NEW

SPOTLIGHTFORTNIGHTLY Notes From The Editor

Vol.: 12, No.-16, March 29, 2019 (Chaitra.15.2075) Price: NRs. 100 After banning the Netra Bikram led Mao- ist Communist Party, the government has been Editor and Publisher Keshab Poudel launching massive drives to contain violent and illegal activities of Chand led parties. Although the Contributor government has had a major success in arresting Sabine Pretsch top leaders of Chand Led Maoists, the extortion Cover Design/Layout threat in the rural municipalities is yet to recede. Sahil Mokthan, 9863022025 As Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chand led

Marketing Manager Maoist parties both are taking a hard stand, there Madan Raj Poudel are no chances of political negotiations happening Tel: 9841320517 any time soon. Despite Chand led Maoists’ claim of not having any plans to attack the police force now, Nabin Kumar Maharjan Tel: 9841291404 but elected representatives living in rural parts of Nepal have started leaving their homes after feeling Editorial Office threatened. Instead of a political issue, we have de- , Nepal Tel: 977-1-4430250 cided to issue a Citizenship Certificate cover story E-mail this week. The House of Representatives is now [email protected] discussing the provisions of the new citizenship P.O.Box: 7256 Website bill because of the large number of people living www.spotlightnepal.com without citizenship certificates, deprived from facilities provided by the state. With two third of Kathmandu DAO Regd. No. 148/11/063/64 its majority in the parliament, the communist led Central Region Postal Regd. government is pushing harsh provisions in the act No. 36/067/068 to obtain the citizenship certificate. Instead of dis- cussing irrelevant issues and making the citizenship US Library of Congress Catalogue No. 91-905060, ISSN : 2091-0711 a political issue and an issue of nationalism, The (Print), ISSN: 2091-0754 (Online) Parliament needs to pass the act with respect to the word and spirit of constitution. Verdicts of courts Printing Megha Offset Printing Press P. Ltd., and Nepal’s own international commitments should Dhapasi, Kathmandu aim to provide citizenship certificates to people Tel. : 977-1-4363624 who were born in Nepal and are eligible to claim it.

Keshab Poudel Editor

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 1 CONTENT TRISHULI 3 A At Final Stage 3

NEWSNOTES 4

BUSINESS BRIEF 6

VIEWPOINT Dr. Tilak Rawal 8

EMPEROR Connected To Nepal 10 COVER STORY: Tale Of Two Citizens 19 OPINION Dr. K. Uprety 12

INTERVIEW Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat 14

OPINION Nihar R Nayak 17

ARTICLE Hemanga Dixit 23

ARTICLE Dr. AB thapa 26 BAGH DURBAR : Court Saves Demolition 13

ENVIRONMENT Batu Uprety 30

ARTICLE Deepak Raj Joshi 31

PRATIMA PANDE Honor For Cause 32

PERSPECTIVES Som P Pudasaini 34

ARTICLE UPPER TAMAKOSI : Right Track 24 Sabine Pretsch 35

FORUM Dr. Prabin Manandhar 36

BRITISH COUNCIL : Sixty Years In Nepal 28

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 2 TRISHULI 3 A At Final Stage Following a delay for almost six years, Trishuli 3 A is finally going to Generate 30 MW Electricity From April 30 and 60 MW from June

BY A CORRESPONDENT

ith frequent supply disrup- from April 30, 2019. According to a trial of the main tunnel and other in- tions for short periods at press release issued by Nepal Electric- frastructures will be completed and the Wpeak hour, the population ity Authority (NEA), the decision was project will start generation from April of has been facing taken at a meeting on project manage- 30,” said project chief Phanindraraj problems. However, the power supply ment, contractor companies took the Joshi. “We are working with a time of Kathmandu valley will drastically decision in the presence of Managing frame to meet the deadline.” improve following the supply of elec- Director of NEA Kul Man Ghising. “Now the installment and trial tricity by Trishuli 3 A from next month. Out of the two units of 30 MW, of hydro-mechanical equipment and Situated close to load center the second unit will start generation electromechanical equipment are un- Kathmandu, 60 MW of power gener- in June 30. After being delayed for der way,” said Joshi. “We have directed ated by Trishuli 3 A will be a game years due to several problems, the the contractor of 220 kV transmission changer to maintain quality of power project has finally been completed with line to complete the work by April 15.” supply in Kathmandu Valley. The pro- the constant efforts of the Ministry of China’ International Water and ject construction period was delayed Energy and NEA. Electric Corporation is now construct- ing a 220 kV Trishuli-Matatirtha Transmission line which has a 1300 meter underground portion. The cost of the project is US$ 26 million. Constructed with a total cost of US$125.8 million with the support of Chinese Exim Bank, Nepal Govern- ment and NEA, the project signed an agreement with China Gejuwa Group of Companies (GCC) in Engineering to construct the Procurement and Con- struction (EPC) model in May 2010 to complete the project in May 31,2014 with US$ 89 million After disputes in several matters for years because it suffered from vari- As the project is close to the including upgrading of capacity, the ous technical problems, augmentation Kathmandu Valley, it will play an period was delayed. The earthquake issue and the earthquake of 2015. important role in the management of of 2015 heavily damaged the project However, things have changed the supply demands of the load center. and pushed the completion period to in the last year. Thanks to Minister of Similarly, the project will also develop 30 April, 2019. Energy Barsha Man Pun and NEA MD infrastructures which will ultimately Kul Man Ghising’s constant efforts, help to evacuate electricity from the As the earthquake damaged left the project is now in its final stage of projects which are under construction and right sides of the dam and com- completion. in the Trishuli basin. pletely destroyed access roads in many Along with generation electric- With the capacity of 60 MW, places, NEA rescheduled the deadline ity, Trishuli 3 A project has a 220 kV there are two units with 30 MW ca- handing over the reconstruction of the double circuit Transmission line which pacities. Ministry of Energy, Water road to the Nepal Army. will help to evacuate many power Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Completion of Trishuli 3A pro- projects under construction in the Pun visited the project sites recently ject has shown that Nepal’s hydro- Trishuli basin. and directed project officials, NEA power sector is moving towards the Trishuli 3 A project has an- and contractor to complete the project right direction an will hopefully be nounced that the first unit of Trishuli in time. able to achieve its target to generate 3 A will start generation of electricity “By April 15, the dry and wet 10,000 MW in the coming ten years. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 3 NEWSNOTES EU Looks Forward To Enhanced Dialogue And Partner- U.S.-Nepal Partnership Highlighted At The American ship With Nepal National Day Celebration Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific The United States Embassy held its 243rd Na- of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola tional Day Celebra- Pampaloni said that the EU and Nepal have been partners tion on March 22, in development cooperation ever since their bilateral rela- 2019 at Phora Durbar tions began in 1973. in Kathmandu. Ne- “Last year, in 2018, we marked 45 years of our pal's Vice President friendship. The role of the EU Delegation to Nepal has Nanda Bahadur Pun been vital in advancing these relations over the years. The and U.S. Ambassa- purchase of the new Delegation premises is a testimony to dor to Nepal Randy the European Union’s commitment to remain engaged in Berry raised a toast and with Nepal, and indeed over the long term to strengthen together for the con- this partnership,” said Pampaloni addressing the inaugural tinuation of a strong, program of office premises of the Delegation of the Euro- deep, and close partnership between the United States of pean Union to Nepal. America and Nepal. The inauguration of the new office premises of the Ambassador Berry highlighted the 72-year-long Delegation of the European Union to Nepal took place on U.S.-Nepal relationship as "joint triumphs" which resulted 18 March in the presence of the Vice , through shared goals and a deep, meaningful partnership. Nanda Bahadur Pun, the Deputy Managing Director for Asia "That is why our partnership does not come with strings, and Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) loans, or indebtedness," he said. "The 150 billion rupees Paola Pampaloni, EU Ambassador of Nepal, Veronica worth of support that we expect to grant to Nepal over the Cody. It was coming five years will not be ‘money’ or ‘donor aid.’ It will, also attended instead, deliver global best practices, training in skills, and by Nepali models for Nepalis to adopt and make their own to help Government Nepal become both prosperous and happy," Ambassador representa- Berry added. tives and EU Member Provides Support To LWF-Nepal State Ambas- Ambassador of Japan Masamichi Saigo and Dr. Pra- sadors. bin Manandhar, Country Director of the Lutheran World Deputy Federation (LWF) Nepal, signed a contract today to provide Managing agricultural facilities in Beldangi Bhutanese Camp and Director for Asia and Pacific Pampaloni met with the Min- Sanischare Bhutanese Camp, as well as their respective ister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister neighboring communities. of Finance Yuba Raj Khatiwada, the Foreign Secretary The Project for the Installation for Agricultural Shanker Das Bairagi, and the Advisor to the Prime Minister Facilities in Bhutanese Camps Rajan Bhattarai during her vist. The EU, with its Member and Neighboring Communities States, is the largest development donor in Nepal. In the is funded under the Grant As- period 2014-2020 the EU tripled its assistance to Nepal from sistance for Grassroots Human € 120 million to € 360 million. This financial assistance has Security Projects (GGP) of the been focused on rural development, education, governance Government of Japan. The grant and reconstruction. assistance amounts to USD The European Union stands ready to support the 70,245 (approximately NPR on its journey toward graduation 8.1 million). This GGP project from LDC status by 2022, and beyond. Further opportunities provides opportunities for in- for cooperation in the areas of common interest are being come generation for Bhutanese explored, particularly in the context of preparing for the refugees and their neighboring next EU Multiannual Financial Framework for development communities. covering the period 2021-2027. Addressing the program, Japanese ambassador Saigo The world is facing many challenges to maintain said that the construction of facilities in the refugee camps global order in the . From the European Union’s will enhance the capability of refugees and their neighbours. perspective these challenges can be tackled only through a LWF Nepal was established in 1984 to meet humani- rule-based and multilateral approach, and acting together tarian and development needs of the poor, oppressed and with other like-minded countries. vulnerable people living in poverty. LWF Nepal has been working for the Bhutanese refugees since 1991 through

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 4 NEWSNOTES the funding support of international organizations like the Russian Film Week Kicks Off UNHCR. Russian Centre of Science and Culture organized Country director of LWF-Nepal Dr. Manandhar opening ceremony of "Russian Film Week” in Kathmandu expressed his commitments to implement the project suc- on 25th March 2019. Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Benny cessfully strictly following the compliance of the project. Omer inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional Ne- He said that LWF-Nepal has been supporting Bhutanese pali lamp. refugees by implementing programs in partnership with UN World Food Program and UNHCR. Yuliya An- Dr. Mananddhar also said that refugees are not a drosova, Director of burden and that they can support economic activities of the Russian Centre of communities outside the camp area. He said the construc- Science and Culture, tion of the center will benefit both sides. Dr. Manandhar welcomed everyone thanked the Japanese government, people and Embassy to the event. The pro- of Japan in Nepal for the support saying that LWF-Nepal gram was followed will implement the projects in coordination with local level by screening of the province governments of Nepal. Movie “The Cham- UNHCR Representative Bushra Halepota said that pions” with English LWF-Nepal remains a reliable partner and has been help- ing Bhutanese refugees for a long time. She thanked the subtitles. Ambassadors of various countries, diplomats Japanese Embassy for providing support to the refugees and movie lovers were seen in the program. Everyone and Nepalese communities living outside the camp. thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The program was a success According to a press release issued by Embassy of in its own rights. Japan in Nepal, the Embassy of Japan hopes that this pro- Movies have become a top industry and the no. 1 ject will contribute towards enhancing the self-reliance of source of entertainment in the world today. During this the Bhutanese camps and neighboring communities and week, we will have for you, 5 stories of success. The failure strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and that preceded the success, the fight and determination to Nepal. achieve their ambitions and much more drama that leads to success. 5 inspiring movies will be screened till 29th March Bangladesh Embassy In Kathmandu Hosts A Reception Ambassador of People’s Republic of Bangladesh to 2019 at 5:00 pm at Russian Centre of Science and Culture. Nepal Mashfee Binte Shams has hosted a reception on the We cordially invite all the movie lovers to this “Russian occasion of the 48th Anniversary of the Independence and Film Week 2019”. National Day of Bangladesh. Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun was the chief Embassy Of Kathmandu Celebrates 79th guest of the reception. Attended by large numbers of people National Day Of Pakistan including foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali, Minister of Embassy of Pakistan Kathmandu hosted a Recetion Energy Barshaman Pun, Chief of the Army Staff General to celebrate 79th Day of Pakistan. Nanda Bahadur Pun, Purna Chandra Thapa, senior government officials, Kath- Vice President of Nepal was mandu based head of the diplomatic missions, political the Chief Guest. leader and Bangladesh citizens living in Nepal. Addressing the program am- The reception was at- bassador Shams tended by diplomats, Nepalese highlighted dignitaries, senior Govern- the role played ment officials, prominent po- by The Father litical leaders, Pakistani com- of the Nation munity members, academi- Bangabandhu cian, members of think tanks, Sheikh Mujibur businessmen, bankers, senior media representatives and Rahaman to members of civil society. On the eve of 79th National Day liberate Bangla- of Pakistan, flag hoisting ceremony was held at Embassy of desh and make it independent Pakistan, Kathmandu on 23rd March 2019. Ambassador of nation. She also Pakistan Dr Mazhar Javed hoisted the national flag. On the thanked Nepali political leaders for taking part in Bangla- occasion, special messages of President of Islamic Republic desh Liberation War. of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan were also read out. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 5 BUSINESS BRIEF Nepal And Japan Sign MoC For Labor Cooperation shelter and infrastructure in ten of the most affected districts Masamichi Saigo, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and including Sindhupalchowk. World Vision’s partner NGOs Ram Prasad Ghimire, Officiat- successfully completed and phased out its earthquake re- ing Secretary of the Ministry sponse programmes in all districts early on in April 2018, of Labor, Employment and three years on from the earthquake. Social Security signed the World Vision is a global Christian relief, develop- Memorandum of Cooperation ment and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with on a Basic Framework for children, families and communities to overcome poverty Information Partnership for and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of Proper Operation of the Sys- religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. World Vision started its tem pertaining to Foreign Hu- long-term development work in Nepal in 2001 working for man Resources with the Status of Residence of “Specified the well-being of children partnering with communities. Skilled Worker. At present, WVIN has long-term development pro- According to a press release issued by Embassy of grammes in 12 districts and seven . After Japan, the purpose of this Memorandum of Cooperation is the devastating earthquake struck Nepal in April and May to establish a basic framework for information partnership 2015, WVIN responded with immediate relief followed by in order to ensure smooth and proper sending and accepting recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the worst-hit districts specified skilled workers, in particular the elimination of of Bhaktapur, Dhading, Dolakha, Gorkha, Kathmandu, malicious intermediary organizations, and to resolve the Lamjung, Lalitpur, Nuwakot, Sindhuli and Sindhupalchowk problems of sending, accepting and residing in Japan of working alongside humanitarian stakeholders, government specified skilled worker. and community partners to benefit more than 600.000 people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan enhances the mutual benefits of both countries through cooperation JGI brings Ruslan Gold Reserve Vodka for proper operation of the system, cooperating with the Jawalakhel Group of Industries (JGI) has introduced relevant ministries and agencies of Japan. Nepal’s first premium vodka with edible gold flakes — Ruslan Gold Reserve Vodka. WVIN Hands Over Earthquake-resistant School Build- Positioned as ‘Taste Gold Feel Gold,’ it is ing In Sindhupalchowk 100 per cent vodka infused with 23 carat gold An earthquake-resistant and disabled-friendly flakes to create a sensorial experience unlike school building of Shree Kalika Devi Secondary School in any in the market currently, the company said Sindhupalchowk district, in a statement. constructed with support The edible gold flakes in the vodka are cer- of World Vision Korea tified for food grade in . Every batch of and United Nations Office Ruslan Gold Reserve Vodka is tested for quality for Project Services (UN- at an ISO/IEC certified lab. OPS) was inaugurated on Ruslan Gold Reserve Vodka will be avail- 7 March. The construc- able from this month in select liquor stores, res- tion of the school with taurants and bars in the valley initially and other eight classrooms which major cities of Nepal later. began in August 2017 was completed in Jan 2019 and of- The product comes in stunning 750ml, ficially handed over to the community last month. 375ml and 180ml bottles and is priced at Rs The inauguration event took place in the presence 2,200, Rs 1,100 and Rs 550 per bottle, respectively. of representatives from the local government, community, school, World Vision, UNOPS, media and other stakehold- Global IME Bank And Nepal Life Insurance ers. Company Inks An Aggreement Janes Ginting, National Director at World Vision In- Global IME Bank Ltd has entered into an agreement ternational Nepal said, “We thank the community people for with Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited as its agent supporting us in the journey of helping build back better so to sell later’s life Insurance policies. The Agreement was that the most vulnerable children access safe, inclusive and signed by Deputy MD of the Bank, Surendra Raj Regmi quality education. When children can read, they can better and Deputy CEO of advocate for their rights and help provide for their families.” the insurance company, In response to the April and May 2015 earthquakes, Santosh Prasai. World Vision reached out to over 600,000 people with Following the interventions in the areas of education, child protection, Agreement, Custom- health, livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, cash, ers can now avail in-

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 6 BUSINESS BRIEF surance policies and hassle-free Banc assurance services grounds and nearby agricultural plots. The embankment is through Global Bank’s 134 branches spread across the expected to contribute towards the safety of students and country in a convenient manner, as per the media statement. villagers and also protect fields from further erosion. The bank currently provides its services from 134 branches, 142 ATM outlets, 9 extension counters, 15 rev- Weekend Brunch AT Hyatt Regency In Kathmandu enue collection counters, 121 branchless banking units and Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Announces a rejuvenat- 3 foreign relations offices. ing time with friends and family over an indulgent brunch while splashing in the swimming pool or just relaxing in Himalayan Bank To Issue Rs 3 Billion Worth Bond the outdoor whirlpool every weekend. Himalayan Bank Ltd. has appointed Laxmi Capital “Make your selection from the wide variety on of- Market Ltd. as an issue manager for issuing its 30 lakh units fer in the vegetarian “Himalayan Bank Limited Bond 2083” that amounts to Rs and no vegetarian buffet 3 arba. The MoU regarding the same was signed between spreads .A buffet fea- CEO of HBL Ashok turing barbecue, kebab SJB Rana and CEO stations, antipasti , live of the Laxmi Capital station and mouthwa- Market Ltd. Rajiv Sap- tering desserts is only kota amid a program. part of what makes our The bank which Weekend Brunch the plans to issue 40% of finest option,” said a press release. debenture i.e. Rs 1.20 arba to general inves- According to hotel, the brunch will be offered on tors and remaining Rs 1.80 arba worth debentures to the every Saturday & Sunday at the rate of NPR 2,699 per big and institutional investors will float its debenture for the person plus taxes inclusive of a buffet brunch, swimming, investors after receiving permission from SEBON. complimentary drink and kid’s activities. The bank plans to provide 10% interest to the invest- ment semi-annually for the 7 years after which the debenture Bangladesh Food Festival 2019 shall mature. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Mashfee Binte Shams said that the NIBL expands service Bangladesh Food Festival Nepal Investment Bank Ltd (NIBL) has opened its and Musical concert is a 12th extension counter in Kharikhola, Ward No 1 at Pasang special part of this year’s Lhamu rural municipality of Solukhumbu district. Independent Day Cel- The extension counter was inaugurated by Lakpa ebration of Bangladesh Chhiri Sherpa, spokesperson of the rural municipality. in Nepal. Issuing a press statement, NIBL said that it has been Addressing a press delivering banking services in three wards of the Khumbu conference, ambassador Pasang Lhamu rural municipality and it plans to open an Shans said that food and music are two important things extension counter in Ward No 5 of the same municipality soon. which people enjoy. Organized by Hotel Yak& Yeti in close collaboration with Bangladesh Embassy, the Bangladesh Japan Hands Over Embankment Along The Kali Gandaki Food Festival 2019 will be the first international food River Bank In Marpha festival of its kind. Ambassador of Japan Masamichi Saigo handed over embankment along the Kali Gandaki River Bank to the Professor Dr. Madan Kumar Dahal Is No More Ward No. 2, Gharapjhong Village Municipality. Renowned Nepalese Economist and Professor Dr. Under the agreement the Embassy of Japan provided Madan Kumar Dahal died today at the age of 71. Known grant assistance of USD 90,296 (about NPR 9.2 million) for his friendly behavior, late Professor Dahal has many under the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for admirers. Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Dahal started his carrier in teaching economics at The project supported the construction of a 420 meter Tribhuwan University Central Department. Dr. Madan long embankment along the bank of the Kali Gandaki to had written a numbers of books and prevent erosion of articles in journal in contemporary adjacent land. The economic issues of Nepal. He is well embankment protects land near the school known in the economic and develop- ment sector for his professionalism. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 7 VIEWPOINT Globally Difficult Situation

Managing Director of the International demanding a second referendum on Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned Brexit. The confusion has begun to take a nations to be prepared to face the conse- toll on the British economy. It is reported quences of an unexpected slow growth that banks and financial institutions have of the world economy. IMF has also moved their assets approximating 10 adjusted downward global growth fore- trillion dollar outside of Britain. Bank cast (3.7 to 3.5 percent) for 2019. IMF of England has warned of serious conse- and its Chief look very reasonable in not quences, which could be more dangerous painting a bright picture of the global than the ones created by the financial economy because things in and between crisis of 2008. It is rightly observed that powerful\resourceful nations are getting Brexit proceedings will continue to inflict complicated day by day. No exception injury on the economies of EU nations are the less resourceful countries. One BY DR.TILAK RAWAL and Britain for years to come. A reliable cannot also brush aside apprehensions estimate shows that around 700,000 jobs of some observers that multilateralism is being gradually in travel and tourism could be lost across Europe in the replaced by bilateralism and liberalism by protectionism. event of Britain dashing out without a deal with EU on A period of unhealthy competition between major global future relations. IMF states that British economy will be 7.7 powers is seen, which could lead to an unpredictable and percent smaller over the next decade in a no deal scenario. more hostile future. It looks like the post-cold war period of Theresa May needs lots of good luck to delay and get the optimism is slowly fading. People are also confused about deal passed by the British Parliament. the new order (likely to emerge) and are not certain whether Venezuelan crisis is also not likely to recede soon. the transition period will be peaceful. Leaders from other Many inhabitants of this oil rich country have left it to take relatively less powerful countries including the European refuse elsewhere and those staying back are without water, Union (EU) are expected to do some meaningful work to electricity and other essential supplies. We can simply pray preserve a liberal international order but it does not look that the innocent people do not have to suffer much for like they are well prepared to deal with the heightened long like the unfortunate Syrians. competition. Let us see how effective a role can Angela Things are not very pleasant in our neighborhood Markel of Germany, serving her last term in office, play either. , making necessary preparations for the gen- in defending multilateralism. eral elections, and Pakistan, with a new government after Notwithstanding some positive developments that the freshly concluded elections, were on the verge of a took place between the two presidents of China and the US full-fledged war after a deadly suicide bombing in India’s on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting in Buenos Aires, trade section of Kashmir killed more than 40 Indian soldiers in row between these two largest economies is far from over. February. The two nuclear-armed nations got engaged in Both economies have taken the hit. Chinese economy is a brief air confrontation in which both sides claimed that reported to have grown by 6.6 percent in 2018, the lowest they had shot down each other’s war planes. Thanks god in three decades. Chinese exports in February have dropped the concerned leaders sensibly handled the delicate situa- sharply and it is believed that the huge current account tion and fears of an all-out conflict are almost over at least surplus it has been enjoying since 1993 could soon disap- for now. Emerging economic power India has dedicated pear. Trade row has not benefitted the US economy either. leaders to do everything possible to help their economy Pork and soybean farmers have suffered a lot there. One remain not far away from the two economies(US and encouraging fact, however, is that imposition of additional China), leapfrogging many economies in coming years tariff has stopped, albeit temporarily, and officials of both and Pakistan’s Imran Khan does not seem to be in a war countries are meeting regularly to resolve outstanding is- mood because he has the uphill task of putting on track sues. Hope the row, which is bound to negatively impact somewhat derailed economy of Pakistan. Sensible lead- the global economy, is resolved soon. ers all over the world are seen giving top priority to the Britain’s exit from EU (Brexit) has also created lots wellbeing of their countrymen, which is effected through of confusion and is likely to hurt countries on either side of faster economic development. Let us see what is happen- the Channel. Prime Minister May has already failed twice ing in Nepal. to get the Brexit deal passed by the House of Commons. Overall position of the economy is not satisfactory About a million people protested on March 23 in London but there are a few areas to derive some solace from. One NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 8 VIEWPOINT of the sectors which has been giving some good results in loss of life but has shown no sign of renouncing violence. recent times is the tourism sector which has registered a The government’s decision to outlaw the party has become commendable increase (more than 100,000 in February) very controversial and people are skeptical whether Chand in the number of tourist arrival. If this trend continues, it would come to the negotiating table, surrendering arms, as will not be difficult to get 2 million tourists here in 2020 as desired by the current dispensation. It may be interesting to desired by the government. Remittance is also increasing note that several calls by different governments to surrender very encouragingly both in terms of American dollars and arms before negotiation had failed to produce positive out- Nepalese currency. It may be mentioned that remittance come during the decade-long period of insurgency led by increased by Rs.77billion in the seventh month of this fiscal Prachanda. Equally controversial became the eleven-point year to reach Rs.515.55 billion in seven months, registering deal signed between government and C. K. Raut, a known an increase of 28.5 percent over the corresponding period separatist wanting a separate\independent Madhesh. Let us of last fiscal year. This sharp increase in remittance could hope that Raut, now heading a political party, must have not, however, arrest the deterioration in our current account realized that the southern plain of Nepal seceding from the which has reached Rs. 166 billion in the seventh month of mainland is just impossible. Little bit disturbing was also this fiscal year as against Rs. 142 billion in the correspond- the decision of Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP) withdrawing ing period of last fiscal year. Balance of payment (BOP) its support to the government, despite the fact that this is still negative by Rs. 49 billion in the seven months as against a negative Rs. 18 billion in the corresponding pe- decision will have no impact on the continuity of this still riod of last fiscal year. Foreign direct investment (Rs.5.15 strong government. Things, however, will be different if billion) is seen to have taken a hit during this period as it RJP leaders succeed in pulling the Upendra Yadav-led party stood at Rs. 14.34 billion in the seven months of the last (Forum) out of government to expedite their merger talks. fiscal year. Capital transfer is also said to have gone down. May be disturbed a bit by the unconducive environ- Further, foreign exchange reserve at the end of last fiscal ment, both internal and external, finance minister Khatiwada year was 10.08 billion dollar and it is 9.49 billion dollar in has recently adjusted downward some budgetary targets the seven months of this fiscal year. While it is not unusual made public by him just six months ago. Total budgetary for government to have some money (more than Rs. 150 outlay has been reduced by about 9 percent and its other billion currently) lying idle at the central bank, the worri- constituents have also been readjusted. According to the some fact is that only 25 percent of the money apportioned new arrangement, recurrent expenditure is fixed at Rs. under capital expenditure head was 798 billion, capital expenditure at Rs. spent till the end of the seventh month In addition to the law and 265 billion and financial management and it has reached just 30 percent in order situation, our repeated disap- stands at Rs. 135 billion. Revenue more than eight months of this fiscal pointing performance in meeting the collection target of Rs. 945 billion has year. Financial institutions have been been slashed by Rs. 26 billion. It may charging high interest rates on loans, capital expenditure target may stand be recalled that revenue collection tar- citing liquidity crunch in the market, as an impediment to mobilizing get could not be met last fiscal year, for and finance minister’s strong directive huge resources externally. Adequate the first time in a decade and the con- to the institutions to lower the lending homework is needed to get the firm cerned may have difficulty collecting rates and Prime Minister Oli’s threat- commitment otherwise investors will even the downsized figure in the cur- ening that he would intervene if rates hesitate to pledge and whatever little rent fiscal year. Budgetary adjustments are not lowered have passed unheeded. is promised will not be timely dis- are made and there is nothing to panic In hindsight, many of us now realize bursed. A wide gap is found between about it but government should be ex- how mistaken we were to hope that tra careful to make sure that the revised pledging and its actualization, which Oli would intervene soon to facilitate targets do not remain unachieved. The injection of billions of rupees into the has been abundantly shown by our government has to be sensitive also market. Poor production base and the experiences related to the devastat- because of the fact that Nepal Invest- resultant ballooning trade deficit are ing earthquake of April 2015 and the ment Summit is taking place ( March the root cause of many evils that have Nepal Investment Summit in 2017 29 and 30) at a time when the situation been inflicting somewhat incurable in- is not very favorable to attract investors jury on the economy. The deterioration that succeeded in getting pledges is difficult to be arrested as is evident worth 14 billion dollars. who love to meticulously delve into by a comparison of data of six\seven different aspects related to the country months of this fiscal year with the corresponding period of and its economy before committing funds. In addition to the last fiscal year. It may not be easy for the concerned to tell law and order situation, our repeated disappointing perfor- commoners at the yearend that their period was better than mance in meeting the capital expenditure target may stand the last one because situation, both internally and externally, as an impediment to mobilizing huge resources externally. does not look that easy. Adequate homework is needed to get the firm commitment Things on the other side of the fence (noneconomic) otherwise investors will hesitate to pledge and whatever also look complicated and confusing. A blast in the Valley little is promised will not be timely disbursed. A wide gap in the last week of February, claiming one life and injur- is found between pledging and its actualization, which has ing two others, and arson attacks targeting at least a dozen been abundantly shown by our experiences related to the telephone towers of a mobile company (Ncell) in several devastating earthquake of April 2015 and the Nepal Invest- districts came as something reminiscent of the violent inci- ment Summit in 2017 that succeeded in getting pledges dents of the Maoist war-era period. Netra Bikram Chand-led worth 14 billion dollars. Good Luck! Maoist party owned up to the attacks and apologized for the (Dr. Rawal is a former of Nepal Rashtra Bank) NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 9 NATIONAL EMPEROR AKIHITO Connected To Nepal Japan’s Emperor Akihito will relinquish the throne to his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, in less than a month, Nepalese will always remember his love to Nepal By KESHAB POUDEL

lthough Japan is far away from Francis G. Hutchins, former teacher Emperor Akihito and Queen Mi- Nepal, Nepalese people have a of late King Birendra, in his book De- chiko saw an isolated and remote Nepal Agreat attachment to Japan, the mocratizing Monarch, dedicated to late during their first visit. In second visit in Japanese people and Japanese monarchy. Birendra, described University’s 1975 during the coronation of late King The current Emperor Akihito, who is influence upon him. Particularly, oriental Birendra however, their highnesses saw a better and open Nepal. The current Crown Prince Naruhi- to paid an official visit to Nepal in 1987. Crown Prince Naruhito is also very sympathetic to Nepal, Nepalese people rich culture and natural heritage. From scholars to former Nepalese ambassadors to Japan and former Japa- nese ambassadors to Nepal, every one explains Emperor Akihito has love for Nepal and its people. For Japan, the abdication will mark the end of the Heisei era, which remained for more than 30 years. For the Nepalese, it will be the day an emperor who personally loves Nepal and its peo- ple, abdicating the throne. Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, who will become Japan’s 126th Emperor on May 1, has fair knowledge about Nepal. Emperor Akihito waves to visitors at the Imperial Palace. Beside him is Crown Prince Naruhito. - KYODO He welcomed former crown princes of Nepal late Dipendra and Paras in Tokyo. Since the establishment of dip- going to abdicate his throne in April 30, values and working style of the Japanese lomatic relations in September 1956, 2019, is well known in Nepal. monarchs. Nepal continues to benefit from the He visited Nepal twice with As he travelled through a long Queen Michiko as a Crown Prince. The way via Patna in their first visit, Em- emperor has well memories of Nepal, peror Akihito and Queen Michiko know the Nepalese people and Nepalese Roy- Nepal’s old society, which was isolated alty. Even after declaration of republic from the rest of the world because of Nepal, Japan has maintained its ties inaccessibility. with former royal families and invites The first Nepalese ambassador to them as a guests in Japan’s national day Japan Lt. General late Daman Sumsher and birthdays of the in his book, de- as reminders of personal bonding ties scribed very interesting events between between Japanese monarchy and former Nepal and Japan in 1960s and visit Royal family of Nepal. of Crown Prince and Princesses. “ In Emperor Akihito and Empress December 1960, when their Royal High- Michiko first visited Nepal in 1960 as nesses the Crown Prince and Princesses crown prince and crown princes as state of Japan came to Kathmandu. I flew to guests and their second visit was in late Patna to receive them and escort them King Birendra’s coronation in 1975 home. “Their Royal Highnesses early representing Japan’s emperor. Their first in the morning, flew high over mountain visit laid a strong foundation for Nepal- to have a view of the most magnificent Japan relations. panorama in the world. A few days later, After their first visit to Nepal, late their Royal Highnesses left Kathmandu King Mahendra sent Crown Prince late and I reached them up to Patna.” King Birendra to Tokyo University for Late Rana was the first Nepalese Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princiess Mi- higher education where late King Biren- ambassador to Japan to present cre- chiko are seen off by King Mahendra and Queen dra learned oriental culture and values. dential to Japanese monarch Ratna in 1960 at Kathmandu Professor of Harvard University in 1956.

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 10 NATIONAL Nepal, Masashi jokogo. Although the former emperor Ogawa in his will retain his Imperial status and still interview with be referred to as heika, or “His Majesty,” New Spotlight he will cease performing official duties. highlighted the close relations What ceremonies are scheduled between Nepa- On the day the emperor stepped lese Royal fam- aside, the first ceremony marking an em- ily and Japanese peror’s abdication since Japan adopted royal family. a constitutional government will be held “The Japanese at the Imperial Palace’s Seiden-Matsu- and Nepalese no-Ma, a room reserved for events of royal families supreme importance. had a long- During his own ceremony, Em- standing amity. peror Akihito, clad in traditional clothes, King Birendra (1st L) and Queen Aishwarya (2nd L) of Nepal greet Crown Prince Akihito (2nd Even after the declared his ascension to the throne R) and Crown Princess Michiko (1st R) prior to the welcome ceremony at the Akasaka State phasing out of in front of about 2,200 Japanese and Guest House on May 15, 1978 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images) the monarchy overseas dignitaries. He then rode in a support provided by Japan in education, in Nepal on convertible along a 4.7km procession agriculture, roads, hydropower, health, 2008, Japan and Nepal further deepened from the Imperial Palace to his former aviation, drinking water, sports and all their relationship,” said ambassador see residence at Akasaka Estate, where he other sectors. interview (Aug. 31, 2016). hosted a banquet featuring a number of Japan International Cooperation Japan and Nepal share common dignitaries. Agency (JICA), a leading agency, is ideas of free society, democracy and In November 2019, the new em- celebrating 50 years of of its presence in peaceful resolution to international peror will perform a religious rite, pray- Nepal with Japan Overseas Cooperation conflicts. Japan and Nepal now enjoy a ing for peace and wealth for the state and Volunteers. friendly and collaborative relationship, citizenry. It will be billed as an Imperial Japan has already provided Tech- which is the best ever, based upon the family event in accordance with Japan’s nical Cooperation JPY 76 Billion, ODA multi-facetted mutual interactions that separation of religion and state. Loan JPY 121 Billion and ODA Grant took place in the past in such areas as “For the Japanese people them- JPY 153 Billion. During the period, Ja- business/economy, culture, and education. selves, this will be a tough goodbye to a pan has dispatched 3556 experts, 1,414 Ever since the first visit of Ekai highly popular emperor. But at least he volunteers and 5,979 trainees to Nepal. Kawaguchi’s religious and adventur- will be handing over duties to his son, “JICA will continue to provide ous visit to Tibet via Nepal in 1900 who is likely to be very enthusiastically technical and grant support to Nepal and the Rana regime’s dispatch of eight received,” said Nancy Snow, professor for its overall development. We are sat- Nepalese students to Japan in 1902, of public diplomacy at Kyoto University isfy with our work performance,” said Nepal established their formal diplo- of Foreign Studies. Yumiko Asakuma, chief representative matic relationship in JICA in Nepal in her recent interactions September 1st 1956, with media. Nepal and Japan has Whatever the state of internal and always maintained global state, Japan continue to provide friendly and warm re- support to modernize Nepal and uplift lations. As Japanese the livelihood of Nepali people. Annu- Nepalese coopera- ally, large number of Japanese tourists tion started in 1969, visit Nepal. Japan International “From my first visit to presenting Cooperation Agency my credential to Emperor Palace till my (JICA) is celebrating last call, he always showed his good 50 years of coopera- words to Nepal and Nepalese people and tion with Nepal. monarch whenever I secured audiences Emperor Aki- Royal Family Members of Japan with Emperor Akihito,” said former hito stepped down on Nepalese Ambassador to Japan Kedar April 30, 2019 with Bhatka Mathema. Crown Prince Naruhito ascending the Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, who Received audience with Emperor throne the next day. will become Japan’s 126th Emperor on Akihito working as a interpreter to King “When I consider that my fitness May 1, is expected to carry on the tradi- Mahendra and Birendra in their visit, gradually declining, I am worried that tion of the world’s longest continuous Harendra Barua, who was a former stu- it may become difficult for me to carry monarchy -- all while standing as head dent of Monbusho University of Japan out my duties as the symbol of the State of state for a modern, democratic Japan. and has contributed various articles on with my whole being as I have done “Nepal and Japan have a century Japan and published in daily newspa- until now,” he informed the nation in a old cultural contacts and over sixty years pers, said that Emperor Akihito loves prerecorded video address that aired on of close political relations and expanding Nepal very much because of its nature August 7, 2016. economic cooperation. There is a wide and culture. He said that Crown Prince The law allowing Emperor Aki- scope to expand this relation,” said Jan Naruhito knows Nepal very well. hito’s abdication defines his retirement sharma in his book Nepal -Japan Rela- Former Japanese ambassador to title as joko and Empress Michiko’s as tions, Time for Strategic Partnership.

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 11 OPINION From The ‘Unsatisfactory’ To The ‘Unknown’

‘Happiness’ is, after all, only but a temporary were suffering remains the same.The trajectory period of ‘pause of sadness’. Such was a famous has, thus, been turbulent, thematically changing French poet lyricistLéo Ferré’sview in life. The and theatrically crowded, but tragically with a current feeling amongst the larger citizenry in zero-sum outcome. Nepal also appears to be tilting toward this view. Many human rights focused scholars Have we all become poets to start interpreting have recommended to never accept ‘suffering’ achievements of life in a poetic fashion, despite to be a usual and unchangeable phenomenon. our dailywoes, essentially due to a deliberately Excessive sufferings morph into feeling of op- fragilized political system and weakened bureau- BY DR. K. UPRETY pression, and ultimately lead to revolution.Hence cracy, along with the inherent misalignment, misinterpreta- transformation, althoughperiodically warranted, should not tion, and misrepresentation of truth by activists, careerists be to add more suffering. However, for transformation to be and expert spinners? positive, sensible groups should speak up and demonstrate Recall the repeated promises for a better and immedi- why, how and what is wrong. Instead of tergiversating like ate future we were made, the dreams of eternal happiness we the spinners on the other side, they have to become ‘natural were shared, and the minimum due process we were spared opposition’ in the peoples’ parliament. one decade and a half earlier. Indeed, opportunistically Luckily for the nation, there are still a few neutral ‘nothing’ was planned to be converted into ‘something’. minds, who, however, are given limited space in the main- Political alchemists with halo around them, so confident stream media, if at all. Whenever such minds have spoken, of their wisdom, then ignoring the importance of lab-tests so far, they have unbiasedly shared elements of truth. But perceptional risk, therein, still hangs in that their neutral views can always be considered as biased by those for whom leaning one one side is an existential necessity. Nation building takes more that rhe- torical opportunistic statements, tokenism of inclusiveness, misinterpretation of the notion of rule of law, unhealthy alliance with selected societal groups for purposes of breaking the unity of some, howsoever stra- tegic that may be, and multiple development plans and white papers on the shelves only. What the nation needsare constitu- tionalism, both in thinking and behavior, adequate law-making, both to deter im- morality and maintain order, inclusiveness, both in substance and form, representation, both socially and ideologically, and equal- ity, both in opportunity and participation. These should be, to borrow respectively and soil verification, coercively tabled an agendafor change from Alexis deTocqueville and Gunnar Myrdal, aimed at of exogenous design. They had their pride to protect; their improving‘both living standards and social conditions’, masters to abide by. andensuring an ‘upliftment of the society in its entirety’. In the past decade and a half, the country, indeed, wit- Or else, the nation would have bounced in all direc- nessed a sea-change. Views about the outcomes have been tions but reached nowhere. An ‘unsatisfactory’ system mixed and depend on which side ofthe seat on the rostrum would have been merely converted into an ‘unknown’ and the speaker is holding. But the mixture is still dominated by an ‘unwarranted’ one, despite the sacrifice of many patriots the conclusion that the average is less than bright and lower and devoted souls! than what was promised, and that the plight of those who The author can be reached at [email protected]

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 12 NATIONAL BAGH DURBAR Court Saves Demolition The order of Supreme Court to KMC Not To Demolish Bag Durbar, a historic palace of Kathmandu, is milestone in preservation of such buildings By A CORRESPONDENT

eglected and Ignored for years organisation in Pro-Public where The SC has also asked the gov- without any major mainte- another renowned public litigation ernment to form a high-level technical Nnance, most Rana palaces of lawyer senior advocate Prkash Mani committee to study if the building Kathmandu suffered heavy damage Sharma gave consent for court battle. could be protected through retrofit- after the earthquake of 2015 anddeci- Then, the battle of demolition went ting. The SC on October 3 last year sions were made to demolish Rana from street to court. had issued an interim order against The court’s recent the government to immediately halt landmark verdict will not demolition of the building. The SC had only save Baghdubar but also asked the KMC to take effective it also directed the gov- measures to protect the building from ernment to take necessary further deterioration, but no initiative steps to protect all the Rana has been taken to protect it. Palaces which were dam- Sanjay Adhikari, one of the aged by earthquake. writ petitioners, expressed hope that Led by two senior Bag Durbar will be protected and the justices Anil Kumar Sinha verdict also prevent the demolition of and Sapana Pradhan Malla other neo-classic Rana Palaces. For , a division bench of the Su- Chanda Rana, the verdict gives new preme Court issued order to Kathmandu Metropolitan enthusiasm to push her agenda further. City not to demolish his- Since Kathmandu Municipality toric Bag Durbar. decided to demolish the historic Bag The court in its ruling Durbar and build modern building on palaces. Nobody took note of the said that Kathmandu Metropolitan it, conservation activists have launched demolition until conservationist and City was not authorized to demolish several protest programs. environmental activist Chanda Rana the historic Bag Durbar. The court said Heritage and environment con- noticed. that the historic Palace was not under servationist Chanda Rana led the pro- When she saw the demolition its ownership. test program before moving to court of Rana Palaces including Lalita Pleaded by re- Nivas of Baluwatar, Singh Mahal of nowned public litigation Thapahali and Laxmi Niwas in Maha- lawyer senior advocate rajgunj, Rana started to collection of Prakash Mani Sharma photographs and observation of those and other lawyer includ- ruined neo-classic palaces. ing Sanjaya Adhikari, As the demolition of major Pro-public and heritage Rana Palaces was nearly completed, conservationists had filed Nepal Fine Art Academy and Kath- a writ petition on October mandu Municipal City (KMC) also 2 after the KMC started announced their plan to demolish demolishing the building. palaces. “The verdict is a Hearing the news, Chanda Rana historic one. With this started a lonely battle to save Neo verdict, the government Classic Rana Palaces including Laxmi agencies can not demolish Niwas, Sitabhawan and Laxmi Niwas many other neo-classic which were designed by her grandfa- Rana Palaces, which were Chanda Rana (Middle) Fighting for cause ther, Chief engineer late Delly Jung damaged by earthquake,” Thapa. said senior advocate Sharma. “Court by Pro-Public. Rana along with her The announcement of decision has accepted the argument that that groups fought tooth to nail to prevent to demolish Bagh Durbar and Sita Ni- historic and cultural heritage need to the demolition with the authorities of was shocked her. She fought and took be preserved at any cost.” Kathmandu Municipality. the issue of demolition of Bagh Durbar The building, which is believed After the matter started from to the streets and questioned the deci- to have been built between 1803 and Chanda Rana and reached up to the sion. Her cause was later joined by 1804, houses the office of KMC. hand of senior advocate Prakash Mani heritage lovers led by lawyer Sanjaya After the 2015 earthquake, KMC had Sharma and lawyer Sanjaya Adhikary, Adhikari. proposed to demolish the building and the court’s recent verdict finally saved Adhikari took this issue to his build modern structures. the neo-classic building. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 13 INTERVIEW "We Need To Assure Investors That Nepal Is Investment Friendly" As Nepal has been passing through a political crisis and facing severe economic challenges, former finance minister and leader of DR. RAM SHARAN MAHAT spoke to NEW SPOTLIGHT on various contemporary issues. Excerpts:

As Nepali Congress has suffered badly in the last few years Prime Minister KP. Oli led communist government has failing to perform well in parliament and elections, don’t been claiming that they have drastically changed the you think time has come to change the leadership? economy, introduced social welfare schemes and new in- Nepali Congress has been facing several problems. Of frastructure projects like rail, shipping and new airports. course, the leaders are also also responsible for all the debacles. How do you look at it? However, several other factors are also responsible for it. NC Prime Minister Oli has been saying whatever he wants has trailed in parliamentary elections due to unity of two major to. Rail, ship, airports, pension and so on. However, I can say communist parties failing to manage internal squabbles and that all his claims are all show with no substance. People are highlight the contribution made by our party to bring peace, frustrated just by listening to his paragons. When Oli was managerial weakness and organizational weakness. elected prime minister, there was high hope among the com- mon people. Hope has already faded from the mind of the Despite the efforts of leaders like you, NC is yet to end people during his year in power. NC has a big opportunity to factionalism and internal rivalry between Sher Bahadur emerge as a replacement. Deuab, Ramchandra Poudel and others. Having started your political carrier almost at the same time with people Along with Prime Minister Oli, Finance Minister Dr. at the top of party, don’t you think your time has come to Yubaraj Khatiwada is claiming that they will lure huge claim leadership? foreign investment. Enough for double digit growth from Of course, Deuba and I started politics almost at the coming years. How do you look at it? same period and I also went to prison. However, I have not They have been preaching about all sorts of things but decided about contesting the elections yet. I am not a self they have not really showed action. They are championing the centered man. I am ready to assume the leadership in an ap- same Foreign Direct Investment which they opposed while propriate time. in opposition. Prime Minister Oli has been urging foreign investors to come to invest in Nepal. However, I have not seen Don’t you think this is right time to claim leadership? genuine foreign investors willing to invest in Nepal. My friends and well wishers have been advising me to claim leadership. I believe in work. Thus, I have not claimed Why is it so? leadership. I have to accept the fact that Deuba and Poudel had One need is to improve the quality of governance, spent more time in prison than I did and I have accepted them change behavior and gain trust. So far, the government has as leaders. Also, I have avoided any unhealthy completion in done nothing to assure investors in changing laws and improv- the party and took steps to avoid intensifying the factionalism. ing governance. Few years ago, Nepal held a similar summit If my leadership is necessary this time, I am ready to enter and received commitments of billions of rupees for investment. the contest. Looking at the current times, my opinion is that However, no one showed up to for the actual investment. If consensus is more necessary in the party. you see the recent trend of FBI, the number of investors has further gone down. As the government is centralizing the As Nepali Congress has been facing several problems, power, investors are waiting and observing the situation. particularly, intensifying of factional war, do you think revival of Nepali Congress is possible? The government has recently introduced number of bills Revival of Nepali Congress is possible. Given the pre- like the FDI Act, Technology Transfer Act, Nepal Invest- sent state of the communist party government, Nepali Congress ment Board Act in the parliament to make Nepal friendly can come back in power. However, there is a need for the for FDI. How do you look at it? party to bury differences and factionalism. As you know, we The recent amendment on these acts will further compli- have been suffering from factionalism. We need management. cate the situation for investors. The provisions of the new act are more confusing and complex for the investors. For instance, What efforts have you been taking on your own? the government has given excessive power to Nepal Investment I have been urging Party President Deuba to avoid Board to decide on the FDI without improving its governance promoting factionalism and internal rivalry. My only mission and capacity of the employers working in the board. We can is to end factionalism and to unify the party. lure foreign investors only through good governance, enhanced capacity of institutions and zero corruption.

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 14 Prime Minister Oli has been saying that he will link Nepal with north and south by rail, access to sea through ship If railway and navigation are cheapest means of transport, and bigger infrastructures projects like road and airport. what is wrong to expand them? How do you look at it? I am not denying your facts. For Nepal, improvement The Prime minister is selling his dream and making and upgrade of surface transport should be a major priority. nonsense agendas like rail, ship, big airports and high ways. Similarly, there is an equal need to upgrade Tribhuwan Inter- However, the government has not shown any serious interest national Airport. My suggestion is that the government should to improve the existing infrastructures. The Prime Minister focus on improving existing infrastructures before launching has never said anything on improving basic infrastructures new projects. The prime minister should first make Gautam and quality of governance. Instead of talking big, the prime Buddha International operational then, move on to Nijgadh. minister should have focused on improvement of basic infra- Instead of taking any technical feasibility study, the govern- structures, construction of roads. Nepal needs more quality ment is just selling dreams. roads, extension of existing airports not railway or river navi- gation. Instead of improving state of Tribhuwan International How do you see the economy? Airport, the prime minister wanted multi-billion dollar Nijgadh Not going for macro level analysis, the export import and other infrastructures. Having done no detailed feasibility ratio indicates bleak economic condition. During 1990s, the study, PM Oli is only selling dreams and populist slogans. export ratio was just over 50 percent. Now, the ratio is much higher and the trade deficit is 600 to 700 percent. Export is Despite so many things, the government is able to achieve drastically declining and import is swelling. The contribution over 6 percent GDP in the last two years and prime min- of manufacturing sector in the national economy has declined. ister KP. Sharma Oli is harping for double digit in coming In 1990s, the contribution of manufacturing sector was 9 years? How do you look at it? percent and now it is below 6 percent. The current sate of growth has nothing to do with the programs of the government. There are several factors behind The government is fully backing investment summit, it. Acceleration of reconstruction activities, improvement of expecting to lure a huge private sector? How do you see power supply, formation of provincial and local governance, the future? good monsoon and progress in service sector due to remit- Communists are experts in target setting and they never tances. Given all these indicators, Nepal can achieve 6-7 give any concentration to materializing them. So far as making percent growth. However, our country still needs to take lot commitments are concerned, investors will publicly announce of initiatives and policy changes. Double digit growth can’t their commitments. Given the current state of government be achieved just on the basis of one individual’s wish. Prime when prime minister is centralizing power and cutting the Minister Oli is merely dreaming about the double digit growth role of private sector, I don’t think any investors will put their instead of taking any initiative to materialize his target. money in such risky conditions. Two years ago, Nepal also organized a similar kind of summit and there were over 20 Do you mean there are no indication for high growth? billion dollar commitments. However, none of them came to Yes. People are fed up with PM Oli’s toll and populist Nepal to materialize their commitments. promises who has been talking about rail and river navigation. They are merely nonsense. At a time when the government has What does Nepal need to do to lure investors? done nothing to upgrade and improve basic infrastructures, the Firs of all, we need to assure investors that Nepal is Prime Minister is just selling dreams. investment friendly. For this, the government needs work to NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 15 INTERVIEW enhance institutional capacity, promulgate investment friendly laws and regulations, make competent bureaucratic set up. However, the current situation is different. How do you see the scenario? There is excessive centralization and bureaucracy is politicized. New constitution has adopted a decentralized and federal system but the government is working for excessive centralization. For instance, Prime Minister’s Office is control- ling all the investment through Investment Board. It is reported that even investments of Rs.5 billion needs to go through the Investment Board. Ministry of Defense has tabled a National Security Council Bill giving power of mobilization of the army to the prime minister. All authorities have been centralized to the Prime Minister. This will create very dangerous situations.

Since the Prime Minister is the head of executive of House of Representatives, what is wrong with giving power to elected leader of the parliament? The prime minister is an elected leader of House of Representatives and accountable to the people, does not mean that he should be given excessive power. The Prime Minister’s role is to give directives and monitor progress. I don’t think giving excessive centralization of power to Prime Minister will programs to make Nepal prosperous. However, the government promote democracy and good governance. Excessive power has been going in the opposite direction instead. centralization will only produce a democratically elected authoritarian ruler. How do you see the present state of the country? For the first time, through new constitution, Nepal is How do you see the financial activities? exercising three tires of government under the federal struc- The government is spending more on consumption and distri- tures. All three tires of government center, province and local bution. The constitution of the new building to the president level have been given full executive and legislative power. and a guest house under prime minister are excessive use of The Federal system is economically a very expensive for of financial resources. At a time, when the private sectors are government. Federalism is not a panacea because we have seen operating many renowned hotel chains and hospitality centers the splitting of Yugoslavia due to poor management. professionally, there is no sense in the government running hotels. Constructions like these will drain money. How do you see the present constitution? The current democratic constitution is a good constitu- If the constitution has itself said that the aim of the country tion with federal structures. However, writing democratic con- is to turn socialist, what is wrong to have centralization stitution enough to establish democracy alone. Along with the of power? constitution, strong institution and capable bureaucracy is also Socialism propounded by our constitution has nothing required. I always remember BP Koirala’s statement regarding to do with classical socialism. The state cannot nationalize constitution. He used to say that the Soviet Union then, had property and it cannot control rights. A socialism oriented a constitution with the highest volume with everything about state means launching programs to reduce poverty, uplift the rights of people elections and democracy. However, the the poor, lower disparities and provide welfare schemes to constitution gave birth to an authoritarian communist state. So elderly. Experiences of communist countries including China far as United Kingdom is concerned, it does not have a written have shown that centralization of power cannot contribute for constitution. However, Britain has best democratic government economic upliftment. By “turning socialist,” our constitution in the world guaranteeing all democratic rights of citizens. intends to spend more money for poor and backward. Fiscal This can also apply to us. We have written an inspirational redistribution is necessary to uplift the poor. constitution but it is very difficult to materialize. During the finalization and promulgation of new con- How do you see the current level of revenue? stitution, Nepal’s friends and well wishers from far and near Our policies of past have changed the state of revenue collec- suggested to make the constitution inclusive and functional. tions. When we were in the government for the first time in 1994, our revenue was just 12 billion. Now, the government Why are your party leaders in a hurry to promulgate the generates a revenue of over 500 billion. There are significant constitution? progress in health and education sectors. The World Economic I had also suggested our leaders to first, discuss all the Forum hailed Nepal’s progress in human development and clauses, words and context in the Constituent Assembly and social sector. We have made these achievements in the period take the advice of our friends to make the constitution inclu- of political insatiability and violence. sive. Honestly speaking, our leaders did not listen to me or anybody else. The was passed hurriedly What should be Nepal’s priority now? without any clause wise discussion in the Constituent Assem- Nepal’s first priority should be economic progress. bly. CA relied heavily on the subject committees’ recommen- dations. All the CA members voted for the document without Strengthening democracy, enhancing capacity of bureaucracy, expressing their views. I haven’t read all the clauses as well strengthening institutions, laws and good governance. With and we did everything in a hurry. This is the reason there are so the government of two thirds, the government has to launch many ambiguities surfacing in the process of implementation. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 16 OPINION Maoism Revisited: A Brief Sketch Of Led By Netra Bikram Chand

In response to a series of bomb blasts and warned to demolish the state and establish a kidnapping of a member of legislative as- new state structure. sembly in Bajhang district recently, the Nepal It may be recalled that Chand rejected government on March 12, 2019, proscribed negotiation with the government panel, which the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party was formed to negotiate with the rebel groups of Nepal (CPN) by branding the same as a of Nepal in December 2018. The panel report- criminal group. The ban was imposed just 16 edly submitted its report to the government days before the second investment summit, by noting that the government should deal scheduled for March 29-30 by sending a mes- BY NIHAR R NAYAK with the CPN separately. sage to the domestic and external investors that Nepal is safe for investment. The government took the Organizational Structure decision based on security agencies reports which found that Nepal police sources observed that Netra Bikram the CPN has stepped up its activities and moved beyond its Chand is General Secretary/chief of the outfit. The outfit has “donation drive”. In November 2018, the CPN top leaders five polit-bureau members- Netra Bikram Chand, Khadga had rejected dialogue offer of the High-Level Political Talks Prasad Biswakarma alias ‘Prakand’ (party spokesperson), team formed under lawmaker Som Prasad Pandey. Earlier, Hemant Prakash Oli, Dharmendra Bastola and Santosha to send a positive message to global investors, on March 8, Budamagar. the government signed an 11-point agreement with Coordi- Other prominent party leaders like Mohan Bahadur nator of Alliance for Independent Madhes (AIM) and Free Karki, Dev Kumar Limbu, Uma Bhujel, Jitendra Narendra Madhes campaigner CK (Chandra Kant) Raut. (son of Khadga Bahadur Biswakarma), and Basanta Gharti The Communist Party of Nepal also known as Chand (a rebel leader) among others. alias Biplav faction was formed on November 24, 2014, The CPN has formed three military divisions/com- after splitting from the Communist Party of Nepal (Revolu- mands and 17 bureaus both for political and military cam- tionary Maoist). Headed by the veteran Maoist leader Mo- paigning. The party claims that it has 11,000 combatants han Baidya, the party split over serious differences between including around 7,000 ex-Maoist combatants, who were Netra Bikram Chand and Baidya on “new political line” of disqualified by the UN during the peace process between the outfit. During the split, Chand was second in command (2006-2013). Following are the commands: in the Communist Party of Nepal (Revolutionary Maoist). Central Command- in charge-Hemant Prakash Oli Earlier, both Baidya and Chand had formed the Communist alias SudarsanEastern Command – in charge- Anil Sharma Party of Nepal (Revolutionary Maoist) after splitting away alias BirahiWestern Command- in charge- Dharmendra from the then Prachanda-led Communist Party of Nepal Bastola alias Kanchan. Deputy command in charge- Om (Maoist) in June 2012. The Chand-led Communist Party is, Prakash Pun alias Nirman. therefore, an offshoot of the erstwhile CPN (Maoist Centre) There are 17 bureaus under these three commands. that waged a decade-long insurgency. The NCP has divided 75 Nepal districts into 17 bureaus. The outfit’s political line/strategy is ‘new people’s These bureaus are in charge of some districts. Following revolt (NPR)’ and its objective is to replace the parliamen- are the bureaus and their operational jurisdictions: tary supremacy with “people’s government”. The Party Kosi Bureau (jurisdiction- Sunsari, Bhojpur, Morang- opposes the new constitution of Nepal. In this regard, the Dhankuta)- in charge- Pushkar Shrestha Mechi Bureau part’s tactics will be unleashing the NPR to take the revolu- (jurisdiction- Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, Sankhuasabha, tion further using the “people’s war” as a foundation”. The Taplejung, Terhathum)- in charge- Suman LimbuSagar- outfit’s political document emphasizes going for another matha Bureau- (Jurisdiction – Khotang, Okhaldunga, armed rebellion with the help of rural peasants and the Solukhumbu-Udaypur) –in charge- Dipesh RaiJanakpur urban working class. Bureau (jurisdiction- Dhanusha, Mahotari, Siraha, Saptari, However, there are occasions when the CPN-Chand Sarlahi, Sindhuli)- in charge- Sandhesh PatelEast Tamsaling leaders talk about complete or “total revolution”, which is Bureau (jurisdiction- Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupal- yet to be clarified by the party. chowk, Kavre)- in charge- Nanda Bahadur Buda Magar The party claims running a ‘parallel government’ alias VijayNarayani Bureau (jurisdiction- Bara, Parsa, Rau- in some undisclosed areas of Nepal. In a video message, tahat, Makwanpur, Chitwan)- in charge- Chet bahadur Pun Chand said the CPN has been in the process of forming alias ChiranWest Tamsaling Bureau (jurisdiction- Rasuwa, a strong “People’s Liberation Army”. The party has also Nuwakot, Dhading)- in charge- Mohlal Chand alias Ad- NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 17 OPINION harKathmandu Valley Bureau (jurisdiction- Kathmandu, bombs. Nepal Police sources say that the NCP used weap- Bhaktapur, Lalitpur)-in charge- Prajwal ShreshtaGandak ons, which were looted from the Rolpa barracks of the Bureau (jurisdiction-Gorkha, Lamjung, Tanahun, Kaski, Nepali Army during the conflict in 2001. Manang, Mustang, Syangja)-in charge- Savitri Dura alias AsthaLumbini Bureau (jurisdiction- Nawalpur, Nawalpara- External linkage si, Rupandehi, Kapilabastu, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi)-in It is suspected that the CPN has fraternal and ideologi- charge- Chandra Bahadur Chand alias BirjungDhaulagiri cal linages with the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Bureau (jurisdiction- Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Salyan)- in charge- Dhurba GhimireRapti Bureau (Jurisdiction- Dang, Major incidents: Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum, East Rukum, Surkhet)- in charge- March 12, 2019: Nepal government outlawed the Kosh Bahadur BudaSeti Bureau (Jurisdiction- Achham, CPN. Doti, Bajura, Kailali, Bajhang)- in charge- Shankar Bahadur March 8, 2019: The CPN claimed responsibility of Khadka alias SikandarKarnali Bureau (jurisdiction- Dolpa, bomb explosion in Basundhara, Kathmandu. No casualties Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, Mugu)- in charge- Khamba Buda were reported. However, one vehicle and building was alias Atm BisiBheri Bureau (jurisdiction-Banke, Bardiya, damaged in the blast. In a separate incident, NCP cadres Dailekh, Jajorkot, Surkhet)- in charge- Bal Bahadur OliMa- kidnapped a provincial assembly lawmaker Debaki Malla hakali Bureau (jurisdiction-Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, for seven hours in Bajhang district in Province 7. Kanchanpur)- in charge- Ram Prasad TimilsinhaInternation- March 7, 2019: The general strike called by the CPN al Bureau- in charge- Dharmendra Bastola alias Kanchan. affected daily lives in five districts. The outfit has students, peasants, workers and women February 22, 2019: One person died and two others front organizations. Its student organization is called All injured during a series of arson attacks on Ncell infrastruc- Nepal National Independent Students’ ture in various districts across the na- Union (Revolutionary). Chiranjibi tion, including blasts near the gate of Dhakal is chairman of the union. The Ncell head office in Nakkhu, Lalitpur. outfit has a youth organization called February 8, 2019: The CPN National Volunteer Organisation and exploded three improvised explosive Youth Organisation of Nepal. The devices near the powerhouse of under outfit reportedly holds People’s Court construction Arun III Hydropower in its stronghold areas. project. In a separate incident, mil- lions of students—from pre-primary Support base and geographical to university level—were affected reach as most of the academic institutions School and college students, remained closed due to a strike called unemployed youths, ex-Maoist com- by the student wing of the CPN. This batants, ethnic and marginalized was the sixth strike in the current groups, who are basically dissatisfied with the new constitu- academic session by the union. tion, form the major support base of this party. April 30, 2018- The CPN detonated an IED at the The outfit has a pan-Nepal presence. However, out office of Arun-III Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha of 75 districts of Nepal, it has strong presence and support district. A few months earlier, the outfit had twice detonated base in Dang, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, Nawalparasi, IEDs at the project’s powerhouse at Diding village in Chin- Saptari, Kathmandu, Achham, Kanchanpur, Nuwakot, Gorkha, chila Rural Municipality. Kaski, Myagdi, Chitwan, Rolpa-Thabang region, Dhankuta, April 17, 2018: The CPN detonated a pressure cooker Bajura, Rautahat, Bajhang, Kavre and Morang-north region, bomb near the temporary Indian Embassy field office in which is considered as its eastern strategic base area. district. February 24, 2018: The party detonated pressure- Funding and arms sources cooker bombs targeting Ncell towers in Chitwan, Rolpa, More than 90 per cent of the total funds are gener- Nuwakot and Dhankuta districts. ated locally and through extortion. It is believed that some October 23, 2017: The CPN strongly opposed the NGOs operating in the mid-western and upper Himalayan then parliamentary and provincial elections scheduled on region pay security money to the outfit to ensure their November 26 and December 7. smooth operations. [Compiled from Open Source English and Nepalese The outfit reportedly has around 700 old M-16 rifles, Language Media] light machine guns, mining explosives and improvised explosives devices (IEDs). Some of its cadres are trained The author is a DR. NIHAR R. NAYAK, Research Fellow, Institute in producing pressure cooker, cylinder bomb and socket for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. Courtesy: Society For The Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC)

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 18 COVER STORY

CITIZENSHIP ROW Tale Of Two Citizens

Nepal is in the process of bringing another citizenship act which aims to distribute citizenship certificates to all Nepali citizens. However, the debates in parliament have been directed to making the process harder. As Nationalism and citizenship certificates have nothing to do with each other, members of the communist party added many restrictions and hurdles to providing people citizenships in the name of protecting nationalism.

By KESHAB POUDEL

For centuries, families of Krish- citizenship was out of question. My settlers registered banks of the Mai na Bisku, 73, a person of the Santhal father died without documents and I and other rivers as theirs. We don’t Community, have been living in the don’t have documents as well because have any place to live anymore,” said southern parts of Jhapa. Bisku, now I didn’t inherit any from my father.” Bisku, who does not know about the a resident of Sadakbari, Jhapa Rural Although Bisku was one of the debate in Kathmandu’s Parliament. Municipality, Ward No 2 Jhapa is an sons of the soil, the Nepali state does Bisku is not alone, there are old member of the Santhal community. not recognize him and his attachment many other Dhimals, Santhals and The Santhlal are indigenous people with Nepali land because he does not Rajbansis who do not have citizen- living in the eastern parts of Nepal and have papers to prove to them that he ships and land owner certificates. Since India as hunters and gatherers. is Nepali as prescribed by the law. they do not have certificates, they are “The lands here had dense By virtue of his birth, he is a Nepali deprived from basic services provided forests with varied wildlife including Citizen but he does not have an official by the state for citizenship owners. tigers and elephants. We shifted places citizenship certificate. Even though Bisku and tens of along the Kankai river till the 1970s. However clever settlers who thousands of other Nepalis have been After the people from the hill migrated came to the land less than five decades facing difficulties regarding their iden- here and cleared the forest lands, our ago are now landlords enjoying all the tities the Nepalese parliament does not communities including the Dhimal privileges of the state because they had show any concerns and doesn’t bother and Rajbanshi were forced to move some knowledge about laws. How- writing clauses that could make the closer to bank of Kankai,” recalled ever, thousands of people like Bisku, process easier for people like Bisku. Bisku. “Since we roamed the forest who were born and raised here, have In the name of nationalism, a lands, landownership certificates and been living like outsiders. “The new group of people lobbying in the par-

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 19 COVER STORY given a Nepali citizenship as per constitutional and legal provisions. “We have been living in Maidhar for long but we don’t have a Nepali citizen- ship certificate. A few years ago, a high level team visited and distributed citizenship certificates to us and many others. We were happy after being given a citizenship certificate. Now, the offi- cials say that the current act restricts our offspring from having a citizenship. My granddaughter passed the 12th standard and she wanted to apply for a government job but she does not have the liament are making the act more rigid country due to the lack of an authentic citizenship certificate,” said Rishidev. than prescribed in the constitution. citizenship. “If my granddaughter, who was born This group of parliamentarians’ view Although the Dalit and indig- here and grew up in this country cannot is; weakening the law will pave way enous communities of the southern get a citizenship, what is the use of my for more people from the southern plains are marginalized, they have been citizenship certificate?” border enter Nepal. living in Nepalese territory for genera- Majority of residents of a Mush- “Nepal being overwhelmed by tions. Despite this, they are denied of ar settlement of Lalbandi Municipality, foreigners if the government adopts citizenship certificates, which is man- Ward No 5, of Sarlahi District, do not a liberal citizenship regime is an un- datory for citizens to get basic services have a citizenship certificate as well. necessary thought. Why would people provided by the state. Due to the lack Even though they have been living here come to Nepal? People migrate either of a citizenship, these people have been in Nepal for generations the residents for opportunities or because of war. If living in miserable conditions. aren’t allowed to have a citizenship. Nepal had opportunities, four million “Ten years ago, a team had Although twenty-two year old Nepalis would not have gone to foreign come to us but they did not issue our Hema Majhi, a mother of two, is a countries as laborers. Many Nepalis certificates because we did not have testimony to the transformation in work in India as well. So I don’t see landownership certificates,” said Lalbandi, her family life remains the India’s bhanjas and bhanjis (newphes Bishku, a Santhal. Although Bisku’s same. Along with Majhi, other neigh- and nieces) swamping Nepal,” said name is in the voter’s list, he can’t bors have been living in a public land Anup Raj Sharma, Chairman of Nepal claim his citizenship and landowner- near the river and annually they have Human Rights Commission to The ship. to shift from places to escape flood. Himalayan Times. Hem Ram Sahali, 55, has also a Jakshi Jhangar, 45, a resident of Nepal has two classes of citi- similar story to tell. Living in the same Naharatole of Rangeli Municipality, zens; one class is the people who have area, Sahali has no citizenship and Ward No 2, does not own a citizenship citizenship certificates which gives the landownership certificates either. “In certificate and land despite living there access to all privileges provided by the my own land, I am living as a foreigner for decades. state and the other class is deprived without access to the government’s “I have visited the local ward of all the rights and privileges of the services. “This is our ancestor’s land. several times but they always say that Migrants from the hills, including my evidences are not enough for me Brahimin, Rai, Limbu and migrants to claim a citizenship certificate. I from India snatched our land and we don’t know what the officials want as are landless.” we were born and raised here,” asked Sadhana Rishidev of Maidhar Jhangar. Jhapa has a citizenship certificate Nepal’s civil service and the issued on the basis of birth. Under people working under it are biased this category of citizenship however, and they can’t see the poor situation her offspring cannot be NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 20 COVER STORY of these voiceless marginalized communities. “As the state is bi- ased against particular regions and groups, there are over 4 million people living without a citizenship certificate,” said Sarbendranath Shukla leader of Rashtriya Janta Party Nepal. Representatives of the parliament are conspiring against stateless people again.” Lawyers argue that one can- not be declared stateless just by the fact that he or she has not secured a citizenship certificate. Everyone born in Nepal with the commence- “The central government has to take at his or her birth. ment of Constitution of Nepal 2019 the decision. There is no other way.” A child of a citizen having ob- can claim a domicile citizenship According to a survey report, tained the citizenship of Nepal by birth certificate. there are 52,000 Santhal and 234358 prior to the commencement of Nepal “The problem with citizenship Mushar families living in 22 districts shall and upon attaining maturity, can certificates in Nepal is that the officials of . For instance, the Mushar acquire the citizenship of Nepal by link citizenship certificate with land- population is concentrated in eight dis- descent if the child’s father and mother ownership. A landless person can be a tricts of eastern Nepal and Santhal and both are citizens of Nepal. citizen of Nepal if he was born at the Rajbanshi are in Jhapa and Morang. Every minor who is found within time of commencement of constitution Nepal and the whereabouts of whose of Nepal 1961,” said former Attorney Provisions Related To Citizenship father and mother are not known shall, General Badri Bahadur Karki. “It is a The Constitution of Nepal and Citi- until the father or the mother of the misunderstanding and can be regarded zenship Act 2063 and Nepal Citizen- child is traced, be a citizen of Nepal as a misinterpretation of the law and ship Regulations by descent. 2063 have made A person who is born in Nepal provisions and from a woman who is a citizen of processes for ob- Nepal and has resided in Nepal and taining the citi- whose father is not traced shall be zenship of Nepal. provided with the citizenship of Nepal According by descent. to the Constitu- Any person born before 2046 tion, the people Chaitra 31, Bikram Sambat (i.e. 13, who have ob- April, 1990 A.D.) within the territory tained citizen- of Nepal and having domiciled per- ship of Nepal manently in Nepal shall be deemed a at the time of citizen of Nepal by birth. commencement The new Constitution of Nepal, of this Constitu- though considered more progressive tion and who are than the Interim Constitution of Ne- qualified to obtain pal 2007 in terms of women’s rights, constitution. This issue is also politi- citizenship in accordance with this part is still discriminatory on citizenship cized too much.” shall be the citizens of Nepal. provisions that contradict each other “We know Santhals are the sons The following person, who has and restricts mother’s right to confer of the soil and they have been living his or her permanent domicile in Nepal citizenship to their children indepen- here for centuries. Since there is an at the time of commencement of this dently. administrative risk involved, nobody Constitution shall be the citizen of Since the first citizenship Act is willing to recommend the idea to Nepal by descent, a person who has was enacted on May 8, 1952, laying Mushars and Santhals eventhough obtained the citizenship of Nepal by down formal criteria for the qualifica- they don’t need legal documents any- descent prior to the commencement tions of becoming a Nepali citizen, more.” said Raj Kumar Yadav, ward of this Constitution, a person whose four constitutions and several acts have chair of Jhapa Rural Municipality-1. father or mother was a citizen of Nepal changed. However, large numbers of

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 21 people are yet to acquire their citizen- sions of the ship certificates. Supreme The Nepal Citizenship Act, Court and 1952 remained effective even after the interna- promulgation of the Constitution of tional con- 1959. With the dissolution of the multi- ventions party system and the introduction of like Inter- the regime in 1963, another national constitution was promulgated in the Covenant same year. Under the constitution, the on Civil law on citizenship came in the form and Politi- of the Nepal Citizenship Ordinance cal Rights in December 15, 1963 repealing the (ICCPR), previous Act of 1952. Interna- The same Ordinance was adopt- tional ed in February 28, 1964 as the Nepal Covenant on Economic, Social and mediately acquire citizenship through Citizenship Act, 1964. This Act made Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Conven- their father, why can’t they get citi- some drastic changes in the citizenship tion on the Elimination of All Forms zenships through their mother? Why law of Nepal. Citizenship by descent of Discrimination against Women is the declaration of a child’s father could only be acquired by people (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights compulsory? The constitution does whose fathers were Nepali citizens at of the Child (CRC) and Convention on not say so, but the act creates hur- the time of the child’s birth. the Elimination of All Forms of Racial dles. So mindset of the people should Despite the restoration of multi- Discrimination (CERD). change, but mindsets will only change party democracy in 1990, citizenship Article 10(1) of the Constitution if the government interprets the con- Act of 1964 was retained by Consti- of Nepal 2015 recognized acquisition stitution correctly and does not bring tution of 1990. However, the Interim of citizenship as a right of all Nepali acts that contradict constitution,” said Construction 2007 dropped the provi- citizens and Article 10(2) states that NHRC chair Sharma to The Himalayan sions of the Act. there will be a single federal citizen- Times. With almost five million people ship with provincial identity. However, Forum for Women, Law and without citizenship certificates, Citi- the meaning of “citizens” and “people Development (FWLD) has been fight- zenship Certificates remain a thorny having citizenships” is unclear. ing for decades to establish citizenship issue. The rights. “Although the constitution said has made number of landmark deci- Children Without Father that if a father is a foreign citizen, the sions on citizenship directing to the Along with indigenous and child becomes eligible for naturaliza- Government of Nepal especially the marginalized population, large number tion. In practice, many single women Ministry of Home Affairs and District of children with single mothers have face difficulties registering their chil- Administration Offices to comply with not obtained their citizenship certifi- dren as citizens by descent,” said a cates. Although the report of FWLD. constitution states The Supreme Court ruled that that the children of government authorities must not deny unidentified fathers registration of birth and citizenship of may obtain citizen- children whose mothers and fathers ship through their cannot be traced. mothers, there are An estimated 5.4 million indi- thousands of chil- viduals (24 per cent of the population dren living without aged 16 years and above lack citizen- citizenships. ship documentation in Nepal, said the “We have a Country Reports on Human Rights very clear concept Practices for 2017 released by the US that there should Department. not be any discrim- As the bill on citizenship is in ination between debate in the parliament, the time to the provisions on citizenship. men and women. In the citizenship provide genuine Nepali citizenship Citizenship laws are yet to law however, there discrimination certificates without any discrimina- be revised to comply with the deci- against women. If a person can im- tion and without making it an issue of nationalism has come. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 22 ARTICLE MeToo And All That The effect of the MeToo movement, which Congress. The entire newly elected mem- started in USA almost two years ago with bers to Congress were dressed in white and the Hollywood Mogul Harvey Weinstein in created a white front in the visuals of the October 2017, is now worldwide. One result President Trump’s State of the Union Ad- of hashtags on social media is that it has dress. The hope is that there will be still recently become almost universal. It started more women members following the next in various parts of India and re-reached elections in 2020. Hollywood in October 2018 and then on to In Nepal this journey may be stated to Nepal. The harassment of women is not new have started with the Bhojpur born Yogmaya but what brought it to the forefront was a Neupane, who was frustrated with the then news report that a Maths teacher at a Lalitpur existing Nepali society. Her fight was against Secondary School had been sexually abus- BY HEMANG DIXIT child marriage, and various other wills in ing young girls for decades. Reports from connection with which she made a plea to other schools followed. The trafficking of PM Joodha Shumsher in 1936. Getting no women to the red light areas of Indian cities has been existent response she together with 66 followers committed mass for long. Because of new regulations the process is chang- suicide in the Arun river. ing to new routes as through Myanmar, It has been known Mangala Devi Singh of Nepal Mahila Sangh was a for ages that families resorted to such measures because of lady who strove for women’s rights in the Panchayat era. poverty. Sadly this is not restricted to Nepal but also in many Nanimaiya Dahal became a seven day wonder against the then countries because of poor economy. Thankfully existing Nepali governance. Subsequent women leaders of is active against this. Nepal such as Sailaja Acharya and Sahana Pradhan were also Another happening in Nepal is that young girls and prominent but have not left behind much heritage. Though even mothers undergoing menstruation are made to spend President , House Speaker Onsari Gharti four days in chaupaddi huts, where some have even died is Magar and Chief Justice Sushila Karki have all reached apex inhuman. It is not surprising therefore to imagine that many positions the public reaction to their feats varies in the popula- uneducated persons in rural areas of the country rape minor tion. The search for Nepal loving women leaders is still on. girls and even kill them. What needs to be done to do away In retrospect however one must note the fact that with such practices in Nepal? women have had a special place in our religious thinking. A The saga of women’s rights has a long history. New large number of girls in various towns of Nepal have been Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to Kumaris and worshipped, albeit for a number of years as vote as early as 1893, British Suffragette Emily Pankhurst deities. In former days, following menstruation they became started her movement in 1903 but the right to vote was first given to women over 30 years, only in 1918 following the end almost outcasts – without education and no chance of mar- of World War I. A century having passed, there is now 32% riage as it was believed to bring bad luck. Is this the reason representation in a parliament of 650. Surprisingly women that the chhaupadi practice still prevails in Nepal? Our an- in Switzerland only got the right to vote in Federal elections nual festivals of Dasain and Basanta Panchami are homage as late as 1971! to female Goddesses. A point to note is that the temples to Plight of women exists in many Muslim countries the different female deities are scattered all over the country. worldwide. Women are made to wear burkas so that males Womens’s Day celebrations have become a part of may not ogle at them. Fine, but why is it that the colour of Nepali life but one has to remember that Teej, aka a festival women’s burkas is black or brown which absorbs the suns heat for the women in certain sections of Nepali society has existed whilst the dress of the man is white which reflects the suns over the centuries. This year’s Nari Divas has come and gone, heat and does not cause discomfort. Is this not discriminatory? but what has been achieved. A recent book ‘”Good and Mad’ by Rebecca Traister The rapes and murders of teenage girls is still reaching is creating ripples in the USA. The author feels that there greater heights day by day. One wonders at the number of has been some sort of uprising of women against the bossing incest cases and rapes by relatives that go unreported. Is this by males every fifty years. She has referred to Rosa Parks’s moral turpitude, a by-product of modern times? In terms of action of 1955 when she refused to vacate her seat in a bus. women’s rights there have been demonstrations in cities of Also to Betty Friedan, whose book ‘The Female Mystique’ Nepal. Young girls are asking – “Womb is mine. Whose child had started a wave of feminism in the USA. Now it is almost is it” in connection with the fact that the law on citizenship, a “Hear me Roar” outcry by the women. Social structure is on the basis of one’s mother is still to be passed. Women currently unfavourable to women in the USA. parliamentarians have still to fight for other issues as abortion, Many feel that all this has occurred in USA because maternity leave, child benefits and equal pay. of the general trend for women there to fight for their rights. The author writes fiction under the name of Mani Dixit. There are now a record number of 171 women in the US Website: www.hdixit.org.np. Twitter: @manidixithd NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 23 ENERGY UPPER TAMAKOSI Right Track With the announcement of the new scheme to lure public investment in hydropower, the recent news that Upper Tamakosi will complete by November gives good a message By A CORRESPONDENT

fter achieving major break- the project working day and night,” said to reassign the crucial task of installing through dispatching all penstock Minister Pun. the penstock pipes to Austrian firm An- Apipes in the project sites, Min- During the site visit, he also held dritz Hydro. istry of Energy and Nepal Electricity different rounds of meeting with project With the request of UTHL, Texa- Authority’s officials have announced a officials and contractors. During the mo and Andritz signed a tripartite agree- new working schedule to complete the meeting, contractors have expressed their ment in January, 2019 under which the 456 MW Upper Tamakosi Project before commitment to complete he project as Indian firm subcontracted the penstock November 2018. per the schedule. installation part of the job to the Austrian With the recent visit of Minister “After completion of Tamakosi, company. of Energy, Water Resources and Irriga- Nepal’s economy will see drastic change. Immediately after signing the pact, tion Barsha Man Pun, NEA’S Managing Thus, the project officials need to work Andritz mobilized workers at the project Director Kul Man Ghising at Gonger, in time,” said Minister Pun. “There site and construction work resumed. Ministry directed to hold a high-level are concerns all over meeting every month in the project site the country over the to review the progress. completion of national MD of NEA and chairman of priority project.” Upper Tamakosi Hydropower Ltd Kul Chief Executive Man Ghising will hold a monthly review Officer Bigyan Prasad meeting with management of the project, Shrestha said that the contractor companies and consultants. earthquake, damage by The meeting will review the progress of landslides, disruption the project and solve problems that have of supply of petroleum surfaced in the process of construction. products, construction Minister of Energy, Water Re- materials, due to Mad- source and Irrigation Barshaman Pun hesh Agitation, change directed authorities to complete the con- of design, weakness struction of 456 MW Upper Tamakosi of hydro mechanical by November. contractor of lot 2 have Instructing the concerned officials delayed the project. at the project site in Dolkha, Minister Although the project was sup- “Andritz Hydro has transported all Pun stressed the need to complete this posed to be completed in 2073/074, the pipes and equipment to the project national priority project in time. Minister and has already revised once with the site and started installation work,” said Pun also inspected dam site, lower and deadline of 2075-076, it was delayed due Bigyan Prasad Shrestha, project chief upper Penstock installation sites. He to contractor of lot 2. Now, the project is of Upper Tamakoshi. “We are on track spent more than three hours meeting undergoing its work to generate electric- to meet the completion deadline of No- technicians and officials. ity by December 31, 2019 operation of vember set by the government.” He talked with project’s chief ex- one 76 MW Unit. The penstock pipe conveys water ecutive officer Bigyan Shrestha. Minister After the completion of the trans- from the reservoir to the turbines to Pun has made it clear that the govern- portation of penstock pipe, one of the generate electricity, and fitting the pipes ment and Nepal Electricity Authority will most difficult tasks of the project has is considered to be one of the most chal- facilitate to complete the project in time. been completed. Under the lot 2 of the lenging tasks of the hydro-mechanical Managing Director Kul Man project, five meter long 74 pieces of pipe, component. Ghising also visited the sites along with which will be used in lower penstock, At a time when delays in the minister Pun to take stock of the project. has already reached the project site in execution of the hydro-mechanical Minister Pun has made it clear that they Gonger. component threatened to push back the are not allowed to make any excuse and Following months of delay, Up- completion date of the project, the reach- no more time extension will be provided. per Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited ing of all penstock pipes gives hope that “We all need to go together to complete (UTHL) requested the Indian contractor the project will start generation in time.

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 24 Work had halted for months at the Transmission line construc- construction site of the 456 MW scheme tion is also almost complete because the Indian contractor for the with 85 percent progress. hydro-mechanical component, Texamo Interestingly, the Railway Engineering, lacked expertise project secured 31 billion to implement the complex task. loaned and paying 20 billion The project has faced cost over- interest. The estimated cost runs due to delays. It was initially of the projects was set 35.29 dollar. The cost escalated because of the planned to be built at a cost of Rs. 35 billion excluding interest rate during the earthquake, destruction of tunnel roads billion, but the final bill is now expected construction period. and redesign of tunnel and dam. The to reach Rs. 70 billion, if interest is It is estimated that the project project has constructed 360 meter tunnel added. Installing 372 penstock pipes interest during construction period roads to reach dam sites from Gonger. in lower the shaft is regarded as a very was Rs.13.22 billion and the total cost For the project, the Employee difficult yask. estimated was 48.86 billion. During the Provident Fund contributed Rs.10 bil- Spokesperson of the project Dr. project inspection time, one dollar was lion, Nepal Telecom contributed 10 Ganesh Prasad Neupane told Gorkhapa- equivalent to Rs. 97.6 . Billion, Citizenship Investment Fund, tra daily that the pipes were stored in Nepal Telecom and Insurance Com- Sunkoshi Power House in Sindhupalch- Now the revised estimated cost of pany invested 2 billion each. Nepal wok for long periods. the construction of project is Rs.49.29 government invested the remaining Out of 732 meter, Texamo has billion (Except of Interest). The inter- 11.08 billion. been going itself. Installation of turbine, est of construction period will be 19.84 Although the project has delayed generator has already been completed in billion and the total cost of the project due to unavodable natural disasters and underground power generation house. will be Rs.69.59 billion. supply disruptions escaling the costs, Similarly, the progress of concrete at The project has already dispersed this is going to be a first major project of dam site and concrete lining at main tun- Rs.44.07 billion. The project has loss this size constructed mobilising Nepal’s nel is 99.6 and 53,5 percent respectively. Rs.7 and 5 billion due to fluctuation in internal resources.

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NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 25 ARTICLE Gandak River Navigation In Retrospect: Gandak Navigation Canal

Complete disruption to navigation on the Gandak Bagaha-Mallahi section. River is anticipated in the wake of the operation The volume of traffic on Mallahi-Conflu- at full capacity of the Gandak Irrigation Project, ence Section according to NCAER study was which has been implemented according to the about 40,000 tons. Country crafts with capacity of Gandak River Treaty, 1959 signed between Ne- 20 tons or more used to ply. All the boats up and pal and India allocating almost the entire non down the river had to stop for some time near the monsoon season flow for irrigation. railway bridge at Hajipur for lowering and raising The Gandak River was navigable by coun- their masts and sails. try crafts from the time immemorial. The river Joint Steamer Companies’ Surveys had provided principle means of communication BY DR. AB THAPA Until the advent of the railways and road in the area traversed by it. The Joint Steamer Com- transport, the Gandak supplied the principal means pany providing navigation services on the Ganges had even of communication in the area traversed by it. In spite of the conducted survey during the last years of the British rule with introduction of alternative mode of surface transportation, a the view to extend their services on the Gandak River. sizeable traffic continued to exist on the Gandak River. So the At one point even the provincial government of Bihar Government of India had shown in past considerable interest had considered making one of the two Gandak main irrigation in developing Gandak waterway for navigation. canals navigable as an alternative to the river course navigation The Joint Steamer Companies operating on the Ganges . Obviously, this is now the only recourse to save the Gandak were providing services for very long time before the complete navigation unless both countries agree to take drastic measure closure of such services in 1950s. They were operating feeder to do away with the Gandak Treaty. services on the lower reaches of the Karnali River (known as Physical Features Gogra in India) also. However, there was no feeder service on The River Gandak after passing through the Deoghat the Gandak to link with the Joint Steamer Navigation Services flows in a succession of rapids and pools until it reaches Tribeni. on the Ganges. They had carried out surveys on the Gandak Passing Tribeni, the river traverses a distance of about 310 kms River during 1935, 1941 and 1946 with a view to extend their before it empties into the Ganges at Hajipur, opposite Patna. services on the Gandak upto Sohansi Ghat and their conclu- The Gandak River becomes much wider after debouch- sions were: ing into the plains at Tribeni, where it acquires the characteris- In 1935 Survey: So far as the Gandak River is concerned a ser- tics of a deltaic river. Except for four rapids at Damran, Nara- vice can be inaugurated with probable modification in running sahi, Thari and Patlahwa between Tribeni and Bagaha where periods depending on seasonal conditions for bridge headways there are boulders and shingles the bed of the river in most of at Hajipur according to type of vessels used. its course down Tribeni is sandy.Pre-Gandak Project Status In 1941 Survey: Seen during the half flood period, the Gandak The Gandak River had always been navigable throughout appeared navigable though the key shoals at Anche, Sattar Ghat the years by country boats from the confluence with the Ganges would require careful watching and bandalling. up to the Tribeni in Nepal. It was a very important channel of In 1946 Survey: Gandak is as easy to navigate during the dry trade of this area even in the early days of the British rule and season as the Ganga and the Gogra above Patna, where the the transport on this river can be traced back to 1700 AD. depths of three feet are frequently registered in various shoals From the view point of navigation the Gandak waterway which are kept navigable by bandalling. can be divided into the following four sections. Deoghat-Tribeni The Govt. of India’s Survey Section (78 km), Tribeni-Bagaha Section (50 km), Bagha- The Government of India also had carried out the hydro- Mallahi Section, Mallahi-Confluence. graphic surveys of the Gandak River to investigate the possibili- A study conducted by the NCAER (National Council of ties of developing inland water transport. The Central Water Applied Economic Research) in 1963 indicates that the total and Power Com- annual traffic at that time at Tribeni and upstream from Tribeni mission had done was about 20,000 tons. This reach is navigable for about eight the survey works. months in a year. Boats of only two tons capacity ply in this area. The study cov- The volume of the traffic on Tribeni-Bagaha sector, ered the stretch excluding the appreciable quantities of boulders and shingles of the Gandak picked up from the river bed, according to NCAER study ag- River between gregates to about 20,000 tons. Boats up to 15 tons capacity Bagaha and its play in this section. confluence at the Country crafts up to 20 tons capacity used to ply on Ganges. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 26 ARTICLE In April 1950 Survey: This low The demand increases when the rains stop. Ultimately in dry water survey recorded 40 shoals season months the river would even become completely dry. below 3 feet. In this context the question of continuity of navigation becomes In December 1957 Survey: During a crucial issue. If this problem is not properly resolved then this mid-water survey the condition the navigation would not only become difficult but would be of the river was found to be com- precluded for ever. paratively better. In this survey only 3 Treaty Allocated Flow for Irrigation shoals under 3 feet, 3 shoals between The monthly flows of the Gandak river allocated for 3-4 feet and 13 shoals between 4-5 irrigation by the Treaty and the actual river flow for the year feet were recorded. During this 1963 is given below: survey a shoal of 2 feet was recorded at the mouth of the river Treaty Allocated Actual flow in at the Ganges. This shoal is created by shallow depth due to Month flow in Cumcs Cumecs for 1973 sand deposit. January 325 259 However, nothing came out of those surveys. The service February 283 201 on the Gandak had always been by country crafts, provided by a March 272 195 large number of boat-owners and boatmen from Patna without April 286 259 any coordination with the Joint Steamer Company’s services. May 458 408 The UNDP Supported Nepalese Study (1967) June 711 570 The main objective of the study was to find out the July 821 1920 possibility of developing water transport from the nearest August 818 3070 port to terminal points inside Nepal. All three major rivers Sept. 818 2440 the Karnali, the Gandak and the Kosi were investigated. The October 767 1480 study team recommended to give priority to the Gandak River November 688 743 for early development because at that time the Gandak River December 558 463 had sufficient water for developing water transportation and the location of this river was favourable for effectively serving Bihar Government and Canal Navigation the whole country. The Gandak had always been a waterway of great impor- Impediments to Navigation tance for Bihar as well as Nepal. It was apprehended that this There are several engineering works on the Gandak important waterway was going to be adversely affected by a River at present. Some of them were there since a long time. barrage cum road to be built across this river near Bhaisalotan They are old and new railway bridges with low clearance above with canals on either side for irrigation. So immediately after the high water level at Hajipur. They are serious impediment the sanctioning of this project by the Govt. of India for the to navigation development on the Gandak River. But of all construction, the Bihar Government requested the National such impediments, the Gandak Project at Bhaisalotten is the Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi to conduct most serious and it can preclude the possibility of developing a study on Gandak to determine the extent of river conservancy in future navigation on the Gandak. work that would be required for preserving the navigation An agreement between HMG Nepal and the Govt. of potential of this river. Originally the proposed study included India on Gandak Project was signed on December 4, 1959. the economics of inland navigation on the Gandak vis-a-vis This agreement has been amended and the revised agreement the Gandak canals. However, at a later date the National was signed on April 30, 1964. The Gandak Project comprises Council was informed to drop the inland navigation vis-a-vis of a barrage and the canals for irrigation and power generation. the Gandak canals study. Gandak Barrage and Canals Gandak Canal Navigation A 835 m long barrage has been built across the Gandak The conversion of one of the two main Gandak canals River at Bhaisaloten. About half the length of the barrage is in into a irrigation cum navigation canal ( including power gen- Nepal and the other half in Indian territory. The barrage blocks eration component if feasible) is the only recourse to save the the waterway. The navigation was going to be blocked. But Gandak navigation. The proposed modification could open according to the Gandak Agreement the Government of India a relatively deep waterway route for vessels on a par with would have to provide locking arrangements for facilitating the the Patna-Faracca sector Ganges waterway, which would be riverine traffic across the barrage free from payment of any tolls. conducive to great reduction in transportation cost. Thus this It was proposed by India to provide lock with a width of only waterway would have helped to herald completely a new era 6.1 metres. The UNDP supported Nepal’s study had pointed of development by facilitating trade and industrialization in out that the lock width should at least be 15.25 metres. North-West Bihar, Eastern UP and Western Nepal. There are two main canals. They are main western canal Ref: and main eastern canal with head discharge of 15,000 cusecs (1) Inland Waterways for Nepal: Dr. AB Thapa and 14,140 cusecs respectively primarily for irrigation purposes. Govt. of Nepal, 1967 A very large volume of water is needed to irrigate lands within (2) Traffic Survey of the Gandak River: the total command area of the Gandak Project. During the rainy National Council of Applied Economic Research season the water demand for irrigation will not be too heavy. New Delhi, January, 1964 NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 27 BRITISH COUNCIL Sixty Years In Nepal British Council Celebrates Sixty Years In Nepal

By A CORRESPONDENT

t a time when Nepal was various projects’....[and that British Language, pedagogy, methodology, in isolation from the world advisers need to]….’have an active leadership etc.) for state teachers, the Awith very few access to interest in all things Nepalese and partnership with Ministry of Educa- books and global information, Brit- should be prepared to stay long tion has continued every year for all ish Council came as an institution enough to know the country well.’ 60 years. of light to hundreds of people in British Council Nepal Established Similarly, Ambica Shrestha Kathmandu. starting with a library at New Road partnered with the British Council Dr. D. Snellgrove, Tibetan and later moved to Kantipath. to train young women as secretaries lecturer at the School of Oriental and Until its closure in 2000, the in Nepal which led to the start of an African Studies, London (SOAS), British Council libraries served as industry that did not exist before. wrote a report on Nepal in May 1959 important social meeting and cultural British Council supported Ambica to L. Kitchingha, FCO Director Far convening spaces. According to and others to establish the Britain East Department, recommending British Council, first British Coun- Nepal Society. She went on later to that a British Council Representative cil Representative, who is Cultural become the owner of heritage hotel should be established in Nepal. Attaché at the British Embassy, W. Dwarika’s and led light of heritage He wrote that the Nepalese Lynndon Clough. In-Service Teacher conservation in Nepal. ‘need to understand the implica- Training in English language provid- tions and advantages of all foreign ed in partnership with the Ministry “Over these 60 years, the Brit- assistance now being offered to of Education at Trichandra College. ish Council has come a long way them, so that they may begin to take Although many things changed from library to teachers’ training to a responsible and guiding interest in in Service Teacher Training (English building cultural relations and edu-

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 28 cational opportunities in Nepal,” said British Ambassador Richard Morris. Addressing a program to cel- ebrate sixty years of establishment of British Council in Nepal ambassador Morris said, “it has made a rich and wide range of impact by supporting Nepalese women to tell their stories, become true inspirations and help people understand each other better. Thank you to the British Council for their positive contributions in Nepal.” Sixty years ago, the British Council was established in Nepal with the first British library, to build friendly knowledge and understand- Ambica Shrestha ing between the and the UK. Sixty years later, it has they navigate diverse cultural influ- leaders in their own right. touched millions of lives through ences and expectations, they enrich As the UK and Nepal continue working with people and institu- British and Nepali society alike. their journey together, the British tions from the education, language, Nepal has one of the most extraor- Council is proud to be a major part skills, arts and youth sectors in Ne- dinary histories, full of wondrous of this journey. We look forward to pal –working to build trust between culture, and only in recent history developing even closer cultural ties the people of Nepal and the people has it experienced a civil war, a royal of the UK. massacre, an earthquake of major and friendly knowledge between Nepal and the UK have a rich magnitude, a border blockade and Nepal and the UK in years to come. and complex relationship that dates the promulgation of its Constitution. Saurav Dhakal, one of the back over 200 years, when Nepal It is the latter and the transition climate champions from 2010 said, chose the UK as the first country to to federalism that we look forward “I got involved with the British establish diplomatic relations with. to, supporting the Government of Council as the International Climate This relationship is built upon the Nepal and its peoples with techni- Champion and had the opportunity active and positive contributions of cal assistance and cultural relations to be a part of the Great Himalayan Nepalis in both the UK and in Nepal. programs as it navigates this historic Trail Smart Celebrity Trek in 2012. Nepalis have been travelling to process. On a more modest level, I traveled from eastern to western the UK for a variety of reasons for our celebration of 60 years in Nepal centuries. The first Nepali widely and our excitement of another 60 Nepal and learned so much about considered to set foot in the UK years to come is only really possible the local communities. It inspired was Nepal’s Prime Minister Jang through the journeys, achievements me to know more about the local Bahadur Rana, who visited Britain and contributions of these Nepalis at people so, with my team, we started and in 1850, and met Queen the interface. to train local people to use mobile Victoria. There is also the visit of All Nepali citizens who have phones and capture their stories. We the Nepali soldier Motilal Singh, been touched by the UK through the trained the youth of the communities who wrote the July 1850 edition British Council in turn have made to become digital storytellers and of the New Monthly Magazine the significant contributions to Nepali started a project like ‘Dream City’, article, ‘Some Accounts of Nepalese society – some through civil society where people designed their cities in London’. and services to the Government of Travelers and people at the Nepal, some in business and public using maps. I am very glad I became interface of borders have and con- institutions, especially universities, a part of the British Council as a tinued to be active members of both and some in the arts. Many of them climate champion. The participation British and the Nepali society, and as are pioneers, all of them are cultural has been quite beneficial for me.” NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 29 ENVIRONMENT Building On Learning

The Government has followed a theme-based ap- Policy focused on climate change adaptation, disas- proach in formulating Climate Change Policy, 2075 ter risk reduction, low carbon emission and climate (BS). The preliminary draft policy which circulated in resilience in any development sector that was and/or mid-March 2019, includes policy, and non-separated will be affected by climate change. Similarly, the 2011 strategies and working policies in 8 thematic areas, Policy emphasized on capacity enhancement, public namely: (i) agriculture and food security; (ii) forest, participation and empowerment, technology develop- biodiversity and watershed; (iii) water resources and ment, transfer and utilization recognized the role of energy; (iv) rural and urban settlements; (v) industry, the Climate Change Council, committed to establish transport and physical infrastructure; (vi) tourism Climate Change Centre as a semi-autonomous techni- and natural & cultural heritage; (vii) health, drinking By BATU UPRETY cal body and Climate Change Fund, and channeled at water and sanitation; and (viii) disaster risk reduction least 80 percent of the total climate change budget to field level and management. The draft policy also lists policies, strategies activities. This fund channelling policy was appreciated globally, and working policies on: (ix) gender, social inclusion, livelihood including by over 400 participants from more than 60 countries and governance; (x) public awareness, education and capacity attending the 8th International Conference on Community- development; (xi) study, research and dissemination; and (xii) based Adaptation to climate change in Kathmandu in April climate finance management. It considers the need for a new 2014. Previous commitment to channelling budget has been climate change policy to address national priorities and local changed to ‘maximum share’ of climate finance to local level needs in the changing global context. The draft policy focuses and has challenged the ‘2011 political guidance’. on ‘offspring’ – the Paris Agreement of the ‘mother’ Climate The draft policy has recognized the thematic and cross- Change Convention. cutting areas, as identified in mid-2016, for the formulation of The strength of the draft policy, 2019 is the inclusion of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). It has considered capacity guiding principles which are related to common but differenti- building, study and research, and access to financial resources ated responsibilities and capabilities, need for internalization as focused in the 2011 Policy. The 2019 draft policy has not set of climate change aspects in relevant policies, plans and pro- targets like in the 2011 Policy. grammes, sustainable development, equity, public participation, Adoption of theme-based approach has opened avenues coordination and cooperation, science-based decision-making, for repetition of policies on adaptation, technology use, docu- and balance between national priorities and international rela- mentation of good practices, capacity enhancement, awareness tions (with priority on climate change adaptation). raising, GHGs emissions, and use of clean energy or energy ef- The draft policy commits to implement it at federal, ficient or low emission technologies in relevant thematic areas. provincial and local levels by formulating necessary laws, Working policies such as implementation of Chure management strategies, working policies, guidelines, procedures, manuals programme, crop diversification, conservation of agriculture and plans. It also commits, inter alia, to: (i) prepare a roadmap biodiversity and organic farming, reduction of forest fire etc. to the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan and transparency framework; and (ii) are also addressed in other sectoral policies. The draft policy establish a council on climate change for policy coordination at provides unclear reflections on reduction of GHGs emissions the national level, climate change coordination committee for or climate change impacts. policy and functional coordination at the provincial level, and The draft policy has nicely defined the role of the federal, climate change section or unit at relevant ministries at federal province and local levels in implementing policies. Although & provincial and local levels. Furthermore, the draft policy has the 2011 Policy has not been recognised, many of the working made local levels responsible for formulating and implementing policies of this draft can be regarded as the ‘old wine in the new climate change-related local plans. bottle’. It would have been appropriate to consider ‘low GHGs The draft policy does not recognize the role of existing: emission economic development’ as one of the guiding principles (i) Climate Change Policy, established in 2009 under the chair and objectives. It overlooks community-based adaptation. It of the Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister; (ii) Climate Change Coor- recognises the waste segregation at source but limits to produce dination Committee, established in 2011 under the chair of the only clean energy. It should open avenues to promote ‘waste- Minister for Environment (then); and (iii) Multi-Stakeholder to-resource’ approach. Previous studies on climate change in Climate Change Initiatives Coordination Committee, established academic curricula might have been overlooked. The draft policy in 2010 under the chair of the Secretary of the then Ministry overlooks the nationally and globally acknowledged ‘LAPA of Environment. It gives the impression that this draft policy framework’ to help climate change vulnerable communities to attempts to ‘erase’ the experiences and learning from 1994 to adapt to and build resilience to climate change impacts. Although 2018 in addressing climate change impacts in Nepal, including it attempts to list key 2015 initiatives (SDGs, DRR framework, through 2011 Climate Change Policy and other initiatives. This and Paris Agreement), it should equally focus on the outcome draft policy opens avenues to understand the ‘strategies and of the Habitat III (2016) to align international initiatives and working policies’ and ‘climate and climate change’ as one likes. national priorities. In a nutshell, wider consultation and con- The draft policy neither reviews the state of implementa- sideration of 8 years of experience, knowledge and learning in tion of the Climate Change Policy 2011 nor considers the most implementing the 2011 Policy would make it ‘realistic’, minimise relevant policies of the then government led by UML. The 2011 the ‘erasing the footprint’ approach, and increase ‘ownership’. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 30 ARTICLE Holistic Living

I spent almost 18 years of my life, consumed cal, physiological and mental health depends on by western lifestyle. There are pros and cons of hormonal changes. Awareness of your health and living under western influence. The Madness of your body will make life more meaningful. If Materialism is unpremeditated. With the advent you can recognize yourself, then you will have a of technology, we can learn and adapt a lot from way of developing the right self-potential. Your western culture. Our side of the world has ‘ash- potential will be fully activated. This is where rams’ or retreats for spiritual goals and practices. Ayurveda plays an important role in the natural This is where Silicon Valley’s finest go to discover rhythm of a circular operation and the effect on themselves. Everyone, from Steve Jobs to Mark human body-soul. Zuckerberg, has sought enlightenment at the sanc- Holistic education is an educational phi- tuary in the hills of northern India. losophy that comes from the idea that every in- BY DEEPAK RAJ JOSHI The term Holistic comes from the Greek dividual can find his identity, purpose in life and word ‘holos’ meaning whole. A holistic approach is a way of the meaning of his life through the relationship woven with the looking at something done with the concept of recognition of community, the spiritual values it has and the natural environ- the whole as a more important entity than the parts that make ment that surrounds it. Holistic living can awaken the Positive up the whole. Its emphasis is on the importance of the whole Consciousness within you. Your character and attitude are the and the link between each of the parts that make up the whole. most important investments to achieve ultimate Success, and The word holistic has been widely used in various fields like holistic living is the key to achieve that ultimate Success. medicine, health care, emotion, and personality. The 3 main concepts of a holistic life are Awareness, Hon- Today’s modern world has three main enemies: lack of esty, and Responsibility. A holistic lifestyle is living in harmony time, lack of money and lack of harmony between personal life with our natural world, eating foods that are pure and fresh from and work. Life is an expression of God. It is the abundance of nature, and to saying ‘No’ to foods that are untreated, refined, the joy of the Spirit. Life is a conscious current that vibrates in filled with chemicals and containing synthetic ingredients or every atom. There is life in everything around us. Our health is genetically modified food. A holistic lifestyle is about moderation the result of what we eat, think, and do in our everyday lives. in consumption and eating in healthy proportions. Many times, we create weaknesses for our own bodies. The accu- Exercise is an important aspect of a holistic lifestyle, as it mulation of stress, toxins, and waste in our body cause imbalance promotes good health. Natural medicine is a part of the holistic of life and the only way we can prevent and treat these diseases way of life. When you live your daily life taking into account are by creating an equilibrium in our day to day activities. The the natural environment, you are thinking about everything you sooner we initiate, the better we will be. do from the lens of how your life can be ecologically sustain- Every positive or negative situation that occurs in the life able. Using biodegradable products around the house, recycling, of an individual is formed by the interaction of the circles, past walking, cycling, taking public transportation or car-pooling not and inner mental dynamics that we live in. A variety of factors, only reduces energy consumption but also reduces pollution. A from work to social life, from private life to spiritual life, influ- holistic aspect of life also means taking a position of the Earth ences our attitudes and thoughts. Problems or goals that occur politically and socially by living a green model for other people in business life may be the source of events that occur in our in your life so that others can be influenced to do the same. private life. This situation, which can be ignored in classical Live each day as if it is the last. Make the most of every coaching and the problems that can be chronic on the person, hour, every day and every season of life. So you can look to may arise due to the studies aimed only at the targets. Every the future with confidence and the past without sadness. Be the step we take, every breath we take, every word that comes out best of yourself. Have the courage to be different and follow of our mouth, every feeling towards ourselves and others, every your own dream. Do not be afraid to be happy. Our mind, body, action and human behavior, reflects and determines what we are and soul are united, if your soul hurts, your body will ache and in a single instant. vice versa. The union of soul, body, and mind is necessary to I am a Holistic man/woman and I believe that all the an- become the being that you want to be, and it is only possible swers are in the inner silence. Although nobody gave us a manual through holistic living. for how to live, today, there is a philosophy of life that helps us This road was not that difficult for me, but so many people to give meaning to our existence in integral terms. told this wasn’t what I should do. I listened to people around me We have to focus on the holistic approach to health. Opti- all the time and never listen to myself. Finally, I was able to take mal health requires not only a good diet, exercise and plenty of a small step essential for creating a sustainable life. The goal sleep but also good relations, healthy working style, a healthy of sustainability requires fundamental changes in your thought spiritual life. The mind is more important than medicine. The process. I have been there and I have done that but ultimate hap- body can heal itself. This philosophy promotes a new approach piness in life is to be able to do the things you want to do which to disease and treatment. We need to recognize and respect the make you happy. I was looking for heaven somewhere else, but it strength of our body and focus on positive, interpersonal rela- was in my backyard. Thank God! I came to know the difference tionships. Health starts with dietary and lifestyle factors. We between feeling happy and being happy. And one thing is for sure; must understand that money cannot buy health for the individual I did not lose the moon, so now I am happily counting the stars. who needs to change for optimal health. Holistic treatments of The Author Deepak Raj Joshi (The author is a lecturer and IT consultant. He also writes fiction health and beauty of women are very important because physi- under the name of Kapeed Joshi. He can be reached by email at [email protected].)

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 31 PRATIMA PANDE Honor For Cause With her contribution to promote Nepal-France relations, Pratima Pandé conferred with a French honour, Knight of National Order of Merit By A CORRESPONDENT

French Ambassador to Nepal Francaise for long periods of time. Am- compiled a three volumes historical François-Xavier LEGER conferred bassador Leger said that Pande has been and scientific survey of the Kingdom, upon Pratima Pandé the French hon- actively serving Nepal’s various sectors published in Paris in 1905 under the our, Knight of National Order of Merit including Honorary Council General of title Le Nepal. (Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mé- Italy, President of Nepal Britain Soci- In his book, Note Book of So- rite), on March 19th, at the Residence ety and Kathmandu Valley Preservation journ, Levy described Maharaja Deb’s of France. Trust. He said that Pande’s support and knowledge in length including speaking Pandé has a long relationship with contribution to Alliance Francaise is French language. Levy writes, “I was France especially through the Alliance commendable. very impressed to note that that during Française, the French culture center. “To flag up some elements, I will interview Maharaja Deb quoted words She was a member of the board between say, for those who may not know, that in Sanskrit and spoke to the profes- 2001 and 2007, then the Vice President Pratima Pande has a long history of sor, in French about Sakuntala (well between 2007 and 2011, and the Presi- relationships and friendship with the known dramatic story in Sanskrit), and dent between 2011 and 2017. Alliance Française in Kathmandu. She conversed as an intelligent and well- During her years with the Alliance was member of the board between 2001 informed person. Française, she was one of most active and 2007, then vice president between Interestingly, Pande received the members who regularly lobbied for 2007 and 2011, and, last but not least, medal in presence of his father ninety the interests of the Alliance Française president between 2011 and 2017,” said one year old Himalaya Sumsher Rana, and advanced the vision of the Alliance French ambassador to Nepal. great great grandson of Maharaja Deb. Française. “And, I would like to highlight the Himalaya Sumsher Rana also con- This honour is in recognition to fact that, according to our friend Prabin firmed Maharaja Deb’s understanding her years of selfless service to the Gov- Rana, she never missed a single meeting of French. He was told by his father ernment of France. and she always attended cultural activi- that Maharaja Deb was a student for During the award ceremony, Am- ties. She has been always very support- some years in Dowson College, Calcutta bassador LEGER recollected the role ive to the Alliance Française team, and where he spent many afternoons with played by Mrs Pandé during the tough especially to the incoming new young poets and intelligentsia. period for the Alliance Française and director that we appoint here.” Her husband has also maintained how “she never missed a single meeting “I really would like to commend his own relations with France, After and always attended cultural activities”. that because, as all of us The French government’s honour know, she has so many other Ordre National du Mérite (National Or- duties, as president of the der of Merits) was instituted in 1963 by Nepal Britain Society, as General Charles de Gaulle. It is awarded member of the Kathmandu for distinguished services rendered in Valley Heritage trust, as public, civil, military posts, or a private honorary consul of Italy, and profession. as a philanthropist.” Nepal-France At 70 French Connection At a time when Nepal and France Historically, Pande’s is celebrating 70 years of establish- family has a long tie with ment of diplomatic relations, the time France as her great great of conferring Pande the medal is very Grandfather Maharaja Deb significant. Attended by people from dif- Sumsher Rana welcomed ferent walks of life including diplomats, the first oriental French Ambassador Leger also hosted a recep- Scholar Monsieur Sylvain tion at the Residence de France. Levi in Nepal and helped Ambassador Leger highlighted him to study Nepal. Thanks the role played by Pande to strengthen to acting support of Ma- France Nepal Relations through Alliance haraja Deb Sumsher, Levy

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 32 taking first French joint venture bank cere apologies to her husband Prithivi. maintaining and developing its cultural of Nepal Indo-Suez Bank which is now Partially due to our fault, he certainly activities further, and getting through known as Nepal Investment Bank, Pan- spent many lonely evenings,” said difficulties.” de’s husband Prithvi Bahadur Pande has French Ambassasdor. “But, it seems that From her great great grand father successfully made it one of the credible he does not hold it against us, because up to her, Pande has a long family at- and largest commercial bank of Nepal Nepal Investment Bank has always been tachment. The medal given to her during maintaining its predecessors’ credibility. along the year a very reliable and trusted the year of Nepal France 70 Years of “I would like also, on behalf of partner of the Alliance Française. This Establishmnet of Diplomatic Relations all my predecessors, to express my sin- support has been really instrumental in has its own importance. Alliance Francaise Roles In Strengthening Nepal France Relations "I am very happy and honored to stand in front of film festival in Nepal. you as this evening as the French Government is I myself was a student in early 1990s . I awarding the Knight of the National Order of Merit” went to the AF, which was located in Bag Bazaar, Let me first brief to you, the history and background for one hour everyday so that I could improve my of the Alliance Francaise. speaking abilities. I had done A level French in the Alliance Francaise or AF is an international United Kingdom. When it came to speaking, there organization that aims to promote the French Lan- were inhibitions and not much practice. However, guage and culture around the world. Created in Paris the teaching method in Kathmandu was such that I on 21st July 1883, its primary concern is teaching quickly shed my shyness and started to participate in French as a second language in former colonies BY PRATIMA PANDE the conversations because we had to speak in the and abroad and is headquartered in Paris. classroom with all other students who were much In 2005, along with the British Council, Goethe Institute younger than me whereas I was married with two children. I and the Italian and Spanish Language Institutes, the Alliance used the library facilities to watch French movies, listen to Francaise was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for out- French music CDs in order to improve my language skills, standing achievements in communications and the humanities. getting recommendations from dear Mira didi who still works Today, the Alliance has 1016 centers in 137 countries. in the library today. Over the years, the AF had to change its The Alliance Francaise is 136 years old. It was created by a location many times and now we have a very nice center in group including Louis Pasteur, The diplomat Ferninand de Les- Jawalakhel very close to St.Mary’s School. seps, writers Jules Verne and Ernest Renan and the Publisher I would like Armand Colin. I would like to share some statistics about the to express my ad- AF in neighboring countries with 15 centers in China and 24 miration for all centers in India both being, large countries. young directors The AF was opened in Nepal in 1994 and it is twenty- from France who five years old. Besides teaching French language and culture, have come and it organizes cultural events promoting intercultural dialogue gone over the years and diversity. The AF welcomes 1500 students per year and for their hard work, creates a link between French and Nepali culture. Students who commitment, pro- graduate from the AF have great job opportunities because of fessionalism and their fluency in the French language and work in hospitality dedication to the industries, tourism, business and many other international AF when they were working in Nepal. They have to get used to INGOs like the United Nations and abroad. a new country, culture work ethics and still they excel at their Since 2002, I have been working with AF for 16 years work here in Nepal. Also all the former French ambassadors as a Board member and was also president for eight years. worked side by side with the AF and always gave their encour- During this time, I have worked alongside many former French agement and support to the directors and the board members at Ambassadors and directors to help guide people and took part all times. It was an experience and a pleasure to be associated in board meetings. I also attended many cultural events such as with the AF and I certainly learnt to work as a team with the Francophone, International Music Day, Gout de France events, board members and the AF staff. I would like to thank the musical, art and photo exhibitions, screening of movies, book French Government for awarding me the prestigious medal. launching and verities of other activities. Organized efficiently This year we are celebrating 70 years (1949-2019) of by AF, students, Nepali public and French speaking people Nepal France friendship. May this relation continue to pros- took part in these monthly activities. This takes a lot of effort per for many years and live the friendly ties between the two and planning and the staff work very diligently to make all of countries. this happen like magic. AF is a pioneer institution for starting

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29.15. 20192019 33 PERSPECTIVES Gods, Gallis And Gyaneshwar

Introduction Puja by the Munikars of Maligaon. Gyaneshwar, named after ancient Mahadev, is You then hop on Maitidevi-Peepalbot Galli (now one of central neighborhoods in North East Kathmandu Mahakabi Marga-Peepalbot Marga) to Dillibazar Galli you pass through while on your journey to the UN- (now Radhe Marg) on the Eastern side of Charkhal Adda ESCO recognized heritage Pashupatinath temple or to and cross the main road in Dillibazar to Kalika Marg on the Tribhuvan International Airport from Durbarmarg the way to Singhadurbar to reach Kalikasthan-Bhagabati via Kamlpokhari. Sano Gaucharan, Mahendra Bhavan Kalika’s abode. It is an open roofed structure, where the School, Charkhal Adda, Police Headquarter, Vijaya temple priests dwell on the ground floor and the Goddess Memorial School, Nepal Fine Arts Academy, Balmandir, in the temple upstairs arched over by a big Peepal tree Nagpokhari, Padmakanya Girls School, City Center BY SOM P PUDASAINI Return from Kalika Marga to Radhe Marga, Mall, Krishna Pauroti and German Embassy are among then cross Kamalpokhari-Gaushala Sadak (now Pashu- the major establishments located there. While the well known Inter- national Primary School in Gyaneshwar, where multiple generations pati Sadak-3) to Sanogaucar Galli (now Devi Marga) that will lead you of Nepalese learned English medium based early education for over 4 to Sanogauchar to the right and Naxal Bhagabati to the left both few decades closed in 2011, young entrepreneurs have started Karkhana Asia hundred meters away. The Naxal Bhagwati temple dates back to 1050 there with the purpose of imparting innovative education with focus on of the Kaligat Sambat, when Bikram Kesari was the king and Navasagar “Make, Break and Innovate” and 4 Cs- critical thinking, communication, his queen. A grand Bhagabati idol presented to the queen by an artist that collaboration and creativity. Gyaneshwar, Ananda Bhairav, Maitidevi, she liked so much that she installed it as Goddess naming after herself Naxal Bhagabat and Kalikasthan are among the well known gods and as “Navasagar Bhagwati”. In 665 BS (607 CE), King Shankerdev built Goddesses protecting the locality for centuries. Mahakabi Laxmi Prasad the current pagoda style temple for the Bhagabati and initiated a 3 day Devkota and Natya Samrat Bal Krishna Sama lived and worked in the long chariot procession or jatra on the Preta Chaturdashi known as the neighborhood. Interesting to note here is also how the famous temples, “Khat Jatra” now. The current statute of Naxal Bhagwati is believed to poets and people living were linked through Gallis or narrow lanes, have been crafted by the same artisan, who built Palanchowk Bhagwati, many of which are now widened and named Margs. Shobha Bhagwati and Nala Bhagwati idols later. Shiva, Ganesh, Hanu- Gods and Gallis man and Sani Statutes also occupy important places in Naxal Bhagwati Gyaneshwar temple complex, only few hundred meters north also called Satya Swaroopini- the ’embodiment of truth’. of the Gyaneshwar Chouk, houses the famous Shivalinga, Gyaneshwar Poets, Landmarks and Gallis Mahadev, also known as Parasnath and the Ananda Bhairav, a fearsome Take a right from the Maitidevi temple then hop left into Siddhi manifestation of Shiva ever ready to help the innocents and scare the Marg then to Prabhat Galli you reach Mahakabi Devkota’s House at the tainted. Ganesh, lord of siddhi or success, sits on the right-hand side corner of Prabhat and Kabi Galli. Mahakavi , a and Saraswatii, the goddess of learning, flanks the Bhairav from the left. giant of , was born in Thatunati (now Dhobidhara) and While lord Gyaneshwar, the source of enlightenment, helps its devotees with both knowledge and power, Ananda Bhairav is believed to cure lived in Maitidevi. His popular works include, Muna Madan, Sulochana children of diseases and make them calm and studious. Streams of sick and Sakuntala. Inspired by Newari “Ji Waya La Lachhi Maduni” and and restless children are brought to the idol regularly. The ancient stone departing from the Sanskrit tradition that dominated the Nepali literary tap, Gyan Dhara on the Eastern side, is a perennial source of water and writing then, he wrote Muna Madan in “jhyaure bhaka” . It is the most is also used to bathe the sick children before taking them to Bhairav for sold book in the history of . Born on 12 November blessings. The Bhairav considered as a god of fertility also draws many 1909, Devkota died at Pashupati-Bagmati Ghat on September 14, 1959 wishing for children. In ancient time, 1 kilo of gold used to spring out after a protracted fight against cancer. His work reflects rebellion against daily at the temple and all metals that touched the idol used to turn into the autocratic Rana rule (1846-1950) and the influence of Wordsworth gold, according to a legend. Consequently, many men and women still and Coleridge. He served briefly as Minister of Education under the visit the idol wishing for better luck in business, career and livelihood. premiership of K I Singh in 1957. From Gyaneshwar temple, you step down to Gyan Dhara Galli/ If you move about 200 meters west of Gyaneshwar chouk Marg to Saraswati Marg and turn right to Shahid Marg at the Martyr’s on Pashupati Sadak-3 you will locate Gyan Marg on the right where Memorial School. Then cross the main Gaushala-Kamalpokhari road- Bala Krishna Sama (8 February 1903 - 20 June 1981) lived and worked now Pashupati Sadak and turn on to Janata Galli/Marga that will get all his life. Sama, a dramatist known as “Natya Siromani” and the you to the famous Maitidevi Temple less than 1 Km away. Lots of “Shakespeare” of Nepal, wrote dramas, painted and acted in plays. people live on both sides of the Gallis or Margas; including Kishan and His rich stack of work includes “Aago Ra Paani”, “Chiso Chulho”, Ghumti Gallis, which you may enjoy looking at on the way to Mai- “Mukunda Indira”, “Mutuko Byatha” and “Prahlad”. “Kaikai” is his tidevi- considered the parental home of all goddesses; Maiti meaning most well-known short story collection. “parental home” and Devi being “goddess”. While the current pagoda The well known Charkhal Adda or four-walled government style temple was built during Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher’s period the first edifice was erected by Lichhavi King Amshu Verma in building in Dillibazar is now dilapidated by age and earthquakes, the jail 628 CE. The two impressive stone lions guarding the main entrance here though continues to house notorious criminals, including Charles and the old Peepal tree arching over the temple are believed to be from Sobraj- globally known as Bikini Killer. The first bakery in Nepal, Amshu Verma period. The cremation ground or Shamshan Ghat on SE Krishna Pauroti Bhandar in Kamalpokhari founded in 1948 is part of side is integral part of the temple as the original tantric rituals required the landmark too. Shwet Binayak Ganesh, Jain Mandir, Gyaneshwar priests to burn human skulls during prayer. However, a human face made church, Saibaba temple and Siddhi Binayak Bhude Ganesh accessible on a lump of ghee is burned in recent time as skull burning is neither by Galli or Marga make Gyneshwar neighbourhood additionally inter- liked nor feasible. Matidevi is also revered as Mahalaxmi and has to esting to visit or live-in. be reinstituted inside the sanctum sanctorum annually during Laxmi ------Feedback to [email protected] NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 34 ARTICLE Nepal Research Bhavan Opens In Patan

Three German research units bundled under Studies at Heidelberg University is involved in the one roof Nepal and its various ethnic groups as studies of various historical, administrative and le- well as cultural richness have been a treasure for gal documents, the systematic investigation of this international researchers, explorers, geographers, unique textual corpus and the development of an and anthropologists for many decades. open access digital database. Christiane Brosius, The German research scheme in Nepal a professor of Visual and Media Anthropology at with a long history has already undergone various the Heidelberg Center for Transcultural Studies transformations. The first research project was BY SABINE PRETSCH is director of the Nepal Heritage Documentation launched in 1959 with government support and Project, which focuses on recording of endan- with assistance of the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung. gered monuments and intangible cultural heritage of Nepal. With Six years later, the Thyssen House opened its doors and her background in Art History and Art Education she has got was predecessor of the Nepal Research Centre, which was involved with local art projects and published the book “Breaking established in 1967 by contractual agreements between Nepal views – Engaging Art in Post- Earthquake Nepal“ in cooperation and Germany. with the visual artist and art educator Sanjeev Maharjan. The support of the German Oriental Society (Deutsche The preservation of the palm leaf manuscripts in Nepalese Morgenländische Gesellschaft), which has existed since 1974 archives and libraries is the main project aim of the Center for and was agreed in cooperation with Tribhuvan University, ended the Study of Manuscript Cultures of Hamburg University, rep- in 2014 with the closure of the Nepal Research Centre. As part of resented by the project coordinator Dr. Bidur Bhattarai. On the the Nepal-German Manuscript Preservation Project (NGMPP), initiative of Dr. Nadine Plachta, Resident Representative of SAI archival documents of the Nepalese National Archives were branch office, the Nepal Research Bhavan hosted the exhibition microfilmed by the German Oriental Society. Since 1987 the "Opposite Dreams” by ArtTree. South Asia Institute of Heidelberg University (SAI) has a branch office in Nepal. The location in Patan bundles now three research units under one roof and accommodates also the research units “Documents on the History of Religion and Law of pre-modern Nepal” of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the „Center for the Study of Manuscript Cultures” of Hamburg University. The affiliated „Nepal Heritage Documentation Project“, a cooperation of Heidelberg University and SARAF Foundation has a separate office at Mangalbazaar. Nepal Research Bhavan is home to an extensive and open accessible library contain- ing numerous books, magazines, manuscripts and other documents. In the beginning of March 2019, the Nepal Research Bhavan was opened together with a two-day conference on "Masters & Servants: Slavery, Bondage and Unfree 's History" and the exhibition "Opposite ArTree Nepal is a team of contemporary artists who Dreams" by ArTree Nepal. The professors of the Heidelberg want to foster meaningful dialogue. The artists focus on critical Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Thomas Holstein and subject matters that have social significance. With their mixed Bernd Schneidmueller, as well as the directive professors and media art, they urge the audience to reflect on discrimination, local representatives of the respective research projects, visited injustice, exclusion and instability. the opening ceremony and the conference. Representatives of the A good example of this approach is the exhibited art work National Archives of Nepal, Tribhuvan University, Department “Labour´s Helmet” of the series “I Have to Feed Myself, My of Archeology and SARAF Foundation were also present during Family and My Country…” by Hitman Gurung. Ten golden the opening ceremony. The project "Documents on History of helmets, which hang on the wall, shall draw attention to Nepali Religion and Law of pre-modern Nepal" under the direction of migrant labours that have to leave their families in order to earn Axel Michaels, a professor of Classical Indology and Religious a living in foreign countries. NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 35 FORUM Nepal Investment Summit 2019: Learning From Past Experience

The government is organizing a second invest- ing, user-friendly business manual, working ment summit on March 29-30, 2019 in a bid visa, fund transfer etc). to promote Nepal as an attractive destination We need to ensure consistent enforce- for foreign investment by welcoming over 600 ability of the law at federal, provincial and local investors from 40 countries. Under the motto, governments. Trade unions must be managed “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’, the sum- by political parties in a way that supports rights mit will attract foreign investment (FDI) for of the labor as well as it facilitates enabling physical infrastructure and industries based business environment for FDI. on energy, information and communications We should have functional complaints technology, tourism, agriculture and forestry. handling and dispute resolution mechanism to The summit will also be an opportunity to BY DR. PRABIN MANANDHAR help settle disputes between investor and the share information and exchange national and host government, between the investor and international experiences on investment. employees, as well as between the two governments. The government has been implementing a number of We should strictly ban frequent strikes that threaten policy reforms to facilitate business, and promote a competi- business, markets and normal life of people. We should tive investment climate and create a range of investment ensure safety and security of investment with a provision opportunities in all seven provinces of Nepal. for compensation to investors if their investments suffer The government had hosted the first investment losses owing to war, armed conflict and state of emergency. summit in March 2017. The summit had secured invest- We should ensure that FDI promotes self-reliance on ment pledges worth US$ 13.74 billion. However, most of long-term basis with the optimum mobilization of youths, the pledges were not materialized. Foreign investors are transfer of technology, and combining of foreign and local still skeptical. investments. What lessons have we learned from past experience? People have suffered a lot in the name of politics in What we need to insure beyond policy reforms in the Nepal. Now, people want less politics and more economic changed context? How do we address governance issues development. The current political disputes amongst politi- beyond technical fixing of FDI? cal parties is not a good sign of quality politics to contribute Some of my views are: to political stability and economic development in Nepal. We need to solidify coherent national policy, strategy Let us not politicize extremism in the name of religion, caste and programs to address or ethnicity. underlying causes of The political poverty and inequality, parties should rise and employment and above win-lose at- economy for all. FDI titudes and work to- should be part of such gether on national national economic drive. agendas for develop- Centralized feder- ment, international alism is constraining de- relations and foreign velopment, and will do investment. They so for FDI. We need to should exercise a break centralization and culture of tolerance ensure political will for and cooperation on devolution of authority major issues, and and resources. The political leadership must be clear about more important, political parties must exercise financial the distinction between the national issues and needs, and transparency within them. provincial and local issues and needs. The author: Dr. Prabin Manandhar is an expert of international develop- We need to bring improvement in inter-departmental ment. Currently, he is working as Country Director of The Lutheran World Federation. He is the Former Chair of the Association of International coordination at the federal level and facilitate business by NGOs in Nepal (AIN). He is also a visiting faculty at the Kathmandu easing procedural details (business registration and licens- University. He can be reached at [email protected]

NEW SPOTLIGHT March. 29. 2019 36