Don’t raise tariff only

The government, after raising the electricity tariff by 60 percent within a year, has now decided to increase the telephone tariff. Earlier, it hiked petroleum product prices, sending the price of essential commodities spiralling considerably. The reason cited for raising telephone tariffs - a sharp decline in the income from international calls - cannot be justified. The state owned NTC has monopolized the telephone market but has not provided its services satisfactorily. This is a known fact. The rate for international calls is also higher in Nepal than in India. NTC is the only state owned corporation that runs in profit, apart from Nepal Oil Corporation. Had NTC taken some measures to improve its management or lessen overstaffing, things would have certainly been better than what they are today. This is what has to be taken seriously.

Last year, NTC submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Information and Communications to raise telephone tariffs. The minimum rental rate for 100 local calls at present stands at 181 rupees. The cost of each local call above the minimun rate increases with the number of calls. Of course, the proposal did contain four alternatives to re-balance the local tariff, as claimed by NTC officials. This apart, the World Bank, a decade ago, also suggested that NTC fix the local call rate at not less than 343 rupees a month. Unfortunately, the government refused to go ahead with the WB proposed local call tariff. Perhaps, the WB rate proposal would not have come, had there been systematic billing for local calls or a more effective approach to imposing tariff on consumers.

Although the amount of the rental rate hike is yet to be fixed, officials at NTC have already announced that the hike will be significant. Obviously, the rate for internet, e-mail and international calls will also go up significantly, adding extra pressure on the already strained economic conditions of ordinary consumers. The prices of petroleum products and transport fares have also gone up considerably in recent days. The telephone tariff move cannot be considered a step in the right direction at a time when consumers are facing a stiff rise in the cost of daily essentials and are already paying high enough electricity and water tariffs. If NTC is failing to make adequate profit, it is because of poor management and lack of an effective approach to reducing overstaffing. The situation can be improved only if NTC meets its target for distribution of cellular mobile phones and ensures a proper service for its customers. The move to hike telephone tariff must not become a burden on consumers. The NTC has to find alternatives that really help consumers more than the corporation.

Second international Buddhist conference

By Prem L Chitrakar

The United Nations is going to observe the Day of Baishak each year at its Headquarters and at other United Nations offices. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the 79th plenary meeting of the UN after it was sponsored by 34 member countries of the world body.

However, if international observation of the Day of Baishak by the United Nations is to be continued in the years to come beginning from the year 2001 and if such observation is to be effective and meaningful in terms of conceiving a new global paradigm of world peace based on the Buddha’s message, a supplementary resolution is also to be introduced in the UN General Assembly through general consensus at the Second International Buddhist Conference in Lumbini from 1-2 February 2001, and adopted.

The major paragraphs of resolution No 54/115, which was adopted, comprise (1) acknowledging the hope expressed by the International Buddhist Conference held in Sri Lanka in November, 1998 that the Day of Vaisak, the day of the full moon in the month of May each year be recognized internationally and in particular at the United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices, (2) recognition that the day of the full moon in May is most sacred to Buddhists who commemorate on that day the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away, (3) consideration that international recognition at the United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices would constitute an acknowledgment of the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and half millennia and continues to make to the spiritually of humanity, and (4) resolving that without cost to the United Nations appropriate arrangements shall be made for international observances of the Day of Baishak at the United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices, in consultation with the relevant United Nations offices and with permanent missions that also wish to be consulted.

If one critically examines United Nations resolution No 54/115 adopted by the 79th Plenary meeting of the United Nations on 15 December, 1999, the last paragraph seems inadequate for observing the Day of Baishak under the United Nations effectively and meaningfully each year. Appropriate arrangement has not been made for observing the Day of Baishak at the United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices. In other words, this matter has not been well thought out by the United Nations, according to available information.

Annually, all the countries in the world which are members of the United Nations have basically been observing different days, such as World Food Day and World Environment Day to name but a few, ever since the United Nations organization was established in 1945. These different Days have been observed to highlight their importance. But they have not only been observed in view of their importance in terms of aims and objectives. Different days have also been observed around various themes provided by concerned institutions and organizations, which have been created or developed under the United Nations, in order to deepen the understanding of the thoughts or ideas behind the themes or to spread the message of the themes all over the world.

Under these circumstances, the observation of the Day of Baishak should not be limited to the United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices. The Day should be observed, each year, not only by the governments of member countries of the United Nations but also by INGOs and NGOs at the clarion call of the United Nations.

Basically, the Day of Baishak is to be observed to create awareness about the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Theory of Department Origination, and also to deepen understanding in order to salvage or liberate mankind from their suffering. International observation of the Day of Baishak is also to be considered as an opportunity not only for the United Nations organisation but also for small or weaker nations of the world for learning about Lord Buddha's message of peace with regard to world peace and security in this millennium. This, therefore, is an appropriate theme to choose for observing the Day of Baishak in the years to come.

While observing the Day of Baishak in the year 2001, the theme to be chosen by the United Nations is "Hatred is indeed never appeased by hatred in this world. It is appeased only by loving kindness." This is an ancient law and also one of the messages of peace of Lord Buddha

In order to provide an appropriate theme, each year, for observing the Day of Baishak from 2001 onwards, an International Institute of Buddhist Studies is to be established in Nepal under United Nations organizations. The establishment of such an institution in Nepal is necessary to provide an appropriate theme for observing the Day of Baishak, and also to disseminate the invaluable teachings of Lord Buddha, for the salvage of mankind.

The role of youth and community in the development of Lumbini will of course be discussed during the Second International Buddhist Conference in Lumbini. Besides this, if observation of the Day of Baishak is to be made effective and meaningful in the years of come, a supplementary resolution to resolution No. 54/115 should be tabled at the UN General Assembly based on the resolution of the Second International Conference in Lumbini, and have it adopted by the UN before May 18th, 2001.

Tips for campus goers

By Ghanashyam Kafle

Maybe you’re a teenager or in your twenties with some problems. No matter what your problem is. Come off it. Time to be worried has gone away. There is one place in our country where you can find yourself like in the Wonderland. Can you guess where it is? It cannot be dance restaurants where you can’t think of going with little money. Look! It is the campuses where you can find such a pleasure. You're pretending to study. No it is a mere " time pass". With nothing else to do you go to campus and easily get enrolled. And there is your father who gives you money to spend on tea and treats.

Go into the classroom to find the class has already started. Go shaking hands with friends saying " hey. " It will make girls think of you as a hero. Care not if the teacher is disturbed because he/she is the person you can make fun of. Just say, by studying who has been great? If your are really a campus student, come with a copybook folded and tucked in your pant pocket. Write on the walls some vulgar words that will furnish the classroom and make it look a bit more motivating. Thinking of attending the lecture? There is no point in doing so since you don’t think of passing exams without taking tutorial class. There is a mushrooming growth of tuition centres, and you can pick one for your solution.

Squint at girls who come to campus tip-top as if going to a fashion show. They are likely to respond to your gestures. Look at their high-heeled sandals, sexy bodice, artificial eyebrow and dead red lips. How can you help not being excited and running after...? Look for a chance. There are several occasions to express, "I love you." Isn’t life exciting?

Form for exams not filled up? Don’t worry. It’s never too late. Fill up your favourite’s also. It will help your love bloom. It is another golden chance to prove that you care for her.

Worried about exams? Don’t worry. Still there is time. There are tuition institutes which claim "100 percent success". What more do you need? Go with your favourite to a tuition institute, which you can use as a safe love spot. Don’t ask who the teacher is, whether he is qualified enough to teach. For it isn’t your business. If you don’t have a favourite yet, you are likely to get one there. Listening to the tutor? Don’t do that. You are missing a chance for looking and being looked at. Worried about failing in exams? There is nothing like ‘pass’ or 'fail’ in campus. There is either the ‘ clear’ or 'back’. Shame goes concealed under these protecting words. Failed in exam? No problem, you may have heard of some people who provide you with fake certificates. Don’t ask: aren’t you ashamed of writing like this? But why should I be ashamed to expose the reality?

Sri Lanka meets challenges

By Dr Mohan Lohani

Sri Lanka is celebrating this year the 53rd anniversary of its national independence. This island country known as a pearl in the Indian Ocean is one of the oldest democracies in South Asia and, as outlined in the latest Human Development Index (HDI), is far ahead of its neighbours in the region in improving the physical quality of life index (PQLI). As a developing country Sri Lanka, despite its internal problems caused by prolonged ethnic strife, has adopted a number of policy measures to strengthen its economy and integrate itself in the global mainstream. In fact, the process of liberalising its economy was initiated by Sri Lanka more than two decades ago Although the transition from the country’s centralised economic structure to a liberal economy has been difficult and painful, the island country has moved forward confidently to become an integral part of the global economy. Policy makers and planning experts in Sri Lanka strongly believe that it is possible to improve the living conditions of the people through restructuring and liberalisation of the economy.

Most developing countries look upon globalisation as an irreversible process reinforced by spectacular progress in modern technology, in particular communications and information technology. Sri Lanka is fully prepared and determined to meet the challenges of globalisation. President Chandrika Kumaratunga, during her state visit to Nepal in July 1999,delivered a keynote address on "Sri Lanka’s Experience in Facing the Challenge of Globalisation" at the annual general meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Since globalisation has come to stay, the challenge before each country is to accept this reality and adjust itself to it while preserving one’s unique identity. President Chandrika eloquently highlighted this global change:

"Barriers and distances between countries and people in our globe have shrunk so much that it is becoming increasingly difficult to think of sovereign nation states adopting independent economic and social policies. The question that arises is not how to maintain our unique identities in a sea of change. The challenge is how best we can benefit by this inexorable process of globalisation while preserving those features of our identity that we cherish and value most"

It is to the credit of President Kumaratunga that through prudent financial management Sri Lanka has been able to withstand the pressure of globalisation. While inflation and budget deficits have been reduced, the growth rate has been satisfactory. No less satisfactory has been a steady increase in the GDP and per capita income. Sri Lanka is today actively engaged in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by offering concessions and facilities to foreign investors. It is heartening to note that Sri Lanka happens to be one of the first countries to ratify the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement. This island country with a population of less than 20 million has also taken the lead in launching a comprehensive programme of privatisation to create a market friendly economy. As a result of the active involvement of the private sector, Sri Lanka has considerably diversified its economy, and its export base, no longer confined to a few crops and some limited products, is fast expanding. In a rapidly globalising economy no country can move forward without increasing its competitive capacity. Sri Lanka, as President Kumaratunga emphatically asserts, has proved its competitiveness in world markets.

The people of Nepal have noted with appreciation the progress made by Sri Lanka in the economic and social sectors under the able and wise stewardship of President Kumaratunga. King Birendra, in a welcome speech at the State banquet held in honour of the President of Sri Lanka on July 5, 1999, expressed the popular mood and feeling when he said: "The Nepalese people have been observing with interest the achievements and progress Sri Lanka has made in improving the quality of life of her citizens as well as in the social sectors and in the areas of health, education and human resource development."

Nepal and Sri Lanka, as member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), have worked together in close collaboration with other member states, to achieve the goals and objectives of SAARC and to make this regional body a dynamic instrument for promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the region. Sri Lanka, in its capacity as current Chair of the Association, has continued to make serious diplomatic effort to achieve a consensus and reschedule the stalled Summit. In her keynote address to the Tenth SAARC Summit hosted by Sri Lanka in July 1998, President Kumaratunga forcefully articulated the priorities and concerns of the region. There can hardly be two opinions about the President’s observation that a large member of people in South Asia live and die in abject poverty and ignorance. It may be recalled that at the Sixth SAARC Summit held in Colombo in 1991 the South Asian heads of state or government agreed upon the urgent need for bold and innovative measures aimed at alleviating poverty in the region. Recognising this need, the Summit set up an Independent South Asian Commission on Poverty Alleviation. Two distinguished persons of Nepal and Sri Lanka, namely, former Prime Minister KP Bhattarai, a widely respected politician in the region, and Dr. Ponna Wignaraja, an economist of international renown, were unanimously appointed Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Commission. The Report of the Commission is a useful document containing concrete and innovative recommendations on the basis of which a regional strategy for poverty alleviation can be worked out and implemented.

A positive outcome of the 10th Colombo Summit was the endorsement of a Sri Lankan proposal to develop a Social Charter which would focus on wide ranging areas such as poverty eradication, population stabilisation, the empowerment of women, youth mobilisation, human resource development, the promotion of health and nutrition and the protection of children. A Social Charter of this nature and magnitude, once it is approved by the regional body, will go a long way in relieving social tensions caused by poverty, gender disparity and other social maladies and disadvantages.

Since Sri Lanka has liberalised its economy and made remarkable progress in the field of human resource development, the former’s experience and expertise could be immensely beneficial to Nepal and its people. Sri Lanka, in fact, is willing to provide opportunities to Nepalese nationals to receive advanced training in technical fields. The Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in Nepal has been invited to send young Nepalese diplomats to attend the training programme organised by the Bandarnaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) in Colombo. Deshmanya Dr. Vernon Mendis, Chairman, BIDTI, visited Nepal in December 1999. Last November the IFA’s Executive Director paid a return visit to Colombo. Such visits are useful to strengthen linkages between the two Institutes. There is ample scope for promoting bilateral friendship and partnership between Nepal and Sri Lanka in several fields-social, economic and cultural and for an exchange of academic and training programmes in the true SAARC spirit.