Kathmandu, August 15 :

Finance minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has urged agitating workers and trade unions to settle labour disputes through collective bargain, adding that Nepal can no longer afford a state of anarchy.

“Although economy and politics are two inseparable parts of a system, industry, trade and commerce should not be made a scapegoat of political ego and purposes,” said Dr Mahat, hinting that the ongoing trade union problems in the industrial sector have political orientations.

He was speaking at the 27th annual general meeting of Nepal Retailers’ Association (NRA), on Tuesday.

Referring to the economic successes in China and India, he stated that industrial hostility would have a chain effect on the overall economy and poorer and vulnerable segments would be hit hard. “We are still lingering over the survival issue, while our neighbours have already scaled new heights,” he added.

“It’s time to take every step cautiously, when the country is passing through a transitional phase and the political landscape is highly maleable,” said Dr Mahat, urging concerned political parties and their trade unions to solve problems through collective bargain, creating a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

“Despite repeated assurances from concerned parties and the government, extortions and a state of anarchy continues in the industrial sector,” complained Surendra Bir Malakar, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the business community is being sandwiched between trade union related problems and bureaucratic red-tapism, even after the establishment of Loktantra.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), asked the government for sustainable solution to political problems, ensuring peace and security. “Unless and until a conducive atmosphere is created and entrepreneurs feel they are secure, investment will continue to shy away,” he added.

Pabitra Bajracharya, the newly-elected president of NRA, underlined the need for capacity building of Nepali retailers, saying that the majority of them are still doing business in the traditional manner. “Modernisation and standardisation of retailers will not only enhance competitiveness, but it will also help the government to mobilise revenue through tens thousands of scattered retailers across the country,” he added.

On the occasion, Dr Mahat felicitated the outgoing president Ganga Bahadur Manandhar, for his contribution to NRA since its inception in 1979. The meeting also elected the new executive committee for next four years under the chairmanship of Bajracharya. Ram Krishna Manandhar, Raj Kumar Shrestha, Amul Kaji Tuladhar, Rajendra Shrestha and Naresh Babu Shahi are vice-president, general secretary, secretary, treasurer and joint treasurer, respectively.