Newspapers published in Kathmandu on Wednesday have published reports related to a variety of social, political economic issues. The Supreme Court’s decision to not allow businessman Ajeya Sumargi’s frozen foreign money has received considerable attention along with the Congress’ decision to form a shadow government. Here’s a summary of important, ignored and interesting reports that made it to the front pages on Wednesday:
Important
SC overturns interim order
Kantipur, The Kathmandu Post, Republica and Nagarik report that the Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned an earlier interim order which allowed Ajeya Raj Sumargi-owned Muktishree Cement Industry to withdraw money frozen at the NRB. A single bench of Justice Deepak Raj Joshee on December 25 had issued the interim order asking the central bank to allow Muktishree to withdraw the amount transferred into its bank account from foreign countries. However, Sumargi has already withdrawn most of the money which has created confusion as it is not clear how much he has withdrawn so far. A bench comprising Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai issued the stay order stating that it was not necessary to issue a stay order as sought by Sumargi.
Congress to form a shadow government to keep an eye on government
Naya Patrika, Rajdhani and The Himalayan Times report that the main opposition party Nepali Congress has decided to expedite the process of forming a shadow government headed by Sher Bahadur Deuba. NC Whip Pushpa Bhusal Gautam said once lawmakers submit names of ministries of their interest, a panel would be formed to finalise shadow minister. The shadow government is being formed to scrutinise the policies and actions of the government as well as to offer an alternative programme. Communist parties had formed shadow governments when they were in opposition.
Ignored
NOC makes profit of 1.3bn in 15 days
Naya Patrika reports that Nepal Oil Corporation, despite slashing the price of fuel cost on January 2, has earned a profit of Rs 330 million by selling petroleum products. NOC is the only organisation in the country to have recorded such high profits. However, the NOC says that even though it is selling petroleum products at such high rates, the organisation is still facing a deficit of Rs 1.03 billion for the financial year 2075/76.
TIA flights delayed due to technical error
The Himalayan Times reports that a number of flights scheduled to depart from the TIA were affected for two hours on Tuesday due to disturbances in the voice communication control system. Rajkumar Chhetri, general manager of TIA, said disturbances in the communication frequency was noticed at 8:45 am and could not be rectified till 10:45 am. Up to 12 domestic and international outbound flights from TIA were affected following the technical error.
Interesting
Lucky Sherpa and Foreign Ministry says she hasn’t quit
The Kathmandu Post reports that diplomat Lucky Sherpa and Foreign Ministry officials have mentioned that Sherpa hasn’t resigned from her post as Nepali Ambassador to Australia. Several publications on Monday night reported that Lucky Sherpa had been sacked by the administration following a month-long controversy over her alleged involvement in a human trafficking case. Officials at the Prime Minister’s Office told journalists the embattled envoy had tendered her resignation but Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali says it isn’t true.
Sherpa says that she has written three letters to the ministry regarding her driver in which she has accused him of illegally deposition money in his bank account and stealing from the embassy, but said no one had taken up the matter with the Australian government. Sherpa is awaiting permission from the Foreign Ministry to hold a press conference to talk about the issue.
Experts question the decision to sack NID chief
Nagarik reports that legal experts have raised serious questions over the decision of the government to relieve chief of the National Investigation Department Dillip Regmi of this post through an amendment in the NID regulation. A cabinet meeting on Monday appointed Ganesh Adhikari as the new NID chief after cutting short the four-year term of the incumbent chief. Legal experts are questioning the government’s intention as Regmi was due to retire from government service on May 29.
