Raw deal for HA students:

The government initiated the Health Assistant (HA) programme in 2014 BS with the aim of training mid-level health workers in the country. Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine (IoM) started producing health assistants from 2029 BS onwards and these workers were allowed to enrol in the MBBS course. Unfortunately, the IoM’s HA programme ended abruptly and the HA trainees were not allowed to appear for the MBBS entrance exam.

In 2054 BS, the Council for Technical, Educational and Vocational Training (CTEVT) again started the HA programme. There are about 15 HA colleges from where 271 students pass out each year. But they are still not allowed to sit for the MBBS exam. Both the CTEVT and the government have ignored the plight of HA students. Is the MBBS course a privilege of just a few?

Nimesh Kumaroli, Balkhu

Boost image:

If the seven-party alliance wishes to assure the public of their renewed commitment, then they should first punish those politicians who have amassed wealth and property. There must be zero-tolerance for corruption. Investigation must start at the party level and the guilty punished. The parties must vow to have transparent policies, at least, in matters of national importance. There should be no place for the corrupt and the criminals. After cleaning their respective parties, the leaders can then seek public support with a fresh image.

Ramesh B Shrestha, Lalitpur

Faulty system:

Our education system appears to be totally faulty. It is test-oriented with no emphasis on extra-curricular activities. My little brother studies in Class Three, and even at this level teachers mark for him all the questions that would be asked in the examination so that he may secure good marks. What is the point of education if it is aimed at enabling students just to pass the exams? Schools are meant not only for academics but also for the students’ all-round development.

Prashant Roka, Sidhartha Vanasthali Institute

Low turnout:

The CAN Infotech exhibition organised every year is gaining popularity as such events would boost the IT sector. However, this year the event was not very successful. The CAN officials claimed that new companies with new products set up stalls but I noticed nothing extraordinary. Only the number of stalls displaying computer software and other electronic gadgets had increased. The marketing executives manning the stalls weren’t also impressive. Many Kathmanduites are computer literate, and unless something exciting comes up they are not interested. Even though CAN has done a lot to promote IT in Nepal, it needs to focus on improving the capacity of computers for communication, data storage and designing.

Ranjan Raj Pokhrel, Kumarigal

Correction:

This refers to the news “OAG staffer in custody” published in THT’s briefs on March 29. I would like to inform you that Devi Prasad Luintel is not an employee of the Office of the Auditor General and has no relation whatsoever to the office.

Khem Prasad Dahal, Assistant Auditor General