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LETTERS |
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LETTERS |
Reconstruction Challenges After the government-Maoist cease-fire, the
people in general have felt a great sense of relief. ("Rehabilitation and
Reconstruction", SPOTLIGHT, February 7). Those who had fled their villages to avoid
being caught in the crossfire hope to improve their lives after returning home. By
stopping the daily spree of killings, both sides have shown some sensitivity toward the
future of the nation and people. The challenges on the road ahead are immense, no doubt,
but it would not be too early to think about rehabilitation and reconstruction of regions
devastated by the seven-year "People's War". While the peace talks progress,
both sides should also work for the proper rehabilitation - mental and physical - of those
worst affected by the conflict. Pukar Bastakoti Premature Focus The arguments you make in your cover story
"Rehabilitation and Reconstruction" (SPOTLIGHT, February 7) are strong and
valid. Amid the current political moves, however, you should have concentrated on
political solutions and strategic possibilities. Rehabilitation and reconstruction can be
started only after permanent peace is established. First, the battling sides must
genuinely commit themselves to peace and prosperity. The country must pressure the two
sides to find a political solution, instead of focusing prematurely on rehabilitation and
reconstruction. Manoj Bhattarai Weakened Core The CPN-UML has again failed to come out
with a solid plan to solve the country's political crisis ("Crucial Conclave",
SPOTLIGHT, February 7). Party cadres and the general people had expected the party to
emerge from the Janakpur convention with substantial moves to resolve the national crisis.
Instead of discussing substantial ideological issues and deliberating upon the nation's
political scene, the UML was mire for five precious days in a leadership contest. In this
sense, the UML is no different from other so-called democratic parties. By keeping all
options open for discussions in the aftermath of the government-Maoist truce, the UML has
further weakened its core. A party like the UML should have come out with a single
coherent solution to the crisis. Manoj Karki Trekking Tasks Trekking is one of the most saleable
tourist products in Nepal ("An Endless Trail Of Fascination", SPOTLIGHT, January
31). In fact, it is the only one that could encourage tourists to stay longer in the
country. Historical and natural sites can only play a supportive role. Nepalese
entrepreneurs and officials should concentrate more on trekking, which is more profitable,
too. Nepal is also the best destination for different kinds of trekkers. This potential
can be exploited to boost our battered tourism industry. Bikash Adhikari Farm Intervention A main reason for the failure of
poverty-alleviation programs in Nepal is the misunderstanding of the interdependence
economic variables like industry, agriculture, business sector and service sector
("Interdependent Variables", SPOTLIGHT, January 31). Though more than 80 percent
of the total population depends on agriculture, they being exploited by the business
sector, which covers just a few percent of the total population. The business sector
exploits farmers by buying their products at lower prices and the consumers (often the
same farmers) by selling them for higher prices. The government must control the prices of
agricultural products in the interest of the farmers and consumers. Rima Maharjan Varsity Truths Higher education is a matter of devotion
and interest rather than compulsion or leisure ("Compromise With Quality",
SPOTLIGHT, January 24). But the condition in Tribhuvan University, the oldest university
of the country, is just the opposite. Jobless youngsters who want to pass their free time
and those who have nothing else to do constitute the largest portion of student
enrolments. This reality has destroyed the academic environment for students really
interested in studying. On the other hand, it has squandered the huge amount of investment
the nation has made in the university. If only those really interested in higher education
were to be admitted, the question of quality education could be easily solved and the
state's investment would be put to good use. Binod Bishowkarma IT Impediments Information technology has not touched the
poor in Nepal ("Doing IT Right", SPOTLIGHT, January 30). Only a few people
belonging to the urban higher middle class are enjoying the benefits. Unless the IT sector
becomes accessible to the lower middle class, it cannot be a major economic variable of
the country. Those who have a computer at home cannot access the Internet because of the
high cost. An average Internet cafÈ charges Rs.25 per hour. But accessing the Internet
from home ends up costing more than Rs.65 per hour, if you add the phone and ISP charges.
This pricing variation must be reduced. Raju Silwal |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
