Stop blame game

In your editorial “Dismal results” published on June 15 regarding the low pass percentage of the SLC results this year, I fail to see how you can justify calling for “a monitoring body to oversee the functioning of the private institutions”. We all know that most of the problems bedevilling education in Nepal concern the government schools. The low SLC pass percentage is only a symptom of this malaise. There is no denying the fact that were it not for the private schools this pass percentage would have been much lower. Despite these well-known facts, there is a tendency in Nepal to blame the private schools for anything going wrong in the education sector. It’s become a habit, a fashion to point accusing fingers at private schools, virtually turning it into the fine art of private school-bashing. The use of the phrase, “so-called

English medium” schools, in your editorial betrays this fact, and this mindless response will not get us anywhere in tackling the real issues and problems.

Tamdin Lama, Director, Pennwood Academy

Educate girls

The article “Marriage is not anti-education” published in THT on June 15 was an emotional one. The majority of parents in Nepal are always worried about their daughters’ marriage. They often get their daughters married off early. As a result, the girls are compelled to leave their education in the middle, and there is no way they would pursue studies after the marriage due to family responsibilities. This is the 21st century and so the society must wake up to the realities of the new world.

Archana Shah, via e-mail

Shameful

It is a matter of shame that Dr Tulsi Giri, a person of great stature and currently holding a reputed post in the Council of Ministers, has been blacklisted for his inability to repay the bank loan. Instead of setting an example to others, if ministers themselves violate the laws and misuse state funds, the banks can never recover their loans. Dr Giri should abide by the rules and regulations of the bank and clear the amount as soon as possible.

Saroj Bhurtel, Kathmandu

Doubtful

Changing their earlier stance on the issue of Maoist activities, most of the parties are now advocating a political solution of the problem. It is noteworthy that our leaders have realised that violent means does not help solve any problem. But people are still hesitating to believe the leaders and their changed tune over the Maoist issue. It is a matter of curiosity whether the leaders have actually changed their earlier perception towards the insurgents or whether it is just in order to serve their political interests. It is not then surprising why the people doubt the leaders’ intentions as they have seen the same leaders using force to quell Maoists branding them terrorists. For instance, it was G P Koirala who, when he was the prime minister, brought forth the idea of Armed Police Force in order to crush the Maoists. And S B Deuba imported arms and ammunition from Belgium for the same purpose, followed by PM Surya Bahadur Thapa who gave birth to the concept of unified command and implemented it to quell the insurgency. Nepalis want peace. The leaders should respect the popular sentiment.

Ambika Pandey, Chitwan