Welfare first The remittance in the fiscal year 2008-09 reached record levels exceeding estimates of the Monetary Policy. The earning in this manner for the fiscal year was put at Rs. 209.69 billion while it was expected at not more than Rs. 200 billion would flow in. This had widespread repercussions in the economic sector and the remittance was also responsible for the surplus of Rs. 37.7 billion in the Balance of Payments. These figures go to show how dependent the country is now on remittance, and earnings in this manner constitute a large chunk of the total income. Credit for this goes mostly to the Nepalese working abroad in foreign countries. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of Nepalese labour force opting to go to foreign countries like in the Gulf and the Far East. This is attributed to the relatively lucrative remunerations they would earn there in comparison to their home country. Furthermore, the number of unemployed youths has been rising over the years. In the absence of opportunities here, it is only natural for them to look for greener pastures elsewhere. This presents a sorry picture of this country which is unable to utilize the potentials of its workforce, most of whom are youths trying to fulfil their dream. That they send remittance is another matter, but were they to contribute in the development endeavours, then Nepal would witness a miracle of sorts. There is no official record of the number of Nepalese working abroad, and their working conditions. Time and again we hear about innocent youths being cheated by the manpower agencies. Many of them are left stranded while others are exploited in foreign lands. The government should not allow this to happen and should maintain a close vigil on the activities of the manpower agencies so that the workers do not fall victims to these and other sorts of abuses. The government should take the responsibility for these workers and coordinate with the host countries so that these do not happen. Before the workers set out to work in foreign land through manpower agencies, their safety and well-being should be guaranteed with the provisions for compensation should they face misfortune, as many have already as in some cases they have lost their lives or have been maimed after working in difficult, risky conditions. Since, in the near future the trend of young Nepalese workers wanting to work in foreign countries will keep on increasing in the absence of employment opportunities at home, serious thought should be given to facilitate them and their families. The diplomatic missions abroad should play the role of guardians by helping all the Nepalese workers wanting assistance. In cases of their abuse by their employers or outright cheating by the manpower agencies, the government should intervene and bring the culprits to book. Before setting out, the workers should be provided with a contract guaranteeing their remuneration and working conditions and terms. In sum, instead of merely gloating over the remittance added efforts should be put in for the welfare of those behind the figures, who are the Nepalese workers working in foreign countries.

Reality bytes If words could churn out the desired output then PM Nepal’s advice to shun from making business out of education seems to have hit the right chord. One, however, is not confident that the investors in educational institutions would rally take heed. When the go-ahead is there to operate private colleges and schools, the profit motive is plain and clear. it’s business as usual with the shareholders eying gains all the time. It wouldn’t be worth spending tens of thousands of rupees on promotional campaigns if bill has to be footed by the promoters. “Invest today, earn tomorrow” directive keeps the proliferation of the educational institutions on the move. Let go the profit motive, and only a few players would remain in the field. This is the greatest paradox of all times: selling “education” has become big business, and so the attraction grows with millions of rupees being invested. This is not to be condemned because when one goes for quality education, every support base like teachers, building, teaching aid and so on come for a hefty price. Scale down your requirement, and the investor would be out swatting flies than getting droves of aspirants under his/her fold. That’s the dilemma.