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From the Kathmandu Press: Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Major Nepali and English newspapers published from Kathmandu on Tuesday have highlighted political issues over others. Some newspaper reports have claimed that the government is all set to appoint province chiefs and name temporary capitals today whereas some newspapers say the new government formation process is still uncertain owing to constitutional complications in National Assembly poll process. A recent dispute surfaced in the Nepali Congress party has also received significant attention.

Few other socio-cultural and economic issues have also been covered in the front page of Kathmandu newspapers today.

Important

Province chiefs to be appointed today

File image: Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

Naya Patrika and Rajdhani claim that the government is preparing to appoint province chiefs, who will work as representatives of the president to provinces, today. The appointments will follow a four-day ultimatum issued by the Election Commission for the appointment of top provincial officials citing delay in picking province chiefs will severely affect the schedule for National Assembly elections. The elections have been scheduled for February 7.

Naya Patrika says Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to hold a meeting with CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre leaders to finalise the names. Then, he will convene a Cabinet meeting for the final decision.

Rajdhani lead story says the government is preparing to appoint province chiefs in consensus and the PM’s Secretariat has claimed that it has already forged consensus among major political parties. The CPN-UML, however, has denied reports of consensus.

Govt formation process still uncertain

Republica anchor story says uncertainty continues over the formation of a new government as incumbent Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba appears determined to stay in office at least until the elections of National Assembly.

The report adds that Deuba, by prolonging his stay in power, is seeking a guarantee that the newly appointed province heads would not be sent packing after the formation of new government under the leadership of left alliance.

Meanwhile, Kantipur lead story for the day informs that 40 days have already been passed since the conclusion of final phase of provincial and federal parliamentary elections; but final results have not been announced yet.

Ignored

Bhandari, Khanal begin lobbying for presidency

File image: President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas

While the left alliance consisting of CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre are preparing to form a joint government, two of UML leaders have begun lobbying for the presidency, reports Rajdhani in its anchor story.

The report says incumbent President Bidya Devi Bhandari wants to get reelected to the position whereas UML senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal is also advocating for the post.

Few days ago, the President had hosted a dinner for Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and his family and it has been interpreted as her desire to get reelected, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Maoist leader and incumbent Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun has also expedited lobbying to get reelected, according to the report.

Chepang settlement in Dhading reels under acute water shortage

A Chepang settlement in remote Brusbang village in northern Dhading is reeling under acute water shortage for many years, and now the government is preparing to relocate them in a bid to end the problem, reports Annapurna Post in its lead story for the day.

The report quotes Dhading Chief District Officer Shyam Prasad Bhandari to say that 36 new houses will be built in a new place for the locals.

Govt priorities, donors’ preference contradict

File image: Ministry of Finance

Nagarik lead story for the day says Nepal’s development partners are not contributing donations to the priority sectors identified by the government. Though the government has its own modality about the priority areas and foreign assistance required, the donors generally distribute funds to the sectors which meet their interests, the report claims attributing to findings mentioned in recent Development Report Aid published by the Ministry of Finance.

Interesting

Justices to get allowance for overtime works

File image: Supreme Court of Nepal

The Cabinet recently endorsed a decision to provide overtime allowance to justices of the Supreme Court up to 50 per cent of their regular salary if they attend the bench for two more hours, according to Gorkhapatra.

Though the decision was made around three weeks ago, the decision has not come into effect yet, the report says, adding if the decision is implemented the state has to spend Rs 8.7 million more for operation of the apex court.

 

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