Incorrect picture

This is in reference to the editorial “Cooking to taste” (THT, Feb. 5) wherein you have commented on the tendency of some of the financial institutions to present an incorrect picture of their financial health. I fully agree with the statement that such institutions fool not only their shareholders but also the general public. The unaudited and audited statements of the same bank must not vary to a great extent. Minor deviations are possible but not to the

extent of 50 per cent or more. For this, the Nepal Rastra Bank ought to put in place a mechanism that strictly monitors and supervises the transactions of all financial institutions so that financial discipline is maintained. The end result would be good for evberybody, except,

perhaps, for some unscrupulous people.

Neema Basnet, Katford

College, Koteswor

Deadly

Just when we thought that the police and the department concerned had swung into action to stop the sale and distribution of poisonous liquors, the few more deaths in Rautahat

district show that the danger is far from over. It is plain enough to think that the the campaign against spurious liquors has lacked speed except for the initial burst of energy. Those involved in selling lethal booze deserve severe punishment.

Moreover, there should be greater vigilance, and even the licensed distilleries, wholesalers and retailers must come under the scanner. The area of operation should be the whole of the country, not only Kathmandu metropolis.

Sukriti Sharma, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Leaders

It seems that the political leaders are more concerned with their petty interests than with those of the country. It is unwise of the leaders to continue to lash out at each other. Can’t they think of something meaningful instead of disturbing the public psyche. Both the ruling and opposition parties are to be blamed for their useless allegations against each

other.

Karan Thapa, via e-mail

Weekly off

The Supreme Court is considering the idea of reviving the system of two-day weekend in all the courts across the Kathmandu Valley (“Valley courts may get two-day weekly off’, THT, Feb.5). Among the many reasons given for the introduction of the five-day week was that it would save the government much expense, that it would help reduce the

environmental pollution, and that it would help boost employee efficiency. No study has been undertaken to determine to what extent the new system achieved those objectives.

The judiciary has been the first to take more leaves — it started the five-day workweek. After the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, it declared a 15-day Dashain holiday for the members of the judiciary. According to an apex court assessment, opening the courts on

Fridays is a mere waste of fuel. Perhaps this is because the offices call it a day on 3 o’clock instead of on 5 on Fridays. Why not make it 5 on Fridays as well? Service to the people should come first. The two-day weekend does not sound sensible also because the judiciary

already has mountains of unsettled cases.

Aushma Pokharel,

via e-mail