सधैं अनावश्यक किचलो झिकेर रमिता देखाउने गैर आवासीय नेपाली संघ खारेज पो गर्ने कि !

सन् २००९ मा ६ घन्टाका लागि जर्मनीका रामप्रताप थापा गैर आवासीय नेपाली संघका (एनआरएनए) अध्यक्ष भए तर देवमान हिराचनले स्वीकार नगरेर चुनावमा नै जाने जिद्दी गरेपछि थापाले छोडिदिए, अनि हिराचन सर्बसम्मत अध्यक्ष भए । त्यतिबेलासम्म एनआरएनएमा चुनाव गर्ने प्रचलन सुरु भैसकेको थिएन । अझ भनौं एनआरएन संस्थागत नभएर एउटा अभियानकै रुपमा थियो । संगठित हुँदै थियो ।

यसबीच लन्डनको थेम्सदेखि न्यूयोर्कको हड्सन नदीमा धेरै पानी बगिसकेको छ । भन्न त बागमतिमा पनि धेरै पानी बगिसकेको छ भन्छन् । तर, बागमतिमा पानीमात्र बग्दैन । साप्ताहिक बागमति सफाइका नारा पनि सुनिन अब छोडिसके । किनकि, नेपालमा सरसफाइ गर्नु धेरै कठिन छ, चाहे नदी होस् वा संघसंस्था ।

वितेका वर्षहरुमा एनआरएनए नेपालमा दर्ता भयो, वालुवाटारमा आफ्नै भवन पनि बनायो, तर संस्थागत हुन सकेन । किनकि, नेतृत्वमा आउन होडबाजी बढ्यो । हरेक चुनाव विवादित हुँदै गए । केहि विवाद बाहिर आए, धेरै आएनन् किनकि गैर आवासीय नेपालीले नेपालमा गरेको लगानी पनि बढ्दै थियो, नेपालभित्र उनीहरुप्रतिको धारणा सकारात्मक थियो । सरकारले एनआरएनका मागहरु पनि पूरा गर्दै गयो ।

नेपालका अन्य सबै संघ संस्था झैं अग्रजहरुका त्याग तथा नियमित संघर्षले संस्थागत भएको एनआरएनए संस्था त बन्न सकेन नै, अभियान पनि आफ्नो मूल बाटोबाट भड्किन थाल्यो । एक पटकका नेपाली सधैंको नेपाली भन्ने नारा जस्तै विदेशका ज्ञान, सीप, प्रविधि तथा पुँजी नेपाल भित्र्याउलान् भनेका गैर आवासीय नेपालीहरु आफ्नै ‘जेनेटिक’ संक्रमणमा परे।

संसारभर छरिएर रहेका एनआरएनएबाट नेपाली समाजले उनीहरुले त्यहाँ सिकेको सीप, संस्कार र देखेको विकासको ज्ञान मातृभूमिमा बाँडेर फेरि काममै फर्केलान् भन्ने हो । तर, उनीहरुले झनै झैझगडा, संकुचित मानसिकता र असभ्यता सिकाएपछि त्यस्तो संस्थाको औचित्यमाथि जनस्तरबाटै प्रश्न उठ्न थालेको छ । जुन स्वाभाविक पनि हो ।

आजका मितिमा एनआरएनए उद्देश्यविहीन नै भएको हो कि झैं पनि देखिन्छ । एनआरएनएमा आफ्नो जीवनको लामो कालखण्ड अर्पण गरेका जुगल भुर्तेल पनि अब एनआरएनए उद्देश्यविहीन भएको स्वीकार्छन् ।

‘जुन उद्देश्यका लागि एनआरएनए संगठन बनाइएको थियो, नेपाल सरकारले कानूनीरुपमा दिन मिल्ने ती करिब करिब सबै पूरा गर्दिसकेका कारण अब एनआरएनएले आफनो उद्देश्यमा पुन:विचार गर्नु आवश्यक छ,’ भुर्तेल भन्छन् ।

नेपाली समाजको मनोविज्ञान किन यति धेरै आत्मपीडक छ, त्यो त समाजशास्त्री र मनोविद्ले बताउलान् । तर, पढेलेखेका विदेशमा बसेका, नेपाल बाहेकका देशको समाज सुनेका मात्र होइन, देखे, भोगेका नेपालीहरु पनि आत्मपीडक हुनु नेपालको विकासमा उनीहरुबाट गरिएको आड भरोसाको पनि अवसान हो ।

संस्था उद्देश्यविहीन भएकै कारण सन् २००९ मा जर्मनीका रामप्रताप थापा एनआरएनएका ६ घन्टे अध्यक्ष भएको त्यहि सोल्टी होटेलमा करिब एक दशक आधापछि सन् २०२३ मा एनआरएनएको नेतृत्वको लागि डा बद्री केसी, आरके शर्मा अनि महेश श्रेष्ठबीच त्रिपक्षीय चुनाव भयो ।

पहिलो पटक भएको भनिएको अनलाइन भोटिङमा केसीले चुनाव जिते । तर, अनलाइन भोटिङमा धाँधली भएको भन्दै आरके शर्मा र महेश श्रेष्ठले समानान्तर समिति बनाए । त्यतिमात्र होइन गैरआवासीय नेपाली संघको घर झगडा बढेर हात हालाहालसम्म पुग्यो ।

संघको कार्यालयमा निर्वाचित अध्यक्ष केसीले युवासंघलाई बोलाएर कब्जा गर्न खोजेको भन्दै आरके शर्मालगायतले विरोध गरेपछि दुईपक्षीय विवादका क्रममा हात हालाहाल भयो । संघको कार्यालयभित्र भएको कुटपिटको घटनामा संलग्न रहेको आरोपमा प्रहरीले उदयपुर घर भएका युवा संघका कार्यकर्ता दीपेन्द्र तामाङलाई गिरफ्तार पनि गर्यो ।

दशौं विश्व सम्मेलनदेखि नै विश्वभरका गैर आवासीय नेपालीको विश्वास गुमाएको एनआरएनएले ११औंमा आइपुग्दा एनआरएनए हुँ भन्न पनि लाज लाग्ने स्थिति सिर्जना भएको धेरै प्रवासी नेपालीको गुनासो छ । तर, आठौं विश्व सम्मेलनमा क्रममा होटल हयातमा भएको सम्मेलनमा होटल प्रशासनले गैर आवासीय नेपालीलाई गरेको ब्यवहार देख्ने तथा भोग्नेहरु विकृति अघि नै सुरु भएर लगातार झाँगिंदै आएको बताउँछन् ।

अब एनआरएनएले आफ्नो उद्देश्यमा पुन:विचार गर्नु आवश्यक भै सकेको छ । किनकि २० वर्षेपछि एउटा संस्थाले स्वाभाविकरुपमा परिवर्तन खोज्छ नै । त्यसमाथि विश्वभर फैलिएको ठूलो संगठनको समयानुकूल संरचनागत तथा सिद्धान्तगतरुपमा परिवर्तन हुन सकेन भने, त्यो स्वत: अप्रासांगिक हुँदै जान्छ ।

पार्श्वभागमा रहेका राजनीतिक दल खुल्लम खुल्ला एनआरएनएको कार्यसमितिमाथि हाबी हुने अवस्था आउनुमा एनआरएनएमा पदका आकांक्षीको महत्वाकांक्षा नै हो । पहिला राजनीतिक दलमात्र हाबी थिए, अब विभिन्न स्वार्थी समूह पनि हाबी हुन थाले, भुर्तेल पनि गुनासो गर्छन् ।

जसरी पनि अध्यक्ष हुनै पर्ने के छ त्यस्तो आकर्षण संघमा भन्दै एनआरएनए विघटनको संघारमा पुगेको धेरै एनआरएनहरुको भनाइ सामाजिक सञ्जालमा छरपष्ट छन् । आफ्नै घरभित्र आफैं सुरिक्षत नहुने संस्था बनाएको भन्दै एनआरएनहरुको आलोचना भए, केसी र शर्मा दुबैलाई संस्थाको शाख गुमेकोमा चिन्ता देखिन्न पनि भन्न भ्याए, एनआरएनएका विश्वभर फैलिएका सदस्य र गैर सदस्यहरुले ।

संघमा राजनीति यति हाबी भयो कि एनआरएनएमा अघिल्लो कार्यकाल कुल आचार्य, बद्री केसी र रबिना थापा तीन जनाले पालैपालो अध्यक्षता गरे ।

ठयाक्कै नैपाली राजनीतिक दलको गलत परम्परा सिको गरेर बनेका तीनै अध्यक्षले पनि संस्थालाई एक बनाएर राख्न सकेनन् । किनकि त्यहि समय पूर्वअध्यक्ष शेष घलेको समर्थनमा विनोद कुँवर अध्यक्ष भएको अर्को एनआरएनए आफनो आधिकारिकता दाबी गर्दै अदालत गएको छ, मुद्दा अझै विचाराधीन नै छ, फैसला भएको छैन ।

एनआरएनएको ११औं विश्व सम्मेलन उद्घाटन सत्रमा गत असोज ३० गते होटेल सोल्टीमा संस्थापक अध्यक्ष डा उपेन्द्र महतोले संघमा तीन अध्यक्ष भएपनि झगडा नभएको भन्दै लाज जोगाउने प्रयत्न त गरे । उनको आशय राजनीतिक दलका नेताजस्तो एनआरएनएका तीन अध्यक्षबिच झगडा नभएको भन्ने थियो ।

तर, संस्थापक अध्यक्ष डा उपेन्द्र महतोको बोली भुईमा खसेको तीनदिनभित्रै कात्तिक २ गते एनआरएनबीच होटेल सोल्टीमा भाँडभैलो भयो । मतदानपछि नतिजा प्रकाशनका प्रकृयाले सुरु गरेको विवादले एनआरएनए भन्ने संस्थाको औचित्य तथा यसको स्थापनकालदेखि हालसम्मका नेतृत्वमात्र नभएर सम्पूर्ण प्रवासी नेपालीको अन्तर्राष्ट्रियरुपमा नै बदनाम भयो ।

नेपालको आर्थिक सामाजिक विकासमा योगदान दिन संगठन नै चहिन्न । किनकि सामुहिकरुपमा वा एक्ला एक्लै प्रवासी नेपालीले नेपालमा लागनी गरिरहेका छन् । सरकारले लागनी गर्ने वातावरण बनाइदिँदा उनीहरुको पहिलो रोजाइ नेपालमा नै लगानी गर्ने रहन्छ ।

त्यसैले एकथरी गैर आवासीय नेपाली भन्छन्, एनआरएनए न त संस्थागत हुन सक्यो, न त अभियान नै रहन सक्ने भयो । संस्थागत किन हुन सकेन भन्दा ललितानिवासको विवादीत जग्गामा बनेको एनआरएनएको विशाल भवनमा बस्ने विशाल ह्रदय भएको नेतृत्व संघले पाउनै सकेन । अभियान किन हुन सकेन भन्दा यसले विश्वभर छरिएका गैर आवसीय नेपालीको प्रतिनीधित्व पनि गर्न सकेन । विश्वभर आफनो पेशा ब्यवसायमा प्रसिद्धि कमाएका तथा गर्विलो जीवन बाँचेका गैर आवासीय नेपालीलाई यसले आकर्षण गर्न सकेन ।

साथै, एनआरएनए ८० लाख नेपालीको साझा संस्था पनि बन्न सकेन, धाँधली गरेर चुनाव हराएको आरोप लागेपछि स्वघोषित अध्यक्ष आर के शर्मा भन्छन् । उनका अनुसार धाँधली भएको अनुसन्धान गरिरहेको नेपाल प्रहरीको केन्द्रीय अनुसन्धान ब्यूरो (सीआईबी)ले समेत चुनावको निष्पक्षतामा प्रश्न उठाएको छ ।

चुनावसम्बन्धी विवादमा बद्री केसीको नेतृत्वको संस्थापन समूहले धाँधली नभएको बरु आर के शर्मा तथा महेश्वर श्रेष्ठको पराजित समूहले अनावश्यक बखेडा मात्रै झिकेको जिकिर गर्दै आएको थियो । तर, शर्माले क्लिकमान्डुलाई भने, ‘सीआईबीले झन्डै एक महिना लगाएर गरेको अनुसन्धानका क्रममा चुनाव निष्पक्ष नदेखिएकाले अनलाइन भोटिङ गराउने कम्पनी भेरो इन्गेजमेन्ट एन्ड भोटिङ सोलुसन’बाट मतदान गरेको स्थान निक्योल गर्नुपर्ने आवश्यकता औँल्याउँदै निर्वाचनमा स्पस्ट धाँधली भएको प्रस्ट पारेको छ ।’

चुनावको मत परिणाम सार्वजनिक भएसँगै होहल्ला र नाराबाजीका कारण तनावमय बनेको एनआरएनएको ११औँ महाधिवेशन स्थल होटेल सोल्टीमा महाधिवेशनका बाँकी प्रक्रिया समेत पूरा हुन सकेको थिएन । विवादकै बीच बद्री केसीले कात्तिक ४ गते उनकै पक्षधर निर्वाचन समितिका सदस्य टीबी कार्कीबाट अध्यक्ष पदको शपथ जवर्जस्ती लिएको आरोप शर्मा पक्षको छ ।

त्यसैले श्रेष्ठ र आफू मिलेर सोही दिन नयाँ कमिटी घोषणा गर्न बाध्य भएको पनि शर्माको दाबी छ ।

होटेल हिमालयमा महाधिवेशनको बाँकी प्रक्रिया पूरा गरेको दाबीसहित शर्माको नेतृत्वमा नयाँ कमिटी घोषणा गरेको असन्तुष्ट पक्षले सोही दिन प्रधानमन्त्री कार्यालय, परराष्ट्र मन्त्रालयका साथै सीआईबीमा निवेदन दिएको थियो ।

दोषीमाथि साइबर अपराधको मुद्दा चलाउनसमेत माग गरेर सीआईबीमा दिइएको निवेदनका आधारमा एक महिनासम्म अनुसन्धान गरेको सीआईबीको प्रतिवेदन प्रधानमन्त्री कार्यालयका साथै सम्बन्धति निकायमा पनि पुगेको शर्माको दाबी छ ।

उनले निर्वाचनमा योजनाबद्ध धाँधली गरिएका प्रमाणहरू पाइएपछि सोल्टी होटेलमा कात्तिक ३ मा तत्कालीन तीन जना अध्यक्षहरू कुल आचार्य, रबीना थापा तथा बद्री केसीले हस्ताक्षर गरी महाधिवेशनको सम्पूर्ण कार्यक्रम तत्कालका लागि स्थगित गर्ने र निर्वाचनमा भएका अनियमितताको दुई साताभित्र छानबनि गर्ने सहमति भएकोमा केसीले हतार हतार सपथ ग्रहण गरेको आरोप लगाए ।

तर, संस्थापन पक्षका अध्यक्ष बद्री केसीले निर्वाचनमा धाँधली नभएको दोहोर्‍याउँदै आरोप पुष्टी भएमा आफूले पदमा नबस्ने बताउँदै आएका छन् ।

‘यदि सीआईबीले केहि कैफियत भेट्टाएको भए, मुद्दामा चलाइहाल्थ्यो नि’, केसीले क्लिकमान्डुसँग भने, ‘चुनावमा आएका विवादमा सहमतीमा नै सबै निर्णय भएका छन् ।’

तर, विवादका बीच परराष्ट्र मन्त्रालयले संस्था नवीकरणलाई होल्डमा राखेको छ ।

केहि गैर आवासीय नेपालीको भनाइमा विश्वास गर्ने हो भने बालुवाटारको त्यो भवनमा बस्न पाए, सरकारसँग सहज पहुँच बनाउन सकिन्छ । सरकारसँगको पहुँचले भ्रष्टाचारजन्य कालो धनलाई सेतो बनाउन मद्दत गर्ने, हुन्डीको कारोबार गर्ने अनि मानव तस्करी गर्ने जस्ता नितान्त ब्यक्तिगत स्वार्थ पुरा गर्न पाइन्छ । त्यसैले यो सबै मारमुंग्री हो । जसमा भुर्तेलले भने झैं स्वार्थी समूह लागी पर्नु स्वाभाविक हो ।

तर, गैर आवासीय नेपाली संघको स्थापनाको कथा बेग्लै छ ।

सन् २००३ मा केहि उत्साही गैर आवासीय नेपालीले आफूले विदेशमा सिकेका सीप तथा प्रविधि नेपालमा हस्तान्तरण गर्ने तथा आफू जन्मेको मुलुकमा केहि लगानी पनि गर्ने असल उद्देश्यका साथ संघ गठन भएको हो । तर, स्थापनाको दुई दशकमा नै गैर आवासीय नेपाली संघ अप्रासांगिक तथा बदनाम हुँदा पूर्वअध्यक्षहरु दु:खी छन् । तर कोहि पनि मुख खोलेर केहि भन्न चाहन्नन् ।

‘वास्तवमा एनआरएनए यति ठूलो संस्था भयो एउटा अध्यक्षले संस्था धान्न नसक्ने भयो’, भुर्तेल भन्छन् ।

सन् २००३ को अक्टोबरदेखि हरेक दुई वर्षमा गैरआवासीय नेपालीहरूको सम्मेलन काठमाडौँमा हुँदै आएको छ । यसबीच संस्थाले १० जना अध्यक्ष पाइसकेको छ ।

सुरूका वर्षमा सम्मेलनलाई सम्पूर्ण प्रवासी नेपालीले मात्र होइन सरकारले पनि निकै महत्वका साथ हेर्ने यो संस्थाको सम्मेलनले एउटा पृथक तरंग ल्याउँथ्यो । प्रवासी नेपालीले समृद्ध नेपाल बनाउन कसरी हातेमालो गर्ने, नेपालमा लगानी गर्ने, प्रवासी नेपालीहरूको मातृभूमिसँगको सम्बन्धलाई प्रगाढ बनाउने तथा उनीहरूको नेपालसँगको नातालाई जोडिराख्ने एउटा कडी थियो, एनआरएनए ।

स्थापनाकाल सन् २००३ देखि तीन कार्यकालसम्म संस्थापक अध्यक्ष डा उपेन्द्र महतो नै अध्यक्ष रहे । त्यसपछि सन् २००९ देखि २०११को कार्यकालका लागी देबमान हिराचन अध्यक्ष भए भने २०११ देखि २०१३को कार्यकालका लागी जीवा लामिछाने अध्यक्ष भए ।

सन् २०१३देखि २०१५सम्मको कार्यकालका लागी अष्ट्रेलियाका शेष घले अध्यक्ष भए । सन् २०१५मा नेपालमा महाभूकम्प गएको अनि आफ्ना योजना अलपत्र परेको भन्दै उनले अर्को कार्यकाल पनि दोहोराएका कारण सन् २०१७देखि २०१९ को कार्यकालमा भवन भट्ट अध्यक्ष भए ।

त्यसपछि २०१९देखि २०२१ को कार्यकालका लागी कुमार पन्त अध्यक्ष भए । सन् २०२१ मा विवादका कारण तीन अध्यक्ष भए पनि कुँवरको नेतृत्वको अर्को संस्था पनि जन्मेका कारण एनआरएनए फुटतिर गयो । संघमा पूर्वअध्यक्ष हाबी भएको गुनासो गर्ने शेष घलेले नै कुँवरलाई अध्यक्ष बनाएर अर्को एनआरएनए बनाए ।

संसारभर छरिएर रहेका एनआरएनएबाट नेपाली समाजले उनीहरुले त्यहाँ सिकेको सीप, संस्कार र देखेको विकासको ज्ञान मातृभूमिमा बाँडेर फेरि काममै फर्केलान् भन्ने हो । तर, उनीहरुले झनै झैझगडा, संकुचित मानसिकता र असभ्यता सिकाएपछि त्यस्तो संस्थाको औचित्यमाथि जनस्तरबाटै प्रश्न उठ्न थालेको छ । जुन स्वाभाविक पनि हो ।

सन् २०२३ को चुनावपछि अब दुई दशक लामो इतिहास बोकेको संस्थाको औचित्य प्रमाणित गर्न पूर्व अध्यक्षहरुलाई पनि धौ-धौ परेको छ । पछिल्ला वर्षहरूमा संघको चुनावी माहोल र त्यसमा नेपाली राजनीतिक दलहरूमात्र नभएर विभिन्न स्वार्थी समूहको निरन्तर हस्तक्षेपका कारण पनि उनीहरू बोल्ने अवस्थामा छैनन् ।

विश्वभरका प्रवासी नेपालीको अगाडिमात्र नभएर नेपालभित्रै पनि अब कसरी मुख देखाउने भन्ने समस्यामा संघको नेतृत्व पुग्नु निश्चय नै राम्रो संकेत होइन ।

एउटा नेपाली विदेशमा बसुन्जेल त्यो देशको कानुन मान्दछ, हरेक पाइलामा सतर्क भएर हिँड्छ अझ चकलेट खाएपछि त्यसको खोल पनि बाटोमा नफ्यालिकन गोजीमै राख्छ । निश्चित स्थानमा मात्र फ्याल्दछ । तर, त्यहि नेपाली नेपाल आएपछि कानुन नमाने पनि हुन्छ, चकलेटको खोल मात्र होइन, भएभरका सबै फोहोर जहाँ मनलाग्यो त्यहि फयाल्छ ।

नेपाली समाजको मनोविज्ञान किन यति धेरै आत्मपीडक छ, त्यो त समाजशास्त्री र मनोविद्ले बताउलान् । तर, पढेलेखेका विदेशमा बसेका, नेपाल बाहेकका देशको समाज सुनेका मात्र होइन, देखे, भोगेका नेपालीहरु पनि आत्मपीडक हुनु नेपालको विकासमा उनीहरुबाट गरिएको आड भरोसाको पनि अवसान हो ।

त्रिभुवन विमानस्थलबाट बाहिर निस्कनासाथ विदेशमा सिकेका ज्ञान, सीप, बुद्धिविवेक अनि सामाजिक मर्यादा छोडेर पक्का ‘नेपालीबाबु’ बन्न के ले अभिप्रेरित गर्दछ, यस बारेमा पनि गहन अध्ययन आवश्यक भैसकेको छ । किनकि एनआरएनएले माने पनि नमाने पनि यो अब एउटा संगठनमात्र भएर रहन सक्दैन ।

यसका लागि भुर्तेलको विचारमा संगठनमा एउटा ठूलो ‘अपरेसन’ आवश्यक छ । कसले त्यसको नेतृत्व गर्दछ, त्यो त समयले बताउला ।

त्यतिमात्र होइन, अब एनआरएनएले आफ्नो उद्देश्यमा पुन:विचार गर्नु आवश्यक भै सकेको छ । किनकि २० वर्षेपछि एउटा संस्थाले स्वाभाविकरुपमा परिवर्तन खोज्छ नै । त्यसमाथि विश्वभर फैलिएको ठूलो संगठनको समयानुकूल संरचनागत तथा सिद्धान्तगतरुपमा परिवर्तन हुन सकेन भने, त्यो स्वत: अप्रासांगिक हुँदै जान्छ ।

त्यसैले एनआरएनए भित्रको अहिलेको संघर्षलाई सकारात्मकरुपमा लिएर अब विश्वभरका नयाँ सोच भएका दोस्रो पुस्ताका गैरआवासीय नेपालीलाई जोड्दै संस्थाको उद्देश्यमा पुन:विचार गर्ने यो उपयुक्त समय हो ।

नेपालको आर्थिक सामाजिक विकासमा योगदान दिन संगठन नै चहिन्न । किनकि सामुहिकरुपमा वा एक्ला एक्लै प्रवासी नेपालीले नेपालमा लागनी गरिरहेका छन् । सरकारले लागनी गर्ने वातावरण बनाइदिँदा उनीहरुको पहिलो रोजाइ नेपालमा नै लगानी गर्ने रहन्छ । तर, संस्था हुँदा विश्वभरका नेपालीहरुलाई बाँधिरहन सक्छ । 

NRNs urged to open account with 100,000 in Nepal

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has urged Nepali expats to open dollar accounts in Nepali banks and invest in the home land.

Speaking at a virtual interaction organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), the minister said that opening dollar accounts in the Nepali banks by NRNs will help the country’s economy. “There will be no shortage of liquidity, if 100,000 NRNs open bank accounts in Nepal with 10,000 dollars,” he said, adding that the government has enough foreign currency reserve to buy goods and services for 6.7 months. “According to a report published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) only yesterday, we have $9.58 billion.”

“As the price of petroleum products has increased, millions of dollars have to be sent out from the country to buy fuel,” the minister said, adding that the proper policy process for the dollar account has been prepared to benefit NRNs.

Likewise, the minister also said that discussions are underway on providing free visas to tourists coming to Nepal, which will make it easier for NRNs as well. He also informed the diaspora that the government is planning to formulate a policy to allocate certain percentage of primary issue.

On the occasion, president of NRNA Kul Acharya said that opening dollar accounts is also a means of connecting NRNs with Nepal. He also thanked the government for amending the policy to make it easier for Nepalis living abroad to open foreign currency accounts in Nepal.

Currently, the banks are offering one percentage interest rate more to the NRNs, if they open a remittance account in Nepal.

Government to have 5 per cent share in Rs 10 billion NRNA Investment Fund

 The government has promised to join hands with the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) in setting up Rs 10 billion infrastructure fund.

In a meeting at the Finance Ministry today, the government announced its plan to invest five per cent in the fund according to its earlier agreement. On the occasion, finance minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel asked the NRNs to complete the registration process within a week. He also assured to provide necessary assistance, including additional financial support, so that the fund can be brought into operation immediately. 

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has been pushing the idea of setting up of a fund of Rs 10 billion to invest in the infrastructure sector. The Nepali diaspora has also started process of registering a separate company in Nepal for the purpose.

On the occasion, president of the NRNA Kumar Pant said that the process of registration of the company is underway. “The fund will start operating after the registration,” he said, adding said the NRNA will have 10 per cent share in the company and individual Nepalis living abroad will have 85 per cent. “The public offering will be floated for investment by NRNs.”

The NRNsA has started getting proposals for the investment sectors, Pant added.

The idea of investment fund was, though not the new one, the immediate past president (IPP) Bhawan Bhatta has pushed the process of registering the fund, and incumbent president Pant is completing the process.

The meeting was attended by minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatt, finance secretary Shishir Kumar Dhungana, revenue secretary Ram Sharan Pudasaini, central bank governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, economic adviser to the finance minister Prakash Kumar Shrestha, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Investment Board-Nepal (IBN) Sushil Bhatt and others.

ILO, NRNA seal Rs 51 million grant deal to help evacuate stranded Nepali migrant workers abroad

The International Labor Organisation (ILO) has today agreed to provide Rs 51 million grant to the Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to rescue Nepali migrant workers from Malaysia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia. They have been stranded in those labour destinations due to Covid-19 pandemic.
NRNA president Kumar Pant shared that an agreement has been signed between the ILO and NRNA. “We are pleased to share that the ILO under the United Nations has agreed with us to provide $4,24310 (equivalent to Rs 51 million) grant to NRNA," he said, adding that the grant will be utilised to rescue Nepali migrant workers stuck in Malaysia, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus outbreak. “The grant will also be used to study the impact of Covid-19 in labour market.”
The NRNA is coordinating with the Nepali diplomatic missions in Malaysia, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to set up its separate offices to evacuate stranded Nepali migrant workers, according to Pant.

Coronavirus claims lives of 78 Non Resident Nepalis across the globe

Some 78 Non Resident Nepalis (NRNs) have lost their lives due to Covid-19 as yesterday evening, according to the NRN Association Health Committee.
Some 51 NRNs have succumbed to the infection in Britain alone, the largest number of Nepali deaths reported in a foreign land, the committee reported in a press note. “Likewise, some 15 NRNs have died in the USA, six in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one each in Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Bahrain and Sweden,” the press note reads, adding that the number of NRNs infected by Covid-19 has reached 5,472 across the world with more than 2,000 recovering from the deadly disease. “The NRNA has provided relief support to 35,000 NRNs, who were affected by the pandemic, in different countries.”
They were provided with food supplies and medical support including face mark, sanitizer and medicines, according to the press note. “The NRNA has also been providing counselling service through its 24-hour hotline service.”

Tourism ministers of four foreign nations to attend VNY inauguration

Contrary to the ministry’s expectations, tourism ministers from only four countries are expected to take part in the inaugural ceremony of Visit Nepal year 2020 (VNY2020) to be held at Dasharath Stadium on January 1.
Tourism ministers of India, China, Myanmar and Jamaica, along with delegations from seven countries, will attend the inauguration ceremony, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai had earlier said that tourism ministers from 40 countries will be invited for the inauguration ceremony.
“The participation of 20 delegations from tourism bodies of different countries has also been confirmed,” the ministry confirmed, at a press briefing organised in Kathmandu today. “The ministers from India and China will arrive tomorrow, whereas some delegates including high-level government representatives from Qatar, Bhutan and Cambodia have already arrived,”  it said, adding that the government is also set to inaugurate the year-long campaign in seven provinces simultaneously. “The inauguration ceremony will take place at Biratnagar of Province 1, Janaki Temple of Province 2, Sauraha of Province 3, Pokhara of Gandaki Province, Bardiya of Province 5, Surkhet of Karnali Province and Dhangadhi of Sudurpashchim Province.”
The inauguration ceremony in Kathmandu will have cultural performance of different ethnic groups and indigenous nationalities, the ministry said, adding that Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force apart from Nepali artistes will also perform on the occasion that is expected to be participated by some 20,000.
Informing the press, national programme coordinator for the VNY 2020 Suraj Vaidya, said that all preparations for the inauguration ceremony have been completed. “The VNY 2020 will be inaugurated by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, while Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli will make a special address,” he said, adding that the inauguration ceremony will see participation of Vice President, former prime ministers, leaders of different political parties, ministers from provincial governments, members of parliament, and chief of constitutional bodies.
The preparation for the campaign formally kicked off with the setting up of a campaign secretariat in November of 2018, under the coordination of Vaidya. The campaign secretariat also decided to establish promotional centres at all Nepali embassies across the world to promote the campaign jointly with NRNA. “The logo and banners of VNY 2020 were posted on local buses, subways and rail stations in Canada and the UK,” he said, adding that the international celebrities have also been appointed as ambassadors to promote the campaign in different countries. “Around 40 media from across the world are also taking part in the inaugural ceremony of VNY 2020 in Kathmandu.”
He also said that the visit of renowned international personalities in 2019 is also going to play a significant role in 2020. The visit of President of China Xi Jinping and President of Bangladesh Mohammad Abdul Hamid in 2019 is expected to attract more number of tourists from China and Bangladesh in 2020, he added.
Likewise, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) organised the 56th Director Generals of Civil Aviation conference in 2019, which saw the participation of around 400 foreign guests from 46 countries. It has also witnessed representatives from 14 different international organisations associated with International Civil Aviation Organisation, including European Union, Boeing, Airbus and International Air Transport Association, who has taken the message of VNY back home.
Similarly, Nepal has just hosted the South Asian Games 2019, where a large number of international players visited Nepal. The successful SAG has also raised hopes of establishing Nepal as a sports tourism hub in the future
Though, there have been some issues like fake rescue scam, the mountaineering sector is also expected to attract more trekkers and mountaineers. The Department of Tourism (DoT) had issued expedition permits to a total of 868 climbers for 30 different peaks in 2019. Of them, some 381 members from 48 countries had received expedition permits to scale Mt Everest and among them 14 members were from Nepal,” the department informed, adding that nine climbers died while scaling Mt Everest from the Nepal side during the spring season, with the congestion largely blamed for the deaths.
In autumn season, the department issued expedition permits to a total of 1,210 climbers for 51 peaks. Expeditions to five virgin peaks of above 6,000 metres – Panpoche I, Panpoche II, Hunku Chuli, Hongu and Linku Chuli – were also successfully completed in the autumn season, attracting more mountaineers to Nepal.
Apart from the mountaineering, the travel and tourism entrepreneurs have been planning to develop new packages to attract tourists. “Visit Nepal 2020 will give government an opportunity to announce that cities like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Bhairahawa remain open 24/7,” according to them. The Thamel, Tangal, King’s Way and Jhamsikhel in Kathmandu Valley can be developed as nightlife hubs, they said, adding that it is also right time to rebrand Nepal in the international market.

Foreign Minister Gyawali to visit Russia

Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali is paying official visits to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Serbia on November 23-30, according to a press note issued by the Foreign Ministry.
Gyawali is leaving for Moscow on November 23, the press note reads, adding that he is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with foreign minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Lavrov – while in Moscow – on November 25. “Apart from official engagements, Gyawali will address the Institute of International Relations in Moscow on Nepal-Russia relations and cooperation on November 26.”
He will also meet with Russian political leaders as well as with representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) while in Moscow.
Likewise, Gyawali will reach Belgrade on November 27. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Serbia, the successor of former Yugoslavia. “While in Serbia, he will hold bilateral talks with first deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia Ivica Dacic,” the press note further reads, adding that he will also pay courtesy call on high-level dignitaries of Serbia.
He will also take part in an interaction programme with local Chambers of Commerce and Travel and Tour operators in Belgrade for investment and tourism promotion, according to the Foreign Ministry. “Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, Nepal's ambassador to Russian Federation Rishi Ram Ghimire and other government officials will accompany Gyawali during the visit to Russia.”
Likewise, the delegation to Serbia will include foreign secretary Bairagi, Non-residential ambassador of Nepal to Serbia Ramesh Prasad Khanal and other government officials. Gyawali will return to Nepal on November 30 wrapping up the visits.

CNI, NRNA seal a deal to attract FDI in Nepal

Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) agreed to jointly promote investment in the country and Nepali products abroad.
CNI president Satish Kumar More and the newly-elected president of NRNA Kumar Panta signed the agreement on behalf of their institutions. More, on the occasion, said that the role of NRNs in bringing in foreign expertise and technology in Nepal’s industrial development is crucial.
Stressing on the need for NRNs and private sector to work together, he said, that Nepal has a high scope for investment in sectors like infrastructure, hydropower, tourism, agriculture and technology. “These are the sectors, where the private sector and NRNs should coordinate in bringing in foreign investment,” More added.
Similarly, CNI also urged NRNA to make its Investment Fund more effective and mobilise it for country’s development as soon as possible.
Likewise, immediate past president of CNI Hari Bhakta Sharma said that NRNs should contribute to the development process of Nepal by sharing the development experience and expertise of foreign countries.
NRNA president Panta, on the occasion, said that the association will work together with the private sector in Nepal to attract foreign investment, especially in the manufacturing sector. The NRNA will work to bring in foreign investment worth billions of rupees into the country,” he said.
Immediately after being elected to the top post of NRNA, Panta had vowed that NRNs would invest Rs 10 billion in various infrastructure development projects in the country this fiscal year.

Panta as NRN president

A Germany-based Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Kumar Panta has been elected the new president of Non-Resident Association of Nepal (NRNA)-International Coordination Committee (ICC) through the association’s ninth global convention. Pant will be the sixth president of the NRNA after incumbent president Bhaban Bhatta. Panta defeated an NRN-based in the United Kingdom Kul Acharya by only 147 votes to secure NRNA’s top post. Panta secured a total of 1,217 votes, whereas Acharya received 1,070 votes.
Panta, after winning the election, said that his first priority will be to end disparity in NRNA and NRNs and unite them. “I will focus on uniting all NRNs under NRNA,” he said, adding that NRNs prioritise Nepal while making investment. “NRNA will encourage the Nepali diaspora to bring in mega investment into the country.”
Panta also expressed his commitment to maintain and uplift the legacy of NRNA in Nepal and among Nepali people, as in the recent times, the image of the Nepali diaspora has been tarnished also due to over politicisation in the association. Panta also assured free membership to NRNs in NRNA and restructure the association during his tenure.
Likewise, the convention has elected Badri KC, Sonam Lama, Mana KC and Arjun Shrestha as vice-presidents whereas Rabina Thapa has been elected as the woman vice-president of the organisation.
The newly elected executive committee of NRNA that has a two-year tenure has Hem Raj Sharma elected as the general secretary, RK Sharma and Gauri Raj Joshi as secretaries of NRNA. “Mahesh Shrestha has been elected as the treasurer and Lok Prasad Dahal won the joint-treasurer’s race.”
Bhoma Devi Limbu has been elected as the woman coordinator of the association, whereas Manakala Thapa Bista and Roshan Thapa are elected as regional coordinators.

NRNA to elect new team for next term

The three-day Global Conference of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that started from Tuesday has seen more than 2,500 individuals from the Nepali diaspora in various countries. The Nepali diaspora has gathered in Kathmandu also for the election of the new NRNA team for the next two-year term.
The incumbent vice presidents Kumar Pant – claimed to be near the ruling party NCP (NCP) – and Kul Acharya – claimed to be near the Nepali Congress (NC) – are eyeing the post of president to become the sixth president of the NRNA after incumbent president Bhaban Bhatta, who is the fifth president of global Nepalis.
As the NRNA has been blamed for being a hostage of political parties, the incumbent NRNA president Bhaban Bhatta does not agree. “Since the NRNA has become bigger by the day, more people are joining it,” he said, adding that the institution has people from not only all the politcal parties but also caste, creed and race. “But we have unity in diversity as we are for Nepalis around the globe.”
Bhatta justifies the interest of political parties and government as the NRNA has become a global institution with presence in over 50 countires across the world.
The decision of NRNA’s founding president and patron Dr Upendra Mahato to boycott the convention has flamed the rumour that there is political interference, though Bhatta rejects both the charges. “Neither NRNA’s founding president and patron Dr Upendra Mahato boycotted the convention nor there is political interference in NRNA election,” he said, reiterating to the NRNA’s original vision of working for the development and betterment of the country. “The prime objective of NRNA is to bring in knowledge, expertise and capital of Nepali diaspora and utilise them for Nepal’s economic and social development.”
However, some of the candidates for different top posts at NRNA executive committee are blamed to be guided by politics – with some aligned with the ruling party Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and others inclined towards the opposition Nepali Congress (NC).
Though, the voting for the new executive committee of NRNA is underway, the results are expected to be out by Friday morning as the ruling party NCP iis blamed for trying to rig the election in their favour.
NRNA has been established in a bid to support Nepal’s development and growth some two decades ago.

NRNA ninth Global convention starts

The ninth Global convention of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) started in the valley today.
According to NRNA president Bhaban Bhatta, some 2,500 representatives from 81 countries are participating in the conference that will elect a new leadership of the Nepalis diaspora. “The conference will conclude on October 17,” he said, adding that the convention will also elect a new executive committee for the next two-year term.
Despite pressure from various quarters, Bhatta said he is not contesting for the post of president this time and hand over the leadership to the newly elected president.
Two panels led by incumbent vice presidents Kumar Pant and Kul Acharya are contesting for a new leadership. Acharya – one of the contenders for NRNA presidency – organising a press conference in the capital today published his 10-commitment to fulfill once he get elected in the post of NRNA president. Citing his experience and the contribution he has made to the NRNA over the past 12 years as factors helping him win in the convention, he also announced his panel that includes Keshab Paudel (America) Narendra Bhat (Middle East) and President Man KC (Australia) and Rabina Thapa (America) as candidates for the post of vice presidents. “Likewise, Janaki Gurung (Belgium) and Som Sapkota are contesting for the posts of general secretary and treasurer, respectively.”
Likewsie, another panel led by vice president Kumar Panta includes Badri KC (Russia), Sonam Lama (America), and Sapila Rajbhandari as candidates for the post of vice presidents, whereas Hem Raj Sharma is contesting for the post of general secretary. “Likewise, Gauri Joshi (America) and Mahesh Shrestha (Japan) are contesting for the post of secretary and treasurer, respectively.”

NRNA to hold ninth global conference on October 15-17

Non Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) is going to hold its ninth global conference in Kathmandu on October 15-17 with the theme ‘Me, my NRNA and my Nepal’.
The NRNA international executive committee meeting today decided the date and venue for its international convention on the suggestion of the Foreign Ministry. The convention will be jointly organized by the government of Nepal, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and NRNA, as usual. “A high-level organising committee is going to be formed under the convenorship of foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali,” reads a press release issued by the NRNA secretariat. “Similarly, the internal organising committee has already been formed under the chairmanship of NRNA chair Bhaban Bhatta.”
The global conference of the umbrella network of diaspora community, on the occasion, will also elect a new working committee for the next two year-term. 

Chinese, Nepali firms seal deal to develop Tamakoshi 3 hydel project

Two Chinese and a Nepali company joined hands to develop Tamakoshi 3 hydropower project, after a Norwegian company backed out from it some three years ago.
China's YEIG International, Shanghai Investigation, Design and Research Institute (Sidri) and TBi Holdings have signed a framework agreement today to invest around $500 million to develop the project, after Norwegian utility Statkraft backed out of the hydel project failing to search market out of Nepal.
YEIG International – a Chinese government company based in Yunan province – that has developed energy projects in many countries including in South East and South Asia, Sidri – yet another Chinese government company that has developed some 22,000 MW of energy – and TBi Holdings – promoted by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) president Bhaban Bhatta – inked a joint venture development framework in the presence of the energy minister Barsha Man Pun and vice governor of Yunnan Province Zhang Guohua, along with Chinese bureaucrats, in Kathmandu today.
Pun, on the occasion, said that cooperation can bring experiences achieved by Yunnan in the field of hydropower to Nepal. Expressing best wishes to the joint venture, he said that the hydel project can work as a symbol of friendship and cooperation in the hydropower sector between the two countries.
Noting that Yunnan Province is an important green energy base and electricity relay hub, the vice governor Zhang, on the occasion, said that the signing of cooperation document will encourage more cooperation and exchanges in hydropower. “In 2018 alone, trade between Yunnan Province and Nepal amounted to $10 million, a growth rate of 341 per cent compared to a year ago.”
If everything goes as planned, the much-delayed hydropower project is expected be started in early 2020 and will be completed in three and half years, Bhatta said, adding that the project can be a milestone in the Sino-Nepal relations.
The framework agreement has has also in-principle jointly pledged $500 million for the project, Bhatta informed, adding that the company is yet to finalise the detailed studies and designs of the power plant that has been in news for last one decade for all the wrong reasons.
Though, Xinhua – a Chinese government media – reported that the project is being developed with an installed capacity of 200 MW, Bhatta clarified that the capacity will be confirmed only after the survey and wider consultation between the ministry and Nepal Electrictity Authority (NEA).
TBi Holdings had received the license from the Department of Electricity Development on October 12, 2017. According to the licensing provision, it had to complete the survey in two years.

Statkraft had initially designed Tamakoshi 3 for 880 MW but the project was not feasible as it could submerge Sukute Bazar – a popular market settlement along the Tamakoshi river – forcing the Norwegian company to reduce the installed capacity of the the project to 650 MW. The Statkraft and its Indian partner Tata Power had planned to sell the power to India but their plan could not be materialised as then Nepal and Indian had not entered into the Power Trading Agreement (PTA), and the Tata Power also backed out of the project citing technical reason.

The government and Statkraft had entered into an agreement – in 2007 – to build the Tamakoshi 3. Statkraft had also investment Rs 1 billion in survey for the 650 MW plant. However, the Norwegian company dropped its plans to construct the export-oriented project due to disturbing political situation – that led to back out of Tata Power – between Nepal and India after the 2015 economic blockade.
Statkraft also left the project because, according to the government policy, no one can construct the project with installed capacity of 650 MW for domestic consumption. According to the policy, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) – the sole buyer of the power generated by all the developers – will not sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in Q20 design in which Statekraft was planning to develop 650 MW. The NEA will sign PPA with developer only in Q40 design that will further reduce the installed power of the project between 315 MW and 220 MW.
The dispute of project’s actual installed power has also created tussle between the Investment Board-Nepal (IBN) – that looks after the hydropower projects above 500 MW – and the Department of Electricity Development under Energy Ministry. The department looks after the power projects under 500 MW.
The dispute also took nasty turn as the department awarded the power generation licence to the TBi Holdings, and not the board as it had put the project in its basket exercising its rights over hydel projects above 500 MW. The board had earlier planned to develop Tamakoshi 3 under a public-private-partnership (PPP) model with a mix of domestic and international investment. The board was also planning to go for global competitive bidding in 2018. However, the department under the Energy Ministry – in October 2017 – issued a survey licence to TBi Holdings, a day after the company filed an application at the department, before the board could execute its plan.
An anti-corruption crusader moved to Supreme Court accusing Energy Ministry of violating the Public Procurement Act, Investment Board Act, Good Governance Act and other constitutional provisions by awarding the survey licence directly to TBi Holdings, and also seeking the suspension of the licence as it was awarded without competitive bidding and also encroaching the Investment Board’s right. Acting on a writ seeking a stay order against the government’s decision to award the project to TBi Holdings, the Supreme Court ordered the government to suspend the survey licence issued to TBi Holdings. But, the Supreme Court – after a month of its preliminary stay order – quashed its order paving the way for TBi Holdings to go ahead with the preparatory studies to develop the project.

IBN receives EoI for 31 projects worth $25.3 billion

Investment Board-Nepal (IBN) has received 48 expression of interest (EoI) for 31 different projects amounting to $25.3 billion.
"Of the 77 projects that the government had showcased at the Nepal Investment Summit held last month, investors have submitted 48 EoIs for 31 different projects," informed IBN chief executive officer Maha Prasad Adhikari today.
As the board has extended the deadline for potential investors to submit their EoI for projects showcased at the summit till May 20, the number is expected to increase. "We are expecting more investors to submit EoIs for different projects as we still have time," he informed, adding that the investors have, though, shown keen interest on various projects, Nijgadh International Airport has received the highest number of EoIs.
Investors are interested on projects related to transport infrastructure as the board has received 22 EoIs for nine transport infrastructure projects, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Nijgadh International Airport (6 EoIs), Outer Ring Road (4 EoIs), BRT on Ring Road of Kathmandu (4 EoIs), Kathmandu Valley Metro Rail, East-West Electrified Rail, Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini Railways, Kathmandu Sky Train, Samakhusi-Tokha-Chhahare Road (2 EoIs) and Dhangadi Regional International Airport (2 EoIs).
Likewise, the board has received seven EoIs for five agriculture infrastructure projects including Integrated Agri Projects in Urlabari, Hemja, Banepa, Biratnagar and Tillottama.
The board has also received eight EoIs for seven energy infrastructure projects, whereas five EoIs for four projects related to urban infrastructure, apart from some EoIs for tourism, industry, health and education infrastructure projects. "Two investment proposals have been received for two projects of education and health infrastructure, while one application has been received for one industry infrastructure project."
The board, however, has not made identity of applicants public. "The identity will be made public after May 20, the deadline of the extension of the applications," the board said.
The government has extended the time for the submission of EoIs as during the two-day Nepal Investment Summit – held on March 29 and 30 – only above a dozen of projects were signed by the domestic private sector and Non Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA).
The board has categorised the EoIs into three categories. Among the applicants, some 27 projects are in the first category. The board plans to select eligible developers for these projects within three months by August 20, according to the board that will select developers for the projects in second category within nine months by February 20, 2020. Developer of these projects will be selected by reviewing their Request for Proposals (RFP). There are 17 projects in the second category. Likewise, projects in the third category are big and are of complex nature. An expert team or transaction advisory services led by secretaries of concerned ministries will look after these six projects in the category, according to the board that plans to select developers for them within 14 months by August 20, 2020.
The board has also formed a high-level committee – led by secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Sishir Dhungana including joint secretaries from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the board – to evaluate and monitor different proposals and EoIs submitted by investors for projects that were showcased at the investment summit.

NPI says concept paper on 15th five-year plan highly ambitious

Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) – an international think tank promoted by NRNA – said that few targets of development set in the periodic plan are overambitious and unrealistic.
Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) — an international think tank — has said that a few targets of development set in the periodic plan are overambitious and unrealistic. "Goals and objectives are set at high levels and are generally without clear, programmes indicators or time lines."
The NPI suggested the National Planning Commission (NPC) that has held a meeting of the National Development Council (NDC) in the capital to finalise the concept paper of the 15th five-year plan (fiscal years 2019-20 to 2023-24) to be realistic in setting of the target.
The NPI has also said that there is no explicit articulation of the external regional and global context and future scenarios in which the vision and plans are set. "The commission has projected income growth of $1,400 by fiscal year 2023-24; $4,100 by fiscal 2030-31 and $12,100 by fiscal 2042-43, which seems rather overambitious or unrealistic to achieve given past performance of the government, including poor capital investment and management," the NPI added.
The whole presentation of the vision and plan is conspicuously silent about migrant workers and remittance, the NPI comment paper on the draft of the 15th five-year plan reads, adding that that the Nepali economy is so heavily dependent on remittance and foreign employment has become the mainstay of income and employment for millions of working age population along with remittance constituting one-third of the nation’s annual budget. "Given the double-digit high economic growth target, there is no explicit recognition or mitigation strategy for the high cost of high growth in terms of unsustainable exploitation and extraction of nature, natural resources, high degree of inequality in the society and deeper socio-political division and unrest,” the NPI statement reads, adding that the concept paper of the periodic plan does not reflect higher-level vision, plan or strategy for gender equality and increased economic participation and leadership of women. "Though Nepal has been suffering from economic dependency with alarming rise in imports of basic food commodities from India, the concept paper of the periodic plan has not emphasised this concern and no remedial mechanism specifically suggested."
The NPI has also suggested the government to give the 15th periodic plan the theme ‘Build, Produce and Manage.'

NPI concludes global consultations on development plan and vision

Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) has concluded its global consultation on development plan and long-term vision of Nepal Diaspora.
The interaction programme – organised by Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) in association with NRNA Thailand today in Bangkok – saw some 32 experts from diverge areas of specialisation.
National Planning Commission (NPC) vice chairman Dr Puspa Raj Kadel addressed the interaction as a chief guest. According to NPI member Ramesh Singh, the programme was a part of NPI’s effort in collecting inputs from Nepali Diaspora for 15th periodic development plan and long-term vision of Nepal. The NPC had requested the NPI some 3 weeks ago for the input.
NPI had organised another interaction among America based professionals few days ago for the same purpose. The programme was coordinated by NPI secretary Anil Sigdel and EC member Rudra Aryal.
In the beginning of the interaction, NPC joint secretary Khom Raj Koirala briefed the Diaspora of the concept paper the NPC prepared for 15th Periodic Plan and long-term vision.
Informing the Diaspora about the consultations programme held in Nepal from local to National level to develop a draft of concept paper, Koirala mentioned that in the context Diaspora would be critical to finalise the draft. "NPC is keen on engaging NPI in developing a draft of concept paper from the early stage," he added.
Following the NPC’s presentation, NPI chair Khagendra Dhakal gave a presentation sharing the major points that were drawn through the global consultation to shape the Bangkok based interaction effectively. Presenting nine different problems and their solutions in response to draft plan of NPC, NPI chair Dhakal also recommended a new theme Build-Produce-Manage-Monitor (BPMM) for the consideration of NPC to adopt in the upcoming plan and vision.
Explaining about BPMM, he said that Build Physical Infrastructure and Improve Cross-Border Transport System with neighbours. "These are the major barriers to developing Nepal’s market into a competitive economy in the region and globe," he said, adding that private builders should be encouraged for investment in development of infrastructure. "Without industrialisation and manufacturing no nation can achieve economic prosperity and this is not likely without improved physical infrastructure, transportation convenience and ease in cross border trading," he added.
Likewise, he urged production of agricultural farm commodities to bridge the gap in supply shortages and food imports and to reduce higher prices. "This will ensure better choices for consumers with adequate supply at a reasonable cost contributing to market boost that would have a multiplier effect in the economy," he said, adding that the government should continue with long-term agriculture perspective plan vigorously and monitor implementation of the plan.
Similarly, Dhakal also suggested efficient management of Water Resources, including reforestation, soil conservation and expand solar energy. "It should be re-energised with new vigor in the plan," he said, adding that providing safe drinking water supply should remain on top agenda while building small water reservoirs by tapping on rain waters for both household and small-scale irrigation purposes also to be promoted.
NPC should be rebranded with clear mandate of authority for the effecting monitoring of the implementation of plan and measure the desired outcome of the plan and vision, recommended Dhakal, who is currently working as specialist at King Monkut’s University of Technology in Bangkok. Emphasising on the need of pragmatic policy with tangible outcome and powerful monitoring mechanism, he further stressed that without such mechanism in place, the next development plan otherwise will be merely an another plan to add in the list of past 14 plans.
Dhakal indicated that NPI’s final input including the comments from Bangkok interaction will be a good reference for NPC to consider for incorporation in the plan documents. NPI gives an angle on how Diaspora Nepali will see the development scenario rolling up in Nepal. The NPC has started meeting in Kathmandu from Wednesday to finalise the concept paper for the 15th periodic plan.
NPI research coordinator and economist Bishwa Nath Tiwari, on the occasion, conducted interaction on macro-economic sector including economic sector, social sector and cross-cutting issues, infrastructure sector, governance sector. They discussed on growth versus sustainability, green economy, human capital, double digit growth, national pride projects, graduation from LDC, health, women, investment, infrastructure, remittance, and tax related issues.
Chief guest of the program NPC vice chairman Dr Puspa Raj Kadel also responded to all the questions the diaspora raised. Appreciating the NPI for identifying problems and giving solutions too he committed to incorporate the comments and requested NPI to forward the consolidated input from the global consultation. He also asked NPI for regular input.
"NPI is conducting global consultations with Nepali professionals, migrant workers, students, different specific committees of NRNA for past 3 weeks," NPI EC member Ramesh Singh said, clarifying that NPI is an official entity of NRNA as enshrined in the constitution of NRNA. But it behaves as an autonomous global knowledge platform and think tank for Nepal and Nepali exceeding the normal scope of NRNA. He assured that NPI work will be evidence based and placed in public domain for any stakeholder to use with credit to NPI. Singh also added that collective and individual efforts were received from included professionals, migrant workers representatives, Nepali students based in North America, Europe, Australia, UK, Asia, Middle East and also Nepal-based retired professionals of international organisations.
A team led by Switzerland-based development expert Kedar Neupane had processed the inputs swiftly to prepare the first draft and NPI Team is working to give a final touch on the input producing final document.
Speaking in the programme, the joint secretary at the Foreign Ministry Bharat Raj Paudyal appreciated the initiative of NPI that provides multiangle perspectives from the global diaspora which would be a great asset to Nepal. Similarly, joint secretary at at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Ganesh Prasad Pandeya said that policies can never be perfect therefore continuous interaction with diaspora professional which NPI has already started should be continued to reform policies of the nation.
Thirty two experts from the diverse areas of expertise had attended the interaction program where Nepal’s ambassador to Thailand Khaga Nath Adhikari and NRNA Thailand President Assajita Awale welcomed the participants. NRNA Thailand vice president Bhabendra Basnet, treasurer Kanchha Gurung (Gabo), EC member Atish Shrestha, former general secretary Kedar Timalsina and other members took active part in the interaction. 

NRNs urges to introduce open, non-restrictive investment law

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has asked the government to make foreign investment law more open, competitive and attractive compared to other countries in Asia in a bid to lure foreign direct investment (FDI).
AS he government has tabled Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer (FITTA) amendment Bill at the House, the Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) – a global initiative of NRNA – has recommended the government not to make restrictive law rather draft laws that could encourage more investment.
"Nepali diaspora and people of Nepali-origin should be treated equally in matters related to investment," chairman of NPI Khagendra Raj Dhakal, said adding that the policy should allow NRNs to make investments with 100 per cent ownership of enterprises. "Likewise, the government should leave small and medium enterprise (SMEs) sector open for FDI to improve domestic employment, balance of payments situation and give a sense of economic security."
Citing that a long negative list for investment will directly affect FDI, the Institute has said such restrictions must be removed. "Investments should not be restricted in sectors other than those related to national security and defence."
The NPI has also asked the government not to expropriate or confiscate foreign owned enterprises through administrative measures. "The foreign investors should be allowed to repatriate foreign currency investment, profit from investment and principal of loan obtained during course of business operations," the Institute's recommendation reads, adding that other issues regarding import exemption on machinery, equipment, plants and advanced technology required to establish enterprises, allowing settlement of disputes to be conducted in foreign land, effective monitoring and implementing mechanism of policies are also crucial for FDI.

NRNA to hold ninth global conference in October

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has decided to hold its ninth global conference in October 2019 in Kathmandu.
A meeting of the NRNA International Coordination Committee (ICC) held in the capital today decided to hold the global conference from October 13 to 16, according to a press note from the secretariat of the Nepali Diaspora. "The meeting, reviewing the activities carried out by the organisation's in the past one year, has also dwelled on the NRNA's future strategies."
Once in a two-year term, the organisation of Nepali Diaspora meets face-to-face and holds meeting. The meeting today – apart from discussing the issue of convening the next NRNA global conference – also dwelled on the NRNA-supported ongoing projects including Laprak. "The meeting has decided to handover the integrated settlement for earthquake-hit people at Laprak in Gorkha by April 25, 2019," reads the press note. Likewise, the meeting also took stock of illuminating the Janaki Temple in Janakpurdham and its premise with modern lighting equipment. "The NRNA will also to join hands with the Nepal government for Nepal Investment Summit going to be held in March."
The Diaspora also discussed on $100 million investment fund. "We have decided to chalk out strategies to pour investment to Nepal in various fields including hydropower, electrification, human resource development and modernisation of agriculture," the press note further reads.

Energy Minister urges Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal

Energy minister Barshaman Pun urged the Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal's hydropower sector.
Addressing an interaction on 'Nepal-China Economic Co-operation Forum: Prospects of Investment in Nepal’s Energy Sector’ – organised by Beijing-based Nepal Embassy in collaboration with China Association for International Economic Co-operation – in Beijing today, he also outlined the government's plan to develop 15000 MW of electricity in 10 years.
Shedding light on the significance of energy as a priority sector with a direct bearing on socio-economic transformation of Nepal, Pun – who is on a visit to China – underscored the key role of foreign investments in achieving the target. He also invited the Chinese enterprieneurs to utilize the opportunities for investment in Nepal’s hydropower for win-win outcomes for both countries.
On the occasion, Nepali ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal, said that the forum was organised with a view to facilitating dialogue between Nepali policymakers and Chinese energy companies, and for exchanging ideas and experience on further accelerating Chinese investment in the generation of hydropower in Nepal, according to a press statement issued by Nepal Embassy in China.
He also assured the full support and co-operation of the Embassy of Nepal in facilitating such investments, the statement reads. "Briefing on the investment opportunities for Chinese investors in Nepal’s hydropower sector, joint secretary at the Energy Ministry Dinesh Kumar Ghimire outlined the policies, tools, processes and facilities relating to the investment regime in the hydropower sector."
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) managing director Kulman Ghising, on the occasion, also highlighted the potentials of investing in Nepal’s hydropower from a regional market perspective.
"It is a most appropriate time to invest in Nepal due to the huge volume of regional and domestic demand in electricity, the robust nature of energy connectivity infrastructures in the region, seasonal complementarities for demand and supply, and the credibility of NEA as an off-taker," the statement reads quoting him.
Welcoming the Nepali delegates, vice-president of China Association for International Economic Co-operation Guo Yongle said that the interactions would promote business co-operation between the two countries and create new opportunities in further advancing Nepal-China economic co-operation.
More than hundred participants including representatives of public and private sector companies of Nepal and China, senior office-bearers of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN), representatives of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and media persons also took part in the programme, according to the Nepali Embassy in Beijing.
The event also witnessed presentations on Nepal’s investment climate and the prospects of hydro-electricity development in the country. 

Government to partner with NPI in framing development policies

The government is going to partner with the Non Resident Nepali (NRN) for the development of the country.
Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali – addressing plenary session on the ‘Diaspora’s Role in Development Policies of Nepal’ during the first NRN Global Knowledge Convention here in the capital – today said that the government has taken Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) as a partner for the development. NPI is a newly established think-tank of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).
The government is ready to engage NPI in its policy discourse, he said, suggesting NPI to audit Nepal’s existing public policies on the basis of best practices in the world and recommend alternative policies. "The country is in the process of transformation and relevant policies were the need of the hour."
NPI chair Khagendra Dhakal, on the occasion, said that since the 1990s the Nepali diasporas had played a key role in development of the country. "Many things, which are not possible to do living away from the motherland, have become possible now due to the ICT facilities and advanced modes of connectivity," he said, adding that China’s policy of engaging the diaspora had shifted from ‘Return and Serve Motherland’ to ‘Serve the Motherland."
Likewise, vice chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr Puspa Raj Kadel on the occasion, expressed willingness to collaborate with NRN think tank.
In the plenary session, Sharad Neupane presented NPI’s Strategic Plan (2019-2021), which focuses on policy research on migration, remittance, social security, research-based education and SDGs.
Krishna Adhikari from Oxford University and Yubaraj Pokhrel from South Asian University of Delhi also shed light on how diaspora scholars could contribute to the development of Nepal in the true sense.
Senior economist Madan Kumar Dahal, social leader Sharu Joshi Shrestha and NRNA president Bhaban Bhatta commented on the plenary speeches as panel members.