Crafting our own model

Apropos of the news report “Khanal’s school of thought” (THT, Sept 22), there is no need to fault the statement of CPN-UML general secretary Jhalanath Khanal that the British parliamentary model is not best for Nepal. There is virtually no similarity between the United

Kingdom and Nepal while the differences could not be starker. Participation of people at the grassroots level in government’s development programmes is nearly not important in

developed countries as it is in poor ones like Nepal.

In resource-deficient countries, the government just does not have enough to invest even in vital sectors like health and education. Thus development becomes impossible without the

active help and participation of the people at the grassroots. For the same reason, local representatives need to be more accountable to the communities they are elected from, an impossible task under the first-past-the-post system practised in the United Kingdom.

Suman Dahal, Ghattekulo

Their job

With respect to the news report “Gautam talks tough; to take on rowdy cadres” (THT, Sept. 22), I agree with the suggestion of the chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), Ian Martin, that all political parties should join hands against conflict, hunger and poverty to ensure perpetual peace in the country. Peace and prosperity are the products of politicians’ hard work and dedication. Hence the future of our country rests on the shoulders of

our political leaders.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne, Australia

Get back

Nepal has been severely affected by natural disasters. The home and finance ministers don’t get along and continue to squabble over petty matters. The Newar community in Kathmandu is out on the streets over inadequate funds for celebrating traditional festivals. Dashain is at hand but food supply is scarce. The Constituent Assembly has not started its core business of drafting a new constitution. In this context, it is imprudent of PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to go on a visit to the United States for as long as 10 days. I suggest he return to Nepal immediately after addressing UN General Assembly.

Kedar P Badu, Gongabu, Kathmandu

Right on

The budget for fiscal year 2008-09 has come under heavy criticism from some quarters. Nonetheless, the rise in allocations for health and education sectors is praiseworthy. Also in line with the country’s need for “Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary University”, the budget has set aside Rs 80 million for its establishment. This will certainly pay off as it leads to more research and production of experts.

Dr Sital Kaji Shrestha, India

Tax-free

The slogan of food, housing and clothing for everybody has become a cliché. The simple way to go about it would be to declare the country a tax-free republic which would in turn help create employment opportunities, making the slogan of “Food, shelter and clothing” redundant. The constitution which is in the pipeline should guarantee employment for all citizens, along with tax exemption.

V P Sayami, Kathnmandu