in a trouble appointed the Attorney General Following the split at the center, to maintain their majority strength during KP Sharma Oli’s first stint both the factions have already start- sending a signal of political insta- as the Prime Minister in 2015. ed to strengthen their positions ex- bility. Lawyers had argued that pelling the provincial leaders from “We will pull down all Karki shouldn’t have been picked the party. the provincial chief ministers as a member of the bench for the Prachanda-Nepal led Ne- from Province 1, Bagmti, Gandaki

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 19 POLITICS

and Lumbini,” said Narayan Kazi Sudurpaschim soon,” said DPM As earlier rules didn’t al- Shrestha, spokesperson of Prachan- Ishwor Pokharel. low the poll panel to recognize a da-Nepal led NCP. At a time when two fac- split in a party after announcement With the withdrawal of tions of NCP have already filed pe- of general elections, the EC can support from PM Oli led NCP, the titions claiming the legitimacy of now decide which faction of the provincial governments in Kar- the party, the Election Commission NCP is authentic and which should nali and Sudur Paschim have lost has amended its rules to formalize register with the poll panel under a the majority. “We will replace two the split in the ruling Nepal Com- new name. chief ministers from Karnali and munist Party (NCP). Spokesperson for the Elec-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 20 POLITICS tion Commission Raj Kumar Shres- tha said the amendment meant that the EC could hear claims and coun- ter claims of parties’ factions about who should use the original party’s name, flag, and election symbol dur- ing the election. According to Shres- tha, previous rules prohibited the EC from recognizing a splinter group as a new party even after it submitted signatures of 40 per cent of Central Committee members and the Parlia- mentary Party. Forming 1100 members’ central committee, both the factions are claiming themselves as a legiti- mate party. The process of recogniz- ing the party is likely to take at least two months. Watch And See At a time when the factions of ruling Nepal Communist Party are calling the support from opposition parties Nepali Congress and JSP-N, both parties have ruled out any truck with Dahal-led NCP. Once bitten twice shy -- that’s how the Nepali Congress and the Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal are reacting to the proposal of join- ing hands with the dissident faction of the ruling Nepal Communist Par- ty (NCP) even for a common cause. The NCP led by and Madhav Kumar want to join hands with Dahal-Ne- that will ultimately serve the public Nepal has postponed its Standing pal faction since leaders associated interest,” Mahat added. Committee meeting for a couple of with that faction kept mum when JSP-N leader Rajendra Ma- days to hold talks with other politi- the Oli-led government moved bills hato also ruled out any truck with cal parties, particularly the NC and violating constitutional provisions the Dahal-Nepal faction. He recalled the JSP-N, to launch a joint protest to curtail people’s freedom. More- that Madhesi Janajati forces had against the dissolution of the House over, when the government took no jointly fought for political change in of Representatives. initiative to hold election for deputy the 2006 popular movement, but the However, both the parties speaker of the HoR they didn’t utter major forces promulgated the new have ruled out joining hands with a word, he added. constitution after brutally suppress- the Dahal-Nepal faction of the NCP. Mahat said the Dahal-Nepal ing Madhesi agitation and killing Joint General Secretary of faction would join hands with Oli scores of people in the region. NC Prakash Sharan Mahat, ruled out the day their self-interests converged As the factions of ruling any possibility of a joint protest with with that of Oli’s. “Even if we do not party NCP are launching a nation- Dahal-Nepal faction of the NCP. join hands with others to protest the wide fight to finish agitation, this “The HoR dissolution is unconstitu- dissolution of the HoR, it will cre- will end the political careers of many tional and undemocratic and we will ate positive momentum against the political leaders whether elections protest against it on our own,” he government’s act in the society and are held or House revived. said. He added that his party did not

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 21 COVERSTORY

PRITHVI NARAYAN SHAH Remembered For A Reason Several other Kings and monarchs of Indian sub-continent including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Ranjeet Singh, and the Queen of Jhansi had launched movements to preserve unique diversity of culture, values and religions retaining unique character of this region. However, King Prithvi Narayan Shah, a King of small hill, succeeded to liberate a small portion of the region declaring it as a garden of diverse ethnicity, culture and race with its identity of original Hindustan. Along with , King Prithvi Narayan Shah also injected all ingredients of modern nationhood including secularism, inclusion, equality and sovereignty of the nation. Nepalese are celebrating the birth anniversary of Shah, who gave Gorkha an identity of bravery, loyalty and greatness, on January 11

By KESHAB POUDEL

ndian Foreign Secretary pointed the foreign secretary, building constructed under Indi- Harsh V Shringla, who had recalled Prithvi Narayan Shah an Government Support beneath Iserved as India’s Ambassa- for his role in championing for the Palace of Shah in Gorkha last dor to the United States of Amer- the word Gorkha as a symbol month, the statement given by ica and the Kingdom of Thailand bravery in India and all over the Indian foreign secretary Shring- and as High Commissioner to world. la, who has connections with In- before being ap- Inaugurating a school dian Gorkha, is highly important.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 22 COVERSTORY

Suppressed by politi- Nepal Army given up its respect and glory to cians of current ruling dispen- Although Nepal Army founder of Nepal Army. Even af- sation under the guidance of faced all kinds of assaults, as ter abolition of monarchy, Nepal Maoist leader Prachanda and his with the name of Prithvi Narayan Army respects him as in the past. gorilla, current Nepalese state Shaha, following signing of Chandragiri Hills does not recognize his status offi- peace agreement between seven Chandra Prasad Dhakal, cially as they have tried to delete parties and Maoist, Nepal Army the founder of Chandragiri Hill his legacy. took a strong stand in favor of the Resorts and senior vice presi- However, president founder of the institution. dent of Federation of Nepalese Bidhya Devi Bhandari is the first As a founder and com- Chamber of Commerce and head of the state following decla- mander, Nepal Army also hangs Industry (FNCCI), had rarely ration of republic to show cour- a life size drawing of Shaha at imagined that the full statue of age to visit the statue of Prithvi the center of Nepal Army’s for- Prithvi Narayan at the top of the Narayan Shah and paid homage mal halls where every high level hill would be the most visited to him. With a blood of Kalu meeting takes place -- Shaha’s place by visitors in his recreation Pande, prime minister of Prth- portrait stands as an eye-witness. center. vi Narayan, president Bhandary Despite state’s policy However, the statue of paid respect to founder of the to discard the legacy of Prithvi King Prithvi Narayan, which was nation. Narayan, Nepal Army has never unveiled by President Bidhya

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 23 COVERSTORY

Devi Bhandari three years ago, is religious groups to preserve the was nowhere to exist, Shaha had one of the most visited selfy sites unique culture, religion and val- propounded the concept of inclu- for all the generations in Chan- ues of this subcontinent. sion, secularism, anti-colonial- dragiri Hill and cable car. However, Prithvi ism, socialism and nationhood. Whether with family or Narayan is one of the popular fig- He emphasized strong people individually, tens of thousands of ures among all groups of people. can make the ruler strong, en- photographs are posted in differ- He was popular not only in Nepal couraged use of the locally made ent social media sites by various but all over the world. goods, and not going for foreign groups of people from that ven- Gorkha, the state in goods. He wished to have a tailor ue. Taking risk of possible van- which Shaha was born, is regard- (untouchable) as his prime min- dalism by political hooligans and ed as a place of pride and brav- ister. threat of ruling class, Dhakal, a ery outside Nepal. “So great is By calling his newly gentle person, had erected the the sense of pride felt by all the built state a garden of all castes, statue in a spot from where Shah Nepalese for the name and tra- creeds and religions within true drew the plans for national uni- dition of Gorkha that even social Hindustan, he made Nepal a total fication. and political organizations of fabric of customs and traditions Discarded for almost a the Nepalese domiciled in India that have evolved through centu- decade and disowned by the po- and elsewhere are often called ries. litical dispensation, people from Gorkha,” writes Rishikesh Shah “The second half of different walks of life have- re in his book Heroes and Builders the 18th century, King Prithvi alized the need to highlight the of Nepal. Narayan Shah of Gorkha decided important step taken by Shah in With the division of to stand against colonial power nation building and unifying the black and white around the world to protect the holy land and pre- people of different ethnic and and when the right of the people serve the culture and religion of

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 24 COVERSTORY

sub-continent. It was during this Jealousies and intrigues Visualizing the troubles period that the British East India were the order of the day, and ahead, Prithvi Narayan Shah took Company began to engage itself corruption and inefficiency had upon himself the task of keeping in making the plan of strategy for sapped the vitality of all the the banner of freedom and cultur- the establishment of its hegemo- states. Under such circumstances, al heritage high by unifying the ny over the land stretching from not only the freedom and inde- minor states under his leadership. the Himalayas to Cape Camorin. pendence of the people but also He exhorted the people to make “Although Nepal is small their culture, religion and values sustained efforts to meet the dan- in size, she is one of the oldest were in a great threat. ger any time. As he was the per- countries of the world and a very bright record of philosophical, re- ligious, poetic and artistic activi- ties of her people. In all the ages she has been the pure fountain of spiritual salvation to all the Hindus. The inhabitants of this country have always endeavored to keep vigil against the foreign tormentors of this holy land and thus have preserved her cultural heritage by all means,” writes Hit Narayan Jha, professor of His- tory, Culture and Archeology of TU.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 25 COVERSTORY

son to make correct assessment of conquering Nepal, he wanted to cian Dipak Gywali nationhood the world and his surroundings, make his victory a stable one. core value of Prithvi Narayan Shah jumped to take lead to pro- That is why he did not do any Shah, national unity, one king and tect the civilization. such work which would affect so- one nation. Socialism, secularism “Prithwinarayan Shah cial, religious, economic as well and in-divisible nation are some stepped onto the stage of Ne- as cultural lives of the Newars of the core philosophy Prithvi pali history at a time when the of Nepal. Rather he encouraged Narayan Shah propounded. whole Indian sub-continent was them to follow their tradition Recognized and reck- in a ferment. The sap of the Mu- without any fear both from within oned by foreign diplomats, ghual Empire had dried up and and without. scholars, historians and common As people of different the leaves were weathering on people, Prithvi Narayan Shah the branches. Rot had set in, and walks of life are preparing to cel- is a great King. “Prithvinaryan there was no lack of those who ebrate Shah’s birth anniversary, Shah’s valour, statesmanship and were prepared to seize advantag- Manisha Koirala, a popular Boly- administrative qualities fill Nepa- es. The Marathas in the west, the wood actress and granddaughter lis with a sense of pride and glo- scheme of Haidar Ali in the south of BP Koirala, recently called a and least of all, the relentlessly meeting of broader group of peo- ry. As a result of his foresight and growing influence of the British ple to celebrate the founder of na- wisdom, a synthesis of Hinduism factory at Kalighat (Calcutta), all tion without any political bias. and Buddhism exists to this day in were more than sufficient to shred “As a Nepali, all of us Nepal. The strong nations he cre- the peace of the land,” writes need to be proud of him and his ated were to be for a long time the Ludwig F. Stiller, SJ in his book contributions. He is equal to all only free and independent Hindu Dibya Upadesh. who are proud as Nepali,” said nation in the world,” writes late As a diplomat, he was Koirala. Rishikesh Shaha in his book He- unique figure in his time. After In the word of academi- roes and Builders of Nepal.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 26 COVERSTORY NEPAL ARMY Preserving History Nepali Army Launches Unification March from Gorkha

By A CORRESPONDENT

tarted as a way of remember- ing and commemorating the Shistoric unification campaign of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Nepal Army is organizing the unification march this year as well. History has it that the Na- tional Hero King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s conquest of Kathmandu started from Gorkha moving along Dhading and Nuwakot. On a recent morning, the march was set afoot at Gorkha – the starting point of the unification cam- paign as a band of army officials left for Kathmandu – the endpoint of the Unification Trail. “To preserve our torch, the National Flag, as well as locals about the unification march,” history, and ignite a feeling of unity flags of five companies of - theNe exclaimed Gorkha’s Chief District among us Nepalis, we have initiat- pali Army, established back in the Officer Tirtha Raj Bhattarai. ed this concept,” said Binay Bikram time of King Prithvi Narayan Shah These groups will also be Rana, Major General of Nepal Ar- (Shreenath, Kalibaks, Purano Gora- welcomed along the trail with cultur- my’s West Division Headquarters. kh, Bardabani and Sabud Battalion), al events. The team will march from “The trail will also be helpful in re- informed Ujjwal KC, Lieutenant Gorkha to Dhading border and will viving historical tourism in the coun- Colonel and Battalion Head of Ra- hand over the army flag and torch to try,” he added. nasingh Dal Battalion, Gorkha. The the Dhading-based Devidutta Battal- With reference to the path army squad will also include person- ion and the Dhading-based army bat- taken by the then King Prithvi nel dressed in traditional army cos- talion will carry the flags and torches Narayan Shah, the army personnel tumes from the time of unification. from Dhading to the Nuwakot bor- will follow the unification trail en- Rajanraj Pant, Mayor of der. route to Kathmandu. The band of Gorkha Municipality, during the Similarly, the army bat- soldiers is scheduled to reach the farewell ceremony said, “History talion in Nuwakot will hand over capital on foot on Poush 27 to mark can’t be wiped out, which is why the flags and torches to the army in Prithvi Jayanti, the late King’s birth we should honor and preserve it,” Kathmandu. He said that the trek anniversary. he said lauding the march. “Gorkha will reach Kathmandu on Poush 27. In a special ceremony held Municipality will always be keen on The Unification March at Hanuman Chautari inside the helping promote such activities like began only last year on Poush 18, Gorkha Durbar premises, the per- unification march.” which Nepali Army seems adamant sonnel participating in the walk were “As the squad navigates to continue in the coming years. Last bade adieu amidst the humongous through these places, local author- year, the army had even conducted a uproar of panchebaja. ities can host special cultural pro- marathon on the occasion, but given The team of 40 individu- grams to entertain the squad while the pandemic scare, it has been dis- als left for Kathmandu carrying the also enthralling and informing the continued this year.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 27 ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change: Policy Priorities And NDC2

In Climate Vulnerable Forum (7 October 2020) the following section focuses on priorities of the and Climate Ambition Summit (12 December national sectoral policies on climate change. 2020), the Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called After the adoption of the Climate Change to limit global warming to 1.5oC, and informed to Policy in 2011, over a dozen sectoral policies have submit enhanced Nationally Determined Contribu- BY: BATU UPRETY included provisions for addressing climate change tion (NDC) by the end of 2020. In December Sum- impacts in Nepal. Prior to 2011 Policy, Industrial mit, Prime Minister also informed Nepal’s aims to ‘move Policy (2010) mentioned to take special measures to pro- towards a zero-carbon economy’ and ‘extend protected mote green industries and make the established industries area from 23% to 30% by 2030’. Nepal’s second NDC was pollution free and ‘zero to carbon emissions’. uploaded on 8 December 2020 in UNFCCC website while Of 16 national policies reviewed, over 80 percent statement of the Head of the Government on 12 December focus on adaption and mitigation of climate change impacts mentioned ‘will submit enhanced NDC’. rather than GHGs emissions reduction. The National Cli- The 2020 NDC contains ambitious targets for mate Change Policy (2019) which repealed 2011 Policy sector-based greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission reduc- also provisions for increasing carbon storage in forests, tion (https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2020/11/24/am- identification of GHGs emitting points in industry and bitious-draft-ndc-2020/). It reflects the transport sectors, imple- strong commitments of the Head of the mentation of standards for Government in reducing GHGs emis- emission reductions, pro- sions, promoting climate-resilient ad- In 2020, the Government motion on uses of electric aptation plans in all local levels, and has issued policies on water re- vehicles & energy effi- developing climate finance strategy and sources and foreign relations. ciency, and phasing out roadmap by 2021. On 16 December 2020 The Water Resources Policy pro- of highly polluting means at the launch of the Human Development visions to implement plans and of transportation. Similar- Report 2020, the Minister for Foreign programmes that are adaptive ly, zero emission concept Affairs Mr. Pradeep K. Gyawali, - link to the effects and impacts of - cli has been introduced for ing with the 5th anniversary of the Paris mate change, including update of tourist places. The Envi- Agreement, informed, inter alia, Nepal’s climate data, and adoption of ad- ronment-friendly Vehi- commitment on climate-resilient devel- aptation technologies such as rain cle and Transport Policy opment, and zero-carbon economy. water collection, pond construc- provisions for replacing Nepal’s targets as contained in tion etc. fossil fuel-based vehicles the NDC2 are mostly conditional upon to electric vehicles and re- international support. Unlike 2016 NDC, duce GHGs emissions and the 2020 NDC embraces the original commits to operate elec- concept of GHGs emissions reduction in spite of her 0.027 tric vehicles at least 20 percent of the total vehicles by 2020. percent share on the global total GHGs emissions. There However, this target has not been met in 2020. The National is a possibility to meet the targets on residential cooking Forest Policy intends to increase wood production to reduce and biogas energy through the effective implementation of carbon emissions, including a strategy to utilise an opportu- Nepal’s CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) projects nity for payment from international mechanisms for carbon on improved cookstoves and biogas, including Rural En- emissions reduction from forests. The Rangeland Policy ergy Policy (2006) and Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy has a provision for conducting research on rangeland’s con- (2016). Increasing use of LPG for cooking purpose in rural tribution in carbon sequestration. areas and REDD+ initiatives may support to maintain 45 The policies on wetland, irrigation and agriculture percent forests. In addition, targets related to the prepara- biodiversity have focussed to adopt appropriate adaptation tion of the strategies, action plans, guidelines or mecha- options and implement mitigation measures to address cli- nisms will be met easily as Nepal is very active in formulat- mate change impacts. The policies on water-induced disas- ing ‘non-legally binding’ policies. With this in perspective, ter management and land use provision for integrating cli-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 28 ENVIRONMENT urging to implement ‘polluters pay principle’, ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’, and ‘carbon trading’. This Policy also provisions for, inter alia, expansion of ‘petroleum and gas pipelines’, actively coordinate and collaborate to reduce climate change effects; and project ‘carbon-neutral’ Nepal at the international level. Ex- cept on ‘carbon-neutral’ Nepal, other policies and strategies focus only on mitigation of adverse impacts of, and build adaptive capacity, to climate change. The above policies reflect national priorities on adaptation, and mitigation of climate change effects or impacts while Second NDC com- mits to reduce GHGs emissions. In a discussion forum on draft ‘eNDC’, one person urged to submit more am- mate change adaptation into medium-term and long-term bitious NDC to inform internation- plans, and land use plan to reduce climate change effects. al community on Nepal’s strong commitment on GHGs In 2019, the Government issued 5 national poli- emissions reduction, with clear reflection that there is cies (health, forest, agro-forestry, poverty alleviation, and no need to fulfil such commitments. With simple guess, climate change) that provision to address and mitigate this ‘thought’ dominated in finalising NDC2. It is simply adverse effects or impacts of climate change, develop cli- a ‘confidence without clarity’. Implementation of NDC2 mate-resilient ecosystem, build capacity, and implement started on 1 January 2021. It is most likely that a review on adaptation programmes. NDC implementation in 2025 and 2030 may conclude that The 2019 Climate Change Policy has objectives both ‘conditional and unconditional targets’ have not been of enhancing capacity of climate vulnerable on adaptation, met as priorities of the national policies and commitments developing ecosystem resilience, promoting green econo- in NDC2 look like ‘banks of the same river.’ my, accessing international resources, and mainstreaming Policies with provisions on Climate Change gender and social inclusion in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts. This Policy gives a clear message 1. Industrial Policy, 2010 on national priorities on adaptation and mitigation of im- 2. Rangeland Policy, 2012 pacts which aligns with the statements of the Heads of the 3. National Wetland Policy, 2012 State and/or Government at international fora. 4. Irrigation Policy, 2013 In 2020, the Government has issued policies on 5. Environment-friendly Vehicle and Transport water resources and foreign relations. The Water Resourc- Policy, 2014 es Policy provisions to implement plans and programmes 6. Agri-Biodiversity Policy, 2014 (amendment) that are adaptive to the effects and impacts of climate 7. Water-induced Disaster Management Policy, change, including update of climate data, and adoption of 2015 adaptation technologies such as rain water collection, pond 8. Land Use Policy, 2015 construction etc. 9. Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy, 2016 The Foreign Policy, released in December 2020, 10. National Health Policy, 2019 considers ‘conservation of the planet’ as one of the guiding 11. National Forest Policy, 2019 principles, commits to align the sectoral policies with this 12. National Agro-Forestry Policy, 2019 Policy, and ‘minimise climate change effect’. The Policy 13. Poverty Alleviation Policy, 2019 provides provisions for playing effective role on adapta- 14. National Climate Change Policy, 2019 tion and GHGs emissions reduction to fight against -cli 15. Water Resources Policy, 2020 mate change challenges and its adverse impacts. Strategies 16. Foreign Policy, 2020 focus to playing an active and ‘frontline’ role on interna- Uprety is a former Joint-Secretary (Tech) and involved in institutionalizing Environment Assessment system in Nepal, then Min- tional processes, accessing necessary financial resources istry of Environment. E-mail: [email protected] and technologies for adaptation and effects mitigation, and

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 29 ECONOMY WORLD BANK REPORT Nepal’s Growth At 0.6 The World Bank projects a bleak growth outlook for Nepal’s economy in 2021

By A CORRESPONDENT

s Nepal’s political crisis has spread resurgence entered a new era following in infections. In Athe dissolution of the House India, growth is of Representatives by Prime Minister expected to recov- K.P. Sharma Oli, the recently released er to 5.4% in 2021, report of the World Bank shows a as the rebound bleak economic scenario. from a low base At a time when Nepal needs is offset by muted a strong government to take drastic private investment economic reforms, the government growth given fi- has turned out to be a lame duck and nancial sector weak with no authority to take a major weaknesses. In the policy- and security-related uncertain- decision. As the ruing NCP splits fol- financial sector, non-performing loans ty. Additional stress on domestic banks lowing the dissolution, the new gov- were already high before the pandem- in the region could be triggered by the ernment will be a coalition of different ic. economic consequences of a more political parties. In Pakistan, the recovery is protracted recovery from the pandem- Till a few months ago, Ne- expected to be subdued, with growth ic, which in turn could lead to a rise pal’s economy was moving in the right at 0.5% in FY 2020/21. Growth is in bankruptcies and weaken balance direction with the implementation of projected to be held back by contin- sheets of the banking and non-banking federalism. The recent report shows ued fiscal consolidation pressures and sectors among several economies of a much grimmer situation. With the service sector weakness. In economies the region (Bangladesh, , India, growth in average of 7 percent in the that rely on external sources of growth ). Extreme weather events last four years, Nepal had made an such as manufacturing exports (Bang- also remain an important regional risk. enormous progress. ladesh) and tourism (Bhutan, Mal- The global economy is ex- Nepal’s economic growth in dives, Nepal, Sri Lanka), the recovery pected to expand 4% in 2021, assum- 2021 will likely to be around 0.6 per- is likely to be particularly modest. ing an initial COVID-19 vaccine roll- cent. According to the World Bank’s Tourism revenue is likely to out becomes widespread throughout Global Economy Report, South Asian remain significantly below pre-pan- the year. A recovery, however, will economy is projected to expand by demic levels because of depressed likely be subdued, unless policy mak- 3.3% in 2021. The report warns that demand as potential tourists remain ers move decisively to tame the pan- development risks remain as econom- wary of social interactions and contin- demic and implement investment-en- ic activity and incomes are likely to ued restrictions on international travel, hancing reforms, the World Bank says stay low for extended period. although recent vaccine news offers in its January 2021 Global Economic “The region is projected to hope. Prospects. grow by 3.3% in 2021. Weak growth Risks to the outlook are tilted The COVID-19 pandemic prospects reflect a protracted recovery to the downside. They include more has caused deep output losses and con- in incomes and employment, especial- severe and longer-lasting infection tributed to a sharp rise in poverty and ly in the services sector, limited credit rates from the pandemic, financial unemployment in South Asia. Output provisioning constrained by financial and debt distress caused by an abrupt in the region contracted by an estimat- sector vulnerabilities, and muted fiscal tightening of financing conditions or ed 6.7% in 2020, reflecting the effects policy support,” states the report. possible widespread corporate bank- of the pandemic and nationwide lock- The forecast assumes that a ruptcies, adverse effects of extreme downs, particularly in Bangladesh and vaccine will be distributed on a large weather and climate change, weaker India. Activity rebounded in the sec- scale in the region starting the second than-expected recoveries in key part- ond half of last year, led by industrial half of 2021 and that there is no wide- ner economies, and a worsening of production, as initial stringent lock- downs were eased. In India, the pan- NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 30 ECONOMY demic hit the economy at a time when management, budget policies, central while, in an upside scenario with suc- growth was already decelerating. banking and structural reforms—as cessful pandemic control and a faster Output is estimated to con- they try to ensure that this still fragile vaccination process, global growth tract by 9.6% in Fiscal Year 2020/21, global recovery gains traction and sets could accelerate to nearly 5 percent. reflecting a sharp drop in household a foundation for robust growth,” said In advanced economies, a spending and private investment. The World Bank Group President David nascent rebound stalled in the third informal sector, which accounts for Malpass. “To overcome the impacts quarter following a resurgence of in- four-fifths of employment, has also of the pandemic and counter the in- fections, pointing to a slow and chal- been subject to severe income losses vestment headwind, there needs to be lenging recovery. U.S. GDP is forecast during the pandemic. a major push to improve business en- to expand 3.5% in 2021, after an esti- Recent high frequency data vironments, increase labor and prod- mated 3.6% contraction in 2020. In the indicate that the services and manufac- uct market flexibility, and strengthen euro area, output is anticipated to grow turing recovery is gaining momentum. transparency and governance.” 3.6% this year, following a 7.4% de- In the rest of the region, the economic The collapse in global eco- cline in 2020. Activity in Japan, which nomic activity in 2020 is estimated impact of COVID-19 has been some- shrank by 5.3% in the year just ended, to have been slightly less severe than what less severe but still significant. is forecast to grow by 2.5% in 2021. previously projected, mainly due to Economies that depend As severe crises did in the shallower contractions in advanced heavily on tourism and travel have past, the pandemic is expected to economies and a more robust recovery been especially hard hit (, leave long lasting adverse effects on Nepal, Sri Lanka). In Bangladesh, in China. In contrast, disruptions to ac- tivity in the majority of other emerg- global activity. It is likely to worsen which had been one of the the slowdown in global fastest growing emerging growth projected over market and developing the next decade due to economies prior to the underinvestment, under- pandemic, growth is esti- employment, and labor mated to have decelerated force declines in many to 2% in FY2019/20. In advanced economies. Pakistan, growth is esti- mated to have contracted If history is any guide, by 1.5% in FY2019/20, the global economy is reflecting the effects of heading for a decade of localized COVID-19 con- growth disappointments tainment measures as well unless policy makers put as the impact of monetary in place comprehensive and fiscal tightening prior reforms to improve the to the outbreak. fundamental drivers of Although the equitable and sustaina- global economy is growing again af- ble growth. ter a 4.3% contraction in 2020, the ing market and developing economies The most pressing policy pri- pandemic has caused a heavy toll of were more acute than expected. ority in the short-run in most countries deaths and illness, plunged millions “Financial fragilities in many is likely to be rapid and widespread into poverty, and may depress eco- of these countries, as the growth shock distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. nomic activity and incomes for a pro- impacts vulnerable household and However, beyond this immediate pol- longed period. Top near-term policy business balance sheets, will also need icy priority, more action is needed priorities are controlling the spread to be addressed,” Vice President and to promote a return to robust long- of COVID-19 and ensuring rapid and World Bank Group Chief Economist term growth. But priorities will differ Carmen Reinhart said. widespread vaccine deployment. To among individual countries depending The near-term outlook re- support economic recovery, authorities on their country characteristics. At the mains highly uncertain, and different also need to facilitate a re-investment country level, some of the most press- growth outcomes are still possible, as cycle aimed at sustainable growth that ing reforms are long overdue; other a section of the report details. A down- is less dependent on government debt. long-standing reform needs have been side scenario in which infections con- “While the global economy cast into a new, more urgent light by appears to have entered a subdued tinue to rise and the rollout of a vac- cine is delayed could limit the global the pandemic; and yet other reforms recovery, policymakers face formida- are needed to address new challenges ble challenges—in public health, debt expansion to 1.6% in 2021. Mean- raised by the pandemic.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 31 ARITICLE Budhi Gandaki Re-Imagined From A Nexus Perspective

Budhi Gandaki water infrastructure project has itive bid after which it was again canceled by his been promoted as a storage type hydropower pro- successor, Sher Bahadur Deuba due to the then ject located near Benighat (85 km from Kathman- parliamentary committee’s decision. Now the Oli du) between Gorkha and Dhading districts at the administration wants to hand over the project back confluence of Budhi Gandaki river with Trisuli. to the Chinese company. The Chinese developer Having a dam height of 263 m, it stores the mon- BY: PRATIK POUDEL however seems reluctant to initiate the project. soon river flow to provide peak power during the The annual runoff in Nepal is monsoon dry season when the output of other hydroelectric power centered which substantiates the need to make a reservoir plants in the Nepali grid (which are of run-of-river type) based project like this which will have a double benefit of come down to only a third of their installed capacity. Stor- controlling flood water during monsoon and releasing it age hydroelectric projects such as Budhi Gandaki would during dry season. According to a report, the surface wa- be critical to balance supply and demand in the system; ter availability in Nepal is around 225 billion cubic meter but the project is stuck, and going nowhere. Why? (BCM), which is equivalent to an average flow of 7125 The Indian government showed its first interest m3/s. This figure looks attractive. But the less discussed in the project during the visit of the Indian PM Chandra side is that 80% of the average rainfall occurs in the 4 Shekhar after the political change of 1990, writes Dr.Hari months between June and September. Even the perennial Man Shrestha. During separate meetings with the secre- rivers have only around 12.5% of dry season flow annu- taries of the Indo-Nepal water ministries, the Indian coun- ally. To speak specifically, the volume of monsoon flow terpart showed interest in joint survey and investigation to the average annual flow is 73-75% in the case of large of this project as well, in response to which the Nepa- rivers and 83% in the case of medium sized rivers. Medi- lese side showed the prefeasibility um sized rivers such as Babai, study conducted by the Nepalese Bagmati and Kankai river ba- side in 1982. At the time, the power The provision of dead sins are referred to as “deficit generating capacity was 600 MW. storage in the current design of Bu- basins”, whereas large rivers It was shelved until the Baburam dhi Gandaki does not look convinc- such as Koshi, Gandaki, Kar- Bhattarai’s government revived this ing either. Water journalist Bikash nali and Mahakali are referred project in 2010. Bhattarai named it Thapa has stated in his report to as “surplus basins”. a national pride project and created that the Tractebel company has The $2.5 billion, Bud- a separate Development Committee designed a “dead storage” in this hi Gandaki hydropower Project to develop this project. Various intel- project from which around 50% of is one such multipurpose water lectuals feel this move was unneces- the water will go unused. Usually resource project; but it has been sary given the fact that we already around 10% of the water is kept as promoted as a “power generat- have Nepal Electricity Authority a dead storage in other hydropower ing” project only. It can be a (NEA) to initiate and develop such a projects. boon to a power deficit country project. Tractebel Engineering S.A., like Nepal since Nepal import- a french consultancy firm which was ed 653 MW of electricity out of hired by the Dr. Baburam Bhatarai the total electricity demand of government recommended to increase its power potential 1243 MW in 2019. In addition, it has immense non-power from 600 MW to 1200MW as stated in its official website. benefits, which would make the project even more attrac- Budhigandaki Hydropower Project has always tive if they were included in the project benefits without been at the forefront of controversy since then. Whether loading all the costs on the electricity component only. Former PM Dr. Baburam Bhattarai accusing three other A review of the project’s overall design chaired PMs (two former and one current) of taking bribes for by former water resources minister Dipak Gyawali ex- giving license to the developer or PM Prachanda giving amined its flaws and provided recommendations, one of licensing contract to a Chinese company without compet- which was to opt for an 8 km long tunnel from the reser-

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 32 ARITICLE voir at a site called Durbung till Chitwan’s Fisling, which negotiated appropriately. would provide an additional 61 meter head that would The provision of dead storage in the current de- produce more energy with the same amount of water, thus sign of Budhi Gandaki does not look convincing either. easily paying for the cost of the tunnel and making the Water journalist Bikash Thapa has stated in his report that project more feasible. In addition, the tailwater could be the Tractebel company has designed a “dead storage” in diverted to central and western Chitwan through a tunnel this project from which around 50% of the water will go to Shaktikhor. This, together with downstream develop- unused. Usually around 10% of the water is kept as a dead ment of a re-regulating pondage and increase in flow at storage in other hydropower projects. Deadstorage is the Sapta Gandaki, could create massive year-round irrigation volume of water which is below the level of the spillway benefits of around 1 lakh hectares in Chitwan and Nawal- or other outlet. In other words, it is the volume of water parasi. that cannot be released from a dam but will store the silt and sedimentation. He has stated in his report that through The other benefits this project could create is the around 4.4 billion cubic meter (BCM) is be stored, out navigation benefits. Within Nepal, a 45 km long reservoir of which only half, i.e. 2.2 BCM water is planned to be which would reach north Gorkha almost to the Chinese used in this project as designed. border that, if developed for inland navigation, would ob- There is suspicion among water experts that this viate the need for almost 240 km of high mountain equiv- design have some linkage with the river linking project of alent road. This could reduce logistic cost massively in a India, due to which 50% of the water will go to India for landlocked country like Nepal since energy economics say free while Nepal would pay the social and environmental that one horsepower engine can move 150 Kg of truckload costs. The Gandak Treaty signed between Nepal and India on road, 500 Kg on railway and 4000 Kg on waterway. mentions irrigation benefits provided to Nepal, but it says Across the border, the Indian Government has nothingthing about the irrigation benefit provided to India. declared Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hoogly as National Waterway Similarly, the Gandak Treaty restricts Nepal from transfer- 1 (NW1) which stretches from Allahabad of Uttar Pradesh ring the natural flow of water from one basin to another. to Haldia of West Bengal. NW1 is very important to Ne- However, this should not apply to non-natural flow, pro- pal because this waterway is adjoining National Waterway duced water that Nepal must be free to use. 37 (NW37). Indian government have allocated Rs. 12.91 Therefore if this project is developed as not only crore for developing NW37 a power project which is a 300 Km Gandak River but also irriga- stretch from Hajipur to Bhaisa- tion as well as lotan Barrage which is next to the a navigation, Nepalese border in Nawalparasi. fisheries, flood With the completion of NW37, control and pos- it will be possible to move ves- sibly tourism sels upto 1000 ton to and from development the Nepalese border. The devel- project then opment work has already started it will carry from Ganga confluence in Haji- more attraction pur to Bagaha bridge under Phase among foreign 1. However, one of the challeng- investors. It es in the Indian Waterways in the should be re- consistency of water flow to make thought from it navigable. One of the Ex Chairman of Indian Shipping a nexus perspective that brings in water, energy, food, Board have said that “In NW-1, the availability of water navigation, flood control, fisheries as well as other side throughout the 1620 km is not consistent round the year. benefits such as tourism in the reservoir area. Regarding So there is an urgent need to maintain the depth of at least construction of the project, it can be solely constructed 2.5 m throughout the NW-1 for the entire waterway to be by Nepal sinceRs. 37 billion has already been collect- navigable”. Therefore, with the development of Budhi ed through infrastructure tax levied on each liter of petrol Gandaki Hydropower Project, around 1,670 million cu- on consumer. We can learn from Ethiopia who construct- bic meter (MCM) of augmented water could be regulated ed the $4.8 billion Grand Renaissance Dam solely on its downstream, which can add up to the navigability of the own through mobilizing domestic money. Nevertheless, re Indian waters. This is an important transboundary benefit evaluating this project from a nexus approach can help in to the lower riparian India at the social and environmental justifying the need to make this multipurpose water infra- cost of the upper riparian Nepal, and which needs to be structure project.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 33 Book Remembering Past With a long memory of the transformation of Nepal, Hemang Dixit pens it all down into a book

By A CORRESPONDENT

s Confucius says, past directs Born in 1937 in Kathman- persons to achieve better results du and educated at Shrewood College, Ain the future. Passing knowl- Nainital and Bishop Cotton School edge and sharing experiences enrich the Shimla in India, Dixit went to the U.K. society and new generation. to study medicine. He did so at the Char- In societies, including India, ing Cross Hospital Medical School on people of various professions write the strand in London qualifying in 1961. books after their retirement. However, Since Nepal has gone through only a few of them can share their au- several phases from being a traditional thentic experiences and encounters. isolated society to current modern and In his recent book, Dixit col- exposed one, Dixit is a witness to so lected the memory of different periods many changes. of Nepal, including the latest COVID-19 Although he is professionally crisis and its implications. Touching on a medical doctor, he has the passion to experiences from Rana’s period to Ne- write and writing is his inborn quality. pal’s geography, culture, society and in- Starting the writing career as the chief Reflections Down the Ages ternational exposure, the book provides editor of the Journal of Nepal Medical insights into Nepal’s changing scenario. Association in 1965/68, Dixit went to By Hemang Dixit Ramesh Kant Adhikari, pro- become the chief editor of the journal of Pages: 268 fessor and former dean of institute of Institute of Medicine from 1983 to 1992. Published by Publi- medicine writes, “The present volume, As a writer to have published Reflections Down the Ages, reads like fictions and non-fiction books and write- cation House summary of what he had been experi- ups, Dixit knows how to present all Dillibajar Kathmandu encing and reflecting on throughout his kinds of events and changes in interest- Price: Rs. 550.00 working life. It is a culmination of his ing manner. This is what one can see in who whilst proceeding work over the last six decades or so. It is this book. to Kashi reached the rim of the valley, a both memoir and collection of essays Divided into five different looked back to what was then referred on various topics. His treatment of dif- chapters, the book starts from Nepalian, to as Nepal and damned every one of her ferent issues reflects views of common old time, present time, future time and detractors. This country from this time man swayed by conspiracy theories and afterword. has been said to be a “country cursed by fake news as well those of an insider Writing reflections of the past Sati.” who has access to the powerful. Thus, is not an easy task, one needs to visualize These words of author Dixit opinions are helpful to put the under- the collections of memory in sequences. show how he has tried to describe Ne- standing in proper perspective and very Having published a number of books pal’s own culture and values narrating educational.” and numerous articles on contemporary the society. In a sense, this book gives Writing starts with a specific issues, Hemang Dixit, a prolific writer, readers vivid pictures of Nepal. Written experience followed by his reflections has accomplished the task very well in in simple English with short sentences, on the implications or the ramifications the new book showcasing his vast mem- every page is more interesting than the of the experience and ends with his opin- ories of Nepal. earlier one. ions or suggestions. Sometimes, the ex- Author Dixit writes, “Our This book is useful for all periences seem overwhelming and with country is unique in the sense that we generations, particularly for new gener- too many diverse implications. are a nation. Apart from that our forefa- ations, who will get a glimpse of Nepa- Hemang Mani Dixit is among thers used to say Ajab, Kashmir gazaab lese society and culture. Dixit has again a few people who have greatly enriched Nepal. It is part of our heritage. We are proved himself as a prolific writer to ex- the society by publishing various books also extraordinary in the sense that we plain the society through his own experi- and articles on contemporary issues. are a nation damned. It was the wife of ences and knowledge.

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 34 Book Nepal And The Great First World War

Diary of scholar Hem Raj Sharma is about the participation of Nepalese in the First World War

By A CORRESPONDENT

lthough thousands of Nepa- ma, who was appointed to look at the Thanks to Prakash A Raj, lese soldiers took part in the War Office, was also responsible to professor Dinesh Raj Panta, Nepalese Afirst world war under the um- analyze the event of the war and to readers have found the first book to brella of the Great Britain and many present to the rulers. learn about how Nepal managed to lost their lives, only a few books have However, scholar late Shar- described Nepal’s participation in the ma honestly kept a copy for his own send its soldiers and what the terms war. collection. At a time when sources of and conditions, remuneration and Thanks to the initiative and information regarding Nepal’s par- benefits, provided to Nepalese- sol effort of Prakas A. Raj, the grand son ticipation in the first world war were diers who went to Europe as part of of scholar late Sharma, a book is pub- rare, this book has filled the gap to an the forces of British Power, were like. lished in Nepal which detailed Ne- extent. For years, Nepalese histori- pal’s participation in the First World For scholars and researchers War. who want to write on Nepal’s partic- ans relied on the British and Indian Collected by late Sharma as ipation in the first world war and Ne- archives to learn of Nepal’s partic- a daily diary, the book is the first of its pal’s contribution, this book can be ipation in the world war. However kind to show how Nepalese soldiers used as a main source. the publication of the book has ended were recruited, deputed and compen- With the intense analysis of the information gap. This book repre- sated for their sacrifice in the war. contemporary world through the sec- sents a true part of Nepal’s state in the From the establishment of ondary information gathered through War Office by Chandra Sumsher the newspapers published from India first world war and its participation. and his message to the nation in the and the discussion with British resi- pretext of the First World War, the dences based in Kathmandu, scholar book is the first of its kind which Sharma had shown his high quality has published the entire process of analysis capability to see the First recruitment for the various positions World War from far away country required in the army. like Nepal. As a scholar with his access Not only the salary sheet of to various sources of information par- soldiers, their diet and other facilities ticularly newspaper published from provided to them, the author also col- Kolkata, late Sharma details the rea- lected all the information regarding son behind the war and also draws the the deployment of Nepalese soldiers conclusion. and the sketch their departure sched- He mentions the alliances ule. of the first world war, Russia, France Although the Great First and the Great Britain against Germa- World War concentrated in Europe ny led alliance. Showing Austria’s re- and the countries involved in the war lations with Russia and Germany, the included Europeans, Nepal backed book is full of facts and analyses of British due to its close military alli- Pratham Bishwoyuddhako the First World War. ance. For the first time, large numbers Barnan (Description of the Due to author’s closeness of Nepalese soldiers reached different Great First World War with Ranas, particularly prime minis- parts of Europe siding with British. ter Chandra Shumsher, scholar Shar- These soldiers returned to Written by Scholar: Hemraj Sharma ma had access to information with Nepal after Britain led alliance an- Edited by Professor: Dinesh Raj Pant different sources. nounced the victory and surrender of Published by Scholar :Hemraj Puraskar Guthi It seemed that scholar Shar- German Empire and its alliance. Price: Rs.620.00

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 35 VIEWPOINT Building Hope Between Order And Chaos

Our collectively untutored judgment followed by hasty hat appear to thicken more and more. But given the many decisionhas no doubt led us to the tumultuoussituation inherent contradictions in their demands, adequate trac- we are individually, and as a Nation, facing today. We, tion seems to be missing,allowing curious and critical the people, believed wholeheartedly in the promises of minds to even question whether the system has forgotten political leaders that would later be broken; put unques- to gauge what is just, fair and reasonable.These unchap- tioned faith on leaders who would ultimately choose to eroned protest movements may appear strong and spon- lead only selectively; agreed to change our identity to BY: DR. K. UPRETY taneous at first sight but fall short ofgenerating a unit- someone else’s, undermining our own cultural and geo- ed and collective strength with a snowball effect. Such graphical originality, to be brutally awakened by the shocks of movements, despite their cacophonous intensity, however, cannot guilt; trusted their commitments to good governance, to the ad- represent vox populi.The fragmented movement groups first need vancement of livelihood for all, and to the creation of a just so- to unite and prepare for a common front, with aclearly articulated ciety, that would all be laterunceremoniously sidelined, leaving agenda, to become a force not to be reckoned with. many genuine souls to be disappointed, dismayed, disgusted, and But amid all this, the New Nepal continues to bleed. disillusioned. The woundis severe. The cure proposedyetis debatable and a solu- But, although ‘mea culpa’ is still missing, a sea-change tion remains remote and unseen. Also, while consultation is con- in perception of position, even from the most radicalized of ac- tinuingand consensus is awaited, the gap between debate pertain- tivists of the past, has recently come to light. Certainly, in a place ing to a system that ‘ought to be’ or a system that ‘can be’keeps where forming and deforming alliances without respect for any widening. At this juncture, whether people and leaders have the principle has been common practice for decades, this is not sur- courage to take bold steps, including, if needed,those to correct prising, but in the present context, is certainly noteworthy. the mistakes of the past,remains the most relevant question. Those But beauty,as a famous dictum suggests, is in the who are challenging the constitutional actions of today as serious eyes of the beholder. While the darknessis obvious for many, it breachesof the law of the land, curiously and interestingly had is completely overlooked by some, and shallow and ambiguous failed to question similar breaches of the past, and ironically, the messages continue to players happen to be the same. In a span of be conveyed by those a few months only, the position of anointed self-appointed political experts flip-flopped rapidly. The whirl of the preachers and welcomed Northerly and the Southerly gales appear to by those who readily en- have again affected the decision-making ca- dorse such messages in pacity of the gurus of issues of polity. toto, without question. Indeed, change, whatever its form The mass,chaperoned by may be, appears to be inevitable and immi- the preachers,continues to nent.Affected by the above, a series of stirs be thrilled with joy from followed by gifting the peoplewith another the elixir of propaganda. untested model of governanceseems likely. A few years But that would also need to pass the test that ago, that unfathomable people will not feel duped,this time, as hap- joy also led to sealing a pened two decades earlier.Nonetheless, op- marriage of political con- timismfor a better future stays close to our venience amongst the in- chest, despite the law-and-order of today stitutions which were, by causing chaos in all direction. definition, supposed to stay firewalled per the concept of separa- However, the change should not be only for the sake tion of powers. Thatmarriage, which then relied on the doctrine of change. It should be to strengthen the Nation’s stability, to en- of necessity and political expediency, was not only unholy but hance its prosperity, to protect the peoples’ rights, to ensure their also was sure to create several future perceptional misjudgments, equality, and to guaranteeadequate and equal development oppor- mishaps and miscarriages.And now, the sudden death situation ig- tunities for all. The change, to be sustainable, should not beonly nitedby the decision to dissolve the House, call for fresh elections, toreplace one icon with anotherand continue to practice the same and nominate and dismiss party cadres and elites will surelymake rituals. the landscape foggy and confusing. The confusion will also taint Butthis time, it will also be critical to follow the due allfuture pronouncements on the constitutional breaches with process, respect the principles of natural law,observe the local mo- doubts and disapproval.Understandably, now, there are specula- res and cultural values, and secure the rights of eachwithout ever tions on all extremes galore. over-promising the impossible. Only, with such rigor, the people On a completely different front, the harsh, constantly will be able to pave the much needed path of an adequate and judgmental, and unpredictable civil society has started protestst- balanced governance for a sovereign Nepal!

NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 36 NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 37 NEW SPOTLIGHT | Jan 08. 2021 | 38