July 29 2005

The analysis of the budget 2005 was very relevant “BUDGET 2005: Promises To Keep (SPOTLIGHT July 22).” Indeed, as you have written in the cover story, this year’s budget, too, is nothing more than the continuation of the previous programs. And as we have seen in the past, there are too many promises in writing while preparing the budget, but very few are actually accomplished. So, the government people should understand that the implementation part is more important than the promises they have made.

Rabindra Dhungana
Samakhusi

Ambitious Budget

The budget of the fiscal year 2005/06 is apparently very ambitious “BUDGET 2005: Promises To Keep (SPOTLIGHT July 22).” At a time when all the economic sectors of the country are suffering the brunt of violence and political unrest, it is not practical to expect a growth rate of 4.5 per cent. Even the nature has not been kind. For a country whose 40 percent GDP comes from agriculture and farmers are mainly dependent on monsoon for cultivation, there is a lot of effect of the natural factors on the economy. Unfortunately, since last two years monsoon has not been normal in Nepal . The farmers of the western region are suffering the problem of food crisis because of the drought last year. This year, too, the rainfall has not taken a normal trend so far. The cultivation of rice is largely affected. Looking at these trends it is not realistic to expect such a high growth rate.

Jasmine Pradhan
New Baneshwore

Monsoon’s Importance

The cover story provided detailed information about monsoon and its effects on Nepal “Break In The Monsoon” (SPOTLIGHT July 8). Truly, monsoon affects the livelihood of almost all Nepalese throughout the year. While, sufficient and timely rainfall gives them a good harvest and keeps them happy throughout the year, insufficient and/or untimely rainfall spoils their crop production and pushes them to food shortage the next year. You have presented this very well in the cover story this issue. It is a good news to the farmers that although the arrival of monsoon was delayed this year, meteorologists have forecast that there will be sufficient rainfall soon.

Anu Bista
Kalanki

Budget, Too Large

This year’s budget is too large looking at our capacity of revenue mobilization and environment for investment “BUDGET 2005: Promises To Keep (SPOTLIGHT July 22).” At a time when it is not sure which of the donor agencies will continue their support to Nepal , the budget expects almost Rs. 33 billions from the donors. At a time when the country is going through a very grave crisis, it is not wise to keep the gap between revenue and expenditure so wide.

Nitya Basnet
Baluwatar

Need For Structural Change

Our education system is very obsolete “SLC STUDY REPORT: Cause Of Concern (SPOTLIGHT July 22).” The curriculum, examination system and the mode of delivery all are very traditional. That is one of the reasons of high rate of failure in the SLC exams. So, there is a need for a structural change in the education system of the country. Beginning from the curriculum to the examination system, the elements of our education system should be updated for our products to be able to compete globally.

Bikash Lama
Balaju

Formulate Appropriate Policies

The interview with senior musician and executive chairman of National Film Development Board Shambhujeet Baskota provided an insight into the objectives and purposes of the National Film Festival organized recently “Film Festival Aimed To Promote Welfare And Development Of Nepalese Cine Industry (SPOTLIGHT July 22). However, it is surprising to know that there is no concrete policy of the government for the development of the film industry of Nepal . The concerned agencies and all the film personalities should not delay in formulating appropriate policies and plans for the development of the film sector of this country and promoting the welfare of the cine workers.

Nabin Sharma
Lainchaur

Really Ridiculous

The activities of the political parties these days are really ridiculous to say the least “MOCK PARLIAMENT: Ridiculing The Dignified Institution (SPOTLIGHT July 22)”. Whether by holding parliamentary sessions in the streets or doing the agitation without the backing of the people, the political parties seem to have lost conscience. If they are the representatives of the people as they claim to be they should have patience and wait for the people to realize that they have a point worth supporting. In the meantime, they should also start practicing democracy within their organizations and create environment to enable young and energetic leaders to take over.

Kumar Thapa
Naxal

WE HAVE MOVED!