Making Govt’s Bid Successful

Yug Bahadur

The most distressing problem the majority of Nepali people are facing is the troubling state of economy of the nation. This has not only caused the migration of a huge number of skilled and unskilled manpower to foreign lands, but it has also created some sort of a huge shortage of manpower in the rural areas, where most people used to live in the past. Demographically, the country has seen a big shift in dynamics, with many people, especially youths, either going abroad, or choosing to stay in district headquarters or the big townships across the land. Kathmandu, the capital city, is one favourite destination for many, not only because the federal government is stationed here, but also due to the opportunities for employment and educational and health facilities, among others.

It was definitely encouraging to hear new Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda saying development alone would bring prosperity to the country and it was equally good to listen to other leaders in the present government committing themselves to solving the slow delivery of government services to the general masses. Both these works should go hand in hand, as long term policies are necessary for the overall development of the country and at the same time the short term needs of the people in simple things like getting passports and driving licenses must also be made more easily accessible. Prime Minister Prachanda himself has said that he will ensure such services of the government will be made faster and easier in the days to come.

Healthy economy 

All the people are well aware of how much sacrifice has been made to establish democracy in the country and they also know the huge contributions made by political parties and their leaders for this cause. This is not something they want to see being destroyed due to the short-sightedness of some individuals. That is why they feel that all the parties have to work together to protect democracy and the gains it has given to the public. There is no iota of doubts among the majority of the people that they need a democratic system in the country. Yes, they need freedom of speech. They want human rights, transparency, press freedom, a steady supply of drinking water and electricity and other such things which are a part and parcel of any democracy. 

But they also need a healthy economy, which is so vital to make the nation strong and the people happy. They need good roads and other infrastructures which are essential for any sound country, they need access to good education and better health facilities and they also need a secure environment where they can live in peace and with better job opportunities. This is what the general public needs. This author has repeated this very slogan many times in the past as well, but it will not be unwise for leaders to heed such suggestions now as well.

Just bickering among the parties and criticism by experts, who mostly are associated with one organisation or the other, won’t help matters. People are especially apprehensive of the so-called ‘do-gooders’, who mostly spout populist slogans and make impressive rhetoric just to please their funders. That is why the people are optimistic of this government, which has shown determination to not only make the economy stronger, but to also look into the problems being faced by the general public on day-to-day matters. The bureaucracy must also be fully supportive of the government and provide suggestions to the leaders, when they feel it is required. Just completing formalities by attending office is not enough. 

Like mentioned by Prime Minister while briefing top level bureaucrats some days back, the government officials too have to be innovative and take decisions on their own when it is required. Otherwise their staying at top positions and enjoying enviable facilities will mean nothing, if they cannot use their common sense while following regulations. This author has had the experience of meeting many high level officials, who always turned to look at the book of regulations whenever any decision had to be made. Sure, regulations have to be followed, but top level officials too have to make wise decisions when they are required. 

Otherwise, why are they paid high salaries, given shiny vehicles and mouth-watering perks which other employees don’t get? If just reading some paragraph of a booklet is enough to make any decision, then a simple low paying officer who can read could have done the job of the higher ranking officials. Even when threats are made of how they could face the wrath of government institutions while taking some bold decisions for the good of the people, they must not waver in their task. They should be able to logically defend their decisions. Of course, those who flout rules for personal gains must be punished.

Pragmatic decision 

For example, once I had to go to a third country, but I had to stay overnight in Germany for which I needed a visa. Due to some delay in the country which I was to visit, I received my visa late and I had to apply for a visa to go to Germany just one day before my flight. The regulation was that one had to apply for a German visa at least one week in advance, but I needed the same in some hours. I explained my difficulty and the person in charge at the German Embassy here in Kathmandu, issued me a visa within one hour. 

That was him or her using common sense to understand the problem of another person who simply was not at fault and who definitely would not misuse his short visit to Germany. That is a pragmatic decision which sometimes top level officials have to make with their own wisdom. That is what Prime Minister Prachanda has expected from top level government officials, who too have a very important role to play in the success of the government’s efforts.

(Yug Bahadur is a freelance writer.)