WEEK IN NEWS

The process of discharging 7,365 Maoist combatants who opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) during the recently concluded regrouping process began at the Maoist cantonments across the country. Separate teams mobilised by the Army Integrating Special Committee (AISC) reached all seven PLA cantonments to hand over the first installment of the financial package, including certificates recognising their contribution to the country, to the retiring combatants. This is a major part of the government’s plan to integrate the former rebels back into society. The farewell process began from 3rd Main Cantonment Site (MCS) at Shaktikhor of Chitwan. A team led by AISC Secretariat Coordinator Balananda Sharma started handing over pay cheques to the combatants opting for VRS. Each former combatant choosing VRS will receive cash from Rs 600,000 to 900,000 based on their ranks verified by the then United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). Coordinator Sharma said the combatants choosing VRS will be given half the amount they are entitled to get under the scheme this year and the remaining half in the next fiscal year. After receiving the first installment, the former rebels will have to leave the cantonments by February 12. (Feb 4)

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the Nepali Congress (NC) could now lead a national consensus government as both the Maoists and CPN-UML have had their go twice. “We are ready for talks. We want to conclude the peace and constitution drafting processes. For that, we can either convert the current government into a national government or even form such a government under the leadership of the Nepali Congress," said Dahal while addressing a training session for party cadres in Biratnagar. (Feb 3)

Madhesi Janadhakar Forum Nepal (MJF-N) concluded that both the proposals presented by the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) members are anti-Madhes. Addressing a press meet at Singha Durbar, MJF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav accused the government of using the SRC to divide Madhes in pieces. “Both SRC reports are anti- Madhes. They have betrayed the Madhesi martyrs who gave their lives for a single autonomous Madhes state. They have also insulted the sentiments of other indigenous and marginalised communities,” said Yadav. (Feb 2)

The constitution drafting timeline was amended for the second time after the extension of the Constituent Assembly (CA) some two months ago. A meeting of the CA decided to amend the constitution drafting calendar instead of reshuffling the timeline after the parties failed to sort out the contentious issues of constitution drafting. Earlier, the parties had agreed to settle all contentious issues by Jan 29. (Feb 2)

Outgoing US Ambassador to Nepal , Scot H DeLisi made a courtesy farewell call on PM Dr Baburam Bhattarai at the PM's Office in Singha Durbar. During the meeting, the US envoy expressed his concern over the stalled peace and constitution writing processes in Nepal. DeLisi, who is leaving Nepal before completing his three-year term as Washington’s representative in Kathmandu, expressed US government’s commitment to continue assisting Nepal's efforts for sustainable peace and development. The PM assured the US envoy that the peace and constitution drafting processes will soon gain momentum, adding that the process of discharging 7,365 Maoist combatants opting for voluntary retirement during the regrouping process will begin from Feb 3. US President Barack Obama recently recalled ambassador DeLisi and appointed him as the US ambassador to East African nation of Uganda. However, the White House is yet to name the new ambassador for Nepal. (Feb 1)

The State Restructuring Commission (SRC) submitted its report to the government, proposing a 11-state federal model based on ethnicity and language. However, SRC members Dr Ramesh Dhungel, Sarbaraj Khadka and Sabitri Gurung challenged the 11-state model and submitted a separate report proposing a sixstate federal model based on geography. A SRC delegation led by Coordinator Dr Madan Pariyar submitted the 11-state model report to Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai amid protest from a group of lawmakers from the Sherpa community. The Sherpa lawmakers protested against the report saying it has omitted Sherpa and Jadan states. The 11 state-model proposes Limbuwan, Kirat, Tamsaling, Newa, Tamuwan, Narayani, Magarat and Karnali states including Madhes-Mithila-Bhojpura (in eastern Terai), Madhesh-Abadh-Tharuwan (in western Terai) and a non-territorial Dalit state. (Jan 31)

The Supreme Court i ssued an interim order asking the government not to implement the directive aimed at restricting "information of public importance". A single bench of Justice Baidya Nath Upadhaya issued the stay order. The Democratic Lawyers Association had filed the petition, accusing the government of violating the Right to Information Act. Two weeks ago, the government had issued the "classified information directive" to maintain secrecy of information under 140 different headings. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has launched protests against the government's move, saying it is aimed at muzzling the free press. (Jan 31)

Business Briefs

Himalayan Bank and Transmit International Inc, New Jersey, a USA based remittance company have signed an agreement to provide remittance services to Nepali residents in USA. Through this partnership, customers now can remit money to Himalayan Bank accounts and other bank accounts in Nepal. Customers who do not have a bank account in Nepal may also collect cash at more than 2,000 outlets in Nepal. In USA, customers can use any of the Transmit International branches or its agents to remit money to Nepal.

Bajaj has upgraded its service through new and advanced showrooms in Lahan and Rajbiraj. Manakamana Trade Link and Khan Automobiles have upgraded their showrooms in Lahan and Rajbiraj in order to provide better services to the customers. The showroom, along with the sales and service of motorcycles, will also sell genuine spare parts of Bajaj Motorcycles.

Teletalk Private Limited , the sole authorized distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, has launched two mobile phones Spice M5005 and C-5060n in the market. Spice M5005 is a dual SIM multimedia phone with audio/ video player and inbuilt FM. Spice M5005comes with digital camera and is available in the market at Rs 2385. C-5060n has audio/player and FM radio in C5060. M5005 is available at just Rs 3690.

SG Global Pvt Ltd , the authorized distributor of Sharp electronic products for Nepal has launched the world’s largest commercially produced LED TV, Sharp Aquos 70” Smart LED TV. The company claims that the TV displays a better range of colours than any other TV, giving newness in visual experience. With its Smart function, one can easily browse YouTube, Facebook, Skype, Twitter and other web applications. It is available at Rs 849,900.

Janata Bank Nepal Limited has opened a branch in Dhangadhi of Kailali. With this, the number of branches of the bank has now reached 18. The branch will provide all the modern banking facilities, claims the Bank. The Bank says that it will soon open new branches in Accham, Darchula, Rolpa and inathmandu valley.

Telemax Private Limited , the authorized distributor of Maxx Mobiles in Nepal has launched its products in the Nepali Market. The company will be launching 9 of its mobile sets in Nepal in the initial phase. These models will have various functions and will be made available throughout the country. The price of the mobiles will be reasonable as compared to the services it provides, claims the company.

Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt Ltd , the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles for Nepal has introduced “Fabulous February Offer”. Under this offer, the consumers are entitled to avail a cash discount upon purchase of Hyundai Santro, i10 and i20. The offer provides a cash discount up to Rs 160,000. Also, the company will provide loyalty bonus in terms of cash up to Rs 35,000 to Hyundai owners who wish to exchange their existing Hyundai vehicles with new Hyundai vehicles.

RAK Airways , a national carrier of the UAE, has marked the expansion of its route network to 11 destinations, with the introduction of flights to Kathmandu. Effective from February 15th 2012, RAK Airways will offer three flights a week to Kathmandu. One-way, all-inclusive fares start at AED 499 to Kathmandu and return fares start from AED 899.

Everest Bank Limited (EBL) has opened a branch and installed an ATM at Putalibazar, Syangja. Presently EBL is providing its banking services through its network of 45 branches, 55 ATMs, 21 collection counters and many correspondents across the globe. EBL plans to open new outlets at other places of the country in near future.

Trade Tower Business Centre has launched its corporate office on February 3. The company completely focuses on the corporate business sector, especially hydropower, BFIs, agriculture and industries. The centre offers various multipurpose services under a single roof. The services include conference hall, seminar hall, executive meeting hall, virtual office, professional secretarial services, communication services and lounge bar among others. Additional services include hotel booking, car rental, ticketing, tour management, remittance services and organic food facilities.

Whirlpool organized a dealer’s meet that was attended by around 100 dealers from all across the country. The officials of Whirlpool India interacted with the trade partners to review the performance of 2011 and made new plans for the year 2012. During the meet, Whirlpool also showcased its latest range of products and announced new schemes for the dealers.