Target the rural poor

Recently there was a full-page advertisement put out by the donors and the UN agencies on their basic operating guidelines in various newspapers of Nepal. It is no doubt good that nearly 40 donor agencies are operating in Nepal and they have poured billions of rupees for the development of the country. However, we have not been able to utilise the aid properly and the donors continue to face both political and social problems. Professionals, who prepare flying projects, have their own NGOs, and employ their own relatives, have spent a big chunk of the aid on theoretical work. On top of that, they are only engaged in pleasing the donors to get more money for their own gains. There is a big gap between the donors and the poor, especially the Dalit community. Since Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, we need sincere help from the donors. But it would be better if the donor countries changed their strategies so that the money and other resources reached the needy instead of being lost in the middle.

Dr Thakur Subba, via e-mail

Sex trade

I have noticed that Rakesh Wadhwa’s articles are usually straightforward and to the point and I enjoy reading them very much. I want to express my views on his write-up published in THT on February 28 related to sex trade. The issue of sex or legalising prostitution is not a new one in Nepal. Prostitution is considered the oldest profession in the world and it also has its roots in the religious myth. As societies evolved, prostitution has also come to stay in our society, so why not accept it? Sex trade has been there for a long time and is bound to continue. This issue should not be debated further and brainstormed by writers like Wadhwa when we have many other important matters to address.

Rabindra Suwal, Beni, Myagdi

Use CNG

As the leading newspaper, THT should make the people aware of the terrible air pollution problem that we have to live with. A few years ago, the air in Kathmandu used to be sweet and balmy around this time of the year. But now, unfortunately, it is more of a pain to breathe, especially in the evenings. Why doesn’t our able government pass stricter emission laws to curb the use of diesel in public transport, including taxis and tempos? We should learn from more mature nations to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for a better and cleaner environment.

Shanti Manander, Lazimpath

Women’s Day

I agree with the views expressed in the editorial “Legitimate rights” published in THT on March 10. Firstly, Women’s Day has no significance for the poor women of the rural areas of Nepal, who have to worry more about how to meet their daily needs rather than think of women’s rights. Also, women in our part of the world themselves degrade women. For instance, in many households there are minor girls working as domestic helps and the female heads of the family never think of sending these girls to schools. Women’s rights should therefore, as said in the editorial, start from home. It is in the smallest things and ways that we can help to uplift the condition of women in Nepal. As for the organisations working in the field of women’s rights, it would be better if they focused their attention in the villages where women lack education and basic health care. It is pointless to celebrate Women’s Day if policies designed to help the women cannot reach the rural areas.

Ashiyana Singh, via e-mail