Apropos of the news stories “Govt issues white paper on economic crisis” (THT, Nov. 25, Page 1) and “Reconstruction Bill stuck with House panel” (THT, Nov. 25, Page 6), the nation’s economy is incurring more losses due to the virtual decline in both industrial and agricultural productivity, and economic stagnation caused by supply disruptions at the southern border points. The huge loss of revenues from customs points, tourism and taxation has added to the woes. The white paper issued by the government has painted the bleak picture of economy, with the estimation of decreasing GDP growth. Besides, the picture is certain to be aggravated in the short term as the country is forced to deal with the mounting pressure of inflation. Nepalese markets have already started witnessing price inflation since the price of every product has already quadrupled following the blockade and black-marketing. It is needless to say though the demand of petroleum products is met by black marketing, people are at their best coping with the dampening situation to conduct the meager economic activities. The working class people and the victims of earthquakes are facing tough time to earn their livelihood and have seen a virtual decrease in the value of money. It has apparently led to the reduction in their buying power. The situation is likely to persist unabated unless the government is serious about resolving the current political chaos of the plains. Only a handful of people resorting to smuggling and black marketing and those with enough money will have more buying power. Amidst these challenges the government has promised to expedite the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts with the promises of finding alternative sources of energy, with streamlining supplies to prevent possible humanitarian crisis on the installment basis. Given a priority to use the local goods, the import price will reduce significantly. However, the implementation aspect always remains elusive.

Som Nath Ghimire, Kawasoti

Crisis

It goes without saying that Madhesi Morcha has been agitating in the Tarai right after the promulgation of the new constitution demanding their issues to be addressed by the state. During this period, there have been talks between the Morcha and the government, but to the utter dismay of the people, all the talks have ended inconclusively. As the movement has been going on in full swing for more than three months now, its adverse effect in our already fragile economy is being slowly perceived. Virtually everything has come to a standstill. In the meantime, the blockade imposed by India has added insult to the injury of the common people who are the worst hit by the longstanding crisis. Equally affected are the school and college students as they have been deprived of their right to education thanks to frequent closures of educational institutions due to short supply of fuel and strikes.

Needless to say, if this state of affairs lingers our country will be a failed state in the near future.

Rupak R Khanal, via e-mail