Nepal to host IFATCA conference in 2012
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 06 -
The Nepal Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) is hosting
the 51st conference of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) from March 12-16, 2012.
NATCA has won the bid to host the conference, which is the biggest international event being held in Nepal. More than 600 participants from 136 member countries of IFATCA will be participating, said NATCA president Pratap Babu Tiwari.
NATCA has formed an organizing committee, sub-committees and an advisory panel to make the preparations for the event. The Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari has been named coordinator of the conference.
IFATCA holds annual conferences attended by its member associations to focus on its own particular concerns. The Jordanian Air Traffic Controllers Association is holding the 50th annual conference from April 11-15, 2011 in Amman, Jordan.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has pledged to manage the necessary resources while Tribhuvan International Airport will arrange the conference hall, Tiwari said. On the second day of the meet, there will be an exhibition of aircraft control equipment and the latest technologies related to aviation.
Nepal hosted the IFATCA Asia Pacific chapter conference in 2004. NATCA was established in 1991. It later affiliated with IFATCA and became a member association in 1992.
NATCA has been participating in the annual and regional conferences of IFATCA and supporting its various initiatives and activities.
Due to circumstances and lack of proper policies, NATCA remained inactive for several years. In 1998, NATCA was revived with the spirit of professionalism of air traffic controllers. NATCA is the only national professional organization of Nepali Air Traffic Controllers, dedicated to protecting and safeguarding the interests and rights of Air Traffic Control (ATC) professionals.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Pre-Dashain Import Curse
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 06 -
The government is importing 20,000 tons of rice, 50,000 tons of wheat and 25,000 tons of sugar from India to meet the increased demand during the Dashain festival.
Demand for foodstuffs usually doubles during festivals with shortages leading to price hikes.
“The move is to intervene in the market with the private players who have a monopoly role in supply, as during the festive time there is high chances of creating an artificial shortage to increase the price,” said Ganesh Dhakal spokesman at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS).
According to him, government distribution will be a hedge against the monopoly of private distributors and also to ensure the real price and quality of food items,” Dhakal added.
Although the government has 19,000 tons of food as a buffer stock, the import is to make the supply side smooth as the festive period requires big chunk of foodstuffs, he said.
As a buffer stock, 15,000 tons are reserved for domestic consumption while 4,000 tons are for the SAARC Food Bank that could be distributed to any neighbouring country if a food crisis occurs there.
Of the total food import, wheat and sugar delivery will be on time, however, due to some procedures to follow regarding the price and quality of rice, shipment of rice will take some time, he said. Distribution of wheat and sugar will be entrusted to Salt Trading Corporation while distribution of rice will be assigned to Nepal Food Corporation. Earlier, the private sector used to import food items, however, after the Indian government banned export of food (except basmati rice), the Nepal government started the shipment process through a diplomatic channel, he said.
Nepal had requested the Indian government to provide 200,000 tons of food grain to Nepal from Indian state entities during Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s New Delhi visit.
Following the request, the Indian government had approved the supply of 50,000 tons of wheat and 25,000 tons of rice at the market price for Nepal for 2010. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC) estimates that the food deficit in Nepal mounted to 500,000 tons in 2009/10 from its earlier deficit estimate of 316,000 tons. The MoAC’s last fiscal year’s production report revealed
that overall grain production
dropped to 7.76 million tons. In the previous fiscal year, overall grain output was recorded at 8.11 million tons. Paddy production declined by about 11 percent to 4.02 million tons. In the previous year, paddy production was 4.52 million tons.
However, wheat output has increased by 16 percent in the last fiscal year compared to the previous year. Wheat production was about 1.56 million tons in 2009/10 compared to 1.34 million tons in 2008/09. The share of paddy production in the total grain output is 45 percent, followed by wheat (24 percent), maize (26 percent), millet (5 percent) and barley (1 percent). With the estimated deficit, over 1.7 million people are estimated to face food unavailability, according to the ministry. The fall in grain production has been attributed to lack of modern irrigation facilities, increasing plotting of productive land for housing
construction and traditional agricultural methods.
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 06 -
The government is importing 20,000 tons of rice, 50,000 tons of wheat and 25,000 tons of sugar from India to meet the increased demand during the Dashain festival.
Demand for foodstuffs usually doubles during festivals with shortages leading to price hikes.
“The move is to intervene in the market with the private players who have a monopoly role in supply, as during the festive time there is high chances of creating an artificial shortage to increase the price,” said Ganesh Dhakal spokesman at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS).
According to him, government distribution will be a hedge against the monopoly of private distributors and also to ensure the real price and quality of food items,” Dhakal added.
Although the government has 19,000 tons of food as a buffer stock, the import is to make the supply side smooth as the festive period requires big chunk of foodstuffs, he said.
As a buffer stock, 15,000 tons are reserved for domestic consumption while 4,000 tons are for the SAARC Food Bank that could be distributed to any neighbouring country if a food crisis occurs there.
Of the total food import, wheat and sugar delivery will be on time, however, due to some procedures to follow regarding the price and quality of rice, shipment of rice will take some time, he said. Distribution of wheat and sugar will be entrusted to Salt Trading Corporation while distribution of rice will be assigned to Nepal Food Corporation. Earlier, the private sector used to import food items, however, after the Indian government banned export of food (except basmati rice), the Nepal government started the shipment process through a diplomatic channel, he said.
Nepal had requested the Indian government to provide 200,000 tons of food grain to Nepal from Indian state entities during Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s New Delhi visit.
Following the request, the Indian government had approved the supply of 50,000 tons of wheat and 25,000 tons of rice at the market price for Nepal for 2010. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC) estimates that the food deficit in Nepal mounted to 500,000 tons in 2009/10 from its earlier deficit estimate of 316,000 tons. The MoAC’s last fiscal year’s production report revealed
that overall grain production
dropped to 7.76 million tons. In the previous fiscal year, overall grain output was recorded at 8.11 million tons. Paddy production declined by about 11 percent to 4.02 million tons. In the previous year, paddy production was 4.52 million tons.
However, wheat output has increased by 16 percent in the last fiscal year compared to the previous year. Wheat production was about 1.56 million tons in 2009/10 compared to 1.34 million tons in 2008/09. The share of paddy production in the total grain output is 45 percent, followed by wheat (24 percent), maize (26 percent), millet (5 percent) and barley (1 percent). With the estimated deficit, over 1.7 million people are estimated to face food unavailability, according to the ministry. The fall in grain production has been attributed to lack of modern irrigation facilities, increasing plotting of productive land for housing
construction and traditional agricultural methods.
NFC’s brave Dashain bid
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 07 -
Nepal Food Corporation (NFC) is planning to supply 4,000 goats during Dashain in the Kathmandu Valley in view of the usual jump in demand for meat during the festival. According to an NFC official, last year’s requirement amounted to 17,000 animals which is likely to soar to 30,000 this year due to a rise in the population. Last year, NFC sold about 2,716 goats in the capital.
“If NFC does not intervene in the market, there are high chances that traders will gain a monopoly and control prices,” said deputy general manager Bijaya Dhoj Thapa. He added that it was NFC’s duty to provide an alternative supply so that traders cannot increase the market prices.
Last year, the corporation had sold goats at Rs. 240 to Rs. 250 per kg. Although there won’t be much difference between NFC’s subsidized rates and the prices charged by private traders, the move will help keep possible price hikes in check, Thapa said.
NFC could not collect as many goats as it had planned to last year, and so this year it is sending its people to new places on a
procurement mission. Last year, the goats came from Dang, Nepalgunj and Lahan.
Until a few years ago, NFC used to import mountain goats from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Imports ceased due to high transportation costs.
Thapa said NFC aimed to have the goats in Kathmandu before Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of the festival of Bada Dashain. Unlike in the past, NFC will not be selling edible oil for the festival. The corporation used to sell edible oil at a subsidized rate. “We need to call a tender for the purchase process which takes a long time. And as the festival is very near, we will not be able to supply edible oil this year,” he said.
With respect to rice, NFC is selling sona mansuli at Rs. 34 per kg, jira masino at Rs. 50 per kg, basmati at Rs. 66 per kg and Japanese rice at Rs. 50 per kg.
NFC maintains sales outlets at Thapathali in Kathmandu, Nakhu in Lalitpur and Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur. From Ghatasthapana, they will remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Thapa said.
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 07 -
Nepal Food Corporation (NFC) is planning to supply 4,000 goats during Dashain in the Kathmandu Valley in view of the usual jump in demand for meat during the festival. According to an NFC official, last year’s requirement amounted to 17,000 animals which is likely to soar to 30,000 this year due to a rise in the population. Last year, NFC sold about 2,716 goats in the capital.
“If NFC does not intervene in the market, there are high chances that traders will gain a monopoly and control prices,” said deputy general manager Bijaya Dhoj Thapa. He added that it was NFC’s duty to provide an alternative supply so that traders cannot increase the market prices.
Last year, the corporation had sold goats at Rs. 240 to Rs. 250 per kg. Although there won’t be much difference between NFC’s subsidized rates and the prices charged by private traders, the move will help keep possible price hikes in check, Thapa said.
NFC could not collect as many goats as it had planned to last year, and so this year it is sending its people to new places on a
procurement mission. Last year, the goats came from Dang, Nepalgunj and Lahan.
Until a few years ago, NFC used to import mountain goats from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Imports ceased due to high transportation costs.
Thapa said NFC aimed to have the goats in Kathmandu before Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of the festival of Bada Dashain. Unlike in the past, NFC will not be selling edible oil for the festival. The corporation used to sell edible oil at a subsidized rate. “We need to call a tender for the purchase process which takes a long time. And as the festival is very near, we will not be able to supply edible oil this year,” he said.
With respect to rice, NFC is selling sona mansuli at Rs. 34 per kg, jira masino at Rs. 50 per kg, basmati at Rs. 66 per kg and Japanese rice at Rs. 50 per kg.
NFC maintains sales outlets at Thapathali in Kathmandu, Nakhu in Lalitpur and Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur. From Ghatasthapana, they will remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Thapa said.
CAAN cap on CPL issue
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 09 -
In the wake of an increasing number of pilots being unemployed every year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has revised its Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issuance rule aiming to limit new license holders to some extent.
As per the new rule, now onwards, the CAAN will conduct only three-scheduled CPL tests each year as against the existing four tests.
The CPL is a qualification certificate that permits the holder to act as the Pilot-in-command of a single pilot aircraft, or as co-pilot of a multi-pilot aircraft and be paid for his/her work.
Students, who have accomplished their examination and training in pilot course are authorized by the CPL from their respective institutions after they complete the relevant written exams and tests.
After the course completion abroad, the pilot graduates need to pass a separate CPL test in their home country, conducted under CAAN to hold a Private Pilot certificate. The move by CAAN, the regulatory body of the aviation sector in Nepal, came after the recent concern raised by the Airlines Operators’ Association of Nepal (AOAN) that the country has 194 pilots grounded as the domestic aviation industry was unable to adjust the supply of the pilots each year.
“Our initiative is to teach the pilot aspirants that the country’s aviation sector was unable to create employment opportunity in line with the increasing trend of students looking for the course abroad,” said Binod Giri, director, Aviation Safety Department, CAAN.
According to CAAN, about 200 pilots who have passed the CPL test recently are waiting for employment while around 150 students are pursuing the course abroad.
“There was no fixed schedule of conducting the CPL test before. The CAAN used to act in response to the pilot groups before. However, now onwards, there will be managed and fixed schedule to issue the license,” said Ram Prasad Neupane, Director General at CAAN.
According to data of the AOAN, from May 2008 May to July 2010 194 pilots qualified for the commercial pilot license (CPL) conducted by the CAAN.
Recently, the AOAN had said that pilot aspirants were spending big amounts of money, with no result. Over the last two years, more than Rs. 540 million flew off to foreign countries for the pilot course. One student’s minimum expense comprises Rs. 3 million as tuitions fee only.
Until now, CAAN has conducted the examination for the 44th pilot batch. “Some 650 pilots attended the CPL, and 413 qualified for the license.
The craze for the pilot course has risen significantly since two years. According to AOAN, jobs shortfall for the pilots started since the 36 batch.
Before this, there was demand for Nepali pilots in both domestic and international aviation sector. Over 27 pilots are working in Indian aviation. On July 16, after the Indian government announced giving priority to Indians, Nepali pilots have started returning from India.
SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 09 -
In the wake of an increasing number of pilots being unemployed every year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has revised its Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issuance rule aiming to limit new license holders to some extent.
As per the new rule, now onwards, the CAAN will conduct only three-scheduled CPL tests each year as against the existing four tests.
The CPL is a qualification certificate that permits the holder to act as the Pilot-in-command of a single pilot aircraft, or as co-pilot of a multi-pilot aircraft and be paid for his/her work.
Students, who have accomplished their examination and training in pilot course are authorized by the CPL from their respective institutions after they complete the relevant written exams and tests.
After the course completion abroad, the pilot graduates need to pass a separate CPL test in their home country, conducted under CAAN to hold a Private Pilot certificate. The move by CAAN, the regulatory body of the aviation sector in Nepal, came after the recent concern raised by the Airlines Operators’ Association of Nepal (AOAN) that the country has 194 pilots grounded as the domestic aviation industry was unable to adjust the supply of the pilots each year.
“Our initiative is to teach the pilot aspirants that the country’s aviation sector was unable to create employment opportunity in line with the increasing trend of students looking for the course abroad,” said Binod Giri, director, Aviation Safety Department, CAAN.
According to CAAN, about 200 pilots who have passed the CPL test recently are waiting for employment while around 150 students are pursuing the course abroad.
“There was no fixed schedule of conducting the CPL test before. The CAAN used to act in response to the pilot groups before. However, now onwards, there will be managed and fixed schedule to issue the license,” said Ram Prasad Neupane, Director General at CAAN.
According to data of the AOAN, from May 2008 May to July 2010 194 pilots qualified for the commercial pilot license (CPL) conducted by the CAAN.
Recently, the AOAN had said that pilot aspirants were spending big amounts of money, with no result. Over the last two years, more than Rs. 540 million flew off to foreign countries for the pilot course. One student’s minimum expense comprises Rs. 3 million as tuitions fee only.
Until now, CAAN has conducted the examination for the 44th pilot batch. “Some 650 pilots attended the CPL, and 413 qualified for the license.
The craze for the pilot course has risen significantly since two years. According to AOAN, jobs shortfall for the pilots started since the 36 batch.
Before this, there was demand for Nepali pilots in both domestic and international aviation sector. Over 27 pilots are working in Indian aviation. On July 16, after the Indian government announced giving priority to Indians, Nepali pilots have started returning from India.
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