Democracy For Nepal

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

ANA Convention Photos 1

Press Release: ANTA New York City
July 2

On July 1, 2006 on the sidelines of the ANA (Association of Nepalis in America) Convention being held in Newark, New Jersey, the ANTA (Association of Nepali Teraian in America) New York City chapter organized a dinner ceremony to honor three Nepali entrepreneurial legends, Upendra Mahato and Jeeba Lamichhane from the former Soviet bloc, and Aditya Jha from Toronto, Canada.

A chic downtown Newark location was chosen for the evening occasion that was a short drive from the convention site at the Sheraton near the Newark International Airport.

All the central leaders of ANTA were in attendance, namely Ratan Jha, Jay Mandal, Lalit Jha, Pramod Kantha, and Mukesh Singh. A lot of local ANTA luminaries were also in attendance, namely Binay Shah, Ritesh Chaudhary, Satya Narayan Yadav, Biplav Yadav, Binod Shah, and Satyendra Shah, among others.

Upendra Mahato emphasized there were three pillars to success, hard work and honesty you have to have and there is no excuse for not having, and luck you create. If you have these three, strucutural prejudices fall by the way side.

Aditya Jha said the gathering was an emotionally intense experience for him.

One of the speakers at the dinner took offense that Upendra Mahato was not recognized at the ANA inauguration ceremony. He said the Nepalis in America are arrogrant like the American government is arrogant. The relatively lukewarm response in America to the NRN (Non Resident Nepali) movement being spearheaded by Upendra Mahato since 2003 he ascribed at least partly to Mahato being a Madhesi.

The three were made honorary members.

A string of ANTA members spoke. Some emphasized issues in personal responsibility, others emphasized Madhesi pride, and still others felt the need to be aggressive about Madhesi empowerment.

All three took questions from the floor towards the end. Many were to do with curiosities about their mind boggling business successes.

After the formal ceremony was over and the guests left for their hotels, ANTA had its grandest meeting ever when all the structural issues were settled, and a strong internal unity was cemented. A grand decision was taken to go on a massive membership drive under the leadership of Dr. Binod Shah. It was decided to hold ANTA's first ever elections in September.

This was described the largest gathering of Madhesis in American history. It was noted that the ANTA NYC chapter was already its biggest, and it doubled in size by the end of this event.

US-based NRNS discuss their role in empowering Nepal

Non-residents Nepalis (NRNs) have discussed the possibilities of contribution in the Nepal’s development at a session on the role of the NRN-North American Coordination Committee (NRN-NACC) in Empowering Nepal during the Convention of the Association of Nepalis in the Americas in Newark, NJ (USA) on July 1.

Addressing the session, president of NRN-International Coordinating Council (NRN-ICC) Dr. Upendra Mahato appealed to the North American diaspora to participate in the NRN Movement more vigorously, a statement issued by NAN-A said. He said time has come for the North American Nepali community to assist in empowering Nepal through participation in various projects initiated by the NRN-A.

“NRN-A, an organization committed to the vision of making Nepal a peaceful and prosperous nation, is an organization of every Nepali who is out of Nepal for over 182 days and therefore it is our collective responsibility to make NRN movement more sustainable and stronger,” Mahato, who has stake in various joint-venture projects in Nepal, said.

He spoke on the concept of nation building in terms of knowledge, technology and development and the role of overseas Nepali communities.

Suman R Timsina, the Vice President of NACC, spoke on the structure of the NRN-North American Coordination Committee and some of the important undertakings by the North American diaspora such as the public library in Kathmandu, the NRN Skill Directory as ‘NRN Knowledge Bank’, old age home in Devghat. He also challenged North American diaspora to join the movement wholeheartedly while Nepal needs help from everyone. The NRN-ICC member from Russia Jiba Lamichane spoke on current trend of remittance to Nepal and its contribution in Nepal’s economy. He further informed that NRN is working with FNCCI to open vocational training centers in each of the 14 zones, which will have a direct impact on skill enhancement and remittance.

Dibya Hada, an NRN from USA, spoke on the history of the North American Nepali diaspora and thanked the leaders of current NRN movement for taking it globally and transforming the diaspora as a collective force.

Mukesh Singh, the NRN-ICC member from USA, spoke on the declaration of the Second Global NRN Conference held in Kathmandu in October 2005 and provided an overview on the 100-million USD Nepal Investment Fund and the programs in 75 districts.

Other participants suggested that it was a right time for Nepal to demonstrate generosity by granting dual citizenship to attract more NRNs to make substantive contribution to Nepal’s overall development.

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Jha, an entrepreneur from Canada, proposed to build at least one internet café in each of the 75 districts of Nepal and make the project sustainable with an initial investment of US $ 300,000. He pledged for $100,000 and asked others to match the contribution to make the project a success.

NRN North America Coordinating Committee also received pledge for initiating projects in coordination with local communities in Morang, Dhangadi and Myagdi districts as a part of implementing programs under the Kathmandu Declaration, according the statement.

The session was attended by over 75 NRN representatives. nepalnews.com mk July 04 06

ANTA felicitates three people

Association of Nepali Teraian in America (ANTA), New York Chapter felicitated Dr Upendra Mahato and Jeeba Lamichhane from the former Soviet bloc, and Aditya Jha from Toronto, Canada on the sidelines of the Association of Nepalis in America (ANA) Convention held in Newark, New Jersey.

A press statement issued by the ANTA said all the central leaders of ANTA were present in the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mahato emphasized that ANTA must work for the fellow teraians in Nepal and in USA.

"Madhesis and pahadis should not fight with each other, they must work together for prosperous Nepal," he added.

Aditya Jha said the gathering was an emotionally intense experience for him.

Responding to a question by one of the participants, all the three distinguished guests said the contribution of women is paramount in their success.

Aditya Jha and Dr Upendra Mahato were made honorary members of ANTA. nepalnews.com pb July 03 06

Madhesis protest exclusion

Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, July 3 - The Democratic Madhesi Alliance staged a sit-in at the main gate of Singhadurbar at 4 p.m. Sunday as a part of their six-day protest against exclusion, a statement issued by the alliance said.

The alliance announced protests beginning Sunday against the exclusion of Madhesis from talks team, ceasefire code of conduct monitoring committee, peace talks observers' team, and interim constitution drafting committee.

The alliance has put forward five demands including distribution of citizenship certificates to all deprived of it, prior to constituent assembly elections.

They also demand clear outline of Federal Democratic Republic in the interim constitution, census before constituent assembly elections and division of election constituencies on proportional basis and guarantee of proportionate participation of Mashesis in all structures of state.

The protest to follow in the next five days include sit-ins in front of CPN-UML office in Balkhu, Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar, Nepali Congress central party office in Sanepa, Nepali Congress (Democratic) office in Maharajgunj and CPN (Maoist) talks team's secretariat in Old Baneswore respectively.

Issuing a separate statement Sunday, Nepal Terai Engineers' Society has expressed serious concern over the exclusion of Madhesi Engineers in the nominations at Nepal Engineers' Council.

The society has said that the absence of even a single Madhesi Engineer among the nine nominees is serious.

In The News

Maoists not to operate "people's courts" in urban centers, asked to raise donations only "voluntarily" Prachanda has said he has directed his party's district units not to operate "people's courts" in the capital and urban centers for the time being and raise donations on "voluntary" basis only. .... Addressing the House of Representatives on Sunday, Home Minister Krishna Sitaula had alleged that the rebels were continuing extortion and abduction of civilians in clear violation of the code of conduct signed by the government and the rebels last month. .... the Maoist chairman accused that US ambassador to Nepal, James F. Moriarty, and pro-palace elements were exaggerating the "compulsion" of his party to raise donations "voluntarily' in order to support the Maoist army and conduct day to day activities until an interim constitution and interim government was formed.

ANTA felicitates three people

Friday, June 30, 2006

My Federalism Is Economic, Scientific, Not Ethnic

Federalism

Proposed Republican Constitution 2006

The federalism I have proposed is of three states - Kosi, Gandaki, Karnali.

At one end we have people who are opposed to the very concept of federalism, or suggest turning Birendra's arbitrary five development regions into states that are at best crude concepts in administrative decentralization. At another end are people who want ethnic states, perhaps eight or more in number. The Maoists also want that, as do several Janajati groups. I appreciate the sentiment behind that suggestion. The various ethnic groups have been so severely marginalized for so long that the pendulum wants to swing the other way. People want to divide the country into so many states in such ways that the Bahun Chhetri are a minority in every single one of them.

As a Madhesi myself, I understand all that sentiment.

But I am for three states. I think Nepal's geography is designed for these three states. Three river basins lead to three states.

My proposal on federalism has one central goal: double digit economic growth.

Instead of eight or nine ethnic states, I would rather have 75 well funded districts.

My proposal for federalism is such that it envisions a Nepal whose economy is so vibrant that people move around quite a lot.

America has a much better physical infrastructure compared to Nepal. And in America you find states that have five million people and even less. If Nepal is 27 million people, having three states, nine million each is necessary.

We should all agree on federalism, and then proceed to discuss the form of that federalism.

Reservations In The Parliament

Proposed Republican Constitution 2006

I have tried to design something particular for the Nepal situation that perhaps might have appeal beyond Nepal, something that other countries in the Global South can try and learn from.

Although my proposed constitution puts the individual at the center, I also put the collective identities on stage. And that will make Nepal a cutting edge democracy.

Women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi: these are not names of individuals. These are collective identities. My proposed constitution recognizes that. If we implement this, it will be the first of its kind.

And the reservations are decided by a formula.

America Does Not Decide, The Seven Parties Do

Moriarty has been taking some heat for suggesting America will not recognize the interim government if that might include the Maoists that have not yet renounced violence.

Ultimately it is for the seven party alliance to decide. It is not for America or Moriarty to decide.

But we ourselves on our own have to be more vigilant about the Maoists. This is not about Moriarty. This is about us.

The idea of having one central government but two armies is kind of unheard of. Makes no sense. I like Prachanda's suggestion that the interim Prime Minister become the Commander In Chief of both armies.

Interim Constitution Draft

Show Me The Money

Auditing the government expenses over the past few years is as important as documenting the human rights abuses. People who have looted the treasury have to return the money and face the consequences.

ANA Convention

It is dubbed the biggest Nepali event outside Nepal. New York City is hosting it this year. I will show up tomorrow morning. Guests are already arriving.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday. I will be very busy. I will be moderating a forum on Sunday, another on Monday.

Expect a ton of photos and audio right here at this blog. But perhaps only after it is all over.

Association of Nepalis in America.

बहुजातीय मार्गचित्र
हर्कराज चोङवाङ

-१) लिम्बुवान प्रान्त

ताप्लेजुङ्ग, पाँचथर, इलाम, झापा, मोरङ, सुनसरी, धनकुटा, तेरथुम र संखुवासभालाई समेट्ने अरुण नदी पूर्व सिक्किम, दार्जीलिङ सिमाना पश्चिम भोट तिब्बत दक्षिण जोगवनी पूणिर्या उत्तरको १६३५८ वर्ग किलोमिटर क्षेत्रफल भित्रको प्राकृतिक भू भागमा भएको वर्तमान जनसंख्या सहित ३२१५३१५ राज्य लिम्बुवान प्रान्त हुनेछ ।

-२) खम्बुवान प्रान्त

सोलखुम्बू, ओखलढुङ्गा, खोटाङ, उदयपुर, दोलखा, रामेछाप, सिन्धुली, सर्लाही, भोजपुर र सप्तरी समेट्ने तामा कोसी पूर्व अरुण नदी पश्चिम, तिब्बत चीन दक्षिण सप्तरीको चुरे पहाड उत्तरको सांध सिमाना भित्रपर्ने क्षेत्रफल ४१२९ वर्ग किलोमिटरभित्रको वर्तमान जनसंख्या २८,८८,९२१ भएको भू-भाग भित्र खम्बुवान प्रान्त हुनेछ ।

-३) ताम्सालिङ प्रान्त

काभ्रेपलाञ्चोक, सिन्धुपाल्चोक, नुवाकोट, रसुवा, धादिङ, मकवानपुर र चितवनलाई समेट्ने त्रिशूली देवघाट पूर्व, तामाकोशी पश्चिम, तिब्बत चीन दक्षिण, सिमरौन गढ उत्तर सिमाना भित्र पर्ने १३१७३ वर्ग किलोमिटर क्षेत्रफल भित्रको भू-भागका जनसंख्या २२,२८,०४८ भएको ताम्सालिङ प्रान्त राज्य हुनेछ ।

-४) स्याङजाली प्रान्त

स्याङजा, कास्की, लमजुङ, गोरखा, तनहुँ, नवलपरासी, पर्वत, मनाङ र मुस्ताङ समेट्ने गरी त्रिशूली नदी देवघाट पश्चिम, कालीगण्डकी पूर्व, घिरिङ उत्तर तिब्बत चीन दक्षिणभित्रको क्षेत्रफल २१६६१ वर्ग किलोमिटर भित्रको वर्तमान जनसंख्या २७, ६११२६ भएको भूभाग स्याङजाली प्रान्त हुनेछ ।

-५) मँगरात प्रान्त

पाल्पा, अर्घाखाँची, बाग्लुङ, म्याग्दी, कपिलवस्तु, रूपन्देही, प्युठान, रोल्पा, रुकुम, डोल्पा, मुगु र गुल्मी समेट्ने गरी साँध सिमाना भित्रको क्षेत्रफल जम्मा ३५७४७ वर्ग किलोमिटर भूभागभित्र वर्तमान जनसंख्या १८, ७९५९० भएको मगरात प्रान्त हुनेछ ।

-६) तराई मधेशी थारू प्रान्त

पर्सा, सिराहा, धनुषा, महोत्तरी, रौतहट र बारा समेटेर साँध सिमानाभित्रको क्षेत्रफल २०७२७ वर्ग किलो मिटर भित्रको भूभागमा वर्तमान जनसंख्या ३४५०६९९ भएको तराई मधेशी थारू प्रान्त हुनेछ ।

-७) खसान प्रान्त

दाङ, बाँके, सल्यान, बर्दिया, दैलेख, जाजरकोट, कालिकोट, जुम्ला र हुम्ला समेटेर साँध सिमानाभित्रको क्षेत्रफल २२४३८ वर्ग किलो मिटरभित्रको भूभागमा वर्तमान जनसंख्या २०३९८४० भएको कणर्ाली खसान प्रान्त राज्य हुनेछ ।

-८) बझाङ्गी कणर्ाली प्रान्त

दार्चुला, बझाङ, बाजुरा, आछाम, कैलाली, कञ्चनपुर, डोटी, डडेलधुरा र बैतडी समेट्ने बझाङ्गी कणर्ाली प्रान्त हुनेछ ।

-९) काठमाडौं उपत्यका नेवा केन्द्रीय राज्य

काठमाडौं, ललितपुर र भक्तपुर समेट्ने सिमाना भित्रको क्षेत्रफल ८९९ वर्ग किलोमिटरको भू-भाग भएको जनसंख्या १६४५०९१ भएको उपत्यका नेवा केन्द्रीय राज्य हुनेछ । यस राज्यको क्षेत्रफल १९५३९ वर्ग कि.मी. भित्रको जनसंख्या २१९१३३० छ ।

In The News

Yechury meets PM Koirala NepalNews
Release of Maoists delayed due to legal hassles: Rajan
Rayamajhi commission continues questioning of 'royal kingpins’
PAC asks property details of royal family, ministers
Prachanda proposes joint command for rival armies; Mahara criticizes Moriarty Prachanda has proposed that Nepali Army and People's Liberation Army should be placed under a joint command after the formation of the interim government.... proposed that prime minister should be the commander-in-chief of the joint command..... paving way for their ultimate merger. ..... a joint committee comprising Generals of the Nepali Army and commanders of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to observe the activities of the whole armed force. The two forces may be kept in separate barracks...... Prachanda stressed that there would be no need of inviting foreigners or international agencies to manage arms and armies. ...... said contentious issues like people's court, Maoist's local governments, and display of arms by the rebel guerrillas would be settled once the interim government was formed....... "A five-page document based on the 25-point code of conduct and 8-point agreement is enough but there are attempts to expand the present six-member committee to 25." ........
En route to People's Supremacy in Nepal: Empowerment of people and Devolution of power- I - By Surendra R Devkota, Sanjaya Parajuli, and Pramod Aryal empowering different nationalities, minorities, and women .... It can be achieved only through political and economic devolution with sovereignty of nationalities..... Democratization only without authority to local community is bound to be unsuccessful ...... people's empowerment is the delegation of authority, accountability, and responsibility to people at different levels, and their representatives, without imposition from higher-ups, for functioning of the community in developing "ownership" under their control....... Nepalis should be empowered in the truest sense for comprehensive development of all respective communities within Nepal who share different socio-linguistic culture and heritage for sustained democratic institutions and rights of every citizen.......... "Devolution" essentially means the flow of governmental control, financing services, and programs to the local bodies for functioning with autonomy. Contrary to unification under one language, religion, and central governance, political devolution with sovereignty would truly unite the country and move ahead towards comprehensive prosperity of nationalities, minorities, women and population at large........ Structural, functional, and fiscal reforms can be accompanied by the replacement of sagging bureaucracy with executives, leaders, and visionaries....... increases entrepreneurship and "ownership" resonating from different nationalities' sovereignty will build confidence in nationhood and governance...... the Dhimal community of Jhapa; Chepang community of Chitwan; Tharus of Chitwan area, Dang, Deukhuri, Banke and Bardiya; Rai-Limbu community of Eastern Nepal hills; Sherpa's around Everest region; Maithali speaking Terai Bashi between Bagmati and Koshi basin; people of Terai origin between Koshi and Mechi basin, or between Bagmati basin and Thori jungle or between Narayani and Rapti basin; Newar community in and around Kathmandu valley; Gurung community around Annapurna Range; Magar community in the hills of Kaligandaki basin; Manang people in Manang valley; Muslim community of Rautahat, parts of Rupandehi/Kapilbastu, Banke and Bardiya; people of Terai origin of Nawalparasi, Rupandehi and Kapilbastu; and Humli of Karnali basin; Dotyal, Acchamis and Aitwal of far western region; and the Dalits who are scattered throughout the country but are destitute........ provide full autonomy, without centralized "Command and Control" structure and the need of permission of a higher authority, to develop local "ownership". This ultimately makes people aligned to guard democratic institutionalization.......... prevent the local community from falling prey to remote central authority marred with the syndrome of "Paralysis by Analysis"........ Two-way flow of information will develop responsible citizenship and responsive and accountable governance....... Access to information and autonomy with authority allows easy access to law, impartial justice and pressures for improved transparent and accountable governance. Service providers (governments and agencies) will be more accountable to the community exercising rights of information and control over the decision-making........ When groups connect with each other across communities they can influence government decision-making and gain collective bargaining power...... increasing citizens' vigilance against corruption, leakages and strengthening democracy..... a common person of remote village of Karnali or far-west can enjoy equal rights as that enjoyed by a member of a civic society. When this is clearly communicated, the local community will protect their rights through consensual awareness, honesty, openness, and will treat every member as an adult.
No interim govt before arms management: MK Nepal The Maoists are still continuing their activities such as forming people's courts, threatening and colleting donations. They must stop thinking that they can win people’s support by such activities ........ while addressing a gathering of party cadres of Seti Zone in Dhangadhi ...... the Maoist leaders have been saying that the arms management will begin only after an interim government that will be formed with the introduction of the interim constitution.......
Deuba leaves for New Delhi “I am not visiting India for party reunification although I am in favour of respectful reunion.”
UNDP emphasises on trade for human development the Asia-Pacific region has one of the fastest rates of growth in international trade. ...... report has suggested for investment to enhance competitiveness, frame strategies and trade policies, focus for promotion of agriculture, combat jobless population, design new tax regime, establish stable exchange rates, resist multilateralism and cooperate with the neighbouring countries to achieve economic prosperity in a shorter period........ "In a country where most people rely on farming, a trade strategy based on human development has to have agriculture at its core" ........ Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Bijay Nath Bhattarai said the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Nepal has not been able to benefit from the World Trade Organization due to restrictions imposed by the developed countries........ work with the private sector to enhance their capability and improve the enabling environment for trading entrepreneurs, make Nepali exporters more competitive in the world market, enhance institutional capacities to analyze the content and impact of trade policies and launch special economic zones.
Missing Nepali student spotted in US Pratistha Budhathoki, a 20-year-old Nepali girl studying at St. Cloud University in Minnesotta, US, reported missing for over a week has used her credit card at a mountain top restaurant in US four days after she disappeared ....... the student's credit card was used to buy a ticket for the aerial tramway last Thursday four days after she went missing....... Police don't suspect foul play. They have searched the hiking trails on the mountains even though friends have said she was not a hiker or a mountain biker..... Earlier, police disclosed that someone used Budhathoki's cell phone to check messages on June 20 at Denver International Airport but no one recalled seeing her there.
Government arrears cross Rs. 28 billion: Auditor General Finance, Physical Planning and Works, Water Resources, Education and Sports and Local Development, top the list...... Arrears for the current fiscal year has reached seven billion 240 million rupees..... the amount disbursed by the ministries and through the cabinet decisions to the royal palace was yet to be traced....... the country’s foreign debt has now crossed Rs 324 billion which works out to the tune of Rs 13,000 per head.
Public Account Committee asks to furnish details on misuse of state fund submit within ten days a report on misuse of state fund during the interim period since the King sacked the elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on October 4, 2002 until reinstatement of the House of Representatives in April this year....... directed the ministries to table detailed reports pertaining to financial assistance, donations, prizes, expenses incurred in state-funded medical treatments, receptions, foreign tours, besides funds issued to suppress the people's movement....... instructed the ministries to produce all the details of distribution of funds under "secret budget."....... form various sub-committees to probe into arrears pertaining to various government agencies.

Top Nepal rebel says no more war BBC News, UK
Nepal's Maoist rebels oppose arms monitors Reuters
Nepal Maoists propose joint armies NDTV.com, India
Maoists propose two armies under joint command Hindustan Times
Nepal king asked to disclose property details Times of India
Commission begins investigating April killings in Nepal Radio New Zealand
Minister Pandey Flays Idea Of Federal Structure Himalayan Times He said Nepal does not need any other level of office expect those at the central and district levels. ..... "We must go for district, city and village governments. We should aim at making the village development committees strong enough to distribute citizenship cards to the people there," he said..... Pandey further demanded that the state should be restructured in an inclusive manner by providing 33 per cent space for women, 37 per cent for Janajatis and 12 per cent for the Dalits....... Sindhu Nath Pyakurel, a member of the Interim Constitution Drafting Committee...... He said the future Nepal would be a democratic republic in all senses, adding that the new constitution will follow the principle of inclusive democracy.......
Nepal`s rebel leader disputes ceasefire killings Zee News, India

Visitors

16 June

16:36

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16 June

16:51

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16 June

17:05

Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia

16 June

17:10

Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany

13.	16 June	17:37	State of Alaska Online, United States
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