Saturation of Politics
There is politics all the time and country's major issues like economic development is overshadowed. Your cover story (Budget Preparations: Overshadowed by Politics July 04-10) was very timely and accurate The country has been passing through a very critical phase of economic crisis as the price of petroleum products continue to go up and overall inflation has gone up from single digit to double digit. As Maoists have emerges as the single largest party and are on the final stage of leading the forthcoming government, recent statement of Maoist leaders have further shaken the economy. The time has come now to discuss the issues regarding the country's economy. It should be the main priority.
Nepal Commerce Campus
Minbhawan, Kathmandu
Expectations High
I agree with your argument that people have huge expectations with the forthcoming budget as it is going to be the first one prepared by a republic regime. At a time when the Constituent Assembly's meeting continues to be disrupted by Madhesi parties, there is no sign what kind of budget is in the making. It is inevitable that Maoists will present most populist budget in case they are given complete control over the government. If Maoists prepare such budget, it is certain that other donors will pull out their support. Once again, poor Nepali people will have to suffer. Instead of talking about the populist agenda, Maoists should speak the reality. Maoists must speak the economic language rather than political language of jungle raj.
Via E-mail
Beyond Control
It seems that there is no immediate solution for the soaring oil price as it continues to climb up. If this week's crude oil price is any indication, it shows that the price will cross the range of US$ 200 within a year resulting in high inflation in the country (Soaring Oil Price: Worsening Woes June 27-July 03, 2008). As a net importer of fossil fuel, Nepal does not have any option other than to import the petroleum products at par with the international market price. However, the mentality of the people is such that they want to live in subsidy. If one prepares to pay the price of petroleum products at par with international market, everything will be settled.
Montreal Via email
Speak Reality
Eminent constitutional lawyer Dr. Surya Dhungel has rightly pointed out many important things about the constitution making process. Every one agrees with Dr. Dhungel that there is a crude struggle for power going on. Although political parties held the election for CA to draft the new constitution and making New Nepal, their actions show that they are more interested in power rather than the constitution. Dr. Dhungel's comment that in the name of people's mandate and Jana Andolan, the leading political parties appear to have been carrying imposed and imported agenda that are not in the national interest and keep on changing their tones everyday speak reality of present politics. As a Nepali living far away from the country, we always are misled by imposed articles and interviews. Dr. Dhungel opened our eyes and mind. Others also need to speak the reality.
London Via email
Lacking Research
I was very disappointed with your cover story which stated that the government of Nepal does not have any specific program to engage overwhelming number of youths (Youths; High expectations June 20-22). I thought the story lacked thorough research it deserves. Certainly, the government would have had some programs. Nepal's youths have been badly exploited by political parties. I hope the political parties will formulate more programs to engage the youths in employment/productive sector.
Via email
Youth Power
Youths are power and strength of any country. However, Nepalese government has failed to utilize these forces for the sake of country's overall economic development. The present experiences have already shown how vulnerable they are. From general strikes to all other political activities, they are over exploited by our politicians who don't have any vision about future Nepal. Youths must be given proper opportunities.
Via email
