Much Needed Assurance

ADDRESSING a function organised to mark the Industry and Commerce Day, the other day, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala lauded the private sector’s role in the promotion of trade and industry in the country. He said that the government alone will be unable to develop trade and industry that plays a crucial role in national development. The fact is plain that the promotion of trade and commerce can only significantly contribute to uplift the country’s economic status. Even in the South Asian region, Nepal lags behind others when it comes to economic prosperity. A country like ours is especially way behind in the placement of the essential infrastructure and so cannot achieve the desired level of development in all sectors unless it has a strong and stable economy. Besides this, trade and commerce has a greater role in the present global context of economic liberalisation and free trade. But to make any headway, maintenance of peace and security concerns must receive priority. In recent times, it is a matter of serious concern that some industrial establishments have severely suffered from Maoist attacks. The violence let loose by the Maoist rebels has not only posed a great hurdle in this respect but also discouraged further prospects of foreign investment in the country. This all boils down to the fact that security must be enhanced so that the industries can work to their full capacity thereby contributing to the national economy.

The Prime Minister’s assurance that full support to the trades people and industrialists would be provided comes as a relief to all the concerned individuals and organisations in the sense that the government is aware of the problem being faced by them. Since it is a national problem causing much suffering to all the citizens, it is essential that all the concerned political parties should forge national consensus, as envisaged by the Prime Minister, to resolve it peacefully. In this regard, the opposition parties have a vital role to play in order to reach a common understanding so that the question over security does not remain any more. Only then can the country flourish socially, economically and politically with the common citizens being able to enjoy the fruit of democracy.

Basic & Primary

LOOKING at the figures, Nepal’s education sector has indeed made some significant strides over the decades. The literacy rate stands at 58 per cent for the 6-plus age group. The net enrolment rate at the primary school level is a decent 72 per cent. Governmental priorities, reflected in budgetary allocations, are also well-set. Fourteen per cent of the national budget is allocated for the education sector, with 55 per cent of the allocation going for the basic and primary education sub-sector. But behind these numbers and percentages also lie the bleak facts that all is not well with Nepal’s education sector. What kind of education is really being imparted to the people? Does the education go to raise the social and economic status of the individuals? Has it directly benefited the people in enhancing their life skills? Is quality commensurate with the quantity? But leaving aside the qualitative aspect, even quantity-wise, is education equally accessible to the disadvantaged sections of the population?

The answers are not as rosy as the above figures would first seem to indicate. Addressing Tuesday the South Asia sub-regional ministerial meeting on the universal slogan of Education for All, Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upahayay said providing education that directly benefits the people in enhancing their social and economic capacities are still a major challenge both in terms of magnitude and efficiency. Indeed, the above questions point to the challenges. Education for All and the commitment to the goals of basic and primary education for all by 2015 will merely remain a slogan without greater endeavours towards meeting those challenges. Essential in this regard is a comprehensive and realistic national plan of action that guides the efforts from both the governmental and non-governmental sectors. The government has revealed that it was formulating such a plan on Education for All. The plan must include programmes not only related to basic and primary education but also other options like alternative schooling, out of school programme, incentive programmes for girls and the disadvantaged, early childhood development and adult literacy programmes through formal and non-formal ways. All options must be explored to work towards Education for All, as education, needless to repeat, is one of the most basic and primary needs and rights of a citizen.