Praiseworthy plan

I agree with the editorial “Praiseworthy” published in THT on May 19. A lot of students are affected by the Maoist insurgency. Many more are deprived of education and others are forced out of business. Students from weak economic background, including the Dalits, are

unable to go to school. The idea of community run schools, therefore, not only encourages high retention rate in schools but also helps to bridge the gap of racial discrimination. It will

further encourage the female child to go to school. There should be no problem in dealing with the regular absentees among the teachers and the students, maintaining student-teacher ratio and fulfilling other requirements. The new government policy should focus on solving existing socio-economic problems. The government should assist in other functional areas such as stressing on quality education and mobilisation of resources. It must pay

attention to implementing its earlier decision to distribute identity cards to assist students in providing free education. The cards can directly help the underprivileged and those students displaced by the conflict.

Bimal Ojha, Dhangadhi, Kailali

Inspiring

With reference to “Music and inspiration” (THT, May 19) Tara Bhatta had presented a vivid reflection on the effect of music on the process of human imagination. I agree that music touches me the same divine way as the writer has explained. Lyrics, similarly, are influential in evoking the thought process. 

Smriti Sharma, Kathmandu

Unlikely

The Nepal Living Standard Survey 2003-04 has drawn mixed reactions from the academic sector, civil society and politicians. The survey found that poverty went down in the last ten years to 30.85 per cent. In the political front, the finding seems to be taken as a significant achievement, mostly credited to the multiparty democracy. Those upholding this line of thought also think that development and democracy are complementary and only democracy guarantees the smooth functioning of socio-economic institutions, leading to enhancement of prosperity of the common people. On the other hand, economists have expressed doubts over its reliability and accuracy on the ground that the current rate of growth is not sustainable and the gap between the rich and poor is fast widening. It cannot be true as Tenth Five Year Plan is aimed at bringing down poverty to around 30 per cent. Poverty cannot be erased overnight. It rather needs a favourable economic setting. But the entire economy at present is in a slump as the country has been reeling under conflict. There is nothing to be happy about the findings of the survey.

Rupesh Raj Khanal, TU, Kirtipur

Eco-tourism

Nepal is rich in biodiversity and its 147,181 square kilometres have several climatic zones, ecosystems and sub tropical forests that are home to a bewildering range of flora and fauna.

Almost 19 per cent of the total land accounts for its sixteen protected wildlife habitats. All these attributes make Nepal a favourable destination for eco-tourism.

Sri Ram Wagle, Gunadi,Tanahun