5 Questions The Telegraph - Weekly (Nepal)

5 Q U E S T I O N S

If Nepal is declared as a failed state, it will only benefit the neighbor who may have greater say in our major natural resources

Professor, Dr. Surya Lal Amatya, Member, UGC, H.M.G./ Nepal

Educational Background :

M.A. in Geography, M.S.University of Baroda, India, 1959.
M.A. University of Hawaii, U.S.A.,1964
Ph.D. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India, 1974.

Professional Career :

Professor, Dept. of Geography, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, 1982 – 1999.
Executive Director, Centre for Economic Development & Administration,T.U.,1990 – 93.
Member, University Grants Commission, H.M.G./ Nepal, 1994 – 1998,1998 – 2006.
Member, Tribhuvan University Service Commission, 1993 – 1995

Books :

Cash Crop Farming in Nepal,1975, Tribhuvan University,pp.114
Economic Geography of Nepal, 1967,pp.140
Economic and Commercial Geography, 1966, Kathmandu, pp.222.

Research Activities :

More than twenty research articles published in different journals.
Associated in more than 30 research projects.

TGQ. 1: Continued political instability combined with the ever-increasing violent activities of the highest dimensions perpetrated by the insurgents has all become the destiny of mother Nepal for all along these years! What factors could have pushed our politics towards anarchy? Who benefits from Nepal being declared as a failed state? Your comments please.

Prof. Amatya : In the past, the development efforts did not provide benefits to several ethnic janjati groups, dalit and depressed areas of particularly of Mid – Western and Far Western regions. The CPN Maoists initiated their violent movement focusing on against the social & economic mal practices to depressed ethnic groups and dalits. They organized strong hold in seven districts of Mid – western and Far Western regions. Now CPN Maoists control the extensive rural areas in Nepal. If Nepal is declared as a failed state, it will not benefit to Nepalese and not even to Maoist group. It will be of benefit to the neighbour who may have greater say in our major natural resources.

TGQ. 2: UN official Mr. Gautam the other day strongly favored the UN involvement in the government – Maoists talks for peace if Nepal were not to be declared a failed state. The fact is that the government in Kathmandu strongly rejects the UN involvement forwarding reasons that since it was an internal issue that could be sorted out through the use of homegrown skills. Rhotoric’s apart; the issue is taking its toll. What restrains Nepal government in going in for UN involvement ? The possibility of neighbor’s resentment ? Or what else ? What should we do now ? Your remarks please.

Prof. Amatya : Mr. Kul Chandra Gautam had highlighted on the possibility of the role of UN facilitation for peace talk between the government and CPN Maoists. He was of the view that major political players like the palace, parliamentary parties and the CPN Maoists should endeavour in reaching to an understanding to resolve the present violent conflict. There is mistrust among these political forces. In case the country reaches to a situation of failed state as visualized by many independent observers, the UN’s role may be significant not only in facilitating the dialogue for peace, but also for the post reconstruction and development.

The government of Nepal has not yet felt the need of UN or third party involvement in facilitation for peace dialogue. Nepal was highly dependent on India in 1950s and it seems India would like Nepal to continue to depend on India for major political changes.

TGQ. 3: A sizeable section of Nepali academicians presume that India is close to both the Nepali government and the Maoists. Do you see any valid reason in such a presumption ? Also tell us whether you see a role for India in our peace talks ? What if India is ignored as has been suggested by Mr. Gautam ?

Prof. Amatya : India has been extending official support in providing training, helicopters and weapons to the royal Nepalese army, but India was not serious in controlling the free movement of maoist insurgents and their weapons across the Nepalese border. Recently India has felt a threat from the formation of Coordination Committee of Maoist Parties and Organizations of South Asia ( CCOMPOSA ). It has already taken certain measures like the deployment of special border security forces along the Nepalese border. The recent Indian official statement indicate that India most likely may not object UN’s role in facilitation for peace talks. I am of opinion that India’s support will be significant in resolving the violent conflict even if the government of Nepal decides to request to UN for its facilitation.

TGQ. 4: Political parties now talk of the elections to the constituent assembly which is what the Maoists been demanding. What brings the two diametrically opposing political forces with different set of ideologies to come to the same wavelength ? A design or a compulsion ? How would you interpret this phenomenon ?

Prof.Amatya:The political parties in government and the opposing political parties in the streets are gradually now open to discuss the Maoist’s main demand of constituent assembly. This has been mainly because of a number of the following reasons. First, this has been because of the urgent need for peace and human security. Second, the constitution of 1990 has been derailed and the successive governments have been constituted under the article of 127 of the constitution. Third, H.M. the king has clearly indicated that he wants to play a constructive role. Fourth, the fast deteriorating security condition has compelled all political parties to agree for discussion with the Maoists on the issue of constitution assembly.

TGQ.5:Prof. Amatya, you have served at the Tribhuvan University for decades. It is alleged that the quality of education has deteriorated from what it used to be in the past. Whom you blame for this deterioration ? The teachers ? The students ? or the politics that has entered into the minds of the teachers and the students as well ? What measures you would suggest for bringing about a positive change in this regard ?

Prof. Amatya :The quality of education particularly of higher education was relatively better in the past than at present. The political leaders are responsible for the deterioration of quality in education. It started with the forceful implementation of NESP in early 1970s. With the restoration of multi – party democratic system, there has been too much politicization of the educational institutions, which has eroded the discipline of the teachers and students. The university authorities are to be made more accountable and there should not be interference from the political leaders in the university affairs. The Ministry of Education and Sports should make the University Grants Commission ( UGC ) more responsible in monitoring, supervising and providing broad guidance to the universities in enhancement of the quality of education in Nepal.