People-Oriented Administration

MINISTER for Information and Communication Ramesh Nath Pandey said that His Majesty's Government is committed to make the administration efficient, impartial, transparent and people-oriented. Instructing the chiefs of government offices in Biratnagar the other day, Minister Pandey, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of General Administration, said that the present chaos and crisis in the country were the creation of the misconduct, bad governance and over-politicisation of bureaucracy by the past governments in the last 12 years and made it clear that the present government would by no means repeat these mistakes. Minister Pandey's remarks are, no doubt, reflect the country's true situation as every sector of the country is in shambles. The institutions like bureaucracy, educational establishments and some other vital organisations, which need to work independently, efficiently and impartially, were highly politicised and misused for the petty and partisan interest in the last 12 years. Transparent and accountable administration is the hallmark of democratic system. However, nothing of that sort existed in the past 12 years. From recruitment to transfer and promotion of employees in the government offices were motivated and guided by political inclination and loyalty of the employees to the party in power. As a result, the very reputation and efficiency of the bureaucracy was miserably damaged. Corruption became rampant and institutionalised. People's live became harder and harder every day. This was, by no means compatible to democratic ideals and principles. When people's faith in the established institutions and system evaporates, it gives rise to public apathy and frustration. In such a situation, some elements may find an opportune time to create instability and anarchy taking full advantage of people's frustration. This is the unique case of Nepal at present. The political parties that went to power in the last 12 years either failed to understand or simply ignored the reality, which ultimately pushed the country towards the present situation of crisis and anarchy. Now the governemnt has initiated some bold but pragmatic measures to rescue the country from the crisis. Administrative reform is on the top of its agenda. The government wants to create really an efficient and impartial administration. In its drive to reform bureaucracy, the government has taken the policy of strictly sticking to honesty and merit of the employees while taking any decision about civil servants including transfer and promotion. The another example of the government to revive confidence of the employees is the decision to appoint the chairmen and general managers in the public corporations from among the employees of the same organisation. If effectively implemented, these measures are expected to bring about positive changes in making the administration people-oriented and accountable.

For The Promotion Of Films

THE film industry made tremendous progress in the last decade, especially after the reinstatement of democracy in the country. The production of even just 10 films in a year a decade ago, used to make big news. But now it is not so. The annual production of the Nepalese films has grown up to around 60 per year from the 10 or so films made before. Likewise, we have been able to prepare basic infrastructure essential for the development of films, with the establishment of a number of studios within the country. No film entrepreneurs now has to go to Mumbai, India to complete their films, nor do they have to hire technicians from abroad to make a film. Similarly, with the increasing production of films, there has also been an increase in the number of movie halls throughout the Kingdom. Moreover, over 60 per cent of the domestic market is now dominated by Nepalese movies, which is a remarkable achievement in comparison to the situation of a decade back, when the audiences had to wait for months to enjoy a new Nepali movie. Hundreds of Nepalese people are now getting job opportunities in the country's film industry.

Despite such a rapid progress and recognition from the government as an industry, the Nepalese film sector is not free from problems. Firstly, the industry is failing to produce quality films with positive messages to the audiences. It seems most of the films we have are either pirated or copied from the Hindi films. However, it does not mean that there is a dearth of good Nepali films that represent the true picture of Nepalese society, art and culture. Secondly, we have been unable to extend our film markets beyond the border. As such, emphasis needs to be given to produce quality films free from violent and obscene scenes and with healthy messages, which can compete with other films in the international markets. Now, due to the increasing violent activities, the industry is now facing a crisis, which has greatly worried the film entrepreneurs. The worried entrepreneurs were right to demand the creation of a healthy and competitive environment for film production at an interaction program the other day. Now it is the turn of the government to ensure a safe environment for film production in the country by forming an efficient Film Development Board and applying other necessary measures.