Nepalis should not be misled by the manifestos that have emerged now. They should search for 'mother's children' who can provide the right leadership and team to run the country in the upcoming elections.
What you should know
Truth depends on evidence and facts, not on the way it is said. In many cases, an organization or individual who speaks loudly or aggressively can be emotional and have the potential to weaken the facts. Therefore, people tend to consider loud speech as less credible. Some of the election manifestos that have emerged recently seem to be like that.
The current election is being held under the influence of the Gen-G movement. And, many new and old parties are competing. The oldest democratic party, the Nepali Congress, is in the fray with a new leadership and team, while the National Independent Party seems to be moving forward as a new force. Senior leaders of the left-democratic circle are also active in the race, along with new and old friends.
In addition, this time, more political parties are competing in the election than ever before, that is, a record number. The increasing political participation and dissatisfaction of the youth and the declining public trust in traditional parties and leadership are also considered to have made this election different from previous elections. But what kind of change will the election bring? There is still doubt and uncertainty in the minds of many on this issue.
The manifestos of most parties seem to have prominently raised issues such as job creation, economic reform, good governance, corruption control, improvement of education and health services, infrastructure development, and encouraging youth and entrepreneurship. In addition, many parties have expressed commitments to develop information technology and the digital economy, modernize agriculture, strengthen social security, and make the federal system effective. Such commitments were repeatedly mentioned in the manifestos in previous elections as well. Issues such as employment creation, good governance, corruption control, economic development, and service delivery reform have become recurring issues in almost all elections. The reasons for their failure to be implemented as expected are very small, but they are not understood from anywhere.
In our country with a population of about three crore, agriculture is the main sector that can provide food, shelter, and clothing to everyone wherever people live. From Mechi to Mahakali and from Himalayas to Terai, where farming, animal husbandry, and small-scale agriculture-based industries are strong, peace, stability, and other possibilities for development are also expanding. If we want to build Nepal, this sector should be given high priority first. There have been many false promises and empty speeches. However, the harvest of lies does not fill the stomach. It is the development of the agricultural sector that fills the stomach. Once the stomach starts to fill, the compulsion to leave the village will gradually end.
B.P. Koirala once seriously thought about why he emphasized the need for his own homestead, a plow, a milk cow, a local school and a health post. This is the question of our life and death even today.
All the initial efforts of Nepal's economic development were associated with agriculture, because most of the country's population depended on agriculture and this sector was also the basis of the national economy. Programs such as increasing food production, expanding irrigation, land reform, animal husbandry and promoting small-scale industries based on agriculture were considered the main basis of development. At that time, development plans were taken forward with the belief that increasing agricultural production would create employment, improve rural livelihoods, strengthen the local economy and improve the overall economic condition of the country.
It was the government's effort to provide cheap credit and technical services. Nepal had also achieved significant success through its initial development efforts based on agriculture. Increasing food production, expanding irrigation facilities, improving rural road-market access and developing animal husbandry and small-scale industries based on agriculture had a positive impact on the rural economy. This helped increase food availability, create employment, and improve rural living standards in many areas. After the country entered democracy, this process should have progressed even more strongly, but it did not happen as expected.
The education sector provides the foundation for all big dreams in nation-building. Education provides citizens with knowledge, skills, thinking ability, and a sense of responsibility. Only with quality education can a competent workforce be prepared. This educated workforce makes scientific progress possible through research and innovation. Education strengthens economic development, scientific progress, social reform, and good governance.
In our context, a country can make the fastest leap forward through education inspired by the agricultural sector. Despite limited resources, developing countries can make rapid progress through clear education policies, continuous improvement, and skill-centered education. If we have quality school education, a student-friendly system, and a high commitment to learning, we can also build a very successful and excellent education system in mathematics, science, and technology education. Among the struggles that even weak countries can face, the most possible struggle is the construction of an education system.
Therefore, the education sector is considered the main foundation for the long-term progress and stable development of any country. Unfortunately, it can be clearly seen that the education system along with agriculture has been deliberately destroyed in Nepal.
In the context of Nepal, it seems logical to link agriculture and education sectors together in every aspect to strengthen the foundation of nationalism. Nationalism is not just an emotional issue, it is also directly related to economic self-reliance, social stability and production capacity. A large population of the country depends on agriculture, but if the education system has no connection with it or remains continuously unrelated, the educated workforce moves away from the production sector and the country becomes dependent on imports and foreign employment. This has been happening in Nepal. This has weakened the country economically. This has also started to affect national independence and decision-making capacity.
If education is linked to modern agricultural technology, agri-enterprises, processing industries, market management and research, educated youth can take up agriculture as a respectable and profitable profession. This increases production, employment and income in the country, strengthens the rural areas and reduces internal migration. When the productive economy is strong, the country's import dependence decreases and the national economy becomes stable, which also strengthens national pride and confidence. Therefore, strengthening the relationship between agriculture and education is not just a matter of agricultural reform, but a strategic necessity linked to economic self-reliance, social stability, and long-term national security. This ultimately strengthens the foundation of nationalism.
It must be said with regret that today's geopolitical situation in Nepal has become very sensitive. The institutionalized political instability in the country has provided geopolitics with opportunities that have never been available before. Nepal has neither a plan to resolve the crisis nor the commitment to implement it. The agricultural sector, which is the economic backbone of the country, has been deliberately eliminated. Farmland is either empty or in limited use. There is no way to sustain fruit farming or animal husbandry. Due to imported consumer goods and competition, farmers have given up. Youth have migrated. There are fields, there are hills, there is no shortage of water, but there are no young people to work. After all, how long can a loss-making business be sustained? Because of our scoundrels, the country has become a 'dumping site' for unwanted imports. The education system has been destroyed and the country has been turned into a country that exports students. On the one hand, there is a problem of investment, on the other hand, politics has oppressed it. How did this dilapidated situation come about? It is not hidden from anyone.
An ugly democracy without nationalism is not the goal of Nepalis. However, what is apparent is that Nepal's politics has failed to give birth to the country's guardians. Issues of national interest are no longer a priority. Industries are almost at a standstill. There is no investment in the productive sector on which the general public depends. Some have been nurtured due to various service sectors. However, even those who are struggling do not have security. Wherever there is money transaction, employment, import-export, motor-cars, flashy investment, commercial land, buying and selling, and profit, there are foreigners there.
Almost all cities in Nepal are under the control of foreigners. Corruption and consumerism have made decision-makers without conscience. This group, which lives by counting money and sacrificing basic national interests, is not motivated by the country. This situation has been brought about by dividing the country. Now there is no alternative to national reconciliation in the long-term interests of the nation.
The country is deteriorating not only from within, but also from without. Effective protection of international borders is urgently needed for the long-term security of Nepal. Where border disputes exist, their resolution should be carried out without delay through diplomatic initiatives and dialogue. It is necessary to create a transparent system to systematically record the details of all foreign citizens entering and leaving Nepal. The growing insecurity within Nepal should not be taken lightly. The increasing exodus of Nepali citizens and the inability to effectively manage the entry and settlement of foreign citizens in Nepal have led to a complex situation in the country. Such a situation cannot be considered favorable for the national interest in the long term.
Therefore, it is necessary to implement policies related to movement, employment, investment and settlement in a systematic and balanced manner, keeping in mind national needs, economic interests and social stability. Today, Nepal does not have satisfactory relations with India, China, Britain, and the United States. A glimpse of an independent foreign policy is rarely seen.
It should be clear to everyone - Nepal belongs to the Nepalese. Even today, there are millions of jobs in Nepal. There may be more in the future. The employment opportunities in Nepal are opportunities for the Nepalese. The work permit system should be effectively implemented as per the law for foreign citizens coming to work in Nepal. In areas where Nepali citizens themselves are capable and available, it is appropriate to make careful decisions by prioritizing national employment, skill development, and internal economic interests before granting permission to foreign workers or businessmen. There should be a clear arrangement for landlords providing housing to foreign citizens to provide the details of the concerned person to the local administration or police agency and to assist the concerned agency when necessary. Closed-door business or presence outside the designated area or region can be limited.
The principle of reciprocity can also be taken into account in accordance with international practice in this regard. The government's priority should be focused on developing the necessary technology, skills, and training within the country, so that the country can become self-reliant in the long run. In addition, policies should be adopted to protect and promote domestic industries while maintaining healthy competition for consumer goods produced in Nepal.
Nepalis should not be confused by the manifestos that have appeared now. The needs of the poor and disadvantaged Nepalis are always clear. Democracy is about giving state responsibilities to candidates with good character and character. The search for 'mother's children' who can provide the right leadership and team to run the country in the upcoming elections should be a big challenge. Voting rights should be used not for personal gain but for the construction and long-term benefit of the country.
