Playing with their future:

All private and government schools have remained closed for the last five days, thereby directly affecting the education of 7.5 million students across the country. The different teachers’ bodies which had been waiting for the Minister for Education and Sports, Pradip Nepal, to return from the Maldives have been left disappointed as the latter has clearly stated that there will be no dialogue with the agitating teachers unless the education strike is called off unconditionally.

If the government recognises its responsibility of solving the problems of the educational sector — which is directly related to the future of millions of students — it should constitute a special talks team as soon as possible in order to address the genuine demands of the agitating parties. If not, the government representatives have no right to retain their positions.

Rajesh Bhandari, Panchthar

Unclear

Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hishila Yami does not seem to think before speaking. In her earlier addresses, there was little doubt that she was against ADB’s “high-handedness” in backing Severn Trent’s bid to manage the Kathmandu Valley’s drinking water supply system. She is clearly playing to the gallery and has no idea whatsoever about the nitty-gritty of the ST contract. Otherwise, she would not go around making contradictory statements. A person occupying such an important position in the government should know what she is talking about.

Sachin Lama, via e-mail

Shocking

The news report “Four intern docs arrested for violence” (THT, May 19) was shocking. Four intern doctors were arrested for beating up other doctors and patients in the emergency ward of Bir Hospital. This shows how irresponsible doctors of this country have become. They go to study abroad on government scholarships but when they come back, they act as if they are working for the country without charge. Doctors’ profession is one of the most respected. But who is going to respect them if they did not respect others?

I strongly demand the government punish the four interns. The licences of such irresponsible doctors should be withdrawn. The doctors should work and act like doctors, and not behave like hooligans if they want to get the people’s respect.

Rajendra Tamang, Sanepa, Lalitpur

Cartoons

I suggest THT add a cartoon section on its front page as do other news dailies. It would provide a new lease of life to your newspaper.

Basanta Gauli, Gongabu

Bad films

Going by the low quality films being produced by the Nepali film industry, one can say that the film industry in Nepal does not have a bright future. It is not that we have a shortage of creative ideas and people, but the film industry has not been able to identify talent. Instead of making Bollywood-copy movies, why don’t the producers focus on low-budget but quality movies? Since there is no environment for huge investment at home, the film-makers must seriously think of ways to uplift the deteriorating condition of the industry.

Kamal Regmi, via e-mail