National 5 (Spotlight Weekly)

Training In Tatters

In absence of attention, the LDTA is not functioning properly

By PAWAN BISTA

Due to the lack of proper management, Local Development Training Academy (LDTA) is not able to function in its optimum potential. The Academy was established in 1993 as per the LDTA Act as an autonomous institution mainly to give training to the elected local representatives for their capacity building and education on the decentralization system.

A DDC building : Lacking trained manpower

Half a century back, a rural development institution was established which later on changed during the Panchayat system for training of Panchas and when democracy was restored in 1990 it was changed to LDTA.

The LDTA was established to function as an autonomous institution. However, the executive director is appointed by the Ministry of Local Development (MLD). Due to this the ED is very much answerable to the Minister. This has led to unnecessary interference from the government. The staffs at the academy now have two masters. This has led to mismanagement by the staff at the academy and no accountability to the boss.

The immediate action plan strategy implemented by the government has put LDTA in a P3 category, which indicates that LDTA is the least priority area of the government’s development policy. This means that the survival of LDTA will be in question if LDTA does not come up with a structural and viable strategy.

The government has put LDTA in a P3 category due to its poor performance, lacking relationship with stakeholders, management and administrative capability being neglected and the disappearing professionalism. Consequently, it is becoming very difficult for LDTA to justify its existence. Another point is that because of its P3 status it is getting very difficult for donors to support LDTA.

In October 1995, a report titled An Analysis of Organization Structure and Manpower Pattern of LDTA was published. The report has analyzed the state of affairs at the academy. It stated that LDTA is functionally confused and operating at below par. The findings further add that the management at the academy ad hoc-ish in nature

Uddav Koirala, principal of the Urban Development Training Center in Pokhara is of the view that those findings still hold true. He says that as the staffs get salary from the government, they become accountable to the government. This has led to the staff not being able do the work they were supposed to do. Besides, at paltry remunerations, the skilled manpower leave the institution for better opportunities.

Billitones Perfrom In Kathmandu

American cultural ambassadors Billy and Toni Stevens performed in a variety of music at
Annapurna Hotel on January 14 and at Patan Museum on January 15.

The duo, known as "BilliTones," not only performed music but also educated while they entertained, demonstrating how social and cultural diversity have contributed to American music's evolution.

"They recreate the sound of a classic rock band using synthesizers, harmonicas, percussion, and tight vocal harmonies. Compact and self-contained, they play a varied mix of rock 'n' roll, Motown, World Beat, and blues for a variety of audiences, occasions, or venues," states a press release from the American Center.

BilliTones have performed in Nepal before, once as a one-man-band concert by Billy and later as duo with Toni. The duo also performed in Biratnagar and Pokhara last week and thrilled the audience not just with English songs but also with such Hindi hits as Papa Kahate Hain and Chaiya Chaiya, Chal Chaiya.

All the donations received at the program at Patan Museum will go to the welfare of the victims of recent tsunami disaster.