There is no argument about the parents’ immense desire to give their children best education keeping in view of the ever-growing challenging environment for their future no matter how exorbitant the fee is. Since the quality of education in public schools is still questionable in spite of government and donor organisations spending billions of rupees every year for the last several years, parents prefer to send their children to private schools for better education in spite of exorbitant fees.

The governments in the past had completely failed to improve teaching- learning environment in public schools owing to either their short sightedness or heavy politicisation. It is a known fact that every year in the past, student unions affiliated to different political parties raised voices and even staged protests against the monopoly of private schools. They even signed several deals with the government every year agreeing to monitor and scale down the excessive fees charged by private schools.

However, none of them was fully implemented. Parents are forced to pay enormous fees charged under different headings in the name of quality education. A few days ago, the government, PABSON and student unions signed a six-point deal for lowering down tuition and other fees.

However, it was surprising to read another news report that another seven student unions were against the deal citing that they were not consulted while signing the deal “Student unions announce education strike” (THT, May 8, Page 2). Parents seem to be confused. Time has come for the government to settle this burning issue soon.

Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharajgunj

KMC’s move

This is with reference to the news story ‘’KMC to take stern action against street vendors” (THT, May 7, Page 2). The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has decided to take strict action against vendors who encroach upon pavements and block people’s movement with their businesses.

According to the KMC, street vendors will not be allowed to occupy footpaths and streets. Due to roadside business, both people’s movement and traffic have been affected to a great extent. The initiative has also been taken keeping in mind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Capital on May 11.

People selling goods along the roadside have disturbed pedestrians as they occupy almost all the pavements and streets. Not just the roads and footpaths, they have also been occupying overhead bridges as well to sell their goods. Hence, it is the primary task of the local government to clear the footpaths and streets to maintain beauty and cleanliness of the city.

Besides, the street vendors should also be provided with other options to make their living. But they should not be allowed to occupy the footpaths, streets and overhead bridges.

Road accidents can also be lessened if the footpaths and streets are cleared of vendors and vegetables and fruit sellers.

Pratik Shrestha, Buddhanagar