Artha Beed's "Democracy =Pluralism" (#161) reminded me of the malaise facing our intelligentsia-we analyse our country's problems but nothing happens. Your internet polls prove what a part of the public wants: a government that delivers stability through peace negotiations or they will back another form of government that will. Here are some ideas:
1. Term limits: Term limits for all prime ministers, ministers and MPs will hold politicians in check against corruption or special interests.
2. Legalised donations to Political Parties: There is no way a politician or a political party can exist without bribes, kickbacks or cuts.
3. Efficient postal system: A postal system that has postal codes, standardised home/business addresses and good customer service will enable the government, business and the public to conduct both business and personal matters efficiently.
4. Taxation: All employers should have an Employer Identification Number. All employees then pay taxes through their payroll. Taxation then becomes the foundation of a nation's economy, not foreign aid.
5. Incentives to tax collectors: If a tax collector nabs an evader, he should get a reward. This pro-active method will reduce corruption in the Finance Ministry.
6. Ditto for CIAA Officials.
7. Zonal or Regional Commissioners: Let's not call them 'Anchaladhis' but a Zonal Commissioner's Office would improve organisational hierarchy and have utilitarian value.
8. Labour Laws: We are in a pre-industrial stage, how can we apply post-modern international labour standards? Beed's arguments about union militancy makes sense. Yes, people have the right to unionise, but not to terrorise through political affiliation.
9. Land reform and deeds: If the government grants titles to the landless, then they can use that property to generate capital.
10. Affirmative action: Let's face it, our society still resembles a medieval social system with the upper castes dominating.
We need a level playing field.
11. Population control: Nepal is reproducing the population of the Kathmandu Valley every year. No matter how much progress or development we may achieve, we will be back to square one if we don't tackle this monster.
12. Poverty reduction: Grassroots development that is both environmentally and technologically appropriate to Nepal's needs.
13. Ethics: If democracy provides stability to a political system, then, it is ethics that provide stability to democracy.

SN Singh,
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