Incorrect observations

Apropos of the edit page article “Nepali Universities” (THT, Sept 12) by Dr Mana Prasad Wagle, it is sad that the author, while comparing the administration of Kathmandu University (KU) that he recently joined, has expressed his prejudice against other Nepali universities. Instead of helping state-subsidised universities reach new heights, he is promoting the university which the poor students can hardly afford. In some ways, his views and opinions appear to be lip synching versions of the long-time VC of Kathmandu University.

Wagle almost always has written against increasing politicisation of universities. No wonder that his latest article talks about “dirty politics” getting into KU administration. We would like to bring to Wagle’s notice that Kathmandu University Professors Association (KUPA) has not as yet identified any political issues within KU. KUPA, the legal teachers’ body at KU, agrees with Dr Wagle that the quality of education is going down at KU. However, we would like to make it clear that it’s not “dirty politics” but the failure of monopolistic administration of KU to understand and address the demands of the changing academic environment at KU that’s leading to the deteriorating quality of education. This deterioration process started when the incumbent VC’s tenure entered its third term.

We invite Professor Wagle to have an open debate with KUPA regarding his recurring claim of politicisation of universities, especially KU. KUPA is comprised of professors, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers and teaching assistants representing academicians within KU. We would like to assure him and the general public that we aim to improve the educational environment of KU with new ideas and solutions.

Sameer M Dixit, General Secretary, KUPA, Dhulikhel

Irresponsible

This is in reference to the news report “Maoist demand well-timed, says Nembang” (THT, Sept 13). Such an irresponsible remark made by a person of the Speaker’s status can be expected to cast a shadow over the upcoming constituent assembly polls. It is surprising why Nembang, a practitioner of law, said it despite the fact that the parliament with the unelected Maoists cannot have the mandate to declare a republic. As per the existing agreement, only the CA can decide on the matter. The Maoists are likely to face strong public opposition, if they do not mend their ways soon.

BP Sharma, Jawalakhel

Biodiversity

This refers to the news report “Call to give top priority to biodiversity conservation” (THT, Sept 13). Nepal, with the areas of high bio-resource endemism in different ecological regions, harbours top vegetation patterns in the world. On the other hand, physical isolation has handicapped people in the mountains in different aspects of development. But with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) shedding light on the need to find alternative approaches to natural resource conservation, there appears to be some hope that the government will take some concrete actions and optimise benefits of

biodiversity within a broader pattern of land uses.

Shiva Devkota, Central Department of Botany, TU