The country is now heading towards full implementation of new constitution following the completion of three levels of elections.

The left alliance comprising the CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre, which are now in the process of unification, have won majority seats in all the elections. This alliance has already formed governments in six out of seven provinces.

The election of chief ministers, speakers and deputy speakers have been completed. However, these local level governments are facing human resources and financial crunch due to ineffective and lengthy bureaucratic process. Not enough and proper homework seems to have been done despite the urgency of the implementation of the federal structure. The central level government is yet to take its full shape. The government has decided to maintain 18 federal ministries to be in line with the provision in the constitution. PM Oli has so far expanded his Cabinet for the second time “PM inducts four more ministers” (THT, February 27, Page 1).

Both Oli and Dahal have reached an understanding to give 11 ministerial positions including the PM to the UML and seven ministers to CPN-MC. This arrangement may be changed if the Federal Social Forum-Nepal decides to join the Oli-led government. The effort to bring FSF-N in the government is to garner a two-thirds majority in Parliament which will ensure a comfortable position to amend the constitution, if needed.

The only concern of the people seems to be the appointment of Yuvaraj Khatiwada as the finance minister whose nomination as National Assembly member has been challenged in the Supreme Court. He, however, deserves the post.

Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharajgunj

Plastic ban

Kudos to the new Nepali government for taking significant initiatives in reducing the footprint of non-biodegradable plastic on the local environment and ecosystem “Plastic manufacturers to be brought under law” (THT, February 28, Page 3).

Plastic has been among the top human innovations across past centuries; yet it has transformed into one of the curses for nature and local ecosystems around the world. Irresponsible use of plastics and indiscriminate dumping of waste plastics are affecting our natural ecosystems.

At times they block drains, sewage system, and agricultural irrigation channels. They also accumulated in the dumping grounds, landfills, gardens, lawns, parks and forests for unimaginably long time impacting soil, microbial communities, wildlife and biodiversity. The rise of synthetic plastic manufacturing industries around the world and even the use of recycled plastics have been turning detrimental to our society and environment.

It is therefore extremely important to cut down the use of plastics in our daily life. The use of green sticker is an innovative approach promoting sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyle and green governance.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada