The State and the Maoist must realize that they have both lost the faith of the people - Dr. Rudra Prasad Upadhyay, Associate Professor Central Department of Economics, T.U.

Dr. Rudra Upadhyaya has served for almost three decades at the Tribhuvan University. Currently, he is an Associate Professor associated with the Economics department of the T.U.

Dr. Upadhyaya obtained his doctoral degree in Tourism. His areas of interests include, among others, Tourism development.

Dr. Upadhyaya has handled a couple of research projects on :

Problems & Prospects of tourism in Chitwan Region. (1997) CEDA, T.U; The scope for Medical Tourism in Chitwan (1998) CEDA, TU

Nepal-Pakistan Bilateral Co-operation: Tourism & Culture (2004) IDEA, Nepal; Tourism Promotion between Nepal and Bangladesh (2004) MOCTCA, HMG/N

Some publications are also to his credit such as Tourism & Economic Development (Under Press)

The scope for Medical Tourism in Chitwan (Research Article)

SWOT Analysis of Tourism sector in Nepal (Research Article)

Served as a socio-economist in ADB Funded Fourth Rural Water and Sanitation Sect Project (FRNSSP) in MWDR.

Served as a senior Social Planner in World Bank funded Surkhet- Jumla in MWDR.

He is amicable and is admired by his students at the T.U.

Last week we approached this expert on Tourism for a tete-a-tete. Below the results-chief editor.

TGQ1: As an expert on Tourism, you Mr. Upadhyaya, see the prospects of tourism sector in the country? Is it at all in a position to take a form of industry as such? Is Nepal is in an advantageous position vis-à-vis other equally beautiful countries in the world? If yes then what advantages we have compared to other countries?

Mr. Upadhayaya: In the long-term the tourism sector in Nepal if properly used and managed, yes I see we have plenty of prospective in tourism compared to other countries.

Definitely the tourism sector could take an industrial form here in Nepal. This is what we should do if we are really are to make gain from it. In this regard our government must promote the tourism as a leading sector for sustainable economic development of Nepal and strengthening our economy. We are one of the richest in the world in terms of flora & fauna. There are no other countries in the world like ours, which has almost sea level flat lands of the Terai to the highest point on earth. We are yet to exploit this diversity. We should now work in this regard.

TGQ2: We talk of developing rural tourism, mountain tourism and the likes. Do we possess the needed facilities in order to entertain the incoming tourists? Along with this, does the government have a policy in this regard? Your comments please!

Mr. Upadhayaya: In fact rural tourism is the most suited in our context. But unfortunately we have not looked at it in that manner. Only three tourist destinations in the country namely, Kathmandu, Pokhra & Chitwan speaks volumes for our shortsighted policy in the last 48 years. Unfortunately to my mind the government even if it wanted to cannot do much in this regard. The private sector for example is only interested in investing in those places where they pull in resources.

TGQ3: Nepal is an in-secured place and not a good tourist destination altogether is what is being propagated by certain quarters in the neighborhood and elsewhere. Is it that insecure that is being made out to be? What could be done in this regard to put to rest to such sponsored propaganda?

Mr. Upadhayaya: Actually speaking to my mind the reality as to whether Nepal is a safe tourist destination or not lies between two extremes. On the one hand neither is it bad security wise as propaganda makes it out nor is it as safe and sound as our tourism pandits make it out to be. Just because to date no tourist has been killed so far by the insurgency does not in any way mean that tourists are safe. When Nepalese themselves residing even in Kathmandu, the capital city, are not safe security wise how can we guarantee that Nepal is a safe destination for tourists. The recent bombing of Sanchaya Kosh Building in the heart of the capital and in other major cities bears testimony to this fact. The only way in negating the bad effects of the propaganda will be, as I see it, by initiating the peace process with the insurgents and coming to a minimum understanding to arrive at a certain degree of safety brought about by an effective peace process.

TGQ4: As a responsible citizen of the country, how you Mr. Upadhyaya see the existing political situation in the country? Who is responsible: the political parties, the bureaucrats, or the King? Your remarks please!

Mr. Upadhyaya: Regarding the sad political situation in the country first and foremost the political parties especially the leaders are responsible. The last 14 years of miserable and malgovernance is a proof. The bureaucrats and corruption in high places has also contributed to this fact. As for the king, he was compelled to take the step he did on October 4, 2002. But the appointment of Prime minister like Chand and Thapa was a step that reduced the popularity of the monarchy. As we stand today all three sectors whether to a greater or lesser extent are responsible for the political instability in the country.

TGQ5: Maoists and the state forces are fighting giving an impression that a sort of civil war was on in the country. What measures could be devised in order to bring the Maoists to the table and finally facilitate them into joining the national political mainstream? Your opinions please!

Mr. Upadhyaya: First of all let’s be clear that this near civil war situation is a no win situation for either the state or the Maoist. First of all both sides must be serious about the peace process. Just buying time and sitting down for talks like in the previous one will not help to solve the situation. The state and the Maoist must realize that they have both lost the faith of the people. This is a very important factor if the insurgents want to enter the political mainstream. The people have had enough with 12000 people dead & 30000 seriously wounded and become disabled, the people want peace more than ever before. Today peace unfortunately is in the air but not on the ground. It is for both the warring faction to realize this and come to a meeting point without further delay.

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