Keep politics out of schools

It is disappointing that of the 180 days the schools are supposed to stay open in a year, the classes are hardly held for more than 100 days. Therefore, it is impossible for the schools to complete the syllabuses within such a short time, especially so in the higher grades. For instance, even 365 days are hardly enough to complete the courses of class 10.

Frequent disruptions make the job extremely difficult for both the students and teachers.

The government must take a bold initiative to keep the schools open for most of the stipulated time. Only then will the students be well-educated and the quality of education improve in the country.

Politics should have no bearing on career decisions of the students. They should be able to study free from any kind of political interference.

Dwaipayan Regmi, Biratnagar

Mixed up

I would like to draw your attention to the editorial “Pay now, drink later” (THT, May 22). Regarding the issue of pre-paid tariff for drinking water, you seem to have missed the point

entirely. The government was supposed to form the tariff fixation authority after the signing of the so-called ‘Management Contract’ between the government-authorised Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited and the foreign company (Severn Trent). The final decision for the price hike rested entirely with the government, not Severn Trent.

Furthermore, the Ministry for Physical Planning and Works is working under a minister from the CPN-Maoist, Hisila Yami. Hence I do not believe that the government would be ready to increase the water tariffs, which, according to you, are strongly against the people’s interest. Now that Seven Trent has withdrawn from the agreement, the chapter is closed. No one can guarantee perfect operation of a project before it has even started.

Itihas Shrestha, Researcher in Community Water Consumption, via e-mail

YCL role

It is laudable that the Young Communist League (YCL) is helping curb illegal activities in different parts of the capital. Some days ago, the YCL seized a huge cache of sandalwood and handed it over to the police. But is the YCL authorised to handle law and order problems? My point is if the YCL does the job of maintaining law and order, what is the use of the police force?

Shiva Neupane, via e-mail

Unjustifiable

It is incredible that two goats were sacrificed before the “sweating” idol in the Bhimeshwor temple on the instructions of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) “Bhimeshwor kshamapooja at behest of PMO, not palace” (THT, May 23). When the highest authority in the country believes in the ritual of animal sacrifice, no wonder most of the people continue to slaughter animals for consumption or in the name of warding off possible dangers.

The killing of innocent animals cannot be justified on any pretext. The government-sponsored “sacrifices” show how the political leaders and the people at large have not given up their old mentality yet. Without a new and progressive mindset, how can we expect to build a new Nepal?

Shamriddhi Sitaula, Lagankhel