Economy Under Shadow
The cover story “Economy Derailed” (SPOTLIGHT February 9) pointed out the apparent lack of concern among our leaders over the economy. They all tend to think that economy does not need their attention and should, instead, be governed by the private sector. But they are totally wrong, economy does need their attention. Leaders must come forth with visionary plans about developing the economy of the country.
Bishesh KC
Hattisar
It’s The Economy, Stupid
Nepal is caught in a time warp (“Economy Derailed” SPOTLIGHT February 9). Even as neighbors India and China continue to surge ahead by registering astronomical growth, Nepal continues to wallow amid instability, chaos, disorder and stagnation. The first few months after the cessation of conflict had generated high hopes among the people regarding their livelihood. However, as political agenda continue to overshadow everything else, there has been no improvement in economy.
Bidesh Gautam
Lazimpat
Neglected Poor
At present day Nepal , economy has been pushed to the backburner (“Economy Derailed” SPOTLIGHT February 9). There is an overwhelming obsession about politics. Everybody and every organization has come to the street demanding political identity and participation. For the last many decades, Nepal has been gripped by this unitary fixation over political issues. That is why, our country has ended up as one of the poorest countries in the world. There are millions of people here who struggle to meet their ends. Concerns of these people are economic not political. Perhaps after they get to eat stomach full, they will then start talking about their political identity and so on. Unfortunately, as they are very poor and totally marginalized, there is not a single organization that has taken up their agenda. Instead, other communities of people who are comparatively in better condition have started agitating and hijacking the agenda of the poorest of the poor. The poorest section of the society has no one to turn to. They are simply too disempowered to be able to rise up and speak about their plight. But in their names, many other parties and organizations are advancing their own agenda colored with their vested interests. Go to any agitation organized by any outfit, you will find relatively better-off people – particularly from middle class and lower middle class section. Hardly any member from the downtrodden and economically marginalized class can hope to take part in such agitation. The protest demonstrations that one encounters in Sighdurbar or Maitighar or Ratna Park are all participated by similar kind of people. Perhaps these people do not have economic problems. Therefore, they are not found to be raising slogans demanding better economy. Otherwise, it is strange that in a country like Nepal where one half population are poor, there has not been a single day of Nepal bandh demanding better economic policies. Such bandhs and strikes are announced at the drop of a hat – to press for concerns for transport entrepreneurs or to raise demands for ethnic identity. But no one is interested to call Nepal bandh by raising economic agenda. Does that mean, Nepalese people do not have economic problems? The answer is a big no. Then why nobody raises this agenda. That might be because the poorest people do not find any time to think about their plight. They are too busy trying hard to make their ends meet; trying to gather enough food to feed their families and so on.
Diwas Gurung
Minbhawan
Catastrophic Impact
The three-weeks-long unrest in Terai is bound to have catastrophic consequences for the national economy (“Economy Derailed” SPOTLIGHT February 9). As the experts have pointed out, the country will face both short term and long term impacts including rising inflation and lost opportunity of works. The paralysis of transport system and derailment of supplies will cast an ominous shadow over the livelihood concerns. Country will take a long time to return to economic normalcy.
Sapana Bhandari
Gaushala
Moderates Silenced
Apropos the article “Silent Moderation and Violent Extremism” (SPOTLIGHT February 9), it is pertinent to note that the majority of the population who have chosen to remain silent amid this brouhaha are actually very moderates. They are apprehensive of increasingly violent tone of politics at large. They want to see their country stable, peaceful, democratic and prosperous. But they are skeptical about the manner in which the top leadership is handling the country post Janaandolan II.
Giridhar Thapa
Sanepa
