Major Nepali and English broadsheet dailies published in Kathmandu on Friday have given priority to a host of issues from political, sociocultural and economic spheres.
Communication Minister Gokul Baskota urging Dr Govinda KC to stop his ‘irrelevant’ hunger-strike has received a lot of attention along with government plans to pass a new bill to give sweeping powers to CDOs.
Here is a summary of important, ignored and interesting stories from the front pages of national broadsheets:
Important
Dr KC’s hunger-strike now no longer relevant
Naya Patrika and Nagarik report that the Medical Education Bill was endorsed by both the houses of Parlament even as activist Dr Govinda KC’s hunger strike crossed its 23rd day. Government spokesperson and communication minister Gokul Baskota says that KC’s hunger strike was no longer relevant as the bill was now endorsed by both houses. Baskota said that the bill was more progressive than the demands raised by KC. He further added that KC’s aides should suggest him to end his fast.
US not happy with government’s Venezuela statement
Annapurna Post, Nagarik and Republica report that US officials in Kathmandu are far from happy about the statement released by the government on the ongoing political crises in Venezuela. Diplomatic sources say that US officials believe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) statement was no different in its content as compared to Dahal’s previous statement, although “the language was improved with fine editing.”
The US Embassy in Kathmandu had sought a government statement on its official position on the issue. However, US officials in Kathmandu feel that the statement failed to clear ‘confusions’.
Crucial bills yet to be passed as opposition continues obstruction
The Kathmandu Post reports that some crucial bills awaiting Parliament endorsement may hit a snag if the Nepali Congress continues its protests in Parliament.
The opposition has been obstructing the House proceedings since January 25, protesting against the use of marshals in the House of Representatives to endorse the National Medical Education Bill despite its serious reservations. The bill, which was endorsed by the Lower House last Friday, was endorsed by the Upper House on Thursday.
The federal Parliament now has less than a week to endorse the bill to amend the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act-2014 registered on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Law and Justice has identified 174 Acts that need to be amended or replaced with new ones as they contradict with the provisions of the constitution that came into force three years ago. The constitution has set March 4 as the deadline to revise these Acts.
Hardly a month remains before the constitutional deadline, every single House meeting is of utmost importance. The Nepali Congress said on Thursday that the party could consider not obstructing the proceedings of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly to allow for the passage of some crucial bills.
Ignored
Bill to stop people from protesting
Kantipur reports the government is planning to draft a new law which will give the CDO powers to stop protests and public gathering. The home ministry has passed a bill on to the Parliament Secretariat which will give the CDO the power to stop peaceful protests and gathering before they begin. According to the new law, the CDO can stop a protest if he/she feels that the security of the city is under threat. However what kind of situation is deemed a threat hasn’t been clarified.
Jora becomes youngest cricketer to score 50 in T20s
The Himalayan Times reports that Nepal’s Sundeep Jora became the youngest cricketer to score a half-century in Twenty20 International as he scored 53 runs in the first of the three-match series against the UAE at the ICC Academy grounds in Dubai.
Jora achieved the feat at the age of 17 years and 103 days but ended up on the losing side as the United Arab Emirates won the opening match of the series by 21 runs. Jora struck three boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 53 off just 46 balls. He became the 18th cricketer to score a half-century on debut.
Interesting
Lack of reforms concerns investors ahead of investment summit
The Kathmandu Post reports that as the government intensifies its preparation for another high-profile investment summit, key development partners have expressed concerns over the country’s investment climate and lack of policy reform hindering businesses.
Investors were worried as only a fraction of commitment worth Rs13.5 billion was translated into actual investment in the earlier summit held in 2017. The summit to be held in March 29 and 30 could see a similar fate if the government did not assure the investors of a safe investment climate.
SC case against land allocated for new cricket stadium
Nepal Samarcharpatra reports that the land which is going to be used by the Dhurmus-Suntali foundation to build an international cricket stadium has a case against it in the Supreme Court. A case was filed by the Agriculture and Forest University in 2011 seeking permission from the SC to use the land owned by Tribhuvan University. However, Bharatpur Municipality without waiting for the decision from the SC allocated a part of the land to Dhurmus-Suntali foundation to build an international cricket stadium.
SSP of Metropolitan Police Range accused of turning a blind eye
Nepal Samacharpatra reports that the police had failed to arrest the owners of Club Dejavu after they were accused of fraud. An arrest warrant was issued against owners Manoj Shrestha, Samip Silakar and Annan Gurung over six months ago. But SSP of Metropolitan Police Range Basanta Lama hasn’t given police the permission to arrest the accused. A case was filed against the three owners by Biwsaram Shrestha who says the three didn’t return his Rs 20 million which he had given to them while opening the club. SSP Lama has been accused of delaying justice by working with the owners of the Durbarmarg-based club.
