Nepal Info

ITC Limited Declares Lockout At Nepal Garments Factory-The Economic Times

Thursday, 16 Jun 2011 02:21pm EDT 

The Economic Times reported that ITC Limited has declared an indefinite lockout at its garments factory in Nepal, producing its John Players and Springwood brands of menswear for export to India, Bangladesh and other countries, after factory workers went on the warpath. The factory in Biratnagar town, whose jute mills were the cradle of the trade union movement in Nepal, was shut down indefinitely June 15, 2011 after workers held 42 Company employees captive for more than 24 hours and clashed with police when the latter sought to rescue the victims. Violence erupted after workers staged demonstrations for almost a week over a pay-cut.

http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/ITC.NS/key-developments/article/2346338

Nepal’s Constitution

May 16, 2011 | Caroline, ECH, Centre for Microfinance (CMF), Nepal

Namaste!

I have only been in Kathmandu for less than a week and I have learned so much already. I have been going through orientation with the CECI office in Baluwatar, Kathmandu and it has been great so far and well needed. It is through the very welcoming and friendly staff members of CECI that I have been able to pick up a lot of information with regards to the current political situation in Nepal.

A political deadlock in Nepal is blocking any progress in both government cohesion and the drafting of a Constitution for Nepal. Political parties, students, and Maoists have called Bandhs (strikes) several times throughout 2010 and 2011. For the month of May, there was a Bandh called for May 13, 2011.

Aadhibashi Janjati (Indigenous Caste) called for Nepal a Bandh demanding timely constitution drafting and all agreements with the government to be fulfilled immediately. The constitution is due May 28th, 2011 but the rumours in Nepal have it that it will not be ready in time. The constitution is already a year late and has an extension until May 28.

The...