Respond to people’s woes

Much expectation had been there among the people after the government was formed under the leadership of the CPN (Maoist). With the promises that the Maoists had floated earlier, it was but natural that they would start delivering the much needed relief to the people who had been under pressure because of various shortcomings of the previous governments. But, four months have passed without the much needed succour to the people. It cannot be understood whether it was just a promise made not to be fulfilled because of party or personal interests coming to the fore. I agree that it is difficult to do much within this short period the government has been in power but the good intentions should have been amply reflected. Instead of the people’s lives becoming easier, more difficulties have been piled up.

I hope that the government responds well to the law and order situation, price hikes, and other issues that impact on ordinary citizens. This will make the people feel that efforts are being made sincerely. If the intention is only to hold on to power, the future is doomed.

Sukriti Sharma, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Traffic jam

Traffic jam in the capital is a common sight. The traffic authorities seem to be either helpless or try to turn a blind eye to traffic rule violations. There could be many reasons for less than

interested approach to traffic management in the Valley.

The need is to be strict on the enforcement of the traffic rules and regulations without which the smooth flow of traffic cannot be possible. Is there any way to stop the increase in the number of vehicles in the metropolis? If there is, it should be done for the sake of effective traffic management.

Basanta Devkota, Gaurighat, Kathmandu

Useless

It is a pity that the big parties of the legislature are still wrangling over vacant positions at the National Planning Commission. It seems that the big parties are least concerned by the total failure of this development planning body. The ever-extending hours of load-shedding is a clear indication of the total failure of National Planning Commission.

An example of the National Planning Commission’s faulty vision is reflected through the

“Family Planning” programme that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Health. The age of consent for marriage in Nepal is 18 years for girls and 20 years for boys. In Japan, the age of consent for the girls is 13 years and in India, it is 14 years.

The National Planning Commission seems to believe that the age of puberty in Nepal is different from that of Japan. Senior pathologist Dr Bijaya Lal Gurubacharya once revealed in a seminar that quite a number of college girls are forced into premarital sex with the collectors of recyclables from across the border.

The popular Bollywood flick “Love in Nepal” amply demonstrates prevalence of the extra-marital and pre-marital sex in the capital and elsewhere in the country. I would like to opine that the National Planning Commission, which has only proved to be a burden on the Nepali

taxpayers, should be dissolved for good if it is to perform no better.

Sabitra Marasini, Balkhu, Kathmandu