Submit your Article

Earlier this week, on May 5, the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav, underwent a sudden split. Out of its 12 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, seven members led by Ashok Rai filed an application with the Election Commission seeking the registration of a new party. The following day, despite legal ambiguity, the election body, perceived to be influenced by parties in power, registered the new party, Janata Samajbadi Party and issued a certificate of political party to the Rai-led panel.

Yadav, also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, was in the US when the split occurred. Upon hearing the news, he cut short his trip and returned to Nepal, but there was little he could do to persuade the dissident leaders to undo their action. What might have caused the split within Samajbadi party? There's a prevalent belief among top politicians that Yadav and Madhav Kumar Nepal, chair of CPN (Unified Socialist), were plotting to withdraw support from the current coalition government simultaneously, potentially to topple it.

Media reports suggest that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli got wind of this plan and orchestrated the split to salvage the coalition. Rai and his supporters publicly endorsed this narrative, claiming they felt compelled to part ways with the mother party due to Yadav's alleged intention to withdraw support from the current coalition. Days after the party split, Prime Minister Dahal on Thursday stated his determination to maintain the coalition by any means necessary. 

Following Samajbadi’s split, there were rumors that senior Unified Socialist leader Jhala Nath Khanal may also split the party if its chairman, Nepal, decides to withdraw from the Dahal-led government. However, Khanal has refuted the rumors. Upon his return from the US, Yadav met with Prime Minister Dahal to assert his commitment to the coalition and clarify any misinformation. Despite the split, Yadav expressed his intention to remain in the government, though much depends on the prime minister, who appears to favor the Rai-led faction for their role in preserving the coalition. Even if Yadav walks out of the government, Dahal will technically have majority support in the Parliament to continue his government.

The Unified Socialist has also publicly declared its intent to stay in the government, despite its Chairman Nepal voicing doubts about this coalition’s longevity. While reports suggest that the main opposition, Nepali Congress, was in discussions with Nepal of Unified Socialist and Yadav of Samajbadi Party about forming a new coalition, there were reportedly no significant talks between NC and Yadav.

A senior NC leader indicated readiness to accept Nepal as prime minister if the coalition collapses, but denied willingness to support Yadav for the position. Meanwhile, Yadav's camp has expressed willingness to form a new coalition only if offered the prime ministerial position. The NC itself is a divided house when it comes to forming a coalition with the Samajbadi and Unified Socialist. While leaders close to Deuba want to form a new coalition sans UML, its senior leader Shekhar Koirala is in talks with the UML to forge a coalition between the two largest parties. 

However, according to some UML leaders, the party chair, Oli, is in no rush to break the current coalition. They say he is aiming for a long game with the sole purpose of making the UML the largest party through the general elections of 2027. It appears Oli is in no hurry to become prime minister.   With the Samajbadi party split in two, it is now up to Prime Minister Dahal to decide whether to keep both Yadav and Rai factions in the coalition. He is already under pressure from the Rai camp to throw out the Yadav faction. Rai has clearly stated that the prime minister should choose between him and Yadav.

The events that unfolded over the past few days reveal that the split within JSP was not solely driven by coalition issues; intra-party conflicts also played a significant role. Before leaving for the US, Yadav issued an intra-party circular outlining the formation of an election committee for the upcoming general convention. Rai claimed Yadav favored his supporters as convention representatives, sidelining other senior party members. Yadav was also accused of attempting to transform the party into a regional entity centered on Madhes, despite its national scope. Rai acknowledged that aside from coalition concerns, intra-party disputes fueled their rebellion against Yadav.  Despite multiple splits over the years, Yadav continues to retain leadership of the party due to his strong base in Madhes. He hopes to do the same this time as well. 

The budget session of the Parliament is set to begin on May 10 with the main purpose of endorsing the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. As per the constitutional provision, the government must table the budget by May 28. However, it remains uncertain whether the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) will allow a smooth functioning of the House session, a prerequisite for tabling and deliberating on the budget bill.

The winter session of the parliament ended following a prolonged obstruction from the NC. This compelled the government to issue ordinances on crucial investment-related laws. The NC has been demanding formation of a parliamentary panel to investigate Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane's alleged involvement in the misuse of cooperative funds. The victims of cooperative frauds have filed cases against Lamichhane in Pokhara and other places, but state agencies have shown a lack of enthusiasm to investigate the matter. Ahead of the parliamentary session, the NC's parliamentary board meeting has reaffirmed its stance that an inquiry panel should be formed for smooth functioning of the parliament. Lamichhane and senior ruling party leaders, however, maintain that there is no need for a probe panel specifically targeting Lamichhane. While the ruling parties seem to have agreed to form a panel to investigate overall cases related to cooperatives, the NC insists on a Lamichhane-centered investigation panel. On this issue, both ruling and opposition parties should find a middle ground, as the budget process should not be obstructed for any reason. Currently, with the country facing an economic crisis, people are eagerly awaiting the measures the government will take through the budget to address the situation. Recent history shows that both ruling and opposition parties cannot bear prolonged obstructions of parliament and have to arrive at a middle ground. 

Our political parties are adept at seeking win-win solutions through abstract and vague compromises. They can apply the same formula this time too. Both the ruling and opposition parties should act responsibly to end parliamentary obstructions without delay. There is no doubt that questions surround Lamichhane, and people want to know the actual status. The only option for political parties is to pave the way for an investigation against Lamichhane while also allowing parliament to function smoothly. Parliament should be allowed to hold discussions on various aspects of the budget, which is the main duty of our lawmakers.

Purna Chandra Bhattarai is a former government secretary who has gained vital experience and expertise while serving in various ministries and their subordinate bodies, especially relating to social security programs, poverty alleviation, labor market, and employment. He was also part of the Social Security Plan Study Committee, whose report formed the basis for the Social Security Fund. He also served in the National Employment Program Study Committee that helped shape the current Prime Minister’s Employment Program. Here is how he sees Nepal’s social security program. 

Social security

Humans face crises in various stages of their life cycle. And, it is the duty of the state to provide security from risks to citizens who are in economic and social crises for the protection of their human dignity. Social security is an important tool that a state can employ to protect its citizens from various crises. The scope of social security may vary depending on the political system and the concept of welfare state adopted by the country. 

Citizens could face difficulties in maintaining minimum livelihood due to poverty, illness, disasters, disabilities, old age, or other reasons. Under such circumstances, social security schemes can be vital to ease their troubles. That’s why social security and protection are perceived as rights of citizens and as human rights. 

Scenarios 

Take recurring events like floods, landslides, and fire that cause significant financial losses to many people for example. Or consider events like the 2015 earthquakes and the Covid-19 pandemic that pushed a large population below the poverty line. The poverty rate has been observed at 20.27 percent, according to the third Living Standards Survey. Likewise, according to the latest census, 27.83 percent of the population is below 14 years of age, 10.21 percent are over 60 years old, and 2.2 percent are disabled. Similarly, more than six percent of the total female population are widows. Single women and at risk communities need to be covered by the state's social security umbrella. Disasters and crises can strike anyone, anytime, and in any way. Thus, social security is necessary to protect citizens from such risky situations and to guarantee them dignified living conditions.

Nepali context

In Nepal, the concept of social security is formally seen through the Army Welfare Fund (current Employees Provident Fund), which has been established since the Rana regime. It has been a subject of much discussion in Nepali society since the distribution of pensions started with a rate of Rs 100 per month from 1994 (approximately 30 years ago). Currently, various social security programs such as scholarships, daily meals, free textbook distribution, elderly citizen allowances, support for the disabled, Prime Minister’s Employment Program, and more than 80 other social security programs are being implemented in Nepal.

Types of social security

Social security programs are primarily of three types: first, social assistance; second, social security based on contributions; and third, labor market interventionist programs. Social assistance is provided to individuals and families who are economically and socially vulnerable or do not have access to basic services. This includes cash and in-kind support, social security benefits, primary health care services such as maternity security programs, free basic health care, scholarships, daily meals, etc. The second type is contributory social security and social insurance programs for livelihood protection and protection from risks. These programs provide benefits based on contributions made by relevant individuals and institutions. Such programs include retirement benefits, social security schemes (health insurance, accident insurance, dependent family security, children's education grants, various facilities related to safe maternity), employee provident funds, national health insurance programs, citizen investment funds, foreign employment welfare funds, etc. Third, labor market-related programs are aimed at increasing employment and productivity in the labor market, including skill development training programs such as vocational training, youth self-employment, Prime Minister's Employment Program, food or cash for work scheme, employment support, unemployment facilitation program, etc.

Guidelines

It is the responsibility of the state to support citizens facing difficult situations. Social security is recognized as a human right under Articles 22 and 25 of the International Declaration of Human Rights. Article 34 and 43 of the Constitution of Nepal also include social security as a fundamental right. Article 34 mentions the right to social security based on contributions for every worker, while Article 43 mentions the right to social security as a fundamental right for economically and socially vulnerable, disabled single women, disabled, orphaned children, those unable to fulfill their own aspirations, and backward caste citizens. Additionally, the concept of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ has been adopted as a commitment to inclusive development. Nepal has adopted national commitments to achieve sustainable development through social protection mechanisms, including establishing a nationally appropriate social protection system that helps vulnerable and at-risk communities, and developing resilient, flexible, and effective systems to prevent, reduce, respond to, and build resilience against risks. Nepal has also made international commitments in this regard.

Challenges

The foremost challenge today is to create a common understanding of the need for social security and related concepts. In recent times, all three tiers of government—federal, provincial, and local—have been competing in cash distribution programs in the name of social security. Maintaining a balance between significant political ambitions, the state's unlimited responsibilities, and limited financial capacity is crucial to establish an autonomous, contributory, sustainable, and productive social security plan. Once a social security assistance program starts, the likelihood of its withdrawal decreases significantly. Therefore, it is essential to conduct in-depth studies and analysis before making a decision.

In some situations, lengthy administrative processes have hindered the inclusion of at-risk groups in the social security scheme. These excluded groups include individuals without citizenship, single women, Dalit children, and persons with disabilities. There are also several incidents of some people presenting fraudulent records to take social security benefits.

Similarly, federal, provincial, and local levels have begun implementing identical social security programs independently. Some local levels have even increased the distribution amount of federal grants. Different bodies operating similar programs in the same place are also seen. The Government of Nepal has implemented programs such as the Prime Minister's Employment Program, while provinces have their Chief Minister’s Employment Programs, and some local levels have Chairperson/Chief Employment Programs.

Moreover, another significant challenge in social security and protection-related programs is financial sustainability. Currently, the number of people receiving social security benefits is much higher than before. In fiscal year 2080/81 BS, social security allocation was Rs 258bn. This amount accounts for 14.8 percent of the national budget. The development budget allocated to the social security sector is larger than before.

Another challenge is to make social security contributions-based systems inclusive for all. In addition to the formal sector, informal sectors, self-employment, and foreign employment should also be included in the social security system. Individuals included in this system receive benefits related to sickness, accidents, or disabilities, ensuring security for dependent families and elderly individuals. Making social security a necessity ensures that individuals can benefit, while reducing the burden on the state. In the last five years, there has been no increase in the participation of employers and contributors as expected. Similarly, health insurance programs are also very sluggish. Therefore, special efforts by the state are necessary for contributing to development in this contribution-based social security sector.

Targeted group

Another challenge seen in the context of social security is the identification of targeted groups. Instead of focusing on genuine at-risk groups, social security has become excessively distributive for political gains. This makes it difficult to target social security to the most needed groups. Currently, it is estimated that only around 32 percent of the population benefits from social security and protection programs, while the country aims to include 80 percent of the population in such assistance by 2030 as part of the sustainable development goal.

Effective measures 

It is necessary to prepare social security policies and structures (floor) related to social security in an integrated manner to bring them into a unified system. In addition, it is essential to expand the reach of programs to targeted groups by managing economic expenditure efficiently within the state's financial system. Moreover, it is necessary to develop a system where individuals can manage their own arrangements by increasing participation in social security based on contributions. Currently, around 35 percent of employee expenditure is spent on pensions, and it is necessary to include government employees in contributory pension programs. Furthermore, an integrated registry system is essential to prevent duplicate payments in social security. Similarly, effective identification of the real poor and implementing poverty identification programs is essential to make social security effective. In addition, even though the state encourages programs from time to time, special efforts are required to bring informal sectors into social security.

Social security is a joint venture between the state and citizens. Citizens themselves should be involved in social security by contributing to appropriate structures. Civil society organizations can play a role in advocating for programs related to social security, raising awareness at the grassroots level, and increasing participation. Individuals who do not need social security in society can also contribute voluntarily, inspiring and honoring social organizations. Citizen society needs to raise voice and support for the inclusion of the necessary groups, genders, and communities in social security programs and to advocate for inclusion.

These measures will not only make social security more effective but also contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient society.

Ways to strengthen it

There are three ways to strengthen the social security system: (I) Social assistance: Creating situations for people who are not able to avail themselves of necessary facilities, such as identification of targeted groups, eliminating duplicates, and creating situations for those who cannot avoid. (II) Contribution-based social security: Expanding the scope of contribution-based social security, incorporating those engaged in informal sectors, self-employment, and foreign employment into its fold, and continuously engaging them in contribution-based programs such as health insurance, contribution-based pension, etc., to make them more effective and impactful. (III) Intervention in the labor market: Engaging in employment-based campaigns and programs outside the political sphere to connect employment with skills and the market.

Achieving effective coordination 

The Constitution and the Social Security Act 2075 have entrusted the responsibility of social assistance, especially direct cash transfers for social assistance, to the federal government and the responsibility of implementation to the local level. If poverty alleviation, which falls under the responsibilities of all three levels of government, is to be achieved, then the authority area of all three levels also needs to be expanded. Therefore, it is necessary for the Nepal government to centralize policies, standards, and financial resources for social security in employment-based programs at the provincial level. In order to overcome the crisis in the citizens' life cycle that does not receive political benefits from social security, it is necessary to consider protective measures in the form of necessary protection measures. It is also essential to establish institutional mechanisms for coordination among the governments of all three levels in this regard.

Our last day's adventure at the Jungle Island Resort (read previous story), Bandarjola, Chitwan National Park, was a sightseeing tour of the Magar crocodiles and the inimitable Gharials. That meant almost a two-hour ride in a narrow dugout canoe in the Narayani River. It sounded great to my family but me. It was a no-go for me flat out because I was too scared of water—virtually to a fixation.

I had reasons for my fear of water, and the story behind it goes like this: Once, in the lake city of Pokhara, I went fishing in a narrow two-person dugout with a local guy in Lake Phewa. Everything was going fine, and we managed a few catches, too.

But the weather turned sour without any warning, and we were caught unawares by a massive thunderstorm. Barely had we made half the distance to the banks across the lake when the narrow dugout started filling with heavy rainwater almost to the level of the hull.

Panic-stricken, I frantically bailed the water out with a small bucket we carried while my local guide furiously worked the paddles. Suddenly, I realized that I didn't know how to swim!

After what appeared like a half-hour, the dreadful ordeal ended, though. The rain fell back, and we made it to the safety of the banks. Phew! "That was a close call," I mumbled to myself. From that day onwards, I never considered doing a boat ride again and steered clear of even a swimming pool in the bargain.  

I walked my excited kids and wife to the riverboat yard and waved them goodbye as the canoe slid into the water. I had two hours to kill before they would be back. I spotted a shack with a few chairs and benches close by. It turned out to be a tea shop.  

The tea made from buffalo milk had that typical Terai hallmark—thick and cloyingly sweet. I could not resist and went for a second cup. As I was about to sip my tea, my eyes fell upon a distant elephant hulking down in my direction. At a closer look, the mounted figure looked very familiar. Wait a minute! He was none other than Kumal and the elephant, every inch, Laxmikali.  

I greeted him with a wave and asked him to join me for tea. He was all smiles to see me and broke into a chuckle when I told him sheepishly my excuse for not joining my family for the canoe ride.

As our chat followed, I suddenly observed a scar running on his face from the left side of the lip and cheek to almost the side of his temple. I missed the scar the previous day when we were on the mind-boggling elephant ride. I could not help asking him about it. And my jaws dropped when Kumal recited the story that took place several years ago.  

"The incident took place while I was doing a routine safari ride for two foreign guests," Kumal said. "I had with me the same elephant, Laxmikali." Kumal pointed his finger at the nearby Laxmikali, tugging at a patch of sod with his trunk.

"Shortly, we ran into a sloth bear right on our track," he continued. The bear stood guard for her cub perched on a Jamun tree (java plum) branch some 15 feet above the ground. Jamuns are a favorite of bears. Kumal's long experience in the park's forest told him a lone bear, except for a brief display of aggression, did not pose a genuine threat to humans.

But a mama bear in her cub's company could turn into quite another story—the most unpredictable. She can turn nasty and is as often as not likely to attack, even if the least provoked.

Instinct made Laxmikali stop in her tracks, but she did not take alarm. Such encounters were not uncommon during safari rides. Kumal thought it better to give the bear a wide berth, though. The last thing he wished for was a face-off.

It was too late! Without warning, the mother bear swung around towards Laxmikali and charged at a run with a blood-curdling growl, baring her fangs.

From 15 yards, the mother bear closed in on a bound and kept coming! She stopped at a few paces, stood on her toes, and snarled. Laxmikali froze, so did Kumal. 

The moment of truth had arrived, thought Kumal. The silence behind the howdah also spoke about the guests' plight. As Kumal's concern was their safety, the only course left for him was to make a slow retreat. But as he nudged Laxmikali with his toes to step back, the bear struck, taking a nasty bite of her trunk. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.

Before Kumal knew it, mayhem struck, and Laxmikali went berserk. She retaliated with an ear-splitting trumpeting that shook the ground, the sound tearing for miles into the dense forest. Still, in a befuddled state, Kumal watched in dismay as Laxmikali bounded for the tree instead of turning up on the bear. She lashed her trunks onto the branch to pull the terrified cub down. The guests watched from the howdah, stunned.

The drama seemed unrelenting as the desperate club clutched a tree branch for dear life. Stupefied by Laxmikali's unexpected onslaught, the bear wavered and backed off but resumed her vicious lunges again. Thank heaven. So far, no harm had come to the guests, mused Kumal, sweat running down his forehead, almost blinding his eyes.

However, he realized the situation was getting out of hand. He tried his best, but no coaxing or sharp clouting worked to curb Laxmikali's fury.

Frothing at the mouth, she flailed her trunk wildly to knock the bear cub down. Meanwhile, the mother bear's challenging huffing, woofing, and lunges appeared feeble. She likely thought better of it against the animal ten times her size.

Suddenly, there was a loud crack. Before Kumal could gather his wits, a stout branch came crashing down, hitting him in the chest. Another hit the side of his face, almost knocking him off Laxmikali's back. He blacked out, a searing pain gripping his chest.

The traumatic state must have lasted a few seconds before Kumal recovered. He instinctively felt for his face to find a bruised lip and a deep gash on the side of his face. His fingers came back sticky with his warm blood.

Alarmed, he turned back. His eyes fell on one of the howdah supports, broken in two. Horrified, he looked at the guests. His guests, though almighty shaken, remained safe. He took a sigh of relief.

With blood streaming down his face, he tried to size up the predicament. Laxmikali's hulking flanks still twitched with intense rage, and she seemed prepared for another attack. The drama took a sharp turn, though—the cub hurtled down to the ground and scampered to its mother. Two meters from Kumal, the mother bear held her ground and continued the face-off. The little cub cowered, huddling behind her.

Providentially, two safari elephants converged on the scene for Kumal's rescue at that very moment. Guided by the shouts and commotion, they had decided to dash to the spot. Upon seeing two more elephants as backup, the bear thought it wise to slink away with her cub, ending the gory drama. "I had to have seven stitches to my face. It took over a month for me to recover," said Kumal.

As Kumal wrapped up his story, I could still feel the hairs on my arms stand on end. After an exchange of pleasantries, Kumal left for his quarters with Laxmikali striding along proudly. The duo soon disappeared into the vernal woods as I ordered a third cup of tea.  

[email protected]