When I read the news published in Kantipur on Wednesday titled 'New record in remittances, 2 trillion entered in June', mixed feelings arose in my mind.
On the one hand, there is some satisfaction in supporting the country's economy and increasing foreign exchange reserves, but on the other hand, it is heartbreaking to think that these remittances are the reward of the tears and sweat of our youth. Can we really be happy like this?
The increase in remittances has shown some positive indicators of the economy, but we should not forget the bitter reality behind it. The energetic youth of our country are being forced to sell cheap labor abroad when they should be contributing to their families, society and country. They cannot come home even during festivals like Dasain and Tihar, they have no one to take care of them when they are sick and the money they have earned by taking many risks has ruined the country. This is not just a matter of financial statistics, it is also a story of emotional separation of millions of Nepali families. The hordes of young people queuing up at the Tribhuvan International Airport every day reflects our country's inability to create jobs. Why is the government not paying attention to creating employment opportunities in the country when it is celebrating 'increased remittances'? Why not make a solid plan to prevent the youth from migrating abroad?
Even though remittances give relief to the economy for the time being, it is making the country youthless in the long run and has a negative impact on social and human values as well. Instead of enjoying the number of remittances, we should keep our young manpower in the country and create an environment to use their skills and energy in building the country. Otherwise, this 'record of remittances' will become an invisible wound and haunt us forever.
– Pramod Poudel , Kathmandu-32, Pepsicola
