Saturday, October 14, 2023

A Tribute To 'Shatabdi Purush'

 Scholar and linguist, folklorist, historian, journalist, and archaeologist! Late Satya Mohan Joshi has become these all. In his 103-year highly fulfilled life, Joshi contributed so much to Nepali literature, culture, and language that UNESCO termed him a 'living human heritage'. It was surprising for many that he lived an active life, making even the youngsters envious.

He began his professional career as an employee of the Department of Statistics under the government and was mobilised in Lamjung to collect data for the census. Meanwhile, he studied the local folklore, music, and culture of Brahmins and Chhetris in Lamjung. After returning from his field survey, he published a book 'Hamro Loksanskriti' (our folk culture) on the folk cultures of the area. His maiden book became the recipient of the first 'Madan Puraskar' in 1956. Madan Puraskar is the largest prize in the Nepali literary sector. Later, he received two more Madan Puraskars and is the only individual to receive it three times; the third was awarded jointly with Sthir Jung Bahadur Singh, BIhari Krishna Shrestha, Prof. Chudamani Bandhu, and Pradip Rimal for 'Karnali Loksanskriti' (the folk culture of Karnali). The book was published in five volumes and is the only work of such scale on the cultural life of the Karnali region. The project remains the most important project ever undertaken by the Nepal Academy so far.

The person, who had left the government-run National News Agency, later became the chancellor of Nepal Bhasha Academy. When Radio Nepal announced his name as the director of the Department of Archaeology, he couldn't believe his ears and did not contact the government for a week. That was the time! After the country was ushered into the federal system, the late Joshi was on the selection committee for the new national anthem of the country. While he was alive, he could see coins and postal stamps bearing his images. After his death, he donated his body to a teaching hospital in Kathmandu. He lives his life to the fullest and contributes immensely to the country and society.

Recognising this contribution, many articles, features, and books were written about his life. Continuing this tradition, journalist and writer Gopi Krishna Dhungana has collected articles, newspaper opinions, editorials, interviews, newspapers, and other materials and published a huge volume of more than 400 pages. This book will remain the single volume that offers most of the dimensions of the life, works, and contributions of the late Joshi.

The book contains the opinions of 32 prominent personalities, writers, and journalists on Joshi. They include Satya Mohan himself, veteran journalist Bhairab Risal, Prof. Dr. Jagman Gurung, cultural expert Dr. Govinda Tondon, the architect of his 'Shatabdi Purush' title, Narendra Raj Prasain, Dhirendra Premarshi, Dr. Gita Tripathi, CK Lal, and Maya Thakuri. Lal has chronicled his life journey, from his role as an industrial survey officer to being a Nepali language teacher in Beijing and a cultural explorer in various regions of the country. The late Joshi utilised every opportunity to tread into new territory and study cultural as well as historical facets of people and folklore. While in Beijing, China, as a language teacher, he explored Araniko, a national emblem of Nepal, which went to Tibet and then Beijing about 1200 years ago and expanded Nepali architectural beauty to the northern neighbour. He published a book on Araniko, which became the first of its kind. Lal says that his continuous effort to remain simple made him 'exceptional'.

Many label Joshi as a 'polymath', recognising his knowledge and experience in diverse fields of culture, society, and history. Probably a bonus in the book is the article on Joshy by 'National Poet' late Madhav Prasad Ghimire. He wrote the article while he was 93 years old for the magazine 'Shabda Samyojan' which published a huge volume on Joshi about a decade ago. A couple of writers have tried to explore why Joshi always wore the same topi with different colours.

From the book, we learn that the national newspapers published an editorial on Joshi. There is a collection of seven editorials and four interviews. The interviews also include philosophical aspects of Joshi's thought. Although hundreds of news stories were published about Joshi while he was alive and posthumously, only 17 are included in the anthology. It has three poems on 'Shatabdi Purush' by Saru Bhakta, Shandi Deep Rayamajhi, and Narayan Nepal.

Dhungana has put in hard work to collect about 80 write-ups from various media, books, and magazines, as well as online portals. There is a list of all the life works of the late Joshi, and six pages are filled with photos. The book is a good read. However, since many people are writing about the same person, there is a duplication of information, which will certainly not be liked by the readers. 

However, the matter is beyond the control of the editor. Yet, some articles from writers like Sangita Dahal, CK Lal, and Khem Koirala Bandhu have talked about the philosophy of Joshi's life, while Laxmi Lamsal has exclusively written about his activities in Beijing and his relations with Chinese people and institutions. However, many people have talked about Joshi's 'Jureli Darshan' (bulbul philosophy), but no one has presented it in detail or the dimensions of it as conceptualised by Joshi.

 Published in the Friday Supplement of The Rising Nepal on 13 October 2023. 

Over 200 Nepalis in Israel want to return home

Kathmandu, Oct. 13

More than 200 Nepalis studying or working in Israel, other than those rescued and brought to Kathmandu on Friday, have expressed their desire to come back to Nepal.

"We continue to receive new registrations on our online portals. More than 200 new requests to return to Nepal have been made at the portal," the Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv of Israel informed in a statement issued on Friday afternoon, "Meanwhile, the process to repatriate them to Nepal has been initiated."

Likewise, of the four Nepalis who were injured in the attack by Palestine rebel group HAMAS on Saturday, October 7, one has been brought to Nepal after he was discharged from the hospital while the other one is in the process of being discharged. The remaining two are still under treatment.

The government has brought 253 Nepali students who had reached Israel under 'learn and earn' programme through the government-to-government agreement between the two countries. They were the students of various universities in Nepal.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, led the rescue mission that used a wide-body aircraft of the Nepal Airlines Corporation that flew to Tel Aviv via Dubai and returned to Kathmandu on Friday morning. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Ram Sharan Aran, had accompanied the Foreign Minister.

Ambassador of Nepal to Israel, Kanta Rijal, and the Chief of Protocol and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel had received the Nepali delegation at the airport in Tel Aviv.

FM Saud and his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen held a brief talk on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the process to repatriate Nepali nationals and the dead bodies of 10 Nepalis who were killed in the attack on Saturday.

According to the MoFA of Nepal, Israel has said that the mortal remains of the deceased ones have been kept safely at the facilities in Israel and would be repatriated to Nepal after the forensic and other processes were completed. It might take a few more days.

Meanwhile, the embassy informed that the search works are ongoing to find out the whereabouts of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen who has been missing since the first day of the attack a week ago.

"We have requested the authorities of the high-government offices in Israel to expedite the search operation to find the missing Nepali student. We also have expedited the search operation by utilising all alternatives including the local police, hospital and other stakeholders," said the embassy.

Likewise, the embassy had urged all Nepalis in Israel to remain in constant contact with the embassy and follow the rules issued by the local security agencies in Israel. The Embassy is also in contact and coordination with the Israeli authorities for the safety, security and rescue of the Nepalis as well as medical treatment of the injured.

Stating that the government would support the rescue and repatriation of Nepali citizens in Israel, the MoFA said that it would bear the cost of the return if any of them come here via commercial flights which are being conducted occasionally.

It said that the embassy is in close communication with the Nepalis living in the areas under attack. Nepalis in Israel can contact embassy at +972(0)35168085, Ambassador Kanta Rizal at +972545864423, and First Secretary Arjun Ghimire at +972528289300 or email at nepal.embassy@012.net.il.

Likewise, the government has designated Spokesperson of the MoFA, Sewa Lamsal (9851310229), Joint-Secretary, Sharad Raj Aran (9844495858), Under-Secretary Drupada Sapkota (9841403362) and Officer Krishna Silwal (9849179520) as the contact persons to provide necessary information, cooperation and support in the process. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 October 2023. 

TU-Pathao Annual Scholarship Scheme inked

Kathmandu, Oct. 13

Pathao Nepal, in partnership with Tribhuvan University, has introduced the 'TU-Pathao Annual Scholarship Scheme.'

An agreement was officially sealed on a Friday, with Suraksha Hamal, the Marketing Head of Pathao, and Prof. Pashupati Adhikari, the Director of the Directorate of Student Welfare and Sports at TU, signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the programme.

This initiative falls under Pathao's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aiming to provide financial support to deserving students. The scholarship will benefit 100 students, each receiving Rs. 15,000 per year. To ensure a fair selection process, a 'Scholarship Committee' will be established, consisting of two members from Pathao and three from TU.

Information regarding the scholarship, along with application forms, will be available through the university's channels and will also be promoted on Pathao Nepal's website, social media platforms, as well as within TU-affiliated colleges.

Suraksha Hamal emphasised, "The scholarship committee will evaluate applicants based on the specified criteria." Successful candidates under this scheme will have the opportunity to pursue their studies with financial support at TU's main campus and its 62 affiliated campuses. The scholarship is intended for students in the faculties of sociology, management, and education.

During the MoU signing ceremony, key figures such as the Executive Director of Pathao Nepal, Asim Man Singh Basnyat, Executive Director of TU's Centre of International Relations, Binod Joshi, and Director of Planning Directorate, Prof. Dr. Dhrubra Kumar Gautam, were present, reaffirming their commitment to this scholarship programme.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 October 2023. 

253 stranded students arrive from Israel

 Kathmandu, Oct. 12

The chartered aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation has left Tel Aviv of Israel with 253 Nepali nationals on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft is scheduled at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 1:30 AM on Friday morning, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal.

As per the updates till the preparation of this news, Foreign Affairs Minister, NP Saud, will talk to the media about the recent situation in Israel and rescue of Nepali citizens.

FM Saud has led the rescue mission and reached Tel Aviv on Thursday afternoon where he was received Nepali Ambassador to Israel, Kanta Rijal, Israel's Chief of Protocol and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, informed Dipak Joshi, Chief Personal Secretary of FM Saud.

The aircraft had left the TIA on Thursday morning, halted briefly at the Dubai Airport and at 10:46 AM flew from there for Tel Aviv. It reached there at 1:55 PM Nepali Time and flew from there at 3:55 PM.

Nepali citizens being rescued are students who had reached Israel under 'learn and earn' programme.  They were sent there by Tribhuvan University, Agriculture and Forestry University and Sudurpaschim University in cooperation with the Israeli government.

Amidst the mounting pressures from the families of the Nepalis in Israel, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had asked the MoFA, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to expedite the process to rescue Nepali students from Israel.

As a result, within a day on Wednesday, the government made arrangements to conduct a rescue flight in coordination with the Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv, Israeli government and country in transit. The government also decided to entrust FM Saud to lead the mission.

However, according to the MoFA, it is not sure whether there would be further rescue flights. But it assured the public that all possible channels to ensure the safety of Nepalis in Israel and bring back those who wished so. If they come back through any commercial flight, which are limited to a couple of flights a day, the airfare would be borne by the government, MoFA said in a press meet on Wednesday.

Ten Nepali students have died in an attack by the Palestine rebel group HAMAS on Saturday, October 7 while one, Bipin Joshi, is still missing.

The embassy has received more than 350 responses online from the Nepali citizens in Israel and about 288 had wished to return to Nepal and the remaining wished to be relocated from there areas.

Meanwhile, the process to bring back the mortal remains of the deceased 10 Nepalis is under process is likely to take some time as various protocol needed to be fulfilled apart from conducting the postmortem of the dead bodies.

However, Foreign Minister of Israel, Eli Cohen, in telephone conversation with FM Saud had assured Nepal of full support in early repatriation of the mortal remains of the dead ones. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 13 October 2023. 

Govt ready to form commission to cure economic ailments: PM

Kathmandu, Oct. 12

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has said that the government is positive to form a high-level statutory commission or mechanism as proposed by the private sector.

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has proposed to form a joint high-level mechanism like an economic reform commission led by the Prime Minister and including the representation from the umbrella organisations of the business sector, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, National Planning Commission and Nepal Rastra Bank to find out immediate and pragmatic solutions to the present economic slowdown and framework on new phase of long-term reform.  

President of the FNCCI, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that such mechanism with high-level legal status is needed to find solutions to the challenges faced by the economy, primarily by the businesses and industries.

Addressing the 'National Economic Discourse' programme organised by the FNCCI on Thursday in the Capital, Prime Minister Prachanda said that he had already discussed the matter with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat and it would be formed after the FM and Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar return from the meeting of the IMF being held in Marrakesh of Morocco.

"I discussed the matter with the finance minister immediately after FNCCI President Dhakal proposed it to me. We are positive to work together with the private sector in improving the current economic scenario," he said.

According to him, such a mechanism instills confidence in the people and it solves the problems of the economy. A mechanism should be created by having representatives from the central bank, government agencies, private sector, experts, and the Prime Minister's Office for the collective benefit, keeping everyone's expertise and experience at the centre.

PM Prachanda said that there is a need to move towards 'a major operation' in the next fiscal year 2024/25 by making bold decisions through the policies and programems and budget of the government.

"We wanted to make such departure in the current fiscal year but due to time constraints, we couldn't implement that idea. I don't think the problem will be solved by only reforming the current laws of Nepal to improve Nepal's economy. This requires a major operation," he said.

He maintained that the government had tried to address some immediate problems of the economy including by creating harmony between the fiscal and monetary policies. It tried to create investment environment for Nepalis living abroad and implemented some business reforms but the economic challenges persisted.

"Now, we need some qualitative restructuring. For this, private sector, government, experts should sit and review the current situation and policies, and make a way forward. It also maintains national unity," said PM Prachanda.

According to Dhakal, the term of the commission will be one year and the solution to the immediate problem will be submitted within three months.

"The commission can be dissolved after preparing the new generation reform plan and submitting it to the relevant agencies. The private sector will also contribute to its operation," he said.

According to the proposal made by the private sector, members of the commission will not be provided with vehicle facilities and meeting allowances, meetings or other discussions will not be organised in hotels or resorts but in the offices of the private sector or government agencies.

Likewise, foreign aid will not be taken for running the commission and the members of the commission will not be sent on foreign tours in the name of exposure visits.

Stating that the government should be positive about boosting the confidence of the private sector, Dhakal said that solutions for the immediate and long-term challenges could be found if the public and private stakeholders work together.

"Look at the state of the economy. The revenue is decreasing because the private sector is not functioning. Internal debt has been raised since the beginning of the fiscal year to finance government expenditure. There is a high price increase," he stated.

According to him, the businesses wanted to develop a transparent and private sector friendly system. Small entrepreneurs need more support.

The private businesses also pointed to the need of coordination with development partners. "But application of caution while accepting such advices is necessary so that they don't cause problems for Nepali people," said Dhakal while urging that even a small loan from the International Monetary Fund should be paid now as it is likely to create risks in Nepali economy.

He urged the government and Nepal Rastra Bank to abandon the practice of implementing myopic policies while stating that the NRB has been targeting the stock market.

"It is basically that the general public is losing faith in the economy and at the same time, investment and market demand have decreased, while the market price is continuously increasing. This shows that there is a structural problem in the Nepali economy. If we do not solve it now, the risk will deepen," said Dhakal. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 13 October 2023. 

FM Dr. Mahat urges EU to delist Nepal from 'Air Safety List'

 Kathmandu, Oct. 12

Finance Minister Dr. Prakasharan Mahat has urged the European Union (EU) to remove Nepal from its Air Safety List.

He made the request at a meeting with the EU, Commissioner for International Partnership, Jutta Urpialainen, at a sideline meeting with her during the annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund being held in Marrakesh of Morocco, informed the Ministry of Finance (MoF) of Nepal.

Since 2013, the EU has kept Nepal's air service companies in 'air safety' concern. This step bars Nepali airlines companies from flying into the European skies.

Following the latest monitoring of Nepali airlines companies in July last year, the EU had refused to remove Nepal from the air safety concern. Another on-site monitoring was scheduled for February/March this year which couldn't be happened due to the accident at Pokhara Airport in January this year.

The Air Safety Committee of the EU, which updates its report on air safety concerns every six months, has recently conducted an on-site monitoring of Nepal. In response, Urpialainen said that she will work from the embassy in Nepal and discuss air safety issues.

The Air Safety Committee of the EU has conducted an on-site study on Nepali Air Service Company and air safety in August and September this year.

According to a statement issued by the MoF on Thursday, FM Dr. Mahat has also urged the EU to increase financial assistance to Nepal.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 13 October 2023. 

FM Saud leads a rescue mission to Israel

 Kathmandu, Oct. 11

Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, is leading a mission to rescue Nepali nationals trapped in Israel.

The government has sent a widebody aircraft of the Nepal Airlines Corporation to Israel to rescue the students stranded after the Palestine rebel group HAMAS shelled human settlements and farms there.

The aircraft departed from the Tribhuvan International Airport late Wednesday evening carrying high government officials including FM Saud.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), more than 300 Nepalis have filled their personal details on online platform of the ministry while 288 have expressed their desire to return to Nepal. About 4,5000 Nepalis are working in Israel, and 265 students have reached there under 'learn and earn' programme. They are from the Tribhuvan University, Agriculture and Forestry University and Sudurpaschim University.

Spokesperson of the MoFA, Sewa Lamsal, said that the commercial flight service could also be used to repatriate Nepalis from Israel. "The government has decided to use all available channels to rescue Nepali nationals in Israel and bring them back to Nepal," she said.

Earlier, in the morning on Wednesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had summoned the concerned authorities, including from the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, to get update about the rescue mission and had directed them to send an aircraft to Israel on Wednesday at any cost.

It was the decision of the government to send FM Saud to Israel, leading the rescue mission.

The government has given priority to the rescue of Nepali students in Israel. Although many Nepali workers in Israel wish to return home, there is no immediate plan to rescue them. However, the Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv in Israel will facilitate in their return and air fare would be borne by the government even if they come here in any other commercial flights.

However, since only a couple of international airlines are conducting flights to Israel, it wouldn't be easy to get back to their homes.

"We have given equal importance to all Nepalis stranded there. The government will make appropriate decisions to rescue Nepali citizens if required," Sharad Raj Aran, Joint Secretary of the MoFA, said.

However, it would take quite a while to bring back the mortal remains of the 10 Nepalis died in the attack. "Mortal remains of the deceased are kept safe at the government-run facilities there. The government of Nepal is putting efforts to bring back the remains and handover to the respective families. This is a top priority," said Lamsal while speaking at a press conference organised at the Ministry on Wednesday evening.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in a telephone conversation with FM Saud had pledged support in the treatment and care of the four Nepali nationals who were injured   in the attack, and finding the whereabouts of a Nepali citizen who has gone out of contact after the attack, and assured Israel government’s full support in the early repatriation of the mortal remains.

Meanwhile, of the four students who were injured in the Saturday attack, two have been discharged from the hospital. However, the whereabouts of the missing Nepali, Bipin Joshi, is still unknown. "The government has mobilised all communication and diplomatic channels to find Joshi," said Lamsal.

According to her, MoFA is closely working with Israeli embassy in Kathmandu and Nepali Embassy in Tel Aviv in this regard and regular cooperation is being made with Israeli authorities to know the whereabouts of Joshi.

Ram Kumar Lamsal, a faculty member of Sudurpaschim University which sent Joshi to Israel, said that the delay in finding him has troubled his family and relatives. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2023. 

UN Secy General postpones his visit to Nepal

 Kathmandu, Oct. 11

Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has postponed his scheduled visit to Nepal citing the recent crisis in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed that the visit has been postponed until further notice. The Ministry is likely to announce the new date within a couple of days.

Secretary General Guterres was scheduled to arrive in Nepal on Friday, October 13. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had invited him for an official visit of Nepal during a meeting with him in New York last month.

In his four-day visit, he was also scheduled to reach the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Lumbini. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2023. 

Luminous launches battery exchange offer

Kathmandu, Oct. 11

Targeting the main festival season of Nepal, Luminous, a brand in the power backup solutions industry, has announced exchange offer, 'Luminous EX-Change Mahautsav 2080'.

With this offer, Luminous brings an offer for customers to make the most of their old batteries by exchanging them for brand new Luminous batteries, all while enjoying incredible discounts of up to 35 per cent on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

Amtrade Private Limited, the sole authorised distributor of luminous power backup solution in Nepal, the exchange offer discount is applicable to customers who exchange their old batteries, regardless of the brand, for new Luminous batteries.

The condition applicable is that the exchanged battery must have the same Ah (Ampere-hour) rating as the new Luminous battery being purchased, informed Yograj Dhungana, Business Unit Head of Amtrade.

"This initiative not only allows customers to upgrade their power solutions but also encourages responsible disposal of old batteries. It's a win-win for everyone, and we look forward to making this festive season truly special for our customers," he said.

However, the discount percentage may vary based on the condition and rating of the exchanged battery.

The exchange offer is scheduled to run from 8 October to 19 November.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2023. 

GIBL, GCPF ink $25 million deal to boost climate financing

Kathmandu, Oct. 11

Global IME Bank Limited (GIBL) and the Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF) have recently inked a USD 25 million loan agreement with the aim of fostering climate-positive lending practices in Nepal.

This collaboration marks GCPF's maiden foray into climate-related financing in Nepal. The earmarked funds are dedicated to fueling energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within the country, said the GIBL in a statement on Wednesday.

"This financial infusion not only strengthens the bank's portfolio but also underscores its unwavering commitment to mitigating climate change," said the bank.

The GCPF operates as a blended partnership model, leveraging public funding to catalyse private sector investments and spur growth in developing markets.

Ratna Raj Bajracharya, Chief Executive Officer of GIBL, said that this facility extended by the GCPF will play a vital role in financing energy efficiency projects and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Nepal. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting energy projects in collaboration with GCPF to meet our strategic climate management objectives," he said.

Likewise, David Diaz Formidoni, Head of FI Investments and Climate Finance, expressed his happiness to extend their presence in Nepal, a nation highly susceptible to climate change, through the partnership with a dedicated and like-minded financial institution.

"We eagerly anticipate supporting the bank on its climate financing journey, harnessing the expertise of our in-house team of Climate Advisory Specialists and the fund's Technical Assistance Facility," he said.

The GCPF is a Luxembourg-based fund, working in an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in emerging and developing markets.

Its primary focus is on financing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, either through local financial institutions or direct funding. Only projects that promise substantial energy savings and commit to reducing projected greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent are eligible for GCPF funding.

Established in 2009, GCPF was founded through a public-private partnership that included the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), KfW Entwicklungsbank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Junior catalytic capital is provided by BMWK, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DZNEZ) of the UK, Denmark's development cooperation (Danida), alongside other private and public investors such as ASN Bank, Ärzteversorgung Westfalen-Lippe, FMO, OeEB, Sparkasse Bremen, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Heilsarmee.

GIBL is the largest bank in Nepal in terms of total assets (US$ 4,049 million). "The bank boasts a substantial and stable deposit base, a favourable cost-to-income ratio, a significant retail asset portfolio, excellent asset quality, and commendable profitability," read the statement by the GIBL. It has loan book of US$ 2,845 million, net worth of US$ 451 million, and deposits of US$3,279 million.

It serves over 4.5 million customers in 77 districts through a vast network comprising more than 1,100 service centres, which include 350 branch offices, over 369 ATMs, 322 branchless banking services, and 66 extension and revenue collection counters. GIBL has three foreign representative offices as well.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2023. 

Hotel Siddhartha honoured with South Asian Travel Award 2023

Kathmandu, Oct. 11

View Hotel Siddhartha, run by Siddhartha Business Group in Nepalgunj, has been honoured with the 'South Asian Travel Award 2023'.

Group's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Krishna Neupane said that the hotel was honoured with the award for playing a leading role in meeting and conference hotels/resorts.

Representing six different countries including Nepal, this organisation has been giving awards to various companies operating in the field of tourism and hospitality every year.

Regional Executive Director Keshav Neupane, Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager Nripesh Shrestha and Cluster Sales and Marketing Manager Navin Bhatta participated in the award programme, informed the hotel in a statement on Wednesday.

Hotel Siddharth has six halls of different capacities. According to the hotel, various meetings/conferences can be held in other halls, including a hall that can accommodate more than 1,100 people.

This four-star standard hotel has been in operation for the last one and a half decades.

The hotel has 125 rooms including suite, junior suite, family suite, deluxe and standard nature. It has facilities like restaurant, international cuisine, rooftop restaurant, pool bar and day dining.

The hotel has a banquet hall spread over 13,500 square feet. There is also a spa, salon and fitness centre.

The group is operating its first five-star hotel and is set to launch a luxury resort in Sauraha in Chitwan soon.

Siddhartha Hospitality is also preparing to build a luxury resort in Jumla and Ilam on the theme of 'Agro Tourism'.

The group is operating the four-star Siddhartha Hotel in Nepalgunj and Surkhet and the luxury resort 'Siddhartha Lumbini Green Resort' in Chandrauta, and resorts in Chisapani and Chumlingtar. It is also running hospitality facilities in Bouddha, Birtamod, Nuwakot, Tikapur, and Sundhara.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2023. 

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

FM Saud talks to Israel counterpart

Asks him to facilitate repatriation of bodies of deceased, safety of other Nepalis


Kathmandu, Oct. 10

The government on Tuesday urged Israel for coordination and facilitation in early repatriation of mortal remains of deceased Nepalis, safety, security and relocation of Nepali nationals to safer areas, and repatriation of those who wish to return home.

Ten Nepali students pursuing higher studies in Israel have been killed in the attacks of Palestine rebel group Hamas. They had reached there under 'learn and earn' programme.

Foreign Affairs Minister, NP Saud, talked to his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to seek support on bringing back the dead bodies, assisting in the treatment and care of the four Nepali nationals who were injured in the attack, and finding the whereabouts of a Nepali citizen who has gone out of contact after the attack.

Stating that the country is shocked by the death of 10 Nepali citizens in the attack of the rebel Hamas group, FM Saud urged Israeli FM Cohen, "We need to return the bodies of the dead to the country as soon as possible. Even a little delay will add more pain to the family members. Therefore, I request for the necessary coordination and facilitation for the return of the dead bodies to Nepal. The Nepali embassy will coordinate with the government of Israel."

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal, four Nepalis are being treated in Israeli hospitals. FM Saud requested Israel to support them in their proper health treatment and care. He also asked Minister Cohen to help the Nepali citizens who have been relocated to a safe place by the Israeli army for their basic needs including food.

"So far, we have received information that other Nepalis are safe. However, information has been received that many of them are staying in bunkers," he said during the conversation. "They are constantly calling their friends and family for basic needs like food and water. We hope for proper support from the Israeli government in this matter as well.”

Stating that Nepali Embassy in Israel is coordinating with the authorities in Kathmandu and Tel Aviv, FM Saud sought FM Cohen's support in relocating Nepalis living in bunkers to other safer places.

The MoFA is collecting the details of Nepali citizens in Israel and after the details are collected, it will request for the necessary assistance from the Israeli government for facilitation.

"We are collecting details of our citizens who want to return home. After the complete details are collected, the Nepal government will request for necessary support from the Israeli government for facilitation," FM Saud said.

According to the MoFA, during the conversation, Minister Saud expressed his sympathy for the loss of life and property caused by the attack and said that the Government of Nepal stood in solidarity with the government of Israel in this difficult time.

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen expressed his condolences for the loss of life of 10 Nepalis in the attack and wished for the recovery of the injured Nepali citizens.

He thanked the Government of Nepal for expression of solidarity and assured Israel government's full support in early repatriation of the mortal remains and return of Nepalis desiring to return home.

 

FM advises not to visit Israel

The government has urged all concerned not to visit Israel without obtaining a high-level approval from the government.

Speaking at the meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee (IRTC) of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister, NP Saud, has urged all concerned not to visit Israel for any personal or political reasons except on a political level.

The IRTC had summoned FM Saud to solicit the updates about the situation of Nepalis in Israel in the wake of the recent attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas.

He made this request while informing the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the Parliament about the attack on Israel and the situation of the Nepalis there.

Minister Saud informed that Israel's situation is sensitive after the attack by Hamas group and asked not to politicize the current situation.

The situation is sensitive. Therefore, apart from an official decision at the political level, it is requested not to visit Israel on a personal or party basis," he said. "Let's not politicize this situation."

FM Saud also urged the lawmakers not to politicize the current critical situation. "This is a very sensitive situation. I urge all not to politicize the issue and not to make a visit to Israel," he said.

"The Cabinet has recommended that the government should charter an aircraft to rescue and bring back Nepalis from Israel. Meanwhile, international flights are not yet suspended in Israel so we can also use those services," he informed the House Committee.

The government is also looking for options to bring out Nepalis to the nearest transit from Israel.

 

Need to empower embassies

Recent attack of Palestine rebel group Hamas on Isreal and killing of 10 Nepali nationals has again exposed the lack of preparedness and poor communication system of Nepali missions in sensitive locations.

The Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv of Israel has only three personnel including the Ambassador. There are about 4,500 Nepalis in Israel and the embassy is also accredited to Cyprus. Nepal doesn't have direct flight service to Israel and if it wants to conduct chartered flights, we have to obtain flight permissions from all the countries en route, said FM Saud.

Speaking at the meeting of the IRTC, he said that the government is planning to add one local staff to support in the process of rescuing Nepali citizens.

Committee Chair, Raj Kishor Yadav, asked the government to keep updated details of Nepalis in foreign countries.

Lawmakers said that the government should be prepared to handle and manage the crisis like the one in Israel as it can happen in other countries in the Middle East and elsewhere.

"Crisis can emerge in Lebanon and other countries in that region. Government should create a policy and strategy for such steps," said Sunita Baral, a lawmaker, while adding that it is unfortunate that Mission of Nepal has not been prepared to manage such crisis.

Another lawmaker, Damodar Poudel, criticised the government for poor communication and management system in Nepali embassies including the one in Tel Aviv.

"Are we prepared to rescue all our citizens if they wished to come back? We should be ready to send more support and human resource to manage the crisis faced by our citizens as the situation could be worsened," said lawmaker Dhawal Shumsher Rana.

Likewise, lawmaker Shishir Khanal, suggested deploying more skilled ambassadors in sensitive areas who can handle the situation in calm and composed manner.

Another lawmaker Bhim Acharya said that the government should learn from this and past lacking and challenges in the management of crisis like in Israel and immediately devise ways to enhance the capacity of Nepali diplomats and missions abroad.

"Nepal should also issue travel advisory while sending its citizens to critical and unsafe destinations," he said.

Similarly, lawmaker Barsha Man Pun suggested requesting for help from the countries neighbouring Israel. "Government and MoFA must be proactive in disseminating authentic information during the crisis. Otherwise, rumours would spread which will do more harm," he said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2023. 

Nepal makes 42% progress in SDGs

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, stated that Nepal needs to accelerate its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. As of the halfway point, the country has made approximately 42 per cent progress.

"Reflecting on the status of the SDGs, the midterm progress towards all 17 goals, at both the national and universal scales, falls behind the targets," he remarked while addressing the inaugural session of the seventh South and South-West Asia Subregional Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The two-day forum is jointly hosted by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for South and South-West Asia, co-hosted by the NPC in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Dr. Phuyal emphasised Nepal's full commitment to achieving the SDGs and incorporating them into all three tiers of government. He also mentioned that the country has conducted an SDG localisation programme at all local government levels.

He explained that medium-term expenditure frameworks, annual budgets, and sectorial strategies are aligned with the SDGs, supported by planning, monitoring, and evaluation guidelines.

Dr. Phuyal also informed delegates from the region that Nepal's development strategy includes human capital development, the retention of returning migrant workers through domestic employment opportunities, and innovative utilisation of remittances. He mentioned that the service sector, National Data Profile, and IT sectors are set to receive increased attention.

"We have identified key areas that have the potential to catalyse economic transformation, leading us toward SDG attainment and irreversible graduation from LDC status. Our focus is on enhancing production, productivity, and competitiveness within our economy, generating skilled human capital, and creating decent work and productive employment opportunities," he emphasised.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the vital role of the private sector in achieving the SDGs. He emphasised the need for collaboration and innovation among the government, private sector, and other development partners.

Dhakal mentioned that the private sector not only contributes financially but also drives economic growth, job creation, and technological progress. "The private sector plays a special role in job creation, investment in healthcare and education, promoting gender equality, developing infrastructure, mitigating climate change, and protecting the environment," he stated.

Dhakal highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation and international collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Hana Singer, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, emphasised the importance of sharing lessons learned during the development and implementation of programmes aimed at achieving the SDGs.

Likewise, Irusha Coorey, Director of the SAARC Secretariat, pointed out that food security is a serious concern in South Asia. She mentioned that the region faces multiple climate hazards, but reporting systems are inadequate. She also noted that one-third of unregistered children are in South Asia.

The Forum will continue until Wednesday and will focus on various issues related to the SDGs.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2023. 

Dr. Acharya stands strong for WHO regional director

 Kathmandu, Oct. 8

Nepali diplomats, United Nations professionals and experts of various sectors from Nepal have come forward to express solidarity with Dr. Shambhu Acharya and welcome the decision of the Government of Nepal to nominate him as the candidate for the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO).

Speaking at an interaction with the journalists on Sunday in Lalitpur, they said that an opportunity has arisen with filling the vacancy for the Regional Director of the WHO's SEARO which also oversees the South Asia region.

"We welcome the Government of Nepal’s nomination of a highly qualified candidate, Dr. Shambhu Acharya, for this important position and for investing effort to mobilise support for his candidature," read the statement issued by nine luminaries of Nepali society including Nilamber Acharya, former minister, ambassador and political analyst, and Dr. Kul Chandra Gautam, former assistant secretary general of the UN and deputy executive director of the UNICEF.

The Regional Director’s position is vitally important for the future health and wellbeing of hundreds of millions in our region, where medical and public health challenges must be monitored and overseen by capable leadership within WHO.

"It is obvious to us that Dr. Acharya is the better fit between the two candidates nominated for the position. He possesses a very strong public health background and has extensive leadership experience in tackling global health issues," they said.

Dr. Acharya has impeccable credentials with a PhD in public health, specialising in health policy and planning from a globally renowned university; a Masters in Sociology focusing on social policy; and an MBA in public finance and strategic management.

He is an expert of the public health and knows medical challenges of this region intimately, having worked for three decades strengthen responses at local, national, regional and global levels, including in Nepal, Bangladesh and India, apart from his responsibilities at WHO headquarters in Geneva, according to the experts.

Dr. Acharya has managed large-scale World Bank-funded projects in health and population in Bangladesh and played a key role in establishing the Asia-Pacific Health Economics Network to build the health financing capacity of WHO member states.

"Working directly with the Director-General WHO, Dr. Acharya has been part of high-level policy and strategy decisions, which have also included interactions with heads of government, ministers, and health professionals all over the Asian continent," read the statement.

He has represented WHO in various UN bodies advocating for universal health coverage within the broader UN development agenda. Most recently, Dr. Acharya played a central role in ensuring that WHO was effective in response to the COVID-19 crisis in the most seriously affected countries.

He has also authored an impressive list of papers in various areas of health and development that gives him a high level of credibility in global and regional public health circles. His vision statement for the SEARO candidacy is clear, succinct, innovative and forward-looking, maintained the supporters.

Dr. Acharya has been acknowledged by many global health professionals and leaders as the most qualified candidate for this crucial position, even beyond the present contest.

"In contrast, the only other candidate in competition for the position is regarded by the public health and medical fraternity as a political protégé with a privileged pedigree whose thin resumé is not adequate to lead a complex global health institution such as WHO-SEARO," read the statement.

It also said that the unabashed, high-profile lobbying at senior most political levels, aided by a mother’s access to global leaders at unrelated summits and conclaves, has generated cautionary commentary not only in public health circles but also in journals of renown and credible international media.

"In the current post-Covid public health environment with its numerous challenges, including those related to income disparities, climate crisis, and the potential surge of new vectors with potential for great destruction, UN leaders steering health issues must have strong credentials and proven dynamism," they said. They also urged the government to redouble efforts among the concerned governments of the region in favour of his candidacy.

The signatories also include Prof. Rita Thapa, first women director of Health Systems, WHO-SEARO and winner of Bloomberg Public Health Award 2023, Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, leading heart surgeon and Chairperson of Nepal Medical Council, Dr. Naresh KC, executive director of Family Planning Association, Prof. Dr. Madhu Dixit, executive chairperson of UDM- NINAS, Dr. Sudha Sharma, senior public health physician with global experience, Dr. Badri Raj Pande, public health expert and regional programme management officer of SEARO, and Bishow Parajuli, former UN resident coordinator. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2023. 

Innovative financial mechanisms needed for infra development: PM Prachanda

 Kathmandu, Oct. 8

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda pointed out to the need of innovative financial mechanisms and modalities for Nepal's infrastructure development to address the current need of rapid socio-economic development. 

"Nepal needs a large amount of financial cooperation for infrastructure development and it can't be achieved with the traditional tools of support. So, we need to work on attracting investment through the mechanism like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework along with various bilateral and multilateral mechanisms," he said at a conference on 'A decade of BRI: Deepening trade, investment, connectivity and academic relations'.

The event was organised by Nepal-China Friendship Forum in the Capital on Sunday.

Stating that Nepal and China both want to make Nepal a land-linked nation, Prime Minister Prachanda said that the Government of Nepal is clear about expediting cooperation through the BRI.

According to him, Nepal and China needs to work on converting the economic and other potentials into opportunity for both them. "Nepal China relation is crucial for the establishment of peace in this region as well," said PM Prachanda.

He took the opportunity to mention that 13 agreements and understandings signed during his recent visit to China will strengthen economic and people-level relations ties between the two countries. It will help in increasing Chinese investment and technology transfer in Nepal, especially in the areas of national priority and comparative advantage, according to PM Prachanda.

He expressed his commitment to facilitate and protect Chinese investment in Nepal, and said that the leadership is aware of the long-term benefits and potentials of the BRI for Nepal and its people.

"I have asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about accepting the tri-partite cooperation (among China, India and Nepal) proposal put forth by Nepal. I asked him that wasn't it the responsibility of economic giant like India to support economically vulnerable country like Nepal," said Prime Minister Prachanda.  

Professor of the Kathmandu School of Law, Dr. Yubraj Sangroula, said that while deepening relations with China, Nepal must not forget to include India or collaborate with the latter to maximise the benefits. Government of Nepal should try to persuade India to form a tri-partite collaboration to distribute benefits to all, he said. 

According to him, some politicians and experts misinterpreted the tri-partite cooperation proposed by Nepal which is unfortunate. Likewise, Chinese debt trap has also been an issue of propaganda in Nepal which only damaged the bilateral relations as well as development cooperation between the two neighbours.

"We must not forget that only a prosperous Nepal can maintain balanced relations between India and China," said Dr. Sangroula.

The two countries have millennia-old rich cultural and people to people relations while formal connectivity was established about 1,600 years ago. Ancient Silk Road system also helped Nepal to import goods as well as architecture and culture, he said.  

Stating that the technology to develop paper was imported to Nepal from China and the former became the second country to produce paper in Asia, Dr. Sangroula said that the written history between the two countries misses many milestones so we need to rewrite and reassess it including these dimensions.

Chen Song, Ambassador of China to Nepal, said that China is interested to enhance energy cooperation with Nepal.

"China is also willing to import more quality agricultural products from Nepal, and it does not attach any political strings in its cooperation with Nepal," he said.

Ambassador Chen stressed on high-quality BRI cooperation so that both the countries could benefit from it.

According to him, the two countries should enhance cooperation in infrastructure, telecommunication and electricity while tourism, education and medicine could be the other areas of cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Achyut Wagle, Professor and Registrar of the Kathmandu University, stated that Nepal should work to make it an international hub of education for Chinese students.

"China is currently looking outwards to expand its education and knowledge globally. Nepal can be a partner in it. Initiative should be taken for cooperation between the educational institutions of Nepal and China and joint research initiatives," he said.  

Currently, 8,000-11,000 Nepali students are going to China every year for higher studies. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2023. 

‘Green recovery, education, youth Development, priority of EU’

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

Newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, has said that the EU has given priority to green recovery, education and youth development.

Talking to journalists at the Delegation of the European Union in Nepal on Monday, she said that equipping Nepal with the capacity to move ahead with the programmes of green development, access to and inclusion in education, employment for youth and promotion of information and communication technology were priorities of EU.  

In Nepal, energy and infrastructure support is the EU's area of cooperation. "Our cooperation is changing. We often see the bottlenecks which could be resolved with small initiatives," said Lorenzo while adding that the EU is moving from grants to investment and the role of the European Investment Bank would be important in it.

While stressing on meaningful cooperation with the stakeholders of various sectors in Nepal, she said that working with the private sector in economic development is also her priority.

"Meanwhile, development of digital and ICT sector development and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the other areas of cooperation between the EU and Nepal," said Lorenzo.

She also expressed her commitment to supporting Nepal in the process of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing one. Since Nepal is likely to lose various preferential treatment in the markets of developed nations, she maintained that the EU would expand its support through the GSP Plus facility to provide zero customs duty for a number of products from Nepal.

However, more negotiations between the two side is needed.

According to her, Nepal should get prepared for graduation before seeking support in the smooth transition.

Likewise, Lorenzo said that the exchanges in culture, business, and other areas would be continued and there would be business fair, forums, cultural exchanges and other bilateral events.

According to her, regarding Nepal's removal from the Air Safety List, an assessment mission was conducted last year and a decision could be taken next month, in November, after the air safety committee completes the review.

The EU has barred Nepali aircraft from flying in the European skies since 2013. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2023. 

World Bank projects 3.9% growth for Nepal this fiscal year

 Kathmandu, Oct. 4:

The World Bank has projected that Nepali economy would rebound to 3.9 per cent in the current Fiscal Year 2023/24 downgrading the growth projection of 6 per cent made by the government in its budget speech for this year. 

However, this is a ‘significant’ increase from the growth of last FY 2022/23 when the country achieved 1.9 per cent addition in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the constant market prices while the government had announced to achieve 8 per cent expansion in the economy. 

This forecast is made citing the lagged impact of the lifting of import restrictions, strong rebound in tourism, and the gradual relaxing of monetary policy, according to the World Bank’s twice-a-year country update published on Tuesday.

Likewise, the multilateral donor forecasted that Nepal would see about 5 per cent economic growth in the coming FY 2024/25. 

“However, there are multiple risks to the outlook including an erratic monsoon, which could dampen agricultural growth; a renewed spike in commodity prices or continued food export bans by India which would raise prices; and higher inflation which could keep policy rates elevated, increase domestic debt servicing costs, and drag on growth,” said a WB statement. 

The report also explores the drivers of external competitiveness for Nepal. The country’s total exports amounted to 6.9 per cent of the GDP in FY2022/23, representing only a third of the exports of other South Asian middle-income countries on average.

The analysis finds that the real appreciation of the exchange rate and continued low labour productivity are associated with Nepal’s lower exports. As per the report, Nepal suffers from labour productivity deficit across all three sectors – agriculture, industry, and services – compared to peer countries and its main trading partner, India. 

“Amid challenges, Nepal is leading the way towards operationalizing its green, resilient, and inclusive development vision to shape the country’s long-term economic recovery,” said Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 

According to him, improved external competitiveness is key to driving this recovery and enabling Nepal to compete in export markets, in terms of both prices and quality. This requires emphasis on reforms to help increase domestic productivity and reduce the inflation differential with Nepal’s trading partners.

Industry to witness better growth The Nepal Development Update also projected a significant growth in industry sector forecasting 3.2 per cent growth at constant factor price which is an improvement from last year’s 0.6 per cent growth. Similarly, for the next fiscal, 6.3 per cent growth projection is made. 

Likewise, the service sector is expected to grow by 5.1 per cent this year – against 2.3 per cent of previous year – and 5.9 per cent next year. But growth of agriculture sector is not encouraging as it is estimated to witness the growth of 2.1 per cent this year against the expansion rate of 2.7 per cent last year. For the next fiscal, growth forcast of agriculture sector is made at just at 2.5 per cent. 

Meanwhile, the World Bank has forecast 7.5 per cent inflation rate for this year, about 1 per cent up from the government’s forecaste of 6.5 per cent. 

Regional growth prospects Nepal’s growth in the past two year has remained significantly below the South Asian average and is projected to continue the trend till next fiscal. 

Last year Nepal’s growth rate of 1.9 per cent was much below the regional average of 5.8 per cent. Likewise, this year and next year, South Asia is projected to have 5.6 per cent growth on an average, and Nepal is unlikely to meet it. 

While there is a regional slowdown as all countries in South Asia will witness lower growth against the average of 2015-19 period, according to ‘South Asia Development Update, Toward Faster, Cleaner Growth’ report published on the same day, Nepal’s growth prospects are weaker than the regional members except Sri Lanka and Pakistan – both the countries are projected to see the growth of 1.7 per cent this year. 

India will achieve the highest growth rates in the region – 6.3 this year and 6.4 next year, yet this is below the country’s achievement of pre-COVID-19 period. 

However, projection of 5.8 per cent growth for South Asia is higher than any other developing country region in the world, but slower than its pre-pandemic pace and not fast enough to meet its development goals.

Regional growth prospects are subject to downside risks, including due to fragile fiscal positions, said the WB. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 5 October 2023. 

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Awaiting reforms, advertisement business mired in aberrations

Kathmandu, Oct. 7

An advertising agency held the payment made by a client company to the media that published the advertisement for more than six months. Later, the media came to know that the agency had paid about two thirds of the money it received from the advertiser.

A reputed advertisement professional said that a significant number of advertisers have resorted to content placement in the media instead of publishing advertisement due to unnecessary pressure, and sometimes threatening, from online news media and newly established television channels.

Hoarding boards are loosely managed by the local governments but they are losing a significant amount in revenue as they contract out the management and the money they receive is peanuts. Meanwhile, the contractor and a few concerned staff churn out 'good money', said an advertisement professional.

These cases tell that the advertising industry in Nepal lacks transparency and needs policy as well as technological interventions to make it transparent and vibrant.

Until the Advertisement Board (AB) was established in December 2020, advertising industry was largely an unregulated sector and the actual statistics about the size of the market and its contribution to media and government revenue were not available.

In the past three years since its formation, the AB has taken some major steps to regulate and monitor the advertising industry in Nepal. It issued standards for the public welfare advertisement in print and electronic media, advertisement agency listing and monitoring, and advertisement broadcast testing.

 

Transparent market

Recently, the Board has issued a notice asking the government offices and agencies to make payments on the basis of an invoice issued by the media even though they publish the advertisement through an advertising agency. If they published the advertisement directly contacting the media, payment should be made as per the media invoice and if it is published through an agency, the latter should issue its invoice adding its commission to the media invoice.

The invoice issued by the media should be attached with the invoice issued by the agency.

Last year, the AB issued code of conduct for the industry to make its conducts more ethical, transparent and business-friendly. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) had been trying to formulate and implement the Advertising Code of Conduct since more than a decade ago. A draft had been prepared and the Ministry had also held multiple rounds of discussions on it but due to the lack of support from the advertising agencies, it couldn't be implemented then.

"The code of conduct will ensure fair-play environment. As some of the issues in it have been included in the advertising regulations, it has been more effective," said Chairperson of the AB, Laxman Humagain. The regulations have provisions to punish with a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 in case of the violation of the code of conduct.

The listing of advertising agency has kept the regulator updated about the industry and made the monitoring of the market and evaluation easy. The Board has barred the media to work with the advertising agencies not listed with it.

 

Regulating outdoor advertising

Of late, the AB has shifted its focus to the management of outdoor advertisement which is one of the major components of advertising in Nepal along with mass media, digital and social media, and theatre and events.

There is no rule or standard to regulate or operate outdoor advertising.

Local Self-Governance Act has a clause to raise tax from the outdoor advertising but there is confusion about who should raise that tax. The Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2019 has assigned the Advertisement Board with the regulation and necessary arrangement to regulate and manage the outdoor advertising.

However, although the board can set standards for the whole country the implementation of the standards and raising tax should be done by the local governments, said Humagain. The collected tax would be divided at 60:40 ratio between the local and provincial governments.

Godawari Municipality in Lalitpur has recently issued a notice asking the stakeholders to remove the hoarding boards displayed without permission. According to the AB, about 56 per cent outdoor advertising is being done without obtaining permission from the federal or local bodies.

"The Board is setting standards for the hoarding boards. Distance and design of board at the national highways, inside roads and junctions would be set. All the boards displayed without permission would be removed or brought under regulation," according to the AB. The board will also decide the appropriateness of the advertisement space as well.

The Board is in the stage of finalising the standards for the hoarding boards. It would be okayed after the discussion with the local governments. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has also been roped in in the process.

"We are also developing a model law for the local bodies to manage the outdoor advertising to facilitate them without which the new instrument will be ineffective," said Humagain.

President of Signage Association Nepal, Kiran Panta, said that the new standards would help the businesses to grow in a competitive way. According to him, there was a problem in tax system and individuals instead of companies have been managing the markets.

No one should be allowed to advertise or manage outdoor advertising without getting approval from the regulator, said Panta.

 

Digital and social media

The AB is also set to create regulatory environment for the digital and social media. A draft of guidelines is being framed in collaboration with the MoCIT. Hopefully, the guidelines will be passed by the Cabinet soon, said Humagain.

The Board is also conducting research to know the size and expansion of digital and social media advertising. It aims to conclude the entire regulatory framework by next year.

Likewise, cinema halls and event spaces will also soon have guidelines to publish advertising.

 

Size of advertising market

"Across the country, only Rs. 2.5 billion revenue is collected from the outdoor advertisement (technically known as the Below-the-Line or BTL advertising) while its total market size is estimated at about Rs. 18 billion," Humagain stated. Likewise, size of traditional media advertising is estimated at about Rs. 14 billion which is quite contrary to the size estimated by the market.

The Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) estimates the advertisement market of mass media at about Rs. 7 billion which was forecast to grow by approximately Rs. 2 billion to make the total size Rs. 9 billion.

But the recent economic slowdown has badly hit the advertising and media market. "The economic recession, market contraction and court decision to ban liquor companies to advertise their products in mass media have a detrimental impact on the advertising industry," said Rabindra Rijal Shashi, Immediate Past President of AAN.

However, the implementation of the clean feed policy in 2020 has forced the multinational companies to create their advertisement locally in Nepal. Since the advertisements produced in other countries and 'dubbed' in Nepali have also been banned from broadcast, Nepali advertising agencies have got additional business, said Shashi.

 

Ban on liquor ad impacts seriously

Advertising professionals said that the ban on liquor ad had serious repercussions on the advertising market. "Although the economic slowdown is the major cause behind the current distress in business, ban on liquor advertising has inculcated further damage," said Sashi.

He said that the issue of allowing any product to advertise should be with the government, not with the court.

G.P. Timalsena, Managing Director of Promoters Nepal, an advertising agency, demanded a review of the court decision on imposing ban on liquor ad. "Complete ban is not a solution. The government can charge additional fees or the like on liquor ad but it should be allowed in the mass media," he said.

Meanwhile, lack of standards to provide advertisement for media has also troubled the advertisers and agencies equally.

Agencies said that there was a massive pressure from media, especially online ones, to provide them advertisement although most of them have poor or no audience and have zero impact in terms of marketing or promotion.

Advertisement is an investment, not a charity, said one ad professional. He also said that the reduced advertisement supply has forced the media to seek source of income other than advertising revenue which is not good for the business as well as the country.

Shashi also said that advertising in media without good presence in the market is a misuse of resources. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 8 October 2023. 

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