The promulgation of the new constitution is being celebrated across Nepal and is appreciated globally for the new emergent democratic character of the proud nation. However, the lack of cooperation and coordination among the

various political parties of Nepal is destroying and closing doors of opportunities for the nation, simultaneously portraying a dismal image of this newly emergent democracy to the global audience. If such lack of faith and cooperation continues between the political parties, future important bills necessary for the much needed economic reforms to attract foreign and private investments for the nation will get derailed and the great harm done to national interest could not be underestimated. I am not sure whether such destructive ego and vindication based politics is going to earn rich dividends for any of the feuding political parties.

All the political parties of Nepal need serious self-introspection and avoid travelling in the path of self-destruction and self-denial that is detrimental to the long term interests of the nation and the people. All of them are answerable to the nation according to the constitution. Risking the progress of the nation by indulging in egos, useless procrastination and destructive negative politics is not appreciated for the all-round development of Nepal. The call of the moment is to forgive and forget the political differences and join together wholeheartedly on a common platform of fraternity and brotherhood for the socio-economic development of the nation. I humbly appeal to all the political parties of Nepal to join efforts at this crucial juncture and work towards building a new nation of hope, promises, strength and courage.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada

Child labour

This is with reference to the news story “1,472 child

labourers found in

Kaski-DCWC” (THT, Sept.19, Page 5). Though engagement of underage children in worst forms of labour has been

prohibited the exploitation of such a vulnerable section of society is on the rise in both the remote parts and the major cities of the country. There is no updated report made to exact the recent population of child labourers and nature of their work in Nepal so far. Its adverse effects in plan and policy making cannot be overemphasized. A huge number of children are seen illegally being engaged in different kinds of hazardous works.  In line with the ILO Convention and many other international laws, Nepal with its National Master Plan on Child Labor, 2004, made a commitment  to completely eliminate the worst forms of child labour by 2009 and any other form of child labour by 2014. Conversely, neither the commitment was fulfilled nor the numbers of child laborers were reduced. The young blood are compelled to bear the brunt of abuse and exploitation in these sectors. It is high time the Government, stakeholders and other concerned authorities comprehended the gravity of child labour and violation of their rights.

Som Nath Ghimire,  Kawasoti