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Honorable Finance Minister,

You might not be an economist, but as an experienced political leader, I am very hopeful about the upcoming budget of fiscal year 2081/082 BS. There isn’t any special formula for achieving prosperity, for it requires courage and competence in equal measure. In your second term as finance minister, you being a leader who has repeatedly won elections, are a close witness to our nation’s poverty. Hence, I am even more enthusiastic; will you this time introduce new measures for prosperity.

The budget is not just the financial exercise of the nation; it’s an outline and strategy document for solving the most complex issues of the nation, where the management of resources must be done with justice and wisdom. I find our national budget comprising remnants of the past goods, incomplete, inadequate present, and plan-less future.

So I want to ask you this Honorable Finance Minister: Why does the budget always seem so stale? Why can’t the budget makers become allies of public enthusiasm? Isn't this a beautiful opportunity to awaken the common people? Why can't budget makers become engineers of national transformation?

I lack any formal education in economics. However, as an entrepreneur and a citizen of Nepal, I could not help but offer my two cents worth of suggestions for the upcoming budget. And, I have presented some suggestions. I feel, we are in various circumstances, and these diverse suggestions will indeed be helpful.

Communicate hope

Social despair is more detrimental than economic despair. Please manifest hope and enthusiasm in your programs. In every allocation of your budget, ask yourself, ‘What energy does this bring?’

Address the youth

There is a significant gap between youth and national budget programs. Present programs for high-level youth development that can yield results in two years. Introduce ideas and schemes to control human capital flight. Correct the past tendency of discouraging youths and upstart entrepreneurs. 

Be courageous

The position of finance minister is very important. It's a place to showcase one's leadership and brilliance. Corruption in national resources distribution due to excessive politicization has created many problems in the past. To break this trend, it's necessary to show courage. Do something new, even if it seems impossibly ambitious. Do not allow budgetary programs to be mere election slogans.

Show empathy toward entrepreneurs

Business is not just about making money; it’s about growth. Nurture and promote entrepreneurship. The business sector is affected by incursions from various bodies of the state. It is in the grip of an economic recession. Seek various means of national revenue. Taxation is one face of the coin; the other is subsidies and facilities.

Don’t intimidate entrepreneurs in the name of taxes. Rather, motivate them to earn and contribute more. 

Invest in education

Provide opportunities for existing educational institutions to transform themselves. Prioritize educational governance. Invest in programs that create a better future rather than long-term productivity programs. We have omitted many things in education, which could be the sole significant medium for national prosperity.

Digital transformation

Digitalization is a weapon against corruption—use it. Be ambitious. Aim to become influential. Dare to reach your goal. Invite global information technology companies and donors for nation-building. However small contribution there may be, it will sow the seeds of prosperity.

Become a guardian

Save Nepal. Be a guardian to all of us. Listen to interest groups but verify from independent analysts. Make the budget inclusive and participatory. Analyze the potential decisions in favor and against. Be bold and be ready to address every concern of stakeholders.

My eighth suggestion, please spend at least one day studying and analyzing the trends, weaknesses, strengths, and obstacles of programs of the last two decades at the international level, along with their impacts. You will find more guiding principles from there than your economic advisors. Time provides an opportunity for a person to do something great. That time is now for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to become the ‘architect’ of a prosperous Nepal.

The newly-formed five-party coalition has outlined its policy priorities across various critical areas such as the economy, service delivery, federalism implementation, job creation, transitional justice and foreign policy. The document known as common resolution has aptly highlighted the growing pessimism among the youth who are increasingly becoming more belligerent toward the government and political parties.  However, past experience suggests that governments struggle to translate such lofty ideals and visions into tangible outcomes. Over the past year, little progress has been made in areas such as service delivery and improving the country’s economic landscape. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s decision to change coalition partners under the pretext of overcoming obstacles posed by the Nepali Congress does not align with ground reality. Dahal has paid little attention or no attention to the pressing issues facing the nation. He has dedicated his time to attending public events, like book launches and inauguration of infrastructure projects, rather than focusing on governance.

Soon after assuming office after forming a new coalition, Dahal issued extensive directives. Interestingly, his tenure has been marked by frequent transfers within the bureaucratic ranks. He consistently said that he would reshuffle the cabinet to improve service delivery, but ended up changing the coalition. There has been a glaring lack of seriousness in addressing the grievances of victims of loan sharks and microfinance institutions, as well as in addressing the challenges facing provincial governments.  During this period, dissent against the prevailing political system has gained traction, yet the Prime Minister has taken no substantive measures to defend it. Instead, some of these measures have boosted the activities of political forces who want to overthrow the current political system.

Admittedly, Prime Minister Dahal appears to have acknowledged the existence of serious challenges that demand attention. His inclusion of the CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Janata Samajbadi Party in the government reflects a desire for improvement. While Dahal may not be able to bring the desired changes, we should give him the benefit of the doubt and wait for a few months. Dahal may have counted his ability to lead the government, juggling between NC and UML, despite being the third-largest party with just 32 seats in Parliament. But his true success now lies in delivering tangible outcomes. Dahal knows that his ministers cannot deliver. That is why he is now banking on the performance of RSP ministers who are smart enough to brainwash the people even if they cannot offer much substance.

Rising out-migration of youth is becoming a big concern for Nepal. Youths are seeking opportunities abroad, whether through student visas or work permits. While government statistics and economists indicate that Nepal is in a position to benefit from a demographic dividend over the next 15-20 years, the ongoing mass exodus of youth paints a contrasting picture. Nepal is gradually losing this opportunity. The concerning reality of 2,000 youths leaving the country daily should serve as a wake-up call for political parties. However, it appears that this critical issue has yet to resonate with our politicians. Therefore, the first and foremost priority of the government should be to bring a long-term plan aimed at creating employment and other opportunities for the youth population.

Not only the youths, everyone, from ordinary citizens to prominent businessmen and politicians, are grappling with mounting pressures. Common individuals, including farmers and employees, are finding it difficult to make ends meet and support their families. Similarly, businesses, whether small or large, are facing challenges in operating smoothly and meeting their financial obligations including bank loans. While some prominent businessmen may have engaged in tax evasion or other misconduct, the government's response seems disproportionate. There have been complaints of politically-motivated systematic attack on a certain group of businesspersons, which has led to increased capital flight from the country.

Youth politicians from major political parties are particularly feeling the strain due to the increasing unpopularity of their parties and leaders. They recognize that public dissatisfaction, including within their own ranks, has reached a critical juncture. The plight of victims of loan sharks and cooperatives underscores the broader societal discontent. These people embarked on a long march to Kathmandu, demanding justice. But the government is cheating them by pledging to form a commission or something else. Their demands are not getting addressed. The only difference is that some parties are resorting to deceitful tactics, while others are exhibiting a harsher behavior.

The excessive politicization of governmental functions from the central to local levels has facilitated widespread corruption and exploitation of local resources. This exploitation has fostered a perception among the populace that the political system primarily serves the interests of a select few. At the same time, certain regressive elements are trying to capitalize on public sentiment against the current political system. If the existing system fails to demonstrate improvement, it will not only jeopardize its own stability but also undermine the very foundation of democracy itself.

Politicians cannot evade this reality by attributing it to the actions of certain political forces trying to sow pessimism and anarchism in society. This situation did not arise overnight but is rather the result of a cumulative effect stemming from the poor governance of major political parties that have held power since 1990. Instead of shifting blame onto others, political parties must engage in introspection and undertake necessary reforms. PM Dahal, who has successfully navigated between the NC and UML to maintain his hold on power, does not have much time to revel in this situation. Since UML has given him a free-hand in running government as well as key ministries, he will have no other parties to serve as scapegoats, as he previously did with the NC, should he fail.

In the hushed gymnasiums of Massachusetts in 1895, amidst the echoes of bouncing balls and reverberating laughter, a new sport emerged—volleyball. Crafted by the ingenious mind of William G Morgan, initially dubbed ‘mintonette’, this game of finesse and camaraderie quickly found its niche within the esteemed circles of the YMCA. From its modest beginnings, volleyball's influence swelled like a tidal wave, washing across the United States and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the global sporting landscape. As the 20th century unfurled its wings, volleyball's ascent was nothing short of meteoric. Its allure transcended borders, capturing the imaginations of athletes and enthusiasts alike. Across the vast expanse of Asia, the sport’s radiance burned brightest, illuminating events such as the illustrious Far-Eastern Games of 1913. With each passing milestone, from the inception of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) in 1947 to the inaugural men's and women's World Championships in 1949 and 1952, volleyball solidified its position as a premier athletic pursuit on the world stage.

Yet, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, another chapter in volleyball’s saga unfolded—in the storied land of Nepal. Here, the sport’s history traces back to the dawn of the 20th century, as Nepalis serving in the British Army introduced volleyball to the rugged terrain around 1933/4. However, it wasn’t until the tides of political change swept through the nation in the 1990s, with the dissolution of the Panchayat system, that substantive progress was witnessed. Amidst the shifting sands of Nepal’s socio-political landscape, the seeds of volleyball found fertile ground. The establishment of the Nepal Volleyball Association in the late 1940s signaled the dawn of organized efforts to institutionalize the sport. Though evidence of active participation during this nascent period remains scarce, a groundswell of advocacy, spearheaded by the National Sports Council (NSC), surged forth. Volleyball soon became intertwined with the fabric of Nepali society, with its popularity burgeoning beyond the confines of Kathmandu.

In the aftermath of World War II, the echoes of volleyball’s splendor resonated across Nepal, as sporadic matches sprung up among police and army ranks, laying the foundation for its burgeoning popularity. The NSC’s visionary initiative to distribute equipment across districts from 1969 catalyzed grassroots development, while Tribhuvan University’s 1970 inter-college competition served as the crucible for formalized tournaments. The year 1974 marked a turning point in Nepal’s volleyball odyssey with the establishment of the National Volleyball Association under the stewardship of Anoop Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana. As the nation tentatively dipped its toes into the waters of international competition in 1976, a new chapter in Nepal’s sporting history was etched, despite the modest tally of one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.

Today, as volleyball courts dot the landscape of Nepal’s 77 districts, the sport’s enigmatic origins stand as a testament to its enduring legacy in the heart of the Himalayas. From the hallowed halls of Massachusetts to the majestic peaks of Nepal, volleyball’s journey is a tapestry woven with the threads of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of camaraderie.

In May 2017, Nepal made a historic decision by designating volleyball as its national sport, a move that reverberated throughout the nation’s sporting landscape. This decision wasn’t just symbolic; it was a catalyst for transformative change, reshaping the way Nepalis perceive and engage with sports. Volleyball, with its adaptable nature, swiftly asserted itself as a prominent fixture, particularly in the rugged terrains of the western and far-western regions, where it found a natural habitat amidst the challenging topography.

Unlike sports like football or cricket, which demand vast expanses of open space, volleyball thrives in compact areas, making it accessible even in regions with limited sporting infrastructure. This accessibility has fostered widespread participation, serving as a conduit for social interaction and community bonding. It’s not just a game; it’s a unifying force that bridges geographical divides and fosters a sense of belonging among diverse populations. The cultural fabric of Nepal intricately intertwines with its vibrant volleyball scene. Festivals serve as vibrant backdrops for volleyball tournaments, blending athleticism with cultural festivities, thereby enriching both. Events coinciding with revered celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar not only showcase sporting prowess but also reinforce cherished traditions and values, uniting people beyond the boundaries of caste and creed. Additionally, tournaments held in memory of departed souls offer solace to grieving families while nurturing a sense of collective remembrance and spiritual connection.

Beyond its social and cultural significance, volleyball plays a pivotal role in Nepal’s economic landscape. Supported by sponsorship from both local entrepreneurs and Nepali diaspora, volleyball tournaments serve as lucrative ventures, driving revenue and employment opportunities. These events not only bolster local economies but also provide a platform for businesses to enhance their visibility and invest in grassroots sports development. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting corporate social responsibility, such as the provision of sports equipment to schools and clubs, contribute to the overall well-being of communities, fostering a healthier and more active youth populace.

The allure of volleyball extends beyond the realm of mere competition; it embodies resilience, inclusivity, and a sense of communal spirit. As Nepal continues to embrace its national sport, the synergy between geography, society, and economy will propel the nation towards greater sporting prowess and cultural enrichment. In the towering peaks of the Himalayas, volleyball stands not just as a sport but as a potent symbol of Nepali resilience and unity, echoing the spirit of a nation determined to reach new heights, both on and off the court.

In closing, while Nepali volleyball may face formidable challenges on its journey towards excellence, the spirit of determination and resilience ingrained in the nation’s DNA will undoubtedly propel the sport forward. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusivity, and investing in infrastructure and talent development, Nepal can carve out a unique identity on the global volleyball stage. As the fervor for the game continues to ignite passion and unity across communities, the future of Nepali volleyball shines brightly, promising to inspire generations to come and solidify its place as a symbol of national pride and sporting prowess.

Nepal is blessed with breathtaking landscapes with scores of serene lakes spread over her terrain. As a matter of fact, each body of water, whether nestled in the bustling heart of Kathmandu, adorning the tranquil Pokhara Valley, or gracing the sacred lakes of the Tarai, harbor unique narratives.

In this context, a recent report from the National Lakes Conservation Development Committee serves as a revealing testament to the extensive expanse of this aquatic realm—a staggering 5,358 lakes, including 2,323 glacial gems, interspersed throughout the nation.

Rich aquatic beauty 

The captivating tapestry of aquatic beauty gives a vivid picture that Nepal has myriad lakes with natural wonders, radiating a distinct charisma. Take, for instance, the enchanting Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, with their mirrored surfaces reflecting the surrounding Himalayan splendor.

In Pokhara, the pristine Maidi, Deepang and Knaste add to the allure, creating a mosaic of tranquil oases amidst the hills. Further afield, the mystical Gosaikunda and Syapru in Rasuwa beckon with their mystical ambiance, captivating all who venture into their high-altitude embrace. These are but a few examples among the multitude that captivates visitors, embodying the ecological and cultural diversity of Nepal.

Lakes such as Beeshazari in Chitwan and Ghodaghodi in Kailali are not merely bodies of water; they are sacred sites revered by local communities. The Newar community, deeply rooted in their heritage, cherishes lakes like Boje Pokhari, Boke Daha, Godavari Kunda, Lagankhel Pokhari, Naag Daha, and Pimbahal Pokhari. These water bodies, embedded in the cultural fabric, stand as integral components of Nepal's identity, each ripple echoing the tales of generations past.

Global economic driver

Highlighting this treasure trove of natural wonders, among others, Nepal Tourism Board had envisioned attracting one million tourists in 2023. The tourism industry, constituting Nepal’s fourth-largest employer according to the Central Bureau of Statistics, hinges substantially on the allure of these shimmering waters.

The lakes of the Tarai, with their special significance during the Chhath festival, contribute to the religious and cultural tapestry of the nation, drawing in visitors from around the globe. These aquatic marvels, woven into the economic fabric of Nepal, are not merely destinations but economic pillars, sustaining livelihoods and contributing to the nation’s global appeal. Chhath advocates for cleanliness of waters because it’s a festival celebrating the sanctity of waters.

Emerging threats

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) have surged, causing ripples of concern that reverberate not only within the nation but across the global environmental consciousness. These rampant algal growths, fueled by a complex interplay of climate change, pollution and nutrient runoff, pose a threat to both the delicate ecosystems and human health.

The lakes around the hilly regions and the Tarai, particularly susceptible to the warming temperatures, now find themselves in the midst of ecological challenges that transcends borders.

Global implications

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nepal’s economy found itself grappling with challenges. The exacerbation of harmful algae blooms only serves to intensify the economic strain. HABs release toxins like microcystin, cylindrospermopsin, Anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin that infiltrate the nervous system, unleashing a foul, pungent odor and distorting the natural beauty of these once-pristine lakes.

The impact extends beyond the visual, affecting aquatic life and posing health risks to humans and animals upon contact. As a delicate ecosystem falters, water quality plummets, and the laborious and expensive cleanup efforts take a toll on Nepal’s economy, the global implications of such environmental degradation cannot be ignored.

Technological strides

Advanced testing methods, such as the chlorophyll test, phosphorus test, QPCR technology and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, provide critical tools for identifying cyanotoxins globally. Investing in training for laboratory technicians and researchers, a shared responsibility, strengthens our collective ability to detect these harmful substances. Cutting-edge approaches, such as the use of photocatalyst nanoparticles for efficient cyanotoxin decomposition, offer a promising avenue for a sustainable future.

Striking the delicate balance between progress and conservation remains a daunting yet crucial task for the entire world.

In 2019, the US Environmental Protection Agency established water quality standards for microcystins and cylindrospermopsin, emphasizing legal compliance and setting a global precedent. Nepal, along with nations worldwide, must follow suit by implementing strict regulations to protect water resources. Local initiatives worldwide, such as the Lake George Association and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, stand as inspiring examples of how communities can collectively tackle environmental challenges, providing a template for global cooperation.

Way forward

It’s high time to invest in strategies and action measures for preserving our shared global heritage. Early detection, recognized as a global imperative, could stand as the first line of defense.

One key strategy in the fight against harmful algae blooms could be the control of nutrient runoff originating from agricultural activities — a challenge shared not only by Nepal but by nations worldwide.

The dissemination of knowledge and capacity-building training to farmers about responsible agricultural practices could appear as a magic stick for reducing the influx of nutrients into the water, subsequently stifling the growth of harmful toxins.

The utilization of cutting-edge technology, such as membrane filtration and chemical treatments, could be taken not just as a national initiative but as a beacon of hope for water bodies worldwide. Investments in water treatment facilities, which is essential for both developed and developing nations, could become instrumental in purifying the waters that quench our collective thirst and sustain our global ecosystems.

Algicides, when applied strategically at the initial stages of bloom development, have the potential to significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and lower toxin concentrations globally. The method of toxin adsorption, employing materials like activated carbon, emerges not only as a national solution but as a blueprint for global water quality management. 

Nepal’s lakes are not just serene bodies of water; they are cultural symbols, economic pillars and environmental treasures. Their protection is not just an environmental obligation but a cultural and economic imperative that resonates globally. Through a combination of legislative action, technological innovation and global collaborative efforts, Nepal can protect her lakes for generations to come, setting an example for the world. The choice is clear: Safeguard these gems or risk their loss forever. It’s a wake-up call to every global citizen to rally for safeguarding Nepal’s aquatic treasures, ensuring their beauty remains unspoiled, their cultural significance endures, and their economic potential flourishes for generations to come.

The author is pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, US