The traffic island in front of Mahankal temple near New Road was officially opened April 13 by the Public-Private Partnership Programme of Kathmandu Metropolitan city.

Smell of another scandal at RNAC

By A Staff Reporter

The government has reconstituted the board of directors of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC). The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has appointed Tirtha Lal Shrestha and Siddha Raj Joshi as board members in place of Mahesh Basnet and Mahesh Banstola.

The Ministry has also left out Shanker Koirala, joint secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Nagendra Prasad Ghimire, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority from the new board. This means there still are two positions remaining to be fulfilled in the board.

These appointments have come soon after the government appointed Haribhakta Shrestha, joint secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as its new Executive Chairman.

Meanwhile, a new controversy has cropped up in the RNAC regarding the tenders for leasing a plane. The Airlines has sought to lease a B-767-300 ER for two years, until it gets its own plane of the same kind.

Sources within the airlines say they has been a conspiracy to accept the tender of Annset Worldwide Aviation Services (AWAS), an Australian Company.

The other bidders were Babcock and Brown Ltd. of Ireland, Nepal Trade Concern, City Bird of Belgium through Transaction Pacific, A & H Aviation of UML. However, the bid of Nepal Trade Concern and A & H were invalid.

The tenders of the two companies, B & B and City Bird were opened on 18th April.

The tender of the AWAS was not opened under the pretext that the seal had been tampered with. It was later sent to the National Forensic Laboratory for testing  and was found that the seal was intact. It was finally opened on 21st April.

According to the bidding, Babcock and Brown Ltd. was the lowest bidder with US$ 3576 per hour flight, and that of AWAS was US$ 4100.

The source says there was a conspiracy to cancel the whole tender when it was found that another company had quoted a cheaper price than Annset.

It says the Babcock and Brown’s bid will come out Rs. 200 million cheaper than its nearest bidder, AWAS.

Observers, however, are again pointing fingers at Sujata Koirala (Jost), the Prime Minister’s daughter for trying to win the deal for Annset. She was recently in Australia.

However, the RNAC has yet to take a decision on which offer to accept. It is certain if Annset gets the deal it will kick another dust over RNAC for corruption.

Serious aviation experts are of the opinion that the lowest bidder should be given the chance to provide services to the Airlines. It is because of such unfair decisions that RNAC and the nation has been losing huge amounts of money, they say.

Are the Chetrapals coming?

By A Staff Reporter

The government may be contemplating the appointments Chhetrapals (regional commissioners) in the five development regions of the country.

Speaking at a programme of the Nepal Students’ Union, the student wing of the ruling Nepali Congress party, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said there is an urgent need of the regional commissioners to establish ‘coordination’ between the police, army and the administration.

However, many people take this move as a revival of the zonal commissioners of the panchayat days, in a more powerful form.

During the panchayat days, the zonal commissioners were the most powerful persons in the zones with wide ranging administrative powers including almost complete authority for maintaining law and order in the zone. They also had authority to arrest and to keep in detention any person. Such authorities were mainly used to arrest and keep in detention the opponents of the system then. But after the post became highly controversial, it was abolished even during the panchayat days and well before the popular movement of the 1990.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s public disclosure of the ‘need’ for the regional commissioner is being taken as a cue that the government may be seriously thinking of making a major change in the administrative set-up in the country.

This means the transformation and the recognition of the development regions as administrative units. The concept of development region was devised in 1975 purely on development perspective without giving them any political or administrative entity.

However, the establishment of regional commissioners could bring about a whole gamut of controversies and questions regarding the constitution and the administrative set up of the country.

One senior and highly respected lawyer was of the opinion that those who are raising the issue have not understood the constitution. The mere question of whether there is a need for such a position is irrelevant at the moment, he pointedly said.

Critics are alleging that words may have been put in the prime minister’s mouth by others and the Prime Minister may have spoken them without knowing exactly what he was talking about.

But on the other hand, a very high ranking official disclosed that the “Chetrapals” were being considered to counter the present Maoist problem. “Army bases will be set up in the different regions to provide security and also development packages in the regions and it will be the Chetrapal who will give directions,” he said.

Cook's recipe may be unpalatable for some in Koirala govt.

By Dhana Thapa

The British Secretary of State for Commonwealth and Foreign Affair Robin Cook, completed his two day visit to Nepal and flew back home on Thursday night (April 20).

One of the high points of the visit of the British dignitary, was his meeting with His Majesty King Birendra. Sources informed that Secretary Cook briefed His Majesty about the talks he had with the Nepalese officials, which ranged from bilateral trade issues to the Gurkha soldiers’ pension.

Similarly, Cook also called on Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and had a short but meaningful meeting with him.

However, what drew the attention of many media people and also the intellectual circle here in Kathmandu, was the forthright opinion that Cook gave on how the Nepalese government should deal with the growing insurgency problem in the country.

While talking briefly with the press people after holding talks with Foreign Minister Chakra Prasad Bastola, the British Secretary of State pointedly said that “the Maoist problem should be dealt through dialogue”. He also gave the example of how in his own country, an agreement could be arrived at with the Irish Republican Army (IRA), that had been waging a bloody insurgency movement for many years. Such a forthright statement from the British Minister took many people here by surprise, as in recent days, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had been making a lot of noise about mobilising the army against the insurgents.

Meanwhile, a close watcher of the Maoist problem, interestingly reminded that it was none other than Minister Khum Bahadur Khadka, as the then Home Minister, who had first formed a team of top human rights activists, to initiate talks with the Maoists almost two years back.

“Khadka was the first person to take concrete steps to solve the insurgency problem through talks, as suggested by the British Foreign Secretary, but he was soon removed from that post, perhaps even because of those with vested interest within the government,” he pointed out.

Critics of the present hardline stance of the government, also blame Home Minister Govinda Raj Joshi, Home Secretary Padma Prasad Pokhrel and also IGP Achyut Kharel. “These people not realising what is happening to the nation, are trying to fan the insurgency problem further,” they allege.

Like this scribe had mentioned earlier in these very columns sometime back, just going for “hardware” will not solve the Maoist problem. Even PM Koirala admitted to this while speaking at a high level meet of Nepal Police officers. “But as the money from commissions is there in buying arms and ammunition, some people are working only for personal gain at the cost of the nation,” a highly placed source within the Nepali Congress said.

Meanwhile, to look at another aspect of the Cook recipe, observers are saying that the Maoists have received international recognition with the current advice of the   British Minister. “The morale of the insurgents through out the country has been given a big boost, “ the observer said. Also, this is a big blow to people like present Home Minister Joshi and IGP Kharel, who still are saying that the Maoist can be dealt with force alone.

Meanwhile, another fear is that with international recognition, some other Left parties, who have not done well in the general elections, may also opt to join the Maoists for future benefit. This would definitely complicate the situation further.

But for now, the government is indeed in a difficult position with opposition to its plan to use force against the Maoists coming from within the country and now from outside too. However, it would not lose face if it does go according to the advice of people like Secretary Cook, who are right in saying guns will not solve the problem where grains and good administration are required.

Myanmar journalists complete visit

By A Staff Reporter

A five member delegation of journalists  from the Union of Myanmar, led by  U Soe Naung, the head of the Myanmar Journalist Association, returned back after completing a week long visit to Nepal. The other members of the delegation were U Khin Maung Myint, U Tin Than, U Tun Tun Oo and U Aung Myaing.

During their stay here, the Myanmar journos met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Chairman of the Raj Sabha Standing Committee Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi, Chairman of the National Assembly Dr. Mohammad Mohsin Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel and Minister for Information and Communication Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta among others.

The journalists also visited Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini and in Kathmandu they visited the Gorkhapatra Corporation.

On Sunday, the Nepal-Myanmar Friendship Council organised a function to welcome the journalists. This was a good opportunity for the visiting journalists to meet Nepalese who came back from Myanmar and settled down here.

Speakers made emotional speeches of how they still remembered the land where they were born and the visitors from Myanmar in turn expressed their great happiness at having the opportunity to have nostalgic discussions with Nepalese who could fluently speak their language.

President of the Council Rudra Pradhan, who himself studied engineering in Yangon University, said that the Nepal-Myanmar Friendship Council had been established very recently and its main objective was to develop and strengthen the relationship between the peoples of the two friendly countries.

While informing that most of the members of the Council were Nepalese who had returned from Myanmar, Pradhan also expressed the hope that a similar organisation will be established in Myanmar too.

First Vice President of the Council Manbir Singh Panthi, who was the master of ceremony, impressed all with his thought provoking observation and also with his lively wit. Panthi also recalled his childhood in Myanmar, before he came to nepal while still a very young boy.

Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Nepal U Tin Win informed that there are more than 300,000 Nepalese  in his country, who have received citizenship.

Ke Garne - What to do?

By Sushma Amatya

Ke garne?, is the catchword of the average and also not so average Nepalis. One gets to hear this word at least once, each and every day. This phrase means, ‘what to do?’, that signifies complacency and helplessness - not very dissimilar from the three vultures in The Jungle Book asking each other, “what do we do now?” and the other replying with the same phrase. We civilised, gentle people use the Ke Garne phrase when nothing happens, when things go wrong and when they refuse to go right; and get sympathetic replies from others with the same phrase.

Everybody uses this word - the politicians,  businessmen,   government servants,  housewives, students and so on. We seem to hang on to this word like a favorite mantra that seems to act like a balm on our psyches. Ke Garne is often followed by Yestai Chha!, meaning - this is how things are; our version of   ‘life is like that’.

This may be a very indigenous, collective way of placating our nerves but it also provides a fertile ground for the bacteria that breeds complacency many times over with each passing day. Come to think of it, with each of us saying Ke Garne, once every day and what with  the never ending addition of the young ones learning to utter the pop word and making it a part of their lives - we could very well become a nation of Ke Garnes. The call for today should be Garne, that is ACT, act now. We must not reduce to a bunch of Ke Garnes.

It is however heartening to note that quite a few people are awake and are not touched by the stupor of Ke Garne. Instead of repeating the much hackneyed phrase when the road of their locality becomes a mess after being dug up many times over and remains so for a long time; many residents of the Kumaripati area took to the streets and protested. This action is of course taken notice and something positive should come out of it - instead of Ke Garnes whispered under breath. Not that Ke Garne would do anything even if it were shouted over a mike!

Have we not suffered from the ostrich like attitude long enough? This attitude that makes people think that their neighbour’s problems are theirs alone. If we were to  realise that  problems of pollution, corruption, inflation, insecurity and many other problems are collective problems that affect each and every one of us sooner or later; and if we were to learn to work to advocate, implement the corrective actions together - things would move much faster. That would be giving the nagging creature called complacency a kick where it hurts, so it would not be back again to reduce us to non acting whiners. So, let’s get on with our act, now!

Spiritual leader to deliver discourse on meditation

By A Staff Reporter

At the initiation of Infinite Light Meditation Centre, Kathmandu, Ching Hai, a well known Vietnam-born spiritual leader, is delivering a free lecture on the Quan Yin method of meditation in Nepal at Birendra International Convention Centre on 1 May 2000.

According to the organizers, the Quan Yin method of meditation is the ancient science of enlightenment, the divine art of self realization that involves meditation on the inner celestial light and sound.

“Each culture and religion has its own name to describe the inner celestial vibration. The Chinese words Quan Yin mean observation of the inner vibration,” said a representative from Hong Kong, who has came to Nepal in association with Suma Ching Hai’s Oceania and Asia Tour 2000. Ching Hai began some of her first lectures in Asia and therefore used the name Quan Yin to describe the method of meditation.

In the past few years, Ching Hai had visited many countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, where she delivered discourse on meditation. She was also invited as a guest speaker by the United Nations in 1993. Recently, she delivered similar lectures in Israel, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa in her New Millennium Tour.

Her quest for peace and enlightenment led her on a difficult journey through years of travel to many countries, exploring many faiths and spiritual path. Hai, through meditation, breaks free of any religious ties and concentrates on the essence of all spirituality.

Involved with many charity organizations, Ching Hai also designs clothing, jewellery and lanterns, she paints, writes music and poetry. Proceeds of sales of her artwork provide her with funding for her humanitarian activities.

Jewish festival of Passover celebrated

By A Staff Reporter

The Chabad Lubavitch and the Embassy of Israel organized a festive dinner Thursday to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover “Pesach Seder” at the Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat, Kathmandu.

This festival has two significances. Firstly it commemorates the exodus of children of Israel from Egyptian slavery to their own homeland some 3500 years ago. Secondly, it is a spring festival, celebrated at the beginning of barley harvest. This festival has a very significant place in Jewish tradition and being celebrated by millions of Jews around the world.

The Embassy and the Chabad Lubavitch have been organising the “Seder” for the last ten years. It has become a practice that hundreds of Israeli tourists/trekkers visiting Nepal, South East Asia and the Far East during this time, come to Kathmandu to attend the “Seder” The “Seder” in Kathmandu is considered to be the largest one held outside Israel.

Rabbi Mishael Vardi and Keren Vardi along with his eight associates from Chabad Lubavitch have come to Kathmandu to conduct this religious festival. He brought with him 3 tons of Kosher food, including wine, Matzot (unleavened bread prepared from barley flour), which were served during the dinner.

More than 1000 Israeli tourists and Jewish people from other countries, who are presently visiting Nepal, attended the festive dinner.

A similar festive dinner was also organized the same day in Pokhara for Israeli tourists visiting there. Rabbi Yoav Lemberg from Chabad organisation conducted the religious prayers. Some 300 Israelis tourists attended the festive dinner in Pokhara.

World Book Day observed

By A Staff Reporter

World Book Day, timed to coincide with the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and death -- 23 April, will be celebrated in Kathmandu at the British Council from 23 -- 25 April 2000. A World Book Day Exhibition aimed at students, adults, teachers and parents will be held at the British Council Hall in Kantipath from 1100 to 1700 each day.

The Exhibition will include books on the themes of Beginning Poetry (poetry for children), Life’s Drama (plays and drama for adults), Poetry for Life (poetry for adults), Read and Write (literacy and reading -- books for parents and teachers), Write On (writing and publishing for adults) and Young Drama (plays and drama for children).

As part of World Book Day celebrations The British Council is organising a Children’s Poetry Competition. The competition will be launched on 23 April and entries will be invited in 8 age groups -- classes 1 to 4, classes 5 to 8 and classes 9 to 12. The closing date for entries is 31 May 2000 and winners will be announced in mid June 2000. Prizes will include books, British Council English courses and library membership.

HDNet meeting concludes

By A Staff Reporter

The Human Development Network Meeting organized by South Asia Partnership-Nepal to determine the goals, objectives, process, structure of the network, as well as to formulate a work plane, concluded last week.

The meeting is a follow-up of the Ottawa Conference on “People and Poverty : Sustainable Human Development into the Next Millennium”, which proposed to create a South Asia Human Development Network (HDNet).

Despite the common challenges faced by the countries in South Asia, a strong sense of national identity has inhibited the expansion of regional cooperation and limited the opportunities for individuals and institutions to share experiences and find solutions to mutual problems. The proposed HDNet will explore regional approach to cooperation and collaboration towards solving those problems.

The overall objective of the HDNet will be to strengthen regional dialogue among like-minded organizations, civil society and the donors in South Asia and provide a platform for engaging the region’s stakeholders and practitioners in a common effort to seek human development on the policy agenda in South Asia in the new millennium.

It is also targeted at providing a mechanism to mobilize international support, a forum for the analysis and exchange of information on human development and at raising awareness amongst stakeholders and the development community about opportunities for regional cooperation on issues related to human development.

NBCCI office within premises, a first for British embassies worldwide

By A Staff Reporter

The present government headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala received a big boost with two events last week. One was the pledge of donor nations and organisations to provide Rs. 87 billion and the other was the visit of British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Robin Cook.

At a time when allegations were being made that Nepal was losing its credibility in the eyes of donor nations and also Western countries, the visit of such a high raking official like Robin Cook, greatly help reverse such opinion.

Visiting British foreign secretary Robin Cook presents the Kosovo Medal to Warrant Officer WO2 Lal Bahadur Sahi at the British Gurkha Camp in Kathmandu on Friday.

The British dignitary also did not disappoint the Nepalese by taking part in different functions and also speaking forthrightly during his short two day visit.

One of the highlights of the Secretary Cook’s visit was the  unveiling of the plaque inaugurating the new office of the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce in the British Embassy. Business entrepreneurs are of the opinion that much headway can be made in increasing trade and commerce with Britain.

In the inaugural function of the new Chamber building, Cook was joined by Rajendra K Khetan, President of the Chamber, Ronald Nash, the British Ambassador, and by the members of the Executive Committee of the Chamber.

Cook congratulated the Chamber on its efforts in promoting bilateral trade and investment. And he welcomed the joint initiative to open, within the offices of the British Embassy in Kathmandu, the first ever office of a bilateral chamber of commerce in a British Embassy anywhere in the world.

Cook said, “We can now work together even more closely to multiply the trading opportunities for our two countries. This will build on work you have already started; promoting British wool in Nepalese carpet manufacturing and knit wear; displaying UK products and services at the recent Himalayan Expo 2000, with specific and successful opportunities for British business; and forging new and dynamic initiatives in IT and other areas.

Meanwhile, while laying the foundation stone at the new British Council premises Secretary Cook informed that from next year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will increase by 50% the number of Chevening scholarship awards for Nepal. This increase will enable more young Nepalese to gain overseas experience and skills that can be used to further the development of Nepal.

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook (second from r.) opening the new NBCCI office within the premises of the British Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday. Also seen in the picture are (from l.) Mrs. Cook, British Ambassador Ronald Nash and NBCCI's president Rajendra Khetan.

The British Council in Nepal will be opening its new premises in Kathmandu in October 2000, the first brand new purpose built building that the British Council has constructed in any of the 110 countries in which it operates in 15 years. The laying of the foundation stone for the new building took place at 09.30 am on 21 April at the British Embassy compound.

The new premises will enable the Council to continue expanding its services, in modern surroundings that will reflect a more up to date image of the United Kingdom along with characteristics of typical Kathmandu architecture. Through its work in Nepal, the British Council aims to enhance the reputation of the United Kingdom as a valued partner by promoting support for the development, democracy and human rights agendas. Whilst emphasising The British Council’s commitment to working in Nepal, the new premises will enable the Council to continue expanding its English language training and UK examinations services whilst promoting the use of English for international communications through the student and development communities. A complete revamping of the British Council’s library and information services will support the further goal of providing maximum access to the widest possible range of information — both electronic and book based — targeting young professionals and learners through the range of services on offer, including a multimedia learning centre.

Speaking at the foundation laying function on Friday, Foreign Secretary Cook said, “This is the first new building that the British Council has constructed in 15 years in the 110 countries in which it operates”.

He also informed that the British Council has been working in the crucial areas of educational services and human resource development for over 40 years. “In that time the range and quality of the services it offers have improved enormously. These new premises will enable the Council to continue expanding its services. The new surroundings will reflect a technologically modern and changing Britain in all its multicultural richness and complexity”, Cook said.

The British Council’s commitment is not just skin deep. It is committed to quality in the services it offers. This means an improved range of library and information services aimed at learners at all levels. It means better facilities for the many learners of English who come to the Council to improve their general and professional communication skills. And it means authoritative information about studying in Britain, Cook emphasised.

Earth Day 2000
Nepal's efforts to promote environmental awareness appreciated

By A Staff Reporter

On this 30th Earth Day (April 24) the U.S. Mission to Nepal hails the efforts of the Nepali government and people to protect and improve its environment. The U.S. government has for many years worked with the government and people of Nepal to promote environmental protection and the sustainable use of resources both inside Nepal and to promote such ideas regionally and globally.

According to an American Embassy release; at present, a number of U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, the State Department, the National Parks Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are active in working with Nepali government ministries and non-governmental organisations on environment projects. Highlights include:

* USAID’s fostering of 1,300 community forestry user groups in the Mid and Far Western Regions, assuming management of over 123,000 hectares of forest resources, leading to increased output for community users and a better sink to reduce the impacts of global warming.

* USAID and the National Park Service’s assistance in Shey-Phoksundo National Park’s effort to be nominated as a World Heritage site. In the park buffer zone, these U.S. government agencies are working to protect Nepal’s biodiversity by promoting sustainable management practices and promoting income-earning activities for local residents.

* Thirty-five Peace Corp volunteers working on natural resource protection activities, including work in the buffer zones of the National Parks, community forestry, soil conservation activities, and agro-forestry efforts. These volunteers are working directly in the field through local Parks offices, District offices of the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and an NGO.

* The agreement to bring an innovative environmental education programme, called GLOBE, to Nepal. This programme being established through the Ministry of Education will give Nepali students the opportunity to learn to interpret data about the environment — air, soil, water — themselves and better understand human impacts on the environment and its complex interactions.

* The U.S. State Department’s decision to establish its Regional Environmental HUB for South Asia in Kathmandu in 1997. The HUB promotes regional cooperation in areas such as water resources, disaster prevention, and clean energy.

* The establishment in 1999 of the South Asia Regional Energy Initiative, whereby USAID will be promoting clean energy development in South Asia. This programme compliments USAID’s Nepal country-specific clean energy development programme.

* The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. State Department continue to work with our partners in Nepal’s Department of Forest and Soil Conservation to protect endangered species, not just in Nepal, but around the world. At the current meeting of the Council of Parties the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the U.S. and Nepali governments are co-sponsoring several resolutions aimed at protecting endangered species.

Earth Day began in the U.S. thirty years ago and has now spread around the globe. The U.S. Mission to Nepal appreciates Nepal’s efforts to promote environmental awareness, natural resource protection and sustainable management and continues to work with Nepal on these efforts.

Sorry state of SLC students

By A Staff Reporter

Several incidences in this year’s School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations portray the sorry state of our school education especially in the rural and outlying areas. This year’s S.L.C. examination, which ended on Friday, had more than 200,000 students taking the exams. But if one goes by the past results only about one third of the examinees will get through, what is called the “Iron Gate” in a student’s life. With so many students failing in the examination, there is some kind of desperation among the students to pass the examination by any means, with cheating and copying widely practised. This year it was more so with the teachers themselves being involved in the malpractices in many areas, such as Jaleshwore and other parts of the Terai.

Not only there were ‘innovative’ ways practised by the examinees to copy and do the cheating in the examinations, but the examination superintendents and the invigilators were also actively involved in ‘helping’ the students in their tests.

There were reports of sacks and sacks of cheats collected from the students. The active participation of those who are supposed to check such malpractices made the mockery of the whole process. What is worse was that some teachers who were honest were punished.

According to a report, in Mahottarai district, the students who were taking the examination locked up, abused and even garlanded with shoes the teachers for not coming to help them. Even the teachers were forced to accept that they committed a crime by not helping the students. What is intriguing is that the guardians too approved the students’ action and the chairman of the village development committee has demanded the transfer of all the teachers for what they see as remaining indifferent to the students’ ‘future’.

 The serious question is, who is to be blamed? The widespread cheatings and copyings indicate there is desperation among the students to get through this ‘iron gate’, but without working hard.

There was also a report of how students even swam across a pond and also used match box “telephones” to help cheat and cheat during the exams.

However, the students are not to be blamed entirely.

The other side of the story may be more revealing about the actual situation. In the majority of the public schools, there are not enough and qualified teachers, no text books and the teachers hardly take classes. Even if they take classes, they make least effort to teach the students.

And what the authorities do is, cancel the examinations of certain centres with malpractices. This makes some good students the victims of such arbitrary decisions.

Meanwhile, the malpractices in the examinations are more of the effect of the substandard teachings in our schools. So, it would be futile to make the examination system a real test of knowledge and ability until the education itself is made effective.

Corruption level very high: Poll

By A Staff Reporter

More than 98 per cent  of the people in Nepal say there is corruption at every level and it is rising both in reach and intensity.

A majority (51.3%) of the respondents of the opinion survey commissioned by the Media Services International (MSI) in the second half of January this year are of the view that corruption exists at very high level.

According to a press release of MSI, those referring to the existence of corruption at high level, low level and very low level accounted for 41% 5.4% and 0.6% of the respondents respectively.

To the specific query if your work has ever been done without resorting to bribing 44% said “sometimes”, 23% said “never”, 16% said “most of the time”, 11.4 said “always” and 3.2% said “not faced with a situation where bribing was involved.”

Has your work ever been done after bribing someone? 60% of the respondents said “immediately”, 13% said “it took time” and 2% said “no”.

Seventy-five percent of the interviewees admitted having bribed someone in his/her life. If 22 % said they had never offered any bribe, 2% did not say anything on the matter.

The poll also succeeded in finding out what percentage of the people offered bribe in what amount. R.100 to Rs.1000 - 35.3%, below Rs.100 - 19%, Rs.1000 to 10,000 - 15%, Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000 - 4%, Rs.100,000 and above - 0.5%, Rs50,000 to Rs.100,000 - 0.4%. The popularity of any government could depend on how they deal with this problem that is immensely eroding into the national economy and affecting development.