Broadsheet dailies published in Kathmandu on Thursday have taken up a host social, political and economic issues on their front pages. Nepal’s formal decision to request the UN to withhold its graduation from the LDC grouping, Prime Minister’s Oli’s plans to expand his Cabinet and the Nepali Congress’ bid to elect its new leader in Parliament are some of the issues covered by most of the newspapers. Here’s a roundup of important, ignored and interesting reports that made it to the front pages today:
Important
Left Alliance likely to sign constitution amendment deal with Forum Nepal
The Himalayan Times reports that although talks between the Upendra Yadav-led Forum Nepal remained inconclusive on Wednesday, the two forces are likely to reach a compromise on Thursday. Forum Nepal has been demanding that the constitution be amended to make it easier for provincial boundaries to be re-drawn. According to the constitution, a majority of state assemblies need to vote ‘yes’ for any proposal to re-draw provincial boundaries to be implemented. Nagarik also reports that constitutional amendment is the main contentious issue in the negotiations.
Deuba wants to stay on as Congress leader in Parliament
Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wants to stay on as the party’s leader in Parliament. Janata Post reports that with Prakashman Singh and Shashank Koirala also in the race, elections are to be held to decide who gets the coveted post. The paper reports that Singh is likely to challenge Deuba for the post if elections are to take place. Koirala, meanwhile, wants to be elected unopposed and will not contest the elections. Meanwhile, senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel continues his verbal assault on Deuba accusing him of being responsible for the party’s failure.
Mahara tipped to become new Speaker
Former Finance Minister and Krishna Bahadur Mahara is likely to be elected Speaker of the Federal Parliament. According to Nepal Samacharpatra, the Left Alliance is on the cusp of making the announcement. Mahara was not given a ministerial portfolio as he has had several stints as a minister. According to a power-sharing agreement between the UML and the CPN Maoist Centre, the Maoists are to choose the Speaker of the House and the UML are to name the deputy.
Ignored
Billions spent on teacher training, no progress to show
Nagarik reports that although the government spent over Rs 1.67 billion in training teachers in the last four years, the investment is yet to bear fruit. The report says that even after the training the performance of students in class 3, 5 and 8 has not improved. Their performance is still 50 per cent below par, the report says.
Interesting
Municipal bonds to help finance infrastructure in cities
Karobar reports that the Municipal Development Fund is preparing to issue municipal bonds to bridge the gap between demand of supply of funds at the local level. According to the report, the fund, with support from the UNCDF, has launched a study to look at the feasibility of municipal bonds in Nepal. According to the fund, when the plan is implemented, credit rating agencies will rate the municipalities based on their ability to honour the bond.
Names being discussed for various provinces
According to Janata Post, different names have been suggested for the newly-formed provinces. The names being discussed for Province 1 are: Sagarmatha, Mechi and Koshi; for Province 2 Madhesh, Mithila, Bhojpura, Janakpur; for Province 3 Bagmati, Narayani, Pashupati; for Province 4 Gandaki, Annapurna, Dhawalagiri, Gorkha; for Province 5 Lumbini, Tharuban, Tharuhat, Magarat; and for Province 7 Seti Mahakali, Seti Khaptad and Far-west. Province 6 has already been named Karnali.
Nepal wants to remain LDC
The Himalayan Times reports that the government has formally decided to request the UN not to upgrade it to developing country. The report says that the government has written to the UN Committee for Development Policy stating that the country is not prepared for the graduation and another review should be carried out only in 2021. “We have endorsed a proposal that Nepal should not be graduated to a developing country as it has not met the criteria of per capita income,” Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada was quoted as saying.
