Accident again

It hardly stunned the general public when a passenger bus plying between Kathmandu and Panauti overturned at Babarmahal the other day while overtaking another bus at breakneck speed. Unfortunately, four passengers including an infant died instantly in the accident and scores of other people sustained serious injuries. This is not the first time that a privately operated bus has killed so many passengers, that too in the capital at an early hour. Neither the department of roads nor the traffic police have taken such accidents seriously with any intention to preventing reckless driving and maintaining good road conditions. It is also true that the traffic police do not attend to their duties on time nor do they uphold the traffic laws properly. The department of roads has hardly taken care of the poor road conditions. This apart, there have been many cases of driving licenses being issued without sticking to the letter of the law. Such practices have not only invited deadly road accidents that occur regularly but also encouraged corruption among the officials involved.

In the past three weeks, more than fifty passengers died in separate road accidents leaving over one hundred others physically crippled. On May 9 alone, 21 people were killed and over fifty sustained injuries in Lalitpur, Gwarkwa and Damauli. These three separate road accidents that claimed almost two dozen lives in one day occurred as a result of reckless driving and poor road conditions. Similarly, a day later seven passengers were killed near the capital when a bus plunged off the road while passing a parked truck at breakneck speed. Yet, the government did nothing to probe these accidents although these were a clear case of sheer negligence and irresponsibility on the part of drivers as well as the traffic police. A week ago, a Kathmandu-bound truck carrying a marriage party plunged into the Trishuli river claiming twelve lives.

The fatal road accidents that claimed so many lives in the month of May has become a matter of overriding concern. The government cannot ignore this carnage through negligence. It has to maintain proper road conditions, through the imposition of a road cess if need be, and it cannot allow the valley traffic police to remain idle when loaded buses careen at breakneck speed in the capital or anywhere else. The onus is on the government to get to the bottom of the problem. It might start with the fact that drivers often turn the steering wheel over to the conductor to give the latter some practice in driving with a view to eventually acquiring a driving licence. It is at such times that accidents tend to occur and claim lives. Just preventing such monkeying around could cut down on road fatalities. Last but not least, the government has to introduce effective new measures and implement them effectively so that such fatal accidents can be minimized.

Rongji’s sojourn : Milestone in Sino-Nepal ties

By Madan Regmi

The three-day official visit of the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji’s, has heralded a new era in Nepal-China relations. Zhu’s visit has been historical, meaningful and fruitful from all accounts. The signing of the six agreements ranging from the construction of the high way Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi to link Nepal with China to a hospital for civil servants, polytechnic institute and ending of the double taxation regime and memorandum of understanding of different projects amply evinces that Premier Zhu’s sojourn in this Himalayan kingdom has been historic, fruitful and memorable. Besides, China has already incorporated Nepal in the list of the outbound Chinese tourist destination. MOU related to this already signed between two governments, and only few technical aspects have to be sort out to open up Nepal for the Chinese tourists. In the pipelines are the other projects, which include the proposed construction of Baglung-Beni-Jomsom road to be construct after the completion of the already signed projects. China’s agreeing to allow Nepal to open a consulate office in Shanghai and to enhance the air links, is another illustrations of the Sino-Nepalese ties becoming comprehensive.

During his stay, Prime Minister Zhu has impressed the various segments of the Nepalese governance. The political leaders and parliamentarians found in him warmth for Nepal her people. The businessmen and industrialists found Zhu so well known about Nepal economic position that some members of the team who met the Chinese Prime Minister told this writer that "Zhu Rongji virtually gave them the guidelines of how to increase trade with China and where to supply". Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala praises China as close neighbour and good friend and for acknowledging, "our development needs". He also stressed that "Nepal and China will work in close concert for a just and equitable world order."

Prime Minister Premier Zhu, who is known to be a leader of few words and more a doer, was very appreciative of the Nepalese and their ancient culture and the natural beauty. He was also categorical in supporting the Nepalese people by expressing that "in recent years, the industrialists and talented Nepalese people have worked tirelessly and scored gratifying achievements in their efforts to safeguard national independence and state sovereignty and develop the national economy". Zhu rejected the outdated version that the Himalayas are a barrier between Nepal and China. Instead, he solemnly declared the "Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world towering over the border of China and Nepal, can never obstruct the friendly ties between the two peoples, but instead serve as a token of everlasting friendship". To those powerful and rich countries bent upon infringing the sovereignty of other countries, on different pretext, Zhu’s message was candidly clear, when he declared, "China has all along stood for equality among all countries, regardless of their size, wealth or strength, and firmly opposed the bullying of the small, the poor and the weak by the big, the rich and the strong. Treating each other as equals and cooperating with each other sincerely are the basic features of the China-Nepal relations". The Chinese Premier indeed made a sincere and frank evaluation of the present world and of this region. He has outlined the basic edifice of Sino-Nepalese ties and has conveyed a subtle message that China will oppose any attempt by any country to bully Nepal. He has also underscored that China will work hard for a peaceful world order.

This policy of China has made her popular not only in the region but also all over the world. This is one of the reasons we Nepalese people have tremendous respect and warm feeling for China and her people. It is not only because China is our closest neighbour, a powerful and a great nation, and has provided generous economic assistance to Nepal, but because she has always respected the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Nepal and has always been a true friend. However, Nepal has not been able to reciprocate to China to the same extent, which is impossible. However, it has not shied away for supporting China in various international issues. This marks that relationship between our two countries is excellent. Therefore, it is exemplary. If only Nepal had China-like neighbour on all sides, Nepal’s sovereignty would have been safe and secure, and her people prosperous. In such a situation the anti-China separatist would not have dared to misuse the Nepalese soil. Prime Minister Zhu seems to be well aware of Nepal’s helplessness in the context of the open border in the South, which is the main source of also anti-China activity.

Though in his press conference, Prime Minister Zhu replied that the issue of China’s security concern did not rise, during the bilateral talk, he never said that China had no security concern in Nepal. As this issue looms large, and will continue to be so, it was adequately raised by the Chinese side prior to his visit. Zhu’s cautioning of the Nepalese Government and the leaders of the political parties in official talks about the ongoing so-called free Tibet movement is a serious issue. It has to be taken-up and addressed seriously. However, China should note that Nepal continues to remain under the yoke of imperialism for centuries. It is still fighting the battle of bare survival and needs China’s all-out supports to retrieve itself from the foreign onslaught.

The Chinese entrepreneurs and investors can play pivotal role to provide energy to Nepal-China relations by taking up joint ventures. This will enhance Nepal’s economic viability. So far, they have been observing more of Nepal’s poverty, rather than Nepal’s potentiality. To make the bilateral ties very strong they have to acknowledge the observation of their own Prime Minister, who believes that economic and trade cooperation constitute ‘an important part’ of the bilateral ties, where "great potential remains to be tapped." Nepal’s potentiality in certain areas is almost unparalleled. In water resources, it is second to only Brazil in the world. Nepal has rivers like the Karnali whose single project has the capacity to generate ten thousands megawatt of electricity. The perennial flow of the Himalayan water has made Nepal waterpower of the world. Besides, as Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji has rightly expressed that Nepal’s "snowy scenery is world-renowned" it is one of the most beautiful place in world with varied ecology - thus can be turned into a tourist destination for the people of the world, provided proper intra-structure is built. Prime Minister Zhu, the architect of the Chinese economy, very well understands Nepal’s potentiality. Besides, Nepal-China relations based on mutual trust and respect for each other sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, have tremendous prospect to proceed ahead. Premier Zhu’s visit, a milestone in Nepal-China ties, which has taken place over four years after the visit of the Chinese President, Jiang Zemin to Nepal, is very important for this country. However, we must not forget the views expressed by the Chinese President Jiang Zemin in the 15th Congress of the Communist Party of China that "the cold war mentality still exists and hegemonism and power politics continue to be the main source of threat to world peace and stability."

Living with unique names

By Binita Joshi

I know you are not going to believe your ears when you hear me telling you the name of my husband. But anyway, I am used to all types of exclamations as I don’t remember one single person who has conceived my hubby’s name at my first utterance.

"What is your husband’s name?"

"Treasure".

Since you can’t catch to what I have said, you will ask me again thinking that I have not yet understood your question.

"What is the name of your husband"?

"T-R-E-A-S-U-R-E".

"What"?

Well, yes, Treasure is not such a common name. Even I haven’t heard of any Treasure as a name except the treasure - that is to do with money and wealth.

It would not be an exaggeration if I say that his name was the first impression that dragged me towards him. I thought, a unique name should be in tune with a unique personality. Some said, "You lucky one, at last found your Treasure (meaning dhukuti)". Some asked me where was I going to keep all my wealth and many of them asked (especially the girls) where did I go for Treasure hunting?

When people saw my wedding card, they found uniqueness in every way, not with the name of my hubby but the rest of my family. My uncle is Garden and my brother is Bigie and normally people call my big bro Bickey (like Vickey). People then blame their boneless tongues after getting the hang of right name-pronunciation (which takes quite an effort). But I no longer find the name Bigie that uncommon, not as much as when he was he was named years ago. By the way, should I add that my dad thought of naming me Brigita instead of what I name now? A unique and also a difficult name.

My folks again thought the pronunciation difficulty could lead towards the distorting of the name so they named me simple, and here I am a common Binita.

Even my brother was to be named "God" by my grandfather as he felt "G"- initial should reign the name of the men in our family. My grandpa- "Gopal"; dad "Ganesh"; uncle "Garden"; bro "God" (which seized to work out later) and my cousin brother is again "Gaurav".

So, names are important, really important. You are what your name suggests, so names should be hi-fi (really?).

It makes you feel proud. It also makes you feel proud to be surrounded by unique people and their unique names. That way you get to be unique in your own way, as unique as I feel to be at the side of Treasure - my pride.

Like everybody else, you won’t forget him and that way you will remember me.

RNAC and impending tragedy

By Ajit N S Thapa

One must travel about 10 years back in time to understand the genesis of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation’s woes. The restoration of multi-party democracy has had many beneficial impacts on our economy and society as a whole. One sector that has suffered much is the management of public enterprises. With a few exceptions, the level of interference in public enterprises’ management (especially in the appointment and dismissal of chief executive officers) has been massive and it is also alleged that some posts are given to the highest bidders. The worst hit public enterprises is the RNAC. It all began with the disposal of the two Boeing 727-200 fleet that RNAC owned at virtually throw away prices without any plans for their replacement. Since the RNAC was operating with four aircraft (the other two being Boeing 757), it was forced to engage aircraft on lease. Since then, RNAC has always been under one controversy or another over aircraft lease deals, and this has dealt a heavy blow to stable corporate policies and operations.

The award of the Europe GSA to a small time trader Dhamija by the management of RNAC at the behest of ‘higher authority’ caused unnecessary financial losses to the corporation. Subsequently, the adhoc cancellation of the contract (in spite of contrary legal opinion) took RNAC to court and, consequently, forced it to agree to an out of court settlement costing millions of dollars. It took RNAC a few years to recover from these blows but then, came another shock, the Chase Air fiasco. The Management of RNAC, contrary to the provision of the contract (which called for a first class bank guarantee), made an advance payment of 750,000 dollars to the Chase Air without a bank guarantee. The aircraft never arrived, and since then, RNAC has been chasing the Chase Air. Although half the money has been recovered so far, but in all likelihood, it will be used up for legal fees and expenses. After this deal, a new management signed another contract with China South West Airlines (CSWA) through direct negotiations (contrary to the instructions of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, CIAA). This caused a furore in RNAC and the pilots went on a strike. Some strong arm tactics was used to suppress the strike, but RNAC again lost crores of rupees as a result of flight cancellations.

During my brief tenure as part-time chairman in 1998, I had a first hand experience of the level of interference that goes in RNAC. RNAC was operating a leased Boeing 727-200 from Chapman, an aircraft leasing company, and it needed to be replaced as the DGCA India had not renewed the aircraft landing permission because of its high noise levels. RNAC floated global tenders for leasing of another suitable aircraft. Unfortunately, (as RNAC had lost its credibility with reputed suppliers), it did not receive good offer and as time was running out, the Board authorized Madhav Sharma, the then managing director to arrange an aircraft on negotiation. The MD did sign a deal with the Aviogenix, a Yugoslav Airlines for the lease of a 737-100 aircraft for four months. Apparently, Sharma had not followed the instruction of the Minister, and he was asked to report to the Ministry on the grounds that he had struck a costly deal. A few days later, I was asked by ‘higher authority’ to sign an aircraft financing deal with a certain Kuala Lumpur based firm called Phoenix Berhad. The deal was for a loan of US 200 million dollars at the rate of 4 percent per annum but needed the government’s guarantee. As RNAC had been given permission by the government to secure financing for aircraft purchase without the government’s guarantee, the Board could not, by itself, approve the agreement and, therefore, sent it to the Ministry for approval with due recommendations.

Apparently, since I did not follow the instructions of the ‘higher-ups’ to actually sign the deal, I was relieved of my chairmanship within a week. Incidentally, this proposal was never followed by successive managements. Even during my short period, I had already initiated discussions with reputed international banks and many had shown interest in financing an aircraft without the government’s guarantee.

Today, RNAC which has a fairly impressive record of efficient and safe service, is nearing bankruptcy. The entire middle management and employees of RNAC are worried that RNAC would be closed and they will all be out of work. Surely, they have reasons for such dismay. Since, the introduction of the much controversial Lauda aircraft in RNAC operation last year, RNAC has been bleeding. In its 42 year long history, RNAC’s overdraft utilization with commercial banks has never crossed 50 crore rupees. After four months of Lauda operation, its overdraft has crossed over 126 crores rupees. It is amazing that Lauda has been forced into RNAC service without planning and marketing of additional routes. To justify the induction of Lauda, RNAC management has grounded its own 757 since February last, so that Lauda gets additional flying hours.

It is important that all the employees should work under one banner, irrespective of their political leanings. A committee should be set up to draft a memorandum to the Prime Minister, giving him all the details on Lauda and its ramification in RNAC operation. If the committee decides that Lauda should be either renegotiated or be sent back, it should be presented to the PM. No contract is so unavoidable that it cannot be renegotiated or broken if it is detrimental to the interest of any one of the partners involved.

The Koirala government is committed to rooting out corruption and providing good governance. The then executive chairman Hari Bhakta Shrestha and T D Chataut, the former minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation could have blundered. But mistakes can always be corrected and should be corrected. In this connection, it must be noted that had the Prime Minister constituted a committee to evaluate the Lauda deal, as he had promised the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee some three months ago, and taken appropriate corrective actions, the country would not be in such a political mess as it is now.

RNAC is an institution with a glorious history. It has served the nation well for the last 42 years. It has made tremendous contribution to the development of tourism and to provide transport and communications between the capital and remote parts of the country. RNAC has a pool of well-qualified and motivated staff. It does not deserve to die and it must be saved from the clutches of greedy monsters, out to destroy the goose that lays golden eggs. The employees’ union should be vigilant and should not leave anything to chance.

His Majesty’s Government needs to take some immediate decisions to save RNAC:

a) Instruct the management and board of RNAC to review the Lauda contract immediately and, if necessary, annul the contract or renegotiate it to the benefit of the corporation.

b) Appoint qualified people to the board who will not be dictated by the chairman and also induct a RNAC staff/worker representative into the board.

c) Provide necessary support to RNAC based on a strategic operational plan and provide adequate tenure to chief executive officers.

d) Instruct RNAC management to look for a joint-venture partner which could provide both professional management service and equity capital required for down payment to induct a new wide body aircraft like the Boeing 767-300 ER into RNAC services.

(The author is former chairman of RNAC)