Teachers go unpaid

POKHARA: Teachers appointed to teach illiterate persons in the district, as per the massive literacy campaign initiated by the Maoist-led government, have complained of not getting their salary for the last three months. “We will pay the teachers immediately after we receive the budgetary allocation,” said Nara Hari Baral, Local Development Officer, Kaski. Stationery suppliers have also been frequenting to the local bodies for payment, according to Om Raj Paudel, program officer, Pokhara Sub-metropolitan City. More than 500 literacy class teachers in the district have been awaiting the pay. District Education Officer Baikuntha Aryal said Ministry of Local Development had not released the fund. “The government is cheating us,” alleged victim Jamuna Lamichhane. The teachers have threatened to stage an agitation should they not be paid at the earliest. — HNS

Ten hurt in accident

GAIGHAT: Ten persons were injured when a jeep en route to Gaighat from Chuhade met with an accident on Friday. “Pancheshwori Rai, Padam Rai, Prithvi Maya Rai and Alisa Rai sustained critical injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment,” Area Police Office Jaljale stated. While other six with minor injuries were treated at a local health centre, the police added. — HNS

Mercy cash for work

BATADI: Locals of Shikharpur and Shankarpur VDCs in Baitadi have built their own cooperative houses and collection centres, thanks to Cash for Work, a Mercy Corps project funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid. Amar Bahadur Kuwar, president of the collection centre said, “With the support of Mercy Corps we were able to build the centre.” Mercy Corps paid a daily wage of Rs 130 per head during the construction. — HNS