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FEBRUARY 28
The new constitution states that Nepal will move on the path of a socially-oriented state, which means that it will uphold the notion of social justice for all. However, this fact has not been reflected through its policies.
In recent times, neither the fundamental nature of politics has changed nor its objectives.
What is obvious is merely the seizing and clinging onto power, whatever the price to be paid by the country and its people. This has caused unfair impact on the country's economy.
Some persons blame the transitional nature of policies for creating such an unfavourable state of affairs. But this is a mere half-truth because the government at the helm has sufficient strength to deal with it if it aims to improve the existing situation.
The main problem of the present situation is that the government is only striving to strengthen its own arms of the country.
Consequently, the existing institutions are becoming weaker day by day whereas the political parties are becoming all pervasive.
Also, the parties are captured by a few individuals who are very close to prominent leaders. For an ordinary person, it has become very difficult to have their work done on time.
Recently, various kinds of protests have spread in different parts of the country, especially in search of justice.
Protests regarding medical services, education, migrant workers, rape and other social issues are testimony to this fact. All these protests happened due to weak government policies and programmes.
After the advent of democracy, most people visualised peace, progress and prosperity.
However, various events, as they are unfolding on the ground, are not encouraging.
Today, neither the policies nor the existing institutions enjoy the trust of the majority of the people.
Actually, democracy presupposes the separation of power between the judiciary, the legislature and be executive; and country affairs have to happen accordingly.
However, with party policies becoming very influential, one arm of the country is becoming heavy on the other.
The testimony to this fact is the subjugation of the judiciary by the executive and the reduced role of the legislature in the policy-making process.
Usually, policies are drafted outside the legislature and are tabled in the parliament merely for their approval.
Policies made through such a process are not only ineffective but also counterproductive.
The recent protests against the civil and criminal code testify to this fact.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 1, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
