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Showing posts from 2017

Nepal Local Elections

The Pessimist in me felt like writing again. I feel old writing about or commenting on political matters. I am not an expert and my thoughts might not be right in a broad perspective. But, it has been hard to keep this feeling with me and here I am tempted to write. The newly implemented federal setup of Nepal creates decentralization. Decentralization is much awaited phenomenon for Nepal. But, will it really help to develop our country? Coming years will tell, but we should never back away from making a prediction. Our new constitution allows the decentralization of the nation’s budget as well. It is a good thing, as a local level project will not have to wait for specific approval and budget allocation from several ministries like in the present scenario. But, there is also a negative side to it. The winners of the coming local election will have power on the state’s money and they can form a syndicate to use the state’s money for their personal interests. A good financi...

Sajha Yatayat

A few days ago, I boarded the new Sajha Yatayat bus manufactured by Ashok Leyland. I am going to express my genuine feelings about the experience. I boarded the bus from Baneshwor and got off at Tripureshwor. I know that Kanak Mani Dixit is a visionary person. I also know that cycles and big buses instead of private two and four-wheelers are very important for greener tomorrow. But, this does not fit quite right here, especially in the context of Kathmandu. Getting back to that new bus ride, I have to admit it was not extraordinary. In fact, it was less ordinary than I had previously thought. The seat arrangement uses a smart technique of reducing the seat size and letting as much space as possible open for people to stand in. For a crowded city like Kathmandu, it is a really appropriate concept. But, this doesn’t end here. The seats were too small for a person of my size. And, for clarification, I am a teenager of very average size. Furthermore, the seats had absolutely no cu...