Ironical Situation
At a time when country’s political parties are all functioning under the centralized leadership, decentralization or federalism itself is a ridiculous slogan (Restructuring of State: Slogan of Decentralization under the Centralized Leadership (July 11-17). The cover story is very timely and shows the reality of Nepal’s present state of politics. In a country where the local governance fails to function, I don’t see federalism can work easily. However, everybody is championing the slogan of federalism and devolution of power to the state.
Yam Bahadur Gurung
Singapore, Via email
Devolution Is Difficult
Every one agrees that the issue of devolution of power is essential to recognize the rights of the people. However, it is not an easy issue. It requires many things to make the devolution of power possible. There are various models of federalism and they are different from each other. India’s federalism is gives huge powers to the center, which can dissolve the state government. But, the American, Canadian, and Australian models of federalism are different. Our party leaders must make their mind clear on what kind of federalism they want. I don’t think they are themselves clear on the issue. The recent political deadlock between the seven party alliance and three Madhesi parties indicate that choosing the modality for federalism is going to be a tricky issue.
Ganga Bahadur Shrestha
London Via-email
Expectations Dashed
It was very interesting to read cover story (Economy Overshadowed July 4-10). I agree with you that people have huge expectations over the forthcoming budget as it is going to be the first one prepared by a republican regime. The promise of New Nepal has been ringing loudly in the mind of the people who are looking forward to relief packages, economic prosperity, employment opportunities and so on. Unfortunately, the political instability threatens to pour cold water over their expectations. Despite their commitments, they are yet to bring poor friendly budget and relief to the people. Instead of settling economic issues, political parties are more interested in the issues of power sharing. It is very unfortunate to say that Nepalese politicians do not care about people, what they want is power at any cost.
Girija Shanker Giri
Nepalgunj Via-email
Spur Growth
Nepal needs to have a program to achieve the economic growth rate of about 7 percent per annum. However, the current political trend shows that no political party has any program for economic development. In the name of making people’s budget, Maoist leaders seem intent to destroy Nepal’s financial institutions. After looking at their twelve-years-long insurgency, when they destroyed the infrastructures worth millions of rupees, it is not unthinkable that the Maoists can destroy the financial institutions. Instead of announcing the populist budget, the new government led by Maoists must announce the realistic budget for the country.
Pramesh Kamat
Biratnagar via email
Alarming Point
The remarks by Chinese scholar Wang Hongwei said in his interview ‘Nepal May Head Toward Sikkimization’ (Spotlight July 04-10) is quite alarming. His message is clear that India is following the ‘smash and grab Nepal’ policy like another Himalayan Kingdom Sikkim which it usurped in 70s. At the same time he also firmly holds the view that Nepal’s patriotic forces will come to the rescue of the country in case of such situation. At a time when all are worried about the future of Nepal’s identity as an independent nation, Chinese scholar Wang Hongwei’s remark is very meaningful. Despite Indian and Chinese leader efforts to improve their relationship, they still have a longstanding and bitter border dispute. Thus, Nepal may have to face consequence of their rivalry. Along with China’s policy towards Nepal, his observation on personality of king Gyanendra and abolition of monarchy is very valid. Had king Gyanendra made restrained efforts, the country would not have faced the present situation and monarchy would not have to face such humiliation. As a good friend of Nepal, all Nepalese need to thank Chinese scholar Hongwei.
Bimal Subba
Melbourne Via email
Full of Tirade
I am frustrated to read editorial of Spotlight as it is always directed against India. Being a close neighbour with such a diverse relation, India has genuine interests in Nepal. Instead of making constructive criticism about Indian policy, your editor promotes anti-Indian sentiments. India is our close neighbour and we need Indian cooperation to be a prosperous and stable nation. We need to use language of persuasion rather than language of hatred. I hope your paper will use persuasive language so far as writing about India is concern. Uttering anti-Indian slogans all the time cannot help any body. India has been spending billions of rupees in Nepal providing all kinds of educational facilities to Nepalese. India is a credible guarantor of peace in Nepal. As all of us know India and Nepal, though two sovereign nations, are geographically inseparable.
Himanshu Thapa
Via email
