PROSPEROUS NEPAL

PROSPEROUS NEPAL

Soon after the country entered into the federal structure, hustle and bustle of the federal and provincial governments have started to bring out their future plan and programme trying to calm down general public who are enthusiastically waiting to see development progress in the country as promised by the leftist government. Almost three months have gone by since the provincial and federal elections were held. It seems that the provincial governments are struggling to run their daily businesses due to lack of proper laws and acts, insufficient budgets and adequate number of human resources. However, it was encouraging to see them gradually moving ahead to carry out their jobs as mandated by the federal system.

The federal government led by PM Oli seems to be trying to keep its official business in line with its political manifesto. Recently, some of the ministers have separately put forward their programmes for the next five years. Likewise, PM Oli has laid out his plan for the next five years while addressing the nation on the occasion of New Year 2075 from Rara Lake in Mugu district on Saturday (“PM lays out plan for prosperity” April 15, Page 1) . Prosperous nation with the maintenance of nationality, democracy, social justice, peace and stability was his mission. His promise to lift Nepal out of its current state of under-development by 2022 and to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals seems to be challenging if the political commitments, good governance and corruption free bureaucracy are not maintained.

Looking closely in the past, Nepal suffered heavily from unstable political situation, poor governance, lack of transparency in financial management system, nepotism and heavily politicised civil servants, lack of accountability towards the nation and its people and donor driven development process. Democracy cannot sustain its uniqueness if these flaws and weaknesses are not carefully addressed and handled. Every elements of constitution should be strictly followed and applied. In addition, political sincerity and commitment from the political leaders will definitely count a lot in driving the nation towards prosperity. It is hoped that the Oli led government will leave no stone unturned to fulfil its dream of “Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali” in the next five years.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj