 |
| |
VOL. 27, NO. 22, February 08, 2007 (Magh 25 2064 B.S.)
|
|
Looking Back
Renowned economist, Dr Badri Prasad Shrestha, who has served the nation for more than five decades in various capacities, recollects his experiences
By A CORRESPONDENT
Dr. Badri Prasad Shrestha needs no introduction in Nepalese economic and planning area as he has served in various positions in Nepal’s economic, administration and diplomatic service in the last five decades.
Samjhana ra Vichar
Memoir and Opinion
By: Dr. Badri Prasad Shrestha
Published by: Nepal Economic Association
Price: Rs. 150.00
Pages: 118 |
Having written various books on Nepalese economy, Dr. Shrestha is a first Nepalese scholar to have done Ph.d in economics in 1962. He has also written first economic book on Nepal named An Introduction to Nepalese Economy.
He started his career as an officer of Organization and Management section under the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Shrestha has witnessed all kinds of economic development and modernization process in the country.
From officer at Organization and Management to visiting professor at the Pennsylvania University of United States, Dr. Shrestha was involved with the teaching profession in Nepal as well as foreign countries. Later on, he became vice-chairman of National Planning Commission and also served as an ambassador to Japan. Just a few years back, he also served as the Minister for Finance.
In his book, Dr. Shrestha recollects his past and Nepal’s overall economic situation. He shows how Nepal started its economic development from scratch and built the institutions over the period of a long time.
Whether he was in planning or education institution or diplomatic service as an ambassador to Japan, Dr. Shrestha’s quest remained to find out appropriate model for economic development in Nepal. He has also honestly put his conversations with King and other high dignitaries regarding Nepal’s economic challenges.
After reading his book, one can perceive how Nepal’s bureaucracy was functioning during the direct rule of the King. The lack of coordination between various organizations created problems. As a vice chairman of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shrestha traveled extensively to various districts of Nepal. He trekked for 46 days visiting 17 districts of Nepal.
He also recollects his time in briefing and debriefing in the palace with the King. It showed Nepal’s way of bureaucratic functioning. Dr. Shrestha’s book gives some interesting insights about Nepal’s over all development.
As an economic scholar, Dr. Shrestha involved in various policy making and institutional development process in Nepal. As a vice-chairman of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shrestha propounded the concept of regional development. With virtually no institution and overwhelming rural population, Dr. Shrestha stressed the need to have dual economic policy for Nepal. He holds the view that Nepal’s rural population cannot compete with urban sector as there is wide gap in terms of income and infrastructures.
He is known for his concept on regional economic development, which was introduced in the period of fourth five year plan. “With immense contribution in Nepalese economy, he places himself as a pioneer in Nepalese history,” said Professor Bishwambher Pyakuryal in preface. Like Mahesh Chandra Regmi who established himself as a first economic historian, Dr. Shrestha has made contribution as a first development economist.
After restoration of democracy in 1990, many civil servants, politicians and other scholars have recorded their past and Dr. Shrestha, too, has given something to read for the future generation.
