Tuesday, June 2, 2009
नयाँ राजधानीका लागि
नयाँ राजधानीका लागि
नेवा: स्वायत्त राज्यको माग गर्दै आयोजना गरिएको काठमाडौं उपत्यका बन्दका क्रममा एउटा माग र नाराले मलाई धेरै नै आकर्षित गर्यो। देशको राजधानीलाई काठमाडौंबाट सारेर भए पनि नेवा: स्वायत्त राज्य चाहिने मागले काठमाडौं उपत्यकामा बसाइ सरेर आएका नब आगन्तुक बाहेक अन्य धेरै नेपालीलाई खुशी तुल्याएको हुनु पर्छ र म पनि अन्य नेपाली जस्तै खुशी नभइ रहन सकिन। पृथ्वी नारायण शाहले “बलजफ्ति” राजधानी बनाएको यस उपत्यकाबाट राजधानी हटाउँदा यहाँका खास समुदाय खुशी नहुने कुरै भएन; त्यसमाथि आफ्नो क्षेत्रमा राजधानी बन्ला कि भन्ने आशा गरेका अन्य क्षेत्रका समुदायहरू पनि केहि पलका लागि नै भए पनि खुशी नै हुने छन्। भलै केन्द्रीय राजधानी एकठाउँ मात्र हुने भएकाले राजधानीका आशा गर्ने सबै क्षेत्रका जनताका भागमा भने राजधानी पर्ने छैन। त्यसो त देश संघीय राज्य प्रणालीमा जाने भएकोले राजधानीको कुनै कमी हुने छैन र आफुले चाहे अनुसार केन्द्रीय राजधानी, राजधानी, उप-राजधानी, सह-राजधानी यस्तै यस्तै नाम राखेर थुप्रै राजधानीहरू बनाउन सकिनेछ र यसका लागि ठूलो आन्दोलन गर्नुपर्ने छैन।आफ्नो जातीय, क्षेत्रीय, भाषिक तथा सांस्कृतिक पहिचानका लागि पनि काठमाडौंबाट राजधानी हटाउनु पर्ने माग आएको हुन सक्छ। यस्तो संवेदनशील कुरामा सरकारले खेलाँची गर्नु हुँदैन र काठमाडौंबाट राजधानी हटाउने प्रकृयातर्फ तुरून्त ध्यान दिनु पर्छ भन्ने मेरो मान्यता हो। आन्दोलन नै नगरी माग पूरा गरिदिने बानी बसाल्ने हो भने धेरै समस्याको हल हुने थियो। यस सन्दर्भमा पनि नेवार समुदायको मागप्रति पूर्ण: समर्थन गर्दै राजधानी सार्नका लागि म नेपाल सरकारसँग जोडदार अपील गर्छु र राजधानी सार्नका लागि आलटाल गर्दा आउन सक्ने परिणामप्रति सचेत हुन अनुरोध गर्दछु।तर, काठमाडौंबाट सारेको राजधानी कहाँ राख्ने? गोरखा, पाल्पा, मकवानपुर, इलाम, झापा, बीराटनगर, बीरगञ्ज, जनकपुर, नारायणगढ, बुटवल, दाङ, नेपालगञ्ज, महेन्द्रनगर वा पोखरा? अथवा मनाङ, मुस्ताङ वा सोलुतिर? त्यसो त कतिपयले नेपालमा राजधानी हुनु र नहुनुले कुनै अर्थ राख्दैन भन्ने तर्क राख्छन्। उनीहरूको मान्यता छ, नेपालको केन्द्रीय राजधानी दिल्ली हो र काठमाडौं त केवल राजधानी नाम गरेको छायाँ राजधानी मात्र हो। यदि यो तर्क ठीक हो भने नेवार समुदायले गरेको राजधानी हटाउने आन्दोलन निकै जायज छ। यो नाम मात्रको राजधानीमा बसेर दु:ख पाउनु भन्दा त आफ्नै राज्यमा बस्नु ठीक। नाम मात्रको छायाँ राजधानी जुनसुकै राज्यले लगे पनि नेवा राज्यलाई किन पो टाउको दुख्छ र?राजधानी बन्ने होडमा बेइजिङ पनि अगाडि सरेको कुरा सार्वजनिक भइसकेको सन्दर्भमा त काठमाडौंमा राजधानी हुनुको कुनै अर्थ छैन। बरू नेपालको राजधानीलाई Franchise गरिदिएर दिल्ली, बेइजिङ अझ हुन सक्छ भने वासिङ्टन र अन्य-अन्य मुलुकमा पनि राख्न पाए नेपाली उत्पादन “राजधानी” ले अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा नाम कमाउन पो सक्थ्यो कि? शायद नेपालका सन्दर्भमा सबैभन्दा बढि पढेलेखेका “बुद्धिजिबी”, “सभ्य” र देशका सबै क्षेत्रमा नेतृत्व गरिरहेका नेवार समुदायले गरेको आन्दोलन यसैका लागि पो हो कि? फेरि परापूर्वकालदेखि व्यापारमा निपुण मानिएका नेवार समुदायका लागि Franchise को अवधारणा नयाँ र नौलो पनि त होइन।
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Micro health insurance hedges risk for India's poorest
Nandakumar Rajeshirke was suspicious of health insurance when he first heard about the idea three years ago. He had trouble understanding why it made sense to gamble on an unforeseen illness or accident when there was no guarantee he would ever see any money in return. Nandakumar Rajeshirke was suspicious of health insurance when he first heard about the idea three years ago. He had trouble understanding why it made sense to gamble on an unforeseen illness or accident when there was no guarantee he would ever see any money in return.But his insurance provider, a network of nongovernmental organizations called UpLift India Association, had already earned his trust by supplying him with reliable microcredit to fund his stone carving business in the city of Pune. Mr. Rajeshirke decided to buy coverage for his whole family at 50 rupees ($1.10) per person annually and renewed the plan for several years in a row.In 2005, his gamble paid off. Rajeshirke's wife needed a hysterectomy, a procedure that would normally cost 20,000 rupees ($446), one-third of his yearly salary."Without insurance," he says, "I would have had to sell some things from my house or get a loan from someone at high rates." Instead of facing financial ruin, he paid 6,000 rupees ($134) total and had help navigating the long process through diagnosis, surgery, and medication.Such plans, known as micro health insurance, are gathering momentum in regions of Asia and Africa that lack public health strategies. These nonprofit programs aim to provide quality healthcare at low premiums on a community-level scale. The idea is that, with creative planning, the poor can benefit from the same protections against risk as the rich.India is a world leader in this emerging field, with 5 to 10 million people enrolled in micro health insurance nationwide. Fewer than 10 percent of India's 1.1 billion people have any sort of health insurance, much of which covers only government employees. Poor people usually work in informal jobs or are self-employed, so they are extremely unlikely to be included in employment-related plans.
MJF leaders close to agreement; Yadav and Gachhadar both to become ministers
There has been an agreement between Madheshi Janadhikar Forum chairman Upendra Yadav and parliamentary party leader Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar on the issue of joining the government.
An agreement has been forged where both leaders will participate in the government. Chairman Yadav will lead the party’s team, while Gachhadar will take charge of a powerful ministry.
The agreement was reached according to the recommendations of the task force formed Saturday to name the ministerial candidates from the party and suggest solution to the ongoing feud between the two factions.
The agreement has not been officially announced as a meeting ongoing to select other ministers from the party.
Earlier, the two leaders were seen in the verge of split with both organising separate press conferences on Saturday.
Gachhadar had reportedly handed over the list of MJF's ministerial team, led by himself, to PM Nepal, while Yadav had said the party would withdraw its support to the government had that been the case.
Gachhadar, in response, had said the party would have to face an unfortunate incident if the support to the government was withdrawn
An agreement has been forged where both leaders will participate in the government. Chairman Yadav will lead the party’s team, while Gachhadar will take charge of a powerful ministry.
The agreement was reached according to the recommendations of the task force formed Saturday to name the ministerial candidates from the party and suggest solution to the ongoing feud between the two factions.
The agreement has not been officially announced as a meeting ongoing to select other ministers from the party.
Earlier, the two leaders were seen in the verge of split with both organising separate press conferences on Saturday.
Gachhadar had reportedly handed over the list of MJF's ministerial team, led by himself, to PM Nepal, while Yadav had said the party would withdraw its support to the government had that been the case.
Gachhadar, in response, had said the party would have to face an unfortunate incident if the support to the government was withdrawn
Santander To Rebrand Its UK Operations From 2010
Spanish bank Santander has decided to operate under a single brand name across 40 countries of the Europe, particularly in the UK. Following this decision the Abbey, Alliance & Leicester (A&L) and Bradford & Bingley savings (B&B) will be rebranded as Santander from the first quarter of 2010
Early in the second half of 2009, Abbey Credit Cards will be re-branded as Santander and all new cards will be issued under the Santander name, when they come up for renewal. However, for the specialised-market brands they retain the existing names. These include Abbey for Intermediaries, cahoot, Cater Allen, James Hay and the international businesses of Abbey, A&L and B&B.
One of the key drivers in implementing the brand change has been the switch to Santander’s global IT platform, Partenon. The change in the IT platform allows Santander to offer its full range of products across enlarged UK network. As a result, Santander customers in UK can transact in all its Santander branches.
Upon the completion of the change, 25 million customers can manage their finances in the 1,300 branches across the UK under Santander’s branch network irrespective of, whether they belong to Abbey, A&L or B&B network. Moreover, this will also allow the UK business to leverage the expertise and product developments from Santander’s global business.
António Horta-Osório, Chief Executive of Santander’s UK Businesses, said: “Since Santander acquired Abbey in November 2004, we have set about transforming the business to reflect Santander’s business model and values.
Early in the second half of 2009, Abbey Credit Cards will be re-branded as Santander and all new cards will be issued under the Santander name, when they come up for renewal. However, for the specialised-market brands they retain the existing names. These include Abbey for Intermediaries, cahoot, Cater Allen, James Hay and the international businesses of Abbey, A&L and B&B.
One of the key drivers in implementing the brand change has been the switch to Santander’s global IT platform, Partenon. The change in the IT platform allows Santander to offer its full range of products across enlarged UK network. As a result, Santander customers in UK can transact in all its Santander branches.
Upon the completion of the change, 25 million customers can manage their finances in the 1,300 branches across the UK under Santander’s branch network irrespective of, whether they belong to Abbey, A&L or B&B network. Moreover, this will also allow the UK business to leverage the expertise and product developments from Santander’s global business.
António Horta-Osório, Chief Executive of Santander’s UK Businesses, said: “Since Santander acquired Abbey in November 2004, we have set about transforming the business to reflect Santander’s business model and values.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Health Insurance Reform in 2009
Health Insurance Reform in 2009 -
Make life evergreen like Phot
President Obama made this bold promise to hopeful Americans in his recent address to Congress. Few listeners debate the importance of health care, but providing quality affordable health care for every American will clearly challenge Democrats and Republicans to work together to meet this goal.As unemployment rises, even fewer Americans will have health insurance through an employer. And, rising medical costs are forcing small and large businesses to reduce coverage, increase co-pays and deductibles and raise the amount that employees must pay each month. Some small business owners have even converted traditional health insurance plans to high deductible plans.Insurance.com offers these tips for evaluating your health care options and saving money on your medical bills.
My employer offers an HMO and a PPO. How do I decide?
Both provide excellent care, but you may want to choose an HMO if its network of doctors and hospitals matches your needs. Health insurance with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is generally less expensive. You're required to select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists within your HMO network. If you seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally pay most of the cost yourself.A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is more flexible than an HMO plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are "within the PPO network." You may visit an out-of-network provider, but you will pay the difference between the PPO network and out-of-network prices. Usually offer a prescription drug benefit, as well. Some companies are offering.
President Obama made this bold promise to hopeful Americans in his recent address to Congress. Few listeners debate the importance of health care, but providing quality affordable health care for every American will clearly challenge Democrats and Republicans to work together to meet this goal.As unemployment rises, even fewer Americans will have health insurance through an employer. And, rising medical costs are forcing small and large businesses to reduce coverage, increase co-pays and deductibles and raise the amount that employees must pay each month. Some small business owners have even converted traditional health insurance plans to high deductible plans.Insurance.com offers these tips for evaluating your health care options and saving money on your medical bills.
My employer offers an HMO and a PPO. How do I decide?
Both provide excellent care, but you may want to choose an HMO if its network of doctors and hospitals matches your needs. Health insurance with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is generally less expensive. You're required to select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists within your HMO network. If you seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally pay most of the cost yourself.A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is more flexible than an HMO plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are "within the PPO network." You may visit an out-of-network provider, but you will pay the difference between the PPO network and out-of-network prices. Usually offer a prescription drug benefit, as well. Some companies are offering.
I can't afford full health insurance, but I want coverage for major emergencies
A high deductible health insurance plan or offer coverage for major illnesses or accidents. For example, a plan with a $5,000 deductible requires you to pay all of your medical expenses up to $5,000 before your insurer begins to pay. If you choose a high deductible plan, try to save a small amount of money each month in a (HSA) so that you're not overwhelmed by routine medical expenses
I have health insurance, but it seems like I'm always paying for something.
Sad but true. You may owe a for doctor's visits or a trip to the ER. Usually, this is a flat fee, but it can get expensive if you don't stay within your plan network.Secondly, payment for expenses is subject to your annual , which is the amount you pay toward your medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay claims. Some HMO plans do not have deductibles but do have co-payments.Lastly, there's co-insurance, which is the percentage of your medical costs that you pay after you reach your annual deductible. 80/20 co-insurance is a common option, and that means that your insurer pays 80% of your bills and you pay 20%—after your deductible. So, anything you can do too.
A high deductible health insurance plan or offer coverage for major illnesses or accidents. For example, a plan with a $5,000 deductible requires you to pay all of your medical expenses up to $5,000 before your insurer begins to pay. If you choose a high deductible plan, try to save a small amount of money each month in a (HSA) so that you're not overwhelmed by routine medical expenses
I have health insurance, but it seems like I'm always paying for something.
Sad but true. You may owe a for doctor's visits or a trip to the ER. Usually, this is a flat fee, but it can get expensive if you don't stay within your plan network.Secondly, payment for expenses is subject to your annual , which is the amount you pay toward your medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay claims. Some HMO plans do not have deductibles but do have co-payments.Lastly, there's co-insurance, which is the percentage of your medical costs that you pay after you reach your annual deductible. 80/20 co-insurance is a common option, and that means that your insurer pays 80% of your bills and you pay 20%—after your deductible. So, anything you can do too.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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