NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 1 NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 2 NEW

SPOTLIGHTFORTNIGHTLY Notes From The Editor

Vol.: 14, No.-09, Dec- 25, 2020 (Poush. 10.2077) Price: NRs. 100

Editor and Publisher Dissolving the House of Representatives, Prime Keshab Poudel Minister K.P. Shama Oli has established himself as the leader of the party. Following the dissolution Contributor of the House, Nepali politics has been polarized Sabine Pretsch against PM Oli. This will politically benefit him in the long and short runs. Holding periodical elections Design/Layout and mid-term polls is a regular phenomenon in the Sahil Mokthan, 9863022025 democratic process. In a parliamentary democracy,

Marketing Manager the prime minister has certain prerogatives to test Madan Raj Poudel his popularity, calling the fresh election whenever Tel: 9841320517 he feels it appropriate. However, Nepalese politi- cal parties have rarely taken the decisions to go for Nabin Kumar Maharjan fresh mandate as the right process. Since 1990, sit- Tel: 9841291404 ting prime ministers have dissolved the House and called for fresh polls and the decisions have landed Editorial Office in the court seeking House revival. This time is no Kathmandu, exception. With the decision of President Vidhya Tel: 977-1-4430250 Devi Bhandari to dissolve the House of Representa- E-mail tives upon the recommendation of prime minister [email protected] P.O.Box: 7256 Oli, Nepal has entered into a new phase of political Website polarization, PM Oli Vs Rest. With the decision of www.spotlightnepal.com and Maoist leader Prachanda-led faction of NCP to challenge the dissolution in the Kathmandu DAO Regd. No. court, it has creates an uncertainty whether to hold 148/11/063/64 the elections or not. Although there are many likes Central Region Postal Regd. and dislikes, seeking fresh mandate from people is No. 36/067/068 a democratic exercise and political parties need to accept the challenge to go to the people. Divided on US Library of Congress Catalogue the basis of ideology, more than 12 petitions have No. 91-905060, ISSN : 2091-0711 already been filed in the court against dissolution (Print), ISSN: 2091-0754 (Online) order and main political parties have also decided Printing to challenge it. Megha Offset Printing Press P. Ltd., Dhapasi, Kathmandu Tel. : 977-1-4363624

Keshab Poudel Editor

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 1 CONTENT

NEPAL-INDIA ENERGY TRADE Power Cooperation 3

NEWSNOTES 4

BUSINESS BRIEF 6

OPINION COVERSTORY: POLITICS OF DISSULTION : Unresolved For Seven Decades 12 Dipak Gyawali 8

GLOBAL VIEW Abijit Sharma 11

NEA Smartening Staff 18

VIJAYA KUMAR SHAH Highest Individual Income Tax Payer 23

VIEWPOINT Madhav Dhakal , Chiranjibi Bhattarai, BhumikaThapa and Sushma Tiwari 24 NEPAL-U.S TRADE TALK : For Deeper Engagement 10

TU CONVOCATION Limited By COVID-19 27

FORUM Patrick Osewe 30

TRENDS Sushmita Aryal 31

GG Growing Local Reach 32

WORLD BANK Support For Enterprise 35

ARITICLE HDI : Nepal’s Progress 28 Hemang Dixit 36

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 2 NEPAL-INDIA ENERGY TRADE Power Cooperation Despite agreement to develop modality to purchase Nepal’s surplus power, nothing has moved ahead to clear the bottleneck of major issues including Nepal’s energy export to Bangladesh

BY A CORRESPONDENT

aving taken part in Nepal-India power producers to Indian markets, Both governments have been energy trade negotiations for a development of energy banking mecha- coordinating closely with each other in Hlong time, Secretary of Energy nism, development of cross border high this sector. Consequently, progress made Dinesh Ghimire knows the art of making voltage transmission lines as well as in the last five years in this sector has deals with India on power. reviewing the progress of the SJVN been exemplary. Although the virtual meeting Limited- developed 900 MW Arun-III This includes completion of South concluded without achieving a major Hydro Electric Project in Nepal and Asia’s first cross border 400 KV trans- breakthrough on Nepal’s export of agreeing to further facilitate its expedi- mission line at Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar, surplus energy to India and Bangladesh tious implementation. agreement on funding modality for through Indian grid, secretary Ghimire Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Energy Gorakhpur-Butwal 400 KV line for was able to convince India that they need Secretary of Nepal was assisted by rep- which the construction will commence to purchase Nepal’s surplus energy from resentatives of various Ministries and soon, and the brisk progress on the 900 next year. After a day-long discussion, Departments of . MW Arun-III Hydro Electric Project. Nepal and India agreed to finalize the The Joint Working Group meeting at Both sides reaffirmed their com- Regulatory Modality to Export Nepal’s the level of Joint Secretaries was held mitment to further strengthening the Surplus Power. in preparation of this meeting. power sector cooperation between the “We concluded our bilateral trade meet- ing with an agreement to form a committee to develop modalities. This is good news for us. From next year, we will need the market for our over 1000 MW surplus energy during the season.” According to a press release is- Similarly, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, two countries, including development sued by Indian side, Nepal and India are Power Secretary, Government of India of an integrated grid, building of more close to finalizing the regulatory modal- was accompanied by Ambassador of cross border transmission lines, as re- ity for allowing Nepali power producers India to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra quired, as well as investing in Nepal’s access to Indian power market which and a 17 member delegation drawn from hydro and solar power projects. The will provide an outlet for Nepal’s surplus various Ministries and public sector positive and wide-ranging discussions power in the coming months. undertakings of Government of India in- are expected to further support the This agreement was reached dur- cluding NHPC Limited, NTPC Limited expansion in power sector cooperation ing a meeting of Power/Energy Secre- and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. between India and Nepal. taries of Nepal and India, co-chairs of According to a press release is- Agreeing to continue further the 8th meeting of Joint Steering Com- sued by The Embassy of India Kathman- negotiations in coming meeting, Nepal- mittee (JSC) on Cooperation in Power du, the JSC is the apex bilateral mecha- India energy trade talk revived the hope sector, which was held through a video nism for enhancing and coordinating of Nepalese energy officials that India conferencing. various Government-to-Government led will manage the a way for Nepal to Both sides discussed, inter alia, initiatives in power sector. The meeting send its surplus energy to India from development of suitable rules and reviewed the progress made on bilateral coming year. guidelines for allowing access to Nepali processes and initiatives in this sector.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 3 NEWSNOTES Nepal Ready For Role To Advance SAARC Process: Khanal who got 250 votes. Shakya had represented the greater Foreign Secretary Paudyal democratic inclusive group in the election while Khanal rep- Bharat Raj Paudyal, Foreign resented the progressive and professional group. Secretary of Nepal and Chairman of Likewise, Mukunda Prasad Poudel has been elected the SAARC Standing Committee, underscored the need to forge early the vice-chair, Rishi Ram Ghimire the secretary, Sharmila consensus for holding the stalled Shrestha the joint-secretary, Binod Kumar Karki the treasurer Nineteenth SAARC Summit and its of the new committee. preceding meetings. Amita Gautam Poudel was elected the women member Stating that regional coopera- and Ananta Raj Luintel, Tilak Bikram Pandey, Dip Narayan tion is one of the priorities of Nepal’s Shah, Bikash Bhattarai, Rajendra Prasad Shah, Miraj Shresh- foreign policy, he expressed the un- tha, Dr Ramhari Tripathi and Nirmala Bhandari the members. wavering faith of the Government of Nepal in the ideals, principles and objectives of SAARC. He also expressed Nepal’s readiness to play a constructive role to advance the SAARC process. Nepalese Peacekeepers Praised For Work In South Sudan Addressing the Inaugural Session of the fifty-eighth Session The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is plan- of the Programming Committee of the South Asian Association ning to extend the stay of Nepalese peacekeepers in Cueibet for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that had commenced in a County in Lakes State. Their presence has been credited for the virtual mode, foreign secretary highlighted the importance of current reduction of tensions between the frequently fighting the Programming Committee’s Sessions in taking forward the Waat and Ayier communities. SAARC process. The Nepalese peacekeepers, who have spent a month Recognizing SAARC as the collective aspiration of the in the area, recently received information about both the rival people of South Asia for peace and prosperity through regional communities planning to attack each other, with both presum- cooperation, he said that the Association had taken some important steps for promoting regional integration through trade, finance, ably seeking “justice” for earlier cattle raids and killings. The transport, power, connectivity as well as people-to-people contacts. Nepalese battalion acted on the early warnings, and so far, Secretary Paudyal said, “Blessed with abundant natural and they have managed to deter further inter-communal violence. human resources, South Asia holds a high potential for develop- “Our troops have been deployed here to protect civilians ment and prosperity. Enhanced regional cooperation and deeper and bring peace, together with government officials and the economic integration is a must to realize this potential. national army. We shall keep them here if the community still Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, Secretary General of SAARC, wants them,” said Lieutenant also addressed the Inaugural Session. In his remarks, the Secretary General Shailesh Tinaikar, the General of SAARC thanked the Foreign Secretary of Nepal and Chairman of the SAARC Standing Committee for his presence peacekeeping mission’s Force in the Inaugural Session. He conveyed condolences to the people Commander, while on a brief and Governments of the Member States of SAARC over loss of visit to the area. life caused by the pandemic. Women have suffered Presenting a synopsis of developments in regional coop- badly from the recent out- eration since the last Session of the Programming Committee, he breaks of violence. “We don’t referred to the high-level meetings of the SAARC Leaders and really understand what is hap- Health Ministers during the ongoing pandemic as well as other pening here anymore. During our liberation and independence Ministerial Meetings on Education and Planning. struggle, women and children were never targeted, but that has Bharat Kumar Regmi, Joint Secretary, Regional Organiza- tion Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, chaired the changed. We are now being specifically targeted and abused,” meeting. In his opening remarks, Regmi welcomed the delegates said Allen Ajak, a female resident of Cueibet. to the meeting. He appreciated the excellent documentation and John Chiec Dut, a youth leader in the area, believes technical arrangements made by the SAARC Secretariat in fa- that impunity is the biggest challenge, as it makes the vicious cilitating the meeting. circle of violence endless. The Programming Committee is a Charter Body of Nepal, the UN’s 4th largest contributor of peacekeep- SAARC, comprising Heads of SAARC Divisions (Joint Secretary/ ers, currently deploys more than 2,000 military and police Director General) from the Ministries of Foreign/External Affairs personnel to the UN Mission in South Sudan. or National Focal Points of the Member States of SAARC. Germany Sends 10M Euro In COVID-19 Support To Nepal Shakya Wins SC Bar Elections German Development Bank has disbursed 10 million Senior advocate Purna Man Shakya has been elected as Euro for COVID-19 immediate support to the Government the new chair of the Supreme Court Bar Association Executive of Nepal (GoN). Committee. He was elected in the election held on Saturday In his tweet Ambassador Roland Schäfer, Ambassador for the 33th executive commit- of the Federal Republic Of Ger- tee of the Bar. many writes, these funds can be Shakya won with 295 used as per the current priorities votes against his nearest rival of the GoN in the health sector senior advocate Rabi Narayan to fight against the pandemic.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 4 NEWSNOTES Nepal Army’s Second Lieutenant Receives Sword Of Geography, Civilization, Culture And Religion Connects Honor In UK India Nepal Closer: General Rawat Peter Thapa, Second Lieutenant of Nepal Army, is the General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defense Staff of the first Nepali Army Personnel to secure Indian army, said that Nepal’s relations and connections International Sword of Honour by Royal with India are incomparable to China. General Bipin Rawat Military Academy Sandhurst, UK. added that Nepal’s border with India is open. He said that He was awarded with prestigious all these are critical. ‘International Sword of Honour’ in the Addressing a webinar organized by the New Delhi- presence of Nepalese ambassador to based Center for Land Warfare Studies and Nepal Institute the United Kingdom Durga Bahadur of International Cooperation and Engagement; General Chhetri who attended the Sovereign’s Rawat said that Nepal’s border with India is geographi- Parade organized by the Royal Military cally easier compared to its border with North, which is Academy in Sandhurst. He is the first Nepali trainer to geographically hostile. win this medal in the last 20 years. He lauded the bravery, honesty and integrity of Ne- In his tweet industrialist Binod Chaudhary congratulat- pali working in the Indian Army saying that they are the ed Thapa for his historic achievement saying, “Proud of you!” great solder of the world. He said that 42000 Nepalis are currently working in the Indian Army. World Vision Commits US$500M To Flight Global Malnutrition General Rawat, who World Vision will commit $500 million of private fund- also served in Gorkha ing to tackle malnutrition over the next five years and will also Regiment, said that Nepal allocate an additional $700m in nutrition grant-funded pro- needs to strengthen its re- grams. lations with India because The aid agency’s investment will mean that more than of its geography, religious 1 million children will avoid malnutrition. and civilization closeness. On 14th December, 2020World Vision International’s General Rawat also President and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Morley, com- defended Nepal India mitted US$500 million to flight malnutrition, and told global Friendship Treaty 1950 nutrition leaders that eliminating malnutrition – especially and the current Gorkha for women and girls – is a top priority for the organization. Recruitment treaty between Nepal and India saying they Morley made the announcement as part of the Nutrition are still relevant as it was in the past. The treaties also guide 4 Growth Year of Action launch hosted by the Governments the relations between the two countries. of Canada and Bangladesh, attended by and featuring key aid sector leaders such as Henrietta H. Fore, Executive Director of “In the present day, Nepal is also opening up other UNICEF, and Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda nations including China based on its independent foreign Gates Foundation. policy. Nepal is free to exercise her choices in international “As a child-focused organisation, World Vision refuses affairs. But it should be vigilant and learn from some cases to accept the current status quo of child malnutrition glob- of Sri Lanka and other nations that have also signed agree- ally,” Morley said. “Good nutrition is an essential founda- ments with other international countries in the region,” tion for health and development, yet malnutrition is still the said Rawat single-biggest contributor “It is necessary to further strengthen the existing to under-five child mortal- relationship between Nepal and India for the peace and ity. World Vision is deter- prosperity of the people of both countries who are already mined to work towards a inseparable in every way life,” said future in which children “Land of Nepal borders with India and China a dying of malnutrition is a rarely comparable. The critical fact is the geographical thing of the past. If we join terrain. The northern front with China is obstructed by the together, we will succeed. Himalayas while the southern periphery opens into the Indo This, I promise you” Genetic plains of India. Topography between India and “We know from bit- Nepal is an ecological continuity rather than demarcation ter experience in 100 coun- as resulted in a history of social-cultural continuity,” said tries that malnutrition steals so many young children’s lives, General Rawat. and diminishes lifelong potential for hundreds of millions more, with a disproportionate impact on girls. We can and must “We have also wide-ranging relations in the defense do more to ensure children achieve their God-given potential.” sector. India has been supporting the modernization of the Women and girls are most affected by poor nutrition army, military training, exercises,” said General Rawat. globally, “empowering them is a game-changing solution for eliminating malnutrition,” he added.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 5 BUSINESS BRIEF KOICA And KU NTIC Share Outcomes Of The 1st ployees through its branches. Examination controller Pushpa Phase Of IRDP Raj Joshi and Kirtipur Branch manager of Global IME Bank In the presence of Park, Sobha Neupane inked the agreement. Chong-suk Ambassador of the Under the agreement, all TU affiliated campuses can Republic of Korea, Dr. Ram deposit the examination and other fees related to TU Examina- Kantha Makaju Shrestha, Vice tion Controller’s Office through the branches of Global IME Chancellor of KU and Korea In- Bank all over the country and its banking counter in Balkhu. ternational Cooperation Agency As per the agreement, the bank’s Balkhu counter will (KOICA) organized a completion also provide banking facilities to the employees of TU’s Ex- ceremony of 1st phase under the amination Control Office opening saving accounts for them. Integrated Rural Development Global Bank Limited has been providing banking Project (IRDP). The project was started in 2016 with the total services to over 30 government officers, opening revenue budget of USD 10 million. collection counters all over Nepal. Those include Ministry of The project is being implemented with a goal to im- Industry, Transport Management, Internal Revenue Depart- prove lives of rural people through strengthening research and ment, Land Management and other offices. development capacity of KU. Due to the COVID-19, some ac- tivities were implemented on an online basis this year. In this Russia To Invest In Nepal’s Hydropower Sector ceremony, STEPI(Science and Technology Policies Institute) Russia has expressed its de- & Jeonbuk National University shared the achievements and sire to invest in a large hydropower the progress of the 1st phase of pilot project, and the operation/ project in Nepal. management of NTIC by KU was also followed with some Russian Ambassador to Ne- video clips. The achievements of 1st phase includes establish- pal Aleksei Novikov said Russia’s ment of IRDP/NTIC Master Plan, early establishment of NTIC two largest banks, Lanta and Mos- based on the master plan, and reinforcement of management cow Industrial Bank are interested capabilities of NTIC through 7 pilot projects. The 2nd phase of the project will start from next year. to invest in Nepal’s hydropower Currently, KOICA is constructing a state of art Nepal project. Technology Innovation Centre (NTIC) building from Septem- A team led by Russian Ambassador to Nepal Aleksei ber 2020 followed by equipment support for Agriculture and Novikov met Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Regional Development(A&RD), Alternative and Renewable Irrigation Barshaman Pun at the Ministry on Tuesday and Energy(ARE) and Public Health related Livelihood(PHL) by expressed interest to bring investment in hydropower. May 2021. Furthermore, additional equipment will be sup- The delegation has said that they want to make such ported by the end of 2022 after NTIC building construction is investment in government-to-government agreement, ac- completed. The 2nd phase of the project will be implemented cording to a press statement of Ministry of Energy, Water by NTIC with 7 main projects; R&BD, Equipment & Testing Resources and Irrigation. support, Smart Health Technology, School-based Enterprise, The representatives of the delegation have shown Start-up & Incubation, Training & Education, Technology their interest to know about the scenario of power genera- DB& Networking tion, distribution, market potential and the legal provisions In the program ambassador Park, Chong-suk empha- related to hydropower sector. sized on the ownership of the project and assured that KU “Initially, we will invest in a ‘pilot project’ and will receive continuous support from Korean Government to both the public and private sectors will be encouraged to complete all these activities on time. invest in Nepal by understanding the market situation,” Previously, the Korean Government has supported in said Novikov. the establishment of Technical Training Center in KU. The key objective of establishing the training center was to pro- Christmas Tree Lighting At Hyatt Regency Kathmandu vide skill-orientation quality training to the under-privileged To continue the tradition of Christmas, Hyatt Re- and unemployed youth so as to produce skilled and technical gency Kathmandu organised a Christmas Tree Lighting workforce in Nepal. Ceremony on 14 December 2020. In light of the current situation with COVID-19 Global IME Bank, TU Exams Office Ink Agreement and to safeguard the guests’ and Global IME Bank has signed an agreement with patrons’ well-being, the event Tribhuvan Univer- involved the tree being lit by sity Controller of Examinations to Alina Novikova, the wife of the provide necessary Russian Ambassador to Nepal, banking services in the presence of a few hotel to students and em- colleagues. The General Manager of NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 6 BUSINESS BRIEF the hotel, Rajesh Ramdas, thanked Mrs. Novikova for The meeting was gracing the occasion and said, “Light symbolizes hope held virtually with Sec- and positivity, and we all look forward to next year being retary of the Ministry of better, post-COVID.” Foreign Affairs Bharat Raj Paudyal and Assistant HBL Forms Merger Sub-Committee Headed By Thapa Deputy Minister of Glob- The Board of Directors of Himalayan Bank Limited al Affairs Canada Paul Thoppil leading their re- has formed a Merger/ spective delegations. Acquisition Sub-commit- A wide range of tee with Sunil Bahadur matters relating to bilat- Thapa as the coordinator. eral relations and coop- In line with Nepal eration were discussed in a cordial atmosphere during the Rastra Bank’s policy to consultations. The delegations also reviewed the progress promote Merger and Ac- made since the first meeting of the BCM held in Ottawa in quisition among banks October 2018. and financial institutions Developments on political and economic fronts in to create stronger bank- both the countries as well as their national experiences in the ing industry, the Bank has initiated the process for exploring context of COVID-19 were also shared during the meeting. the possibility of merger and identifying probable merger Nepal noted with appreciation the commitment expressed by partners. Canada to equitable access of vaccines to all. The two sides “We would like to inform all the valued stakeholders would continue to exchange cooperation through various that any concrete decision is yet to be finalized on the issue mechanisms in the collective fight against the pandemic. irrespective of media reporting in the recent times,” a press On matters of global importance, the two sides renewed release issued by CEO Ashoke Rana said. their commitment to collaborating at various multilateral forums towards addressing impacts of climate change, pro- tecting and promoting human rights, and supporting multi- France Shows Interest To Provide Technical Support To NAC lateralism, UN peacekeeping and rules-based trading system, Ambassador of France to Nepal François-Xavier among others. Leger, in a recent meeting, has shown the French govern- The Nepali delegation comprised ambassador of ment’s interest in providing technical support to facilitate Nepal to Canada Bhrigu Dhungana and senior officials of the flights of Airbus aircraft with the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the national flag-carrier, Nepal Airlines Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply and the Ministry Corporation (NAC). of Education, Science and Technology. Officials of relevant According to a press release agencies were present in the Canadian delegation. issued by Nepal Airlines Corpora- tion, during the meeting with NAC Global IME Bank Opens 6 Branchless Banking Services General Manager Dim Prasad Poudel, Global IME Bank Ltd has started six Branchless bank- ambassador François-Xavier Leger ing services in six areas, including Phodpa Rural Municipality discussed the exchange of technical in Teharathum, Kaflu of Rain Municipality, Dully Municipal- support required for the operation of systematic flights of ity and Rabi Rural Municipality of Dailekh, and Badigad Airbus aircraft of the NAC Rural Municipality of Baglung district. During the meeting, emphasis was laid on mutual co- Following this, the count of branchless sections of the operation and coordination as well as technical cooperation bank reached 238. The bank also appointed various individu- in the civil aviation sector. The French ambassador pledged als from those areas as representatives to provide the service. the required technical cooperation for the smooth operation Local people and local levels can get the services from of flights by the Airbus aircraft as these aircraft were manu- the installations. The people living in the areas depend upon factured by the Airbus Company of France. agriculture, remittances and tourism for livelihood. These branchless counters will end their difficulty of having to travel Nepal, Canada Exchange Views On Bilateral Trade And far for banking transactions. Investment Global IME Bank has been The second meeting of Nepal-Canada Bilateral Con- providing banking services to sultation Mechanism (BCM) agreed to work closely towards more than 2.1 million custom- further deepening and widening cooperation and engage- ers through 264 branches, 239 ments in these sectors for mutual benefit. ATM 47 Extension counters, The respective Ministries exchanged views on bilateral 238 Branchless Branches in 73 trade and investment, educational and cultural cooperation, districts and 3 international rep- tourism and people-to-people contacts. resentatives.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 7 OPINION

Requiem For A Dysfunctional Dispensation

This Loktantrick (dis)order did not even also fascinated Nepalis as a significant nu- wait for the Monarchists to bring it down: merology indicator. Bickram 2007 (1951 its own Bhashmasurs – the demon that AD) saw the end of Rana rule; 2017 saw received a boon from Shiva but used it to King Mahendra disbanding the parliament destroy himself – were themselves more and introducing the Panchayat system; a than capable of the task. The fratricidal war year after 2027, King Mahendra passed within the ruling Marxist-Leninist-Maoist away; 2037 saw the National Referendum double-headed party finally resulted in BY DIPAK GYAWALI heralding the decline of the Panchayat; its split on Tuesday. Despite enjoying a 2047 saw its actual end; a year past 2057 practically two-third majority in parliament, despite a saw the Royal Massacre; and 2067 saw the First Constitu- comatose opposition Kangress, and despite a constitution ent Assembly, elected with such hope and fanfare, fizzle cobbled by themselves in their favour barely five years out. That led to unholy compromises and eventually a ago, the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks tore apart the new but dysfunctional constitution. The public mind is two parties, erstwhile UML fearful of what 2077 will herald, and Cash Maoists, allegedly more so with bad planetary con- united to sweep the elections figurations. three years back. In the pro- In the recent visits of spooks, What Oli seems to have un- cess, they have exposed the generals and apparatchiks from wittingly done is to tear apart the unworkable hollowness of the south, there was one message veil of deceptions since 2005 that this political order. that Nepalis are still trying to kept this dispensation lingering Culturally, Nepalis, es- figure out if it is for real: the em- along, and confirmed the worst pecially the country’s poli- phasis on traditional ties between numerological fears of all for ticians have always been two countries. While welcome, it 2077. His address to the nation fascinated by astrological would be a hard sell, primarily explained why he had to opt for predictions, often making because India itself destroyed the dissolution of parliament and why them self-fulfilling proph- pillars of those traditional ties, viz., the people themselves have to be esies. The solar eclipse of 26th monarchy and Hindu kingdom. the final judge through elections. December 2019 that repeated Essentially, senior oligarchs of his a year later on 14 December own party were bent on exercis- 2020, Saturn and Jupiter go- ing power without responsibility, ing retrograde and finally powerfully conjunct this winter extracting financial benefits for friends and family (but solstice have added to mass worries compounded by letting the blame rest on the PM), and not really letting the Covid pandemic. Nepali astrologers have said these the government move forward with plans and programs. unique planetary configurations herald epochal changes. Under this Westminster parliamentary model, this Indeed, the last time this occurred was in the 13th Century kind of malfeasance seems to be the norm in Nepal. which saw Genghis Khan’s victory, the sputtering of the Girija had to revolt against both the street politics Crusades to a finish, the Russians defeating the Swedes of the main opposition UML as well as Kangress party and the signing of the Magna Carta. A less powerful but Ganesh Man faction’s milking of contract awards that similar configuration in the 17th Century saw the Eng- forced him to dissolve the parliament in 1994. KP Bhat- lish Civil War, Cardinal Richelieu centralizing French tarai succumbed to Girija Koirala’s similar machinations power, the rise of the Qing Dynasty in China and the in 2000, and too had to dissolve Great Plague of Seville that wiped out a quarter of the the parliament because of Koirala’s conspiracies in population. 2002. What is worse this time around with Oli is that Nepal’s Bickram calendar year ending in ‘7’ has an independent referee in the form of a monarch above

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 8 OPINION competitive party politics is absent; and the office of the come, it would be a hard sell, primarily because India president has been misused as a rubber stamp by the Oli itself destroyed the pillars of those traditional ties, viz., faction of the ruling party. monarchy and Hindu kingdom. To make matters worse, The country now awaits the supreme court to give it ignored Nepal’s multi-faceted relations with India that its verdict; but there is an inherent problem in trying to ranges from family ones across 124 ethnic groups of find a legal solution to political problems. If the dissolved the country ranging from Kumaon and Gadhwal in the parliament is resurrected, it may provide a fig-leaf for the west to Assam, Darjeeling and Sikkim in the east, to say victorious side to hide behind, but it won’t erase either nothing of elite links with almost all the royal houses, the underlying unbridgeable political acrimony nor the Nepali priests in all major temples, and academic as well structural flaws in the constitution that encourages this as business partners across India. kind of irresponsible party culture. The court doing so in India excluded those rich ties from consideration, the mid-1990s, denying the PM the one instrument he has and emphasized only the family links of a few Nepal to keep the members under discipline in a Westminster Tarai families between Bagmati and Kosi with Bihar, to model, led to the corruption and loss of image of multi- the extent of imposing an economic blockade on the rest party democracy that contributed, in no small measure, of Nepal and that too in the aftermath of the devastating to the rise of Maoist insurgency. Assume this “parliament 2015 earthquake. That damage, which also provided the of whipped sheep” is restored: will it function politically, Chinese a diplomatic lottery win for no investments, especially when Kangress will have lost its position as would normally take generations to repair. And the leading opposition to one of the fratricidal communist efforts from Delhi of the last few weeks were a good factions? And for how long, that too before impending lo- start. However, if India’s spook-led (and not spook-fed) cal and general elections? neighbourhood policy is back in its This fratricidal warfare old games of micro-management and has also seeped down to regime change, of investing in easily the provinces where seri- Under this Westminster par- purchasable political clients rather ous bloodletting is in the liamentary model, this kind of than acquiring long-term friends, offing. malfeasance seems to be the norm then Nepal can expect more instabil- More serious are in Nepal. Girija Koirala had to ity in the days ahead, and a repeat of the noises emanating revolt against both the street poli- crass opportunistic politics of the late from our southern neigh- tics of the main opposition UML 1990s and post-2005! bours that is contributing as well as Kangress party Ganesh Repairing Nepal’s governance to vitiating an already Man faction’s milking of contract poisoned atmosphere rife awards that forced him to dissolve through political reforms is a dif- with suspicions and dis- the parliament in 1994. ficult enough process without the trust. An ex-Mughlani meddling of neighbours. A parasitic “viceroy” of 2005 regime federal system has been imposed change has written an on the country that soaks up all the op-ed piece in the Economic Times that can be read taxed revenue to feed political cadres with little to show in interesting ways between the lines: India’s flurry of for development. Insulting the majority by erasing their high-level recent visits was to counter Chinese influence cultural identity to benefit Abrahamic proselytizers is within the ruling party and its attempt to keep it intact inviting a dangerous backlash that cannot be controlled for stability and to woo Oli away, he admits. As a result, by morally corrupt party politicians, as the recent pro- one could read it and see India’s hand in destabilizing monarchy street demonstrations have shown. Imposing a Nepali politics to counter the Chinese. The bottom-line neo-feudal party-hegemonic rule on the country without message that Nepalis might be hearing is that China is commensurate party discipline, inner-party democracy interested in Nepal’s stability and builds it relations with or accountability across major political parties is leading institutions, while India invests in individual politicians to the alienation of the citizens from the state, a state of while destabilizing institutions, including the 2005 dis- affairs that promises more, and not less, anarchy in the pensation it midwifed. days ahead. In the recent visits of spooks, generals and apparat- The country is ripe for a rethinking – and remak- chiks from the south, there was one message that Nepalis ing – of democracy and governance led, not by the failed are still trying to figure out if it is for real: the emphasis leaders and their foreign handlers, but by the youth whose on traditional ties between two countries. While wel- future is at stake! NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 9 NEPAL-U.S TRADE TALK For Deeper Engagement Nepal And U.S. Commit To Deepening Their Engagement

BY A CORRESPONDENT

epal and the United States are far Competent Authority of away geographically. However, USDA’s Food Safety and NU.S is Nepal’s fourth largest Inspection Service (FSIS). trade partner, after two neighbors India Both countries agreed to and China. Most important part is that remain engaged on market trade between the two countries is in access issues of mutual Nepal’s favor. interest. Although COVID-19 has badly The United States- affected Nepal’s tourism sector, U.S is the Nepal Council on Trade third highest country to send the tourists and Investment, under the in Nepal. Given such an important role as United States-Nepal Trade a trade partner, trade talks between Nepal and Investment Frame- and U.S are highly important. work Agreement (TIFA), Last week, Nepal and U.S. con- held its fifth meeting virtu- Nepal provided an update on re- cluded their trade talks expressing com- ally on December 15, 2020 to promote cent investment policy reform initiatives mitment to deepen their engagement. expanded bilateral trade and investment taken to improve its investment climate, Led by Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, secretary in both goods and services. and emphasized its interest in attracting at Ministry of Industry, Commerce and The meeting was co-chaired by additional foreign investment from the Supply, Nepal has expressed the hope Christopher Wilson, Assistant United United States. The United States took that U.S will continue to provide duty States Trade Representative for South note of this interest and suggested ways free access to U.S Market. and Central Asia, and Baikuntha Aryal, in which Nepal could further enhance the The United States affirmed its Secretary of Commerce and Supplies, business climate to attract investment. engagement with Nepal on its efforts to Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Both governments pledged their foster innovation and investment through Supplies, Government of Nepal. Both commitment to deepen their engagement improvements in intellectual property delegations included officials from in these issue areas over the coming protection and enforcement. Nepal pro- trade, finance, labor, and other regula- months in intersessional meetings and vided an update on its initiatives to tory agencies. to hold the 6th TIFA Council Meeting increase intellectual property protection According to a press release is- in Kathmandu, Nepal as soon as travel through legislative changes. The United sued by US Embassy in Nepal, during conditions permit. States welcomes the opportunity for the meeting, representatives discussed a Background: further updates and engagement on these range of bilateral trade and investment- The Trade and Investment Frame- changes. Recognizing the important role related issues covered under the TIFA, in- work Agreement Between the Govern- of digital trade in fostering economic cluding, among others, customs and trade ment of the United States of America and growth, Nepal and the United States facilitation, intellectual property, digital the Government of Nepal (TIFA) entered agreed to explore ways to deepen engage- trade and e-commerce, labor, financial into force on April 15, 2011. Objectives ment on policy developments affecting services, investment promotion, trade of the agreement include the expansion the digital economy. in agriculture products, and utilization of trade, investment and technical co- The United States welcomed Ne- of the Nepal Trade Preference Program. operation, and strengthening economic pal’s efforts to promote internationally Nepal and the United States dis- relations between the two countries. recognized worker rights and the imple- cussed the importance of fully utilizing Following the 2015 earthquakes in mentation of Nepal’s labor laws. Nepal U.S. preferential trade benefits for select Nepal, the Trade Facilitation and Trade affirmed the importance it attaches to products from Nepal, available through Enforcement Act of 2015 established a worker rights and both countries agreed December 31, 2025 as a result of the new country-specific preference program to engage in constructive discussions Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforce- to grant duty-free treatment to Nepal for on these issues. The United States also ment Act of 2015. Taking note of Nepal’s products covered by 77 Harmonized Tar- welcomed confirmation that there is no interest in expanding utilization of the iff Schedule lines (including handicrafts, restriction on the import of US pork and trade preference program and reviewing shawls, and travel goods). poultry in Nepali market, and Nepal’s Nepal’s concept note, the United States Nepal and the United States had Department of Food Technology and expressed willingness to provide further $213.4 million in total (two-way) goods Quality Control (DFTQC) Nepal recog- technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade during 2019, a 38 percent increase nizes the food certificates of the National trade and investment. compared to 2018. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 10 GLOBAL VIEW Indian Politics Whither Democracy? Despite facing criticism against a number of his decisions, Modi has remained indifferent to the voice of protests.

As with every year, heavy fog started descending While in any democratic system, such re- the Indian capital last month as winter set in. But peated criticism would have mounted huge pressure the fog was not the only thing to descend. The chilly on the government and forced it to tread carefully, Indian capital also saw swathes of angry turban this has not been the case with Modi government. clad farmers from neighboring Punjab and Haryana Thanks to his party’s majority in the parliament swarming the capital to vent their frustration at the and his ‘nationalist appeals’, his staple approach BY: ABIJIT SHARMA incumbent Modi government. has, unfortunately, worked. What this has done is The farmers from Haryana and Punjab are protesting severely undermine the democratic process in the world’s against three of the government’s laws passed in September largest democracy. Take for instance the very farm laws which supports the market and Multi-National Corporations that the farmers are protesting against. The three laws were (MNCs) but puts them in jeopardy. Taken together, the hastily passed in the midst of the pandemic, without fol- laws will loosen the rules around sale, pricing and storage lowing due process in the parliament and most importantly, of farmers’ produce that have protected them for decades. without consultations with the farmers’ associations or their While the government claims that the move is necessary to leaders. The process bore striking resemblance to what hap- modernize the agriculture sector, the farmers are not buy- pened when the law on Kashmir was being passed. More ing the argument. They allege that the move will simply worryingly, the authoritarian rhetoric shown by the PM has strengthen the position of private businesses who will step injected a sense of superiority amongst his cadres who have on the law to exploit them by driving down crop prices in been brazenly practicing violence as was evidenced earlier the long term. this year in the Delhi riots. But despite almost two months of protest from one of his biggest vote blocs and two rounds of talks, the Modi government has not budged much. This has been a standard approach that the government has used to tackle dissenting voices. The Indian PM is not new to protests. Ever since his re-election last year, the right-wing leader has seen a number of demonstrations – be it against his decision to revoke the constitutional autonomy of Kashmir or against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which experts claim was overtly biased against Muslims. His decision to impose lockdown in the face of COVID-19 pandemic giving people just four hours to travel back home also invited harsh condemnation. Similar was the response Farmers from Punjab and Haryana have been protesting to his demonetization move in his first term. against the government for almost 2 months now. In all these instances, Modi and his government have remained utterly indifferent to the voice of the protests. But little will change with the current guard in place. When the PM was denounced for his decision on Kashmir, Thanks to the support the PM enjoys amongst the middle not only did he stick to it but he went further and retorted class, his populist rhetoric and an overtly biased media, the to authoritarian moves such as putting opposition leaders government’s actions will continue to go unchecked. The under house arrest and cutting of internet in the state for absence of strong opposition has also lent a hand. Noted almost a year. During the protest against CAA, many of his historian Ramachandra Guha recently wrote in one of his government ministers were busy discrediting the protestors columns that the only way to dislodge the authoritarian terming them ‘anti-nationals’ and ‘Pakistan-sponsored’. Modi-Shah regime electorally would be for Congress to When thousands of poor laborers started walking back home get rid of Gandhis and bring capable faces in leadership. in the absence of transportation facilities during the lock- Until then, one can expect to see democracy further erod- down, the government simply brushed off the issue. There ing in the country. was no show of empathy or support from the government Sharma is a political analyst with a Political Science degree for the laborers, many of whom made the travel battling from Delhi University and an International Law degree from ECUPL, Shanghai. hunger, cold and even death.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 11 COVERSTORY

POLITICS OF DISSULTION Unresolved For Seven Decades

NCP leader K.P. Sharma Oli is not the first prime minister to dissolve the parliament calling mid-term elections to reply constitutionally to frequent interventions by Party President over popular authority of elected executive in exercising the power. Starting just after the political change in 1951, between Matrika Prasad Koirala and B.P Koirala, two revolutionaries and brothers, the question over who controls the government: Party President or Prime Minister has remained a major cause for creating political turmoil of one kind or another and bringing prolonged political instability. The seven-decade-old unsettled dispute remains at the crux of the political instability in the country By KESHAB POUDEL

ad not NCP co-chair Push- In an effort to defend his the country,” said Prime Minister pa Kamal Dahal Prachan- move to dissolve the House of K.P. Sharma Oli in his message Hda and other senior leaders Representatives, PM Oli said that to the nation.” Intervening all the Mahav Kumar Nepal and Jhalnath the step is actually an outcome times in state affairs including Khanal frequently intervened to of response against selfishness of appointments and policy matters, limit the power of the executive, some power-hungry leaders within Party co-chair and other leaders popularly elected prime minister his party. crossed their limit threatening me K.P. Sharma Oli would not have “It was neither my wish to expel from the party. Elected by recommended the dissolution of nor my personal whim. It was my the people, I have decided to go to House of Representatives and compulsion to dissolve the house people seeking justice rather than fresh elections. seeking a fresh mandate to govern to surrender the people’s power,”

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 12 said Oli in his address to the nation. With formidable support tees of Parliament. PM Oli is not the first dis- among overwhelming majority of With no direct authority to solving the parliament seeking former CPN-UML and a few from control the executive, the party fresh mandate and punishing those Maoist, PM Oli too controlled chair used these committees in- who tried to control executive nor over 50 percent member in central tervening in the nitty-gritty of ap- he will be the last to do so as long committee, standing committee and pointments. As prime minister Oli as party and party president tried to parliamentary party. has been unable to move and decide curtail Prime Minister’s authority. on his own due to unconstitutional Constitutional Hindrance influence of the party president Polarization Of Politics Written with one point agen- and party leaders, he has been in Following the dissolution of da how to contain prime minister’s a power struggle in his party con- the HoR, the politics of Nepal is authority and make President a rub- fronting the leadership. now polarized establishing PM Oli ber stamp, Constitution of Nepal With the backing from party as the sole leader on one side and 2015 virtually makes the President co-chair Pushpa Kama Dahal the rest including Nepali Congress an authority of authenticating acts Prachanda, even chief whip Deb and factions of NCP on the other. and other activities. Similarly, the Gurung has started to defy the Despite vehement efforts framers of the constitution tied up order of leader of parliamentary to lure more MPs from PM Oli’s the hands of prime minister putting party Oli. camp, Prachanda, Madhav Kumar so much of ifs and buts to control Surrounded on all fronts by Nepal and Jhalnath Khanal were the authority. limiting authorities, Prime Min- unable to do so. More than 50 As the chief executive, he ister Oli has recommended the percent of MPs are still with Oli. cannot recommend head of any dissolution and called a fresh call According to Mahesh Basnet, constitutional bodies nor can he on 20 December. Had not PM Oli member of the dissolved House of recommend the name of ambassa- recommended the dissolution, his Representatives, 115 parliamentar- dors. Along with party order, prime opponents would have punished ians, nine from the National As- minister’s authority is controlled by him, removing even his general sembly and 93 from the House of Constitutional Council, Parliament membership of the party. Representatives backed Oli. Hearing Committee and Commit- Promulgated in haste and NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 13 COVERSTORY ing in many political and legal discussions to consider the steps ahead.

History Party President Vs Prime Minister Since the political changes of 1951, several political crises occurred due to the dispute be- tween Party President and Prime Minister over controlling and exercising the executive power. Started in 1952 between Nepali Congress leaders BP Koi- rala and Matrika Prasad Koirala, two brothers and leaders of revo- lution, the dispute between party president and prime minister over controlling power has spilt political parties several times. Those who lead the party hold the view that the prime minister should abide party directions and drafted by politicians with diverse limited time to prevent major politi- decision while taking executive interests, the constitution is a docu- cal actions against him, the prime decisions. ment of contradictions and political minister called the emergency In 1952, Nepali Congress document rather than based on meeting of the Council of Ministers president B.P Koirala expelled fundamental of constitutionalism. had recommended to the President Prime Minister Matrika Prasad Surya Thapa, press advisor to to dissolve the parliament. Koirala charging him for not abid- the Prime Minister, said that scrums Following the government’s ing by the party. Similarly, Girija and gatherings held against the decision, parties in opposition as Prasad Koirala dissolved the House party’s statute and rules could not well as the dissenting side within in 1994 following growing disputes remove the PM. “In the meeting, the ruling party have been engag- PM Oli said that these gatherings were just an ugly joke to make the world laugh,” added Thapa. Remembering an incident of 2028 BS when some people had expelled him from their group dur- ing the Jhapa movement, PM Oli said, “Again, coincidently ‘Prachanda’’s group has been declaring to remove me from NCP. This is nothing but a political drama before the whole world.” Prime Minister Oli also has made an effort to compromise visiting Prachanda and Bam Dev Gautam’s residence on 19 Decem- ber. However, Prachanda and the groups did not show any sign to budge. As he was helpless and had

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 14 COVERSTORY with President Krishna Prasad the first elections, he shared party taken by the Council of Ministers Bhattarai and supreme leader presidentship with Maoist leader in accordance with Article 76 (1) Ganesh Man Singh. Prachanda following the merger (7) and Article 85 of the constitu- Bhattarai even filed a peti- between the two parties in 2017. tion. tion in the Supreme Court along Prachanda, as a party chair- The PM’s move comes in the with main opposition CPN-UML man, started to pressure prime min- backdrop of the rival faction of the demanding to restore the House of ister in power sharing. Taking sup- NCP pressuring him to step down Representatives. In 2002, Sher Ba- port from either as PM or party co-chair. The hadur Deuba dissolved the House and Jhalnath Khanal, former col- PM had fallen into minority in all of Representative following his leagues of Oli, Prachanda moved the key bodies of the party — the disputes with then president Girija to contain the powers of PM. Secretariat, the Standing Commit- Prasad Koirala. tee and the Central Committee — When Koirala expelled Dramatic Turn and his opponents were threatening Prime Minister Deuba, he split In a dramatic turn of events, to take action against him on the the party and registered Nepali PM Oli, who has been mired in an basis of majority. Congress Democratic. Knowing intra-party feud with the rival fac- A few days ago, 83 NCP

the political consequences, later tion of the ruling Nepal Communist lawmakers had signed a petition Koirala continued to lead party Party (NCP), recommended disso- seeking special session of Parlia- and parliamentary committee. He lution of the House of Representa- ment, indicating that the PM might became prime minister in 2006 tives. With no authority in hand, not hold majority in the party’s through revived House of Rep- President Bidhya Devi Bhandari parliamentary party, which has 173 resentative but he held both the approved it within hours announc- members. positions. followed ing that general elections will be The Prime Minister further senior Koirala. held on April 30 and May 10. alleged that attempts were made Although K.P. Sharma Oli A press release issued by the time and again to making the also held party president and President’s Office stated that the national politics anomalous and parliamentary leader positions in decision to dissolve the House was unstable after the election itself. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 15 COVERSTORY

“Some leaders were constantly minister to dissolve the house,” ality of the PM’s recommendation. making efforts to head towards said Acharya. The House of Representatives instability even though the govern- Former President of Nepal can be dissolved under Article 76 ment had started working as per Bar Association Shambhu Thapa (1) (7) of the constitution. public’s aspirations,” Oli said. said the government could recom- It clearly states that the House He also claimed that some mend dissolution of HoR only if it can only be dissolved when no leaders in the party were entirely didn’t have the numbers. Actions of party has a clear majority and the focused on occupying post rather the PM and the president have no leader chosen as prime minister than working to deliver as per peo- constitutional validity, as Oli was by coalition partners fails to prove ple’s mandate. heading a majority government, majority within 30 days of his/her Oli also accused the ‘other he added. appointment. faction’ of plotting against him, Nepali Congress lawmaker However, Prime Minister time and again, which ultimately Radhe Shyam Adhikari, who is also Oli’s supporters hold the view that compelled him to take the decision a senior advocate, said if all the par- Prime Minister can dissolve the which he says was not what he in- ties agreed to go to the polls, HoR house as it is his special preroga- tended to do in the first place. polls could take place, but if they tive. “Constitution has clearly said Constitutional expert Dinesh decided to challenge the move in that Prime Minister can dissolve the Tripathy said that the PM’s move the court and protests broke out on House of Representatives and go for was unconstitutional and the presi- the streets, the constitutional bench fresh elections,” said lawyer and MP dent should not have endorsed it. would have to test the constitution- Sher Bahadur Tamang. “The present consti- tution does not have a provision that allows a majority govern- ment to dissolve the House” Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya claimed that the PM’s action is un- constitutional. “ The constitution does not have any provision that allows prime

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 16 COVERSTORY ers, told Reuters. junior partner. Dissolution In Court “It’s a constitutional coup. This is the same with right- Although the dissolution is I’m seeking a stay order from the ist RPP. Instead of taking political a political decision taken by citing court,” Tripathy said, adding that mileage out of current polarization, the constitution, constitutional and under the constitution, the prime RPP leaders also decided to back legal experts in Nepal have already minister should allow the formation one communist faction and against taken the issue of dissolution in of an alternate government to ensure the other. Supreme Court. stability in a country that has seen Whether there will be elec- Opponents of prime minister 26 prime ministers in 30 years. tions or revival, Nepali Congress led by NC leader Sher Bahadur If the court registers the peti- will be a major loser in the politics Deuba, ruling Party NCP leader tions, it could take about two weeks of Nepal. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Ku- for a decision, legal experts say. mar Nepal have decided to move a External Concerns petition to the Supreme Court chal- Contradiction of NC Situated between two big lenging dissolution of parliament Under the leadership of Sher and the calling of an election term- Bahadur Deuba, Nepali Congress powers China and India, Nepal has a long history of political instability. As a small country with modern institutions in the process of institutionalization, Nepal has already seen seven constitutions in the last seventy years. From autocratic Rana Re- gime, Constitutional monarchy, party less panchayat with uni- tary forms of government to present secular, federal republic, Nepal has experimented several forms of governments. Despite seeing a government appointed by King to a government with thumping majority in the par- liament and two thirds majority government, Nepal is yet see ing the move as unconstitutional. has shown a major contradiction any political stability. Out of 275 members of House, 138 joining a political front against PM With growing regional ten- have reportedly signed the petition. Oli to make Prachanda next prime sions, China and India, which jostle Earlier, lawyers have already minister in case of revival of HoR. for influence in Nepal, have not pub- filed 12 petitions challenging the Interestingly, Nepali Congress dissolution including one by senior which launched a nationwide pro- licly commented on the upheaval. advocate Dinesh Tripathy. Accord- test against the rule of authoritar- However, they have the natural ing to the constitution, five mem- ian communist is now following concern over Nepal’s instability. bers Constitutional Bench of Su- another leader of same party which The seven decades of unset- preme Court will start the hearing. was in power till a few days ago. tled dispute between party president Supreme Court Spokesman Although this is a good op- and prime minister over controlling Bhadrakali Pokharel said 12 peti- portunity for Nepali Congress to the power continues to cause the tions against the dissolution were correct its posture of ideologically political instability in the country. “in the process of being registered”. communist leaning to centrist lib- Until Nepal clearly sets prec- “Under the constitution, the eral democratic party contesting edence on party president and prime prime minister has no prerogative to elections to defeat divided commu- minister, nothing can prevent the dissolve parliament,” lawyer Dinesh nist, NC leadership chose to back power clashes in the country result- Tripathi, who is one of the petition- one communist against other as a ing in political instability. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 17 ENERGY

NEA Smartening Staff As Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been implementing programs and projects on transforming its operation, management and distribution modalities to match the new system of digital transmission and distribution, it requires employees, including senior managers, to deliver and improve the utility’s performance and efficiency in operation in line with new system. Keeping pace with NEA’s construction work, various levels of training and exercise related with governance and management principles, as well as technical knowhow, are going onto facilitate the transition to a new structure

BY MADAN POUDEL

hile walking along Maha- Budhanilkanth Municipality, NEA has the country. rajgunj and Chabahil, two entered the digital meter era. The power utility has stated that Wmost busy roads of Kath- Under its first phase program, it has advanced the smart grid system mandu Valley, everyone can notice NEA has already changed 8222 Time to modernize the power sector of Ne- workers laying the underground cables off Day Meters to smart devices. Under pal by introducing the latest technol- of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). the second phase, over 125000 meters ogy that has been adopted globally to NEA started its first phase of will be replaced by smart meters. Some make power generation, transmission underground electricity distribution 18000 have already been installed and lines and distribution system reliable system by laying down the power other 60,000 are under the process. and timely. wires in Kathmandu in2019. Some The project will replace 400000 old Speaking at a webinar recently, 250-km, 11,000-voltage underground meters by smart meters in Kathmandu NEA Acting Managing Director, lines and 400-km, 400 voltage under- Valley; the tender process has already Hitendra Dev Shakya, said that work ground lines are now being laid down proceeded. has already started by promoting the in Baluwatar, Panipokhari, Budhanil- The constructions of 220 kV concept of smart grid system for qual- kantha, Tokha, Gongabu, Samakhusi Marsyangdi Transmission linking ity and reliable energy. and Maharajgunj that fall under the Kathmandu and distribution system According to Shakya, the author- purview of Maharjgunj distribution to 132 kV and other transmission ity has moved ahead by digitizing its center. lines and distribution systems, which infrastructure and services. “As soon Likewise 200-km long are currently going on, indicate that a as we install the smart grid system, we 11,000-voltage underground lines major transformation is taking place in will be able to provide quality electric- and about 400-km 400-voltage un- NEA’s Power Transmission and Distri- ity service to consumers and NEA’s derground lines are being laid in bution centers aimed at enhancement system will also be strengthened. We some places including Ratnapark and of efficiency. are modernizing the entire system of Bagbazar. With financial Assistance of NEA, including, transmission lines, This is not the only one aspect over $555 million by the Asian De- distribution and load dispatch centers of transformation. NEA has also velopment Bank, NEA has been and power generation,” he said. started installation of smart meters modernizing its entire system in the With the new technology in- in Kathmandu Valley. Staring from Kathmandu Valley and other parts of stalled, consumers have also started

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 18 ENERGY

to complain about NEA’s failure to non-technical staffs at NEA who are that enhance the capacity of NEA staff repair and maintain the systems. In the involved in day-to-day operations and to operate the new system inclusively, last two months, NEA’s Maharagunj project implementation. There is the effectively and efficiently area pre- Distribution System received a lot of need of knowledge and expertise on requisite. complaints related to smart meters. modern utility management practices Conducted by highly qualified The solution is simple. But in and tools at the bottom and new skills and experienced national and interna- the absence of adequate technicians at the top. tional consultants, NEA’s employees with skills, there happens to be a delay From carrying ladder in the have been currently taking training in maintenance work. maintenance of old systems, the new exercises on technical, managerial “If there is no technician to fix system will be governed by a smart and Gender Equality and Social Inclu- the smart meters, return the old meters mobile phone. Similarly, smart sion issues. to the customers,” said Bal Krishna meters mean smart payment without Administered by ADB with Shrestha, chairperson of ward 3 of meter readers. support from Japan Fund For Poverty Budhanilkantha Municipality. This Having worked for decades in Reduction in close coordination with indicated the need for upgrade of the old technology, based on semi- NEA, Humanist Institute for Co- NEA’s technical capacity. mechanical systems, and managing operation with Developing Countries the small load with limited electricity (Hivos), Netherlands along with its NEA’s Capacity Building grid with around 800 MW generation consortium Centre for Rural Technol- With the completion of under- capacities, NEA will have to manage ogy, Nepal (CRT/N), Nepal, Practical ground cabling and introduction of over 2000 MW power by next year. Action Consulting (PAC Pvt), Nepal, new smart technology and expansion NEA’s transmission and dis- and Ricardo-AEA Ltd (R-AEA), UK of distribution and transmission sys- tribution system is 133 kV, 66 kV,33 have been selected as consulting firms tem, NEA will have to operate in an kV and11 kV, with single phase and to provide services for the TA. Ri- entirely new way. However, success- double phase, for distribution. They cardo’s team of international experts, fully handling these systems depends have now to handle 220 kV. With all with support from CRT/N delivered on the capacity of NEA’s employees. these, there is the need of orientation the technical and managerial training For all this, there is need to for the staff from the top to the bottom for NEA. National Association of up-skill managers, deputy managers, rung for communication of all these Community Electricity Users Nepal engineers and heads of distribution changes. (NACEUN) is the strategic partner centers, and other technical and Training and other exercises for the project.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 19 ENERGY As the training is in the initial financial returns for further develop- Power Trade Department and for- stage, it is yet to make a bigger impact ment, the employees also need to be mer spokesperson, said that sharing in NEA’s employees, particularly on prepared for this. the global experiences with experts institutional development and digitali- “We emphasize the fast deploy- enhanced capacities to address the zation of the systems. ment of automation and digitization in new challenges. He said that NEA is our businesses. The use of automation in the process of modernization and Experiences of NEA system to monitor, control and man- transformation of infrastructure. Lila Aryal, deputy director at Bagmati Prov- ince expressed that the training exercise helped her to under- stand the new technology and managerial skill. Aryal, who par- ticipated in the week-long ex- ecutive training course, said the modern technol- ogy and smart devices will bring about a dif- ferent scenario. Madan Timsina, the spokesper- age the power system from Nepal “Initially, we had confusions son of NEA, holds the view that the Electricity Authority generation to about the courses. However, I found recent efforts of Asian Development distribution network shall be our pri- it was very useful to acquire new Bank and NEA to provide the training ority at the door step for facilitating managerial skills applicable to the to enhance capacity of employees are the reduction of operational cost and public utility like our organization.” the key to a successful transformation. providing better services to our valued With the intervention aimed at “The ongoing short term training and customers. We strongly feel that some building the capacity of top executive exercise with high-level experts from policy measures are to be introduced officers to middle level of managerial different parts of the world is a good on an urgent basis in this regard so and junior engineers and other admin- beginning to prepare our employees that our journey from digitization to istrative staff of distribution centers, for operation of the new system digitalization would prove beneficial formidable numbers of employees and work in the changing global in several ways including saving have already been trained. scenario,” said Timsina, who also through operational efficiency and “To date, we have trained- participated in a senior executive A transparency across the value chain to 102staff at level 9and above as a exercise last year. all players in the power ecosystem,” part of the managerial training pro- “The high-level exercise helped writes outgoing MD Kul Man Ghising gram and another106 staff from 53 us learn the contemporary manage- in his message given to NEA’s Annual distribution centres trained in new ment procedures of public utility and Report of 2020 published in August. and emerging energy technologies service delivery around the world and Having worked at NEA for pertinent to NEA.” said Mohammad technical knowhow of smart systems. long, Manoj Silwal, Deputy Manag- Arbaaz Nayeem, Associate Director, NEA’s employees need to understand ing Director, Project Management Energy Practice, Ricardo Energy & the technology to work in the new Directorate, said that ADB’s overall Environment. system.” support including for the training “Developed on the basis of As the main objective of NEA and interactions, bringing high-level needs assessment for both the man- as a power sector utility is to satisfy experts from different parts of the agement and technical staff, the train- its consumers with continuous, reli- world, is highly relevant and helpful ing courses addressed the key knowl- able and quality supply of electricity in the present context. edge gaps and issues identified by as well as to maintain reasonable Prabal Adhikari, Director of NEA managers and technical staff.”

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 20 ENERGY Although it has just started, The second technical training actions with the employees and their the training program looks like it is concluded in February 2020. This needs, some participants went to the going to deliver necessary sensitiza- was divided into modules: Module A training with some confusion. Frankly tion, awareness, capacity building and Module B. This training included speaking, I was very confused on the and up-scaling skills for the staff to 10 level and 9 level and lower engi- first day. My other colleagues also handle the technologies currently in neers. The training content included had similar views,” said deputy direc- the process of installation. Modern Network Planning and De- tor Aryal. sign, Distribution and Transmission “Every sector in the world is Training Course System Planning, Undergrounding of now progressing to new methods and The training is divided into two parts. The first was the Manage- ment Training, for managers and employees of 10 and 11 levels and above. It started on 21 August and concluded on 6 September 2019. The content of training included Negotiations and Public Commu- nications, Key Performance Indica- tors, Finance and Tariffs. Under unbundling sectors, the participants were briefed on international experiences; financial management; HR management, organizational change and financial instruments. The management training aimed to develop institutional governance and utility manage- ment practices at NEA with a view to facilitating improved business planning, investment management NEA: Acting MD, Hitendra Dev Shakya and sector policy formulation. This also included NEA in operational Utilities and Power and Distribution ideas daily. Even for existence, every and management performance im- Transformers in Module A. sector should confront, adapt and provement to deliver better services Likewise, Module B taught exercise new approaches to solving to customers and support economic Smart Grid Technologies, Smart new problem, with new technology in development of Nepal.“The course Grids, Smart Metering, Technolo- new situations. We also need to move was intensive as it covered broadly,” gies and Applications, Geographic in a new direction. This kind of capac- said spokesperson Timsina. Information Systems and Variable ity building training is timely,” said “The training program has been Renewable Energy. Technology Deepa Subedi, Engineer, and PMD. designed by Ricardo’s energy sector Experts Trevor Fry and John Snow “We have to prepare ourselves to experts to meet Nepal Electricity from Ricardo conducted the training work in the whole new smart systems. Authority’s ambitions for develop- for106NEA’s technical staffs. This training gave us some hope.” ment of the sector, including improv- Deputy Managing Directors “Following my participation in ing operational capacity to enable (DMD), directors, assistant directors the training, I came to believe that, utilization of smart-grid technology. and managers and deputy managers, adopting digital systems on the exist- The comprehensive training program joint directors, junior directors, heads ing infrastructure, changing ways of draws on international best practices of distribution centers and project working, adding talented and skill- and includes respected keynote speak- managers, engineers, sociologists, en- ful employees, and modernizing IT ers. The courses started in August vironmentalists, and engineers from systems will hasten transformation. and ran through to September 2019,” NEA’s various directorate attended The smart system helps to increase said Mohammad Arbaaz Nayeem, the program. the observability and controllabil- Associate Director, Energy Practice, “Although the training courses ity of the power generation system and Ricardo Energy & Environment. were designed on the basis of inter- from an operator point of view,” said

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 21 ENERGY Yam Kumari Gurung, DCS Lamjung. not enough. Only secure and efficient With the declaration of Nepal govern- supply of electricity can bring the “With the new technology and infra- ment to realize universal coverage of structures coming, there need to train change in the livelihood of the people. electricity for all by 2023, everything manpower,” Gurung said. “With the installation of smart tech- “At a time when NEA has been nologies and new system within NEA, will have to change in NEA. transforming its structures, transmis- the time has come for organization and In the process of this major trans- sion and distribution systems with its employees to encourage women in formation in NEA’s generation, opera- new technologies, only up skilled and rural areas to use electricity to improve tion and distribution systems, enhance managerial skills as well as new skills at maintenance, distribution and customers’ level will be necessary. Gyanu Bist, Commu- nications Officer, CRT/N, holds the view that the train- ing has given an up-skilling and capacity building oppor- tunity to enhance the NEA’s employees in GESI, opera- tion, consumer services and other sector as well. “This program and the training needs assessment highlighted a significant num- trained NEA employees can help make livelihood,” said Manjari Shrestha, Re- ber of areas where up skilling, training it viable for electricity to improve newable Energy professional, Practical the livelihood of women in the rural Action Consulting (PAC Pvt), Nepal, and capacity development would con- parts of Nepal,” said Dr. Purushottam With the completion of the train- tribute to improved utility management Shrestha, Project Supervisor and Micro ing activities for NEA, it is expected and operations,” said Mohammad Finance Advisor, CRT/N in an interac- that NEA’s institutional capacity will Arbaaz Nayeem, Associate Director, tion with media. go up with employees enhancing their Energy Practice, Ricardo Energy & NEA’s system is modernizing its capacity. Environment. operating systems with digitalization. “We greatly appreciated the However, it will make no sense to the overall enthusiasm and commitment As NEA has been going through consumer until the employees of NEA from the senior management and lead- a major transformation and expansion of start to deal with the consumers effi- ership teams at NEA that was displayed its transmission and distribution services ciently and effectively and NEA does throughout the training programs to while introducing the new technologies not make itself inclusive. enhance capacity and make the insti- and constructing new infrastructures in “Despite making digitalization tution inclusive and GESI friendly,” and adopting new technology, NEA’s said Dr. Indira Shakya, Nepal GESI generation, transmission and distribution, employees and its systems remain Expert, CRT/N. everyone can notice the ongoing efforts. there to operate with an old mindset. According to NEA’s annual re- However, the training aimed at This training, which includes various port 2020/021, NEA has been provid- building NEA capacity in new and emerg- ing services to consumers through its components related to protection of ing energy technologies and applications consumer interest and service deliv- 129 Distribution Centers (DC) spread and NEA capacity in utility management ery, aims to change it,” said Narayan all over the country to total 42, 17,710 Gyawali, Chairperson, NACEUN. consumers and increase of 7.88% over to operate and maintain Kathmandu valley “We are reaching to all the level of the last fiscal year. is going on quietly. This is a small but key NEA’s structures to improve govern- From operating at annual costs part of making NEA efficient, inclusive ance and delivery.” of merely a few billion rupees, NEA’s and adaptive, to run the underground cable, Availability of energy in the grid annual turnover is likely to cross over smart transmission, distribution and meter and digitalization of systems alone is 50 billion rupees in the coming years. system. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 22 VIJAYA KUMAR SHAH Highest Individual Income Tax Payer Nepal Government Felicitates Vijaya Kumar Shah As Highest Individual Income Tax Payer

BY A CORRESPONDENT

orking quietly promoting able to maintain its production and income tax in 2018/19 and received Nepalese industries and place its chairman on top of the income the government accolade. Wcontributing to Nepal’s tax paying individuals in FY 2018/19. Annapurna Agro Industries treasury by paying the tax, Vijaya Amid a program, Shah was fe- Pvt Ltd (taxpayer paying highest tax Kumar Shah, chairman of Jawalakhel licitated by Finance Minister Bishnu among agro and livestock industries), Group of Industries, has rarely boasted Prasad Paudel as the largest individual Chhimek Laghubitta Bittaya Sanstha about his contributions. tax payer for fiscal year 2018/19 on Ltd (taxpayer paying highest tax Running one of the most trans- behalf of the Government of Nepal. among cooperatives and microfinance parent industries in the country, Shah Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd has become companies), Nepal Reinsurance Com- has made his name and fame in the the biggest income tax payer of the pany Ltd (among insurance compa- industrial sector. His contribution to country for fiscal year 2018/19. Fi- nies), Manipal Education and Medical the nation has proven his worth. nance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel Group (among education service) Industrialist Shah’s group of in- felicitated the Indo-Nepal-UK joint and IME Ltd (among dustry is also helping to reduce remittance companies) the import of foreign made bev- were also felicitated erages producing high quality by the Inland Revenue beverages in the country. Department. CNI has felicitated Shah Agni Incorpo- and other business persons for rated Pvt Ltd (taxpay- their contributions to the na- er paying highest tax tion as largest tax payers to the among trading busi- country. nesses) and Taragaon At a time when a number Regency Hotel Limited of alcohol and beverage com- (among tourism busi- panies are coming in the market nesses) also received amid growing completion from imported beer and beverage, the government felici- Shah, a renowned industrialist, tation. has not only fairly and transpar- Kamana Bikas ently been paying taxes to the Bank Ltd was honored country but is maintaining the by Finance Minister quality of his products. Paudel for paying the For paying the highest income highest income tax in tax among the individual taxpayers venture along with 14 other taxpayers fiscal year 2018/19 from among the in FY 2018/019, Jawalakhel Group for paying highest income taxes to the taxpayers that are under the Medium of Industries’ Chairman Vijay Kumar country amid a ceremony to mark the Level Taxpayers Office while VFS re- Shah has received the government 9th National Tax Day. ceived the government felicitation for accolades. Among exporters, Dabur Nepal paying the highest tax from taxpayers Although the COVID-19 has Pvt Ltd was honored for being the across the inland revenue offices in badly shaken the industrial sector, largest taxpayer. Himal Power Ltd the country. Jawalakhel Group of Industries, a busi- was felicitated for being the largest Ghorahi Cement Industries Pvt ness conglomerate managing multiple taxpayer among special industries. In Ltd was felicitated for paying the companies that manufacture and dis- terms of banks and financial institu- highest Value Added Tax in the same tribute alcoholic beverages, has been tions, Nabil Bank Ltd paid the highest fiscal year. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 23 VIEWPOINT Drying Springs: A Threat To Human Survival

BY: MADHAV DHAKAL , CHIRANJIBI BHATTARAI, BHUMIKATHAPA AND SUSHMA TIWARI

Background chief administrative officers. Springs are the main source of water for millions While springs have dried in 74 percent of themu- of people in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya nicipalities studied(Figure 1),in about 58 percent of the (HKH).Theyare criticalto terrestrial and aquatic eco- study area, springs have shifted from one site to another systems. But springs are drying up rapidly,threatening – a phenomenon caused primarily by the 2015 earthquake, human survival throughout the HKH region. The according to local informants. drying up of springs hasadversely impacted local communities,especially women, who are mostly respon- sible for collecting water for the household. A recent countrywidestudy by Nepal Water Conservation Founda- tion (NWCF)and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)found thatsprings are drying up in 74 percent ofthe 300 municipalities and rural municipalities it looked into.In some places, shortage of water has forced people to migrate from their birthplace. Despite the urgency, this water-induced disaster has received little attention. Far fromtrying to solve the problem, local governments have been promoting water-lifting projectsthatharm the environment and cause springs to dry up. The so-called development model that prioritizes careless, haphazard infrastructure extension has aggravated the problem. Current situation Over 10 million people in both rural, peri urban and urban settlements of Nepal depend on spring sources to meet their water needs. Many springs of the Churia (Si- walik), middle hills and mountains are drying up or have Figure 1:Only 26% of the municipalities involved already dried. Studies show that the problem is becoming in the study reported no loss or drying up of springs more severe throughout the HKH. Consequently, com- munities are facing unprecedented water shortage. People have only two options: either to migrate or find alternative People across Nepal – from Ilam district in theeast sources of water. Both options are expensive and merely to Darchulain the west –are facing severe water scarcity. shift the water stress from one place to another. Local government representatives from the municipalities The recent NWCF and ICIMOD study was built studied suggest the drying of springs has different levels around a survey conducted in 300 municipalities in Nepal, of impact on different sectors: 76 percent on drinking and covered the Churia, mid-hills and mountains region. water, 36 percent on sanitation and hygiene, 35 percent Respondents included top-level officials – mostly mayors/ on livestock feeding, and 50 percent on irrigation and chairpersons, some deputy mayors/vice chairpersons, and other domestic uses (Figure 2).

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 24 VIEWPOINT In Nepal, infrastructure projects are often carried out without a rigorous environmental assessment, which leads to depletion of water sources. Local government leaders cited haphazard road and infrastructure con- struction as the major cause of drying springs (51%) followed by earthquakes (46%), climate change (45%), deforestation (32%), landslide (30%), and other causes like hydropower tunnels, forest fires, destruction of old ponds and aahals(wallows),and concretization of tradi- tional irrigation channels. An alarming finding from the survey is that only 11 percent of the springs are intact and unaffected. The natural causes are associated with global Figure 2:Problems caused by drying up of springs warming and climate change.Erratic rainfalls have caused drying of both surface waterand groundwater. In extreme cases of water shortage, people had no Rainfalls of high intensity and short duration have inten- choice but to leave their ancestral villages. According to sified water-induced hazards like floods and landslides, an article inThe Himalayan Times, about 7 percent of the causing springs to disappear. Locals say they have not municipalities covered by the studyfacedsuch incidents. experienced jhari (rainfall of low intensity and long Some villages of Ram Prasad Rai Rural Municipal- duration) in recent decades. In addition, Nepal lies in a ity (RM) of Bhojpur, SahidbhumiRM and Mahalaxmi seismicallyactive region and experiences earthquakes of Municipality of Dhankuta, Dalome RM of Mustang and various magnitudes. These earthquakes disturb under- Chhatreshowri RM of Salyan were displaced due to lack ground aquifers andalter the direction of groundwater of water sources. flows,causing springs to dry up. Why springs are drying up Another reason why springs are drying isthat wallows and ponds that were traditionally used to pro- The drying up of springs can be attributed to three vide water to livestock and as wallowing grounds for major factors – anthropogenic activities, climate change, livestock are no longer maintained and have fallen into and seismic events (see Figure 3). disuse. These ponds, which with rainwaterduring the Anthropogenic activities include infrastructure monsoon, were an integral part of agrarian life in the development such as construction of roads, hydropower past, not only provided water for animals and plants, but tunnels, and cemented irrigation canals;and land use also helped recharge aquifers.Although locals still build changes such as deforestation and over-exploitationof and manage these ponds using knowledge passed down natural resources. Unplanned urbanization and popu- through generations in some places, traditional customs lation growth,which leads to higher consumption and are increasingly being abandoned, and new wallows are dependency on springs and other water sources,is also no longer being dug. causing water scarcity. Old and sacred rituals associated with water bodies have been disappearing as well. They include festivals like SithiNakha, Chhat, and Nadiparwa,during which people not only take holy baths but also clean rivers, lakes and ponds.

Short-sighted solutions As springs across the country are drying, the practice of liftinggroundwater using electric pumps has become rampant. Several municipalities havede- clared themselves‘drought-prone areas’ and allocated budget for drilling tube-wells, deep boring and lifting. Groundwater liftingusing deep-boring technology is now on every local government’s agenda, even though few people knew about it until recently. It is one of Figure 3:Causes of drying up of springs the major causes for the drying of springs, as springs

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 25 VIEWPOINT and water-lifting schemes share the same aquifers. Provincial and local govern- ments allocate considerable budget for such activities, without taking into account that groundwater extraction might be ineffective and un- sustainable in the long run. Exemplary but in- sufficient The silver lining is that a number of local govern- ments are concerned about the drying of springs and realize this is a serious issue. Some local governments have started thinking about spring revival but areunable to put a stop to destructive practices such as haphazard infrastructure development. Some municipalities tion activist fromNamobuddha Municipality of Kavredis- have rehabilitated traditional ponds, established rain- trict, shared how the dried up spring in her municipality water-harvesting systems, and launched programmes to revived a year or two after her conservation group built augment spring flow. Physical interventions such as con- a pond in the recharge zone. Theirstoriesoffer valuable struction of trenches, ponds, ditches, swamps, reforesta- lessons on spring revival and their efforts should besup- tion, etc. are also being carried out. About 50 percent of ported and replicated widely. local governments covered by the NWCF-ICIMODstudy have incorporated water source protection and spring revival activities in municipal plans and programmes, A way forward but they admit they lackthe required technical expertise. To mitigate the crisis of drying springs, local gov- To help address this gap,NWCF and ICIMOD ernments, community groups and technicians/experts organized a policy dialogue called ‘PaniSatsang’on 16 should make concerted efforts for spring revival. An October 2020.The event focused on ways to mainstream effective spring revival programme requires the partici- spring revival in policy making and implementation at pation and coordination of multiple actors at the local, the local government level. Local policymakers and provincial and federal level. Spring revival measures and stakeholders shared their views on water resource man- related capacity building programmes should be incorpo- agement and conservation policies, practices, and alterna- rated in municipal plans,taking into account gender eq- tives. They highlighted innovative spring revivalefforts uity and social inclusion.There is a need to enhance local such as construction of recharge ponds, trenches and capacity in hydrogeological assessment so that locals can bunds, planting of trees, shrubs and grasses, building of identify recharge areas. A spring conservation network, temples, etc. locally referred to as Pani Heralu (Water Watchers), For example,Durga Devi Bhattarai, Deputy Mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam,talked about the ‘one has been initiated in some municipalities, and it should ward–one pond’programme, birthday tree plantation be expanded to promote good practices. Incorporating campaign, restrictionsimposed on heavy equipment spring revival in school and college curriculums would used in infrastructure development, and the prohibition also be useful. It is equally important touseavailable on pesticide and chemical fertilizer use around springs. water efficiently, assess groundwater availability and HarkaBahadur Saud, Chairperson of Chaurpati Rural use, and monitor and improve water quality. Municipality (RM), Achham,said the RM has already Authors :Madhav Dhakal works at ICIMOD. Chi- constructed 2000 recharge ponds and carried out tree ranjibi Bhattarai, BhumikaThapa and Sushma Tiwari plantation programmes. NanuGhatane, a spring conserva- work atNWCF.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 26 TU CONVOCATION Limited By COVID-19 At this year’s TU convocation, attended by a limited number of participants, journalist Sharad Chandra Bhandary was awarded for topping his batch at the master’s level in journalism

BY A CORRESPONDENT

aking part in the university joy for me as I have completed my istry, Puja Bhattarai from Central convocation is a dream for master’s while performing my duty Department of Management and Tmany students. However, in RSS,” said Bhandary. “Pursuing Chakra Bam of Central Department only a few graduates were allowed education is a never ending process to physically take part in this year’s and I have a mission to pursue Ph.D convocation at the Tribhuwan Uni- in journlalism.” versity (TU). Having worked for 22 years Deputy Chief Correspond- in RSS, Bhandary has travelled ent of Rastriya Samachar Samiti extensively in different parts of the (RSS) Sharad Chandra Bhandary country as well as abroad. was among the hundred plus par- TU decided to downsize the ticipants attending the 46 th TU number of participants due to the convocation. fear of coronavirus. Pursuing his study alongside Out of 7,057 graduates who work, Bhandary had secured the had filled the form and paid the top position in his batch for an due amounts to participate in the MA in Journalism and showed convocation, TU will award only that if there is a will, there indeed 86 students physically and the is a way. remaining will be addressed by a Bhandary stood first in his virtual program. class and emerged on top of the list Lila Prasad Bagale, who in MA-Journalism batch of 2074 came first in Master’s Degree under the TU Central Department from TU Central Campus, won the of Political Science. of Journalism and Mass Communi- Chancellor medal with 4.0 GPA. The medal winners and those cation, Central Campus, Kirtipur. Chairperson of the main function completing M.Phil, and Ph.D, and Bhandary, a self-made man committee Dr Ghanashyam Thakur, guests totaling 200 attend the func- and hardworking journalist, had who is also the joint controller of tion, Thakur said. A total of 7,087 also worked as a news reader with the TU Office of the Examinations students have graduated this year Radio Nepal for over 15 years. Controller, said various 31 med- from the University. The convoca- He also produced contemporary als and prizes will be presented. tion was held on December 21. programs, Ghatna Ra Bichar and Other toppers include Pratiksya Although the number of par- Paribesh. Rijal from School of Management, ticipation is small, Tribhuwan Uni- Bhandary was there to re- Swarnim Raj Lamsal from Central versity, Nepal’s largest and oldest ceive two medals for his feat, Department of English, Narendra varsity, has fulfilled one of its most including the TU graduate medal Raj Paneru of Central Department and Narayan Shanti Mishra medal. of Economics, Ram Lal Bhusal important functions by holding the “It was a moment of pride and of Central Department of Chem- convocation. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 27 HDI Nepal’s Progress In the newly released Human Development Report 2020, Nepal has made some gains

BY A CORRESPONDENT

inister for Foreign Affairs mati Province is at the highest level Conceptually, it develops a new Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a HDI of 0.502. Karnali Province planetary-pressure-adjusted-human- Mrecently launched the Hu- has the lowest HDI of 0.375. development-index (PHDI) and gives man Development Report 2020 in the “For three decades, Human HDI a new dimension of accounting presence of representatives from the Development Reports have funda- the impact a country makes to the government, development partners, mentally shaped the ideas and policy planet. civil society organizations, private discourse on alternative assessment Member of National Planning sector and the media. of development and wellbeing. The Commission Krishna Prasad Oli, Although Nepal has made pro- criteria used for measuring human former Finance Minister Dr. Yuba gress in Human Development Index development have been the basis Raj Khatiwada, Executive Director (HDI), with 0.587 in 2019, the risk for advancing social development of Global Climate Fund YannickGle- remains given the COVID-19 pan- agenda, including in Nepal. The con- marec, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez, demic. Nepal improved the position tents of the HDR reports have served UNDP Resident Representative up from the index of 0.579 in 2018. as useful policy resources for many Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labe, UNDP Published by National Planning countries,” said minister for foreign Deputy Resident Representative Commission, the report shows that in affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali while Bernardo Cocco, Director General, the past three decades, Nepal gained launching the report. International Centre for Integrated from 0.378 in 1990 to the present “Successive human develop- Mountain Development Dr.Pema status of the HDI. ment reports since 1990 have high- Gyamtsho, Chair of Federation of The reports pointed out that it lighted critical dimensions of human Community Forestry Users Nepal still failed to achieve a notable growth progress and sustainable develop- Bharati Pathak, Social Worker and in per capita income, hindering the ment, thereby informing, encourag- youth leader Sapana Roka Magar country from getting promoted from ing and assisting the Governments joined the function and spoke at the its current status of least develop- and stakeholders to address the live cast from Facebook. ment, reads the report with the theme impediments in the way of enlarging The report was also launched ‘Beyond Graduation: Productive choices. They have also widened the in all seven provinces by the chief Transformation and Prosperity.’ conceptual foundation of human de- ministers of the respective provincial The report commends Nepal for velopment as a capability to lead life governments. Addressed by over 40 making ‘notable progress in human one values the most.” speakers, these eight events were development’ but also warns that Over the years, the very concept attended by over 1000 people from the COVID-19 crisis could reverse of human development has evolved across the country virtually. the achievement if not responded and adapted considerably to encom- This year marks the 30th Anni- effectively. The report recommends pass newer elements and dimen- versary of the first Human Develop- implementing a comprehensive relief sions that expand human wellbeing, ment Report and of the introduction package accompanied by a medium to freedoms, and choices. This year, of the Human Development Index long term strategic plan to mitigate the the report heralds an epoch-making (HDI). The HDI was published to crisis and build resilience. transformation that has taken place steer discussions about development According to the report, persist- in the inter-relationship between hu- progress away from GPD towards ing inequality in human development mans and nature, and signals humans’ a measure that genuinely “counts” in various regions of the country re- entry into an uncharted territory of for people’s lives. Introduced by the mains higher. The report shows that Anthropocene- where humans shape Human Development Report Office HDI status in urban areas stands at the future of the planet, not the other (HDRO) thirty years ago to provide a 0.487, it is 0.431 in rural areas. Bag- way round. simple measure of human progress –

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 28 built around people’s freedoms to live the other a composite of inequalities most recent national data. the lives they want to - the HDI has in empowerment and well-being. The 2020 Human Development gained popularity with its simple yet This briefing note is organized into Report presents the 2019 HDI (values comprehensive formula that assesses six sections. The first section presents and ranks) for 189 countries and UN- a population’s average longevity, information on the country coverage recognized territories, along with the education, and income. and methodology for the 2020 Human IHDI for 152 countries, the GDI for Over the years, however, there Development Report. 167 countries, the GII for 162 coun- has been a growing interest in pro- The next five sections provide tries, and the MPI for 107 countries. viding a more comprehensive set information about key composite It is misleading to compare of measurements that capture other indices of human development: the values and rankings with those of pre- critical dimensions of human devel- HDI, the Inequality-adjusted Hu- viously published reports, because of opment. To respond to this call, new man Development Index (IHDI), the revisions and updates of the underly- measures of aspects of human devel- Gender Development Index (GDI), ing data and adjustments to goalposts. opment were introduced to comple- the Gender Inequality Index (GII), Small changes in values should ment the HDI and capture some of the and the Multidimensional Poverty be interpreted with caution as they “missing dimensions” of development Index (MPI). The tables presented may not be statistically significant due such as poverty, inequality and gender in this note depict the state of human to sampling variation, the report cau- gaps. Since 2010, HDRO has pub- development before the COVID-19 tions. “Generally speaking, changes lished the Inequality-adjusted HDI, pandemic based on available data for at the level of the third decimal place which adjusts a nation’s HDI value for 2019 and earlier years. in any of the composite indices are inequality within each of its compo- Data reflecting changes caused considered insignificant. Unless oth- nents (life expectancy, education and by the COVID-19 pandemic and its erwise specified in the source, tables income) and the Multidimensional socioeconomic fallout in 2020 will use data available to HDRO as of 15 Poverty Index that measures people’s be available in 2021 and will be pre- July 2020.” deprivations directly. sented in tables and related analyses All indices and indicators, Similarly, HDRO’s efforts to of the 2021 Human Development along with technical notes on the measure gender inequalities began in Report. It is important to note that calculation of composite indices, and the 1995 Human Development Report national and international data can additional source information are on gender, and recent reports have in- differ because international agencies available online at the Global Human cluded two indices on gender, one ac- standardize national data to allow Development Report 2020, a flagship counting for differences between men comparability across countries and in publication of the United Nations and women in the HDI dimensions, some cases may not have access to the Development Programme (UNDP).

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 29 FORUM We Have Vaccines, Now Comes The Hard Part

Recent good news on vaccines for COVID-19 brings us We can draw useful lessons from how some parts closer to ending the acute phase of this terrible pandemic. of Asia and the Pacific have used robust public health But the sense of collective relief must be accompanied systems and innovative approaches to push back on by a healthy dose of reality. COVID-19. While the scientific community awaits detailed The Republic of Korea’s success with testing and BY:PATRICK OSEWE data from leading vaccine developers, several questions digital contact tracing may enable it to quickly develop remain. Notably, it is still unclear how long immunity digital vaccine tracking systems, Viet Nam’s targeted would last and whether it will prevent severe disease or prevent measures to maintain public confidence and prevent widespread people from passing on the virus if already infected. This means COVID-19 outbreaks may help to engender public trust in the that mitigation measures¾mask-wearing, social distancing, safety of a vaccine.Thailand’s use of village health volunteers to avoiding large crowds, and practicing good hygiene¾will likely support the tracing of active cases can be mobilized to support be necessary for the foreseeable future. vaccination of rural populations. Experts are urging the public to remain steadfast with The following actions can be taken now by countries to precautionary measures for another reason. Even if the vaccine ensure they are prepared to prioritize, introduce, and deliver proved effective and was put on the market today, getting it to COVID-19 vaccines: everyone who needs it will not happen overnight. Adopt a whole-of-government approach to improve vac- Billions of doses must reach billions of people—in every cine delivery planning. Every aspect of successful COVID-19 country.With competition for limited resources already impacting response in the region—from the development of test kits to the pandemic response, high-income countries have been accused of designation of treatment facilities—has involved partnerships securing disproportionate amounts of limited vaccine supply for across society. Delivery of vaccines is no exception. Countries their own population—so-called “vaccine nationalism”. should engage key stakeholders to plan scenarios, develop a All countries, especially those with fewer resources,must national vaccine strategy, and organize operational aspects of have rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Not only vaccine introduction. is it a moral imperative, global economic recovery depends on Agree on the vaccine priority line. Who should receive the it. This is the motivation behind the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access first doses of the vaccine is a complex question. Countries should Facility, a $9 billion initiative launched recently by the Asian assess how to identify priority groups based on their country Development Bank to help its developing members procure and context and specific epidemiology. They should also model dif- deliver safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19. ferent scenarios for vaccinating the general population and set Another initiative, the COVAX Advance Market Commit- expectations accordingly. ment (AMC)¾co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition Develop communication strategies to improve vaccine for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and WHO¾is gearing uptake.Widespread campaigns will be necessary to educate the up to provide 92 eligible low- and middle-income countries with public about the benefits of vaccination, especially given reported access to successful vaccine candidates. It aims to deliver 2 billion vaccine hesitancy in many communities. With vaccine coverage doses of vaccine by the end of 2021. essential to achieving herd immunity, developing and implement- Key and vulnerable populations, including health work- ing clear advocacy and communication strategies will be critical. ers and the elderly, are slated to receive vaccines first through Strengthen vaccination infrastructure.Virtually every coun- COVAX, and the AMC will provide doses for up 20%of the try in the world will have to strengthen and expand its existing population of participating countries. vaccination infrastructure. For example, the Pfizer vaccine will But this doesn’t account for how and when the rest of the require storage at temperatures as low as minus 80º Celsius (-112º population in eligible countries will access vaccines, or how other Fahrenheit). Additionally, temperature-controlled logistics and countries (mostly middle-income countries not participating in point-of-care cold chain infrastructure are unreliable at many COVAX) will access them. rural areas in low- and middle-income countries.Key issues Perhaps more significantly, rolling-out the vaccine world- include strengthening vaccine storage, distribution systems and wide requires coordinated action within and across several com- facilities,safety monitoring systems,and ways to track every dose plex systems—from manufacturing and storage, to shipping and that has been administered. distribution—and will require unprecedented global collaboration, Vaccines do not save lives; vaccinations save lives. But including robust private-public sector partnerships. vaccination in select countries will not end the acute phase of Furthermore, health systems must adapt existing delivery the pandemic. strategies and information systems designed for child immuniza- Only timely vaccination in all countries will do that. So all tion to effectively distribute a vaccine to adults. The supply chains countries need to start preparing, now. and health system capacity required to produce and distribute Patrick Osewe is Chief of the Asian Development Bank’s Health COVID-19 vaccine will be staggering. Sector Group

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 30 TRENDS Let’s Change For Ourselves

BY:SUSHMITA ARYAL

Whether it is for hanging out with friends at 10 pm at teaches values to children as it can perpetuate gender night or before putting on some clothes to go some- inequality. At a very young age, when a girl grows up, where, it is she, who often has to undergo tons of trials she is scrutinized upon her every action about how from her wardrobe before she finally gets the proper politely she talks, how polite she behaves, and how outlook. Putting on some clothes upon her comforts or polite she puts on clothes. But alas! These are things dealing pressure to behave in a certain way isn’t really that can only limit her voice for the moment and not a matter of choice anymore when people out there are for the raging voice that is already inside her mind already sketching the dubious lines on their head. because the mindset that imposes on her own belief is However, once she takes her feet out of comfort self-destructing that she later ends up believing into zone, then she gets inclined towards being conscious of it, confining herself somewhere behind the dubious herself, her look and how she projects. As stepping out, means getting herself tied up in her own fear. The fear sketches created on people’s heads. that curls up her throughout isn’t enough that she steps Hence, if we want our girls to get out of this, we herself back somewhere down, must be the one to let go of and diving into her self-doubts, them and not hold onto them she is compelled to think,’ what that if girls are to be reminded if my clothes are too short, too However, once she takes her of her way to put on clothes small, or if my V necklines that feet out of comfort zone, then she giving shape to a body then, are too tight, or if my lipstick that gets inclined towards being con- it’s for boys to be reminded scious of herself, her look and how are too brighter, or if my way of of their way to shape their she projects. behaving?’’ mental outlook. If girls are Moreover, this can lead her to be reminded of her way to into being more fearful than ever. speak, then it’s for boys to be Getting wrapped up herself into reminded of their way to behave them. If girls are to these thoughts and notions built around her, yet, she be reminded of her self-respect, then it’s for boys to contrive for what the best suits her. She does everything be reminded of their sense of dignity. Having said so, in regard to what people demand, and yet, she gets tor- mented. She walks taking her own path in constructing values must be transmitted equally to both the genders. herself as ‘self- secured’ but it is about the question of Lastly, if the society can hold all children to the insecurity that is instilled by an outsider in her head same tenets, of self-respect and kindness,then, society that can just pull her apart. can promote a more inclusive understanding that chil- Surprisingly, these are just the samples or lines dren of all gender are capable enough to respect and of judgements drawn in their heads. Having been born celebrate individuality. So, to every mother, to every into a society that holds different ideologies for both daughter, to every sister, and to every daughter-in-law, girls and boys is not a nature of wonderness. As long let them learn and embrace themselves as they are. as one’s way of behaving, one’s way of speaking and Not just that, let every boy, and every man learn one’s way of wearing is fine with oneself, and doesn’t that outlook appearance does not have much impact do any harm on other parts, it itself becomes a matter of until you yourself create wrong illusions in your head. self- choice and not something that turns into a debat- It is just the matter of self-choice, the values that they able topic for the outside people. inhibit at a younger age, and the mindset they keep. In We know the fact that the society we live in, has the end, what counts is your individuality; the content- a distinct gender binary. It is important how our society ment you derive. NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 31 NATIONAL GG Growing Local Reach Implemented by DCA and local NGOs in close coordination with the Local Governments (Palikas), through the financial support of Delegation of European Union in Nepal, GG School is a part of PARIWARTAN – Participation, Inclusion and Wider CSOs’ Actions for Responsive, Transparent and Accountable local governance in Nepal Project

BY A CORRESPONDENT

t a time when there are growing able to buy them nutritious food and seeking information about the budget concerns over how to increase milk.” She further says this has been a planning and ask the ward committee Aaccess of poor and marginal- crucial support. “I am from a poor fam- to ensure their presence so that their ized communities in the programs and ily, always struggling to feed my kids, demands are heard. They have formed projects and social welfare schemes and until now they relied on whatever a women’s group in every GG School. launched by local levels, the concept I used to eat, no such nutritious food.” Members of GG School are aware of Good Governance School (GG Tara Devi’s confidence has en- of harmful traditional practices and School) has shown a promise to make hanced following attending the class. “I take action against such customs and a difference. was hesitant even to say my name until practices. Mandhari BK, along with Implemented by DCA and local I joined this Good Governance School,” other 6 GG school members, organized NGOs in close coordination with the says Tara Devi of KI Singh Rural Mu- a campaign against Chaupadi Custom Local Governments (Palikas), through nicipality. “But now I can stand and in Jorayal RM 2, Melkhola, bringing the financial support of Delegation of tell about what I have learned - mainly a transformation in the community European Union in Nepal, GG School the functions, duties and services of where 60 out of 85 Households have is a part of PARIWARTAN – Participa- our local government, and what are the stopped practicing Chaupadhi and as tion, Inclusion and Wider CSOs’ Ac- services that I am entitled to.” women and girls remain at home during tions for Responsive, Transparent and “My son is now enrolled in the menstruation. Accountable local governance in Nepal course for Junior Technical Assistant GG School is also linked with Project. Following its implementation, (JTA) at the Council for Technical economic recovery activities. Under the project has brought drastic changes Education and Vocational Training this project, the deprived communities in the livelihood of poor and marginal- (CTEVT) - a technical school. I didn’t have already been educated with the ized people through increasing their know anything about this course, but constitutional rights that have helped reach to the resources and services when I heard about the course from my them to know the governance structure available in remote Palikas of Sudur facilitators (GG School Facilitator), my and through their initiations have started Paschim Province. son applied for a seat and got it,” Harina community projects and other income The experiences of Indra Paligi, Devi Khadayat said with a nonstop generation activities. So this will have Harina Devi Khadayat and Tara Devi, smile and laugh. “This has helped me both awareness component and income who are the participants of GG School, very much.” generation outcomes. of KI Singh Rural Municipality of Doti GG School provides different in- Not only aware of rights and enti- District, show how increasing aware- formation about gender based violence tlements, community people especially ness level about the services offered by and legal aid services. Dropati BK of women are aware of local planning the local level benefits marginalized and Jorayal Rural Municipality, a member process and budget allocation system. poor people. of GG School, has been able to get With this knowledge GGS member of Participants of GG School, Indra justice once she knew polygamy was Chaurpati have registered in CSOs - Paligi of KI Singh Rural Municipality a form of GBV and had to take a legal “Samajkalyan CSOs of Chaurpati Ward said that the last month, she went to the action for justice. No.3 Dungri tole”; participated in local ward office and asked them about the “GG School supported me to government planning process and were procedures to get her children’s nutri- file the case and get justice. I won my able to receive NPR 400,000 from Local tion allowances. “I didn’t even know property from my husband and also Government (Palika) and built multi- about the allowances until I joined this received regular monthly salary as per purpose community building to operate school,” she says. my rights,” she shares her happiness. vaccination centre and separate space “Now, I get Rs. 800 for my two Participants shared that they for CSOs meeting and safe space for kids, 400 each, every month. And I am are now able to go to the ward offices women and girls.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 32 NATIONAL Constitution of Nepal and Local With a high prevalence of illit- process, and citizen’s rights to par- Government Operation Act-2017 allo- eracy and poverty, the people in remote ticipate in local governance process by cate enormous authority to Palikas (Ru- areas of Sudur Paschim Province, espe- raising awareness of citizens and their ral Municipalities and Municipalities). cially are living in a miserable condition representative CSOs to constructively engage with LGs for im- proved transparency and accountability in local governance,” said DCA. “In the process, it is target- ing to reach 7,200 citizens and 72 representatives.” As the project is in the second year, the project helped empower citizens through knowledge and capacity building support. It has promoted participa- tory and inclusive deci- sion making and planning processes, e-governance at the LG level for increased transparency and account- ability. Besides that, the project has facilitated Local Government and Provincial Government in- terface for multiplier effect From birth to death, social security without interacting with local levels. and strengthened the multi-stakeholder benefits to migration certificate, imple- Only a few people visit local offices engagement approach across the action. mentation of development projects and for services. After the implementation of judiciary, many issues related to day-to- Given such a scenario, GG the project, knowledge and capacity day life fall under the responsibility of School came as a savior for the local increased among citizens and CSOs to the local governments, which provide community and local levels to enhance engage with and hold the Local Govern- necessary certification, authentication interactions and connections. Satya ment (LG) accountable for improving and recommendation. Kumari Joshi, a facilitator of the GG governance. It also helped authorities According to the act, the lo- School shared that it was difficult to to understand the needs and interests of cal levels are responsible to issue 36 convince women to come to the GG citizens especially poor and marginal- different kinds of recommendations, School, but after attending one session, ized citizens (women, Dalits and ethnic registration and authentication. Those they were excited to join the classes. groups) as reflected in LG policies, include recommendations for citizen- “They even are asking that this should plans and programs. ship certificates, poor and marginal- continue regularly.” With increased awareness, in- ized, land transfers, marriage and birth The project implemented in six clusive and improved service delivery registration, free medicine, social wel- Rural Municipalities of Sudur Paschim and monitoring mechanism has been fare benefits, registration of industry, Province which include Jorayal, Shi- established at Palika Level. distribution of poverty cards, disability khar, and K.I Singh Palikas in Doti; and Nepal’s new constitution gives certification and so on. Panchadewal Binayak, Mangalsen, and sweeping executive, judicial and legis- Under the judicial power, Palikas Chaurpati Palikas in Achham District lative power to the local level making it also look at many disputes like trans- has been greatly supporting the process inclusive and accessible to poor, mar- action, family dispute and violence to increase the level of understanding ginalized citizens including women, against women. Vice-chairperson of about the function, structures and pro- Dalits and ethnic groups, people with Palikas chairs the judicial committee. grams of Palikas among the poor and disability and others. However, rural people were marginalized communities of those The spokesperson at the Ministry facing a lot of difficulties to get their areas. of Federal Affairs and General Ad- things done, unknowing the procedures, “The project intends to address ministration Basanta Adhikary agreed laws, regulations and other functions of the barriers like poor awareness and that local people have little knowledge Palikas and ward members and other knowledge of citizens on the functions about what services the local level office bearers. of LGs, the changed local governance provides to them and what they need to

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 33 NATIONAL do to seek such services. Giving his own experience of working at the local level, he said the ma- jority of people are still unaware of the fact that local levels are given the authority to connect the beneficiaries of social wel- fare schemes and allowances. With limited resources, the Ministry has been work- ing to raise awareness through mobilizing local FM stations. Provincial governments said they do not have any program to raise the awareness level in the community regarding service delivery provided to the local people. “Since we have limited budgets to run such programs, we are implementing some services to rights holders. Ram Bahadur Saud, Ward 3 programs in partnership with local and “If citizens understand and are Chairman of Chaurpati Rural Mu- international NGOs in our province,” aware of the governance system, it pro- nicipality in Achham district, says, said Govinda Pokharel, information vides them the agency to hold the gov- “We could only see men coming for officer of the Ministry of Social De- ernment accountable and ensure their vital registration or any other work, velopment. rights are given with due diligence,” but women are also coming to ward GG Schools says Malati Maskey, Program Manager To increase the access of local office seeking services. This is a huge – Active Citizenship at DCA. “With the people, there is the need to generate change.” change in the government system, from awareness and understanding about He added that earlier women central to the federal levels, it is impor- governance. As all three tiers of gov- were only kept in the committees or tant to empower local communities. ernment have been spending virtually, invited in programs just for the sake This is only possible from the formal no budget on advocacy campaigns of their presence; however, they are and informal education system.” and awareness raising activities is ad- now claiming their rights and raising GG School is the informal edu- equately available. their voices. cation system for the adult literacy DCA’s Involvement “This actually is making a differ- programs, Maskey added. Since its start three decades ago, ence and we as people’s representatives Local communities are provided DCA has been advocating for the rights are finding it easier to deal with their informal and formal classes for half an of most marginalized communities; and demands,” says Saud. “Through this hour, two days a week, where they are more specifically since 2008 through school, they have also learned about the informed about the various aspects of its dedicated theme -”Inclusive Citi- process of ward development planning the governance system. In the class, zenship for Accountable Governance” and the relevant persons to talk to.” people are informed about the constitu- has been supporting to fight against dis- Although GG School is invis- tion, their rights and functions. crimination and exclusion of women, ible at the broader national level, the Teaching-governance Dalits and marginalized communities in project increases citizens’ meaningful Ward Chairmen are also very the social and institutional structure and much receptive and welcoming the participation in Sub-national-good encourage inclusion and justice for all. activities. “This is something that we governance in Nepal. It also empow- With the changes in the federal need to do, but in the lack of budget ers citizens and their organizations to governance structures in the country and other priorities, we haven’t been effectively engage with local levels in and devolution of power to local able to reach to the communities,” says promoting transparency and account- governments after the promulgation ward chairman Harka Bahadur Bista of ability in the governance processes in of the constitution of Nepal in 2015, Ward 7, KI Singh Rural Municipality, Province 7 of Nepal. The project has DCA in Nepal has been working very Doti district, praising the ‘initiative been generating the awareness of local closely with the local government in taken by the PARIWARTAN project’. people to get services offered by local developing inclusive plans, policies He added that the project is helping levels as well as improving the govern- and programs to improve the access them to achieve success. ance level. to resources and effective delivery of (With reporting from Ishwar Rauniyar)

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 34 WORLD BANK Support For Enterprise World Bank Provides $80 Million To Nepal To Implement Rural Enterprise and Economic Development Project

BY A CORRESPONDENT

s Nepal’s rural enterprises have badly suffered due to lockdown Aand other market disruptions due to COVID-19 and are searching for some kinds of a support package to re- cover, World Bank has come out to help. The recent agreement signed between the World Bank and Nepal government gives hope to Nepal’s rural enterprises, which are currently facing a very hard time, to recover again. Government of Nepal and World Bank signed an $80 Million Rural En- terprise and Economic Development Project to strengthen Nepal’s agricul- ture sector and boost post-pandemic recovery. for providing crucial support with this The project will also finance According to a press release project which will enhance the access investments in municipal agriculture issued by the World Bank, the Govern- of rural enterprises and small-hold centers and value chain infrastructures to ment of Nepal and the World Bank producers to markets and institutional ensure the availability of inputs for farm- signed the NPR 9.3 billion project to buyers,” stated Sishir Kumar Dhungana, ing as recovery actions from COVID-19. bolster Nepal’s agriculture sector by Secretary, and Ministry of Finance. The project will use labor-intensive Cash strengthening rural market linkages “Promoting agribusiness competitive- for Work mechanism, to the extent pos- and promoting entrepreneurship while ness with sustainable market linkages sible, in short-term public works. creating jobs to support post-COVID-19 will be critical to boost Nepal’s post- “The project brings a unique recovery. COVID recovery.” opportunity to transform Nepal’s ag- The Rural Enterprise and Eco- The project aims to facilitate riculture sector and spur economic nomic Development Project (REED) productive partnerships between rural recovery from the pandemic’s fallout by project was signed by Finance Secretary producer organizations and private- bolstering rural enterprises and creating Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf of the sector buyers to add value, create jobs local jobs and opportunities,” said Faris Government of Nepal, and the World and foster sustainable inclusion into, and Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Bank Country Director for Maldives, development of, higher-value domestic Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad- and foreign value chains. Lanka. “By fostering meaningful col- Zervos. The project focuses on five eco- laboration among various actors, the “We thank the World Bank Group nomic corridors covering Provinces 1, project can promote Nepali agriculture 2, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and products globally by stimulating many Sudurpashchim that offer opportunities niche sectors such as coffee, tea, fruit for successful linkage activities of the and medicinal products, among others.” rural entrepreneurs to be supported by The project supports the Govern- the project. REED will work with pro- ment of Nepal’s Agriculture Develop- vincial and local governments, inter- ment Strategy 2015–2035 that aims mediary organizations and small and to create a sustainable, competitive, medium enterprises to build capacity inclusive and resilient agricultural sector in the agriculture sector and strengthen that drives economic growth with private the entrepreneurship ecosystem. sector participation.

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 35 ARITICLE The US And Us

The United States of America, started with a core and the subsequent establishment of offices in the group of thirteen former colonies now consist of a White House. All this confirmed my belief that total of fifty federal constituents functioning as an ‘politicking’ as an activity everywhere is a serious entity. US existence as a Federal Republic is now matter and very costly in the usual long run. 244 years. Our ‘Federal Democratic Republic of In this respect therefore there is no doubt Nepal’, proposed now to be referred to as simply that Federalism is a very appropriate concept to Nepal has a history of just five years, and are hav- BY HEMANG DIXIT subscribe to and implement to any nation compris- ing teething problems as to the functioning and ing of multi ethnicity. Our politicians are said to rights of the Centre and the seven constituents. have been influenced by seeing the working of such a system in Nepal’s relationship with the USA started when Babbar Switzerland and its benefits to the people of different ethnicities. Shumsher JB Rana led a mission to the USA and signed a Treaty Visions of life as conducted in the Nordic countries have also been of Friendship and Co-operation in 1947. Following this Henry a magnetic draw to our politicians. The financial support from Grady was representative for two month in early 1948. Later in the well wishers in distant lands has helped so far, but it certainly mid 1948 an American Mission led by Henderson arrived in Nepal is not going to be like this for ever. The implementation and the and an exchange of Ambassadors between the two countries took retention of Federalism is a costly affair and the question is who place. Henderson, US Ambassador in India was concurrently is going to foot the bills. Our last election was conducted with credited to Nepal. Kaiser SJB Rana, the Representative to the outside finance but we cannot expect this every time. Our politi- Court of St. James in UK became also Nepal’s representative to cians too will have to spend plenty of money to canvas and stay the USA. Following this, USOM’s anti-Malarial Programme in in power and so have to have eternal sources of finance. Nepal started in Nov. 1952 leading to the resettlement of many We in Nepal have started with a Federal structure and to hill people in the Terai. say that it is not functioning after just five years of attempt is not A major event in the winter of 1963 was when some porters proper. There is no doubt that the giving of powers to the seven of the American expedition to Mt, Everest were infected with different Pradesh elected representatives will certainly achieve smallpox and subsequently carried it to their villages. A poten- better results in the long run. The question is as to what the period tial smallpox epidemic was quickly brought under control by the of trial should be. We have barely been at it for five years whilst supply of vaccines availed to Nepal and a vaccination programme the US has been at it for almost 250 years. Look what is happen- by US personnel. ing there. A quarrel between the incumbent and newly elected In mid 1960s, Henry Stebbins who was then ambassador President and Vice President has been a matter of discussions inaugurated the Surgical Block of Bir Hospital, built with US aid. and worry whilst the rest of the world looks on. Is this a matter At that time the American Women Organisation Nepal (AWON) of 3Ms – men, money and materials being unmanageable? If was involved in helping Nepali children in orphanages. Every such a state of affairs can take place in a country with such a long Friday I used to be picked up from Bir Hospital and taken by some political heritage, what can we in Nepal expect? AWON the members to Tripushewar and Shifal where orphan What surprises me too about President Obama’s account of children were housed. Later most were shifted to Balmandir. the first four years was also about the passage of various Bills such Another contribution of AWON is the library, initially housed at as the Affordable Care Act, that pertaining to DADT, DREAMERS Rabi Bhawan and after various shifts now located at the Rotary and finally the killing of Osama bin Laden. It is usual in Nepal Compound at Tripureshwar. This facility has over the last fifty that government servants, army plus police personnel should not years been of immense value to young Nepali boys and girls to write about their experiences for some period after leaving that further their quest for knowledge. post. Politicians seem to be immune from that rule considering A recent bone of contention between US and Nepal is the that former Presidents of USA and India, or Premiers of UK have Millennium Challenge Corporation, established in 2010 for what been doing so. With the introduction of Ghost Writing in Nepal, has been termed a ‘Threshold Program’ and proposed for accept- politicians, army personnel in Nepal have done so. In fact, the ance by Nepal. Currently it is suspended in mid-air and one is government has questioned two of our former COAS regarding this not in a position to say whether it will be accepted or not by the and forbidden others contemplating such actions. This I think is a present Oli government. detrimental action for I believe that in this modern age of Internet Recently whilst going through the third book by former 44th and communicability there should be no restriction in telling what President of US Barack Obama, I was very surprised and felt that has taken place or occurred, provided it is the truth. it was ‘Tell all’ book in which he narrated events that had occurred The author is a retired medical doctor and writes fiction or taken place during his early life, his tenure as Senator of Illinois under the pen name of Mani Dixit also. Website: www.hdixit.org. and the first four years of his presidency. Retelling of the almost np. Twitter: @manidixithd ever occurring campaigns, the activities of innumerable helpers

NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 36 NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 37 NEW SPOTLIGHT Dec. 25. 2020 38