To transform this country by saving it from the mire of parties, the young generation must participate in the elections. Now, the young generation must prove itself as players, not toys.
What you should know
From kings, Rana, Panchayats, multi-party systems to the federal democratic republic, different leaders have led the country. The role of youth power has been decisive in every phase of ups and downs, struggles and sacrifices.
The people, realizing one need after another, have rebelled against the ruling power and are leading the country towards a better system. The youth have stood at the forefront of every change. But ironically, the role of the youth has been seen as weak in the institutions formed after historical changes. Rather, it seems that a few limited individuals and groups are taking advantage.
As an initiative to form a civilian government after the Gen-G movement, an interim government was formed on 27 Bhadra under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The government was formed on the basis of the Gen-G movement, but even there, the youth generation has not been able to participate significantly.
Today's youth generation is not just a spectator on the political stage, but a strong interventionist participant of the ruling power. Every time, political parties have taught us to throw stones, burn tires, break railings and go on strike. The next generation is trying to raise public awareness that a country does not develop through bandhs, Nepal is open, the youth moves forward, the country moves forward. And, now is not the time to look for an alternative, but to become an alternative ourselves.
For a long time, politics in Nepal was done in the name of caste, class, religion and region, but it only became a means to power. The problems of the concerned communities remained the same. Today's generation is also asking the question of what kind of country they want to live in. This question has given birth to a new political consciousness.
Nepal is a country rich in natural resources, young manpower, arable land, industrial diversity, and cultural heritage. But despite so much potential, due to the lack of vision of the country's leadership, it is lagging behind due to policy instability, misrule and corruption, imbalance between education and production, youth migration, and despair. For decades, change of power and authority was considered an achievement, but systemic reforms were not given priority. This cycle is not allowing the country to move forward.
When hope dies in the citizens, that country loses. If conscious youth intervene in politics in an organized manner with the right issues, then the transformation of the country is possible in our lifetime. The youth movement of today should not be limited to slogans. Youth representatives should be facilitated to lead this country by taking a responsible approach to policies, plans, and practices, and by aligning alternative parties in a visionary manner. In addition, the current leadership should work on detailed issues, and the youth must have these political issues –
Good governance and zero tolerance against corruption: Corruption established as a culture should be criminalized. Strong laws should be made and implemented to ensure digital, open information systems, and transparency.
Employment and entrepreneurship: Investment in agriculture, tourism, hydropower, information technology, and industries should be increased. Youth should be facilitated for entrepreneurship. Migration of youth abroad should not be a compulsion, but an environment should be created where they can make a choice.
Free and quality education and health: The focus should not be on degree production alone. Education focused on skills and innovation should be kept at the center. Health insurance should be made more effective. State investment should be focused on schools and hospitals.
Strengthening local government: Development and decision-making should be focused on villages and towns. Youth leadership should be produced from the local level and the doors of opportunity should be opened for them to reach the leadership of the nation.
Inclusive but capability-based politics : A system should be developed that prioritizes according to merit, experience, and ability, respecting class and region.
Environment and sustainable development : The young generation will bear the greatest impact of climate change. Therefore, the agenda of environmental justice should also be the agenda of the youth.
‘If the youth moves forward, the country moves forward’ – this sentence is not just a slogan, it is a historical truth. The current generation should learn from the mistakes and failures of the old parties, they are not allowed to repeat the mistakes of the past. The Gen-G rebellion has brought us to the point of making decisions to pave a new path.
Now, conscious youth should wake up and be ready. Politics should no longer be a game of factions, castes, or faces. It should be a game of policy, methodology, ethics, honesty, excellence, and results. The new generation has an even more important role to play in this. Therefore, the young generation should participate in the elections to transform this country by saving it from the quagmire of parties. Now the young generation must be proven as players, not toys.
