Mounting corruption and poor governance, curtailment of press freedom and violation of human rights, dismal socio-economic development, nepotism, laxities and laissez-faire and an ineffective and inefficient bureaucracy were some of the anomalies and irregularities which contributed to the downfall of the monarchy in Nepal. Human rights experts, economists and political analysts suggest that several similar anomalies and irregularities have emerged and taken a grip which, if left unchecked, might discredit the Nepal Communist Party, and as a consequence make the people and the state suffer.

The undercurrent of fissures in the CPN-UML and Maoist amalgamated party, and notably, the political tussles surfacing among its top brass may possibly lead to a political eruption which can cause a setback in fulfilling the people’s verdict and promises of development, prosperity, good governance and political stability.

Conflicting propositions

Currently, disagreements over whether ‘bahudaliya janabad’ or ‘janatako janabad’ or ‘janatako bahudaliya janabad’ should be the Nepal Communist Party’s guiding principle is already not a healthy sign, moreover after it has been running the government for already one and a half years. These conflicting propositions are believed by many to be synonymous to an idiosyncrasy distracting from the core job when the people and the state are grappling with myriads of irregularities and anomalies; national trade, commerce and the economy are in a sharp downturn; and corruption and poor governance are at its peak.

Because of the lack of an increase in national production, the trade deficit has ballooned to Rs1,100 billion in the 10 months of the current fiscal year, with rice imports alone accounting for Rs2 billion monthly. The press, judiciary and human rights organisations are at risk, as their freedom is being curtailed. The opposition political parties are also vehemently criticising the flaws. Nepal has embarked on a major socioeconomic transformation with the mammoth goal of graduating from least developed country status to a middle-income one by 2030 where the per capita income is projected to reach $2,500 from the existing $862. This goal is supposed to enable the attainment of development, prosperity and happiness.

Nepal may face a shortage of 3.6 million workers by 2030. Mass labour outmigration—an estimated 7 million economically active youths already out of the country for different jobs—is ever increasing. Nepal needs to generate 6.1 million jobs to join the guild of low-middle income countries by 2030. Three million jobs need to be created in the agricultural sector alone, where an estimated 40 percent of the total arable land is not cultivated. Nepal’s labour market experiences the entry of around 500,000 workers per year, and 80 percent of them are leaving the country.

The government has been dwelling excessively on high-tech and costly development schemes with long gestation periods but not concentrating enough on completing basic development projects—and this has been a chronic issue. Accomplishing activities of vital public importance, however small, is also no less important. In terms of performance, it seems that the government has been getting mixed results in various aspects of work. Considering the disaster in implementing a large number of infrastructure construction projects all over the country, no action has been initiated to investigate breaches of contract. Investigations also need to occur if project budgets are becoming insufficient due to concerned office-bearers requesting commissions and kickbacks.

Poor capital expenditure of around 50 percent of the total capital budget per year—and most of it being bunched up during the end of every fiscal year, as the government scrambles to use up the unspent funds—speaks volumes about the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the state machinery. Accountability and diligence at different levels of authority and responsibility are apparently lacking. Service delivery and socio-economic development are sluggish and insufficient.

Evidence-based outputs

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal cannot afford to underutilise or waste any time, energy and scarce resources. Instead of dwelling on rhetoric and topdressing facts and figures, it is essential to show evidence-based outputs, outcomes and impact in upgrading the quality of life of every Nepali citizen. Otherwise, it will be a mockery of the people and their having provided this government with such a large electoral mandate. Meeting people’s development aspirations needs ample hard work and untiring efforts with dutiful actions discharged by the political leaders and office-bearers in the bureaucracy.

Political leaders should refrain from becoming like development management consultants who do not carry responsibility and accountability for implementing the activities but simply get paid for enlightening on the workings of projects. Unless a radical improvement takes place, how can the government utilise the gigantic national budget of Rs1.53 trillion allocated for the fiscal year 2019-20 optimally and productively across the country while ensuring transparency and accountability? Only making laws and policies will not suffice, their strict enforcement showing visible improvement and progress is more important.

Dixit is an expert on integrated development issues.