Peace, Security And Polls
Government's Priority

By Prem N. Kakkar

IT IS a little over two months that the government led by Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has been in place. Much is expected from the present government as the two main agendas are its primary focus. First peace and security has to be maintained together with holding the general elections. The government has committed itself to do the necessary in this regard. Though it is not easy task, but sincerity to purpose can do a lot.

Expectation

There are many expectations from the government as it consists of select people, many of whom had not come in the broader political scene in the past.

The first and foremost task is to bring to an end the Maoist violence that has wrecked much havoc both in terms of life and property. A return of peace will only give relief to the people and development activities can pick up. The negative growth rate in the last fiscal year points to the fact that the economy has suffered. When the economy suffers the greatest effect is on the people.

Poverty has remained as the biggest problem of the country. Without its elimination or rather reduction the people's life cannot be better. In the last twelve years priority had been laid on poverty alleviation. There were some achievements especially for assisting the underprivileged people but it was not a major victory, that is to say, the poverty alleviation programmes were not as successful as was expected.

Now, the Tenth Five Year Plan has envisaged reducing the poverty level to 30 per cent. But with the gloomy economic growth rate, it will take more than the usual effort to materialise it. However, it is on an optimistic tone. It is to be seen how effectively the plans and programmes are implemented in this direction.

The government has also focussed its attention on bringing about necessary reforms in the educational sector. This is needed because education is the key to economic prosperity. The government's decision recently to introduce reforms in the sector is noteworthy. It has made provisions for the children of the underprivileged families to receive free education. This will provide them the access to education which otherwise is not possible with the economic status they have. In the long run, it is not only the children who will gain but the country also benefits.

Howsoever, the present indefinite closure of educational institutions has posed a big problem. It has been almost two weeks since all the schools and colleges have closed, all due to fear. It is a burning problem that has to be resolved at the earliest so that the students do not suffer. Everyone is worried about the future of the students.

With the government being serious towards the problem, it can be hoped that the problem will be resolved soon.

On the question of how soon the elections will be held, there is no doubt that peace has to return. For this the government alone cannot do everything, the support and cooperation of all is necessary as has been reiterated time and again by Prime Minister Chand. The political parties know that holding the general elections as soon as possible is what is needed. For this the right environment has to be created. Without an end to insurgency, holding the polls will be difficult so there is a need for all to join hands on this issue.

The problem that the country is facing at present is not an overnight growth. It has been simmering since the last seven years. Many people both civilians, security personnel and even the Maoists have been killed. The development infrastructure have been destroyed in many places. All these point to gravity of the problem so an outlet must be sought.

The past shortcomings are responsible for the state that the country is in at present. They have to be corrected before the country can move ahead on the right trail. It is true that instant solutions cannot come about just by wishing for them. It needs the right planning and implementation for which there must be consensus among all the concerned. It is a common problem. So all should work together to bring normalcy in the country.

Need

In a democracy, there may be differences of opinion and ideas but when it concerns
the national interest it is a common cause. Time is very crucial and the slide in the economy has to be arrested. Rhetoric alone will not work, there is a need for action as well for resolving the problems that the country is facing. It is working together that increases strength when the goal is the same.

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