Nepal is now at a historical juncture . Having gone through many chapters of political change, this country has once again reached a time of introspection . The system changed, the constitution came, federalism was implemented, the electoral system became stable . But a serious question is still seeking an answer, has the culture of governance changed ?

The flame burning in the minds of the people today is not only due to the economic crisis, unemployment or inflation . It is against injustice, corruption, laziness, protectionism and anarchy . It is the result of years of frustration, humiliation and unequal treatment .

In this context, the sharp statement made by the Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority on its 35th Foundation Day has put the political and administrative leadership in the mirror . He said— ‘The tendency to remain indifferent while in charge and to try to become the messiah of good governance when not in charge must end .’

This sentence is not a general comment . This is a severe blow to the double character that is entrenched in the governance system.

The tendency of double character

A serious disease has spread in Nepal's politics or administration. The tendency to remain silent when in charge and speak of morality when out.

When in power or in office, one cannot stop wrong decisions, protects one's people, and says 'I don't see or hear' even when one receives news of corruption. However, this double character of raising slogans of good governance after leaving office has shattered the trust of the people.

Holding a public office is not an opportunity, but a responsibility. But when that responsibility is made a means of personal interest, then democracy weakens.

The Chief Commissioner's statement is historic in this context. He has said that the tendency to weaken public responsibility due to party, narrow, personal or group interests should end. More seriously, his indication that people who want their relatives and close people not to be prosecuted when they are involved in corruption but demand ‘strict action’ loudly when others are sued has exposed protectionism.

The trap of gossip

Today, a dangerous saying has spread in Nepal – ‘No work can be done without gossip.’ A recommendation is needed to go to any office. An acquaintance is needed to proceed with any file. ‘Advice’ is needed to expedite any work. Work that needs to be done immediately is delayed for weeks. Unnecessary obstacles are created in work that is done according to the rules. An environment has been created where work cannot be done without gossip, without access, without pressure. This situation is not a sign of democracy, but of anarchy.

When the state machinery starts harassing citizens instead of providing services, when the office becomes a place of fear rather than easy access for the people, then it is natural for anger to flare up in the public mind.

A situation where no one obeys anyone

Today, in some areas, such a situation is seen – neither fear of rules, nor shame of morality. Neither accountability, nor self-discipline. This chaos is not only on the streets, but within institutions. Not in individuals, but in culture. When institutions become weak, rules are made flexible, and responsibility is avoided, then chaos becomes institutionalized.

‘What is the source of your wealth?’

There is a silence in society. If parents are rich, children are proud. When neighbors see all these, houses, cars, land, businesses, jewelry, etc., they are impressed. But no one asks, ‘What is the source of this wealth?’

We have taken the culture of not questioning parents as a matter of respect. But if that silence gives legitimacy to immoral earnings, then that silence is an accomplice to crime. Therefore, let us develop the culture of questioning the source of wealth. When children question their parents, when society questions their leadership, when voters question their candidates. Only then is transparency possible.

Who is responsible now?

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is not an ordinary administrative body. It is an independent commission established by the Constitution. What its head says is not a personal opinion, but an institutional warning. Now the question arises – who will take responsibility for this warning? Who will implement it?

Government: The government should ensure legal reform, transparency and institutional strengthening.

Parliament: Parliament should rise above self-interest and make or amend laws that prioritize good governance.

Administration: The bureaucracy should end the culture of bribery, delay and pressure.

Judiciary: The message against corruption will be weak unless fair and speedy justice is ensured.

Commission: The Commission should not shift the responsibility of public awareness to the government. Embracing the feeling that the country is above all, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive public awareness program along with strict action.

Citizen: The greatest power is in the hands of the citizen. If the citizen continues to tolerate wrongdoing, no commission will be effective.

Public awareness and propaganda: The basis for change

Good governance does not come from laws alone. It comes from public awareness. Civic education should be strong in schools. There should be a debate on good governance on campus. The media should do investigative journalism. Questions should be raised on social media with facts.

It is necessary to immediately conduct a nationwide, touching and effective public awareness campaign centered on the motto of ‘do not commit corruption, do not allow it to be committed.’

Corruption should be established not only as a legal crime, but as a matter of social shame and moral degradation. The message that a person who behaves corruptly is not worthy of respect in society should be conveyed clearly and powerfully.

It is imperative to prepare and widely publicize advertising materials that highlight the reality that the actions of such people not only harm the state's resources, but also affect the reputation of the family and the future of their children.

Legal action is taking its place, but the fight against corruption cannot be effective without creating social awareness and moral pressure.

Honest people should be respected. Only then will the culture of governance change.

Gen-G movement: Explosion of flames

It is not surprising that the discontent of the young generation explodes in such a depressing environment. Today's generation, which many call 'Gen-G', is not a generation that tolerates injustice in silence. They have seen - deserving people being deprived of opportunities. Honest people being disappointed. The opportunity being seized by the rich.

When the flame was burning in the minds of the people, it was natural for the voice raised in Gen-G's call to transform into a huge movement. This movement is not just against an individual. It is against a culture. It is against laziness, corruption and anarchy. It has given a clear message – enough is enough. Change is needed now.

Lessons taught by revolution

Every movement teaches lessons. The Gen-G movement has also given some serious lessons.

1. There is a limit to people's tolerance.

2. Politics cannot survive by ignoring the youth.

3. Good governance is proven not by speech, but by action.

4. Information cannot be hidden in the digital age.

Our country is small. But it has huge potential. But leadership, policy and ethics are needed to make good use of the potential. The most important issue is – we are citizens first. Positions, positions, chairs, prestige are all temporary. Today is here, tomorrow is gone. But the country is permanent. History is permanent. We should not forget that the root policy of all policies is politics. If politics is correct, the policy is correct. If politics is distorted, all policies are distorted.

21 Falgun: Not an election, the hour of decision

Elections are being held on 21 Falgun. This is not an ordinary election, it is a test of our values, culture and social consciousness. We are debating lifestyle changes in the name of using technology. But the question is serious, will we now offer tika via video call on Dashain? Will we also offer dagbatti to relatives from mobile screens? Will relationships, culture and social responsibility be limited to digital formalities? Technology is necessary, useful. But technology cannot replace values, intimacy and conscience. A balance between convenience and culture is needed.

Now the question is straightforward – how did we come to this situation? And, will we show the courage to answer this in the 21 Falgun election or not? The time for decision has come. Elections are not just a process of voting, it is a moment to decide our direction. 21 Falgun is not a regular election. This is not an election to change the system. This is an election to change the culture.

Every citizen should ask himself repeatedly – ​​can this candidate break the culture of gossip? Has he shown transparency while in charge? Is he against protectionism? Can he listen to the voice of the youth? Is he truly qualified to become a representative of the people? If we vote again on the basis of acquaintances, relatives, and party fanaticism, then it is futile to hope for change.

The ultimate power is the voter

Who is the most powerful person in a democracy? Not the Prime Minister. Not the minister. Or anyone else. The most powerful person is the voter. A single stamp on the ballot paper determines the direction for five years. Wrong decisions push the country backward. Right decisions open up possibilities.

Let's transform the flame into a direction

Today, a flame is burning in the minds of the people. This flame is of anger. This flame is of the desire for change. But the flame is not just for burning. It should be for giving light. The warning of the Chief of the Authority, the message of the Gen-G movement, the anger of the people, all of these should be transformed into one direction. What is even more surprising is that even after so much loss of people's wealth after the Gen-G movement, there is no awareness in the government offices, nor shame in the political parties.

When going to the government offices, there is the same delay, the same negligence. Is the pain of the people just a headline for them? Or has the culture of turning the sacrifice of the movement into a ladder of power become established?

The country is small, the potential is big . If the leadership in all sectors is honest, development will not wait . Prosperity will start to be seen in the daily lives of citizens . 

The ballot paper that will be cast in the ballot box on 21 Falgun does not just elect a representative, it writes history .