Left in the lurch

Apropos of the news report “‘Dual taxation row leaves SLC candidates high and dry” (THT, Feb 23), it doesn’t befit a democratic government to bar eligible candidates from sitting for examinations. The introduction of this policy, which apparently seems to have been designed to tame private schools — which I appreciate — has unfortunately left the students in the lurch. The government must be thanked for its bold measures, but it must also ensure that its policies do not hamper academic activities.

Tulsi Upadhyay, Imadole-5, Lalitpur, Nepal

Mob rule

Nepal once used to be peaceful but the continuing internal conflicts among various groups leave no semblance of peace in the country. People are ready to take to the streets and even resort to arms for seemingly undeserving causes. It is a matter of grave concern that the political outfits in the Tarai call bandhs and chakkajams frequently making it almost impossible for people to travel along the highways.

Often, people are compelled to walk long distances to reach their destinations. Politics is to organise a society for the common good and not to inflict torture and pain. However, if this is what politics breeds, I wish an end to such dirty politics.

Bijen Shahi, via e-mail

Get tough

The news report “Dalits denied access to drinking water” (THT, Feb 26),

typifies the discriminatory treatment that Dalits and untouchables in our society are subjected to. Even as the constitution of Nepal guarantees equal treatment for all, fair treatment for them still remains a flight of fancy. Caste discrimination, especially in the remote areas of the country, is still rampant. Despite the increasing literacy rate, people still seem reluctant to adopt new beliefs with the changing times. Our efforts should be directed at making the new generation aware that caste discrimination is an evil practice. Any violation of the constitutional provision on caste discrimination is punishable by law. The authorities concerned must do the needful to discourage this evil practice.

Sanjay Shrestha,

Kathmandu

Toxic brew

The content of editorial “Bad Medicine” (THT, Feb 20) was indeed worth reading. It will serve as an eye opener to those who blindly use herbal and aurvedic medicines sold by street vendors. Often, the vendors are known to unwittingly sell a lethal concoction of allopathic medicines, herbal products and other chemicals.

Similarly, frequent news reports about deaths due to consumption of such medicines are horrifying. Does it not speak volumes about the inability of the health ministry to provide reliable and efficient medical services throughout the country? The Department of Drug

Administration’s recent crackdown on street vendors that peddle lethal drugs is unlikely to succeed unless it can guarantee affordable and efficient health services throughout the country. Moreover, it also has to introduce policies of attractive incentives for medical practitioners so that they are encouraged to offer their services at home, instead of having to seek greener pastures abroad.

Ranju Shrestha, Kathmandu