Major Nepali and English broadsheet dailies published from Kathmandu Valley on Sunday have given the priority to a host of issues from political, economic and sociocultural issues. Province 1 Chief Minister Sher Dhan Rai’s medial trip to the United States has turned controversial and two major newspapers have published front page stories on the issue. Reports of some road accidents occurred during Tihar festival across the country have also been featured on the front pages.
Meanwhile, parents of Nirmala Pant, who was raped and murdered in Kanchanpur of farwestern Nepal around four months ago, have announced to begin an indefinite sit-in demanding action against the perpetrators and their announcement has also been reported on the front pages.
Important
What’s controversy about Rai’s US trip?
Kantipur and The Himalayan Times report that Sher Dhan Rai was said to have gone to Bangkok of Thailand for treatment of an ailment he was suffering from, but suddenly he was found to be visiting the United States.
Kantipur says diplomatic experts have criticised Rai‘s move as he apparently lied to the central government.
Meanwhile, The Himalayan Times adds that the controversy surfaced after a journalist of Nepali origin was beaten, allegedly, by a loyalist of CM Rai in New York, ‘for exposing the visit as not sanctioned by the central government.’
Pant’s parents will begin indefinite protest today
Kantipur and Republica report that Yagya Raj and Durga Devi Pant, parents of Nirmala Pant, will begin their sit-in in front of Kanchanpur District Administration Office from Sunday morning after the government failed to name perpetrators of the crime against their daughter.
“We will continue the sit-in till we get justice,” Yagya Raj has been quoted in Kantipur. Meanwhile, Republica quotes the mother, “My daughter’s soul will rest in peace only after her attackers are booked. My heat will never be at ease until justice is delivered.”
Gachhadar’s nomination intensifies intra-party feud
The nomination of Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar as the vice-president of the party has added yet another dispute to inter-party differences in the Nepali Congress, reports Republica.
Interestingly, Shekhar Koirala, who also belongs to the rival faction has defended the move as “a political decision” though Ram Chandra Paudel, Prakash Man Sigh and Arjun Narsingha KC have objected to it, according to the report.
Ignored
Irregularities galore at Bir Hospital
The National Vigilance Centre has recommended that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority and the government launch a further investigation into reported irregularities at the Bir Hospital and take action against the guilty, reports Naya Patrika in its lead story.
Irregularities have been found in the purchase of equipment and recruitment of staff, according to the report.
Provinces reject centre’s decision on staff recruitment
According to a three column story in The Kathmandu Post, provincial governments have opposed the federal government’s decision to recruit new civil staff for provincial and local governments through the federal Public Service Commission. The provinces have argued that the decision is unconstitutional and reflects centralised mentality.
They have demanded that the centre allow them to recruit new staff through provincnial PSCs.
Provincial minister injures four on Kailali road
The Himalayan Times reports in a snippet that a Scorpio jeep used by the Sudurpashchim Provincial Minister for Social Development, Dirgha Sodari, hit a motorbike at Badhaipur of Kailali district on Friday night.
Jeep driver Dhojendra Shah, his niece Ayushma Shahi, biker Surendra Chand and Bharat Bohora were injured. Chand is said to be critical.
Interesting
Women lawmakers have higher attendance rate than men
The lead story in Kantipur reports that women lawmakers are found to have better attendance rates in House meetings than their male counterparts on average.
Among 274 lawmakers, total 183 lawmakers were present in more than 75 per cent meetings. Among women lawmakers, 78 per cent recorded above 75 per cent attendance whereas the rate is 61 per cent among men.
Nepali handicrafts faring better in the international market
Nepali handicraft products are becoming more popular in the international market, Karobar reports in its lead story.
Quoting officials of business associations, the report informs that the export of Nepali handicrafts is increasing by 15 per cent every year. Nepal currently exports 42 handicraft items in more than 60 countries and the biggest buyers are the United States, Germany, China, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada, according to the report.
