This is with reference to the news stories “VCs appointed in four universities” (THT, Aug. 25, Page 3) and “Dhakal new VC at Agriculture and Forest University” (THT, Aug. 26, Page 2). Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, in the capacity of Chancellor and at the recommendation of Pro-chancellor Chitra Lekha Yadav, has recently appointed VCs in the five universities. All the VCs are close to his party Nepali Congress. The other two VCs for Pokhara University and Far Western University are yet to be decided. Various sources reveal that the recommendations and appointments were made unilaterally without consulting other members of the recommendation committee. This is against the legal provisions relating to appointment of the VCs. PM Koirala did it the way then PM Jhalanath Khanal had done four years ago. Appointing VCs on the basis of political loyalty has been a regular practice.

Padlocks and protests are going on. Administrative works and academic activities are being hampered. It is ultimately the students who will have to bear the brunt of such non-cooperation with the newly-appointed VCs. The students should not be deprived of their right to education. This is a sick culture.

Som Nath Ghimire, Kawasoti

Mutual ties

The Indian government’s promise to provide Nepal with $1 billion assistance (both grant and loan) for reconstruction of the structures damaged by the major earthquake is greatly appreciated. Both India and Nepal deserve credit for strengthening their historic ties. However, it is important to note that India has repeatedly failed to keep promises and had slashed funds promised to several countries in the past. Failure to keep financial promises will reduce the credibility of the Indian government and the hard work done to promote strong Indo-Nepal relations will suffer significantly as a result of this. Being the largest democracy, India carries moral responsibility for helping and supporting her immediate neighbours to empower them economically. The benefits of India’s strong economic growth should also be used to help her immediate neighbours and their peoples for developing a sustainable, cordial relationship solidly based in closely supporting and collaborating with one another. Indian investments in Nepal will be vital for strengthening the economy of the Himalayan nation seriously impacted by repeated natural disasters and socio-political instability. In addition, during the infrastructural reconstruction happening in Nepal, a new economic corridor could be established between China-Nepal-India through a tripartite agreement between these three nations; that could further strengthen and support economic prosperity of all participants allowing free movement of goods and vehicles across the three international borders.

Saikat Kumar Basu, via e-mail