#651 12 - 18 April 2013 20 pages Rs 50 NOW WITH
KUNDA DIXIT The Seventies he percentage of index report for Nepal. corruption, political disarray, desperately poor people On Sunday, the Nepali and instability. Imagine how Tin Nepal has declined calendar starts a new decade much farther ahead we would from 65 per cent five years ago of the Seventies. In 10 years be by 2080 if only we had You can’t eat to nearly 40 per cent today. time, this Grade 4 student in a peace dividend, a more At this rate, the poverty rate Dadeldhura (pictured) will be 22 inclusive constitution, elections, elections in the country will fall by half and of voting age. and better accountability. by DAMBAR K SHRESTHA in 10 years. Poverty could be Nepal has made the page 15 eradicated in 20 years says the most dramatic progress in First the good news Oxford Poverty and Human development among the world’s Development Initiative in its low income countries. This by KUNDA DIXIT Too good to be ture new multidimensional poverty has happened despite war, page 16-17 Editorial, page 2
2 EDITORIAL 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
ating and defecation. Activities They need ideas and affordable solutions. so vital to our everyday lives, The taking of lives Last week we carried a story from Dadeldhura in far- Ebut which we take for granted. makes news, not western Nepal where mothers have seen the benefit of We don’t think about them much, so improved smokeless stoves that have become so popular, we turn over the pages with coverage Far-western metal workshops can’t manufacture the chulos fast region saving them of charpis or chulos. enough. The stoves cost Rs 400, but they can reduce a No one cares much whether this mother’s daily workload by more than half because they country grows enough food or not, 57.7% use half the fuel wood, cook twice as fast, and pots and whether farmers get proper prices for Mid-western pans don’t get as dirty. The women and children don’t their products, what happens when suffer chronic eye infection anymore and the incidence children don’t get enough calories at of pneumonia has dropped dramatically. a young age, or how Nepali mothers 59.1% There are many small-is-beautiful initiatives like these Western spend their entire lives gathering Region that have tested well at a local level and are in the process firewood and cooking for their families next to smoky of being replicated nationwide. stoves. 33.4% Central The Bhattarai government before The media doesn’t care much either about open Region it stepped down last month gave a Eastern defecation, hand-washing, diarrhoeal dehydration, National average target of 2017 to fit all four million Region separate toilets for girls in school. These subjects are too % households in Nepal with smoke- % 46.2 distasteful to write about, we hacks would rather focus 44.2 37.4% free stoves. That is also the year by on important subjects like the debate about whether or Multidimensional Poverty which time all of Nepal’s 75 districts not elections will be held in November. Headcount by Regions will hopefully be open-defecation Yet, these are matters of life or death for most Nepalis. free and all schools will have toilets. Eighty per cent of Nepali mothers (they are almost always Source: OPHI Even if these targets are not fully met, women) cook with biomass: firewood, straw or dung. In the impact on child survival and remote mountain villages, indoor smoke from the hearth The media isn’t really bothered much that the increasing lifespan of Nepalis will be huge. is a major killer of children. If it’s not acute respiratory government is now on a toilet-building spree and districts Nepal has made the most dramatic progress in all- infection and pneumonia, come summer children die are competing with each other to declare themselves round human development among the world’s low income from diarrhoeal dehydration or cholera because water open-defecation free. Already women in villages are countries. As our coverage on page 16-17 shows, this has sources are contaminated by open defecation. refusing to marry into families that don’t have toilets. happened despite war, corruption, political disarray, and On World Water Day on 22 March, we carried a story Catalysed by donors, water, hygiene and sanitation instability. Imagine how much more progress we’d have that pointed out the glaring fact that only 40 per cent of campaigns have now moved beyond being just an NGO made if we had an actual peace dividend, elections, and schools in Nepal had toilets and only one-fourth of those project. It is a social movement which doesn’t need better accountability and transparency. schools had separate facilities for girl students. Only one- money as much as a change in mindset and awareness But you won’t hear much about this in the third of the population washed hands after defecation about how little it takes to save lives. When communities media because the taking of lives makes news, not and only 14 per cent of them with soap. are empowered, they don’t need a donor-funded project. saving them.
ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com OF NEPAL’S YOUTH BULGE HIV positive students was Punarbal ‘CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT THEM’ It will take another 20 or 30 years for Shikshya Sadan in Sitapaila chok What are Rahul Gandhi’s THE the current group of 60 plus politicians (‘Born positive’, Sunil Neupane, #650). performance records and what are O WEEK to be phased out (through old age) It was established in 2007 to provide his qualifi cations other than being and for young Nepalis to fi nally take educational services to children Sonia’s son (‘Can’t live without them’, What do you want to happen in Nepal charge (‘Nepal’s youth bulge’, Trishna infected and affected by HIV and later Ajaz Ashraf, #650)? Just because his in 2070 BS ? Rana, #650). Unfortunately, those who integrated other non infected children congress party men do not have the are in their 20s and 30s today will be to minimise discrimination. courage to question him, there is no 50 plus by that time and the same Sunila Baniya reason why the Indian people should Samir Pradhan: I want a new constitution cycle will repeat. Therefore what we not question him . to be drafted KOLOR KTM Suman Regmi: Nothing what we want will need is not a few young leaders here Manoj Bhandari happen, we can only expect political game and there, but a complete overhaul of One aspect not touched upon by While Kolor Kathmandu is Sharad Duwal: I don’t expect the political the system. this article is that smokeless chulos are undoubtedly producing excellent Dynasties are not just an affl iction scene to improve, apart from that let PB instrumental in reducing burn injuries, work why does the team see political in South Asia. The Americans have everything good happen here a major cause of death in Nepal. In slogans as fi lth that needs to be Bush senior and junior and the North Simanta Lamichhane: Free and fair elections Excellent analysis. We do really the 1980s, Nepal Paediatrics Society cleaned up (‘Koloring Kathmandu’, Koreans their three Kims: Kim Jong- Sanju Shrestha: Nepal’s overall have strength in numbers. But I carried out a survey in Bhumisthan of Tsering Dolker Gurung, #650)? Are un, Kim Jong-il, and Kim II-sung. development be accelerated by double worry about the thousands already Dhading district and found out that burn they not a form of art and expression Sunny conscripted by the parties who rear injuries were extremely common and too? And why is Kolor Kathmandu any BRICS WITHOUT MORTAR @ruptse: People having courage to stand their ugly heads during bandas and an extrapolation of the results to the better than political slogans? I hope up for themselves and not as political on campuses and universities playing entire country revealed that 1.2 million that street art in Kathmandu remains There is a lot of wishful thinking in stooges. Oh and no load shedding politics. burn injuries occurred every year. Of for all and does not become sanitised Joseph S Nye’s arguments (‘BRICS @sardogsnepal: Lasting peace, new ‘Young maanche’ the 1,110 households in Bhumisthan, and NGO-ised. without mortar’, #650). ‘Disparate and smart generation of young politicians, 237 accepted installation of smokeless James countries’ as he calls them, can security for our weak industry and many more women in politics IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE chulos. In these households there was organise themselves successfully @anilbhattarai: Sajha buses ply Thank you Kunda Dixit for a very a reduction of over 70 per cent in the It’s an irony that some street around a strong enough common Kathmandu streets uplifting article on improved cooking incidence of burns and scalds. artists take money from embassies goal - look no further than NATO stoves (‘It is Rocket science’, #650). Narayan Bahadur Thapa and NGOs and create these and EU for that. You could argue the I would like to congratulate all those development murals. It’s just sad. French have even less in common involved in making this simple yet OVERFLYING EVEREST AGAIN @arpan_shrestha with the Americans and there is far tremendously effective technology Commemorating the 1933 fl yover more cultural and political acrimony available to poor families. Of course, Sagarmatha was okay, but linking it with SETTING THE RIGHT FIELD between them than China and Brazil. Weekly Internet Poll #651 it’s not rocket science, but for millions Douglas Douglas-Hamilton’s grandson’s I suggest the cricket boards of Nepal Yet, they have remained a part of Q. What does Nepali cricket need to improve its standards in the long-term? it is more important and relevant than normal mountain fl ight was way too and Afghanistan to work together US-dominated alliances primarily rocket science. much (‘Overfl ying Everest again’, Kunda as this would boost the growth because of their strategic goal of Total votes: 750 R Rai Dixit, #650). Saying that the fl ight is and visibility of both teams at the ensuring strong Western infl uence in a ‘recreation’ is wrong because that international level (‘Setting the right the world. Rocket technology was also naturally would have required taking off fi eld’, Sunir Pandey, #650). Aideeah introduced in Zimbabwe in the 1990s, from Bihar’s Purnea WWII strip, which, Manu Welo Gunazali but the usual lethargy literally killed in all probability, is no longer in use. CORRECTION: the project. We at Total Energy Armugam Wonderful interview of Raees Embers restaurant (‘Someplace else’, Solutions want to play our part. Great Ahmadzai. The man is an exceptional #650) is currently open on a trial basis and will begin operations offi cially within BORN POSITIVE Weekly Internet Poll # 652. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com article, let’s change lives. young leader and we are proud of him. the next few months. Ronnie As far as I know the fi rst school for Maroof Q. Does the recently announced budget meet your expectations?
Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Desk Editor: Trishna Rana | Design: Kiran Maharjan [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Director of Corporate Events: Anup Prakash | Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 OPINION 3 The NC’s 12-year itch The frustration of being out of power and angst of defeat in the last CA have seeped into Nepal’s grand old party
will be addressed, but they have But despite their tainted no illusions about exclusive record in office, Madhes-based coterie politics that plagues the parties still champion all the party. necessary agenda to rally voters Madhesi members who while the NC has failed to spoke at the meeting also impress even party loyalists. DIWAKAR CHETTRI expressed their displeasure over After the demise of Girija the proposed Madhes pradesh Prasad Koirala, the NC suffered instead we got whiff of a oldest party which claims in the document. They said a leadership crisis with a dangerous conspiracy against to be the bastion of Nepali they did not support the single coterie of old men holding the fundamental achievements of democracy. The leadership, Madhes demand, but they were party hostage to their personal BY THE WAY the People’s Movement,” NC primarily consisting of equally critical of Poudel’s ambitions. These men have Anurag Acharya leader Indrajit Gurung told elderly Brahmin men, will be proposal of carving out north- neither commitment nor me over phone as he prepared increasingly under pressure to south states. vision to lead a party that can to board a bus back from address the grievances of the The frustration of being out negotiate the constitution- bout 1,000 Nepali Nawalparasi on Wednesday. marginalised within the party. of power for over a decade and drafting process. Congress leaders The political document The disgruntled members angst of defeat in the last CA The NC’s wish of securing Agathered at Triveni presented by Ram Chandra have given the heads a week elections have seeped into the popular support to become of Nawalparasi this week to Poudel failed to impress to clarify the party’s position old party as it looks to improve the biggest force in the next chart out the party’s vision Mahasamiti members, on federalism and identity and its performance in the upcoming election will remain a dream and mission for the upcoming particularly those from Janajati warned that ignoring the voice polls. Like the Maoists, the NC unless the elders make way CA elections. The Mahasamiti and Madhesi background, who of the marginalised could cost also hopes to tap into dipping for younger visionary leaders meeting was expected to clarify criticised it for failing to offer a the NC dearly in elections. popularity of Madhes-based who can show both flexibility the NC’s political position clear position on federalism and Leaders like Gurung may still parties and reclaim its original and commitment to democratic for which the party has been identity. be hopeful that their concerns position in the Tarai. norms. criticised from within and “We have consistently without. maintained that federal states Two days of meetings must be multi-ethnic with no later, expectations turned into front rights, but each ethnic frustration and discontent as the identity must be recognised leaders headed home. Things with rights to cultural (not didn’t get off to an auspicious political) self-determination,” start because a religious guru Gurung explained. “So to create reportedly criticised secularism confusion and say that Janajatis and hinted that the party should are trying to upset communal try to revert the country back to harmony by asking for ethnic a Hindu state. states is nothing but a lie.” “We were hoping that the The strong rebuff from party would take a progressive Janajati and Madhesi leaders stance on issues of federalism, has once again exposed the inclusion, and the Madhes, democratic deficit inside the 4 NATION 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 “Tremendous opportunities”
Kenichi Yokoyama, Country million loan for 140MW Tanahu Hydropower Project, together with Director of the Nepal Japan International Cooperation Agency Resident Mission of the Asian (JICA) and other co-financiers providing $280 million. In the new assistance Development Bank (ADB) spoke strategy ADB is putting highest priority to Nepali Times this week about to help fully resolve the power crisis. Nepal may also see the development infrastructure bottlenecks, of hydropower not only for domestic political fluidity affecting the use but as a major source of export. In investment climate, and Nepal’s this regard we are exploring further and larger hydropower projects to fully macroeconomy. satisfy the domestic requirements while targeting export potential Sufficient investor confidence needs to be built, with reforms within Nepali Times: The ADB has been NEA and establishing a regulatory working on a five-year plan for Nepal, environment conducive for rapid what is its main thrust? expansion of the power sector. The Kenichi Yokoyama: ADB’s draft new governments of India and Nepal are country partnership strategy has three discussing an umbrella power purchase thrusts: accelerating economic growth, agreement, which can substantially pursuing inclusive and employment- facilitate private sector investments. centric growth, and emphasising institution building. Our assistance How about other infrastructure? will be about $250 million per year and Water and transport are high priorities, will focus on addressing bottlenecks the former including water supply and in energy, transport, and urban sanitation in urban areas, irrigation in infrastructure, building human capital, rural areas, and integrated management and transforming agriculture. systems. Above all, ADB is strongly committed to deliver clean water Multilateral agencies in Nepal seem to to Kathmandu by early 2016, by swing wildly between deep pessimism completing the Melamchi tunnel, water and unrealistic optimism about the treatment plant (assisted by JICA), country’s future. Where do you fit in? and associated distribution systems. No one questions the bright prospects Besides roads, ADB is also extending for hydropower, tourism, high value assistance for airport improvements agriculture and agro-processing, in Kathmandu, Bhairawa, and remote IT, and other industries. But there domestic airports. We believe these are also substantial hurdles to will provide essential bases to attract overcome in triggering high growth investments in domestic industries and process. Developing industries call tourism. for infrastructure bases particularly power, better enabling environment, How can Nepal benefit from its and strategic and proactive promotion strategic location between India and policies. To resolve power shortage, China? foreign investment needs to be drawn We see tremendous opportunities. with rigorous attraction of investors We need to think beyond national while enhancing credibility of the off CINDREY LIU borders, since district areas along the taker, that is, the Nepal Electricity borders are strongly connected with Authority (NEA). more proactive in attracting foreign Nepal, stemming from a lack of viable the neighbouring economy. The five investment by welcoming them as investment opportunities that can bordering Indian states alone have a But we have seen countries with invitees and providing attractive create jobs to 450,000 youths entering population of over 400 million and political instability doing pretty well incentives commensurate with the into the labour market each year. have seen rapid growth in recent years. economically. Why is it necessary to get level of the country risk. Also helpful China has also waived tariffs on a large politics right first in Nepal? would be strong anti-corruption drives What can be done to maximise benefits number of export items, including Countries growing strongly and resilient and enforcement of law and order to from remittances, as the Philippines or agriculture products. Nepal can against political changes tend to have protect public investments, industries, Sri Lanka have done? greatly benefit from regional economic firm and diverse growth bases. For and their employees. Stable policy Countries like the Philippines integration by substituting imports and example, a system that can maintain and legal and regulatory framework are also facing the same dilemma exporting energy and other goods and high level of quality public investment can also help provide predictability to since remittance is largely used for services. in physical and human capital will investors. consumption. In Nepal, the challenge provide resilience. So will stable policy is bigger, since the import content Low project performance has always and legal frameworks that can protect How important are remittance inflows of consumption is high, that means been an issue in Nepal. Are things the interest of private industries and in sustaining Nepal’s economy? consumption does not induce local getting better? investors even in times of political There is no question that remittance production so strongly. The good When measured by implementation change. FNCCI has been pursuing has played a vital role. It accounts news is that nowadays we hear a lot timeliness, impact, and sustainability, political consensus on the minimum for 23 per cent of GDP in official of stories about returnees investing Nepal’s performance has been low economic agenda, which can serve such statistics and could be much higher in high value products in rural areas compared with ADB-wide average. ADB a purpose. if informal inflow is included. It has and gaining good incomes. Such new along with the World Bank, DFID, and contributed to reduced poverty and dynamics can be nourished by rural JICA have long been jointly pursuing What are the challenges in promoting higher human development indicators business incubation with value chain improvements through a forum investor confidence in Nepal? (education and health) at household development and other technical called Nepal Portfolio Performance Recent business surveys indicate level, helped finance burgeoning support. Improved access to rural Review (NPPR). Over the years, the political instability, power and imports and maintain balance of finance will also help to channel performance has been improving, other infrastructure deficit, weak payment and overall macroeconomic remittances to productive usages. although this year is a challenge governance, difficult labour relations, stability. On the other hand, this has due to lack of full budget and other low confidence on macroeconomic increased the country’s dependence You mentioned energy as the big constraints. stability, etc. While some would on global economic conditions. There obstacle to future growth. Is the require medium-term efforts, there are is a higher risk of disruption due to ADB planning bigger involvement in nepalitimes.com areas that can bear immediate results. external shocks. High remittance is hydropower generation? We think the government can be also a reflection of insufficient jobs in ADB has just approved a $150 Read full interview 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 NATION 5
BIZ BRIEFS Cleaning out our cabinets Shinning Ray Morang Auto Works has launched Nepal has a long way to go before it can be electronically governed Yamaha Ray scooter in Nepal. It has 113cc air-cooled four-stroke SOHC engine and offers mileage of over 40 kmpl. According to the press release, Ray’s exhaust systems and new standardisation of services, every time there is a banda. transmission settings have been optimised for better performance in Nepal’s enhanced transparency, and Electronic service delivery could rough roads. accountability. compensate for this loss to some ECONOMY STUPID India began computerising extent and provide relief to Puja Tandon its data and records in the common citizens and businesses. Chicago bound seventies. The National e- Such technology will become Qatar Airways has started fl ights from Doha Governance Plan intended indispensable as Nepal gradually to Chicago O’Hare with its fl agship long-haul young man from Boeing 777-300. This is the airline’s 126th passenger destination and newest Darchula travels to the to ensure access to all state transitions into a federal set up US gateway, following successful operations to New York, Washington DC, Acapital to make his services through electronic and will help facilitate better and Houston said the press release. passport. After a three-day media is being implemented coordination between provincial bus ride, he has to wait in line aggressively. In Pakistan the governments and the central for hours before he can even prime ministerial secretariat government. Furthermore, to Happy New Year enter the passport office in has been automated with make Nepal more conducive for CG Electronics, the authorised distributor of Narayanhiti. Not to mention the applications for Hajj and investments from abroad, foreign Toshiba home appliances in Nepal has introduced hours he will spend trying to even salaries for government investment procedures could be Toshiba Power Bulletin ‘Bhari Chut ko Sukadh find his way through Nepal’s delinked with visa processes for Samachar’ this to celebrate new year 2070. The company is offering customers cash discount up to Rs 4,000 on purchase of Toshiba products. notorious bureaucratic maze. investors and their technical staff. Now imagine if there was Going electronic, however, an office in the district requires major improvements Small steps headquarters connected to a in IT infrastructure (like latest IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will train bank national digital database, the computers, well-equipped data offi cials in Nepal to help them address the fi nancing needs same task could be completed centres, fast and reliable internet of small and medium enterprises. According to the press within an hour or two, helping connection) and a qualified release the training initiative will allow fi nancial institutions save the man (and the state) his labour force to set up and run to reach out to more small entrepreneurs. money and energy. the system. Overall development E-governance or digital in terms of electricity supply, governance is not a new officers processed online. Even improved road networks, and a Speed matters Subisu Cablenet has launched ‘New Year 2070 concept in the west. States countries like Ghana and Sierra population which has basic e- Leone in west Africa have set up knowledge is also crucial. Offer’. Under this scheme, customers are entitled to broadband internet with have been using technology cable TV channel, cable modem, and antivirus internet security. With the to provide public services and new electronic technologies and However, more than physical purchase of any single bandwidth package, they will receive equal bandwidth information 24 hours a day in systems. Although the Nepali infrastructure, transforming the package for free. an efficient and transparent government created a master habits and makeup of the current manner. Submitting documents, plan for e-governance in 2006, bureaucracy will perhaps be paying bills, taxes, filing tax transition to the new system the biggest challenge for Nepal. Bumper offer returns can all be done online, has moved at a snail’s pace Government officials will most Nepal General Marketing, the authorised distributor of Hero substantially reducing the and ubiquitous filing cabinets likely resist change because it two-wheelers, has launched ‘Baaf reh Baaf! Scratch and Win’ time and cost involved. Most and grey folders are still a very will close many of the existing offer to mark Nepali New Year 2070. The offer is valid for one importantly, e-governance common sight. The potential loopholes that make corruption month and includes cash prizes of up to Rs 25,000 and a bumper prize through a lucky draw said the press release. vastly improves access to remains largely untapped. and tardiness an epidemic in the state services. It also leads to Nepal looses millions country. 6 REGION 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 Bijli, pani, and corruption
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA If Arvind Kejriwal can take Delhi in elections, he could do an Obama in India
superciliously dismiss the crucial barrier of 20 per cent: discovered that the support for the perception that a fledgling possibility that he or his party the figure beyond which support Kejriwal has percolated below the outfit, however well meaning, GUEST COLUMN could become a factor in the begins to translate into votes. middle class, from which he had doesn’t stand a chance to win Ajaz Ashraf assembly polls. They ask: can Should this indeed turn out to drawn sustenance during the anti- often prompts even its diehard they even find candidates for be the case, the vote share of corruption movement, to those supporters to cast their votes in all the 70 seats of the Delhi the Congress and the BJP would who are fired less by promises of favour of one of the two leading t is possible the pugnacious Assembly? They can’t field dip below 30 per cent, at which turning our cities into Shanghai political parties they consider Aam Admi Party leader, Kejriwal everywhere, can they? point they will begin to lose seats or New York and more by rhetoric as a lesser evil. Second, it is IArvind Kejriwal, could AAP’s charm for the in far greater proportion than the hoping to make their tomorrow a still uncertain whether AAP’s emerge as Barack Obama when electorate can be gleaned from swing against them would have tad more tolerable. politics of interest, as spelt out the Indian capital elects its state the fact that over one million ordinarily caused. Perhaps comparing Kejriwal through the agenda of bijli, pani, assembly in December 2013. people submitted electricity Further, this opinion to Obama is inappropriate in and corruption can neutralise Five years before Obama bills to the party, pledging not survey asked voters to list a parliamentary democracy the irresistible lure the politics became the first black president to pay. Consumers in Delhi their preferences for the chief which, unlike the presidential of identity (caste and religion) of the United States, he had have been reeling under high minister of Delhi. No names system, is theoretically said to invariably has for the Indian caught the popular imagination electricity and water bills and were provided; it is the kind of be impervious to the charismatic electorate. there through a stirring speech Kejriwal’s satyagraha is a protest question for which a substantial influence of individual leaders. Should the AAP manage to in the Democratic Party against privatisation as well, percentage of respondents But in India we have seen leaders spring a surprise in the Delhi convention in Chicago. Yet, apart from introducing a new tick the don’t know/can’t say spearhead their parties to victory assembly elections, it could nobody then really believed that style of political formation. box. Nevertheless, Delhi Chief on their individual steam. Think have implications for the 2014 the young, promising politician A public opinion survey Minister Sheila Dixit topped of the impact Jawaharlal Nehru, General Election. A victory could eventually become the of voters in Delhi showed with 16 per cent of votes, Indira Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi in Delhi for AAP augurs well president of a country torn by that the AAP could muster Kejriwal was second with 11 have had on the fortunes of the for Delhi, for it could hold race prejudices. between 14-18 per cent of per cent, and BJP’s Vijay Goyal Congress. Or look at the BJP cadre out the hope of changing the India’s Congress and votes, a commendable feat for lagged behind with just five per clamouring for Narendra Modi, complexion of the existing Bharatiya Janata Party should a party established only a few cent. The pollster’s questionnaire believing the party under his political class, whose members remember this as elections to months ago. Since the poll also asked who among the leadership can triumph in the boast family lineage, are often the Delhi assembly nears. The was conducted 45 days before candidates would be best for 2014 election. rich, and consider power not mainstream political parties Kejriwal went on his fast, it Delhi. Kejriwal received the AAP’s growth, as also its as an instrument to transform grudgingly accept Kejriwal’s won’t be off the mark to predict maximum votes. ambition, could still get nixed society but to enrich themselves. growing popularity, but that AAP could soon breach the On a visit to Sundar Nagri, I for various reasons. For one, [email protected] The only reason it wasn’t hotter than it was this week was because of the wind-blown sand from the west, from the Indian desert and even from the Arabian peninsula. This is the time of year when tiny sand particles shroud the Arabian Sea and northern India till and up to an altitude of 3,500 m. This week was made worse by smoke and ash from KATHMANDU wildfi res that raged across the Tarai and some high up in the mountains. A slight low pressure system will bring some FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY localised storms across central Nepal 29° 28° 29° #651 12 - 18 April 2013 this weekend. In Kathmandu maximum temp will still stay below 30. 13° 14° 13°
MEMORY LANE: This almost 100 year old photo taken from Bhadrakali shows a small gravel road lined with pine trees leading towards Singha Darbar.
PURSHOTTAM SHAMSHER RANA'S COLLECTION
experiences that although oddly familiar, seem straight out of history books. They have Mark your calendars lived through the devastating Flashback earthquake of 1990 BS, witnessed n a country with 90 days of public holiday (and 103 ethnic groups), it’s the rise, fall, and extinction of Inot surprising that sometimes we have new years within two weeks of dynasties and several political each other. Put your party hats on and get ready to celebrate and then systems, and seen Nepal take some more! baby steps towards democracy. to the future But they also remind us of things Nepali New Year Newari New Year Islamic New Year worth hanging onto: green trees, ith half a dozen different (Page 8-9). open spaces, and the occasional 2070 1134 1435 new years, we Nepalis New year is all about new jeri swari at the local mithai pasal. 14 April 2013 (Nepal Sambat) (After Hijra) 4/5 Whave an excuse to eat, beginnings and if you haven’t Find out the history behind 4 November 2013 November 2013 drink, and be merry every few lived up to the resolutions you the Bikram Sambat calendar. And months. This year, the planets made in January 2013, now is discover how our neighbours Gurung Tamu Losar Gregorian New Year Kirati New Year have conspired to let us party a good time to revisit them and around the region celebrate the for 48 hours straight as we set things right, again. But even big day. 2141 2014 5074 welcome Bikram Sambat 2070 on as we move forward into 2070, With elections, a constituent 30 December 2013 1 January 2014 (Yele Sambat) Sunday. So book those weekend we take a look back at Nepal and assembly, and a new constitution 15 January 2014 getaways, send out Facebook Nepalis over the last 100 years. Old on the horizon, here’s hoping for Tamang Sonam Losar Sherpa/Tibetan Gyalpo Losar invites for your wild house party, places, old faces tell us how we naya Nepal (version 2.0) this naya or get hold of concert tickets of have journeyed far. saal. 2141 2141 the band you have been dying to Meet three (great) grandparents SEE INSIDE: 31 January 2014 2 March 2014 hear. Short on ideas? Let us help as they reminisce about page 10-11 8 EVENTS DINING
Natasa Muntean how to develop Saturday brunch, if you’re heading informed, intelligent, and creative to Shivapuri for bird-watching, a fi lms that contribute directly to sumptuous meal awaits you on the critical cultural practice. way back. Rs 2,000, 10 to 14 April, 10am to 5pm, Rs 1,400, 11am to 3pm, Poolside Sattya Arts, Jawalakhel Garden, Park Village Resort, MR CATRA THE FAITHFUL, Budhanilkantha, (01)4375280 Think, eat, save, 200 million people a documentary on the Brazilian could be fed with the amount of food singer who sings about poverty in Sal's Pizza, almost round, almost CHONGQING FAST FOOD, gear wasted in Europe. Vote for bloggers the favelas of Rio Di Janeiro and is cheap, always delicious, the cheesiest up for some mouth watering Chinese who are actively urging the public mistreated by the police in return. pizzas in town. dishes like Sour and Spicy Pork and to shift from conspicuous eating to 14 April, 6.30pm, Sattya Media, Lajimpat, behind Jazz Upstairs Kung Pao Chicken. Thamel PHOTOCHOP, get out of the conscious eating. Jawalakhel comfortable confi nes of digital image www.unep.org/wed/blog-competition/ Cafe Du Temple, famous for its Byanjan, enjoy great food at an manipulation and learn the art of bloggers/, #WED2013 Free hit, watch the Indian Premier delicious food, warm ambience, and a aff ordable price. Shrimp cocktails, photo-collage as done in the good League everyday. beautiful roof top view. grilled fi sh, and desserts are old days. Basantapur festival, celebrate the 3pm, Bagaicha Restaurant, Patan Darbar Square, (01)5527127 favourites among guests. Rs 1,000, 17 to 21 April, Sattya Arts, coming of Nepali New Year 2070. Jawalakhel, (01)5548148 Lakeside, Pokhara Jawalakhel, [email protected] 12 to 13 April, Kathmandu Darbar Square Pranamaya yoga, learn the healing Dragon Chinese Restaurant, try the Bikers day out, get on your bikes techniques of emotional freedom Kung Pao Pork if alone and the Mai and ride! 200 Enfi elders will be Expressions of devotion, an technique with Maggie Hankamp. Cao if with company. vroom-vrooming from Kathmandu to exhibition of etching, unique print, Rs 3000, 13 April, 11am to 4pm, Lakeside, Pokhara Pokhara. and video installations by Uma Pranamaya Studio, Patan 13 to 15 April, Shanker Shah and Seema Sharma Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked www.enfi eldpokerrun.com Shah. NYE Resolution, bid farewell to 2069 in true Chinese fashion sure to charm Runs till 17 April, 10am to 5pm, wiih salsa, trance, and a countdown BOOMERANG RESTAURANT and impress. Try the famous drums of Inked for life, compete with tattoo Siddartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal to 2070. AND GERMAN BAKERY, off ers a heaven. Kumaripati, (01)5551118 artists from home and abroad at the 14 April, Red Carpet Restro and large selection of cuisine for those 3rd International Tattoo Convention. Lounge, Sherpa Mall who want to enjoy a full meal and Dragon Cafe, enjoy momos, sizzlers, 26 to 28 April, Yak and Yeti Hotel, desserts. and vegetable coins at the most 9841471448/9841849786 Beyond 2070, celebrate the new Lakeside, Pokhara, reasonable prices. Kumaripati year undisturbed by the chaos of (061)461412/462978 Girls on wheels, ride your scooters Kathmandu. around town in a treasure hunt, Rs 4,000, 13 to 14 April, Dechenling, the place to head for solve puzzles, and complete tasks Royal Beach Camp, Kurintar, Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine, its to win a grand prize of Rs 50,000. Rs 9851006419/9841188257 pleasant and spacious garden is ideal 1,500, 20 April, Kathmandu College of for big gatherings. Thamel Management, 980103373/9841570061 OH TO BE A GOONER, watch The Boys Next Door, book your new /9851061065 Arsenal take on Norwich as they year's eve for a night in the company Hadock, big compound with ample FUJI BAKERY, tucked in Chakupat chase the Champions League spots. of this popular band. parking space, its western and this bakery off ers homemade goodies Cross-cultural documentary 13 April, 7.30pm, Reggae Cafe n Bar, Rs 700, 31 March, 7pm, Asian Village Thakali dishes are done to perfection. like apple pie, pain du chocolat, and workshop, learn from award-winning Thamel Restaurant and Bar, Lajimpat Jhamsikhel, (01)5546431 banana cake. Chakupat, Lalitpur 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 9 MUSIC GETAWAYS Hit the Suramya Sandhya, acclaimed Hindustani classical singer Guru Dev highs Kamat will give a rare Kathmandu performance. Time-travel to yesteryears as 20 April, 3.30pm, Academy Hall, bands pay tribute to the legends Kamaladi of music at the first music and film festival in Kathmandu. Earthwatch, live music over dinner MARUNI SANCTUARY LODGE, April 12 every Friday. nestled in a Tharu village on the Kurt Cobain, 6 to 10pm, Reggae Rs 1,299, Park Village Resort, border of the Chitwan National Park. Bar, Thamel Budhanilkantha, (01)4375280 Rs 9,999 for twin-sharing, 2 days 3 nights, Chitwan, (01)44700632, Charlie Parker, 7 to 10pm, 9841792225 White Horse, Baluwatar
Mango Tree Lodge, indulge in culture Jim Morrison and the Doors, walks, rafting in the Karnali, wildlife 7 to 10pm, Fluid Bar exploration, and jungle safaris at the April 14 Bardia National Park. Mr Catra: The faithful, 7 to Bhetani, Bardia, 9.30pm, Sattya Media, Jawalakhel [email protected]
Mum's Garden Resort, head out to Pokhara for a peaceful and comfortable stay in beautifully GUERILLA GIG, top bands designed cottages surrounded by a Jindabaad and Albatross will perform lush green garden with great views with lots of others at the historic of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Patan Museum. Rs 350, Patan range. Museum, 9841315997, 9851161414
Jumpin’ barz, bid farewell to 2069 with much fervour. Rs 150, 12 April, Attic Bar, Lajimpat
Live at Cafe 32, live music and delicious food every Friday. 6pm onwards, Cafe 32, Battisputali, SHIVAPURI COTTAGE, good food (01)4244231 and fresh air, far from the madding crowd. Loadshedding, catch this exciting Rs 3,500 per person per night inclusive new band live on new year's eve. of dinner and breakfast, Shivapuri, 13 April, Bagaicha Restaurant, 9841371927, 9802012245, Jawalakhel [email protected]
conjunction with Stanford and Vanderbilt universities to measure the impact of awareness-raising materials across a Graphic voices range of media in remote areas of Nepal. dapting testimonies of traffi cking survivors into comics, www.graphicvoices.com ADan Archer chronicles the abuses they suff ered and gives www.archcomix.com a voice to the most unheard members of Nepali society. The www.image-ark.com unique combination of graphics and illustrated reportage lets interviewees see their likeness being created in real-time, Graphic voices from Nepal: An investigation of human gives them a window into the creative process, and preserves traffi cking the impact of their stories without revealing their identity. 16 April to 14 May, 10am to 5pm except on Saturdays Dan hopes the cartoons will appeal to a younger, hard to Image Ark Gallery reach audience, engage them, and teach them about the Kulimha tole, Patan dangers of human traffi cking, (01)5006665 The exhibition will form part of a pioneering survey in 9851016572 10
1 1 The mandala of bees painted by Daichi in Lajimpat represents Makwanpur district.
2 Kabina Shrestha, 27, works on her mural near Ideal Model School, Jhamsikhel.
3 German street artist duo Herakut completed this 25 feet mural at Bhotahiti in two days.
4 Priscila De Carvalho depicts the disturbing rise of consumerism in her mural in Jawalakhel.
KOLORING KATHMANDU
TSERING DOLKER GURUNG
or decades the white washed held in Bara every five years. wall linings of Kathmandu have Along with resuscitating the Ffought a losing battle against Valley’s sick walls, the project layers and layers of political slogans is nurturing young talents and and posters. Yuki Poudyal, the brains providing them an opportunity to behind Kolor Kathmandu, along with learn from veterans. First-timers Sattya Media Arts Collective (see box), are asked to shadow an experienced however, are on a mission to replace artist, after which they can submit the sea of red letters and give the their designs. Once their plans are battered walls of this city a much approved, they can lead their own needed facelift. mural. Eighteen-year-old Sangrachana “Kathmandu’s residents have been Chamling is one such aspiring talent treated to visual pollution all their who assisted an international artist lives. I wanted to change this by before creating her own mural at making our streets more appealing Sanepa. through mural art,” says the 27-year- As the popularity of the murals old project director who was inspired spreads through word of mouth, by street art in Philadelphia (see support for the project is gaining interview). steam. When Kolor Kathmandu posted
2 A team of local and international artists are transforming Kathmandu into the second mural city in the world
With 12 international muralists a request for aluminum ladders on including popular German street artist its Facebook page, there were plenty duo, Herakut, and 25 local artists, of takers. Recently Pashupati Paints Kolor Kathmandu has painted 25 agreed to provide supplies for the murals in Baluwatar, Shankhamul, artists. Not to miss out on the fun, Bhotahiti, Jawalakhel, and other parts people living outside Kathmandu of town so far. They receive Rs 7,000 have been asking Kolor Kathmandu to each for their hard work. The goal, come paint their home towns. says Yuki, is to create 75 murals by “It’s great to see the artists’ efforts September and name them after the 75 being appreciated,” says Yuki, “but districts of Nepal. they created the murals not for While some artists have focused themselves or for Sattya. The art on landscapes, others have chosen to belongs to the neighbourhoods. We depict social stigmas and problems want people to be inspired and take faced in their districts. Anish ownership and protect it as their Bajracharya’s Bara in Bhanimandal for own.” example pays homage to the popular www.kolorkathmandu.sattya.org Newari lentil dish which shares nepalitimes.com its name with the district and also incorporates the Gadhimai festival Watch artists in action 5 - 11 APRIL 2013 #650 11
3 A brush with street art Was it difficult to get funds? Surprisingly, money wasn’t a big problem. Sattya is supported by Open Society Foundations, a grant-making organisation based in New York and we also receive funding from Prince Claus Fund of Netherlands.
Why did you choose mural art? We didn’t want to create art that would only be displayed at galleries and exhibitions. This is our way of reaching out to a larger Nepali public and saying we will not stand and see our city get more damaged than it already is.
Project director How do you pick locations? Yuki Poudyal tells Finding places to paint has been us her vision for the biggest challenge so far. We have a team of volunteers who go Kolor Kathmandu. around town searching for locations, but sadly people still see street Nepali Times: How did Kolor art as vandalism and are not very Kathmandu start? accepting. For most murals we ask Yuki Poudyal: When I lived in for permission from owners or Philadelphia, I was amazed by the whoever is in charge, but with some amount of art that filled the city. we just go ahead and paint. The paintings and graffiti brought a sense of positivity to the community Do you think politics and art can and inspired me to do something go together? similar in Kathmandu. Nepal is There is so much filth in Nepali fragmented at so many levels, but politics these days. It is constantly art is one way to show our unity. abused by those in power. Only if And this is why we are creating 75 we can clean up our politics can art murals to represent each district. become a part of it.
4
Started in 2009 by Anya Vaverko and Yuko Maskey, GROWING ART Sattya today is a hub for artists, photographers, fi lmmakers, and writers. “We wanted a place in Kathmandu where creative people could connect, learn from one other, and share their ideas,” says Anya. The media arts collective regularly organises photography, documentary making, graphic designs, and screen printing workshops. Along with supporting Kolor Kathmandu, Sattya holds free screening of documentary fi lms and discussions in public places around the Valley – aptly called Bato Ko Cinema - as well as teaching urban farming and ways to create green spaces in a congested Kathmandu through its Hariyo Chowk project. www.sattya.org
ALL PICS: CINDREY LIU 12 GIZMO by YANTRICK As thin as they get s smartphones and tablets continue to set the bar for all consumer technology, one can imagine all computing of the Afuture will take place at the swipe of a fi nger. What, then, of personal computers? A few years ago, the IT industry came up with an answer: the ultrabook. Larger than a tablet and smaller than a laptop, it is made for long hours on the go. SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS Largely known as a maker of computing equipment, Fujitsu has also ventured into the personal computer market, with its fl agship product - the Lifebook UH572 - leading the line. Packed with a third-generation i5 processor, 4GB RAM, and a roomy 500GB hard disk, the Lifebook off ers precisely what it is made for: a mobile professional workstation. Weighing in at 1.6 kilos and lying fl at at just 18mm thick, the Lifebook is certainly on par with its competitors. Its 13.3 inch wide screen, a requirement for ultrabooks, is quite adequate for offi ce work and its LED backlit HD screen even provides deep saturated colours for viewing photos and videos. wonderfully deadpan Christopher away this week, often defended Where it does underperform is on the trebly, clanging sound Walken, and Billie Bickle, played films that had good intentions, that emanates from its speakers. Of course, ultrabooks are hardly by the always watchable Sam even if they were fairly mediocre designed for heavy multimedia use and sound does improve on MUST SEE Rockwell. These two are offset in execution (not that this film headphones, but a well-rounded multimedia performance would have Sophia Pande by their friend, the struggling suffers from mediocre production only endeared it to more buyers. screenwriter Marty Faranan, played values). Fujitsu has layered some good by the very Irish Colin Farrell in his Well, the intent behind Seven features onto its introductory n 2008, British-Irish playwright first decent role in years (his last Psychopaths is opaque indeed. ultrabook, but has ignored some of the Martin McDonagh, came out good one was in In Bruges). McDonagh, who is both writer basics. For example, the Iwith his first feature film, The thieving duo who steal and director, has clearly honed Lifebook includes Wi-Di, a wireless In Bruges, a sublimely violent, dogs and return them to their his style quite enough to be able technology that projects laptop darkly comic caper of a film owners to claim the reward to achieve this level of clever displays onto televisions, but that delighted people who have are caught in a particularly silliness without any real effort. somehow an elementary Ethernet an affinity for clever writing, uncomfortable situation when they While In Bruges portrayed a port is missing and internet a nonchalant attitude towards kidnap a ridiculously adorable, real kind of existential angst access is possible extreme violence on screen, and a mini panda like Shih Tzu (called experienced by the hardened basically only love of the absurd. Bonny), from a psychopathic gangster, Seven Psychopaths sails through the Admittedly there is more to gangster named Charlie Costello past any kind of metaphorical Wi-Fi. However, Donagh’s writing than just the (Woody Harrelson). Meanwhile, meaningfulness, opting with two USB 3.0 ports, one above. His plays were lyrically Marty has been writing a instead for some fairly shallow of which charges other devices even when the inspired, extremely bloody pieces screenplay titled Seven Psychopaths philosophising about life after Lifebook is powered down, one USB 2.0 port, an SD card reader, a 1.2 brilliantly satirising the plight of and is constantly on the lookout death. megapixel webcam, and an HDMI port, connectivity is not limited. the Irish post conflict era. Works for real life psychos to inspire and This is not, in any way to The Lifebook scores high marks on handiness, visuals, sturdiness like The Lieutenant of Inishmore alleviate his writer’s block. say that Seven Psychopaths isn’t (something that Fujitsu is known for), but it could have done better (2001), were critically acclaimed, The plot is terribly confusing worth watching. With its fine on other areas. The four-cell, fi ve-hour battery life is just not enough for chronicling the wanderings of a to go into, suffice to say that at cast of characters (Tom Waits a long day at work, especially with Wi-Fi turned on. The keyboard mentally unstable Irish National one point, Marty, Billie, and Hans makes a great cameo as one of provides no backlight, but the touchpad is quite handy in that Liberation Army officer who has find themselves on the run from the psychopaths), its clever script, you can get from one corner of the screen to another in one swipe. just found out that his cat, who Costello, who is armed primarily general hilarity, and of course, the The Lifebook comes with Windows 8 pre-installed, but with no is also his best friend, has been with an oft misfiring pistol and a Shih Tzu, the film will keep you touchscreen to make the most out of it. Other webcam and multimedia killed. flare gun. The trio, meanwhile, are more than entertained, although software bundled in with the computer are quite useful and you even Seven Psychopaths, though armed with very little, travelling undoubtedly scratching your head get anti-virus protection for a limited period of time, courtesy not in the same league as In in a vintage Buick, Billie carrying at the end of all the carnage. Norton Systems. Bruges, is very much worth Bonny under his arm as their only Watch it at your own risk, Specifi cations: Intel 3rd generation 1.7Ghz processor, 4GB DDR3 watching for its own brand of real defence. Also involved are the without your children around, RAM, 500GB HDD, 13.3 inch display, Intel HD graphics, 5 hours backup, young unstable men indulging in seven psychopaths; Billie, Costello, and at the end of it all, perhaps Windows 8 professional, silver and black colours. Available at E-space, their own particularly hilarious and Hans are all revealed as three you will be left thinking only this, Putalisadak (014221605) for Rs 112,000, comes with laptop bag and and neurotic antics. Sharing an of the seven over the course of how far would you go to get your charger. animal as a key plot point with the film. dog back? The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Seven It is difficult to justify or even Yantrick’s verdict: although MacBook Air sets the bar for ultrabooks, Psychopaths follows the madcap try to come to terms with this nepalitimes.com Fujitsu’s Lifebook makes a handy debut and is a welcome addition to the ‘slim’ market. activities of a duo of dog thieves: brand of film-making. Roger Ebert, Watch trailer Hans Kieslowski, played by the the great film critic who passed 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 13
REVIEW feature throughout the album, lending its jazzy improvisations a somewhat earthy feel. Part recorded in Venlo, Netherlands, and in Kathmandu, Sudina transcends all technical barriers and sounds better than Kalakarmi. Driven by Maharjan’s roving guitar and backed by the groovy rhythm section, Sudina alternates between dense clarity and clear density, fi nishing faster than the 57 minutes its Clearly a tracks take up. good day
ari Maharjan is many things at once. Those who frequent Thamel will Hrecognise him as a gypsy jazz guitarist par excellence. Followers of Nepali popular music will discover he created the riff s of some of the most memorable Nepathya songs in the last few years. And to those who look up to him as a teacher and senior musician, Maharjan is by far the best guitarist in Nepal. Now, two years after the release of their fi rst album Kalakarmi, Maharjan’s band streets of Asan and Patan. things provides a moment of calm, while Keep SUDINA Hari Maharjan Project is back with another Because of his vast experience in arranging on running accelerates proceedings. The album Hari Maharjan, guitars gem. Sudina, Nepali for ‘a good day’, is fi nally over 15,000 songs, Maharjan’s music too is rounded up by two of the strongest tracks in Peter Keijsers, bass out for those who want a made in Nepal escapes conventional genres and nomenclature, Birds of a feather stick together and Enough is Riju Tuladhar, bass eargasm. even though all the songs in Sudina are enough. Daniel Rasaily, drums It is Maharjan’s brilliant guitar playing that structured around a virtuoso guitar. In addition to Hari Maharjan’s regular Ben Fikkert, piano drives the listener through the noisy chaos We don’t have to cry anymore is a relaxed sit- band members, Riju Tuladhar on bass and Theo Thomassen, classical guitar of the Valley in the opening track Memories down as the sarangi wails along with the guitar, Daniel Rasaily on drums, guest musicians of Kathmandu and yet manages to extract a while the next track Spirit of Shiva takes you from the Netherlands have also contributed semblance of seclusion in Sudina. The energy right into Tandav mode, guitar ascending and to the album. Peter Keijsers, executive Rs 350 of Easter and Pullu Kishi at once transports you descending in tandem with the Destroyer’s limb producer, is omnipresent with his bass. The Available at Kathmandu Music Centre, Thamel into the whirlpool pull of chariots in the narrow movements in tabla beats. Again, Sequency and famous Nepali folk-band Kutumba also (01)4259968, 9851067909 Degaa Resto Lounge find comfort and your taste buds disappointed. Although the will be pleased because there is chicken and the coconut flakes something for every type of foodie combined surprisingly well, the at this Kumaripati restaurant. Along rice itself was a bit stale. However, with the usual selection of Western the fluffy naans were superb, dishes and cocktails and mocktails, going especially well with the spicy Degaa offers incredible Newari and masala. The apricot curry tasted SOMEPLACE ELSE Indian cuisine that makes it stand more exotic, definitely a choice for out among the litter of restaurants the gastronomically adventurous. in the neighbourhood. A visit to Degaa is worth for After flipping through the the spectacular views of southern extensive menu, we wanted to Kathmandu alone and is perfect sample as much as possible. Our for a dinner with a large group ‘first course’ was a round of Newari of friends. We don’t recommend dishes. The vegetable and egg visiting during the afternoon chatamari (Rs 70) and the buff because load-shedding and egg bara (Rs 90) were perfect means there is no starters to share around the table, PICS: CINDREY LIU music, no mood lifters. light and crisp with the egg serving The music and lights to hold both the vegetable and buff our main meal and ordered a definitely make Degaa a fillings together. The buff sekuwa plate of chicken biryani (Rs 200), pleasant place to eat and (Rs 170) was a little tough and the garlic and butter naan (Rs 30 and chat while looking out at portion was rather small but went Rs 50), along with chicken tikka the city skyline. long, tiring climb is not well with the other starters. We masala (Rs 280) and chicken and Sulaiman Daud what you want when you added a plate of BBQ chicken wings apricot curry (Rs 200). And as we Aare delirious with hunger. (Rs 250) to fulfil our craving for waited patiently for a bite of our How to get there: from And as you huff and puff your ‘western’ food. The wings may neighbour’s food down south, the roundabout in way to the top of the building be the best thing on the menu. we comforted our still hungry Jawalakhel turn into to Degaa Resto Lounge, you will Marinated in spices and covered tummies with fruity drinks. But the instead since it is smoother and Kumaripati road and walk until you probably curse the owners for in herbs they got our taste buds pineapple mocktail (Rs 125) was more refreshing. see Siddhartha Bank and Phillips being ‘inconsiderate’. But once rolling. too sweet for my taste. I suggest When our biryani arrived, showroom on your left. Enter the you step in, your weary legs will We decided to go Indian for the virgin flamingo (Rs 125) I must say I was a little building, walk up to the top floor. 14 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 Making safety HAPPENINGS a high priority
gradual ascent. They learn how the system. HRA ‘rescues’ patients to prevent and identify the onset by treating altitude sickness of frostbite, hypothermia, AMS, and other illnesses and saves DHANVANTARI and life-threatening complications lives, but it is rarely involved in Buddha Basnyat, MD like water collection in the brain actual rescue of climbers in the (high altitude cerebral edema, Himalayas using high-powered, HACE) or in the lungs (high altitude medically-equipped, state of the hen American Peace pulmonary edema, HAPE). art helicopters. Corps volunteer John The clinics, run completely by HRA has been successful in WSkow travelled to volunteers, also treat hundreds of fighting acute mountain sickness. Khumbu region in 1973, However, despite its best he was disheartened to efforts, many porters and see the number of Nepali climbers still suffer from porters and trekkers who severe frostbite every year. died from something Not much has changed in easily preventable like the treatment of frostbite acute mountain sickness since the 19th century (AMS). The same year, when Napoleon’s army Himalayan Rescue succumbed in its attempt Association (HRA) was to conquer Moscow in started with the goal of subzero temperatures. In saving lives and improving Nepal, there are no readily trekking safety. available, cost-effective, For the past four modern breakthroughs to decades, HRA has been treat frostbite. Therefore instrumental in bringing prevention is critical. BIKRAM RAI about a sharp decline Even as it attempts to Money matters: Finance Minister Shankar Prasad Koirala announces the budget in AMS casualties. address these challenges, for 2012-12 in Singha Darbar on Tuesday evening. From March to May and HRA’s work in the field of September to November, alpine safety and rescue volunteer doctors run remains unparalleled in an hour long class every South Asia and as the day at the clinics in organisation completes Pheriche (Everest) and HRA 40 years, the entire team Manang (Annapurna) where injured or sick trekkers and locals. deserves praise for quietly carrying trekkers and their guides are While international patients pay out methodical and conscientious taught about the importance for the services, locals are charged medical work and research under of acclimatisation through a nominal fee so they don’t abuse difficult conditions.
MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA HORSES FOR COURSES: Horses perform the fire jump to mark the end of Ghode Jatra program at Tudikhel on Wednesday afternoon.
CINDREY LIU SHOWER TIME: Tourists enjoy the shower as elephants take their baths at the Rapti River in Chitwan on Wednesday. TWO IN ONE READERS’ PHOTO
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HUNGER TO LIVE: The hair of this young girl in Kalikot district has turned blonde due to under-nourishment. The mountain districts of mid-western Nepal have the highest rates of stunting among children You can’t because of the lack of enough food. eat elections People have no time for polls in the mountains of north-western Nepal, they are too busy trying to stay alive
DAMBAR K SHRESTHA IN BAJURA regional chief in Dhangadi, Surendra Raj Bista, says food is on its way. The government budgets Rs 370 million he talk is all about elections every year to subsidise and fly in food to under the CJ-led government in these roadless districts, but it is always TKathmandu, but here in remote late and never enough. north-western Nepal people are too busy The UN’s World Food Programme finding enough to eat to care. (WFP) distributed 2,370 tons of rice in There are still two months to go for Bajura and 900 tons in Mugu as part of the monsoon, the fields are dry and its ‘food for work’ initiative under which dusty. Last year’s food ran out long families can earn up to four months ago. Farming in the rain-fed fields only worth of food by working on roads. provides food to last three months in a Even 17-year-old Hira BK from Mugu, year, so the men have always migrated to who studies in ninth grade, helps in India. Undernourished children fall prey construction during holidays to earn to infections and the child and maternal food for his family. mortality rates in Mugu and Bajura are About 65 per cent of Mugu residents more than twice the national average. have calorie intakes of less than the These two districts are among 30 that minimum daily requirement of 2,709 are supposed to get food assistance from kilocalories and the district has the the state. Although the quota of 1,000 highest rate of stunting among children. tons of rice allocated for Bajura has been When children do fall sick, there is nearly met, officials are planning to fly no treatment. The district hospitals in in 600 tons more from Kathmandu to Bajura and Mugu never have doctors, meet increased demand this year. nurses, x-ray machines, and labs. Sixty-year-old Pune Sarki of Boldik Says 66-year-old Badri Prasad Regmi village of Bajura and his family of of Kolti: “We are being cheated by nature 10 depend on subsided rice for nine and the government. We don’t have food months of the year. Since there is no at home, we don’t have money to pay for fixed distribution schedule, sometimes treatment even if there were doctors.”
Sarki makes the five hour journey back HARIDEVI ROKAYA home empty handed because the rice runs out. At other times he doesn’t have outside. Mugu politician Gopal Bahadur enough money to pay Rs 40 for a kilo of Bam says: “Rice has become a staple rice. People from Humla walk for up to Flying food here and people don’t want to eat anything two weeks roundtrip to get rice from the else. Local food is not seen as real food depot at Kolti airport in Bajura. anymore.” t has been a chronic problem of the Millet is a good source of iron and “I am taking rice on credit for now. Itrans-Karnali: the government and donors magnesium and has higher protein and My husband will pay back the loans fl y in subsidised rice to address the food carbohydrate content than polished rice. when he returns from India in June,” shortage so people have stopped growing Buckwheat is also rich in protein, calcium, says 30-year-old Dewu Tamata, one of traditional nutritional crops like millet, magnesium, phosphorous, and Vitamin many women here who have to buy food wheat, corn, buckwheat, oats. They walk B. But most people still prefer rice, says on credit. for weeks on end to queue up outside Parshuram Mandar, a school principal. He In Mugu’s Talcha airport, only 400 distribution depots for their sacks of rice. adds: “If the government had encouraged The rice culture is now so pervasive that and helped people to be self-suffi cient in tons of the allotted 1,440 tons of rice even irrigated land is left barren, making traditional crops, there wouldn’t be a food for the district have been flown in the districts increasingly dependent on the crisis here.” this season. Nepal Food Corporation’s DAMBAR K SHRESTHA 16 NATION First the good news Nepal is doing better, but not fast enough, to improve living standards of the poorest
KUNDA DIXIT income poverty line. The biggest factor seems For example, on the basis to be remittances from Nepali of the percentage of people workers abroad, which has epending on who is earning less than $1.25 per day, improved the assets of Nepali counting, the proportion 25 per cent of Nepalis were households. Health indicators Dof Nepalis who are absolutely poor in 2010. But like under-five child mortality, poor is either 44 per cent, 19 when the threshold is raised maternal death rate, and per cent, or 25 per cent. But to $2, the proportion of poor nutrition have also improved, no matter which criteria is people jumped up to 57 per as have enrolment rates and used, all indicators point to cent. The National Planning years of schooling. One reason Nepal’s poverty rate declining Commission’s own survey in could be that the baseline data dramatically in the last 15 2011 showed that 25.2 per cent for Nepal was 2006, which was years. were living below the poverty just after the conflict and a low The sharpest fall was line. point. announced earlier this month As a measure of deprivation, Within Nepal, the fastest by the Oxford Poverty and the MPI is the most reduction in poverty has been Human Development Index comprehensive indicator of in the western Tarai where the which showed that Nepal’s poverty because it looks not just total number of poor went down Multidimensional Poverty at income, but also the status from 67 per cent to 33 per cent Index (MPI) had come down of health and education and in five years. The far-western from 0.350 in 2006 to 0.217 in indicators like access to safe Tarai also saw a dramatic drop five years. The percentage of water, sanitation, electricity, from 81 per cent poverty to 50 poor people declined from 65 cooking fuel, and assets. per cent. per cent in 2006 to 44 per cent “Nepal is doing considerably However, in terms of in 2011. well for a low-income country incidence of poverty, the mid- The MPI employs 10 and if it continues at this rate it western districts had the highest indicators to measure poverty will eradicate absolute poverty proportion, 60 per cent, with using health, education, and in 20 years,” said Sabina the far-western hills slightly living standard parameters Alkire of Oxford University’s lower. The districts of the Gopal Baidya of the research transparency, accountability, and is regarded as the most Department of International western region had the smallest group, New Era, at the launch of governance, social justice, and accurate measure of the Development. In fact, Nepal did proportion of poor people at 33 the MPI results last month. delivery of basic services. prevalence of poverty in a better than India, Pakistan, and per cent. The MPI is closely linked to This is the subject of the new country. Sometimes, it is widely Bangladesh jumping from the “Nepal surprises everyone the concept of ‘human security’ book, Human Security in Nepal: different from other indicators poorest country among seven for poverty reduction despite which defines security not just Concepts, Issues and Challenges like international absolute South Asian states to the fourth low economic growth and in military terms, but also takes which looks at the broader poverty levels and the national poorest. political instability,” said Bal into account human rights, definition of security ever since Peace dividend for
COMMENT Kul Chandra Gautam
uantitatively, Nepal has made impressive progress in basic Qeducation in recent decades: 90 per cent of children enrol in primary schools and there is virtual gender parity in enrolment. Nearly four per cent of GDP and 17 per cent of our national budget are allocated to the education sector. But the quality of education in government schools is so poor that eight per cent of children in Grade 1 drop out and 23 per cent repeat the grade. Only 70 per cent of the original cohort complete the primary cycle and less than a third reach Grade 10. Less than half the students from public schools appearing in the SLC exam pass, compared to 90 per cent of those from private schools. Basic education is a fundamental human right, but we see a dual education system: one for the rich and one for the poor. So far, very few attempts have been made to bridge this gap. Here is a 10-point checklist to improve the quality of basic education and turn it into a strong foundation for national development: KUNDA DIXIT 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 17 LESS POOR: Group of women in a village near Baglung where there are no young men because they have all gone abroad to work and send money home to their families.
also coincides with this year’s Human Development Report 2013, which this year focuses on The Rise of The South and looks at how trade between emerging economies of the South has boomed and helped reduce poverty. The report also mentions Nepal as a low-income country that has made the most rapid progress in overall human Human Development Report 2013 development. The Rise of the South: Progress in a Diverse World Despite all this, we get a UNDP, New York, 2013 sobering reminder of just how skewed development within Nepal is in another book, The Landscape of Madhesh: Politics, Society and Economy of the Plains. One chapter in the book by Uma Shankar Prasad makes it clear why Tarai districts which pay such high revenues to the state are so low on the MPI: the percentage of public expenditure in the Madhes is only 20 per cent even though it has nearly half the population. Human Security in Nepal: In fact, per capita public Concepts, Issues and Challenges expenditure by the state in the Edited by Bishnu Raj Upreti, Rajan Bhattarai, Tarai is only Rs 4,078 when it Geja Sharma Wagle Nepal Institue for Policy Studies and South Asia is nearly Rs 15,000 in the hills. Regional Coordination Madhesi Dalits are at the bottom Offi ce of NCCR of the socio-economic ladder (South-South), 2013 Pages: 296 with 80 per cent of them living Rs 400 below the poverty line and only five per cent of them literate. This regional inequality within Nepal is what is driving the demand for federalism in the Madhes, the far-west, and other neglected regions. Despite progress in the national average for nearly all development KUNDA DIXIT indicators, the record is uneven the idea was first proposed a new constitution, not much see from the improvements in and the gap is growing between by the late Mahbub ul Haq of work has been done to transform MPI, progress has happened those who are ahead and those UNDP in 1994. The book has a the economy and society.” in spite of government neglect left behind. chapter by Yuba Raj Khatiwada For more improvements and even though the country Elections, a new constitution, The Landscape of Madhesh who is now Governor of Nepal in human security and living suffered a ruinous war, political and stable politics would help, Politics, Society and Economy of the Plains Rastra Bank, in which he writes: standards, do Nepalis have to instability, corruption, and bad but are not a pre-requisite for Edited by Ruhi Tewari and Anirudh Prasad Sah Nepal Madhes Foundation, 2012 “The focus of the state so far is wait till we get our political governance. more efficient service delivery Pages: 152 on peace building and drafting house in order? In fact, as we The launch of the MPI report to deprived regions. Rs 300
A 10-point checklist to improve the quality education quality of education in Nepali schools
1. Expand early child development programs: level, 17 per cent in lower secondary, and a 6. Focus on quality: 9. De-politicise basic education: Nepal’s politicians and community leaders tend miserable 13 per cent in higher secondary schools Our new slogan should not be just education Currently Nepal suffers from hyper- to give higher priority to upgrading schools from are women. We must adopt affi rmative action to for all, but quality education for all. These politicisation that affects all aspects of life. primary to secondary and from Plus-2 to universities aim for at least half of all teachers being women in interventions require changes in attitudes and Teachers’ unions, students’ organisations, as signs of educational progress. We need to the next fi ve years. behaviour, not necessarily huge capital intensive and educational institutions, even at the reverse this trend and give greater priority to investments. Over-crowding in classrooms is primary level are not exempt from political building a strong foundation for life-long education 4. Affi rmative action for the disadvantaged: another problem, especially in the Tarai. Nepal has activism, often quite unrelated to genuine starting in the earliest years of a child’s life. While enrolment of over 90 per cent in primary a shortage of at least 60,000 primary teachers. We educational issues. All political parties in schools is impressive, the 10 per cent who are need more teachers, not more soldiers. Nepal are guilty of such politicisation of 2. Make schools child-friendly: out of school are mostly from the historically, education. Many children fear going to school. Teachers are geographically, economically, and socially deprived 7. Cultivate public-private partnership in often untrained, uncaring, and quick to give corporal communities. Only 38 per cent of children from education: 10. Education as genuine peace dividend: punishment. Schools are dirty and lack minimum indigenous communities, 20 per cent of Dalits, While some private schools offer quality Now that peace and democracy are at hand, sanitary facilities, especially for girls. The method and a mere one per cent of disabled children education, many are seen as highly we must make up for all the lost time and of instruction involves rote learning rather than are enrolled in primary schools. An aggressive commercialised enterprises. Nevertheless, opportunity. Let us redouble our investment encouraging children to explore and understand affi rmative action plan is needed to ensure extra private schools do meet a felt need of parents in education by creating a peace dividend what they are learning. support in basic education for the disadvantaged. for quality education. Instead of threatening to of reduced military expenditure and other A test of whether a school is truly child-friendly close private schools, or disempowering them wasteful expenses. Let us recognise that is to ensure that it is especially girl-friendly. There 5. Make education inclusive and multi-cultural: through excessive political interference and over- education is not only a human right, it is the are excellent child-centred learning approaches in Historically our education system has not been regulation, Nepal should harness the power of engine of all human development. Nepal, we need to benefi t from these experiences. responsive to our diversity. Our text books public-private partnership to improve the quality of perpetuate a stereotypical image of traditional basic education. Kul Chandra Gautam is former Assistant 3. Increase women teachers: inegalitarian Nepali society. The language of Secretary-General of the United Nations A strategy for making schools more child-friendly instruction is mostly Nepali or English, both neglect 8. Transform schools into Zones of Peace: and Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF. is to vastly increase the number and proportion of mother tongues and over-emphasise rote learning. During the confl ict, many schools became battle This is an excerpt from his keynote address female teachers. Having more women as primary This is pedagogically unsound. But it would be zones, much intimidation and violence was to the international conference, Quality in teachers is not only desirable because of gender unwise to follow a rigid formula in this regard. infl icted against children, and education was the Classroom, organised by Rato Bangala equality and social justice, but it has a very direct Pedagogical soundness and parents’ wishes seriously interrupted. A number of Nepali and Foundation from 4-7 April 2013. impact on enrolment and retention of girls in should be given priority over the wishes of ethnic international organisations introduced the idea of [email protected] schools. Only 40 per cent of teachers at the primary or linguistic activists. children and schools as Zones of Peace. www.kulgautam.org 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651
NEPALI TWEETS ‘We are protecting Nepalis
Dear editors, please don’t add insult to injury by publishing photos of those from this circus of elections’ accused of ‘witchcraft’. If you can, please show us the faces of the abusers.
Interview with Mohan Baidya, commission yet is there still chairman of CPN-Maoist, any possibility of unifying with 8 April, News24 UCPN (M)? We tried to resolve our There’s an NRN on TV complaining about politicians, poor man. Will the politician differences while we were still take a note of what he is saying? Dil Bhushan Pathak: Looks one party. When that didn’t like your party is back to its work we had to split so it will old days - destroying property, be difficult to go back and imposing bandas, capturing reconcile. We haven’t registered land, and terrorising people. at the EC yet because of Our aim is not to terrorise technical issues. I have little respect for those who spy and people. A new kind of keep detailed logs of others’ twitter activity. dictatorship has been forced How much faith does your upon the country and we are party have in democracy? protesting against it through this We believe in a democracy that movement. is for everyone in the country Everyone talks about their hearts, livers, and not just for a handful of brains, and skulls here, but no one talks Is shutting down the whole powerful men. The present about feelings. country a part of your struggle? democracy in Nepal is run by We are aware that bandas are failed to embrace thousands When we were in government five per cent of the privileged bothersome, but it was a last of marginalised people who we didn’t have much class. We want a system where WEEKLY BAZAR POLL #8 resort to make ourselves heard are still suffering and being power because the existing people from marginalised In weekly polls conducted with the in this so called democracy bureaucracy with its old ways communities are also equally exploited. Look at any other support of The Asia Foundation, didn’t allow us to make much where unless you do something country and you will see that represented. And our ultimate Himal Khabarpatrika asks 375 dramatic nobody will even revolt is necessary to achieve change. Also some of our party aim is to establish a socialist respondents in 14 cities across bother to listen. democracy. These struggles will members diverged from the goal state. Nepal every Monday for their opinion carry on forever. People will of working for the people and on contemporary issues. This Do you have any idea how continue to fight unless they are the country. Why is your party hesitant to go week’s result of interviews taken in harmful bandas are? truly liberated. to polls? households across the country: There are many other things So what was the point of the We haven’t decided on that yet. that are harmful for the country, Moving on to vandalism, how decade long armed conflict, This election is not going to take 1. How do you rate the drinking- water supply you get at home? so our banda alone cannot be many laptops has your party which allegedly began after the country out of turmoil since blamed. Nepal was shut down seized or destroyed so far? foreign intervention and killed the decision was forced on us by Bad 52.4% for 19 days in 2006. In fact all Let’s not put it that way. We are thousands of Nepalis? the four party syndicate. They Good 46.5% the parties who are in power only trying to protect ordinary These are all conspiracy theories have overstepped the values of 2. Do you face problems from today reached there after a Nepalis who are being forced of the reactionaries who do democracy in the name of polls. decreased supply in the dry season? similar struggle, so it is not just into this circus of election. not understand the spirit of We won’t go for election until Yes us. When certain people tried to the revolution we undertook this government is scrapped 62.8% prevent our peaceful protest, to free the Nepali people. and all the fringe parties are No 34.2% You obstruct people’s right to we had to respond and some Thousands have been killed in included in discussions about other countries as well, there 3. Where do you get your drinking- free movement because you damage might have taken place the country’s future. water from? want to showcase the party’s at that time. is nothing unique about us, in Tube wells strength. How do you justify fact our revolution was less 44.6% Government supply 38.4% that? When you were with UCPN destructive in comparison. nepalitimes.com We are compelled to come (M) the party was in power. Ground springs 5.65% Read the full version Dug wells 5.1% out on the streets because What reform and changes did it Since your party hasn’t Watch the full interview democracy in Nepal has usher? registered with the election Private companies 2.7% Drilled wells 1.95% Tank wells 1.35% Rivers and streams 0.85% growth in this sector has fallen from fi ve per cent to one in the last seven months. Down the drain Our trade defi cit has also surpassed last year’s total within eight months. Currently import volume is eight times all exports and exports to India even shrunk to a quarter from Bishwambhar Pyakuryal, Kantipur, 10 April last year. Some friends in the government and the private sector have been chanting mantras of double digit growth. But even An annual budget that comes three times a year in three if we are able to invest Rs 700 billion (the current budget is installments is a clear indication of this country’s badly Rs 400 billion), our track record suggests we will not be able stuttering economy. Even Iraq and Afghanistan that are to sustain such growth. From 1997 to 2003, GDP formed four emerging from decades of devastating confl ict have posted per cent of the budget, from 2003 to 2008 it dropped to three, impressive growth rates. It’s time we and from 2010 to 2013 it hasn’t looked at our neighbours for a few gone above 3.8 per cent. lessons. Nepalis spend 88 per cent of Although every successive their income and whatever little government says the budget is they save is not enough to reinvest progressive, growth stimulating, and into the economy. There is such poor-centric, there is always a wide a huge gulf between savings and gap between what’s written on paper investment that trying to bridge this and what actually happens on the gap through domestic products is ground. We spent only 26 per cent nearly impossible. of our total budget in the last eight Poverty is one of the biggest months. challenges for citizens and The partial budgets have arrived at government alike. Different local Nameplate: CHAIRMAN, Council of Ministers a time of sluggish economy and also and international agencies have dampened whatever hopes ordinary their own defi nitions and reports on Nepalis might have had from their poverty, but despite the decrease Batsyayan, Kantipur, 7 April government. In July and November in the absolute number of poor 2012, the budget wasn’t on time and people, severe inequalities still
when it was fi nally announced it didn’t exist. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
stimulate any growth. Instead it was BIKRAM RAI We are heading from an used to cover general expenses and HERE WE GO AGAIN: Finance Minister Shankar unregulated and centralised If they can prove that my government“ as a result, the growth rate dropped Koirala announces the budget on Tuesday. economy to a decentralised and “or party was involved in corruption, I am from 5.3 per cent to 4.2 and has now self-sustaining federal structure. ready to face all charges. nosedived to 3.65. But the centre still spends fi ve times more than the local Nepal is an agricultural country, but only 13 per cent government and 32 per cent of Nepal’s districts earn only fi ve Baburam Bhattarai on President Ram of all agricultural produce fi nds any market. Farmers can’t per cent of their annual expenses. Our greatest challenge Baran Yadav’s concern over the previous even save three per cent of their incomes and thus have now is to make these regions capable of contributing to the government’s abuse of authority, little possibility of improving on their returns. Not surprisingly, entire economy. Annapurna Post, 10 April 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 INTERVIEW 19 should be dealt through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Everything in the TRC meets international standards. Dhungel has already spent “We don’t need international eight years in jail, he has suffered. We Nepalis listen a bit too much to outsiders. We have to get out of the habit of seeking international approval approval for everything” for everything we do. Are you visiting China to clarify their The last time Nepali Times they also thought it was a good idea. sort out legal issues related to elections, premiership in a package deal. concerns about ethnicity-based interviewed UCPN(M) Pushpa Kamal after which the leadership would be federalism? Dahal was four years ago just after You were ready to hand over transferred. Bhattarai was in Mugu If elections can’t be held in June, Federalism isn’t the agenda of my visit he had been elected prime minister government leadership to Sushil and misunderstood my statement in does that mean this government will there. I am visiting China to strengthen and the Maoist YCL attacked the Koirala, but it is said Bhattarai the media, but there was no difference be in power until polls take place? the relationship between the two Himalmedia offi ce and physically vetoed it? between us on offering the NC If elections can’t happen in June, there countries and the two parties. assaulted the editor, CEO, and other Baburam Bhattarai had agreed to the will have to be a political consensus for staff. This time Dahal was more party’s decision on the package deal to a different provision. The continuation You talk of inclusiveness, but the relaxed, forthright, and made eye make Sushil Koirala the prime minister. of the election government will be in country’s politics is still driven by contact as he answered questions As per the package it was decided that doubt if it can’t hold polls in June. four-fi ve male Brahmins from the from interviewers on everything the NC and UML would at fi rst serve in hills. from the TRC Bill to elections. a Baburam-led government briefl y to How do you plan to get the CPN- That is not true this time since we Maoist along with 33 fringe parties to also have fi ve leaders from Madhes Nepali Times: You must be thinking: take part in polls? taking part in all discussions. We are how can I back get to power and The High Level Political Committee, committed to bring the marginalised lead the country? which I currently chair, has invited communities and regions into the Pushpa Kamal Dahal: Not really. I them to talk and involve them in the mainstream. We feel the people of am still learning the art of competitive committee to address their concerns the Madhes are still been neglected, politics and the dynamics of this about elections. Kathmandu is still dominated by the hill process is still new to us. For 10 years feudal class, and they are the ones who we were in a different struggle and Bal Krishna Dhungel is a murder have kowtowed to foreigners, not the since then we have been in and out of convict, but you are often publicly Madhesis. government. seen with him. The case against Bal Krishna nepalitimes.com What do you like and dislike about is against the spirit of the Read the full version this process? Comprehensive Peace Agreement Watch an excerpt of the interview It is fair to all since one has to prove that states war time cases oneself through competition. But the chronic power struggle, corruption, BIKRAM RAI and coalition crafting just to get to the government is fl awed. Once a party accountable to the people is elected, it should be allowed to govern for full fi ve years so it can get things done.
Our recent Himalmedia Public Opinion Poll shows that 60 per cent of the respondents also favour an executive presidential system. It is the most appropriate system for our country which will soon have federalism. There has to be a strong unifi ed centre to hold the centrifugal forces together. And that is best done through a directly elected president.
But there is a fear that an executive president may breed a dictator? The only people saying that are the ones still held hostage by the status quo. Nowhere in the world has a directly elected presidential system ever led to a dictator. The UML and NC may be opposed to this idea, simply because it is our proposal.
You seem to have reached the conclusion that the Regmi government isn’t in a hurry to hold polls? All I am saying is that the government should have announced the election date in June immediately after forming the cabinet and let the Election Commission get on with the job of putting the logistics and laws in place.
Doesn’t it also prove that the parties have no confi dence in a government they formed just three weeks ago? When I had proposed a government under the leadership of the chief justice it was on conditions that elections should be held in June. Had the other parties gone along with that proposal earlier, it would have been possible to hold polls in June.
So the CJ idea was yours, or was it on advice of a neighbouring country? This talk about foreign hand stems from an inferiority complex. We had been in talks with both our neighbours along with America and Europe for months about elections, but the CJ option wasn’t in the cards. When the parties refused to form a unity government under Baburam Bhattarai we decided to pass the leadership to the NC, but even that didn’t work so we decided to settle for an incumbent CJ-led government hoping it wouldn’t invite controversy. We put that to the neighbours, America, and Europe and 20 BACK SIDE 12 - 18 APRIL 2013 #651 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com
Darkness on the Sewage Canal
o tell you frankly, the aim in the general direction Ass is getting sick and Current load shedding of the waterloo (Important Does it stink Ttired of listening to in here or timetables are very complicated Reminder for Male Nightvision some of you who have insisted what? and one needs a PhD in Plasma Customers: Our Aim Is To Keep on whining on and on at the Physics to figure them out. With This Place Clean Your Aim neighbourhood watering the layman in mind, future Would Help.) Kids can catch hole about the current load schedules will be much simpler: up with their homework using shedding regime chaired by CJ power supply every alternate nightvision equipment and one Khil Raj Regmi. day for 15 minutes. can go bar-hopping in Thamel Thankfully, people like again without the threat of you are in a minority and Nepalis will be watching inadvertently finding oneself an overwhelming number of less television. This means neck-deep in a booby-trapped Nepalis are optimistic and that instead of engaging in our pot hole. have a positive outlook about national pastime of fondling the the fact that we have become remote, we will be indulging Load shedding means less creatures of darkness. We in a new national pastime time wasted aimlessly surfing hole-heartedly welcome load of playing interactive games the net. The time saved can be shedding because we see its with each other in the dark. employed in taking long walks brighter side. You may well As a result, the country will with kith and kin and ensure ask, so what are the silver see a new baby boom and a strong family bonding. My linings of power cuts? Whoa, demographic bulge to quadruple particular favourite is to stroll not so fast, can’t you see I’m the nation’s GDP by 2025. along the Bagmati Promenade thinking? inhaling the full methanogenic As I was saying, all you Nepal Tourism Board will aroma of our very own Sewage need is a positive attitude to use the Berlin Travel Mart Canal. take advantage of our return to this week to unveil its new the pre-industrial age. In fact promotional campaign under the The proposed 32-storey I would go as far as to venture slogans: ‘Once Is Not Enough, skyscraper coming up in Purano that cutting off power to the Take Another Trip to the Dark Bus Park will be a symbol of people for 70 hours a week is Ages’ and ‘Visit Nepal-The Heart national pride since it will be the single most outstanding of Darkness’. the tallest erection in South achievement of the post- power than they have at present flu-like epidemic. So ladies Asia when it is completed by Comprehensive Peace Accord which can only mean that, and gentlemen, thank you for Nightvision goggles will 2015. But since projections dispensation and we should god willing, the little power waiting. As promised, and no longer be a restricted show load shedding will still all be singing hosannas (if we there is will be concentrated totally off the top of my head, military item but an essential be in the vicinity of 28 hours a aren’t already) in praise of He in fewer and fewer hands. But, here are some reasons why load consumer electronic gadget day, the high rise will who made this possible. as the adage goes, let’s not shedding is good for this great for everyday home use. This enter the Guinness Book There is even more get too excited about that and nation of ours that has never will facilitate finding one’s as the tallest building delightful news that the people start counting our chickens suffered under the Colonial way from the bedroom to the in the world without a may have to do with even less before they die of a mysterious Yoke: bathroom and taking accurate functioning lift.
CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/069/70