Right to information in Nepal

The law of Right to information in Nepal came into action after 2007. The Draft and it’s legal parameters can be obtained at http://www.moic.gov.np/acts-regulations/right-to-information-act.pdf  though the law defines its democratic rights for any citizen  to inquire about any desired informant related to a public body , but the Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007) is still in its beginning stage where it needs to be explored and researched. Still today people do not have any idea about the law. Not just for city areas, but in the rural village areas where the law can be an effective tool for controlling corruption and irregularities  has just been hidden lacking publicity and popularity. What are we lack and why  this law shadowing …………….

If we look at its uses and provision this law can be used as an effective means to empower the people in every aspect of bringing transparency in reducing corruption in Nepal. As ultimately corruption happens in-front of the public in connection with resources that are either mismanaged or are hidden from the public. The Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007) gives the public full right to inquire about the desired information. This way, the public is fully aware and in control of the spending that is happening so they can fully verify the progress and development.  It is not just a sense of using the rights, but it’s about having questions and standing for your rights.

As we all waste our time criticizing and talking about what is not happening around, but is it not our responsibility to question what is happening ? Why are we silent of all the happenings.
 It is our country and our politician whom we have selected and send them heir and if they fail to perform then it is our responsibility to aware them that we are watching them if  we cannot then there is no purpose of criticizing or putting allegation on others.
  

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T20 world cup a Dream for Nepal

We just saw the grand performance of the Nepali cricket team in the Bangladesh world T20 cup. The Nepali team coming up from the past few years of struggle is not a joke, but still, having said that I expect more from the Nepali national team. I have been arguing about this with many people about how and why we should not limit this performance or have our say in expecting more from them.

People have been arguing me about

1. There is not facilities

2. The government is not so flexible about their training

3. They have no resources  

My argument is from past 5 years we have been dreaming about the world cricket cup we lost it to Bangladesh and they went and played 5 consecutive world cup matches and we remain the same, Was there a progress?

I would yes, but it was not visible, I saw that progress only this year when our country's flag was flying on the ground of chitlong, Bangladesh. People have been complaining about the resources available, but my argument is in an underdeveloped country to facilitate the national team with the international coach itself is a trophy  and what are we complaining about. If you look at the history of any country's sport, then you would probably see the hard work, drive and motivation by their own passion. Here the government, despite its resource have been trying. You cannot compare the Indian cricket team and its facilities here in Nepal and moreover,  it took them more the 50 years to establish themselves and here we talk about not even a decade. 

Apart from that if you look at the recognition and awards that they have received then its quite phenomenal like the government has already given or in process of awarding them with  more than 15 lakh (1.5 million) in cash, they have a fixed job from armed police force. Similarly, private donation and awards are being given to them at different intervals of time and still they complain they lack resources.

What kind of motivation are they looking for, do they want the government to play with them or what?

My argument is when it comes to awards and promotional advertisement they come forward and grab all and when it comes to performance and failures they blame it to the  government and lack of resources, what a joke?

Nepal and Nepali cricket has a long way to go in its cricket journey, but it's high time that the Nepali team needs to understand the priorities of what and how we will perform than just complain  about the past.

We all are in support of the team and leadership, but one thing they should be clear about is, the sport is all about pure passion and hard work if you cannot dedicate yourself from mind, body and soul then you do not have the right to wear the national  flag and be in the National team.

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why suffer and make the public pay the Price: Price Hike in Petrol

Yesterday it was the world consumer day and we heard the news that the prices of petroleum products went up. What an irony and what recognition?

The Nepal Oil Corporation has announced an increase of Rs. 10 in petrol, diesel by Rs. 6 and kerosene by Rs. 6 per liter. The previous selling prices were Rs.130 for petrol, Rs. 103 for diesel and Rs.103 for kerosene.

At previous rate, the NOC was making a profit of Rs. 2.82 from petrol and Rs. 5.67 from kerosene. But was suffering a loss of Rs. 10.30 in diesel.

I sincerely think our government or leadership should think about privatization in this sector, one thing we all need to understand is when you cannot manage; you should accept and call the experts who can or let the market decide. Why suffer and make the public pay the Price?

The main reason of the Losses in the NOC is caused due to lack of transparency in the use of petroleum products by the government authorities  and ministers as there are no records and system for regulating and controlling.    

I think this is just a publicity stunt, as after the rise, there will be a big chaos and the NOC, with its full consent will decrease the price by 50% and things will go aside. Most importantly the student political parties will have an issue to bargain and there will be some action for them. It's all political, I must say............. 

How can a commodity like petrol that you resell go in loss? I guess it's happening due to mismanagement or what if I say it's happening due to huge government misappropriation done by their staffs and ministers     

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Nepal Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) malfunctioning questions user Rights

NTC Error message

In recent years, we have evolved from an autocratic regime to a more federal democratic environment where we have rights of everything. Today there are human rights, privacy rights, consumer rights etc.  to protect in everything we do and it has adapted in our lifestyle and technology that we use and live with.

Recently I encountered something that really surprised me, it’s a small error, but for a national public company like Nepal Telecommunication Corporation(NTC)  that pays billions in taxes to the government displaying a definite wrong message  was a question of curiosity as well as a stand to question. My issue was to question what are my rights in context of using the service and facilities related to the company and its product.

Technical details: When you press *400# to display your current balance and if you try to make a call the software displays a message, “Sorry you have no right to call.”

How convenient or right is that when you are the rightful owner of the number and the mobile set and your legal status is being questioned.

A small thought, but I think it’s a major issue in regards to the question that comes up when we receive advertisements from NTC about events or promotional campaigns do we have the privacy rights to say no.

I may or may not be right, but what concerns me is the level of recognition of user's rights and   that these organization practices in retrospect of showcasing their responsibilities towards clients and their services.

DO I HAVE ANY RIGHTS ....................

 

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weed day celebrated in Nepal

No matter with what security or number of police personnel deployed, it makes no sense for one day in the year when hashish or weed goes legal in Nepal. At the official level government of Nepal may not accept this, but on real ground weed goes legal especially at pashupatinath area with fumes gauging the surroundings in making the youth attract in millions. What young / old or cast /creed everybody enjoys the Shivaratri with a different mindset. Traditional and culturally Shivaratri is the only festival that has a certain psychological aspect of taking up marijuana or weed as a sacred blessing from the god.  This trend has not only been exploited, but to some extent exaggerated by drug abusers and teenagers in using illegal substances in the name of culture and tradition.

Is this acceptable is my question?

Shocking truth, but it is real that from the past few years the government has been trying to control the uses of the illegal drugs like marijuana; hashish etc. During Shivaratri but culturally it has given way to specific areas and locations.  On Shivaratri the Weed/marijuana is consumed as a blessing of lord shiva as it is considered one of the very prized substances devoted to lord shiva where at times the teenagers and youngster without knowing the cause.

It’s fun, but without knowing the pros and cons you can land yourself in unwanted situation which needs to be explained.

With the growing trend of teenagers flocking to pashupatinath temple certainly hints the wrong use and possibility of vulnerability.

Yes, it’s our culture, but make it visible and having the clarity of not misusing is also our right and responsibility.

 
It was estimated that around 10 million people visited the pashupati Nath temple this year.   

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Failed Leaders and their vision: subash nembang an example

Now I know why Nepal is listed in the group of least developed country. It is very ironical and very clear that we lack leadership and proper vision but how dumb can we be that we would nominate the same failed sorry ash who could not deliver his  goals during the last constituent Assembly and now again he is back in the same position.

Yes, I am talking about Mr Subash Nembang who was elected as the new  house of speaker  unanimously. how wise is it to give him such an important role that he could not deal with during his last tenure. In-fact I could not stop myself from laughing when I heard that Mr  Nemabang was the only candidate for the post. how courageous for him to stand again without the guilt that he didn't deliver last time so he was up for the nomination this time as well. I think this is the example of the worst political culture that we have and that is instigating Nepal's politics. I think with such lack of consen and guilt such people are no less than  burden for their position and responsibilities.
Nembang was highly criticized for not being able to perform during the last CA when he failed to call the last meeting prior the Baburam led government dissolved the CA.

Nepal's Politics desperately needs new face and new vision the orthodox are certainly containing the energy and drive of the nation towards poverty and corruption.

we need leaders who can take stand and make difference not leaders who can make politics more happening by having their own preferences and choices  

   

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Koirala a failed leader

With the appointment of Sushil Koirala as the 37th Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the country seems to be back in track of  new constitution making process. Famously idealized for his youth image and youth leadership, this 75 years old man depicts the real situation of Nepal's politics and its currently situation of orthodox mentality.

The November 19, 2013 election  was a breaking point for Nepal's political deadlock situation but still due to lack of political understanding and political culture, the country failed to get any result in regard to its political status and other essential decision. The elected CA members lacked to formed a proper leadership and visions in regards to management and operation for the last 3 months. Now after 3 months there seems to be some solution coming upfront but with lack of political manipulation and politics games running around for power and chair, it is still hard to expect  that there will be a secured government that will facilitate the CA to promulgate a new constitution.    
The Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) which supported koirala to win the position of PM at CA has already expressed its dissatisfaction with Koirala reasoning it of failing to address the agreement of home minister portfolio to its party. Similarly, the political understanding seems to be lacking  political support in context of power sharing and portfolio management, which is expressed openly by leaders of the political parties at different media.

Koirala is the sixth head of government since the country became a republic in 2008, following a peace deal with Maoist rebels in 2006.

The Nepali Congress president, scored  405 of 553 votes of MPs', moving ahead securing his position as the next Prime minister of Nepal. During the November 19, 2013 election he was elected from Banke and Chitwan constituencies for the Constituent Assembly (CA).

I think sushil koirala is just an example of weak political culture of nepal that highlights the hypocrisy and orthodox mentality that rules Nepal politics.  It is hard to say if the country will get a new constitution within next five years but I can surely say it will get more ministers and sub ministers to manage different portfolios.


  

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Money taken as Tourists fee should be used to increase benefits for tourist

The Nepal Government has doubled the tourism service fee for foreigners exiting Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport enacting from March 1, 2014. The decision to revise the fee was taken by the executive committee of NTB. It was later approved by the Ministry of Finance.

The statement specifically highlights that the income generated from the fee will be used by #Nepal_Tourism_Board to promote Nepal in the international arena and for development of domestic tourism.

I think the money collected from the tourists should be invested in the airport and other facilities rather than the personal holiday trip of the NTB staff. When they go abroad we all know how the promotion takes place. One thing we all have to understand that Nepal lacks marketing tools for Nepal’s promotion. We have embassies in most parts of the world why aren’t we using that network. Working as a tourism journalist I have personally participated in many programs conducted by such embassies that save money and time and most importantly it helps the embassy to increase their credibility at a national level.

Apart from that we lack promotional quality materials like videos and photos which need to be worked on.

The NTB should hire few intellectual marketing consultants who can work on creating a buzz campaign rather than spending millions and billions of rupees in the so called foreign trip in the name of promotional expenses.
I am sorry to say this but taking Nrs 1000 from one tourist might not matter but when it comes to a year’s round figure that money amounts to 6 or 7 digit in a year and you are planning to use it for promotional activities what a joke....
The money taken from the tourists should be returned to them in the name of service, my question is why isn’t NTB ready to finance thamel as a Vehicle Regulated Zone or help Basantapur give better services. Why is it just ready to go for promotional activities aboard only?

Why is my question? Its high time when the leadership and the Nepal Government start thinking about the long terms solution for Nepal’s tourism and its pros and cons rather than wasting time and money in the name of promotional activities.  

Nepal is getting popular as tourism destination whereas talking about the cost its increasing and when we talk about services and quality then its decreasing. Then what are the tourists getting out of it #Baba_jee_ka_Thullu
Use that money to improve the #Tribhuvan_International_Airport at least the tourists would get some benefit out of it ...............    

last time I was there at the International Arrival section I was ashamed of the message displayed at the corridor and services available there. Leadership needs to check this

I know and understand the importance of foreign promotion but at this stage our tourism is just growing. It’s our choice to whether make the base strong or whether we want to make it more vulnerable and expensive.

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Sworn for corruption and irregularities

With the appointment of Constituent Members Major political parties are planning to amend the existing Constituent Assembly regulation aiming at promulgating a new constitution within one year.

But my question is?
 Is it possible or are they joking just like last time?

The last 2008 to 2012 Constituent Assembly was dissolved by the then PM Dr baburam Bhattrai in with the obstruction of the #Constitution_making_process. He dissolved the CA in view of lack of politically understanding and in view of the bad image of CA.

To understand the relativity of the problem, first we need to understand our position. I mean to say where the country stands. Right now we are in a transitional phase of corruption, nepotism, power play, political manipulation. The country is ruled by few buffed powerful politicians who have embraced few hooligans and they are governing their rule either by power or by money.  The #political_culture_of_Nepal lacks serious dedicated leadership and vision that can upload the country towards development and change. Political leaders in Nepal are obsessed with corruption, nepotism, favoritism, power politics and racialism where they are doing political in the name of their self-interest.

The real problem of the last Constituent Assembly that pushed it to dissolve its identity are given below:
1. Number of state

2. Criteria of federalist approach

These two were the major issues which hindered the political culture of Nepal.
Can these issues be solved is a million dollar question?


The solution is well prescribed in the interim constitution 2063 that governs the current legal status but by passing the solution the then PM Baburam Bhattrai dissolved the CA in view of showing his lack of leadership.

It has been clearly mentioned in the Interim constitution 2063 that if there is a case of lack of understanding or if there is a situation of lack of interest from related stakeholders the CA can opt for Public memorandum which can be adopted upon anytime upon the agreement of CA members.

I think we do not need a solution but we need to find the problem as Nepal searches new grounds of change and leadership but the orthodox political culture and leadership fails to quit and prolong to create political chaos and anarchy.
  

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Modern day slavery in Nepal

Nepal has successfully established itself as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal but when it comes to practice, Nepal still lack modern values of Humanity.  Reality is still today in remote villages there are people and tradition that practices what is said to be beyond laws and social norms. The terms #Kamlari or #Kamaiya might sound different to you but for people living in the Western and Southern part it’s a nightmare of hard labor and endless beating especially in the Tharu community and Dalits.

Let me first explain what these terms mean #kamaiyas mean people bonded laborers who agree to work upon a certain amount of money for a certain time frame.

Kamlari is yet another form of #modern_Day_slavery where young girls and women are sold by their parents into indentured servitude under contract for periods of one year with richer, higher-caste buyers, generally from outside their villages.

With the end of December the community of Tharu rise up to celebrates the Maghi festival, marking the end of winter, with this celebration, the destitute Tharu families whose financial condition are not good sign into contracts with people who want laborers. Unfortunately most of these laborer are below 18 and most of them go through hard labor where as others whose luck run out are picked up by agents who sell them off for #flesh trade .    

These laborers are left behind with no right and no voice where they wounds inflict blood stains of being verbally abused to hard labor to sexual harassment and exploitation.

These days a-lot of Kamaiyas and Kamlaris have gained power both politically and socially but they fail to address these real problems where still today women, men and girls are sold and they  go through this burning hell. I think only few of the handful people have got the benefit of the #Kamlari_Movement and have had the opportunity to woek  in INGOs and NGOs due to their disadvantage where for the rest the ground reality is pain hard work, labor and exploitation.  

Nepal lacks small changes but how, where and when are the things that we fail to realize. 

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