Industrial democracy

Ajit NS Thapa’s edit page piece, “Government formation” (THT, August 6) is commendable in that it has highlighted all the four options available for a new government; and also for emphatically underscoring that “The nation cannot be paralysed with the lacklustre performance of a caretaker government that has outlived its utility”.

Most Nepalis would like to see, as he does, a national unity government headed by the Maoists and guided by a Common Minimum Programme that defines “national interest” for the transition period. The government must also introduce labour reforms to improve investment climate for all — be they foreign or domestic — but most importantly do so to benefit the innumerable small and medium industries, which are the life-blood of the national economy. Hence, the Constituent Assembly should take the initiative to draft and promulgate Nepal’s first ever Industrial Relations Act that will enshrine principles and practices for

“industrial democracy” by clearly defining and demarcating union rights, management prerogatives, labour management, collective bargaining procedures, and processes for settlements of disputes with full transparency and accountability so that there is no need to resort to labour goons and unnecessary political interferences in business ventures. The crux of the problem is that small and medium entrepreneurs are unable to grapple with big unions that are effective extensions of political parties.

Madhukar SJB Rana, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Cutting graft

In the past few weeks Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri has made public statements about the need to wipe out corruption in Nepal’s judiciary. However, I would suggest that instead of

beating around the bush, the CJ should order a review of corruption cases shelved by the Special Court. Failure to bring the corrupt to book will be a big injustice to both investigators and interrogators, and Nepalis at large. We will be thankful to Giri if he succeeds in bringing the corrupt to justice.

A M Tuladhar, via e-mail

Help them

It is sad that the districts of Rolpa, Rukum, Bajhang and Bajura in western Nepal are facing the problem of famine, “Food shortage hits four districts hard” (THT, August 5). To bring relief to the people living in the four districts, all Nepalis should chip in with whatever they can. Especially the social organisations should ensure adequate food supply in famine-hit areas. Private business houses should also do their bit.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu

Scrap it

Apropos of Shiva Neupane’s letter “Inhumane” (THT, Aug 6), I agree with him that corporal punishment of students is inhumane and should be immediately abolished. Corporal punishment breeds hatred and negative attitude among students. In a country like Nepal where the majority of the students are not aware of their duties and responsibilities, the best way to handle them is through persuasion and affectionate treatment. Having taught in Nepali schools , I am well aware of the difficulties of teachers. It is important that they they should not be daunted by some extreme cases of indiscipline among students.

Tilak Poudel, California