Mature Decision
MUCH to the relief of most of the people, the two days of bandh called by the
nine Leftist factions was called off at the last minute. The people are apprehensive of
this crippling form of protest, not only because it could result in violence, but also
because of the immense inconvenience that bandhs cause for the ordinary public. This time,
not one, but two days of bandh had been called by the nine small factions of Leftist
parties, to protest against the petroleum price hike that had been implemented by the
government. There is no doubt, the people had been hit hard by the significant spurt in
the price of this basic fuel. However, it is questionable whether the disruptive
activities carried out by the protesters is beneficial for the nation. Yet, the compromise
struck the other day, after an all-party meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ram
Chandra Poudel, is a welcome development. A consensus was reached to reduce the price of
kerosene from Rs. 26 per litre to Rs. 22 and the nine Left parties in turn agreed to
withdraw the two days of bandh. However, Deputy Prime Minister Poudel warned that though
the burden on the people will decrease to some extent, the country will have to bear
additional financial expenditure.
Another positive development after the meet, is the decision to form an
all-party committee under the chairmanship of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and
Supplies to submit a report within one month after studying the present pricing structure
and management of Nepal Oil Corporation. The committee will study the entire aspects of
oil purchasing process to management and also recommend measures for storage of petroleum
products. There is no doubt that it is very necessary to make transparent all activities
of the Nepal Oil Corporation, the only body that imports and distributes petroleum
products in the country. The general people had started to express concern over the way
the government agency was using the monopoly it enjoyed in the import and pricing of
petroleum products in the country. If the deals and transactions of the Corporation are
made transparent, then all doubts would be erased. Meanwhile, the present compromise, more
than being taken as a victory for any one side, should be taken as a mature political
consensus, in the interest of the people and the nation. Such understanding will
contribute in resolving many other challenges the nation faces at present.
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