Real steps missing

Apropos of the news report “CIAA directs NVC to collect property details” (THT, April 13), I was glad that something sensible is being undertaken. CIAA is often considered to be a paper tiger without the teeth necessary to take action for real. The few instances of its success are not enough considering the problems of corruption and abuse of power that have grown to massive size. Yet, the directive to the NVC to provide details of the security personnel is quite timely. It can yield results if it is pursued with seriousness. The CIAA too should be able to take the stand if it finds the property of any individual more than the person’s income source can justify. I feel that the CIAA ought to do more than just feel glad at one or two minor successes. The coming days will be worth watching as to how CIAA moves ahead with its anti-corruption campaign.

Sukirti Sharma, via e-mail

No politics

The successful conclusion of the 5th National Games in Kathmandu cheered the hearts of many. But the political colouring that emerged at the beginning was something that could have been avoided. The

inclusion of the PLA participants was encouraging but that shouldn’t have been done at the last moment. If their request could have come earlier to participate in the games quite ahead of the scheduled date, the controversy would not have been raised. Unfortunately, that was the way it went. In my opinion, the greater the participation in the national level games, the better it is for identifying talents who could go on to make a name in the international arena. I believe that regular sports and games meets ought to be organised but without letting politics enter the games.

Diwakar K.C., via e-mail

Reform

This is in reference to the news item “Maoists, UML bury hatchet, ink 9-point pact” (THT, April 13). The development of the Maoists and the UML signing the agreement seems to be a good step. However, seeing the past record of the Maoists, it seems that this accord will also not be fulfilled. The Maoists go on

making agreements but hardly any one gets one the needed attention. If one looks back there are many agreements made with so many groups and political parties but the progress reports shows nothing to be satisfied with. The people want the Maoists to behave as a responsible party.

D. Rajbhandari, via e-mail

Cheating?

Now that the SLC exams are over students are flooded with advertisements for Bridge Courses provided by many educational institutions. There is tough competition among these institutions to get students to attend their classes. Since the good colleges have entrance examinations, many students opt to take these courses.

However, these institutes are often found teaching only what is taught in Plus 2 classes. So when the students are enrolled in colleges they will be only repeating only what they have already studied in the Bridge Courses. Couldn’t their courses be more innovative?

Ramesh Basnet, Old Baneswor

Priority

One finds long queues of patients in government hospitals. Under the circumstances, it takes a long time to get treated for various ailments. We also find old people lining up for their turn. Since we do not have hospitals

specializing in the treatment of these elderly citizens, it would be only right if they did not have to stay in the queues. Unless their ailment requires immediate attention other patients should show their respect for the elderly by allowing them to be treated first. Rita Manadhar, via e-mail

Deterrent

We should be glad the by-elections were held relatively peacefully. However, it was found that many voters could not participate in the exercise because they did not have citizenship certificates. But because it was decided that all voters show their citizenship certificate it proved to be a deterrent to rigging. Previously, there were those who cast votes in the name of other people as there was no fool proof means of checking the identity of the voters. As such, all citizens should be made to realize the importance of acquiring citizenship

certificates. The process of providing such certificates should be done without any hassles.

Dinesh Dhital, via e-mail