What do the people want?

The current political landscape presents myriad challenges and complexities. Each day, scores of young individuals depart the country in pursuit of employment and education opportunities elsewhere. There is widespread discontent with the prevailing socio-economic conditions and governance. Citizens grapple with soaring market prices, unemployment, shortages of essential goods, and enduring issues of governance inefficiency. They encounter bribery and favoritism as pervasive barriers to accessing basic services across government offices, corporations, and banks. This pervasive corruption fosters dissatisfaction, discontent, and resentment towards the government and political parties.

In light of these challenges, the fundamental question arises: What is the path forward? What do citizens seek, and how can their needs be addressed? Primarily, people yearn for effective governance, characterized by the eradication of corruption, accountability for wrongdoers, streamlined service provision devoid of bribery, domestic employment opportunities, and accessible quality education. These aspirations form the bedrock of public expectations, yet realizing them poses a significant challenge.

On corruption and good governance

To control, minimize, and abolish the corruption in the country, the government needs the political willpower. And the parties' leadership. The govt., parties, and bureaucratic leadership must be seen as clean and bold to fight against the menace of corruption. No tickets to corrupt leaders or cadres in the election and no party promotion: This principle must be applied. The corrupt people must be filtered from below.

In Nepal, civil servants are divided along the party lines and are doing pure politics with the State’s salary. It is objectionable and inappropriate. It must be stopped. We do not find such a situation anywhere in the world. The political parties must review it and find a national consensus on it.

On CIAA 

Though there are a lot of limitations and constraints, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is doing well in controlling corruption in the country. However, there is a need to bring some concrete reform and change. This institution must be free from political intervention, and there is a need to restructure the composition and bring change in the selection process of commissioners. Only then will the work of this Institution be effective and result-oriented.

On CIB and other investigating agencies 

Our police investigating agencies are very skilled, effective, and performance-oriented in South Asia. The work of these agencies is highly appreciated and recognized by the regional and international police investigating agencies. The Nepali people also have a positive impression of it. However, there are always setbacks when political interventions are made. Political intervention is always made ineffective and resultless to the work performed by the agencies. So, there must be no political intervention in the crime investigation process to control corruption and punish the culprits.

On service delivery

The general people are indifferent to party politics and pay attention to their daily needs and concerns. They are susceptible to and care about service delivery issues. They always compare the Panchayat system with the multiparty and present Federal Democratic Republican system. They say that they do not find new and optimistic scenarios at present. Their impression of service delivery is even worse in the present situation. They say that without bribery or approach or caste, linguistic, and regional relations, receiving service is almost impossible anywhere in government or semi-government offices. Scenarios are the same in banks (basically for getting loans) and other corporation offices. So, what should the government do here?

The government must send concrete, clear, and circular solid notices to all service delivery offices to perform their duties promptly and adequately without delay, bribes, and approach. Otherwise, it should be punished. The home ministry, related ministries, and the prime minister’s office should be vigilant and alert so that the people can realize and see the positive change in service delivery.

On unemployment

The government should have a clear-cut vision of employment generation. Employment can be generated through State, semi-state, private, and FDI sectors. There should be an investment-friendly environment in the country. All legal, political, administrative, technical, and practical barriers should be removed in a basket decision as soon as possible. Those who are obstacles in this process should be punished. All economic activities, whether big or small, should be encouraged.

On education

Education and health have a massive potential in our country. We can make it a hub in South Asia. Our national and foreign investors are eager to invest in this area. Nepali parents are very supportive and cooperative in providing their children a quality education in Nepal. They are heartily spending money on it. The Indians have money and they are eager to send their children to Nepal for quality and cheap education. They also like Nepali weather very much. So, we have the service seeker as well as the investors too.

The only thing is the government should be supportive. We should have an apparent education policy and program and a very supportive policy and attitude for the investors.

In conclusion, meeting the aspirations of the populace necessitates a concerted effort to combat corruption, enhance service delivery, generate employment, and improve education accessibility. Collaboration between government, political parties, and citizens is essential in realizing these goals and building a more prosperous and equitable society. Through sustained dedication and collaborative action, tangible progress can be achieved towards creating a brighter future for all.