Stability Must For Strong Economy

Yug Bahadur

No matter what anyone may say about the constantly changing political situation in Nepal, at least such voices are shut down whenever the smooth transition of power in the country comes to the fore. There have been many changes in which different parties have governed, but we too can proudly say that there has been no trouble in handing over of power. In contemporary political history of this country, we have seen little strife. The majority of the people are living in harmony and there is a ‘big blanket’ of comfortable attitude of ‘Live and Let Live’ covering most of us. 

Even during the dictatorial Panchayat days, political transitions were smooth sailing and not affecting the daily life of the common public. But that was the time when there was only one power and orders from the ‘top’ could simply not be refused. But politics changed quickly with the introduction of the multiparty system and there were many parties hankering for power, and though, thus there may have been power struggles, but the transition of power was always and still is smooth, though now the nation has become a federal republic from a Hindu state.

Tolerance 

Therefore, the thrust is on peace. We know many problems afflict the nation at present and the biggest problem is strengthening the economy during this period when most countries of the world are being affected by tension among the bigger powers of the world and also the tragic war in Ukraine. Nepal too has not been able to escape the mighty undoing of the world economy due to the Ukraine war, but one can hope that better sense will prevail and this war will end soon. The sooner the better. As for tolerance here in our own country, the Hindu festival of Holi, which we celebrated just a few days back was a great eye-opener, especially for outsiders. 

This festival was celebrated by most people, especially youths and forget people of different religions, even foreigners were warmly welcomed to join in the festival. Colours were sprinkled and put on all revellers and this was an exchange of love, tolerance and camaraderie. Songs, dances and fabulous stage shows took place in many parts of Kathmandu and other cities of the nation. In Surkhet, the festival was celebrated with a different style by volunteers planting saplings and also taking care of the older plants by weeding the areas near the places where the saplings had been planted. This was done for a better environment and to also beautify the township. 

But to come back to the issues of stabilising our politics, strengthening our economy, checking the market inflation rate and ensuring peace and harmony, efforts should be first made from the major political parties. It does not matter who is in power, as long as the problems of the nations are tackled and the people in general are able to live in prosperity and peace. To achieve most of the problems facing the country and the people, first of all we must have a stable government, no matter who forms it. And all do realise that political stability will go a long way to make the economy strong and thus tackle the troubles of the people and make their lives better.

The need for strengthening the economy is most important if many of the problems are to be done away with. It might be a bit irritating to the political leaders and top level government officials, but the country at present must tighten its belt and follow a strict path of austerity. The nation has little to spend on lavish and unwanted pomp, when the people in general are facing so many problems economically. It is not for nothing that thousands of youths are leaving the country to get better paying jobs and better work opportunities in foreign lands. So this thought must be stamped strongly in the minds of all policy makers, that austerity comes first and it is from the government to set an example to the people in general. 

Of course we don’t want to see our political leaders and top bureaucrats living like they have nothing, but we also don’t like to see them spending money from the cash-strapped government coffers as if there will always be plenty to come from the coffers. Once we really hit an economic dark hole, it will be a very, very difficult task to get out of it. So the faster we prepare for any economic crunch, it will be better for the nation. Unfortunately most experts are saying the economic indicators are negative and unless efforts are made from all sides, the situation will become worse. It may be an unpleasant thing to hear, but the suggestion to increase the salaries of the civil servant comes at a wrong time. 

Economic downturns

After all, according to rough calculations, only a small per cent of the entire populace are lucky enough to get government jobs with nice perks and also pensions. The rest of the people will be left in the lurch if such a step is taken. Like there are many problems afflicting the nation, there are also many ways through which we can come out unscathed and suggest how the economy can be boosted and stimulated for the benefit of all and not smother it with more expenses.

The whole economy of the country must be uplifted and the majority of the people should benefit from it, not only a handful of private sector people or a small per cent of the populace. It has been indicated by international agencies and others that the LDCs would be most affected by the downturn in the world’s economy and the kitchen of the poor in such places will be most affected with malnutrition. Nepal is also an LDC and its economy is already tottering, therefore we need stability in politics, and stability thus can only build a strong economy.

(Yug Bahadur is a freelance author.)