KU brand of elitist politics

Apropos of the edit page article “Higher education: Prachanda’s perspective and realities” (THT, Dec 8), I take exception to writer Dr Mana Prasad Wagley nit-picking the Maoist policy towards higher education in Nepal and, in particular, to private leadership for “international quality” education at Kathmandu University.

Central to his argument is his thesis that inclusion of “politics” such as the demand for the Maoist supported students’ representation in Kathmandu University (KU) Senate is counterproductive to the politics-less value system that has led to KU’s enviable success. But,

Professor Wagley in saying so is actually advocating a brand of elitist politics, where decisions are made by the elite and self-professed ‘visionary’ leaders such as the KU Vice Chancellor (VC), the writer himself who is the dean, PM Prachanda and Finance Minister Dr

Baburam Bhattarai. Granted this was the only option when educated and politically conscious

citizenry, including students, were negligible in number. But the current Maoist revolution is a gesture towards large-scale participation of the Nepali people, who can assert new ways of doing things.

If the current leadership can take credit for the great success of KU, can’t Nepal expect even better leadership with greater participation rather than the elitist, “we know what is best” brand of politics advocated by Professor Wagley? If even USA limits leadership of its President to two terms, or eight years, why should KU be subjected to 17 years under the

leadership of the same VC? KU and the system that has been put in place, if really

effective, will not only survive but thrive under new leadership and encourage wider participation rather than the narrow elitist politics.

Yelambur, via e-mail

A pointer

It would be wise of the government and leaders of the political parties to seriously take a cue from the show of people’s power in Thailand, which dislodged the Prime Minister from power. If the Constituent Assembly further procrastinates in the task of writing the constitution and fails to deliver good governance, it won’t be long before Nepalis too will resort to similar measures.

Ramesh Shrestha,

via e-mail

Compensate

The government needs to make provisions to compensate the victims of crime and corruption in the new constitution. In addition, the properties of the criminals and the corrupt public servants should be confiscated. The confiscated properties should be deposited in the fund that would take care of victims of crime and corruption. Criminals and corrupt public servants, however, should be confined to open-air prisons with full opportunities to work in a non-violent atmosphere.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu

Dissolve YCL

Apropos the news report “YCL cadres terrorize Jante villagers” (THT, Dec 7), one cannot help but wonder whether atrocities perpetrated by YCL will ever come to an end. Especially since the formation of the Maoist-led government, YCL is hardly learnt to have done anything

remarkable for public welfare. The Maoists must either dissolve the YCL or bring them to justice.

Rhea Gurung, via e-mail