Not private sector alone

Rakesh Wadhwa sometimes expresses a very simplistic view of free enterprise. While the rise of the private sector has resulted in better products and services for the public, I say that there is still a role for the public sector side by side with the private sector. For example, in “Pay less, fly more” (THT, May 23), Wadhwa sang the praises of private airlines and how the fare war was good for air travellers. But he has forgotten that private airlines like to operate only on “lucrative” routes. How many private airlines fly to not so glamorous places like Darchula, Bajhang, Bajura, etc.? To fly to these remote villages, you have to rely on the inefficient public sector like good, old Royal Nepal. I like private enterprise and dislike suffocating government control, but we need certain state enterprises to perform tasks that private enterprise will not touch. RNAC also serves as a backup, which is very necessary considering the frequency with which private airlines have been going bankrupt.

Bhai Kaji Bhaju, Kathmandu

Web version

I have been a regular reader of THT since one year. I think the electronic version of it could be more user friendly. For example, not all pictures are available as in the paper edition and the international section seems to be ignored. Brilliant as the paper version is, you could also take the lead in the electronic one too if it is made more attractive, easy to use and packed with information.

Hemant Shrestha, via e-mail

Peace

The 2549th Buddha Jayanti has been celebrated and various speakers from different religious backgrounds, ordinary people and others have stressed for restoration of peace in Nepal (THT, May 24). Even the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, said that the “world cannot have peace as Nepal boils.” His statement must have been based on the fact that the champion of peace and non-violence, Lord Buddha, was born in Nepal and that his own land should get caught up in conflict is a poor example for others to follow. But isolating oneself from religious rhetoric to a more practical standpoint, the ordinary people have suffered so much that it is time they be given a breather after so many years of insecurity, turmoil, fear and violence. It is the duty of the political parties, the Maoist rebels, the government and all

other concerned citizens to strive towards this end. We cannot lag behind in

development aspect as the conflict has exacted too heavy a price in economic terms.

Pratik Nepali, Nepalgunj

Gurkha dues

The British Gurkhas need to be given their dues by the British government. So many Nepalis have laid down their lives for the latter’s cause. This should be the sole reason to make their salary, perks and other benefits at par with their British counterparts. The international delegation which has come to Nepal to investigate and present its report to the British

government by August must report that the family members of those who served in the British army have not received their legitimate dues on time. The British government must not delay in taking that decision. In fact, it is praiseworthy that the British government itself had announced to find out why the differences in the pay and perks were “absolutely justifiable.”

Naresh Rai, via e-mail