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Kathmandu,Monday February 21, 2000 Fagun 09, 2056.
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Appreciate govt
Iwish to extend my congratulations to the
government of Nepal for its fine performance. It is common practice these days to
criticize these worthy people and it is time someone rose to their defence. There is
probably no greater example in the world today of a government more successful in carrying
out what it was conceived, designed and implemented to do: obstruct and impede the
development of its own nation.
Consider:
- Nepal is the poorest country in Asia but has the highest prices for
essential goods and services.
- Nepal is the second greatest potential source of
hydroelectric power but only an insignificant percentage of this has been developed.
- Nepal has the highest priced electricity in Asia
but Indian nationals can purchase Nepal electricity far cheaper than Nepalis.
- Indians and Bangladeshis can buy Nepali rice
cheaper than Nepalis.
- Prices for essentials have been raised 20 percent
to 60 percent from the previous year.
- The government has laws prohibiting corruption
but fails to implement them allowing corruption to be openly practised.
- Poverty rate has doubled in spite of billions of
foreign dollars in aid and uncounted man-hours of donated expertise and effort.
- Prices for electronic equipment (VCRs, TVs etc)
are at least double the price compared to wealthier countries because of government taxes.
- No exploration to discover and develop
Nepal’s potential minerals, petroleum or thermal resources has been allowed.
These are only a few of the dozens of clever ways
the present and past governments of Nepal have found to impede the nation’s progress;
such splendid endeavours should not go unappreciated.
Don Michaels,
Kathmandu |
