DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY: LOST IN TRANSITION

It is very ignorant for people to think that Nepal is poor considering the lifestyle of majority of people. Nation could definitely be considered poor if compared in terms of cars, houses and

bank balance, but one of the most important aspect of Nepalese life is that majority of its people live a life of self-sustenance also promoted as Self-sustainable development by NGOs/INGOs.

Most of Nepalese citizens are engaged in farming occupation and each family sustains itself through its own endeavours in floriculture, horticulture or animal husbandry unlike industrialized nations where people must have jobs for sustenance.

Majority of Nepalese population, thus doesn’t depend upon any kind of job for sustenance. Instead, entire family members are engaged in family trades. Rearing live stocks and farming are among many other ways people engage themselves in action. In most of the Terai, village cow-herd girls and boys rise up early in the morning, take their cows to the forests and spend all day playing in the rivers and ponds before heading back to their homes with their animals.

Government of Nepal hasn’t been able to collaborate with its own citizens because of their internal conflict and dirty politics. NRN leaders can work in co-ordination with the government. National Planning Commission must create an immediate policy that can bring NRN leaders across the world together.

Sampreshan White-Himal organized an interaction program with the former assistant general secretary of UN Mr. Kul Chandra Gautam in Jackson Heights, who is also the writer of “Lost in Transition”. 
Chief Guest Kul Chandra Gautam answering the questions on topic “Challenges and Possibilities for Development of Nepal”

Sampreshan was hosted by a young, energetic, and dynamic Journalist Shailesh Shrestha.
When asked by Purosattam Bohora via facebook, “Why did Kul Chandra Gautam tried so hard to stop Ban-Ki-Moon’s visit to Nepal during Prachanda’s prime-ministership?” Gautam replied, “Prachanda was the co-ordinator of the Lumbini Development Committee then who had a background of leading a violent civil war. I was against the idea of him leading this committee. I never tried to stop Ban-Ki-Moon’s visit. I didn’t have any ability to do so.”

Development of Nepal has nothing to do with the regional divisions. Drafting of the constitution was delayed by the subject of regional divisions. Although late, constitution has been drafted but not all parties are satisfied with it. We needn’t quarrel in such matters. Since the nation has already been divided into various zones, we must work within this frame for the economic progress of the country. Jyoti K. Shrestha added and said, “Our country hasn’t developed because of the lack of execution of the country’s system and laws.” 

This is a time to work for the national progress instead of engaging in regional disputes. Instead of fighting for caste or gender equality, we should emphasize upon the equality of all Nepalese people. Everyone must work keeping in mind the future of their children, education and health. Nepal is still in the process of political transition. We still have differences and the national partition makes it more difficult for us to get what we want. We must wait for more years.

Devex