By Shiv Raj Bhatt

I was so disappointed with my mobile set a few months ago when the government blocked mobile services. On the 100th day of the new regime, I handed over my mobile set to my daughter, who was just one and half year old then. My daughter was very happy with her mobile, so was I. This way, I thought I would be able to overcome my frustrations. In fact, I was actually delighted when my daughter talked over the mobile set saying haayo (hello) and some other words, which I couldn’t understand. But, the mobile set had turned irreparable when mobile services reopened. Buying another set was the only option. With a very heavy heart I bought a new set. On Thursday, the government once again repeated the same tactic and no one knows how longer it will go.

The first question which hit my mind was why did the government ban such a useful service at the first place. I repeated same query to some of my friends who are serving at the security forces. They all had very unique answer. They said mobile telephone had a strong link with the conflict and ambush explosions. They claimed that incidence of ambush explosions had significantly reduced after the closure of mobile services. And conflict, explosion, and encounters all increased significantly with the reopening of the mobile telephony in the country. Now, anybody could guess what may have led the government to take such a decision.

But I was not satisfied and tried to go beyond their arguments. I started to look for a proper answer. As usual, I started first by google search. But it was hard to find literature on relationship between mobile and conflict (or other dimensions of it like ambush explosion). However, luckily I found some literature on interrelationship between conflict and globalization (mobile may be one instrument of it). Therefore, I started to read.

In most writings, globalization is portrayed as a phenomenon embodying either most of the world’s ills or promises. The idea could be broadly divided into two: the liberal model and the structuralist model. The first model claims that an open economy leads to a higher level of economic development that in turn leads to peace, both directly and through the promotion of democracy. On the basis of this theory, it can be argued that mobile phone as an instrument of globalization (and, of course, openness) reduces the conflict including incidences like ambush explosions.

In contrast, the structuralist model blamed that an open economy is more likely to lead to increased conflict. According to this theory, the penetration of trade and foreign capital into peripheral economies leads to the exploitation of local human and natural resources, and to a transfer of profit back to the imperial centers. This process results in impoverishment, inequality and injustice that in turn fuels conflict. Therefore, as an instrument of globalization, mobile phone increases the intensity of conflict thereby incidences like ambushes and encounters.

Both models are well argued. But the kind of relationship I was looking for was neither supported by liberal or structuralist model. Therefore, it became very hard for me to work out a relationship between the two.

Then I turned to my book shelf and picked up a copy of the Human Development Report (HDR) that compiles data on mobile phones as well as on conflict. HDR shows that in the year 2000 cellular mobile subscribers per thousand stood at 751 in Norway, 717 in Sweden, 670 in Netherlands, 526 in Japan, and 398 in USA. This list goes further and it is not needed to say that the incidences of ambush explosion or conflict are minimum in these countries. On the other hand, per thousand cellular phones is less than 1 in Nepal, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Burundi where the explosion and conflict are so pervasive.

After reading these facts and figures, it was very hard to believe on security personnel’s arguments. Perhaps, the best way out would be to not only resume mobile telephony services immediately but also extend it to the grassroots level (We should in fact emulate the Grameen mobile model of Bangladesh that has strongly helped in poverty alleviation– the root cause of conflict). Such initiatives will definitely help in peace building in a sustainable way through reduction of poverty and inequality. Please try to find alternative methods to reducing conflict and explosions rather than curbing the very rights of people.

Is anybody listening?

(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to [email protected] and your comments/suggestions to [email protected])

The government has issued a circular to chiefs of ministries, departments and other government offices not to allow staff any leave till February 8, a newspaper report said.

The Kathmandu Post daily quoted a highly placed source as saying that the circular was issued recently to stop civil servants from being absent for the upcoming municipal polls slated for February 8.

The government is holding municipal polls despite criticism from all walks of life and threats of major opposition parties to boycott it.

“Of course, no civil servants and their family members want to take part in the conflict-prone municipal polls but the government is trying to force us. We have either to quit the job or obey the circular. We have been victimized,” the report quoted a government official as saying.

There has been no comment from the side of the civil servants’ associations regarding the latest decision of the government.

As Maoists are increasing violent activities to disrupt the local elections and warning to take “physical action” against anyone who supports or takes part in the election process, the Election Commission (EC) has made provisions for insurance of civil servants who will be assigned for the local elections.

The gazetted officers will be insured for a premium of Rs 700,000 while the non-gazetted employees will be insured at Rs 500,000.

Experts have called on all stakeholders concerned to effectively implement laws, action plans and policies to combat child labour in the country.

Presenting a paper on ‘Combating Child Labour through Meaningful Education: Role of Stakeholders’, president of Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Centre (CWIN), Gauri Pradhan said, “With the revival of democracy in 1990, many programmes were introduced to ensure child rights. The state formulated action plans, acts, laws, policies and regulations showing commitment to international declarations and conventions on child rights. However, there is a big challenge in implementing these provisions.”

Pradhan further said, “The number of child labourers between 5 and 14 years engaged in different sectors has reduced to 0.2 million from the earlier 2.6 million due to social movement against child labour.”

Uneven economic and social relations, poverty and lack of awareness are pushing children into child labour. Even though children get an opportunity to go to schools, they cannot continue education. Pradhan added skill-oriented, qualitative and practical education is important to lessen child exploitation.

According to Pradhan, 88 percent of economically active girls work 14 hours or more per day. Likewise, the statistics of International Labour Organizations shows that of all working children, 55 percent are girls. They work longer hour than boys but many are not paid by their employees.

Dinesh Hari Adhikari, joint secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management, said coordination between central and local authorities is important to implement national plans and policies and international conventions on child rights.

He said that child labour has declined in recent years but the government is facing new challenges to tackle the problem due to limited resources and situation of conflict.

He informed that a ‘master plan’ on child labour, and education for all programmes are underway to address the problem.

Dr Om Gurung, the general secretary of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities, said, “Though poverty is considered as a root cause of child labour, lack of representation of minorities, women, Dalits and indigenous nationalities in the decision making level is also the cause behind it.” He added that children of indigenous nationalities comprise half of the child labourers.

Dr Lazima Onta, the national programme manager of the Community Owned Primary Education (COPE), said, “Despite formulation of plans and policies and allocation of budget for child education, the results are far from satisfactory.” She stressed on the need to increase the enrolment of children fro-m the Dalit and indigenous communities in schools.

Joint Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Hira Bahadur Thapa, has been designated as officiating Secretary at the same ministry, reports said.

The post remained vacant since January 14 after acting secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Nabin Bahadur Shrestha, retired from the job.

Thapa was designated to the post out of among three candidates recommended by the Ministry.

The acting or officiating Secretaries are giving civilian leadership to the MoFA after Madhu Raman Acharya was appointed permanent representative of Nepal to the United Nations.

Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), Prachanda, has dismissed government’s claim that the CPN Maoist guerrillas are planning to infiltrate Friday’s mass meeting being organized by the seven party opposition alliance.

Maoist chairman Prachanda (File Photo)
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Maoist chairman Prachanda has expressed commitment that his party will not indulge in activities including use of force, infiltration or any other provocative activities during Friday’s mass meet organized by the seven party opposition alliance. He has, however, reiterated his party’s full support to the peaceful protest programmes being launched by the alliance– in line with the 12-point understanding between his party and the seven opposition parties.

The Maoist supremo has also termed the government’s ban on all type of meetings and rallies in the capital as “defeated mentality” of the government.

Home Minister Kamal Thapa

Home Minister Kamal Thapa (File Photo)
Prachanda’s statement has come hours after Home Minister Kamal Thapa claimed that the government had credible evidence that the Maoists were going to `infiltrate’ on Friday’s mass meeting being organized by the seven party opposition alliance. Minister Thapa, however, told BBC Nepali Service on Tuesday that it was a temporary arrangement and restrictions would be lifted in the run up to the municipal polls slated on February 8.

On Tuesday, head of the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR), Ian Martin, regretted the government’s decision to impose ban on peaceful assembly in Kathmandu and also sought clarification from the government in this regard.

The authorities are yet to respond to the OHCHR.

The opposition parties have said they will organise peaceful protests and rallies on Friday as per the schedule by defying the government’s prohibitive orders.

Stating that recently enforced Company and Insolvency Acts contradicted some clauses of Nepal Rastra Bank’s guidelines pertaining to blacklisting, businessmen and legal professionals have urged the government to remove the inconsistencies.

Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Tuesday jointly organized by FNCCI and Corporate Financial Governance, Judge at the Appellate Court Patan, Keshari Raj Pandey called for the establishment of Insolvency Administration Office and development of necessary human resources for the proper enforcement of the law.

“Insolvency law provides a way out when the total liabilities of an individual or enterprise exceed the total assets so that the claims of the creditors cannot be met,” he added.

He further said that it discharges the debtor from the burdensome debts and allows him to make a fresh start.

Drafter of insolvency law, advocate Bharat Raj Uprety urged the government to set up commerce benches at the court of law.

He said that the instrument of blacklisting would discourage investment in the long run. “The government should instead put in place an institutional mechanism as early as possible for the implementation and enforcement of Insolvency Act,” he added.

FNCCI Chairman Chandi Raj Dhakal, however, said that Insolvency Act alone will not rescue the ailing industries unless political stability and good governance were established.

Dhakal however said that the Insolvency Act could come into use even when the company was in profit. “It has also opened ways for restructuring businesses through mergers and acquisitions to enhance their competitive strength,” he added.

Okil Bahadur Magar, a police constable assigned on duty at the Singha Durbar Police Security Unit, committed suicide within Singha Durbar premises in the capital at around 6:30 a. m. on Wednesday.

According to police sources, Magar – who hailed from Chitwan– committed suicide by opening fire on himself with the gun he was carrying. Police said an investigation was underway.

Security experts say security personnel find themselves under continuous pressure if the conflict prolongs for several years. They say security personnel– especially those in the frontlines– need psycho-social counseling at regular intervals and that political developments like ceasefire—unilateral or bilateral—helps them a lot in adjusting with the situation.

Experts have expressed grave concern over the increasing use of landmines in Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Wednesday, they said that the use of landmines has severe economic and social impact in the society.

They expressed serious concern over the rise in the incidents of explosion of landmines with the resumption of violence after the Maoist withdraw from the four month long unilateral ceasefire.

The use of antipersonnel mines has increased significantly in Nepal from both the government and the Maoists. Studies show that various types of landmines are used in Nepal including victim-activated mines that explode when triggered by pressure. Another type of mines used are command denoted mines that work responding to the command.

According to statistics of Ban Landmine Campaign of Nepal (NCBL), in between the three month unilateral ceasefire period (Sep 4-Dec 4 2005), 229 people were victimized. Of the total, 78 were victimized by explosions (mines, ambush, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)).

According to NCBL, in the six month period of Jan-Jun 2005, 2535 people were victimized by the conflict in Nepal, with 1574 killed and 961 survivors. Among the total, 562 were victimized by explosions (mines, ambush, IEDs).

5847 people were victimized due to conflict in 2004, with 3401 killed and 2446 survivors after injury. Among the total, 1445 were victimized by explosions (mines, ambush, IEDs).

The use of landmines has increased substantially following the onset of Maoist insurgency in February 1996.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Dhurba Prasad Singh said that the developing and poor countries are more affected from the problem of landmines.

He called on both the government and the Maoists to refrain from using landmines in the name of causing harm to the rival side, as it will affect the whole society.

Former Parliamentarian of Jajarkot district, Ratna Prasad Singh, said that the government should create conducive environment for the protection of human rights to minimize such incidents.

According to NCBL, Maoist rebels use mines randomly including public places, whereas security forces use it near there camps and barrack to defend the security posts. But there have been a number of incidences caused by explosions of mines planted by security forces.

Every year around 26,000 people are injured by landmines of which 30 to 40 percent are children. The existing ratio of landmines is 1 to every 12 children.

According to NCBL, total number of victims by explosions (mines, ambush, IEDs etc) between January 1998 until September 2005 stood at 4228.

The government is mulling to bring out a ‘Public Procurement Ordinance’ as a single guideline for all public institutions in purchasing goods, services and carrying out works.

The ordinance would be a guideline for all projects whether government run or run with donor support.

“As different donors have different guidelines for public procurement, a confusion in carrying out works has always been there, so the ordinance will solve this problem,” The Rising Nepal quoted Financial Comptroller General Sushil Sharma Dhungel as saying.

The ordinance would make the decision and evaluation process more transparent as the government offices will need to inform the bidders about the reasons why their bids were rejected and all bidding parties should be informed how much marks they got on which area, as per the ordinance.

The ordinance has provision for blacklisting the firm, which fails to accomplish jobs as promised for maximum five years, barring the firm from participating in any bidding process.

Another provision on blacklisting is that only the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) to be constituted under this ordinance can blacklist any firm.

The PPMO will have to seek clarification from the concerned contractor before blacklisting as per the proposed ordinance.

The ordinance has also provisioned that a single tender could also be accepted if that had been applied under the parameter of legal framework. The existing Act has provisioned at least two bidders for the approval.

Maoist rebels have caused bomb explosions and destroyed the relay tower of the state-owned Nepal Television at Hetauda on Wednesday.

According to preliminary reports, a group of armed rebels exploded bombs at the relay tower located at ward no. 9 of Hetauda municipality at around 5 p. m. this evening. NTV officials said the explosion has caused an estimated loss of around Rs seven million.

NTV viewers in part of Chitwan, Bara and Makwanpur may not be able to watch the state-run TV due to the damage caused by the explosions, officials said.

The rebels have been targeting facilities of the state-run NTV and Radio Nepal in various parts of the country in the past.