Author: space4knews

March 26, Kathmandu – Mahesh Basnet, secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), has issued a warning that if the government resorts to a crackdown in the name of implementing the Gaurav Bahadur Karki Commission report, the country could spiral toward conflict.

Today, in its first meeting, the newly formed cabinet led by Rastriya Swatantra Party parliamentary leader Balendra Shah decided to move forward with implementing the Karki Commission report.

The decision included constituting a study committee regarding the security apparatus recommended for action by the commission, and proceeding according to its recommendations before implementation. For all other recommendations, immediate enforcement was agreed upon.

Shortly after this decision was made public, Basnet reacted on social media, cautioning that such a move would lead the country toward conflict.

“The government under Balendra’s leadership, in its first cabinet meeting, has decided on the Karki Commission’s report on the Jenajee incident. It plans to form a study committee regarding security personnel, but directly implement measures concerning the former prime minister, home minister, and others. This is heard to be a cunning and conspiratorial decision,” Basnet wrote. “If the government uses the report implementation as a pretext for crackdown and political revenge, not only will it face initial backlash, but it also risks pushing the country back into conflict.”

Basnet described such a decision as partisan and unacceptable under any circumstance, warning of strong resistance.

“Such biased decisions are absolutely unacceptable. Justice must be equal for all; otherwise, strong opposition will surely arise,” he stated.

Basnet also demanded investigation and action against individuals involved in the protests on September 8 and 9 of the previous year.

“Those who incited protests on September 8, forcibly brought children in school uniforms onto the streets, created tense and terrorizing environments by surrounding them from all sides, and those who engaged in violent riots on September 9, targeting the Parliament, Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, government offices, private industries, and residential premises causing arson and vandalism—including those who later became prime ministers, ministers, and lawmakers—must be impartially investigated and punished,” he wrote.

He expressed suspicion that funds from various suspicious national and international non-governmental organizations were used in criminal activities, stating that terrorism conducted under the guise of power and its leadership is unacceptable to society. “Any action taken without impartial investigation of all parties will be inherently biased,” he emphasized.

March 26, Kathmandu – The government has decided to implement the report of the investigation commission formed to probe the suppression of the Janajati movement.

Government spokesperson Sashmit Pokharel stated that the first cabinet meeting held on Friday resolved to implement the report.

“The commission, chaired by Gauribahadur Karki, submitted its report to the Government of Nepal investigating the incidents that occurred during the protests on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24). It has been decided to implement the report accordingly,” Pokharel announced while conveying the government’s decision.

According to him, the implementation plan is divided into two phases.

First, a study committee will be formed regarding the security agencies as recommended by the commission; the recommendations presented by this committee will then be implemented.

Second, decisions recommended by the commission on other matters will be implemented immediately.

March 26, Kathmandu. Newly appointed Prime Minister Balen Shah has directed government employees not to delay work under any pretext.

Shortly after taking the oath on Friday and assuming office at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office, he urged the staff to embrace the spirit of his government.

Reminding employees that his government is strong enough to amend any rules and regulations if necessary, he explicitly instructed them not to make excuses, a secretary revealed.

“Just as we have formed the government and are trying to move forward, you must also adopt the same spirit,” the secretary quoted Prime Minister Shah as saying. “When it comes to necessary changes in rules and laws, we can bring about these changes without any excuses. Work without excuses.”

He also clearly instructed the employees not to be late in performing their duties for any reason. “There should be no delays citing any reasons,” Balen emphasized.

The briefing held with government employees and newly appointed ministers was brief.

“He spoke for only about five minutes while giving the instructions; we just listened,” the secretary added.

March 26, Kathmandu – The decisions from the first Council of Ministers meeting of the newly formed government have been made public.

Government spokesperson Samit Pokharel stated that four decisions were made, including the implementation of the investigation commission report on the Janjati (Jangi) Movement.

Balen Shah, who was appointed Prime Minister today, had convened the first Council of Ministers meeting.

He informed that the meeting decided to implement the report submitted by the Karki Commission along with other resolutions.

The decisions of the meeting are as follows:

– To honor and pay tribute to all known and unknown martyrs of the Janjati Movement that occurred on September 8 and 9, as well as previous various movements.

– To appoint the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology as the Government of Nepal’s spokesperson.

– To approve one hundred action plans for governmental reform (to be published by tomorrow).

– To implement the report submitted to the Government of Nepal by the commission formed under the chairmanship of Gauribahadur Karki to investigate the events of the protests on September 8 and 9, which includes:

• First, to establish a study committee on security mechanisms among the individuals and entities recommended by the commission and to proceed according to this committee’s recommendations.
• Second, to immediately implement other recommendations.

March 26, Kathmandu – Newly appointed ministers often announce their priorities on their first day in office. This tradition is especially strong in the Ministry of Health, where new leadership typically outlines fresh goals. However, the current minister Nisha Mehta has broken with this tradition.

During a brief introductory event within the ministry, Minister Mehta shared that she comes from a nursing background and that her main objective is to ensure easy access to health services for the public.

“My goal is to make medical treatment easily accessible to people,” she said. “No one should lose their life due to lack of treatment.”

Drawing on her experience in the health sector, she also shared her core priorities.

Minister Mehta identified the brain drain of healthcare professionals as a major challenge. She stressed the importance of creating an encouraging environment where doctors, nurses, and paramedics are motivated to work in the country.

“Many doctors, nurses, and other health workers are currently planning to go abroad. They are not sufficiently encouraged here,” the minister said. “We must create an environment where healthcare workers can thrive within our country.”

She pointed out that many nurses have pursued advanced specialties but still have not been given suitable opportunities.

“Many nurses have completed master’s degrees or various specialized trainings but have not received appropriate opportunities,” Mehta stated. “Likewise, doctors also face job satisfaction and salary-related issues.”

The minister believes that only satisfied health workers can deliver high-quality services.

“Providing quality services to the public is our priority, but for that, ensuring the satisfaction of healthcare workers is essential,” she said.

Acknowledging the complexity of the health sector, Minister Mehta indicated that she would study the ministry’s operations, challenges, and priorities thoroughly before making decisions.

“The health sector is vast and diverse,” she said. “There is still much to understand. I will make decisions only after comprehensive study.”

Highlighting the rise of non-communicable diseases, Mehta stressed the need to focus more on disease prevention.

“Disease prevention must be the foremost priority in health,” she said. “I will concentrate my efforts in that direction.”

She also pledged to improve procurement processes within hospitals and health institutions.

Mehta explained that while Nepal prioritizes purchasing new medical equipment, there is insufficient budget for maintenance, which creates difficulties.

“We prioritize buying new equipment, but there isn’t a budget for maintenance. Proper maintenance can keep many machines operational. I will also focus on maintenance,” the minister concluded.

Kathmandu, March 26 – Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has congratulated newly appointed Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, wishing him a successful tenure.

Through a social media message today, Dr. Jaishankar extended his congratulations to Khanal on assuming the role of Foreign Minister and expressed eagerness to work closely with him to reinforce the conventional bilateral partnership between the two countries.

Chaitra 13, Kathmandu – Newly appointed Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has assured that Nepal’s foreign policy will not change despite any government transitions or new ministerial appointments. Speaking to the media during his oath-taking ceremony, he emphasized that Nepal’s foreign policy is clearly outlined in the constitution.

“Whether the government changes or a new minister comes in, the nation’s foreign policy remains constant,” Minister Khanal said. “This policy is rooted in Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.” He also highlighted that Nepal has long adhered to a policy of non-alignment, which will continue unchanged.

Regarding recent conflicts in West Asia, Minister Khanal informed that the ministry is actively engaged. “We have collected data on over 80,000 Nepalese currently residing in the region. Through diplomatic initiatives, we are committed to ensuring their safety,” he said. He added that if the situation becomes more critical, additional measures will be taken to protect Nepalese citizens.

The minister further disclosed that studies are underway regarding potential impacts on the fuel supply chain. The ministry is carefully analyzing fuel price fluctuations and their effects with great sensitivity.

Minister Khanal reiterated Nepal’s commitment to peace, noting that as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Nepal urges parties involved in conflicts to resolve issues peacefully. He emphasized Nepal’s appeal to the international community to support peaceful conflict resolutions. – Rasas

Chaitra 13, Sankhuwasabha – Dialysis service has been launched for the first time at Sankhuwasabha District Hospital.

The hospital has started providing free dialysis treatment for renal patients. According to Suman Shakya, chairman of the district hospital, the dialysis service is now operational with five beds.

The first recipient of the dialysis service at the hospital was 48-year-old Sashu Kumari Shrestha from Dhungedhara, Khandbari Municipality-9, according to Dr. Santosh Dev, medical superintendent of the hospital.

Previously, she used to receive dialysis at Novel Hospital in Biratnagar.

Before the service was available at the district hospital, kidney patients were compelled to travel to Biratnagar, Dharan, or Kathmandu for dialysis. Now, patients suffering from kidney ailments can receive treatment within the district.

The hospital has arranged necessary equipment and technical staff to operate the new service. The dialysis team comprises three trained doctors, four trained nurses, and one technician, according to hospital administration.

Khandbari Municipality provided NPR 500,000 and Chichila Rural Municipality NPR 200,000 in financial support for the initiation of the dialysis service, hospital officials reported.

March 26, Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has extended his congratulations to Balendra Shah (Balen) on becoming the new Prime Minister. Oli conveyed his felicitations through Facebook on Friday.

“Heartfelt congratulations to senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Balendra Shah, on his appointment as Prime Minister,” Oli wrote. “I also wish the newly appointed honorable Prime Minister Shah and all the members of the Council of Ministers a successful tenure.”

Previously, Oli did not attend Balendra Shah’s oath-taking ceremony.

In the election held on Falgun 21 (March 5), Oli and Balendra Shah were competitors in the Jhapa-5 constituency. Balendra Shah was elected by defeating Oli in that election.