Time of healing

While thousands of flood victims are leading miserable lives, our political leaders are engaged in settling scores, “Blame game hits flood relief hard” (THT, Sept 1). This is no time for political leaders to indulge in blame game. The damage caused by the floods cannot be undone, but we can avert further loss of life and property by providing immediate relief to flood victims. Also, the government should closely monitor distribution of relief material so that they do not get into wrong hands.

Anila Shrestha,

Thimi, Bhaktapur

Wrong pick

This is in reference to the news report “3 new ministries in the making” (THT, Sept 1). The decision of the cabinet to split existing ministries to create three new ones is likely to draw public ire. The move seems aimed at appeasing selfish political leaders rather than to facilitate government functioning. But the government has failed to break up the one ministry it should have, i.e., the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Nepal is an agricultural country with a big chunk of population dependent on animal husbandry and agriculture. As there is already a separate department of livestock in the country, a separate ministry for animal and veterinary sciences would have helped government cater to the needs of farmers more effectively. However, I appreciate the government decision to scrap the existing provision of financing foreign trips of political leaders under miscellaneous heads.

Dr Sital Kaji Shrestha, India

Three more?

Apropos of the news report “3 ministries in the making” (THT, Sept1), I fail to understand the necessity for new ministries when the existing ones have not been able to fulfil their duties.

Formation of new ministries has added to the economic burden of the country. The government must concentrate on its immediate duties rather than busy itself in unnecessary tasks.

Shreedeep Rayamajhi, Nayabazaar, Kathmandu

New hope

With the formation of a full-fledged cabinet, Nepalis can now hope that the Maoist-led government will address the immediate concerns of common people. After years of misgovernance, Nepalis under the able leadership of Prime Minister Prachanda can finally look forward to peace and stability. The government should immediately bring an end to shortage of basic commodities and embark on the task of drafting a new constitution.

Prajwol Karjee, via e-mail

This way

Past governments failed to institute positive changes because of their failure to reach out to common masses. The success of any government, especially in an underdeveloped country like Nepal, largely depends on whether it can cater to those at the grassroots level. The Maoist-led government must adopt a bottoms-up approach. The importance of each group and community that makes a composite new Nepal must be recognised. Politicians have been blamed for their inability to provide good governance. But it is a conscious citizenry that

produces good leaders and shapes a progressive nation. Strange Sherpa, via e-mail