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Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '302', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback May 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Federalism Is In <br /> </strong><br /> <br /> <img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="299" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cover story.jpg" style="width: 227px; height: 299px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="227" /><br /> Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don;t hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country. Therefore, it was good to have it covered as the cover story in the April issue of New Business Age which shed light on the fiscal face of federalism in Nepal.<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">The politicians till now used federalism to their advantage by manipulating the ethnic sentiments of the countrymen. The federalism that would really give people the fruit of prosperity, rights and recognition is not even pronounced by the law makers. They are busy playing the political musical chair. The fiscal aspect of federalism needs a thorough discussion at the policy making level. The new constitution that is going to be promulgated sooner or later needs to incorporate federalism as the country has already been pronounced a federal republic. <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Until now, federalism has not become more than an emotional bait to win the sentiments of different communities that have fallen back in the race of mainstreaming. The devolution of states based on ethnicity is the example of that principle. The ethnicity-based federalism is a slogan raised by political parties for cheap popularity. In the end, it is not going to meet the expectations of the ethnic communities. Experts opine that ethnic federalism is a suicidal approach.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Overall development must be an agenda and the major goal of federalism. Economic base is something that cannot be taken lightly while devolving the states. The map should be sketched in a manner that would equally and justly divide resources among states to guarantee the autonomy of the state nations. Lawmakers should not delay discussing such important aspects.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The world has witnessed the failure of many nation states. We cannot be assured that, as a country, we are going to be an exception. We must look to divide states in a way that they can sustain on their own and meet their economic needs. Otherwise, we may be left to blame ourselves for the failure of federalism that we hold high expectations from. Lawmakers should now concentrate on the country's development rather than spending their time and energy to save their jobs as Constituent Assembly Member by indefinitely extending it without an end result.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b>- Bibash Aryal</b></span><br /> Paknajole, Kathmandu<br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></p> <div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>The Divided Business Community</strong><br /> <br /> The Biztoon in your New Business Age's April issue caught my attention. It raised a question as to who actually represents the business community. The business community in Nepal is responsible for creating jobs for thousands. The contribution to the economy made by the private sector is definitely praiseworthy. It currently lacks a favourable investment climate. The aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs can do wonders if the business leadership can lead the community competitively. Some industrialists have become parliament members in the hope of representing the business fraternity only to get entangled in world of messy politics themselves. In this regard, the umbrella association of the business community, FNCCI, must set an example and lead the community to unprecedented economic development. It's a relief that the FNCCI elections are over. I hope that no two (or are there more?) panels exist now and the elected executive committee will work for a common agenda.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Basanta Sharma</b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">New Road<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></span></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <br /> </span></b></span></p> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don't hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country.', 'sortorder' => '227', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '300', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback April 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>Make The Most Of The Sun</strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "><br /> I</span><span style="">n Nepal, we are fortunate to have sunshine round the year. Rajan Pradhan in his article, Producing Energy, the Solar Way in the March issue of New Business Age has written that Nepal has the potential of producing 26,000 Mega Watts of solar energy. Going by this account, we are rich in this alternate source of power besides the usual and much promised hydropower.<br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Though we have resources, we are people who are forced to spend our lives in darkness, for most part of the day and night. Power cut reaching up to 18 hours a day is a pathetic state-of-affairs, to say the least. It seems we are training ourselves to live without electricity. Since the successive governments have failed oh-so-miserably in providing a solution, the time has come for us people to take the matter in our own hands and start generating power ourselves. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Business houses and industries have started doing so. Most of the households too have made their arrangement of UPS or invertors. However, very few have thought about installing solar power. As Pradhan observes it could be due to the high EMI on loan. Though it might seem expensive for first time installation, it is relatively cheaper over the long term. Solar panel can meet daily power needs and save on outrageous monthly electricity bills. I personally have seen this in villages where households have installed solar panels before electrification reached them. Despite electricity authority reaching them now, they refuse to subscribe to conventional power as they are happy with their existing arrangement. The solar electricity produced in households can even be supplied to the national grid like in the European countries if adequate provisions can be made. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The government must think about providing subsidies and soft loans and introduce special schemes to those who want to use the alternative energy which is also eco friendly and easily available. Either the government must end the power crisis immediately or help people install the solar option.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Surya Chapagain</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Satdobato</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Stop Terrorising Businesses<br /> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31);">N</span>epal is experiencing a slow pace of economic growth and even slower industrialisation. The power woes and unstable political environment are impeding the country’s growth. Business houses always emphasise that stable political situation and lasting peace and security are imperative for industrialisation. An investment friendly environment cannot be created without a stable socio political environment. <br /> <br /> </span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In the last week of March, we have seen fresh cases of impunity in the Terai where most industries are located. Such incidences would affect businesses and investor psychology about the future. This would further derail the process of economic growth. Such activities are adding pressure to the already existing troubles. The concerned groups must start thinking about the nation and economic prosperity. Everybody needs to understand that without the development of industries and private sector, Nepal cannot tread on the path of sustainable growth and development.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Narayan Prasad Adhikari</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Chitwan</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "><br /> </span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Banks Must Get More Responsible</span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31); letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">T</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">he cover story on banking industry in your March issue portrayed a detailed picture of this sector. The growth of the banking and financial institutions is a good thing but their limited reach to the rural areas is a worrisome attribute. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Time and again, there are issues of banks and finance companies failure. Recent examples include Samjhana Finance and Gurkha Development Bank. Some might say this is bound to happen given the crowd of 272 banks and financial institutions. But this is not something that cannot be controlled. The closure or failure of a bank is not comparable to the closure of a retail shop on a street corner. A financial institution's closure leaves a huge crater on the entire economy. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> The story rightly point out that this is a well regulated sector. However, despite such regulation and strong monitoring by the Nepal Rastra Bank, incidences of failure occur time and again. Such incidents repeating amidst central bank regulations are rather unfortunate. Most of the time, failure of corporate governance has resulted into such mishaps. Probably, some of the banks owners or the management teams do not take their institutions and the depositors seriously enough. In some cases, they themselves manage to lead the company on the verge of collapse. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">They take huge amount of loans behind the scene which later proves to be non performing loans or show investment in areas that does not give any returns. Such practices bear the potential to eventually lead the company towards bankruptcy. In the bargain, it's the depositors in particular and the economy in general which stands to suffer. The report shows Rs 15 billion as the negative net worth of just two banks. This is a ticking time bomb that may explode any time. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">So, the regulations may not prove to be successful every time. Companies must maintain self- discipline, good corporate governance and realise the importance of their respective financial institutions. They must not forget theirs is not a business house only. There is tremendous responsibility on their shoulders that they must fulfill.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Samiksha Budhathoki</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Gairigaun, Kathmandu</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b> <br /> </b></span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Now, the governance is not limited to the way how the state and bureaucracy functions. This is something which is gaining popularity among the corporate houses too.', 'sortorder' => '226', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '205', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback February 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif=""><strong>Going Green With Bicycles</strong><br /> <br /> T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">here was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and company should choose to do. It not only helps make the environment greener but also is a healthy way to reach office.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">It would be better, if we, the working people, can do it voluntarily rather than imposed by our bosses. Riding a bicycle is the best option over the car or the motorbike. Bicycles also help expand the crowded and squeezed streets like ours. And it also adds some relief to the parking space crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Reading about the green program I am planning to opt for similar way to reach office. And I am surely going to discuss with my colleagues on the greener, healthier and economic way to reach my workstation. But I â'm still not that much sure how much the roads of Kathmandu are suitable for bicycles.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Binaya Khatiwada</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> Kalopul, Kathmandu</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Corporate Responsibility <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">'CSR a Useless Concept ? an article by Catrin Froehlich sparked a thought in my mind. The Nepali corporate houses may claim that they are making huge non-profit contributions to the society in the name of corporate social responsibility (CSR). But as Froehlich rightly pointed out, mostly, there are some long term profit motives attached to any CSR initiative. The corporate houses are always looking for a win-win situation. I don't think business houses pour money into anything in the name of CSR without looking for any return. A bank investing in sponsoring educating students in a school is certain that those students in future will open accounts or buy shares of the bank and also work as the agents to encourage others to buy services and products of that bank. Similarly, they foresee a lot of businesses and calculate the return of CSR activities. On the other hand, CSR activities are the publicity stunts, too, to grab the attention of consumers towards the brand names in less cost than the cost of media advertisements.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Srijana Shrestha</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Bhaktapur</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">It is HR Solutions</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you so much for publishing the HR Kurakani on your reputed magazine. I would like to bring into notice the major mistake in the article i.e. the name of our organization is Real solutions but it has been written in the beginning of the article as HR solutions.</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanking you!</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Kriti</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>meroJob.com</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i>(We regret the error. - Ed.)</i></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i><br /> </i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Chicks Will Grow</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">he Cover Story of January 2011 issue titled as Chicks are Growing put forward a very positive picture of poultry business that is growing by 30 per cent annually. This is the industry at the common people's level and it can be operated in the backyard of village homes. Poultry farming can be done by any farmer or anyone interested. It is not only the source of cash for the farmers but also a contributor to the national economy. The Cover Story says it all: this industry is contributing some three per cent to the GDP.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> It is good that the Nepali poultry farmers are not so much scared now of the diseases like bird flu as they are now more aware about how to fight such incidences when they appear. Meanwhile, the availability of veterinary doctors and medicines is expanding to help the farmers. The availability of big markets in the urban areas is being utilised by the farmers and this industry provides ample evidence that the Nepali farmers are quite adept to adapt to the changing market situation no matter what their level of education may be. <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> However, the story also reveals that the per capita consumption of poultry meat is still low in the country. The consumption of poultry products should be encouraged due to its nutritional value. If that can be done, there is even a bigger market prospects. That means more income for the farmers and also the nation. We should not forget the market in our neighbouring countries as well. The quality products will always get a place everywhere. If food processing industries can be established, agro based and especially poultry related business will benefit the most.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> The trend shows this industry is growing and there is prospect for more growth. The state must be promoting this sector in all possible ways so as to make this business self-reliant and stronger to become even the international supplier. I believe chicks are growing and will continue to grow in the future too.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Rabindra Pudasaini</span><br /> <span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Chitwan</span></b></span></span></p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-02-07', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'There was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and......', 'sortorder' => '142', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '115', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Media's Arm-Twisting Ways', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>When the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: left;"> <div> As if the political instability in Nepal was not causing enough harm to the business environment already, a section of the media, recently, further aggravated the situation by frustrating business ventures through negative reporting. Dish Nepal, a DTH (direct-to-home) service provider; Real Juice, a Dabur Nepal brand; and Blackberry Services from Ncell, a cellular phone giant are among the businesses that were the targets of negative reporting by certain media outlets.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ad.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Some of these companies faced the media wrath because they allegedly did not yield to intimidating tactics toâ gift advertisement contracts, while others were reported against because their market rivals sponsored spiteful information in an attempt to kill the competition. In at least one of these cases, the issue even managed political overtone. <br /> The relationship between a section of the corporate houses and some media outlets has hit an abysmal low. Businesses need the media to launch and promote their brands and products in the marketplace. In turn, the media depends on advertisement contracts which are the major source of revenue for them. Thus, businesses and media establishments complement each other and it is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist. <br /> <br /> <br /> The media seems to be losing its focus of late, believe some media observers. They say that this could have a huge impact on the corporatepress relationship in the long run. Advertisers are indeed circumspect while giving business to the media of their choice lest they invite the attention of media establishments that they are not interested to advertise in, says an official from the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN).<br /> <br /> There has been a paradigm shift in the functioning of the media during the last few years due to various reasons, including corporatisation. The media, an important and vibrant partner in the economic growth of Nepal, must be eternally vigilant to the wrongdoings, if any. The press is, of course, a watchdog of society but that does not allow it to launch smear campaigns against businesses and poison the consumers minds. This, in no way, means that the business sector can make any kind of compromise with its obligation to produce and distribute quality products. If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers. It is a kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is practiced everywhere in a civilised society.<br /> Nowadays, news is no more just news; it has become a management issue as well. Increasingly, the managers seem to be more important than the editors themselves. They dictate which news should go and which should not. A reporter with a daily confessed on the condition of anonymity, There are times when we are instructed to report on certain issues which we neither understand, nor do we necessarily agree with. If a journalist continuously refuses to adhere, then his/her job is at stake.<br /> <br /> Manoj Neupane, Brand Officer of Dish Nepal admits to having received calls from a section of the media asking for advertisements or else get prepared to face adversity. It is an extortion of sorts.Sanju</div> </div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: right;"> <div> Koirala, Corporate Communications Manager of Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd that is now changed to Ncell Pvt Ltd., says, It is not possible for us to give advertisements to all and sundry. We choose media outlets depending on their reach and the target audience they cater to. Neupane reasons, My choice of media depends on its impact analysis and I am the one who approaches the media with advertisement contracts. It's not the other way round.<br /> <br /> <br /> The media has become more interested in earning profit at the cost of its role as the fourth estate. Market forces have dictated its role at the cost of the valued principles and wellaccepted ethics of journalism. The over aggressive marketing strategies have done more harm to the media sector than it comprehends. This is the age of conscious consumers. It is a consumer's prerogative to choose and rate a product or service in the market. Brainwashing the consumers and misleading them is the least that the media or market rivals can do. If a brand/product fails to live up to the expectations and promises it made, the consumers themselves will raise a hue and cry.<br /> The smear campaigns in the media, coupled with political instability, will have an adverse impact on prospective investments. The unjustified adverse publicity against the products and services of such important ventures will not only hit the Nepali economy and exports hard but will also deter new foreign direct investments into Nepal. These issues could always be resolved amicably in a business-like manner.<br /> <br /> <br /> Having said that, one must understand that establishing a media enterprise does not guarantee that advertisements will come automatically. There are several factors such as subscription figures, a strong readership/ viewership base and popularity of a television channel/newspaper etc that determine the inflow of advertisements to a particular media. After all, a Rs 3.5 billion advertising industry does not have enough in its kitty to help survive all the existing newspapers and magazines, radio stations and scores of television channels in Nepal. Bullying does not ensure advertisement contracts, the popularity of the media does. An advertiser is free to choose his preferred media tools for the promotion of his products. A media house, on the other hand, is free, too, to publish a news report, irrespective of the instructions from the corporate houses providing the advertisements. So it's a two-way story.<br /> <br /> Businesses thrive in competition and not in isolation. To try and end competition in an unethical manner by sponsoring misleading news is bound to backfire. Once the market determines the truth, what will happen to the credibility of the people who engineer such controversies? questions Neupane. At the same time, negative reporting will take its toll, sooner or later, on the media's credibility, too. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/media.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Lastly, if it is proven that a business has cheated or confused the consumers, it is the media's responsibility to present the truth to the audience. However, when the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence. Let there be journalism of hope and let the consumers decide for themselves what is right for them. Sanity must prevail.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> </div> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="padding: 5px;"> </div> </div> </div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2010-12-29', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Businesses and media establishments complement each other. It is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist.', 'sortorder' => '63', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '302', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback May 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Federalism Is In <br /> </strong><br /> <br /> <img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="299" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cover story.jpg" style="width: 227px; height: 299px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="227" /><br /> Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don;t hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country. Therefore, it was good to have it covered as the cover story in the April issue of New Business Age which shed light on the fiscal face of federalism in Nepal.<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">The politicians till now used federalism to their advantage by manipulating the ethnic sentiments of the countrymen. The federalism that would really give people the fruit of prosperity, rights and recognition is not even pronounced by the law makers. They are busy playing the political musical chair. The fiscal aspect of federalism needs a thorough discussion at the policy making level. The new constitution that is going to be promulgated sooner or later needs to incorporate federalism as the country has already been pronounced a federal republic. <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Until now, federalism has not become more than an emotional bait to win the sentiments of different communities that have fallen back in the race of mainstreaming. The devolution of states based on ethnicity is the example of that principle. The ethnicity-based federalism is a slogan raised by political parties for cheap popularity. In the end, it is not going to meet the expectations of the ethnic communities. Experts opine that ethnic federalism is a suicidal approach.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Overall development must be an agenda and the major goal of federalism. Economic base is something that cannot be taken lightly while devolving the states. The map should be sketched in a manner that would equally and justly divide resources among states to guarantee the autonomy of the state nations. Lawmakers should not delay discussing such important aspects.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The world has witnessed the failure of many nation states. We cannot be assured that, as a country, we are going to be an exception. We must look to divide states in a way that they can sustain on their own and meet their economic needs. Otherwise, we may be left to blame ourselves for the failure of federalism that we hold high expectations from. Lawmakers should now concentrate on the country's development rather than spending their time and energy to save their jobs as Constituent Assembly Member by indefinitely extending it without an end result.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b>- Bibash Aryal</b></span><br /> Paknajole, Kathmandu<br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></p> <div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>The Divided Business Community</strong><br /> <br /> The Biztoon in your New Business Age's April issue caught my attention. It raised a question as to who actually represents the business community. The business community in Nepal is responsible for creating jobs for thousands. The contribution to the economy made by the private sector is definitely praiseworthy. It currently lacks a favourable investment climate. The aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs can do wonders if the business leadership can lead the community competitively. Some industrialists have become parliament members in the hope of representing the business fraternity only to get entangled in world of messy politics themselves. In this regard, the umbrella association of the business community, FNCCI, must set an example and lead the community to unprecedented economic development. It's a relief that the FNCCI elections are over. I hope that no two (or are there more?) panels exist now and the elected executive committee will work for a common agenda.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Basanta Sharma</b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">New Road<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></span></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <br /> </span></b></span></p> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don't hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country.', 'sortorder' => '227', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '300', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback April 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>Make The Most Of The Sun</strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "><br /> I</span><span style="">n Nepal, we are fortunate to have sunshine round the year. Rajan Pradhan in his article, Producing Energy, the Solar Way in the March issue of New Business Age has written that Nepal has the potential of producing 26,000 Mega Watts of solar energy. Going by this account, we are rich in this alternate source of power besides the usual and much promised hydropower.<br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Though we have resources, we are people who are forced to spend our lives in darkness, for most part of the day and night. Power cut reaching up to 18 hours a day is a pathetic state-of-affairs, to say the least. It seems we are training ourselves to live without electricity. Since the successive governments have failed oh-so-miserably in providing a solution, the time has come for us people to take the matter in our own hands and start generating power ourselves. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Business houses and industries have started doing so. Most of the households too have made their arrangement of UPS or invertors. However, very few have thought about installing solar power. As Pradhan observes it could be due to the high EMI on loan. Though it might seem expensive for first time installation, it is relatively cheaper over the long term. Solar panel can meet daily power needs and save on outrageous monthly electricity bills. I personally have seen this in villages where households have installed solar panels before electrification reached them. Despite electricity authority reaching them now, they refuse to subscribe to conventional power as they are happy with their existing arrangement. The solar electricity produced in households can even be supplied to the national grid like in the European countries if adequate provisions can be made. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The government must think about providing subsidies and soft loans and introduce special schemes to those who want to use the alternative energy which is also eco friendly and easily available. Either the government must end the power crisis immediately or help people install the solar option.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Surya Chapagain</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Satdobato</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Stop Terrorising Businesses<br /> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31);">N</span>epal is experiencing a slow pace of economic growth and even slower industrialisation. The power woes and unstable political environment are impeding the country’s growth. Business houses always emphasise that stable political situation and lasting peace and security are imperative for industrialisation. An investment friendly environment cannot be created without a stable socio political environment. <br /> <br /> </span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In the last week of March, we have seen fresh cases of impunity in the Terai where most industries are located. Such incidences would affect businesses and investor psychology about the future. This would further derail the process of economic growth. Such activities are adding pressure to the already existing troubles. The concerned groups must start thinking about the nation and economic prosperity. Everybody needs to understand that without the development of industries and private sector, Nepal cannot tread on the path of sustainable growth and development.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Narayan Prasad Adhikari</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Chitwan</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "><br /> </span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Banks Must Get More Responsible</span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31); letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">T</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">he cover story on banking industry in your March issue portrayed a detailed picture of this sector. The growth of the banking and financial institutions is a good thing but their limited reach to the rural areas is a worrisome attribute. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Time and again, there are issues of banks and finance companies failure. Recent examples include Samjhana Finance and Gurkha Development Bank. Some might say this is bound to happen given the crowd of 272 banks and financial institutions. But this is not something that cannot be controlled. The closure or failure of a bank is not comparable to the closure of a retail shop on a street corner. A financial institution's closure leaves a huge crater on the entire economy. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> The story rightly point out that this is a well regulated sector. However, despite such regulation and strong monitoring by the Nepal Rastra Bank, incidences of failure occur time and again. Such incidents repeating amidst central bank regulations are rather unfortunate. Most of the time, failure of corporate governance has resulted into such mishaps. Probably, some of the banks owners or the management teams do not take their institutions and the depositors seriously enough. In some cases, they themselves manage to lead the company on the verge of collapse. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">They take huge amount of loans behind the scene which later proves to be non performing loans or show investment in areas that does not give any returns. Such practices bear the potential to eventually lead the company towards bankruptcy. In the bargain, it's the depositors in particular and the economy in general which stands to suffer. The report shows Rs 15 billion as the negative net worth of just two banks. This is a ticking time bomb that may explode any time. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">So, the regulations may not prove to be successful every time. Companies must maintain self- discipline, good corporate governance and realise the importance of their respective financial institutions. They must not forget theirs is not a business house only. There is tremendous responsibility on their shoulders that they must fulfill.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Samiksha Budhathoki</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Gairigaun, Kathmandu</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b> <br /> </b></span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Now, the governance is not limited to the way how the state and bureaucracy functions. This is something which is gaining popularity among the corporate houses too.', 'sortorder' => '226', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '205', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback February 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif=""><strong>Going Green With Bicycles</strong><br /> <br /> T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">here was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and company should choose to do. It not only helps make the environment greener but also is a healthy way to reach office.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">It would be better, if we, the working people, can do it voluntarily rather than imposed by our bosses. Riding a bicycle is the best option over the car or the motorbike. Bicycles also help expand the crowded and squeezed streets like ours. And it also adds some relief to the parking space crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Reading about the green program I am planning to opt for similar way to reach office. And I am surely going to discuss with my colleagues on the greener, healthier and economic way to reach my workstation. But I â'm still not that much sure how much the roads of Kathmandu are suitable for bicycles.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Binaya Khatiwada</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> Kalopul, Kathmandu</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Corporate Responsibility <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">'CSR a Useless Concept ? an article by Catrin Froehlich sparked a thought in my mind. The Nepali corporate houses may claim that they are making huge non-profit contributions to the society in the name of corporate social responsibility (CSR). But as Froehlich rightly pointed out, mostly, there are some long term profit motives attached to any CSR initiative. The corporate houses are always looking for a win-win situation. I don't think business houses pour money into anything in the name of CSR without looking for any return. A bank investing in sponsoring educating students in a school is certain that those students in future will open accounts or buy shares of the bank and also work as the agents to encourage others to buy services and products of that bank. Similarly, they foresee a lot of businesses and calculate the return of CSR activities. On the other hand, CSR activities are the publicity stunts, too, to grab the attention of consumers towards the brand names in less cost than the cost of media advertisements.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Srijana Shrestha</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Bhaktapur</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">It is HR Solutions</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you so much for publishing the HR Kurakani on your reputed magazine. I would like to bring into notice the major mistake in the article i.e. the name of our organization is Real solutions but it has been written in the beginning of the article as HR solutions.</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanking you!</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Kriti</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>meroJob.com</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i>(We regret the error. - Ed.)</i></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i><br /> </i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Chicks Will Grow</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">he Cover Story of January 2011 issue titled as Chicks are Growing put forward a very positive picture of poultry business that is growing by 30 per cent annually. This is the industry at the common people's level and it can be operated in the backyard of village homes. Poultry farming can be done by any farmer or anyone interested. It is not only the source of cash for the farmers but also a contributor to the national economy. The Cover Story says it all: this industry is contributing some three per cent to the GDP.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> It is good that the Nepali poultry farmers are not so much scared now of the diseases like bird flu as they are now more aware about how to fight such incidences when they appear. Meanwhile, the availability of veterinary doctors and medicines is expanding to help the farmers. The availability of big markets in the urban areas is being utilised by the farmers and this industry provides ample evidence that the Nepali farmers are quite adept to adapt to the changing market situation no matter what their level of education may be. <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> However, the story also reveals that the per capita consumption of poultry meat is still low in the country. The consumption of poultry products should be encouraged due to its nutritional value. If that can be done, there is even a bigger market prospects. That means more income for the farmers and also the nation. We should not forget the market in our neighbouring countries as well. The quality products will always get a place everywhere. If food processing industries can be established, agro based and especially poultry related business will benefit the most.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> The trend shows this industry is growing and there is prospect for more growth. The state must be promoting this sector in all possible ways so as to make this business self-reliant and stronger to become even the international supplier. I believe chicks are growing and will continue to grow in the future too.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Rabindra Pudasaini</span><br /> <span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Chitwan</span></b></span></span></p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-02-07', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'There was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and......', 'sortorder' => '142', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '115', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Media's Arm-Twisting Ways', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>When the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: left;"> <div> As if the political instability in Nepal was not causing enough harm to the business environment already, a section of the media, recently, further aggravated the situation by frustrating business ventures through negative reporting. Dish Nepal, a DTH (direct-to-home) service provider; Real Juice, a Dabur Nepal brand; and Blackberry Services from Ncell, a cellular phone giant are among the businesses that were the targets of negative reporting by certain media outlets.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ad.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Some of these companies faced the media wrath because they allegedly did not yield to intimidating tactics toâ gift advertisement contracts, while others were reported against because their market rivals sponsored spiteful information in an attempt to kill the competition. In at least one of these cases, the issue even managed political overtone. <br /> The relationship between a section of the corporate houses and some media outlets has hit an abysmal low. Businesses need the media to launch and promote their brands and products in the marketplace. In turn, the media depends on advertisement contracts which are the major source of revenue for them. Thus, businesses and media establishments complement each other and it is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist. <br /> <br /> <br /> The media seems to be losing its focus of late, believe some media observers. They say that this could have a huge impact on the corporatepress relationship in the long run. Advertisers are indeed circumspect while giving business to the media of their choice lest they invite the attention of media establishments that they are not interested to advertise in, says an official from the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN).<br /> <br /> There has been a paradigm shift in the functioning of the media during the last few years due to various reasons, including corporatisation. The media, an important and vibrant partner in the economic growth of Nepal, must be eternally vigilant to the wrongdoings, if any. The press is, of course, a watchdog of society but that does not allow it to launch smear campaigns against businesses and poison the consumers minds. This, in no way, means that the business sector can make any kind of compromise with its obligation to produce and distribute quality products. If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers. It is a kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is practiced everywhere in a civilised society.<br /> Nowadays, news is no more just news; it has become a management issue as well. Increasingly, the managers seem to be more important than the editors themselves. They dictate which news should go and which should not. A reporter with a daily confessed on the condition of anonymity, There are times when we are instructed to report on certain issues which we neither understand, nor do we necessarily agree with. If a journalist continuously refuses to adhere, then his/her job is at stake.<br /> <br /> Manoj Neupane, Brand Officer of Dish Nepal admits to having received calls from a section of the media asking for advertisements or else get prepared to face adversity. It is an extortion of sorts.Sanju</div> </div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: right;"> <div> Koirala, Corporate Communications Manager of Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd that is now changed to Ncell Pvt Ltd., says, It is not possible for us to give advertisements to all and sundry. We choose media outlets depending on their reach and the target audience they cater to. Neupane reasons, My choice of media depends on its impact analysis and I am the one who approaches the media with advertisement contracts. It's not the other way round.<br /> <br /> <br /> The media has become more interested in earning profit at the cost of its role as the fourth estate. Market forces have dictated its role at the cost of the valued principles and wellaccepted ethics of journalism. The over aggressive marketing strategies have done more harm to the media sector than it comprehends. This is the age of conscious consumers. It is a consumer's prerogative to choose and rate a product or service in the market. Brainwashing the consumers and misleading them is the least that the media or market rivals can do. If a brand/product fails to live up to the expectations and promises it made, the consumers themselves will raise a hue and cry.<br /> The smear campaigns in the media, coupled with political instability, will have an adverse impact on prospective investments. The unjustified adverse publicity against the products and services of such important ventures will not only hit the Nepali economy and exports hard but will also deter new foreign direct investments into Nepal. These issues could always be resolved amicably in a business-like manner.<br /> <br /> <br /> Having said that, one must understand that establishing a media enterprise does not guarantee that advertisements will come automatically. There are several factors such as subscription figures, a strong readership/ viewership base and popularity of a television channel/newspaper etc that determine the inflow of advertisements to a particular media. After all, a Rs 3.5 billion advertising industry does not have enough in its kitty to help survive all the existing newspapers and magazines, radio stations and scores of television channels in Nepal. Bullying does not ensure advertisement contracts, the popularity of the media does. An advertiser is free to choose his preferred media tools for the promotion of his products. A media house, on the other hand, is free, too, to publish a news report, irrespective of the instructions from the corporate houses providing the advertisements. So it's a two-way story.<br /> <br /> Businesses thrive in competition and not in isolation. To try and end competition in an unethical manner by sponsoring misleading news is bound to backfire. Once the market determines the truth, what will happen to the credibility of the people who engineer such controversies? questions Neupane. At the same time, negative reporting will take its toll, sooner or later, on the media's credibility, too. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/media.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Lastly, if it is proven that a business has cheated or confused the consumers, it is the media's responsibility to present the truth to the audience. However, when the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence. Let there be journalism of hope and let the consumers decide for themselves what is right for them. Sanity must prevail.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> </div> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="padding: 5px;"> </div> </div> </div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2010-12-29', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Businesses and media establishments complement each other. It is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist.', 'sortorder' => '63', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '302', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback May 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Federalism Is In <br /> </strong><br /> <br /> <img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="299" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cover story.jpg" style="width: 227px; height: 299px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="227" /><br /> Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don;t hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country. Therefore, it was good to have it covered as the cover story in the April issue of New Business Age which shed light on the fiscal face of federalism in Nepal.<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">The politicians till now used federalism to their advantage by manipulating the ethnic sentiments of the countrymen. The federalism that would really give people the fruit of prosperity, rights and recognition is not even pronounced by the law makers. They are busy playing the political musical chair. The fiscal aspect of federalism needs a thorough discussion at the policy making level. The new constitution that is going to be promulgated sooner or later needs to incorporate federalism as the country has already been pronounced a federal republic. <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Until now, federalism has not become more than an emotional bait to win the sentiments of different communities that have fallen back in the race of mainstreaming. The devolution of states based on ethnicity is the example of that principle. The ethnicity-based federalism is a slogan raised by political parties for cheap popularity. In the end, it is not going to meet the expectations of the ethnic communities. Experts opine that ethnic federalism is a suicidal approach.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Overall development must be an agenda and the major goal of federalism. Economic base is something that cannot be taken lightly while devolving the states. The map should be sketched in a manner that would equally and justly divide resources among states to guarantee the autonomy of the state nations. Lawmakers should not delay discussing such important aspects.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The world has witnessed the failure of many nation states. We cannot be assured that, as a country, we are going to be an exception. We must look to divide states in a way that they can sustain on their own and meet their economic needs. Otherwise, we may be left to blame ourselves for the failure of federalism that we hold high expectations from. Lawmakers should now concentrate on the country's development rather than spending their time and energy to save their jobs as Constituent Assembly Member by indefinitely extending it without an end result.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b>- Bibash Aryal</b></span><br /> Paknajole, Kathmandu<br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></p> <div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>The Divided Business Community</strong><br /> <br /> The Biztoon in your New Business Age's April issue caught my attention. It raised a question as to who actually represents the business community. The business community in Nepal is responsible for creating jobs for thousands. The contribution to the economy made by the private sector is definitely praiseworthy. It currently lacks a favourable investment climate. The aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs can do wonders if the business leadership can lead the community competitively. Some industrialists have become parliament members in the hope of representing the business fraternity only to get entangled in world of messy politics themselves. In this regard, the umbrella association of the business community, FNCCI, must set an example and lead the community to unprecedented economic development. It's a relief that the FNCCI elections are over. I hope that no two (or are there more?) panels exist now and the elected executive committee will work for a common agenda.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Basanta Sharma</b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">New Road<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></span></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <br /> </span></b></span></p> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don't hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country.', 'sortorder' => '227', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '300', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback April 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>Make The Most Of The Sun</strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "><br /> I</span><span style="">n Nepal, we are fortunate to have sunshine round the year. Rajan Pradhan in his article, Producing Energy, the Solar Way in the March issue of New Business Age has written that Nepal has the potential of producing 26,000 Mega Watts of solar energy. Going by this account, we are rich in this alternate source of power besides the usual and much promised hydropower.<br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Though we have resources, we are people who are forced to spend our lives in darkness, for most part of the day and night. Power cut reaching up to 18 hours a day is a pathetic state-of-affairs, to say the least. It seems we are training ourselves to live without electricity. Since the successive governments have failed oh-so-miserably in providing a solution, the time has come for us people to take the matter in our own hands and start generating power ourselves. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Business houses and industries have started doing so. Most of the households too have made their arrangement of UPS or invertors. However, very few have thought about installing solar power. As Pradhan observes it could be due to the high EMI on loan. Though it might seem expensive for first time installation, it is relatively cheaper over the long term. Solar panel can meet daily power needs and save on outrageous monthly electricity bills. I personally have seen this in villages where households have installed solar panels before electrification reached them. Despite electricity authority reaching them now, they refuse to subscribe to conventional power as they are happy with their existing arrangement. The solar electricity produced in households can even be supplied to the national grid like in the European countries if adequate provisions can be made. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The government must think about providing subsidies and soft loans and introduce special schemes to those who want to use the alternative energy which is also eco friendly and easily available. Either the government must end the power crisis immediately or help people install the solar option.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Surya Chapagain</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Satdobato</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Stop Terrorising Businesses<br /> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31);">N</span>epal is experiencing a slow pace of economic growth and even slower industrialisation. The power woes and unstable political environment are impeding the country’s growth. Business houses always emphasise that stable political situation and lasting peace and security are imperative for industrialisation. An investment friendly environment cannot be created without a stable socio political environment. <br /> <br /> </span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In the last week of March, we have seen fresh cases of impunity in the Terai where most industries are located. Such incidences would affect businesses and investor psychology about the future. This would further derail the process of economic growth. Such activities are adding pressure to the already existing troubles. The concerned groups must start thinking about the nation and economic prosperity. Everybody needs to understand that without the development of industries and private sector, Nepal cannot tread on the path of sustainable growth and development.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Narayan Prasad Adhikari</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Chitwan</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "><br /> </span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Banks Must Get More Responsible</span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31); letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">T</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">he cover story on banking industry in your March issue portrayed a detailed picture of this sector. The growth of the banking and financial institutions is a good thing but their limited reach to the rural areas is a worrisome attribute. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Time and again, there are issues of banks and finance companies failure. Recent examples include Samjhana Finance and Gurkha Development Bank. Some might say this is bound to happen given the crowd of 272 banks and financial institutions. But this is not something that cannot be controlled. The closure or failure of a bank is not comparable to the closure of a retail shop on a street corner. A financial institution's closure leaves a huge crater on the entire economy. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> The story rightly point out that this is a well regulated sector. However, despite such regulation and strong monitoring by the Nepal Rastra Bank, incidences of failure occur time and again. Such incidents repeating amidst central bank regulations are rather unfortunate. Most of the time, failure of corporate governance has resulted into such mishaps. Probably, some of the banks owners or the management teams do not take their institutions and the depositors seriously enough. In some cases, they themselves manage to lead the company on the verge of collapse. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">They take huge amount of loans behind the scene which later proves to be non performing loans or show investment in areas that does not give any returns. Such practices bear the potential to eventually lead the company towards bankruptcy. In the bargain, it's the depositors in particular and the economy in general which stands to suffer. The report shows Rs 15 billion as the negative net worth of just two banks. This is a ticking time bomb that may explode any time. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">So, the regulations may not prove to be successful every time. Companies must maintain self- discipline, good corporate governance and realise the importance of their respective financial institutions. They must not forget theirs is not a business house only. There is tremendous responsibility on their shoulders that they must fulfill.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Samiksha Budhathoki</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Gairigaun, Kathmandu</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b> <br /> </b></span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Now, the governance is not limited to the way how the state and bureaucracy functions. This is something which is gaining popularity among the corporate houses too.', 'sortorder' => '226', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '205', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback February 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif=""><strong>Going Green With Bicycles</strong><br /> <br /> T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">here was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and company should choose to do. It not only helps make the environment greener but also is a healthy way to reach office.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">It would be better, if we, the working people, can do it voluntarily rather than imposed by our bosses. Riding a bicycle is the best option over the car or the motorbike. Bicycles also help expand the crowded and squeezed streets like ours. And it also adds some relief to the parking space crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Reading about the green program I am planning to opt for similar way to reach office. And I am surely going to discuss with my colleagues on the greener, healthier and economic way to reach my workstation. But I â'm still not that much sure how much the roads of Kathmandu are suitable for bicycles.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Binaya Khatiwada</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> Kalopul, Kathmandu</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Corporate Responsibility <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">'CSR a Useless Concept ? an article by Catrin Froehlich sparked a thought in my mind. The Nepali corporate houses may claim that they are making huge non-profit contributions to the society in the name of corporate social responsibility (CSR). But as Froehlich rightly pointed out, mostly, there are some long term profit motives attached to any CSR initiative. The corporate houses are always looking for a win-win situation. I don't think business houses pour money into anything in the name of CSR without looking for any return. A bank investing in sponsoring educating students in a school is certain that those students in future will open accounts or buy shares of the bank and also work as the agents to encourage others to buy services and products of that bank. Similarly, they foresee a lot of businesses and calculate the return of CSR activities. On the other hand, CSR activities are the publicity stunts, too, to grab the attention of consumers towards the brand names in less cost than the cost of media advertisements.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Srijana Shrestha</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Bhaktapur</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">It is HR Solutions</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you so much for publishing the HR Kurakani on your reputed magazine. I would like to bring into notice the major mistake in the article i.e. the name of our organization is Real solutions but it has been written in the beginning of the article as HR solutions.</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanking you!</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Kriti</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>meroJob.com</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i>(We regret the error. - Ed.)</i></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i><br /> </i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Chicks Will Grow</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">he Cover Story of January 2011 issue titled as Chicks are Growing put forward a very positive picture of poultry business that is growing by 30 per cent annually. This is the industry at the common people's level and it can be operated in the backyard of village homes. Poultry farming can be done by any farmer or anyone interested. It is not only the source of cash for the farmers but also a contributor to the national economy. The Cover Story says it all: this industry is contributing some three per cent to the GDP.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> It is good that the Nepali poultry farmers are not so much scared now of the diseases like bird flu as they are now more aware about how to fight such incidences when they appear. Meanwhile, the availability of veterinary doctors and medicines is expanding to help the farmers. The availability of big markets in the urban areas is being utilised by the farmers and this industry provides ample evidence that the Nepali farmers are quite adept to adapt to the changing market situation no matter what their level of education may be. <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> However, the story also reveals that the per capita consumption of poultry meat is still low in the country. The consumption of poultry products should be encouraged due to its nutritional value. If that can be done, there is even a bigger market prospects. That means more income for the farmers and also the nation. We should not forget the market in our neighbouring countries as well. The quality products will always get a place everywhere. If food processing industries can be established, agro based and especially poultry related business will benefit the most.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> The trend shows this industry is growing and there is prospect for more growth. The state must be promoting this sector in all possible ways so as to make this business self-reliant and stronger to become even the international supplier. I believe chicks are growing and will continue to grow in the future too.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Rabindra Pudasaini</span><br /> <span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Chitwan</span></b></span></span></p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-02-07', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'There was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and......', 'sortorder' => '142', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '115', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Media's Arm-Twisting Ways', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>When the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: left;"> <div> As if the political instability in Nepal was not causing enough harm to the business environment already, a section of the media, recently, further aggravated the situation by frustrating business ventures through negative reporting. Dish Nepal, a DTH (direct-to-home) service provider; Real Juice, a Dabur Nepal brand; and Blackberry Services from Ncell, a cellular phone giant are among the businesses that were the targets of negative reporting by certain media outlets.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ad.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Some of these companies faced the media wrath because they allegedly did not yield to intimidating tactics toâ gift advertisement contracts, while others were reported against because their market rivals sponsored spiteful information in an attempt to kill the competition. In at least one of these cases, the issue even managed political overtone. <br /> The relationship between a section of the corporate houses and some media outlets has hit an abysmal low. Businesses need the media to launch and promote their brands and products in the marketplace. In turn, the media depends on advertisement contracts which are the major source of revenue for them. Thus, businesses and media establishments complement each other and it is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist. <br /> <br /> <br /> The media seems to be losing its focus of late, believe some media observers. They say that this could have a huge impact on the corporatepress relationship in the long run. Advertisers are indeed circumspect while giving business to the media of their choice lest they invite the attention of media establishments that they are not interested to advertise in, says an official from the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN).<br /> <br /> There has been a paradigm shift in the functioning of the media during the last few years due to various reasons, including corporatisation. The media, an important and vibrant partner in the economic growth of Nepal, must be eternally vigilant to the wrongdoings, if any. The press is, of course, a watchdog of society but that does not allow it to launch smear campaigns against businesses and poison the consumers minds. This, in no way, means that the business sector can make any kind of compromise with its obligation to produce and distribute quality products. If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers. It is a kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is practiced everywhere in a civilised society.<br /> Nowadays, news is no more just news; it has become a management issue as well. Increasingly, the managers seem to be more important than the editors themselves. They dictate which news should go and which should not. A reporter with a daily confessed on the condition of anonymity, There are times when we are instructed to report on certain issues which we neither understand, nor do we necessarily agree with. If a journalist continuously refuses to adhere, then his/her job is at stake.<br /> <br /> Manoj Neupane, Brand Officer of Dish Nepal admits to having received calls from a section of the media asking for advertisements or else get prepared to face adversity. It is an extortion of sorts.Sanju</div> </div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: right;"> <div> Koirala, Corporate Communications Manager of Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd that is now changed to Ncell Pvt Ltd., says, It is not possible for us to give advertisements to all and sundry. We choose media outlets depending on their reach and the target audience they cater to. Neupane reasons, My choice of media depends on its impact analysis and I am the one who approaches the media with advertisement contracts. It's not the other way round.<br /> <br /> <br /> The media has become more interested in earning profit at the cost of its role as the fourth estate. Market forces have dictated its role at the cost of the valued principles and wellaccepted ethics of journalism. The over aggressive marketing strategies have done more harm to the media sector than it comprehends. This is the age of conscious consumers. It is a consumer's prerogative to choose and rate a product or service in the market. Brainwashing the consumers and misleading them is the least that the media or market rivals can do. If a brand/product fails to live up to the expectations and promises it made, the consumers themselves will raise a hue and cry.<br /> The smear campaigns in the media, coupled with political instability, will have an adverse impact on prospective investments. The unjustified adverse publicity against the products and services of such important ventures will not only hit the Nepali economy and exports hard but will also deter new foreign direct investments into Nepal. These issues could always be resolved amicably in a business-like manner.<br /> <br /> <br /> Having said that, one must understand that establishing a media enterprise does not guarantee that advertisements will come automatically. There are several factors such as subscription figures, a strong readership/ viewership base and popularity of a television channel/newspaper etc that determine the inflow of advertisements to a particular media. After all, a Rs 3.5 billion advertising industry does not have enough in its kitty to help survive all the existing newspapers and magazines, radio stations and scores of television channels in Nepal. Bullying does not ensure advertisement contracts, the popularity of the media does. An advertiser is free to choose his preferred media tools for the promotion of his products. A media house, on the other hand, is free, too, to publish a news report, irrespective of the instructions from the corporate houses providing the advertisements. So it's a two-way story.<br /> <br /> Businesses thrive in competition and not in isolation. To try and end competition in an unethical manner by sponsoring misleading news is bound to backfire. Once the market determines the truth, what will happen to the credibility of the people who engineer such controversies? questions Neupane. At the same time, negative reporting will take its toll, sooner or later, on the media's credibility, too. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/media.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Lastly, if it is proven that a business has cheated or confused the consumers, it is the media's responsibility to present the truth to the audience. However, when the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence. Let there be journalism of hope and let the consumers decide for themselves what is right for them. Sanity must prevail.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> </div> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="padding: 5px;"> </div> </div> </div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2010-12-29', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Businesses and media establishments complement each other. It is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist.', 'sortorder' => '63', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '302', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback May 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Federalism Is In <br /> </strong><br /> <br /> <img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="299" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cover story.jpg" style="width: 227px; height: 299px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="227" /><br /> Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don;t hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country. Therefore, it was good to have it covered as the cover story in the April issue of New Business Age which shed light on the fiscal face of federalism in Nepal.<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">The politicians till now used federalism to their advantage by manipulating the ethnic sentiments of the countrymen. The federalism that would really give people the fruit of prosperity, rights and recognition is not even pronounced by the law makers. They are busy playing the political musical chair. The fiscal aspect of federalism needs a thorough discussion at the policy making level. The new constitution that is going to be promulgated sooner or later needs to incorporate federalism as the country has already been pronounced a federal republic. <br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Until now, federalism has not become more than an emotional bait to win the sentiments of different communities that have fallen back in the race of mainstreaming. The devolution of states based on ethnicity is the example of that principle. The ethnicity-based federalism is a slogan raised by political parties for cheap popularity. In the end, it is not going to meet the expectations of the ethnic communities. Experts opine that ethnic federalism is a suicidal approach.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;">Overall development must be an agenda and the major goal of federalism. Economic base is something that cannot be taken lightly while devolving the states. The map should be sketched in a manner that would equally and justly divide resources among states to guarantee the autonomy of the state nations. Lawmakers should not delay discussing such important aspects.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><br /> <br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The world has witnessed the failure of many nation states. We cannot be assured that, as a country, we are going to be an exception. We must look to divide states in a way that they can sustain on their own and meet their economic needs. Otherwise, we may be left to blame ourselves for the failure of federalism that we hold high expectations from. Lawmakers should now concentrate on the country's development rather than spending their time and energy to save their jobs as Constituent Assembly Member by indefinitely extending it without an end result.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b>- Bibash Aryal</b></span><br /> Paknajole, Kathmandu<br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></p> <div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>The Divided Business Community</strong><br /> <br /> The Biztoon in your New Business Age's April issue caught my attention. It raised a question as to who actually represents the business community. The business community in Nepal is responsible for creating jobs for thousands. The contribution to the economy made by the private sector is definitely praiseworthy. It currently lacks a favourable investment climate. The aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs can do wonders if the business leadership can lead the community competitively. Some industrialists have become parliament members in the hope of representing the business fraternity only to get entangled in world of messy politics themselves. In this regard, the umbrella association of the business community, FNCCI, must set an example and lead the community to unprecedented economic development. It's a relief that the FNCCI elections are over. I hope that no two (or are there more?) panels exist now and the elected executive committee will work for a common agenda.<br /> <br /> </span></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Basanta Sharma</b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">New Road<br /> <br /> <br /> </span></b></span></span></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <br /> </span></b></span></p> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don't hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country.', 'sortorder' => '227', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '300', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback April 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>Make The Most Of The Sun</strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "><br /> I</span><span style="">n Nepal, we are fortunate to have sunshine round the year. Rajan Pradhan in his article, Producing Energy, the Solar Way in the March issue of New Business Age has written that Nepal has the potential of producing 26,000 Mega Watts of solar energy. Going by this account, we are rich in this alternate source of power besides the usual and much promised hydropower.<br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Though we have resources, we are people who are forced to spend our lives in darkness, for most part of the day and night. Power cut reaching up to 18 hours a day is a pathetic state-of-affairs, to say the least. It seems we are training ourselves to live without electricity. Since the successive governments have failed oh-so-miserably in providing a solution, the time has come for us people to take the matter in our own hands and start generating power ourselves. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.15pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: ">Business houses and industries have started doing so. Most of the households too have made their arrangement of UPS or invertors. However, very few have thought about installing solar power. As Pradhan observes it could be due to the high EMI on loan. Though it might seem expensive for first time installation, it is relatively cheaper over the long term. Solar panel can meet daily power needs and save on outrageous monthly electricity bills. I personally have seen this in villages where households have installed solar panels before electrification reached them. Despite electricity authority reaching them now, they refuse to subscribe to conventional power as they are happy with their existing arrangement. The solar electricity produced in households can even be supplied to the national grid like in the European countries if adequate provisions can be made. <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The government must think about providing subsidies and soft loans and introduce special schemes to those who want to use the alternative energy which is also eco friendly and easily available. Either the government must end the power crisis immediately or help people install the solar option.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Surya Chapagain</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Satdobato</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Stop Terrorising Businesses<br /> <br /> </span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31);">N</span>epal is experiencing a slow pace of economic growth and even slower industrialisation. The power woes and unstable political environment are impeding the country’s growth. Business houses always emphasise that stable political situation and lasting peace and security are imperative for industrialisation. An investment friendly environment cannot be created without a stable socio political environment. <br /> <br /> </span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In the last week of March, we have seen fresh cases of impunity in the Terai where most industries are located. Such incidences would affect businesses and investor psychology about the future. This would further derail the process of economic growth. Such activities are adding pressure to the already existing troubles. The concerned groups must start thinking about the nation and economic prosperity. Everybody needs to understand that without the development of industries and private sector, Nepal cannot tread on the path of sustainable growth and development.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Narayan Prasad Adhikari</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Chitwan</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "><br /> </span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: ">Banks Must Get More Responsible</span></strong></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(182, 21, 31); letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">T</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">he cover story on banking industry in your March issue portrayed a detailed picture of this sector. The growth of the banking and financial institutions is a good thing but their limited reach to the rural areas is a worrisome attribute. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Time and again, there are issues of banks and finance companies failure. Recent examples include Samjhana Finance and Gurkha Development Bank. Some might say this is bound to happen given the crowd of 272 banks and financial institutions. But this is not something that cannot be controlled. The closure or failure of a bank is not comparable to the closure of a retail shop on a street corner. A financial institution's closure leaves a huge crater on the entire economy. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> The story rightly point out that this is a well regulated sector. However, despite such regulation and strong monitoring by the Nepal Rastra Bank, incidences of failure occur time and again. Such incidents repeating amidst central bank regulations are rather unfortunate. Most of the time, failure of corporate governance has resulted into such mishaps. Probably, some of the banks owners or the management teams do not take their institutions and the depositors seriously enough. In some cases, they themselves manage to lead the company on the verge of collapse. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">They take huge amount of loans behind the scene which later proves to be non performing loans or show investment in areas that does not give any returns. Such practices bear the potential to eventually lead the company towards bankruptcy. In the bargain, it's the depositors in particular and the economy in general which stands to suffer. The report shows Rs 15 billion as the negative net worth of just two banks. This is a ticking time bomb that may explode any time. <br /> </span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">So, the regulations may not prove to be successful every time. Companies must maintain self- discipline, good corporate governance and realise the importance of their respective financial institutions. They must not forget theirs is not a business house only. There is tremendous responsibility on their shoulders that they must fulfill.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: ">- Samiksha Budhathoki</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">Gairigaun, Kathmandu</span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <br /> <span style="font-size:12px;"><b> <br /> </b></span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-05-31', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Now, the governance is not limited to the way how the state and bureaucracy functions. This is something which is gaining popularity among the corporate houses too.', 'sortorder' => '226', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '205', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Feedback February 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif=""><strong>Going Green With Bicycles</strong><br /> <br /> T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">here was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and company should choose to do. It not only helps make the environment greener but also is a healthy way to reach office.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">It would be better, if we, the working people, can do it voluntarily rather than imposed by our bosses. Riding a bicycle is the best option over the car or the motorbike. Bicycles also help expand the crowded and squeezed streets like ours. And it also adds some relief to the parking space crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Reading about the green program I am planning to opt for similar way to reach office. And I am surely going to discuss with my colleagues on the greener, healthier and economic way to reach my workstation. But I â'm still not that much sure how much the roads of Kathmandu are suitable for bicycles.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Binaya Khatiwada</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> Kalopul, Kathmandu</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Corporate Responsibility <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">'CSR a Useless Concept ? an article by Catrin Froehlich sparked a thought in my mind. The Nepali corporate houses may claim that they are making huge non-profit contributions to the society in the name of corporate social responsibility (CSR). But as Froehlich rightly pointed out, mostly, there are some long term profit motives attached to any CSR initiative. The corporate houses are always looking for a win-win situation. I don't think business houses pour money into anything in the name of CSR without looking for any return. A bank investing in sponsoring educating students in a school is certain that those students in future will open accounts or buy shares of the bank and also work as the agents to encourage others to buy services and products of that bank. Similarly, they foresee a lot of businesses and calculate the return of CSR activities. On the other hand, CSR activities are the publicity stunts, too, to grab the attention of consumers towards the brand names in less cost than the cost of media advertisements.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Srijana Shrestha</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Bhaktapur</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">It is HR Solutions</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you so much for publishing the HR Kurakani on your reputed magazine. I would like to bring into notice the major mistake in the article i.e. the name of our organization is Real solutions but it has been written in the beginning of the article as HR solutions.</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanking you!</span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>- Kriti</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b>meroJob.com</b></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i>(We regret the error. - Ed.)</i></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i><br /> </i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="BODYTEXT" style="text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span cond="" demi="" franklin="" gothic="" sans-serif="">Chicks Will Grow</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">T</span><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="">he Cover Story of January 2011 issue titled as Chicks are Growing put forward a very positive picture of poultry business that is growing by 30 per cent annually. This is the industry at the common people's level and it can be operated in the backyard of village homes. Poultry farming can be done by any farmer or anyone interested. It is not only the source of cash for the farmers but also a contributor to the national economy. The Cover Story says it all: this industry is contributing some three per cent to the GDP.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> It is good that the Nepali poultry farmers are not so much scared now of the diseases like bird flu as they are now more aware about how to fight such incidences when they appear. Meanwhile, the availability of veterinary doctors and medicines is expanding to help the farmers. The availability of big markets in the urban areas is being utilised by the farmers and this industry provides ample evidence that the Nepali farmers are quite adept to adapt to the changing market situation no matter what their level of education may be. <br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""> However, the story also reveals that the per capita consumption of poultry meat is still low in the country. The consumption of poultry products should be encouraged due to its nutritional value. If that can be done, there is even a bigger market prospects. That means more income for the farmers and also the nation. We should not forget the market in our neighbouring countries as well. The quality products will always get a place everywhere. If food processing industries can be established, agro based and especially poultry related business will benefit the most.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 11pt; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif=""><br /> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> The trend shows this industry is growing and there is prospect for more growth. The state must be promoting this sector in all possible ways so as to make this business self-reliant and stronger to become even the international supplier. I believe chicks are growing and will continue to grow in the future too.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" letter-spacing:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="">- Rabindra Pudasaini</span><br /> <span aldine401="" bt="" color:="" serif="" style="line-height: 115%;">Chitwan</span></b></span></span></p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-02-07', 'modified' => '2012-08-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'There was good news published on January issue of Nubiz about the Laxmi Bank going green. The bank's initiative to encourage staff to ride bicycle to office at least a day in a week is really commendable. That is something every corporate house and......', 'sortorder' => '142', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '115', 'article_category_id' => '50', 'title' => 'Media's Arm-Twisting Ways', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px;"> <strong>When the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence.</strong></div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: left;"> <div> As if the political instability in Nepal was not causing enough harm to the business environment already, a section of the media, recently, further aggravated the situation by frustrating business ventures through negative reporting. Dish Nepal, a DTH (direct-to-home) service provider; Real Juice, a Dabur Nepal brand; and Blackberry Services from Ncell, a cellular phone giant are among the businesses that were the targets of negative reporting by certain media outlets.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ad.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Some of these companies faced the media wrath because they allegedly did not yield to intimidating tactics toâ gift advertisement contracts, while others were reported against because their market rivals sponsored spiteful information in an attempt to kill the competition. In at least one of these cases, the issue even managed political overtone. <br /> The relationship between a section of the corporate houses and some media outlets has hit an abysmal low. Businesses need the media to launch and promote their brands and products in the marketplace. In turn, the media depends on advertisement contracts which are the major source of revenue for them. Thus, businesses and media establishments complement each other and it is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist. <br /> <br /> <br /> The media seems to be losing its focus of late, believe some media observers. They say that this could have a huge impact on the corporatepress relationship in the long run. Advertisers are indeed circumspect while giving business to the media of their choice lest they invite the attention of media establishments that they are not interested to advertise in, says an official from the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN).<br /> <br /> There has been a paradigm shift in the functioning of the media during the last few years due to various reasons, including corporatisation. The media, an important and vibrant partner in the economic growth of Nepal, must be eternally vigilant to the wrongdoings, if any. The press is, of course, a watchdog of society but that does not allow it to launch smear campaigns against businesses and poison the consumers minds. This, in no way, means that the business sector can make any kind of compromise with its obligation to produce and distribute quality products. If a media report questioning the quality of its product is printed or aired, the business house, instead of immediately issuing a refuting press release, should launch an investigation into the matter first. If the media reports are true, it must have the courage to withdraw the products from the market, and then issue an apology and compensate the consumers. It is a kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is practiced everywhere in a civilised society.<br /> Nowadays, news is no more just news; it has become a management issue as well. Increasingly, the managers seem to be more important than the editors themselves. They dictate which news should go and which should not. A reporter with a daily confessed on the condition of anonymity, There are times when we are instructed to report on certain issues which we neither understand, nor do we necessarily agree with. If a journalist continuously refuses to adhere, then his/her job is at stake.<br /> <br /> Manoj Neupane, Brand Officer of Dish Nepal admits to having received calls from a section of the media asking for advertisements or else get prepared to face adversity. It is an extortion of sorts.Sanju</div> </div> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 5px; width: 47%; float: right;"> <div> Koirala, Corporate Communications Manager of Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd that is now changed to Ncell Pvt Ltd., says, It is not possible for us to give advertisements to all and sundry. We choose media outlets depending on their reach and the target audience they cater to. Neupane reasons, My choice of media depends on its impact analysis and I am the one who approaches the media with advertisement contracts. It's not the other way round.<br /> <br /> <br /> The media has become more interested in earning profit at the cost of its role as the fourth estate. Market forces have dictated its role at the cost of the valued principles and wellaccepted ethics of journalism. The over aggressive marketing strategies have done more harm to the media sector than it comprehends. This is the age of conscious consumers. It is a consumer's prerogative to choose and rate a product or service in the market. Brainwashing the consumers and misleading them is the least that the media or market rivals can do. If a brand/product fails to live up to the expectations and promises it made, the consumers themselves will raise a hue and cry.<br /> The smear campaigns in the media, coupled with political instability, will have an adverse impact on prospective investments. The unjustified adverse publicity against the products and services of such important ventures will not only hit the Nepali economy and exports hard but will also deter new foreign direct investments into Nepal. These issues could always be resolved amicably in a business-like manner.<br /> <br /> <br /> Having said that, one must understand that establishing a media enterprise does not guarantee that advertisements will come automatically. There are several factors such as subscription figures, a strong readership/ viewership base and popularity of a television channel/newspaper etc that determine the inflow of advertisements to a particular media. After all, a Rs 3.5 billion advertising industry does not have enough in its kitty to help survive all the existing newspapers and magazines, radio stations and scores of television channels in Nepal. Bullying does not ensure advertisement contracts, the popularity of the media does. An advertiser is free to choose his preferred media tools for the promotion of his products. A media house, on the other hand, is free, too, to publish a news report, irrespective of the instructions from the corporate houses providing the advertisements. So it's a two-way story.<br /> <br /> Businesses thrive in competition and not in isolation. To try and end competition in an unethical manner by sponsoring misleading news is bound to backfire. Once the market determines the truth, what will happen to the credibility of the people who engineer such controversies? questions Neupane. At the same time, negative reporting will take its toll, sooner or later, on the media's credibility, too. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/media.jpg" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;" /><br /> <br /> Lastly, if it is proven that a business has cheated or confused the consumers, it is the media's responsibility to present the truth to the audience. However, when the media reports negatively against a business venture with a vicious intent, it is bound to leave a bad taste in the mouth. The media and the business sector must strongly support each other as both need to depend on each other for continued existence. Let there be journalism of hope and let the consumers decide for themselves what is right for them. Sanity must prevail.<br /> </div> </div> <div style="clear: both;"> </div> </div> <div style="width: 595px;"> <div justify="" style="width: 595px;"> <div> <div style="padding: 5px;"> </div> </div> </div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2010-12-29', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Businesses and media establishments complement each other. It is absolutely essential for them to learn to co-exist.', 'sortorder' => '63', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
