Major Nepali and English broadsheet dailies published from Kathmandu Valley on Monday have given the priority to a host of issues from political, sociocultural and economic spheres. Kantipur and Nagarik have reports about recent misunderstandings surfaced between Nepal and Malaysia over the implementation of a memorandum of understanding they signed to facilitate the employment of Nepalis there.
Likewise, many newspapers have published reports about the statement of Public Accounts Committee chairman over the disputed purchase of two wide body aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation on their front pages. Discussions at the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting about the party statute amendment have also received significant coverage.
Meanwhile, Yagya Raj Pant, the protesting father of Nirmala Pant, has been brought to Kathmandu as he recently developed some symptoms of mental illness and the newspapers have covered the issue on the front pages. Some papers also carry his photograph on the covers.
Important
Problem in implementing Nepal-Malaysia labour agreement
Kantipur and Nagarik say Malaysia wants to mobilise already existing private companies to facilitate the visa application procedures of Nepali workers. However, the Nepal government views that companies cheat the workers; hence they should not be given the responsibility.
Meanwhile, Nagarik claims some interest groups are offering financial benefits to persuade the government to change the companies responsible for the procedures.
What’s wrong with Nirmala Pant’s dad?
The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur have published reports about the undergoing treatment of Yagya Raj Pant. Kantipur says doctors in their preliminary investigation have suspected tachycardia while further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, the medical personnel have dismissed reports that he had mental illness, according to The Kathmandu Post.
“The CT scan report didn’t show any problems in his brain,” said Tirtha Man Shrestha, emergency faculty chief at the hospital, “He has gone through a difficult time; he might be transferred to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit for a psychiatric consultation.”
TU VC, 42 others likely to face action
After months of its submission, the government is preparing to implement recommendations of the report of high level National Medical Education Commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, The Himalayan Times reports in lead story.
Implementing the report means taking action against 43 individuals including Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Tirtha Raj Khaniya as they were found involved in awarding affiliations to medical institutions that had breached the criteria set by the government.
Ignored
Gautam extends support to dissident NCP leaders
A three column story in Nagarik says influential leader of Nepal Communist Party, Bamdev Gautam, has extended his support to 21 leaders who had collectively issued a memorandum to the party leadership demanding an early meeting of the Central Committee.
Whereas the leadership has proposed forming the party’s politburo after finalising the work responsibility of the Central Committee members, the 21 leaders want the other way around, the report adds.
Minister directs state media not to give Nirmala’s news
Communications Minister Gokul Prasad Banskota has directed state media not to publish or broadcast news reports about Nirmala Pant’s rape and murder, Republica reports in its three column story.
Minister Banskota issued the directive in a recent meeting with the heads of the agencies including Gorkhapatra, Rastriya Samachar Samiti, Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, according to the report.
NEB officials deprived of responsibility
The Chairman of National Examination Board has deprived three high officials of their responsibility citing they did not meet required work competence, Nepal Samacharpatra reports in its lead story.
The officials, however, have said no one has right to question their competence.
Interesting
Sarus crane to be declared as Bird of Lumbini
Sarus crane, a species of bird, holds a special status in the ancient tradition of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Buddhism. However, it has been facing further threat in areas around Lumbini, The Kathmandu Post reports in its anchor story.
Therefore, officials are preparing to declare this bird as ‘Bird of Buddhism’ to promote its conservation efforts, according to the report.
