Find solution first:

The Nepali public is at present engaged in a debate on the monarchy vs republican set-up. The political parties and some members of the civil society are chanting anti-monarchy slogans in the streets. Though it is a major domestic issue, it seems that the parties, students and others who are agitating against the present system of governance have forgotten the main problem facing Nepal — the ongoing insurgency. The Maoist movement started when there was a full, functioning democratic set-up in the country. When the same “democratic” leaders were in power, they called the rebels terrorists and now, when they have been ousted from power, they are contemplating joining hands with those who have killed innocent people. The present situation demands a long-lasting solution to the conflict. This is not the time to argue over what kind of system we want.

Amit Kumar Sharma, via e-mail

Rehabilitate:

Street children are still the neglected lot in Nepal. Most of them have been compelled to do manual jobs to eke out a living. This would slowly lead to big problems like robbery, drug abuse, and pick-pocketing. It has been reported that street children are most vulnerable to HIV virus, besides other illnesses like hepatitis and tuberculosis. Some organisations like Bal Mandir, CWIN, UNICEF, and Save the Children have done commendable work to help street children. The government should formulate better policies, specifically targeting these children. At least, they should be provided with proper shelter.

Subrat Narsingh KC, Budhanilkantha School

Bad idea:

Though it is good to organise competitions to judge women’s beauty and brain, I am amazed by the huge investment made in organising such beauty pageants. I am not against any organisation or institution that does this, but logic should dictate that this is not the time to engage in such activities. There are enough poor people in this country who urgently require aid and assistance. It would be better if the organisers of beauty contests invested in humanitarian activity. It is a sheer waste of time and energy and immoral too to organise such events when half the population of Nepal is dying of hunger.

Rebecca, via e-mail

Missing link:

Lately, Dr Ram Saran Mahat’s book ‘In Defence of Democracy, Dynamics and Fault lines of Nepal’s Political Economy’ has come to limelight. He has, by and large, mentioned three points regarding donor-supported projects. The projects sponsored by the World Bank and similar agencies were not properly screened by the government and such funds were easily accepted; lack of experienced technocrats and officers to say “no” to time-consuming projects; and projects were not cost-effective and the government’s apathy to respond and communicate to such agencies in time. He, however, seems to have forgotten the main reason behind this — unchecked mega corruption by former ministers. As a result of this, the public was denied the benefits of the projects.

BP Sharma, Lazimpat