On Millennium Bug

Your cover story rightly pointed out how serious would be the Y2K problem in the country like Nepal (Spotlight Dec 10-17). At a time when every country is preparing its strategy to cope with Y2K, Nepal also needs to prepare a long term strategy to upgrade its information technology sector. In a globalized world, one cannot ignore the problems like Y2K on the basis that it is just an international problem. Disruption of supply system in one country will affect the other as it is inter-linked. It is happy to note that policy makers have taken appropriate and right steps to avert possible threat of Y2K bug.

Jai Shrestha
Kalimati

Threat Of Y2K

The cover story on Y2K bug raised some pertinent questions about its implications in the overall economy of the country. I agree with you that the government, to a large extent, has been working with experts to minimize effects of millennium bug. Does it mean: Nepal is now free from the problem of millennium bug? If not, what consequences will Nepal have to face on the very first day of 2000 remains to be seen. Your article, however, shows how vulnerable Nepal's computer system is to the millennium bug as it is around the world.

Kishore Rai
Tikhedeble, Lagankhel

I would like to thank the government of Nepal for making satisfactory progress in Y2K in short span of time. It proves that Nepalese can work at par with their international colleagues in the time of crisis. The efforts of Y2K National Committee is commendable as they met nearly impossible target to make computer system resistant to Y2K.

Nimesh Cheetri
Chabahil

It is interesting to know that aviation, telecommunication and energy sectors are immune to Y2K bug. As there still remains couple of weeks, let's hope the situation in the health sector will also be improved. If we are unable to improve it, the country might have to encounter with unbelievable troubles.

Subarna Karanjit
Yetkha Tole

No Politics

Of late, Spotlight has started devoting more pages to the issues like computer bug and other social problems. Most of your readers are not interested in the buffoonery of Nepalese politicians and their jocular acts. This is good idea to carry features on other social issues denying unmerited mileage to Nepalese politiciansn only. That surely will be better appreciated. I hope your magazine will cover more on development and human issues.

Shyam Karki
Kalanki

Bad State Of Children

Your article on the state of Nepalese children is very informative as it highlighted their problems. It is very interesting to know that the country has achieved some tremendous progress in the field of state of children. At a time when the number of people living under absolute poverty continues to rise, the government has to take some steps to provide basic facilities in rural areas. I agree with the UNCIEF report that there is a need for more work to protect the interests of the children.

Rajendra Ghimire
Maharjgung

Beware Of HIV

The cover story on HIV\AIDS raised some interesting points on the spread of the deadly disease in the country (December 10-16). I agree with you that Nepal is under great threat of AIDS as Nepal shares long, open border with India - a country that will have the world's largest number of HIV patients in the next century. At this crucial juncture, Nepal must take proper steps to check the flow of HIV patients.

Sanat Hamal
Dharan

Controversy On BPC

It is sad to note that privatization process of Butwal Power Company (BPC) is now temporarily halted. There is no doubt that privatization of public sector undertakings is a right step as they are losing money. But sudden interruption in the process may hurt credibility of the country. I would like to request the concerned officials to tell the people what has gone wrong in the process of privatization in BPC.

Subohda Suwal
Bhaktapur