LETTERS (Spotlight Weekly)

When Will Corruption End?

In response to the interview of Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission (Spotlight April 14), the title "If we prepare our programs..." seems to give away the fact the programs are not being prepared well. Can a person at the helm always get away with vague excuses? Such light-headedness indicates the general malaise afflicting our society, and particularly the leaders. They categorically refuse to take any responsibility for their actions. Although they claim that sovereignty has been restored to the people, they behave like they are more than sovereign. They can get away with anything, even murder. The corrupt leaders exhort people to check their corruption. They do not perform well in the parliament, do not want to work hard, and disturb the hard working people with their "bandhs" and what not. The main pillar of democracy is accountability, which is institutionalized through rule of law that apply equally at all levels. Human being is susceptible to corruption: a prime minister of the richest country like Japan, found to have skimmed off the cream in an aircraft deal, became politically dead. But our leaders of the so-called revolution refused to implement the Mallik Commission report because it would be binding on their future high-handedness. The former military ruler of Bangladesh, an army general, was put behind bars for years for possessing one illegal weapon. The former ruler of South Korea had all his assets frozen, including that of his sister-in-law. See what is happening to the former Indonesian strongman. When will Nepal see the day when its corrupt leaders are put on the docks? Or will the misrule continue indefinitely, and the people force to worship money as Goddess Laxmi, however it may be earned?

Shukra Raj Acharya
Naya Bazaar

Hard Talk

It will indeed be very difficult for the Nepalese officials to convince the donors this time in the meeting of Nepal Development Forum in Paris (Projecting Poverty Spotlight April 14). Given the poor track record, the donors are certain to point out the lacunae in the implementation capabilities of the country.

Gajendra Bhattarai
Gairidhara

Problems In Paris

Although the meeting of Nepal Aid group is taking place after a gap of four years in Paris, there is very little enthusiasm among Nepalese officials (Projecting Poverty Spotlight April 14). They know that donors are piqued by the political instability, corruption and inefficiency in the country. This time the donors will most probably press hard for serious commitments to put the assistance into good use. But will the officials back home pay heed to their demands?

Kamal Chaulagain
Balaju

Stop Aid Dependency

The experience of the past few years has made it clear that the foreign aid is not the only answer to the problems the country is facing at present (Projecting Poverty Spotlight April 14). Though your article was right in pointing out that foreign aid has been useful in the development of infrastructures in the country, it is also equally true that more often than not these aids have done little to help the poorest of poor in the country. As such novel plans specially designed to develop the poor communities are the need of the hour.

Hemant Kharel
Battisputali

Koirala's First Test

The outcome of the Nepal Development Forum meeting will be the first real test of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's government (Projecting Poverty Spotlight April 14). Having ridden to power promising economic development of the country, it is now the turn of Koirala to keep his words. Otherwise, Koirala will be taken to task by history for failing to justify him replacing Bhattarai in such a dirty fashion.

Binayak Subedi
Kumaripati

Dirty Politics

Not only the ruling party but also the main opposition seem too immature to handle their responsibilities in a democratic politics (Heading For Confrontation Spotlight April 7). While the party in power thinks itself as supreme authority, those in the opposition think they rule the streets. In between, a common man is trapped helplessly. Sure, it is the duty of the opposition to point out and raise voice against government's shortcomings, but they have to do it in a disciplined manner. Organizing shutdown strikes, creating traffic jam by demonstrating in the middle of the road at the peak office hour shows how immature they are.

Abhaya Subba
Dillibazar

Good For Third World

The UN Secretary General's action plan for the 21st century to be unveiled at the Millennium Summit later this year comprises of many points that could prove beneficial for the third world developing countries (Targeting Globalization Spotlight April 7). It is good that the developed countries of the world realize the difficulties faced by the third world nations thanks to the economic liberalization and globalization. We, the people of third world countries, sincerely hope that the action plan will be followed by the global statement for the benefit the mankind.

Subash Shrestha
Lagankhel

Talks In A Limbo

The protracted talks between the Indian and Nepalese officials regarding the resumption of flights of Indian Airlines have unnecessarily dragged on (Wanted Transparency Spotlight April 7). The government of the two countries should seriously talk with each other and put this issue to its good end. Continued suspension of the flights will not be in the interest of either of the two countries.

Prakash Gurung
Bansbari