Cultural Diversity for human development

Parsuram Tamang

Throughout the history, the cultural identities have been suppressed, sometimes brutally – as state policy – through religious persecutions and ethnic cleansings to everyday exclusion, to economic – social – cultural and political discrimination. The victims are the indigenous peoples, minorities, and the migrants.

Cultural diversity is as necessary for human kind as biodiversity is for nature. Cultural diversity flourishes where there is cultural liberty and respect and recognition for different cultures. Cultural liberty is a human right and an important aspect of human development – thus worthy of state action and attention.

Approaches for respecting diversity and building more inclusive society by adopting policies that explicitly recognize cultural differences; from bilingual education and affirmative action plans to innovative system of inclusion of proportional representation and federalism; from expanding cultural freedoms to autonomy and legal pluralism; and for power sharing between culturally diverse groups through multi cultural democracy are recommended to promote stability, democracy and human development within and across societies.

The conventional mainstream development discourses until now focus on the economic, social and political conditions that need to be changed, and to try to ascribe quantifiable indicators for the change; and ignore or dismiss the cultural, moral and spiritual dimensions of human well being. Indigenous peoples who are regarded as the representatives of old civilizations and ancient wisdoms among many other groups have been voicing the spiritual and cultural aspects of development. Their culture, spirituality and Cosmo vision are inseparably attached to their ancestral lands and territories. In this development debate, the HDR sends a concrete message – cultural paradigm in human development and in redefining so-called clashes of civilizations theory to multi-cultural democracy.

Too long Indigenous Peoples have been ignored in global debates about conservation of environment, protection of cultural heritage and liberty, promotion of human rights and development. Indigenous peoples are not against development and globalisation, but for too long they have been victims of development and globalisation and now seek their right place in the modern world. Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and free prior informed consent, the fundamental prerequisites for any action to be implemented in indigenous territories should be respected and ethical globalisation should be considered.

On behalf of UNPFII, I welcome the report that I hope it will stimulate public debate and political attention to most pressing development priorities of cultural communities to building inclusive societies and managing diversity. It will offer a key platform for neglected groups to voice their concerns and recommendations at the country level.

Status of Cultural Diversity

Cultural and linguistic diversity is the reality of the world. More than 5000 different ethnic groups live in approximately 200 countries of the world today. In two out of every three countries there are indigenous peoples and minority groups that make up more than 10 percent of the global population. Of the estimated 6,000 cultures in the world, between 4,000 and 5,000 are indigenous peoples.

Of the estimated 10,000 languages that have existed over time, only about 6,000 languages are spoken today. Approximately, three-quarters of the world’s 6,000 languages are spoken by indigenous peoples. In the last century, the world has lost about 600 languages. And the number is projected to drop by 50-90 percent over the next 100 years. Most of them are indigenous peoples and traditional communities' languages. This is an alarming situation, and around the world, Indigenous Peoples and cultural communities are therefore more assertive in demanding respect for their cultures and identities. There is an urgent need to draw the attention of the national and international communities to reverse the trend.

Nepal and Cultural Diversity

Wearing a Nepali and a Tamang cap, I would like to say few words on the question of cultural Diversity in Nepal. Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Till 1990, Nepali State strictly followed a policy of assimilation. The Nepali Nationalism was defined by "Hindu religion, Hindu Monarchy, Hindu cultural symbols as national symbols and Khas -Nepali language as national and official language" absolutely based on one ethnic group culture. After the People’s Movements of 1990, the state has been continuing the same policy but with slight modification showing minimum tolerance towards other cultures.

Indigenous nationalities have pointed out that 19 clauses of 1991 Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, some clauses of 34 Statutes (Special laws) and some provisions of Civil Code are discriminatory against their internationally guaranteed rights and they are under represented in every aspect of national life.

For this, Indigenous and Language Communities brought National Declaration on Languages Rights. A Private Bill on Languages Management was drafted for adoption by the Parliament and registered at the Lower House of Parliament in BS 2058. Restructuring State Power to find a place for national autonomy and self-rule is in high priority of indigenous peoples in Nepal.

However, appreciation goes to the present multiparty democracy that it gives excluded groups of Nepal such as indigenous nationalities and minorities, women, dalits, madhise, and religious minorities political space and options to voice their concerns and it can provide opportunities to make multi cultural Nepal inclusive, equal, free and non-discriminatory.

(Comments made by the author on the occasion of release of HDR report 2004, Kathmandu, the author is the vice chairman of UN permanent forum on indigenous issues)

Planning Politics in Nepal-IV

Dr. Ram Kumar Dahal

Practical planning for the poor, powerless and voiceless and marginalized including the Dalits, Women, Adibasi Janajatis (indigenous nationalities) should be made so as to empower them. While determining or fixing targets and priorities of the planning, practical/realistic approach including integrated plan approach should be adopted. Similarly, while planning, appropriate scientific survey of the existing financial resources should be done, effective and practical development policy be formed, administrative efficiency be increased and people’s participation/public cooperation for the on going project should be sought. A practical and scientific data bank should be developed so as to provide accurate information about economic sector. The CBS in this direction should be strengthened so as to develop it as an effective government data bank. The private sector/market and the civil society organization (CSOs) and community based organisations (CBOs) should be encouraged to participate in the overall planning process. Effective balance should be maintained between the planning policies and annual budget and no contradiction between them should exist in practice. Macro, regional, sectoral and local development planning should be encouraged so as to uplift the poor, voiceless, powerless and marginalized groups including dalits, women, adibasi janajatis and the labour. Participatory planning should be promoted so as to improve their participation in development and planning. The horizontal decentralization of the planning mechanisms in a highly centralized planning system (e.g. establishing the branches of NPC in all ecological zones/regions and 14 zones (and districts be identified within its coverage) with central level NPC serving as umbrella organization to promote right based governance and distribution local planning and balanced regional/ecological development (e.g. between Terai in one hand and hills and high Himalayas on the other, between regions and zones in respect to manpower policy is essential in a constitutionally declared welfare state. The members of NPC, while planning for the remote areas should at least spend some months in identifying the local problems and needs, assess the local resources; the beneficiaries of the particular project and studying each and every aspect of planning. The NPC has to draw plans on the ratio of the population, areas, ethnic, socio-cultural, linguistic and religious representation and local resources should plan not for the political heavy weights or for the government alone which appoints him to that particular post (e.g. vice chairperson or members) but should plan for the people on the basis of the national needs and national/regional priorities. Planning by those educated in, or getting doctoral degrees from, world’s top most universities in western metropolitan centres, planning on Harvard or New York model of development in Himalayan districts of Humla and Jumla, having no knowledge of Nepal’s geographic, socio-cultural and economic conditions and/hard or ground realities, planning only after having a birds’ eye view from the aeroplane or helicopter that these the remote and most backward Himalayan or hill districts, does not become practical in the case of small, landlocked and world’s one of the most poorest countries like Nepal. The planners of the NPC, as some view, visit foreign country many times a year but not their own districts and villages for which they are planning. The NPC, as some critics in Nepal remark, plans only for the party in power or government or for the political heavy weights and their own areas/locality or constituency and not for the entire people and the nation even terribly undermining indigenous development.(Ram Kumar Dahal "Politics of Decentralized Governance in Nepal: Issues, Problems and Challenges" a paper presented in a work on Local Politics, Poverty and Decentralization, Copenhagen: Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) June 16-18 2004: 34-66)

Though Nepal has experimental with planning since last six decades, the concept of democratic planning has yet to evolve. Though the planning mechanism in post panchayat period were brought under popular control, these mechanisms have not been effectively performing their jobs. The political instability, lack of political commitment on the part of the political rulers and leaders (particularly those in power) and the pervasive political and administrative corruption have in most cases weakened the planning mechanism and nature of planning in Nepal. These mechanisms in most cases, have become the effective means to serve the political heavy weights than the ordinary people.(Concluded)

China on the rise

Sri. Sun Heping, Ambassador People's Republic of China, Nepal

Referring to a stable China, I think it is necessary to say something about China’s rise. Everybody is now talking about the rising of China, which is on its fast economic growth and becomes more powerful economically than ever before. Some people are afraid of China’s rise mainly because of being influenced by the so-called China threat designed viciously by anti-China forces.

Contrarily, China’s rise which would require a lot of time and probably efforts of several generations, is different from other powers and will not stand in the way of, nor pose threat to, nor at the cost of any other country. China is now moving on the road of peaceful rise.

China’s peaceful rise will be based on its own strength and self-reliance, as well as the vast domestic market, abundant human and natural resources. On the other hand, China’s rise could not be achieved without the rest of the world. We must always maintain its open policy and develop economic and trade exchanges with all friendly countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Safeguarding world peace and seeking common development are the two focuses we pursue in our diplomatic work. China’s diplomatic work has made its due contribution to creating a peaceful and favorable international and neighboring environment for China’s own development, to maintaining, world peace and promoting common prosperity among all countries.

In the final analysis, peaceful development in China as well as the growing prosperity of the 1.3 billion Chinese people is in itself the biggest contribution to the progress of all humanity. China will take full advantage of the good opportunity of world peace to develop itself and at the same time safeguard world peace with its development.

There have been some arguments in critical of China on the rise that China will be an assertive power exerting its influence not only around the neighborhood but also around Asia and the world. They claim it with the assertion that China has engaged in a sustained effort to modernize the People’s Liberation Army. Contrary to it, some friendly countries concerned hope China could increase its presence in South Asia.

Actually, the past years saw the role or influence played by China in its relations with South Asia countries, Asia and the world, is neither what they asserted nor the traditional influence as exerted by superpowers before. What they saw is that China is playing the constructive role in bilateral relations, regional and international arena with economic cooperation and assistance, not with its military power.

Judging from China’s history, internal and foreign policies and deeds, one can make a conclusion that China is a peace-loving country and its people are peaceful, friendly and helpful. China’s national image, prestige and dignity is now being enhanced in the comity of nations while it is pursuing the two goals of safeguarding world peace and promoting common prosperity in its relation with neighboring countries and countries all of the world.

(Speech delivered at NCWA)

Who will hear the farmer’s voice?

Kamala Sarup, USA

Narayan Sunar, a poor 50-year-old farmer said "I have no money. Doctor says I have to have nutritious food to fight T. B. I cannot afford it," says Narayan who lives in Chitawan. Narayan is one of 200 million people in Nepal who live in desperate poverty with an income of less than a dollar a day and no access to food, basic health or drinking water. The lives of farmers like Narayan living in remote villages in Chitawan typify the extent of poverty. He has seven children. He does not have money. Earlier, he worked in the farms but now he is too ill to do anything. Malnutrition remains a silent emergency in Nepal. Narayan Sunar said " Believe me, we have the capacity to produce food for ourselves. But then everything is loaded against us. While a small slice of Nepal is rich enough to eat out, but countryside are still struggling for survival".

Small farmers voice is still very unorganized. Small farmers are poor, and the poor have no voice in Nepal. There are no employment opportunities for these farmers. Being deprived of resources the traditional farmer is more knowledgeable about crop rotation and farming methods. In fact in Nepal the indiscriminate use of fertilisers was the cause for the degradation of the soil fertility. The other problem that has been existing for decades is the irrigation canal systems. There is practically zero maintenance and adaptation of new technology to improve water distribution canal systems. On the other hand a few hand pumps are the only source of water.

" All farmers in the country must be provided with free insurance coverage to a certain specified amount. Farmers losses due to cyclones, droughts, etc. must be compensated for. If India moves forward with the export subsidies, Nepali farmers will have a tough time surviving since the prices of Indian agro-products in the Nepali markets are already lower. It is high time that Nepal resolve subsidy issue. There is a need for subsidy not just in irrigation facilities, but also in fertilizers and exports. The agriculture sector must be protected. What rural Nepal and the farmers need are "disruptive innovations" in the way things are done" .Economist Dr. Naraha said while speaking with The Telegraph in Washington DC.

Poverty in Nepal largely means rural poverty because in rural areas most vulnerable of the rural farmers are there. The causes of our poverty are clear. There is not enough land to absorb the available village labor force in agriculture. Starvation deaths are often reported in rural areas. Most of the power installments are located around the capital. Even the contribution of agriculture to Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) presently stands at around 40 per cent and absorbs 80 per cent of the total work force. Now we have question Are poverty reduction benefits enough to justify the substantial financial and human resources investment required to establish farmers’ markets?

The markets are a useful outlet for small vegetable farmers but the markets cannot be expected to contribute to price stability. Lack of easy access to rural financing, poor delivery system of modern agricultural technologies, poor quality of agriculture inputs mainly fertilizer and lack of effective institution to facilitate agricultural marketing are some of the major causes for the low competitiveness of Nepali farmers. On the other hand inadequate rural roads and insufficient electrification as other bottlenecks that has resulted in the increase in the cost of production of the Nepali agro-products. Governments should establish guidelines for credit allocation. More rural financial institutions are needed to be mobilized. Special funds should be designated for loans, sometimes at subsidized interest rates. A country which largely depends on agriculture, it has failed to cope with the rise in demand for food grains.

"As I watched scheme for the poor and rural farmers in Nepal with the politically correct phrases like food-for-all, drinking water for all, education for all, healthcare for all, electricity for all. I don’t think it will make much of a difference except in some more already-filled pockets. I guess the budget left little for ‘real farmer’s solutions and was indeed used to appease political parties many of whom have stuck to idealogies which have long rusted and corroded. I guess there is always hope that this year there will be something different for farmers. There is always Budget to look forward to. Maybe the budget had more politics involved than economics. There are election coming up and this may be the framework for that. They are trying to win these with the same slogan/motto that won them the government seats. The government is very unstable, maybe the entire term even may not be possible without compromises on policies." Dr. Badri Khadka also said while speaking with The Telegraph in Arlington.

He further added " When government will increase farmers’ participation in market management and considering longer opening hours improving bus services genuinely poor farmers are able to sell their goods. What we need are policies that make agriculture an attractive proposition, a viable proposition for them, so farmers can survive and produce food for themselves and for the country. Nepal as agriculture is lifeblood and the heart of its economy . Prosperous farmers mean more employment. What we lack is proper targeting of pro-poor schemes, cutting down bureaucratic hurdles and a clear roadmap for reforms".

A country which largely depends on agriculture, it has failed to cope with the rise in demand for food grains. The provision of cheap and reliable efficient transportation, adequate power, water management and sanitation, to the entirety of the land-area of a nation, is the absolute precondition for successful economic growth of the agriculture sector as a whole. However, The Maoist-Government conflict, political instability, contradiction in the policies formulated by the different governments, which only disturbs the smooth flow of agriculture activities.

Rabindra Roy, from Farmer’s voice said " The difficulties of agricultural trade are familiar to us all. I guess we have to wait for next set announcements of administrative reforms, as the PM was talking about giving the money directly to the local bodies. Even transparency and accountablity, have been the most difficult to achieve in governance in Nepal. In urban areas the participation is difficult and dominated by politial, administrative authorities. Instead of going top-down we started the project business plan with a clean piece of paper where the key was tight financial control "The key to growth is investment," he said. "Public and private, domestic and foreign. Let’s hope the Nepali politicians get the message. "Farmers have to struggle together to get social and economic justice".

Even when farmers in Nepal can produce saleable surpluses, they have to struggle to gain sales in the rich markets of the world because of the power of entrenched farm interests there.

(Author can be reached at ksarup@yahoo.com )

Headline | Opinion | Dateline | National |  5 Question  | Editorial | Letter | 2nd Impression | International | Past