Almost all newspapers published in Kathmandu on Friday have given priority to reports related to the CIAA’s filing of a corruption case against Nepal Rastra Bank former Governor Tilak Rawal. Other political, social and economic issues have also received the attention of the editors. Here’s a summary of important, ignored and interesting stories that made it to the front pages on Friday.
Important
The Himalayan Times, Republica, Nagarik and Karobar report that the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority has filed cases against Nepal Rastra Bank former Governor Tilak Rawal and two others accusing them of embezzling funds when issuing tenders for printing of polymer notes in 2002. Rawal, along with former note printing chief Upendra Keshari Paudyal and local agent of the Australian company that printed the notes, Himalaya Bahadur Pande, has been accused of bribing the Australian firm to print sub-standard notes. The anti-graft body has sought over 9 million in compensation from each of the accused.
Controversy mars Nepali Congress jamboree
Kantipur reports that the ongoing Nepali Congress Maha Samiti meeting has entered into a deadlock after party President Sher Bahadur Deuba backtracked on his support to a proposal that when passed would see all office bearers, except for the treasurer, get elected by local representatives. The paper says that the Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Ram Chandra Paudel factions have demanded that all party office bearers be elected by local representatives.
NCP standing committee criticises leadership
Republica, in its two-column story report, says that members of the standing committee of the Nepal Communist Party criticised the party leadership and others in power for their lavish lifestyle and accused them of forgetting the party’s original base of grassroots politics. The committee members have urged the party leadership to dump controversial ministers and punish ones who aren’t performing well. Some members have even demanded that the Cabinet be reshuffled.
Ignored
Nepal Samachar Patra reports that the local government representatives have remained idle for the last few days due to ongoing protest by civil servants opposed to the new Civil Service Ordinance. In the report, the paper says that municipality and ward offices have been affected due to the protest which has gone on for four days.
Naya Patrika in its lead story reports that people’s representatives in Karnali are using wire bridges to commute to work. It says that as not a single bridge has been built in a radius of around 200km from Hisla to Kawadi. Karna Rawal, chairman of Kharpunath Rural Municipality told the paper that he has to return home before dusk.
Interesting
Govt sets aside Rs 500 million to procure train
Rajdhani reports that the government has set aside Rs 500 million to procure a locomotive and coaches for the newly-built Janakpur-Jayanagar route. The government had initially planned to rent a train from India. Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication Gokul Banskota told the press that the route would be in operation within the next six months.
