Ill-timed price hike

Apropos of the news report “Price hike fuels nationwide protests” (THT, Oct. 26), the government’s decision to increase the price of petro-products is untimely. Considering the low purchasing power of common Nepalis, the government should have considered other

alternatives. The government could have consulted China, which had, not very long ago, expressed its willingness to provide petroleum products at a cheaper price.

Similarly, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) could have taken appropriate measures to reduce

leakages, corruption, mismanagement and irregularities within the organisation. Its negligence has encouraged irregularities in the ‘oil administration’ in Nepal. Therefore, privatisation of the government-run behemoth and subsequent introduction of ‘open supply system’ would have been the best solution.

The government should introduce a dual or separate pricing system for petroleum products to reduce the burden of the poor. The dual price mechanism of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been working well. In addition, timely price-adjustment is very important to make the pricing system more transparent and consumer friendly.

CN Kanel ‘Harit’, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Unfair

Most of the rural students come to the capital to pursue higher education. However, frequent prices hikes in the petroleum products are making their Valley stay really difficult. How can a student afford to pay Rs 1,100 for a cylinder of gas?

The government should have kept the economic status of all its citizens in mind before deciding to increase the prices. It is common Nepalis who are shouldering the burden of corruption and government irregularities. The people have no option but to hit the streets.

Bal Krishna Ghimire,

Dhanda Maidan-5, Arghakhanchi

Interesting

Bartika Rai’s Midway “Life’s Ironies” (THT, Oct. 26) was interesting. If we believe in the supreme power or God, it is always there to guide us in times of need. However, while half of the people living in this world believe in God, the other half do not. All of them have their own ways of enjoying their lives. In fact, happiness is also the state of mind.

Happiness depends on how we learn to live with the harsh realities of life. In other words, our attitude, perception and understanding shape the level of our happiness. It is true that poor people seem much happier since they don’t have much to worry about. Hardship, misery and difficulties are part and parcel of our life irrespective of whether we are rich or poor. Only concerted effort and correct thinking can help us fight our worries.

Bal Krishna Parajuli, Chabahil, Kathmandu

Pleasing

This is in reference to the news report “PM wants CA polls to be held in March” (THT, Oct 28). It is pleasing to hear that Prime Minister Koirala is still optimistic about the prospects for the CA polls. Koirala needs to maintain his resolve and usher Nepal into a democracy that all

Nepalis want.

Ishwari Pradhan, via e-mail