29/03/2020: For many domestic violence survivors, the lockdown means being locked in with their abusers: As countries across the world go into lockdown over Covid-19, cases of domestic violence are rising, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Government is preparing to extend the lockdown by at least one more week: Given that the incubation time for the virus is 14 days, the lockdown could last for at least one more week, according to Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) Govt slow to protect poor, counter economic impact of Covid-19: As countries rush to announce stabilization measures to insulate economy from the pandemic, Nepal govt keeps mum over relief package, by Sagar Ghimire (rep), Think about food (rep), Dairy farmers left with large stocks of unsold milk as country comes to a halt: Traders said they were compelled to shut down their shops after people disregarded requests not to form crowds, by Sanju Poudel (kp), Govt’s home delivery service off to a bumpy start (ht), Food Producers Seek Govt Support To Keep Supply Chain Intact (rn), Police personnel at high risk of contracting COVID-19 (ht), Call to provide help to Nepali students in Australia (ht), COVID-19 patient accuses doctors of denying him treatment, by Tekendra Deuba (ht), Infected in Dhangadi traveled to many places, contacted many, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep), Daily wage earners in Tanahun face starvation (ht), Wage Earners, Informal Sector Workers Hit Hard By Lockdown, by Arpana Adhikari (rn), Effective Contact Tracing Needed, by Anup K.C. (rn), Financial irregularities suspected in procurement of medical equipment from China, by Sunil Sapkota (rep), 900 German, French and EU nationals flown back home from Nepal (rep), Repatriation of bodies of Nepali migrant workers who died abroad also affected due to Covid-19: Amid international travel restrictions and lockdowns, officials tell Nepali missions abroad to hold applications until further notice, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Mechinagar Municipality starts to mark the houses of foreign returnees in a bid to streamline the identification process: The drive will not only help timely identification but will also help in the effective mobilisation of health workers, authorities say, by Parbat Portel (kp)

28/03/2020: Nepal Confirms Fifth COVID-19 Case (rn), COVID-19 cases in Nepal reach five (kh), All five COVID-19 cases in Nepal imported; 2nd and 5th patients shared same Qatar Airways flight on March 17 (rep), Man from Kailali tests positive for COVID-19:  Fourth Nepali to contract the disease; First case outside capital means it’s spreading: Govt, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Private sector concerned about delay in stimulus packages (ht), Janakpur Provincial Hospital declines to treat woman suffering from high fever (ht), KMC to provide relief package to homeless, daily wage earners (ht), Senior citizens to get Rs 10,000 per month (ht), Farmers face nationwide lockdown heat (ht), Govt Releases 78 Inmates Amid COVID-19 Fears, by Purushottam P. Khatri (rn), Shifting Paradigm Of Public Order, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Vegetables become scarce and costly as transporters stay away due to virus fears: Prices have increased by up to 200 percent, according to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Online stores flooded with orders, but cannot fulfil them for lack of delivery system: The government’s unclear policy has forced them to shut down when people need them the most, e-retailers said, by Krishana Prasain (kp)

27/03/2020: Contact tracing of all who got close with Covid-19 patients continues but time is fast running out: Authorities have traced just 11 of the more than 30 people the third Covid-19 patient came into contact with, but none has been tested yet, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Lockdown helps control rapid spread of the virus but it also lessens chances of more tests: Fear and halt in transportations services massively reduce the number of people visiting hospitals, by Arjun Poudel (kp), A wake up call: The coronavirus outbreak has laid bare the incapacity of the leaders to make their population feel secure, by Amod Pyakurel (kp), Fourth COVID-19 positive case confirmed by Health Ministry (ht), Nepal reports fourth COVID-19 case, first outside Kathmandu Valley (kh), Daily wagers bear the brunt of lockdown, govt fails to provide reprieve: ‘It appears the government has not consulted well with experts and emulated best practices’ , by Rupak D. Sharma(ht), 137 foreigners stranded on trekking trails rescued in two days: Eight foreigners and 11 Nepalis returning from Kanchanjunga stranded at Sankhuwasabha, by Sujan Dhungana (ht), Govt told to ensure smooth supply of daily essentials (ht), Department stores start home delivery of groceries, by Sujita Pradhan (rep), Customs across the country lie deserted: Hardly 500 trucks and containers entering Nepal in a day (ht), Authorities told to protect health workers, disadvantaged sections of society (ht), Growing anxiety: As Nepal has limited stock of PPEs, the health minister would do well to have them in place before there is an attack of the virus (ht), Gas bottlers asked to sell half-filled cooking gas cylinders (rep)

26/03/2020: Daily wage workers are more worried about starving to death than Covid-19: Most worker households are likely to have enough supplies and savings for a week but if the lockdown is to continue, they will need government’s help, activists say, by Anup Ojha (kp), Hopes of Nepalis stuck abroad dashed (ht) [This is tantamount to justifying a temporary exile!], Despite a significant number of rescues, 300 trekkers remain stranded in various trekking routes: As Nepal remains under lockdown, many trekkers have been unable to return to Kathmandu, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Police seize a container truck carrying 52 people from Kathmandu to Birgunj on Wednesday: The driver has been arrested on charges of hiding the passengers in the truck and ferrying them to Birgunj amidst the nationwide lockdown, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Police begin cracking down on people defying lockdown: Wednesday saw police enforcing the restriction more seriously than on Tuesday, with arrests and vehicle confiscations, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), 1,063 vehicles impounded for defying lockdown (ht), Centralised Bureaucracy In Nepal, by Mukti Rijal (rn), With flights halted, COVID-19 test samples stuck (ht) [!!!], Governing lawfully in crisis: Let us be mindful that politics of the pandemic can potentially undo the peace dividend that Nepal has just begun to realize, by Ian Payne and George Varughese (rep), India lockdown hits supply of daily essentials in Nepal: Foreign Ministry requested to resolve issue (kh), NHRC urges govt to ensure smooth supply of daily essentials (kh)

25/03/2020: Empty streets and palpable fear as Nepal goes into lockdown: Apart from occasional activity in the mornings and evenings, Kathmandu Valley streets remained empty throughout the day as the country went into isolation, by Anup Ojha (kp), Thousands of security personnel enforce lockdown across country, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Kathmandu hunkers down on Day One of lockdown (ht), Districts across the country report mixed results on the first day of national lockdown: While in a majority of districts, the situation remained normal with public complying with the order, in others the police had to make arrests, confiscate vehicles and even resort to imposing a curfew, by Ghanashyam Gautam and Thakur Singh Tharu (kp), With most shops closed in the lockdown, concerns rise about daily essentials: In an attempt to relieve confusion, the Ministry of Supplies has asked all shops selling food, vegetables, milk, water, oil, gas and the like to remain open, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Grocery stores can operate during week-long shutdown, reiterates govt (ht), Nepalis stranded at border allowed to return home only on Tuesday: A meeting of the high-level coordination committee also sought the private sector’s help in acquiring medicines and medical equipment by Saturday, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Govt allows entry of Nepalis stranded on Indian border (rep) [Govt has no right to prevent that Nepali citizens enter their own country!], Decision to ban entry of Nepalis returning from abroad challenged: ‘Move violates rights of Nepalis stranded in foreign countries’ (ht), Despite border closure, people continued to cross Mahakali river to enter India: Nepali authorities, however, expressed ignorance about such movements of people, by D.R. Panta (kp), Gandaki province prepares for coronavirus pandemic; closes all international and domestic border effective Tuesday onwards: All districts take measures to control the spread of coronavirus including banning public transport, by Pratikshya Kafle (kp), Rautes in Birendranagar unaware of pandemic: The nomad community doesn’t know the world is in the midst of a pandemic as authorities have not yet organised awareness programmes, by Jyoti Katuwal (kp), Kantipur Media Group halts fundraising drive after government decision to channel all funds through the state: Following the government's decision, all donations are being returned to their contributors, said the media group management (kp) [???], Govt restricts setting up a separate fund to collect donations for COVID-19 (rep)

24/03/2020: Nepal goes under lockdown for a week starting 6am Tuesday: All public movement outside of the home, except to seek medical attention or purchase essential foodstuff, has been prohibited, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), For Nepali migrant workers abroad, no hearth and no home: As Nepal has closed itself off to all incomers, including its own citizens, even Nepalis migrants who have visas expiring are unable to come back home, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Over 400 Nepalis on their way home stranded in New Delhi: Most of them work at hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in Bangalore, Shimla and Chandigarh, by Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), 540 Nepalis returning from India leave ‘rescue facility’ in Nepalgunj: Local authorities had brought those stranded at the Jamunaha-Rupaidiha border to Nepalgunj on Monday, by Madhu Shahi (kp)

23/03/2020: 19-year-old woman who returned from France via Qatar tests positive for Covid-19: The Health Minister confirmed Nepal’s second case of the coronavirus at a press meet on Monday, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Test, test, test, says WHO but Nepal has neither the means nor the matter: The number of individuals tested for Covid-19 is far lower than the number of tests as of the 572 tests so far, 175 Nepalis evacuated from Hubei were counted twice, by Arjun Pudel (kp), Inadequate testing: The only way to keep the country safe is to screen and test every suspected case as advised by the World Health Organisation (ht), Government requests India and China for protective gear and medical equipment: Minister Bhatta says Nepal will follow Chinese model to deal with Covid-19 cases, by Anil Giri (kp), Government to close down border with India and China for a week: With calls growing to close the border amid rising number of Covid-19 cases in India, a Cabinet meeting decided to shut down all borders with both neighbours, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Borders with India, China closed for a week from today: Movement of cargo vehicles won’t be affected, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Kanchanpur, Nepalgunj under indefinite lockdown: Hordes of Nepalis return home from Indian cities (ht), As the world goes on lockdown, Nepali students find themselves out of a job: With the Covid-19 outbreak shuttering businesses, Nepali students in foreign lands who work part-time to fund their studies are worried about paying their bills, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Covid-19, economic crisis and the Nepali economy: The government’s policies and priorities for economic development require a revision, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), When will the govt launch economic relief package?, by Rupak D. Sharma and Sujan Dhungana (ht)

22/03/2020: Experts suggest effective monitoring, not completely sealing border with India: With the rising number of Covid-19 cases in India and increased cross-border movement, calls are growing for completely shutting the border with the southern neighbour, by Tika R. Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp), In Butwal, juvenile delinquents are compelled to stay at a crowded correctional facility without proper means: As a result of the overcrowding, many suffer from skin-related diseases, by Amrita Anmol (kp), Police begin crackdown on rumour-mongers (ht), Police arrest youth producing misleading audio clip on COVID-19, by Ashim Neupane (rep), NA prepares to fight against COVID-19 spread (ht), NA readies 5,000 health workers to fight against COVID-19 (rep), Pardon, suspend or rebate jail sentence: OAG directs Nepal Police (ht), Large number of people leaving valley amid virus scare (ht), Health desks at border check points ill equipped to handle influx of people: Lapses at border transit points may pose high risk of COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal (rep), All services except essential closed, international flights suspended: Kathmandu streets wear a semi-deserted look (kh), Over 500,000 people leave Kathmandu in four days (kh), Lockdown in Mahendranagar announced amid COVID-19 fear (kh)

21/03/2020: The Covid-19 outbreak so far and how Nepal can prepare for the worst: Even though the number of Covid-19 cases in Nepal remains inexplicably stuck at one, doctors and public health experts warn of a potential disaster if measures aren’t taken (kp), Oli announces suspension of all flights, all long-haul transport and all non-essential services: The prime minister, in a televised address, announced these measures to control the spread of Covid-19 into Nepal, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Hospitals with 50 or more beds told to suspend non-urgent checkups, surgeries (rep) [This will affect basic health care, especially in rural areas!], Partial lockdown from Monday: Long-route buses to be halted, non-essential services to be shut; International flights to and from TIA to stop from tomorrow, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Despite the government’s move to close all border points except four, small border points open for human movement in province 5: Major border points have health desks set up to screen footfall, most health desks are ill-equipped and under-staffed, by Madhav Dhungana (kp), Covid-19 pandemic likely to devastate country’s labour sector as ILO projects 25 million job losses globally: While labour migration has come to a complete halt, more job cuts are expected in the domestic labour market as well, labour experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Standing At A Transformative Moment, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Supreme Court to halt non-urgent proceedings (ht), Courts to remain closed for two weeks, by Ananta Raj Luitel (rep)

20/03/2020: House panel endorses bill allowing intelligence agency to listen in on conversations: The bill passed with the support of the opposition Nepali Congress, despite legal experts sounding the alarm over its potential for misuse and privacy violations, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A House in disarray: Parliament cannot be allowed to stagnate any longer (kp) [The politicians and the political parties behave criminally, irresponsibly and selfishly!], More people leaving Kathmandu valley: Most of those leaving the capital city are school and college students (kp), Over 350,000 people leave Kathmandu in three days (Khabarhub), Nepal courts to remain shut for two weeks amid COVID-19 fear (Khabarhub), Govt mulls complete closure of border with India (rep), Nepal government announces partial lockdown: Prime Minister KP Oli says Nepal will contribute Rs 100 million to SAARC fund to fight COVID-19 (Khabarhub) [unofficial translation of PM Oli's address, rn 22/03/2020], Economic Impact of Covid-19, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km)

19/03/2020: Government bans entry of all passengers, including Nepalis, from midnight March 20: All passengers, including Nepalis, flying in from Europe, the UK, West Asia, and the Gulf will not be allowed into the country until April 15, by Sangam Prasain and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Government takes drastic steps to counter novel coronavirus threat. People told not to leave home unless it’s urgent; Cinema halls, stadiums shut till April 30 (ht), Govt takes sweeping measures to contain spread of COVID-19 (rep), ‘More than half the population denied access to hand hygiene’: UNICEF says 54 per cent health care units in Nepal lack access to handwashing facilites (kp), Law-making process: Far from participatory, by Mukti Rijal (ht), House committee all set to endorse a bill allowing intelligence agencies to intercept suspicious conversations: Main opposition has demanded that it should be moved ahead only if there is a guarantee that the provision is not misused, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The cost of a pandemic: The real test for the government will be how it tackles the economic fallout of the pandemic, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Experts call for measures to ease the impact of coronavirus on the economy: Ensuring supply of essentials, controlling prices, slashing customs duty on raw materials and rescheduling loans are some of the recommended actions, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Women invisible: Let's have more women on televised discussions, in newspaper interviews and on debate panels, by Andrea Upadhya (kp), Your ‘rightful’ place: When people talk of Dalit, Janajati or NGO leadership it is the same old faces that reap benefit without being questioned. This leads to new form of othering and exclusion, by Pranab Kharel and Gaurab KC (rep)

18/03/2020: Draft amendment to transitional justice Act ready, Nembang says: Law ministry, conflict victims say they don’t have any information on it, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘2,506 persons disappeared during insurgency’ (ht), CIEDP makes public names of 2,506 disappeared (rep), Cycle of discrimination: Caste system in Nepal, among other impositions, is one example of how a rudimentary form of thinking that entails divide and conquer subsequently took form of a discriminatory tradition, by Sarans Pandey (rep), Keep politics out of schools: Politicisation has compromised the quality of education (kp),  Winter session of Parliament likely to end without endorsing crucial bills: With over 40 bills pending, the winter session, also called the bill session, has largely been squandered by squabbling within the ruling party, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is where the incompetence and complete failure of the current generation of politicians, who are only interested in power struggles and enrichment, becomes apparent. For the sake of Nepal it is high time for them to leave politics!], Nepal Communist party taskforce gives final touches to MCC report: Chances that the deal is ratified by Parliament during the ongoing session look slim, by Anil Giri (kp), Assembly fails to name Province 2: Four names proposed, but all fail to get mandatory two-thirds majority (kp), Govt orders shutdown of theaters; restricts mass gatherings over coronavirus scare: Nepal govt has banned people coming from the Middle East and the Gulf States, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and the whole of Europe from March 20 (Khabarhub), Prepare for the worst: Economic impact of COVID-19 (rep)

17/03/2020: Govt mulls tax rebate, subsidy for businesses hit by coronavirus (rep), Divisions in ruling party manifest in appointment of National Assembly general secretary: The appointment by House Speaker Agni Sapkota, a former Maoist, has been opposed by National Assembly Chair Ganesh Timilsina, an Oli appointee, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp)

16/03/2020: Parliament functioning more like extension of government, rather than sovereign entity, experts sayThey argue the legislative, responsible for discussing issues of public interest and holding the Cabinet to account, has been overshadowed by the executive, by Anil Giri (kp), Laws for all: Lawmakers must indulge in proper deliberations to make the law-making process transparent (kp), Bills session passes just two bills in three months, by Ashok Dahal (rep) [Govt and lawmakers should be sent into final retirement! They're not doing their job and are absolutely useless!], Confronted with near-collapse, tourism industry looks inwards: Foreign tourist arrivals are expected to halt completely this week, leading hotels and airlines to look to attract domestic tourists with cut-rate prices, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Covid-19 raises questions about the future of the Nepali state: Nepal will have to debate and talk about our ideas about the nation-state, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Prognosis of democratic governance: Nepal has all the characteristics of bad governance despite the successful exercises of holding elections when needed, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Working With MCC And BRI, by Balmukunda Regmi (rn), Govt urged to declare ‘economic emergency’ (ht), Panel fails to chalk out plan to tackle COVID-19 (ht), Man who slapped NCP leader Dahal held after 7 years (ht) [And what about the man who claims responsibility for the killing of 5.000 people! He is still not held!], Who did this? Missing complaints of conflict victims (rep)

15/03/2020: Transitional justice is backsliding: To ensure better predictability, a national roadmap with parliamentary ownership could be a way out, by Tika P. Dhakal (kp), Complaints of the disappeared have themselves disappeared!, by Dinesh Subedi (rep), Govt curtailing freedom of expression: Report; The government did not make efforts to preserve safety and independence of the media (ht), After aviation and tourism, investment and trade fall victim to global Covid-19 outbreak: While no foreign investors have showed up in recent past, both imports and exports have slowed, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Nepal’s remittance-dependent economy braces for upheaval amid Covid-19 pandemic: Money sent by workers abroad has not declined yet, but the future looks uncertain as countries that host Nepali labourers impose travel bans, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Nepal’s political parties rarely encourage public participation in lawmaking: Citizens’ engagement in the formulation of laws not only ensures transparency but also enhances the quality of legislation, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli has returned to Baluwatar and he is making it look like he is back in the office: A day after being discharged, the prime minister and ruling party chair holds brief meetings with leaders, as he braces for challenges on government and party fronts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp)

14/03/2020: Govt fails to deliver right info at right time (ht), Extrajudicial killings continue in Nepal, reveals report (ht), Suspension of climbing permits and on-arrival visas entails losses of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars: The hardest hit sectors of the economy are tourism and aviation, which were already reeling from reduced number of visitors and passengers due to the Covid-19 outbreak, by Sangam Prasain and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Surkhet administration starts eviction of flood victims from public land: Five and a half years since the tragedy struck, victims are still looking for help from the government, by Chandan Kathayat (kp)

13/03/2020: Washington takes a dim view of human rights situation in Nepal: A US State Department report has pointed out cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention by the state agencies and government’s restriction in the right to freedom, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal’s Rule of Law Index remains static (ht) [see WJP comment on Nepal], Drastic steps planned to prevent outbreak: It’s time to act, not plan: Critics, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Nepal government puts all tourist visas on hold and cancels all spring climbing expeditions: The visa suspension will begin March 14 and last until the end of April, depriving Nepal of millions in Everest climbing fees, by Sangam Prasain (kp), As India steps up measures to control coronavirus spread, smaller border points with Nepal likely to be closed: Indian embassy says measures, however, do not currently have any impact on normal travel of Nepali nationals to India, by Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), Central laboratory is equipped to test 500 Covid-19 cases a week, but that is far too low, say public health experts: An outbreak in densely populated Kathmandu could overwhelm the laboratory, which is the only public health facility where the test is conducted, by Samuel Chhetri (kp), In Oli’s absence, two ruling party factions vie for Madhav Nepal’s favour: Nepal has emerged as a key player in the party as both Oli and Dahal factions want him on their side to tilt the nine-member Secretariat, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [They all are part of Nepal' failed generation of party politicians and should be replaced immediately by a younger and socially inclusive generation, best under the leadership of a woman with ethnic background! Intra-party factionalism must be ended!!], Oli and the ruling party must decide on an alternative: While no one doubts KP Oli’s ability to govern, it is time he and the ruling party publicise contingency measures (kp), Power sharing by the Opposition: Violation of parliamentary norms, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)

12/03/2020: Ruling party is undecided and Speaker is reluctant, leaving the House without Deputy Speaker: Nepal Communist Party wants to elect the deputy as part of a larger deal but the Janata Party wants the position to be dealt with separately from its other demands, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The ruling party takes the right to disregard the constitution whenever it deems necessary in the interest of its power ambitions!], With Oli likely to be out of commission for longer, concerns about governance remain: Despite Oli and his party leaders’ assurances that he will be back to work soon, doctors have said it could take up to six months for him to recover fully, by Anil Giri (kp), Financially free abroad, socially constrained at home: Women migrants acquire expertise and financial independence abroad but on return, they find themselves trapped in a social order that does not value their talent, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Its Ideology, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km)

11/03/2020: PM Oli to be discharged only after doctors become confident and comfortable: Visits to the prime minister will be restricted for a month to minimise infection risk, physician says, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [Nepal cannot afford a government that does not even function on paper for up to a year!], PM’s long road to recovery a hurdle in governance: Docs say it will take from 6 months to one year for Oli to recover fully, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Beyond one's means: Politicians indulge in corruption to recover steep campaign costs (kp), Give them work: The unemployment problem is an outcome of the government’s inaction for decades to develop the productive sectors (ht), ‘Presidential quota in upper house meant for experts, not politicians’, by Ashok Dahal (rep) [Above all, they must be outstanding personalities in society. All Gautam has to offer is losing elections and splitting parties for his own power interests!], Keep fighting: Anti-Chhaupadi drive (rep)

10/03/2020: The victims and human rights defenders reject transitional justice commission’s request for support: Two months after formation the commissions are yet to commence their job, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The cost of extreme political traumatisation: The state and the political parties are in denial about the sexual violence that occurred during the conflict, by Susan Risal (kp), The case for achieving gender parity: Formal structures like laws and policies play a decisive role in eliminating gender inequality, by Geeta Bhattrai Bastakoti (kp), Parties spend millions on elections, facilitating corruption and criminalisation, experts say: The Election Commission plans to institute software to track party finances but officials themselves are sceptical if it will do any good, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Anti-graft body detains doctor for 25 days over report, suspends him: The doctor posted in Butwal was released after a probe panel endorsed his findings, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Nepal suspends visa-on-arrival services for Spain, France, and Germany (South Asia Time), The Inquiring Citizens, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

09/03/2020: The fight goes on: Men and women both benefit from living in a gender-equal society (kp),m Almost all major parties have two or more chairs, and that is not necessarily a good thing: While some say collective leadership was instituted to ensure democratic values, others believe it was more of a bid to manage the egos of senior party leaders, by Anil Giri (kp) [This is a consequence of factionalism in all political parties. None of the parties in Nepal is a self-contained entity, and has not been for a very long time! Power struggles between different party leaders, predominantly male Bahuns, are a typical feature. It is not about ideology or even the welfare of the nation, but primarily about the power of political leaders and their access to the state's coffers!], Chief accused of journalist Birendra Sah’s murder arrested: Sah, a print and broadcast journalist, was killed in October 2007, by Laxmi Sah (kp), Coronavirus onslaught: It makes sense for the government to lower its GDP growth target in light of the impact of the outbreak, by Chandan Sapkota (kp), Women’s status: Figures speak for themselves, by Chanda Chaudhary (ht)

08/03/2020: Nepali women are unequal by law: Nepal is still lagging far behind international human rights standards concerning equal rights to citizenship, by Jesselina Rana (kp), There are more women in politics, but few and far between at decision-making level: Despite inclusion refrain, there is a huge underrepresentation of females in Nepali political parties and state organs, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Women journalists bring diverse perspectives, but their presence in newsrooms remains sparse: It’s time for the Nepali media to reflect on gender inequality in newsrooms and act to reverse the imbalance, women journalists say, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp), Justice and gender equality in the age of #MeToo: It is only a matter of time before the men hiding behind their title and power are unveiled and brought to justice, by Sakun Gajurel (kp). No More Misogyny, by Prativa Subedi (rn), Caste-based domestic violence against women rife in Rolpa, by Dinesh Subedi (rep), Celebrating the heroes: This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate our everyday local women, our mothers, sisters, maids, colleagues or common everyday women who can be our heroes and inspire us, by Ushma Rebel (rep), Empowerment vs Commodification: While Nepal is heading toward institutionalizing the federal democratic republic, re-conceptualizing women empowerment appears a vital task, by Mohan Nepali (rep)

07/03/2020: New Indian ambassador faces rising geopolitical rivalry among India, China and the US, along with border dispute, EPG: At a time when geopolitical interests are rising over Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra will need to engage India’s soft power to showcase Modi’s neighbourhood first policy, by Anil Giri (kp), Communist manifestation: Should we redefine communist principles and politics or is our communist movement doomed to failure?, by Mohan Guragain (kp), SC seeks clarification on funds distributed to lawmakers (rep) [This systemis corruption in its purest form: The almost exclusively male and predominantly high-caste directly elected representatives receive state funds to secure their re-election and satisfy their clientele!]

06/03/2020: Confusion reigns over the Visit Nepal campaign with no clear statement from the government regarding its fate: Despite the prime minister’s directive to postpone the tourism campaign, the Tourism Ministry and Nepal Tourism Board have conflicting takes, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Without a clear statement from the federal government regarding Covid-19, misinformation spreads at local level: In times of crises, Singha Durbar, in coordination with provincial and local governments, should issue an unambiguous statement, say federal and health experts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), In criminal cases, police often fail to ensure privacy or security for complainants, resulting in threats and bribes: Threats and bribes can lead the complainant to ultimately change their statements in courts, weakening the case and resulting in a lack of conviction, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Piety and poison: the insidious spread of Hindutva: Those flirting with the idea of a Hindu state need to look at how quickly India has changed, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), (Don’t) Visit Nepal 2020, by Guffadi (rep), Nepal’s history foretold: Those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it, by Anil Chitrakar (nt)

05/03/2020: Caste-based discrimination continues across Nepal: Report: “Dalits are unable to sell dairy products due to superstitious beliefs in society”  (ht), The ruling party has failed in ruling: It seems that constant infighting among ruling party leaders is severely disrupting governance, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Gautam will be nominated to Upper House, party spokesperson says: Oli reappoints Yubaraj Khatiwada as minister, leaving one seat in the National Assembly vacant, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This would mean the end of Khatiwada as Minister of Finance within the next six months! Besides, Gautam is a politician who has been rejected by the voters! What is the legitimacy and his merit to nominate him for the National Assembly?], Issues Of Cooperative Federalism, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

04/03/2020: Oli heads into surgery with no clear decision on who’s in charge in his absence. After a kidney transplant today, he is expected to be in hospital for at least a week but he has not named the officiating prime minister, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Khatiwada to be reappointed but decision on Gautam deferred till Oli returns from hospital: While Yubaraj Khatiwada’s reappointment as finance minister should not pose a problem, Bamdev Gautam’s path to the National Assembly still remains unclear, by Anil Giri (kp), Hands off Nepal Rastra Bank autonomy: A central bank that cannot say no to election-driven politicians is at risk of losing its credibility, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), General strike hits life in Udayapur (rep)

03/03/2020: Oli recalling Paudyal from China is part of his attempt to manage party dynamics: On Sunday, Oli recalled Leelamani Paudyal, the ambassador to China, and proposed Mahendra Pandey, believed to be a confidante of Madhav Kumar Nepal’s, in his place, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Take no chances: The government has been too occupied with the party’s internal politics, preventing it from tending to the problems facing the country (ht), Shifting Democratic Form, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn) Finance Minister Khatiwada resigns (rep), Finance Minister Khatiwada Resigns (rn) [The function of Minister of Finance requires the highest professional qualifications. The task cannot be performed by a poorly educated and, what is more, seriously ill party politician, even temporarily!]

02/03/2020: Conflict victims in Dang express their mistrust on Truth and Reconciliation Commission for justice: Conflict-era victims who attended an interaction programme held in Tulsipur last Wednesday say justice delayed is justice denied, by Durga Lal KC (kp), Lawmakers call for stringent action against VAW, acid attack and dowry system (rep), Oli remains undecided on Gautam as he goes under the knife: A Cabinet meeting that was expected to decide on the Bamdev Gautam affair and an officiating prime minister ended with no conclusion on either, by Anil Giri (kp), PM Oli to undergo second kidney transplant on Wednesday: Although Oli has assured that he will be back at work after five days, doctors say it could take up to a month for the prime minister to recover, by Tika R Pradhan and Arjun Poudel (kp), Youth arrested for throwing shoe targeting Nepal Communist Party chair Dahal: The 22-year-old youth from Jumla has been identified as a son of a former Maoist fighter, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp) [Not correct but understandable! This act is absolutely harmless compared to the killing of 5,000 people for which Dahal has claimed responsibility!], Scandals expose conflict over patronage: If Nepal is to develop, we must ensure a transition to the rule of law in the economy as well, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), On foreign policy, media should unite: Nepal’s media houses should build a consensus on how to respond to, address, balance or even resist (if necessary) the competing interests of major powers like China, America and India, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep), ‘There’s no coherence between ideology and conduct of leadership’, interview with Astha Laxmi Shakya (ht)

01/03/2020: UN concerned over Nepal’s TJ process (rep), Absence of laws governing Conflict of Interests of MPs a matter of concern (rep), Oli, Dahal headed for a truce, but factional feud is unlikely to end: Even if the two leaders make concessions for now, power exercise will continue in the party, insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), One man’s political ambitions have kicked up a storm in the Nepal Communist Party: Bamdev Gautam’s desire for power has created a furore in the ruling party, but leaders in the past have used him too for their own benefits, say insiders, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Failed constitution amendment bid was made at the behest of Gautam: Chairman Dahal (rep), Supreme Court orders contempt of court case against four police officials, including the Nepal Police chief: The order comes following the arrest of three Chand party members from the Supreme Court premises immediately after their release on February 17, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Access to medical marijuana: The right to obtain medical cannabis pursuant to the law has been denied to the Nepali people, by Ankit Dhakal (kp), MCC In The Soup, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Former Maoist guerilla compelled to live with shrapnel in his head, by Dinesh Subedi (rep) [A typical example of a victim of the Maoist insurgency, betrayed by his party leaders who are now living in huff and puff!], Delusion of governance: Main reason why Oli-led government has failed on basic things is because it is basically composed of a group of people who are obsessed with personal aggrandizement, by Ajit Rai (rep)

29/02/2020: Accept the criticisms: Government needs to understand that appreciation of different perspectives and criticisms can only help the government become more accountable, by Tulasi Acharya (rep), Oli is cornered in the ruling party and there is no one to blame but himself: Over the last two years, Oli has ignored genuine calls for changes to his unilateral working style, which alienated many leaders who were once on his side, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [This has to do with incompetence and arrogance, which can also be found among most other so-called leaders of this generation of politicians!], Oli-Dahal tug of war continues, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), NCP brass floats no-confidence vote to soften Oli over Gautam: Sources (rep), Video of police officer baton charging a woman carrying a child outrages the public: The video once again calls attention to the police’s use of excessive force against peaceful protestors who pose no threat, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp) [No one has the right to beat other people, especially not with wooden sticks. Even policemen who do this are to be treated as criminals!], Police inspector mercilessly beats up woman, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), New political map of Nepal in final stages: Minister Aryal, by Kamal Subedi (rep)

28/02/2020: Ruling party appears headed for another confrontation between Oli and Dahal: As the Oli and Dahal factions butt head over Bamdev Gautam, there are fears that an escalation could seriously damage the party, by Anil Giri (kp), Ruling party’s decision to name Gautam for Upper House against spirit of constitution, say experts: Constitution envisions three National Assembly members nominated by president, but their recommendation needs to be made by the government, not the party, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM Oli weighs in to defend bribe-accused Baskota (rep) [The chief of the executive should not interfere in judicial processes! In democratic states the principle of separation of powers applies!]. Here’s to you!, by Guffadi (rep), PM’s lavish birthday: Need to repair damage, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)

27/02/2020: Gyawali claims progress on transitional justice in Geneva but back home, victims are boycotting the process: Rights activists and victims call Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali’s claim that the transitional justice commissions are working independently a ‘blatant lie’, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Civil code deems a man and woman married if a child is born, but opinions are divided: While some rights activists believe that the provision will help ensure citizenship for the child, others see it as a patriarchal imposition, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Advisor to state minister arrested for abduction and rape of a teenager: Amrit Kumar Ghale, economic advisor to State Minister for Urban Development Ram Bir Manandhar abducted a teenager, held her captive for several days and raped multiple times, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Oli and Dahal’s struggle to wrest control of party plays out over Bamdev Gautam: The party Secretariat, at Dahal’s behest, nominated Gautam for the National Assembly but Oli preempts the decision by nominating Yubaraj Khatiwada for a second term, by Anil Giri (kp)

26/02/2020: Attempting to deflect blame, Nepal Trust points to past governments as also complicit: A white paper issued by the Nepal Trust alludes to the alleged culpability of former prime ministers Dahal, Deuba and Bhattarai, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Amending the MCC Nepal compact could violate the Vienna Convention: According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a treaty once signed cannot be revised later by altering its primary purpose and objective, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Zero Tolerance Of Corruption, by  Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km)

25/02/2020: Ruling party flip-flops after two factions spar over constitution amendment: Divergent narratives in the wake of widespread criticism over the constitution amendment plan are emblematic of Dahal’s increasing hold over the party, by Anil Giri (kp), Ludicrous and frivolous: Don't make a mockery of the process of constitutional amendment (kp), Janata Party refuses to back Nepali Congress on obstructing House of Representatives: Samajbadi Party says it agrees with Congress that opposition forces should join hands for common agendas but by letting the House function, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp)

24/02/2020: Laws aren't enough to end discrimination: Prejudices surrounding race, religion and caste have to be shattered (kp) Civil liberty group calls for more changes in proposed Media Council Bill: In a statement, Freedom Forum has welcomed recent changes but pointed out a number of provisions that could jeopardise freedom of expression in the country (kp), NCP working to amend constitution to allow Gautam to become PM (rep), Ruling party's plan to amend the constitution could invite a host of issues: The party's plan to allow a National Assembly member to become prime minister could upset the public, and parties that have long been demanding amendments to ensure rights, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), In the midst of Covid-19 outbreak, government transfers health officials: Transfer of crucial officials, like directors of Sukraraj Hospital and Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, could weaken an already frail public health system, say doctors, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Anti-graft body gets numerous complaints seeking investigation into Baskota: The complaints have also sought investigations into the roles of Prime Minister and other bureaucrats, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)

23/02/2020: All-male panels are on their way out, but women’s representation remains tokenistic: Instead of acknowledging that women have valuable contributions to make, they are often limited to women-specific panels or are placed as moderators, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), House panel’s letter to police reflects lawmakers’ low understanding of law and court rulings: Public Accounts Committee breached its jurisdiction by instructing police to book two people for cybercrime, legal experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Divisions in the ruling party over the MCC put Oli government in a bind: With the taskforce formed to resolve the issue raising more questions than providing answers, the Nepal Communist Party is tied in knots, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), New immigration bill bars suspicious Nepali citizens from visiting abroad (ht)

22/02/2020: Transitional justice could be an issue for Nepal at the upcoming Human Rights Council meet: It is likely that questions will not be too critical, but at the Universal Periodic Review in November, the government is certain to face serious queries, say activists, by Anil Giri (kp), Oli must shoulder responsibility for Baskota, say party members and anti-corruption campaigners: The prime minister finds himself in a tenuous position, given that Gokul Baskota is a close aide and many believe that he cannot have acted without Oli’s approval, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Oli urged to make public his views on tape scandal (ht)

21/02/2020: Baskota resigns following leaked audiotape where he is heard negotiating a ‘commission’: If prosecuted and indicted, Gokul Baskota, the communication minister and Oli’s close confidante, will be liable for up to 10 years in prison, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rotten to the core: Gokul Baskota must be thoroughly investigated, and so should the facilitator of the alleged bribe (kp), Act tough: The CIAA and PAC must launch thorough investigations into the security printing press scam that has cost the job of a minister (ht), Minister Baskota himself acted as agent in procurement, by Sunil Sapkota (rep), Minister Baskota resigns after audiotape scandal: Was negotiating kickbacks with a Swiss equipment supplier, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Minister Baskota forced to resign in bribe scandal (rep), Public Accounts Committee puts a halt to the security printing project: The committee was considering forming a subcommittee to advise the government on ways to move forward but a corruption scandal involving a sitting minister has put the brakes on the project, by Anil Giri (kp), Halt process of establishing security press: PAC (ht), Fresh off the Mahara and Poudel affairs, yet another scandal engulfs the ruling party: Gokul Baskota, one of Oli’s close confidantes, negotiating a ‘commission’ on audiotape could change the existing power equation within the party, say party insiders, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Thirteen cases of police torture reported in 2019 (ht)

20/02/2020: Majority of human rights violations in past year involved women, report says: Nearly 80 percent of human rights violations last year were against women, with domestic violence accounting for over a half, according to a yearly human rights review, byBinod Ghimire (kp) [see INSEC Yearbook 2020], Journalists and diplomats seriously concerned over Chinese embassy statement: The Chinese embassy’s statement objecting to an article published by the Post is against press freedom and breaches diplomatic protocol, they say, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan  (kp), Why China’s statement targeting The Post is a cause for concern: The Chinese embassy’s statement, ultimately, is not just about the Post, or its Editor-in-Chief. It is a rebuke to not bite the hand that feeds (kp), Editors condemn Chinese ambassador’s statement (ht), What’s in a name? Sometimes, everything: An effort to restitute indigenous names would surely reveal countless examples of cultural approximation all over Nepal, by Deepak Thapa (kp) [The effort of the male Tagadhari minorityelite to recognise historical and ethnic names and territories was one of the outstanding reasons for the failure of the first Constituent Assembly. The same thinking is reflected by the naming of the current provinces!], The nitty-gritty of the MCC Compact: The American aid offer has come at a time when Nepal is striving to woo foreign investment, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), Losing Focus On Basic Services, by Mukti Rijal (rn), NCP-RJPN squabble delays dy speaker poll (rep)

19/02/2020: After the executive, legislature restricts media’s access: At least two parliamentary committees have refused to allow journalists to cover their meetings, while both the Prime Minister’s Office and Home Ministry have also imposed restrictions, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [This is a serious violation of Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees all citizens the right to information. It is the duty and right of the media to provide this information without restriction (article 19).], Conflict victims warn non-cooperation to the transitional justice commission until Act is amended: Chief of disappearance enquiry commission assures ‘fair and impartial investigations’, by Binod Ghimire (kp), CIEDP making final-round probe into disappearance cases (rep), Shadow of impunity: Election of Agni Sapkota to the post of House Speaker looked like a state-sponsored drama orchestrated by undermining criminal accountability, by Charan Prasai (rep), Heil comrade Supremo! Oli emerged as the direct beneficiary of the wave of xenophobia and jingoism sweeping over Nepal, by CK Lal (kp), Mahara’s suspension as lawmaker lifted: Govt attorney to decide whether or not to appeal against KDC verdict after full text comes out (ht), A travesty of justice: It is surprising to note that the KDC did not deem it necessary to look into other details of attempt to rape submitted by the police (ht), A nation at risk: Invest heavily in education, by Arun R. Joshi (ht)

18/02/2020 Mahara’s acquittal and Tumbahangphe’s elevation to minister will have lasting effects, analysts say: While Krishna Bahadur Mahara was acquitted of attempted rape charges, Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe was appointed minister for law, both on the same day, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Mahara cleared of rape bid slur (ht) [Without clarification and disclosure of the full circumstances of the Mahara case, the decision remains unsatisfactory!], Mahara acquitted of charge of rape attempt (rep), Will Mahara remain influential in left politics? (rep), Oli sees a conspiracy to topple his government but it is unclear what he is referring to: Although those close to Oli insist that a conspiracy is brewing, political analysts are unsure how anyone could assail the strongest government in recent history, by Anil Giri (kp) [This can only happen from within his party and the reason may be Mr Oli himself!], Fear Of Prime Minister Oli, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km), Two years on, the government’s promises of prosperity seem like a joke: Democratic norms are being trampled on, governance is weak and the economy is in a shambles, by Achyut Wagle (kp), How to judge Oli government? The longest serving and a stable government post-2008 has failed where it should have succeeded and succeeded where it should have failed, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep), Nepal Army fails to spend budget for the expressway again: Calling bids for complex bridges and tunnels before the new fiscal year was not possible, Brig-Gen Pandey says, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

17/02/2020: Conflict is brewing between ruling party and provincial and local governments, say leaders: Heads of government do not seem to want to consult with the Nepal Communist Party’s provincial committees, despite a directive from the central committee, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), When the buck stops short: bad planning is killing capital expenditure: Successive governments have failed to implement capital budgets, but this trend must stop (kp), Laxman Tharu’s health deteriorates (ht),‘Govt has asked India to amend its political map’ (rep) [Has this government ever heard of the People's right to information and the government's obligation to provide this?], No tourism without infrastructures: Government needs to invest in development of appropriate infrastructure to enable our tourism industry to compete against other destinations like Bhutan, Kashmir, Tibet and the Maldives, by Keshab Sharma (rep)

16/02/2020: NHRC reports dismal state of Nepali women (ht) [see report by NHRC], Two years after merger, differences remain in Nepal Communist Party over ‘people’s war’: While former Maoists continue to extol the war as a historic event, former UML leaders are yet to endorse it wholeheartedly, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Jumla continues to be neglected, by Dhan Bahadur Budha (rep), Oli presents a rosy picture of his two years in office, but not all agree: A government with a majority could have done much more but it has been a run-of-the-mill performance, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM terms 2nd year of govt as beginning of development (ht) [What kind of magnifying glass does he use?], PM laments lack of recognition for achievements in 2 years in office (rep), Fear the threat: If the state fails to control corruption, ensure accountability and provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothes, education, health and employment, threat of insurgency will always loom, by Suresh Sharma (rep), Provincial governments’ capital expenditures abysmally low: Mid-term Budget Review: Capital expenditures of Karnali and Province 2 stand at just 3.8 percent in the first half of the current fiscal year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Students are missing classes as schools fail to distribute sanitary pads: In May 2019, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that sanitary pads would be distributed to girls in community schools for free from the beginning of the current fiscal year, by, by Pratap Bista (kp)

15/02/2020: Rural municipality chair accused of coercing a Dalit woman into abortion: Jaya Bahadur Chemjong is among seven people accused of forcing a Dalit woman to abort her fetus at 21 weeks as she was in an intercaste marriage, district police say, by Ananda Gautam (kp), The chairman has an identity crisis: Pushpa Kamal Dahal is torn between his two selves: an insidious, crafty Prachanda who will go on the offensive to get what he wants, and a gentle, pragmatic Pushpa Kamal who can placate opposing factions and win over the media, by Anil Giri (kp), Supreme Court issues show cause for exonerating Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai on Lalita Niwas land scam: Single bench of Chief Justice Rana demanded an explanation from the anti-graft commission within 15 days, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Two years on, PM has little to boast about, by Rupak D. Sharma (ht), Two years of federalism: Two years of federalism, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep)

14/02/2020: Oli administration is ignoring a key component of democracy during lawmaking: The government over the last two years introduced several bills without holding consultations with the concerned parties, thereby inviting criticism and controversy, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), In two years, Oli administration’s foreign policy has been largely one-sided, say analysts: Although the visit of the Chinese president was a success, issues with India over Kalapani and the US over the MCC continue to overshadow Oli’s foreign policy, by Anil Giri (kp), NC general secy calls on UP CM Yogi Adityanath (ht) [Renewed Hindu state ambitions within NC???]

13/02/2020: ‘Herstory’ repeats itself: The misogynic politics of all political parties mustered to make women the political underdogs of Nepal, by Chandra Bhadra (kp), What is the land scam that has shaken the government’s seat all about? The story of Lalita Niwas, which involves multiple administrations right from the early days of king Mahendra’s Panchayat., by Mohan Guragain (kp), Failure to indict Poudel and Regmi in land grab could set a dangerous precedent, say legal experts: All of the 175 indicted in the Lalita Niwas scam could argue for equal treatment before the law if they too pledge to return their property like Poudel and Regmi did, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Aam Aadmi’s resounding win in Delhi could be a lesson for Nepal’s alternative political forces: AAP’s win has been attributed to connecting with the people at the grassroots, which Nepal’s alternative forces have failed to do, political analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Burtibang along the Mid-Hill Highway among other nine proposed modern towns in disarray: According to the proposed modern town plan, the construction of roads, bus park, schools, colleges, hospitals, electricity, and water supply among other infrastructures should be prioritised, by Prakash Baral (kp), Electricity poles were installed seven years ago in Kalimati Rural Municipality, but the villagers are still living in darkness: Most of the poles are already bent with age and neglect, by Biplab Maharjan (kp), Jesus, Mao or Ambedkar: Who is the best or most suitable to free the Musahars from the bondage of caste domination?, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Maoist insurgency aftermath: Waiting for son,waiting for daughter, by Devendra Basnet and Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep)

12/02/2020: With no signal from the government, Janata Party reconsiders merger with Samajbadi Party: Janata Party has preconditions to joining government but with talks stalled, an alliance with the Samajbadi party could preserve the coalition in Province 2, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [It's the only reasonable option either! The ruling NCP will neveer respect the inclusion demands of Janajati and Madheshi groups!], Parties sharply divided along ideological lines over MCC, by Ashok Dahal (rep), 'Elderly people biggest hurdle to campaign against chhaupadi', by Jagat Khadka (rep)

11/02/2020: Anti-graft body has no concrete plans to pursue investigation into Airbus revelations: Although numerous other countries have initiated their own investigations into Airbus’ admission of paying bribes, Nepali authorities are uncertain about how to proceed, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [Leading personalities must be spared in any case!], In the Lalita Niwas case, it's catch some, spare some: The ruling party is making a mockery of the rule of law, but the opposition's actions deserve rebuke too (kp), A decision that benefits a few individuals cannot be a policy decision, judges and lawyers say: The anti-graft body had let off two former prime ministers on corruption charges citing ‘policy decisions’, which many say the Lalita Niwas decisions are clearly not, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), With just over half their terms remaining, constitutional commissions remain vacant: The Constitutional Council, which recommends members to the commissions, has not met in nearly a year, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [A clear constitutional breach by the leading politicians!], Media As A Driver Of Change, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), I’ll become a different person if justice prevails: Durga Devi, by Anjali Subedi (rep), Visiting Canada senate speaker not scheduled to meet Agni Sapkota (rep) [This reflects the image of Nepal's rule of law abroad!]

10/02/2020: Recent graft charges and subsequent debate indicate erosion of political culture: Ruling and opposition parties squabble over anti-corruption watchdog’s decision, but none is talking about ways to root out corruption, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Congress objection to anti-graft body’s move may be right, but the means is wrong, analysts say: Instead of raising its voice against systemic problems and corruption in Parliament strongly, the main opposition is resorting to House obstruction, by Anil Giri (kp), Immediately evacuate Nepalis from China: NHRC, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), National Human Rights Commission directs government to take immediate measures to evacuate Nepalis from China’s Hubei province: The rights body, in a statement, has also decided to call government officials to take stock of the situation of Nepali’s in the disease-hit area and the government’s effort to bring its citizen back, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Nepal Police records criminal complaints against its officers, but only a few are brought to justice: Police spokesperson DIG Shailesh Thapa Kshetri says most complaints turn out to be baseless, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Former DSP Khiuju at large (ht), Occupy Tundikhel activists to now reach out to President Bhandari and central government to free the city’s open area from encroachers: The vast public open space that offered shelter to thousands of earthquake survivors during the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes, once spanned nearly four kilometres, by Anup Ojha (kp), Speaker ‘blocks’ opposition voice in parliament (rep), Corruption weakens democracy. Nepali people need to harness power of social media to pressure the government to fight corruption to improve the level of democracy. Failure to prevent corruption contributes to deepening crisis of democracy, by Subarna Shakya and Bimal Pratap Shah (rep)

09/02/2020: CIAA’s selective approach slammed (ht), The dragon, the elephant and the yam: Sustained economic expansion and upturn is not national but regional in nature, by Chaitanya Mishra (kp), Implicating head of govt over corruption charge remains a far cry (rep)

08/02/2020: Transitional justice commissions have not taken any steps to bring victims and rights activists on board: Disappearance commission is preparing its work plan without consulting with conflict victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Two weeks since Agni Sapkota became Speaker, there’s still no sign of his deputy: After exhausting all other options, the ruling party has no choice but to offer the deputy Speaker post to the Rastriya Janata Party, party insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [The only reasonable candidate would be someone from the second largest party in parliament! This would be a normal procedure for a democratic state!], Country’s human rights situation bleak, says NHRC Chair Sharma (ht)

07/02/2020: Conflict victims stage sit-in (ht), Home Minister misled Parliament over extrajudicial killing of Kumar Paudel: Home Ministry has instructed Nepal Police to take action against officers involved in the killing, even though Minister Thapa had said that Paudel died in an encounter, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Anti-graft body’s corruption charges called into question for being politically motivated: Anti-corruption activists and former bureaucrats say that the commission has failed to indict the politically powerful, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), NC obstructs HoR proceedings claiming political vendetta in land grab case action, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Nepali Congress accuses anti-graft body of witch-hunt in Lalita Niwas land scam: Why were Madhav Nepal and Bishnu Poudel spared, but Gachhadar charged, opposition asks, by Anil Giri (kp), Questions galore: The CIAA has filed a corruption case against 175 persons in the Lalita Niwas scandal, but has given political protection to a few (ht), Experts question CIAA Lalita probe sparing some high-profile parties (rep), DoMLI probing assets of those accused (ht), Supreme Court quashes contempt of court case against Kantipur: The case was filed two years ago over a series of stories published in Kantipur daily on then chief justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli (kp), Rebuilding the golden window: As global giants differ in their outlook of connectivity, countries like Nepal will play a role in bridging competing powers, by Bruno Maçães (kp), CPN's Assurance To The Nation, by Kundan Aryal (rn)

06/02/2020: Three former ministers among 175 individuals indicted over Lalita Niwas land scam: Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Dambar Shrestha and Chandra Dev Joshi face corruption charges over the illegal transfer of government land into private hands, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Gachhadar among 175 booked for land grab: Politicians, prominent businessmen, including Bhatbhateni owner, among those named by CIAA in Lalita Niwas scam (ht), CIAA books 175 for corruption in Lalita Niwas land-grab case (ht) [list of names], CIAA files case at Special Court against 175 in Lalita Niwas land scam, by Ananta Raj Luitel (rep), Gachchhadar suspended as MP, Congress cries foul (rep), Medical colleges continue to overcharge students while authorities remain passive: Students say the Medical Education Commission has not taken any action despite receiving complaints against some colleges, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Child marriage continues unabated, says NCRC (ht), Province 1 likely to be named ‘Koshi’ or ‘Sagarmatha’ (ht) [For historical reasons, there would be no other name than Kirat, but the male Bahun leaders want to make clear that the whole country belongs to them! So, For this reason, there must be no names with an ethnic reference! Sagarmatha and Koshi are names from Bahun culture!], State Of Civil Society In Nepal, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

05/02/2020: Former vice-chancellors warn government to stop politicisation in universities: Retired vice-chancellors see the draft Higher Education Bill as an attempt to centralise power, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ruling party debates directly elected executive head once again. This time, it has the numbers: With many central members in favour of a directly elected head, the party could get the motion passed in Parliament as it has a two-thirds majority, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), The quest for a conformist press: Media entrepreneurs are happy to sing along the tune of triumphant political and economic masters, by CK Lal (kp), Oli says govt wants to create civilised society: Says media should not cross limit, by Rupak D, Sharma (ht) [Please start by replacing the politicians who constantly cross limit!], Ganga Maya knocks on UN’s door for justice (ht), Ganga Maya seeks justice with UN Resident Coordinator (rep)

04/02/2020: Law ministry starts drafting transitional justice law amendment without victims onboard: Activist says bill being prepared in the darkrooms cannot be expected to deliver, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Nepalese understanding of justice: The perpetrators are involved in leading roles, but the representatives of the victims are excluded!], Sushil Pyakurel: The longer the transitional justice process, the more complex it will become: The human rights activist on his resignation as president’s advisor and the transitional justice process (interview) (kp), Unable to trust adults, rescued children end up back on the streets: While on the streets, children are often physically and sexually abused and end up addicted to drugs, which can cause them to relapse once rescued, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Bureaucrats who resign days before their retirement receive salaries and an increase to their pensions: A clause in the Civil Service Act allows bureaucrats who joined civil service before November 6, 1992 to retire voluntarily and receive these perks, by Anil Giri (kp), An elegy to liberal democracy: The rise of anti-liberalism in the West and Nepal is fundamentally different, by Achyut Wagle (kp),Cops involved in killing CPN leader to face action: Police had fired nine shots to kill Kumar Poudel on the banks of the Lakhandehi River in Lalbandi, Sarlahi, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Victims of police torture deprived of justice (ht), Political corruption: State funding of parties needed, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Citizens’ rights first (rep), Perils of communist state: Almost seven decades after the red curtain had descended across the world, Nepal is still a communist haven. So is the communist prologue fading or has it just begun in Nepal?, by Biraj Bahadur Bista (rep)

03/02/2020: How social and political divisions are driving the process of democratic erosion: Cleavages can generate a visceral emotional response; they override people’s concern for democracy and human rights, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Student’s arrest from university library prompts questions over intent: The student, who was released after 24 hours in custody, had in his possession a book by an Indian politician which police said was only read by “terrorists”, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp) [????], Nepal: Stalled Justice, by S. Binodkumar Singh (SAIR), A tale of three countries: Nepal could turn into a geopolitical and geostrategic playground of India, China and the United States, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), ‘RJP-N, SP-N must unite to create an alternative force’, interview with Rajendra Mahato (kp), Comply with statue: The proposed CIAA bill must be compatible with the constitution, which has given it powers and defined its jurisdiction (ht), Citizens still deprived of fundamental rights in lack of regulations, by Ashok Dahal (rep)

02/02/2020: National Human Rights Commission appointees should be independent and competent: The commission is in danger of ending its term in disrepute, largely over its role in relation to transitional justice, by Mohna Ansari (kp), Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe: Patriarchy is structural—it is in every individual: The former deputy speaker talks about her fight for the position of House Speaker, women’s representation in politics, and patriarchy’s deep roots, interview with Pranaya SJB Rana (kp), ‘Leaders holding public positions acting as rulers’ (rep), Central Committee meeting exposes divisions in NCP but leaders say it can also be a platform for putting differences to rest: Many in the ruling party believe the merger was a hasty decision which was made without taking a host of issues into account, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), House got Speaker in a month. There is no certainty about deputy Speaker: The ruling Nepal Communist Party is most likely to give the post to the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal, which itself is confused over the candidat, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Allocation for Nepal decreases by 33 percent in India’s budget: Nepal to receive Rs 12.8 billion in aid from its southern neighbour in the next fiscal year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)

01/02/2020: Central committee members take top leadership to task over corruption and exclusion: Most of the 15 groups formed to facilitate discussions spoke about the failure of the Oli administration to control corruption and ensure representation, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), NCP CC members demand top leaders disclose their property (rep), CIB report on Baluwatar land scam exonerates top politicians: Suggests legal action against bureaucrats, middlemen  (rep), Government drafts action plan to eliminate child labour: Many children have been found to be employed in informal sectorsr (ht), NBA condemns govt for 'disobeying court order' (rep)

31/01/2020: Freedom of expression is under attack and transitional justice stalled in Nepal, rights group says: Amnesty International in its global report has painted a bleak picture of Nepal’s human rights situation and pointed at government’s regressive ways to restrict freedom, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [see AI report on Nepal], Amnesty concerned over shrinking freedoms in Nepal (rep), Shrinking democratic space raises AI’s concern: Nepal government resorted to methods to curtail the freedom of expression in 2019 (ht), FNJ: Licensing exam for journalists against constitutional spirit (rep), Bid to enact restrictive laws opposed; FNJ calls for redrafting controversial Media Council Bill (ht), Statute of limitations for filing corruption cases may promote graft, experts say: The government has registered a new bill with the provision at the National Assembly Secretariat, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), A majority of community schools destroyed in the 2015 earthquake yet to be constructed: For lack of proper infrastructure, a school in Sindhuli, like many others, conducts classes under the open sky, by Raj Kumar Karki (kp) [What are govt and NRA good for?], WB report says capacity building key to implementation of federalism (ht)

30/01/2020: What is the controversy over Agni Sapkota as Speaker all about? Ever since the ruling Nepal Communist Party selected Sapkota as its candidate for Speaker of the House, rights activists and conflict victims have protested the decision, by Mohan Guragain (kp), Decline Of Public Institutions, by Mukti Rijal (rn), SC seeks implementation report on its Fewa order, by Prashant Lamichhane (rep), Media for change: Nepali media has to work more boldly and inquiringly toward nourishing Nepal’s production-centric economy, neutralizing fatalism that resides deeper in the public psyche, by Mohan Nepali (rep)

29/01/2020: Supreme Court refrains from squashing Sapkota’s election as Speaker: Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla refused to issue an interim order but instructed the Home Ministry and police to present a progress report on the case within 30 days, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Someone accused of such a capital crime is not qualified for public office as long as his innocence has not been proven in court!], SC rejects stay order against speaker, calls for detailed murder probe report (rep), Respect the press: The media played a vital role in Nepal’s transition to a republic (kp), Amend further: Media Council Bill (rep)

28/01/2020: Ruling party attempts to court Janata Party, which has conditions of its own: Nepal Communist Party wants the Janata Party for its two-thirds majority and inroads into Province 2 but the Janata Party is still eyeing constitutional amendments, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Children of conflict victims deprived of scholarship provided by the state: Conflict victims demand an amendment to the act and removal of the age and number limit for the scholarship, by Amrita Anmol (kp) [Those responsible for the killings are not deprived of anything but are promoted to highest positions!], Activists continue protest against Sapkota’s election as HoR speaker, 12 arrested (ht), Activists protesting speaker appointment arrested (rep), Sapkota’s challenges: The ruling party should have reconsidered Sapkota’s candidacy as Speaker given his murky past and that his case is sub-judice in court (ht) [Sapkota's nomination was made deliberately, despite all the unsolved crime accusations!], Message of impunity (rep), Conflict victims still hopeful, but not sure about getting justice (rep), NA committee endorses Media Council Bill (ht), House panel removes Rs 1m fine for journalists, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Political Institutionalisation Matters, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

27/01/2020: Sapkota becomes Speaker amid concerns from conflict victims and rights watchdogs: The House elected the former Maoist leader unopposed, hours after a court hearing on a writ against him was stalled, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [R.I.P. democracy, human rights and rule of law!], Sapkota elected HoR speaker unopposed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Speaker election hearing put off till today (ht), Conflict victims threaten to ask UN to intervene in TJ process (rep), Local levels told to establish fund for GBV victims (ht), Women’s concerns won’t be addressed unless they are at the decision-making level, interview with Binda Pandey, NCP (kp)

26/01/2020: International rights bodies warn Nepal’s conflict victims could seek justice in foreign courts: Recent appointments to transitional justice commissions and nomination of a person accused of killing as Speaker undermined transitional justice, the rights orgsanisations say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Recent Nepal steps undermine TJ process: Int’l rights bodies (rep) [see statement by ICJ, AI, HRW and TRIAL], Protest against Sapkota’s nomination continues (ht), NCP urged to reconsider Sapkota’s nomination (kp), PM Oli, NCP Co-Chair Dahal, NC Prez Deuba meet to discuss state affairs (ht), Big 2 parties to stand together against TJ criticism (rep), Awareness drive launched to end chhaupadi (ht), Govt disobeys SC order to recognize Sonaha community (rep) [The govt continuouslybelieves to be above the law! How will the separation of powers ever be realised in Nepal?]

25/01/2020: How politicisation is dragging Kathmandu University down: Ever since the appointment of vice-chancellor Ram Kantha Makaju, allegations of financial impropriety and a monopoly over decision-making have continued to haunt the university, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Petition at Supreme Court demands Agni Sapkota’s arrest: The petition, filed by advocate Dinesh Tripathi, also asks that Sapkota’s nomination for Speaker of the House be dismissed, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Writ challenging Sapkota’s candidacy for speaker filed (ht), Sapkota is clean: NCP Co-chair Dahal (ht) [Just as clean as the person that admits to be responsible for the death of 5.000 human beings? It is neither the task nor the right of any politician to decide if Sapkota is clean! This is exclusively the task of a law court!], President’s advisor resigns over Sapkota’s nomination as House Speaker: Sushil Pyakurel, one of the petitioners in the murder case against Sapkota, resigned after being asked to withdraw the case by ruling party members, by Anil Giri (kp), President’s political advisor Sushil Pyakurel quits (ht), Bill of surveillance: Special Service Bill provides unrestricted right to the government to collect information via supervision and interception of communication of any person or organization. This is dangerous, by Roshani Giri and Harihar Khadka (rep)

24/01/2020: Prakash Osti runs into controversy for his nod to transitional justice nominations: Osti represented National Human Rights Commission in the committee that nominated officials on Saturday at political parties’ behest, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [It should not be called controversy but total disqualification! This looks like party political bondage of the NHRC representative!], TRC, CIEDP office bearers take oath of office (ht) [Selected b y the leading politicians, they will only do what the latter want!], Nepal is ready to welcome tourists, but where will they come from? The country needs focused strategies for existing and potential source-markets, by Chandra Prasad Bhattarai (kp), NCP bags 16 out of 18 NA seats up for grabs (ht) [Once again extremely inclusive: 50 % are Bahuns, 5 of them male; not a single Janajati besides one Shrestha; only one Madheshi; no Dalit woman!], NCP sweeps upper house elections: Nepali Congress loses seven seats (rep), Issue Of Women’s Empowerment, by Kundan Aryal (rn), Nepal still among most corrupt countries (rep), Fire in the house, by Guffadi (rep) [satirical], Counting what counts in Nepal: The state of the toilet at Kathmandu airport is a better indicator of progress than the Human Development Index, by Anil Chitrakar (nt)

23/01/2020: Lack of laws affects implementation of fundamental rights (ht), Civil society vows to protest until Sapkota’s nomination for Speaker is dismissed: Agni Sapkota, who is accused of murder, is certain to become Speaker of the House as he is running unopposed, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Decision to nominate Sapkota for speaker’s post protested (ht), Mockery of press freedom: The year 2019 saw more incidents related to press freedom violation than in the past seven years, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp), Nationalists unite: Oli’s ramblings could very well have come from Trump’s mouth: Self-aggrandisation and cracking down on enemies—Trump and Oli share not the best of traits, by Deepak Thapa (kp), New names for old places reflect the changing times, but not everyone is happy: Old place names were born out of tradition, culture and heritage, which new names ignore, say locals, by Shashwat Pant (kp) [This tradition was introduced under the authoritarian royal panchayat system with its policy of "one nation, one language, one culture, one religion", which is still continued today by the minority of male high-caste party politicians who treat Nepal like their property! The cut of today's provinces and the problems around their naming are exactly related to this.] NC-NCP bonhomie irks opposition youth leaders (ht), Women Leadership At Local Level, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Nepal, China to hand over nationals illegally crossing mutual border, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep) [As was to be expected, this means that in future Tibetans fleeing from the Chinese occupying forces in their home country will be handed over to the Chinese occupying power.]

22/01/2020: Unwarranted move: The ruling Nepal Communist Party is not only trying to inject its communist ideologies in politics but in the society as well (ht), Failure of govt and opposition: It’s dysfunctional democracy, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Thirteen years on, Madhes movements, despite some momentum, remain incomplete: While representation, inclusion and federalism have materialised, their effectiveness and institutionalisation continue to be contested, analysts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Deadline arrives but sugar mills still owe farmers Rs800 million: Farmers have been duped by sugar mill owners in the past but this time they were betrayed by the government too, they say, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Govt fails to fulfil its promise to sugarcane farmers (ht), Sugar producers deceive farmers yet again: Pay farmers only Rs 160 million despite making promises to clear over Rs 1 billion in dues by Tuesday (rep), Let women rise (rep), ‘How can someone responsible for murdering my husband be elected speaker?’, by Madhusudhan Guragain (rep), Congress allows Sapkota to run unopposed for Speaker, showing there’s a larger game afoot: Party insiders say that Agni Sapkota for Speaker is part of a larger deal among Deuba, Dahal and Oli that includes transitional justice and the Constitutional Council, by Anil Giri (kp), Sapkota to be elected speaker unopposed, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Palanquin bearers of the Supremo: In every conflict of interest between humane concerns and jingoism couched as nationalism, the latter always wins, by CK Lal (kp), Govt urged to rectify controversial IT Bill (ht)

21/01/2020: Patriarchy stronger than monarchy, says Tumbahangphe after quitting (ht), Proposing a murder accused for Speaker is mocking public opinion: The ruling party’s decision to propose Agni Sapkota is doing Parliament no good. In fact, it is self-destructive (kp), Sapkota for House Speaker is a win for the Maoist faction of ruling party: Dahal, who had long been sidelined by Oli in the party, has bounced back and ensured that the Maoists maintain at least one high-level state position, by Anil Giri (kp) [But it can change into the opposite if it turns out that Sapkota is rightly accused of murder. Furthermore, Dahal makes it clear that he does not want the crimes of the uprising to be solved nor does he want appropriate social inclusion!], Today is the last day for sugar mills to clear overdue payments to farmers: But there is little chance that the sugarcane growers will get their money, officials said, by Krishana Prasain (kp), The federalisation of corruption: Corruption has seeped into every tier of government. But to sustain the federal system, it must be eradicated, by Achyut Wagle (kp)

20/01/2020: Justice as elusive as ever: The government has been leading the conflict victims in circles (kp), Pipe dream: It’s unfortunate that the political leadership just wants to put to rest Nepal’s transitional justice process (ht), CVCP objects to nomination of TJ bodies’ office bearers (ht), Conflict victims and human rights activists cry foul over Agni Sapkota for Speaker: Sapkota, who faces a murder charge for an insurgency-era killing, has been proposed for House Speaker by the ruling party, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [The NCP proves once again that it protects and encourages potential murderers. People who take responsibility for the murder of 5000 people decide on this. The NCP's commitment to peace, justice, the rule of law and social inclusion proves to be a sheer mockery!], NCP nominates Sapkota for speaker’s post, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), NCP picks Agni Sapkota for speaker (rep), An insult of conflict victims: Rights activists, lawyers (rep), Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe resigns as Deputy Speaker: Elections for new Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be held on January 26, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Another female victim of arrogant male Bahun politics!], Restoring democracy back to the default: Prime Minister Oli opened too many battlefronts, now he may be succumbing to his own ambitions, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp)

19/01/2020: Conflict victims condemn parties for bulldozing decision on transitional justice appointments: After an agreement between ruling and opposition forces, recommendation committee picks 10 individuals, all with affiliation to political parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Those who share responsibility for so many crimes will never provide justice! Dahal, Deuba, Ex-King Gyanendra and the top brass of the army had highest responsibility!], Ten office bearers nominated for transitional justice bodies: Bhatta named TRC chair, Subedi
head of CIEDP, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Bhatta recommended as TRC chief, Subedi as CIEDP head (rep), Mockery of justice (rep), Dispute within NCP over Speaker leaves Deputy Speaker’s poll homework in backburner: Despite posturing, Tumbahangphe is sure to step down once Speaker candidate is finalized (rep)

18/01/2020: Implementation status of women’s rights dismal: HRW (ht) Dahal says he will take responsibility for insurgency deaths but his actions don’t match his words: Victims say he is delaying the justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), How a photo has come to symbolise long wait for justice: Muktinath Adhikari, a teacher and a member of Amnesty International Nepal, was killed in Lamjung 18 years ago by the Maoists (kp), NCP and NC inch closer to revising TJ law: A meeting between Oli, Dahal and Deuba scheduled for Friday evening has been deferred until Saturday morning (rep) [TJ cannot be provided by those who are responsible and partly even have admitted to be responsible!], Government moves ahead with Nijgadh airport project: Investment Board of Nepal says other processes should not be stopped despite interim orders from the apex court not to cut trees, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [??], US embassy attempts to clear the air on MCC: Issuing a 10-point clarification, the embassy insisted that there is no military component to the MCC, by Anil Giri (kp), House meeting nears but there’s still no candidate for Speaker: Oli has become more flexible on the candidate for Speaker and has agreed to Dahal’s choice, party insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Oli likely to agree to Dahal’s choice for speaker’s post (ht), The Uncalled For Impasse, by Kushal Pokharel (rn), In defense of Shiva Maya: Shiva Maya has the right to hold on to her position and claim the position of House Speaker. NCP should support her nomination for reelection even if she decides to resign, by Dikchya Raut and Manita Raut (rep)

17/01/2020: AI urges Parliament to amend draconian bills (ht), Amnesty Int’l urges parliament to amend disputed bills (rep), Speaker post has become a matter of prestige for co-chairs, say party insiders: With both NCP chairs not giving up on their candidates for Speaker of the House, party leaders are afraid the issue could snowball, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Civil society members express concern over parliamentary impasse: 7 signatories from different fields call for ending the dispute over Speaker post and resuming the House (kp), Civil society leaders urge proactive effort over speaker impasse: Caution against preparations to amend constitution to allow even un-elected lawmaker to become PM (rep), Shivamaya for Speaker, by Guffadi (rep), Oli, Dahal may bury the hatchet soon (ht), Congress slams NCP for holding HoR hostage (rep), Law enforcement bodies should act on Dahal’s public confession, by Ananta Raj Luitel (rep), Oli insistent on passing MCC pact via House’s winter session: The resistance to the MCC’s Nepal compact is not coming from a dissenting faction or the opposition, but from the ruling party’s top leadership itself, by Anil Giri (kp), Police’s intelligence continues to fail them as Chand party claims explosion: Despite the government designating the Chand party a criminal outfit, Wednesday’s explosion shows that security agencies are still unaware of their activities, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Tipping point on menstrual banishment in Nepal: It is when local women take the lead to end the practice that it is most effective, by Marty Logan (nt)

16/01/2020: Nepal failed to ensure justice for conflict victims, as the government continued to stifle freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch says: The rights body’s World Report 2020 has also taken note of draconian legislation and controversial decisions that the Oli administration has made in the past year (kp) [see HRW report on Nepal], Nepal turning into land of injustice: Rights watchdog (ht), HRW raps govt over failures in transitional justice, freedom of expression (rep), Justice still eludes conflict victims a decade after peace accord, by Rekha Bhusal (rep), Transitional Justice Deadlock, by Mukti Rijal (rn). Dahal ready to own up 5,000 deaths during insurgency: Says state killed 12,000 people (ht) [It does not matter who is responsible for more killings! They all have to stand trial for this: Maoists, politicians, army leaders, ex-king etc.], Govt bodies defy apex court directives (ht), Despite federalism and local elections, power still resides in the hands of a few: The political parties continue to function in a pyramid model where a handful of leaders at the top make decisions on behalf of a vast majority, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Federalism is still not really implemented: Neither government nor opposition want it!], Dahal says he’s responsible for killing 5,000, not 17,000 (rep) [If you admit that you are resposible for the killing of 5,000 people you should resign from all offices immediately!!], Hope and despair in Nepal: The country is struggling to cope with rampant corruption, but the emerging youth give some hope for the future, by Pramod Mishra (kp)

15/01/2020: Peace minus justice: The promises made under the Comprehensive Peace Accord have been thrown to the winds, by Daman Nath Dhungana (kp), Cycle of corruption: Corruption erodes the trust of the people in the govt, the parties and the service-providers, and, above all, it impedes development (ht), Corruption thriving at the local level, surveys by anti-graft body show: Experts say office bearers are engaging in a conflict of interest, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), CIAA to act tough on corruption (ht), Young girls taking one step at a time to fight menstrual banishment: Although complete eradication of the practice seems like a far cry at the moment, various anti-Chhaupadi campaigns launched by young women have paved a way to fight against the practice, by Tularam Pandey (kp), Widows in Nepal still need to fight for their property right: Despite legal provisions that ensure widows’ rights to the property of their husbands, implementation has been impeded by societal norms and customs, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Ten days since agreement, sugarcane farmers have little hope of getting paid: Farmers should have received half their dues by now but sugar mills still owe them Rs 800 million of the more than Rs1 billion, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Stalemate in ruling party on speaker nomination continues, by Roshan S. Nepal (kp), Battle for House Speaker ignites serious disputes in ruling NCP (rep), Is the party over? Elected representatives have now replaced hereditary monarchs in offering patronage and largesse. It is difficult to say whether ‘people’ are upset with current political culture or are exhibiting some form of ‘abnormality’ in their responses to it, by Pranab Kharel (rep)

14/01/2020: Conflict victims decry government’s consultations as a sham: The consultations were not aimed at ensuring justice but simply at showing the world that feedback was collected, victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Consultations held with stakeholders amid rift among victims (ht), Police intervene rally demanding justice for Nirmala Pant: Security personnel used force on women rights activists who were protesting in front of the Kanchanpur District Court seeking justice for Nirmala Pant, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp), Women’s rights activists laud Tumbahangphe not resigning (rep), In the criticism against the Oli administration, Nepali youth are eerily silent: Many young people fear the might of the current government as it is the strongest in decades while others have their own interests to protect, say youth activists, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Anti-graft body wants anti-money laundering department under it: Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority says corruption and money laundering are interlinked, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), CIAA submits report, eyes more powers: Seeks authority to probe ‘improper acts’ of public office holders, private organisations (ht), ‘Government jeopardising federal republic’ (ht)

13/01/2020: Over four years since government decision to replace tuins, they are still in use over Mahakali River: Tuins are still in operation at seven places in Byas Rural Municipality, by Manoj Badu (kp), Tumbahangphe fights back against patriarchy in party (rep), Reeks of misogyny (rep), Speaking about the Speaker: Party leaders have made a joke out of the democratic process (kp) [Most of the male top politicians of the big parties are not leaders but destroyers of democratic principles and inclusion! They should be excluded from all offices for a long period of time for the sake of Nepal and the Nepalis!], Let the house meet: At this point, why Oli and Dahal want their respective candidates – and not Shiva Maya – to become the Speaker is simply beyond any reasoning (ht), NCP indecision forces another HoR deferral, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht) [This is not indecision but the clear decision that the male Bahun leaders do not want a women from an ethnic group for this job!], Ruling party’s indecision over Speaker puts a halt to the House business: While some have pointed to the deputy Speaker’s refusal to resign as an obstacle, it is the ruling party’s factional infighting that is holding the House hostage, insiders say, by Anil Giri (kp), Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe wants to be the next Speaker and she’s not backing down: The deputy speaker’s fight for the post shows that despite being eminently qualified, women are still relegated to deputy positions, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Province 3 assembly endorses Bagmati as the name of the province by majority votes: The meet also endorsed Hetauda as the capital of the province, by Subash Bidari (kp) [All the Tagadhari politicians are so happy that there is still no ethnic name for a province!], PA decides to call Province 3 Bagmati, with Hetauda as its permanent HQ (ht), ‘Parliament must correct some of the bills the govt has brought’, interview with NCP leader Raghuji Panta (kp), Strong government but weak capital expenditure: Capital expenditure lowest in 3 years (rep), Chief Justice says govt must implement SC directives (rep) [This is true for a functioning democracy, but Nepal's politicians do not understand the fundamental principles of democracy separation of powers!] Global Balancing for Kalapani: The Kalapani dispute is a textbook case of an aspiring great power militarily occupying a strategic territory of its smaller neighbor to render diplomatic recognition insignificant, by Robert A Portada III and Uttam Paudel (rep)

12/01/2020: NCP decides Tumbahangphe must quit, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [The male Bahun leaders of the party want a male person as speaker, so the ethnic lady must go! There cannot be enough male politicians in top positions, but according to the constitution it is not the party that has the right to decide on her resignation!], NCP leadership’s highhandedness and indecision on Speaker show democratic disconnect: By imposing decisions on elected officials, who are the representatives of the people, the ruling party is ruining democratic principles, analysts and party insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Medical commission ‘fails’ to enforce refund of excess fee to students: Protesting students demand a probe against commission’s Chair Dr Shree Krishna Giri over an allegation that he demanded bribes, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal’s partnership for peace with MCC and BRI: Nepal can learn a lot from Sweden’s approach to geopolitics to reassess its ties with India, China and the US, by Katak Malla (kp), On IPS and MCC: Before making further decision on MCC, the government should be clear regarding whether it’s a part of Indo-Pacific Strategy or not, by Biranchi Poudyal and Kamal Khadka (rep), NRA urged to expedite reconstruction: 62pc houses reconstructed, 25pc under-construction, 17pc yet to start (ht), Police crackdown leaves Chand-led party in shambles: Nearly 1,300 leaders and cadres arrested since the party was outlawed  in March last year (rep), Signature campaign against Chhau culture at police stations, by DB Budha (rep), Province 1 fails to pick name, awaits center's nod (rep)

11/01/2020: Organisations gear up for protest against IT bill saying it will curb freedom of expression: Even within the ruling party, some leaders have been raising voices against the bill, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Youth crushed to death by tipper for protesting illegal extraction of riverbed materials in Dhanusa: Twenty-four-year-old Dilip Kumar Mahato was struck and dragged by the tipper driver, say police, by Santosh Singh (kp) [Not only the direct murderers are responsible, but also the idle and disinterested government and administration!]

10/01/2020: Experts stress the need to fill infrastructure investment gap: Government inefficiency and low productivity blamed for the failure to increase capital expenditure, by Prahlad Rijal (kp), Construction of Madan Bhandari Highway via Chure worsens the fragile zone, a report says: The 1200-km under construction highway, which will traverse the Chure range, fails to consider the region’s geology and possible environmental damage, including serious impacts on the ecology and people of Tarai, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Losing our conscience, one country at a time: In a time of politics without principle, the only defining ideology is nationalism, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Finance minister claims the country is on the course of broad-based economic growth: But the World Bank says the economy will expand by only 6.4 percent in the current fiscal year, well below the government target of 8.5 percent, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Six years on, Nepal’s first economic zone struggles to find investors: This fiscal year, the government has allocated Rs820 million budget for the economic zone in Bhairahawa but not a single rupee has been spent, by Krishana Prasain (kp)

09/01/2020: Conflict victims say their hope on Pradeep Gyawali might have been misplaced: Gyawali, who had appeared sympathetic to the cause of conflict victims, is also moving ahead on transitional justice without taking victims into confidence, by Binod Gjhimire (kp), Nepal’s arrest and deportation of 122 Chinese raise legal and ethical questions: The Chinese were deported despite Nepal Police’s failure to establish any criminal charges against them—and to a country that practices capital punishment, by Anil Giri (kp), Local units in Dolpa operate from the district headquarters: Four of total of eight local units have their liaison offices in Dunai, by Hari Gautam (kp) [Obviously, nothing has changed under the federal system!], Needed: More money for schools: The government must ensure adequate funding for education (kp)

08/01/2020: Provincial leaders balk at ruling party’s directive to name Province 3 ‘Bagmati’: The Nepal Communist Party’s diktat concerning the name and capital of the province has been criticised by provincial assembly members for infringing on the spirit of federalism, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), It is time for Nepal to plan to bring migrant workers home: In the absence of parents, the children have been suffering (kp), The decade of lumpen: The person of the decade has to be Prime Minister KP Oli, whereas the person to watch closely in the upcoming one is President Bidya Devi Bhandari, by CK Lal (kp)

07/01/2020: Victims want a say in TJ Act amendment (ht), Consultations to be held in all 7 provinces to expedite TJ process (rep), The elected undemocracy: Parliament has become a mere rubber stamp for all government bills that get sanctioned without any debate, by Achyut Wagle (kp), MPs demand court nod for tapping personal phone calls (rep), Internet service providers open to criminal liability under new IT bill (rep), Faced with factionalism, a beleaguered Congress still can’t get its house in order: At a time when the party should be acting as a check on the Oli administration, it is too busy dealing with factional infighting, by Anil Giri (kp), Gender insensitivity and Nepali Congress: The party elite, and Congress itself, think that women cannot be effective political actors, by Prabha Poudyal (kp), NCP members say leadership deferred Central Committee meet to avoid criticism: The crucial meeting decided for tomorrow by the recently concluded Standing Committee has been postponed to January 23, by Tika R.Pradhan (kp), Debunking the nonsense on MCC: This fact-deprived discourse on MCC is leading us toward a meaningless confrontation. If the project is aborted at this stage, it would be extremely harmful to our fledgling economy, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Morality, Politics And Power, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

06/01/2020: Transitional justice: This time around, the government must not go back on its promise (kp), NHRC’s threat to withdraw its member from ex-CJ-led panel (ht), Amend the TRC Act: It makes no sense in appointing members in the TRC and CIEDP without amending the TRC Act in line with the Supreme Court verdict (ht), Plight of sugarcane farmers shows the priority government accords to them: Although the government has now pledged to make sugar mills pay farmers their dues, analysts are sceptical whether the agreement will be followed through, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), The sugarcane episode is part of a much bigger trend—the decline of democracy: Policies, disguised as legitimate efforts to serve the public interest, are designed to serve financial interests, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Truck literature must survive—and thrive: The government wants to scuttle voices that puncture its narrative of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis', by Dinesh Kafle (kp)

05/01/2020: Provincial and local governments barred from signing aid agreements with foreign donors: New standards on foreign aid endorsed by the Cabinet last week make Centre’s role necessary in accessing resources, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Long live the central state!], Law Ministry aims to get Transitional Justice Act amended from ongoing session of Parliament: Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, also the law minister now, who has made commitments from various platforms including the United Nations, is taking the lead for amendments, by Binod Ghimire (kp), TRC, CIEDP office bearers to be named soon: Conflict victims, rights activists say justice won’t be served without amending TRC Act (ht), Former Maoist leaders in ruling party fear their apprehensions about merger are coming true: The Maoists are already a minority in Nepal Communist Party as they had merged with 40 percent share in committees; Leaders who quit the party over the merger say they had long foreseen the current situation, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Oli, Dahal tussle over candidate for speaker affects HoR meeting (ht) [Criminal power games for the sake of nepotism!]

04/12/2020: NCP leadership takes unilateral decision as it picks National Assembly candidates: The party leadership failed to live up to its recent commitment to following due process, accuse leaders, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Long live the authoritarion male political leaders and their anti-democratic behaviour!], NCP finalises NA election candidates (ht) [Wow, really inclusive: Far more than half of them are Bahuns!], China says it welcomes any foreign economic support—even the MCC—to Nepal: Chinese ambassador’s statement runs counter to the argument by some ruling party members that the MCC, as part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, is against China, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Will 2020 let Nepalis see better days? The present administration should realise the government can't retain its power without taking people along, by Mohan Guragain (kp), NC and Samajbadi forge poll alliance (rep)

03/01/2020: The current government is breathing down our necks: The Information Technology Bill will asphyxiate freedom of speech and expression, by Sushrey Nepal (kp), Tourists want public toilets, garbage bins and a hassle-free airport—not a week-long tourism extravaganza: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has announced a week-long campaign to supplement Visit Nepal 2020, but tourists are more concerned about basic amenities, by Anup Ojha (kp), Challenges Of Inclusive Development, by Kopila Rijal (rn)

02/01/2020: As the government pushes ahead with IT Bill, rights watchdog expresses concern: The bill in its current form infringes on the fundamental freedom of expression, says the National Human Rights Commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Stop the sugar scam: For years, the sugar cartel has been duping everyone–from the poor farmers to the country’s prime minister (kp), Govt to make mill owners pay farmers’ dues (ht), Respect the house: It is regrettable to see the ruling party using the sovereign Parliament as its rubber stamp by deferring its meeting for weeks (ht), With no speaker, parliament unable to do even routine work (rep), Police, CPN cadres exchange gunfire (ht), SC seeks original map of Nepal (rep), What Yadav’s exit means: Withdrawal of support by SPN from the federal government is not likely to end in fiasco. It has created an environment of polarization of politics between the communist and democratic forces (, by Hari Bansh Jha (rep), Composite Unity In Federalism, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

01/01/2020: Scorecard 2019: How have the government and the ruling party fared? The Oli-led government’s performance has been lacking, and the ruling party’s tilt towards authoritarianism is most worrisome (kp), House held hostage to NCP indecision: Today’s meeting won’t be held; Parliament deferred till Jan 12; Critics say delay in electing speaker ‘betrayal of constitution’, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), Afraid of being sidelined, former Maoists refuse to give up Speaker’s post: If the Maoist faction of the ruling party lets go of House Speaker, all of the highest-ranking state officials will be from the former UML, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Issue new map including India-encroached territories: Joint Houses panel (rep), Nepal proposes mid-January for Kalapani talks with India: Given high-level changes at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, this meeting is unlikely to happen, say analysts, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘If I lose my land, I will hang myself’: Owed more than Rs1 billion by sugar mills, sugarcane farmers are afraid their creditors will begin seizing their land, by Krishana Prasain (kp), Arrest absconding mill operator: Govt (ht), NHRC demands justice for farmers: Says state should not deviate from its duty to protect its citizens (ht)

31/12/2019: Government tables bill that will allow intelligence agencies to listen in to private conversations: Provisions in the bill contradict the spirit of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and privacy, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Shades of Panchayat: The KP Sharma Oli administration is putting the squeeze on freedom of speech (kp), Curtailing civil liberties in Nepal, one legislation at a time: The KP Sharma Oli-led government has been repeatedly criticised for trying to curb dissent through its laws and policies, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Draconian bill: The parliamentary panel should have held wider consultations with the stakeholders before endorsing it with majority vote (ht), Pushpa Kamal Dahal calls the press “bourgeois media”, and the Nepali internet isn’t taking any of it: Dahal’s disdain towards critical voices in the press and social media receives flak and ridicule, b y Bhrikuti Rai (kp), House panel tells government to make sugar mills pay farmers their money: Protesting cane growers from Sarlahi say they have not been paid for five years, by Krishana Prasain (kp), A weak opposition is only emboldening the ruling party: The Nepali Congress never recovered from its 2017 electoral loss and, analysts say, amid infighting, it has largely failed to act as a proper check on the ruling party, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), , Foreign Minister’s assertion that MCC will be approved puts pressure on ruling party: Pradeep Gyawali, during a press conference, urged everyone to base discussions on facts—not fiction, by Anil Giri (kp), Welcoming 2020: Hope has to be followed by individual transformation—simply blaming the state won’t do, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Attacked and violated: From Chhaupadi death to incidents of sexual exploitation to cases of acid attacks, there was no let-up in incidents of violence against girls and women in 2019, by Elisha Shrestha (kp)

30/12/2019: House panel passes controversial IT Bill disregarding dozens of amendment proposals: In an attempt to regulate the cyberspace, the government has given itself enormous new powers to curb online content, experts say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), HoR panel passes ‘restrictive’ IT Bill, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Call Province 3 Bagmati, moots NCP: Provincial lawmakers call it interference in their work, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), NCP’s decision to impose name and capital of Province 3 is unconstitutional, experts say: ‘It is clearly written in the constitution that name and headquarters of the province will be fixed by the concerned provincial assembly.’, by Anil Giri and Pratap Bista (kp) [The Constitution also demands that the names and capitals should have been designated by the provincial parliaments by August 2018 at the latest. Oli, Dahal and Co. must realise that they are not above the law!], Province 3 to be named Bagmati, likely capital Hetauda (rep), Back to the roots: Output-based incentives in farming could make Nepal a food sufficient country, by Uttam Khanal (kp), When will the schools be reconstructed? Only 43 of the 130 schools damaged by the earthquake reconstructed so far (rep) [related to Palpa district]

29/12/2019: NCP’s indecision on Speaker also exposes deeply entrenched patriarchy in the party: Tumbahangphe is keen on becoming Speaker, but leadership is fighting to install someone of their choice—and the leaders they have in mind are men, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [What is true for the NCP is true for all political parties in Nepal!] Tendency to undermine Parliament detrimental to democracy, analysts say: As party leaders feud over Speaker, there’re concerns about the crucial bill session bearing the brunt, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Chandra Kishore: The Madhesi agenda is a national agenda: The roving journalist talks about how corruption is becoming endemic at the grassroots and the real challenge of federalism, interview by Pranaya SJB Rana (kp), Farfetched socialist dreams: Crucial problems such as land management and integration of labour wage and market price have to be resolved, by Ram Gurung (kp), Polluted air spikes respiratory illness: The govt standard for unhealthy air is way above WHO’s, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht) [And the government is doing nothing!], National conference on sexual harassment held (ht), Battle against Chhaupadi in Karnali: Govt gets aggressive, but people’s blind belief too strong (rep), Unification between Samajbadi Party and RJPN unlikely soon, by Mithilesh Yadav(rep), Catch the momentum (rep)

28/12/2019: Samajbadi Party may have quit government but it doesn’t seem to have a way forward: Although party leaders say they will mount an opposition, analysts believe that the party is unlikely to win support from Congress or Janata Party, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), House meet put off as NCP fails to decide on Speaker: The Lower House from its very first meeting of the winter session on December 20 was supposed to start the Speaker election process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), NCP undecided on speaker: HoR to meet on January 1 (ht), NCP indecision over new speaker holding lower house hostage (rep), Millions of foreign currencies rotting away in Lumbini: Much of the cash is from countries whose money the Central Bank does not exchange, by Madhav Dhungana (kp), Police destroy 20,000 marijuana plants in Parsa: The District Police Office has been formulating a phase-wise programme to give continuity to the campaign, by Shankar Acharya (kp) [Nepal could make big profits on the medical world market with controlled cultivation!], NHRC stresses enacting rights friendly laws: House panel, PAs told to issue directives against rights violations (ht), Addressing The Issue Of Gender Violence, by Indu Pant Ghimire and Saurav Raj Pant (rn)

27/12/2019: Most constitutional bodies remain largely non-functional: The National Human Rights Commission established that the killing of Kumar Paudel was extrajudicial in nature, but the government and the Nepal Police have yet to implement its recommendations (kp), Constitutional provision for floor test exposes a major oversight by its drafters: The constitution demands that Oli pass a vote of confidence after Samajbadi Party’s withdrawal of support, but his party commands a comfortable majority, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Over 200 flood-displaced families under flimsy huts in biting cold in Inarwa: To keep themselves warm, the locals make fire from hay and sit beside it all night, by Shahiman Rai (kp), Speaker, dy speaker election uncertain as row within NCP worsens (rep), House meeting postponed as ruling NCP fails to pick its candidate for speaker (rep) [Obviously, the NCP is still far away from internal unity!], Spooking Nepalis by snooping on them: A new bill in Parliament threatens the citizens’ right to privacy and freedom, by Mukesh Pokhrel (nt)

26/12/2019: Government and police fail to abide by human rights commission’s recommendation: The commission two months ago had recommended action against police officials involved in extrajudicial killing of Kumar Paudel, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Janata Party likely to get Deputy Speaker as part of a broader package deal: The party is demanding constitutional amendments and the release of its cadres, which the ruling party is likely to provide as it looks to expand into Province 2, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp) [Do the RJP-N leaders really serve the interests of the social groups they claim to respresent?], No question of joining govt, says Mahato (ht), Police personnel are resigning in the thousands every year and it’s becoming a problem: The primary factor for resignations is that many are dissatisfied when they are passed over for promotions due to corruption, nepotism or politicisation, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Recruiting agencies charging up to Rs500,000 for security guard jobs once again exposes exploitation of workers: Despite labour pacts with various labour countries for zero cost jobs, not much has changed on the ground, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp). Breaking the chain: Human trafficking under the guise of labour migration has become one of the most severe problems faced by Nepali migrant workers in recent times, by Anurag Devkota (kp), Quake victims waiting for housing grant (ht), Enhancing Citizen-State Relations, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

25/12/2019: Samajbadi Party exits government to little effect on the Oli administration: National politics will remain relatively unaffected, but there could be repercussions in Province 2, analysts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Upendra Yadav’s party quits govt: Deputy Prime Minister Yadav, Minister Rai submit resignation (ht), Yadav’s party quits govt after PM rejects panel to study amendment (rep), RJPN lobbies for Deputy Speaker as its bonhomie with NCP grows (rep), Dahal defers proposal to make party secretariat more inclusive: The proposal, tabled by two women standing committee members, envisions turning the all-male nine-member secretariat into a 15-member inclusive body, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [This reflects the arrogance of the male Bahun elite that dominates all political parties and tries to uphold the non-inclusive state at any cost!], Police maintain tight surveillance over Chand outfit in Rolpa and Dang: The district security committee of Rolpa said its search for Netra Bikram Chand is still on, by Kashiram Dangi and Durga Lal KC (kp), Yet another year of despair: It is said that the determination for collective struggle comes from the deep despair of the dispossessed, by CK Lal (kp), NHRC urges govt to ensure fundamental rights of citizens (ht)

24/12/2019: A month after Nepal’s diplomatic note on Kalapani issue, India finally responds: Although details are scarce, the note has reiterated India’s position vis-a-vis Kalapani and has offered to sit for talks, by Anil Giri (kp), Call for survivor-friendly approach to investigate human trafficking cases: Experts urge adopting Forensic Experiential Trauma Interviews approach for better dealing with survivors and investigating such cases, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), The MCC Compact will benefit Nepal: While Nepal needs to strike a strategic balance, ratifying the Compact will only further its development ambitions (kp), Battleground Nepal: China's Belt and Road Initiative vs the US MCC Compact: The country has to walk a tightrope between global powers, but the US-funded Compact is too important to reject, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Opposition politics revisited: Nepali Congress has an opportunity to make its presence felt by addressing popular issues, but it is being hampered by internal differences, by Lok Raj Baral (kp)

23/12/2019: Failure to ratify MCC could have dire consequences, leaders say: The US insists that the compact has no strings attached and that the Indo-Pacific Strategy is not a military alliance, by Anil Giri (kp) [The US Indo-Pacific Strategy is first and above all meant to serve American interests in the US supremacy competition with China. Nepal needs good relations with China to reduce its dependency from India. Trump's America cannot be trusted! This president sows conflict and tension all over the world!], MCA-Nepal requests for timely ratification of MCC Compact (ht), MCA-Nepal clarifies why parliamentary ratification is needed (rep), Ruling NCP for consulting US before govt decides MCC fate, by Roshan S. Nepal  (ht), Rural municipality chair rescued hours after his abduction: The Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal has claimed responsibility for the incident, by Jyoti Katuwal and Tularam Pandey (kp), Democracy under siege: India's Citizenship Amendment Act reinforces and celebrates the idea of religious persecution and discrimination. Nepali polity’s penchant for emulating BJP’s India is terrifying, by Swagat Raj Pandey (kp)

22/12/2019: Ruling party members ask leadership to seek clarity on MCC compact from the US: Opposition to the programme could not only delay its ratification but also give rise to diplomatic friction between Nepal and the US, observers say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Good relations with the immediate neighboring countries are much more important than being part of US security interests!], Nepal to first study strings attached to MCC before joining it: ‘The country won’t be part of any militarypact in the guise of any programme’ (ht), Education policy not following constitutional provision, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), President Bhandari courts controversy again (rep), Expedite capital spending (ht)

21/12/2019: Co-chairs' introspective document fails to allay leaders' concerns: The decision to enter into an electoral alliance with Rastriya Janata Party without informing the party has been widely criticised in the Nepal Communist Party Standing Committee, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Dahal hints at delaying MCC endorsement (rep) [Hopefully!], NCP head office housed illegally in Pasang Lhamu Foundation building, by Sunil Sapkota (rep), The National Governance Survey, by Kushal Pokharel (rn) [see Nepal National Governance Survey 2017/18 by Nepal Administrative Staff College]

20/12/2019: Growing inequalities: A painful reality of the 21st Century: What could be more depressing than realising that irrespective of one’s ability, the outcome is still guided by gender, ethnicity, and parents' wealth?, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp), Despite reservations, MCC compact will be ratified, officials say: Although there has been criticism over the nature of the US programme, ruling party leaders say the opposition won’t block the deal, by Anil Giri (kp), Rastriya Janata Party, despite withdrawing support for government, joins in electoral alliance with ruling party: The electoral alliance is aimed solely at preserving its National Assembly seats, say Janata Party leaders, but commentators believe it will have consequences, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), ‘Tie up with RJP-N to benefit NCP in Province 2’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Birgunj High Court seeks suggestions from lawyers to transfer Aftab Alam’s case away from his hometown: Government attorney appealed for a transfer of the case following threats from the lawmaker who has been charged with mass murder, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘False case against Alam’ (ht) [This to decide is up tp the law court! Its is definitely not the task of a political party like the NC!], Nepal in the 2020s: The 2021 census will give us an idea of the kind of Nepal we will be in the next decade, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt), How will Nepal develop in the next decade? Can we achieve double-digit growth and middle-income status, attain the Sustainable Development Goals and have universal health coverage by 2030?, by Sonia Awale (nt)

19/12/2019: Dahal’s proposal to set up mechanism for transitional justice raises alarm: Conflict victims and human rights defenders say it is wrong to have a political body that influences the commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Local units face shortage of office space, but federal help not forthcoming: The federal government is still in the planning phase of developing building designs and standards, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Govt doesn’t need apex court directives to protect Nepal’s territory: PM to SC (rep) [In a democratic state, the apex court does not have to ask the govt for directives, Mr Oli!]

18/12/2019: NGOs rush to Social Welfare Council after district offices refuse to renew registration: While government agencies say they want to check unethical activities, social organisations see it as a bid to control them, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Against constitution and Education Act, Kathmandu is hell-bent on holding grade 10 exams on its own, officials say: The statute promulgated more than four years ago authorises local governments to manage school education, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Long live the authoritarian central state!], Tumbahangphe courts controversy by administering the oath of office to Bidya Bhattarai: Only the Speaker of the House, not the deputy, is allowed to administer the oath to parliamentarians, party leaders and constitutional experts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Why is there such a thing as the post of Deputy Speaker of Parliament when she is not allowed to perform the duties of Speaker of Parliament in the latter's absence or after his resignation?], In Kathmandu’s schools, it’s not just teachers who are watching you: Surveillance cameras have become ubiquitous in Kathmandu’s schools and colleges. But students and teachers say they come at the cost of personal freedoms, by Tulsi Tauniyar (kp), Big Brother is listening: The government has once again shown its tendency towards authoritarianism. It must stop (kp), Ensure privacy right: It would be in the interest of the government not to push the bill through the Parliament on the strength of its near two-thirds majority (ht), Capital budget spending dismal 9.05 per cent in first five months (ht)

17/12/2019: Provincial and local governments told to accept foreign aid only after centre's approval: The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration issued a circular last week about the Cabinet’s decision on the matter, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Forget the democratic and decentralised federal state! Long live the centralised Bahun controlled state!], Government tables bill allowing intelligence agencies to intercept personal conversation: Rights defenders and main opposition object to the bill, saying it infringes upon people’s right to privacy and individual freedom, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Is Nepal more and more turning into an the authoritarian control state?], New bill lets govt snoop on citizens: Comes under fire from rights activists, lawyers and NC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), As ruling party Standing Committee meeting continues, top leadership is roundly criticised: Party leaders blamed the leadership for failing to hold regular meetings, which has only served to entrench factionalism within the party, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), One year since the sexual abuse exposé: It would be a disservice to all if we forget the survivors of Lalitpur Madhyamik Vidhyalaya and the victims in so many other schools, by Monika Niroula (kp), NC lawmakers move SC against discrimination in pork barrel fund (rep)

16/12/2019: NCP leadership admits weakness on their part and points out a host of issues that are plaguing the party: Pushpa Kamal Dahal presents political document at the first standing committee in a year, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), The government must ensure it establishes the consumer court expeditiously: Consumer courts enable consumers to make the best choices based on their interests and prevent them from being mistreated (kp), Pursue diplomacy or go to court: The rule of capture has been replaced by modern international law regulating relations between civilised states, by Katak Malla (kp), Women deliver: Let them handle GBV, by Chanda Chaudhary (ht), NCP hints at possible US-China confrontation in Nepal (rep), Upholding Order, by S. Binodkumar Singh, (SAIR), Ending the stigma of menstruation: How many girls must die before we realize that Chhaupadi in all its forms must stop? Three-month jail time or Rs 3,000 fine is not enough to stop this brutal practice, by Sakun Gajurel (rep)

15/12/2019: Police inspector among three killed in Dhanusha blast: No one has claimed responsibility for the midnight blast, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Three, including inspector, killed (ht), DCCs, local levels told not to accept foreign aid sans consent (ht) [Centralist thinking remains to prevail!], Occupy Tundikhel Campaign: Activists use excavator at Khula Manch (ht), CDOs instructed to form anti-chhaupadi mechanisms, intensify campaigns (rep), How they failed Nepal: All we had to do was to protect a country that our ancestors had created by making great sacrifices but this is where we failed, by Devendra Gautam (rep)

14/12/2019: “They turned me into a living corpse”: For victims of the Maoist insurgency, no justice and no peace: Over 13 years after the peace agreement, transitional justice process has largely been held hostage to partisan interests, with both the political parties and Army playing for time, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Amend act on human trafficking: NHRC (ht), 27 errant contractors have been blacklisted so far this fiscal year and the list could grow: Officials expect record-high cases of blacklisting with the recent amendment to the Public Procurement Regulation, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), With over 50 bills to endorse, Parliament looks at a busy winter session: Some crucial bills regarding the functioning of the federal system are currently being studied by different House committees, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Kathmandu mayor dismisses “Occupy Tundikhel” as a publicity stunt of some politically motivated people: Conservationists describe Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shaky's remarks as childish and irresponsible, by Anup Ojha (kp) [Shakya's remarks reflect failed politics of his political party, a high degree of arrogance and quite obviously personal incompetence!], Issue new map comprising Indian-encroached areas: House panel (rep)

13/12/2019: Families are sites of love and affection but also violence and discrimination: A new report by UN Women points to the dual role of families in Nepal, where 26 percent of women face domestic violence, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Shortlisted nominees for six vice-chancellor posts are close to the ruling party: If political association were to have primacy over merit, what was the point of announcing vacancies, experts ask, by Binod Ghimire (kp)  [This is a very special kind of political corroption as practised by Nepal's top politicians!], Federalism leaves Nepal’s medical sector ailing: Doctors and hospital staff use the adjustment policy to move out of remote, underserved regions, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt 13/12/2019)

12/12/2019: Everything you need to know about Chhaupadi, the taboo ritual of banishing women to period huts: Legal actions and social campaigns have failed to make people in Nepal’s remote western regions understand the urgency of abolishing the deadly tradition, by Elisha Shrestha (kp), Gender inequality continues to plague Nepal: The country has made progress in areas such as life expectancy but there is still a long way to go before it attains gender equality (kp), Ending inequalities: Most of the countries in South Asia are way ahead of Nepal, making it more and more difficult to catch up with them (ht), SC stays centre’s decision to bring Province 2 forest under its domain; National forest projects under provincial govt: Petitioner, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Rape incidents up in Saptari (ht), Three, including ward chair, held for attempt to rape (ht), Fiscal Commission: Issues at stake, by Mukti Rijal (ht), South Asian states urged to end culture of impunity (rep)

11/12/2019: Female deputy speakers of various provinces complain of being given rights, but no responsibilit: The task of the deputy speaker is to run the house in the speaker’s absence but the position doesn’t allow one to take decisions independently, by Pratiksha Kafle (kp), Nepal moves up in Human Development Index but still lags behind in South Asia. Nepal’s human development index of 0.579 indicates that people are living longer, are more educated and have greater incomes, according to the Human Development Report, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [see UNDP report on Nepal], Nepal inches up one spot in HDI ranking (rep), Human development: Nepal up 2 spots (ht), Overall human rights situation dismal: NHRC (ht), Nagarik reporter injured in police assault, by Rajan Shah (rep), Police want to be friends with the community but they act more like foes: Time and again, police quickly resort to baton charges and physical violence to deal with protests, even when unnecessary, by Anup Ojha (kp), Lack of health facilities deprives Nepalis of medical care: Concerned government agencies are responsible for inequalities in human development, experts say, by Arjun Poudel [kp], Abused and forced to flee: How unchecked superstition displaced a family in Dolakha: Belief in superstition and the abuse of human rights that comes with it is widespread in this mountainous district of about 200,000 people, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp) Implement verdict, local levels told: There are no legal  provisions that allow  local level office-bearers  to draw salary (ht)

10/12/2019: Nepali women say they are not just ‘cheli’ but individuals in their own right: Many have protested the media’s use of the word ‘cheli’ to refer to women athletes, arguing that it is patronising and demeaning, by Ankit Khadgi (kp), Worrying signals in the economy: Policy failures and the inability to mitigate the increase of corruption will hit Nepal’s economy hard, by Achyut Wagle (kp), NC likely to lose 7 seats in upper house, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Renounce violence, sit for talks (rep), Civil Society As A Public Sphere, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

09/12/2019: What should NHRC do? While NHRC has to do the regular job of protecting and promoting human rights, it also has to ensure that those people who grossly violated human rights are punished, by Mohna Ansari (rep), High cost of jet fuel in Kathmandu airport is keeping foreign airlines away: Airlines pay $1 per litre to fuel up at Tribhuvan International Airport, compared to $0.55 per litre in Delhi, a new government report says, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [High ground handling charges, twice as high as at other international airports, are another reason for foreign airlines not to fly to TIA. Quite obviously, the government does not want to increase the number of incoming tourists!], Corruption watchdog tells government to either terminate sick contracts or speed up construction works: As many as 1,848 contracts related to seven ministries worth a cumulative Rs118 billion have been found to be sick, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), ‘Protecting human rights a challenge’ (ht), Gurung recommended for head of National Information Commission (rep)

08/12/2019: Continued political interference is weakening crucial constitutional bodies: Though such commissions are envisioned as independent agencies, parties have not allowed them to function independently, experts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Madhesi inclusion in judiciary still a far cry (ht), Anger brews within ruling party (rep)

07/12/2019: Supreme Court asks government to halt plans for Nijgadh airport: The judge has invited both the petitioners and defendants to discuss the matter, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), SC bars felling of trees in Nijgadh: There are 500 to 600 years old trees. They should be preserved (ht), SC stays Nijgadh airport construction work (rep), Six universities have been without vice-chancellors for months, but government has done precious little to appoint them: Committees formed to recommend names are waiting for consensus among parties, officials and experts say, by Bionod Ghimire (kp) [They have their almighty and energetic chancellor Oli. What else do they need Vice-Chancellors?], EC to consult political parties for NA election (ht), MPs flay govt for not being serious about border security (rep)

06/12/2019: Police arrest brother-in-law of Parbati Budha who died in a menstruation hut in Achham: This is the first arrest since the country criminalised Chhaupadi in August 2017, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Nepal is positive about being part of State Partnership Program under Indo-Pacific Strategy, minister tells visiting US official: Defence Minister Pokhrel’s communication comes at a time when Kathmandu has been rejecting any role and engagement in the US-led comprehensive policy, by Anil Giri (kp) [??], Without calendar, House sessions are called at government’s convenience: Officials say winter session will commence soon, but no one knows when, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Electoral reforms: To ensure free, fair polls, by Krishna Man Pradhan (ht), Security Provisions In Constitution, by Bigyan Sharma (rn)

05/12/2019: Banishing women to “period huts” is a national shame: Young girls and women losing their precious lives to a deadly superstition is distressing (kp) [It's not only a shame, it's a grave crime!], For greater activism: The local school is a good place for intervention, where an appropriate curriculum could help create awareness among the students (ht) [related to chhaupadi crime], Oli likely to be discharged from the hospital on Friday: Doctors involved in the prime minister’s treatment are mulling another kidney transplant, but say it will be done only after two to three months due to his health condition, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [But his health is good enough to run Nepal's executive? This is absolutely irresponsible towards the country and its citizens!], Victims of domestic violence must make the decision to take back control of their lives: The national mission to end domestic violence must be taken to every family, school, workplace, courtroom, cabinet and police station, by Madhuri Rana Singh (kp), Children feature most in media coverage on human trafficking (ht), Directive to cover potholes: Yet another deja vu, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht)

04/12/2019: Menstruation huts become death traps: 17 die in sheds in ten years, by Prakash Singh (ht) [If men cannot stay in the house together with menstruating women, then men must leave the house and stay in sheds!!], Transitional justice: Truth is its foundation; Transitional justice is a challenge by which we test ourselves, our vision of the future and the kind of society we want to build out of the rubble of the decade of conflict, by Mohna Ansari (ht), NHRC concerned about status of its recommendation on differently-abled (ht), Rendered without work, Poverty Alleviation Fund is now seeking money to run climate change-related programmes: Despite an earlier decision to scrap the agency after local governments were installed, it continues to exist and it is seeking a new role, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), After Oli’s reservations, President holds constitutional council ordinance: The ordinance, forwarded last month by the government, seeks to allow constitutional appointments to be made through a majority decision, as opposed to consensus, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Because of constitutional responsibility or because of PM order?], A bold decision by Oli to exit gracefully from active politics should win him accolades: A rational decision this time will help the prime minister to restore his waning public image, by Kushal Pokharel (kp), Ritual sacrifice at Gadhimai shrine begins, photos barred (ht 04/12/2019) [This brutal and completely senseless slaughter of innocent creatures must never be called a "ritual sacrifice". It is simply barbaric!], Contempt of court case against govt, Gadhimai Trust for animal sacrifice (rep)

03/12/2019: Nembang all but certain to become next Speaker, party insiders say: NCP leaders say Pushpa Kamal Dahal could give up his claim that the position stay with the Maoist faction, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), State fails to allocate adequate budget to rebuild quake-ravaged public schools: The current delay means students will have to wait a few more years to shift from makeshift structures, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The government’s year-old social security scheme is a mess: Arbitrary actions, confusing policies and opaque management will throttle investments and economic growth, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Right to Information Act: Most ministries fail to update their information (ht), NC registers historic victory in Dharan (ht), Dharan election, a cause for concern for ruling NCP (ht), Time for goods delivery: With the by-elections over, the government must now concentrate its efforts on goods and service delivery to the people (ht), Accessibility for inclusion: For those living with disabilities, by Pralhad Gairapipli (ht)

02/12/2019: CVCP calls for parliamentary panel’s meeting (ht), Parliamentary panel proposes reducing fine against journalists to as low as Re 1 (rep) [As long as the threat of punishment is not completely rejected, journalists remain offenders!], Kathmandu’s Newars watch cautiously after government hints at reviving the Guthi Bill: Although officials said the new land bill will include suggestions from indigenous communities, local leaders say no one has reached out to them yet, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Election results show no major change in political equation (rep), New parties face drubbing in by-elections as Nepalis continue to vote along party lines: “They failed to convince the voters as to what they would bring to the table if they were given a chance”, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), In by-election results, ruling party's popularity declines but opposition is unable to capitalise: Contesting polls for the first time as a unified party, the Nepal Communist Party should’ve won even more seats, but it failed to perform as expected, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Curbing corruption: Faulty election system of First Past the Post is one of the main reasons responsible for motivating political corruption, by Kul Ratna Bhurtel (rep)

01/12/2019: International concern: Delay in transitional justice process (rep), Most traffickers are relatives of victims, officials say: Police in the past four fiscal years have rescued 2,333 trafficked persons, statistics show, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Officials and ministers face contempt case for not enforcing court order to ban visual pollutants: Four years into the Supreme Court order, government authorities have failed to save the city from unsightly advertisements, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), NVC seeks action against 258 employees (kp) [How can the Nepalese state dare to force all civil servants to wear the Hindu caste clothes in office?], Enraged locals hold symbolic protest against delay in road repair, by Ramesh Khatiwada (rep)

30/11/2019: TJ appointments process hits snags (rep), As pollution peaks, unsafe air could have detrimental effects on athletes: With over 6,000 athletes and officials arriving for the South Asian Games, concerns about Kathmandu’s air pollution are very appropriate, environmentalists say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), ‘Domestic violence prevalent among poor families’, by Narahari Sapkota (rep)

29/11/2019: Conflict victims demand government to dissolve the recommendation and start afresh selection process: They claim the government is inviting international intervention by politicising the transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), By-elections unlikely to affect national politics, analysts say: Given the organisational structure of the traditional parties, observers say there is little chance for newcomers to enter the system, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Former anti-graft body chief abruptly suspended investigations into a dozen lawmakers and government officials, records show: Deep Basnyat, who headed the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority between 2016 and 2018, is being probed for money laundering, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), In Parbat, sluggish pace of reconstruction work leaves victims and officials blaming each other: Only 30 percent of the post-quake reconstruction is complete in the district, where the 2015 quakes saw over 5,000 houses demolished, by Agandhar Tiwari (kp)

28/11/2019: Majority of the missing persons are never found, but officials say the data is not telling the whole story: Police and the officials of the National Child Rights Council believe many cases are passed as unsolved because the authorities are almost never informed when a missing person is found, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), In Achham, domestic abuse is driving women to depression: Every week, the Bayalpata Hospital, which has a dedicated mental health bureau, sees over a hundred women suffering from depression, doctors say, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Oli handed Dahal the party reins—and took it back just as quickly: Despite agreeing to make Dahal the executive chairman of the ruling party, Oli hasn’t shown willingness to let go of power, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), With Deputy Speaker powerless, crucial bills get further delayed: There is ambiguity over whether Deputy Speaker can chair the first House meet in Speaker’s absence, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Positions like Deputy Speaker and Deputy PM should be abolished immediately! They are only good for por struggle and waste of money!], Politicians say the darndest things: Words without action mean nothing. But our leaders don’t seem to believe so, by Deepak Thapa (kp)

27/11/2019: Rights groups’ statement shows the world is watching Nepal’s transitional justice process, experts say: The statement from four prominent human rights organisations is stronger than ones issued in the past, indicating the international community may be gradually losing faith in Nepal’s system, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [see joint statement by ICJ, AI, HRW and TRIAL], International rights watchdogs concerned about justice for victims (ht), NHRC decision too little, too late: Conflict victims, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), The power of the throne: The ruling party continues to play games of power, even as the status quo is maintained and the opposition is crippled, by CK Lal (kp), Nepal’s economic growth tapers off as construction slackens and remittances slow in the first quarter: The country’s GDP is likely to grow at 7 percent this fiscal year, lower than the government’s 8.5 percent target, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Deplorable conduct: The unruly conduct of the student unions has its genesis in the upbringing by the parties that use them for disruptive activities (ht), Fund shortage likely to hit post-quake school reconstruction drive: Rs 30bn needed to finish  rebuilding all damaged schools within next fiscal (ht), Delay in reconstruction of classrooms affecting children’s education in Sindhuli: NRA officials claim that they are expediting the reconstruction process but school officials say the efforts have been sluggish, by Anil Bhandari (rep)

26/11/2019: Prime Minister has used a cabinet reshuffle to mask his government’s incompetence: But without solving internal party anomalies, the current government is unlikely to make Nepal prosperous and Nepalis happy, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Amid NC protest, prez withholds ordinance on constitutional council: The government attempt to amend the council law comes at a time when the prime minister is planning to fill 39 vacant positions including heads and members at key constitutional bodies immediately after the November 30 by-polls (rep), High operating costs and few passengers force Buddha Air to cancel Kolkata flights: The airlines’ cancellation does not bode well for the domestic aviation or tourism industry, analysts and entrepreneurs say, by Sangam Prasain (kp) [Nepal's pricing policy does everything to prevent the development of aviation and tourism!], He was one of the few ministers who delivered. Then the prime minister sacked him.: Gokarna Bista won plaudits for pushing reforms and taking on the foreign employment cartels, but fell prey to entrenched interests and political horsetrading, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Yadav’s U-turn causes confusion among Samajbadi leaders: Some suspect that RJP’s potential joining the Oli administration could weaken the party, forcing it to remain in the government despite disagreements, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [It's only because one man wants to stay in power!], Protect Tibetans: Tibetan community in Nepal has raised serious concerns over the treaty that could be used to persecute them under Chinese pressure (ht), Summon the parliament (rep), Spring Of Frictions In Political Parties, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

25/11/2019: With ruling party dynamics satisfied, the hunt begins for a new House Speaker: Subas Nembang and Agni Sapkota are the strongest candidates from the ruling party but Deputy Speaker Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe will not be giving up her claim easily, party leaders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Extradition treaty with China: US Congressmen urge govt not to sign treaty (ht), Free education by law: Nepal’s constitution and compulsory education act are more progressive than UN Conventions and other constitutions in terms of ensuring education as a human right, by Jivesh Jha (rep)

24/11/2019: The transitional justice process has failed to envision the pains of women who were sexually abused during the insurgency: As the state has excluded rape in the interim relief process and in transitional justice, many victims still await closure, by Chandra Bhadra (kp), Panel moves to recommend TJ officials amid widespread criticism (rep), After a recent deal, Dahal sets sights on becoming sole leader of the partyFor former rebel leader, getting executive chair is half the battle won. His intention is clear: tightening grip on party, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), ‘Cabinet reshuffle not related to ministers’ performance’: The move renders signing of  performance contract irrelevant (ht), It’s time to deliver: New ministers in the cabinet (rep), Shaming defaulting contractors may have worked, but it signals system failure: Contracting firms get off scot-free despite their poor performance because most of the owners enjoy political patronage, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Activists step up drive against Gadhimai mass animal sacrifice (rep), Marching towards ‘Asare Bikash’ again: Developmental works snail paced as four months of the fiscal year pass, by Dinesh Subedi (rep), Raut’s party holds mass rally in capital against ‘discrimination’ (rep)

23/11/2019: With new legislation in the works, Nepal’s civil society organisations fear tighter control: The KP Sharma Oli administration has been repeatedly criticised by national and international rights bodies for trying to curb dissent through laws and policies, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Our songs from the forest: Finding freedom from menstrual taboos in the lap of nature, by Uma Bista (kp), FNJ to hold demonstration for protection of press freedom (ht), Although sidelined, Samajbadi Party to remain in government and push for amendments: The party is not consulted on any of Oli’s major decisions, signalling that the prime minister does not care for their presence in government, analysts and party members say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Nepal sends a diplomatic note to India over Kalapani issue: This is the first time Nepal has formally responded to India regarding the Kalapani issue, by Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), Constitutional experts say president betrayed constitution (ht), Air pollution kills 37,399 people per year in Nepal: Study; ‘Increases the chances of dementia’, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep), Poverty reduction is possible: There are ways to reduce poverty. All that Nepal needs is the political will and commitment to change the lives of the poor, by Balkrishna Subedi (rep), Prosperous Nepal And Happy Nepali, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

22/11/2019: Conflict victims decry apathy of government and parties towards transitional justice: Thirteen years after the peace deal, victims of the decade-long Maoist insurgency continue to wait for justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Conflict victims still struggling for justice (rep), Dahal for appointing new faces to TRC (ht) [The leader of one of the outstanding human rights violating forces at the time of the conflict must not have any say in the composition and work of the two commissions!], Oli’s Cabinet reshuffle aimed at managing party factions rather than improving results: Instead of addressing public grievances with underperforming ministers, the prime minister has seized the opportunity to placate factions, party leaders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), All the prime minister’s men: KP Sharma Oli’s new Cabinet has fewer women than it did before, and people aren’t happy, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Yadav, who is attending a WHO conference as health minister, finds his portfolio changed: He says there was no consultation and he would respond to the prime minister’s decision after returning today, by Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), Swing into action: With the cabinet’s reshuffle in a hiatus of almost two years, it is the right time for the government to swing into full action to speed up the economy (ht), Using numbers to fight gender-based violence: On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, let us pledge to help end gender-based violence,  by Lisa Honan (nt)

21/11/2019: Reimagining the peace pact: Some aspects of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement need to be revived and updated, by Mohna Ansari (kp), Justice still eludes conflict victims: NHRC (ht), Waiting for justice: Thirteen years after signing of CPA, justice eludes the conflict victims, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep), Peace and injustice: Thirteen years of Comprehensive Peace Accord (rep), After meeting with the President, Oli reshuffles Cabinet: Ruling party leaders say that President Bhandari, who has played the role of a catalyst in developments, had her say in the reshuffle, by Anil Giri (kp), Reshuffling Cabinet And Adjusting Power Sharing, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km), New ministers to take oath today (ht), Oli seals five years full, Dahal get face-saver under revised deal, by Roshan Sedhai (rep), Dahal to command party while Oli will remain prime minister for the full term: Given the growing dissatisfaction within the party and his failing health, Oli was finding it increasingly difficult to manage both the government and the party, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli to complete full term as PM: Dahal to have executive power to lead Nepal Communist Party, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Nepal reaffirms commitment to eliminating forced labour, human trafficking and child labour: Nepal’s objectives are in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Cases of missing children on the rise in Nepal (rep), Number of missing girls two times more than boys: Report (ht), Child marriage cases on the rise but police complaints scarce, say child activists: According to a recent survey, 46.9 percent of total marriages in the country are still child marriages, by Durgalal KC (kp), Over three million people in Nepal suffer from respiratory problems, but only three percent receive proper treatment: In rural areas, cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are on the rise due to indoor pollution and in cities because of air pollution, say doctors, by Arjun Poudel (kp), A local unit in Rukum (West) spends Rs 750,000 in foreign junkets: The money would have been better spent on development projects for roads and drinking water, say locals, by Hari Gautam (kp), An experiment in identity-based federalism: CM Lalbabu Raut has the opportunity and duty to deliver good governance to his people so that they don’t feel alienated anymore, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Shopkeepers of Chabahil halt vehicular movement (ht) [Criminal neglect by an incompetent government!], Dalit family struggles to obtain citizenship (ht), Poor capital spending: The government’s inability to spend the money allocated for public capital expenditure means it is snatching away people’s jobs instead of creating them (ht), Arguing For Executive Presidency, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

20/11/2019: Alleging political intervention, applicants for transitional justice commissions are withdrawing their names: Since the recommendation committee has become a rubber stamp for the political parties, no independent decision is forthcoming, rights activists and victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Stakeholders prepare for consultations on TJ bill (rep), Oli officially informs ministers about his Cabinet reshuffle plan: The prime minister asked Cabinet ministers not to participate in programmes on Wednesday as he will announce rejig, a minister says, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Quake-displaced families say they were cheated during land distribution: The land plots handed over to the quake survivors in Helambu, Sindhupalchok, fall in the middle of a busy road, by Anish Tiwari (kp), Building view towers does not equate to development: Our leaders like to build grand view towers, but their vision is myopic (kp), Nepal does need to focus on economic growth, but not at the cost of a better quality of life for all: It is better to have an evenly distributed low per capita income without people living in the slums, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), Capital expenditure only 6% in first four months (rep)

19/11/2019: After deal between parties, selection panel publishes list of probable candidates for transitional justice bodies: Conflict victims object to political interference, saying they won’t accept the officials selected without following the due process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Victims decry selection of candidates for TJ bodies, by Rohan S. Nepal (ht), Doubt over justice as panel moves to select TJ officials (rep), Despite officials’ bold statements to constituencies, little diplomatic progress has been made on Kalapani: The prime minister, foreign minister and various former prime ministers have all made public statements regarding Kalapani but diplomatic measures have been sorely lacking, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Kalapani dispute and the way forward: The national mapping authority of India has been including Kalapani and areas south of Lipulekh Pass in its maps since the 1950s, by Atit Babu Rijal (kp), People in Khotang say their elected leaders lack vision and waste budget in inconsequential projects: Local units across the district are concentrating on projects that have no positive impacts on people's living standard, by Dambar Singh Rai (kp) [Symbolic?], Nepal’s decision to scrap security printing tenders will have major repercussions: The government needs to explain why it thinks an expensive and opaque government-to-government deal is better (kp), Nepal hasn’t been able to adapt to a changing world: Think tanks can play a significant role in helping countries like Nepal deal with the changes, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Province 2 takes centre to court over Forest Act (ht), Integrity deficit in parties: Weakening value-based politics, by Mukti Rijal (ht), Accountability For Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

18/11/2019: Panel proposes Bhatta for TRC head, Mallick for CIEDP chief (rep), Oli to offer party reins to Dahal in exchange for his own men in cabinet: The prime minister, who had long appeared reluctant to hand over party matters to his co-chair, will now allow Dahal to handle party matters, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Cabinet reshuffle unlikely even today (ht), PM secures party nod for cabinet reshuffle (rep), Pick the right candidates: Mere change of ministers in the cabinet is not going to contribute to improved governance (rep) [Oli's goal is not good governance but total power control!], Political parties found violating election code of conduct in Sankhuwasabha: Government vehicles are being used in election publicity campaigns, by Dipendra Shakya (kp), NC opposes any move to deny pension to retired civil servants, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Won’t cede even an inch of Nepali territory: PM; Urges India to withdraw troops from Kalapani (rep), Indian SSB preventing tourists from visiting Sandakpur, by Bhim Chapagain (rep), State of local governance: Federalism is as much about devolution of political rights as it is about development rights. Delivery of basic services is now the responsibility of the local governments, by Biswo Poudel (rep)

17/11/2019: After third dialysis in two weeks, doctors monitoring Oli's health say they are mulling kidney transplant: Physicians attending to the prime minister are exploring the countries for another transplant, by Arjun Poudel (kp), PM Oli undergoes dialysis again: This is the third time he has done so since October 30 (ht), Samajbadi Party fails to decide on pulling out of government as Upendra Yadav appears unwilling: The party’s merger talks with Rastriya Janata Party Nepal to make a push for constitutional amendments have hit a roadblock again, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), PM’s Cabinet reshuffle plan could take some more time (rep), The geopolitical scenario in South Asia: China and India are marching forward with their competitive aspirations to draw global attention, by Bam Dev Sharma (kp), Lawmakers reluctant to register private member’s bills, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Martyrs’ families bemoan state’s apathy (ht)

16/11/2019: In Rajapur, police consistently fail to investigate cases involving marginalised communities: Police have refused to look into a number of recent cases involving Tharus and Dalits, despite their families alleging foul play, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Prime Minister Oli attempts to get all leaders on his side as Cabinet reshuffle looms: The planned reshuffle has been delayed due to the prime minister’s desire to gain broad consensus within the party for whatever he has planned, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), State Of Think Tanks In Nepal, by Kushal Pokharel (rn)

15/11/2019: Human Rights Watch criticises the government’s move to undermine citizen’s rights to organise: The current administration has been repeatedly criticised by national and international rights bodies for trying to curb dissent through laws and policies, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Parties close to consensus on chairperson for Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Both ruling and opposition parties are positive about appointing Ganesh Datta Bhatta, associate professor at Nepal Law Campus, ruling party leaders say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Clarion call to enforce fair recruitment to protect human rights of migrant workers: The International Conference on Protection of Rights of the Migrant Workers concluded with a 21-point Kathmandu Declarations, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Intelligence department to get sweeping powers to carry out domestic and foreign counterintelligence: Under a draft amendment currently at the National Assembly, the department will be able to spy on all foreign countries, institutions or groups that are deemed detrimental to national security, by Anil Giri (kp), What privilege looks like in Nepal: Liberalism seems to die a quiet death when it comes to addressing its own failures, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp)

14/11/2019: Constitutional Council meeting postponed yet again without making appointments: Delay in appointments to crucial commissions weakens institutions, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM plans to fill constitutional bodies positions after by-polls (rep), Nepal isn't just importing two-thirds of its needs from India, it’s also importing inflation: With the Indian economy slowing and the Indian rupee falling, Nepal could face increasing pressure on its foreign exchange reserves, by Himendra Mohan Kumar (kp), The curious case of Non-resident Nepalis and politics: The NRNs collectively share a great interest in politics back home with an aim to hobnob with the politicians, by Deepak Thapa (kp), For Nepal to thrive, federalism must work: History should have taught us by now that a top-down, Kathmandu-centric approach to development will not work, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (kp), Law to protect victims, witnesses need of hour: ‘Vulnerable should be relocated and their privacy protected’ (ht)

13/11/2019: Families of air crash victims say they are being pressured to withdraw their case: 22 Nepalis were killed when US-Bangla flight BS 211 from Dhaka crashed while landing at Kathmandu airport, by Sangam Prasain (kp), 'Equal representation of women in politics still a far cry' (rep), After aborting passport tender, government to sign security printing deal with French firm: In what is set to be the biggest deal signed by the KP Sharma Oli administration, the French government will be providing a soft loan of 200 million euros, by Anil Giri (kp) [The conclusion of a contract without a correct invitation to tender, the details of which are also not disclosed, is unlikely to do justice to the principles of a democratic constitutional state and substantiate the authoritarian accusations against the Oli government!], As Oli plans Cabinet reshuffle, the post of House Speaker could be a bargaining chip: The rejig and a number of top appointments are aimed at balancing the ruling party’s internal power dynamics and its relationship with its partners in government, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), PM may induct critics into cabinet in big reshuffle (rep), National Reconstruction Authority spent just 65 percent of its budget last fiscal year: Officials blame the use of existing government mechanisms to channel the funds for subpar spending, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [??], Education Ministry issues circular, asking local governments to stop teacher hiring: Local governments say the move infringes upon their constitutional mandate, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Another grave violation of the constitution by the anti-federal Oli government!], Centre owes local levels Rs 56bn royalty: Lack of coordination between govt agencies proving costly, by Umesh Poudel (ht), A ticket for her: The old practice of fielding wives in their husbands’ former seats continues (kp), SPN intensifies consultations on continued participation in govt (rep), Dr KC suspends his 17th hunger strike (rep)

12/11/2019: Parties often prioritise women candidates to cash in on sympathy votes: The fielding of a number of candidates in the upcoming by-elections fits a tendency to award election tickets to women after the demise of their husbands, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Brahmins and Chhetris continue to dominate entry into civil service: Despite reservation policies for marginalised groups, Brahmins and Chhetris have not just maintained their dominance but have increased their presence in civil service, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Oli to decide on Cabinet reshuffle by the end of the week: At least eight sitting ministers and two provincial chief ministers are likely to be relieved of their current positions, party insiders say, by Tika R Pradhan Anil Giri (kp) [In a federal state, the central government should have no right to interfere in the staffing of a provincial government!], Health of Dr KC deteriorates but he refuses to be airlifted to Kathmandu: KC, who launched his 17th hunger strike in Dadeldhura on November 4, has expanded his scope of demands and some are political in nature, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Civil society organisations call on govt to save Dr KC’s life: Minister urges KC to end hunger strike. Says border dispute with India a more pressing concern (ht) [??], Police fail to bring Dr KC to capital (rep), Govt told to correct erroneous maps; Parliamentary committee tells it to issue a new map including the Kalapani region; No need to internationalise the issue: Dahal (ht), Dependence on Google caused errors: Aryal (ht), Little above 1pc budget spent in Karnali in first quarter of fiscal year (ht), Intergenerational Justice, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

11/11/2019: The government has undermined education: A core value for a country to develop, the federal govenrment must make amends (kp), FNJ to launch special mission for press freedom from January (ht), Oli might be in poor health but he is showing no signs of slowing down: The prime minister has already taken a number of crucial decisions and has scheduled a series of long-overdue meetings for the next couple of days, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), State Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Prakash Rawal resigns over fraud investigation: Rawal is an elected provincial lawmaker of the Nepal Communist Party from Kanchanpur Constituency-3 (A), by Arjun Shah (kp), Nepal is ignoring a necessary international arbitration, at its own risk: The Ncell case is at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, but the government is doing nothing, by Rajesh Bastola (kp) [This is another example of the absolute incompetence and ignorance of Nepalese politicians and administrators!], Over 20 cadres of Chand-led CPN arrested from a rally (ht) [??], KC’s supporters ban govt vehicles from roads (ht), Every citizen should get access to health and education: Dr KC, by Pushkar Bhandari (rep)

10/11/2019: New education policy ignores nearly all recommendations made by a high-level education commission: The policy serves the interests of the private sector, which had lobbied against the commission’s recommendations, commission members say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Oli plans rejig in his secretariat as he prepares for a Cabinet reshuffle: There had been some indications that the prime minister wanted to change his team of advisors for quite some time, a secretariat member says, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), All members of PM’s secretariat likely to quit (ht), Aides to resign en masse as PM signals massive changes (rep), Banks are required to maintain databases on high-profile persons but bankers say government agencies do not cooperate: A centralised database of high-profile persons could plug loopholes in the system, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), The problems Nepal faces in implementing federalism: To successfully complete the transition, the country has to focus on economic policy and border security, by Saurav Raj Pant (kp), Dr Govinda KC admitted to Dadeldhura Hospital (ht), All-party meet on border issue shows rare unity across entire spectrum (rep), Chure has been captured by crusher mafia: Former president Yadav, by Kamlesh Thakur (rep)

09/11/2019: Recommendation committee fails to pick candidates leaving TJ bodies in the lurch (ht), Department of Passports cancels e-passport bid hours before the end of tender deadline: The bidding process was annulled after the direct intervention of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp), Rastriya Janata Party and Samajbadi Party eye electoral alliance for November 30 polls: The Janata Party will support the Samajbadi Party for three provincial assembly and a federal parliament seat, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Police arrest suspected former leader of Chand party for misbehaving with police: Police in Bhaktapur are said to have confiscated some donation receipts and found them suspicious, by Sguvam Dhungana (kp), PM Oli calls all-party meet to discuss Kalapani (ht), Rally held to express solidarity with Dr Govinda KC (ht)

08/11/2019: New Delhi responds to uproar in Nepal over new political map, says it is “accurate”: Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, says the map has not revised the boundary and that it accurately depicts India’s sovereign territory (kp) [Yes and India is the supreme lord of Nepal with the latter being an Indian vassal state!?], Use diplomacy : The border disputes in Kalapani and Susta must be resolved through diplomatic channels and based on historical documents (ht), Govt websites using faulty map of Nepal despite ire over Indian version (rep), Provinces set to finally get a role in regulating national and foreign non-government organisations: Social Welfare Council has drafted a coordination mechanism policy among the three tiers of the government, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), NA top brass involved in Tarai Fast Track graft: Former major general Khand likely to be arrested soon, by Umesh Poudel (ht), Woman accused of witchcraft, tortured (ht), Protest rally in Dadeldhura in support of Dr KC, by Pushkar Bhandari (rep), Nearly half of Nepali children still malnourished: Progress in reducing malnutrition has stalled. What can be done to ensure enough of the right food for all?, by Sonia Awale (nt)

07/11/2019: Government finally comments on new Indian map but takes no firm position: In a press statement, the Foreign Ministry refers to media reports and commentary before asserting that the matter would be resolved diplomatically, by Anil Giri (kp), Kalapani Nepali territory: Govt: ‘Unilateral decisions on border
issues won’t be accepted’ (ht), Unilateral move to alter border demarcation not acceptable: Nepal (rep), Security at TIA foolproof, claims govt, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Matter of concern: When the customs at the TIA and along the borders are considered to be lucrative postings, you know something is amiss (ht), Minister Rawal yet to appear before court (ht), Prisoner’s dilemma: If Nepal ignores its next-door neighbors, the consequences may be stark. Ignoring the West may also be costly for Nepal’s development endeavors, by Chandra D. Bhatta (rep)

06/11/2019: Nepal Police appears unwilling to take action against officials involved in extrajudicial killing: The human rights commission had asked that criminal charges be filed against officers implicated in the killing but police say they have yet to receive any official communication in that regard, by Binod Ghimire (kp), End this pomposity: VIP culture is fundamentally undemocratic, deeply demeaning to the people and is against the principle of equality, by Laabhesh Thapa (rep) [In a democratic state, the elected representatives of the people have to serve the people and not vice versa!], Even as pressure mounts, Oli administration remains silent over Kalapani: A new map released by the Indian government has placed Kalapani inside Indian borders, drawing widespread condemnation on social media, by Anil Giri (kp), Oli’s tendency to bulldoze decisions riles a section of ruling party leaders: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is showing authoritarian traits in a bid to consolidate power, party insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Parliament Secretariat in fix as deputy speaker can’t initiate House meetings, by Ashok Dahal (rep) [In 2013 it was no problem for the leaders of the major parties to seize all power without a legal basis, to make the head of the judiciary the interim head of the executive and to hold elections for which there was no legal basis either. Now, however, under the supposedly best constitution in the world, it is not legitimate for the Deputy Speaker of Parliament to summon a parliamentary session after the Speaker of Parliament has been imprisoned for a criminal offence. What is the meaning of deputy posts in the country's political system?], ‘Dubious stance’ pushes Yadav to isolation in party, govt (rep)

05/11/2019: Aiming for a better future, by prioritising the young: Nepal has no idea how to prepare its children for the future. But it needs to learn before it is too late, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Ex-speaker Mahara off to jail until final verdict: He is the first politician of his stature to land in jail on a criminal charge in Nepal’s recent history (rep), Krishna Bahadur Mahara remanded in custody over attempted rape allegations: The former House Speaker will have to stay in custody until the court passes the final decision, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Life imprisonment sought for Alam and ten others, by Madan Thakur (rep), The District Attorney’s Office files charge sheet against Alam, seeking life imprisonment: Alam was presented at the court on Monday amid tight security, while his supporters had gathered outside the court, shouting for his release, by Shiva Puri (kp), India’s new political map places disputed territory of Kalapani inside its own borders: Nepal has long claimed Kalapani as part of its territory as per the Sugauli Treaty signed between Nepal and the then East India Company, by Anil Giri (kp), The way the provincial governors have been removed is not illegal, but it’s wrong: All seven governors were ejected in a totally unexpected move (kp), Unfortunate dismissal: The government has set a bad precedent by sacking the governors appointed by the previous government (ht), Government picks new governors after sacking Deuba-period appointees: President Bhandari will administer oath of office to new governors on Tuesday; The nominees of senior leader Nepal were rejected by the secretariat meeting, by Tilak R. Pradhan (kp), Nationwide campaign launched to end violence against women: Flagged off from Province 1, the drive will be run throughout the year for long-term effectiveness, by Binu Timsina (kp), Dr KC launches 17th hunger strike in Dadeldhura HQ Bagkhor (ht), Dr KC starts 17th hunger strike, by Pushkar Bhandari (rep), Local deputies: Less into development politics; In Nepal, leaders are taken as budget holders, who are efficient in diverting the national resources to their constituencies. This has made policy makers an extra structure above the constitution in terms of distributing money, by Anirudra Neupane (ht), Why media must be free: Nepal would do better by adhering to the principles of freedom, diversity and equality in media actions, by Mohan Nepali (rep)

04/11/2019: President, acting on Cabinet decision, removes governors of all seven provinces: While the Oli administration’s decision is constitutionally sound, it is politically authoritarian, constitutional experts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Governors of all seven provinces sacked, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Butwal’s women leaders burdened with gender-based discrimination in governance: Women leaders stress the need to condemn gender-based discrimination from all quarters, by Amrita Anmol (kp), High-profile individuals, when arrested, tend to suddenly need hospitalisation: Often, lawyers and doctors are complicit in employing legal loopholes to help the accused avoid time in jail while in police custody, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Court urged to send Mahara to judicial Custody (ht), Tundikhel in its entirety should be open for public use: The city's open spaces should be given back to the people (kp), Choose able persons: Political parties should field candidates who are honest, competent and have maintained a clean image in society in the by-elections (ht), Children working on road project implemented by Nepal Army, by Narahari Sapkota (rep), Province 1 spends just four percent of development budget in 1st quarter, by Binod Subedi (rep)

03/11/2019: Nepal yet again fails to report to the UN on status of judicial action on the killings of journalists: We are waiting for updates from the Home Ministry, Communication Ministry says (kp), Doctors advise prime minister to rest more and work less: Physicians attending to Oli must convince him that he should avoid exertion, public functions and long meetings, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Dr Dharma Kant Banskota set to be appointed Tribhuvan University vice-chancellor: The education minister-led search committee will choose top officials among the applicants in the other seven universities, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Never ending political nominations and nepotism!], Non-government organisations concerned over a new law to regulate them: The move to authorise Home Ministry to draft the law could be part of the bid to introduce stringent provisions, groupings of social organisations say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)

02/11/2019: Ministry starts process to amend bill on transitional justice law: Law and Justice Ministry will gather suggestions from the concerned parties to finalise the amendment bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Filing complaints with the police is filled with hassles: Nepal Police’s behaviour with people seeking help from the authorities has frequently come under the scanner, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Women lawmakers demand 50pc reservation in Parliament (ht), Oli is firm, will not be stepping down any time soon, his aides say: The prime minister will require twice-a-week dialysis or another kidney transplant, both of which could affect governance, but he is determined to see through his accomplishments, by Anil Giri (kp)  [???], ‘No right to privacy in matters of public interest’ (ht), A 10-point agreement signed between the agitating parties and local administration in Kapilvastu: The situation remained peaceful throughout Friday; administration yet to lift curfew, by Manoj Paudel (kp), Curfew continues at Krishnanagar (ht)

01/11/2019: Man dies after police fire on a group defying curfew in Krishnanagar: Local administration imposed indefinite curfew after a clash between Hindu and Muslim communities over the route of idol procession, by Manoj Paudel (kp), One dies in Krishnanagar when police open fire, indefinite curfew imposed (rep), Krishnanagar is returning to normalcy as two sides sign 10-point deal (rep) [No politician or administrator is qualified to decide this judicial case!!], “I thought I would die”: Despite laws on domestic violence, archaic and insensitive treatment by police and the justice system force women in Nepal to remain trapped in cycles of abuse, even when they muster the courage to report them; In the majority of domestic violence cases, police push for reconciliation, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), VTEN's arrest is only a symbol of a larger malaise: ‘Moral order’ is such an amorphous idea that anything undesirable to the authorities can be slotted into it, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Govt told not to curtail Bista’s rights (ht),  Confusion in local governments threatens to derail federal government’s total literacy plan: Singha Durbar aims to achieve total literacy in the country by July 2021, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Chargesheet filed against Mahara for rape attempt: District attorney office has sought five to seven-and-a-half years jail term for the former House Speaker, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Attempt to rape case filed against Mahara: His trial hearing has been scheduled for today (ht), Rape attempt case filed against Mahara: Prosecution seeks up to 7 years 6 months jail (rep), The health of the prime minister is a topic that affects everyone in the country: The public has a right to know about KP Sharma Oli's condition (kp), Over murky details, Oli’s health raises questions about his fitness to govern: Doctors say all is not well with the 67-year-old prime minister and there are chances he has to undergo dialysis twice a week, by Anil Giri (kp), PM Oli discharged after second dialysis in 24 hrs: Need for routine dialysis to be determined after a few days of observation, say doctors (ht), Squatters, who received plots to build houses, are deprived of land titles: Around 500 landless squatters had received space to build in Salyan district, by Biplab Maharjan (kp), Dr KC starting 17th hunger strike from Monday (rep)

31/10/2019: Time to critically examine Nepal’s VIP culture: People are no longer going to tolerate the authorities’ tantrums and want to be treated as equal beings (kp), Politics has become a haven for crime and corruption: Political parties have not only protected the criminality of their cadres, but they also have provided shelter to notorious criminals, by Achyut Wagle (kp), 3 years on, language commission in limbo for lack of full shape (rep)

28/10/2019: Passengers protest at airport after Oli’s return from Baku delayed their flight by nearly an hour: Pilots were asked to stop engines of Shree Airlines flight because of disturbance caused at VIP lounge where Oli was being welcomed, officials say (kp)  [This unbelievable political arrogance continues unabated! Visit Nepal Year should be renamed into Travel Godlike Policians Year! After the democratisation only the names of the gods have changed! Nepal is probably the only country in which internationally insignificant politicians regularly frustrate domestic and foreign travellers!], Traffic division starts training programme for drivers from Singha Durbar to cut down on traffic rule violations: Traffic Police gives training to 35 drivers of Home Ministry and would train other officers after Tihar, by Anup Ojha (kp), Artists decry the growing tendency to arrest musicians for their lyrical content as autocratic censorship: In the wake of singer Durgesh Thapa and rapper VTEN’s arrest, Nepali artists say that the police’s actions are alarming and people need to resist them, by Timothy Aryal (kp), The street is their home: Homelessness has become a recurring problem owing to federal policy failure on poverty issues (kp)

27/10/2019: Education Ministry makes a push for not counting illiterate persons during census: The ministry fears its claim on literacy rate could be called into question if 2021 census comes up with different figures, statistics bureau officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [???!!], Democratic nations should protect all free speech: If a state fundamentally guarantees freedom of expression then it also guarantees a right to offend, by Atit Babu Rijal (kp)

26/10/2019: Even with a murder conviction, lawmakers might still be able to hold on to their seats: Lawmakers are suspended when they are convicted but they do not lose their seats unless their crime involves ‘moral turpitude’, but no one is certain what that means, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), ‘Enough evidence to corroborate accusation against Mahara’: Office of the Attorney General will decide whether or not to file charge sheet against Mahara (ht), Police arrest four suspected Chand party members for burning PM Oli’s effigy: The four persons have been held on charges of disturbing public peace, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp) [??], The true worth of a picture : Who will speak for this country and boost its image internationally? Who will stand for accountability, transparency and democracy?, by Devendra Gautam (rep)

25/10/2019: Rapper’s arrest is latest in government’s attempt to crack down on free expression: Samir Ghising’s detention comes just days after another singer, Durgesh Thapa, was called for questioning by the police for the same reason, by Samuel Chhetri and Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Even as lawmakers are accused of heinous crimes, Parliament remains without disciplinary committee: The Speaker, who is responsible for forming such committees, himself remains in judicial custody after being accused of rape, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

24/10/2019: For four years, commissions mandated to empower marginalised communities have remained largely vacant: While five commissions—Madhesi, Dalit, Tharu, Muslim, and Inclusion—have chairpersons but no members, two others—Women and Indigenous Nationalities—don’t even have chairpersons, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The government must not support or defend the police’s use of excessive force or extrajudicial killings: The perpetrators have to face the full weight of their actions (kp), Building blocks to peace: Government, civil society and the media all have a stake in Nepal’s new federal journey. They must trust each other and collaborate for sustained peace, by Anurag Acharya (kp), ‘SP-N must quit govt to unify with RJP-N’ (ht), In defense of the constitution: Ours is the first charter in South Asia to include explicit mandate of one-third representation of women in legislative apparatus. How can we call it a regressive charter?, by Jivesh Jha (rep) [The Constitution is in some respects regressive compared to the Interim Constitution. But even this 7th Constitution in just as many decades does not bring the inclusion that Nepal needs. Why are only 6 of the 165 directly elected MPs of the House of Representatives women? Why are almost all important positions in the state still occupied by men, especially male Bahuns? Why are 95 per cent of the Mayors/Chairs of the Nagarpalika/Gaunpalika male persons? Why are the leadership levels of all political parties in the hands of men? Why are the leadership levels of all political parties in the hands of men? Why does this constitution still consider women as second-class people with different citizenship rights?]

23/10/2019: The crimes Alam has been accused of are grave, but his party has little to say: Nepali Congress leaders continue to insist that an individual’s crimes do not reflect on the party, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [The cover of criminals in their ranks has system in many Nepali parties!], Alam refuses to undergo polygraph test: Police on Tuesday attempted to carry out the test after the Nepali Congress lawmaker denied his involvement in the murder while recording his statement, by Shiva Puri (kp), Begin thorough probe: The government should start a thorough investigation, and there must be no attempt by the state to influence the outcome (ht)

22/10/2019: Killing of Chand party cadre Kumar Paudel was extrajudicial, human rights commission says: The National Human Rights Commission has concluded that Paudel was killed after he was arrested and has recommended criminal charges against three police officers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Police killed CPN leader Paudel in cold blood: NHRC (ht), NHRC rejects police encounter claim in Paudel death, calls for suspending 3 (rep), Big 2 parties agree to revise controversial TJ law (rep), Govt, parties ‘have put TJ on backburner’, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Unearthing of the grisly mass murder in Alam case has Nepalis pointing fingers at a failed system: The onus to strengthen the system lies on politicians and the people in power, but analysts say recent incidents show how they have used the system in service of their own interests, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Civic Edifice Of National Identity, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

21/10/2019: Janajati, Madhesi forces seek to revive identity-based movement: The KP Sharma Oli administration has undermined the rights and privileges of marginalised communities, leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp), With Oli maintaining grip on both party and government, Dahal feels sidelined: Dahal has been consistently pointing out to past agreements between the two chairmen and remarking that there’s nothing for him to do anymore, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Lack of consistency in pursuing its foreign policy has cost Nepal dear: Competition may be forcing powerful countries to facilitate undemocratic and corrupt tendencies in the country, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), ‘Discontinuing chhaupadi isn't just about destroying period huts; it's about ending the stigma of menstruation.’ Former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada discusses her one-night stay at a chhau goth in Babala, Achham, to experience the ancient practice of the outlawed Chhaupadi, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp), Verdict needs review: For spending long hours in the office and doing all the people’s work, should they be denied a salary? (ht), Provision on salary and perks flawed: Gurung (ht), Heed the youth, by Raju Chauhan (rep)

20/10/2019: Mahara’s three days in judicial custody already over, but police are yet to file a chargesheet: The former House Speaker, who is facing rape charges, has been in hospital and refused to record his statement, citing health condition, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Government ups surveillance on Chand party in the lead up to by-elections: Wednesday night’s police action followed reports that the outfit was planning attacks just after festivals, officials say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Two elected ward chiefs on the run for the past three months on fake citizenship charge: Administrative, as well as development, works affected because of the absence of ward chiefs in Birtamod and Bhadrapur municipalities, by Arjun Rajbanshi (kp), SC’s ruling not applicable for Province 1: CM Sherdhan Rai (ht) [SC decisions are binding law for all! So please follow the legal process!], ‘Constitution amendment needed’: ‘It will be illogical to deprive local level office bearers of their salaries’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Local bodies’ associations call for revision in laws: Friday’s ruling has effectively barred local representatives from taking salaries (rep), Inter-caste marriage leaves girl in a lurch (ht)

19/10/2019: A discrimination case riles up Dalit activists in Morang district: A Dalit rights group has demanded the authorities launch a fair investigation, by Binu Timsina (kp),  Constitutional bench of Supreme Court repeals provincial laws for the first time: The legislation, related to salaries that local representatives were receiving, contradicted the constitution, according to the bench, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), SC halts salaries of local level office bearers: ‘Parliament should correct the contradiction in the constitution’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), SC invalidates salaries for elected local officials (rep)

18/10/2019: Supreme Court directs information commission to respond to writ regarding Lal Commission report: The report includes findings from investigations into deadly violence in 2015 that killed nearly 50 people, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), NIC gets three months to decide on Lal panel report (ht), Nepali citizens detained during Xi Jinping’s visit for Tibetan signage on clothes and accessories: All citizens have a right to political opinion and the right to criticise and protest Nepal’s foreign policy, irrespective of the country’s formal position, say rights activists, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Crime and punishment: The legal actions taken by the police against politicians can help bring an end to criminalisation of politics (ht), Nepal has made progress in reducing child mortality rate, but inequality persists: Children’s risk of dying before their fifth birthday varies nearly three-fold, a new study suggests, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Nearly two dozen Chand party cadres arrested in biggest police raid yet on the outfit: The arrests were based on a tip-off that the group was planning ‘something big’ for the upcoming by-elections, by Durga Lal KC (kp), 21 leaders, cadres of Biplav-led CPN arrested in Dang: Leader Netra Bikram Chand’s brother among those arrested (ht), China to provide Rs 2.5 billion in military aid to Nepal: It appears that that defence cooperation will be prioritised in this ‘strategic cooperative partnership’ between the two nations, security analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp)

17/10/2019: Parties continue to look the other way while their leaders get arrested for crimes: Three lawmakers were arrested in the past two weeks and none has been censured or suspended by their parties, by , by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This has to do with the fact that politicians and parties consider themselves to be above the law, just as the monarchy did before!], Lawmaker Parvat Gurung served summons for murder bid (ht), Arrest warrant issued against NCP lawmaker, by Ramesh Khatiwada (rep), Lawmaker Sah remanded to custody (ht), CIAA bars local governments from appointing teachers on their own: All local governments informed about the views of anti-graft body, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [One of so many problems by the failed implementation of the federal state!], After six decades and billions spent poverty alleviation remains a far cry, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep)

16/10/2019: Oli now has problems with the way the media addresses individuals: Oli expressed displeasure over the media’s use of the informal Nepali pronoun ‘timi’, by Anil Giri (kp) [?? But it is okay that husbands address their wives with 'timi' and the latter have to say 'hajur'?], Budget for target groups used unproductively in Province 3: Half of the budget allotted for women, children, and the elderly has been invested in campaigns and seminars, by Subash Bidari (kp), Dismal spending: Failure to spend capital expenditure will mean no economic growth and no new job creation in the country (ht) [This is a special form of crime and corruption by the highest circles of politics and administration!], Members charged with a crime should be removed forthwith: The criminalisation of politics is a threat to the basic structure of the constitution, but the current regulation allows lawbreakers to continue as lawmakers (kp), Fighting crime and gaining public trust: The government can show its sincerity by conducting a fair probe into Mahara's case, by Udayan Regmi (kp), Lawmaker Pramod Sah arrested for vandalism: ‘Booked without invoking any Civil Aviation Act section’ (ht) [It seems the time has come for godlike politicians to finally become normal mortals!]

15/10/2019: Nepal and China elevate bilateral ties to a ‘strategic partnership’ but no one’s certain what that entails: Analysts believe that a strategic partnership has security and military components but caution against a hasty interpretation, by Anil Giri (kp), China may ‘misuse MLAT against Tibetan refugees’ (ht), Health Ministry to monitor hospitals to curb sex-selective abortions: Newborn data of the Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital shows a wide gap between the number of boys and girls, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Despite rape and murder charges, Mahara and Alam remain ‘honourable’ lawmakers: The new House Regulations have removed a previous clause that automatically suspended any lawmakers charged with crimes, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [There are a lot more honourable criminals among Nepal's politicians!], Crime and impunity: Arrest of Mohammand Aftab Alam (rep), Rastriya Janata Party lawmaker vandalises counter at Janakpur airport: The lawmaker said that he was furious at the condition of the airport, and the irresponsibility and indifference of Budhha Air’s officials to passengers’ queries, by Santosh Singh (kp), Airline operators warn of suspending all Janakpur flights (rep) [When are politicians severely punished for such crimes so that they finally realise that they are not above the law?], It is politics as usual with Dahal back to making cryptic statements: Statements made by ruling party Co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a Congress tea reception has left many wondering if he seeks support from the opposition, or perhaps from across the border, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), KC gives ultimatum to govt, warns of protest (ht), Dr KC demands accord implementation (rep)

14/10/2019: Congress lawmaker Mohammad Aftab Alam arrested in relation to 2008 Rautahat blast: The politician faces charges of burning those injured in the explosion alive in a brick kiln, by Shiva Puri (kp), Police arrest NC leader Alam (ht), Explainer: The brick kiln murders Alam is accused of, by Bhadra Sharma (rep), Ruling Nepal Communist Party stares at tough by-election: Government’s poor show and controversies surrounding some leaders could affect performance during polls, analysts say, by Thika R. Pradhan (kp), In Achham, postpartum mothers continue to face ostracism: While the district has introduced several safe motherhood programmes, they have largely been ineffective, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), A riddle, wrapped in a mystery: What ideological identity the Nepal Communist Party subscribes to remains unclear, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Nepal reiterates commitment to One China policy (ht), Gathering storm: We the people must not ignore some of the lurking dangers to the spirit of constitutionalism emanating from the government’s own unconstitutional behaviour, by Gopal Thapa (rep), Conflict Over Natural Resources, by Kushal Pokharel (rn)

13/10/2019: Xi arrives, heralding the rise of an influential geopolitical actor in Nepal: The visit of the Chinese President might come with material benefits for Nepal but it is laden with geostrategic symbolism, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), China will help transform Nepal from ‘landlocked’ to ‘land-linked’: Prez Xi: Xi announces Rs 56 billion in assistance between 2020 to 2022, by Kosh Raj Koirala and Ashok Dahal (rep), 11 Tibetan refugees among 22 held (ht), Social media users welcome Xi, criticize govt for ignoring public, by Priyanka Adhikari (rep), Mahara to face trial following his treatment: Likely to remain in hospital for an extended period (ht)

12/10/2019: Parties agree on transitional justice officials but recommendation committee disagrees: Political consensus may be necessary but the committee's independence should not be undermined, taskforce members say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Much hype, little work to show: Rasuwagadhi border point lies in a state of disrepair: While the Chinese side of the border has received a major facelift, that of Nepal remains in a sorry state, by Balaram Ghimire (kp), Walking the tightrope: The Chinese president’s visit is likely to have tremendous political significance but how Nepal calibrates its foreign policy will be key (kp), Chinese President Xi to sign at least a dozen agreements in Kathmandu: While the 1,200MW Budhi Gandaki hydroelectric project is set to be revived, an agreement is also expected on the detailed project report for the Kathmandu-Kerung railway line, by Anil Giri (kp), Former President Yadav urges government to amend constitution: Delay in amendment will give rise to more dissatisfaction, the former head of state says, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Don't count on divine intervention: Dashain is the time to worship the goddess, have a terrific time, and that’s where the story should end, by Pramod Mishra (kp)

11/10/2019: Nepal is the worst performer in economic competitiveness in South Asia, report says: The economy performed poorly in terms of innovation capability, information, communication and technology adoption, product market development, judicial independence and government’s long-term vision, by Prahlad Rijal (kp), Kathmandu readies itself for Chinese president’s visit: Agreements related to infrastructure, connectivity, trade, commerce and energy are expected to be signed during Xi Jinping’s visit, by Anil Giri (kp), Nepal, China to discuss extradition treaty: An agreement on the treaty, however, is unlikely, during Xi Jinping’s visit, officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [What about the security of Tibetan refugees in Nepal?]

10/10/2019: Chinese President Xi Jinping is arriving in Kathmandu on Saturday on a two-day state visit, foreign ministry confirms: It will be the first visit by a Chinese president to Nepal in 23 years since Jiang Zemin visited in 1996 (kp), Preparations to welcome Chinese President Xi in full swing (ht), Chinese Prez Xi Jinping to visit Nepal on October 12 (ht), MoFA announces Chinese President Xi's visit to Nepal, by Santosh Ghimire (rep)

09/10/2019: Xi's visit may enhance Nepal-China energy cooperation, by Ramesh Lamsal (rep)

07/10/2019: Police arrest Krishna Bahadur Mahara over rape allegations: Police took Mahara into custody after the Kathmandu District Court earlier on Sunday issued an arrest warrant against him following a formal complaint by the accuser on Friday (kp)

06/10/2019: With a complaint formally registered against Mahara, all eyes are now on the police and the government: As the country prepares for Dashain holidays, there are fears about the investigation’s progress and about the complainant’s safety, by Bhrikuti Rai, Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Preparation on to take Mahara into police custody as investigation escalates (ht)

05/10/2019: Politicians’ silence on the Mahara case speaks volumes about their beliefs: Analysts say politicians pay lip service to women’s rights but don’t speak out about cases involving one of their own, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Govt, parties mum on slur against Mahara: Women MPs from ruling, oppn parties also silent on the issue (ht), Dashain holidays could delay investigation into Mahara rape charges: Though police say investigation is underway, they refuse to share the progress, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), National Human Rights Commission seeks progress report from police on Mahara rape charges: Though police say the woman's conflicting statements have made it difficult for them to pursue the case, criminal lawyers say the investigating agency can take the investigation forward as she had already called police on the night of the incident (kp), Journalists’ group demands action against those issuing threats to journalist Shiwakoti: The Federation of Nepali Journalists says threatening journalists for doing their job is against press freedom (kp), Impunity in sex crime: UN, Australia, EU nations concerned (ht), Why democracy fails: In existing scenario, people will continuew to be oppressed, political machinery will continue to be oiled and election will be won but democracy will lose, by Sandesh Paudyal (rep)

04/10/2019: Rights-protecting bodies are supposed to keep the executive in check: The National Women Commission not having a chairperson since 2017 is a sign of institutional erosion (kp), Weekly meet cancelled to duck Mahara issue? (ht), Rights groups seek probe into rape case (ht), Journo who broke ‘rape news’ gets threats, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Journalist pleads for his safety (rep), Failure to ensure justice in Mahara case could cost Nepal dearly in the international arena: As Nepal is party to many international human rights conventions, it is required to ensure justice for victims of gender-based violence, or face international censure, by Anil Giri (kp), Police stop Mahara probe as woman files complaint saying no truth in media reports (rep) [No one will resign from office immediately if the accusations against him are completely false!], The Mahara case once again exposes the Nepal Police’s shortcomings: Repeated failings in high-profile cases are slowly eroding the public’s trust in the capacity of Nepal Police to conduct impartial investigations, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Prioritise Transitional Justice, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn)

03/10/2019: Human Rights Watch calls on Nepal government to make public Lal commission report: The commission, which investigated deadly violence involving police and protesters in 2015, submitted its report in December 2017 (kp) [see statement by Human Rights Watch], Govt told to release report on 2015 Tarai violence (ht), Investigation against Mahara should go on, opine lawyers (ht), Mahara’s fate rests on our probe: Police (ht), Victim needs emotional support, counselling, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Women, human rights activists remain mum in Mahara rape case (ht), All eyes on PM: The PM should unequivocally ask the police to launch an inquiry even if Shahi does not file an FIR against Mahara and refuses to undergo medical tests (ht), A constitutional body that could’ve played a significant role in the case against Mahara has been scuttled: Without a chairperson for four years, the National Women Commission, mandated to deal with cases of gender-based violence, cannot even issue a statement, by Binod Ghimire (kp), With Mahara’s resignation, a tricky political situation arises: The House Speaker’s resignation over rape allegations means that the parties will now need to select a new Speaker, a critical position in a parliamentary system, by Anil Giri (kp), While the entire country takes a four-day holiday, Nepal’s courts go on a two-week break: The decision to take a 15-day holiday is especially concerning given that thousands of cases remain pending at the courts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), How a Dalit woman fell victim to caste-discrimination in Pokhara, by Deepak Pariyar (kp), Ignorance and poverty driving parents in Humla to send their children to children’s homes in Capital: 40 children were rescued from several children’s homes in Kathmandu and handed over to their families in Humla in the past three months, by Chhapal Lama (kp), Mahara, Rolpa and the problems plaguing the government: It must be a blow Mahara’s disciples that they will now have to do without their guide and teacher, by Deepak Thapa (kp)

02/10/2019: NHRC concerned about curbs on free speech (ht), Inclusivity and minority rights: Reservation ensures them, by Yagyadi Acharya (ht), FNJ demands law guaranteeing press freedom (rep), Speaker Mahara resigns following rape allegations: The incident cannot be allowed to become yet another unsolved case (kp), Why the rape charges against Speaker is a litmus test for police, the ruling party and government: Although Krishna Bahadur Mahara has tendered his resignation, the government and ruling party have yet to take a concrete position while the police still haven’t pursued a criminal case, by Anil Giri (kp), A scandal that could mean curtains for Mahara’s long political career: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who has risen through the ranks over the decades, was embroiled in controversies in the past too, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Victim does U-turn, says media reports false (ht) [???], Mahara no stranger to controversies (ht), Mahara’s resignation after rape allegations runs into controversy: No such thing as conditional resignation, say legal experts, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Speaker of scandal (rep), Moral turpitude: Mahara’s bad conduct is a setback to the party and the political system, and a betrayal of those who had voted him to the high post (ht), Nepal's economy is the 136th freest, says US think tank: The report says that Nepali courts are generally reliable, but they remain vulnerable to political pressure, bribery and intimidation, by Prahlad Rijal (kp) [In other words: Still a very unfree economy!] [see ranking of Nepal according to the Heritage Foundation], NCP working to impose one-party system, allege opposition leaders (ht)

01/10/2019: Nepal: Release Report on 2015 Protest Violence: Suppressing Lal Commission Findings Denies Justice to Terai Victims (Human Rights Watch), Women victims of conflict era in Rupandehi demand identity card: Since the government has not addressed many of the issues faced by conflict victims, many widows say they are facing an uncertain future, by Amrita Anmol (kp), Stop attacks: The ruling party must keep its cadres under control, and the police should take action against those involved in physically intimidating the NC leader and others (ht), The government and the ruling party must dial down on the authoritarian behaviour: The Oli-administration would do well to remember that the people democratically elected it to uphold the rule of law (kp), Congress’ shadow cabinet has largely failed to check on government activities: Since its formation five months ago, the shadow government of the main opposition party has yet to hold a single meeting, by Anil Giri (kp), Many education consultancies are still operating without government permits: Officials say they are waiting for the Federal Education Act to define their mandate to oversee education consultancies, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dysfunctional system of governance: The long snake-like traffic jam in Naubise-Nagdhunga aptly depicts the incompetence of the state authorities, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Parliament Sectt staffer accuses Mahara of rape (ht), Speaker Mahara accused of sexually harassing female employee (rep), Speaker Mahara offers 'temporary resignation' following accusation of rape (ht), PM advises Speaker Mahara to step down from his post, by Tapendra Karki (rep), House Speaker Mahara resigns amid sexual harassment accusations, by Tapendra Karki (rep), Revolution in digital age: There will first be a few revolutionaries, who are joined by hundreds of thousands then supported by millions. It happens without a central leadership and starts on the Internet, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep)

30/09/2019: Attack on government critic signals drive to crush dissent: The brutal beating of Gyanendra Shahi is a symptom of the ruling party’s intolerance for any kind of criticism, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘Attack on Shahi a severe blow to freedom of expression’ (ht), Rise of intolerance (rep), NCP cadres stop NC leader Rijal on the way for 3 hours (rep), Contemptible act: The ruling party cannot use its cadres to intimidate the people criticising the government for its failure to deliver goods and services (ht), Governments have no right to dictate what the citizenry can think: The current government is notorious for its attempts to muzzle the free press (kp), Decline of democracy, by Dinesh Bhattarai (kp), Provinces are still stuck in slow gear in forming public service commissions: Delay in forming institutional setup may hamper recruitment of staff at provinces and local level through the provincial commissions, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Oli unlikely to hand over party reins to Dahal anytime soon: Before leaving for Singapore in August, many had believed the two co-chairs had agreed to share responsibility, but Oli shows no signs of letting go, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Bid to attack Minendra Rijal of NC: Main opposition party blames NCP cadres for the incident (ht)

29/09/2019: Pushpa Kamal Dahal wants people to restrain themselves on social media: Analysts say Dahal’s statement might be indicative of the current government’s intention of controlling social media, by Tika R. Pradhan and Bhrikuti Rai (kp) [What would it be like if the top politicians held back a little more from their power struggles and finally tackled what they were elected for?], Anti-corruption campaigner Gyanendra Shahi attacked in Chitwan: Shahi was one among the passengers who criticised Minister of Tourism Yogesh Bhattarai for causing a delay to a Kathmandu-bound Buddha Air flight in Nepalgunj earlier this month, by Ramesh Kumar Poudel (kp), Far from progressive: Yes, the constitution is a historic document but it has still failed to become the people’s document for it is not still wholly accepted by the excluded and marginalized communities, by Praveen Kumar Yadav (rep)

28/09/2019: Janakpur is decked out in saffron, and not everyone is thrilled: The city government has been providing saffron paint for homeowners for free, or at a discount, to showcase the city’s heritage. But many are concerned about the colour’s links to Hindu nationalism, by Sweksha Karna (kp), For Chepang locals, government services are 80 km away: Officials say they don’t have enough staff to open office near the village, by Thakur Singh Tharu (kp), Unauthorised body should not scrutinise SC’s ruling: CJ Rana (ht)

27/09/2019: Press Council wants to monitor journalists’ social media use because it wants them to be ‘role models’: Amendments to the Journalist Code of Conduct could stifle journalists’ freedom of expression on social media, rights advocates say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Dahal owns up to insurgency-era mistakes and pledges to deliver transitional justice: The major parties—Nepali Congress and Nepal Communist Party—are on the same page when it comes to an early conclusion to the drawn-out transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

26/09/2019: The unending horror of gender-based violence: Unless we question the very fabric of our social norms and destroy them one by one, nothing will ever change, by Pooja Pant (kp), Social equality is essential for sustainable development: Uplifting all segments of the Nepali community has holistic benefits for the society, environment and economy, by Sneha Pandey (kp), The economic slowdown in India does not bode well for Nepal: Nearly two years since the last elections, Nepalis are neither happy nor is the country on the path to prosperity (kp), Married as children, women in Bajhang are abused, abandoned and killing themselves: The majority of marriages in the district are still between underage children, which often leads to polygamy and gender-based violence, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Private medical college operators threaten not to enrol students in the present scenario: Dr Govinda KC warns of another hunger strike if the malpractices in medical education don’t stop, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Why are Nepal's two major parties attempting to adhere to imported ideologies?: Either of the schools of thought, one from China and the other from India, is bound to cause severe indigestion in Nepalis, by Pramod Mishra (kp)

25/09/2019: In Bardiya, even elected Dalit representatives face caste-based bigotry: Untouchability and caste discrimination may have taken a backseat in public places and platforms, but it is still prevalent on an individual level, say Dalits, by Kamal Panthi (kp), The federal government should let local governments take care of education: Respective governments need to work within the parameter of their jurisdiction to make sure that innocent children do not suffer unnecessarily (kp), Inflation at almost three-year-high of 6.95pc: Unnatural price hike hints weak governance: Economists, by Sujan Dhungana (ht)

24/09/2019: Ineffective Constitutional Bench will hamper implementation of constitution and federalism, experts say: Legal experts say there is a need to create a separate constitutional court to deal with disputes, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Around 1,600 children deprived of citizenship: Lack of citizenship certificates has put the lives of many youths on hold in Nawalparasi (West), by Nabin Paudel (kp), Centre for Education threatens to cut student facilities if public schools don’t update student data: Local governments say they have been unable to update the data as they lack administrative staff, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This anti-federal government and administration will never understand and implement the principles of federalism!], More than 1,300 rape cases filed in seven months: NHRC report (ht), Police are failing rape victims, new human rights commission report says: Nepal’s criminal justice system continues to make access to justice complicated and challenging for victims of rape, according to the report, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), A strong government needs a stronger opposition: Nepali Congress should snap out of its trance and do its job in Parliament (kp), We need a culture of dialogues in Nepal: A remnant of the feudal past, people are always willing to dole out speeches but never willing to listen, by Sujeev Shakya (kp)

23/09/2019:The de-democratisation of Nepal: The Prime Minister's speech on Constitution Day highlighted several challenges to Nepal's democratic transition, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp),  Dahal hints at withdrawing ‘fake’ cases related to Tikapur incident: Tharu activists have long argued that the Tikapur violence was a spontaneous political event and should be treated as such, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [??], Ruling party holds hours-long discussion to build a concrete position on Indo-Pacific Strategy, by Anil Giri (kp), Foreign exchange reserves decline for the first time in 10 years, reducing import ability by half: Four years ago, Nepal had enough reserves to sustain the imports for 14.1 months, but now that number has reduced to just 7.8 months, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Women are suffering due to a lack of doctors at district hospitals: The entire healthcare sector suffers from staff and funding shortages—and the slow implementation of federalism (kp)

22/09/2019: People’s inclusion in lawmaking a challenge, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), NHRC concerned about deteriorating rights situation (ht)

21/09/2019: Less than a year later, Nepal’s men of #MeToo are back to work: When women came forward to share stories of sexual harassment, there was hope that powerful men were finally going to be held accountable. But today, it’s business as usual, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Inside the Oli administration’s culture of decision making: When the prime minister is not acting unilaterally, he is reliant on a few people for advice on policy and decisions, ignoring party members and even his own Cabinet members, by Anil Giri (kp), Government celebrates Constitution Day while Madhesis and indigenous groups protest: While many donned t-shirts with the national flag, protestors wore black vests and black headbands protesting what they called a ‘black day’, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Madhesis and Janajatis are in clear majority and women, Dalits and Muslims also have great objections! This is a constitution drafted by male Tagadharis only, especially Bahuns!], Constitution amendment can wait: Prime minister (ht) [????], Copies of constitution burnt, black flags shown (ht), Government actions don’t match its words: Recently concluded budget session a case in point, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

20/09/2019: Why celebrate Constitution Day? The document continues to alienate many while even the progressive provisions remain unimplemented (kp), Wrecking crew, by Saindra Rai (nt), Calls for constitution amendment persist, but can it happen anytime soon? As the charter turns four, voices are growing for ‘correcting the mistakes’ to ensure its wider acceptance, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), As country celebrates the constitution, marginalised groups await amendments: For Madhesis, Tharus, and indigenous groups, the constitution is still a contested document, but the government doesn’t seem too bothered, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Four years on, constitution still divisive for some (rep), ‘Implementation status of constitution dismal’ (ht), Parliament prorogued without endorsing laws critical to federalism: Four years since constitution promulgation, the government has failed to endorse laws that are necessary for federalism to function as envisioned, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Progress in rights has stalled: Sexual minorities (ht), A few more suggestions to become better Nepali nationalists: After T-shirts and the national anthem at Pashupati, could there be more places to display our nationalism?, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp)

19/09/2019: In a democracy, protesting is a right: Guided by the ‘best constitution’, we have to presume our current political system is not a sham democracy, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Prejudice in the rights community: Human rights activists should join forces and fight violations regardless of the victims' backgrounds, by Praveen Kumar Yadav (kp), At House of Representatives, health minister makes light of dengue spread: Even as doctors call for urgent action, Upendra Yadav says no need to declare health emergency and flies to the US, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Minister Yadav rules out health emergency: Claims number of dengue patients decreasing (ht), Ruling party MPs blast Minister Yadav over dengue crisis (rep), Challenges In Controlling Dengue, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Nepal to host Sagarmatha Sambaad in April: The theme for the first-ever multi-stakeholder dialogue is ‘Climate Change, Mountains and Future of Humanity, by Anil Giri (kp), Province ministers divided on whether to celebrate Constitution Day or protest it: RJP-N leaders are protesting against the constitution as it does not incorporate the rights of Madhesis, Janjatis, women, Muslims and Dalits, by Ajit Tiwari (kp), Civil servants across the country told to attend Constitution Day event (ht) [The constitution was not drafted by the elected representatives of the people but by the leaders of the big parties, almost all of them being male Bahuns. The elected representatives only had to vote for this draft as ordered by those party leaders!], Eight Chand-led CPN cadres arrested (ht), MEDPA in crisis: ‘Over 70% multi-billion rupee anti-poverty training went to party henchmen’, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep)

18/09/2019: Why Nepal's existing constitution is innately flawed: Nepal has had seven constitutions in as many decades; the latest one is entering middle age, by CK Lal (kp), Ambiguous regulation puts nearly 1,500 contracts at termination risk: The Public Procurement Regulation has a provision of extending deadlines of expired contracts, but it does not specify which project gets extension, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), IFJ condemns arrest of nine journalists (ht), Respect criticism: Criticism of the government does not mean people are against the democratic system for which they fought for decades (ht), Pressure mounts on Oli to cede party reins to Dahal (rep)

17/09/2019: Anup Raj Sharma: We could not be bold enough to pressurise the government: The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission on the weaknesses of the commission, interview with the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Government ready to amend transitional justice Act as per international standard: Law minister: Conflict victims say they are ready to support the process if Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal fulfils his commitments, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Conflict victims want suspension of recommendation committee: Ministry braces for holding consultations to formulate TJ law within a week and a half (rep), Lack of necessary laws leaves local government helpless: With no laws in place, the local government in Province 5 is failing to work effectively in various sectors—particularly forest and land management, by Amrita Anmol (kp), Simply unministerial: As minister, Bhattarai must show responsible behaviour, and not be a party to another row in the making (ht),, NCP ‘resorting to fear-mongering’: Dahal’s appeal to youths to ‘counter’ forces that are trying to fail the system condemned by civil society (ht), The government musn't attempt to stiffle dissent: The government and the ruling party need to learn to take criticism; it is a part of supporting democracy (kp), Growing intolerance makes one ask: Is this dictatorship or democracy (rep), Stalled reform, stunted development: Nepal's economic policy regime suffers from over-regulation, duplication, contradiction and lack of clarity, by Achyut Wagle (kp), FNJ condemns arrest of nine journos, including secretary (ht), SP-N to neither celebrate nor protest Constitution Day, RJP-N set to oppose (ht), Experts slam Speaker for telling House panels not to obstruct govt (rep)

16/09/2019: Women's battle for citizenship continues: The new proposals regarding the Citizenship Amendment Bill still treat women as second-class citizens (kp), Politics of the Dolpo festival: The violation of the political rights of Dolpo in 2014 is still fresh in the minds of many, by Tashi Tewa (kp), Violence against children on the rise, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), TRC used as tool to exact revenge: Dahal (ht) [The unbelievable statement of a person who obviously used the Maoist uprising for his own personal political and economic rise and who is not interested in the fate of his former fighters nor in that of the victims of the uprising and their families!], How Nepali women were misled into Maoist conflict, by Pratap Sharma (rep), Centralisation of power reflected in drinking water projects: Move to bring 700 drinking water projects under federal government tramples upon provincial jurisdiction, province officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Nepal’s foreign policy problem: The country seems to be lost on what external affairs strategy to adopt, but non-alignment has worked for it in the past, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Banke attack prompts NC to obstruct both houses, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), US$ 10.5b education project in trouble: Mid-term review: World Bank and ADB skeptical about govt’s literacy achievement claims, not keen to further support SSDP, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep)

15/09/2019: Ruling party’s indecision delays finalisation of the bill to amend Citizenship Act: Cross-party top leadership will discuss the matter with an aim to find a solution, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Lack of meaningful political discourse is helping neither parties nor democracy: Leaders should engage more in issue-based discussions and informed debates, analysts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp)

14/09/2019: Government proposes national identity cards to end contention over naturalised citizenship: Ruling party backs the proposal to issue ID cards until citizenship is granted, but the opposition Nepali Congress has sought time to reach a decision, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt floats options on naturalised citizenship, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Panel set to include 7-year threshold for naturalization of foreign brides (rep), Government’s plans to celebrate Constitution Day reek of Panchayat-era nationalism, says civil society: All civil servants will be required to attend programmes marking Constitution Day, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp)

13/09/2019: Committee formed to select transitional justice officials decides to step up efforts: Government is preparing to start consultations with victims to amend the transitional justice act, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ruling party prepares for mass gatherings but party leaders say they have nothing to tell the people: The Nepal Communist Party is planning mass gatherings to connect the party to the people, but many are unconvinced if the campaign will yield anything useful, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp)

12/09/2019: Citizenship debate has reached another low, rights activists say: New provisions in the citizenship amendment bill could further limit equal citizenship rights for women, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Lawmakers continue to debate marital naturalisation in Parliament (ht) [Women and men should be legally treated absolutely equally, regardless of whether they are foreigners or not! Nepal is not the property of men!], To forgive or not to forgive: Failure of the government to adhere to the Supreme Court verdict in relation to amnesty could further agonize the victims, setting the ground for vengeance and violence, by Deepak Joshi Pokhrel and Rajendra Senchurey (rep), The Health Ministry has failed at controlling the dengue outbreak: Tragic stories of clearly avoidable deaths due to dengue fever reflects the dysfunction of our health care system (kp), Despite poor track records, companies continue to receive lucrative public works contracts: Shailung Construction, owned by Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s landlord, has received numerous contracts despite dismal performance on almost every project it’s handled, by  Prithvi Man Shrestha and Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), US Embassy seeks clarification after Beijing says Nepal ‘disapproves’ of Indo-Pacific Strategy: The US ambassador will be meeting with the foreign secretary to confirm if China’s statement citing Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s stance on the Indo-Pacific Strategy reflects Nepal’s official position, by Anil Giri (kp) [The USA only pursue their own interests and have no understanding for the special situation of Nepal! Nepal has never declared that it wants to be part of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy!], From public harassment to acid attack, legal loopholes emboldening assailants, by Priyanka Adhikari (rep), Reason to worry for Nepal, by Devendra Gautam (rep), Tall Promises, Short Delivery, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

11/09/2019: Despite reservations, parties have their way on transitional justice appointments: Conflict victims say they won’t accept the new teams chosen at the behest of political parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is the safest way to secured injustice!], Recruiting agencies ‘using migrant workers to siphon off US dollar abroad’: Country's foreign exchange reserve depleted by Rs64 billion in the last fiscal year compared to the preceding year, according to the central bank, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Nobody can go abroad with $500 in cash! Everybody knows this. The Nepali citizen Khadka Prasad Sharma Oli recently went to Singapur twice for expensive health treatment. Has he been checked and arrested at TIA? All citizens are equal before the law!], To stand or not to stand: The idea of compelling people to stand up for the national anthem in a cinema hall is bizarre, condescending and undemocratic, by Deepesh Paudel (kp), State of real estate: How is it possible that land prices in Nepali cities with poor infrastructure are close to land prices in London, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai?, by Ajaya Kusum Adhikari (rep)

10/09/2019: Fair or not, some say it’s time to talk about skin colour discrimination: Like racism, colourism is largely overlooked and dismissed in Nepal. Some Nepalis say society should start addressing it head on, by June Karkee (kp), Samajbadi Party, a partner in the Oli government, says it won’t observe Constitution Day: Leaders say the party will talk to the prime minister one more time before quitting the government, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Ongoing Parliament session unlikely to pass citizenship bill, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), NC to stall House if controversial bills moved (ht), Enact law pronto: The government should enact law to regulate the sale and distribution of acids to prevent women and girls from acid attacks (ht)

09/09/2019: Nepali women are being trafficked to China and sold as wives॥ Bride-buying is becoming increasingly prevalent in China, where men far outnumber women, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp), Panel set to publicize list of TJ bodies candidates this week (rep), The government cannot shove nationalism down people's throats: If the KP Sharma Oli administration is really serious about celebrating the constitution, then it should have high regard for the rule of law and treat everyone equally (kp), With the anniversary of constitution promulgation approaching, Congress proposes amendments: Nepali Congress, under whose leadership the constitution was promulgated, has said it will make amendment one of its protest agendas, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [The NC was in government when this constitution was passed. Later, its current chairman, Sher Bahadur Deuba, was PM. But he and all the male Bahuns at the top of the party were against a constitutional amendment. Obviously, they are calling for such a change now in order to stage themselves, knowing full well that they lack the necessary two-thirds majority!], Overcoming corruption and impunity: We need policies for development, rule of law and human security that can get results in spite of corruption and impunity, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Two offices of Road Department award separate contracts for the same road: Department officials say such duplication may happen due to lack of clear demarcation of jurisdictions among the centre, province and local govt, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), MPs wonder why govt is letting dengue spread: Local level reps claim they lack: budget, manpower to do needful, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Dahal at odds with govt over Kailali lynchings: By siding with the Tharu people, Dahal has put himself at odds with many of his NCP colleagues who see the Kailali massacre as the most gruesome crime post-Maoist insurgency (rep)

08/09/2019: Discrimination against Dalits still rife, continue to be left out of decision making processes: Marginalisation of members of Dalit communities still persists even though several laws and constitution bar discrimination, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Province 2 Dalit empowerment bill: Scholarships, ration cards, health benefits to poor Dalits proposed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 11 years on, many Haliyas struggle for their rights, by Bira Gadal (rep), Human rights body to pull out of committee formed to select transitional justice commission officials: Rights body is recalling Prakash Osti from the committee, saying it does not want to be part of the process that has been heavily politicised, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Health rights a far cry sans regulations: It hasn’t been possible to implement the Health Act, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Govt set to withdraw Security Council Bill, by Ashok Dahal (rep), In the ruling party, leaders wait and anticipate Oli’s next steps: KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal appear to be on the same page, but it’s not clear if they have decided on ‘one leader, one responsibility’, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Ghanshyam Bhusal: The prime minister needs to realise his style is not working: The Nepal Communist Party ideologue evaluates his party’s performance in government and talks about the relevance of Marxism today, by Pranaya SJB Rana (kp), Outlawed party on extortion spree amid clampdown: Security officials said the ongoing arrests and crackdown on the party's activities have proved little to deter the party's donation drive (rep)

07/09/2019: Conflict victims may ‘snub’ TJ process over commissioner appointments (rep), Can House panel cross-examine SC verdicts? No, say legal experts as unwarranted interference in judicial process will erode judicial independence (ht), Parliamentary panel to study court decisions on NCELL tax case (rep) [???], Amendment to Media Council Bill fails to address concerns: Journalists have demanded that the recommendation committee for the proposed media council be accountable to Parliament, not the government, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), A teenage girl was attacked with acid after her father told a man to stop pursuing her: Muskan Khatun, a ninth grader, suffered burns on her face, chest and hands, and is receiving treatment in Kathmandu, by Bhusan Yadav and Shankar Acharya (kp) [The government must also be made responsible for not enacting the August 2017 order of the SC to regulate sale and distribution of acids!!], Bote community in Makwanpur denied licence renewal for fishing: The Bote people fish in the local rivers and rivulets, especially in the Rapti river, which falls inside the Parsa National Park, by Pratap Bista [???? This is the economic survival basis of this small group! At the same time, members of the ruling social groups destroy the nature of the country in many places for the mere sake of profit!], PM’s arrival at TIA delays flights one hour, by Sujeeta Pradhan (rep) [This royal bad habit must be ended at once!], Near Rs 2 billion and 6 yrs later, poverty ID cards still in limbo (rep)

06/09/2019: Will the new commissions go the way of the transitional justice bodies? There is no alternative to making appointments in such commissions transparent and fair, by Mohna Ansari (kp), Ruling party keeps alluding to looming threats to the republic. But no one will say what they are: There are no such threats and, if any, the strongest government in recent history should deal with them adequately, analysts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Clear-cut laws are needed to fight human trafficking: While the individuals concerned are doing their best to stop it, the laws defining what constitutes human trafficking remain narrow (kp), Notes from a climate change defeatist: It’s time for governments to decide ultimately whether they are for the planet or against, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), NC against restoring Hindu state: Nidhi, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep) [Many in your party have a different opinion, especially the leading Bahuns!], Bhattarai urges Dalits to renounce Hinduism (rep), Deuba vents ire against gov't for dissolving Dalit Development Committee, by Kamal Subedi (rep)

05/09/2019: Rift surfaces in committee to select transitional justice commission officials: Committee members are at odds over the selection criteria, chairman fails to rise to the occasion, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Human trafficking still a major challenge for the country: Despite legal protections and law enforcing agencies in action, Nepali girls, women and children are still vulnerable to human trafficking, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), People’s impatience might grow to dangerous level, Dahal warns (ht), Sit-in staged for journo’s release (ht), Ensure media freedom : The media council should be an autonomous body, free from state control and headed by someone familiar with the media (ht)

04/09/2019: The government should prepare a plan to achieve total literacy: It should focus more on ways to ensure that the children stay in school until they complete their studies, at least until the secondary level (kp), Looking back in melancholy at the events of September 2015: Madhesis have forgiven but not forgotten, by CK Lal (kp), The oppressed have become the oppressors: Envy of the power that feudal lords held was the real motive that fueled our freedom fighting generation, by Naresh Koirala (kp), TJ appointment meeting cancelled at the eleventh hour (rep)

03/09/2019: Agencies struggle to justify their existence with not much to do under federal set-up: The federal government has retained many agencies deemed redundant, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Government says it will achieve total literacy in two years: This is the third time the government has made this announcement, and experts say setting targets without proper evaluation won’t yield results, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Despite being a voice of sustainable development, Bajhang CDO relieved of duties and transferred to Morang: The transfer came into effect after local lawmakers made frequent trips to the Home Ministry seeking his transfer, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Nepal feels the heat of the cooling Indian economy: While there is a legitimate fear of the slowing growth having trickle-down effects, Nepal may benefit in the short term, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Lawmakers urge government to remove proposed fine on mediapersons: MP Bimala Rai Paudel has sought licence system for journalists to maintain professional standards, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Parties one on rejecting fines for journalists (rep), Govt bodies not complying with RTI Act provision: Some govt offices have not made proactive disclosure for the last nine months (ht), The Art Of Civic Renewal, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Living In Fear?, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km)

02/09/2019: Appointment of India’s lead in EPG as state governor casts doubt over future of group’s report: Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who led the Indian side, was seen as the last hope for the submission and acceptance of the report in New Delhi, by Anil Giri and Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), Does blackface have a place in Nepali comedy? Probably not: Stereotypical Madhesi portrayals in popular culture are a big hit, but for the Madhesi community, they are racist and offensive, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp), The declining confidence in public institutions: Leaders making promises that they cannot keep is a significant reason for the increased mistrust, by Parshu Ram Bhattarai (kp), Rationalists of Nepal, unite: Reason fails during times of public frustration and when emotions rule. A critical mass of intellectuals should be there to tell right from wrong and to make right arguments, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

01/09/2019: Where are the disappeared? (rep), No regulation to implement acts related to fundamental rights, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Students should be open to learning, not parrot party beliefs unquestioned: Politicians, in filling universities with party adherents, have helped erode the strength of free thought that would have come only with the right education, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Claim your products: In lack of specific Geographical Indication law, Nepal could even lose its sovereign rights over the products which have their origin in Nepal, by Jivesh Jha (rep)

31/08/2019: Police rough up a Madhesi man yet again. This time, it’s on video: A viral video from Janakpur shows police pushing and pulling on a Madhesi man, prompting outrage on social media, by Samuel Chhetri (kp), With Oli out of the country, Dahal sees opportunity to make moves: While the former Maoist chairman hasn’t given up on leading government, he is now focused on party leadership, insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp, State softens stance on transitional justice after pressure from victims and rights groups: National Human Rights Commission says it will recall its member from the recommendation committee if parties don’t correct their working style, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SC jolt for govt on Sagarnath Forest: Stays decision to bring it under the federal government’s jurisdiction, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), ‘On citizenship, NC should stick to provisions of 2007 statute’ (ht) [Shekhar Koirala once again calls for a return to Hindu state!]

30/08/2019: Media Council Bill tabled in the Upper House amid uproar: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota says the government is ready to refine it, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A day for the victims, and for the future of transitional justice: This day should serve as an occasion to remember the need to continue working towards completing the transitional justice process, by Navaraj Pudasaini (kp), Victims’ woes unaddressed: CIEDP collected 3,212 complaints but couldn’t probe any, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Insurgency victims in Rolpa await return of missing kin, by Dinesh Subedi (rep), Implement NHRC’s recommendations, MoFAGA tells local bodies (ht)

29/08/2019: OHCHR criticizes Nepal over child labor abuse (rep) [see Torture and forced child labour: UN experts find Nepal violated human rights, by OHCHR including full text of the UN document], Voices of women unheard in Dolpa local units: Because of male-dominated local units, plans and policies of the local units are not in favour of women in Dolpa, by Chandani Khatayat (kp), Naturalised citizenship: ‘Law for foreign women married to Nepali men shouldn’t end’ (ht) [Okay, but most important is that there ist absolutely no difference between the legal tratment of women and men! The current citizensip law clearly violates the fundamental rights of the Nepali citizens!], Govt urged to protect consumer rights (ht), Rawal slams Bhattarai for his remarks at Tharuhat-Tharuwan conference (ht) [Only the central state level can be run in an ethnicity based way, i.e. by male Tagadharis and their self-identification with nepaliness!], Fragment of the future: If Nepal is to avoid the dystopian future and revive its economy, it will have to revisit Democratic Socialism prescribed by BP Koirala, by Bimal Pratap Shah (rep)

28/08/2019: Federal government’s reluctance to devolve power is reflected in small development projects: Unitary mindset and politicians’ interest in road and bridge projects are defeating the purpose of federalism, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Provision allowing prime minister to monitor constitutional commissions raises concerns: Opposition leaders say the provision was inserted in the bill in a mysterious way, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Nepal violated human rights: UNHRC (ht), UN asks Nepal government to bring anti-torture law at par with international standard: The existing provision in criminal code is flexible, legal experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [It is not only the unchanged and continued practice of torture and targeted injuries up to killings by the security forces. Numerous other laws and practices also violate internationally recognized human rights statutes, although Nepal has been a member of the UN Human Rights Council since the beginning of 2018!],  Let them speak: NCP ruling against dissent (rep), Stifling dissent of members is no way to run a political party: If the party is structured to be democratic, the leaders must show some regard for such values (kp) [None of the political parties is democratic unstructure and mind, regardless of the party concerned!], Citizenship in limbo: Sub-panel fails to forge consensus on naturalised citizenship, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Citizenship bill stalls over naturalization through marriage (rep)

27/08/2019: Derailing justice: Transitional justice has taken up a lot of resources. It cannot be allowed to get derailed into an industry that supports interests of conflict spoilers, by Pranab Kharel and Gaurab KC (rep), ‘Dissolve Ranger Battalion’ (ht), Growing protests seen as govt’s failure to deliver (rep), RJPN says EPG report doesn’t represent national voice (rep), NCP bars its leaders, cadres from airing dissent in public (rep), Party-Based Democracy In A Muddle, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

26/08/2019: Tharu community stresses reconciliation but will not give up on its demands: Participants at a conference marking four years of the Tikapur incident said that they would launch a decisive movement for a Tharuhat province, by Ganesh Chaudhary (kp), Not everyone can afford to go abroad for medical treatment: Bir Hospital is intrinsically connected to the larger public health picture, and its service delivery and capacity should be improved (kp) [If you belong to the 6 per cent of the population who are male Bahuns, then you meet the main requirements for a job as a leading politician. As such, you can be treated abroad at any time at the expense of the state!], End of the ‘tacking’ strategy: With deeper integration, Nepal may no longer be able to swing freely between India and China as in the past, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), The Right To Environment, by Jivesh Jha (rn)

25/08/2019: Parties’ undue intervention could call credibility of transitional justice process into question: Conflict victims and rights activists say politicians must correct their past mistakes and appoint officials in an impartial and transparent manner, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dalit women representatives in Pokhara say they continue to face discrimination: The representatives say they are disrespected by colleagues and are often relegated to the sidelines, by Deepak Pariyar (kp), Nepal is attempting to cripple the National Human Rights Commission: The government’s introduction of the Amendment Bill is putting human rights, one of the pillars of democracy, at risk, by Chun Bahadur Gurung (rep), Forced eviction from public land unlawful: Activists, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), ‘Delegated laws not based on main laws’, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Scaring the media, again (rep)

24/08/2019: End gender discrimination in citizenship bill: NHRC (ht), A semblance of calm has returned to Tikapur, but the demands of Tharus remain unaddressed: Marking four years since the Tikapur incident, where nine people were killed, a three-day conference hopes to address demands and maintain social harmony, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Dahal foresees communists’ downfall: Says they should stop behaving like maharajahs (ht)

23/08/2019: Conflict victims oppose plan to amend transitional justice act based on a draft they rejected a year ago: As the political parties do not appear serious about ensuring justice, their actions will only promote impunity, conflict victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), CVCP flays partys’ plan ‘to divide spoils of appointment’ in TJ bodies (ht), TJ appointments get messy as one nominee declines offer (rep), High ATF price hits foreign airlines: ‘Operating from Nepal becoming increasingly infeasible', by Sujan Dhungana (ht) [Obviously, Nepal is not interested in promoting tourism!], 1947 Tripartite Agreement is irrelevant now: Foreign minister (rep), Misinformation Or The Truth, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

22/08/2019: Former attorney general Raman Shrestha is parties’ pick for truth commission: While Shrestha himself says he will not take up the position, conflict victims too are against the parties’ decision, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [?????], NCP’s choice for TRC chair turns down offer (ht), Transitional justice in jeopardy: Keep aside vested interests, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (ht), Revised Advertisement Bill: Media owners may end behind bars for a year, by Ashok Dahal (rep)

21/08/2019: Despite concerns, top officials in universities are set to be appointed on political sharing: The government is ignoring the recommendations made by a panel it had formed in May, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [After the abolition of the authoritarian monarchy, which in the recent history of the country was mainly responsible for the exclusion of the majority of the Nepalese population, the non-inclusive political parties dominated by male Bahun have infiltrated the entire state apparatus in a very short time. This is undemocratic, completely irresponsible and highly politically corrupt!], Sacked Karnali minister has a long business and political history: A week after the court’s arrest order, police fail to locate the whereabouts of Khadka Bahadur Khatri, who has connections with the NCP leadership, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), PM calls for strengthening FDR system, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht) [PM Oli's politics that favours continued central control has been one of the greatest obstacles for implementing federalism!!]

20/08/2019: Parties finalising names for two transitional justice bodies this week: Nepal Communist Party will take leadership of the truth commission while Nepali Congress will get the one on disappearances, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Still active leaders of both parties had political responsibility at that time and are not qualified for this task!], Do not obstruct justice (rep), Costs of justice delayed: If the voices of the victims are ignored and justice process is put on hold like this, Nepal’s TJ process is surely going to attract universal jurisdiction, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep), How the public procurement process derails the economy: It took 15 years to pass the Public Procurement Act, the provisions of which have been largely ignored, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Petition filed against laws of six provinces (ht), ‘Women humanitarians risking their lives to help others’ (ht), Nepal to counter Oli, Dahal with note of dissent, by Jagdishor Panday (ht) [May the male Bahun fighting within this party go on for eternity! Male Bahuns, who constitute only six per cent of the population, fill half of the leading positions within the special committees of the NCP! Of course, this is not criticised by male Bahun Mahav Kumar Nepal !], Return migration: Build nation, and they will come; An effective way to influence the return of productive Nepalis living abroad would be to make a strong domestic push for government accountability in areas of infrastructure development, social justice and rule of law, by Keshar M. Ghimire (ht), Crafting State Priorities, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

19/08/2019: Prime Minister Oli’s parliamentary address leaves his party wondering: The statement seemed to put a firm end to the gentleman’s agreement with Dahal which said they would take turns to lead the government, by Anil Giri (kp), Oli rules out vacating PM’s post for Dahal (ht), NCP chairperson Dahal hints at changing leadership of government, by Suresh Yadav (rep), NA offers to set up Maina memorial, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht) [This is a blatant mockery against the background that criminals from the security forces, including in the murder case of Maina Sunuwar, are protected and promoted unchanged by the army leadership and politicians!], PM Oli revisiting Singapore for medical check-up (ht) [??], Celebrating #Womenhumanitarians: In the aftermath of disasters, women’s specific humanitarian needs are often not adequately identified nor responded to. Women and other minorities face further marginalization during disasters, by Indu Ghimire and Valerie Julliand (rep)

18/08/2019: Nine persons, including NEFIN president, injured in baton charge (ht), Lawmakers flay govt for not responding to their questions (ht), No substance and no deadline in PM’s performance deals with ministers, by Ashok Dahal (rep), There’s a semblance of calm in the ruling party, but the storm is not over yet: If not addressed well, at least three issues can easily upset the applecart, say party insiders, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Dahal not happy with party unification? (ht), ‘JC’s actions can undermine independence of judiciary’: ‘If JC were to punish judges then no one would get bail’ (ht), Case against Chhaupadi: Chhaupadi is rooted in ignorance and unfounded fears, another reason why it must be completely eradicated, by Shiva Kumar Pokharel (rep)

17/08/2019: RJP-N, SP-N likely to merge before their general conventions, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), NCP announces heads, co-heads of departments: Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel to lead School Deptt; Of the 32 department heads of the party, only two are women, by Jagdishor Panday (ht) [Non-inclusion and continued dominance of male Tagadharis, expecially Bahuns!]

16/08/2019: Province 3 government objects federal government’s bill that interferes its jurisdiction: Provincial Minister Jammakattel argued that the federal government-introduced bill was meaningless as the provincial government has already formulated laws regarding vehicle and transportation management act, by Subash Bidari (kp)

15/08/2019: Journalists are being arrested for their political beliefs, in eerie reminder of Panchayat days: At least two journalists are in detention on suspicion of their affiliation with the Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Public school teachers launch protests demanding the federal government should manage them: Local government in response says the centre cannot take the move, citing it unconstitutional, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Civil society, gender rights activists call on govt to present consolidated reports (rep), Need for presenting progress of Nepali women stressed (ht), Nepal falls behind in combating human trafficking, says NHRC (ht), Nature conservation: Political stability is a must, by Usha Dahal (ht), Neglected for giving birth to a baby girl: If there is something our society as a whole must fight together it is this (rep), Who Is Running This Country? Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km)

14/08/2019: Province 5 creates is own Provincial Public Service Commission, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Lawmakers criticise Federal Civil Servant Bill, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Police use force on protesters (ht)

13/08/2019: Once staunch anti-imperialists, the Maoists are now singing a different tune: Since their merger with the UML, the former Maoists have all but abandoned their once vociferous vilification of India and the US, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Supreme Court’s order on Sumargi case remains unimplemented A division bench of Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai had ordered retrieval of  money withdrawn by the controversial businessman, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Typical disregard of court decisions by the executive branch!] , Geneva Conventions instrumental in reducing suffering, says Welch (ht), Jail term till death proposed for grave violations, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

12/08/2019: Questions remain over PM Oli’s health as he returns today: In the interest of transparency and accountability, the prime minister’s health status should be made public, along with his expenses and who paid for them, by Anil Giri (kp), Time for reconciliation: Oli must now learn to partner with the well-wishers of democracy with whom he's wasted time, fighting, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Evoking responsibility to bridge the youth-government trust deficit: Youths will have a sense of ownership towards nation-building only when they are directly involved in policymaking, by Pukar Malla (kp), House endorses two crucial bills related to police force, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Anger on the streets (rep), Police baton-charge SRC agitators (ht), Four provinces still struggling to fix their capitals, names (rep), Civil servant adjustment triggers chaos in health sector, by Yogesh Rawal (rep)

11/08/2019: Indigenous movement, once a champion for the rights of indigenous people, is losing steam: Activists fighting on behalf of the indigenous population themselves are not hopeful about sustaining their efforts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Government is working on Mass Media Bill with harsher provisions for media sector: The draft bill, currently at the Law Ministry, proposes fines up to Rs 10 million and jail terms up to 15 years or both, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Sociological short-sightedness of alternative politics: Instead of embracing social complexity, our alternative politics is steadily becoming an enterprise aimed at reducing it, by Nimesh Dhungana (kp), Applying for a driving licence: You will understand why they call it an online system when they make you stand in endless lines, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), ‘Province 2 won’t accept FPSC-recruited staff, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Federalism might fail: Leaders whom we entrusted infant federalism have limited vision or skills as to how they will nurture the new system. They are running the show like they did under constitutional monarchy, by Kshitiz Khanal (rep)

10/08/2019: Oli has signed work performance contracts with his ministers, but many doubt their efficiency: Stability in the bureaucracy and a lack of political interference, not performance contracts, key to finishing works on time, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp), Opposition lawmakers demand halt to National ID card distribution: At the parliamentary State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, lawmakers question the government why the cards were issued when the bill regarding the same is being discussed at the federal parliament, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Nepal Army is amending laws so it can get into commercial activities: Eyeing projects with high returns, the Army wants to invest the billions it has in its welfare fund in hydropower projects, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Top bureaucrats are thwarting investigation into transport entrepreneurs, officials say: At least six office-bearers of former transport committees have been under investigation since last year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp)

09/08/2019: Ethnic communities to hold a protest rally on World Indigenous Peoples' Day: The indigenous nationalities say the state is still reluctant to address their concerns of identify and inclusion, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Trafficking in persons: Nepal must focus on prevention efforts and victims' protection, by Dev Datta Joshi (kp)

08/08/2019: Road to unfreedom: The government's actions show it wants to turn the country into a police state (kp), How the government bowed down to contractors: All key demands of the contractors were addressed as the public procurement regulation was amended three times in two and a half months, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Cases of domestic violence unchecked in Baitadi: Eighty-six cases of domestic violence were filed at the District Police Office in the fiscal year 2018-19, by Tripti Shahi (kp 08/08/2019)

07/08/2019: When politicians go to foreign lands, who pays? The prime minister is currently in Singapore with a seven-member team. While the government says he is paying his own way, many are sceptical, by Anil Giri (kp) Calls from the police shake up human rights activists: At least three rights activists received calls from the police asking for their professional affiliation, without saying why, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Media for democracy: In a modern democracy, citizens feel empowered when they have adequate access to truthful information without which they cannot take wise decisions, by Mohan Nepali (rep)

06/08/2019: Ministers from Maoist camp are uneasy with prime minister’s intervention in appointments, aides say: Several officials at line ministries say ministers have no freedom in appointing people and the secretaries report directly to Oli, hindering efficiency and results, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Human traffickers, in a change of tricks, are now waiting across the border: Despite decades of surveillance and awareness programmes, hundreds of women continue to be trafficked across the open Nepal-India border every year, by Madhu Shahi (kp), Nearly 1.5 million Nepali at risk of human trafficking, report says: Aspiring migrant workers, Nepali working abroad, child labour, workers in the entertainment sector and missing persons are more vulnerable human trafficking, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), States are beginning to play a direct role in supporting press freedom: The declining state of freedom of expression in the subcontinent needs more exposure, by Achyut Wagle (kp)

05/08/2019: Costs of delay: International pressure on transitional justice (rep), Mind your own business: The federal government needs to stick to its jurisdiction and let the provincial governments enjoy their authority over certain things (kp), Political parties and their decay: The leaders’ commitment to the process and values of democracy is increasingly becoming suspect, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), No credible basis to conclude Paudel was killed in encounter: Rights groups (rep), AWC urges NHRC to conduct fair investigation (ht), ‘Govt formed through democratic system is transforming Nepal into communist state’, interview with NC whip Pushpa Bhusal (ht)

04/08/2019: Politicians’ self-centred attitude could put federalism in peril, say experts: Public post holders are increasing their pay and perks instead of spending more on public goods, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), On a collision course? Legal battle likely to intensify between provinces and Kathmandu: They say Province 2 move to challenge federal government’s bid to infringe upon its jurisdiction is an important step, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Suspected suicides by people under graft probe highlight need to revamp investigation process: Anti-corruption activists say the corrupt should not be spared, but agencies should be careful while filing charges and making the names public, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Army expedites action against soldiers who had defected to the Maoists: According to the national defence force, over 450 can face court martial, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Do we need nationalism or patriotism? When people feel they must choose between them, nationalism customarily proves more potent, by Bina Jha (kp), Ministers avoid Q&A in House: Make mockery of regulation, show disregard for democracy, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Citizenship bill stuck in SAGGC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), More rape victims seek police help (ht), ‘Implement sexual and reproductive health rights’ (ht), NCP, NC intensify search for candidate for Kaski-2 by-elections: PM Oli urges Bamdev Gautam, a party veteran, to contest by-elections from Kaski-2 (rep)  [There can never be enough male Bahuns in parliament to represent their meagre 6 per cent castemates! Long live non-inclusive male Bahunvad!]

03/08/2019: Recommendation committee to consult with victims before picking transitional justice leadership: The move comes in place following concern from various international human rights bodies urging the government to take action, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A new film bill draws sharp criticism from Nepali entertainment industry: The proposed bill gives sweeping authority to film censor board and adds unnecessary hassles, filmmakers say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), NHRC investigation challenges govt claim on Kumar Paudel ‘encounter’ (rep), Quake victims unpaid for lack of coordination between NRA and local units, by Sher Bahadur Jero (rep)

02/08/2019: Chand outfit turns aggressive as talks remain elusive (rep), Unidentified groups torch more than 30 Ncell towers across the country: Police suspect Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal behind the arson (kp), Ncell towers torched in far-west, by Tekendra Deuba (ht), New tourism minister faces a slew of challenges, especially on policy: Yogesh Bhattarai will need to retool civil aviation while also ensuring that Visit Nepal 2020 takes off without a hitch, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Challenges facing Minister Bhattarai: The new tourism minister has to chart a new course to revitalise a promising industry (kp), Growing criticism and internal power dynamics force Oli to change courseCriticism from both inside and outside the party, coupled with manoeuvrings by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have led the prime minister to adopt consensus and compromise, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Prachanda and the spectre of The Hague: Transitional justice should not be aimed only at hounding and punishing Prachanda for all war-era crimes. But his own party comrades may not be with him on this, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), HoR meetings not happening for almost a month, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Gender stereotypes: Hamper social inclusion, by Bina Jha (ht)

01/08/2019:  As tourism minister, there are immediate challenges—and opportunities—for Yogesh Bhattarai: Bhattarai, elected from Taplejung, has been overseeing the party’s publicity department and has often been critical of the Oli administration, by Bhrikuti Rai and Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Thank god, another male Bahun! This is obvious what the government understands by inclusion. 10 of the 23 full-fledged ministers are Bahuns, of whom 9 are male Bahuns, although male Bahuns account for only 6 percent of the total population. So 1-2 male Bahuns in the government would be appropriate, not more!], ‘Killing two birds with one stone’: ‘Oli has outwitted Dahal with Bhattarai’s appointment’ (ht), Federal government halts grants to local governments for failing to present their budget: Employees are unsure if they will receive their salaries in time, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Locals risk their lives to cross rain-swollen Mahakali river: Villagers have to cross the river as they rely heavily on Indian markets across the border for everyday commodities, by Manoj Badu (kp), Consumers have rights: The government must do everything in its power to establish consumer courts in the country (kp) Restructure SSDP: In line with federalism, by Hari Prasad Lamsal (ht)

31/07/2019: Amend the act: The government should not be seen as trying to protect the perpetrators of rights violations during the conflict era; it is time justice is delivered to the victims (ht), TJ process prolonged as victims insist on no impunity: Political parties wrangle over appointments to commissions (rep) [The perpetrator side must not be represented in the commissions, i.e. please no representatives of the political parties, the army and the former monarchy!], In absence of consumer court, businesses keep getting away with selling substandard products: Although dozens of restaurants and companies are found selling contaminated and low quality food, lengthy administrative process results in little action, by Rajesh Khanal and Krishana Prasain (kp), Child marriage still prevalent in areas declared child friendly in Sudurpaschim: Fourteen girls under the age of 20 became mothers in the area in the last three years, health workers say, by Tripti Shahi (kp), Nepali leaders find India's BJP bigwigs advocating Hindu state 'insulting' (rep)

30/07/2019: Four international rights groups criticise government inaction on transitional justice: Nepali government officials say they are working sincerely to conclude the process, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [see common statement by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, TRIAL International and International Commission of Jurists; same statement in Nepali], Govt told to start fresh appointment process‘: Authorities flippant on fulfilling obligations’, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), Rights bodies urge govt to halt ongoing commissioner appointment process: The process cannot be halted, says the recommendation committee (rep), ‘I’ll become global hero if dragged to The Hague’ (ht) [What bullshit nonsense! Dahal is obviously trying to acquit himself of his co-responsibility for crimes from the time of the uprising!], Dispute over forming panel to investigate Tarai deaths obstructs House, again: Speaker Mahara feels trapped by the positions taken by the ruling and opposition MPs, his advisors says, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Postpartum mothers in Joshibunga carry the weight of old traditions: In many parts of Nepal, new mothers are considered “untouchable” until the eleventh day of delivery, by Trpti Shahi (kp), Oli, Dahal to go abroad (ht) [Both will hopefully pay for these trips out of their own pockets and not export more than the 1500 dollars allowed by their government!], Flint, federalism and way forward: Shun centralised mindset, by Sajal Mani Dhital (ht), Tackling Intra-Party Conflict, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

29/07/2019: Ruling party’s repeated failures to ensure representation call its commitment to inclusion into question: The recent selection of the top leadership in its district and metropolis committees has shown a distinct failure to be inclusive, which is mandated by law, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Away from a society that judges, Nepali women are turning to Facebook for help: Thousands of Nepali women have joined closed—and secret—Facebook groups in search of solidarity, friendship and safe space, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Bill of flaws: For sure, Nepal needs some level of media regulation to check or at least control bad media practices and lack of discipline but proposed bill does not help, by Roshani Giri (rep)

28/07/2019: Death of a new mother forces government to rethink its rescue programme for critical pregnant women: A woman in Nuwakot died last week from postpartum haemorrhage after she was denied an airlift to Kathmandu for treatment, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Public procurement decisions are taken through the Cabinet to avoid scrutiny, chief of anti-graft body says: In an exclusive interview, Nabin Ghimire said his office is undecided on interrogating former prime ministers over Cabinet decision on Lalita Niwas scandal, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [see interview with Nabin Ghimire] [Corruption in order to protect the corrupt!], Central bank tightens the purse strings as forex reserves deplete: Monetary policy says people going abroad for travel and study will get less in foreign cash, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp), 367 days of injustice (rep), What does Biplav want? Biplav’s outfit has ended up becoming the subject of public hatred. His armed political activism needs an urgent shift toward social activism, by Thaneshwor Chalise (rep), Tracing Disappeared Persons, by Jaya Chor Chapagain (rn)

27/07/2019: National human rights body asks prime minister’s office—again—to report on the status of Nirmala Pant case: The rights watchdog had made 24-point recommendations in January for a fair and credible probe into the 13year-old’s rape and murder, by Binod Ghimire (kp), NHRC asks govt about action on report (ht), NHRC for lifting curbs  on women aspiring to work abroad (ht), How do we move forward with #RageAgainstRape? When activists group together to fight for a cause, imperfect solidarities are formed, by Hima Bista (rep)

26/07/2019: As both ruling and opposition parties focus on internal divisions, governance takes a hit: Neither the Nepal Communist Party nor the Nepali Congress has played effective roles in governance, analysts say, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Govt endorses committee report on talks with Chand group (rep)

25/07/2019: The government spent Rs 230 million on buildings for squatters. Nobody moved in: The empty, eerie housing project is a symptom of a haphazard, rushed decision-making, by Tsering D. Gurung and Anup Ojha (kp), Monsoon arrived over a month ago, but windstorm victims are still waiting for homes: Government had announced that families affected by windstorm in Bara and Parsa would be resettled before the onset of monsoon, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Freed haliyas complain of being left out of government data: The haliya rehabilitation is  yet to gain momentum, 11 years since their emancipation, by Mohan Shahi (kp), The government should protect intellectual property, not hide behind it: It should make all data easily accessible, not limit its usage by adding unnecessary watermarks, by Deepak Thapa (kp)

24/07/2019: NHRC urges govt to end caste-based discrimination (kp) [see NHRC report of 18/07/2019, in Nepali], Police reluctant to register FIR of trafficking victims, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht),  Not quite a case of one for all and all for one: The ethnonational government with almost complete control over the instruments of the state and institutions of society has proved to one of the most ineffective in recent history, by CK Lal (kp), Government and Chand in blame game over talks: The home minister said Chand’s party has not shown interest in talks even though the outfit has specifically put forth preconditions to come to the table, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Data shows significant revenue and expenditure progress, but economists cry foul: Revenue and expenditure targets were considerably revised, leading new figures to show marked progress, economists say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), People are furious after Home Minister says Nirmala Pant’s rape and murder isn’t a “new phenomenon”: The remark comes just days before the one-year mark of the gruesome incident whose investigation is still incomplete, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp) [It is an outstanding task of the govt, especially of the home minister, to end this phenomenon once and for all. If you are incompetent to do this, Mr Thapa, then you should resign and stop such nonsense talk! This is a political issue in every respect!], New recruits for local levels: Ground for conflict; In our country where decision-making has been long centralised with the political, administrative and technical elite at the helm of affairs, genuine devolution of power is still a problem regardless of the federal polity, by Mukti Rijal (ht)

23/07/2019: Human rights body summons police involved in killing of Chand cadreHome Ministry has defended the killing, saying security personnel opened fire  in self-defence, but family members tell another story, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Just as the security forces killed thousands of persons during the times of insurgency only in self-defence??], Around 50,000 quake-affected families to be removed from government list of beneficiaries: They didn’t sign housing grant agreements within deadline, rebuilding authority says; Lack of  land titles, disability and old age may have kept some people from signing agreements, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Debate on external voting rages on, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Hiepe stresses social protection for economic development (ht), RJPN working on Madhesi-Janajati protest alliance (rep), Sources Of State Effectiveness, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

22/07/2019: Crackdown on Chand outfit raises fears of escalation of conflict: Security analysts say there is no alternative to dialogue and both parties should engage in talks, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Chand-led party’s Kathmandu head held (ht), Congress, the party that stood for democracy, attempts to control its own members: Party members say use of restrictive measures by the leadership to stifle opinions is cause for concern, by Anil Giri (kp), An increase in rent-seeking activities by the government has derailed politics and the economy: Demonstrations against the ill-conceived Guthi Bill have already indicated what may be in store for the future, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (kp), Opposition lawmakers demand probe into spending budget at the end of fiscal year: The provincial government engage in organising events to avoid budget freeze, lawmakers say, by Deo Narayan Sah (kp), Ensuring accountability: One single victory in favor of the people will be monumental in consolidating our transition from authoritarianism to a proper democratic framework, by Sarans Pandey (rep) [Before, Nepal had royal authoritarianism, now it has party authoritarianism! Both in common are their selfish interests, under which they do/did not care for people and country!]

21/07/2019: TRC, CIEDP nominations next month, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Take your time and wait until all the victims and perpetrators have died a natural death. This is likely to happen sooner to the victims and their families due to the circumstances of their lives!], Heed the victims’ call (rep), Provincial govts ill-prepared to tackle disasters (rep) [This has much to do with the anti-federal policy of the central government!], Only dismal progress is seen in KP Oli’s dream projects (rep), More than 18 months after Karki report, government yet to take action against the accused: While accused officials have questioned the report’s legitimacy, experts say the government needs to take a stand, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Despite protests, Public Service Commission continues exams to hire staff for the local level: Protesters have said the vacancy notice is against the principle of inclusion, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Failures of Oli Administration, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

20/07/2019: Transitional justice without leaders as parties disagree on candidates: Transitional justice without leaders as parties disagree on candidates, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [And only politically nominated male Bahuns can lead these commissions?], Billions at stake as projects delayed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Minister urges government to allocate more budget for health sector (ht), Why Chand-led Maoists are now inclined to talks, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Chand cadre injured in Dhangadhi blast dies of injuries, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal and Pushparaj Joshi (rep) [Carrying bombs for self defense? Mr. Chand, you're insane!]

19/07/2019: Conflict victims demand halt to TJ bodies appointment process (rep), ‘People refuse to rent me a room when I tell them my surname’: New study says despite laws in place, caste-based discrimination is rampant across the country, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Chand-led communist party should shun violence for dialogue’ (ht), MoHA to continue performance contract (ht) [Under the federal system, the performance of district administration should be the exclusive task of the provincial administration!], SRC continues protest against FPSC (ht), NCP lawmakers criticise FPSC members (ht), Rehab plan a must: It is high time  a separate ministry or a powerful  authority to look  into natural disasters was formed in  the country (ht), Renounce violence before any talks, govt tells Chand outfit: 'No surrender to govt' (rep), Five injured in Dhangadi explosion, one critical (rep)

18/07/2019: The Avarice Of Power, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Anticipating criticism, government puts Mass Communication Bill on hold: After facing public reproach for Media Council Bill and IT Bill, the Oli administration  appears wary of inviting any more criticism, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Think first, act later: Myopic decisions have made the people  question their faith in  this government, by Kushal Pokharel (kp), Recruiting for PSC vacancies gets thorny as protests turn aggressive, by Ashok Dahal (kp), Rise against discrimination: How many Dalits possess land in cities? How many Dalit students are enrolled in top-notch private schools and colleges? How many Dalit politicians are there in higher ranks?, by Sangita Chalise (rep)

17/07/2019: Transitional justice: Restructuring of selection panel demanded, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 17/07/2019), Leadership issues hamper unification talks between Samajbadi Party Nepal and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal: Leaders say they have been working to settle the issue through dialogue, and talks will intensify once leaders return from flood-affected districts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [It's always the same because Nepal only has power-hungry leaders, not charismatic ones!], Govt registers $500m pact signed with US in Parliament, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Hundreds protest against FPSC’s job notice (ht), Inept speaker: Regardless of why Mahara chose to adjourn Monday’s House meeting, the ultimate sufferers are the people affected by the natural disasters (ht), Capital spending at 73 pc in 2018-19: Experts urge enhancing capacity  of bureaucrats, contractors (ht), Are we a peaceful nation? Based on Nepal’s happiness index, Nepal is a happy country because we do not have violence but we are also sad country because we fall behind in positive peace, by Narayan Manandhar (rep)

16/07/2019: Provinces say federal government is in bid to control provincial security operations: Police adjustment bill, passed by a House committee, is yet  another attempt to centralise power, provincial ministers say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [The Oli govt neither wants federalism nor does it understand how federalism works!], A changing world order: It is important to look at how Nepal will plan its engagement with the world, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Open letter to Finance Minister: Dear Finance Minister, you may choose not to believe in the future as you did by rejecting digital financial technologies, but in the process please don’t block our future, by Bishal Thapa (rep), Chaotic Oli Administration, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

15/07/2019: Centre refuses to devolve authority to provinces: Province 3 minister says Kathmandu has refused to share powers with the government in Hetauda, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [In grave violation of the constitution, the central politicians prevent the implementation of federalism at any cost!], Centre retains power to transfer provincial SP, SSP, DIG (ht), Both Nepal and India have done little to address flooding along the border, officials say: Inundation becomes a hot button issue every monsoon, only to fizzle out in a few months, by Anil Giri and Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), Chure degradation over the years has  worsened floods in Tarai districts Human activities are to blame for massive flooding down the Chure hills, environmentalists say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp) [Total disinterest by govt and administration!], In the way of the rivers: The recent floods are actually man-made, or at least made worse by poorly-planned infrastructure (kp), Stay alert: While it is easy to blame nature’s wrath for causing death and destruction, one cannot dismiss man’s folly for compounding the devastation (ht), Sources in Communist Party of Nepal say the outfit is not convinced by state’s call for talks: Chand outfit has put forth three conditions for dialogue, including an official invitation letter, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Govt in backchannel negotiations with Chand outfit (ht)

14/07/2019: Repeated diplomatic failures reveal shortcomings in the Oli administration’s foreign affairs operation: Foreign Ministry officials have not responded to at least three requests for clarifications from American and Indian embassies, by Anil Giri (kp), Vice-chancellors of several varsities to retire next month: Experts suggest selection on merit ending practice of picking officials based on their political affiliation, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [It would be best to nominate chancellors from the academic circles! There is no justification to make the PM the chancellor of any university!!]

13/07/2019: Bill that curtails NHRC’s rights not  acceptable, say former chief justices, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Nepali Congress and Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal say they will continue to obstruct Parliament: Two opposition parties demand that the government release the report on Tarai protest and launch parliamentary  inquiry into the deaths of CPN leader Kumar Paudel and Sarlahi youth Saroj Narayan Mahato, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

12/07/2019: More rules were violated in awarding national ID contract to French company: Although provisions require bidder to provide full security bond at contract signing, IDEMIA was given more time to submit the bond, by Anil Girci (kp), Another Chand cadre’s killing raises questions about government’s stance—and style—against the outfit: Killings of citizens, regardless of which party they belong to, cannot be justified,  rights defenders and security experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Security heightened in Achham against threats posed by Chand outfit: PolicePatrols have been increased in remote areas and bordering districts, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Prime minister says he’s in the dark. His critics aren’t delighted: This was not the first time Oli, who heads a government having two-thirds majority, admitted to having been ‘misled’, ‘deceived’ or ‘kept in the dark’, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [This proves once more that Oli is unable to cope with the office of PM!], Prime minister out of touch with his own administration: ‘PM cannot shirk responsibility by saying he was not informed’, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), ‘Appointment procedure for Medical Education Commission faulty’ (ht), KC demands halt to vice-chairperson appointment in medical commission: Irregularities would flourish and regulations would turn into a mess if incompetent people  or stalwarts of political parties are appointed as vice chairman, the orthopaedic surgeon says, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Tehrathum villagers desert rural areas in search of greener pastures: Drinking water shortage, wild animals menace, food scarcity, lack  of education and health facilities is driving migration in the area, by Chandra Karki (kp)

11/07/2019: The dismissal of gender equality: Although the government does have social inclusion provisions, they are largely ignored or purposefully ridiculed, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Cabinet plans to award $16m ID card project to French company without bidding process: Public procurement law mandates a public call for bids while awarding contracts above one million rupees, by Anil Giri (kp), The injured and families of martyrs wanted cash. They got buffaloes instead: Livestock provided by the Province 2 government is an additional burden, many families say, by Bhusan Yadav (kp), Chand cadre, police constable die in shootout, by Alisha Shrestha (kp), CPN cadre, cop killed in exchange of fire (ht), Two including cop killed in incident with armed Chand cadre, by Akson Rai (rep), NC, RJPN join hands against govt (rep), Ruling party stands firm against forming probe committee, opposition obstructs House: Opposition lawmakers refuse to buy government’s argument on deaths of Chand party member and Madhesi man in police action, by Binod Ghimire (kp), A year-old child is paying the price of his brother’s eloping with a Dalit: It’s been eight years since Nepal was declared ‘untouchability free’, but caste-based discrimination is still practiced widely in the country, by Pramita Dhakal (kp), As they clash to conquer: Until Sino-US rivalry drags on, both China and America will try to have Nepal in their fold. How should Nepal respond?, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

10/07/2019: Politics of marginalization: Diversity is strength only if the state promotes a policy of equality and justice. Inequalities, oppression and marginalization lead to instability and conflict, by Tejendra Pherali (rep), Police killed a Madhesi man. Home minister blamed it on the man: Opposition obstructs House after ruling party refuses to form  a panel to look into deaths of Saroj Mahato and Kumar Paudel, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Series of controversies prompt Oli to evaluate his Cabinet’s performance: Evaluations are in preparation for an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, ruling party leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp), UNESCO withdraws from restoration of two temples in the Basantapur area: Local residents and conservationists have been critical of the government decision  to allow foreign agencies to rebuild Jagannath and Shree Krishna Mahavishnu temples, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), UNESCO pulls out of reconstruction project, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), 10 years on, freed Kamaiyas still wait for rehabilitation : Only 34 percent of Rs317.2 million budget allocated for their rehabilitation has been spent so far, by Nirmala Khadayat (kp), Settle them pronto: It is the duty of the government to provide shelter, food, health and education to the freed kamaiyas and haliyas (ht), NCP’s commitment prompts FNJ to  suspend protest (ht), Appoint TRC, CIEDP officials after act  amendment, says accountability watchdog (ht), SC hearing on pesticide residue tests case today (rep)

09/07/2019: Tradition defies the law: Parliament has criminalised Chhaupadi, but the practice still exists due to prevalent social norms, by Labhesh Thapa (kp) [This reflects the cultural mania determined by men in the patriarchal Hindu state that discriminates against women!], Workers denied timely wages under prime minister’s job programme: Dissatisfied workers warn that they will launch protests if they  are not paid by Tuesday, by Nirmala Khadayat (kp), Chart the road ahead: Only a strong opposition can keep  the ruling party on its toes (kp), Power Of Conceptual Knowledge, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

08/07/2019: Rift in ruling party is nearing tipping point, insiders say: Leaders say two chairmen must resolve outstanding issues at the earliest, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Act now regret later: The government’s tendency to make hasty decisions has cost it dear (kp), Pesticide testing infra unlikely in six months: Agriculture minister (ht) [The infrastructure should have been built many years ago!], The Indo-Pacific strategy is a bad idea: If Nepal joins the US-led strategy, it may cause a fundamental  change in the hard-won regional balance and the geopolitical environment, by Gao Liang (kp), Peaceful social demonstration: Studies show that non-violent civil resistance is far more successful in creating change than violent campaigns, by Binoj Basnyat (kp), Changing storytellers: Nepali people are tired of self-declared great storytellers of mainstream political parties and actors who are already past their prime, by Babu Ram Neupane (rep)

07/07/2019: Government’s apathy renders constitutional commissions ineffective: Dalit, Tharu, Muslim, Madhesi and Inclusion commissions  not a priority right now, an aide to prime minister says, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [This state belongs to the small minority of male Bahuns only! They will do everything to keep all other groups excluded!], Six bills on hold following controversy, by Ashok Dahal (rep), NCP PP meeting: Lawmakers slam govt, leadership; Prime minister criticises decisions of  parliamentary committees, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), As party lawmakers criticise government, Oli instructs them to speak in defence: Prime minister censures parliamentary committee for instructing government like court, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [Under Oli's democracy, only the king-like PM has freedom of expression and no need to justify himself to anyone!], RJP-N, SP-N intensify merger talks: Analysts sceptical  unity will materialise any time soon, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Masking the pollution truth (rep)

06/07/2019: With parties still divided on Citizenship Amendment Bill, parliamentary sub-committee fails to make headway: The primary bone of contention remains the provision related to obtaining  naturalised citizenship through marriage, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp) [The main problem is the male superiority delusion of the patriarchal high-caste political elite and their misguided national identity thinking!], Eminent Persons’ Group report continues to gather dust: The report recommends a revision to the 1950 treaty between Nepal and India, by Anil Giri and Suresh Raj Neupane (kp), Govt halts Dalai Lama birthday celebration: Diplomats from western countries express serious concerns, by Jagdishor Panday (ht) [Nepal's Hindu politicians wold never stop celebrations for Hindu religious leaders from in the same way hegemonial India! This is disrespect to the millions of Nepalese citizens who are traders of Tibetan Buddhist beliefs!], Media council bill: Mediapersons, activists flay government (ht), Reactionary forces despise Nepal’s successful peace process, says Dahal (ht) [Especially those who prevent justice for the victims of conflict and protect and promote criminals!], Serving Interest Groups, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

05/07/2019: Conflict victims still awaiting justice, by Sonam Lama (rep), Ruling party leaders are enraged after provincial lawmaker with criminal past enters the party: Rajib Gurung, who goes by the name of Dipak Manange, has been charged with attempted murder, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [The party leaders knew all this when they mada him a candidate in the elections!], It’s not about sovereignty, stupid: The IIFA fiasco should be a lesson for the government on what its priorities should be, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), Minister  rebukes  directive on IIFA Awards: Says hue and cry about the  government’s plan to host the glitzy event unnecessary, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Preventing resource drain: Cut non-essential agencies, by Mukti Rijal (ht), The business of politics undermines Nepal’s democracy: Politicians and businessmen were always in cahoots, but now they don’t even try to hide it, by Ramesh Kumar (nt)

04/07/2019: Healthcare at risk: Health budget is inadequate, and coordination among the provinces and the state is lacking (kp), The reasons why rebel groups persist: The consensus is that the big fish among the corrupt persons should be called to account mercilessly, by P. Kharel (kp), New directive on diplomatic protocol issued: Bars local, provincial govt office-bearers from meeting foreign reps sans federal govt permission (ht) [????], Crime and politics: Conviction of former lawmakers (rep), Fund For The Lawmakers, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

03/07/2019: In yet another protectionist move, Oli administration prepares to limit foreign film screenings: A new law will mandate showing Nepali films exclusively for half a year, and limiting  foreign movies—predominantly Bollywood—to 185 days, by Timothy Aryal and Anil Giri (kp), Doctors take exception to new law that allows late-term abortions in special cases: A new provision allows abortions in cases of rape,incest or danger to health at up to 28 weeks, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Public Service Commission says its recruitment drive on course after court order: The top court has refused to issue an interim order to halt the  process, but questions over principle of inclusion remain, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), House panel locks horns with SC over staff  recruitment, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), People’s representatives concerned over incidents of blasts, arsons: Elected representatives have stopped going to their local offices in rural areas of Achham district, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Seized by the corrupt: Yes, previous governments were also corrupt—but the Nepal Communist Party came to power to clean the system, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Back to square one? An ineffective and inefficient bureaucracy was one of the reasons which contributed to the downfall of the monarchy in Nepal, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (kp), Rolpa conflict victims worried about the secrecy of their complaints, by Dinesh Subed (rep), Mend your ways: Oli made satirical remarks, talked big about projects, two-digit economic growth and prosperity in 2016 too but people did not call him a joker then because they trusted him, by Sandip Neupane (rep) [PM Oli simply doesn't have the competence that his certainly difficult job requires!], Are we a happy nation? Will prosperous Nepal make happy Nepali?  Or will happy Nepali make prosperous Nepal?, by Narayan Manandhar (rep)

02/07/2019: Uphold rule of law: The rule of law cannot be upheld in society as long as the government pays no heed to the court verdicts and directives (ht) [!!!], Decline of constitutionalism: Ensure separation of powers, by Yagyadi Acharya (ht), Killing of Tarai man brings age-old question to the fore: when can police fire a live bullet?The country’s law enforcement agency fails to exercise restraint during protests in Madhes, rights activists say, by Tika R. Pradhan and Om Prakash Thakur (kp)  [It's not only the citizens' right to life, the question is also when will the police stop torture and beating and respect the fundamental rights of the people?], Insurgency’s over but police continue to stop and interrogate people on streets: City residents say they regularly get accosted by police, particularly  at night, asking why they’re out until late., by Tsering D. Gurung (kp) [Yes, and police must also learn to be polite! Citizens are not under orders and have a right to explanation!], Amid controversy over Bollywood awards, government plans another international event for this year: The international media summit, to take place in the fall, will reportedly cost Rs 200 to 300 million, by Anil Giri (kp) [Respect freedom of opinion and press freedom first!], Provinces ready to hold secondary education examination next year: Federal government is still undecided about delegating the authority, by Binod Gimire (kp) [Central politicians are not interested in implementing federalism!], Majority of people enrolled under PM’s Employment Programme dissatisfied in Sudurpaschim: The programme has come under fire for its ineffective implementation plans (kp), Police team and CPN members exchange fire in Sankhuwasabha: Security tightened  in Hongla village of Silichong following the crossfire, by Dipendra Shakya (kp), Talk to Biplab: When the government can mainstream the secessionist outfit, why cannot it address Biplab’s concerns through talks? Why cannot it bring Biplab to peaceful politics?, by David Kainee (rep)

01/07/2019: Why this delay? (rep), Samajbadi Party mulls quitting government to renew call for charter amendment: Leaders say they have waited too long but the Oli Cabinet has taken no steps to address their demand., by Tika R Pradhan (kp), One killed, several  hurt as police open fire at protesters in Sarlahi: People of Ishwarpur Municipality were protesting against illegal sand mine after a 12-year-old boy died falling into a 30-feet pit, by Ajit Tiwari and Om Prakash Thakur (kp), ‘NHRC Bill provisions will affect transitional justice’, in terview with HRC Chairperson Anup Raj Sharma (ht), Yet another panel to prepare criteria for TJ appointments (rep), The last-minute rush: Development or deception?, by Devendra Basnet (rep)

30/06/2019: Martyrs’ families complain of discrimination (ht), Constitutional bodies without officials despite mandatory provision, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Police initiate action against its staff amid further erosion of its credibility, by Sujeeta Pradhan (rep), Burden of republic: We have functional governments from local to federal levels. But a number of operational fissures have started to appear on the surface over utilization of resources and powers, by Krishna KC (rep)

29/06/2019: ‘Unfair citizenship laws put children at risk of becoming stateless’ (ht), As rift grows between Communist Party co-chairs, Dahal holds a meeting with Congress President Deuba: Dahal and Deuba’s closed door meeting comes amid widespread speculation  of a growing trust deficit between Dahal and party Co-chair KP Sharma Oli, by Anil Giri (kp), Federal government’s plan to hire staff for provinces hits a snag: Controversy over recruitment of employees at the local  level has halted the plan, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Supreme Court asks government to show cause why Rs 60 million was allocated to lawmakers: The constitutional bench of the top court has demanded clarification within a week, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), SC notice to govt on pork barrel fund, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Bill to amend NHRC Act in accordance with constitutional provisions: Minister (ht) [???], In tyrant we trust!: In this great republic, I think our netas have forgotten that they are here to serve the publi, by Guffadi (kp)

28/06/2019: Loss of legitimacy: The Oli government suffers from a crisis of credibility, with its tall electoral promises now faded away, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Nepalis got a raw deal: The country has fallen into a black hole of bad governance, corruption, nepotism and totalitarianism, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (kp), US Embassy seeks clarification after Nepal refused entry to US citizen: Immigration officials barred Penpa Tsering, acting on a blacklist sent by the Chinese Embassy, by Anil Giri (kp)

27/06/2019: Citizens in uniform: Differential treatment by the police towards people from the Tarai community is condemnable (kp), NHRC tells govt to punish perpetrators of torture (ht), China asked Nepal to ban a Tibetan official from entering the country. Nepali officials got the wrong man: Home Ministry officials said the Chinese side directly communicates with the Department of Immigration, whose top official has sole authority to make decisions, by Anil Giri and Tsering D. Gurung (kp) [Does the Nepalese government blindly obey all instructions of the Chinese? Independence looks different! In any case, the unlawfully rejected person shall be entitled to a public apology from the Nepalese Government and an adequate compensation payment.], Nepal is mired in corruption: The kleptocratic network here touches all aspects of society, making it almost impossible to destroy, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Obstacles To Ending Corruption, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km), Dalit women representatives and decision making: They are entering positions of power in their own right, not thanks to the quota system, and need to be respected, by Sarita Pariyar (kp), Bureaucracy Under Scrutiny, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Oli’s missed opportunities: The two-thirds majority government formed after 20 long years of short-lived coalition culture was expected to focus on nation building. It is missing that opportunity every single day, by Jainendra Jeevan (rep)

26/06/2019: Tarai communities more prone to abuse and torture in police custody, report says: Advocacy Forum says marginalised communities and women are more likely to be abused and tortured in detention, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [See statement by Advocacy Forum - Nepal], Torture in detention up by five per cent: Report (ht), In the name of merit: It needs emphasising that merit isn’t inherited with the DNA of a person despite claims to the contrary, by CK Lal (kp), No justice in sight for rape, murder victim Nirmala, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), With growing internal rifts and criticism from outside, a Cabinet reshuffle is likely: Ruling party insiders say party co-chairs are likely to use a Cabinet reshuffle to balance internal party politics, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Banda affects life across country: Transportation was disrupted while educational institutions and markets remained closed (kp) [Once again, Chand's CPN works in support of Nepal's citizens and the future of the country?!], Say no to politics of terror (rep), Government scrambles to speed up spending as fiscal year end nears, by Rajesh Khanal (kp), Government withdraws controversial Guthi Bill: Minister says it was taken back in response to people’s request (ht), Why Newars are raging: Newars will not easily give up the fight and will clearly protest until the badly drafted Guthi Bill is completely scrapped or totally rewritten in collaboration with Newar stakeholders, by Gérard Toffin (rep)

25/06/2019: Political violence: Missing the gender lens, by Susan Risal (ht), Fresh bout of political instability: Former Maoists are frightened as a fair investigation into conflict-era cases would send many among them behind bars, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Lawmakers are unconvinced Chand party member was killed in ‘encounter’: Home minister reiterates police version but commits  to forming a probe committee, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp), Chand outfit leader Karki arrested in capital (rep), ‘Govt invoking reasonable restriction provision to curtail press freedom’: Deteriorating press freedom in Nepal has drawn the attention of international press bodies (ht), Man labelled Dalai Lama’s agent, deported to US: Immigration officials at TIA did so because a man with his name was on China’s most wanted list, by Rajan Pokhrel (ht) [???], RJPN bats for alliance with ethnic parties to revive identity movement (rep), Journey Towards Peace, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

24/06/2019: House committee to question Home Ministry over killing of Chand party leader: Lawmakers are concerned over whether Kumar Paudel’s killing in Lalbandi was extrajudicial, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Rural farmers travel to Kathmandu for fertilisers, only to return empty-handed: Failure to import sufficient fertilisers has meant Nepal is reeling from critical shortage, by Arjun Poudel (kp), From a fierce reporter to a minister who wants to muzzle the press: Gokul Baskota, who started his career writing for left-leaning publications, is now one of the prime minister’s most trusted ministers, and a spokesperson for the government, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Committee failsagain to recommend TJ commissioners (rep), Appointments in TJ bodies hang in the balance, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht), ‘Madhesi Dalits and Janajatis want quota within quota’, interview with Vijay Kumar Datta,  chairperson of Madhesi Commiussion (ht), Guthi controversy Do away with it, by Mahadev Devkot and Shree Prasad Devkota (ht), 17 days on Kailali windstorm victims yet to receive aid, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep), You got to be serious: How did the Prime Minister who at one time appeared like a deliverer transform into the subject of hate? Why is he becoming the butt of jokes? Why is he losing public trust?, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep) [Oli had already totally failed during his first time as PM, so there has never been any reason for optimism!]

23/06/2019: Chaudhary’s shackling shows how state treats its citizens differently, rights defenders say: District court had convicted Chaudhary, who won the 2017  elections from Kailali, of inciting the 2015 Tikapur violence, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Resham’s manacled leg enrages PM: Chief secy told to take action against cops who did this (ht), Government employees desert provincial and local governments after adjustment: Karnali Province faces a precarious situation of losing services of most of the employees at its local units, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Trafficking of Nepali women, girls continues  unabated, says report (ht), Making accountability real: We must fight restrictive laws that aim to curtail rights by mobilizing together and building strong civic and media coalitions, by Narayan Adhikari and Suresh Chand (rep)

22/06/2019: After Guthi Bill, pressure mounts on government to withdraw disputed Media Council Bill: Civil society leaders say that the government’s indifference  to the bill could put the whole system in danger, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Rethinking The Culture Of Protest, by Kushal Pokharel (rn), ‘Nominate untainted personalities for TJ bodies’ (ht)

21/06/2019: Steps yet to be taken to ensure justice for war-era victims of sexual violence: Two rights bodies file petitions at UN committee to build pressure on the government of Nepal, by Binod Ghimire (kp) , Chand’s district in-charge killed in police action, by Om Prakash Thakur (kp), Nationalism may be fine, but protectionism isn’t: In the name of attaining self-sufficiency, several industries have been haphazardly protected with subsidies and tariffs, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp), Half of capital budget for 2018-19 yet to be spent (ht) , Fixing what ain’t broke: Let us hope the government learnt a lesson not to tamper with a system that preserved Nepal’s unique cultural heritage, by Anil Chitrakar (nt)

20/06/2019: In the biggest protest since 2006 People’s Movement, thousands gather to oppose the Guthi Bill: Although the government had decided to withdraw the bill from the National Assembly on Tuesday, protesters demanded that  the bill be scrapped completely, by Anup Ojha (kp), Thousands of Newars gather against Guthi Bill in show of strength protest, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), The people’s voice: The government needs to look at Wednesday’s protest as a warning (kp), Withdrawal Of The Guthi Bill, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Nepalis cannot be hoodwinked by politicians: The people today are literate, aware and mobile—the Oli government would do well to remember, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Government’s reluctance to abide by House rulings irks Madhes-based parties: Opposition MPs accuse Speaker Mahara of acting like a minister in the Oli administration, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Team formed to monitor human rights violation (ht), Quit Mr. Prime Minister On Ethical Ground, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

19/06/2019: Killing the constitution: The more Prime Minister Oli wastes time dishing out slogans and false promises, the more he will be pushing the country to the brink, by Narayan Manandhar (rep),  Government backtracks on controversial Guthi Bill after widespread condemnation: Prime minister says he wholly supports Minister Aryal’s decision to withdraw the bill from National Assembly, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Welcome decision, but what a nonsense comment by the PM!], For the first time, ruling party lawmakers criticise Oli administration’s foreign policy conduct: Party MPs pointed to the failure of Oli’s Europe tour and censured the Foreign Ministry’s lack of direction, by Anil Giri (kp), Casteism is so deeply entrenched, not even law can deter it: Elected representatives from Dalit communities say they are discriminated by their own colleagues (kp), Nothing new to offer: The provincial budgets are a mere copy of the federal budget with unrealistic goals, by Chandan Sapkota (kp), FNJ’s protest against Media Council Bill enters third phase (ht)

18/06/2019: NCP representatives from Valley advise prime minister to withdraw Guthi Bill: Oli says he will take a necessary decision through the Cabinet, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), MPs demand Public Service Commission uphold inclusion and revoke vacancy notice: The commission has defended its call as being based on solid legal ground but  lawmakers argue that it contradicts the spirit of the constitution, by Binod Ghimire (kp), 121 persons file writ  petition in apex Court (ht), Reimagining the future: Nepal is far behind in the discourse that is shaping the course of the 21st century, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Geo-strategic spill over: In trying to maintain political order, the government is ignoring the areas where it is needed the most, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Challenge to democracies: Elected autocracy on the rise, by Mukti Rijal (ht), Virtues Of Participatory Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Corruption and citizens: A lone protester staging a hunger strike against corruption provides an illuminating view on how the absence of individual responsibility in Nepal’s civil society is fuelling corruption, by Bishal Thapa (rep)

17/06/2019: Opaque government: Government cannot use security as a reason to reduce transparency (kp), Delay in deciding names and capitals of four provinces raises concerns over federalism implementation: Experts say provincial assemblies should make independent decisions  and not wait for orders from leaders in Kathmandu, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Without personal means and support from government, mother of acid attack survivor struggles to foot medical bills: Kamala Khadka can expect financial aid only after a final verdict on her daughter’s case, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Lack of integrated approach mars development works: There has been no coordination among various government agencies  when it comes to development works being carried out in the Valley, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [The most non-integrated development projects are those run by the FPTP MPs under the so-called pork barrel fund that has the only meaning to safeguard the future re-election of these non-inclusively nominated MPs!], Guthi bill: Protests on  despite PM’s  assurance, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht)

16/06/2019: Government limits access to Singha Durbar amid criticism for being intolerant. Home Ministry’s measures to keep the seat of government  out of bounds to public and journalists draw flak, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Slim chance of Supreme Court reviewing its 2015 ruling on transitional justice, official says: The landmark verdict struck down a dozen provisions, directing government to provide  no amnesty for perpetrators of serious human rights violations, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Students at a Janakpur basic school go to school—not to study but to teachTwo months since the start of the academic session, students at Shree Basic School have yet to get textbooks and hence they teach their juniors, by Santosh Singh (kp), Local units suffer as federal and provincial governments spar over staff hiring: Municipality and rural municipality representatives say lack of employees has affected service delivery, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Ills of the Guthi Bill: The biggest blunder is disqualifying indigenous people from their rightful ownership of community structures, by Sanyukta Shrestha (kp), Mass at anti-guthi Bill protests swelling, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), ‘PSC has to honour parliamentary panel’s directives’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

15/06/2019: Oli’s Euro trip: Maybe our politicians should learn a thing or two from the netas around the world:  they resign when they feel that they have failed the country, by Guffadi (kp), Newars continue protests against Guthi Bill, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), New bill curtails  Dalits’ right to  education: Activists, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Making Federalism Work, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Stakeholder Consultations In Policy Making, by Kushal Pokharel (rn)

14/06/2019: United in haste, ideological schisms appear in the ruling communist party: The merger between the former UML and Maoists was simply a marriage of convenience, say party leaders, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), On sex and citizenship: The debate on citizenship goes from nationalist rhetoric to plain misogyny, by Subina Shrestha (kp), Right to housing law must extend protection to tenants, squatters: Amnesty report; Director of Amnesty International Nepal Nirajan Thapaliya says the government has been increasingly  enacting laws related to fundamental rights without any consultation with stakeholders, by Tsering D Gurung (kp), Senior citizens in rural areas deprived of citizenship certificate: Without citizenship, people are denied job opportunities and social security allowances, by Ramesh Chandra Adhikari (kp), State bodies fail to submit delegated legislation (ht), Govt making cybercrime a new weapon to stifle criticisms: Freedom Forum (rep), Firing up Nepal’s democracy: Announcing election dates would focus the minds of politicians on the fact that voters are watching, by Anil Chitrakar (nt)

13/06/2019: Intimidation game: The right to free speech must be defended at all costs (kp), In stunning continuation, comedian remains in detention despite widespread calls for his release: Even as #Free Pranesh Gautam was trending on Twitter, prominent filmmakers released a statement supporting the comedian’s arrest, by Bhrikuti Rai and Tsering D. Gurung (kp) [This is what Oli in his Oxford speech has called 'freedom of opinion'!], Activists protest against arrest of a YouTuber (ht), In filling public sector jobs, the government is making mistakes: It keeps forgetting about federalism and inclusiveness, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Government amends procurement regulation allowing contractors to bid in projects beyond their scope  Latest amendment removes the provision introduced barely a month earlier to discourage  contractors from occupying multiple projects at a single time, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Transformative Politics, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

12/06/2019: Oli celebrates democratic freedoms and rights at Oxford, but back home, his actions say otherwise: The government has been roundly criticised for attempting to push through a number of controversial bills that many say could be used to stifle criticism and muzzle the media, by Pranaya SJB Rana and Anil Giri (kp), Freedom of speech crucial for prosperity: PM Oli (ht) [How true, how true, Mr Oli!], FNJ announces fresh protest programmes (ht), Instead of encouraging provinces, federal government went ahead  with staff recruitment: Provincial government officials and experts say the entire approach  to staff hiring for the local level was flawed, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), With Guthi Bill, government wants to exploit ancient customs for money, locals say: The controversial bill pits Kathmandu Valley’s indigenous community against  a government increasingly bent on extending its control, by Arpan Shrestha (kp), Budget allocation draws HoR flak: Constituencies represented by top leaders get major chunk, say ruling, opposition during House discussion, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), A long hot summer of protests? (rep), Provoking The Public Backlash, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km)

11/06/2019: In Nepal, democracy is a sham:. No independent and impactful movement exists at present  which could challenge the government against its increasingly undemocratic demeanour, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Committee to recommend leadership for transitional justice bodies fails to nominate anyone, again: Latest excuse for the delay: busy schedule of the committee head, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Real reasons: There is no interest in providing justice for the victims and the responsibilities of politicians and army leaders for the crimes are to be disguised!], Opposition obstructs House, protesting use of force against Guthi Bill protesters: Nepali Congress has accused the Oli administration of trying  to attack traditions and cultural values, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parliamentary panel directs government to terminate staff recruitment processLawmakers ask government to manage local units’ workload by hiring contract staff until permanent hirings, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)

10/06/2019: In recommending four ambassadors, Cabinet goes against foreign ministry’s criteria: Mahesh Dahal, Narad Bhardwaj Wagle, Banshi Dhar Mishra and Dawa Futi Sherpa have been named as  ambassadors to Australia, Qatar, Bangladesh, and Spain respectively, by Anil Giri (kp) [Continued nepotism and political nominations for important diplomatic positions!!], Government’s latest picks for envoys court controversy (rep), People take to streets against Guthi BillBaton charge, high-velocity streams of water used to disperse demonstrators in the capital, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Police use force against those protesting Guthi Bill: Conservationists, Guthi representatives are demanding withdrawal of the bill, by Anup Ojha (kp), Controversial bills set to flare up tensions in federal parliament: At least half a dozen bills, brought up without proper discussions with stakeholders, have courted controversy over their contents, leading to protests from civil society, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Brain drain: Nepal likely to grow old before becoming rich, by Rupak D. Sharma (ht), 18 CPN cadres held (ht), Netizens question freedom of expression as Meme Nepal's Gautam lands in police custody (rep)

09/06/2019: Four months after ban on its activities, Chand outfit yet to join talks: Government officials do not rule out violent actions, as security analysts say the approach to dealing with the party is faulty, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [For a government that does not take fundamental rights and the constitution too seriously, it is hardly possible to enter into dialogue with terrorists who claim that their murders and the destruction of private and public property are in the interests of the citizens!], Inclusion Commission recommends measures to local governments to empower marginalised people: One of the suggestions is building care centres, amusement parks, religious spaces and sports grounds for the marginalised, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [A better inclusion on the basis of Khas-Arya ethnicity is rediculous! Male members of this group already dominate all spheres of public life!], Journos hit the street against Media Council Bill (ht), FNJ Saptari deplores eviction of mediapersons (ht), ‘Centre biggest hurdle to federalism’ (ht), Clash of elites: Nepali elites seem mostly regressive in nature and character sans originality, novelty, and thirst for knowledge. Democratic elites are dejected by disgraceful downfall of Nepali Congress, by Babu Ram Neupane (rep)

08/06/2019: Former child soldier files petition at UN Human Rights Office demanding justice: Lenin Bista has asked the UN to place pressure on Nepal to address the demands  of child soldiers, who have been largely left out of the transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Comedian in police  custody for a video reviewing the film  Bir Bikram 2: Responding to a complaint filed by the film’s director, police detained stand-up comedian Pranesh Gautam on Friday, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp) [A fatal attack on the freedom of opinion!!!], Govt told to issue citizenship by descent to Birgunj denizen (ht), Politicians are their guardians but they live in orphanages or pick yarsa (rep)

07/06/2019: People in Nepal are not enjoying their civil rights and political freedoms, new human rights report says: The KP Sharma Oli administration has been visibly attempting to limit freedom  of expression through laws and policies, rights advocates say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Top court postpones hearing on petition against 2015 ruling on transitional justice for 22nd time: Continued deferrals amid delay in amending Transitional Justice Act concern conflict victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Dialogue is the only way: Netra Bikram Chand’s party is a raging fire which, if left uncontrolled, can burn everything to ashes, by Mangal Bahadur Thapa (kp)

06/06/2019: Conflict victims mount pressure on leaders to amend transitional justice Act: Law minister tells victims the process will start when top leaders reach an agreement, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is a question of justice and the rule of law! Many of the so-called leaders have been responsible for the crimes of the past! They have no right to have any say at all!], Top leaders seek ways to manage conflict-era cases: Consider revising TJ-related laws by taking victims into confidence and appointing commissioners at the earliest (rep), Conflict-era sexual violence victims yet to be identified (ht), Thirteen years on, victims of the Badarmude incident await compensationDespite a pledge from Pushpa Kamal Dahal during the 2017 election season,  victims of the 2006 civilian bus bombing have received nothing, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp), Dalits used as ‘vote banks’ by parties forgotten after elections, by Pant (kp), Keeping up with Asia: Investing in children is the best investment a country can make, by Ned Olney (kp), NPU to seek IFJ’s support to pressure govt (ht), States Defy Central Control, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

05/06/2019: Respect institutional norms: State institutions are being grossly politicised and made pliant and loyal to individual leadership, by Dinesh Bhattarai (kp), Leaders may face arrest abroad if TJ issues not resolved: Australia envoyVoices concern over moves concerning NHRC and press freedom, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep),  Over a year since unification, ideological differences appear in ruling communist partyNepal Communist Party leaders seem divided over whether the party should follow  the erstwhile CPN-UML’s political ideology or the Maoist Centre’s, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Worry over lack of coordination as state and local governments gear up for budget: Local government representatives say more discussions required to avoid duplication of projects and resources, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Over 2,000 projects could be halted (ht), Caste discrimination still a hindrance for Dalits, by Binod Pariyar (rep), Once a Maoist combatant, now a mental case, by Dinesh Subedi (rep) [This woman should consider herself lucky! Her former leaders, who betrayed all previous promises and ideals, are now leading politicians and live in material abundance!], Dance of democracy: Considering that Nepal only recently adopted secularism, that too without broad consensus across the political spectrum, political discourse is expected to shift to Hindu State, by Manjeet Mishra (rep) [What a flathead! Hindu politics is destructive for Nepal and for India as well! Hinduism is only a partial identity of the multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multicultural state of Nepal and has been abused as a basis of identity for centuries!]

04/06/2019: The creed that failed: Nepal’s communists are engaged to an ideological slogan but married to a capitalist pattern, by P Kharel (kp), Police send reinforcements to Solukhumbu village after Chand party’s ‘suspicious activities’: Reports of an attack on a police post, which authorities later said was baseless, have prompted new security concerns, by Kumbha Raj Rai (kp), Security beefed up in eastern hill districts, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Hari Adhikari (ht), Move to hire staff for local units irks provincial governments: Province representatives say such actions are against the spirit of federalism, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Withdraw notice for recruiting civic staff: MPs, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Disaster resilience after Bara’s rainstorm: The government needs to understand the importance of socio-cultural identity when planning reconstruction, by Susumlata Tiwari (kp), Toward green democracy: Nepal’s constitution is the first national charter in the world to enshrine the provisions to advance the cause of green democracy. We need to communicate this message clearly, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Rule Of Law Or Rule Of Justice?, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

03/06/2019: Back to Bhardari Sabhas: No public consultations are held, and people have to obey whatever rules are made, by Prakash Acharya (kp), SC moved to abrogate pork barrel fund, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), ‘Federalism  incorporated sans comprehensive discussion’, interview with Lok Raj Baral (ht), Contrary to government claims, latest Indo-Pacific Strategy report includes Nepal in its State Partnership Program: Officials denied knowledge of the programme and pointed to  the Army, which also denied information about the partnership, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘MCC, Indo-Pacific Strategy not linked’: Foreign Minister Gyawali says Nepal won’t be part of any strategic alliance, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), As Upendra Yadav renews push for amending constitution, party members doubt the demand’s weight: Political analysts say making a genuine effort to demand constitutional amendments would require the Samajbadi Party Nepal to quit the government first, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Abide by constitution: The provincial Public Service Commission would have been the best way to hire employees for the local levels (ht)

02/06/2019: Rulers, religion, and the republic: Nepal’s new rulers have just taken over the roles and duties of the former monarchs, by Khem R Shreesh (kp), As Oli, Dahal make light of reports, a storm is brewing in ruling party: Party insiders say intense power play expected in the coming days, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Dahal says he will be PM after a year (ht), How a video of a film review provoked police complaint against a meme page: Free speech advocates and online content creators say powerful people  are misusing criminal laws to curtail freedom of expression, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), New policy aims to bar foreign NGOs from financing religious and political institutions: The decision was taken to discourage religious conversion which could harm religious harmony, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Furore over PSC decision: ‘Ad for recruitment of employees in local bodies not inclusive enough’ (ht)

01/06/2019: Local and provincial governments take exception to national budget: Representatives say diminished share of budget for the upcoming fiscal year shows federal government’s centralised mindset, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Whose budget is it anyway? How about our VVIPs ride around town on bicycles for a year and lead by example instead of looting us more?, by Guffadi (kp), PM sidesteps question on stepping down: Says the issue is being  unnecessarily brought up now, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Bamdev sides with Dahal in leadership tango (rep), AHRC tells govt to withdraw Media Council Bill (ht), NGOs filling gaps left by govt in post-tornado reconstruction (rep)

31/05/2019: End cronyism: The new transitional justice  bodies have to be independent (kp), Dahal brings up deal with Oli again, leading to suspicion among party members: In three days, Dahal made two references to an agreement which states that the party co-chairs will share government leadership, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Fresh debate on who heads govt, party as 'secret agreement leaked' (rep), Party pleasing budget: The budget fails to rein in on scattered projects to enhance allocative efficiency and promote fiscal prudence, by Chandan Sapkota (kp)

30/05/2019: State and Citizenship: The geographical location of Nepal between two emerging superpowers has been used as an excuse to deny women the rights they deserve as equal citizens of Nepal, by Swati Gautam (rep), Rs 1.53 trillion: Ambitious and unrealistic; The government’s financial plan lays emphasis on infrastructure projects,  but reveals little about how it will accomplish them, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Govt unveils Rs 1.53 trillion budget: Focus on infra development; Inflation to remain within 6pc; Elderly allowance up by Rs 1,000; Civil servants’ salaries raised by up to 20pc; Economic growth projected at 8.5pc in next fiscal, by Sujan Dhungana (ht), Budget For Fiscal Year of 2019: Magic Or Reality, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km), A populist budget: Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada has failed to resist political pressure (kp), Federal government reduces the budget for provincial governments: Finance minister announces Rs99.85b for next fiscal against Rs 113.43b in the current fiscal, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [Continued recentralisation of a state that had been hopeful to become a federal republic!], Allocation of Rs 60 million to lawmakers draws public ire: The pork barrel spending will cost the state Rs 9.9b, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp) [Continued corruption and taking advantage of high-caste parliamentarians, who are put up by the male Brahmin leaders at the top of the parties! Uncontrolled money distribution in arbitrary and uncoordinated development projects is not the task of the legislators!], Superstition drives women out of homes—again— into Chhau sheds in Achham districtDhakari was declared a Chhaupadi- and untouchability-free village on May 17 with much fanfare. But a recent fire has led the villagers to believe that their embracing of the campaign has angered the gods, by Menuka Dhungana (kp), Citizens’ Participation, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

29/05/2019: Call for civil society to wake up from slumber, by Tsering D Gurung (kp), Is Mishra panel waiting for political consensus to finalise nominees for transitional justice bodies? Panel member denies seat-sharing deal among parties, but sources say major political parties are in negotiations to finalise the share before Oli’s Europe trip, by Binod Ghimire (kp), An anaemic republic: Democracy failed to take root because society is poisoned with the toxicity of ethnonationalism, by CK Lal (kp), Republican order fails to impress people of mid-western Nepal: Most politicians who led the people's movement in 2006 have already benefited from the protests. And now, they have even started behaving like the feudal people they claim they fought against, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep) [You can't put it more succinctly!], Republic government fails to impress people even after 11 years (rep), Sustaining Nepal’s republic (rep), Lawmakers voice concern about Media Council Bill (ht), Musahars in Siraha forced to drink contaminated water (ht), The absent generation: The ones that got away, by Uttam Paudel (ht)

28/05/2019: Renewed recourse to recentralisation: Unless the centre devolves power, federalism cannot be exercised in its true sense, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Blasts indicative of an intelligence failure, analysts say: Security officials said they were aware of possible violence but they failed to prevent a series of blasts that killed four people, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘All four killed, five of seven injured CPN cadres’ (ht), Blast victims in critical condition, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht), Thapa says those killed in explosions weren’t citizens, angering opposition: Home minister has grown extremely critical of Chand, once his ally, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [You may call them criminals or even terrorists but that were most of the offenders of the Maoist insurgency, too! They all are Nepali citizens and have to be punished according to law!], Government’s dealing with Chand outfit faulty, experts say, as multiple blasts unleash terror: Tensions ran high in Ghattekulo a day after an explosion killed one in the neighbourhood, by Tika R Pradhan and Anup Ojha (kp), General shutdown hits life across nation: Terror unleashed as bombs go off and vehicles get torched (ht), Chand’s shutdown affects normal life (rep), 8 million stduents missed classes due to Chand shutdown (rep), Bomb scares and arson mark the nationwide strike enforced by Chand-led communist outfit: Co-chair of ruling Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal says  political objectives cannot be materialised by spreading terror (kp) [Dahal claimed the opposite between 1995 and 2005 though he did not call it terror at that time! And he vehemently resists a punishment of the perpetrators from the time of the rebellion!], Govt ‘failed to act’ on intelligence about threat from Chand outfit (rep), Take stern action: The govt must take bold steps to curb the violent acts resorted to by the outlawed CPN and maintain peace in the country (ht), No gray zone in terrorism (rep) , In educated and elite circles, a different kind of ‘period huts’: Young Nepali women living in cities may not be banished to sheds, but many of them  are forced to adhere to a long list of menstrual restrictions, by Tsering D Gurung (kp), Confusion grips three tiers of government over division of royalties from natural resources: The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission is working on a formula  for royalty sharing but no clear modality has been found yet, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp) [One of the numerous failures of the Oli government!], Govt all powerful but performance not commensurate (rep)

27/05/2019: Conflict victims demand amendment to TJ Act (ht), Finalize laws before recommending names for transitional justice bodies: Conflict victims (rep), Call for justice, once again: Government should not miss this opportunity to conclude Nepal’s transitional justice process under Nepal’s own leadership and ownership, by Bhagiram Chaudhary and Suman Adhikari (rep), Government should widen tax base and strengthen tax regime, analysts say: Economists lay emphasis on putting sustainable and broad-based systems  in place rather than implementing ad hoc measures, by Rajesh Khanal (kp), Four killed, at least three injured in separate blasts in the Capital: Police suspect the involvement of Chand outfit, which has called a general strike today, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Multiple blasts claim four lives in valley: Police suspect hand of Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal; Three of the seven injured in critical condition, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Terror sweeps Valley: Own bombs kill 4 Chand outfit members, six injured; IEDs found in several places (rep), Parliamentary Party leaders ask Baskota to revise Media Council Bill: Chairman of National Assembly holds meeting with ruling and oppositions parties on Sunday in the presence of Minister Banskota to discuss ways to move the bill forward (kp), Missing civil society: This group, which often led democracy movements, is nowhere to be seen (kp), More lawmakers oppose constituency development fund (rep), Heed the warning: Prime Minister’s arrogance and one-upmanship has resulted in his government not getting credit even for some of the good things accomplished under his leadership, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

26/05/2019: Where has Nepal’s once active civil society gone? While professional groups have been raising voices against  moves to curtail individual and press freedoms, citizens-led  movement is conspicuous by its absence, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Editors demand withdrawal of Media Council Bill (ht), Senior leaders of ruling party stand against proposed Media Council Bill: The government should not make any move that contravenes the constitution, they say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Itahari mayor misbehaves with a journalist and deputy mayor issues apology: The instance may look like simple bureaucracy, but female politicians say it shows how women are denied decision-making role and made to play second fiddle, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Of communists and farmlands: It is not the exodus of the youth to foreign jobs, but the communist government’s neglect of land reforms that has undermined agriculture, by Abhi Subedi (kp), People’s movement injured bemoan state’s apathy (ht)

25/05/2019: This is how society and state continue to fail rape survivors: Many survivors have their lives uprooted, and are forced to relocate, live away from their family and friends, and start fresh  in an unfamiliar setting, by Tsering D Gurung (kp), 10 months after Nirmala rape and murder, rights activists renew call for justice, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp), House committee pledges to revise bill to amend human rights law: Human rights committee chair says he will also work for amending Media Council Bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

24/05/2019: Editors urge govt to withdraw Media Council Bill (ht), Government will not take back the MCB, says minister (ht) [Mr Baskota's task should be the protection of press freedom but he is one of the most incompetent and arrogant ministers of the Oli government!], Bamdev Gautam seeks revision of bill (ht), Devolving the judiciary: New and old structural challenges remain in federalism and access to justice, by George Varughese and Iain Payne (nt)

23/05/2019: Free the press: Should the draft bill with provisions of harsh penalties and prison terms be passed, it will discourage professional journalism, while promoting servile psychology and self-censorship, by Mohan Nepali (rep), Oli is weakening key institutions and it’s not good for democracy, observers say: Experts express concern over government’s attempts to muzzle the media and control democratic and constitutional bodies, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp), Foreign Ministry urges US envoy to ‘step back’ from a planned social media interaction, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘Holding public interaction on social media part of core function of diplomacy’ (rep) [The American government would see it as diplomatic core function as well if Iranian, Russian and Chinese ambassadors to the US, e.g., would get into interaction with each and every US citizen and tell the US president simply "shut up"??], MoFA objects to US envoy’s move: Randy Berry plans to engage with Nepalis through social media, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), Need Of Integrative Vision, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

22/05/2019: UN urges Nepal to change its rape law: Rights activists say they are cautiously optimistic given Nepal’s lax attitude to past pleas, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Change laws to ensure justice to rape victims: UN to Nepal (rep), Amend laws for victims’ access to justice: UN (ht), Oli makes yet another remark that contradicts the spirit of federalism: Local government representatives say either the statute has to be amended or prime minister should stop making such comments, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Such unconstitutional statements are not lapses! It is time for the PM to be taught through the legal process that the executive must also respect the constitution!], The importance of dialectics, by Tejendra Pherali (kp), Media warns it could form independent regulatory body (ht), Whose Media Council? Drop the draft bill, don’t even consider revising it. Rather, force the media community to form their own independent press standards mechanism. Let them call it whatever name they choose, by Dharma Adhikari (rep)

21/05/2019: Rights activists urge govt to sign OPCAT, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Spare all kinds of rods: They are ineffective, by Dronashish Neupane (ht), Mishra’s departure throws the future of government think tank into disarray: Insiders believe Chaitanya Mishra’s discomfort with bureaucracy was the  primary reason for his resignation as the head of Policy Research Academy, by Anil Giri (kp), Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal asks government to make Lal report public: Party says it will obstruct House proceedings until the report on Tarai protest is out, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Bring budget to coordinate three tiers of govt’, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Many macroeconomic indicators worsen on Oli govt's watch (rep), Governance Transformation, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

20/05/2019: As protest mounts, media bill draws ruling party members’ ire: Senior leaders and party-affiliated journalists now openly criticise the government and information minister over controversial bill, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Journalists close to NCP suggest amendments (ht), Ruling NCP hints at revising controversial media laws under pressure (rep), FNJ announces fresh protests (ht), Social roots of authoritarianism: We blame the prime minister’s ‘authoritarian’ tendencies for constricting the  space of civil society, but we need to do some introspection, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Bill to coordinate three tiers of govt tabled (ht), Gross misuse of budget in the name of users’ groups, by Matrika Dahal (rep)

19/05/2019: One-upmanship game in ruling party as power play intensifies: Insiders say Dahal is in a bid to accumulate strength to put pressure on Oli to honour understanding, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Spokespersons, please step aside: The call of transparent governance is to hold briefings and provide answers with respect and dignity, by P Kharel (kp), Newborns dying in sheds in Bajura (ht), Cancel constituency development program (rep), Sex and society: A society that expects women to be virgin until the day they get married and expects these women to become sex slaves will never know the impact women have in changing history, by Ushma Rebel (rep), Contractors oppose law barring graft-accused to bid govt projects (rep) [Nepal cannot develop without flourishing corruption???]

18/05/2019: Rights activists say Oli government heading towards authoritarian rule, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Journalists continue protest across country, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), Journalists hit streets against Media Council Bill (ht), Journos demonstrate against anti-press bills (rep), Project selection  process hindered  in provinces with Centre tight-lipped on its schemes, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Heads and Tales: Oli is back! If you ask the real  Oli then the reason he’d offer is he  dreams of the political system set up there. Vietnam is a  Marxist-Leninist one-party state, by Guffadi (kp), Merger as NCP fails to erase past identities as UML, Maoist: Left leaning analysts say the unification of the ruling NCP could collapse at any time if the top leaders don't work to assimilate their political, ideological and organizational strengths immediately (rep), Acid attack survivor Magar comes forward to support another victim, by Sonam Lama (rep)

17/05/2019: Media barred from covering SAGGC meet: Opposition MPs say decision against democratic principles, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), FNJ to stage sit-in to protest Media Council Bill (ht), Media Council Bill, by by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km), Govt petition in TJ case scheduled for hearings after years (rep), US worried by probe into dissemination of news on Dalai (rep), As ruling party marks one year of merger, leaders still undecided on political ideology: The erstwhile UML is for People’s Multi-party Democracy while  the former Maoists are for 21st-century People’s Democracy, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), A 20-year-old woman battles for life after her husband hurled acid at her: Last fiscal year alone, four acid attacks were reported across the country, by Nayak Paudel (kp) [This reflects the value of women in the extremely patriarchal state and society of Nepal!], Choose the best: Let’s have no more political  appointments at universities (kp) [And please remove the Prime Minister's function as head of all universities and academies that was taken over from the erstwhile monarchy!], BRI And Indo-Pacific Strategy, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn)

16/05/2019: National Human Rights Commission objects to Media Council Bill: If endorsed in present form, it will be against the basic principles of human rights and freedom of expression, watchdog says, by Binod Ghimire (kp), NHRC concerned about freedom of expression (ht), Journalists slam Media Council Bill (ht), Musahar families denied access to water after an intercaste marriage dispute, by Binu Timsina (kp), Silent screams: Overcrowding and inhumane conditions are the hallmarks of Nepali prisons (kp), NC wants bills that contradict constitution withdrawn: Threatens protests if bills on  media council, NHRC, national security are not amended (ht), CIAA ex-commissioner out on bail: Pathak posts Rs 7.8-million bail, a Special Court record, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [???], Listen to lawmakers: The upcoming fiscal budget must be prepared based on the suggestions given by lawmakers during the pre-budget debates (ht)

15/05/2019: Fringe communist parties launch a movement against the ruling Nepal Communist Party, calling them ‘fascists’: Led by Mohan Baidya and CP Gajurel, four parties and one communist front have vowed to expose the ‘anti-national activities’ of the government, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Stick to your  mandate: MPs should stick to legislating and let local units carry out development plans (kp), Govt getting ready to ratify Palermo Protocol, by Sonam Lama (rep), There will be no excuse for justifying budget underspending next fiscal: FinMin (rep) [The govt claimed similar things a year ago!]

14/05/2019: A heavy hand: The Media Council Bill further endangers press freedom (kp), Media council bill draws flak from MPs, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Mass media draft bill draws heavy flak, by Ram Kumabr Kamat (ht), Speaker, NA chair assure FNJ of amending anti-press provisions in bills (rep), Media Council Bill in favour of journalists: Minister Baskota (ht) [This brazen minister is making idiots of the whole nation!], Justice, interrupted: The NHRC is an important constitutional body and it should be allowed to function independently, by Gyan Basnet (kp), Leaders say ruling party is using fear and coercion to control them: Nepal Communist Party insiders say internal democracy is  on the wane while individual freedom is being curtailed, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Lawmakers lobby for hiking constituency development fund: If allotted as per the demand, budget for them will reach a whopping Rs 21 billion, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [A very special form of corruption!], Disputes galore over jurisdictions of federal and local governments, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Two years on, Nepali women still barred from working in the Gulf as housemaids: Latest recommendations urge the government to revoke discriminatory restrictions and allow all women equal access to employment, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), Figment of third force: The viability of an alternative force is contingent on its commitment to democracy, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Slow capital expenditure continues to bedevil development projects, by Rajesh Khanal (kp), In Pursuit Of Wellbeing, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

13/05/2019:  Journalists’ group begins struggle against Media Council Bill: The legislation to replace Press Council Act will have power to issue hefty fines and give the government more say in the hiring and firing of council members, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Three journalists are under investigation for publishing news about the Dalai Lama: Communication Minister Gokul Baskota admitted he ordered the probe into  reporters working for the state-owned wire service after publishing the news  on the exiled Tibetan leader when the President was on a state visit to China, by Anil Giri (kp) [?????], Media society seeks bill’s withdrawal (ht), Umbrella body of journos launches protest, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Don’t gag the press: A govt-appointed body can never qualify to monitor the Nepali media, unless the government’s intention is to gag it and have it tow its line (ht), Nepal Media Bill: Experts advise FNJ to challenge anti-media bills in court (rep), PM Oli’s claim that Kathmandu is ‘dust free’ is far from reality: City residents say VIPs who move around in air conditioned vehicles  are unaware of the Valley’s ground reality, by Anup Ojha (kp), Government stops reimbursing health facilities for offering free treatment to ‘disadvantaged’: Dozens of state and private health facilities have signed the agreement with the ministry and have been providing services accordingly, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Keep aside budget for consolidating federalism: MPs, by Jagdishor Panday (kp), Police face new challenges in drive against Chand outfit, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep)

12/05/2019: Supreme Court set to hear review petition on its landmark 2015 ruling: Conflict victims are cautious as reversal of the verdict, which struck down amnesty provisions, could jeopardise transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Bill on Nepal Media: New law seeks up to Rs 10m fine, 15 yrs jail for erring media persons: Govt may confiscate media equipment, by Ashok Dahal (rep), IFJ, FNJ ask govt to drop harsh provisions in proposed media law (rep), Let the press be free (rep), ‘Ban on women from working as maids in Gulf countries unfair’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Women rebuilding Chhau sheds in  Chhaupadi  free areas of Bajhang: Local representatives’ awareness drive in Saipal Rural Municipality was ineffective, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), The scourge of cults: Personality cults are dangerous. And even more so for democracies, by Naresh Koirala (kp), Protest Against Patriarchy, by Deepesh Paudel (kp), Old wine in new bottle: The government’s policies and programmes for 2019-20 look like more of the same, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp), Jog your memory: Historical amnesia has hit Nepali politics and politicians alike, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Scan bills that curtail rights of sub-national govts: Speaker, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Govt against statute amendment: Bhandari (ht), National ID cards find no use (rep)

11/05/2019: Proposed media bill envisions new press council with increased government role: A new body overseeing the press could alter the nature of the self-regulatory body and limit press freedom, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), FNJ denounces provisions of media council bill (ht), Benefits for Thapa-led group concern leaders fromthe Maoist stream in unified communist party: Leaders joining the erstwhile Maoist force from splinter groups including the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal have been left high and dry, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Leader of CPN’s student wing held (ht), House panel directs govt to ready federal laws at the earliest (rep) [This would meant at least one year agao!]

10/05/2019: New bill ‘aims at curtailing press freedom’: Proposes fines up to Rs 1 million against media outlets, editors, journalists for ‘damaging someone’s reputation’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Govt drafts bill with harsher provisions on media, journos, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Press and freedom, by Gunjan Upadhyay (rep), Communism and Nepal: The opinion that Nepal will turn into a one-party communist state is preposterous, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Agitated residents, traders shut down unrepaired Bouddha road: At least four protesters and a member of the police force were injured in the brief scuffle, by Anish Regmi (kp) [The imcompetent politicians and administrators had promised the repair years ago!], Locals protest road construction delay, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht), Contractor buckles under pressure (ht), Creative freedom and fragile sentiments: Does literature need to always put righteousness before aesthetics?, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), Improve human development index, NIC told (ht), Survey is wakeup call for Nepal government: Public opinion poll shows the people’s trust in government is falling sharply, by Rameshwar Bohara (nt), Federalism, rule of law and the judiciary: The Constitution alone cannot reshape a culture that accepts impunity, backroom deals and horse-trading as normal, by George Varughese and Iain Payne (nt)

09/05/2019: INSEC raises alarm over NHRC Act amendment bill (rep), Government quietly moves Media Council bill to House: Transparency and participatory law-making processes are being overlooked, stakeholders say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Parties in negotiations to get ‘their’ people in transitional justice bodies: Victims say such political interference could jeopardise transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [It's always the same! These failed and dishonest politicians and parties will never change! They want to prevent justice for the victims at all costs!], Linger no more: The delay in naming the provincial capital is keeping the people in a state of  confusion and  preventing the govt from investing in  infrastructure (ht)

08/05/2019: Time to intervene: The government has failed to acknowledge the failure of previous commissions, ignored victims’ pressure and their key demands for legal amendment, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep), Nepal should not backslide on human rights, by Meenakshi Ganguly (kp), Congress accuses Speaker of siding with government: Opposition leaders demand Oli’s remarks be removed from record, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ruling, opposition parties at loggerheads in House: Govt’s policies and programmes endorsed amidst chaos, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), PM, oppn MPs in heated debate after Oli’s ‘demeaning’ remarks (rep), ‘My govt’ included with due consideration, not by mistake: PM (rep) [Dream on!], Name provinces, fix capitals (rep)

07/05/2019: Bhattarai, Yadav launch Samajbadi Party in bid to create an alternative force: Analysts doubt the new political outfit can make much of an impact, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Bhattarai, Yadav form new party, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), Human capital for growth: The economic and political landscape for the rest of the century will be influenced by the international flow of human capital, by Narayan Prasad Wagle (kp), One’s identity, one’s pride: No need for consolation, by Mim Bahadur Pariyar (ht), Erosion of political capital: The erosion of political capital created after the promulgation of new constitution is leading to a rising level of public frustration which might trigger mass demonstration and disorder, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (rep), Sanskrit for Dalits: In the past, untouchables were not allowed to read and write Sanskrit. Sanskrit was considered to be the subject meant only for Brahmins. The situation has not changed, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (rep), Media In Democratisation, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

06/05/2019: Undermining democracy: The government seeks to weaken the Human Rights Commission by changing the law, by Gyan Basnet (kp), FNJ announces national campaign for press freedom (ht), As Oli prepares to visit Cambodia and Vietnam, questions are being asked—why? Prime minister should set his priorities right when it comes to visiting foreign countries, experts say, by Anil Giri (kp), Four men caught for slaughtering ox, by Nayak Paudel (kp) [Many greetings from the Hindu state!!], Humla forgotten: Push for double digit growth means nothing when places like Humla are left behind (kp), Only 10 percent of Poor ID cards distributed in seven years: While households not identified as poor have already received their cards, by Rajesh Khanal (kp), Govt to regulate NGOs, says Baskota (ht) [???], Ambitious goals: The govt’s target of achieving double digit growth within four years is not viable unless it improves the spending capacity (ht), Whose government is it anyway? (rep)

05/05/2019: Human rights commission might withdraw officer from recommendation committee, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Disease, hunger and chronic poverty kill people in Humla: Doctors on the ground say living conditions are terrible in the district, by Arjun Poudel (kp), PM’s claim to complete rebuilding projects in a year far from reality: Records at National Reconstruction Authority, which has plans for the next three years, show a huge funding gap, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Leaving out practical projects and tasks, govt talks up fancy ideas (rep), Against popular perception, Oli claims to have checked corruption, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Bhattarai, Yadav agree to merge parties to form Samajbadi Party Nepal: Two leaders to head federal council and central committee, insiders say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp), FSF-N, NSP-N parties unify New political entity will be named Samajwadi Party Nepal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), FSFN, Naya Shakti to merge as Samajbadi Party Nepal, by Ashok Dahal (rep), The numbers keep changing: The reconstruction process is stymied by lack of reliable data on earthquake survivors, by Prakash Budha Magar (kp), Erosion of reason: Why cannot Nepali intellectual community give a clear opinion on pressing political issues? What has led to this intellectual slackening?, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

04/05/2019: Laws are being designed to stifle press freedom in Nepal, a new report says: The report is the second in two days to point to a ‘legal  stranglehold’ over press freedom, showing how laws are being  used to harass and silence journalists, by Tsering D Gurung (kp) [See IFJ report The Legal Stranglehold], Siraha woman, 21, found dead in suspicious circumstances, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp), Whose government is it anyway? People ask as President presents annual policies and programmes: Use of ‘mero sarkar’ in the document invited criticism and ridicule on social media. But ‘this is very much the President’s government,’ PM’s adviser defends, by Anil Giri (kp), Policies And Programs Of Government For FY 2019, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km), Policy and Programs for FY 2019/20: Govt mum on last year's commitments but projects record high growth (rep), Govt envisions rapid economic growth, by Sujan Dhungana (ht), President hints at populist programmes in upcoming budget, by Rajesh Khanal (kp), Project list forwarded sans PM’s nod: OPMCM (ht), Shift the Capital! We can solve some of our VVIP-induced traffic jams if we shift the capital elsewhere. Chitwan would be  the best place to shift our Very Very Irritating People who have no shame wasting our taxpayers money, by Guffadi (kp), What if? Why is it necessary for the full squadron of ministers and battalions of top ranking officers to be present at the airport for every goings and comings of VIPs?, by Hemant Arjyal (rep), Democracy and the Rule of Law in Federal Nepal, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (Nepal Observer 57)

03/05/2019: Victims pressure government to amend Transitional Justice Act: Rights defenders and victims’ groups ask authorities to halt  process to appoint officials, by Binod Ghimire (kp), The fourth estate: Free press is a pillar of democracy and it should be allowed to function unhindered (kp), Media freedom protects and supports us all, by Richard Morris (kp), Government must uphold press freedom: AI Nepal (ht), Journalists still working under threat: NHRC chair Sharma (rep), Long shadows, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt), In quest for the ‘third force’, Bhattarai and Yadav discuss party merger: Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal and Janamukti Nepal also join talks, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Avoid royal show: The head of the state needs special security and state honours; but this does not mean one needs to cling on to the royal culture (ht)

02/05/2019: Fostering impunity: Proposed amendment to NHRC Act 2012 does a disservice to justice delivery (kp), Threats to press freedom have only increased in Nepal, report says: Even as violations of press freedom nearly doubled in the last 12 months, the administration is formulating tighter laws, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp) [see report by Freedom Forum], 104 cases of press freedom violations in a year (ht), FNJ organises rally for press freedom (ht), Shades of single-party rule: The Prime Minister’s Office seeks to keep a firm grip on the entire state machinery, by Kushal Pokharel (kp), Only 22 percent of working-age women are employed in Nepal: There is also gender pay gap and it must close, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), Women working in informal sectors put forward five-point demand to labor ministr, by Somam Lama (rep), Two major police units operating from tents for the last four years: While officials continue to face difficulties, authorities say there is  a lack of budget to build proper infrastructure, by Nayak Paudel (kp), President’s arrival affects TIA departures: Foreigners who embarked on mountain flights and were to fly back home later miss their flights (ht), Right to food sovereignty still a far cry, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), ‘65 pc cases of violence against women occur inside home’ (ht) [see WOREC Nepal report]

01/05/2019: NHRC proposes making its recommendations binding on govt (rep), Bill to amend Human Rights Commission Act raises fierce debate: The powers of national rights watchdog are being curtailed, say opposition MPs, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Members, MPs flay govt for bid to keep rights watchdog on tight leash, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Dahal hints at toppling Province 2 government (ht), Dahal’s warning to topple Province 2 government draws criticism: Leaders and experts say such remarks are against spirit of federalism, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [Neither the central government nor the co-chairman of a political party has the right to interfere in the affairs of a federal province. The central political leaders obviously lack any understanding of federalism!], TJA can’t be amended from Mandala: Law minister (ht), Women’s empowerment: Still an uphill task, by Kokila Khadka KC (ht), SC releases man held for waving black flag at PM (rep) [PM Oli obviously regards every criticism of his person as an sacrilege and would like to see such criminals punished for life!]

30/04/2019: They are citizens too: Nepali mothers should be able to pass citizenship on to their children via their name, by Pratik Gurung (kp), Conflict victims demand amendment to Transitional Justice Act (ht), Deuba and Dahal discuss ways to take transitional justice process forward: The two leaders want to form a common position  so as to put pressure on Oli, sources say, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Both these leaders are responsible for the great number of victims! One initiated the civil war, the other one has been responsible for the mobilisation of the army and the escalation of the conflict!], No to pork barrel: The CISP has faced criticism in the past as it is largely geared towards giving the elected lawmakers an edge during the elections and purchase votes with patronage (ht)

29/04/2019: NCP MPs want hike in pork barrel spending, by Jagdishor Panday (ht) [The uncontrolled and self-interested investment of money by the MPs elected under the FPTP system is a grave and very special form of corruption!!], FNJ concerned about deteriorating press freedom (ht), Empower minorities: It is the constitutional duty of the three tiers of government to protect the language and culture of the marginalised communities (ht), Govt yet to dispatch 5.5 million copies of school textbooks to districts (ht), Mockery of socialism: Prime Minister committed to zero tolerance against corruption when he took office in 2017. Now this commitment is mocking at his face for his administration has failed to control corruption, by Prakash Acharya (rep)

28/04/2019: Nothing done to create special, protected or autonomous regions, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Federal government shows no signs of devolving power, chief ministers say: Province representatives least convinced by prime minister’s promise at inter-state council meeting, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Where from here? The government needs to talk less and do more work, by Udayan Regmi (kp), Minister Baskota slams media (ht) [Another statement by the government, which only aims to undermine freedom of the press and freedom of expression!], Know their interests: One of the reasons Indo-Pacific advocates are focused on Nepal is due to our strategic importance, so distinctive for global power’s attention, by Suresh Sharma (rep)

27/04/2019: Apex court orders halt on citizenship, complicating matters further: An interim order asking that the ongoing process of granting citizenship by descent to children of those with citizenship by birth will only create more problems, some officials believe, by Tsering D Gurung (kp), RJP-N to launch  nationwide protest against government (ht)

26/04/2019: Blindness of insight: The amalgamation of Oli-path and Aditya-path will be the undoing of secularism in Nepal, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), Amid reservations, government bent on amending Human Rights Act: Rights watchdog says the move is aimed at reducing its role as an agency subordinate to the government, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Slow recovery: Four years since the quake, and people are still in temporary shelters (kp), Crowded Kathmandu’s few remaining open spaces are steadily encroached upon: Khula Manch housed thousands after 2015 earthquake. Now, there is space barely for half a dozen families, by Anup Ojha (kp), Post-quake recovery works hit as 4,000 workers resign en masse: Technicians hired by the National Reconstruction Authority say they quit as they did not get any allowance and facilities, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Police record statement from Kiran’s family: NCP stands against its members protesting teen’s custody death, by Parwat Portel (kp), TJ bodies receive 60 applications for chairs, members, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), Statute implementation found wanting: Jamarkattel (ht), Untouchability thriving in rural Bajura (ht), Scientific land use: Gateway to prosperity, by Santosh Paudel (ht)

25/04/2019: Looking back to look forward: The restoration of democracy came at a cost. Let’s not forget that (kp), Conflict victims’ associations to recommend names for transitional justice bodies: But they lay stress on an amendment to the existing act before new leaderships assume offices, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Slow progress: NRA has been slow in the post-quake reconstruction works thanks to its inefficiency, political interference and shortage of resources (ht), Pace of reconstruction taking forever to pick up: Cash crunch a major setback, says NRA (ht), Four years after Nepal’s deadly earthquakes, survivors continue to live in disarray: Many survivors of the 2015 earthquakes say financing reconstruction of their homes and the burden of loans have become major challenges, pushing them further into poverty, by Tsering Ngodup Lama and Arpan Shrestha (kp), Grant delay disappoints homeless victims, by Sarita Shrestha (rep), Many families in Valley’s core areas are forced to live in quake-damaged houses: Seventy percent of quake-hit families have not demolished their homes for reconstruction, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Time for reckoning: Four years after earthquakes (rep), Nepal’s pseudo-federalism: Leaders and bureaucrats do not want to give up the power they have been holding, by Kunja Rai (kp), New bill deprives  provinces of right to prosecute criminals, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), NHRC tells govt to ease woes of elderly (ht)

24/04/2019: Loktantra Day: People injured in police brutality decry government’s apathy, by Mohan Budhaair (kp), Leadership failed to follow principle of inclusivity, ruling party leaders say: District committees announced on Sunday, concluding the unification, have only three women, two Dalits and 19 Janajatis as chiefs, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Rs 429b needed to complete reconstruction, says authority, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Centre’s decision to recruit teachers on its own further deepens dispute with local level, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rights activists picket DAO demanding justice for Nirmala, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp), The binds that tie: Intergovernmental collaboration a must if we want to make federalism work (kp)

23/04/2019: Human rights watchdog censures police bid to enter its Nepalgunj office: National Human Rights Commission terms the action an attack on its independence and autonomy, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rebuilding of schools after quake faces funding gap of Rs 27 billion: Thousands of children will be studying in makeshift structures  for a few more years, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Reconstructed schools lack toilets (ht), The fallacy of false precision: Govt using obsolete investment, growth model, by Rupak D Sharma (ht), Democratic Citizenship, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

22/04/2019: Families of windstorm victims denied relief due to lack of documents, by Laxmi Sah (kp), Fear among storm victims yet to subside (ht), Jumping on the gravy train: The linkages between Nepal’s private sector and corruption is increasing, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Enact umbrella laws: The umbrella laws required for the creation of provincial structures, including the Provincial Judicial Service Commission, should be enacted as early as possible (ht), Aid for empowerment: Building capacity of LGs, by Prakash Paudel (ht), Centre has not internalised federalism, says CM Poudel (ht), Don’t curtail powers of NHRC (rep), Footprints of uncertainty: Nepali governments have a habit of engaging in negotiations only when a conflagration breaks out. Biplav proved to be a tougher nut to crack than Oli-Dahal had imagined, by P Kharel (rep)

21/04/2019: Pressure mounts on ruling party to take action against general secretary: Bishnu Poudel’s Baluwatar land deal has put him into a controversy but leadership is maintaining silence, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Enrolment drive a ritual if poor families don’t get support, experts say: Stakeholders stress need to ensure opportunity costs for extremely marginalised communities so that they can send their children to school, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ministers ignore wards undereducational guardianship, by Binu Timsina (kp) [Leading politicians only love the show; they never mean what they say!!], Human Rights Commission objects to bill to amend its Act, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Bitter pill to swallow: Dr Govinda KC has legitimate demands, ones that affect the quality of your healthcare directly, by Jiwan Kshetry (kp), Provincial Justice Service Commission: Ministry lacks clarity on umbrella law, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

20/04/2019: 14 RPP leaders held from Shanti Batika (ht) [The action initiated by Kamal Tapa was a grave militant aggression against the secular foundations of multireligious and multicultural modern Nepal!], Govt brings bill to coordinate federal tiers, by Ashok Dahal (rep), More Chand cadres quit party, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep)

19/04/2019: Justice delayed: The entire peace process will remain incomplete unless the victims get justice, reparation and fair treatment from the state (ht), End impunity: Don’t make mockery of HR, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (ht), UN letter on transitional justice process puts government in a bind: Officials say the agency has tried to portray Nepal in a way that  inaccurately shows the country has done nothing, by Anil Giri (kp) [And why have you prevented justice for the victims for 13 years and instead protected and promoted perpetrators?], Intimidation game: The criminalisation of legitimate journalistic activity should not be taken lightly (kp), Nepal has failed to ensure full press freedom: Reporters Without Borders, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Strike disrupts life in Sudurpaschim (kp), Blasts, hoaxes, arson mark CPN’s general strike (ht) [Only criminals organise strikes against the interests of the people, destroy their properties and endanger their lives!!], Arms surrender deadline for Chand ends, focus now on talks (rep), Nepal is being loved to death: Four years after the earthquake, we Nepalis have got really good at playing victim, by Anil Chitrakar (nt)

18/04/2019: UN pushes Nepal to amend Transitional Justice Act in a strongly worded letter: UN officials, in a 10-page letter, also reminded the Foreign Ministry  of their repeated requests for a visit by the Special Rapporteur, by Binod Ghimire (kp), UN concerned about sluggish transitional justice process (ht), UN rapporteurs for transparency in TRC, CIEDP members appointments (rep), Application deadline for chairs, members of TRC, CIEDP extended till April 30 (ht), Government’s existing and proposed legislation threaten press freedom, experts say; Dozens of journalists have been charged with cybercrime since the Electronic Transaction Act came into effect a decade ago, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), FNJ to stage sit-in at DAO today (ht), Seventeen Bibeksheel Nepali cadres arrested (ht), Prosperity from below: Policy makers and politicians are reluctant to recognize, expand and lead the country toward prosperity in a socially and ecologically sustainable manner, by Khem Lal Bishwakarma (rep)

17/04/2019: Oh no, not this again: Transitional justice seems to be walking blind; that’s why it keeps falling into holes, by Mohna Ansari (kp), Capital spending at 35pc till mid-April: Government urged to clear bottlenecks  at bureaucratic and contracting level (ht)

16/04/2019: Transitional justice bodies: Recommendation panel extends deadline for applications by 10 days; 40 people, including retired judges, are in the race, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Journalist arrested on charge of cybercrime for publishing news on financial fraud: Reporters, freedom of speech campaigners condemn the arrest saying journalism is not cybercrime, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp), Gearing towards a Hindu republic: Perceived lack of good governance from the secular republic means the conversation is moving back to notions of a Hindu state, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Balance in a turbulent world: Maintaining a strategic balance between China, India and the US-led Western world remains a challenge for Nepal. But some recent events show we may be losing this balance, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (rep) [The leadership of the Western world by the USA is increasingly being questioned under its current president. India's Indo-Pacific security interests also differ substantially from the ideas of the Americans, who primarily orient themselves along their own interests and power claims. Accordingly, Nepal must concentrate on its own security interests or to say it with Trump: Nepal first!], Stability of Political Life, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

15/04/2019: Bill to amend National Human Rights Commission Act alarms experts: Provision authorises attorney general to decide on recommendations, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp) [A further step by the government to enforce impunity!], ‘Bid to render national rights body toothless’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Flaws in government mechanism led to misappropriation of funds, auditor general’s report says: The flaws reflect weak implementation of laws by the KP Sharma Oli administration, by Rajesh Khanal (kp), Arrears on the rise: The ever-increasing arrears cannot be minimised unless the government revamps the existing accounting system (ht), ‘Taming secessionists an achievement’, by Jagdishor Panday (ht) [There is obviously some misunderstanding, Mr Oli. CK Raut claims that you agreed on a referendum on secession; that's why he formed the 'Referendum Party'!], Government urged to improve state of jails (ht)

14/04/2019: Parliament Secretariat spent millions illegally: OAG, by Jagdishor Panday (ht), Reckless expenses have gone up, says OAG report (ht), No future for Madhes-based parties: CK Raut (ht), 'Mafia' grabbed 1,860 ropani govt land in 6 yrs post-Panchayat, by Matrika Dahal (rep), A year mired in big time corruption (rep), Way forward for transitional justice (rep), Reviewing transitional justice: The government formed a committee to recommend new commissioners in TJ bodies without adequate consultations with the victims, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep), Former Maoist child soldier reaches out to UN over injustice: Lenin Bista urges special representative of the UN Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict to put pressure on government to address the concerns of former child soldiers, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Why Dalits convert: Dalits are strong Hindu believers but they have been segregated and are not allowed to enter Hindu temples while other castes are, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (rep) [The Bahun and Chhetri 'leaders', especially those from RPP and Nepali Congress, are against conversion and pro Hindu state only because they want to preserve the discrimination and servitude of the Dalits!!], Promises of prosperity from Rara Lake last year look elusive, by Rudra Pangeni (rep), Parliament panel says government failed to deliver on many promises: The government had promised a double digit economic growth and the reconstruction of all private houses damaged by the 2015 earthquakes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)

13/04/2019: Call for competent people in transitional justice bodies: Faulty process was responsible for picking inept people in the past, rights defender says, by Binod Ghimire (kp), TJ bodies spent Rs 460 million in four years, conflict victims still await justice: Despite spending millions of rupees in the salaries, neither of the two commissions could prosecute even a single perpetrator (rep), Government plans to set up annual regional dialogue: Through ‘Sagarmatha Dialogue’, the government wants to raise issues of climate change, and promote Nepal’s peace process and social inclusion, by Anil Giri (kp), Doctors’ Responsibility, by Kushal Pokharel (rn)

12/04/2019: Slow boat to justice: The government keeps dilly-dallying while frustrated conflict victims keep waiting, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), CIEDP commissioners retire without accomplishing given tasks (rep), ‘Offsprings of citizens by birth entitled to citizenship by descent’ (ht) [But still with patriarchal bias!], Inequality, Inclusive Growth And Nepal, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn)

11/04/2019: A democratic nightmare: A sure way of killing democratic culture is by jettisoning collective decision-making (kp), The Centralist Mind-set, by Mukti Rijal (rn), After promises failed, secretaries told to focus on ‘flagship’ projects: It is implementation, not the addition of loaded phrases  in policies and programmes, that matters, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp), Medical association calls meeting to find a way out to ongoing doctors’ strike: Agitating government doctors provide medical care from hospitals’ premises, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Patients treated under open sky as docs’ strike drags on, by Santosh Pokharel (rep), Govt doctors’ protest continues: Strike hits poor people who can’t visit private hospitals the most, by Anita Shrestha (ht), Women groups in Kailali empower rural women, by Ganesh Chaudhary (kp), Inter-government dialogue: For federalism without conflict, by Har Govinda Pandey (ht)

10/04/2019: Democracy within ruling and opposition parties is waning, lawmakers say: NCP leaders say their chairman rarely listens to anyone, while Nepali Congress lawmakers say the party president functions in a unilateral style, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Govt doctors continue to halt health services (ht), ‘Docs’ strike violates Nepalis’ right to health’ (ht), Patients continue to suffer as doctors and government stand their ground, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Keep fiscal order: Easy fiscal transfers are likely to increase the dependency of the local governments on the centre instead of trying to raise revenue to finance their expenditure (ht), Legal and constitutional experts find fault with Judicial Council’s structure, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)

09/04/2019: Recommendation panel calls for applications in transitional justice bodies, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Police baton charge RPP supporters (ht), Police baton-charge RPP protestors in capital, detain 20 in Pokhara, by Biken K Dawadi (rep) [This police action is a crime, regardless of the anti-national policies advocated by the demonstrators!], Supreme Court stays govt circular allowing citizenship by descent (ht) [The circular upholds the inequality of women either!], Implementation of fiscal discipline challenging at local levels: WB (ht), Waning public faith: Faith in the system can only be restored if leaders connect with the people at a profound emotional level, by Kushal Pokharel (kp), Statehood, Nationhood & Peoplehood, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Most Chand outfit leaders, cadres out on bail: Police, by Biken K Dawadi (rep)

08/04/2019: Process of selecting TRC, CIEDP members okayed: Conflict victims not impressed, lambast recommendation panel for ‘unilateral decision’, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), A new approach: Victims must be placed at the centre of the reconciliation process (kp), Tools of impunity and political control: The politicisation of the judiciary has led to the erosion of the public’s trust in it, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Delusion of democracy: The internet, designed to enable the free flow of information, scares governments, by Bimal Pratap Shah (kp), As government doctors go on strike, the country’s poor suffer the most: Several state-run health facilities were overwhelmed on Sunday by patients, most of whom were visiting from outside of Kathmandu, only to be refused medical care, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [The legitimacy of a medical strike is extremely limited. As soon as patients are seriously endangered, it becomes a crime!], Ruling NCP leaders ‘reaching out’ to Chand party leaders for talks: Ruling party leader Janardan Sharma is holding talks with high-level Chand party leaders in a bid to bring them to mainstream politics, an aide to the former home minister says, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), CPN: a major security threat in Gandaki Province, by Sandesh Shrestha (rep), The Chinese are coming: Recovering Nepal from Chinese embrace has preoccupied Delhi but balanced ties with China and India are Nepal’s political compulsion and sovereign necessity. Unsettling it will invite back-breaking repercussions, by P Kharel (rep)

07/04/2019: Conflict victims seek role in appointments in transitional justice bodies: Groups advocating for conflict victims warn they will not accept  the process if officials are picked without ‘meaningful consultation', by Binod Ghimire (kp), Voting for change: An integrated electoral system will not only limit electioneering costs but also make the representatives responsible to their voters, by Birendra P Mishra (kp)

06/04/2019: Confusion on exercising concurrent powers persists, by Rewati Sapkota (ht), After mega projects, government assigns Army to construct homes: Security experts say the government decision could give  a message that the country’s civil administration has failed, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Impossible promises: Our comrades have either lost their minds or they have become too big for their boots because they have a majority in parliament, by Guffadi (kp), Doctors’ strike hits patients hard across country (ht), Near 50,000 patients hit by doctors' strike (rep), ‘Judiciary in the clutches of interest groups’ (rep)

05/04/2019: Govt’s apathy promoting impunity: NHRC (ht), Rescind orders against free press: Nepal Media Society: ‘We have seen how such moves in the past by those drunk on power have boomeranged on them' (kp), Restrictions on issuing press identity cards draw Nepal Media Society flak, by Roshan S Nepal (ht), Two steps back: The government wants to keep  journalists on a tight leash (kp), Past agendas likely to dominate second Inter-State Council meet: The meeting, which is slated to take place in the last week of April, will look to settle the same set of issues concerning devolution of authority, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), CMs advise PM to avoid project duplication (ht), Political chaos: Tensions currently engulfing Nepali politics could be a distraction created by the NCP to cover its shortcomings, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Inequality, Inclusive Growth And Nepal, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn)

04/04/2019: Citizenship relief for children of  citizens by birth: District administrative offices told to grant them citizenship by descent, by Roshan S Nepal (ht) [The cheering can only come from male persons! Concerning the right to citizenship through the mother everything remains unchanged! Women continue to be treated as unequal and inferior persons! Long live the patriarchal state of Nepal!!], Nepali children born today will have their lives shortened by 30 months: New report says Nepal has the highest levels of air pollution in the world, by Arpan Shrestha (kp 04/04/2019)), Storm-hit Dalits living under open sky, by Prabhat Kumar Jha (ht), Nomination of Supreme Court justices draws flak for not being inclusive: The decision violates constitutional provision on proportional inclusion, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Imbalance of  powers: The independence of Nepal’s courts is becoming more precarious (kp), Strengthen, implement right to food law: AI to govt (ht), Nepal: To End Hunger, Strengthen and Implement Right to Food Law (Amnesty International), In latest attempt to squeeze media, government seeks journalists’ payroll details, violating the constitution: Ministry of Information uses issue of working journalists’ minimum wage to block broadcasters’ payments to satellite companiesnCircular follows a series of regulations to muzzle journalism, by Anil Giri (kp), Panel to pick new leaderships of two transitional justice bodies by mid-April: Names of former Supreme Court justices under  consideration, sources say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Federalism has led many civil servants in Achham to work sans payment, by Menuka Dhungana (kp) [The reason is not federalism, but the indecision and incompetence of the central government to implement it!], The colours of us: Reserved quotas have had a positive impact in maintaining diversity at the workplace, by Deepak Thapa (kp)

03/04/2019: Bara freak storm victims left in a lurch, by Prabhat Kumar Jha (ht), Storm survivors struggle under open sky on empty stomachs, by Madan Thakur and Upendra Yadav (rep), No money for storm from PM Relief Fund (rep), ‘We need shelter, we don’t need more food’: As politicians promise money, survivors say they’ve heard it all before; 'IIt looks like a game for political  leaders; they are competing with each other to make announcements', by Anup Ojha and Laxmi Shah (kp), Review electoral system for good governance, says CIAA chief (ht), Conflict-hit women say no to war, by Lokendra Khanal (rep), Slicing the Madhesi pie: Raut’s Janmat Party is elbowing its way into an already crowded political landscape, by Brahmanand Thakur (kp)

02/04/2019: Complaints registered with transitional justice bodies to be sealed until new leadership assumes office: Office bearers at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons will retire on April 14, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Burden of two-thirds majority: None of the majority governments since 1958 has survived full term mainly because of intra-party feuds and personal rivalry among leaders of ruling party. What will happen to Oli government?, by Thira L Bhusal (rep), Duties Of Citizen And State, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

01/04/2019: Reimagining leadership: Transitional justice process has not come to a meaningful end because conflict victims were not placed at the center, by Charan Prasai (rep), Genealogy of xenophobia: In a country burdened by ethno-nationalism, self-destructive jingoism and hubristic self-importance, the politics of prosperity is merely a façade to decorate existing power structure, by CK Lal (rep), Sunita murder case: A sad story of a wife killed by husband for dowry, by Ritesh Tripathi (rep), Woman allegedly beaten to death by her husband, by Madan Thakur (rep), Local govts disobeying central govt, by Devendra Basnet (rep) [This has to do with the failure of the central govt to introduce clear regulations on power sharing and responsibilities under the federal system! The decisions mentioned in this article should be under the responsibility of the local govt because the central govt has no idea of the local situation!!], Oli says he consulted Deuba on nominations, but Congress calls it a lie: Opposition leaders say the prime minister decided to call a meeting  even after Sher Bahadur Deuba proposed an alternative date, by Anil Giri (kp), Koshi flood victims pay tax for inundated land, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp)

31/03/2019: No more secrecy: The government must pick the people for the transitional justice bodies transparently, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Is Nepal’s progressive trans rights movement bracing for a setback? LGBTIQ community expresses reservations about provisions in the citizenship bill which, according to them, can result in further discrimination against sexual minorities, by Asmita Manandhar (kp), Amid government’s unilateral moves, calls grow for adherence to constitutionalism: Experts point at Constitutional Council’s decisions without taking opposition leader into confidence while taking decisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Let provincial government hold remaining SEE exams: Experts; The Ministry of Education cancelled the rest of the exams on Friday after  a series of paper leaks, by Binod Ghimire (kp), SEE students stage protests in several spots in Province 2: 20 people — including police — injured and more than a dozen vehicles vandalised (kp), Sunita beaten to death over dowry, by Bhusan Yadav (kp), 300 quake-victims under huts in Dolakha, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp)

30/03/2019: Investment summit showcases the country’s mega projects—and its gender disparity: The biggest stage for business and investment fails to provide stage for women entrepreneurs and investors, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp)

29/03/2019: Government’s intent to keep security policy secret raises concerns: The document has given too much emphasis on army, ignoring other security agencies, officials who have seen the document claim, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Crime and forgiveness: We need to rethink reconciliation for peaceful coexistence in post-insurgency Nepal, by Dinesh Kafle (kp)

28/03/2019: ‘We represent diversity’: Chauvinists can learn from the New Zealand prime minister and change their way, by Pramod Mishra (kp) [This is the opposite of what narrow-minded pseudo-nationalists from the NDP, a great number of NC politicians and other Hindu state fanatics preach! It should be the basis of Nepali nationalism as well!!], Rage and reason: We need to bring around every actor from the plains as well as the hills to agree on some basic fundamentals of citizenship. Otherwise, citizenship debate will prolong indefinitely, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep) [There is only one solution: Make it equal without any patriarchal fantacies based on gender, ethnicity and region!], ‘CPN brass goes underground’, by Bikan K Dawadi (rep)

27/03/2019: Government ban unconstitutional, says Nepal Bar Association, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Communist Party of Nepal announces stir against crackdown, by Nayak Paudel (kp), CPN’s strike likely to hit students (ht) [Criminal anti-people procedure!], Protest meaningless, says CM Gurung (ht), 11 CPN cadres nabbed (ht), How big—and widespread—is Chand’s communist party? Depends on who you ask: Despite arrests of scores of its leaders, including some senior ones, the group has shown little sign of joining talk, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), A job to be done: Remittance is a short-term fix, we need to create work here (kp)

26/03/2019: Panel formed to pick names for transitional justice bodies: Former chief justice Om Prakash Mishra to lead 5-member recommendation committee, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ruling, opposition parties at odds over handling of the Chand outfit: Nepali Congress says high-handed approach could sow the seeds of conflict; Prime minister maintains tough stance, calls Chand party ‘pseudo-communist’, by Anil Giri (kp), Making bureaucracy deliver: Bureaucrats, as public service providers, are facilitators, not controllers of operations, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Foreign policy dilemma: Nepal cannot antagonise emerging superpower China or the sole superpower, the US, by Madhab P Khanal (kp)

25/03/2019: His mother is a Nepali.He has been refused citizenship for 10 years: Between 2009 and 2017, Nepal has issued 13 naturalised citizenships to those born to a Nepali mother and a foreign father. Many are waiting, hoping to be the next, by Tsering D Gurung (kp), Where is Netra Bikram Chand? Senior officials say the leader of Communist Party of Nepal, which was involved in a series of bombings, is still in the country and dismiss claims that he has fled to India, by Anil Giri (kp), Surrender arms or face action, PM tells Chand (rep), Civil servants stop going to work over Chand outfit’s threat, by Narayan Sharma (kp), Ansari’s rival seeks interim order not to let him continue his work: In his writ petition, Salam has claimed that Ansari was appointed only because he was a central committee member of the ruling Nepal Communist Part, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Reversal of democratic thrust: The government is de-democratising the security sector and weakening democratic oversight of the security forces, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), There cannot be referendum on monarchy: PM Oli (rep), Inter-caste couples still facing social stigma, by Tanka Chhetri (rep)

24/03/2019: Power to PM to deploy Army causes unease in defence force: Experts say government should abide by constitutional provisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Police arrest 9 Chand group members, including a senior leader, from Kavre: Hemanta Prakash Oli ‘Sudarshan’, one of the five members in Chand’s high command, is said to have been a key person behind the blasts at Nakkhu and Basundhara in the Capital, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Campaign against casteism: Reframing the narrative around caste-based discrimination warrants a different outlook, by Rajendra Senchurey (kp)

23/03/2019: Women are still dying after being sent to menstruation huts, but no one is filing complaints: A new report by the National Human Rights Commision paints a grim picture of Chhaupadi and how it’s still taking women’s lives, despite being outlawed, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp) [see NHRC report (in Nepali)], More daughters are enrolled in public schools while sons are sent to private ones: Even though girls outnumber boys in the 10th grade national level exam, discrimination is clearly visible, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Holi was colourless and joyless for families of those martyred during the 2015 Madhes protests, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Shashank’s referendum remarks irk Congress, by Anil Giri (kp)

22/03/2019: On the wrong side of history: Defending unequal citizenship rights is defending the Khas-Arya man’s status, not the state sovereignty, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp), Action against Chand outfit—but how and under which laws? There’s no specific law to deal with the Chand group the way the government wants, security and legal experts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), As Ansari takes oath, questions arise over necessity of hearing committee: Parties failed to follow the spirit of legal provisions and this undermines parliamentary supremacy, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

21/03/2018: Rebels without a cause: No one seems to understand what exactly Biplab wants, not even Biplab himself, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Govt steps up measures against Chanda-led group: Four including a close aide to senior leader Hemanta Prakash Oli arrested on Tuesday (rep), Police arrest two Chand cadres in Kavre after shootout: Experts say government should deal with the group delicately and invite them for dialogue, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Govt mulls carrot and stick policy against CPN: Families of cadres, leaders of the outfit will not have to bear the brunt of actions of their kin, by Rewati Sapkota (kp), NC general secy backs for reinstating Hindu state thru referendum (rep) [This is in the same way anticonstitutional as Raut's demand for a eferendum on an independent Madhesh state! Both referenda would be aimed at destroying Nepal's unity and multicultural identity! The Nepali Congress is about to destroy its former democratic ideals!]

20/03/2019: Government moves indicate effort to centralise power in prime minister: Problem lies in intent rather than method, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Towards authoritarianism: When all powers flow to the prime minister, it will undermine the achievements of democracy (kp), Congress demands government to explain ‘jana abhimat’ in its pact with CK Raut, by Tika R Pradhan (kp)

19/03/2019: CK Raut launches Janamat Party (rep), After quitting ‘Free Madhes’ campaign, CK Raut launches a new party: Raut’s Janamat Party vows to continue struggle for the rights of people, by Tika R Pradhan (kp), Hasty deal with Raut: Both contracting parties have interpreted the agreement as per their convenience, by Kushal Pokharel (kp), Govt agrees to publicize Lal panel report: RJPN hopes to use report to its advantage (rep), Baburam Bhattarai objects to government’s bid to further empower prime minister: Naya Shakti Party leader demands release of Resham Chaudhary, saying  the 2015 Tikapur incident should be treated as a political movement, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [?? A crime cannot be excused for political reasons!], 80% of accused rapists were acquaintances of the victims, by Biken K Dawadi (rep), Parties still undecided on appointment of officials at transitional justice bodies: Conflict victims concerned about further delay in justice delivery, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Positions are far more important than justice for the victims!]

18/03/2019: Chand’s men on extortion drive in Surkhet, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep) [Another crime against the common people!], PM terms Chand outfit a criminal gang (rep) [How else shall it be called?], A series of events, and intel report led to government action against Chand outfit: Security agencies have orders to arrest major suspects behind violent activities carried out by the group, a high-level police source says, by Nayak Paudel (kp), Listen to the people: They want peace (rep), The Maoist cul-de-sac: Chand has very little to lose and everything to gain by creating mayhem. The NCP has everything to lose and nothing to gain by ignoring him forever<