MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS NEW DELHI
No.KAT/31/2000
September 18, 2000 Pashupati temple is the
most important shrine of Nepal. It has great religious and cultural significance for
Hindus all over the world. A large number of pilgrims apart from other tourists from India
and elsewhere in the world visit Pashupatinath. With a view to developing
adequate infrastructure and other facilities around the Pashupati Temple, the Pashupati
Area Development Trust (PADT) has drawn up a Master Plan . As part of development of the
Pashupati area, the PADT had requested Government of India to assist in the construction
of a dharamshala at Tilganga. The dharamashala will cater to the accommodation
requirements of pilgrims. PRESS RELEASE
No.KAT/30/2000
September 15, 2000 It is regretted that reports have come out in
some sections of the media, misquoting what the Ambassador of India, Shri Deb Mukharji,
said during his visit to Pokhara recently. Embassy of India would like to state that
the distorted reports can cause misgivings among the friendly people of Nepal. The
following facts are, therefore, stated to allay any such misgivings: PRESS RELEASE No.KAT/28/2000 September 11, 2000 VISIT OF NDC TEAM FROM INDIA TO NEPAL A 20 member team from the National Defence College (NDC), India, is presently on a four day visit to Nepal from Sep 11 to 14, 2000. National Defence College of India is an apex institution engaged in the study of the higher direction of policy at the national and international level which senior military and civilian officials may be called upon to handle in the course of their careers. The course is attended by senior officers of the Indian Defence Forces and Civil Services as well as Armed Forces Officers of friendly foreign countries. At present, Brig Gen Dilip Kumar Karki of the Royal Nepalese Army, is also attending this prestigious course. As part of their curriculum, the College organises tours to neighbouring and other foreign countries to enable student officers to interact with their counterparts and to acquaint themselves with the socio-political, economic, defence and foreign policy aspects of the countries they visit. With this objective in view, the members of the NDC team will be exchanging views with senior civil and military officials during their current visit to Nepal. The visiting team will pay a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Ram Chandra Poudel, Shri Tirthaman Shakya, Chief Secretary, Shri Keshavraj Rajbhandari, Defence Secretary, Shri Prithvi Raj Ligal, Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission, Shri Lila P Sharma, Acting Foreign Secretary, HMGN, Shri Nihal Rodrigo, SAARC Secretary General and also meet General Prajwalla SJB Rana, Chief of the Army Staff of the Royal Nepalese Army. A similar visit had taken place in 1999. The visiting NDC Team is headed by Air Marshal VG Kumar, PVSM,AVSM,VM, Commandant NDC and Major General PK Renjen, AVSM, Senior Directing Staff (Army-I) of the College. Besides Indian civil and military officers, the visiting team has officers from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Oman, Myanmar and Nigeria. PRESS RELEASE Indian Ambassador Presents Books to Tribhuvan University Mr. Deb Mukharji, Ambassador of India to Nepal presented more than 300 books on various subjects to Hon’ble Mr Naveen Prakash Jung Shah, Vice- Chancellor of Tribhuvan University. These books would help to foster education and research in various disciplines like Sociology, Political Science, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Management, Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography and Literature. This is a small token of
support for the excellent work being done by the University in the field of higher
education. Gifting of books to educational institutions in Nepal is an ongoing activity of the Government of India, and is aimed at promoting human resource development. No.KAT/27/2000
August 17, 2000 The India Trade Promotion Organisation in association with Embassy of
India, Kathmandu will present the fourth Indian Trade Exhibition at Kathmandu from 19th to
24th of September 2000. Nepal India Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Federation of
Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry have provided valuable support in the
planning, participation and arrangements of the Fair. A
strong and lasting trade relation between the two countries has already been laid.
Cementing the foundation for greater opportunities and building on the existing framework
of the bilateral economic relationship will be the aims and objectives of the new
millennium India Trade Exhibition – 2000 (ITE – 2000). The
ITE–2000 therefore offers an ideal platform to explore and expand opportunities for
trade and cooperation between India and Nepal. The exposition profile will attest a range
of competitive sourcing options and encourage attractive joint venture collaborations and
technology transfers prospects.
Indian Independence Day celebrated in Nepal
On
the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the Independence Day of India, the Ambassador of
India to Nepal, Shri Deb Mukharji, hoisted the Indian Flag at the Indian Embassy grounds
today. The ceremony was attended by several thousand Indian nationals.After reading
out the President’s message to the nation, the Ambassador spoke about the
multi-faceted and deep relationship between Nepal and India. Referring to the tremendous
potential for creating economic growth through cooperation, Ambassador Mukharji said that
we will continue to make sincere efforts and endeavour to further enhance our mutual trust
and cooperation. He
expressed confidence that the new areas of cooperation discussed during the visit of Rt.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Girija Prasad Koirala, to India recently will
bring faster economic and social development to people on both sides of the border. Ambassador Mukharji presented a cheque and citation to Shri Ravindra
Baskota for Maulana Azad Essay Competition on behalf of the Indian Council for Cultural
Relations. He also presented books to Birat Science Campus, Biratnagar; National
Academy of Science and Commerce, Biratnagar; All Nepal Peasants Association, Kathmandu;
Koteshwor Multiple Campus, Kathmandu; and Pashupati Lal Kedia Peace Foundation,
Kathmandu. A
mobile clinic-cum-ambulance was also handed over to Paropkar Shree Panch Indra Rajya Laxmi
Maternity Hospital (Prasuti Graha), Kathmandu. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Modern Indian School and DAV
School presented a cultural programme to add gaiety and fervour to the occasion. No. KAT/26/2000
15th August, 2000 Indian Embassy donates mobile clinic on India's Independence
Day On the
occasion of India's Independence Day, the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Shri Deb Mukharji,
donated one mobile clinic to Paropakar Shri Panch Indra Rajya Lakshmi Maternity Hospital
(Prasuti Griha), Kathmandu. Donation of the Ambulance is in continuation of the
programme under which eleven Ambulances were donated to various non-profit charitable
organisations in Nepal in the years 1998 and 1999. 2.
In his address after the traditional flag
hoisting ceremony at the Indian Embassy grounds, the Ambassador said that the presentation
of mobile clinic-cum-ambulance is a small gift from the people of India for providing
health care facilities in Nepal. 3.
India’s cooperation in health sector
in Nepal includes support to the Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, Birendra Police Hospital and
the Paropkar Prasuti Graha. India’s association with Paropkar Prasuti Graha
dates back to 1959. Over the years, the Government of India has contributed to the
growth of this institution. India has assisted earlier in the expansion of the existing
building and the setting up as well as equipping of a pathological laboratory. Some
equipment such as ambulance vans and incubators were provided. Training courses for nurses
from this institution were arranged and the Indian Women’s Club of Nepal also
contributed its share in the form of gifting equipment to this noble institution. In 1991,
the Resident Doctors Quarters Complex and Research Study Centre were constructed under
Indian assistance. Maternal and Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units were established by
Government of India at Prasuti Griha in 1999. Both the ICUs which were inaugurated by Rt.
Hon’ ble Prime Minister of Nepal in September, 1999 in the presence of
Hon’ ble External Affairs Minister of India. 4.
India has collaborated actively in the
setting up of the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan at a cost of Nepalese
Rupees 1300 million as a joint project with HMGN. The setting up of an Emergency and
Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital is expected to be taken up shortly. 5.
India had earlier assisted in the Goitre
Control Programme, which included iodised salt to the remote areas in Nepal. A
medicine pack scheme is being executed for ex-servicemen as also drinking water projects.
No.KAT/24/2000
August 3, 2000 JOINT
PRESS STATEMENT 2. During his visit, the Prime Minister of Nepal visited Rajghat and paid homage to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The Prime Minister of Nepal called on the President and the Vice President of India. He had a meeting with the Prime Minister of India, which was followed by delegation-level talks, led by the two Prime Ministers, on bilateral and other issues of mutual interest.Ministers of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Defence, Finance, Human Resource Dev- elopment and Water Resources of the Government of India called on the Prime Minister of Nepal. The Prime Minister of Nepal also received the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and the Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha.He also attended a business meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.He will visit Hyderabad where he will attend a dinner hosted by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, visit the Hi-tech City, interact with leaders of business and industry and attend a luncheon meeting hosted in his honour by the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries. 3. The wide-ranging
discussions during the visit were held in an atmosphere of warmth and cordiality.
During these discussions, the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal noted that the age-old
and traditional friendship between the peoples of the two countries, based on the enduring
bonds of history, geography and shared social and cultural values, had been reinforced in
recent times and bilateral cooperation expanded to embrace new areas of economic and
developmental activities. The Prime Ministers reiterated the commitment of their
Governments to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between the two
countries, in a spirit of equality, mutual respect and partnership and on the basis of an
enhanced level of trust and understanding, keeping the long-term perspective in
mind. The two Prime Ministers were convinced that a regular dialogue at various
levels was required to continuously explore new avenues of cooperation, implement
understandings reached in the past and avoid complacency. In the new millennium, the
two countries must constantly nurture and upgrade their partnership, which derived
sustenance from traditional links and shared values. 4. In the present
context of increasing globalisation and the communication revolution and the fast-changes
that have taken place at the national, regional and global levels, the two Prime Ministers
were convinced that the agenda of partnership in the 21st century must focus on expanding
mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation.The two Prime Ministers agreed that
the institutional mechanisms for dialogue and interaction in existence over the past 50
years be reviewed and rationalised in the context of the new millenium to set the tone for
mature relations and co- operation in the decades ahead. 5. In pursuing cooperative relations in this new framework, the two Prime Ministers agreed to respect each other’s sensitivities and concerns and to address such issues that might arise from time to time in a constructive manner. 6. The two Prime Ministers noted that in recent years, the ties between India and Nepal had been reinforced by their shared commitment to multi-party democracy. They noted that their commitment to the consolidation and institut- ionalisation of democratic values and principles had given the bilateral relations a new dynamism. Joint Commission: 7. It was agreed that the first meeting of the revived India-Nepal Joint Commission would be convened during the forth coming visit of the External Affairs Minister of India to Nepal. The Joint Commission would act as an umbrella body at the level of Foreign Ministers to oversee the entire gamut of bilateral relations and to provide directives on measures to further strengthen them. It would also review and rationalise the existing inter-Governmental mechanisms. Economic Cooperation: 8. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction that the work on the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences at Dharan, the 22-Bridges Project on the East-West Highway and the Maternal and Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units at Paropakar Indra Rajyalaxmi Maternity Hospital, Kathmandu, had been successfully completed. They directed that the work on the India-Nepal cooperation projects under implementation, including finalisation of the framework for con- tinued cooperation on the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences at Dharan with the strengthening and extension of Indian faculty support to the Institute till October 2009, the 200-bed Emergency and Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Raxaul-Sirsiya Rail Link Project and the Mahendranagar-Tanakpur Link Road Project, be expedited. 9. The Prime Ministers were apprised of the outcome of the Fifth Meeting of the India-Nepal High Level Task Force, held in Kathmandu on 6-7 June, 2000.They endorsed the recommendations made by the High Level Task Force and directed that the following new projects be implemented expeditiously:
Trade, Transit and Investment Links: 10. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction that the India-Nepal Trade Treaty of December 1996 and the Transit Treaty of January1999 had contributed to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and in facilitating Nepal’s transit through India. During the delegation-level talks, views were exchanged on some practical problems which had emerged during the implementation of these Treaties; particuarly on the Special Additional Duty, definition of “manufacturing”, issues of misdeclaration, facilitating access of Nepalese food products into the Indian market and certification procedures for import of Indian vehicles under Nepal’s new emission norms. 11. It was agreed that exports from Nepal to India would be exempted from the levy of Special Additional Duty oncustoms. It was also agreed that imports of Indian vehicles into Nepal under Nepal’s new emission norms would be permitted on the basis of self-certification by Indian vehicle manufacturers based on type approvals. 12. The Indian side conveyed that testing facilities were being set up at Gorakhpur and Raxaul, which would help to streamline procedures for Nepalese food exports to India. The Indian side also agreed to assist in upgrading the testing facilities in Nepal. 13. Both the Prime Ministers directed that the Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade, Transit and Unauthorised Trade, headed by the Commerce Secretaries of the two Governments, be convened soon to effectively address the remaining issues in a constructive manner and to take steps to promote trade and economic links between Nepal and India. 14. The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction that initiatives taken in recent years, including the conclusion of the trade treaty with its provision for preferential entry of Nepalese manufactures into the Indian market and liberalisation of procedures for Indian rupee investments in Nepal, had led to increased investment by Indian companies in Nepal. The two sides agreed to facilitate expansion of the industrial production base in Nepal, including through enhanced participation of the private sector. With this objective, it was agreed to conclude a Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (BIPA) at the earliest. 15. The two Prime Ministers also directed that the conclusion of a bilateral Agreement on Trans-Border Movement of Motor Vehicles be expedited. 16. Noting that
the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology
(NBSM) have had preliminary exchanges on cooperation in the field of standards, the two
Prime Ministers observed that this would be desirable for further promoting bilateral
trade and investment. Water Resources 17. The two Prime Ministers noted that the huge potential for development of hydropower resources in Nepal and the projected demand for power in India in the coming decades offered rich opportunities for cooperation to bring about rapid, environmentally sustainable economic growth on both sides of the border. However, the process of achieving concrete results had been relatively slow and needed to be accelerated. The Prime Ministers directed that a Joint Committee on Water Resources, headed by the Water Resources Secretaries of the two Governments, be set up to discuss all important issues pertaining to cooperation in the water resources sector including implementation of existing agreements and understandings. The Joint Committee, which would meet at least once in every six months, would also oversee the work of all technical and expert level committees and groups in this field. 18. The Prime Ministers reiterated that the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty would be given high priority. They directed that the remaining investigations and studies be completed as per the schedule agreed upon by the Joint Group of Experts on Pancheshwar and that the work on the preparation of the DPR be completed latest by the end of 2001. Unresolved issues pertaining to the DPR would be addressed by the Joint Committee on Water Resources. 19. On the Sapta Kosi High Dam and Sun Kosi - Kamla Diversion Projects, the two Prime Ministers agreed that the ongoing process be expedited. 20. The two Prime Ministers directed that the Joint Task Force on Flood Control and Forecasting be set up imme- diately to review cooperation in a comprehensive manner and give its recommendations to the two Governments. It was also agreed that there would be close consultations between the concerned authorities of the two Governments regarding flood control structures, which may cause damage to life and property in the adjoining border districts of India and Nepal. Responding to the Nepalese concern of inundation in the Banke District of Nepal, the Indian side assured that measures were being taken to ensure that the flood control embankment constructed in the Indian side would not cause inundation in the adjoining regions of Nepal and that the situation in this regard would be monitored jointly and necessary action taken. Cooperation in Science and Technology: 21.The two Prime Ministers noted that an Agreement of Cooperation in Science and Technology would be concluded shortly. Cooperation in Information Technology: 22. In response to a request received from the Nepalese side, the Indian side agreed to extend their cooperation in the development of information technology in Nepal. It was agreed that a Technology Institute would be established in Nepal as an India-Nepal partnership project, with information technology as the key thrust area. Other avenues of cooperation in this vital sector would be identified through mutual consultations. Cooperation in Human Resource Development: 23. Taking note of traditional links between India and Nepal in the field of human resource development, the two Prime Ministers agreed that the cooperation in this key sector must be reinforced. This would include, inter alia, the continuing involvement of India, both at the Governmental level as well as through the private sector, in development of institutions of higher learning and technical studies in Nepal. The Indian side noted the concern expressed by the Nepalese side regarding the high fee structure for the Nepalese students for pursuing higher education in India and assured that necessary measures would be taken to address the problem. Cooperation in Conservation of Cultural Heritage: 24. Noting that India and Nepal shared a rich cultural heritage and there were a large number of cultural sites which were of importance to the peoples of the two countries, the two Prime Ministers agreed that joint efforts, both at Governmental and non-Governmental levels, to conserve such cultural heritage sites would be mutually beneficial and that the possibility of setting up a Cultural Foundation would be explored. Boundary Demarcation: 25. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the progress in the work of the Joint Technical Level Boundary Committee and directed the Committee to complete its field work by 2001-2002 and final preparation of strip maps by 2003. The Committee was also directed that in case it was unable to reach mutually acceptable agreement on certain specific segments of the boundary despite its best efforts, detailed reports on those pockets, including a compilation of the available evidence, would be submitted to the two Governments for their consideration. The Prime Ministers also directed the Joint Working Group of the Joint Technical-Level Boundary Committee to expeditiously complete its examination of the facts relating to the alignment of the boundary in the western sector, including the Kalapani area, and in other pockets, where there were differences in perceptions of the two sides. 1950 Treaty: 26. The Prime Ministers directed the Foreign Secretaries to undertake a review of all issues pertaining to the 1950 Treaty. The Foreign Secretaries would meet within six months. Terrorism/Management of Border: 27. The Prime Ministers reiterated the determination of the two countries to work closely and fight the scourge of terrorism. They renewed the commitment of the two countries not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities directed against or prejudicial to the security of the other. In pursuance of their shared objective of combating terrorism and cross-border crimes, the two Governments agreed to devise effective modalities and measures to strengthen their existing cooperation in this regard. 28. The two Prime Ministers were apprised of the outcome of the discussions held by the Home Secretaries of the two Governments in Kathmandu from 5-7 July, 2000. Expressing their satisfaction at the progress made in those discussions, they directed the Home Secretaries to meet regularly to review and expand the cooperation between the concerned law enforcement and security agencies of India and Nepal. 29. While expressing the determination of the two Governments to preserve the mutually beneficial open interaction between the nationals of the two countries across the border, the Prime Ministers agreed on the need to prevent the misuse of the open border by terrorists criminals and other undesirable elements.They directed that cooperation in this regard be stepped up.Discussions on the management of the border would continue in the Joint Working Groups on Border Management as well as in talks between the two Home Secretaries. Indian Teachers in Nepal: 30. In response to the request made by the Indian side for the regularisation of the services of Indian school and college teachers employed in Nepal, the Nepalese side assured that the decision taken by His Majesty’s Government in 1998 in this regard would be implemented. Consulate General of India at Birgunj: 31. Responding to the long-standing Indian request for the setting up of the Consulate General of India at Birgunj, the Nepalese side informed that the request was under consideration of His Majesty’s Government.
Invitation: 32.
The Prime Minister of Nepal invited the Prime Minister of India to pay an official visit
to Nepal at an early date. The invitation was accepted with pleasure. The
dates of the visit would be decided through diplomatic channels. We have come across several reports emanating in the media and other circles, which suggest that there has been large-scale inundation in the Banke District of Nepal due to construction of a barrage on the Rapti river at Laxmanpur in India. It has also been suggested that the barrage has been constructed in violation of international norms. The facts are different and are given below.
No.KAT/22/2000 July 12, 2000Medical
Council of India recognises the MBBS degrees awarded by B.P. Koirala Institute of Health
Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan 2. B.P
Koirala Institute of Health Sciences is one of the most prestigious projects undertaken in
Nepal with Indian assistance. The Government of India’s contribution for this project
was NRs. 1280 million. Besides developing the infrastructure, the GOI is providing the
services of Indian medical experts to BPKIHS for a period of 15 years i.e. upto 2009. The
GOI has also provided training facilities to Nepalese doctors in Indian medical
institutions for Post-graduate courses in various disciplines. 3.
The B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences(BPKIHS), Dharan was inaugurated
and dedicated to the nation in September 1999 by the Prime Minister of Nepal in the
presence of the External Affairs Minister of India. The Institute is fully functional and
is providing health care facilities to the eastern part of Nepal.
Minister for Industry, Commerce &
Supplies lays Foundation Stone for
Raxaul-Birgunj Railway Link, July 11, 2000
Mr.
Ramakrishna Tamrakar, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, HMGN, laid the
Foundation Stone for the Raxaul-Birgunj Railway Link in the presence of Mr. Digvijay
Singh, the Indian Minister of State for Railways in a ceremony held at the Inland
Container Depot (ICD) at Birgunj on July 11, 2000. Mr. N.B. Nemwang, Minister
of State for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Mr. Deb Mukharji, the
Ambassador of India, Members of Parliament, Chairman, DDC, Parsa, representatives of the
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a host of other dignitaries were present on the
occasion. 2.
The project envisages construction of a rail link measuring 5.3 kms from the
current rail head at Raxaul to the ICD at Birgunj and about 6 kms of railway track inside
the ICD. This broad gauge railway line is being constructed by India on a request
received from Nepal. The total cost of this project is 275 Million Rupees. The
Raxaul-Birgunj crossing serves as an important entry point into Nepal and caters to about
70% of the imports. It is also one of the most important points for Nepalese
exports. 3.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tamrakar thanked the Indian Government for all
the assistance which has been extended for the development of infrastructure in Nepal. The
Minister expressed the hope that the Raxaul-Birgunj Railway Link will open up a new era of
cooperation between the two countries in the railway sector. 4.
Mr. Digvijay Singh mentioned that the setting up of the broad gauge railway line between
Raxaul and Sirsiya marks an important milestone for India-Nepal cooperation. There had
been a long felt need for a rail link connecting Nepal with the gateway port of
Calcutta and for an efficient system for handling of the Nepal bound cargo. He hoped that
this link will open up new vistas of further cooperation between the two countries in
different fields. 5.
This railway line which is being built in conjunction with the Nepal Multi-modal Trade and
Transit Facilitation Project (NMTTFP) would help boost internal and external trade and
commerce in Nepal by cutting down the transportation costs of imports and exports
significantly. 6. The
project for the construction of the broad gauge railway link is being executed by M/s
IRCON under the supervision of the Indian Railways. No.KAT/20/2000 June 26, 2000 Nepal and India agree for watershed based agricultural development The
Secretaries in Ministry of Agriculture of India and Nepal, on June 23, signed a new Work
Plan in New Delhi to continue cooperation in the field of agriculture between the two
countries. This Work Plan was signed at the end of the three-day visit of a
ten-member Nepalese delegation to India to attend the Fourth Meeting of Joint Agricultural
Working Group. The Group was constituted under the Memorandum of Understanding
between the two Governments signed in 1991. Both sides also agreed to take necessary
steps to extend the validity of the present MOU by another 10 years after its expiry in
2001. Both sides have agreed to cooperate in implementing
the programmes for watershed based agricultural development in eco-fragile zones of two
countries for increasing the income level of farmers and mitigating the problem of
floods. The two delegations also agreed to enter into a dialogue to conclude a
bilateral agreement on sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures encompassing plant and animal
quarantine and food safety requirements. Among other notable achievements of this meeting
include agreement on exchanging information and advanced technologies for upgradation of
cash crops including horticulture and spices. The Indian side also offered to supply
farm machinery and sprinkler/drip irrigation systems on negotiated commercial terms for
agricultural development in Nepal. The Nepalese side welcomed the Indian offer. Both sides reiterated the need for eradication of
rinderpest and BCCP diseases and agreed to exchange team of experts to formulate a Plan of
Action in this regard at the earliest. Under the same MOU, another Work Plan between Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) is
also in operation simultaneously and a number of programmes have been successfully
implemented under this Work Plan.
No.KAT/19/2000 June 9, 20001.The XIIIth Indian Army Ex-servicemen
Welfare Organisation in Nepal (IEWON) meeting is being held at Kathmandu under the aegis
of Military Wing, Embassy of India from 04 Jun 2000 to 11 Jun 2000. The IEWON is an
organisation designed to look after the welfare of Indian Armed Forces ex-servicemen in
Nepal. This meeting is attended by senior officers of the Indian Army and senior
HMGN officials headed by the Defence Secretary. This meeting is held annually to review
the welfare projects executed for the Indian ex-servicemen and also to explore
possibilities of new projects. 3. India distributes Nepalese Rupees 595
Crores approximately as pension to 1,07,000 pensioners in Nepal every year.India has also
earmarked Indian Rupees 2.55 Crores annually on various welfare schemes for Indian Army
ex-servicemen residing in Nepal.Highlights of the welfare schemes are periodic visits of
Medical, Eye and Dental Teams to interior areas of Nepal, financial assistance to schools,
scholarships to children of ex-servicemen including scholarship for professional courses
like MBBS, BE, MBA and MCA, Drinking Water Projects, Medicine Packet Scheme and other
such schemes.The Military Wing, Embassy of India is also running Vocational Training
Centres at Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan and 12 other District Soldier Boards where courses
on Computers, Typing, English Language, Knitting and Stitching are being conducted.
Such vocational courses are helpful in enhancing employment prospects of wards of
ex-servicemen.The Welfare Project Bus, which was started last year has been well received
and ex-servicemen are utilising the same, for to and fro movement between their homes and
Pension Paying Camps. In the current year it is proposed to commence a Nepal Bharat
Maitri Vidyalaya, at the Pension Paying Office Pokhara, with the aim to provide quality
education to the wards of the ex-servicemen. No.KAT/18/2000 June 8, 2000 FIFTH MEETING OF NEPAL-INDIA HLTF CONCLUDES : 6-7 JUNE 2000 Shri Brajesh Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, visited Kathmandu from 6 to 7 June, 2000 to attend the fifth meeting of India-Nepal High Level Task Force (HLTF). He led the Indian delegation to the HLTF meeting, while the Nepalese delegation was led by Mr. Tirtha Man Shakya, Chief Secretary, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal.Shri Mishra was received in audience by His Majesty the King of Nepal. He also called on Prime Minister G.P. Koirala, Home Minister Govinda Raj Joshi and the Leader of Opposition in Parliament Madhav Kumar Nepal. The HLTF reviewed the progress of
Indian-aided projects in Nepal, including recently completed and ongoing projects,
and examined new project proposals. It also deliberated on other aspects of bilateral
economic relations, including water resources, trade, transit and investment links. The HLTF noted that several key projects,
including the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) at Dharan, 22 Bridges
Project along the East-West Highway in Western Nepal and Maternal and Neo-natal Intensive
Care Units at Paropakar Maternity Hospital in Kathmandu, had been completed successfully
in recent months. It was agreed that the Government of India’s association with the
BPKIHS, including through faculty support up to the year 2009, would continue. India would
also continue its four-decade-long association with the Maternity Hospital. It was also agreed that the work on the
prestigious 200-bed Emergency and Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, which is to be
developed as a partnership project of the two Governments, would be taken up on a priority
basis. The technical parameters of the project have already been finalised during
the recent visit of an Indian expert team headed by the Director of All-India Institute of
Medical Sciences, New Delhi The two sides agreed to complete other
projects in the pipeline in a timely manner. These projects included the extension of the
Indian Railways from Raxaul up to the Inland Container Depot under construction at Sirsiya
(Birgunj) in Nepal and construction of the Link Road from Tanakpur (India) to
Mahendranagar (Nepal). It was also agreed to enhance the ongoing cooperation in flood
control and flood forecasting. During the HLTF meeting, the Principal
Secretary reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to continue its engagement
in Nepal’s developmental efforts. After examining new project proposals, the HLTF
agreed on the following: Cooperation between the two Governments in
improving physical facility and infrastructure at important border customs stations and
check-posts, beginning with three major border crossings at Raxaul-Birgunj,
Sunauli-Bhairahawa and Jogbani-Biratnagar. A consultant would be tasked to prepare a
blueprint for the improvement of infrastructure at these crossings. Cooperation in development of
infrastructure, including transportation and communication links, in the adjoining
districts of Nepal and India. A consultant would shortly be appointed to draw up a plan of
action in consultation with the concerned authorities of the two Governments. Launching of jointly-developed pilot
projects in Nepal in the field of rural and community development. The officials of the
Planning Commissions of the two countries would meet soon to work out details of the pilot
projects. Cooperation between the two Governments in
jointly setting up a small or medium sized hydropower project in Nepal. An Indian expert
team would visit Nepal in the near future to identify the project. The feasibility study
of the project would be undertaken thereafter. Cooperation in setting up an Export
Processing Zone (EPZ) close to the Inland Container Depot being developed at
Birgunj. A consultant would be appointed to work out the feasibility report for the
proposed EPZ. Cooperation in developing the dairy
industry in Nepal, with the involvement of the National Dairy Development Boards of India
and Nepal. Specific projects would be identified through mutual consultations. Cooperation in the establishment of a
Technology Institute in the Terai, with information technology being one of its key
components. It was agreed that the Wäter Resources
Secretaries of the two Governments would meet at an early date to discuss issues relating
to cooperation in this sector, including implementation of the Mahakali Treaty. It was agreed that the joint
investigations and studies for the Detailed Project Report of Sapta Koshi High Dam Project
would be undertaken on a priority basis. A joint team of experts from the two
Governments would soon undertake an on-site study of the reported inundation on the
Nepalese side due to the construction of the right afflux bund of the barrage on the Rapti
river at Laxmanpur and the problem of erosion of Sanedhi bund in India on Sharda river
reportedly due to construction of an embankment on the Nepalese side, and submit its
recommendations to the two Governments. An Indian delegation would be visiting
Nepal soon to discuss with reputed Nepalese companies manufacturing branded food products,
procedures to streamline the testing of such products being exported to India. The two
sides agreed to expedite negotiations on bilateral agreement on trans-border movement of
motor vehicles. It was also agreed to conclude a bilateral agreement on investment
protection and promotion at an early date. It was clarified by the Indian side that
CENVAT introduced under the budget for the fiscal year 2000-2001 would also be admissible
for reimbursement to HMG/N under the Duty Refund Procedure. There was a useful exchange of views on several other issues relating to trade, transit and investment links. Discussions on these issues would be continued through designated channels. The Chief Secretary of Nepal accepted an invitation from the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister to visit India. Dates of the visit would be decided through diplomatic channels
Understanding for setting up of
an Emergency and India and Nepal have agreed
to expedite the setting up of an Emergency and Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital in Kathmandu
with Indian assistance at a total cost of NRs. 650 million.An understanding in this regard
was reached during the visit of a high level Indian Team of Experts, led by Prof. P.K.
Dave,Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi to Kathmandu
from May 31-June 4, 2000.The Agreed Minutes of the Meeting was signed by Director, AIIMS
and Director, Bir Hospital on June 3, 2000 in the presence of the Hon'ble Minister of
Health, HMGN, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav and His Excellency Mr.K.V.Rajan, the Ambassador of India
to Nepal.A host of other dignitaries from India and Nepal were also present on the
occasion. The Emergency and Trauma Centre has been conceived as a partnership
project, to be developed jointly by the two Governments as a centre of excellence.The two
sides have now agreed to complete all pre-construction formalities, including the
preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), latest by September 2001.The
understanding reached between the two countries for setting up of the Emergency and Trauma
Centre would then be formalised in the form of a Bilateral Agreement, expected to be
concluded by October 2001.The on-site construction shall commence immediately thereafter
in November 2001 and attain completion within a period of 24 months. India's association with
the development of Bir Hospital dates back to 1970. In 1984-85, a 5-storeyed OPD complex
with the capacity to accommodate 2500 out-patients and equipped with sophisticated
facilities was constructed under Government of India assistance at a total cost of NRs.
960 million. Thereafter, a modern Nuclear Imaging Medicine Centre as well as other
equipment for use in the OPD was provided by the Government of India at an additional cost
of NRs. 480 million, making the Hospital a premier health care institution in Nepal.
The foundation stone for the Emergency and
Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital was laid during Indian Prime Minister I.K. Gujral's visit to
Nepal in June 1997.The proposed Centre will essentially cater to medical and surgical
emergencies and accident cases and will have a Central Monitoring Station with wireless
links with ambulance vans. The Centre will have facilities for emergency care pertaining
to Cardiology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology, General Surgery, and Internal
Medicine.The Emergency and Trauma Centre, which will be the first of its kind in Nepal, is
proposed to be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to cater to medical
and surgical emergencies, as also for handing accident cases.
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