Nepal lacks a peaceful environment

by Kamala Sarup
March 3, 2010

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/582/nepal-lacks-a-peaceful-environment

Peace and security are the common factors of development, which affects the whole system of the country. Terrorism, War, disagreements, poor security and no development are the major causes of poverty, violence and unemployment. Nepal still lacks a peaceful environment where common people can live without any fear.

Security of the people is the buzzword along with peace and development. First and foremost, security should be restored in the Nepalese society. This will then open doors to combat poverty and unemployment. Second, massive programs on rehabilitation and economic development should be introduced and implemented.

Nepal's youth, intellectuals, experts and technocrats should join hands for the sole purpose of national development. In fact, national development in various fields and sectors should be dealt by experts and specialists and not politicians. Rather, the bad influence of
political leaders who lack the skill, ability and vision to bring peace and stability in society has affected national development.

Politicians and government officials who abuse their power for private and personal gains should be punished as per set regulations and corrupt administrators should be removed from their posts.

Poverty, violence and unemployment are the real wars that Nepalese people need to fight. These have risen due to Nepal's unstable political climate and the economic crisis. As a result, Nepal's national productivity as well as gross domestic product has shrunk.
The current budget estimates 5 percent growth rate, which does not match the real economy.

There is always a lot of talk on how to combat poverty but no firm steps and implementation of policies take effect. Political leaders, ministers, NGO's and concerned authorities talk much about poverty and ways to combat it. Several seminars, meetings and conferences are held. Yet, if one looks around, poverty has not reduced. Rather, it
appears to be on the rise.

"Each year the government prioritizes fighting poverty in its budget speech. We see poverty alleviation focused even in the preamble of national plans. But the implication of poverty alleviation programs is very weak and ineffective to cope with absolute poverty," said Dr.
Surendra Pradhanang of Nepal.

He further said, "A poverty alleviation fund has been established. Some poverty alleviation programs were started. Due to poor implementation and absence of honesty (in carrying out the programs) the output of the programs has not been very significant. Analytically, despite undertaking the programs, no progress was made in combating poverty."

Inflation on daily consumption goods is very high and unstable. The supply system, which is not good, is mostly blocked and black-marketed in the country. The inflationary rate, it is experienced, is in between 20-30 percent, Pradhanang said.

On the situation in Nepal, Pradhanang said, "Nepal has the provision to provide general standard education to all. But it has not taken any special step on appropriate education and employment programs for children and women. Nepal suffers from a gender disparity where women have less access to educational and health facilities and social
services."

Indeed, Nepal needs to do more to improve education for children and create more employment opportunities for women.

Related Topics:  International News receive the latest by email: subscribe to weekly blitz's free mailing list