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• NEPAL-INDIA TRADE TALKS • A TALE OF TWO NEPAlIS '--==--==...... ======. SUPERSTAR HITS KATHMANDU • THE STATE OF WORLD POPULATION REPORT 2001 -=------~------~------~

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FIGHTS GERMS EVEN HOURS AFTER BRUSHING CONTENTS ,

• Page

Letters 3

News Notes 4 uriefs 6

Quote Unquote 7

Cover Story: Flawed Or Flouted? Off The Recorrl 8 As the consititution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 enters its twelveth year, the order it envisaged is yet to meterialize Page 16 WORLD POPULA nON REPORT 2001 : Call For Global AClion 9

BRITISH GURKHAS: Changing Order 12

WARRIORS OF DAWN: Health Alert 21

ANTHRAX SCARE: Closer To Home 22

NSYM 2001 : Overcoming Difficulties 24

SUPERSTAR: Shades Amid Shines 25 CROWN PRINCE PARAS SHAH: Continuity And Stability BOOK REVIEW 26 King Gyancndra proclaims Prince Paras as Crown Prince in accordance with the constitution and Royal traditions Page 10 THE BOTTOM LINE 27

ENCOUNTER: Sushi I Koiral. 28

NEPAL-INDIA TRADE PASTIME 29 TALKS: Coming Closer? The officials orlhe Iwocounlries are yet to hammer out the solu­ VIEW POINT: Henning Karcher 30 li on even as the bilateral trade treaty ha.., less than a month to FORUM: S. B. Pun 32 expIre Page 14

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 ------

EDITOR'S NOTE

THE NATIONAL NEWSMAGAZINE he tl!rrori st activities of the Maoists in Nepal have not abate

disagreement with the move to reform lands. Sailesh Thapa Boost The Satdobalo Economy Obstructing Innovation Apropos the covcr story The faci lity of Voicc Over "Troubled Times" (SPOT­ Internet Prolocol (VOfp) has LIGHT, October 19). it is clear come as a blessing for average that the country is pu;sing people who canllot afford thou­ through a very difficult pc­ sands of rupees in tclepholll: bill merely 10 lal~ with their fami­ riod financially as well as so­ lies and friends overseas. Shyam ciologically. While the social Agrawal (SPOTLIGHT. OClO­ wounds would take time to ber 19) has riglllly puillled thal heal. the economic ones need there is no harm in lcgalil.ing immediate attention. Thcgov­ VOIP or internet telephony ernment should bring out when it can provide people wuh plans and policies to give a cheaper JIltemmional calls. In­ new impetus to the sagging deed. it is nonsense ID be ob­ economy. Otherwise, the structing innovation in the tech­ downward spiral would push nology. No onc has the right to the country into unimaginable deny people the service ortc<.:h­ problems. nologi<.:al innovations just be­ Ritesh Bista cause H ma) mean lo:c.s to some Bishalnagar organi7atioll. Seema Arya/ M~harajgunj Sorry State Apropos the interview with from a very bad economic cri­ No Less Crowd country will start moving up. Auditor-General Bishnu Balla­ sis. With pockets running Despite the economic With the ongoing government­ dur K.c. (SPOTLIGHT. Octo­ empty and preoccupation with slowdown, the crowds in places Maoistdialogue, peoplcarebe­ ber 19). it is regrettable lhat the various tensions. it is a crime to PI-e New Road and other im- ginning to see a silver lining in governmem has not strictly ad­ expect them to observe their tant thoroughfares of the dark cloud. They must re­ hered to rinancial discipline. festivals with zea l. The lack of Kathmandu were undiminished solve their differences through Despite regu lar reports of dis­ enthusiasm among Nepalese ("Troubled Times", SPOT­ dialogue and give people a re­ mal statc of affairs by the Audi­ witnessed this Dashain is the LIGHT, October 19). The spite from the present mess. tor-General. the authorities have result of these very things. May Nepalese people do not lack in Hari Narayafl Jha not made moves to restore san­ the Almighty bestow happiness spirit. Theyare always ready to New Baneshwor ity in the linancial sector. The and prosperity on the lives of greet festivals like Dashain and out standing advances running Nepalis. Tihar. Definitely, the country into billions stand testimony to Sudesh Gurung Safe Landing has witnessed a series of nega­ From his revolutionary the nonchalance of the govclll­ tive events in the last year, but Sanepa decision of land refonns, Prime ment. What is the Public Ac­ life has to go on. And Nepalis No More Down Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba countsCommitteedoingtoprcss deserve praise for holding In hi s interview, Bhaskar see ms to have made a safe land­ the government into fulfilling th emselves together through Raj karnicar has aptl y described ing ("Unreal Estate". SPOT­ the reco mmendations made by these troubled times. the condition of Nepal by say­ LIGHT. October 19). Despile the AG report" People have the Kiran Mainali ing that the country has come stiff opposition against the low­ right to know what is going on. Ghauekula to the lowest level and has no ering of the land ceiling, the Dipesh Tamrakar place to go down further. government passed the billlhal Mangal Bazaar Emptying Pockets ("Troubled Times", SPOT' was beginning to create rifLs Like you indicated in the LIGHT, October 19). Defi­ within even the ruling pany. NOTICE: The lIext isslle of, cover story ('"Troubled Times", nitely, the only way for the Especially, the MPs from the SPOTLIGHTlVill cOllie Ollt 011 SPOTLIGHT, October 19), the country is up. Hopefully, the Terai had threalened to take November 23,2001, after the average Nepali is suffering lime will come soon when the strict measures to regi ster their Deepall 'ali Holidays.

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 3 NEWSNOTES

'Ready To Action gees could be repatriated to their home­ taking part in the meeting as an observer, land by the end of the year. The verifica­ has been waiting for its turn to become a Operation'Launched tion at Khudunabari has been continuing full-fledged member in the 142-member At a time when the fate of the third sin ce the I I th Nepal-Bhutan ministerial body. During th e five minutes allocated round of talks between the government meeting held at Thimpu decided to for the Nepalese delegation, the country and the Maoist rebels remains uncertain, simplify the verification process, vest will support a fast track process' to induct a joint learn of amlY and police have the joint verification team with new members to the world body and later started operations against the insurgents necessary powers and add one member monitor th em to see if they in their strongholds, Naya Sadak, a tab­ each to the Nepali and Bhutanese have abided by the WTO rules on the basis loid daily, reported Friday, quoting secu­ veri ficalion teams. RSS trews agency of negotiations, said Prachanda rity sources. Code-named 'Ready to Ac­ reports. Man Shrestha. joint secretary at the tion Operation,' the initiative aims at Ministry of Industry, Commerce and controlling Maoists' activiti es in their Nepal For Simplified Supplies. He said that on other issues. strongholds, including Rolpa, Rukum, Nepal would raise its voice in unison with Salyan and Jajarkot districts. A military WTO Procedures other LDCs and SAARCcountries. Ne officer said the operation. as part of the Nepal has adopted a one-point agenda had initiated the process to become a Integrated Security and Development for the upcoming fourth ministerial meet­ WTO member in I ?98. Kalltipur daily Program, aims at destroying the Maoists' ing of the World Trade Organization reports. backbone. The role of the army is on ly (WTO) to press for simplification in pro­ that of a 'back force,' he said. Sources cedures for the accession of 200 Health claimed that the security personnel de­ the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to ployed in the area have been authorized the multilateral body. The meeting Centers Leaking to use force if the rebels refused to sur­ is 10 be held at Doha in Qatar from No­ Most of the 2 I 5 Primary Health Cen­ render their arms. vember 9 10 12. Nepal, which will be ters under the Population and Family The Maoist leadership, too, has de­ vised a new straLegy to counter a possible governmcnl offensive. the news report SAARC SUMMIT said. Meanwhile, Rajdhani daily reported that the government is providing new equipment and advanced technology to In The Offing the Royal Nepalese Army in order to strengthen its operational capabilities. In Nepal starts preparing for the January summit a wrillen response tabled at the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Shcr By A CORRESPONDENT Bahadur Deub., who also holds the de­ fense portfolio. did not provide details. Though the dates for the 11th Summit are yet to be announced formally, Nepal •has [n his statement, Deuba said the 47,000- started preparing for the same. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. who also holds strong army has been using I I types of foreign portfolio, asked senior officials to make necessary preparations for the Summit weapons. Compiled from reports Nov. scheduled to be held in the Nepali capital early next year by fonning a time-bound 2. schedule. Kathmandu residents still recall the cleanliness drive launched in the city when Nepal hosted the third SAARC sUlTunit in 1987. Nepal-Bhutan Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Laxman Kadirgamar has confirmed that the 1I th SAARC Summit would beheld in Kathmandu on January 4-6, reports said. Thesummit, Officials To Meet due to be held in Kathmandu in late 1999. had been postponed after India refused to A Nepal-Bhutan secretary-level share platform with the Pakistani military ruler who had taken reins after a military coup ' meeting is to begin from Tuesday, No­ earlier the same year. The Hindu, a leading Indian daily, reported that Indian Prime ' vember6, in Kathmandu, a Foreign Min­ Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf could istry official said. According 10 a mini s­ hold a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the SAARC summit in Kathmandu. try spokesman, the meeting will focus on Some of the issues likely to be discussed during the forthcoming summit include the basis for categorizatIon of refugees, endorsement of a social charter and establishment of South Asia Free Trade Area. harmonization of the task and the posi· Meanwhile, Nepal-Bhutan Secretary level meeting kicked off in Kathmandu tion of both sides on the verification Tuesday to discuss categorization and possible repatriation of Bbutanese refugees process. Should the verification of refu· whose verification has already been done. Foreign Secretary Narayan ShumsherThapa gees at Klludunabari camp in Jhapa be and his Bhutanese counterpart, Ugyen Tshering, are leading their respective delega­ completed within November, the refu· lions.

4 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 NEWSNOTES

Health project have started leaking within lished as the process to hand over the Emergency Operation a year of their construction, a newspaper management of the bank to a foreign report said. The government constructed group is under way. Rajdhalli Oct. 30. Center Launched these ce nters with a loan assistance The Emergency Operation Center amounting to over Rs 1.6 billion from the Maoists Abduct (EOC) of the United Nations and UN Di­ World Bank. The centers at Gaushala in saster Response Preparation Plan has been Maholtari district, at Yedukuha in 13 People launched in Kathmandu. Premier Sher Ila­ Dhanusha district and at Bhirnan in Maois! rebels have abducted 13 hadur Deuba inaugurated the Center Sindhuli dislril;t are leaking, the report people, including the headmaster of a Wednesday. According to Dr. Henning said. local school, Mohan Bahadur Pain, from Karcher, residem coordinator of the UN TechnicIans in the project said the Khamlalung VDC on Friday night in the system in Nepal. eigh t inter-agency cluster quality of the buildings is poor as the eastern hilly district of Tehrathum, a groups have been established to work in contractor saved up to 50 percent out of daily reported Monday. The Maoist act areas of critical impoI1ancc including search the total allocated budget. But official came in retaliation ror the resistance to and rescue, assessment. food and water and , ports claimed that 90 pcrcent of the Maoist atrocities mounted by local vi l­ communications under the EOC. The EOC tal loan assistance had been spent on lagers on the eve of Dashain festi val. has been established keeping in mind the the project. Chief of the Family police said. prediction of the possibility of a major Health Project, Or. Pushkal Bharati, ad­ In a separate incident, seven people earthquake, which. experts say, might oc­ mitted that the quality of construction were injured when Maoist rebels opened cur any time in the Himulayan belt. Simi­ was sub-standard. He said the buildings fire indiscriminately at devotees who larly. the newly unveiled UN plan aims at should be maintained by using the had gathered to worship Goddess ensuring human survival and we ll be in g, earnest money deposited by the contrac­ Kanakasundari in the remote mid-west­ part icularly tha! of the most vulnerab le tor with the government. Kalltipur, ern district of Iumla last Thursday. The group. It is eSllmated that 40,000 people Oct. 29. conllict erupted after the rebels barred would die and 95.000 more would be in­ local people from worshipping and threw jured if an earthquake or the magnitude or Big Industries away the idol of the goddess. Hil1la/aya the Great Earthquakeof 1934 hit the capital Times Oct. 29. any time. Leadillg dailies report. • Default On Loans Some 33 big industrial houses have defaulted on loans worth over Rs 6 bil­ Himalayan Travel & Tours (P) Ltd. lion from the country's oldest commer­ cial bank, Nepal Bank Limited (NBL), a newspaper report said. According to the We are one of Nepal's Most ort, the list of defaulters includes big reliable, efficient and profes­ siness houses such as the Golchha sional cargo handlers. Our dedi­ Group, Amatya Group, Sitaram Gokul Mills, Sita Hotel, Nepal Coal Limited cated professionals can offer and Siddhartha Hospital. A report pre­ the best service in town. pared by the Nepal Rastra Bank said that Always remember us for your IiiffJi the NBL had bad loans worth Rs 4 billion in principal and Rs 620 million in inter­ wo rl dw i de cargo ha n d I i n g ~~~:!::~~i!!'&~:::!'';';'''~~ service. I; ests by the end of the year 1998-99. "The bank would head toward collapse if its For more information contact: management did not make effort to re­ cover the loans," the report cautioned. According to the report. dues from the Golchha Group to the NB L stand at Rs 1*11& 1.30 billion. The Amatya Group owes Rs I.l 0 billion, while the Iyoti Spinning Mills is Himalayan Travel & Tours (P) Ltd. to pay back Rs 820 million. Hotel Orien­ Durbar Marg, P. O. Box 324 Ka!hmandu, Nepal tal owes Rs 170 million. NBL General Tel: 223045 (10 lines), Fax: 977-1-224001 , SITA: KTMHITG Manager Bhava Nath Upadhyay said the e-mail: [email protected]. bank had initiated tough legal measures URL : HTTP://www.catmando.com/comlhll/hllindex.htm to recover the loans. The report was pub-

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 5 BRIEFS

women and an Indian national. Witnesses said around three dozen people were on the boat. The Jogbuda River was swollen as the canal water in the adjoining Nepal-Ind ia border had been directed to the Nepalese side. The flow of water from the canal was slOpped for four hours Saturday by the Indian authorities 10 facilitate search operations.

WORLD PEACESTUPA, REPORTEDL YTHE BIGGESTSTUPA in the world, has been un veiled at Lumbini. the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Bui lt by the Japan-based Nippozan Myohojiin the Navagram area as part of the Lumbini master plan, the pagod" is41.5 meters high. The Japanese Buddhist organization has constructed 73 pagodas in eight countries. Former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala unveiled the slupa amid a religious ceremony in Lumbini Saturday.

THE NEPAL STROCK EXCHANGE (NEPSE) INDEX, THAT represents the confidence of investors. showed a small incremem of fi ve points last week. According to NEPSE. the index ro!)e by 4.73 point!= King Gyanendra receiving credentials from Ambassador of from 285.25 points while opening on Tuesday to 289.98 points Whil' Russian Federation closing on Friday. During the last week before Dasbain. the index ha shown a marginal fall of 0.85 points. Last week. 38,776 share units IN A MESSAGE TO THE NA TlON ON BADA DASHAIN, KING valued at Rs 10.91 million were traded in 370transactions.ln the weekJy Gyanendra has urged political parties, civil servants, eminent persons trade before Dashain. 13.975 share units valued at Rs 7. 11 million were along with all other citizens to be sensitive to the fact that solutions to traded in 286 transactions. In terms of transaction number. Nepal the problems confronting the nation must be addressed from within the Merchant Banking and Finance Limited topped the list with nine constitution's framework. "We must remain alert and united. otherwise transactions. Nepal Share Markets Limited. however. ranked first in the possibility of our unity, religious loleranceand social hannony being terms of value of transaction and the number of shares traded. A total of undennined will always exist," Hi s Majesty said . The royal message is 21,500 units of the banks' shares worth Rs 3.87 million were traded. being seen as meaningful in the context of the six-year-old violent epeople's war'launched by the Maoi st rebels with a view to dismanllil1g THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO PROVIDE 30 PER­ the country' 5 democratic constitution and turning Nepal i mo a epeople' s cent concession in the annual road permit tax to passenger buses. mini­ republic. ' bu ses and microbuses providing 33 percent concession in bus fare to students. according to the Department of Transport Management. RSS SIX PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND FOUR OTHERS WERE news agency reported. The government decision comes after violent injured when a tiger that came out of the Royal Chitwan National Park protests by pro-left student organizations demanding up to 50 percem attacked [he people in adjoining area of Nawalparasi district within the concession in public transport for students. Compiled from reports. last week. According to a news bulletin over the state-owned Radio Nepal Tuesday morning, the Home Ministry has ordered the immediate A SILENT GREEN REVOLUTION IS GOING ON IN THE EAST­ killing of the man-eater. Local people are living in fear as the ebig cat' ern hilly district ofDhankuta. According to Kantipur daily. fa rmers sell is yet 10 be caught. reports said. fresh vegetables worth Rs 250 million a year out of the districl. The District Agriculture Office of Dhankuta said vegetables grown in ta THE KALl GANDAKI A HYDROPOWER PROJECT IS NEAR­ district are sold in the adjoining di stricts as well as in Indi a a ing completion. Almost 96 percent of the construction work of the Bangladesh. Some 25 muhipurposecenters collect vegetables produced project. located in the western districI of Syangja, has been completed, by nearly I ,000familiesover980hectares. These centers sell vegetables official media reports said. The project launched in 1997 was scheduled worth more than Rs 120 million. The district's fanners arc earning up to be completed by the end of December 2000. But due lO technical to Rs 500.000 a year, the report said. difficulties. it will be completed toward the end of 2001 and the trial generation of power is scheduled in the beginning of 2002. The state­ THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE WELFARE OF MENTALLY owned Nepal Electricity Authority is implementing the l44-MW project Retarded (A WMR), Nepal. the only national NGO that works ror the with the assistance oft he Asian Development Bank and Japan Overseas cause of people with mental disabilities. has decided to observe Asoj 2 Development Fund. as Intellectuall y Disabled Day every year starting th is year. The associa­ tion organized rallies. sports and lecture programs to celebrate the THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A mGR-LEVEL TASK day with the slogan "Let's raise our voice for equal opportunities for force to deal with possible anthrax bacteria attacks in the l-limaJayan the mentally retarded". According to the institution. there are up to kingdom. reports said. The task force. led by Minister of State for 1.5 million mentally retarded people in the coumry and the institution Science and Technology Bhakta Bahadur Balayar. met Thursday to has been helping 4.000 of them. It has opened 33 schools in 22 chart out strategies to meet with any activities of bio-terror. Acting districts, various resource cemers and family counseling services to director general at the DepartmeJ1l of Health Services Dr. Mahendra he lp them. "Mainly the association has been engaged in sensitizing Bi sta. said the task force would work as a watchdog and prepare policies the general people about the issues and challenges mentally retarded to handle such attacks. There have been no reports of anthrax bacteria people face." said Sharada Man Shrestha. secretary of A WMR. The mailed to Nepal. but aut hod ties said they have provided masks and association organized a major program on Asoj 21 in Kathmandu with gloves to employees at the General Post Office at Sundhara as a the objective of rai si ng awareness about the conditions of mentally precautionary measure. retarded people in the country. Hundreds of mentally retarded s tud~nt s took pan in the program. which was held for the firsl time in the FOUR PEOPLE DIED WHEN A BOAT OVERCROWDED WITH country. The association is also the immediate past president of the people capsized in theJogbuda Riveral Dodhara VDC, which lies on the Asian Federation for the Mentally Retarded and member of Inclusion Nepal-India border. According to police, the dead include three local International. •

6 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 QUOTE UNQUOTE

"Depending on the circumstances, an all-party or national government can be formed. The constitutio does not pose an obstacle to this." Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, talking to reporters, ill Kantipur. * * *

"I am nol Opltm. l.SlIC . ab ou t l he progress of the dialogue. In fact, I have greater doubts today that the dialogue will deliver positive results," Girija Prasad Koiraia, fonl/er prime minister and president of the ruling Nepa/i Congress party, casting doubts all the ongoing government-Maoist dialoglle, ill Spacetime daily. • • •

"Now, come back with the whole gang." K.P. Oli, sellior leader of Ullified Marxist Leninlst. asking Bamdev GOlttCilll, general secretary of the Marxist Lellillis! parryhefonlledafter splitting/rom/he UML, to come back 10 rhe fold, while seeillg off Gallram, main oppositioll UML, in Spacetime gress, urging his party come lip with who attended 'he UML tea reception daily. an official viewpoilll 011 the Maoist for the first time since the split, ill • • • problem, ill Hima\aya Times . Gorkhapatra. * • • • • • "A mong the Congress leaders, some say "I am not in the mood to stand again. the Maoist problem is terrorism whi le oth­ "PM Deuba is busy saving his chair. The want the leadership to go to young people ers say it is a political one. There is no clear now. I will work to ensure that." ft vernment has ignored its primary duty of view of the party." Gajelldra Narayall Singh, president viding law and order in the country:' KllIlm Bahadur Kluulko, Home Mill­ ofrhe Nepal Sadbhavollo Porly, say­ Iswor Pokharel. senior leader of the isterand cel1lralleaderojNepali COI1* ing he will I/ot stand for the post of part)' presidelll ill the forthcoming general c01/velllioll of the pal1y. in Kantipur. * • *

"T he characters of King are slowly emerg in g in the Crown Prince ." Ashok Nath Tiwari. a royal*llom i* nated MP at 'he Upper HOllse. in Jana Bhawana. * ••

"I like gundruk (traditional fennented spinach) beller than meat in Dashain." Sharmila Mal/a, actress, saying tllat she prefers earill g vegefable ill Dashaill, IVhelll1losr Nepotiscelebrare by earillg meor, ill Gorkhapatra. * * •

7 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 •

OFF THE RECORD

ists, Deuba spoke of his com­ fac ti on that the turn­ Deuba's Jumbo pulsions in constitutin g a big out was better than Challenge cabinet. Interestingly. some of expected. Prime Minister Sher Ba­ his newly inducted ministers hadur Deuba has acknowl­ weredefendingthe primemin­ UML edged that he does not know iSler. saying that Sherbahadur how to fly a Twin Ouer. But Dai had saved millions of ru­ Caterers many people arc wondering pees by keeping the cabinet The CPN- how safely he would be able to small against all the pressures UML has proved pilot his 41-member mini- he was facing. It all depends that it is not only a on how you look at things. Leaders in tea-reception: lnformal talk political party but also a corporate or­ Who Holds Power? parties were a Congress pre­ ganization with all attendant rogative, The main opposi­ facilities, From getting food Some powerful members tion CPN-UML has followed itcms la preparing dishe. of the Nepali Congress lhe practice amid the hot com­ UML leaders exercise corn· strongly believe they arc petition among the country's plete mastery over the process, elected to parliament to be­ two major political forces to At a time when all the other come ministers. Nowthey have auract the people. Although major political parties take the begun pressing additional de­ the Ncpali Congress pio­ serviccs of catering firms. the mands, including inducting Deuba: Defending his cabinet neered the tradition, the UML UML formed its own group to their supporters in the council organized this year's tea party serve guests, This may be the of ministers. In such a COI11- earlier. Whatever the exact reason why UML leaders were jumbo cabinet. During his first petitive environment, holding number of people at the UML more worried about the qual­ prime ministerial tenure six the reins in Singha Durbar party, our communist leaders ity of the food than about wel­ years ago. Deuba had fon11ed a seems to have bet:ome a very have already expressed saUs· coming their guests, • cabinet comprising 47 mem­ difticult task. Even after in ­ bers of the hung parliament. cluding 4 t ministers in his Known as a soft-spoken and government, Prime Minister Picturesque and PeacefuJ easy-going politician within Sher Bahadur Deuba is yet to hi s party and outside. Deuba stabilize himself in power. a PJgrimage with Pleasure has always taken extra tare KhuIll Bahadur Khadka, Bal not IQ antagonize friends. Ac­ Bahadur K.C. and Bijaya cordingly, Deuba has experi­ KumarGacchedarwereamong mented with different ways of the key ministers who prc· steering hi s mini-jumho jet in sented separate lists of candi­ keeping with the wishes and dates for inclusion in the cabi­ expectations of key cabinet net. You must have guessed, colleagues. Deuba's ability to Instead of going to Deuba, strike compromises may be his MPs are these days knocking political trademark, but he the doors of Khadka, K.C "nd probably remember all 100 Gacchedar. wel l how during the turbulence of his last tenure he was forced to crash-land his carrier by ri­ Political Meetings ~ ,n Ct' u'nlUnt'~, \lan,IkaTll"na Ill'\'1 h,, ~ Un'u , vals within his own party. Many people generally wHJcI \' bt'llt'lnj 10 fulfd Ih e: \\,I~hn Id ha tend to stay away from tea t.!t'\'O!n's, '\! l' P "~'s f'f~1 c;lull' CM ~l'r\ ICl' , combUll'll PM's Compulsions parties organized by political \\"lIh tI ... ~ \\ 1t.!I·stHc,IJ rl'~ pe:ct "nd ~ upl'r b n,lIu,,,I Although the meeting was parties for fear of being ~UrrtIU'IJ1"~S . hh Ir,\ll~rt'rmcJ Ih ~' ~1:tll:tk,Lln;lna rq~~tnn pupuLtr pligflO1a~l' hulnLiY called eDashain Bhetghal'. the branded as loyalists of any III " ilnJ Je:Slln:'lIlO'I , 11l~lallCll b) Ihe \\"urld u:nu\\ unl intentions of Prime Minister particular group, Neverthe­ Dnrrlcm:\~r , ,1' \U:'lrl:l, nur c:lblc c"r~ .lfl' ,Lt p"r Sher Bahadur Deuba's spin­ less, the Dashain tea party with IIll' hl'sl :n !Ill' wurlt.! a:' arc uur ~C("\'ICC:~ , doctors seemed to encompass seems to be an appropriate much more than exchanging occasion for politicians to '1""','1", ~ (lIT) rn. festival greetings. In his hour­ show their hospitality. Until ~ V~SIiNo/ (JJ.) LTV. · p, 0, Box 4416, NaxalNagpoknai, Ktlhmandu, ~epJI , long interaction with journal- five years ago. Dashain tea ~34648 , 434860. Fin: 9n·1-434S'S Ct~res Slatiof\ TeI: (064160044 . Websi\e, VHNI,chitaw:::o:oe.ccmknanlkamana 8 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 NATIONAL

solute poverty," said). Bill Musoke, UNFPA WORLD POPULATION REPORT 2001 representative to Nepal. "UNFPA is sup­ porting many programs in close cooperation with government ministries and other line Call For Global Action agencies." According to the State of World Popu­ The demographic, social and economic indicators published by UNFPA lation 2001, global population will grow by 50 percent. from 6.1 billion in mid-2oo! to underscore Nepal's need to make sincere efforts to manage population growth 9.3 billion by 2050. All of the projected growth will take place in today's developing By KESHAB POUDEL the country is already facing several prob­ countries. The 49 least developed countries, lem s in diverse areas, the existing infrastruc­ including Nepal. already strai ning to provide la time when under-5 infant mortal­ ture will become less capable offulfi lling the basic social services to their people. will A ity, tOlal fertility, literacy rate and basic needs of the people. nearly triplein size from. 668 million to 1.86 government investment in the health and Among the eight countries of South and billion people. ucation sectors remain dismal. managing Central Asia, Nepal is in a sl ightl y beller The percentage of birth wit h ski ll ed e population in the coming decade would position in terrnsof annual popu lation growth attendants revealed the poor health infra­ undoubtedly be a difficult task. compared to Afghanistan, Bhutan and Paki­ structures in the country. In average num­ Although Nepal has made certain stan. According to tbe State of World Popu­ bers. only nine out of 100 births were man­ progress in health. education and infrastruc­ lation 2001 published by United Nations aged by ski ll ed attendants. In Sri Lanka, 94 ture development. it is too little and too late. Population Fund (UNFPA), average popula­ births were managed by skilled attendants. Population growth will severely affect all tion growth rate between 2000-2005 will be The percentage in other countries of South ecosystems and will damage the natural 2.3 per<:en\. Asia is much higher. GNP per capita of Nepal is $1.280 which is the second lowest in the region after Bhutan. Central government education and health expendilUre of Nepal is quite satisfactory. Under 5-monality rate is still higher in the area. Population and the environment are closely related but the links between them are complex and depend on specific circum­ stances. The UNFPA this year chose the issue "bf population and environmemal change. underlining these critical links. As long as Nepal fails to make steady progress in reducing the size of its popula­ tion. Ihe country would have to confront many problems in the areas of develop­ ment. health. education and sanitation sec­ tor. "Nepal is characterized by a high popu­ lation growth. It is also among the pooresl coulllnes oflhe world . with an estimated 42 percent of the popUlation living under the Nepalese women and children: No succor poverty li ne. Other characteristics associ­ ated with Nepal are high mortality rates as environment through global warming and In South and Central Asia, Sri Lanka compared to Nepal's neighbors." said loss of biological diversity. among other has the lowest growth rate of 0.9 percent UNFPA Representative Musoke. things. followed, by Iran (1.4 percent) and India (1.5 The social, demographic and economic A growing population will put greater percent). Afghanistan has highest growth indicators released by the State of World pressure on natural resources, including for­ rate of 3.6 percent followed by Bhutan (2.6 Population 200 I show that Nepal would est, water resources and land. A huge amount per<:ent). Nepal has the second highest urban have 10 face serious environmental and other of food and more energy will be required to population growth rate. The population fer­ problems due to unmanageable population sustain peoples livelihood. T~is means the tility rate in is 4.48 in Nepal, which is fourth growth. Time, however, has not run out. challengeofsustainablemanagememofnmu­ highest. Nepal needs 10 ensure (hm the people have ral resources will become more daunting. "The progress in the population pro­ full access to reproductive health services. If the current growth rate of2.3 percent gram will depend on success in ensuring This would be far less costly in the long run continues. the projected number of Nepalis women's right to education and health, in­ than the environmental consequences of a by the year 2050 will reach 52.4 million. As cluding reproductive health and ending ah- ballooning population. •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 200 1 9 mand democracy and transparency when he doesn't bother to disclose the proceedings of the standing committee meeting of his own party?" asked a political analyst. "It is shanlefultoeven have to listen to words like democracy and transparency coming from political pallies with undemocratic creden­ tials." Bom in December 30, 1971 , Crown Prince Paras completed his educated atSillar fnternational University inthe United King­ dom. He rnruTied Crown Princess Himani Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah in January 27. 2000. Born in Indi a. Himani is the daughter of Rao Raja Vickram Singh of Rajasth,. India. ~ Crown Prince Paras and Crown Princess Himani : Symbol of continuity Crown Prince Paras is said to have a keen interest in lhe areas of environmental protection and sports. As chainnan of the CROWN PRINCE PARAS Central Zoo, the Crown Prince has made a major contribution to improve the physical andother facilities in the lawalakhelzoo. Continuity And Stability As the monarchy took a vital step to­ wards ensuring the stability of the institu­ King Gyanendradeclares Prince Paras Shah as Crown Prince tion. some political parties and vested inter­ est groups are trying to drag the Kjng's legal in accordance with the traditions of the monarchy andconslitutional decision into controversy _ Elements opposed to the rule of law and the By KESHAB POUDEL politicians and intellectuals from the ruling letter and spirit of tile constitution are press­ and opposition panies raised questions about ing unnecessary demands to harass and ive months after ascending the throne the Royal Succession to Throne Act, urging weaken the traditional institution of monar­ F and after much debate and consulta­ the need for democratization of the pro­ chy. tions, King Gyanendra proclaimed his only cesses relating lO the monarchy. Their real -'Those raising needless questions about son. Paras Shah. and daughter-in-law , aim was to sow confusion in the aftermath the King' s decision are serving the intere ' Himani. crown prince and crown princess of the tragedy that struck Narayanhity Pal­ of elements that do not wam a slrong m or the Kingdom of Nepal in accordance willl ace 011 June I. archy and political stability in the country." the constitution and the Royal Succession to "Before such an announcement is made, said a political analyst on condition of ano­ Throne Act 1988. the King needs to consuh parliament and nymity. '-Couldn-t these leaders find any Although a small group of politicians, consider the will of the people," said Narahari other issue to discuss?" includi ng main opposition CPN-UML leader Acharya, member of the Nepali Congress Others cite the ignorance of the politi­ Madhav Kumar Nepal, hinted at the need to Central Committee. who resigned as party calleadership of Ihe nature and functioning democratize the institution of monarchy in spokesman in June after his conlroversial of the monarchy. As a traditional institution. their response to the royal palace announce­ views on the Succession to Tluone Act was the monarchy does not contest elections or ment, a large segment of the population disowned by party general secretary Sushil go in for popular politics. Unlike political accepted the decision as nonnal and in con­ Kairala and others. parties, the instituti on of monarchy is based formity with royal tradition. CPN-UML general secretary Nepal on its own traditions. practices_ custom and Hi s Majesty has announced the deci­ toed Acharya's line. ''There is a need for usage. sion in nannal circumstances and in accor­ transparency and democratization in the According to the Constitution of the dance willl the constitution and Royal Suc­ institution of monarchy," he said. Kingdom of Nepal 1990 and Royal Succes­ cession lO ThroneAcl. However, some poli­ The demand of the t wo leaders repre­ sion to Throne Act. the law. custom and ticians showed their lack.of understanding senting the ruling and opposition parties usage relating to the succession to the throne of constitutional and royal traditions surprised many. especially since neither provide the basis for any declaration on by trying to push the stable and strong group has been particularly cognizant of the succession in the royal family. Precedence institution of monarchy into anothercontro­ importance of making its activities and de­ was applied in proclaiming Prince Paras, versy. cision-making process transparent or demo­ the only son of King Gyanendra and the For the last five months, a group of cfmic. "How can a communist leader de- closest male relative of the monarch, as

10 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 NATIONAL

Crown Prince. The proclamation. made on innocent. The wild allegalions against Prince until a son is born. but on ly whcnthe throlle the auspicious occasion of Vi jay a Dashami, Paras were clearly pari of an efforl from is vacant, the heir apparent is not yet born. was a regular procedure. some quarters to tarnish the image of the and no other male member in the order of The institution of the king. as both a monarchy. succession is in existence. juristic and natural person. provides both An academic commentator has Ir the crown prince does something for continuity of traditional practices and summed up the relevance of the monarchy against the royal custom and norms. then he for change to rencct modernity. Constitu­ in modem Nepal: At least fOrloday's Nepa\. could be deprived of the right to succeed to tional experts argue that the king as the a monarch can do more good than harm. the throne. This conditi ons and qualifica­ theme of continuity and change cuts cross Nepaiesenationai unity or identity will he in tion isstipulated in Clause 8 of the sameacl. all aspects of Nepalese life. its people. its danger if we put the constitutional monar­ This phenomenon is not something new. In history, the arts. architecture. cuhure. be­ chy in controversy. the case of then-prince Dhircndra, the late liefs, language and literature. According to Clause 5 of the Royal JPrithvi Narayan Shah 5.1 King Gyanendra proclaimed Prince Paras order of succession through enactmenl. the Great and adherent of Aryan cullure and as crown prince. a fa cLthat already existed amendment and repeal of th~ laws relating the Hindu religion. when His M'\iesty ascended the throne. The to the succession to the throne. By virtue of

~ • 1 ~ '( .. ~"', b~rh -;l. ....\,..'mh.'tl,Uifb'1':ll:tl "h r--..,., this power. His Majesty may bring provisions and terms of Royal about changes in the Royal Suc­ Succession to Throne Act 1988. cession ACI ilself or introduce which replaced U,e Act of 1958, changes ill the existing order of lays down the conditions for such succession within the framework announcement. Apart from con­ of the existing Act as such. The St ilutional and legal underpin­ present Royal Suct:'cssion Act also nings, the legitimacy andcontinu­ lays down the circumstances in ity of the monarchy is also based which d~scelldallls or heirs to the on unwritten norms and val ues th rone lose the rights of royal SlIC- which have their roots in tradition, cession. custom. religion and Hindu scrip- A heir 10 the throne lose the lure. As the only son of King right of royal succc~s iol1 on the Gyanendra, Prince Paras was the following grounds: abdic:ltion. re- natural heir apparent. linqubhmenl of the Hindu rcli- Monarchies and hereditary gion. m.xllIlsition of citizenship of ds of states in both eastern and Crown Prince with Crown Princess at a temple at Bhaktapur other country. performam.:e of an western societies have always : Learning tradition act against the interest of the na- claimed to have their roots in reh- lion. the crown or the royal family. gion and divinity. and that legacy is main- announcement on Vijaya Dashami was the conclusion ofa marriage against the custom tained by modem monarchies as well. King formalization of the existing fact. and usage of the royal family. pClfonnance Gyanendra's proclamation also rooled in 111 the prevailing condition. the King of an act against royal family. performance such tradition. could not have done otherwise. According of an act against royal customs and usage The identification of His Majesty with to the Royal Succession to Throne Act, the and removal of membership of the royal culture Hnd religion. therefore. is limited to order of succession entitles the oldest son family for violation of the royal code of legitimizing the continuity of monarchy and born from the formally m31Ticd wife and the conduct. to reinforcing the grounds of acceptability persondesignatedasHcrMajestytheQueen }(jng Gyanendra's proclamation of " even in the modem era in which the ad- to be the crown prince and later to succeed Prince Paras as crown prince has paved the vances of republicans threaten the founda- the throne as Hi s Majesty the King. way for continuity of the institution of lions of hereditary institutions. In the The refusal or failure of the oldest son monarchy. The responsibilities on Crown Nepalese context. there is no alternative to to become King shall enable the oldest son Prince Paras's shoulders are inunense. He the institution of monarchy in terms of unit- of the crown prince to succeed to the throne. has to prove his capahility to work in ing the various ethnic groups qf Nepal. The sister of the crown prince has no right to accordance with the traditions and glory of Crown Prince Paras has been the sub- inherit the throne. Only male members of an institution that is more than 200 years ject of controversy because of some un for- the royal fanlily are emitled to be placed in old. Nepal's monarchy ha s taken a signifl- tunateevents surrounding his youthful past. the order of succession (except in a special cant step IOward stabilit y and cominuity However, there is an established system of situation when aqueen is pemlitted to siton when the people arc looking up to the justice to find whether someone is guilty or the throne for a period of two months, or institution for strengt h and suecor during these turbulent times. •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 11 NATIONAL

10 the Gulf." said Thapa who recalled the BRITISH GURKHAS shock he feh when Cl colleague died from heat stroke. " ' f there is an accident. no onc is there to protect us," said Thapa. Changing Order Competition among NepaJi youths to get jobs in fo reign lands is very high. With the number of unemployed youths growing each Following their withdrawal from Hong Kong in 1997, soldiers working in year. the headlong rush to go abroad for better the British Gurkhas have seen remarkable changes in the United Kingdom prospects is bound to continue. Competition la gel into the British AmlY is fi erce because of the prestige and monetary benefits in the ser- By KESHAB POUD ELreporting in London and Doha battalions, The family members of the Gurkha vice. BUl less than 5% of Ncpalis working soldiers who live in the baualion residences abroad join the British Army. iswo Mohan Thapa. 26. and Man Baha- offer an opportunity for soldiers to in teract in Going abroad for employmem in places B dur Gurung. 22 (original names with- a uniquely NepaJi way. All the accommoda- otherthan the Brit ish or lndiaarmies isa recent he ld upon request). were among marc than 50 lion is exactly the same as their Britis h coun- phenomenon. Nepali workers have found Nepalis flyi ng by Qatar Airways Fli ght 350 terparts. places in the labour market of Gulf countri. rrom Doha to Kathmandu recently. Thapa. a "We hardly felt any homesickness while only recently. The process of overseas em- resident of the remote astern Nepalese districl working in the battali on. as wc organized regu- ploymem in a legal and organized way started of Panchthar. and Gurung. a nativeof Syangja lar meetings and interaction programs wi thin following the restorationofmullipartydemoc- district in Western Nepal. share a common ourbattalion."said Major(QGO) DamarGhale racy in 1990. In recent years. there have been physical structure. But that where the similar- of the Queen Gurkha Engineers in Invicta Park frequent reportsofNepalis enteringothercoun- ity cnds, Barracks. Maidstonc. tries illegal ly. Many illegal workers from Nepal Thapa. who went to the tiny oil-rich Onthefour-hourDoha-KathmanduQatar have been detained in Malaysia. Taiwan and sheikhdom of Qatar in the Persian Gulf threc Airways night, one found two distinct groups other countries. years ago to work as a fo reman at thc State of NcpaJi passengers. The majority of the The Gurkha Brigade of the British Army Electricity Company. faced many difficulties Nepali passengers. returning from Gulf coun- is the only foreign-employment sector that i~ beforc returning to Nepal. He put rr----I1iii:r;:ir~--~------If1i1i'JlI.iIiIl governed by an agreemcnt be· in long hours in the harsh deseI1 tween governments. popularly climate 10 save the equivalent known as Tripartite Agreement Rs 300.000. Like many other signed by Nepal. United King- Ncpalis who go to the region for dom and India, The terms and employment, Thapa had paid conditions of the Gurkha ser- Rs, 150,OOOtojoin the Qatari COIll- viccmcn arC' fixed under the pany with virtually no legal agree- agreement. The agreemenl. men! concerning hi s tenns and I which is binding on the signato- conditions of work. ries.ls recognized by the Unitcd , Gurung. a riflcman at the I Nations. , British Gurkha regiment has a Followlllg the transfer 0 completely different story to tell . . Hong Kong to the Peoples Re- as he alone brings in Rs. 500.000 G u r kha family an UK : Home away from home publicoI' China in 1997. the role ashissavings.Hewasllyingfrom of Nepalis working in the the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rines tries. were desperate to see their country and Gurkha Brigade of British Army has also un- ShorncJiffe. United Kingdom. Gurung, who family members. dergone a marked transformation. They are joined the Gurkha regimcnt of the British "Wewereslackedintocommonpremises posted to camps in the United Kingdom and Army three years ago. was returning to Nepal and were not all owed to use the phone fre- the Southeast Asian nation of BruneI. Under on a live-month paid leave. quently." said Subarna Shrestha. a residence the British government's current plans for the Unlike Thapa. Gurung is fully protected of Baglungin western Nepal, who was return- regular armed forces. the Brigade is estab- by an agreement belwcen the two countries ing from a sheep farm in Saudi Arabia. "We lished at 3.500 servicemen stationed predomi- and rcceives all facilities in par with the British were not allowed to celebrate our festivals and nantly in the United Kingdom. soldiers in the service. "After my final se lec- other religious practices, It is true that we can "The Gurkha Brigade, together with their lion at (he Brillsh Gurkha Camp in Pokhara. I make ten times more money than we could British counterparts. has been heavily com- was asked to leave some of my belongings. ever do in Nepal. but there are cleardiflicullies mined to operations, most significantly in the including clothes. before Jeaving for the Trai n- in working in the desert. None of us have our Balkans. East Timor and Sierra Leone." said ing Wingofthe BrigadeofGurkhasinCatterick families with us" Major (QGO) Sonam Tshering Sherpa, based UK," said Gunmg, He said he had not felt Wilh their blue blazer and green necktie. al Brigade of Gurkhas Headquarters in homesick bcca u se~hc spoke ~it h and wrote to Gurkha soldiers are clearly distinguishable Netheravon. 'l'he Gurkhas are on operations family members regularly. from the OIhcr passengers. most of whom wore in Kosovo and Bosnia right now. Our Gurkha \Vorking Abroad: The environment jeans and other informal dress. carrying a so ldiers are working under different commands, within which the British Gurkhas work is very coupleofheavy suitcases filled withreadymade including in 36 Engi neers Regiment. Logistic homely. Soldiers are allowed to practice their garments and some electronic appliances. Regiment. Signals regiment and other infantry cultural and religious traditions within their "If I find ajob in Nepal. I will not return battalions,"

12 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 Afterrhey were shifted from !7"-""'"IIIIIII!!!.~~'7------""''''''"---::J fenseonicials.Oneofrhech:tl- Hong Kong 10 the Uni ted King- ~~,.-..r.~--"" Icngcs before the Gurkha~ is 10 dam. Gurkha soldiers have re- retain their reputation for hon- ceived greater exposure to wesl- c:..ty and hard work among the ern culture. The Gurkhas work- British people:: and to convince ing in the logistics, signals and policy maker~ in London ahout engineering fields get more ben- the perceived shorlcomlllgs in t!fits, as they have to work wi th the service. their British counterparts in the A large number of Briti"h battalion. Gurkha :..erviccmen arc \'ery sin- "Ourboys have proved their cc!"!.! and concerned about main- efficiency and capability in han- taming thcirdigni ty and rn::sllge dling most modern and sophisti- through hard \\fork amJ efforts caled equipment along with the need to be made to satisfy di~- British soldiers," said Major gnllltlcdvoicc~. Butonesoldicr (QGO) Chitraj Limbu at the said "WC ha\'c an exccllcnldcal. ueen's Own Gurkhas Logistic anti ifit need,:> to be changed wc Regiment. Colchester. Nepalese going to the gulf : Fu ture'-u-n-c-e-r-ta-j-n----"--...... __ .... mU!'lt do this diplommicnlly. We The Gurkha soldiers. too. find the nctions of some have to develop their efliciency as they re­ ernization. The experiences of qualified and orgallisalions which have ndllcved nOlhing ror ceive all k1l1ds of facilities at par with British trained soldiers and western-educated children us - embarrassing and wrong." counterparls whi le in service. "If the Nepalese will be a boon for Nepal in ItS quest for trans­ The History: For ncarly two centuries. government plans 10 explOit Ihe exposure and formation. the Brigade of Gurkhas in the Britlsh Army ha!'> skills acquired by the Gurkha soldiers in the Shortcomings :To be sure. not every­ remained the source of fureign employment British Army. the country wi ll galll im­ thing is right among the Gurkhas. Soldiers for Nepalis. After India galllcd independence mensely:' said Major (QGO) Damar Ghale, below staff sergeant rank have a few griev­ in 1947. the 10 Gurk.ha regiments wt:re split ·'Mostly. the soldiers retire at the age of 35-45. ances in terms or benefits and other facililies. between the Indian and British armies. The so their skills can be helpful in the process of They want to bring along family mem­ 2nd. 6th. 7th and 10th Gurkha Rint!s were nat ion building." bers like their senior NCOs and officers do. among those tr:l.l1sferrcd to the Bri tish Army. The fami lies of Bri tish Gurkha personnel According to existing rules. those below stafr Today there are IWO battalions of infantry and transferred to the United Kingdom have re­ sergeant rank are not 1I11owed to bring family 3 other regiment" (logistic. engineer and sig­ ceived greater opportunities as well. Most members for more than three years dunng their nals) .. family members of Gurkha servicemen are 18-year job period. Britain began recruiting Gurkhas after also working. In accordance with British gov­ "Ir we were allowed to bring our families the Anglo-Nepali war of 18 14-16. Between ernment rules. they are making 7 pounds ster- like others are, our work efficiency would also 1815 and 1857. Gurkha battalions were in­ 1111g an hour. Their children benefit from the improve." said one soldier. "In fact. this is a , volved in a number of campaigns. But it was r ee scJlOol education in the United Kingdom. very discriminatory practice in the service. after the Indian Army mu tiny in 1857 that ''Take-home pay is equal among Gurkhas Long periods or separation from the family Gurkhas secured a plnce Of pridt: among the and British soldiers but we get accommoda­ members sometimcs ruins the ramily. But we British people and in the permanent order of tion and food free of charge:' said CapL (QGO) knew these conditions when we joined" bailie or the old Indi;ln army. Bishnukumar Pun. "Postings in the UK gives Soldiers who are on the verge of retire­ Conclusion: Joining the British Gurkhas our rami ly tremendous opportunities for expo­ ment have many dilemmas. Growing violence has always been viewed as a pri \-ilege by lllany :..ure." He added "We work with British sol­ and the deteriorating law-and-order situation Nepalis and the knowledge. skills and expo­ diers as in Nepal worries them much. The concern of sure they acquired dunng the service has been colleagues and get the same pay." soldiers is understandable. as they are working Illllllensely valuable in the process of national Almost all family members or Gurkha in a high-risk field and are sad that Iheir own development. Nepali rural ~ocicty. where IllOst lioldiers living in the United Kingdom arc country faces such violence. With Ihe world of the recruits t.:ume from. ha~ benetited enor­ busy. as there is a high demand for thClr once again in the midst or a global war on mously rrom the British Gurkhas. Equally services. "Nepalese women have proved that terrorism and the prolireration ofregionnl con­ importam for Nep3J i!:i their contribution to they are loyal. honest and hard-workmg people. flicts. soldiers are bracing ror dirtlcuh times. replenishing foreign currency rC!:icrves. Nepal This is the reason why many Britons prefer to T he Future: At a time when the British gains about £60.000.000 a year from this valu­ employ these women." said MajorTekbahadur government has started recruiting soldiers rrom able connection. The Gurkha:.. have provcd Gurung MBE - himself commissioned from other Commonwealth countries like Fiji. the that they can work in any geographical condi­ Sandhurst and who commands the Royal monopoly of the Gurkha soldiers. earned tions With all kinds of people. Military Academy Sandhurst's Demonstra­ through decades of trustworthiness. is being The que~t or Nepal is for employmcnt tion Company. challenged. If the cost of recruiting Gurkha abroad has increascd many fold. Until suitable Along with monetary benefits. the expo­ soldil!rs goes up in terms of IIldividual invest­ altcrnative are available III the coumry. it l!:i III sure Gurkha soldiers and their family mem­ ment. Nepalis may lose the outstanding oppor­ everybody's intere:..t to rnaintil1l1 this !.pccmJ bers receive in the United Kingdom would tunity they are getting in thc United Kingdom. opportunity for employment with the Bntish help to bring much-needed change in Nepalese Immigration and litigation cases concerning Army. And our people get an excellent deal - society. which is itself in the process or mod- Nepalis also secm to be irritating British de- look at Biswo Mohan Thapa'!:j lale! •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 i3 NATIONAL

were a meager 2 to 2.5 percent of the total NEPAL-INDIA TRADE TALKS imports of the said items in the huge Indian market. The new provision would funher curtail Nepalese exports, thereby Coming Closer? widening the already huge trade gap, they said. With the treaty set to expire in a month, Nepalese and Last year, Nepal expOJ1ed goods wonh over Rs 27 billion to India while imports Indian officials try to narrow down their differences amounted to nearly Rs 47 billion, leading to a trade defIcit of nearly Rs 20 billion. By BHAGIRATH YOGI should have at least 30 percent local value iBoth of us will lose if the deadlock contin­ addition before they were exported to In­ ues. Obviously. Nepal will'lose more," said here are some signs of positive de­ dia. Nepalese ofucials argued that such Ravi Bhakta Shrestha. president of the T velopments, finally. The two-day provision would be against the spirit of the FNCCI (See Box) joint secretary le vel talks between Nepalese 1996 Treaty ofTrade. But during the recent More than 44 percent of Nepal' s to t and Indian officials concluded in the talks, Nepali onicials agreed to consider export is consumed by India. whereas Nepalese capital Sunday with both sides the Indian proposal. little more than 35 percent of total Nepalese agreeing to continue talks on renewing the Officials here say exports from Nepal imports comes from India. The five items live-year-old bilaterallrade treaty. Leader of the Nepalese delegation. Purushottam Ojha. said the talks were positive as both 'India Should Show Magnanimity' sides came closer toward nalTowing their t1i ffercnccs on the renewal of the treaty that - RA VI BHAKT A SHRESTHA ex pires on December 5. The talks mainly zeroed in on such Th e apex Nepalese pril'ate-sector body. tile Federatioll of Nepalese Chambers of topics as certificate of origin. value addi­ Commerce (lnd Illdustl)' (FNCCI) is busy fI)'ing to resolve trade displlte between Nepal lion and export surge. Ojha said various alld llldiafor Ihe lasl severallllolllhs. FNCc/ Presidelll RA VI BHAKTA SHRESTHA modalilies wercdiscllssed.jncludingadopl­ spoke 10 SPOTLIGHT briefly 011 SI/llday afler Ihe official-level Talks were Ol 'e r. £tCerpls: in g the recommendations of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and There is only a month left before the treaty expires, but there are no signs of Industry (FNCCI) and Confederation of consensus. How do you see this? Indian We are very worried. We should lose no more time. We should have done our Industry (Cll). homework in lime. But that could not happen. At least there should have been some In August. India formally notified indical ion toward which direction we are moving. Ihaveheard that Lhcjointsecretary lev'" Nepal that it wanted to review certain pro­ meeting has cnded without any concrete decision. Now. I would like to say that the t\~ visions in the treaty. saying thm a surge in governments should li sten to the joint recommendations made by the FNCCI and en exports of about half a dozen items from (Confederati on of [ndian Industry) after detailed homework. Nepal had hun India's industries. The What are the major points of those recommendations? Nepalese side maintained thatit would like Number one, we have said that the 1996 treaty should be renewed automatically and to sec the renewal of the treaty without problems, if any, should be resolved through letter of exchange. We have agreed that there major changes. The treaty provides duty­ should be value addition of 30 percent. It is because Ihere can't be any industry without [reeaccess to Nepalese manufactured prod­ value add iti on; As far as the issue of surge is concerned, we have proposed that the loint ucts in the Indian market. except those in Economic Council (JEC) should be asked to define surge, which will then be recom­ the negative li st (tobacco, liquor and per­ mended to the government. The definition of manufacturing process. value addition fumes). should be made by the technical committees under the Depanment of Industry of Nepal The secretaries of the Commerce M i n­ and that they should not be altered for one year. istries from Nepal and India have met twice Who willlos. from this deadlock? in the Nepalese and Indian capitals overthe Both countries wi ll lose. Obviously, Nepal wi ll lose more. In 1996, theJEC had been lasl four months but have fai led to come to set up and the provision of duty free exports from Nepal to India was agreed as per our acommon platform. Indian industries have recommendations. After the lreaty. Nepalese exports to India have increased and so have been complaining about a 'surge' in the imports from India. Last year. NepaPs exports to India stood at Rs 27 billion whereas export of five items - polyester yarn, imports from Nepal stood at around Rs 44 billion. There is still a trade deticit of around vegetable ghee, copper wire. zinc oxide 18billion. To bridge this trade gap and for the industrial development of Nepal, India and G. l. pipes - from Nepal. Indian should show magnanimity toward Nepal. I don't see any possibility of deadlock. I again onicials had proposed that Nepal i products urge both the governments to endorse the joint recommendations submitted by us.

14 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 objected by Indian industries constitute nearly 20 percent of Nepal 's total exports DEUBA CABINET to India. Experts say the treaty can be imple­ mented only in an environment of mutual Survival Instincts trust and confidence. They, however, smell rat in the changing Indian proposals during the negotiations6from most-favored na­ Premier Deuba forms a 41-member cabinet to survive tion lreatmenllO value addition to puuing the 'number's game' Nepali export items in the negative li st Ut seems the real Indian agenda is different On the last day orthe 20th session of the Parliament (October 19). Prime Minister Sher than what they are proposing'; said Dr. Bahadur Deuba has expanded hi s 13-member by more than three times pushing the total Bhuvan Bajracharya, an economist who is numberofhiscabinet colleagues to 41. Hehas inducted five new ministers, 16 ministers fo llowing the bilateral talks. of state and seven assistant ministers in his three-monlh-oldcabinet Premier Deuba still The 199 1 treaty required Nepal to holds key portfolios of Defense and Foreign Affairs with himself. Earlier. Deub. had alue add at least 50 percent in its export set a record by constituting a 48-member cabinet while heading a three-party coalit IOn items to enjoy duty-free access in the In­ in 1996-97 that lasted for 18 months only. Deuba needs support "I' 57 NC lawmakers dian market. The 1996 treaty, considered a (out of 113) 10 remain in power. Whether the ejumbo cabinet' will prolong his milestone in Nepal-Indi a relations, how­ government's tenure. only time will tell. ever, removed such restricti ons. The treaty is considered instrum ental in attracting In­ New Faces in the Deuba Cabinet dian and foreign in vestmen t in Nepal over Ministers: the last five years. Puma Bahadur Khadka- Industry, Commerce and Supplies, "I ndia is a natural partner for the eco­ Rishikesh Gautam- Minister without portfolio, Prime Minister's Office. nomic and industrial development of Rajendra Kharel- Women, Children and Social Welfare, Nepal," Binod Chaudhary, a leading in­ Khem Raj Bhalla 'Mayalu'- General Administration, dustrialist and former president ofFNCCI Narendra Bikram Nemwang- Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. told Himalaya Times daily. "For us, India is a huge and very important market. When Ministers of State: wc start looki ng into the broader and exten­ Bhakta Bahadur Balayar- Science and Technology, sive issues between the two countries, small Ram Janam Chaudhari- Land Reforms and Management, hitches will disappear automatically." Devendra Raj Kandel- Home Affairs, . But critics say a somewhat rigid atti­ Duryodhan Singh Chaudhari- Local Development, e on the part of India, as manifested in Surendra Hamal- Forest and Soil Conservation, e case of Kod ak. has rai sed suspicions Shiva Raj Joshi- Labor and Transport Management, about the implementation of the treaty. Narayan Sharma Poudel- Water Resources. SomeIndian states have already introduced Arjun lung Bahadur Singh- Foreign Affairs, anti-dumping and lU xury duties on a num­ Laxman Prasad Mehata- Agriculture and Cooperatives, ber of Nepalese products. Ms. Sushila Swanr- Women, Children and Social Welfare, Meanwhile, reports said the External Hari Narayan Chaudhari- Infonnation and Communications. Affairs Ministry of India has indicated that Narayan Prasad Saud- Education and Sports, political compulsions should also be taken Keshab Thapa- Physical Planning and Construction, in to consideration during the rev iew of the Sarbadhan Rai- Culture, Tourism and Civil Avialion, I 996 treaty. "Nepal should not move away Mohan Bahadur Basnet- Health, politically from India as this will re sult in Bharat Kumar Shah- Finance. proximity with China," The Economic Times, a leading Indian daily, reported Assistant Ministers: referring to theconcems of the South Block Prakash Bahadur Gurung- Industry, Commerce and Supplies. officials. For Nepal, more than using po­ Dilli Raj Sharma- Land Refonns and Management, litical cards, trying to take Indian establish­ Nagendra Kumar Raya- Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. ment and industry into confidence will Sabitri Bogati Pathak- Physical Planning and Coostruction, help much, say analysts. The WTO com­ Dil Bahadur Lama- General Administration, merce ministerial level meeting in Doha, Birendra Kumr Kanaudia- Water Resources, Qatar later thi s week will give Nepali offi­ Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya- Local Development. (end) cials one such opportunity. •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 15 COVER STORY CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ideals And Reality

Eleven years after the promulgation of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990, the country is yet to achieve the system and society the basic law visualized. The dangerous vacuum created in the course of drawing up the new constitution after scrapping the old one still rocks the minds of the people. That gap helped to pave the way for endemic political instability and confusion. At a time when a group et politicians and intellectuals, dejected, rejected and sidelined by mainstream politics, have joined the bandwagon to destroy constitutional traditions and practices, a painful phase of chaos and confusion seems likely. If those supposed to execute and uphold constitutional authority do not set and follow traditions, no constitution can hope to achieve its vision. The harsh reality is that a constitution cannot deliver a ready-made model for success.

By KESHAB POUDEL However, it definitely needs patience to de­ rance or dishonesty on their pan? ) velop the traditions required 10 run institu­ When the Constitution of Kingdom of ) s hort sight-seei ng trip to ti ons as envisaged by the constitution. Nepal was promulgatcd by late King Birendra Buckingham Palace, Constitution Strangely, politicians and intellectuals in 1990. barely three months after the draft­ Hall, Houses of Parliament and who have had wide exposure 10 western ing process started . it was regarded as a West minster A.bbey in central liberal democracy and knowledge about the sacred wriuen document. Despite the main LondonA provides glimpses of monuments to lengthy and painful process of social and opposition CPN-UML's "criti cal support". Britons' centuries-long struggle la arrive at political transformation arc in forefront of the consti tution received firm popular back­ the resilient political orde r they have today. criticizing the constitutional and political ing. However, this sense of unanimity did Nepal may not have LOspend such a long lime processes practiced in the country and are not last long. Politicians rejected, dejected to make its democratic instit uti ons work. aski ng for immediate results. Is this igno- and sidelined by main stream politics started

16 l SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 COVER STORY

such demands." A constitUlion is a document that can be written in a compact form like ours or left in scauered ordinary rules and conventions like in the United Kingdom. In any case. it forms the basis orthe legal order of the state. But a constitution is al so a puwer-map tracing the normative relationship between the govem~ ment and the citi zens. Theconstitution, as far as it is concerned wilh power. is as much the concern of the political scienti st as of the constitutional lawyer. On the ideological front, the constitution can be the most demo­ cratic orlhe most authoritarian. But in actual terms, it is the action of the people that determines the result o r the constitutional process. A comparatively less liberal constitu­ lion can bring good results provided those implementing and i nterprcting its provisions are capable and operate democratically, A The framers of constitution: Have they fulfilled their responsibility? person lacking traditions of liberalism may implement or interpret a liberal constitution attacking the new constitutio n. inexorably which is vocal in demanding amendments to in highly authOlimrian way. pushing it toward greater conlfoversy, the constitution. has not clearly pointed out ;The country needs dmnges in the be­ Every constitution contains certain am­ which articles it wants changed. Moreover, it havior of political leaders and other seni or biguities and confusion during its early has not publicly explained its reasons for officials, not a l:onstitutional amendment." phases. It has to undergo several processes demanding those changes. Where have the says senior advocate Mukunda Regmi. onc before establishing itself as an all-acceptable reservations the party expressed in 1990 of the members of the panel that drafted the document. "The constitution is an intention­ gone? Are UML leaders planning to reintro­ basic law. "As long as the conduct and cul­ ally incomplete. often deliberately indeter­ duce their reservations or have they aban­ ture of our society remains entrenchcd in the minate SlTUcture for the participatory evolu­ doned them altogether? Nobody understands past. it is impossible to reali ze the demo­ tion of political ideals and governmental the rationale behind the UML's demand. cratic vision envisaged by th e constitution." practices," says Laurence H . Tribe, a world- especially at a time when the Maoists have If the people involved in implementing owned constitutional expert. already made clear that they would not ac­ the constitution perform their roles boldly Innocent and illiterate rural people rep­ cept anything less than a constituent assem­ and honestly. evcn a conservative constitu­ resenting more than 98 percent of the popu­ bly to draft a new constitution. ti on can be transformcd into a vibrant custo­ lation do not know what is really happening, The constitution it self has laid down dian of liberali sm. Had the first written Con­ much less what has gone wrong with the clear procedures for amendments. Further­ sti rution of Nepal 1949 been implemented constitution. However. the impatience of more, the basic lawis being amended through and practiced according to its spirit, the coun­ I wo percenrof urban intellectuals, who have the process of judicial review by the Su­ try might have embraced a democratic sys­ enjoyed all kinds of benefits, is posing a preme Court in an evolutionary manner. tem a long time ago, Faith, determination threat to the Il-year-old constitution. "We are demanding the amendment to the and commitment are required to make a The attack on the constitution injects a constitution to solve the Maoist and other constituti on function in accordance with its sense of instability in the social and political problems." UML general secretary Madhav obj ectives. Most impoI1antly, the leaders processes. The two senior leaders of the Kumar Nepal told journalists at a tea party and the people need tu adhere to democratic rulingNepali Congress, fonnerprime minis­ organi zed by hi s party recently. principles and practices. ters Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Girija A section of NepaJi Congress leaders 'The fact that the constitution is demo­ Prasad Koirala. have been defending the led by central committee member Narhari cratic around the world today does not in constitution, but their voices are yet la be Acharya is also toying with the idea or the itself ensure the stabi lity, consolidation, or heeded within their own party. The Maoist main opposition party. But thi s group. too. perfecrion of our democratic systems." wri les party waging a so-called "people's war" has remains unclear about what it wants to change Patricio Aylwin, Chi le' s first democratically caBed for scrapping the constitution. lfthere in the constitution. "If all political parties elected president, in th e "Joumal ofDemoc­ is a fault somewhere, where does itlie6 in the demand an amendment, we are also ready to raoy" (Volume 9. Number 3 July 1998). ··In constitution or among those who are en­ discuss it," says Acharya, "Since the consti­ many countries, and especially in Latin trusted with implementing its provisions? tution has clearly made provisions for the America, democracy suffers from serious What Amendment? : TheCPN-UML, amendment, there is no need to wony about weakness and faces troubling threats, These

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 200t 17 COVER STORY

tic n that the political process becomes more stabili zed. Prime minister lndird Gandhi imposed the Emergency between 1975 and 1977 through an amendment to the constitu­ tion. But it was the courls that protected the fundamental rights of the people. Nepal. too. has experimented wi~hgood constitutions but they were replaced one after another. Because of the failure and ignorance of those entrusted with upholding it and the grow ing tendency of political vio­ lence, no onc seems to have patience for sustained practice. Had the 1962 constitu­ tion been allowed la be implemented and interpreted in keeping with its letter an spirit. it could have evolved into a dem crmic constitution. However. regular inter­ ven ti on and wrong interpretations weakened it. In 1990, then-prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai proved that the constitution could produce remarkable results if it were allowed to function properly. If current trends continue, the existing weakness or dangers fall into three catego­ with the good intention ofdeiiveringjusti ce. constituti on wi ll become ineffectual what­ ri es that I shall term institutional. cultural, developing democrati c institutions and en­ ever the underlining democratic ideals and and structural. suring all-round development of the country . spirit it embodies. T he consti tution is de­ "At the in stitutional level. it is clear that Unfortunately. the first four constitutions sc ribed as a document or faith. commitment the formal juridical institutions of our de­ failed because of the failure of those execut­ and trust. " If you propose to embark upon mocracies are imperfect. The rule of law ing their provisions. The present constitution amending theconstitlllion when there is mi s­ does not prevail everywhere in its totality. is also facing similar problems. trust among the ac tors everywhere, there is and many countries lack balance among the American politicians and intellectuals a danger of destroying very fundamemals of branches of government. CulturaJ shoncom­ have hardly challenged the fundamental is­ the constitutional values," says Auorney­ ings are the cause for even greater concern. sues of their constitution. In its 200-year. General Badri Bahadur Karki. To what am r referring? First. I have. in mind hi story, the document has been transformed The 1962 constit ution was amended the absenceof democratic traditions. In many systematically through various interpreta­ three times with an aim to open up t of our countries. democracy does not have tions by the court. When the constitution was prevailing national order. but the result w many strong adherents: it is somewhat artifi­ drafted. it divided the population into slave exactly the opposite, lnstead of challengi ng cial. weak and fonn,I." and citi zens. Later. the same constitution the present constitution. pol iti cal leaders and Where Lies the Fault? : Past experi­ aboli shed slavery retaining its original struc­ intellectuals mu!)( show patience and cour­ ments have shown that the constitution can­ tures. age for its vi tality to pemleate all levels o( not function in the absenceofinstitutions and In the United States. hardly anyone fol­ society. dedicated and committed leadership. In the lows violent mean s to amend the constitu­ "Nepal' s experi ence has shown that a case of Nepal. modem institutions like the tion. Instead. people build pressure through constitution cannot escape the threat of de­ j udiciary. legislature and executi ve are in the media and other channels. This resilience structi on if it cantlot be changed in accor­ existence, but those who lead them are yet to on the part of those executing the American dance with the changing times," writes emi­ culti vate a constitutional culture. constitution has left the document as a vital nent constitutiona l lawyer Ganesh Raj Both the Constitution of Nepal 1962 source of inspiration to freedom-Iov\ng Shanna in an anicle in the 2055 Baisakh and the current constitution have produced people around the world. issue of Kanoon magazine. The present con­ relatively the same kind of results in terms of The United Kingdom does not have, stitution, whi ch came after a major upheaval, actual execution. Tn some cases relating to written constitution. Tradition and practices wi ll also face si milar problems." the judiciary and legislature, restricti ve con­ developed over the centuries have made it Constitution after Violence: AU four stitutions have produced d~cisions that are impeccable. After the beginning of the pro­ of Nepal's previous constitutions were dis­ more liberal. On the other hand,judges have cess of judicial review in 1960, British legal banded through pressure of political vio­ tended to provide restncti ve interpretations interpretations are much better than those lence. It seems that Nepalis have not culti­ under the liberal constitution. found under written constitutions. vated the patience for the long process demo­ All five constitution experimented in The Indian Constitution, too, sets simi­ crati c transformation inevitably requires. Nepal over the last five decades were written lar practices. lt is throughjlldicial interpreta- As .the 1962 const itution was replaced

18 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 COVER STORY

by the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal lic opinion in the country is not always Nepalese history when society is deeply di­ 1990 through street violence, the ex.isting sufficiently informed, since information is vided. Iftheconstitulion is opened for amend­ constitution is also under similar threat. If manipulated to a great extent. menls, it will be like opening a Pandora's violence set the standards for replacing the The apathy and frustration among intel­ box. The constitution upholds essentialquali­ constitution, no constitution will survive for lectuals who spare their time in discrediting ties of all human beings. demands respect for long. "We have changed four constitutions the pobticaJ process and political leadership, human rights and endorses the sovereign through unconstitutional and violent ways. indifference toward and even rejection afthe right of all peoples to govern themselves. Now let's start a fresh beginning to challenge state, and deterioration of the institution of This is possible because various struggles the constitution through the peaceful process civil society are detrimental tocanstitutional the country has waged in the last fi ve decades of convention and practice/' says an analysl. growth. Besides, the formal and constitu­ were struggles for democratic constitutions. "If we wish to maintain democracy not tional institutions themselves are incapable History has taught Nepal solemn declara­ merely in fann but also in content. what must of delivering the results. Nepalis boast oflhe tions. Unfortunately. democratic values have do? The first thing in my judgement. we must country's long-standing democratic tradi­ often been ignored or abused. do is 10 hold fast la constitutional methods of tions. In facl. however, the tradition is not as The constitutional history of Nepal is a :hi

must abandon the method of civil disobedi M pected to uphold the institutions proved inca- and rule of law to secure political power. e nce. non-cooperation and Satyagraha. Where there was no way left for constitu­ tional methods for achieving social and eco­ nomic objectives. there was a great deal of justificati on for unconstitutionaJ methods. But where consti tutional methods are open. there can be no justification for these uncon­ stitutiona1 methods. These methods are noth­ ing but the grammar of anarchy and sooner they are abandoned, the better for us." Where is the Consensus? :The most stable countries are those that enjoy highest degree of consensus in matters of fundamen­ ·,..mportance. In Nepal, there is a very low '. ree of unanimity among the major politi­ cal parries and intellectuals on the constitu­ (ion. Consequently, many important topics fall prey to constant disagreement, which eventually weakens democracy. Experience has shown that a nation is most stable and governable when its level of societal consensus is as solid and broad as Political leaders: possible. The situation in Nepal is differem as the struggles for political power are in­ pable ofvisuaJizing the system envisaged by Sadly, few have the patience to" wait. tense and confrontation between govern­ the basic law. The political elite tends to start Whose Demand?: Most of the people ment and opposition extreme. Abuse of au­ from scratch, rejecting all that went before who are demanding a constitutional amend­ thority and comlption is somehow associ­ and rebuilding from the ground up. Each ment have either lost the elections or do not ated with a cuhure that regards certain abuse incoming government receives a bequest. see the possibi lily of winning elections. From as natural and that consequently discredits "Have we wasted all these year in terms former speaker Daman Nath Dhungana, and weakness democratic institutions. There of constitutional development or learned CPN-ML leader Barn Dcv Gautarn, inde­ is a tendency in every section of sociery to some lessons to lay down certain ground pendent communist leader Padma Ratna misuse authoriry. This culturaliendency may rules? Whether we like it or not, we have Tuladhar to former minister Nilamber have its roots in traditions. certainJy learned certain lessons and ground Acharya and Congress Central Committee Another drawback is the control and rules, but they are too lillle," says Allomey­ member Narahari Acharya. all of them were manipulation of information by monopolis­ General Karki. side lined in the elections. The leaders of tic groups that control the news media. Pub- This is one of the crucial times in CPN-UML leaders are the exception.

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 19 COVER STORY

No constitution can offer an easy and judicial authority. Had the apex court inter­ eas. Benefits are concentrated around the ready-made package to build institutionsand preted the constitution correctly when it had leadership. This is a character common to al1 leadership. There are certain conventions the opponunity, it would have prevemed the countries with traditional and rural societies. and practices that need to be followed to rise of tyrannical institutions. Under protec­ Leadership in the rural areas is flower­ develop a strong and effective system. In a tion from the coun's verdict, a handful of ing at the grass-roots level. The young and country with a low per-capita income. large people in the ClAA has pressed a bill in new leaders are coming through the 4,000 illiteracy and feudal- and agriculture-based parliament that would allow the commission Village Development Committees and 40 society. it is nol easier to instil democratic to take action against judges. municipalities. Interestingly, political insta­ behavior. In some cases, the powerful court is far bility at thecenter has not affected the growth Acquiring political power through popu­ behind the court under the previous constitu­ of leadership at lower rungs of society. The lar means is difficult. Intellectuals always tion. The interpretation on habeas corpus local leaders have proved their capability to find the opportunity to enjoy power at the taken by then Supreme Court judge Nayan run grass-roots organization moreeffectively. time of political crisis and anarchy. Once the Bahadur Khatri on Yagya Murti Banjade The maturity of leadership at the center constitution starts lO function properly and case is still regarded as a landmark decision. was hampered following the interpretation maLUres, it automatically discards all oppor­ The apex court, under the leadership of of the constitution by the Supreme Court in tunistic elements. Hari Prasad Pradhan in the 1950s, provided 1995. It clipped the wings of the pri'" The main question today is not a new a similar shining example. Although its au­ minister by restricting his right la dissolve constitution or amendment but to develop thority has been widened and infrastructure ·the house. The weakened prime minister, in the system visualized by the constitution. is much bener, in a recent case relating to the turn, has led to atrophy in government. The Supreme Court. for instance, has unlim­ CIAA's detention of a fonner general man­ This is the right time to take stock of our ited authority to protect the right of indi­ agerofNepal Bank Ltd Sher BahadurThapa, achievements and failures. Lfwe have failed, vidual and interpret the constitution. It can the coun failed to deliver immediate justice then who is to be blamed? In terms of our declare the law null and voids ifit is against under habeas corpus. Even during the P~n­ achievements, who helped us to get there and the spirit of the constitution. Nepal's Su­ chayat days, there was a tendency to escape at and what cost? Nepal is in the process of preme Court is as powerful as the Supreme from fulfilling responsibility. developing infrastructure and institutions li ke Court of the United States and House of As institutions required to implement a free press, independent judiciary and grow­ Lords of the United Kingdom. However, our lheconstitution are yet toevolve, obstructing ing middle class aware of their rights and Supreme Coun has inherited a different char­ the current constitution would bring more responsibilities. This process should be al­ acter. chaos and push country into prolonged course lowed to mature unhindered, Ultimately,the Failure of Institutions: The perfor­ of political instability. Experiencehasshown success oflhe constitution rests on the foun­ mance of the executive, judiciary and legis­ thal a new constitution can be written. dation of the country's constitutional cul­ lature is w~ful1y short of expectation. The amended and changed but it does not matter ture. • as long as the pace ,...______, Supreme Court, too, has not been able toplay the role envisaged by the constitution. Al­ of social and eco- though politicians and other authorities have nomictransforma­ abided by all of its decisions, including the tion fails to pick reinstatement of the House of Representa­ up. tives, there are many grievances over the LOp Growth of court's decisions. From the Tanakpurcase to Leadership the conuoversial Citizenship Amendment There is crisis of bill and certain clauses of Labor Act, the leadership in all Supreme Court has taken some bold deci­ branches of the sions, state. Lack oflead­ However. in a majorconstitutionaJ case, ership in the po­ the Supreme Court tried to escape from con­ liticallevel is par­ troversy by resorting to ambiguity. In the ticularly serious. Bhakti Marg, New Road, Pokhara dispute between the Attorney-General and Tel.:(061 }25637,27918 Nepal's political Fax:9n-61·2J998 Commission of Investigation of Abuse of leadership is urban In Kathmandu Authority (CIAA) over the final constitu­ and a majority of Tel.:9n· 01· 413317,415103, tional right to take decision on prosecution, decisive voters FIX: 977·1· 415196 the apex court refrained from upholding the live in rural areas. clear constitutional rights of Attorney-Gen­ There is a vast gap eral. in terms of eco­ In such a situation of ambiguity, the nomic develop­ CIAA is now encroaching upon the rights of ment-literacy. and the individual by evolving into a tyrannical health bet ween ru­ institution. denying the right of access to ral and urban ar-

20 SPOTLIGHTINOVEMBER 9, 2001 NATIONAL

Take the stairs inslead of the elevator. WARRIORS OF DAWN Walk lo the local shop inslead of taking the car," In the study. Westerterp measured to­ Health Alert tal energy expenditure in 30 non-obese adults over a two-week period. Biological New research shows that heavy exercise may cause too measuresofenergy expenditure were taken utilizing "doubly labeled water" 6 a method much pain for no real gain in which researchers exami ne urine samples from people who have drunk water con- By AKSHAY SHARMA "The benefIts of an active Iifeslyle are laining heavy isotopes of oxygen and hy- tremendous," says Kalish Thapa, execu- drogcn. alhmandu at dawn is a showcase of tive direclor of the Nepal Medical Athletic 111e disappearance o f the radioacti ve K joggers of all ages huffingand puff- Association. "But Or. Siegel's work shows oxygen and hydrogen in the urine serves as r'- to maintain their weight and waistlines that marathoningmay have its risks. If your an approximate measure of the amount of .-hcahhy levels. But recent studies suggest goal is to improve your heaILh , go for a run energy used by the body. according to Dr. that going those extra miles may be 100 bUl perhaps don't train for a marathon." Westerterp. The study voiunrcers partici- hard on your heart if you haven't trained "Your bursts of highwe nergy athletic pated in three categories of activity over properly. aClivityaren'tdoingyou much good iflhey the two-week period: low. moderale. and Two studies in Ihe October 17 issue of are followed by a return lo the bed during intense. Results showed lhat only moder- the American 10urnal of Cardiology show the rest orthe week," says a sign at a gym ate exercise influenced the overall physical that marathon runners may be set- '1~ii .....,...... ,..... -,- ______..,,- ______.,--, activity level. But no relation- ting themselves up for a heart atw~ ship was seen between the level lack. ··My concern is for people of overall physical activity and who exercisc lhinking 'moreis bet- time spent on hi gh- intensity ac- ler ... • says rcsearcher Or Al1hur livily alone. according to lhe Siegel, director of internal medi- report in the March 2gedition of cine at Mclean Hospital in Nature. Bclmont. Massachusetts. In another study, Or. Or Siegel and hi s colleague s W CS ICTlCrp has shown that indi- looked at 55 finishers or the lOOth viduals who alternate high-en- to 105th Boston Marathons who crgy and next-tD-no energy ac- were otherwise healthy and with an tivitics may not lose any more rage age of 47. They found that weighl than people whodiel but mpared to lheir blood tesls be- do no exercise at a!l. fore the race, within four hours L....."'-~ __~_~ ____~--'-~--'--~_~~:z::~i.:...u Experts who reviewed the after the race. lhey had elevated Runners: Health is wealth report agree. in general. wilh lhe levels of blood clotting faclors that recommendation. "I likelhe idea are known to set the stage for a heart attack. in Oilli Bazar. New research using biologi- lha! moderate physical activity is best:' Does that mean we should stop run- cal measures of energy expenditure bear says Dhanesh Gurung. of the Universal ning? ·'No. not at all. But it does mean we out what common sense should have told Gym at Jyatha, a non-profit research group need to understand more about marathon you already. focusing on bchavior and health in training and how the human body reacts to "Regular, moderate exercise is Kalhmandu. "Wepreach moderatephysical stress." says Asok Rokayaofthe Guru-Kul healthier than isolated bouts of intense. activilY. Often. il 'S Ihe most thal many Club in Putali Sadak. ··Coupled with poor exercise followed by a return lo couch- people can do. it decreases the risk of orimpropertraining, it could lead toconse- potato litestyle/' according to Dr. Klaas R. injury. and all the data supports it." quences much more seri ous than the usual Westerterp, of the deparLment of human BUl Gurung drew attention to the fact running injuries.'· biology alMaaslriclUniversily in the Neth- Ihallhe people who look part in the study Despite these abnonnal blood factors, erlands. spent between fo ur and five hours a day in none of the runners collapsed or experi- "To change a sedentary Lifestyle into a their exercise regimens - an amount of enced any heart problems d';ring or afler more physically active onc does nol neces- lime thal is likely to be unrealistic for the races. Expert believes this is because sarily imply sport participaUon," Or. many. So while an overall fitness program another trigger, such as a heart rhythm Westertcrp advises. Instead, he suggests incorporating daily moderate exercise is problem. is needed to actually bring on a ~l ese simple sleps: ··Incorporate physical 0plimal. lhe weekend warrior shouldn't heart attack. activity like walking in your daily routine. necessarily hang up his cleats. •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 200l 21 NATIONAL

anthrax for people who have been ex­ ANTHRAX SCARE posed to the type of bacteria." Anthrax is not contagious, which means it does not pass from one person to Closer To Home another. So there is no reason for people to take antibiotics out of fear of contracting The anthrax terror that gripped the United States after the September the disease. Moreover. it is not recom­ mended to take these antibiotics continu­ 11 terrorist attacks has made its way to our neighborhood ally because it could lead to development of resistance. The onl y role for them is to By AKSHAY SHARMA but by far most deadly - is anthrax caught be administered if somebody is known to by inhaling spores. Until last month, there have been exposed to anthrax during a hen 18-year-old Bhupal Karki hadn' t been a case of inhalation anthrax in bi ological release. W of Baglung on November 4 the United States since 1978. In many ways. it sounds like you opened a letter that had no address of the Dr Vijay Sharma, who has studied can't really protect yourself enough. person who mailed it from the United the disease. puts matters into perspective. think it is wise (Q compare this to a terror­ States and fainted, he was taken to hospi­ "Anthrax is an animal disease that has ist attack 6 there is very littl e we can do," tal and given antibiotics and two boales of been around fortens of thousands of years. says Dr Boria. "As a citizen. l would saline. Rarely does ant hrax cause serious di sease prepare my house and fami ly just as I "I had a terrible headache after I in human s," he says. The germ is a bacte­ would for any other natural disaster. such opened the letter. Everything spun around riumcalled Bacillus anthrax is that 'seeds' as have water. I"lashlights, and common me and I blacked out," Bhupal told Kan­ tipur daily. Although doctors were not able to identify what had happened to Bhupal, some experts claimed the anthrax terror had arrived in Nepal, too. Since the September II anacks in New York City and Washington DC, Nepalis have been witnessing strange sce­ narias on the international arena. For many . the globalization of the anthrax scare had become on ly a maller of lime. There have been reports of anthrax-laced letters arriv­ ing in Pakistan and India. ) Dr Mahendra Bahadur Bista, acting director-general of the Deparunent of Health Services, held a meeting on Octo­ ber31 to discuss the possibility of anthrax attacks in Nepal. "The government is quite serious and has fomled a high-level task for~e to combat the possible harm from anthrax," he said. "We have directed the National Public Health Laboratory, Cen­ it self by forming long-lasting spores. sense thin gs in place:' tral Veterinary Laboratory, and the foren­ These spores can survive in the environ­ When anthrax spores get inside the sic lab of the Royal Nepal Academy of ment for a long time." body, they grow rapidly. The germs them­ Science and Technology (Ronast) to con­ The obvious question raised after selves can cause dangerous infections. tinue check ups." weeks of news overload is: what can you Far more dangerous is a substance they People can catch anthrax from in­ do to protect yourself from anthrax and produce in the body - anthrax toxin - fected animals or contaminated animal other forms of bio-terrorism? The antibi­ that helps the bug su rvive by killing off products. Most natural infection comes otic Cipro (eiprofloxaein) has been noted cell s of the immune system. This LOx in is from skin contact. In the past, industrial as a defense against anthrax. Dr Luciana so deadly that it can kill even after th e wool sorters were at high risk of infection. Borio of the lohns Hopkins Center for infection is controlled. You can also gel anthrax infection from Civilian Biodefense, says, "We know that The symptoms of anthrax infection eating raw or too-rare meat, but this is ciprofloxacin is an effective antibiotic in depend on how a person catches the dis­ uncommon. Even more uncommon - that it prevents the progression of inhaled ease. All fomlS of anthrax, if diagnosed

22 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9.2001 NATIONAL early enough, can be cured by prompt strains of anthrax in this outbreak appear mobilized its resourccs in recent days. antibiotic treatment. However. some an­ to be fully sensitive to the antibiotics used Personnel at the capital's General Post thrax strains developed as biological weap­ to treat this bacterium. Office, who handle over 60.000 lellers ons are resistant to many drugs. Skin One thing medical expens have been and packages each day, have been infection starts with an itchy bump like a emphasizing is that people shou ld not equipped with masks and surgical gloves. mosquito bite. After aday or two, it forms stockpile anlibiOlics. Antibiotic treatment The Ministries of Health. Communica· a small liquid-filled sac. This sac then should not be started unless public health tion, Home, Agriculture. Science and becomes a painless ulcer with an area of authorities have warned of an anthrax Technology, Ronasl, and the chiefs of black, dead tissue in the middle. Antibi­ outbreak, and even then. these drugs can police, the Postal Services Department , otic treatment cures this infection. Un­ have se rious side effects for some people. and the Epidemiology and Disease Con­ treated, it kills about one in five people. Unless you've been exposed to an­ trol Division have decided to stay on full The signs of intestinal infection are oau­ thrax , there's no reason to suspect that ~ert. • ;::'\;<1, \u:::.:::. of appt:.lltc, anu vumiting. Thi:-. i:-. tho:::.e co\l1 :::.ymptom:::. yuu (tre having are followed by severe abdominal pain, vom- anything but that- a common cold . An­ . 'ng orb/ood. and severe diarrhoea. Un­ tibiotics won't help if you have a cold or DOMESTIC AVIATION • ated intestinal anthrax is deadly be­ the flu. So if you start taking antibiotics­ tween 25 and 60 percent of the time. and then stop when the threat has passed Under Inhalation anthrax, the most deadly - you are letting other germs in your form of the disease, begins with the same body develop resistance to these impor­ symptoms as the flu, including fever, tant drugs. Then the medicine might not Pressure muscle aches, and fatigue. As early as a work when you really need il. Further­ day after these symptoms appear 6 but up more, antibiotics can bedangerous to some to weeks later -the symptoms suddenly people, and must be used as directed. Although many international airlines become much more severe, usually with These important medicines should only suffered heavy losses in the immediate breathing problems and shock. This form be used with medical supervi sion. The aftermath of the lerrorist altacks of Sep­ of the disease is often fatal. odds of a bad reaction are small, but they (ember tl, Nepal's pri vate airlines are "The early symptoms of inhalation are much greater than the odds of an now feeling Ihe heat. In the current tour­ anthrax are the same as those of a mild anthrax attack. ism season, Flight Care Aviation be­ case offlu," Dr. Sharma says. "Treatment Only treatment with antibiotics can came first airline ro shut down. to prevent anthrax begins only after a keep an exposed person from developing Launched with two YI2 Chinese person has had a suspected exposure. There anthrax. Anth rax vaccine 6 a seri es of six shuttle aircraft, 1he airline has closed its is no quick test that can show whether a shots over the course of a year with yearly service from last month. As tourism person has been exposed to anthrax. If a booster shots 6 is not recommended for or arrivals continue to decline, other pri­ d or flu suddenly gets much worse­ available to the public. New treatments vate airlines are also said to be in a I ecially with a severe headache - seek and vaccines are under development. critical condition. Shangri-LaAir, which immediate medical attention," Human anthrax isararedisease. There was at the point of bankruptcy, is said to A coherent response, he says, can were only 18 cases of inhalation anthrax be stabilizing after it handed over two of begin only when anthrax infection has in the United States from 1900 through its Beach aircraft to Neeon Air. been identified. "This is now much more 1978. There were 224 US cases of skin Competition among operators to likely since the US Centers for Disease infection between 1944 and 1994. How­ claim their share the limited tourism Control began a program to help public­ ever, the African naLion of Zimbabwe market was already growing tough. health laboratories rapidly identify gem1S experienced a tcrrible epidemic of skin Some airlines are trying to survive that might be used in biological warfare or anthrax with more than 10,000 cases be­ the turbulence by reSCheduling their terrorism. Early treatment is essential. tween 1979 and 1985. Gastrointestinal flights and reducing internal costs. How­ Natural strains of anthrax may be resistant anthrax is very rarely reported. ever, it is too early to predict their fu­ to many antibiotics, but mostare sensitive What makes anthrax such a scary ture. to penicillin. Either of two antibiotics is germ is that itlravels in the form of spores. "We have been facing a difficult recommended: doxycycline and These nearly lifeles sseeds hide inside a situation over the last two years," said ciprofJoxacin." hard shell and can't be hun by freezing an airline operator on condition of ano­ Because anthrax spores can stay hid­ cold or boiling heal. They wait for the nymity. "Some airlines are already plan­ den in the lungs for a long tif-ne, antibiotic righlcondilions to bloom into deadly bac· ning to merge in order to survive," treatment should continue for 60 days. teria. The recent anthrax attacks have After the closure of Flight Care, no­ There are reports that some fonns of an­ everybody's nerves on edge. body knows which airline will be the thrax created as biological weapons are Far-:Jung remOte places like Baglung resistant to these drugs, but there is no are not equipped to handle the anthrax next to go bankrupt, especially in a situ­ hard evidence that this is true. In fact, the trouble. However, the government has ation when there is no one to bail it out..

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 23 NATIONAL

GENSYM2001 Scout Overcoming Difficulties Salutation A private college takes the initiative to provide practical Nepal Scout Kathmandu District Wel· solutions to geo-technical and environmental problems fare Fund organized a "Greeting Exchange Progranune·205S" last week at the pre­ By A CORRESPONDENT ing problems similar to those of Nepal. mises of Nobel Academy Higher Second· Japan also possesses some of the best tech­ ary School on the auspicious occasion ith the objective of providing prac­ nologies in the world for overcoming soil Vijaya Dashami and Deepawali. Special W tical solutions LOsome of the geo· disasters. guest of the programme, the prominent edu· technical and environmental problems con­ A considerable part of the landmass in cationist and chainnan of Nepal Scout fronted by the country. an international Nepal is mountainous terrain, which makes tional Council symposium on "Geo-technical and Envi­ the counu), especially vulnerable to soil­ ronment Challenges in Mountainous Ter­ and water-related disasters such as land­ rain" 6 GENSYM 200 I was organized on slides. slope collapses. debris nows and November 6-7, 200 I in Kathmandu. mud flows together with associated envi­ The symposium was organized by ronment problems such as soil erosion, Nepal Engineering College (NEC) - the deforestation and land degradation. first engineering college established in the The occurrence of several landslides private sector in Nepal in 1994 - in asso­ in places like Krishnabhir on the Prithvi ciation with Ehime University, Japan. " It Highway during the last monsoon caused a was organ ized primarily to address soil­ great loss to the economy, as it resulted in and water-related concerns," said Prof. a protracted blockade of the national high­ Upreti : Spirit of scout A.S.R. Rao of the NEC. who was the way. Added were inconveniences to the convenor of the symposium. Over 100 public. Despite the tenible toll such evems delegates from Nepal. Japan, India. China can extract, they seem to be recurring each Uprety, said, "The unsteady em,;rrmn,enli year. Whatever action is be­ that has appeared in the world after Septem­ Protective measures, on the other ingtaken is li kefightingfu:es ber 11. 200 I should be urgently con-ected '11' if after they have raged. order to maintain global peace and stabil­ han d, can save not on Iy ml tOns 0 Protective measures, on ity." He added that SCOuts are well placed rupees but also precious lives. the other hand, can save not spread the message of international bro,thd~ only millions of rupees but hood and sisterhood. Deputy Chief Com­ The NEe has been providing a alsopreciouslives.TheNEC missioner of Nepal Seoul. National Head· quarters. Puspalata Bhallarai, said. ''The forum for researchers, professionals has been providing a forum for researchers, profession- youth need to move ahead by drawing inspi· and managers to share their als and managers to share ration from their elders for dynamic . . their expert ise and experi- ing." !ntemational Commissioner Rabindra expertise an d experzence In ence in areas of topical imer- Prasad Pandey said, "On the basis of fundamemal principles of scouting. areas of topical interest. est. In 1999. the college had organized CACE-1999 - a citizens can be prepared." and Sri Lanka participated in the sympo­ successful conference attended by a large Member of Nepal Scout National Ad· sium, he said. Two keynote addresses by number of engineers and architects from visoryCouncil, ProfessorGovinda Na,.,,,,," Prof. A. Sridharan of the Indian Institute of SAARC countries. Jyapoo, Commissioner for National Public Relation- Ram Gopal Kannacharya, Science, Bangaiore and Prof. Norio Yagi Floods and landslides are the two most Secretary of Nepal Scout Kathmandu Dis · ofEhime University. Japan were presented. dreadful incidents that kill hundreds, some· trict Welfare Fund Shivaram Aryal also Four special presentations were made by lime thousands, of Nepalis each year. Yet, expressed their views_ The programme was various professors. Prithvi Raj Ligal, vice the government's response in preventing chaired by Anita Manandhar. chairperson chainnan of the National Planning Com­ the loss of human lives and property has of Nepal Scout, Kathmandu District Wel­ mission inaugurated the symposium. been abysmally inadequate. Regular inter· fare Fund. Vice· Chairman Rabin Dahal The involvement of the Japanese uni ­ actions and semi nars are important, as they welcomed the guests and highlighted the versity was significant considering that help the authorities in drawing up appro· activities carried out by the fund. • Japan itself is a mountainous country, fac- priate strategies. •

24 SPOlLlGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 ENTERTAINMENT

and respected actress and no longer rc­ SUPERSTAR mains the same old country girl. Suraj KC, on the other hand, frus­ trated with attempts to reconci le with his ShadesAmid Shines wife, begins to de ve lop liking towards Manjari. But then , he learns about Dilip's Bhuwan KC polishes his film-making with another crowd-puller, dream. In the meantime, Mnnjari's brother though shades of imitation haunts his latest silver-screen venture and sister-in-law come to Kathmandu and start living with her. The sister-in­ By SANJAYA DHAKAL was also running after to save her. law suspecting Dilip's dream, does ev­ Dilip soothes Manjari and takes her erything to create a rift between the two. e literally made crores with to hi s home where the landlord comes Dilip is heart-broken when Manjari sub­ "Crarepati" and followed hi s film­ barging in and demands back his "bride". tly hints of denying his love under pres­ passion with "Nepalibabu". Now A few punches and kicks later, Dilip and sure from her sister-in-law. Hedecides to at it again. "Superstar" - Bhuwan Manjari escape the village and come to return to village. But. sa nity finally sets KC's latest ve nture has hit the screens in Kathmandu. in and Manjari laments her decision. She Kathmandu. Again, in the city they bump into sea rches for Dilip in vain. A pleasant triangular love story with Suraj KC. While Dilip lives with an old However, like all heroes do, Suraj shades of urban-rural divide, "Superstar" , woman. who mistakes him for her long arranges a reunion between the two in the however. is another example of the lack end of the film and also announces his of creativity that has been the hallmarkof plan of abandoning his career in film , Nepalese )ilm-makers. aimed at getting back hi seslranged wife's A blatant imitation of Bollywood love. It works. hi s wife returns to hi s fold blockbuster "Rangeela", the film, how­ and even allows him to work again. All is ever, somehow manages to enthrall the well that ends well. audience because of its star cast and Bhuwan KC plays a mature role of a mu sic. superstar. He has really come of age as an Manjari, played by Sushmita KC, is actor since hi s ;'juni" days. In recent a simple village girl who passes her time years, KC has taken to film-making as playing with a lamb. With both parents well - and with much success. dead, Manjari lives with her ever­ "Due 10 my previous successful s~ielding brother and callous sister­ film s, audience expected quality film . w. She is tonnenled regularly in from my side. The initial public response tlie house while her brother keeps to Superstar has been quite positive." mum. said KC, in Gorkhapatra. Kajal Films, A lamb-loving sweet girl is loved KC's production banner. is known for its by another orphaned vi lIage boy, played Bhuwan and Sushmita : Pair of success extravagant spending . by Nepali stan­ by Dilip Rayamajhi. A secret admirer, dards, on making films. Dilip nurtures his lo ve within his own dead son, Manjari is given shelter at Despite the tag of being copycat. se lf. KC's bungalow. Superstar does have its strong point s. as Things come to the worst when her Meanwhile, Suraj KC is suffering well. The technical quality is fairly good. sister-in-l aw fixes her marriage with a from his own personal mi sery. His wife, The music scored by young mu sician one-eyed, over 60. village landlord for a played by model-turned-actress Sumi Sachin Singh has been liked by public. couple of thousands of rupees. The naive Khadka, had abandoned him under pres­ As adirector, Anish Koiralashows sparks girl revolts, runs away fram the wedding sure from her politician mother and fed of brilliance. venue. With nowhere to go, she decides up with his busy schedules. Sushmita deftly fits into both to end her life. One thing leads to another and the rural as well as urban characler. Expectedly, she is saved at the elev­ Manjari is offered main role in the film Dilip, as usual , shows great promi se as a enth hour by none other th'll1 Suraj KC, Superstar. in which Suraj is the hero. On young actor. All in all. Superstar is a the versatile superstar (in the film ), played the other hand, Dilip gets a job of spot well-made film but because its storyline by Bhuwan KC. He happens to be outing boy. Beaming with the success of his is so obviously familiar. il is bound in the village taking a break from his dream girl, Di lip continues to nurse to attract criticism. How the public tightshooting schedule. He reprimands dreams of hi s marriage with Manjari de­ accepts it is a matter that will unfold in Manjari and hands her over to Dilip who spite the fact that she has become rich days to come. •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 25 REVIEW

Nepal. More imponantly. however, the BOOK book provides a fervent plea to hold on to one's hope in a system the country could be worse off by abandoning. The people are Politics Unusual thus caught in a dilemma. Experience has taught them not to take the candidate for A caricature of contemporary politics, Manjushree Thapa's story his word. Instinct cautions them against harboring a cynicism thm seeks to paint all line also draws the contours of a fresh framework for discussion politicians in the same brush. The book begins with the irony of how a person who By A CORRESPONDENT only laid the grounds for democracy. We played a key rol e in thwarting the pro­ have yet to spread social values, build in sti­ democracy student movement of 1979 is ~e space between those who believe tutions and systems which actualize demo­ entrusted with conducting free and fair • democracy has degenerated beyond cratic ideals. First we have to rescue party multiparty elections a decade later.1l ends redemption and those who want to believe politics from those who use it to fulfil their with the implicati on that such incongr that the quest for life, liberty and the pursuit greed." - evokes much attention and, of­ ities in themselves need not impede den of happiness is eternal is filled with spirited ten, empathy. cratic growth. discussions on a vast array of political pos­ Giridhar Adhikari, the district presi­ Nayan Raj's battle cry provides some sibilities. In ''The Tutor of History", a fic­ dent of the People's Party, feels a sense of reassurance to today' s alienated public. Is tionalized account of an election campaign betrayal at having been denied the party there a possibilit y for the emergence of in a constituency in Tanahun district, ti cket he felt was hi s due. He spends a life another party professing 10 advance th e:: Manjushree Thapa has woven a splendid that alternates between extended bouts of people's cause that doesn't eventually suc­ taleofhow the spirit and energy of multiparty intoxicated stupor and fitful but energetic cumb to the pohtics-as-usual addiction? 'The politics has seeped into the lowest levels of commitment lO the party's cause. Nayan Tutor of History" certainly provides the Nepalese society. Raj 's celebrity status obviously makes him outline of what could be the manifesto of Public cynicism with leaders. politics the center of attraction. His affable speech, suchapany. Afterall they have been through. based on patronage and family ties, caste approachable demeanor and professed com­ can Nepalis take people like Nayan Raj at and class barriers and the distance between miunent to public service convert some and face value? It' s a risk those who believe in capital-based political bosses and district­ force many to reconsider their notion of democracy have to take. Is it a gamble worth level power brokers, among other things, politicians. Binita, the socially ostracized taking? That's a decision Nepalis would are mirrored in fine detail. The gripping widow of Nayan Raj 's brother, finds her have to make for themselves. Where this saga is peppered with gross political in­ teashop suddenly thrust into the center of work of fiction helps is in providing readers trigues and gory campaign tricks that go the campaign. Om Gurung, a former British a framework for thought in the process of into the selection of leaders. The hypocri sy Gurkhas serviceman who runs a school and making such decisions. of politicians is often rivaled by that of the works for the party. people.lfyou are among those who believe and Rishi Parajuli, a Annual SUBSCRIPTION Rate an election resuh is determined more by fomler leftist activist INDIVID UAL INSTrrtrrlON IOU cash and conspiracy than by the actual choice turned hi story tutor NRS R. ! ~ OO,OO NRS R. 1500.00 , " ICRl.. P OOOO lC R.,_12QO,OO B hU 1a/l Ill. of the people. you can see in all vividness who returns to poli-Io.,.,s.",c lion! Kon&lr:uw:m 1101 us S 100,00 US$I~.oo i\u\lrJ h alNew7..c~I ~ nd USS l~lUJO IIII how the process· is played oul. tics with a palpable US S 15000 US$2S000 Europe £1~IIOO '" Humiliation, wretchedness and limita­ sense of ambivalence, LIS S l?llOO US S 10000 USA l'S S I~H~' " , ISUBSClKItIt. NOW (Send a GIFT subscription to friends they will love it) tions fostered by tradition convulse the add to the powerful r ------story amid undercurrents of discrimination cast. IPlease fmd end~ hc:rewuh my annual ..uIN:OphOl'l for ...... CQPIC. I and alienation based on caste, creed, reli­ Thapa's easy '! c..,''''DI.... h.' ~N o ... for R.J£lUSS".. I gion and sex. By bringing to life a new party pace and smooth flow I that believes there still is hope for the spirit make ''The Tutor I tllat guided the 1990 people's movement, History" an irresisl- : Thapa throws up a possibility that has found ible saga of contem- : PmCOIk liule dj scussion amid the clamour created porary Nepal where I by the Maoists insurgents and hard-line it is often difficult to hx monarchists. separate politics from ------·-~ I DO NOT Send CASH in MAIL Nayan Raj Dahal, a former movie star the personal. The Pl ea ~ e sC J'd your remittance by Draft/Cheque (0 whose celluloid roles have given him the 442-page nove l is a halo of an uncompromising revolutionary, telling caricature SPOTLIGHT is the candidate of the Nepal People's Party. what passes for gov- THE NATIONAL NEIVSMAGAZINE His message - u[T]he 1990 constitution G.P. O. Box: 7256, Baluwalar, PH : 977.).423127, 43559", fax: 977.).417845 emance by consent in L_--..':E:::.m~'~H.:.' ~' po~I~@~m~.~i1.::'"~"~,."~p::.,\~Y~ 'b~'~I"::'~~~~1~~~~~ __J

26 SPOTLlGHTINOVEMBER 9. 2001 THE BOTTOM LINE

By M.S.KHOKNA

~ou CQ'n'f salve the probJe?n unless I tJish if.

{r ......

TRANSITION eign Affairs. Prof. Khatri suc­ the Dcvkota Kavya Samman. Development. after sufferin g ceed s Dr. Mohan Prasad by the Laxmi Prasad Devkota from food-poisoning. Lohani. Academy. APPOINTED: Dr. 1. P. RESIGNED: Krishna Singh, as the new ambassa­ NAMED: Yuba Raj Pandey Media Point, a private institu­ Narayan PaIikhey, deputy dor of India to Nepal. and Niranjan Bara', as the tion involved in providing mayor of Dhm'an municipal­ spokesperson at the Ministry training to aspiring journal- ' ity. from hi s post, alleging Dr. Sridhar Khatri, profes­ of Education and Sports. and is(s, with this year's Bhusan corrupti on in municipality's so r of Political Science at Industry. Commerce and Sup­ Journalism Award. by the act ivi ti es, Tribhuvan University, as ex­ plies respectively. by the gov­ Kamana Publicmion Group. ecuti ve director of the ernment. ELECTED: Dr. Bhaskar Institute of Foreign Affalfs. HOSPITALIZED: Ajay Sharma, as the President of a semi-autono mo us think AWARDED: Krishna Kumnr Chaurasiya, Assis­ th e Nepal Doctors Associa­ tank of the Ministry of For- Bhakla Shrestha, poet. with tant Minister for the Local ti on. •

SPOTLIG HT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001 27 ENCOUNTER 'The Govt. MustActToughAgainstThe Maoists' - SUSHIL KOIRALA

:-"!:"""'r.ln Ge 11 e ra I sec re­ Banke, people have started resisting Maoist year back. Even then , our party hasn' t tary of rhe rul­ atrocities. All major political parties have backed out from trying to rcsolve the prob· ing Nepal; COII­ denounced the Maoists' violent activities. lem (of insurgency) thro ugh talks. Fonner gress. SUSHIL Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh re­ prime ministers Kri shna Prasad Bhaltarai, KOlRALA is ill cently termed the Nepalese Maoists as ter­ GirijaPrasad Koiralaand theprescnt Deuba the new.\" for de­ rorists. He has also offered cooperation to government have all taken such measures manding that our government and His Majesty the King as releasing prisoners and making public the govemmell1 to curb these terrorist acti vities. ChiefMin­ the names of detained persons in order 10 declare fhe iSler of West Bengal state of India has create a congenial environment for talks. Maoists as ter­ staned cracking down again st the hi deouts But the Maoists have been putting new rorists. Koirala, of Nepalese Maoists. Moreover, there is an demands one after another. In fact, wh o contested international wave again st terrorism. At Maoists are not a po litical force. No politi­ againsT She,­ such a time, the government should deal cal force would indulge in murder, vio­ Bahadur Del/ha in the Ne parliamentary with the in surgency with a Finn hand. You lence and terror as they are doing now. parry election but lost wiTh a respectable cannot have such a congenial environment When I was in Bhagalpur jail of India (in mill/ber DJ votes. is cheered as well as forever. The government has nearly 50,000 the seventies), I asked the Ind ian Naxalites despised by /IIony wiflzin the ruling parly Royal NepalescArmy soldiers and a 60,000- (rad i.cal Maoists) why they were unleash­ and outside. A close cOllfidallfe of parry strong poli ce force (both civil and armed) ing terror in the name of revolution. They president Cirija Prasad Koirnia, junior at its disposal. But a few thousand armed said they wanted to destroy all the ex isting Koiral" spoke to BHAGlRATH YOGI MaoislS are spreading terror across thecoun· institutions in the society. A new society, Sunday. Excerpts: try. The government must exhibit sensitiv· Ram Rajya. will emerge out of that, they ity and mobil ize the army to protect the said. Here too, the Maoisls are an aimless How do you see the upsurge in Maoist li ves and property ofthepeople. lfwedon·t group. Al l the bandits. thugs and thieves activities on the eve of the third round of SLOp the Maoist terror now, I fear for the havejoined their bandwagon. They haven't talks? very existence of our country. denounced loot. extortion and terror being There had been an understanding (be­ After the Holeri incident, how opti­ spread in the name of Maoism. II is yet {Obe tween the governmcm and Mao ists) during mistic are you that the army would coop­ known who is direcling th em. But it is clear th e first round of talks to SLOp activities. erate with the government? that the Maoists have come up as part of a including act of terror. extorti on. murder The Holeri incident was unfortun ate. conspiracy to finish democracy (i n Nepal). and harass ing people's representatives. Bm Recently, there were reports that army and How would you judge the perfM . the Maoists have not reciprocated th e good­ police jointl y surrounded a Maoist lraining mance of the Deuba government in~ will of the government. The same issues camp at the forest of Pundrung in Gorkha first 100 days? were also raised during the second round of district But they were stopped from swing· I do not want to comment on that. I had talks. Now the talks must be led to a logical ing into action. if this is true, this is the advised Mc. Deuba to consid er image (of cnd. The government has released people greatest weakness of the government. When individuals) and size while expandi ng the from detention and withdrawn cases from the army was recalled (after failing to rescue cabi net. There have been strong reactions courL But the Maoists are continuing to abducted policemen) from Rolpa di strict. it to th e new cabinet from within th e party terrorize peopl e. (They must understand was a matter of great shame for the people, and outsidc. It is unclear what led the pre­ that) it takes two to tango. government and monarchy. At a time when mier(to form such acabinet) at a time when What would be the impact of the the Royal Nepalese Army is playing a peace­ there is fu ll support of the (ruling) party to resurgence of violence on the ongoing keeping role successfully around the world , the government. peace talks? why should not it play the same ro le withi n Is it true that efforts are under way There has been an all -pany consensus the eoul1try ?The army should be mobilized from within the party to unseat the Deuba that Iherecannot be any compromise against in accordance wi th constitutional provisions. government? the country's constitution, including con­ The government must give a sense of secu­ At nocost should there be any effort to stitutional monarchy and parliamentary rity and protection to the people. destabilize the government from the (rul· democracy. So, the Maeists should state In Nepalgunj, you demanded that ing) party. I am always against factional· clearly what they want. It seems they just the Maoists be declared as terrorists. ism with in th e pa rt y and government and want to gain time and slrengthen them­ Wouldn' t such a move disturb the ongo­ bargaining for power by cobbling together selves. Of late. people have also started ing peace process? factions. I will continue my fi ght against resisting the Maoists. In districts like Parsa, The Nepali Congress had termed the corruption and criminaliza ti on of politics Nuwakol. Syangja and my own district acti vities of Maoists as terrorists about a within the party and in national po litics .•

28 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 200 1 PASTIME

Information Techonology and Ecommerce for Development Now In Town BOOK Bishwa Keshar Maskay/200 I Rs . 300.00

Brian Hodgson at the Kathmandu Residency 1825-1843 Ritual, Power and Gender: Explorations in the K.L. Pradhan/200 I Rs. 632.00 Ethnography of Vanualu, Nepal and Ireland Michael Allen/2000 Rs.960.00 Civil Society in Nepal: Opening the Ground fo:- Questions D.R. Dahal/2001 Rs .200.00 Mountain Enviroment and G IS Models and Appliaitons K.P. PoudeV2001 Rs.235.00 Democracy in Nepal: Challenges and Prospects Rabindra Khanall2001 Rs.200.00 Small and Medium Enterprise Development in Nepal: Emerging Issues and Opportunities Decision Making in Village Nepal Bi'hwa Keshar Maskay/2001 Rs.400.00 C.J. Miller/2000 Rs.4"12.00 Who is the Daughter of Nepal? A coJlcction of Eassys Firing Corruption Sangila Rayamajhi/2001 Rs.3 15.00 K. Regmeel200 I Rs. 125.00 Nepal's Tourism Uncenssored Facts lobalization : The Essentialsa A Citizen's Handbook to the Imbal­ Diwaker Chandl2000 Rs.632.00 ances of the Newest International Order V.K. V.P. Thacker/2001 Rs.200.00 WTO Regional Cooperation and Nepal Hors! Mundll999 Rs. 160.00 Heir to a Silent Song Two Rebel Women of Nepal N.N. Azizl2001 Rs.300.00 (Source: Him(lfayall Book Cewer. Bagh Bazar. Korhm(lIIdu. Ph .' 242085)

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SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 29 VIEW POINT Role Of United Nations In Disaster Preparedness In Nepal By Dr. HENNfNG KARCHER

Peace in its comprehensive form. as fannulated by the Charter orthe Unit ed Nations means Freedom from Walll and Fear. The human condiliOIl being what it is total freedom from want and rear will never be possible. By their ve ry nature human beings will always be rnlil Iand vu lnerable. wi ll always have 10 anticipate th at di saster strikes be it manmade, as for example on September 11 i n New York, or driven by natura) forces. as the major earthquake that hit Gujarat in neighbouring [ndia earlier thi s year. The role of United Nations in the broader context of its mandate 10 promote freedom from want and fear in the world. is to create awareness and support preparedness thereby reducing the impact of [disaster when it strikes. Contrary to manmadc disasters that are always fraud with a hi gh degree of un predictability, natural di sasters do follow predictable patlerns enabling society to prepare it self and take preventive action to an amazin gly high degree. In disaster preparedness. as in many other area~ o r life, the chall enge lies less in the acquiring of new knowledge than in applying in a consistent manner what we know already, translating our knowl­ ledge into a consistent. e ffe cti ve pattern of action. Much research has been done on earthquakes and there is virtually a consensus among scientists who work on the subj ect that a major earthquake wi ll hit Nepal within the next few years and could indeed hit tomorrow. Being a relatively young mountain range the IHimalayas are still ri sing as a result of the Indian tectonic plate pushing it self under and against the Eurasian tectoni c plate creating tensio n which sooner or later wi ll result in majortr~ morsa nd damage. Every year. more than a thousand earthquakes of various magnitudcs ranging from 2 to 5 on the Richter scale occu r in the country. The 1934 earthquake caused over 8000 deaths. Were a similar earthquake to happen tomorrow. 40.000 people would di e and 95.000 would be injured. More than 60 percent of all houses would be destroyed. many beyond repair. leaving 600.000 to 900.000 residents homeless. Fires would break out on a large scale. Most water supply pipes would be disrupted. Hospitals would be hopelessly overbur­ dened, access to the airport would be blocked for many days. Weeks could pass until equipment would arrive todigout people from under the rubble 6 too late for 111 0St. In the meantime the lucky ones who would have survived the collapse of their houses or whose houses would slill be standing would be desperate for food and water as well as shelter and blankets depending on the season. The overall responsibil it y for disaster preparedness lies, of course. in the hands of the government and all the Un ited Nations can do is to facilitate and provide support to what has to be a process led by the national authorities. Creating awareness among government officials and strengthen­ ing their knowledge and expertise in dealing with disasters has by necessity to be a key point of entry and departure for every thing else to follow. Over recent weeks and months, training courses have been held for a total of over 50 key Government officials in virtually all (This article is based 0" a speech by Dr. Hel/llillg Klfrcher, l

30 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9.2001 LEISURE

CROSSWORD BRIDGE

NORTH s.~ • KI6 .865 • K 6 4 ... Q 9 3 2 WEST EAST • J 102 ."• Q J 103 .A9U • Q 1092 ... A HI6 .KJ875" SOU'l1l ... AQ974 •••tAJ875 K7 Vulnerable: Norlb·South Dealer: Wesl The bidding West North East South Pass Pass Pass I • Pass 2 ... Pass 4 • All"",

Opening lead; Heart queen ACROSS DOWN I, Abigail's dismal day off (5,4) I. One leaving papers around found a "You pay a great deal too dear for 6. Matches containing sulphur In Listeller under bed (9) what's givell freely. " bunches of five (5) 2, Under protest, bishop has to stand down - SHAKESPEARE 9, Open cart covered by elegant um- (5) brella (7) 3, Second tearn cap or lid (5-3) 10, Lash out, left locked inside plant (7) 4, Did Babel spread improvised words? When declarer gives you an opportu­ 11. Joint given to one about to leave (5) (8) nity to score a small trump. should you grab 12, Familiar US stars, including outstand- 5. Condescend to accept direction in it while you can? Be carefuL NO! many ing diver (3,6) project (6) declarers are cenified members of the Phil­ 13 , Pre-arranged drill without approval, 6, Write up tablet if needing stimulus (6) anthropic Trick-Donating Society. among rocky bens (8) 7, Tip to get rid of old car (5,4) West leads his hean queen to East's 15, It's no more than a drop of water (4) 8, A bit of Asparagus - mint may be ace, and East returns a heart to South's king. ' 0 Noisily opening carriage (4) added (5) After South cashes the ace and king of Resumed, given international honours 14, Picture, even so, is not wholly devoid trumps, he leaves a trump at large to begin again (8) of animation (5-4) the diamonds, Hecashes dummy's diamond 23, Invoice timber for hoarding (9) 16, Fany type of make MOH ponder (9) king and leads another diamond, Should 24, Stalks maiden on trail (5) 17, Try graphite first for slugs (4,4) East ruff with hi s "useless" trump jack? 26, Capture in sudden attack (7) 18, Graduate composer getting up func­ If he does, he is belling South has 27, Leathercase in rambling hostelry, not tion (8) forgotten to draw East's last rump, If East accepts South's gift and ruffs with his trump closed (7) 21. A bishop, by roman law, has to recant 28. Outcome of a word in confidence (6) jack. South enjoys an easy time. He cashes his diamond ace and ruffs a diamond with on'es given away (9) 22, Brownie's eccentric cycle (6) dummy's last trump. limiting his losses to 23, Support for anecdotes taken from only a heart, a club and the diamond ruff. Xenophon's history (5) It's a different story if East is suspi­ 25. Extremist, having given up painting, cious and refuses to ruff. After East dis­ left university (5) cards, what can South do? If he cashes his CJlIn Si 515"S '£l"JOW";) 'll ace and concedes a diamond, West. will aJnrqV 'IZ JOlayo"s 'S I loysp"a, 'Ll ydJOWOP U3 '91 aJI] IIIIS 'vI JRads 's dRay cash his club ace and lead a fourth dia­ dUJoS 'L dIJII:] '9 u~ISaa '~paqq!IPV 'v dOI-MaJOS '£ qowaa 'l ~nqJOlln 'I : NMOO mond for East to ruff, And if South fi­ nesses in diamonds, the onetrick set ar­ YI"WJoljV '61 aAolS '8Z JOISIOH 'Ll rives even sooner. "nzlos 'n wln"H 'vi PJRoqlllS '£l podde,oN 'OllIeD '61 OJOW SI u .~odsoS '£ 1 Ruffing onc of declarer's winners is a Joddlp ~IS 'z I Moql3 'I I O~Jnlds '0 I IOlqwn.L '6 S15l:] '9 pIeW S'P", 'I : SSOll;)V good strategy; ruffing one of his losers is NOI.Lfl'10S usually worth nothing, •

SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9, 2001 31 FORUM Butwal Power Company Privatization With The 'Uparanta' Note By SB PUN

The mandarins at the Privatization Cell of the Ministry of did the money collected from the privatization or fifteen Finance (MOF) have recently decided to go for Round Four government owned organizations end up in ? These are some of the privatization match for the Butwal Power Company. valid questions thalthe MOF mandarins need to answer to the I Round Three's heavy slugging bout bctween the Norwegian Nepalese pub lic. Interkraftand the British/American Independent Power Com­ BPC, in my view, is one of the prestigious family sil ver­ pany (IPC) have brought out cries of foul play from both wares of our government. This family si lverware must not Ji. the players. be sold away for any token value to any Tom, Dick and Ha. 1 After di squalifying IPC for reasons that are as we do in the case of dire famil y distress. The best way 10 being debated, the MOF mandarins opened up the lone maximize thi s bid va lue is , of course, to attract the maximum financial package ofInterkraft that offered Rupees 73 crores. number of bidders. This same company had quoted Rupees 68 crores in the Sadly. this has not been the case as the three rounds of previous round. It decided to up this figure by a mere five bidding have always ended up wi th the Norwegian Viking crores despi te having the "take or pay" power purchase and the Anglo-Saxon, the traditional warriors from times agreements with NEA for the 12 Mw Jhimruk and 5 Mw immemorial. Could we demur that the qualification tag of Andhi Khol a, the main flagships of BPC. The mandarins the 30 Megawall hydro experience 10 run the 17 Megawatt rejected the bid as being too low and decided to go for the plants was instrumental for this low turnout? And to maxi­ fourth round. mize the number of bidders how much exercises have wc I This clearly indicates that the Nepalese disinvestment is undertaken to make the bidding process totally transparent indeed in dire distress. Whatever may be the reasons, lack of and thus instillthc all important confidence in the would- I political will or the lack of transparency etc., our disinvestment be bidders? This is somethin g that the MOF mandarins process badly needs a shot in the arm. P Chidambaran, the shoul d be working on from day one of the Round Three former Finance Minister ofIndia, suggested that the govern­ cancellation. ment of India form an independent Disinvestment Commis­ Without further ado, I would like to conclude my note on sion. He based his conclusion on the following strong logic: BPC privatization with the following wise words of Pr ill" the government cannot be it s own adviser, it is sensible for the Narayan Shah in his famous Dibya Upadesh: political executive to keep some distance between the gov­ Uparanta. Do not let the merchants orIndia come up from I ernment and the actual disinvestment process and dealing the border. If the merchants oflndiacome to ourcountry. they with the Hindujas and the Dhoots is nOt at all easy even in the will leave the people poor. Forbid th e use of cloth made in best of circumstances. India. Show samples to those who know how to make our Our MOF mandarins should learn a thing or two from cloth. Teach them and begin to make clothing. If this is done. thi s indisputable Chidambaran logic. It is not onl y the likes of our money will not go abroad. These were word s uttered the Hindujas and the Dhoots that our mandarins at MOF over two hundred and twenty five years ago when the then must have rubbed shoulders with but also faced the full East India Company came to trade but later had no qualms in armoury of the new "commercial diplomacy" displayed by using their swords. the concerned Kathmandu-based foreign diplomats. Isn't it These are words that should always reverberate in the high time that our political executi ves devise mechanisms 10 rooms of the Pri vatization Cell of the Ministry of Finance. insulate themselves from such "bhoots"? The government of The stress then was the transfer of new technology to the India recently decided to sale off its ten large government­ locals themselves so that the money does not flow out of th e owned hotels so that the money so accrued will be used to buy country. The stress now, in the context of liberalization and planes for the Air India [l eet. This is a very sound logic globali zation, should principally remain the same. • indeed. In our case, where exactly is th e money collected from (Mr. PUll spellt over three decades workill g the Nepalese the saleofBPC destined for? Or for that maller where exactly pou te r sector)

32 SPOTLIGHT/NOVEMBER 9. 2001

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