Accountability Vital For Nation Building

Actually all the people are quite happy with the way the nation has peacefully faced different changes, which were difficult to imagine in the otherwise traditional Nepali society and their way of thinking. Yet, some senior political analysts and the leaders, who preach all of us about good governance and democracy, does not bode well for the parties themselves, which all have contributed so much for the many positive changes. We all know about the beauty of a democracy, where opinions of individuals can differ and everyone has the right to express their own views. Some people may be very popular and some may be in the minority, but the right to expression is an integral right of everyone in any democratic nation. No one can take away this right of the people and the people also do not accept such an attitude of the establishment.

Now naturally the focus is on the air disasters taking place in Nepal so frequently. At the same time, many people are also worried by the blame game taking place in neighbouring Bangladesh, which had already agreed to buy electricity from Nepal.  We are further seeing a conflict between the management of the Nepal Electricity Authority and the government. This is not at all a positive indication for good governance and a disciplined bureaucracy. This author does not have the 'expertise' of some bureaucrats, leaders or even some media persons who can quote line by line certain statistics or regulations, but I am very confident of some values which guides me to decide what is right and what is wrong. I still feel this is correct as far as my conscience is concerned.

Moral responsibility

It does not matter whether this sort of thinking is based on what individuals are doing in their personal life or while in important government positions, but the sense of moral responsibility, accountability to the position they hold or in the seriousness with which they think of their role in making a better nation, are all reflected in their illegal acts while they believe that they are fooling all the people all the time. This is the height of foolishness, and no matter what gains they are making now, it is a crime they are committing for the future generations for whom we have to keep the nation as an inheritance we have left for them and where they can live as sovereign Nepalis without any fear of who they are and what are their beliefs.

This may sound as a too idealistic notion, especially now, when almost everyone thinks only money is important, but unfortunately for such people who have only a peep hole sight of what really life is all about, being humanitarian is more important than wealth and a truth which we all have to accept at one time or the other. The sooner this happens, the better it will be to all. Perhaps many others do not like to hear someone else trying to teach them what is right or what is wrong and I fully agree with them. But though I confess that I fall in this category, I would also like to explain that it tastes like a bitter medicine when 'phony' individuals, who work for the interests of outsiders rather than for the benefit of the nation try to lecture us about nationalism, democracy and other rights of which we are also equally concerned about.

So I was impressed by a former pilot, who had the nerve to say that responsibility and accountability must be taken seriously by not only the pilots and other crew members for the frequent air mishaps, but also by the authorities who are supposed to monitor these professionals and 'rap their knuckles', if they make any mistake. But can we expect any such honest and dedicated people working for us when their priorities are totally opposite of the expectations of the citizens? Probably not, but that is what is needed by the nation at this difficult time.

Definitely we are at a crucial juncture in almost all aspects. The political situation is very fluid, the economy is not that inspiring and many sectors of the society are unhappy about this thing or the other. At such a time, there is no other option than for all the sides, who have contributed in their own way for the good of the nation, to remain united and also seek the help of the people who have always supported them at different times in this country's history. This is something which the present leaders have to seriously think about. 

Frank opinion

They must also not forget about the faith the people had in them and thus voted them to power, before only blaming one individual or the other, while not accepting at all their own responsibility for some wrongs that may have been committed. I do not feel at all any shame in saying I was offered many important posts in different places and also the so called 'mainstream' media, but this was done not because of my skills as a senior journalist, but simply because some of the influential people thought I would work as they told me to do. At this age now, I am fully satisfied by my refusals of such offers, though I may have lost something in terms of monetary benefits.

I will definitely not be surprised if many influential individuals will not agree to what I have said in this article and may even refuse to publish such 'frank' opinion about my experience. But still, the thrust of all my ranting is, every individual, especially those who are in a position to decide the fate of either airline passengers or the future of the whole nation, must not forget to have a sense of responsibility and accountability for any decisions they make, while in control of either an aircraft or the government.   

 (The author is former chief editor of this daily.)