All major broadsheet dailies published from Kathmandu today, Nepali and English alike, have given the topmost priority to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s briefing to the Kathmandu-based diplomatic community about the new government’s priorities including its foreign policy. The newspapers, however, have covered the issue from different angles.
Other issues covered in the front page of major newspapers today include the delay in the unification between CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre, preparations for PM’s India visit and the white paper the government is preparing to issue today about the country’s economic situations.
Important
PM spells out six priorities of govt
Inviting ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu to his Baluwatar-based residence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday spelled out six priorities of new government.
They include nationalism, democracy and independence, social justice and equality, stability and development, good governance and address to people’s aspirations, lists out Kantipur. The gist of the PM’s ‘briefing’ was that the government would deal with all issues on its own, however the international community should extend support to development projects, according to the report.
Left alliance partners in dispute over positions
Republica says leaders of the CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre are divided over which leaders will take what positions after the merger of the two parties.
Meanwhile, The Himalayan Times says leaders of the two parties have already concluded that the merger will not be possible before PM Oli’s India trip, which is likely to begin on April 6. Oli and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal of the UML and Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leader Ram Bahadur Thapa have made the understanding, according to the report, adding the announcement is likely on April 22.
PM will not discuss political issues with India
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will not discuss political issues with Indian leaders during his upcoming visit to the southern neighbour, according to a report in Naya Patrika.
Since Nepal has completed all levels of elections for the first time after the promulgation of new constitution, they will discuss economic issues only, according to the report.
Ignored
Dr Govinda KC issues fresh ultimatum
Kantipur says medical education reform activist Dr Govinda KC has issued another warning to launch fast-unto-death if the government fails to implement the ordinance on medical education.
Dr KC issued the warning as the government did not table the ordinance for endorsement from Parliament along with the ordinances on Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons and on National Assembly elections.
The constitution has it that if the House fails to endorse any ordinance within 60 days from the date of issuing the ordinance, the law will be void automatically.
Govt to cut down public holidays
The government is planning to trim the list of public holidays from the new Bikram Samvat year which will begin after two weeks, says Naya Patrika. The Council of Ministers will soon announce the cancellation of 22 public holidays claiming that continuing all the current holidays will block the government’s mission of prosperity.
Interesting
Local govts authorised to recruit staff on contract
Gorkhapatra says the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has endorsed a procedure for the appointment of contract-based staff at local governments. Minister Lalbabu Pandit endorsed the rule today, letting the local bodies recruit staff to work in agriculture, livestock, forestry and health sectors, according to the report.
