New dimension The Nepali Congress (NC) has remained a torchbearer party for more than half a century, and so the Mahasamiti, an organ vested with exemplary authority, meeting that concluded on Wednesday aroused keen interest not only among the democrats but all sections of the society. The outcome of the three-day brainstorming, though extended by a day, had all the trappings of the serious business that was to take place. And, true to the expectations, the results can be seen to have gone for a major change in the selection of the Central Working Committee (CWC) members, though the provision for nomination of some office bearers still remains. The endorsement of the new provision can be seen in the light of NC gaining further height with intra-party democracy flourishing. It has to do more with the way the party functions practically rather than mere lip service. This important meet took place after a lag of over two years, and was able to deliver as per the expectations of the majority of the Mahasamiti members who supported making the NC CWC more inclusive together with a more timely adjustment of the party’s leadership structure. In the meanwhile, the inclusive characteristic in the statute now reveals the vital importance of women, Dalits, indigenous communities, the Madhesis, Muslims among others. The NC’s CWC base has now been widened to meet the challenges that national politics is passing through. It is a serious attempt to stand on firmer ground as compared to when the CA election took place. It is a victory of sorts for all who have firm faith in what the NC stands for and the contribution it has made for institutionalizing democratic norms and ideals in the country starting from the first movement’s success in 1950. Despite the bumpy ride after that, NC has retained its credentials in a fitting manner reflected primarily with the Jana Andolan I. But, somehow or the other, post-1990 could not see the party rise to the level of aspirations of the people. Yet, the movement to summarily end the monarchical system was spearheaded by NC, with the support of all like-minded parties wherein the present UCPN (M) had played a role. But, resting on past laurels cannot make the party attuned, and, hence, the need to update itself to make it people-friendly in a big way. The timing of the Mahasamiti meet was more than appropriate with the 12th General Convention slated for February next year. The newly endorsed provision in NC’s statute for the election of 75 per cent of the 85-member CWC members would come into effect at the Convention. Though the decision on the election mode was not unanimous, yet the majority had to be respected, as democrats that the NC is made up of. Now, after the euphoria of the Mahasamiti meet and decisions, the party has to gear itself to gain wider support and extend its wings to garner greater support from the people through more interactions with the stakeholders that the people are. The infusion of new vigour has to be realised for the NC to face the challenges that lie ahead. With the foundation laid for making the party’s organisation structure more inclusive, the expectations from NC too have commensurately increased.

Clock ticking As Nepal is approaching the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 with the lofty aim of hosting a million tourists, preparations for this grand event do not appear to have started in earnest. Rhetoric alone cannot get the target arrivals for 2011. Nepal is a diverse country and considered to be one of the best tourist destinations. However, Nepal has not been able to capitalize on this asset as envisaged. Now that three new rural tourism destinations have been identified, it seems that some ground work towards hosting the tourists is taking place. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, there are over 10 destinations suitable for rural tourism. The benefits of tourism should accrue to the people at the grassroots level. If sufficiently promoted, the rural destinations identified for tourists are extremely viable. Rural tourism advantages are manifold. They not only contribute to the all round development but entice the tourists to extend their stay. Thus, this would result in more revenue being earned. So far, not enough has been done to promote rural tourism considering the immense potential it has, and the benefits that could be derived from its promotion.