Bhutanese Refugees & Nepal
A Burden To The Economy

By Gandhi Raj Kafle

THE cost of supporting 100,000 plus Bhutanese refugees in different camps of Jhapa is a serious economic burden on Nepal. As such, what economic measures have been taken to tackle it? International aid, local help, national support, charity programmes and regional and global humanitarian assistance can be some precarious economic situation. forms of cooperation for sustaining the refugees. But are Bhutanese refugees getting them conveniently to run their day-to-day lives? Nepal is doing its utmost effort in favour of these evicted Bhutanese refugees. Yet, international cooperation is a must, especially considering Nepal’s

Problem

The problem of Bhutanese refugees, no doubt, must be solved as soon as possible. If friends of Nepal help and we succeed in it, it will automatically put an end to refugee-created economic problems of the country. But, at a time when series of bilateral talks have not been able to make any significant breakthrough on the issue, the fulfillment of refugees’ basic needs comes first for Nepal. So, economic aspects of Bhutanese refugees, is a dominant part of the problems.

In the beginning, when the inflow of Bhutanese refugees into the country was not intense, the problem was not so serious economically. But, in a short time, dramatic change took place. Evictions of the Bhutanese of Nepalese origin in Bhutan and who had been residing there as that country’s citizens, went unabated. In no time, the number of refugees quickly swelled to 100,000 plus, thereby threatening the social, economic and environmental sectors of the country.

Unlike Nepal, there are big economies, which can sustain economic shocks till they manage to find solution to the problems. Backed up with robust economies, they have the time for searching for solutions. The problems like additional burden of refugees, short period financial crisis, export-import imbalance, state of unemployment and saving-investment gap too can be solved because they have enough resources to fight the crisis. But, it’s an open secret that small countries can’t sustain such burdens. When in crisis, they find themselves in deep trouble even in short run. This is, due to the economic vulnerability of small economies.

Therefore, the economic burden created from the unabated inflow of Bhutanese refugees is obviously different from that of nations with vigorous economies. In this vein, 100,000 plus refugees in Nepal, a country of 21 million people with fragile economic foundation, is indeed a serious problem. So, if today’s economically globalised world is really serious over the difficulties of under-developed countries like Nepal, their problems, like Bhutanese refugees, should draw their attention.

However, global attention alone is not enough. The region, especially the groupings of affected countries must come closer to find solutions for common problems - be it political, economic or social. The courage to accept the reality and being pragmatic in search for solutions for both parties negotiating to end the deadlock of Bhutanese refugee issue would, therefore, pay dividend for Nepal and Bhutan.

One thing, which must not be forgotten here, is about identification. Several studies have shown that refugees hold strong proof concerning their Bhutanese citizenship. This is not a unilateral rhetoric of Nepal only. The independent observers too have echoed the same statement after observations. After all they all have come from Bhutan and had been living in that country legally. And, if Nepal and Bhutan settle this issue amicably, the refugees will return to their country and continue to hold their properties which they have left behind when chased out of that country.

The help of India, one of the close neighbours for both Nepal and Bhutan, should be sought to settle the issues of Bhutanese here in Nepal. But, has there been any role for India? If there is and if Bhutan and India take the initiative seriously, then how would it be taken regionally? Till date, India has chosen a convenient path, which directly and indirectly insists bilateral solution to the problem.

But, one fact that can’t be ignored here is that no refugees from Bhutan can enter into Nepal without bypassing the soil of India. It logically provides a ground for India to take up the issue. Besides it, Nepal and Bhutan talks have taken a long time, and what is more confusing here is that almost all the talks have ended inconclusively. This all shows that the talks have stalled, thereby prolonging Nepal’s trouble for its socio-economic development process.

So, India’s pragmatic approach to help its two close neighbours, Nepal and Bhutan, for finding solution to the problems created by the presence of 100,000 plus Bhutanese refugees in different camps of Jhapa and Morang of Nepal is the need of the hour. Besides, India being one of the important partners of process for economic development of Nepal, it knows well the troublesome impact of the presence of refugees in Nepal, which is in need of international support to set its economy towards higher growth.

India, over the decades, has helped Nepal in its bid to achieve higher growth. And, to continue this trend of economic cooperation, many mutually beneficial projects have been also put in the pipeline. One such mega-project studied to implement in recent times is the Mahakali integrated scheme. India, which surrounds Nepal from three sides, is the largest country of South Asia with one billion population. So, the country has a very important role to play for promotion of stability and cooperation in the region.

Reason

Against this backdrop, there is enough reason for India to play a constructive role for settling the Bhutanese refugee problem, which has involved Nepal and Bhutan directly. India’s thrust, till date, is on bilateral talks. If solution to refugee issue is not forthcoming in the days to come, then Nepal, to free itself from such heavy economic and environmental burden that it is having to bear with due to the presence of over 100,000 Bhutanese refugees in its soil, should leave no available avenues and foras unexplored.

Banana Cultivation: An Income Source

By Neera Pradhan

BANANA is the popular fruit all over the world. It is grown over wide areas throughout the tropics. Basically it is the most important fruit as well as vegetable crop of South-east Asia, especially in India and Nepal. In tropical Africa, bananas become a staple food of the people. It is being used by human beings throughout history. Apparently primitive communities used the male buds and inner sheaths of the pseudostem of banana as vegetable and later, it is believed that domestication of banana began as a food crop in agriculture history.

Significance

In our country, banana possesses deep cultural significance. It is often placed at the gates during ceremony as an auspicious sign, supposed to be favourite plant of the God and Goddess. When a person leaves home for a long journey, the oldest of his family gives him banana wishing for a safe and comfortable journey.

In Botanical world, the plant is known as Musa paradisiaca Linn. It is not only cultivated on a large scale as a field crop but also widely grown as a backyard crop in household compounds and also on the banks of pond and edges of roadside. One cannot believe that banana has imaginable uses and it is true that all parts of plant including leaves, pseudostem, flower bud and corm can be used in one way or another.

Generally, bananas are eaten fresh as a fruit and also used in sweet desert, salad and breads. The ripe fruit is a rich source of carbohydrates and a fair source of calcium, iron and vitamin A and B. It can be used in the manufacture of diary products such as yoghurt, milk shakes, ice cream and also in baking breads, cakes. It is used in making sel and Anarsha, which are traditional but most essential item of Tihar.

Furthermore the ripe fruits, as used in flavouring drinks and in various confectioneries such as toffee, jams and jellies. It is also mashed with spices for making sauce and achar. In fact, bananas are often the first solid food fed to infants. A syrup prepared of ripe banana fruit incorporated with milk is used for infant’s feeding which is easily acceptable and digested by children. Banana ketchups are sold commonly in Philippines.

Unripe fruits are cut into chips like potato and also made into flour by drying and grinding the green fruit. Vermicelli, cakes and a variety of sweets are also prepared from the flour. Starch can be extracted from banana and such starch is used as staple food in famine time. Glue is produced from starch and used in manufacturing of cartoons. Similarly, in villages, new shoots and male buds after the removal of the outer bract commonly cooked as vegetables or pickles.

The fruit is reported to be useful in nephritis, gout, hypertension and cardiac diseases. Because of vitamin contained, bananas act as an aid to digestion and it is good for constipation. In Nigeria, a weaning food based on banana and soybean has been developed which is nutritious for babies and can be used as a therapeutic diet of malnutrition kwashiorkor, which results from protein deficiency.

Banana petioles and pseudostems are source of fibre. The fibre is used for making tea bags, mats, coarse paper, ropes and thread. The fibre is used on handicrafts preparation as baskets, toys, table mats, wall hanging and lamp shades. Banana fibre has the advantage of being completely non-toxic in the event of fire. So, in Germany the fibre is used as lining for car interiors.

Leaves are extensively used as disposable plates, packing materials for flowers; betel leaves and also make ideal green umbrella and thatching. In villages, pseudostems may serve as temporary bridge and support. Peel and whole plant provides succulent food for cattle and elephant. The stem sap is used as a substitute for making ink and dye cloth almost black. The ash of the entire plant is reported to control stomach warm. In China it is given to pigs for eliminating kidney worm.

In mixed farming systems, banana plants are used as a ground shade and nurse crop for a range of shade loving crop including vegetable, coffee, black pepper and nutmeg in South-east Asia and West Africa. Banana plantation is not so difficult and can be grown in very tiny place (homeyards or neglected place) and also on farm which can be affordable by a peasant.

Interest

Right now, people’s interest in natural fibre is increasing and banana provides a good fibre, which helps in uplifting of community economy. Improved variety of banana cultivation really is a good source of income, makes the scenario green, conserves germplasm and also helps in food security for 21st century. So it is worth to give attention to cultivate banana as a cash crop.

Survival On The Streets

By Uday Lama

STREETCHILDREN can often be seen hanging around every corner of the lanes and by-lanes in Kathmandu. And with each passing day their numbers seem to increase. Although this is not so obvious at least on the surface and not so evident.

What gives them the edge is their sense of survival honed to a fine instinct. Alone or in groups, clothed in rags and feeding on leftovers they somehow manage to scrape a living. And it is this that forms a common bond between them regardless of age, gender or background.

The streets of the city is a hostile place and nurtures only the hardiest of souls — those used to getting along with a bare minimum. It is a matter of living one day at a time with little or no prospects. Small luxuries are hard to come by and when they do is used up in anticipation of more to come.

As a negative aspect of society they do not feel responsible for any crimes committed — like picking pockets, stealing, soliciting or any other act which cross their minds. Little do they realise the nature of their actions until later when it is too late.

Only the quick and strong are able to look after themselves whenever hunger strikes or a snooze is needed. However, there is a give-and-take amongst them which may take the form of a social organisation.

The wild look in the eyes, the tough posturings and the hardened attitude against norms of behaviour speak for themselves. Each a code of its own which only others of the same group may understand and acknowledge.

Seeing them every other day can harden one to their very way of life. And give it only a passing thought to the factor which has forced them to live in insecurity and fear.

What should be considered is not the threat they pose but the fact of their brooding restlessness combined with being on the move all the time. This in short is their essence, a matured self, that draws no line between right and wrong and sees scavenging as their only lifeline or escape route.

Something can be done to bring them within the folds of society. Not necessarily from where they have come from but as a measure or regard for their identity and concern.

An approach full of sentiments will do more harm than good and only give cause for resentment. Resulting in withdrawal. By providing for some freedom in an environment where they can grow up without censure may be a way out.

Only those whose gesture of goodwill and show of compassion are genuine can make a difference to lives broken and shattered beyond recognition. No doubt initiatives have been taken but these are only in an experimental stage and no sure-fire method or alternative has been found to date.