Letters (Spotlight Weekly)

Matter Of Public Interest

The issue that you covered in your cover story in this issue is a matter of public interest "PUBLIC COMMUTE: Drive To Destinations (SPOTLIGHT August 13)." Everyone is affected by the system of public transport. In such sectors with direct public concern the government should play a very pro-active role to make it better. Unlike, the educational and health sector where the government also needs to pour a lot of budget in the name of public welfare, transportation system does not require the input of budget from the government. On the contrary, if empowered by proper policies and legislations, it can be very strong source of revenue collection. Private sector investment can be mobilized for the benefit of the general public. Like any other industries it requires due attention of the government.

Seema Bhatta
Thamel

Promote Electric Vehicles

The cover story about transportation came just before the price hike in petroleum products "PUBLIC COMMUTE: Drive To Destinations (SPOTLIGHT August 13)." I am of the opinion that the decision of price hike is not only justifiable, it was most necessary. I believe that the price of petroleum products should be further hiked so as not to give any subsidies on them. Like you have pointed out, the government should use the money that it has been currently pumping in to subsidize petroleum products to promote the use of hydroelectric energy. Although, it might be a little costly at the beginning and may gather public criticisms it will do good to the country's future in the long run. It not only could prove to be a boon to the deteriorating quality of air in the capital, it will also stop the flow of foreign currency to buy petroleum products.

Himal Shrestha
Chapagaun

Discourage Private Vehicles

The road infrastructure of the valley is inadequate to support too much traffic "PUBLIC COMMUTE: Drive To Destinations (SPOTLIGHT August 13)." At present, the problems of traffic congestion in the valley are because of a large number of two wheelers. The number of private vehicles is also increasing at a very high rate. People, however, would not buy motorcycles or cars had the public transport been reliable. If the traffic is managed properly and the public transport system improved, the number of people opting for private conveyances will automatically reduce. Therefore, the policy makers should think about improving public transport system and discouraging private vehicles in order to cater to the demands of the public.

Rina Maharjan
Asan

Necessary Devolution

Decentralization is a must for sustainable development of the country "DECENTRALIZATION: Local Empowerment (SPOTLIGHT August 13)." If the people in power want to strengthen democracy they should make policies and act accordingly to empower the local bodies. Except very few things of national interest such as policy making, foreign affairs, defense and foreign currencies, the authority should be given to the local bodies who are the direct representatives of the stake holders. It will reduce the stress on the central government sparing it more time for developing proper policies for national development. For example, the central government should formulate national policies about education, but allow the local bodies to run the schools.

Rabindra Aryal
Pokhara

Elderly Leaders Take A Back Seat

Nepalese politics stands out in the world in that the leaders do not retire "NEPALI CONGRESS: Koirala Prevails (SPOTLIGHT August 13)." Even at the age of eighties when they are not physically as well as mentally fit to run the country, leaders 'prevail'. Because of this trend, the younger leaders do not get opportunities to hone themselves. When they have spent more than half a century in politics, the elderly leaders should take a back seat and guide the younger leaders. Their experience is undoubtedly very useful to the younger generation. By staying in the forefront they only entangle themselves in controversies. They should understand that even if they hand over the leadership to the younger generation, their advice would always prevail. It's high time that Nepalese leaders think about retiring after certain age or certain time of devotion to their parties.

Keshar Sharma
Maharajgunj

More Coverage

While your cover story on transportation gave a lot of information about the improvement in transportation sector in the last few years, a few important things could not be covered "PUBLIC COMMUTE: Drive To Destinations (SPOTLIGHT August 13)." The issues of foul play within the government agencies were not raised. There have been reports in the newspapers as well from the victims that there is a lot of bribery going on in taking the route permits, registering new vehicles as well as issuance of driving license. In addition, the issue of investment in the transportation sector could also have been bettered. Your story would have been complete with an analysis of these issues.

Sabin Pokhrel
Kalanki