Received: from mp.cs.niu.edu (mp.cs.niu.edu [131.156.1.2]) by library.wustl.edu (8.6.9/8.6.9) with SMTP id PAA08388 for <huestis@library.wustl.edu>; Wed, 26 Oct 1994 15:19:20 -0500 Received: by mp.cs.niu.edu id AA02254 (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for nepal-dist); Wed, 26 Oct 1994 11:57:44 -0500 Received: by mp.cs.niu.edu id AA02250 (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for nepal-list); Wed, 26 Oct 1994 11:57:42 -0500 Date: Wed, 26 Oct 1994 11:57:42 -0500 Message-Id: <199410261657.AA02250@mp.cs.niu.edu> Reply-To: The Nepal Digest <NEPAL@cs.niu.edu> From: The Editor <nepal-request@cs.niu.edu> Sender: "Rajpal J. Singh" <A10RJS1@cs.niu.edu> Subject: The Nepal Digest - Oct 26, 1994 (23 Kartik 2051 BkSm) To: <NEPAL@cs.niu.edu> Content-Type: text Content-Length: 44681 Status: O X-Status: X-Keywords: X-UID: 43
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The Nepal Digest Wednesday 26 Oct 94: Kartik 23 2051 BkSm Volume 32 Issue 7
Table of Contents not available due to time constraints, apologies.
-TND
*****************************************************************************
* TND Board of Staff *
* ------------------ *
* Editor/Co-ordinator: Rajpal J. Singh a10rjs1@cs.niu.edu *
* SCN Correspondent: Rajesh B. Shrestha rshresth@black.clarku.edu *
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* +++++ Food For Thought +++++ *
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* "Democracy perishes among the silent crowd" - Sirdar_RJS_Khalifa *
* *
*****************************************************************************
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 16:09:32 +0700
To: The Nepal Digest <NEPAL@cs.niu.edu>
From: Punya Prasad Regmi <regmi@emailhost.ait.ac.th>
Subject: MID POLL OPINION AT AIT
Opinion Poll (Mid-term Election 1994 - Nepal)
The peace, justice and overall growth and development of the
country are obviously very common concerns of all Nepalese no
matter whoever and wherever they are. It may not be an appropriate
idea of blaming one of many socio-political and geo-physical
factors for giving birth of the economic, socio-cultural and
political crisis in the country.
With reference to Mid-term Election 1994, we have collected some
opinion poll administering attached questionnaire to the sampled
AITians. All the respondents have agreed that even after the
restoration of democracy in 1990 the nation is still in severe
crisis. According to the survey findings, the Nepali Congress
(ruling party) was responsible for all those crisis by 56.44
percent, United Marxist Leninist Party (main opposition party) by
20.43 percent, other opposition parties by 6.00 percent, monarchy
by 5.53, bureaucracy by 5.00 percent, and others by 6.6 percent.
More interestingly, two respondents came out with different
perceptions one blaming to the socioeconomic conditions of the
people and another to the nepotism for the crisis in Nepal.
Regarding the parliamentary seats likely to be won by various
political parties, no one party has been found able to secure the
absolute majority. Although, highest seats (88) to be won are
guessed for the Nepali Congress (NC). Likewise, among the remaining
seats 68 were guessed for United Marxist Leninist Party (UML), 20
for Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), 7 for Samyukta Janamorcha, 6
for Nepal Sadbhawana Party (NSP), 8 for independent, 4 for Masal,
3 for Majdur Kisan Party and 1 for Ramraja's Party.
As far as the free and fair election is concerned, sampled
population believed that there is a very less chance of free and
fair election. Based on their responses, the chance of being free
and fair election is only 46.3 percent.
According to the survey finding, no party is found to be able to
secure absolute majority. It means that the next government will
certainly be of coalition type. However, the majority of
respondents (63 percent) thought the government of a single party
is suitable to our context. While 30 percent favored for a
coalition government. Interestingly remaining 7 percent respondents
thought that military type of government is necessary for Nepal.
Majority of the respondents (45.8 percent) have given idea of the
possible coalition between Nepali congress Party and Rastriya
Prajatantra Part to form the government. The idea of respondents
for all possible combinations are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Respondents' View of Possible Combination of Political
Parties for the Coalition Government
______________________________________________
Possible Combinations Respondents (%)
_____________________________________________
NC + RPP 45.8
NC + UML 4.2
NC + NSP 4.2
NC + RPP + NSP + INDEPENDENT 12.5
UML + INDEPENDENT 4.2
NC + NSP + INDEPENDENT 8.3
NC + UML + RPP 4.2
ALL COMMUNIST PARTIES 4.2
NC + ANY OTHER 4.2
RJP + NC + UML (ANY TWO) 4.2
Majority (48 percent) of the respondents said that no one is
really a popular leaders in Nepal. Only 20 percent and 12 percent
of respondents mentioned that Girija Prasad Koirala and Ganesh Man
Sing, respectively as the popular leader (Table 2).
Table 2: Percent of Respondents for Voting a Present Popular
Political Leader in Nepal
________________ ___________________
Popular Leader Respondents (%)
_________________ ____________________
None 48
Girija Prasad Koirala 20
Ganesh Man Singh 12
Baburam Bhattarai 8
Monmohan Adhikari 4
Ram Chandra poudel 4
Bal Bahadur Rai 4
_______________________________________________________________
Total 100
________________________________________________________________
Regarding the next prieminister of Nepal, vast majority (70.8)
percent have given the name of Girija Prasd Koirala. Whereas 16.7
percent of the respondents couldn't guess even. The rest of the
percentage of respondents such as 8.3 and 4.2 have given the name
of Monmohan Adhikari and Shailaja Acharay, respectively.
OPINION POLL (MID-TERM ELECTION 1994 - NEPAL)
Respondent's Sex: Male [ ] Female [ ]
Dear Respondent,
Could you please answer the following questions and deliver the
completed one to me as soon as possible. Your cooperation will be
highly appreciated. You can give it either in office (HSD, Room No.
E117) or in my quarter (ST7-17) or mail to AIT Mail # 453.
Sincerely yours,
Punya Prasad Regmi
Q. 1. Even after the restoration of democracy in 1990, the
nation is still in crisis. Do you agree?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
If yes, what share of responsibility goes to each of
followings?
---------------------------------------------------------
Political Parties and Others Share of Responsibility (%)
---------------------------------------------------------
Ruling Party (NC)
Main Opposition Party (UML)
Other Opposition Parties
Monarchy
Bureaucracy
Others (specify)
Total 100
Q. 2. To what extent do you think the election will be "Free
and Fair" ?
100% 75% 50% 25% 0%
Q. 3. What form of government you think is appropriate?
One Party [ ]
Coalition [ ]
Q. 4. Please indicate the no. of parliamentary seats likely to
be won by following political parties
Political Party No. of Seats
Nepali Congress
Nepal Communist Party (UML)
Rastriya Prajatantra Party
Sanyuktta Janmorcha
Nepal Sadbhawana Party
Independent
Others (specify)
Total 205
Q. 5. If one single party fails to get majority to form the
government then which parties will join together to form
the coalition government ? Please, specify the name of
parties.
Q. 6. Among the present political leaders, whom do you think
the most popular one? Name:
..............................
Q. 7. Who will be the next prieminister of Nepal?
Name:
..................................
Q. 8. Please, tick off where did you get your high school
education?
Rural School [ ]
School in District Headquarter [ ]
School in Kathmandu Valley [ ]
Q. 9. Could you please, tick off your academic background?
Engineering [ ]
Science [ ]
Social Science [ ]
Others [ ]
Thank you.
****************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 14:18:52 EDT
To: rshresth@black.clarku.edu
From: madhav.pandey@sfwmd.gov (Madhav Pandey)
Subject: IN SEARCH OF CHILD HOOD FRIEND.
Dear Editor:
I would appreciate any information or assistance in
locating a good friend of mine.
His name is HEMA KANT ADHIKARI (commonly know as HEMA
ADHIKARI). The last time I heard about him when he was in GERMANY. That was
16 years ago. At that time he was working toward publishing a German-
Nepalese Dictionary. I have not heard from him since.
Please forward any information you may have about him to me.
My E-mail address is mpandey@sfwmd.gov
Best wishes
Madhav Pandey
West Palm Beach Florida.
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 14:25 EST
From: ATULADHAR@vax.clarku.edu
Subject: Re: The Nepal Digest - Oct 24, 1994 (21 Kartik 2051 BkSm)
To: NEPAL@cs.niu.edu
Homosexuality in Nepal??
=========================
I am glad TND and SCN are beginning to talk about homosexuality in Nepal.
Few points have stood out: The paucity of any data of any studies taken and
the confusion of the term in the Nepali context.
Because data from scientific or even anthropological studies are missing(after
all anthro are too busy contructing a romantic notion of pre-modern Nepal of
noble savages like the Gurungs and Sherpas that they not interested in finding
modern social "diseases" in their Shangri-la) we have some anecdotal info
volunteered.
These anecdotal info lead to the confusion of definition of homosexuality in
nepal. If homosexuality is defined as same-sex sexual and social relationship
only, I think there is plenty of that going on in nepal, among boarding
schools, chowks, rodi-ghars, monks, army, and other same-sex social
institutions where access to partners of other sex.
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 15:35:33 EDT
To: a10rjs1@cs.niu.edu
Subject: Electioneering Rumors in Nepal
From: rana@violet.ccit.arizona.edu (VIVEK S. RANA)
Election Rumors in Kathmandu
----------------------------
1. Finance Minister Mahesh Acharya's brother allegedly ran any with 200 0000 (2
Crores) Nepalese rupess allotted for Election Campaign. Nothing unusual for
the people in this camp, if he didn't someone else would have.
2. Chakra Bastola is in Jhapa constituency has already spent over 40 lakhs..
will need to see the election results.....
3. Durga Subedi will give a tough fight but Girija has all, the muscles and
the money....
4. Nepali congress candidates face a very grave challenge in Kathamndu
district. Even Daman Dhungana is having tough times.....PM Singh's
position is little better than the others.
5. RPP emerges strong in many places. RPP expected to win about 25- 29 seats
this term.
6. RPP announced that there candidates will have to spend their own money. No
money was given out to candidate personally from the party.
7. All the businessmen and local business are backing all the three parties,
not just one like last time. RPP,NC and UML. But still the UML is least
financed. As people are not sure who will come to power.
8. Finally as usual, Once gain GIRIJA is collecting more MONEY than votes. He
knows very well the POWER OF MONEY. In a recent businessmen meeting in
Candidateiratnagar he said :
"I will need your money and vote both; as help"
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 19:44:47 +0000 (GMT)
From: S DAHAL <S.Dahal@bradford.ac.uk>
Subject: Acknowledgement (fwd)
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Dear TND,
Thank you for sending me TND directly. It is valueable means to know about
our country. Your effort with other team members are really appreciated.
Keep it going.
I presume there is e-mail connection to Nepal also. Can we find somebody
who will spare time to summarise news from leading national news
papers in a weekly basis from nepal and make them available to TND subscriber?
Thanks, again
Yours
S.Dahal
%%%%%Editor's Note: Any response from TND members in Nepal? %%%%%%%%
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
**********************************************************************
From: TND Subscription <nepal-request@mp.cs.niu.edu>
To: The Nepal Digest <nepal@cs.niu.edu>
Subject: Subscription
Following subscription were bounced back. Subscription sent to
nepal@mp.cs.niu.edu will NOT be entertained. Please send your
subscription to nepal-request@mp.cs.niu.edu.
nepal@mp.cs.niu.edu is to be used for article contribution. It is very
painful and time consuming to sort through all the articles trying
to find subscription request.
Would someone tell the members below to send their corrent subscription
to nepal-request@mp.cs.niu.edu?
"DUTTA DEEPAK " <94013515@zaphod.riv.csu.edu.au>
"KHANAL, ROBBY, U " <RKHANAL@STATE.DE.US>
"Pandey, Umanga " <st941806@pip.brandeis.edu>
"Shrestha, Vikas " <izzyf3f@mvs.aac.ucla.edu>
**********************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 17:49:10 -0400 (EDT)
From: Nirmal Ghimirez <NGH42799Q236@DAFFY.MILLERSV.EDU>
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
I read the statement made by Mr. TilaK and it clearly shows the anger and
frustration. Seeing the condition I can understand that. But free speech does
not however mean anything one wants to say. Giriza desreves some anger ,but not
to the extent Tilak is saying. He has compared him as even worse then some
panchas. I do not think he deserves that.We should not forget the past. Past is
the foundation of the present as present is to the future. Giriza faught for
democracy from a long time back. He really sacrificed histime and did a lot of
effort for democracy. Ofcourse I do not know him except that he was our Prime
Minister. Tilak criticized him for his time as P. M. wwhich even I do. I just
wanted to say that besides criticism we should also give credit if they have
done something good. Lets become more positive.He does deseve scoldings but he
deserves some credit for hispast work also. let us learn to give some credit as
well, it is easy to criticise but difficult to appreciate, let us try this.
Thanks
Nirmal
**************************************************************
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 17:18:00 -0500 (EST)
From: Helen Abadzi SA1PH 80375 <HABADZI@worldbank.org>
Subject: Entry to all in Pashupatinath
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Being somewhat knowledgeable and very respectful of Hinduism and
the area languages, I am disappointed at not being able to enter
Pashupatinath. But I see the point: If entrance were allowed to
everyone, there would be hippies and busloads of tourists permanently
going around. The prohibition of non-Hindus in fact applies only to
westerners. I have watched buddhist monks enter there.
Mr. Nirmal Ghimirez (z?) discussion of the issue made me recall a
story about entry in the temple. Being Greek, I joke that I am a
kshatria. The laws of Manu say that Yavanas are kshatrias if they worship
the Hindu gods. My father is from Ionia (Yunan), I come straight from
Macedonia, so I say that my gotra is Alexander the Great and I should
enter the Pashupatinath temple. One day I was in the grounds with some
Indian consultants, and I said that. A little while later we were
accosted by a young man who offered to take the group to a tour of the
temple. He said everyone else could go in, including an Indian lady (who
unkbenownst to him is a moslem), but of course I could not go in. I said
why not, I am a kshatria. The entire group agreed and said that certainly
I am a kshatria. The poor young man did not know what to do. Of course,
I did not want to offend local customs, so I did not insist. But it is
quite clear that the prohibition is for westerners, not for non-Hindus.
***************************************************************
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 1994 09:48:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: "SHARMA, MANOHAR" <M.SHARMA@CGNET.COM>
Subject: Mishra's pontification
To: TND <NEPAL@cs.niu.edu>
Dear Ed,
There's no doubt that women in Nepal are unequally treated, a lot of times
cruelly so. (There is an important ethnicity dimension, though: gender
relations among some ethnic groups are much more egalitarian than in
others.) As I see it, the solution lies in progressive education and
important changes in the legal system, specially those related to property
and inheritence rights, that put women at par with men. The discrimination
has to go and I am sure most are in agreement about this.
What we need less is cluttered-up pieces such as those Mr. Mishra posts.
The melodrama is getting to be a little too wild, and at times quite
sickening. Let's try to think clearly and succinctly about this very very
important issue and EXCHANGE IDEAS.
Language was created to convey thoughts and ideas; an aimless pursuit of
literary finesse results in harangue. No one is interested in pontification
anymore.
Manohar Sharma
IFPRI
Washington DC
*****************************************************************
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 94 09:55:56 EST
From: gubhaju@un.org
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: Acknowledgment of Nepal Digest
Mr. Rajpal Singh
Editor/Co-ordinator
Nepal Digest
Dear Mr. Singh,
Thank you very much for including my name in the list of subscribers
for Nepal Digest. I am now beginning to receive it in my e-mail. I
feel very proud of it.
With best wishes,
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Bhakta Gubhaju
Population Division
DC2-1906
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 963-3213
*********************************************************************
From: Shailesh R. Bhandari <sbhandar@garnet.acns.fsu.edu>
Subject: KABITA for NEPAL DIGEST
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 1994 10:24:25 -0400 (EDT)
KHETI
Mantri le sapath grahan gardai vanyo
jun desko nun khaeko chhu
tehi desko lagi bolchhu
te-sai-le
yaha jun des baata nun aaoochha
tehe desmaa khaataa kholchhu.
**********************************************************************
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 1994 12:52:16 -0500 (CDT)
From: RKP6723@UTARLG.UTA.EDU
Subject: Women
To: Nepal@cs.niu.edu
I am enjoying getting TND. First, I thought TND was basically for news.
Now I have learned that TND is for US who subscribe it, so anything with
good taste can be said here. I want to thank Mr. Rajpal J. Singh for two
reason. 1. Foundation and maitainence of TND.
2. Making it democratic, so that we can say what we want.
It was interesting to read Mr. Pramod Mishra's sympathetic article on Women
in Hinduism...Well, if we go back in time a littlebit, most of the world was
male dominant world. Men are stronger than women, so they did more physical
work and able to control women. Men were actually afraid of women's power
in giving birth and expand. So if we men can control women we can get what we
wt, such as sexual pleasure, a child to keep our name, and use their labor.
It's been like this throughout the history of the world, only exception among
some elite of the society, such as monarchs.
It all boils down on the role of men to win the bread, and women's role to
do the household work. We men did not respect the household work as work
because such work did not produce any monetary or something of value. So we
men got what we wnated out of women more than what they wanted. It all changed
when women started to work and earn money basically in the U.S. after Industrialrevolution. When industries needed maasive labor supply.
Now women can earn money do the job men can do, they became independent. Women
no longer have to rely on men for necessities of life. We men are now respectingwomen's work, I mean mainly in Western world. We men have to watch what we say
and what we do. We have become conscious about politically correctness, and
behaving accordingly because we could get sued.
Well, I watch this about mainly American women and watch Nepalese women. Big
difference...I feel strongly concerned for my own sister who lives in California
and married. If I hadn't seen American women I wouldn't feel so concerned for
her as much. Being a
man and raised in male dominant society, sometimes it's hard to deal with
American women. They can throw sarcasm right on your face. Oh well, I am learning to deal with that. They say what they want to say, when they want to say.
Equality...Independent...women of 90s...Yeah whatever it all boils down to
earning potential of women.
Robin Pandey
Arlington, TX
**********************************************************************
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 94 02:07:00+050
From: jdana@ronast.ernet.in <john dana>
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: News
HEADLINE: No Alternative to NC
SOURCE: The Trend (Nepali Weekly Press Review), Oct. 19, '94
BODY:
Former Supreme leader Ganeshman Singh has said there is no
alternative to the Nepali Congress.
In his message on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Ganeshman
Singh said there was no alternative to the Nepali Congress
although it was suffering from many weaknesses.
Nepali Congress can still contribute in the process of nation
building if it roots out corrupt and dictatorial elements
from it's organization he said.
Ganeshman Singh, however, maintained that he was still out of
the party.
Singh said he had been insisting on change in leadership of
the government and overhauls in the party organization from
the grassroots.
"I have been saying that the party will not be able to cope
with future challenges without changing the leadership and
overwhelming the party. The wave of dissidence within the
party is a natural result of the internal political problems"
he said.
HEADLINE: 10 Rupee Coin Circulated
SOURCE: The Rising Nepal, Oct 10, '94
BODY:
Nepal Rastra Bank issues coins in ten rupee denominations
from October 10.
This is the first time that a 10-rupee is being minted for
general circulation.
According to the bank source, the coin has shankha, chakra,
gada and padma encircled by 64 dots, and inscribed in the
center is Shree Shree Panch Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
The other side of the coin depicts a book surmounted by the
words "The Constitution of Nepal 2047".
SOURCE: French magazine "Point de Vue", Oct 4, '94
BODY:
Q: Your Majesty, why have you chosen to visit Burgundy during
your visit to France?
A: One of the reasons for visiting Burgundy was that it has
played an important role in both the cultural and economic
aspects of French history and it is also of of the renowned
wine regions of France. We enjoyed our visit there. We found
the people very friendly. We were impressed by the way the
natural landscape blended with the architechture reflecting
it's glorious past.
Q: What has particularly attracted you in our country?
A: France symbolizes a country that has made significant
contributions to the advancement of human civilization and
pursued an independent foreign policy. It's industrial
prowess, sense of values and the creativity of it's people
are noteworthy.
Q: What are the similarities or differences between the
temperaments of Nepalese and French people?
A: Hard work, sense of national pride and the quest for
progress are some of the common characteristics of our two
peoples. I think industriousness, committment to excellence,
and the preservation of art and culture are qualities
Nepalese can learn from the French.
Q: Last July, Your Majesty has taken the decision to dissolve
the Nepalese Parliament and announced elections for 13
November. Is it the failure of the democratic process started
in Nepal?
A: With the reinstatement of multiparty democracy in Nepal,
the present Constitution has provisions for seperate
functioning of executive, legislative, judicial and other
constitutional organs. The general election scheduled for
November this year is in accordance with the Constitution and
is expected to strengthen the democratic process.
Q: Is any constructive dialogue possible with the opposition
regrouped as United Popular Front, in case this party wins
the elections?
A: The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal has laid down the
procedure for forming a government including the appointment
of the Prime Minister.
Q: What are the roles in the institution of Monarchy for Her
Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?
A: They perform their roles in accordance with the
Constutution of the Kingdom and the law relating to members
of the Royal family.
Q: Would you please explain your wish for your people and for
Nepal of tommorrow?
A: I wish to see my country and people prosper and lead a
life with dignity, preserving our sovereignty, national
integrity, identity and unity, and thereby contributing to
peace and prosperity in our region and the world at large.
Q: Your Majesty has often shown interest about the problem of
environment. How are you going to promote the protection of
nature in the years to come? Are there any big projects for
this sector?
A: The problem of environment, like for many other countries,
is a matter of great concern for us too. We are aware of the
seriousness of the problem. A long-term solution of this
problem is possible through an effective and appropriate
conservation education at the people's level taking into
consideration the management and economic aspects as well.
The government and non-government sectors are also engaged in
this task.
Q: In particular, Nepal has the priviledge of having the
"roof of the world" , the Himalayas. What are the measures
that Your Majesty has envisaged in order to protect this
common heritage of mankind against increasing numbers of
tourists who are dangerously polluting this unique region of
the world?
A: I think there exist some regulations which aim at
protecting the fragile Himalayan ecology. The number of
expeditions has been limited and clean-up campaigns launched.
However, the success of such measures, to a great extent,
also depends upon the proper management as well as support,
cooperation and understanding of the mountaineers, trekkers
and tourists.
**********************************************************
From: "D. Karki" <D.Karki@massey.ac.nz>
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 94 10:46:09 +1200
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: Child Labour in Nepal & India: Kiwi Perspective
WOOL REPORT is a magazine published by the New Zealand Wool Board, or
WOOLS of NEW ZEALAND as they are now known.
This story came to my attention. It was published under the CHILD LABOUR
section of the October, 1994 issue of WOOL REPORT.
"STEPS TAKEN TO STOP BONDED CHILD LABOUR IN THE CARPET INDUSTRY"
Exaggerated and fabricated news media claims about child labour in Nepal
are having the effect of undermining Wools of New Zealand's efforts to
combat bonded child labour in the handknotted carpet industry in the
region. A German Panorama television programme shown recently was long on
claims, but short on facts and explaination. It even went so far as to
blame hand knotted carpet makers for the number of destitute children in
the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.
Wools of New Zealand has nothing to gain from bonded child labour. The
markets in Western Europe and North America for hand made carpets are
very sensitive to stories of child labour exploitation under the virtual
slavery that does exist under such bonded systems.
Groups against child labour and charities in Germany, the Netherlands,
Sweden and Britain have launched a campaign to boycott Indian carpets. In
the United States legislation is mooted which would ban the imports of
products even partly manufactured by child labour.
A large scale consumer boycott would hurt New Zealand's wool exports.
India and Nepal- combined- make up our second most important export
destination. Wools of New Zealand realises therefore that continuing
trade relies on the government of the region taking firm action under
their laws to prevent exploitive child labour.
However it is a fact of life, like on many New Zealand farms, that family
labour is vital to keep much of the Indian and Nepalese carpet making
ventures viable. The results of banning such work would be devastating
for many Indian and Nepalese families.
The distinction Wools of New Zealand makes, between family and bonded
labour, is shared by the campaign group here, Children Free New Zealand.
However, news media fabrications will not help in putting pressure on the
Indian government. Wools of New Zealand Group Manager for Fibre
Marketing, Roger Buchanan says, "Panorama's programme has dragged Nepal
into an issue that has been previously confined to India, since we are
unaware of bonded child labour in Nepal."
Roger Buchanon says, "We welcome the serious endeavours of both Nepalese
and Indian governments to tighten the application of law, and institute
welfare measures. It is an emotive issue where many responsible
manufacturers and New Zealand woolgrowers see the risk of being caught in
the crossfire."
In India, a recent report from the Carpet Export Promotion Council says
the Indian carpet industry acknowledges the existence of child labour in
carpet manufacturing, but does not condone it in any way. The report
states: "It is a hard reality which cannot be merely wished away, and
there is no immediate or one time solution to it. Bonded labour or any
form of exploitation of child labour is abhorred by the industry."
The most recent legislation is the Child Labour (Prohibition and
Regulation) Act of 1986. The Act bans the employment of children below 14
years in various occupations- with the exception of family based work.
This distinction recognises the difference between child exploitation,
and where specialised skills pass from one generation to another.
The report accepts that child labour exists in the carpet industry, but
says a comprehensive study has not been made before, therefore all
figures publicised and printed are based on estimates. The Indian
government and carpet industry takes note of one survey from the National
Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
Last year this study placed the total child labour component in the
carpet industry at about eight percent of the total workforce. About four
percent of this figure is family child labour, which is allowed under
Indian law. Hired child labour, including local as well as transitory
child labour, is between three and four percent.
India is introducing measures to combat child labour. The Indian
government is introducing welfare and rehabiliation measures for the
children. In the industry, the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), has
registered more than 60,000 loom owners. The owners undertake in writing
they will not employ child labour. The government has made CEPC
membership compulsary for Indian carpet exporters, which means terminated
membership prevents them from exporting carpets. END
***************************************************************
Subject: nepali movie
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 1994 19:09:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Pranab Rajbhandari" <rajbhand@student.msu.edu>
I tried sending Bhanu Neupane
a direct e-mail. It bounced back.
I have a copy of Ujeli with me.
Could you pl. get in touch with me?
My add is Rajbhand@student.msu.edu
I am also interested in good Nepali
movies with English subtitles. Would
appreciate it if anyone out there has
suggestions.
Pranab
*********************************************************************
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 94 17:21 EST
From: PFC <0005798968@mcimail.com>
To: Nepal-Contribution <Nepal@cs.niu.edu>
Subject: Dear Editor
Dear Editor
I recently started receiving the digest and i must congratulate you for
doing such a great job.
In addition to extremely enlightening comments,reviews,analysis and
informative stories why dont you include the news on Nepal from various
news agencies,newspapers,magazines or other sources.
It would be great if we could have latest news specially the economic
news.
I am a research analyst with Center for Global Trade Development - an
research organiz. focused on international trade and economic development
and my area is economic development worldwide with special focus on
emerging markets.
I would like to know opinions of readers on any experience related to
economic development in various fields of economic activity.
I am deeply interested in Nepal's economy and its participation in the
growing and ever interdependent global economy.
Women in Hindu Society
----------------------
The analysis of Mr.Pramod K.Mishra is very well expressed and i fully
agree with his conclusions.
I understand that this was "VII" in a serial of articles.
Is there any way i can get his previous write-ups on this issue?
With love from Arizona
Kumar Kapila
cgtd@mcimail.com
********************************************************************
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 1994 16:27:11 EDT
From: pramod@UFCC.UFL.EDU
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
Subject: titar bitar
Flight from new Nepal
On my way to the United States,the passenger next to me aboard Singapore
Airlines was apparently looking hostile but to get over that nostalgia
thing i courteously asked him,"how are you"? "i am relieved ",he grated
in a manner that very much sounded like a loosing coach's half time
dressing room pep talk. I could not interpret what that "relieved" meant.
He smirked to see that (?) look in my face."aren't you delighted to see
that lightened bulb"?,he pointed up my head to show that feeble bulb
above the passenger seat.He further teased me "it's 6:30 and it is still
on",he was offensively correct. I tried to console myself by thinking
that one day we will start Arun 3,of course our lawyers are designing
the rest of the project."So how long did you stay in Nepal"?(i did not
want to give up either) "three weeks",his answer was brief,impolite and
rebounded so briskly that i had to beg his pardon.He presumed i had a
problem with his accent,he raised his both hands showed me his palms
and flipped it,Eureka!that's twenty days(i am an engineer i know these
multiplications and he was not any finger short,i checked that too).
"So brownouts bothered you,what else"? i asked in a public attorney's
tone, his gaze was a portent of something very undiplomatic so i
immediately overruled myself and mitigated my interrogation "how did
you find the rest of the things there like..........people(bingo!), i
had heard a good deal tourists exalt mountains,Pokhara and people.
"Terrible",he spewed.I really felt like a host of a party where a guest
leaves saying "i gotta take my mother in law to a movie.
I did not want to poke him anymore,i guessed he might have been vexed
by our new weekly festival called "Nepal banda" or perhaps too much
chemicals(in Kathmandu air) acidified his tongue.
I decided i'd rather be "homesick" than be "sick" talking to that
uncouth rogue.For a minute he remained dormant too,then exploded"you
know my wife got hospitalized in your country just for her slogan."
"what do you mean"?, "her slogan"(the guy was getting on my nerves
splitting my brain tissues) "what slogan"?, i demanded."In Nepal do
as Nepalese do" he quoted."Wwat did see do"?,he toned down a bit,
"she drank the same water".
I felt somehow accountable for his wife's sickness so with the all
restrained manner possible i confessed,"it's pathetic that we still
have diseases like "jaundice,typhoid and cholera", he added "now you
have democracy too".
pramod sagar dhakal
university of florida,gainesville.
******************************************************************
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 1994 02:35:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: RA3371@ALBNYVMS.BITNET
Subject: Kura Kani
To: nepal@cs.niu.edu
I am astounded and appaled at how well the editors of Nepal Digest have
been able to put together such great work. On numerous occassions I have
heard Nepalese complaining about how much the Asian Indians have achieved
here in the U.S. and that Nepali people have not done anything but to
serve their own needs. The Nepal Digest is a classic example of how
certain Nepalese have done a lot of good. Sure the Indians have done a
lot but that does not mean we cannot do the same or even more. A lot of
us fail to realize that Indians have been here in the U.S. for decades
and in huge numbers. Nepalese have been here only for a short period and
the population has only recently balooned. By 1990 there were only a
total of 10,000 Nepalese in the U.S. I feel that Nepalese are just as
capable as any other ethnic group and we must work towards bettering
each other rather than complaining and criticizing about each other.
My hat goes off to the staff of Nepal Digest and everyone else involved.
-----
This is regarding the article by Pramod K. Misra. I have not explored
Mr. Misra's article in detail but it seems to me that Mr. Missra has
portrayed the Nepali society as a very pessimistic one. I do not claim
to be a socialogist and may not understand the deep implications of
our society, but I cannot refrain from criticizing the author's rather
extreme remarks. I wholly agree that women in Nepal carry the burden of
society and their status in the family needs to be enhanced. However,
this can only occur gradually and I believe it has over the past decades.\
My grandmother was married at age 8, my mother at 14 and my sisters at
about 20. So the change is occuring gradually. And so has the status
in the later generations. My criticism of Mr. Misra's article is that
he is judging the Nepali Culture from the prospective of the western
civilization. One cannot come to a good conclusion by judging the
nepali society by establishing the western culture as a basis of evaluation.
The differences in values are just to wide for comparision.
We must understand that most societies always have an underprevilaged
class. For our society it is obvious-women. If you look at the western
culure it is not so obvious- but it is the children. How about how the
children feel in U.S. when 50% of the time they do not know who their
fathers are or who their mothers are. Or how about having to live with
strangers who they call stepfathers. It is easy to criticize the nepali
society and forget the western countries that have similiar family related
problems. Do we want to shift from the society we have right now in Nepal
to the one as in western countries?. Should we shift from women being
underprevilaged to children being underprevilaged. Neither society is
good. We must therefore gradually change the nepali society to somewhere
in between these two extremes and shift the burden to all members of
society.
Perhaps Mr. Misra would take a more positive outlook at the place
we were born and not be so judgemental and sarcastic. Perhaps you want
to take a second look at the western culture( the one you adore), and
not use this culture as a basis of judgement of the Nepali culture.
I am Rajesh Acharya. Living in Albany, NY.
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