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The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court in Kathmandu against former finance minister of Madhes Province Bijay Kumar, the then finance secretary of Madhes province, Prem Kumar Shrestha, Lalbandi Municipality mayor Man Bahadur Khadka and four others in connection with the establishment of a snake venom collection and processing center in the name of Jhalanath Khanal Institute of Health Sciences (presently known as National Health Sciences Foundation). . 

In the fiscal 2020/21, the provincial government had released a budget along with a grant, received from the federal government for the establishment of a center for collecting and processing snake venom for the production of anti-snake venom. 

More than three years into the release of the funds, the anti-corruption agency has blamed the then minister Yadav, Lalbandi Municipality mayor Khadka and others for going beyond their jurisdiction and demanded recovery of Rs 179.8 million along with fine and imprisonment for those involved as per the Corruption Prevention Act 2002.

The CIAA has sought a longer jail term for minister Yadav, citing section 24 of the Corruption Prevention Act 2002, which has stipulated additional years for senior public office-holders involved in such crimes. 

The authority has accused the then finance secretary of the province, Shrestha, of submitting a grant proposal to the Provincial Planning Commission by falsely stating that the foundation had abundant financial, physical and human resources to execute the project. Based on his proposal, the federal government had released Rs 30.27m as supplementary grants to the foundation.

CIAA has demanded that Shrestha be imprisoned for 8-10 years and Rs 30.27m recovered from him along with a fine of more than Rs 10m.

The CIAA has also pointed fingers at president of the foundation Rewati Prasad Pant, General Secretary Navaraj Bhandari, Treasurer Niraj Bhandari and member Devendra Rai. Per CIAA, the foundation’s Chair Pant had signed a partnership agreement with the government to receive government funding in the name of the foundation, which has zero cost sharing in the project, and had withdrawn Rs 179.8m. The agency has accused the foundation’s board of directors of spending government funds contrary to its objectives and approved programs.

The authority has also made the foundation a defendant demanding confiscation of its land in Lalbandi Municipality-1 along with a jeep.

Ananda Saru has held the position of Secretary at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) in Karnali province since 2020. He also serves as the program director of the Provincial and Local Governance Support Program that oversees PLGSP initiatives in the province and collaborates with development partners.

Previously, he served as the chief administrative officer (Joint Secretary) of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City in Dang, Lumbini province. With a wealth of experience in federal, provincial, and local governments, Saru has engaged with various stakeholders across different tiers of government, gaining a profound understanding of the complexities of the federalization process. ApEx had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the three-tier government with him.

What changes have occurred in the performance, service delivery, and institutional governance of provincial and local government institutions in Karnali since the implementation of federalism?

The implementation of federalism has brought about significant transformations and improvements in the performance, service delivery, and institutional governance of provincial and local government bodies in Karnali. The primary goal of federalism is to make government structures more accessible to the public, and Karnali has made remarkable progress in this regard. During the conflict period, local public services were notably inadequate. However, since the advent of federalism, both provincial and local elections have been successfully conducted, leading to the installation of people's representatives in local units. Additionally, workforce adjustments have been made to address personnel shortages, with appointments made by the federal government and recommendations from the provincial public service commission. Nevertheless, there is still a shortage of administrative and technical staff at the provincial and local levels, but ongoing efforts aim to address this issue.

The capacity, service delivery, and governance of provincial and local government institutions are steadily improving. Federalism has brought government structures closer to the people, making governance more accessible and community-oriented. Significant progress has been made in various aspects of government service delivery, including personal incident registration, the distribution of social security benefits, the implementation of agricultural and livestock development programs, healthcare services, and business registration. Citizen participation in decision-making processes and expenditure oversight at both the local and provincial levels has increased. Efforts have also been made to establish a culture of adhering to specified deadlines for budget and program submissions and approvals.

Local units are dedicated to enhancing service delivery through self-evaluation and responsiveness to community needs. Citizen engagement has increased across various processes and programs. Furthermore, authorities at both provincial and local levels are formulating and implementing laws tailored to their specific requirements. Institutional structures are gradually being established and reinforced, with greater access for marginalized communities and groups, particularly at the local level. Cooperation between provincial and local levels is growing, and a shift towards a bottom-up planning process is underway.

What measures have been taken to enhance the participation and access of citizens, especially women and marginalized groups, in the local-level planning process, decision-making, and service delivery?

Local units are actively implementing a 7-step plan formulation process and raising awareness in the community about the importance of involving wards and small settlements in the planning process. Thematic committees have become more active, and legal provisions related to the planning process encourage the engagement of all citizens, including children, women, indigenous groups, Madhesi, Dalits, disabled individuals, and marginalized and backward communities in identifying, selecting, prioritizing, and making decisions in the planning process.

Marginalized groups are gradually gaining representation in institutional structures. Various capacity development programs conducted by both the province and local governments have empowered them to participate in decision-making processes. Efforts to include women and marginalized communities in the planning system continue through the formulation of laws, policies, and regulations. Local and provincial public buildings and structures have been made more user-friendly for women and marginalized communities.

Federalism is becoming more accessible to communities that previously faced barriers in accessing government structures. A shift in mindset is taking place, and capacity development training and orientation programs have been organized for people's representatives and employees to increase the involvement of women and marginalized communities in the planning system. Additionally, activities such as community mobilization at the village level, the Chief Minister's program for addressing complaints, the Chief Minister's employment program, parliamentary support initiatives, publication of reports aimed at uplifting and developing Badi communities, and the establishment and operation of a project information management system at the local levels have been implemented.

Furthermore, interaction programs, regular meetings of the provincial coordination council, and the execution of a joint declaration against gender-based violence have been conducted. Comprehensive workshops and orientation programs have been organized at all local levels and provinces to address common concerns and promote collaboration.

Many development partners, including UNDP and EU, are active in Karnali province. Has the provincial government been able to mobilize this support in a meaningful and sustainable way?

Development partners are actively engaged in Karnali province, and their support has been effectively mobilized to promote meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Notable achievements include the formulation of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy 2020, which emphasizes the commitment to fostering equitable societies. To ensure the effective implementation of policies and initiatives, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Accounting Procedure 2020 has been established. Comprehensive guidelines for Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) have been developed to promote fair resource allocation.

Karnali province has also established a robust data and information management system to address gender-based violence. A strategy for gender equality and social inclusion mainstreaming has been created to seamlessly integrate these principles into various initiatives across 70 local units. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Testing has been conducted in all 79 local units, and efforts have been made to empower individuals through training sessions for trainers and GESI focal persons. This has led to increased active participation of women and marginalized communities. Laws, policies, strategies, and procedures related to institutional development are yet to be established, and support is being received from various organizations for these aspects.

Coordination with development partners extends to capacity development of Karnali Province Training Institute. The institute is also receiving technical assistance from the Province and Local Government Support Program. Annual program activities, approved by provincial and national coordination committees, are implemented in alignment with the Government of Nepal’s budget system. The training institute also collaborates with development partners like UNDP PLGSP-EUSIF and International IDEA for sustainability, particularly in the initial stages where additional support for infrastructure and systemic capabilities is vital.

Addressing the needs of women and marginalized communities is prioritized in the annual budget and work budget. The recent passage of the Karnali Province Training Institute Act signals a significant role in strengthening the federal system through capacity development of state and local government institutions, including local people's representatives. However, challenges remain, notably in terms of infrastructure development due to Karnali province's challenging geography. The provincial government's limited budget necessitates continued support from development partners for sustainable institution development.

What are the immediate, mid-term, and long-term priorities of Karnali Province Training Academy?

The Karnali Province Training Academy has a range of immediate and mid-term strategies to effectively fulfill its mission. Immediate priorities include constructing essential physical infrastructure such as training rooms, an assembly hall, hostel facilities, reading rooms, and a library. Transportation for training participants and staff must also be arranged. The institute should mobilize both internal and external human resources and focus on formulating strategic and business plans, sector

According to recent research, nine million people die every day globally as a direct result of air pollution. The health of the people is worsening due to disruptions in the environment. Parks and urban green spaces are one of the solutions to the problem of health hazards and environmental risks in the post-industrial society. Lack of green in the neighborhood is a serious problem affecting most city areas around the world and parks and other green spaces are necessary for normal functioning of people and the environment.

The crowding and human activities such as transport, shops and industries on the narrow roads and concrete structures of cities have led to the phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. The temperature in urban areas is increasing by 3.4°C compared to rural areas. The increase in temperature results in increased demand for cooling, which means an increase in the consumption of fossil fuel that leads to increased air pollution. However, with the creation of parks and green spaces, this issue can be mitigated as open areas with plants and trees give a place for the trapped heat to be released into the atmosphere.

Parks also provide a place where people can be physically active to reduce stress, which can improve their mental health. It also aids in relaxation, peace and escape from the heat, with better air quality, reduced traffic and greater diversity. A recent estimate puts 3.3 percent of global deaths due to the lack of physical activities because of poor walking ability and limited access to recreational areas. These numbers can be reduced by creating and opening parks and green spaces. 

The parks and other green spaces also have aesthetic and recreational values. They can lead to increased property values and increased municipal revenues. Also, a telephone survey by the American Public Health Association shows that 75 percent of the American adults surveyed believe that parks can play an important role in addressing America’s obesity crisis. They believe that parks help improve public health by providing direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment. Additionally, parks create a safer neighborhood, with research showing that green spaces create neighborhoods with fewer violence and crimes.

We need nature in our surroundings, we need trees on the streets, plants in our gardens and flowers on our balconies. Therefore, with all the above-mentioned benefits, there is no doubt that parks and green spaces are very necessary for cities.

Ten Nepali students enrolled in educational institutions in the southern region of Israel have been killed following the deadly terrorist attack by Hamas, the Palestinian group. Nepali Ambassador to Israel Kanta Rizal confirmed the deaths. 

Issuing a press note on Sunday, Nepali Embassy in Israel said that four Nepalis were injured and are receiving treatment at a local hospital while one is still missing.

The deceased have been identified as Narayan Prasad Neupane and Ashish Chaudhary of Kailali, Ganesh Kumar Nepali of Bajhang, Dipesh Raj Bist and Lokendra Singh Dhami of Darchula, Anand Sah of Dhanusha, Rajesh Kumar Swarnkar of Sunsari, Rajan Phulara of Doti, Padam Thapa and Prabesh Bhandari of Salyan.

“The embassy is doing necessary coordination with the Israeli government to send the deceased bodies to Nepal,” the embassy statement reads. The embassy further says that the online registration will be opened soon for those who want to return back to Nepal.

Earlier on Sunday, Foreign Minister NP Saud had informed the Parliament that there may have been some casualties. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sewa Lamsal had also indicated about the possible casualties.

Among the injured Nepalis are Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary from Tikapur, Himanchal Kattel from Gorkha, and Bidhan Sejuwal from Salyan. They are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Reports suggest that one of the injured is in a critical condition. 

Minister Saud briefed Parliament that the security situation in Israel remains complex for the foreseeable future, and the government is fully committed to providing necessary support and facilitating rescue of Nepali citizens there. 

“Coordination and facilitation efforts are underway with the Israeli government to ensure the safety, rescue and support of Nepalis residing in Israel,” said Saud.  

Around 4,500 Nepalis are currently employed as caregivers in Israel. Additionally, there are 265 Nepali students studying there as part of the ‘Learn and Earn’ program of the Israeli government.

Among these students, 119 are from the Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from the Far-Western University (FWU). Seventeen students from FWU were employed at an agricultural farm in Alumim, situated near the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Kalpana Joshi, a Nepali student, told ApEx that 18 Nepalis were hiding in a small bunker at Shorashim Farm in Mivtachim of Israel.

“There are 18 Nepalis here, three from the Far Western University and 15 from the Agriculture and Forestry University. Twelve of us are female students,” she said.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Padam Giri has demanded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal take steps to rescue Nepalis in Israel.

Giri said that it is not only sufficient to issue a press statement. “Instead, the Prime Minister himself should hold a telephone conversation with his counterpart and take initiatives to protect the lives of Nepalis,” he said. Giri urged the Nepali representatives attending the United Nations General Assembly to draw the UN’s serious attention for the rescue of the Nepali citizens trapped in Israel. 

Sushil Neupane, the head of the School of Agriculture at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of FWU, said they have halted internal examinations and teaching activities, and are trying to work a way out. “Efforts are underway to communicate with the affected students,” he says.

Among the 17 individuals working at Alumim, Birendra Chaudhary from Tikapur has been communicating via social media, providing information about being surrounded by the military. “Nine students have been successfully contacted through social media, and all students are currently staying at their respective shelters,” says Neupane.

Ramesh Bahadur Karki from Bajura, Binod Prasad Sah from Rautahat, Abhash Bhattarai from Kailali, Naresh Singh Bhandari from Kanchanpur, Lokendra Bista from Dadeldhura, Rohit Nayak from Kailali, Niranjan Kumar Kusahwa from Rautahat, Arvinda Kumar Chaudhary from Kailali, and Upendra GC from Banke are among those who have come into contact.

Of the 49 students in the final semester of their Bachelor’s degree program in Agricultural Science, 15 departed for Israel on Sept 12, while the remaining 35 students left on Sept 13. The students’ program in Israel comprises one day of study, five days of work and one day of vacation, all part of the ‘Learn and Earn’ initiative. This marks the first time that students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences have been sent to Israel as part of this program.

The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have launched an unprecedented, multifront attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets. Dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border at several locations, catching the country off-guard during a major holiday. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was ‘at war’ and called for a mass mobilization of army reserves. At least 600 people have reportedly been killed in Israel—a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades—and more than 300 have been killed in Gaza.

The government of Nepal has also strongly condemned the ‘terrorist attack’ in Israel that left nine Nepalis injured. “At this critical hour, we express our solidarity with the Government of Israel,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The government extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the people and Government of Israel, as well as to the victims and their families. “We wish for a speedy recovery of the injured,” added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Contact

Nepal Embassy in Israel: +972(0)35168085

Ambassador Kanta Rizal: +972545864423

First Secretary Arjun Ghimire: +972528289300

Email: [email protected]