Author: space4knews

The Nepali Congress has scheduled a meeting of its Central Executive Committee on Baishakh 21 at 1 PM in Sanepa. Officers and members of the Central Executive Committee have been requested to attend the session. Acting General Secretary Krishnaprasad Dulal has not disclosed the agenda of the meeting. Kathmandu, 19 Baishakh – The Nepali Congress has decided to hold the Central Executive Committee meeting on Monday, Baishakh 21. Acting General Secretary Krishnaprasad Dulal informed that the meeting will take place at the party’s central office in Sanepa at 1 PM on Monday. Officers and members of the Central Executive Committee have been invited to participate. No information regarding the agenda has been made public.

19 Baisakh, Ilam – We want to build a better future, but why do we look back to the past? Why is it necessary to study history? Addressing this question posed by Sujit Mainali, Warid Vaidya from Ilam stated, “The key point is that history helps us understand ourselves. Knowing who I was and where I came from is extremely important.” Vaidya, a former head of Mahendra Ratna Multi-purpose Campus and an author and historian of the book ‘History of Ilam,’ expressed this view during a session that began with a discussion on the history of the Eastern hills. The fifth edition of the Ilam Literary Festival 2083 focused on the theme “The Story of Our Roots, A Discussion on Our History,” where Vaidya participated alongside writer Mohan Mainali.

Mainali added, “To move forward, sometimes we must take a step back and see what’s behind us. We must study history to make life easier. History should be made a compulsory subject in schools.” He further noted, “If we had studied the history of water well, there wouldn’t have been issues with the ‘short route from Jhapa to Ilam through Belase.’” Mainali, the Madan Puraskar-winning author of the book ‘Mokam Ranmaidan,’ emphasized that history is an essential subject to study.

The discussion also touched upon the theme of ‘Himalpari, Himalwari’ (Mountain and Hills), along with Nepal-China relations, which was addressed by journalist Sudhir Sharma. “The present is a continuation of history. Without understanding history, it’s difficult to comprehend current realities. Although Nepal’s documented history is not very old, China possesses written materials from much earlier,” Sharma explained. He stressed that policymakers and citizens alike must study history to guide the country on the right path. As the author of ‘Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroh’ (Monks, Trade, and Rebellion), Sharma emphasized that a thorough study of history is indispensable to avoid repeating past mistakes and to formulate strong national policies.

Journalist Deepak Sapkota, also part of the panel discussion, argued the significance of history as a subject. Speaking on the first day of the festival about “Digital Masubhat and We Journalists,” editor-in-chief Basanta Basnet highlighted the necessity of reading and promoting history education. On the second day of the festival, Satendra Jawegula held a discussion with Dr. Yogendraman Shrestha, Purna Gautam, and Tanka Gautam about the challenges surrounding the education bill. Likewise, Dr. Hem Bhandari led a discussion on borderland literature with Vinita Kshetri, Krishna Baral, and Gyanendra Yaksos. The second day also featured a poetry recital program.

Development of Ilam through Orange Economy and Green Economy: On the second and final day of the Ilam Literary Festival 2083, Nishkal Rai, Member of Parliament from Ilam-1, shared perspectives on the concept of “Developing Ilam through Orange Economy and Green Economy.” He emphasized that Ilam is not just about scenic beauty but also rich in culture and civilization, stating that sustainable resource use without harming nature constitutes the green economy. Although green economy initiatives have begun, Rai suggested that Ilam must focus on tourism development through the orange economy going forward. “Our culture, traditions, music, and art are also economic assets. It is not only tea production but also its story and brand now—these stories must be marketed,” he explained. Rai pointed out that tourists come seeking not only places but experiences and indigenous narratives, making storytelling tourism necessary to promote. He expressed that Ilam needs to leverage creative economy or orange economy to market its offerings effectively.

Mentioning that Ilam has a solid foundation for eco-tourism, Rai noted that selling culturally connected experiences can help extend tourists’ stay. “Implementing orange economy practices could increase tourism in Ilam by two to four times,” he projected. The two-day Ilam Literary Festival concluded successfully with various discussions, literary readings, and award presentations covering topics such as poetry, tourism, and narrative writing.

April 19, Kathmandu – Following the certification of the ordinance related to the removal of public officials by the President, the names of individuals politically appointed in various institutions have been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. According to sources in Singha Durbar, the lists have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office department-wise. Currently, the Prime Minister’s Office is in the process of sorting these names. “Names of all persons appointed by each ministry have been received at the Prime Minister’s Office,” an official confirmed.

With the ordinance now in effect, discussions are underway on whether to send letters to those individuals to request their resignation or to consider their appointments automatically revoked. Some appointed officials were preparing to resign on Saturday and had even held collective meetings. However, after President Ram Chandra Paudel promulgated the ordinance, those officials have reconsidered resigning. “We had a collective meeting to decide on resignations, but then we received news of the ordinance being issued by the President. After that, resignation no longer seemed appropriate,” said an official from a university. “We have also received notifications that letters from the Prime Minister’s Office will be forthcoming.”

On Saturday, President Paudel issued Ordinance 2083, which amends several Nepal Acts concerning the Health Science Institute, establishes special provisions on the removal of public officials, and modifies some university-related Nepal Acts. University officials have been resigning en masse. Several university officials had already resigned before the ordinance’s promulgation. Professor Dr. Devaraj Adhikari, Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, also resigned before the ordinance was issued, informing that he stepped down on Friday. Appointed in Magh 2079 (January–February 2023), he said, “I resigned yesterday before the ordinance was issued.” Additionally, Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal, along with other officials, have tendered their resignations. On April 17, Vice-Chancellor Aryal, Education Director Professor Dr. Khadga KC, and Registrar Professor Dr. Kedar Prasad Rizal all resigned. At the time of reporting, Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice-Chancellor of Sanskrit University, also resigned on Friday. Furthermore, Professor Dr. Dhanshyam Bhattarai, Chairperson of the TU Service Commission, has resigned as well.

President Ramchandra Poudel has promulgated a special ordinance concerning the removal of public officials, the Special Arrangement Ordinance for the Release of Public Officials, 2083. This ordinance amends 110 laws and arranges for the dismissal of a total of 1,534 public officials. The officials included range from bodies such as Nepal Airlines Corporation to the National Medical Education Commission.

The ordinance, issued on 19th Baishakh in Kathmandu, outlines a list of officials to be relieved from various regulatory bodies, public institutions, and other state organs. The entities listed include: Nepal Airlines Corporation, National News Agency, Employees Provident Fund, Gorkhapatra Corporation, Nepali Language Publication Institute, Film Censorship Committee, Communications Institute Act, Teacher Service Commission, Guthi Institution and its committees, National Nature Conservation Fund, Nepal Administrative Staff College, Nepal Electricity Authority, Lumbini Development Fund, Nepal Culture University, Pashupati Area Development Fund, Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, Ayurveda Medical Council, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, National Seed Committee, Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Nepal Health Science Academy, Citizen Investment Trust, Press Council, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Agriculture Research Council, National Dairy Development Board, Kathmandu University, National Tea and Coffee Development Board, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Breastfeeding Protection and Promotion Committee, Local Development Training Academy, Social Welfare Council, Tribhuvan University, University Grants Commission, Nepal Scouts, Purbanchal University, Journalists’ Minimum Wage Determination Committee, Nepal Nursing Council, Nepal Chartered Accountants’ Institution, Nepal Health Professionals Council, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Pokhara University, Telecommunications Authority, Nepal Civil Aviation Authority, Executive Director of Municipal Development Fund, Industrial Enterprise Development Institute, International Financial Transactions Promotion Committee, Building Construction and Management Strengthening Committee, Nepal Engineering Council, Nepal Veterinary Council, Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, Shaheed Gangalal National Heart Center, Nepal Pharmacy Council, National Indigenous Nationalities Upliftment Institute, Road Board, Securities Board, Competition Promotion and Market Protection Board, Information Technology Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal, Lumbini Buddhist University, National Institute of Medical Science, Public Procurement Review Committee, Information Commission, Foreign Employment Promotion Board, Plant Quarantine Committee, Nepal Trust Board of Directors, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Nepal Academy, Sudurpaschim University, Mid-Western University, Agriculture and Forestry Science University, Karnali Health Science Academy, Commission for Investigation of Enforced Disappearances, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, National Youth Council, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal Open University, Deposit and Credit Protection Fund Management Committee, Special Economic Zone Authority, Central Labor Advisory Council, Social Security Fund, Disaster Management Authority, Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, Health Insurance Board, Rajarshi Janak University, National Committee for Persons with Disabilities, National Cooperative Regulation Authority, Investment Board, National Public Health Committee, Nepal Medical Council, National Medical Education Commission, Pesticide Management Committee, National Council on Environment Protection and Climate Change Management, Industrial and Investment Promotion Board, Federal Land Use Council, Advertising Board, Atomic Research Center, National Sports Council, Vidushi Yogmaya Himalayan Ayurveda University, Insurance Authority, Nepal Accreditation Center, Railway Board, Animal Health and Service Professionals Council, Madan Bhandari University, Food Hygiene and Quality Recommendation Committee, Shaheed Dashrath Chand Academy of Health Sciences, Security Printing Press, and Public Service Broadcasting Corporation.

File photo 19 Baishakh, Kathmandu. Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswpa) Chairman Ravi Lamichhane has called for a secretariat meeting tomorrow. The meeting is set to take place in the party’s central office at Wanesthali in the morning. All secretariat members have been directed to attend the meeting mandatorily. The first agenda item will focus on discussing the framework for selecting local level candidates for the year 2083. Additionally, the second agenda will cover the procedural guidelines for the general convention 2083, the third will address amendments to the parliamentary party’s statute, and the fourth will include various other topics.

The 13th Executive Committee meeting of the Nepal Badminton Association has appointed Secretary Benu Raj Khatri as the association’s spokesperson. Additionally, the association has decided to hold the 42nd National Badminton Championship 2083 from Baishakh 29 to Jestha 3 at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangasala.

The championship will feature participation from a total of 10 teams, including squads from all seven provinces as well as three departmental teams: Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force. Subcommittees have been formed to manage various aspects of the competition’s organization.

The meeting assigned Secretary Benu Raj Khatri the responsibility of officially communicating the association’s positions as its spokesperson. It was confirmed that the 42nd National Badminton Championship 2083 will take place from Baishakh 29 to Jestha 3 at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangasala, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.

For effective management, multiple subcommittees have been established to oversee preparation, coordination, and operation of the event. Besides the seven provincial teams, the three departmental teams – Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force – will also participate. Newly appointed spokesperson Khatri stated that preparations to conduct the championship at a high standard have already begun. The association expressed confidence that this championship will help identify talented players and make a significant contribution to their development.

Summary of the news after review. President Ramchandra Paudel issued the Special Ordinance on Termination of Public Officials on 19 Baishakh, 2083 (Nepali calendar). This ordinance includes amendments to 110 laws and provides for the termination of over 1,500 politically appointed officials. Government officials stated that the legal changes aim to make appointments in public bodies more transparent and competitive. Kathmandu, 19 Baishakh – On Saturday afternoon, President Ramchandra Paudel promulgated three ordinances. One of the key ordinances issued was the Special Ordinance on Termination of Public Officials, 2083. This ordinance amends 110 laws and introduces provisions for abolishing positions occupied through political appointments. According to senior government sources, these amendments will result in the termination of 1,534 politically appointed public officials. “The ordinance ends the terms of more than 1,500 politically appointed officials by amending 110 laws,” a source from the President’s office confirmed. The ordinance covers termination provisions for officials appointed to various public institutions, including public agencies, Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Television, and the Press Council. Prior to this, President Paudel consulted with legal experts to ensure the ordinance aligns with public service standards. Government officials said the amendments are aimed at enhancing transparency and competitiveness in appointments within public bodies. Following the ordinance’s introduction, many political appointees in various institutions and universities have started resigning en masse.

The fourth edition of the Kohalpur Gold Cup football tournament has commenced in Kohalpur, Banke. In the opening match, the host Racing Sahara Club defeated Panchkoshi Youth Club by a 2–1 margin, marking a victorious start to the competition. The winner of the tournament will receive NPR 800,000, while the runner-up will be awarded NPR 400,000 in cash prizes.

In the 24th minute, Racing Sahara’s defender Pepe scored the opening goal, giving his team the lead. Later, in the 44th minute of the first half, Faguram Chaudhary added another goal, doubling the lead. Racing Sahara maintained clear dominance throughout the first half with a 2–0 advantage. Although Panchkoshi Youth Club created several good scoring opportunities during the match, they were unable to convert any into goals.

In the second half, the visiting team improved their performance and increased their attacking efforts. Their foreign player, Kushagra Upreti, scored a consolation goal in the 88th minute, but it was insufficient to avoid defeat. Pepe from Racing Sahara was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his excellent performance and received NPR 5,000 along with the trophy.

The tournament will continue until 26th Baishakh, with the champion and runner-up earning cash prizes of NPR 800,000 and NPR 400,000 respectively. Organizers also announced attractive awards for outstanding players in various categories. To promote tourism through the tournament, the two teams reaching the final will be taken on a jungle safari in Banke National Park. Additionally, there are plans to provide experiences of local homestays featuring authentic food and accommodations. The tournament, held at the playground located in Ward No. 2 of Kohalpur Municipality, was inaugurated by Mayor Purna Prasad Acharya. On the second day of the tournament, Sunday, Just John FC (Nigeria) will face Royal Football Club (Karnali) in a match scheduled to start at 4 PM, according to tournament coordinator Karn Bahadur Basnet.

April 19, Kathmandu — Civic leaders have accused the government of employing military forces to carry out brutal and terrorizing evictions of squatters. On Saturday, 54 civic leaders issued a joint press statement condemning the government for violating fundamental and human rights during the clearance of squatter settlements.

“The state forcibly removed squatters without any prior notice, without dialogue, and without appropriate alternative arrangements, deploying municipal police, Nepal Police, Armed Police, and even the Nepal Army, in an inhumane, cruel, and terrorizing manner,” the statement reads. “Thousands of citizens have been left vulnerable, humiliated, and uncertain, with no options provided.”

The statement highlights the disruption caused to the education of thousands of children, who now face psychological stress due to fear, instability, and an uncertain future. Pregnant women, mothers who have recently given birth, newborns, and elderly citizens have been placed in holding centers under risky conditions, with minimum human dignity disregarded. The eviction has also resulted in the loss of employment for many affected individuals.

Demolition extended even to schools and religious sites such as temples, gompas, and churches. The government did not issue any formal decision regarding the eviction of squatters, and even after forcibly clearing the settlements, it has failed to disclose plans or procedures for identifying squatters, arranging land and housing for them in the future, managing the holding centers, or specifying how long they will be kept there.

“This is not merely a landlessness issue; it is a grave manifestation of the state’s policy and implementation failures, institutional apathy, and deepening ethnic and class discrimination,” the statement adds. Furthermore, the statement claims that independent media access has been restricted at the so-called holding centers.

The civic leaders have called upon the National Human Rights Commission to monitor the situation and have appealed to the Supreme Court to enforce its orders and maintain public trust in the justice system. They have urged the government to immediately halt all unconstitutional actions involving the use of military force.

The full text of the press statement follows:

The government has introduced an ordinance to dismiss officials of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, both related to transitional justice. With the publication of this ordinance in the official gazette, five officials from each commission will be relieved from their positions. These officials had been appointed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s administration. Both commissions had struggled to effectively investigate and address events from the conflict period, and victims of the conflict had expressed their dissatisfaction.

Kathmandu, 19th Baisakh — The government has issued a new ordinance to dismiss the officials of the two transitional justice commissions. The ordinance, released on Saturday and governing political appointments and dismissals, includes provisions for removing officials from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. Following its publication in the official gazette, five officials from each commission will be dismissed. These officials were originally appointed by the Oli government.

Victims of the conflict had expressed opposition to the selection of officials for both commissions. Moreover, the commissions were unable to carry forward the investigation and inquiry of conflict-era incidents effectively. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was chaired by Mahesh Thapa, with members Achyut Prasad Bhandari, Tikaprasad Dhakal, Padma Bahadur Shahi, and Kumari Kaushalya Ojha. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances was chaired by Liladevi Gadtoula, with members Gopalnath Yogi, Agni Prasad Thapaliya, Shrijana Pokhrel, and Vinita Nepali.

April 19, Khotang – Two men have died after falling from a cliff in Khotang. Bamahar Rai, 52, and Manikumar Rai, 40, both residents of Bara Pokhari Rural Municipality-5, Pauwasera area, were found dead at the site after falling from the cliff. According to Foudaraj Rai, the ward chairperson of Bara Pokhari-5, the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when both men fell from the local Dhakalekhola cliff.

On Friday, Bamahar had gone to cut grass but lost his kukri (traditional Nepalese knife). On Saturday, his neighbor Manikumar joined him in searching for the missing kukri. According to locals, one of the men slipped off the cliff, and as the other tried to hold him, both fell together. Authorities have stated that both bodies will be taken to Beltar, Udayapur, for post-mortem examination.