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Weak Economy
The cover story "Taxing Exercise" (SPOTLIGHT March 18) points out how weak the tax collection structure of our country is. The low tax/GDP ratio and the skewed direct/indirect tax composition are clear pointers to this fact. But this is not only due to weakness of tax administration. This is because the economy of Nepal is very weak. Our trade is minimal, our exports and imports are low. Unless we improve our economy, we cannot only rue about poor tax collection.
Krishna Sharma
Kopundole
Strengthen Tax Administration
Apropos the cover story "Taxing Exercise" (SPOTLIGHT March 18), it is important for Nepal to explore ways to strengthen tax administration. In the past, the country had not given enough attention to strengthen the mobilization of internal resources. But now as situations have changed, it would be prudent for the country to start looking into these issues. Although it would not be possible for the country's economy to survive without foreign aid just yet, the country would have to become self-reliant in future. In difficult times like these, country needs to take some strong decisions.
Kapil Bista
Balaju
Great Analysis
The article "Similar Thinking, Different Emphasis" (SPOTLIGHT March 4) provided a splendid analysis of the present political situation in the country. It is true, that all the legitimate political forces in the country have similar targets of restoring peace. Only their priority has been different. As such, there is very little disagreements among them. So, why are not they coming together? This is the moot question that every Nepalese need to ask at this moment.
Nishchal Shrestha
Gairidhara
Different Perspective
I am writing this to reflect on the action that the Nepali Congress party and the Communist party of Nepal - United Marxist Leninist (UML) took by deciding to revolt against the current government led by His Majesty King Gyanendra. I am a Nepali currently residing out in a foreign country attending an academic program. I follow the Nepalese political development daily hoping that someday a leader would come forward to steer the country to a peaceful solution. Hope is a big word and for now that is all I can do. To me, Nepalese political parties resorting to violent or non violent movement to attain their individual or their political group interest or what they believe have always failed and have still failed to demonstrate and educate the Nepalese about their roadmap for a constructive Nepal. Goals and objectives!! Yes! That's what they have been missing the whole time. No short term or long-term goals to promote the infrastructure of our country. You have failed my dear politician, and as much I hate to say this bitter fact, sad but true, we all are facing and dealing with the consequences of your failure. Before you ask the Nepalese people to commit the participation in your peaceful protest or of any other support, at least lay out a plan on how you decide to reach to your goal and once you attain it then what's next? You think you got an answer for that? If you do so, then make the people aware of it, and you will get support. A goal is subject to perception. If you lead a protest, meeting your demand is an end unto itself….a goal. On the other hand, to the people and to the head of protest leader or leaders as we have many in Nepal, your protest is ONE of many that must be successfully passed on the way to the goal. And the big question arises again what is the GOAL? It's not my job to figure out that answer, you have assumed the responsibility of leading the country ready to assume different responsibilities. We've got business entrepreneurs, and what this country needs now is social entrepreneurs.
Sirish Bhatta
Via Email
Progress On Kyoto
The cover story on Kyoto Protocol (SPOTLIGHT March 4) has amply demonstrated how important the ratification of this protocol will be for a country like Nepal. In fact, it is strange why the country has not yet ratified this protocol. At a time when we have ratified umpteen numbers of conventions and covenants on all kinds of issues from human rights to environment, it does not make much sense to avoid ratifying Kyoto Protocol.
Bigyan Gurung
Minbhawan
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