Not fit for mercy :

The editorial titled “Rich dad, poor dad” points out the ills responsible for the decline of the Nepali economy. Obviously, a decade-long Maoist insurgency has taken a heavy toll of the economy. But there are other hidden causes for the economic decline.

The defaulters who took loans with no intention of repaying seem to have caused much more harm to the country’s economy than the Maoist violence. If strict action similar to that taken in Pakistan by Gen. Parvez Musharraf is not taken against Nepal’s wilful defaulters, then the

government may rightly be suspected of being in collusion with these unscrupulous

businesspeople. This would also mean that those in power do not believe in good governance.

Milan Gurung, via e-mail

Undue delay :

Apropos of the news report “UN team to be here in 10-12 days: Koirala” (THT, August 17), inviting a UN team might spark another controversy. To waste more time waiting for the UN team might be a ploy on the part of PM Koirala to save the institution of monarchy. The delay has given rise to scepticism about the peace process. The PM should focus on meeting the

aspirations of the Nepali people rather than blindly following foreign advice. The Maoists, on their part, should agree to decommission their arms.

Shiva Panday, Samakhusi

Late fee :

Last month, my backpack containing my passport was stolen from my hotel room in Pokhara. When I visited the immigration office in Pokhara to extend my visa, I was told that they could not do so without a passport. Couldn’t they have issued me a receipt for a visa extension if not the visa itself? Upon returning to Kathmandu, I was informed that I would have to pay a late fee for the renewal of my visa. I protested that it was no fault of mine as I had tried to get a “temporary”

extension in Pokhara.

The visa officer took me to see the immigration director. It was decided that my fine would be reduced from Rs 2,500 to Rs. 500. But at the cashier’s desk, I discovered that they still expected me to pay three times the normal rate for visa extension.

The visa officer suggested that it was my fault as I had lost my backpack. I was also reminded of the penalties for the tourists who ignore visa regulations. Tourism is

declining in Nepal and the visa officials are causing the economy to bleed further by alienating visitors.

Chris Austin, Kathmandu

Brain drain :

Most of the youngsters who are leaving the country for education never return. This is leading to serious brain drain. Can a developing nation like Nepal afford to lose its bright brains? Who will then stay in Nepal? Only the disabled and the elderly? This practice should be discouraged before Nepal runs out of competent manpower.

Ankit Sharma, Siphal

Add page :

THT has been a favourite newspaper among youngsters. Its varied content appeals to all kinds of readers. Weekly features like School Times and special editions on Saturdays and Sundays also provide interesting fare. It would be even better if you could include a page on

Science and Technology.

Sujan, via e-mail