Talk of Ktown: I am a tax payer and I need my security

Kathmandu city is stunned with Akshya Kumar. The so called press is following him everywhere, making him a hero in the front page of newspapers to social media’s Newsfeed, he is everywhere. Going through the pictures, I noticed something that really surprised me. In one of the pictures he is walking around with plenty of police personnel as security.    What the hell?

In this country, I am a legal public tax payer and pay my taxes on time with 5 digit figures every year and I don’t get any security and bloody a foreigner who is not even a taxpayer gets dozen of security personnel.

 What kind of policy is this?

If I go to a police station and launch a complain then they will not even register it, they will first ask to investigate and only after that looking at the severity they will decide whether to launch FIR or not. Whereas in normal practice once a person goes to a police station, it is the first duty of the police personnel to launch and register the complain but in Nepal that’s not the case. I think this is the reason why Nepal police has a high crime resolving rate because they fail to register or address most of the cases that comes to them either they suppress it or ignore it.



You need status and authority, even for registering a case. If it’s a so call hi-fi VIP then it will be done by instance, but for the local normal public they would have to WAIT…………………
We need to change this in the system. It has to change, police is there for the public not to discriminate, we have to make people understand that tax payers  need the respect that they deserve and the top on the list are the civil servant who ignore and neglect the tax payers. They have to know this, that taxpayers are their high priority  and they have to be  abide by the law.


Just think how sad this is"There is no rights to justice when you are vulnerable, you have to strive and that is what is wrong"  

STOP BEING VULNERABLE....................... 

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FNJ is back with its political swing for its election

Once again the social media are in full swing use with the promotional advertisements of election for the candidacy of the executive committee of the Federation of Nepalese Journalist (FNJ). Different social networking sites are bombarded with election materials and information about the affiliation of political parties for the individual candidacy promotional purpose.

The FNJ is the mother organization  of all the journalists all over Nepal but due to its political influences and bad reputation, the FNJ has been labeled a political influenced organization.
 
Time and again the election of FNJ and its candidates have been questioned with the  association of various political organizations, but with the growing trade unions and political parties playing a major role in the economy, Nepal journalism has been controversially influenced at its core level.

So labelling Nepal's Journalism accuracy on the basis of political influence, Nepal has no standing grounds.

On one hand the direct involvement of the memebrs of FNJ in political organization directly questions the relevancy of the check and counter mechanism in and against the political organization where as on the other, how can a political influenced organization be a federation of all journalists that has no morale and ethics.  

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Social Media Buzz and dumb reality: social media myths

These days there is a buzz of social media. From the top notch brands to the local in house shop everybody is going global with opening their social media pages, blogs and experimenting and spending their time, money and resources on heft program without knowing their purpose and interest. It's like the trend of the 21st century that has ignited the fire and passion of social media fashion.

One thing that really amazes me are the so called big names in the game. These so called digital strategist or gurus have been harvesting the social media with millions of dollars in the name of so called social media resources selling and opining their expertise in increasing of the reach, interaction and conversion.

Now, I have few questions about such so called self proclaimed social media strategists and gurus who run hundreds of classes online or sell materials online in the name of running 100% successful program. What guarantee do they give nothing? Then what do they sell?

 They sell dreams and hopes that are more lucrative than anything and target their clients.

 I am surprised how dumb can we be. The internet is a powerful tool just do a research and you will have everything than following some American or Australian  running a so called marketing program that cost hundred of Dollars. They are not the official representative of Google or Facebook or Twitter or Youtube or Linkedin. You can easily do a research about some topic in google or any other search engine and get desired results to get their answers.

Like what are ways of interacting with people on facebook or how to tighten your privacy or how to make your profile more appealing in social media.

For instance Facebook runs its own marketing page where it updates its users about its recent developments and security issue. Similarly, other social media send updates via emails and newsletters about their new changes and updates, then why are people so dumb in spending hundred of USD for something that is already there.

I have seen big corporate following big names in the game just for the sake of it. It's just common sense. You need to be yourself and need to be honest.To some extent, this new trend of social media craze is giving more priority towards SPAMMING. People specially corporate are going viral with making videos, blogs and newsletters and sharing it uselessly and unwantedly. On one hand, you are wasting your  time, money and resources where as on the other hand, you are wasting others time doing spamming. The thing is with your social media you are already discoverable on the different social media channels with the variables of factors of Search Engine Optimization(SEO) to info-graphics if you have quality content then you just to tweak it and you are visible.

One thing that I can predict and say is social media has driven the 21st  century to the crazy of doing everything differently where the consequences are very open, but using the logic, we fail to realize and adapt the alteration of its impact in both our society and human behavior.

Social media Myths 

1. Big number of likes make you or your company famous and popular

2. Being present in all social media is a symbol of social status

3. Following big names help you increase your popularity

4. There is no hard and fast rule on Social media, it depends upon the company and its set of experiment that it tries

5. Using and following technique has no result than wasting your time, value and money

Social Media rules 1. Be honest

2. Have limited number, but quality people as your audience

3. Good information is more useful than bulk of rubbish information

4. Communication is important, but useless and unwanted communication in the name of SPAMMING is wrong

5. Creating fake information is more harmful than anything

6. Always be attentive about your audience

7. Core values of society Human values to be precise helps you to connect

The reality is social media is just a platform of interaction that can facilitate in flowing the information. One thing we all should understand is following other is good but following other blinding is completely wrong.It's part of storytelling where you can be a leader or a follower or an addict  the choice is yours, but trying to someone that you are not can create problems in the long run which needs to be understood.        

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Manakamana Temple in need of support

How does it sound when you go to a temple and you hear people asking money?
It is ridiculous the way people were asking for money at the Temple of Manakamana. I think in Nepal Manakama is one of the expensive temples that has a  nominal cost of Nrs 2000( USD 25)  and above for its  per person cost.

Total Cost Overhead Segregation ___________________________
Transportation:       300
Food:                    500
Cable car:              575
Other expenses:     625
____________________
Total                    2000

The most surprising fact is being one of the most popular temples of Nepal, it  has no money for its repair. If you look at the turnover of the temple then you would be amazed how many people are earning  in the name of goddess Manakamana and they contribute nothing.

The Manakamana Cable Car receives around 10,000 a day on Saturdays, the cable car runs round the clock from morning 7 am to evening 7 pm without stopping.

So my question is with such income generation, how could the temple be NIL with no revenue that the management committee was asking  for money with the public.

The thing that intrigued me was people who contributed  money their names were being voiced out in public as if they did something great but my question is how can this happen in a temple. Isn't it a form of discrimination? It is clearly said in Dharma that donation in the name of publicity has no value and importance then people were doing this?

Most surprisingly Manakamanan Temple is one of the most popular temples that has a huge turnover, I mean to say from individual donations to income generation. There are a lot of people who are generating income in the name of the temple  and still the Temple has no money for renovation was a point of amazement.

Finance prospective 
If you look at the scenario the  Manakamana Cable Car Company has over 3000 visitors on average daily.
The people who sell the goods  earn accordingly. Perhaps one cannot  imagine the money collected from the donation boxes that are placed at the temples periphery. Similarly the money and offering that people make towards the goddess is yet another important fraction of the temple is a  hard source of income. Now my question  where does all this money goes. The Manakamana Cable car Company must be paying a hefty tax money to the government, WHAT HAPPENS TO THAT MONEY?
Likewise, the money collected from the offerings directly goes to the pockets of the priests isn't there any management committee to manage this?

Lastly the remaining amount of the donation boxes are left for the temple management, which also has more management and transparency  issues. I guess the goddess of wishes has many wishes of her own where people are branding and en-cashing her name but when it comes to her  management then they look up to the public for the solution.





     

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Reckless Driving a sad, but bitter truth in Nepal : REALITY BITES!!

Killing people in the name of reckless driving is wrong. Driving recklessly in the name of age and Adrenaline is also wrong. Nepal government failing to address the issue of responsible driving in its driving curriculum is also wrong. So where are we lacking?  Every day or the other we hear about people getting killed or we face people driving recklessly. Things are getting worst and I think it's happening because the government is not paying attention to the root cause of the problem that is nobody cares about being responsible while driving all they know is once the accelerator is on, it's ON. Once you get into your vehicle, then you are the king of the road and you will drive as per your wish which is completely wrong.

My question is reckless driving is not just a mistake, it's a criminal offense as it might be a small mistake for you, but for someone who faces the consequence due to your negligence, he or she might have to pay a big price.    

If you look at the trend, then, especially in abroad first they ask you to get responsible and learn the theoretical aspect of how to drive responsibly only after that they issue the learner's permit. If you compare the situation, then it's just opposite here in Nepal. Here you just have to appear for two  examinations. One theoretical and the other practical where if you can, you can also manage to fluke the theoretical examination just by your IQ.

Getting back to the topic the latest tragic incident of Manju Mahat that occurred at Golkopaka was an incident where she lost her life. Whoever's mistake was it, but a person lost her life. It was reported that she was squashed in between two public vehicles that was driving down. She died, but her death has raised serious questions regarding issues of responsible driving in Nepal.

Reality is that particular section of the road is always monitored by Nepal Traffic police personnels, so in the presence of such resources  how did that accident occurred which can be a serious issue of discussion. If such accidents are happening in such places, then its high time, we seriously have to look into our driving manual and traffic system as it truly needs some upgrading and research.            

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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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