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Keep The Promises
The targets and goals mentioned in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are critical for the well-being of any society. With regards to your cover story “Promises to Fulfill” (SPOTLIGHT, November 17), it is sad to note that in the education front there are still a lot to do. At a time when the country is passing through a difficult post conflict period, the issue of MDG must be highlighted so that the people of Nepal can be able to experience good life in near future.
Krishna Regmi
Dhobighat
Pay Attention To Socio-economic Issues
Since the country is undergoing transitional phase, all of the people – including the politicians, civil society leaders, students, organizations etc – are harping on the political slogans. There is not a single soul preaching for uplifting socio-economic conditions of the people. As pointed in the cover story “Promises To Fulfill” (SPOTLIGHT, November 17), it is actually the socio-economic condition that has haunted this country for centuries. The politics is only a mean to achieve the end of prosperity and happiness. Whereas in our country, politics has become means and ends in itself. What is the use of good and stable politics, if it does not deliver socio-economic benefits? A poor person cannot get any relief by democracy or any other cracy until and unless his basic needs and desires are fulfilled. Definitely, the people of Nepal have brought about a situation in which the political leaders are now enjoying the perks and benefits of power. But the people had not created this situation just for their sake. The people want food, cloth and shelter. They want peace, happiness, prestige and contentment. Above all, they want their leaders to deliver. The UN MDGs constitute some of the basic needs that people everywhere in the world must be provided with. The benefits of health, education and sanitation are some of the most basic needs. Just as Nepal is moving on the path towards peace and stability, the leaders now must reorient their priorities and pay serious attention to fulfilling these socio-economic needs. Enough time has already been lost in the pursuit of political goals. Time has now come to work for attaining the social and economic goals. The MDGs, therefore, can provide a definite set of goals for our leaders. They must act without any further delay to prioritize the country’s development plans and programs to meet these objectives. As they are now talking about creating a new Nepal , people have high expectations of the fulfillment of their long-desired wants and needs. If the political leadership again fails to deliver, the country could be embroiled in another phase of turmoil. Therefore, in order to avoid such pitfalls and disasters, the leaders of today must join hands not only on political issues but also on socio-economic agendas. They are standing at the crossroads of making history – good or bad – for the country.
Lava Devkota
Balaju
Phase Of Instability
The article “Prolonging Instability” (SPOTLIGHT, November 17) points out the threat of continuous instability. After the change of April this year, both national as well as international community have started to think that Nepal is heading for the political stability. However, there are still many issues that need to be settled to actually regain the stability. Foremost, is the role that will be played by domestic actors. No less important will be the role played by Nepal ’s immediate neighbors.
Kebal Bista
Maitidevi
Alls Well That Ends Well
The interview with Madhav Kumar Nepal , general secretary of the Unified Marxist Leninist (SPOTLIGHT, November 17) was interesting to read. The UML has always played dual role at times of crisis in the country. They refused to whole-heartedly embrace the 1990 Constitution. They never played a role of constructive opposition. Nepal himself refused to sit in the commission formed to probe royal massacre, at the last minute. It seems, the UML leadership wants credit for all the achievements but never want to shoulder any blame. During the time of Deuba-led government in 2004 also, the UML disowned the government policies when it did not suit them. Although the decision to hike the price of petroleum products was made by UML minister Iswor Pokharel, the party went to streets after sensing public wrath against the decision. The UML needs to evolve to become a responsible political party. They will not be able to continue fooling the people all the time.
Birat Rai
Lagankhel
Adieu To 1990 Constitution
The 1990 Constitution is going to be replaced soon (People and Constitution, SPOTLIGHT November 10). Now that it is going to be replaced, some people are debating about its salient features and positive aspects. I find it ludicrous that these lawyers and experts are now hailing the constitution when it is certain to die. Where were they and what were they doing when the constitution needed its defendants? The country and people cannot remain assured when its intellectual class does not call a spade a spade.
Janak Shrestha
Maharajgunj
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