GOVERNMENT POLICIES
Thrust On Polls
The eight-party government has unveiled its first annual policies and programs on July 4 in the parliament. The policies, as usual, touch upon various sectors of socio-economy and promise relief for the people. Naturally, the policies have given singular focus on the holding of free and fair elections for the Constituent Assembly (CA). But the subsequent discussions in the parliament exposed utter lack of unanimity among the alliance partners. At a time when the country is increasingly divided over crucial issues and when the southern plains are in flames, only the unflinching unity among the eight parties can actually steer the nation out of uncertainty and turmoil. However, the apparent lack of trust between the seven parties and the Maoists in the face of continued use of force and intimidation by the latter could disrupt the election process
By SANJAYA DHAKAL
Maoist chairman Prachanda has said that if the elections of CA do not take place in November, it will lead to catastrophe. "I think if we'll not be able to hold elections, it will be disaster for the country. The whole political scenario can change to a very serious anarchy in this country," Prachanda said in his recent interview with Karan Thapar of India.
A few days ago, general secretary of Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), Madhav Kumar Nepal said that the CA elections must be held in November at any cost, "There may be obstructions in the polls, bullets may be fired, booths may be looted, but the elections must take place," he said addressing a program by Manmohan Memorial Academy in Kathmandu on July 7.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala himself has said that CA will usher in new peaceful revolution and bring about socio-economic transformation. He said this time CA will be held on time.
The statements made by the top three leaders underscore the importance of elections in this country. The elections are important both to give legitimacy to the domestic players and recognition in the international community.
As such, the government has given full-fledged emphasis on holding the CA elections on pre-determined date of November 22 in its policies and programs this year.
In its policies the government has also emphasized on the improvement in the security situation and reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed during the armed conflict.
As PM Koirala said the political change in the country would not be consolidated unless there is economic and social reform through the process of CA.
Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel spelled out the policies and programs at the parliament on behalf of the Prime Minister stating that the government will make efforts to significantly improve the security situation and create proper climate for free and fair election.
And elaborating the government's plans on improving security, Minister Poudel listed that the government will continue to adopt 'carrot and stick' approach – giving due attention to holding negotiations with agitating parties while also using stringent measures to control crime and violence.
He promised to empower the police and armed police, especially in Terai, to control the violence there. Likewise, special laws have been promised to check highway disturbances.
Sundry Plans
Apart from CA elections and security situation, the policies and programs have also attempted to address various socio-political and economic issues facing the nation.
It has decided to form a commission to finalize the structure of the federal system.
On the issue of economy, the government has announced to implement the three-year interim plan – which has just recently been approved by National Development Council - focusing on peace building, reconstruction of the infrastructure and economic reforms.
Dealing with specific issues, the policy document states that 'special economic zones' will be set up in the upcoming fiscal year.
The policy document says that in order to achieve the targeted economic growth, the interim government will carry on with the policy to prioritize the agricultural sector, involvement of the private sector and promotion of tourism and foreign employment.
It says that an integrated program for economic and social transformation of the Nepali society will be introduced and scientific land reform initiatives implemented. Once again, like all the past governments, this government, too, has promised to establish an industrial security force.
The policy document further promises to diversify tourism sector, establish more national airports and one more international airport, and operate the Nepal Airlines Corporation under Public Private Partnership.
It vows to distribute land to the landless people, increase the access of rural people to development facilities and economic activities, rehabilitate ex-Kamaiyas, involve community in education sector, increase school enrollment, expand programs for technical education, restructure health services to provide free services to the needy and strengthen health posts, develop university as research centers and establish an agriculture university.
The policy documents stresses on multilateral investments on hydropower development. It promises new irrigation schemes. Likewise, the government has also vowed to connect five district headquarters by road in the new fiscal year.
A few weeks ago, Ministry of Works and Physical Planning, too, had released its policy document stating that a number of north-south roads would be developed.
In order to give impetus to the local development initiatives, the policy states that local bodies will be managed under political consent. Due to absence of political leadership at local bodies, huge amount of budget allocated to them have remained unused.
In its policies and programs, the government has said that it aims to 'democratize' the Nepali Army. Rehabilitation and integration of the Maoist army are also in the government's priority list.
Likewise, it reiterates that the government will start process to nationalize the state properties used by King Gyanendra and set up a trust to manage the properties of late King Birendra and his family.
As Nepal's economy is becoming increasingly dependant on the remittance sent by its overseas workers, the government has decided to sign labor agreements with the host countries in order to guarantee Nepali workers' legal recognition in those countries, which will also increase their salaries and benefits.
As such, Nepal last week signed a labor agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement was signed in the capital on Tuesday (July 3) by Minister of State for Labor and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak and visiting Labor Minister from UAE Dr. Ali bin Abdullah al Kaabi. The agreement will establish legal recognition and status of Nepali workers in UAE. It will entitle them with legal benefits and salaries at par with other foreign workers.
Confusing Differences
Although the government's policies and programs were unveiled after the cabinet endorsed it following the discussion among eight party leaders, the lawmakers belonging even to the ruling parties rushed to file amendment proposals when it was presented for discussion at the parliament.
Twenty-three amendment proposals have been filed – majority by the Maoist MPs. Taking part in the discussion on policies and programs, which started from Sunday (July 8), Maoist MPs demanded that their cadres killed in "people's war" should be declared martyrs and wanted Maoist army to be integrated into national army, among others.
Likewise, MP of People's Front Lilamani Pokharel criticized the policies saying it came without the consent of eight parties. Chitra Bahadur KC, MP of Rastriya Jana Morcha regretted the use of term "prime minister of eight parties" in the policy document.
Maoist leader Dinanath Sharma said that the policies do not adequately address the progressive demands of the people. He said it should have laid down clear policy on republic.
Such contradictions among eight party leaders at a time when the country is in dire need of unified voice to conduct successful CA elections could not have come at worse period.
Madhes Unrest
The continued killings and violence in Terai are having a disastrous effect on the preparations for the elections.
On July 10, Kantipur daily reported that in the first three weeks of Asar month, there were only three days when there was no bandh in eastern Terai districts. Various outfits, armed and unarmed, have taken turns to impose bandh at the drop of a hat.
Their unrest has particularly affected districts such as Saptari, Siraha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sarlahi and Dhanusha. Sunsari and Morang, too, have been affected.
Reports say there are one dozen armed outfits active in the region now. They include the three factions of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha; Terai Cobra; Terai Bagi; Janabadi Ganatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha; Madhesi Tiger; Royal defense army SuPa (far west); Kranti Dal; Rastriya Army Nepal; Nepal Defense Army; Nepal Janatantrik Party etc. These apart, even criminal gangs working in border regions have started to increase their influence in places like Birgunj.
As promised by the government in its policies and programs, it must improve the security situation in Madhes region before it can think of holding the elections in a free, fair and fearless manner.
It is no longer true that improvement in behavior of Maoists and their affiliate Young Communist League (YCL), alone can create conducive atmosphere for the elections. The violent elements of Madhes must be tamed before the poll preparations can proceed.
This much was made amply clear by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Bhoj Raj Pokharel. When welcoming the announcement of elections date by the government, Pokharel had stated that creating favorable political and security atmosphere is also equally important.
Since the eyes of the whole world will be focused on Nepal as it moves closer towards the CA elections, all the political actors of the country must rise above their partisan interests to ensure that the nation will pass this historic test with flying colors.
