EDITOR'S NOTE

For some time past criticisms against the constitution has been gradually mounting. Even the two major parties whose senior leaders were members of the constitution drafting committee have not shied away from faulting the constitution they themselves drafted. For the self oriented politicians constitution has now become a political shuttlecock. We, on our part, had unequivocally disapproved the constitution for its unrepresentative character. Moreover, most of the members of the drafting committee were obsessed with vindictiveness against the monarchy. Consequently their main focus was to clip the wings of the monarch. Their ignoble task was made easier by the royal confidants surrounding the throne politicians flushing with the euphoria of cheap victory and consumed with the impious dreams of making quick bucks were in a big hurry. They resorted to a kind of plagiarism and prepared a constitution that in no way reflected the aspirations of twenty odd million poor Nepalis. The politicians fully reassured that the palace would no more be able to restrain their wayward behavior started committing all kinds of crimes against the country and the people. But, they were badly jolted with the supreme court deprived the prime minister of his vital privilege inherent in the multiparty democracy. This could be possible only because the constitution suffers from many lacunae.

Experience of the last ten years early demands that timely amendments in the constitution are not only called for but have become indispensable. The hopes of the people that the elected representatives would work to alleviate the poverty and bring some sunshine in the lives of the millions of unfortunates have been totally belied. The representatives have only filled their filthy coffers by looting the country. As such, it has become imperative that appropriate amendments must be made in the constitution so that it can provide ample safeguards against the anti-national behavior of the unscrupulous politicians. As a matter of fact, the constitution must have been drafted by a constituently assembly fully representative of all sections of the nation's peoples If this were not possible, a widely representative body should have been formed. Since no constitution can be perfect, all constitutions have to be amended to suit the exigencies of changing times. Timely amendments in the constitution should not generate any controversy. Proper care must be taken that the constitution is free from any kind of ambiguity.

Since its very inception the national flag carrier — the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation — has been mired by dubious dealings. Elsewhere airlines that came into operation along with RNAC have prospered into highly profitable business and established themselves as most respectable organizations. That RNAC has miserably failed to generate any respectability and has become a matter of great shame and concern to all Nepalis. Treating it as milching cow by influential persons for personal profit has always caused serious problems in the smooth functing of this organization. RNAC, which should have played a big and important role in promoting tourism in Nepal, has been made to gasp for its survival by unscrupulous politicians. Unless uncalled for interference in its administration is checked immediately, RNAC may have to face very dark days. If this national flag carrier is to develop into a blossoming organization, all political and governmental meddling in its administration must stop and the officials responsible for its smooth running must be given a free hand. It, necessary, RNAC should be administered. Through a special act. It is high time this organization is vitalized into an efficient and healthy business unit.

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