Promises to keep

The Himalayan Times

21 March 2014

Promises to keep

Finally, the coalition government of Nepali Congress and CMP-UML made public its 13 page Common Minimum Programme (CMP) incorporating lots of promises after 38 days of its formation. The main focus seems to be given on facilitating the CA to draft the new constitution within a year and hold the local polls within six months. The date for the local polls is yet to be fixed. It is hoped that it will not remain merely a promise.

In the past also, coalition government used to bring out their ambitious CMPs. However, none of the governments were able to completely fulfil their promises within the time frame. So, the concern of the common people is that whether this government will be able to implement all the programs included in the CMP within the stipulated time. Zero tolerance against corruption, ending load shedding within three years, completion of peace process, bringing the law related to the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), penalizing human rights violators, filling the vacancies in the constitutional bodies, and establishing a cricket academy and international standard cricket stadium are some of the highlights of programs included in the CMP.

It is encouraging to see for the first time the announcement of code of conduct for the ministers to ensure the smooth functioning of the coalition government and curtailing extravagant expenses to maintain the austerity measures. However, the successful implementation of CMP fully depends upon the function of the government as to how effectively and timely it implements them.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu