Inclusive Federal Model in Nepal: A Gateway to Social Harmony and Economic Prosperity

-         Govinda Neupane

The issue of state restructuring would resurface prominently as one of the major issues of debate. The supper-structure of a state mechanism is very difficult to design. In this design phase in Nepal, there are major debates going on, particularly, in the form of government and state structuring.  Now, I will just focus on state restructuring. 

1. Nepal has three geographical regions – mountains, hills and southern plain called Tarai.
2. It has three major river systems – Koshi (this includes Nepali side of Mechi river system and part of Bagmati river system), Gandaki (includes part of Bagmati river system) and Karnali (this includes part of Nepali side of Mahakali/Sharada river system).
3. Nepal is divided into 75 administrative districts within 14 zones and these zones are again regrouped in five development regions.
4. It has four major nationality clusters. They are as mentioned below.

·         Khas-Aryans (with sizable population of Dalits) in north-west,

·         Mangol-Kirats or Janajatis in north-central (from Rolpa-Rukum to Dolakha-Ramechhap) and north-east regions,

·         Newars in Kathmandu valley, and

·         Madhesis in the southern plains of Tarai. 

There is no consensus about the definition and classification of nationalities. Hence, some people say that there are hundreds of them. I argue that we have five nationalities. They are Khas-Aryan, Mangol-Kirat or Janajati, Madhesi, Newar and Dalit. [i]

Unitary system and federal system

Among Nepali political forces, scholars and activists, we could see two divisions, in the first place, regarding the structure of governance. They are as below.

a) Unitary system of governance that decentralizes power as much as possible to local bodies.  

b) Federal system of governance by carving out relatively powerful states or provinces within the national boundary. 

Probable disintegration of Nepal is one among the major concerns of the supporters of unitary system. They believe that federal structure will invite conflicts and India will play one against the others. Also, too much power at the hands of state would make Nepal weak. They argue that federal system increases administrative expenses tremendously and make it financially not viable in a small country like Nepal. 

1. Regarding the first logic, I argue that, now, we have become a sponsored regime in a unitary system of governance. No worse could happen than this in a federal structure. There could be more upward pressure in a legitimate way to strengthen national sovereignty. Several provinces could alert the government at the center not to go against national interests. The states or provinces could play vital role in safeguarding the interests of Nepal together.
2. Regarding the second argument that Nepal would be weak as India will play one against the others. This is nothing other than suspecting the loyalty of the people of Madhesi nationality. This is the product of Pahadi (hill) mind set, that too the reminiscent of Mehendraite ultra-nationalism. The people of Madhesi nationality are equal children of Mother Nepal as Pahadis are. We should not allow bringing such communal flavors into our national life.
3. The administrative costs may go up or not, we do not know for sure. However, speeding up the tempo of development, mobilizing resources effectively and using these resources judiciously, and many more could come up. We should see things in a dynamic realm not in a static world. Change brings hundreds of positive and negative factors into play and the society moves on.
4.  There is no ground for the apprehension that the country will be fragmented and the states will try to be separate independent entities. This is just the ruling Khas-Aryan nationality's apprehension as they think that it is their BIRTA (land gifted by some kings/rulers to them). That is the product of a sick mind.

The geographical, river system and existing administrative division models understand Nepal just a part on earth. But, for me, that part of land and the different types of people who inhabit there combined together is Nepal. If you do not include people, their culture, their history and their aspirations, then you certainly fail in designing a governance system that could be sustained for a long period of time and also that could deliver. The geographical model, the river system model and existing administrative division model do not consider the cultural diversity factor and the aspirations of people in a multicultural society. 

Finally, I do not see any valid reason that proves that federalism would harm Nepal. Hence, I stand for federalism.

Proposed models of federalism

Now, I will examine and propose, which model of federalism would work for Nepal.

There are four models.

·         Ethno-Geographical model, example includes the proposal that pleads for "One Madhes, One Pradesh".

·         River system model that proposes three to five states.

·         Existing administrative division model with some adjustments with just disbanded divisions such as 14 zones. This model proposes to convert five development regions into five provinces or 14 zones to be converted into 14 provinces. Alternatively, there were proposals to reorganize the existing 75 districts into 25 and make provisions for decentralization of powers to local governments as much as possible. (This model was initially proposed by Dr. Harka Gurung but he proposed this model long ago, when federalism had not caught imaginations in operational term.) And, also there are some voices, which advocate for maximum decentralization of power by making existing 75 districts as local governments.

·         Inclusive federal model that recognizes identity of nationalities together with economic viability and geographical clustering. In Nepali it is called "Jatiya Pahichan sahitko sanghiyata".  It has three divisions in operational terms.

1) Naming sates/provinces on its historical context/ identity of core nationality such as Kirat, Nepah, Tharuhat, Khasan, etc.

2) Adding "right to self-determination" with the provision as mentioned in clause number 1 above.

3) Providing prerogative to core nationalities for certain period in addition to the provisions as mentioned in clause number 2 above. 

Suitable model of federalism

The debate now is not mainly between unitary model and federal model as a massive majority supports federal model.  The major debate is among the supporters of federalism. When we look critically on the proposed federal models above, it is very difficult to come to consensus at a model that is appropriate and suitable for Nepal. 

With due respect to advocates and scholars who stand for other models, I like to argue for the inclusive federal model that includes identify of core nationality in a geographical region, where they were and are the indigenous people or first settlers. Moreover, I also support their right to self-determination. Why I stand for this model?

While working on a book on nationalities in 1990-2000, I came across contrast views regarding for and against federalism and its types. I have documented some of the major views in my book. I finally, had reached the conclusion that there is need of 11 provinces/states.  In 2005, when I was revising the book for second edition, I analyzed hundreds of comments and feedbacks. After carefully examining the new information, I reached to the conclusion to bring down the number of provinces from 11 to 8. I have discussed the criteria, geographical clustering, population and the main qualitative aspects of federalism in my book. (Please see the end note below.) 

Now, after about 12 and half years of the publication of my book, I revisited it last month. Strangely, I found it as fresh as it was. Hence, rather than going into details about the nationalities, need of restructuring, multiculturalism, federalism, physical and social infrastructures we need and designing co-operative federalism keeping equity, equality and justice as main thematic areas; I thought to advise to download my book from www.neupaneg.wordpress.com and read it. I will repeat the name of the book, once again here – "The Nationalities Question in Nepal: Social Convergence and Partnership Building through Multiculturalism and federalism." Unfortunately, the English translation is that of the first edition only. However, other than a few changes here and there, the essence, orientation, findings and conclusions are the same. In that book, I have summarized my findings as below:

·         There are five nationalities – Khas or Khas-Aryans, Mangol-Kirats or Janajatis (excluding Newars and Tarai sub-nationalities), Madhesis (including Madhesi 'Janjatis' and Madhesi Dalit community), Dalit (hill Dalits as nationality) and Newars.

·         Khas or Khas-Aryans dominated in the past and still are dominating in all spheres of state affairs – politics, bureaucracy, judiciary, legislative and many more areas.

·         Dalits, Madhesis and Magol-Kirats /Janajatis were and are marginalized.

·         Inclusion with power sharing is what Nepal should consider while restructuring the state.

·         Federalism could accommodate the aspirations of people in a multicultural society.

·         There is need of affirmative actions including prerogatives, reservations and reparations.

·         There should be eight provinces/states, which could be financially viable, socially harmonious and politically functional. They are – Kirat Pradesh, Tambasaling/Tamsaling, Nepah, Tamumagarat, Khasan, Tharuhat, Bhojpuri Pradesh and Mithila.

·         Co-operative federalism with identity of nationalities could be the most suitable form of federalism for Nepal. 

Conclusion

Finally, I share concerns about the messy present and gloomy future of our country. We love Nepal and we should stand together to translate the abstract love into actions that will take the country out of the darkness of today and will lead us to a future that is shinning. And, I hope, inclusive as well as co-operative federal model could open up the flood gates of imaginations, initiatives, endeavors and will bring a large orchestra into full play. Let's take the very first step to this direction.

 The talk of the election of the constituent assembly will bring several issues out of the hibernating deep holes. Federalism would be at the top among such issues. Gradually, it will continue to heating up. This time, let's come out with full force so as to rectify past injustices; to bring justice, equality and equity into full play and to build partnership among nationalities through multiculturalism and federalism. This is not only the responsibility of oppressed nationalities, but also that of forward looking and progressive elements among the ruling Khas-Aryan nationality. The Khas-Aryan domination should end now and just now. 

"Unity in diversity" is what we need. Let's build Nepal truly a "rainbow nation". We could and should build a new Nepal that is multicultural, federal, strong, peaceful and prosperous. In essence, inclusive federal model is the gateway for social harmony and economic prosperity.

---

[i] For detail definitions, classifications and status, please read my book, "Nationalities' Question in Nepal: Social Convergence and Partnership Building through Multiculturalism and Federalism". The first edition of the book is available on www.neupaneg.wordpress.com. It could be downloaded free of cost. The second edition of "Nepalko Jatiya Prashna"(Nationalities' Question in Nepal) is available in print edition.

SPONSORED REGIME AND INTERVIEW FOR INDIA'S CHIEF OF 'NEPAL PROJECT'

Posted by The Himalayan Voice:

[Few months ago in a private conversation, an Indian professor told me that replacing Baburam had been a very difficult job to do so far. However, it was necessary from the Indo-Nepal relationship perspective. The controversial role of his wife, his questionable tolerance in cases of corruption and Indian government's over use of him, created this unwanted situation. Therefore, India was inviting leaders for necessary discussions. The professor also told that was a Delhi Durbar interview of shortlisted candidates for CEO - 'Chief Executive Officer' or 'Project Manager' to run the ongoing 'Nepal Project'.  You may see delighted faces of those 'shortlisted candidates' who seem, as if, they have just come out worshiping Goddess Sonia Gandhi(Please see the above photograph of Sushil Koirala, Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Sitaula with Sonia Gandhi) and getting words of wisdom from Guru Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh; their polite speeches of gratitude and the actions that follow in Kathmandu, we now can certainly understand how much sovereign are Nepalese people actually ?]

(The Chief Executive Officer  is also called the honourable Prime Minister of Nepal)

By Govinda Neupane

Initially, I was literally taken aback by seeing many Nepali leaders lining up to see many chiefs at the Delhi Durbar. Why were they here competing against each other in this endeavor?

Is Nepal virtually a de-facto protectorate of India? Many believe it is so. In the 21st century, the characteristics of a certain colony and colonization have changed. Now, they have established a sponsored regime that run the protectorate or the colony as independent government. The sponsored regime works on the order of the master. The orders pass through mostly clandestinely.   

I do not blame India for establishing or fostering or arranging such a relationship with Nepal. This has happened, primarily, not because of Indian design, but because the result of the mentality and actions of Nepalese people's leaders.

During the Rana rule, Nepal was completely isolated from outside world, though there were formal relations with some countries. During its last days in 1950, the Rana Prime Minister Mohan Sumsher signed the 'Treaty of Peace and Friendship' with India. But, he failed to convince Delhi Durbar and could not be the first chief of the sponsored regime in Nepal irrespective of being Prime Minister for some time.

Tribhuvan and his company gave India the first real opportunity in 1950 to get involved in the strategic decision making processes related to the internal affairs of Nepal. Hence, Tribhuvan, in my assessment, is not the 'Father of Nation', but had become the first chief of an Indian sponsored regime.  

Mahendra tried to take an independent course consolidating power in hand and so did Birendra also. They did it, primarily, for their own interests as they believed, India would have Nepali Congress leaders at the helm and not the kings if there was any such opportunity. Hence, they distanced themselves from India for their own sake. The end result was somehow positive in regard to Nepal's nationalism. Again, in 1990 a sponsored regime came into existence, and this time, Girija Prasad Koiral replaced Tribhuvan after a gap of about 36 years.

The sponsored regime continued till Gyanedra snatched power in 2002. Again after the 2006 people movement, the sponsored regime took over after a brief gap of about 3 and half years. And, now, the patronized regime is functioning with its full force.

It has become very interesting to delve all squarely into the question why would Nepal have so many sponsored regimes after the three mass movements of 1950, 1990 and 2006? This could be another topic for a serious study  of political science for the students of Indo-Nepal relations.

The third sponsored regime, which came into existence after 2006 mass movement had been the most ambitious, ready-to-go to any lengths and least accountable to Nepali people. The regime's leaders were ready to barter anything for three Ps - for their position, power and pelf.

Girija Prasad Koirala and his company offered its services to India effectively and unquestionably. He was instrumental in creating the anarchic situation just after 2006, which is continuing till todate. He, in company with Pracanda-Baburam and Jhalanath-KP Oli groups made the interim arrangements in such a way that opened Pandora's Box for hundreds of anarchic acts, actions and 'aspirations' so to say. This troika (UCPN-M : United Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist, NC: Nepali Congress, UML: Unified Marxist Leninist ) increased seat numbers in the the disbanded Constituent Assembly to 601. They are responsible to manufacture hundreds of 'martyrs', many among them died in road accidents, gang fights, family quarrels and so forth. By providing one million rupees to each deceased and declaring them 'martyrs', they simply made the word "martyr" disrespectful in all respects.

The Himalayan Times Photo

Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala (2nd from L)‚ Chairperson of India's 

ruling United Progressive Alliance Sonia Gandhi (C)‚ Congress I leader 

Karan Singh (L)‚ NC General Secretary Prakash Man Singh (2nd from R) 

and NC General Secretary Krishna Sitaula (R) pose for photograph after a 

meeting in Gandhi's office in New Delhi . 

Girija Prasad Koirala was replaced by Prachanda and the latter's successors were replaced again by A, B, C, and Ds etc. But the fundamental character, role and functioning remained the same. They became champions in the areas of corruption that has flourished in an unprecedented and alarming scale and magnitude in the country. These cases of corruptions included billions of rupees appropriated for the upkeep of former Maoist fighters and cantonments in which they were virtually imprisoned. The lives of 'former fighters' and the poor condition of the cantonments are tell-all stories. Then, where did the money make its way? Do we know it ? No, we do not at all. But the glittering bungalows, heavy bank accounts and rosy cheeks of the former Maoist (now Unified Maoists) leaders speak volumes about the whereabouts of the money. The Sudan scandal made the Sitaulas or in other words, Sitaula and his Congress comrades richer and  so seems to be the case with UML leaders also. This sponsored regime has only 'one authority' to be accountable to the Delhi Durbar. Perhaps, Delhi Durbar likes seeing majestic bungalows, elephantine bank balance and rosy cheeks of its 'beloved Nepali Bahadurs'.

Among the troika, Baburam Bhattarai was considered the most pro-India leader and still he is understood that way. However, his popularity nose-dived and India reached to the conclusion that he is no more an asset. India wanted to fathom the willingness and ability of other available leaders to fill the position of India's point person in Nepal who would replace Baburam.

There were five shortlisted leaders  – K P Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, The Prachand himself, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Sushil Koirala.

The Delhi Durbar considers Jahalanath Khanal and Ram Chandra Poudel as dry and skinless sticks of a jute plant called "Sunthi" in Nepali.

Few months ago in a private conversation, an Indian professor told me that replacing Baburam had been a very difficult job to do so far. However, it was necessary from the Indo-Nepal relationship perspective. The controversial role of his wife, his questionable tolerance in cases of corruption and Indian government's over use of him, created this unwanted situation. Therefore, India was inviting leaders for necessary discussions. The professor also told that was a Delhi Durbar interview of shortlisted candidates for CEO - 'Chief Executive Officer' or 'Project Manager' to run the ongoing 'Nepal Project'.  You may see delighted faces of those 'shortlisted candidates' who seem, as if, they have just come out worshiping Goddess Sonia Gandhi(Please see the above photograph of Sushil Koirala, Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Sitaula with Sonia Gandhi) and getting words of wisdom from Guru Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh; their polite speeches of gratitude and the actions that follow in Kathmandu, we now can certainly understand how much sovereign are Nepalese people actually ?

People generally say, "Shame on these leaders, who sold Nepal!" I shall add, "Shame on us, the Nepalese people, who have been tolerating this all, for this long!"

http://thehimalayanvoice.blogspot.com/ 

NEPAL: SYNDICALISM, ELECTION PHANTOM AND THE LISTLESS PEOPLE

Posted by The Himalayan Voice:

[Issue-wise also, federalism will emerge as the main agenda once again. This will create problem for the Khas-Aryans dominated syndicate. The genuine federalist forces will bring the ethnic or indigenous nationality dimension to the forefront of the debate. The issue of identity, once again, will bring out thousands of people to the streets. The opponents also will raise their voices. The syndicate has no intention settling the issue democratically. Therefore, the syndicate is neither interested nor ready to hold any elections.]

By Govinda Neupane

In its interesting but not so cherished recent history, Nepal has been continuously changing its seating places between fire and frying pan. Rana aristocracy was replaced by King's indirect (1950-1959) and direct (1960-1989) dictatorial regimes. From 1990 to 2002, the amateurish or in other way opportunist amalgamation of parliamentary forces promoted a notorious political culture that included elitist anarchy, lawlessness, corruption and never ending lust for power. 

When these parliamentary forces turned into villains overtly, the king and his forces 'dethroned' them and snatched power. Nepal, once again was under the firm grip of the resurgent dictatorial monarchy (2002-2006). The king, who was already under the scanner for his notorious activities, did more damage to Nepal's standing and national interests also. People revolted against him. As the result, the infamous parliamentary forces in company with the Maoists got the throne back. As usual, they did everything wrong – elitist anarchy, corruption, loot, promotion of power-hungry culture, lawlessness and etc. They staged several politically vulgar dramas including the proposal of promulgating a new constitution through elected constituent assembly (CA). Once, they held elections, formed assembly, spent several billions of rupees and finally destroyed everything by disbanding the CA without producing a new constitution.

Once again, people are asked to line up to cast their votes in November this year for a new CA. For this purpose the ruling elite, the four party syndicate (an illegal de facto government) has formed an Election Council (government without any right to make executive decisions independently). The syndicate has put in place the Election Commission by employing its nominees on shared basis. The Election Commission has registered the voters by now. On surface, it seems that the syndicate and its offspring, the Council of Ministers and Commission are busy to organize the CA election on time. These are visible elephant tusks but the chewing teeth are deep inside invisible.

Why would the syndicate be so genuinely interested in organizing an election? There are no valid reasons. All the leaders of the constituents of the syndicate are enjoying royal status, privileges and perks without being accountable to anyone. They have power to make any governmental decisions using their pawns and proxies.  At their whim, they can use air ambulances to lift them up to Delhi and Singapore or could make 'health' trips to US or Singapore or Japan on state expenses. They could appoint any hooligan to any position of power (e.g. Man Singh). In this way, they are not interested to stage the election on the basis of individual preferences.

As a collective entity, the syndicate has four constituent integral parts. Among them, the Nepali Congress is a loose network of liberal interests. They neither know about their philosophy nor their organizational strengths nor even their standing among parties. They have no idea what happens if the elections take place. Hence, neither they are ready nor they want taking any risks. The UML is a clever fox. It has begun talking loud and beautiful. It projects itself as the Messiah of people and nation as well. More recently, taking pieces of working notes from dustbins and  reassembling them, it has started to make loud claim that it will win 106 out of 240 seats (directly elected) in the new CA. It is happy to say that Nepali Congress will win 86 and Unified Maoists 28. This tall claim alone tells a lot about its seriousness on the issue of election.  The Unified Maoist party has been vertically divided into two and its house is not in order. Certainly, they know that there may not be miracle everyday in their favor and this time, it may happen against them. The split, factionalism of unprecedented nature and overt rage of people against them, and particularly against its top brass have heralded them a message to go to the elections as late as possible, if it is a must and never organize election, if it is a choice. The Madhesi forces under the loose network called Madhesi Morcha neither commands respect among Madhesi people nor it may enjoy the same status, privilege and perks as it does enjoy today. Hence, they are interested in clinging to power rather than facing the angry electorate.

Issue-wise also, federalism will emerge as the main agenda once again. This will create problem for the Khas-Aryans dominated syndicate. The genuine federalist forces will bring the ethnic or indigenous nationality dimension to the forefront of the debate. The issue of identity, once again, will bring out thousands of people to the streets. The opponents also will raise their voices. The syndicate has no intention settling the issue democratically. Therefore, the syndicate is neither interested nor ready to hold any elections in the country.

The bureaucrats, enjoying the prestige of the positions of ministers are willing to prolong their terms as much longer as possible. These are warm winter sunny days - their heydays in life. The Almighty has blessed them with this golden opportunity and they will try with every possible means to prolong the term period to remain blessed. Hence, they would be even happier, when the date gets changed and extended every six months or so.

The President and his deputy will also gain from the extension of election dates as they would continue enjoying 'royal treatments' happily till replacements become available. And, the replacements will only be there, when the constitution is ready and elections are held for the positions of the President and his deputy.

The opposition lead by Maoist Party has seen this as an opportunity to expand their mass as well as organizational base. If the syndicate prolongs the election date, the Maoists may gain more as the ruling syndicate will be forced out of the rural areas due to their unpopularity and anger of the people. It appears that the Maoist Party has done simple arithmetic already. Their math is that when the forces of the syndicate vanish, the Maoists will automatically replace them. And, to some extent that has been happening there.

Now, many observers outside Kathmandu share their assessments and opinions that the (Dash) Maoist Party or popularly known also as the 'Baidhya Party' has emerged stronger in many rural clusters. The Maoist party and their mathematical indicators have emboldened them to beat the drum against elections. Whereas both the newly formed Federal Democratic Party and 'Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum, Nepal' appear undecided. They are evaluating the cost and benefit. All these acts and actions are providing fodder to the syndicate to unroll apprehensions against organizing the elections.

The great neighbors – India and China are watching with some interests of their own. While the fluid political situation prolongs in Nepal, India believes that it could harvest more benefits. China is in a weaker position there. Tibet is its core component in diplomacy with Nepal. Hence, India has sided with or even gave birth to the syndicate with a motive of prolonging political fluidity in the tiny Himalayan nation. On the other hand, China seems to have pushed the oppositions: both the Maoists and royalists to open dialogue. It again seems that China is doing so and so with the syndicate and doing some business with Baidhya also. Hence, both India and China are not that excited about Nepal having elections anytime soon.

The European Communities and the international NGOs are getting a fertile land to promote or rather impose their values, beliefs and culture over Nepali society through their 'foster children' called NGOs. They are happy to play in this muddy water. The UN and its system agencies may be happy that they have a project area where their bureaucrats could stay in a paradise on earth without any hardship or risks. Probably, this is one of the most preferred destinations for the UN bureaucrats to have a duty station. For the Americans, Nepal is, perhaps, a tiny particle. Hence, they have outsourced the task of taking care of their interests in Nepal to India, Europe, INGOs and UN. In this way, the international players may not have any wishes that help settle the political dust down here.

And, who wants to have elections? They may be Nepali people, who are the most frustrated, angered and powerless lot now. Who cares them? Hence, for now, I think, the proposed election is just a phantom or mirage - an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions. Why all these dramas then? The illusion has been created just to camouflage the ill intents of the beneficiaries, particularly that of the syndicate. Till the syndicate survives, there is little chance of new elections taking place in the country. Therefore, dissolution of the syndicate effectively and introduction of provisions that provide a level-playing field may be the pre-conditions for the election.

* The author is one of the contributors to The Himalayan Voice. He is an independent political thinker of Nepal and whose Nepalko Jatiy Prashn (Ethnic Issues of Nepal - 2000) has already become one of the bestsellers in the country. He also supports the idea of identity of the people within a federalism system in Nepal.

http://thehimalayanvoice.blogspot.com/2013/07/nepal-syndicalism-election-phantom-and.html 

I have re-posted the article above. Thank You The Himalayan Voice!

Nepal Now: A Cursory Look on Major Areas of Achievements and Failures

Nepal Now: A Cursory Look on Major Areas of Achievements and Failures

Govinda Neupane

Areas of Achievements

Nepal has done fairly well in areas of mass communication. We have highest number of FM radio stations in South Asia, many TV channels, large percentage of people have telephone access, particularly the spread of mobile phones. Internet has been gaining popularity each day.

Banking is another sector where Nepal has built a network of financial institutions and services capable of meeting needs of a large percentage of people. The informal network of remit centers and its service of remittance handling have created a cobweb of future banking activities, particularly that of micro-transactions. The major banks including in private sector are run professionally and profitably.

The education infrastructure built by the private sector has been catering fairly quality education, though it is too expensive for ordinary people. However, the intakes of children in these institutions have made space available for children of low income families in the government-run education institutions. Rather than launching movement for improvement of education quality in government schools and for affordable fee structure in private schools, our political parties and their sister organizations are busy over-politicizing teachers and students in government schools and extracting donations from and threatening the private schools to close down.

Similarly, mushrooming of health service delivery institutions including medical colleges, public health teaching institutions, nursing colleges, private hospitals, nursing homes, polyclinics and clinics have created fairly well infrastructure for health services. The government institutions are also a bit functioning in this sector compared to education sector, may be due to public pressures. In any case, the health sector has been functioning well baring remote areas, though there is not much vibrancy.

The participation of Nepali migrant workers in the labor market of different countries, particularly the Gulf countries, Malaysia and South Korea has opened a major source of foreign earning in the form of remittance. The remittance income has been fueling the financial viability of different activities in Nepal mostly in education, health and real estate. The World Bank has estimated that Nepal receives more than 23% of its GDP from remittance. There are thousands of sad stories of the hardship the workers face each day. Hence, the ethical dimension and sustainability of such source of income is always subject of fierce debate. Just limiting to financial part, it has been insulating Nepal from being a failed state. The fighting for survival in harsh physical and social condition but still hard working Nepali migrant workers deserve salute from us in Nepal.

Transport is another area where we have done fairly well. Roads are our gems that we have created. Nearly all District Headquarters are connected by the road network. Though, the quality of roads is quite sub-standard in a large majority of roadways, at least, there has been the first break through. The airports, private sector airlines, bus and truck services all are making lives of people connected and are creating thousands of market places where millions of people are employed in informal sectors or are self-employed.

Nepal could compete with many countries who are welcoming large number of tourists. Our hospitality services industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, travel and tour agencies, international connectivity and so on are functioning well.

Areas Where We Lag Behind

The agricultural sector is still the major employment generator. However, it has neither been made commercially viable employment and productivity option nor has it been modernized. Moreover, the labor flight from agriculture to foreign destinations and urban centers has made this important sector an orphan. We are still continuing the practices of subsistence agriculture. We should learn to switch to cash crops and commercial farming. Our hills and mountains could function as diamond mines in the form of horticulture and floriculture farms and also as major source of timber and other forest produces. But, we are happy growing the economically not-so-viable paddy and corn. The southern plains could really be our bread basket provided we adopted new agriculture technologies. In this sector, we are far behind.

Similarly, we have not been able to harness water resources available in abundance. The country of vast hydro-power potentials has been suffering from power cuts of several hours everyday. We are hungry to get electricity to consume whereas we should be selling electricity to China through northern grid and to India through southern grid. Here, we have failed miserably.

Manufacturing is an area where we have done extremely poorly. Inadequate infrastructure, power outage and labor unrest have limited its potentials. Competing with the giant neighbors, China and India is also a tall order. Here, we should be selective. Going for anything and many things may lead us to nowhere. Success here depends upon our ability in being correctly selective.

Priorities and Focus Areas

Now, it has become clear that our future depends on how we could educate our people. When we talk about education it refers to overall development of human capacities of our people. Hence, quality education should be our number ONE priority.

To provide enabling environment so that people get better education and also contribute in areas of production and services, there must be a well functioning and quality health delivery infrastructure and allied support services.

Wealth creation is another key area. This wealth creation should include common properties such as physical and social infrastructures and means and methods for economic prosperity. By now, it has become clear that commercial farming including horticulture, floriculture, herbs cultivation, animal farms and other cash generating produces should get attention.

Multipurpose utilization of water resources including generating electricity and locally consuming for households, industries and transport systems and also exporting it, providing irrigation facilities, bottling water and exporting etc is what we should go for. This could be the backbone of our economy.

Another focus should be on tourism including hospitality business. Tourism has become already a milking cow for us. Lumbini, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) and many other majestic mountain peaks, cultural and architectural wonders of the glorious valley of Kathmandu and the natural panorama and scenic beauties spread all over Nepal are the treasures, which only we have in the entire world. These treasures make us special.

Many other small things we can do with difference such as handicrafts, IT services, transit trade between India and China, etc.

We could and should make better and brighter future. And, for this aim, we should clear the political mess that we are in today. Let's dare to clear the mess and let's march forward to build a prosperous Nepal, where well educated, healthy and enterprising Nepali people may live happily.

June 07, 2013