INSIDE NEIGHBORS: Come Together? CliMATE SUMMIT: Worsening Weather BRITISH GURKHAS: Debt of Honor •

•

am~a ~itll\ciloc ~ fC=J. INVESTMENT BANK LTD. rr'ru{y a Jfepa{i (]3anft 10

NEWSNOTES 2

OPINION: Dipak Gyawali 4

CUMATE SUMMIT: Worsening Weather 7

Human Rights: Wrong Deal 8

BRITISH GURKHAS: Debt of Honour 9

THREE DAYS OF STRIKE:Controlled Anarchy 16

ENERGISING YOunt: Active Initiative 18

BOOKWARM : Bipin Adhikari 19

SOCIAL INCLUSION 20

INTERVIEW: Radhyeshyam Adhikari 14 SPORTS 24

Editor and Publisher: Keshab Poudel, 98510 79535 Senior Correspondent: Saroj Dahal, Reporter: Pradipti Bhatta, Abijit Sharma Marketing Manager : Madan Raj Poudel, Tel: 9841320517, Photographer : Sandesh Manandhar Cover Design/Layout: Hari Krishna Bastakoti Editorial Office: Tel: 977-1-4430250 E-mail: [email protected], P.O.Box: 7256 Office : Kamal Pokhari, Thir Born Marg, House No. 559/144 (Opposite to Himal Hosp1tal) Printers : Pioneer Offset Printers (P.) Ltd., Dilhbazar, . Ph: 4415687 Kathmandu DAO Regd. No. 148/11/063/64, Postal Regd. No. 07/066/067 US Library of Congress catalogue No. 91-905060

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 1 NEWS NOTES

development. He said laws this program. The program goes on air and their strict on I 02.4 MHz at 9: I 5 PV1 NST on Fridays implementation by the and with a repeat transmission on political leaders and the Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM. citi.cens led Korea to where Youth As Active Citizens it was today. lie further The British Council and the stated that local government Association of Youth Organisations in bodies had an impo1tant role Nepal (A YON) launched a new project to play in strengthening the Active Citizens on 17 December 2009. development process in Secretary ofYouth Ministry Sushi! Jung Nepal. Bahadur Rana and British Ambassador National Planning Dr Andre\\ Hall offered their best wishes Commission member Dr. Chct for the project. Raj Pant and FNCCI vice­ The British Council is working with COAS Gurung Returns president attended the program as chief young people to help them recognize Chief of Army Staff General guests. A total of 80 participants, their pofential and exercise their Chhatraman Singh Gurung returned to including 60 KAAN members and 20 responsibility to engage effectively in Nepal after completing a weeklong officials from related ministries, attended positive development of their oflicial visit to India, where he received the program. communities at local and international KOICA level through the title of honorary general of the has been supporting KAAN its new project. Active Indian Army. every year in organizing d ifferent Citi zens wi ll create an opportunity for programs such the young active citizens Genera I Gurung took a tour ofseveral as medical camps, to engage in • do1_1ation programs, web their communities on small sca places in India and met with Indian building and le projects magazine publication within and outside of real and lasting value. security officials. including the Indian the valley. Engagement with Active Army chief. Citizens will U.S. Embassy Sponsors lead the youth to self awareness and Sharing Lessons From Korea's 'English by Radio' Program understanding of their local Development communities. This will provide The U .S. Embassy-sponsored them with KAAN organised an interaction motivation to worl and care for their 'English by Radio program' goes on air program at Annapurna Hotel community and will make them aware of in from December 25, 2009 on Radio Kathmandu on December their communities' position in the world 16, 2009 to Sagarmatha. The 52-segment English share the lessons and how their local action has global learned in Korea's language program is produced by Radio Economic significance. Development. Sagarmatha, a community FM radio United The program was supported by station, in collaboration with Nepal Nations, Nepal Korea Jnternational Cooperation English Language Teachers' Government & UCPN-M Sign Agency (KOICA). Association (NELTA). The first phase Action Plan KAAN was established in 200 I to was produced and broadcast as a ptlot The Special Representative of the maintain good relations between KOlCA program in early 2009. Secretary-General for Children and and the Nepalese who have participated The U.S. Embassy's Public Affatrs Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika in KOlCJ\.'s short or long term training Section, in an effort to assist Nepalis Coomaraswamy witnessed the signing who • programs. want to learn English, provided a of an Action Plan between the Its main purpose is to share grant for the production and Government of Nepal, Unified knowledge and experie nces gained in broadcasting of 'Eng! ish by Radio Communist Party of Nepai-Maoist program.' Korea and to contribute to the This is the second Embassy­ (UCPN-M) and the United Nations for development ofNcpal. supported project that involves top­ the discharge of Maoist army pcrsotmel level Nepalese Eng The interaction was the first of its lis h l a nguage disqualified in the United Nations-led professionals and kind for KOICA trainees who discussed academics in verification process in 2007. conceptualizing, designing "Today, their stay and study in Korea. and the minors who have spent producing the program. The program, the last three Participants ofKOTCAMaster's Degree years in Maoist army designed for beginning language cantonments with their program presented papers on various lives on hold will learners and since it is broadcast on the finally be able to take facets of Korea's economic the next step radio, provides wide access to Nepalis towards a more positive development. future," said in all parts of the country. Ms. Coomaraswamy. Ambassador of the Republic of Radio Sagarmatha estimates that The UCPN-M has been listed as a Korea Hong Sungmog hig~lighted the their listenership is over 2.5 million and party to conflict recruiting and using key aspects of Korea's economic that one fourth of them will tune in to children in five Annual Reports of the

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 2 NEWSNOTES Secretary-General on Children and peace and stability," it states. Armed Conflict. The party needs to fully The assistance being provided to comply with the Action Plan in order to Nepal, it said, could be used in a more be removed from this list. meaningful and constructive way only The Government of Nepal and the ifth~ concerned stakeholders bury their differences and United Nations will assist the orderly realign their etTorts to conclude successfully the peace rehabilitation of the disqualified once process, which lately has been faltering. they have been officially discharged. "The EU thus would like to make an The discharged individuals 'viii have earnest appeal to all concerned to access to a range of rehabilitation engage in the main task or peace options which have been developed by building and constitution writing, which Minister for Culture Or. Minendra Rijal (Left) the United Nations Children's Fund in turn it firmly believes would enable with Ambassador of Thailand Maris (UNICEF), the UN Population Fund improved results for development Sangiampongsa at a reception organised to (UNFPA) and the UN Development assistance from the international celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal Programme (UNDP), in consultation with community. and Thailand. 'The EU would like to continue the Ministry of Peace and being protection and inclusion, local deeply engaged in Nepal Reconstruction and UCPN-M. and is always government and wider governance. eager to support the existing Financing for these packages will Much of the Member State support is be partnership." provided from the UN Peace Fund for being extended in collaboration with the The EU and its member states are Nepal (UNPFN), EU. which is supported by Nepal's largest development partners, The EU, Finland, Germany, the Governments ofNorway, Denmark, providing more than 40 per cent of Netherlands and the United Kingdom the United Kingdom, Switzerland and annual de\ elopment aid. The figure have been "orking on the areas of Canada and the UN Peace Building Fund. excludes the funds given by EU and EU agriculture. food security, water supply, "The Government of Nepal, the member states to the World Bank, the rural and urban development. United Nations, and our partners Asiap Development Bank, agencies are Education is one of the key prepared under the United Nations to ensure that these system and components of financial assistance, international organisations, which in disqualified benefit from rehabilitation which aims at meeting the objectives of turn is re-allocated in part to packages, including education and Nepal. School Sector Reform Programme. The Peace building. education. skills training to create a brighter future," trade European Union, Denmark. Finland, the facilitation, food security, energy and stated UNICEF Representative, Ms. Netherlands and UK have been environment, support GillianMellsop. for supporting this national programme. democratisation, improving human The other area where the EU member "This is a historic step in Nepal's rights and health conditions through states have been supporting is 'energy', peace process. We hope that it will 'IGOs are some of the ongoing under which projects on hydropower encourage other steps to unblock the prioritiscd areas where yearly grants to generation, renewable energy, energy current political stalemate," said the tune of35 million Euros (about 3.6 efficiency, solar home system. biogas Representative ofthe billion Nepali rupees) Secretary-General ha'e been support programme are being funded by allocated from the EU budget. in epal, Ms. Karin Landgren. the European Union, Denmark, Germany The Action Plan will be monitored Tn addition, the other key area of and Finland. assistance comprises of by a United Nations-led team to ensure the 'Food All the six EU member states Facility' under which the European that those disqualified are given the missions. including the Delegation of Ulllon has provided a total sum of23.5 choice to partake in programmes to the European Union have made visible million euros to address growing food assist their return to a their presence in the sector of civilian insecurity in eastern. central. mid­ consolidating democracy and human environment, and that they are not western and far-western regions of rights and good governance in Nepal. exposed to recruitment by groups who Nepal. The projects are being run by the Capacity development in Governance engage in violence or criminal activities. Food and Agriculture Organisation together with measures to promote Political youth movements. in particular, (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) social inclusion and support to OHCHR arc a concern for protection and four 1\GOs in coordination partners with the arc some of the major interventions that working Ministry of Agriculture of the with children across Nepal. Nepal have been contributing substantially to Government and the line EU Engagement In Nepal To agencies promote human rights in different parts Continue working under it for the period 20 I 0- ofNepal. 2011. The European Union has said "A special mention needs to be made it Besides what the EU has been would like to continue being deeply here to the support being extended to providing to Nepal. the six EU member engaged in Nepal. the Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF) states pro• ide separate grants for ·'At the end of an eventful year, the collectively by the EU Member States. separate projects. Support ranges from EU would wish to pledge renewed This apart, the support extended in the actiOn on climate change, forestry, support to the Government of Nepal areas of health and sanitation and rural in roads, job creation and economic its ongoing endeavours to \Hite transport are equally important.''• a growth, to health, education, social democratic constitution and ensure NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 3 OPINION Political Crows Are Coming Home To Roost - Dipak Gyawali

This winter's chill in Kathmandu is bereft or peace with the IRA, including by another Nepalis bemg equal of the warmth of Loktantrick triumphalism caretaker government of Blair and the before the state and and comes laced with heavy poli tical angst. Conservatives, until the dissolved pari amenti at least trying to While it is less pronounced with the "Ke is lirst resurrected by the Queen and he is show itself as such Garne?'' Nepalis with their seemingly appoimed Prime \tlinister. He then proceeds with whatsoever infinite capacity to muddle along. it has to dismantle all apparatus of governance mixed results, the severely infected the "international including declaring Britain a non-Anglican, current discourse community", more properly the secular republic as well as placing the British centers on various EuroAmericans. O n a fli ght to .Europe army in quarantine. thus preventing them votaries a nd their recently. I happened to be seated next to from going after other groups raising anns F iranghi romantics one who was an advisor of sons on conflict, against the state. He also brings in the IRA focusing upon one or a small set ofNepal's inclusiveness and constitution making. the as ruling partners without their first hundred odd ethnic and caste groups and dominant industry of our times. This expert renouncing violence as a political tool or the ·'other-ing·· the vast majority. The goal then had a permanent shell-shocked look, the goal of one-pany dictatorship. becomes a banle for more privileges from type that comes when force-led day in and Wel l, I had to tell this bemused expert, the state for this exclusive group vis-a-vis day out on Nepal's political quagmire. It that is exactly what happened to Nepal from the majority of others, one that is bound to was my tum to be shocked when this young 2002 till no\\. And what would have fail amidst boundary frictions with the expert brought in to advise our top leadership happened to Britain under those conditions "'otherized"' multitude in this nation of happen in Ne\\ minorities. 'Jation-states are not inclusive. • would tum to me to ask '"Why? And what can lob>ically be expected to would happen in May 20 I 0 if the Nepal too. The EuroAmericans who but avowedly multi-ethnic ones are. the best constitution is not made as leaders of all supported thi$ unprecedented experiment examples beingtheAustro-Hungarian empire political parties admit in private?" on a small country (mainly by outsourcing whose army spoke ten languages, and the l began with a fable. Wind the Big Ben their foreign policy to the Mughlanis with Ottoman empire when: all the Abrahamic clock half a decade back. Imagine a restless their own' agenda of regional predominance religions managed to co-exist. until rising Gordon Brown wanting to unseat Prime and resource capture) will have to bear a nationalisms brought both down in fiery Minister Tony Bla ir and not so slyly large portion of the blame for what has pogroms and holocausts that continued as instigating the back benches to defeat a followed, hence this greenhorn expert's recently as Kosovo. Inclusiveness has come motion to embarrass him into resigning. A angst. Such anguish is now also heard among about historically either through the market the sl> Blair sees through the trick, marches off the Mughlanis as half their country reels - which recognizes only efficiency as to the Queen to dissolve the parliament, and under Maoist insurgency and Nepal's organizing principle - or from the ethics calls for fresh elections. The opposition ideologically committed, battle-hardened community of new religiOns in their early Conservatives welcome the dissolution and cadres (never incidentally sequestered in UN ecumenical avatars, viz. Christianity, Islam, look forward to winning a majority s ix camps) h.i:ve off to the Dandakaran jungles or Hindu rcfonns such as Buddhism, Sikhism months hence. However, come tivc months. to provide consultancies. and Jain ism. lnstitutionali7.ed, these too have and Blair goes to the Queen and says, "Oops! Jana Ando/an/1 did rest on rather wobbly become akin to nation-states. not ecumenical Your Majesty, I can "t hold elections because indigenous poliucal premises but rather but highly exclusive, as the banning of of the IRA's terrorism. but extend my tenn strong Firanghi funding and Mughlani beadscarves and minarets in Europe have by a year and a half." He should of course machinations; and Loday's shaking cui lice is shown. have had the political decency to resign for testimony to that. The political The attempt in New Nepal to achieve the wrong political move of dissolving a experimentation, including the scrapping of inclusiveness. through state-restructuring the market through • house in which his parry enjoyed a majority, the democratic 1990 constitution and its even while destroying but that demands a higher standard of institutional foundations by its ver> excessive trade-unionism and the ethical morality than available in this fable. architects. was premised on misplaced beliefs ecumenism of its old multi-national base The Queen, however, cannot do so as well as hidden agendas which are now too through unassimilated imports, does not without having the streets of UK on ftrc; so nakedly out in open view. The seven fores hadow a happy ending. Good she dismisses him and asks all the parties to parliamentary parties had self-hypnotized governance with honest decentralization can name a caretaker prime minister to hold themselves into believing that the Maoist achieve even more effectively whatever half­ the elections. The Conservatives and Brown, insurgency was directed against the baked •federalism' hopes to achieve in while welcoming this dismissal, cannot agree monarchy and not against their bourgeois best of circumstances. Why the 1990 Jana among t hemselves, forcing the Queen to parl iamentary system. Without any Andolan I turned out to be even more a propose ex-PM John Major pulled out of historical reflection, especially the fact that centralir.ing than the Panchayat demands retirement. Parties agree, and Jolm Major the upper echelons of the Panchayat were so far absent sou !-searching by the a becomes caretaker PM mandated to hold more ethnically diverse than under their parliamentary parties. In the absence of fresh elections; but the squabbling starts and multiparty of the I 990s, they bought the commitment to political democracy, support parties refuse to take part in new elections, line that a federal republic would be more for national entrepreneurs. as well as innate despite the tact that Major government did inclusive than a unitary monarchy. T hat ecumenism in public life, the 2005 Jana manage a very indigenous cease fire and peace was not to be. Ando/an If promises to be no better; and the process with the IRA. The long and short of The inclusiveness debate that Nepal bas political crows coming home to roost may it is that Brown works to thwart any and all seen recently is innate!) exclusionary. Unlike have to be eaten soon b> quite a fe\'. "lepalis. efforts to restore the constitutional process the Panchayat with its stated goal of all Mughlanis and Firanghis alike.•

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 4 NEIGHBOUR

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao (Left) and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh : Coming closer ? supremacy" in Kathmandu (read: help NEIGHBOURS the Maoists return from the streets to Singh Durbar) Less than 24 hours later, Prachanda retracted his remarks, saying he was Come Together? only being satirical at other parties "who see Delhi as their masters". As Nepal faces an uncertain future, its rival neighbours are faced with a com­ But it was enough to send the moll ground of concern - ami potential action i11 their neighborhood message across the world that the Maoists sec as their masters. 1 he Maoists outbursts came less BySUSHILSHARMA than a week before prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was due to begin t was for no reason that the The message was clear: the Chinese the official visit of China. And just days Maoist chief Prachanda despite seeking new reliable friend in after the prime minister claimed to have returned empty-handed from Nepal had no trust yet in the Nepalese won support of his Chinese counterpart, I Beijing a few weeks ago. Maoists. Wen J iabao, during their meeting on the Frustrated after being Prachanda proved them right from sidelines of the Copenhagen summit. forced out of office the former the podium at the New Baneswor mass The Indian support to the prime minister was seeking to make new meeting at the end of the third phase of continuation of the present Nepal friends in the north to counter the south. agitation this week. government is no secret as was also But, in Beijing, he was told to avoid He openly called for Delhi's evident from the reiteration of the same annoying Delhi. involvement in "establishing civilian by prime minister Man Mohan Singh to

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25 1 20091 5 NEIGHBOUR

Nepali count~:rpart, Madha\ Kumar SMForMM? NepaL on the sidelines of the failed Copenhagen climate summit. The long wait is set to prolong. He assured prime minister Nepal No Indian prime minister has visited of full support to the beleaguered Nepal since l.K.Gujral 12 years ago. coalition. Prime minister Man Mohan Singh And, according to none other was du~: to break the wait next than Nepal himself. Singh asked him month. according to his initial- but "to fly to Delhi or call the Hyderabad not finalized- plan. house for any hdp in case of any But he has decided to send difficulty." external affairs minister. S. M. A happy prime minister Nepal Krishna instead. Himalayan neigl1bor is bel ievcd to have apparently forgot to ask his Indian The reason is not known yet, but changed the plan. counteq)art to fly to Kathmandu for fluid political situation in its He however spared time to sec his a long-overdue visit •

his Nepalese counterpart, also in Nepal's two important neighbours the immediate fal lout ofsuch a situation. Copenhagen. together in showing camaraderie with Hence their common concerns in Singh, according to prime minister the Nepali army. • ensuring that Nepal docs not go out of Nepal, even asked him to come to Delhi Even as the western nations control. or phone him up in the event of a crisis including the US take exception to the The west'' ill have very little, ifat all, to the government. anny's role in the alleged impunity over to lose. Instead. they might seek to fish Nepal now prepares to go to China the contro~ersial major Niranjan Bas net in troubled waters to increase their without having to bother about the late 's case, India and China sec a common influence in the region. of the government back home. ground in standing beh ind the Nepali On one hand, they will hope to p lay In contrast, Prachanda had to quit army by pledging more !\upport. the Tibet card against China and, on the the prime minister's office a week before The promotion of the controversial other, assert its role vis-a-vis India in he was due to visit Beijing. general Toran Jung Bahadur Singh to what the latter considers its backyard. ln his infamous New Baneswor the number two position in the army has To keep the "outsiders·· at bay in speech, Prachanda lambasted India for also taken place- though belatedly ­ Nepal is increasingly becoming a offering military aid to the Nepali army. despite the western opposition. common cause of India and China Billions of rupees worth assistance Interestingly, none of the key despite long-running mutual rivalry, had been pledged during a very neighbours raised any objection. mistrust and suspicion especially over signilicant visit of the new army ch ief, An insider quoted a senior security issues. Chhatra Man Singh Gwung, to India just government minister as saying that as That common cause, lf and when, • a few days earlier. long as India and China are not opposed translated into a major action plan will Prachanda termed the proposed to the move there was no need to bother determine the future course of Nepali assistance as part of the war about what others said. politics. preparedness on the ex-rebels that he That the two nations also have a A drastic course is not unlikely, says leads. common stake in seeing the UNMIN out an analyst. A course far from the normal But he seemed to forget that China of Nepal at the earliest is no secret. constitutional and democratic processes also offered millions of mpees worth Amidst the growing uncertainty could very well become a ground reality assistance to the Nepali a nny , as one about a new constitution by the if the two neighbours carne together. military delegation after another from the stipulated May-end deadline, Nepal is And Lhat possibility is growing by northern neighbor landed in Kathmandu threatened with an uncertain future. the day, added the analyst. As the first to hold talks with highest ranking Even ifthe new constitution is put in decade ofthe millennium approaches its security officials. place on time, chaos and instability are end, the two billion-plus neighbours The row over the human rights not ruled out. could well be rehearsing, in Nepal, the record of the Nepalese army has been India and China are the two countries famous Beatles song ofthe Sixties. Come another contributing factor in bringing that will have to bear the direct brunt of Together.. •

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 6

L ENVIRONMENT

"It was then the draft for adaptation became clean (meaning. all brackets representing disagreements were omitted)," said a Bangladeshi negotiator who did not want to be named. The adaptation paper may ha\e come clean but insiders say the key document on finance is still muddled up. Reason: As \\ orld leaders crossed S\\ ords over the right to emit carbon on the global summit stage. behind the curtain their canny negotiators were still tussling over who should control the fund to tight climate change. Developed countries have pledged 30 billion dollars in the next three years lor developing countries to cope with World Leaders : Little progress and help contain c li mate changes. If their words mean anything, the CLIMATE SUMMIT fund could run into 100 billion dollars a year by 2020 quite a myriad pot or money to exercise power. Worsening Weather "It certainly is a big power game, particularly between developed and The global meet not onlyfai/etl to /rave a deal to contain atmospheric warming developing worlds" said a senior but also bungletl to help vulnerable countt;ies European representative actively involved in financial negotiations. By 1\AVl~ SI'IGH KHADKA Insiders say the US wants the World in Copenhagen Bank to have control over the money and some European countries are okay he much talked about "Right from the defininition of with that while other developed climate conference in the adaptation to the issues of funding and countries want their existing bilateral Danish capital would not the financial mechanism. the agreement agencies to do the job. T deliver anything concrete is very weak," says Sandip Chamling Vexed by not getting the earlier with World was a conclusion long Rai, an adaptation expert promised adaptation money, developing foregone. Wildlife Fund Singapore. countries are tor a new body that they world did World leaders were saying that for Negotiators from western want to be under the 'authority of draft document months. Even senior officials of the not want to gel in the Con terence of Parties- the 192 countries United Nations that organised the phrases like"historical responsibilities" that have signed the United Nations had almost confirmed it because they thought if the document conference Framework Convention for Climate beforehand. became legally binding they would be Change (UNFCCC) that organised this trapped. It all meant that a legally binding Major economies like China and global sununit. climate treaty to cut carbon emissions India were equally alert to avoid the "If the change the developing that heat the atmosphere was a mission phrase ''polluters pay" in the draft as countries want in the financial impossible for now. they knew that it would be for them to mechanism happens. it will have a But there were great expectations cough up the money if the document ramification in the Overseas that the global summit would at least became a legal instrument. Development Assistance regime (under come to the rescue of poor and And so until the fi11al days. the draft which developed countries have been climatically most vulnerable countries paper on adaptation was dotted '' ith proYiding foreign aid to developing ones like Nepal. brackets. which meant that there were all over these years).'" said Benito Experts and even officials say the so many issues to be sorted out. \1uller. director of the Institute for meet failed even on that count. No sooner US president Barrack Energy Studies at Oxford University. They argue that the controversial Obama struck a deal\\ ith China. India, Perhaps that will explain if Copenhagen Accord does not specify Brazil and South Africa. negotiators adaptation money does not still reach how the vulnerable countries will get scrambled at midntght on the last day of vulnerable countries - despite all the help to adapt to inevitable impacts of the summit to prepare the Copenhagen pledges made by developed countries climate change including floods, Accord that also included provisions in this summit. droughts and lowered farm inputs. for adaptation. Khatlka is a BBC journalist

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 2009j 7 NATIONAL

rights. They also urged political parties and leaders not to protect the rights violators and said that the new constitution should include strict punishment for the culprit. Inaugurating the meet, President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav said, "The new constitution should be drafted in time and should be inclusive and democratic to secure and sustain human rights of all Nepalese." United Nations Chief Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal Richard Bennett concurred, ''The theme of the 61 st World Human Rights Day should be considered Human Rights seriously by all the Nepalese and they should make an effort to build a discrimination free society as it is discrimination which brings in WrongD.eal violence and conflict and hence breach of human rights in the society". As Nepal joined the world in oh.~erving the World Human Rights Day on Decem­ The theme of the world human caw;efor concern ber 10 thi.~ year, rights violation cases continued to be a rights day this year was "Spread By ABIJITSHARMA Diversity, End Discrimination". Experts also opined that a epa! has remained vulnerable torture, enforced disappearances, mechanism should be put in place to to human rights violations in illegal detention and displacement. monitor the CPA properly and punish N the recent years. During a According to NHRC, of the 677 those who breach the agreement in dec~de-long insurgency, the complaints it received last year, the order to control human rights violation Maoists were heavily criticized for Maoists were responsible for 28 cases.• committing excesses as non-state abduction cases, 15 murders, 31 actors. But then, even the state was enforced displacements, 27 property iPOTLIGHT violating human rights; an infamous seizures and 13 threats. The state NEWSMAGAZINE example being the case of Maina actors were responsible for 36 Available at the following stands Sunuwar, who was killed in 2005 abductions, 36 disappearances and 34 1. Bhatbhateni Supermarket: Bhatbhateni during interrogation by the Nepal deaths in detention. 2. Bhatbhateni Store: Maharajgunj Army. This year's human rights day also 3. Mandala Book Point: Kantipath, Phone: 4227711 The signing of the Comprehensive witnessed Human Rights Magna Meet, 4. Vajra Book Store, New Road Peace Accord (CPA), in 2006, raised the first of its kind in Nepal. It had as hopes in the human rights front. But its theme "Common campaign for 6. Book Paradise, Jamal rights abuses continue to cause human rights; making inclusive federal 7. Namaste Supermarket, Narayani Complex Pulchwok alarms. Releasing its annual report on democratic constitution". 8. Namaste Supermarket, Maharjgunj the 61 st World Human Rights Day, On the occasion, experts (Opposite to American Embassy. highlighted the need for making an the National Human Rights 9. Himalayan Book, Bagbazar. Commission (NHRC) said that the inclusive federal democratic 10. Bhaktapur Stationery, Nytapaul state and non-state actors were still constitution, which will help in ending 11. Utsav Books and Stationers, Putalisada involved in extra-judicial killings, discrimination anc' ensuring human Telephone:4220882

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 8 GURKHA Gurkhas who had retired after 1997 enjoyed such rights. Joanna visited different parts or Nepal in late July 2009 and met with Gurkha veterans and their families. She was accorded 'hero's welcome· "herever she went. In west Nepal. near the tourist tO\\ n ofPokhara, local people of Mattikhan village re-named a 1,400- metcr high peak as "\ltattikhan-Lumle) ViC\\ point." The peak is a popular viewing spot from where Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges can be 'iewed. But campaigners say Gurkha veterans living in the foothills ofNepal's majestic llimala)aS are living in a pathetic situation. In its mission statement. the Gurkha Wei fare Trust {W\\ \\.gwt.org.uk) says it VICTORY: Joanna Lumley celebrating with Gurkha veterans in front of the aims to relieve poverty and distress British parliament in May this year among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Cro\\ n and their dependants. BRITISH GURKHAS This is achieved by raising funds for distribution in Nepal through the Trust's field arm. the GuriJ1a Welfare Scheme, and responding to wei fare needs as they Debt of Honour arise in the UK, the organisation said. Established 40 years ago, the Trust A leading British celebrity launches a fresh campaign to support supports thousands of welfare Gurkha veterans pensioners in Nepal. ''Most arc in their 80s and are totally reliant on the Trust By BHAGIRATHYOGI in London for a digniJied comfortable old age," the Trust said. adding. "lncreasing numbers early six months after Gurkha Welfare Trust-a UK registered of Gurkhas will settle in the I.JK and the launching a successful charity. "The money will fund a variety Trust is ready to respond. As the lead N campaign that won ex-Gurkha of vital projects. including the provision charity for Gurkha welfare. the Trust has soldiers right to settle in the of a monthly welfare pension for 10,000 a coordinating role for helping those in UK, a leading British celebrity, gallant Gurkha veterans and widows; need in the UK and other service Joanna Lumley. has joined forces to help provide much needed medical care charities. However. the Trust's firm support thousands of Gurkha veterans and provide essential services such as focus remains Nepal and 10,000 veterans who were unlikely to come over to UK the provision of water and sanitation in who will spend their fi nal days in the due to health and other reasons. Gurkha villages,'' said Prince Charles in mountain villages.". In a public appeal on December 17- his message. "These projects will help The Trust, which works in just before the Christmas, the former ensure these wonderfully loyal and partnership with the Department of actress said she hoped to raise £I 0 courageous men receive the support International Development (DFID) of the million (nearly Rs 1.2 billion) for I0,000 they so deserve." British government, said between July Gurkhas and their widows who an.: now The· Debt of Honour' campaign said 2008 and June 2009, it helped build 1.6 14 living in villages across Nepal. many veterans are surviving on little more tap stands benefiting nearly 15.000 ·'They (Gurkhas) helped fight our than £30 a month. people. 1 I latrines for schools and health wars and keep our peace. They stood Daughter of a British major in the posts were also constructed, the Trust up for us and now is the time to stand Gurkha Rifles, Joanna \\aS in the said. up for them," said Lumley in her appeal, forefront of a long-running campaign About 200,000 Gurkhas fought for adding, ''Our debt of honour to the that led the British government to Britain in World War I and World War I I Gurkhas remains." announce in May this year that it will and more than 45,000 have died in British Prince Charles, heir to the British allow residency right to all ex Gurkhas uniform. Around 3,500 currently serve throne, also extended his support to the who had served at least for four years in the British army. including in high-profile campaign launched by the with the British army. Earlier, only those Afghanistan.

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZIN~ Dec. 25, 20091 9 COVER STORY

although the issue has not been 'No Serious Discussion Yet'l officially debated yer in the party forums. Senior UML leader Bishnu Poudcl -B I SR~V POUOEL, Secrelal), CP'\J (UI\.1L) said, "there has been no serious W h a t h a ppe ns if the n ew discussion as yet.·· constitution is not m ade on ~t ipulatcd fhe same is the case with the l\epali time? Congress. adds Sitaula. There 1s st1ll time for a consensus But powerful neighbor.lndia. is said to get the ne\\ constitution on time. to be backing the idea which could take C ircumstanccs will compd all to come a step fon\ ard \\hen president Ram in the next six months. together Baran Yadav visits Delhi for his first W hat is the bHsis ofyour optimism'? loreign outing, less than four months No part)~ can go it alone. l'hcre are f'rom theCA deadline. forces which do not want to let the theCA extending constitution come ontiml:. 13ut they will The argument that not be able to prevail. its own term wou ld be against the Why the stalemnte now'! principle of constitutional supremacy The main thing is the government. and the ru le of law will re-enforce the The Maoists do not accept the present logic of those who sec in the presidential has not decickd government. The others arc not in No, no. The UML rule a solution to the political and its future course yet. I myself am a favour or a new outfit. constitutional stalemate. leader. But I do not know any move on Then ho·w can the ne\\ constitution As of now. however, all major pruties how the part) should go ahead and be made on time'? appear to be preparing themselves for Well. if\\l: !ail to meet the deadline. how to deal with the impending crisis. the extension of the CA by amending it can be extended. There has been no serious discussion. the article 6-t of the interim constitution. So tha t is nha t the UML is getting 'Jobody is serious. 'Jot just the U\1 L. a moral question not a legal read) for? other parties as \\ell. "It's only - B) SARO.J DAHAL one:· CA chairman Nembang told .\'ew Spotlight. nile out a popular revolt. ··we are alert A section of the l\epali Congress If major parties agree, there is no against move to dissolve theCA which and UtviL is hell-bent on this option. ~ . question why the CA's term can not be has us as the single largest party. but in the eventuality of its dissolution (forced or natural) we may take to the streets for 'No Alternative To Extending The CA's Term' a revolt." - BARSHAMA.'!PUN'Ana nta', The revolt wi II clearly be aimed at Standing committee member. UCPN (Maoist) capturing the power. But that is easier What will happen if t he new That is • said than done. constitution is not made on lime? totally ruled Said Sitaula. "the situation will be far We will be left with only one out. Once the different ti·om what the Maoists have chojce: extend the term of the ('A ceases to been visualizing." constituent assembly by amending exist the According to him, a deadly conflict the interim constitution. ft is not pres idcnt 's \VIII begin which will spare none. opportune to talk about it given the office wil I There arc others who believe that the reluctam:e of the Nepali Congr~ss to also cease to president "ill automatically become have a new constitution. But we exist. Jf acti\'c in face of the political \'acuum believe that theCA's term must be anyone is created by the absence of theCA and a extended. hoping to bank on the military new constitution. But if t bat d oes not ha ppen'? backing for a new course of action All the state authonties will shill to There is no other alrcrnathc. But that will be day-dreaming. The anny thcheadofthestatewhO\\illbeobliged iftheCA'sdissolutionisimposed,we which did not come forward to to intervene to end the political crisis. will have no choice but fight and take rescue the 240 years old monarchy "Presidential rule will be inevitable," to the streets. will not back such a move. said a lawyer-politician, "to save the T here has been argument for - By SAROJ DAHAL country." a presidential rule.

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Dec. 25, 2009 112 COVER STORY

resolve the political crisis and pull the country out of a potential disaster? The constitution can not be made ""ithout a consensus of three major parties. There can not be a consensus on the conclusion of the peace process \\ ithout an agreement on the Maoist combatants· integration issue. If such an agreement has been elusive for two years, can it be achieved in the next six months which is the maximum time the constitution allows for theCA's extension? Still, as an ad-hoc measure. CA's extension looks more I ikely than an im mediate presidential ru le. That however is less likely to get many takers among the ordinary people who are increasingly becoming fed up with the failure of' the political leadership. Even if the measure is reluctantly accepted. the question will continue to hound many: what\\ ill happen after the extended six-month deadline? The answer: a totally dramatic new turn in "Sepali politics that could make the most of the present-day major President Dr. Yadav : Decisive role? parties irrelevant.• extended, asks UML chairman Jhalnath Khanal. 'CA's Extension Is Not The Solution' KRISH;'II A PRASAD SITAULA, centra l member. Nepali Congress What will happen if the new consli­ Some argue tution i$ not mndc on time'! that the Presi­ This question should not he raised dent will remain at all. There has been progress in the even if the CA's constitution-making exercise. The key term ends. concern is the lack of progress in In such a Maoist combatants' adj ustment. srtuation. neither \Vhy no seriousness on what ) OU the President nor called a major concern'? the Maoists will Because extremists of all colours become strong. Instead. the country rightists and leftists-ha\'e been domi­ could plunge into a ci\ !I war. nant in all parties. Both right\\ ing and So, theCA's tem1 can be extended? leftwing extremism arc threatening to Yes, of course But extension is not push the country towards a confronta­ the solution. Extending the CA's term tion. without progress in the army integra­ There bas been argument in tion and constitution-making would favour of and against the extension of CA Chairman Nembang : What only aggravate the crisis. How can one the term of theCA'! next? guarantee that what could not be No debate has begun in our party achieved in the past two years can be But the key question remains on the issue. although some ma y have achieved in the extended period? unanswered: how will theCA's ex tcn~ion expressed individual opinions. -By SAROJ DAHAL

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Dec. 25, 2009 j 13 NATIONAL post, and government offices like immigration and tourist infom1ation center seemed to ha\ c taken a good break from their otherwise hectic days. Belhiya was a bit tense. no doubt, but disruptions \\Crc not too many. General strikes, whether they are called by rebels-turned mainstream political parties like UCP'\J-M or smaller regional outfits or even business group~. they affect the transport sector and the market. BandiT's and general strike are not new to Nepal. Following the restoration of multi-party democracy in I 9990, general strikes are meant to disrupt the political process. In the early 1990s, newly emerged CPN­ l stuff: Maoist torch rally Usua UML used the general strikes as a THREE DAYS OF STRIKE weapon to rock the government. Although UCPN-Maoist, which used all kinds of methods in the last Controlled Anarchy thirteen years to weaken Nepal's democratic institutions as well as Although the general strike called by UCPN-M brought unexpected factors of stabiJity, claimed that the a usual kind of a controlled an­ troubles for innocent travelers, it was three-day general strike was against as west Nepal witnessed it archy foreign intervention and restoration of people's sovereignty, the general By KESHAB POUDEL, strikes produced the opposite results. m Belahiya of Nepal and Sunauli of India More than three hundred elderly religious pilgrims spent seventy-two s soon as tourist buses very tense from the indian side of the hours in Belhiya alone. Thanks to the entered Nepal from the border, which was guarded by India's general strike, tourists cancelled their Indian border town of Special Security Bureau (SSB), no A trips to Nepal and Sunauli, the Sunauli on Sunday, violent incidents happened here. bordering Indian town, found more December 20, they were Nepalese Television channels \VCre Nepalese customers. greeted with red flags bearing highlighting violence and tension in the Just a few meters south ofBelhiya, hammer and sickle. Demonstrators capital city but Belhiya, the Nepalese the general strike in Nepal made little stopped the vehicles and warned border town, had only stories of impact. As usual, epalesc from everyone on board of dire stranded foreign tourists and elderly border town continued to enter the consequences if they dared to violate Nepalese pi lgrims to share. market to buy the essential goods and the three-day general strike called by The Bhairawa Customs Office, other such commodities. UCPN-Maoists. More than a dozen '' hich used to be jam-packed with Just that the elderly Nepalese buses and half a dozen jeeps came to lot~ded tmcks coming from and going pilgrims were going without food or a halt in the moming of bandh-day one. to India, was virtually deserted. shelter and foreign tourists were Although Nepalese towns looked Officials at the customs point, police furious. NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Dec. 25, 2009 116 NATIONAL " I l ad we known that the situation general strike, unwittingly instilling 2006, seven political parties and in Nepal would be like this, we would fear among the people, this general Maoist all iance called have indefmite general cancelled our visit," said Elina strike was a controlled anarchy. strikes. All have used similar methods Patrica, a Dutch tourist. "India is The bandh organizers stopped and tactics and the purpose, largely, making a big progress. Nepal needs pub lic transport, burnt some remains the same. to learn and work much harder for motorbikes and shut down education Interestingly, the general strikes of their own development rather than institutions as well as some UCPN-Maoist, which stopping many Indian the movement of peoples." government officials. But the scale media termed as pro-Chinese forces, The condition ofNepalese pilgrims, of disturbat~cc was less than what the were called when a high level Chinese especially the aged, was far worse. media projected. military delegation was in the cap They had limited ital. or no amount of During the three day general strike, Although during the three days of money upon their return from Kashi the market in Nepal's southern border general strikes property worth millions (Banaras). town, however, was filled with of rupees were burnt and Thanks the country to the coverage given by overwhelming crowds. had to face the loss of a huge amount Kantipur and Avenues TV stations and Method of General Strikes of money, the form sympathetic was not different statement issued by UCPN-Maoi st used methods of than the previous ones in nature. president of Human Rights strike akin to that of others. From the Interestingly, Organization-Nepal police and district Sudip Pathak, early morning, the UCPN-M cadres administration took their own ways there was a ray of hope that the issued threats to shopkeepers and and UCPN-M agitators took another way. would agree to let the tourist transport owners with consequences Although a police officer and senior buses move. in case of violation of their order. government officials Contro at education Ued Anarchy In 200 I, CPN-UML, with support department were injured in clashes, Although the coverage given by from all political parties, called two agitators and police administration national television channels, radio days' general strikes. During the largely avoided confrontation.• stations and print media covered the period of People's Movement II in

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NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE! Dec. 25, 2009j17 YOUTli

The program will provide an opportunity for 'active citizens' of one country to communicate with the other ·active citizens' in other countries. In this wa), the project \\ill be pro\ iding a platform for young people to share their ideas and problems they have to [ace whi le carrying out works in their communities. This will also help in build tng understandings bet ween communities of ditlcrcnt countries and help in building cultural relations. "The British Council Active Citi;.-ens Programme aims to encourage youths to contribute positively for their local as well as the global community through the means of international networking," said Paula Middleton, Country Director, British Council Nepal. youth Active citizens : Encouraging The project was a huge success in Pakistan, where 30,000 people applied ENERGISING YOUTH for I 000 seats. Amidst a program organized to announce the project in Nepal. Shazia Active Initiative Khawar. Regional Project Manager for Active Citizens said, 'The main aims of A program aims at encouraging the youth to be active citir.ens the program are capacity building of young people, developing youth networks, developing youth led social By ABIJITSIIARMA action projects and facilitating youths n countries ltke >Jepal, will be able to realize bow their actions on policy dialogue:· 200 young people from Bangladesh and Pakistan, more in their local communities will help to About e been chosen as Active than half of their population is create a positive global change. Bhaktapur hav I under-25. Yet youth Ci tiLens in Nepal. • participation in bureaucracy and decision making is always low. Although they are eulogized as the NEW SPOTLIGHT pi llars of the nation and the future of the country, young people arc hardly ever consulted for major decistons. The Wishesh its readers, energy and enthusiasm of the youth in making a positive social change remain largely untapped. advertisers and A project Adive Citi7ens, launched in three South Asian nations. by the British Council intends to encourage well-wishers young people to become the active change agents of the society. The Association ofYouth Organizations of a TMerry Chistmas & Nepal (AYON) is joining hands with the British Council in the proJeCt. The program will help youth Happy New Year understand their local communities and create a realization and motivation for them to work for their communities and 2010 bring a positive change. Through mtemational networking, these youths

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE! Dec. 25, 2009j18 BOOKWARM

have faced across our ideas is in uniting Building on New Pron1ises our people and policy makers toward urgent and necessary solutions. Our -Bipin Adhikari coalition governments a t the centre often give themselves labels that reiterate unity and a common purpose­ India is an example of success in the the United Front. the United Progressive third world. Jt has achieved signi licantly Nandan Nilekhani, Alliance (LiPA), the National Democratic over the last two decades in almost every Imaging India: Ideas for Alliance (NDA). But in reality area of human development and nation they the New Century (New represent fiercely sparring ideals, building. The country has enormous and reflect an India that is intensely advantages in its young population and Delhi: Penguin/Allen fractured, it~ divisions sharply rts entrepreneurs, a growing TT capacity, Lame, defined 2009) no so much by ideology as by religion, an English speaking workforce and caste, class and region .... But the strength as a democracy. It seems Indian thought process. reason I am optimistic i.s that we have achieved hovering to grow into a strong economic The second part of the book consensus before. Through our history, power - rapidly catching up with the examines those issues that are still in our divisions and debates have been in developed world. But even now it is a the ether. Nilekani says they arc now constant flu>., as the ideas that defme ~ nation that has barely scratched its widely accepted, but have yet to see and animate us as a people changed potential. There must be good reasons results on the ground. For and example, here evolved." behind it. he argues, the idea of full literacy has There is a momentum for change. His The book Imaging India: Ideas for gained popular appeal over the last two concluding remarks must be noted rhe New Centwy is the latest visionary decades, but India is still framing in this respect: "As T ~ravelled around work that explains what a 'big' Indian, strategies to implement universal India, I realized that this feeling, this Nandan Nilekani, thinks about the education, and address the discontent intense belief in the future, has not situation. Nilekani, a famous business around the state of it's schools. yet infiltrated our governments, and our leader, and the co-founder of the Lnfosys Part IJ I deals with more fundamental ministers still talk about the people as not just talks about his country's issues. They arc the issues which have masses to be take care of, as one would nagging problems, but also about its led to partisanship, and it has been tend an ailing patient, rathe r than as latent strengths in all walks ofli fe. A big difficult to reach consensus. Here, the fellow citizens to empower. ln reason for India's struggle, he argues, author discusses furious ongoing our politics, we have yet to tap into our new lies in its inability to push through and debate in India about regulation of language of hope. For this to be mirrored implement critical ideas. higher education, casing up labour in our political institutions it requires us He not only looks at evolutionary regulations, and similar other reform to imagi ne an India that rests not on the process, that India has been through, agenda which some consider as struggle of our past but on the promise but also shingles out the cynicism empowering and some see them as and challenges of the future. ft requires ~ ~ev ident in that process, including the exclusionary. .,p us to shape systems and policies that olitics of money and votes. A number Part LV, which is also the tina! part give people the ability to travel in search or contradictions in its economy, and presents the readers with his final set of of work, to educate their children and to new found wealth are also the area that ideas. Here he points out that "this final tap into economic growth, to recognize the author has worked on. He does not set of ideas presents us with a challenge how fully lndia is transforming itself... hesitate to note that there are many we are not as adept at meeting as we [India] is young, impatient, vital, awake things holding Indians back - their once used to be." But, as he argues, - a country that may finally be coming pessimism around what they have "India's rapid economic growth is close to its early promise." There is accomplished so far, and a resistance to demanding much more of us in reason to agree with him. the ideas they need to implement in innovating new ideas, as existing The book of Nilekani is fu ll of order to solve their remaining solution for issues like health, energy thoughts, analysis and inspiration. Tt challenges. and the environment have proved is just lengthy for anybody who is not a The book has four parts. Part 1 ineffective around the world. India good reader. I lc could have conveniently discusses issues where Indian attitudes cannot, in his opinion, have an energy reduced half of its size without impairing have changed radically over the years. policy that is based entirely on tbe hi s message anywhere. In his words, it is the shifts here that are heavy usc of hydrocarbons. Notwithstanding its length, however, it at the heart of India's dynamism today. The author argues in a very neat is very readable, well edited and Be it the development in the area of language that the rise of modern stimulating book. human capital or increasing acceptance capitalism has helped India much. But it lawyers_in c_n [email protected] of globalization, they mark a shift in has to go further: "(t]he challenge we

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE ! Dec. 25, 2009 j19 SOCIAL INCLUSION Religious and Cultural Dynamics ofMusahars Dalits - By Subhash Jlta1

one who bury has gradually influenced the feast and Background groups- Magahiya, the iya, the o ne w ho festivals ofMusahar people. Previously, Nepal is a land of ethnic diversity the dead and T iraut The marriage of there used to have rigid traditional and is popularly k nown as "Ethnic perform the cremation. hin their own cu lture to fo llow duri ng the festival but Museum·'. Nevertheless, the country Musahars is conducted wit the different clans. there is currently much simplicity due has adopted the Hindu caste based sub-groups but from have tradition of to their engagement in other available system, which categorized the populace further, Musahar ling economic opportunities. Nevertheless, into fou r groups, namely: Brhamin and dri11k.ing and gamb of Musahar s Musabars has not still given ofT their C'heetri are upper cast, Vaishay arc Religious and Cultural by religion and primitive Iife . Musahars are still followers middle caste and Sudra ( Dalits) arc Musahars are Hindu strong and rigid of superstitious and traditional lowest caste. The caste system geared their ancestors were religion. Musahars thoughts and t hey have a strong belief with the beginning of the major fo llowers of Hi ndu and other deities on luck/ unluck. Dhami/Jhankari and hi nduilation process in 14'hcentury and worship their tutelary 2 a special room called witch. legitimization ofMuluki A in in 1854 BS • inside their home in also use to keep The major life cycle ceremonies of The caste hierarchy prevailed in four Gahvar. Few Musahars worshiping such Musahars are: Birth, Naming, Feeding, caste group also give birth to hierarchy separate house for Goddess. They still Mundan, Marriage and Death Ritual. within the caste group by itself so there deities and other worship place. There are no changes in the traditional are pr.tcticcs of untouchable and worship in their ancestral of Musahars are custom of Btrth. Naming. Feeding, discrimination between Dalits, the The 'spiritual powers group. Among the lowest ranked caste house different Dalits caste groups, Musahars Few Musahars also use to keep separate is one of the least ranke

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE I Dec. 25, 2009j21 SOCIAL INCLUSION Mansion for Social Inclusion Research: Social Inclusion Research Fund By Mohan Das Manandhar Rojan Bajracharya1

Social Inclusion Research Fund high quality and critical research on Women and other excluded/minority (SlRF) is a research financing institution causes of social exclusion in Nepal and groups) that could serve as an essential that provides grants for social science ways to accommodate and manage background and guide the selection or researches of Nepal. The Fund was diversity; to make social science research applications conceived as a follow- up to an researches more relevant to excluded On Ytid- July 2009, the fund has assessment dated 200 I of Norwegian and disadvantaged groups and their completed its 3-year ( I Aug 2005- 15 support to NGOs in Nepal, following the agendas; and to ensure that the social July 2009) "Research Programme on realization of the need to stimulate inclusion researches contribute more Social Inclusion and Nation Building in further researches on nation building effectively to policy debate and a Nepal" (Hereafter this 3 years will be process, social exclusion and poverty deliberative democratic process. termed 1'1 Phase). In the ftrst phase. the and the civil society's role. This was The Fund invites proposal programme consists of two independent followed by another assessment on applications and provide research components: I) Research Fund under Norwegian program on .. Sociallnclusion support grant. Government of Nepal project. apprenticeship and fellowship and Nation Building" in 2003 which appoints the Screening Committee (SC) and 2) Research Cooperation between envisaged an initiative to reorient the for the Fund which has mandate to Norway and Nepal. The Fund had current research agendas on the al locate grants for Tlarka Gurung awarded 25 Research Fellowship (RF) contemporary issues of social exclusion Research Fellowship. Matthias and 149 Research Apprenticeship (RA) in Nepal. The 2003 assessment team Moyersoen Research Apprenticeship grants in 2006 and 2007 of l" phase. Two recommended for setting up a research and other research projects. The Norwegian and five Nepali research programme that focussed on structural Secretariat has two main responsibilities: institu.tions had collaborated in the inequalities and their implications for 1) to manage the overall budget of the researches during first phase and they building inclusive nation. The team provides the research theme further realised that the programme The Civil society workshop should allow the excluded groups and which will be prioritizes and endorsed by SC for proposal civil society organization to articulate call. The workshop provides input on the relevance and their contemporary issues as the urgency of issues pertaining to the exclusion of research agendas thereby the research disadvantaged groups (Ethnic groups, Dalits, Madheshis, on such agenda contributed to Women and other excluded/minority groups) that could understand the conditions by which the essential background and guide the selection nation and democracy can transcend serve as an social and cultural categories. of research applications Thus. Social Inclusion Research Fund, and 2) to manage the operational had published 8 paper. The mid-term Fund was established on August 1.. , 2005 aspects including administration of the review of the Fund's first phase under 3-year "Research Programme on Fund. recommended to initiate policy debate Social Inclusion and Nation Building in The approvals of grants are made on and focus on consolidating the research Nepal''. It was setup under the agreement a competitive basis, following results and disseminate them to media. between the Government ofNepal (GON) transparent procedures. All the approval policy-makers. development actors and and the Royal Norwegian Embassy decisions or sc are guided by the lobby and advocacy groups. In this (RNE), Kathmandu. The RNE, operational manual. The Civil society regard, SIRF should facilitate policy Kathmandu linances the fund and the workshop provides the research theme dialogue with th!! polittcal party leaders. Netherlands Development Organization, Nepal (SNY Nepal) bas been designated which will be prioritizes and endorsed government agencies and civil society a fund manager as per the agreement by SC for proposal calL The workshop organisations through dissemination of between RN E, Kathmandu and SN y provides input on the relevance and critical discourse related to the outcome Nepal. The Fund's secretariat is housed urgency of issues pertaining to the of the research programme, as well as in SNV Nepal's office. The main exclusion of disad' antaged groups allowing for advocacy groups to take objectives of the Fund are: to produce (Ethnic groups, Dalits. Madheshis. back and use the research results for

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE! Dec. 25, 2009122 ~~!!! SOCIAL INCLUSION their own purpose. In this li ne, Fund had fund will also conduct Commissioned process of making a new constitution carried out policy dialogues with Research through the strong team of led by the Constituent Assembly, which political parties' leaders, government social science experts and intellects. It includes restructuring of the state with agencies, development partners, civil is to be noted that the commissioned a focus on respecting the right to self society organization and others and had research of second phase replace the detem1ination of excluded groups. The also disseminated the research outcomes Norway- Nepal Research Cooperation of Constituent Assembly has decided to in last halfoffust phase. first phase. The Fund has been make Nepal an inclusive Federal The fund was fortunate that some of successfu I in bringing out research Democratic Republic. In this regard, the its supported researches had completed findings on social exclusion/ inclusion research on social inclusion agenda and at the time of country's constitutional which is useful to the policy makers and nation building has become extremely making process. So the fund felt a need other stakeholders. So there is a need to relevant and necessary for informed to assist the Constituent Assembly (CA) institutionahse the fund and extend the decision making and advocacy of civil members to make the constitution more programme in order to support the society members to protect and promote inclusive in order to address the issues mainstreaming of the social inclusion the rights of excluded groups in the of structural inequalities and their ~agenda in policy, programme and constitution. Further, it is clear from the implications for building a more functions of the state, and to establish discussion witn the political parties and inclusive nation state. Jn addition, there and operationalize a national level Constituent Assembly members that is also a need to assist political parties The of Nepal to develop policy papers on Constituent Assembly has decided to make social inclusion on which the political Nepal an inclusive Federal Democratic Republic. parties can base their proposals on In this regard, the research on social inclusion federal structure and the restructure of state mechanisms to address the issues agenda and nation building has become extremely of exclusion in Nepal. lnlast half offust rel·evant and necessary for informed decision phase, the fund worked with leaders of making and advocacy of civil society members to different political parties and member of the Constitutional Assemble to spread protect and promote the rights of excluded groups the knowledge acquired, which is in the constitution. expected to influence making Nepal's institution supporting social inclusion there is a need of reseatches new constitution more inclusive. on various research. So, the institutionalization of aspects of social inclusion/exclusion SJRF has partnerships with the three the Fund will be the milestone goal of which have not been addressed. The organizations - Central Department of 2nd phase. SIRF has its new Screening SIRF research finding wil l be fruitful Sociology/ Anthropology TU, Social Committee in September 2009 to insight to contemporary socio- politico Science Baha and Martin Chautari - to supervise and administer the research process. improve the research quality of first tvvo granting process of second phase. batches of the fund's first phase As the activity of second phase, I M1: Manandhar and Mr. Bajracharya are awardees. engaged SIRF made advertisement on "Call for with Soda/ Inclusion R e.~earch The contractual agreement between Fund. The views presented in this article Proposals 2009" for Matthias and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are thm of author :S own. Moyersoen Research Appre and SNV Nepal extended the assistance nticeship and Harka Gurung program of the Fund upto December Research Fellowship Are You In a Hurry for Suiting ? in National Dailies. 2012. The period for this extended namely: Kantipur GOPAL TAILORS assistance program will be 15'h July 2009 dated l7'h October 2009 (i.e. 31" Aswin Is at your Doorstep 2066) and Gorkhapatra, Nagarik and The to 31" December 2012 (Hereafter Specialist in Suit, Shirt and Safari extended assistance programs will be Himalayan Times dated 21" October called 2nd P hase). In this phase of 2009 (i.e. 4'h Kartik 2066). The For All Kinds of Clothing materials and assistance programme, there will two announcement was also aired twice a Supplier of School Dress and Office proposal calls for research grant with day- morning at 0645 and evening at 2045 Uniform Khichapokhari. Kathmandu Nepal total of 40 Harka Gurung Research - throughout Nepal via Radio (Opposite to Everest Bank) Sagarmatha, fellowship (HG RFs) and I 00 Matthias Nepal FM and their Contact: Gopal Upadhyay Moycrsoen Research Apprenticeships networks. Phbne: 977-1-4423412 (MM RAs). In the second phase, the Nepal and Nepalese are in the Mobile· 9841330970

NEW SPOTLIGHT NEWSMAGAZINE Dec. 25 2009 23 SPORTS million, that was Rs. 1 million more than the organizers expected. The bank is giving away the proceeds to improve Aryaghat in Pashupatinath and restore the 16th century Bhai Degal Temple in Patan Durbar Square. . E nlisting support from Pashupati De,•elopment Fund, NTBL will add cremation sites at Aryaghat. which has been getting over-crowded lately. The heritage marathon is part of the corporate social responsibility that NlRL says it has been taking since its establishment in 2002. In the first year of its foundation. IBL raised Rs. 1.5 million for the restoration of the legendary Kaal Bhatrav statue at Hanuman Dhoka prcmtses. The bank donated Rs. 2.5 million, raised from its first corporate marathon. to aid the restoration of Sundari C'howk in Patan Durbar Sqllare in2007. ··It is high time. we. the Nepalese. ourselves, start think in g about out heritage rather than seeking funds and help from international sourcl's," said Prithivi Raj Pande. C'ED and chainnan of 'I!BL. ··we haYe initiated thts \'-Ork hoping to create awareness among others about the need of protecting our with cause Pande Inaugurating NIBL Marathon : Run national heritage. our national wealth,'' said Pande. Bhai Degal Temple m Patan was the ResponSible Race biggest temple in Patan Olll·bar Square before it collapsed tn the 1990 B.S. A bank-sponsored marathon is raising funds and awareness for earthquake. Kathmandu Valley conservation heritage Preservation Trust (KVPT) wi ll be joining hands with 1'1 BL in its ABIJITSHARMA By restoration. "This is just the bef,rinnmg. We hope ccember the 12~~> brought School kids, retired senior citiLens, to organize many other events in coming thousands to Kathmandu corporate personnel and others took for the preservation of our for a fun fu11d-raising event. part in the NJBL Heritage Marathon 2009 years D Some 4000 professional and at the call of the organizers, the Kepal heritage," said Pande. amateur athletes donned Investment Bank Ltd (N lBL). The bank has been actively involved blue and \\.hite t-shirts as The ''Run for Fun'' started amidst in preserving at-risk cultural heritage of they prepared for a marathon at 7 in the thundering cheers from a large number Nepal.• morning. of spectators. The event raised Rs. 6

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