Nepal’s transition to prosperity: Time to think big and act on it (Commentary)
A cartoon made making fun of the recent statement of Prime Minister Oli. Photo Courtesy: google.com
Kathmandu: Recently social media was abuzz with debate in favor and against the recent statements of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Although his statements look very ambitious at a time when people are facing problems of hand to mouth but these are not unrealistic dreams and this is the time to think big and act on it. It’s true that the Prime Minister’s dream is ambitious during the transitional period when we are just heading towards political stability and economic prosperity but we can’t develop the country without having a dream and the Prime Minister should initiate actions towards this direction.
Most of the countries in the world made progress as their leaders saw big dreams and also worked to fulfill the dreams with a clear vision. As we are struggling even to buy daily essentials we might not dream big and the dream of the Prime Minister naturally looks unattainable. Most of the Nepalis do not have time to think big as their dreams are limited merely to fill tank of their vehicle without any obstruction or on how to get a gas cylinder. Recently there was a strike of workers in France and people had to stand in a queue for 30 minutes to fill their tanks which made a big headline in international media but we feel very fortunate if we get opportunity to fill our tanks in 30 minutes.
If there is a strong will power even a single person can make a big difference in the society. Just take few examples; former Chief Secretary Leela Mani Poudel saved the country from implementing various decisions which were against the national interests. Similarly, SP of Nepal Police Sarbendra Khanal has done a lot to create crime free society. Former General Administration Minister Lal Babu Pandit took some bold decisions, which will have long term impact in the society. Dr. Rabindra Sameer provided free health services to thousands of earthquake victims on his personal effort. A victim of trafficking Sunita Danuwar has been running effective anti-trafficking campaign and saving many girls from being trafficked in various countries. Dr. Sanduk Ruit has been providing very unique service in affordable rates to hundreds of thousands of people and Uttam Sanjel providing education in NPR 100 (USD 1) for thousands of students from primary to university level. These are just a few examples which show that if there is a will there is a way, so, rather than complaining about what is not right in the country, it is the responsibility of all citizens to think how they can contribute for the positive development in the society.
Although our system is very weak, the politicians are corrupt, the bureaucrats are running only with the personal interests and do not hesitate to sell the national interest for the sake of money, we can’t bail the country out from this turmoil by just blaming others – if we initiate efforts and institutionalize it, it will have positive impact in the society and we can change the society by multiplying such effects. Although we can’t create utopia overnight we should not shy away from taking initiatives and set best examples in the society which others can replicate. The people mentioned above struggled with all these problems and were able to deliver in the same society where we have been living, so, the time and need is to initiate efforts from our own sector despite facing challenges, which will ultimately win one day.
Rather than accepting the status-quo, it is the duty of every Nepali to give innovative ideas and pressure the government to buy such innovative ideas. For example, there is a debate about constructing tunnel road by Nepali people through own investment; Nepali engineers, who are in the country or working abroad can initiate debate about the capacity of Nepali engineers and give ideas on how we can construct the road with our own investment using our skilled human resources. Nepali people have been using their skills across the globe so the government and policy makers should create environment for using their skills for the development of motherland as they are Nepali and they feel proud to serve the motherland regardless of the country where they have been staying. In my interaction with different people living abroad, they seem very ready to invest millions of rupees in productive sector of the country if there is a conducive environment in the country.
Recently, I took a flight from Kathmandu to Bangkok with my family in a plane of Nepal Airlines Corporation and I found the service very good and the rate very cheap as compared to Thai Airways, which is operating in the same route. Although this was my first flight, I felt proud to fly in our national flag carrier and made commitment to use Nepal Airlines in the areas it has wings. However, the mentality of most of the people is that the service may not be good in Nepal Airlines and they opt to fly in other airlines without testing the service of our flag carrier. We should encourage Nepal Airlines to have more planes and expand its wings by providing them feedback and by using their service wherever possible rather than being prejudiced that Nepal Airline’s service is not good. Most of the international airlines have been charging very high fare in Kathmandu section as our competitive strength is very poor, so, empowering Nepal Airlines will also help us to get competitive services at affordable costs.
Recently, Mahanagar Yatayat started service in Ring Road of Kathmandu and the service they have been providing is very good. Sajha Yatayat has been providing similar service in its route, although they are facing some problems as the other service providers want to maintain their syndicate but in the long run they (the competitors) will either be forced to upgrade their services or leave the business. The good example is that most of the transport committees of Western Nepal, where they used to operate very old vehicles under the syndicate system and passengers used to be compelled to pay high price for using very sub-standard service but when some private companies started operation in the area, first they tried to block them but when they could not do so, they are also competing with these companies to provide quality service.
We have passed through different political changes but all the political movements ended in compromise, so we could not get the expected political stability; but the time has come to start positive change in the society. There is a need of strong civic monitoring in all sectors including the politics, so that people will be able to enjoy the change brought by the sacrifice of many people. We need to create a system where we can filter all negative things and create a positive society. This is time for change so we should unite for the cause of bringing positive change in the country and contribute for nation building. Rather than just expressing negativity and pessimism, this is the time for floating new ideas and making plans for materializing it. We should have open debate on whether the statements of Prime Minister are rational or not and if they are rational we need to commit ourselves on how we can contribute to make them happen. If some politicians want to block the innovative ideas with the fear that the Prime Minister becomes popular and it will have negative consequences to them during the election, we need to expose them. There is immense potentiality in the country and what is required is the need of political commitment and commitment from responsible persons and authorities. Rather than engaging in baseless debate there is a need to exert pressure to act responsibly. So this is not the time for engaging in political give and takes for personal gains, this is the time for nation building so the urgent need of the country is to think big and act smart to achieve it.
(Editor’s Note: How do you find this article? Please send your comments to editor@nepalekhabar.com; editor.nepalekhabar@gmail.com. You can also send your positive articles/views to us; we will provide appropriate space to your views.)