In 'No freedom to roam\' (#153) Navin Singh Khadka's observations about the NTC could apply to just about every government agency in Nepal: they lack competence in the technology of their departments. In the past 12 years, unqualified but politically connected people got jobs in these corporations where they promptly proceeded to make millions under the table. Technical and experienced professionals were dumped, and most of them emigrated. Nepal Tea Development Corporation (now privatised), Royal Nepal Airlines, Sajha Bus Sewa are just a few examples. The government policy is also such that it does not encourage private investors. This not only ruins these monopolies, but also discourages private investors who could compete and bring prices down to benefit consumers. Let's hope Finance Minister Lohani's budget annoucement for the privatisation of NTC will finally upgrade our telecommunications sector and make it more affordable.

Pravesh Saria,
Chicago, USA