Dependency syndrome

This is in reference to the article “Selling poverty to make it history” by Siddha Raj Pant published in THT on July 15. The author deserves plaudits for his analysis of the ‘dependency syndrome’ infecting poor nations today. We are increasingly becoming dependent on foreign aid to sustain the developmental activities. But I believe foreign aid is the cause of our problems rather than the solution. No matter how good the intention of a donor is, the aid seldom helps the poor.

Donor countries and institutions support the projects that promote their own interests, which often conflict with the day-to-day needs of the poor. Besides, foreign aid can only be as good as the government that receives it. Often the aid serves to preserve the status quo and becomes an impediment to development. We are all aware of the imminent dangers posed by our excessive reliance on foreign aid but we tend to ignore them. We need more articles that highlight the perils of excessive reliance on foreign aid for poverty alleviation.

Jhapendra Pokhrel,

Ontario, Canada

Draconian

The news “Police thwart mock parliament session” published in THT on July 20 was shocking. Can’t the political parties even convene a peaceful meeting now? What can the government expect but more hostilities from such measures? Its pledge to uphold the rights of all Nepalis rings hollow in the light of these events. The government will never be able to win the hearts of common Nepalis if it persists in imposing its draconian measures.

Reconciliation and meaningful dialogue are essential for the peaceful resolution of the on-going conflict. Acts like these will only alienate the government further, making reconciliation more difficult.

Anish Shrestha, Pulchowk

Nepali films

The editorial on the state of the Nepali film industry on July 19 was timely. The industry is going through its worst phase in years. Only a few years ago, the industry was averaging 40-50 films per year. Now the situation is so dismal that only a handful of films are released each year. This can largely be attributed to the closure of many halls outside the valley due to the Maoist insurgency. Nepali films also have failed to attract audiences because most of them are nothing but carbon copies of Hindi films.

Another reason could be the increasing enthusiasm among our youth for western flicks. Although Nepali films are played in theatres, it is the English movies that are making money. If the Nepal Film Development Board is not serious about increasing the quality of Nepali

movies, before long, these might soon be a thing of the past.

Madan Aryal, Maitidevi

Litter bins

The other day I was travelling from Jawalakhel to Thapathali munching on potato chips. But once I was finished, I could not find a litterbin for the used plastic bag. Instead, the gutters were choked with noodle wrappers and non-biodegradable waste. If the municipal authorities are serious about keeping our city clean, more bins need to be placed by the roadside. Of course, public awareness is even more important. I hope the authorities concerned will take note of the case.

Sagar Subedi, Thapathali