New Advertising Policy Serves Nation's Interest

Whether we use the Nepali words aama-babu, mata-pita (father and mother), daddy-mummy, or any other similar term, they all carry the same meaning—the head of the family, the guardian. They are the principal couple who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the peace, happiness, welfare, prosperity, and progress of their children. Similarly, when we speak of a government, it is understood to be the guardian and protector of the entire nation and its people, working for their welfare, advancement, and progress. Therefore, there is no doubt that every plan and policy of a government should be directed toward the well-being of the country and the majority of its citizens. Regardless of the political system or which party is in power, the fundamental duty of any government is to focus on how to serve the nation and its people best - not merely its own party, group, or close associates.

It is often said that the past should not be discussed in the present, and in our country, there exists a tendency to condemn everything from the past while praising everything in the present. For over three decades, this mindset has prevailed, and as a result, many may find what I say unpleasant. However, there was a time when the government in our country functioned much closer to the ideals described above than it does today. Certain rules and policies were designed not for the benefit of specific organisations or groups, but for the nation and its people as a whole. Remembering that time, I feel compelled to write a few words.

At a young age, after passing the civil service examination, I entered government service in 2017 B.S. (1960 A.D.) and was posted to the Publicity Department at the Gorkhapatra Printing Press. At that time, the government was led by Prime Minister B.P. Koirala of the Nepali Congress Party. Surendra Raj Sharma was the Director of the concerned department (Publicity Department), Nani Babu Acharya was the manager of the printing press (Gorkhapatra Chhapakhana), and Prem Raj Sharma was the Chief Editor of Gorkhapatra. The post of Director General did not exist then.

Policy 

Since national policies were formulated in the best interests of the country and its people, the government’s printing and advertising policies were structured accordingly. Under these policies, any ministry, department, corporation, committee, office, or institution had to mandatorily assign all printing work—such as letterheads, forms, books, and booklets—to the Gorkhapatra Printing Press. Only if the press officially responded in writing that it could not handle a specific task due to an already heavy workload was the work allowed to be outsourced, and even then, only in accordance with existing rules and regulations. It is clear that this system effectively protected government institutions, ensured their development, and significantly helped control irregularities and corruption in printing work.

Similarly, all types of government notices and advertisements had to be published in Gorkhapatra. Legally, only information published in Gorkhapatra was considered officially communicated to the public. This policy not only protected government-owned institutions but also served the interests of citizens. Anyone who wished to stay informed about government announcements needed only to read Gorkhapatra. Unlike today, citizens did not have to worry about missing important notices published somewhere else. There was certainty and ease of access to official information. This system, which served both national and public interests, existed in our country, and, having personally worked within it, I still recall it fondly at 84.

With the passage of time and changing circumstances, the country has transitioned from monarchy to democracy, from partyless democracy to multiparty democracy, and now to a republic. However, in recent decades, the focus has shifted from national and public interest to the interests of political parties, party systems, leaders, cadres, and affiliated groups and organisations. In this context, upon reading the recently published policies and programmes—specifically the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda—of the newly formed government led by Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, a sense of hope has emerged. It appears the country is, by chance, moving away from a leader-centric and cadre-centric system toward a more democratic, people-oriented governance.

National interest 

Policies such as an advertising policy that prioritises national and public interest over the benefit of specific journalists or media outlets, prohibiting government employees from forming politically affiliated unions and engaging in politics, and preventing students, teachers, professors, and staff of educational institutions from abandoning their duties to participate in the dirty game of politics and disrupt the academic environment — all these are encouraging developments.

Of course, those political parties and groups that see their advantage in leader-centric and cadre-centric systems rather than in democracy and public welfare have perceived these national-interest policies as threats and have raised their voices in opposition under various pretexts. There are also renewed claims that the country has been progressing and developing under past agreements, and that such arrangements should be preserved. Nevertheless, judging by the results of recent elections, it is evident that the Nepali people have become increasingly politically aware, informed, and conscious. Therefore, there is little doubt that the public will support the successful implementation of policies and programmes that genuinely serve the national and public interest.

(The author is a freelancer.)