KATHMANDU, March 22: The government will book those who hoard the goods with the intention to sell them in the black market, said Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta.

Due to the COVID-19 panic, the surgical face masks, hand sanitizers and other essential goods such as gasoline are in short supply in the capital.

Many black marketers have used the opportunity to hoard the goods to create an artificial shortage so that they could sell them at a relatively high price and earn an undue profit, the surgical masks were sold at 15 times higher price due to the artificial shortage.

The Black-Marketing Act 2032 states that any person responsible for creating an artificial shortage in the market can face up to five years in prison with a fine or with both. Likewise, if the producer, importer or main distributor or any of his/her dealer or agent commits the same offense in regard to the goods, he/she can face up to ten years in prison with a fine or with both.

“If you (customers) find anyone committing such offense (black-marketing), please inform us. They will be punished,” said Minister Bhatta.

“The shortage has led to many unscrupulous traders stockpile goods so that they can take advantage of the short supply and gain profit by selling them at a high price.

“But we have mobilized our team to check the black market. Nobody will walk free from such offense,” he added.

The police have launched a crackdown on the black market and artificial shortage created by the traders. In the past week, police confiscated over a million surgical face masks that were stocked in various places in Kathmandu to sell in the black market.

According to Kathmandu Chief District Office, they have confiscated 804,000 masks from Satungal and 106,800 masks from Kapan and arrested five people including two Indian nationals.

The confiscated masks will be handed to the state-owned Sajha Swasthya Sewa Cooperative and will be sold from four medical stores of the cooperative.

‘ENOUGH SUPPLIES’

Bhatta also said that the government has managed enough supplies in a way no essential goods will be in short supply in the market for the next few months.

“The government has stocked enough goods such as foods, medicine, salt and sugar. You can visit Food Management and Trading Company and Salt Trading Corporation. If you become unable to find essential goods in the market, dial 1137, the government will fulfill your demands,” he added.

According to him, the government on Saturday formed a committee to control the shortage and make the essential goods easily available in the market.

“The committee comprises of representatives from three security bodies, health ministry, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Chamber of Commerce and Forum for protection of Consumer Rights. We are working with special preparation,” said the minister who is the head of the committee. 

The government is also opening fair price shops in five different locations of the valley to counter the artificial shortage and price hikes, according to him.

KATHMANDU, Feb 26: Nepal Communist Party leader Ram Narayan Bidari backed the party’s plan of constitution amendment to license an upper house member to become the prime minister.

The ruling party has formed a three-member task force led by senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal to explore the possibilities of constitution amendment so that Bam Dev Gautam, soon to be National Assembly member under president quota, could be a candidate for the post of head of the government.

Gautam, who had lost the 2017 parliamentary election, was proposed as NA member by a section of the party close of Executive Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ making him eligible for the post of prime minister.

Article 76 of the Constitution of Nepal states that the President shall appoint the leader of a parliamentary party that commands a majority in the House of Representatives as the Prime Minister. A National Assembly could only be appointed as a minister or a deputy prime minister. 

“In several countries, the constitution allows the members of both upper and lower house to become a prime minister,” said Bidari.

“The constitution is a changeable document,” he added.

However, the party’s bid of constitution amendment just to serve the interest of an individual politician or small portion of the party is in the brink collapse as two members of the task force Subash Nembang and Khimlal Devkota refused to be a part of the committee.

They have argued that amending the constitution to serve individual interest will invite serious damages in the long run.

Nepal had reached Baluwatar late Tuesday evening after Nembang and Devkota pulled out of the task force. 

The party standing committee also rejected the proposal outright, and the proposal has been taken to the party secretariat, where the majority of the nine members are in alignment with Dahal.

According to leader Raghuji Panta, none of the secretariat members had opposed the proposal to amend the constitution.

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KATHMANDU, Feb 23: Gokul Baskota’s Rs 700 million commission deal controversy is just an episode of the government’s institutionalized corruption, said Nepali Congress leader Prakash Saran Mahat.

The government led by Nepal Communist Party Chair K P Sharma Oli is under a huge pressure from public and opposition parties after former minister Gokul Baskota’s bargain for 70 percent share out of Rs 700 million commission over the planned procurement of security printing press worth Rs 27 billion came out in the open in the form of an audio recording.

Baskota resigned from his post as Minister for Communication and Information Technology on Thursday hours after the audio leak following public pressure. 

But it is not enough. The bribe deal controversy from PM’s Oli’s most favorite and trusted minister is a serious blow to the prime minister’s dictum of “corruption-free society”.

“The security printing press scam is clear proof of the government’s institutionalized corruption. Baskota’s audiotape controversy is just an episode,” said Mahat speaking a face-to-face interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday.

“The Baskota controversy has made people think if they did a great mistake election the Nepal Communist Party in the election.”

“The “Zero-tolerance to corruption” is only limited to slogans. It has been proved,” Mahat added.

Many believe the prime minister himself is involved in the security printing press scam since he did not think it important to initiate action against Baskota if even after being aware of the Rs 700 million commission deal.

Swiss company agent Bijaya Prakash Mishra, who is believed to have leaked the audio and was involved in the audio conversation himself, has revealed he had told the prime minister about the audio.

“Baskota was directed from above and is protected. A serious and fair investigation should be launched into it. 

“The prime minister should shoulder the responsibility and answer to the parliament about the Baskota controversy,” he added.

KATHMANDU, Feb 23: Nepal Communist Party (Revolutionary) Vice-chair CP Gajurel thinks Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli is “somehow involved” in the Security Press Scam since he was mum despite being aware of the former Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota’s Rs 700 million bribe deal.

Gokul Baskota was forced to resign “on moral grounds” on Thursday after an audio recording of him bargaining for a share of commission with a local agent of a Swiss company, Bijaya Prakash Mishra, over the procurement of security printing press was leaked in the social media.

In the audio conversation, which is believed to have leaked by Mishra, the duo settles for a 70-30 percent deal out of Rs 700 million commission gained from the planned procurement worth Rs 27 billion. Baskota is also heard asking to raise the cost estimate to Rs 28 billion to increase the commission margin.

Baskota is one of the closest confidantes of PM Oli and has long been favored by the prime minister, which has led many to believe that Oli was aware of Baskota’s bribe deal.

Even Mishra has revealed that he had taken the audio to the prime minister two months ago. 

Oli praising Baskota publicly days before the audiotape scandal, and his inaction toward his most trusted character despite being aware of the bribe deal has raised questions if the prime minister himself was directly or indirectly involved in the deal.

“Why did not Oli take any initiative to take action against Baskota even if he knew about the audio two months ago? What motivated him to neglect it?” questioned Gajurel, while speaking at a face-to-face interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday.

“PM Oli’s inaction shows he is somehow involved in the security press scam”, he added.

A secretariat meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party on Saturday concluded the party will launch a separate investigation into the security press scam handing the probe duty to Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

But Gajurel does not believe the CIAA’s investigation into Baskota bribe controversy will be fair.

“I have doubts the CIAA will launch a fair investigation into the case. The CIAA is the shadow of the government. I think the government is intending to give a clean chit to Baskota.

“Baskota’s resignation is not enough. I have heard Baskota was planning to pocket Rs 1 billion commission from about seven planned projects,” he added. 

KATHMANDU, Feb 3: The Private and Boarding School Organization Kathmandu (PABSOK) is organizing the 4th Inter-school Futsal Tournament from February 5 to 7.

64 different schools based in the Kathmandu district will participate in the tournament, which will be played in the knockout format, said the PABSOK organizing a press meet at the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Monday.

All the matches will be held at the Lumbini Futsal Ground in Chuchhepati, said the organizers.

According to the organizers, the winner of the tournament will bag a purse of Rs 10,000 whereas the runner-up, third and fourth-placed team will get Rs 8,000, Rs 7,000 and 5,000, along with the trophy, medals and certificate.

The futsal organizers will also reward the rising player, top goal scorer, best goalkeeper, best defender and coach with medals and certificate.

The futsal tournament is sponsored by Lumbini Academy. 

KATHMANDU, Jan 31: Ruling Nepal Communist Party lawmaker and former Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Lal Babu Pandit has urged one and all to encourage and promote Visit Nepal Year (VNY) 2020.

Speaking at a press conference organized by Prem Purna Pratap Foundation Nepal at the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Friday, Pandit said Nepal is a country with a huge possibility in the tourism sector.

“Foreign tourists who come to visit Nepal experience bliss when they see the spectacular natural beauty, rich culture, and heritages, hospitality which they cannot feel anywhere else.

“Therefore, it is the duty of each citizen and stakeholder to encourage and promote Visit Nepal Year 2020. 

We need to spread this message to the world that Nepal is the world’s most unique experiential and lifetime value destination,” said Pandit.

Nepal Government has declared the year 2020 as the Visit Nepal Year with a target to achieve two million arrivals and daily spend of over $75.

The Prem Pratap Foundation, which was established to educate the children, has been active in the VNY campaign for the past few months, and chair Siwaji Pradhan said the foundation wants to include the various aspects of the society in the Nepal Government’s key economic development strategy. 

Comedian Sri Krishna Simkhada, who was also present in the program, was of the view that every artist, social activist, journalist, political leader and citizen should carry the responsibility to make the VNY 2020 a success. 

Simkhada, who is heading the public toilet cleaning campaign, had enjoyed the reporters by caricaturing Nepal Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and famous television journalist Bijaya Kumar Pandey.

Nepali Michael Jackson Reywana Sapkota, who is also the part of the foundation’s campaign to make VNY 2020 a success, had performed a dance on the occasion.

Also, Social activist Punya Gautam and advocate Prabin Pradhan had expressed his views on Nepal’s national tourism development strategy on the occasion. 

RJPN-SAMAJBADI UNIFICATION “CLOSE”

KATHMANDU, Jan 30: Mahendra Raya Yadav insisted the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) has no desire to join the government led by the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) amid rumors the two parties, who dramatically announced electoral alliance ahead of the National Assembly Elections and won 16-2 seats, are in the play to change the Province 2 government.

The RJPN-NCP alliance hours later the Samajbadi Party led by Upendra Yadav pulled out of the government led to many speculations of possible government change in Province 2. The province has the RJPN-Samajbadi alliance government following their victory in the 2017 Elections.

“Our party has not discussed the issue yet. Therefore, the RJPN’s chances of joining the government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli are very thin,” said party’s presidium member Yadav at a face-to-face interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Thursday.

“Neither have we talked the issue with the prime minister,” he added.

“It is not our priority”.

However, Yadav did not rule out the possibility, if the government addresses his party’s “primary” concerns, which include constitution amendment and release of its leaders arrested during the Madhesh-Tharuhat agitation that broke out after the Constitution of Nepal came into effect in 2015, withdrawal of criminal charges against them and helping in the medical treatment of the injured.

The Madhes-based party has serious reservations toward the constitution, which according to them, has failed to address the concerns of Madhesi and marginalized people.

The party had in March last year had withdrawn its support given to the government accusing the latter of failing to keep its promise of constitution amendment.

“We still mark Ashoj 3 (the constitution came into effect on Sept 20, 2015) as the black day,” said Yadav.

“But if our demands are met, it could create a different atmosphere,” he added.

“Then, we will discuss our next move.”

‘DEPUTY SPEAKER NOT OUR DEMAND’

Yadav also clarified that the RJPN has not bargained for the position of the Deputy Speaker. Reports have assumed that the NCP will give the position to the RJPN, who had seconded the candidacy of Agni Sapkota in the Speaker’s election. Sapkota was elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives unopposed on Jan 26 since he was the single applicant for the position.

“We have not demanded the position of deputy speaker. Neither have we understood why the ruling party wants to give the post to us,” he said.

“We cannot compromise the sacrifice and dream of our martyrs for any position or power,” he furthered.

“We will not give our support back to the government unless our demands are met first.”

‘CLOSE TO MERGER WITH SAMAJBADI’

Yadav also said his party is close to unification with the Samajbadi.

“A negotiation team is still working on a possible merger. We have established consensus on our philosophy, new party’s name, election symbol and party flag.”

“We are discussing leadership management now.”

“We have very close to unification,” he furthered.

(Reporting and Written by Dil Kumar Ale Magar)

REPORTERS CLUB EVENT: Several cases of pneumonia affected individuals of Wuhan City, in the province of Hubei in China towards the end of December. It was then that after repeated tests a new strain called the Coronavirus a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “Coronavirus (CoV) are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans”.

“Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, and cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death”.

The virus that started widespread in China has made its way in Nepal, and experts on this matter have warned us to take precautions. Although it is not as threatening and dangerous it is necessary to get checked, if any individual shows any signs of its symptoms.

Speaking at the Reporters Club yesterday along with the President of Reporters Club and senior journalist Rishi Dhamala were experts from the medical field including the Spokesperson from the Ministry of Health and Population Dr. Mahendra Shrestha who said that “the virus can be transmitted but there is no reason to worry just be cautious and take protective measures”.

Spokesperson Dr. Shrestha also said that “although detailed information has not been received they are prepared to tackle any adversities. It is a subject of further study and research, there are lots of questions, but the situation is not as frightening”.

“Only 3-4% of the people affected with the CoV have lost their lives, but since that is our neighboring country we cannot remain silent on the issue,” he said.

One Nepali citizen who returned from Wuhan province was diagnosed with the disease, but spokesperson Dr. Shrestha assured that there was nothing to worry about. “The Health Ministry is extremely cautious, right now we have one patient, but he is by far doing well and recovering. We are now monitoring the health officials and people who were involved in the treatment, does not look like it has spread” he said.

“Since we share a border with China we have to be careful and take appropriate safety measures, we have to be cautious with our borders and the airport and bring a plan for its security. Similarly, people have to be careful. This virus can spread. We have seen many such diseases in the past. With changing climate various other tropical infections have been prevalent in Nepal” said Shrestha.

Speaking at the press interaction program the Director of Sukhraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH) Dr. Basudev Pandey said that “cleanliness is crucial, and if our surroundings and our home is thoroughly cleaned there are fewer chances of contracting the virus is minimal. CoV was prevalent but this virus is a new strain that has been discovered”.

“STIDH is working toward containing the disease and its spread. Back in 2003, when SARS was prevalent it was our hospital that played a role in containing it. CoV is similar to SARS, and we are prepared to take necessary measures to contain the spread of the disease” he said.

Dr. Pandey also said that “since this virus began in China, and the infected person had returned from the country it is unlikely that the virus has a presence in our country. The patient is home and recovering. Our hospital is ready to tackle any challenges, we are creating space for more beds, and we are thoroughly investigating the issue”.

Further on CoV Dr. Pandey informed that “since the virus is contagious and can spread, even a sneeze from a meter away can infect people. Pay attention to the cleanliness of your surroundings, there have been over 1000 infections in China with several deaths, but we do not have to worry as such”.

Dr. Pandey also said that “the aged and children were more vulnerable and prone to other infections as well. If there are constant cough and cold, please come to the STIDH and get yourself checked free of cost”.

Expert in the field of infectious diseases Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun speaking at the same program said that “Nepal need not worry about the rapid spread of the disease unlike China”.

“The source of the virus is eating uncooked meat, so if we cook our meat well, there will be fewer chances of contracting the disease. CoV itself is not a disease, it is just a virus” he clarified.

“CoV is a strain of an existing virus. Back in 2003, we had SARS and in 2012 we had MERS. Coronavirus was discovered at the end of 2019, its name is Novel Coronavirus, and due to its recent discovery not much information is available, but if we look at it comparatively in Nepal, the situation is not as dangerous here, and there is nothing to worry about”.

REPORTERS CLUB EVENT: Former Maoist combatant group the Delegated People’s Liberation Army Nepal (DPLAN) has asked for the immediate cancellation of their badges that were given to them. They have asked for an official program where along with honor they ask for recognition certificate for their merit. They have also accused the current Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barshaman Pun ‘Ananta’ for playing a pivotal role in their unmet demands.

Speaking at a program organized at the Reporters Club yesterday DPLAN also made public its new office bearers concluding its 4th National Convention in the Capital at Sitapaila Party Palace.

DPLAN members have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the neglect of previous combatants. They seek recognition from the state for their role in the decade long civil war along with an official certification.

They have also asked to implement and put to practice past agreements of the Government of Nepal and the People’s Liberation Army. The Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) that oversaw the integration assured aid to those under 18 children providing for their rehabilitation. The former DPLAN members want this clause to be implemented with immediate effect.

DPLAN members have also demanded, “recommending for the fulfillment and protection of the outgoing combatants who had taken voluntary leave” according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act.

They have also asked for policies and programs that would provide a relief package for the Delegated People’s Liberation Army and invest in appropriate sectors for long term management.

The former members of the People’s Liberation Army have also asked for medical aid to those injured in various rounds of conflict and protests that have taken place in the past. They have asked for healthcare and access to medical facilities for those with physical disabilities.

They have also asked for the immediate release of those who were arrested during the protests without conditions.

Speaking at the Reporters Club yesterday the elected office bearer from the 4th convention Chairman Ramesh Basel as asked that their demands be met immediately. The Chairman also clarified that they would be left with no option but to take legal remedies. “We would take legal remedies if our demands are not met. We can also take this to an international level” he said. Talking about the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the former combatant said that ” in no way should the US assistance of MCC pass, we want an immediate withdrawal of the bill”.

(Executive Chairman Yogya Bahadur Karki aka Pradeep)

Speaking at the same program newly elected Executive Chairman Yogya Bahadur Karki aka Pradeep accused Minister Barshaman Pun of playing a pivotal role in not having their demands addressed. He said “The current Minister of Energy Barshaman Pun was the former Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army. He was the one who was part of the negotiations and agreement. He understands that the agreements have not been implemented hence playing a pivotal role”.

Karki further stated “By providing a single person a job inside the Ministry wouldn’t do much good to the rest of the four thousand and nine members of DPLAN. Favoring only one individual wouldn’t provide a solution to the problem. I want the Minister to draw his attention to this regard”

Adviser and Coordinator Lal Chandra BK aka Duryodhan said that “we are against all treaties that are against our national interest, we will be cautious. Lal Chandra BK talking about the MCC said, “at no cost should the MCC pass from the Parliament”.

The program was coordinated by newly elected Chairman and Spokesperson Rajan Thapa aka Subas, who also read out the press release.

Earlier yesterday the members of the Delegated People’s Liberation Army had surrounded the residence of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda who was also the Chief Commander of the PLA. 200 former members of the PLA surrounded the residence of former PM Dahal to voice their demands.

Leading the protest and finally allowed a hearing the in charges of the struggle committee Rajan Thapa and Asim Limbu met the former PM, while the latter assured seriousness and attention toward their demands. He also assured them of a resolution to address their grievances at the earliest.

(Members of DPLAN surround the residence of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal)

REPORTERS CLUB EVENT: Former Minister and Chairman of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party Samyukta ( National Democratic Party United) Pashupati Sumsher Rana said that the government has to reflect on its work over the past two years.

Speaking at a press interaction program organized at the Reporters Club yesterday he also congratulated the new Speaker-elect of the House of Representative (HoR) .“I would like to congratulate Agni Sapkota because although from the NCP he is a representative of my district in Sindhupalchowk”

The program which was conducted by the President of the Reporters Club and senior journalist Rishi Dhamala posed a question regarding the Millennium Compact Corporation (MCC) an aid of 500 million dollars given by the government of the United States.

Former Minister Rana said “There have been a lot of discussions regarding the Millennium Compact Corporation (MCC). A lot of countries have provided the various types of aid to Nepal, including India, and the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) from China, and several other nations. Nepal has to take an approach of nationalist self-interest that will maximize the benefit for the nation”.

Talking about the current direction to where the Nation was heading and the work of the current government the former Minister said “the current Nepal Communist Party (NCP) government has received a majority and it is a very big opportunity for them that was given by the people of Nepal. The past two years have been wasted. Nothing has been done in the name of development. They are spending more time selecting posts for their party members. Rampant corruption is prevalent.  The Nepal Communist Party is intoxicated with its majority, and they feel they can do what they please”.

The former Minister also said that the government was not paying attention to developing the nation. “They should retrospect on the mandate given to them by the people and seriously audit what they have done the past two years being in power”.