UNDP aid for EC

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission and the United Nations Development Programme signed an agreement to devise EC’s long-term strategy, maintain voters’ registration, election demarcation process, upgrade election information and education centre. The three-year project worth Rs 36.52 million will be run under direct coordination of the UNDP. Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghulam Isaczai and EC under-secretary Lakshman Bhattrai signed the agreement. — HNS

Bio-diesel production

KATHMANDU: Biotechx Energy International, a company committed to environment-friendly energy production, said it aimed to start the production of bio-diesel in Nepal by the end of 2009. Andreas Sommer, chief executive officer of the company, said, “We have undertaken feasibility studies and have done paperwork for the production of bio-diesel.” The company said it had signed contracts with foreign partners to introduce renewable energy production technology such as waste-to-energy, bio-fuel, photovoltaic and air-to-water projects. The company said its role would be crucial in recovering outgoing currency and losses incurred by the Nepal Oil Corporation. — HNS

Open learning

Madhyapur Thimi: The three-year open learning programme for youths, which was launched in seven districts in 2007, has benefited a good number of youths. The Non-Formal Education Centre (NFEC) had launched the programme in 2007 for the benefit of youths deprived of school education. Section officer at the NFEC Purna Bahadur Shrestha told this daily that the students had passed their first grades (first year). “This year, the students will pass the second grade. They will sit for School Leaving Certificate examination next year,” he said A total of 261 youths aged above 15 years have enrolled at the programme. The programme is being run in Jhapa, Morang, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Makawanpur, Parsa and Banke districts. — HNS