Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Switzerland-Nepal fact-finding mission concludes unlocking trade opportunities

The Embassy of Switzerland, in collaboration with Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and the Nepal Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industries (NSCCI), successfully conducted the second fact-finding mission with a Swiss business delegation's visit to Nepal from March 17 to 20.

The mission aimed to acquaint Swiss companies with the Nepali market and its key stakeholders, according to a press note issued by the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal.

Participating were esteemed organisations such as Ferring, Roche, Stone Step, and Swiss Re, it reads, adding that the delegation engaged in high-level meetings with notable entities including the Ministry of Health, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Department of Drug and Administration, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), National Public Health Laboratory, Department of Health Service, development partners, various public and private hospital and offices. “Additionally, the delegation interacted with various private sector companies primarily focused on health, Insurtech and infrastructure development.”

The ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal Dr Danielle Meuwly, highlighted the success of the first fact-finding mission, that took place in November 2022, citing achievements like the air service agreement between Nepal and Switzerland.

She expressed optimism that this second mission will contribute to similar outcomes, supporting Nepal's transition from aid to trade. 

The meaningful discussions held with government officials, experts, development partners, and private companies were well received by the Swiss delegation, significantly enriching their understanding of Nepal’s business sector and identifying potential investment areas.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Disasters cost Nepal $7 billion in last four decades

Nepal's disaster landscape is impacted by earthquakes, floods, landslides, and droughts, which collectively have caused almost $7 billion in damages from 1980 to 2020. These disasters have affected the country's capacity to build financial resilience in the face of looming disasters., according to a report.

The government has spent Rs 50 billion ($0.4 billion) between 2012 and 2020 in disaster response and recovery. The expenditure data indicates that this is not financially sustainable in the long run, which demands the development of risk transfer solutions. In response to this pressing need, the UN Development Programme Nepal today launched the Insurance and Risk Finance Initiative.

It is part of UNDP's global initiative, the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), which is being implemented in over thirty countries. This initiative seeks to prioritise financial resilience by tapping into the benefits of insurance and risk financing mechanisms.

During the event, the Country Diagnostic Report was jointly unveiled by revenue secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, chief executive officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) Anil Pokhrel and UNDP's resident representative Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé.

The diagnostic highlighted that Nepal is one of the top ten countries most affected by climate change and is highly vulnerable to floods, landslides, earthquakes, and droughts, according to a press note issued by the UNDP.

The report also showcases that the government is committed to fostering the insurance industry's ability to provide accessible and affordable insurance products, as evidenced by recent legal updates such as the Insurance Act 2079, which contains several microinsurance provisions.

While credit-life microinsurance and agriculture insurance offer financial protection to low-income and vulnerable Nepali households, the overall inclusive insurance market is still lagging due to low awareness about insurance and data gaps that prevent insurance companies from offering products that meet the needs of customers, it adds.

Revenue secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, on the occasion, reiterated the government's commitment to delivering risk finance solutions, mentioning that the government has already initiated the development of a  Fiscal Risk Management Framework.

Likewise, CEO of NDRRMA Anil Pokharel highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, development partners and the private sector to address increasingly frequent and complex climate and disaster risks. 

“Insurance and risk financing are among the solutions that can contribute to strengthening a comprehensive risk management approach for any country and community,” UNDP resident representative Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé, on the occasion, said, adding, “We need to tap into the insurance market opportunities, leaving no one behind,”

The Initiative will work closely with government partners such as the Finance Ministry, Nepal Insurance Authority and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to improve legal and regulatory environment for insurance to be better incorporated in risk management priorities and actions.

It will also work with the insurance industry to identify the financial protection needs of vulnerable groups such as women, farmers and businesses and facilitate the offer of customer-centric insurance products. UNDP will work more broadly with other development actors also pushing for financial resilience to further advocate and make the case for insurance as a key ingredient in managing shocks and fast-tracking recovery.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Japan and UNDP collaborate to advance Climate Smart Agriculture and build Resilient Communities in Jajarkot

Two types of polyhouses – a naturally ventilated and a nursery polyhouse with misting – were inaugurated by the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in Ward 7 of Nalgad Municipality, Karnali Province.

This area was among those affected by the earthquake in November 2023.

The multi-purpose nursery with misting will grow saplings of high value crops such as vegetables, fruit, forage, and fodder for community members. These polyhouses employ drip irrigation and mist irrigation which make optimum use of water, conserve water usage, decrease labour and increase agricultural productivity. The nursery will directly benefit 25 members of the farmers’ group and other local farmers in the community.

The naturally ventilated polyhouse demonstrates the benefits of climate smart agriculture interventions, enabling off-seasonal high value vegetable production.

In addition to this, the first five, out of 900, metallic improved cooking stoves and 6 orchard management tools were handed over to the local farmers, who are impacted by the earthquakes, to support their livelihood. Through ‘Enhancing Human Security Through Local Climate Action’ project 48 polyhouses have been supported, which will benefit over 40 households.

Addressing the handover event, deputy chief of mission of the Embassy of Japan Takahiro Tamura said, "I expect that the agricultural and energy equipment handed over today will be used for a long time by the people in this region, and I believe that this project will contribute to strengthening human security through a comprehensive approach that includes gender equality, disability, and social inclusion.”

Also expressing his condolences to all those affected by the earthquake, he elaborated, “I am heartened to hear that the capacity built through this project was very helpful during the Jajarkot earthquake response, as the trained volunteers were mobilised and helped to provide first aid, search and rescue and shelter support. Also, I am glad to know that the energy and agriculture support through this project is helping the communities to bounce back for better.”

He added that the project will further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Nepal as well as the friendship between people of the two countries.

Meanwhile, deputy resident representative of UNDP, Julien Chevillard, on the occasion,  said that considering the high vulnerability, Karnali is a priority province of UNDP, and a number of projects ranging from governance to earthquake preparedness and response are being implemented based on the Leave No One Behind principle. 

Thanking the Government of Japan, he added, "Through this partnership, we contribute to Nepal's ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change, rehabilitate post-earthquake, and enhance the livelihoods of the affected community."

Thanking the Government of Japan and UNDP, Mayor of Nalgad Municipality Dambar Bahadur Rawat, emphasised that agriculture is the primary livelihood for Nalgad residents, and the provision of agricultural equipment support has assisted the affected community in sustaining their livelihoods post-earthquake. "We seek further assistance in the second phase of this programme, which can offer technical and financial support for recovery and livelihood restoration.”

Chair of Barekot Rural Municipality, Bir Bahadur Giri, on the occasion, emphasised that climate change is a global concern, and here in Karnali Province, "we are among the first to feel its effects," he said, adding that it is crucial to empower community and raise awareness about the impacts of climate change, prompting local initiatives to mitigate these effects. "We deeply appreciate the support from the Government of Japan and UNDP during these challenging times and hope for continued collaboration in the future."

In Nepal, Karnali province is among the most remote provinces in Nepal. The Human Development Index (HDI) for Jajarkot District, in Karnali Province, stands at 0.393, falling below the national average of 0.587.

Compounding these issues is the district’s vulnerability to natural hazard induced disasters, particularly floods and landslides induced by rainfall and earthquake posing additional threats to the well-being of its residents.

In October 2022, Karnali Province experienced a severe flood and landslide, resulting in numerous casualties. The impact of climate change is exacerbating the already challenging situation in Jajarkot after the earthquake. Disasters and poverty are mutually reinforcing, thus creating a cycle of vulnerability and disaster.

The joint field visit reaffirms the commitment of the Embassy of Japan and UNDP to fulfilling the Climate Promise, a shared commitment to accelerate climate action and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

By investing in projects like this one, Japan and UNDP are working together to build climate-resilient communities and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

The ‘Enhancing Human Security through Local Climate Action (EHSLCA)’ project, funded by the Government of Japan, aims to improve human security through local climate action. The project, from

March 2023 till December 2024, includes key components on energy solutions, adaptive agriculture, infrastructure for risk reduction, instrumentation for improving early warning and capacity building.

Through the project, over 40 community members were trained in search and rescue in the months of September/October 2023 in Nalgad Municipality and Barekot Rural Municipality, right before the earthquake of November 3. 

These trained volunteers provided crucial support in immediate response during the earthquake. Furthermore, the project is leveraged support to the earthquake affected communities – those affected by the Western Nepal Earthquake of November 3, 2023 - through energy solutions for early recovery in Jajarkot and West Rukum Districts.

Climate Promise supports 120 countries – including 40 least developed countries, 28 small island developing states, and 14 high emitters – to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions under the global Paris Agreement. Delivered in collaboration with a wide variety of partners, it is the world’s largest offer of support for the enhancement of climate pledges.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Nepal improves ranking in human development index

Nepal's Human Development Index (HDI) value is 0.601 —placing the country in the medium human development category and  —positioning it at 146 out of 193 countries and territories. 

Nepal’s ranking was 149 in 2021, according to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report. "As compared to 2021, Nepal’s progress on HDI value is 0.010 which is higher than global average of 0.004."

Countries with HDI values between 0.550 and 0.699 fall under the medium human development category.

Between 1990 and 2022, Nepal's HDI value changed from 0.395 to 0.601, representing a change of 52.2 percent. During the same period, Nepal's life expectancy at birth increased by 15.7 years, expected years of schooling by 5.4 years, and mean years of schooling by 2.1 years.

Nepal's GNI per capita changed by about 165.7 per cent between 1990 and 2022, the report adds.

The 2022 female HDI value for Nepal is 0.562, contrasting with 0.635 for males, resulting in a GDI value of 0.885.

Between 1990 and 2022, Nepal's life expectancy at birth changed by 15.7 years, expected years of schooling changed by 5.4 years and mean years of schooling changed by 2.1 years.

The 2022 female HDI value for Nepal is 0.562 in contrast with 0.635 for males, resulting in a GDI value of 0.885.

“Nepal performed progressively in the last 5 decades, yet fall into gridlock at times, particularly following the pandemic– be it related to decent jobs for youths, spatial and social inequalities, economic growth, as well as trust on institutions," UNDP Nepal’s Resident Representative Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé said, adding that it is fundamental to collaborate not only between three levels of governments, but also with the private sector, civil society, international community, and people at large. "The federal government could focus more on transparency, accountability, and integrity; provincial and local governments can enhance planning and service delivery; Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) could further promote people’s participation and voice to revive hope and trust, and using multilateralism, a proven path that benefit everyone in the society.”

The report argues that advancing international collective action is hindered by an emerging ‘democracy paradox’: while 9 in 10 people worldwide endorse democracy, over half of global survey respondents express support for leaders that may undermine it by bypassing fundamental rules of the democratic process, as per data analysed in the report. "Half of people surveyed worldwide report having no or limited control over their lives, and over two-thirds believe they have little influence on their government’s decisions."

Political polarisation is also a growing concern with global repercussions. Along with a sense of powerlessness, report authors say, it is fuelling inward-turning policy approaches – starkly at odds with the global cooperation needed to address urgent issues like the decarbonisation of our economies, misuse of digital technologies, and conflict. This is particularly alarming in light of 2023's record-breaking temperatures, which emphasise the immediate need for united action to tackle the climate crisis, or in the advent of artificial intelligence as a new and fast-evolving technological frontier with little or no regulatory guard rails.

The report highlights that deglobalisation is neither feasible nor realistic in today’s world and that economic interdependence remains high. It points out that no region is close to self-sufficiency, as all rely on imports from other regions of 25 per cent or more of at least one major type of goods and services.

The report emphasises how global interdependence is being reconfigured and calls for a new generation of global public goods. It proposes four areas for immediate action:

- planetary public goods, for climate stability, as we confront the unprecedented challenges of the Anthropocene;

- digital global public goods, for greater equity in harnessing new technologies for equitable human development;

- new and expanded financial mechanisms, including a novel track in international cooperation that complements humanitarian assistance and traditional development aid to low-income countries; and

- dialling down political polarization through new governance approaches focused on enhancing people's voices in deliberation and tackling misinformation.

In this context, multilateralism plays a fundamental role, the report argues, because bilateral engagements are not able to address the irreducibly planetary nature of the provision of global public goods.

More key data from the report

In 2023, all 38 countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) achieved higher Human Development Index (HDI) scores compared to their levels in 2019.

Among the 35 least developed countries (LDCs) that experienced a decline in their HDI in 2020 and/or 2021, more than half (18 countries) have not yet recovered to their human development levels of 2019.

All developing regions have not met their anticipated HDI levels based on the trend before 2019. It appears they have shifted to a lower HDI trajectory, indicating potential permanent setbacks in future human development progress.

The impact of human development losses is in sharp focus in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Afghanistan’s HDI has been knocked back by a staggering ten years, while Ukraine’s HDI dropped to its lowest level since 2004.

The report cites research indicating that countries with populist governments have lower GDP- growth rates. Fifteen years after a populist government assumes office, the GDP per capita is found to be 10 percent lower than it might under a non-populist government scenario.

Rich countries attain record human development, but half of the poorest have gone backwards

Uneven development progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarisation on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The 2023-24 Human Development Report (HDR), titled 'Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarised world', reveals a troubling trend: the rebound in the global Human Development Index (HDI) – a summary measure reflecting a country’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, education, and life expectancy – has been partial, incomplete, and unequal.

The HDI is projected to reach record highs in 2023 after steep declines during 2020 and 2021. But this progress is deeply uneven. Rich countries are experiencing record-high levels of human development while half of the world’s poorest countries remain below their pre-crisis level of progress.

Global inequalities are compounded by substantial economic concentration. As referenced in the report, almost 40 per cent of global trade in goods is concentrated in three or fewer countries; and in 2021 the market capitalisation of each of the three largest tech companies in the world surpassed the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than 90 per cent of countries that year.

“The widening human development gap revealed by the report shows that the two-decade trend of steadily reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor nations is now in reverse," head of the UN Development Programme Achim Steiner said, "Despite our deeply interconnected global societies, we are falling short. We must leverage our interdependence as well as our capacities to address our shared and existential challenges and ensure people’s aspirations are met."

“This gridlock carries a significant human toll, he said, adding that the failure of collective action to advance action on climate change, digitalisation or poverty and inequality not only hinders human development but also worsens polarisation and further erodes trust in people and institutions worldwide.

The report argues that advancing international collective action is hindered by an emerging ‘democracy paradox’: while 9 in 10 people worldwide endorse democracy, over half of global survey respondents express support for leaders that may undermine it by bypassing fundamental rules of the democratic process, as per data analysed in the report. Half of people surveyed worldwide report having no or limited control over their lives, and over two-thirds believe they have little influence on their government’s decisions.

Political polarisation is also a growing concern with global repercussions. Along with a sense of powerlessness, report authors say, it is fuelling inward-turning policy approaches – starkly at odds with the global cooperation needed to address urgent issues like the decarbonisation of our economies, misuse of digital technologies, and conflict. This is particularly alarming in light of 2023's record-breaking temperatures, which emphasise the immediate need for united action to tackle the climate crisis, or in the advent of artificial intelligence as a new and fast-evolving technological frontier with little or no regulatory guard rails.

The report highlights that deglobalisation is neither feasible nor realistic in today’s world and that economic interdependence remains high. It points out that no region is close to self-sufficiency, as all rely on imports from other regions of 25 per cent or more of at least one major type of goods and services.

"In a world marked by increasing polarization and division, neglecting to invest in each other poses a serious threat to our wellbeing and security," Steiner said, adding that protectionist approaches cannot address the complex, interconnected challenges we face, including pandemic prevention, climate change, and digital regulation. "Our problems are intertwined, requiring equally interconnected solutions. By adopting an opportunity-driven agenda that emphasises the benefits of the energy transition and of artificial intelligence for human development, we have a chance to break through the current deadlock and reignite a commitment to a shared future."

The report emphasises how global interdependence is being reconfigured and calls for a new generation of global public goods. It proposes four areas for immediate action:

- planetary public goods, for climate stability, as we confront the unprecedented challenges of the Anthropocene;

- digital global public goods, for greater equity in harnessing new technologies for equitable human development;

- new and expanded financial mechanisms, including a novel track in international cooperation that complements humanitarian assistance and traditional development aid to low-income countries; and

- dialling down political polarisation through new governance approaches focused on enhancing people's voices in deliberation and tackling misinformation.

In this context, multilateralism plays a fundamental role, the report argues, because bilateral engagements are not able to address the irreducibly planetary nature of the provision of global public goods.

Monday, March 11, 2024

कति लामो होला गठबन्धनको आयु ?

काठमाडौं । गत बुधबार एक कार्यक्रममा पूर्वप्रधानमन्त्री एवं नेपाल समाजवादी पार्टीका अध्यक्ष डा. बाबुराम भट्टराईले प्रधानमन्त्री एवं नेकपा (माओवादी केन्द्र) का अध्यक्ष पुष्पकमल दाहालप्रति लक्षित गर्दै व्यवस्था जोगाउने जिम्मेवारी लिएकाहरुबाटै अहिलेको व्यवस्थामाथि संकट रहेको बताए ।

भट्टराई प्रचण्डसँगै कुनै समय नेपालीको अवस्था परिवर्तन गर्न ब्यवस्था नै परिवर्तन गर्नुपर्छ भन्दै शसस्त्र द्वन्द्वमा होमिएका पात्र हुन् ।

तर, भट्टराईले विगतमा देशमा संघीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्रात्मक व्यवस्था ल्याउन क्रान्ति गर्नेहरुबाटै अहिले गणतन्त्रात्मक शासनलाई सक्ने काम भइरहेको भाषण गर्दा प्रचण्ड भने आफ्नो बालुवाटार बसाई लम्ब्याउन विभिन्न राजनीतिक दलहरुसँग मोलभाउ गर्दै थिए ।

जति लम्ब्याए पनि प्रचण्डको बालुवाटार बसाई संभवतः यो अन्तिम पटक हुनसक्छ ।

किनकि उनकै सहयोद्धा, क्रान्तिको नेतृत्व गरेकाहरु नै सरकारमा रहँदा पनि विकास हुन नसकेको भन्दै दोषारोपण गर्दै छन् । क्रान्तिको नेतृत्व गरेकाहरुको निकम्मापन, भ्रष्टीकरण, परिवारवाद र नांगो प्रकारको राज्यको दोहनले गर्दा जनतामा वितृष्णा उत्पन्न भएको भट्टराईको आरोप छ ।

डा भट्टराई यति मै रोकिन्नन् । उनले अहिले अस्थिरता सिर्जना गरेर व्यवस्थालाई नै धराशायी बनाउने काम भइरहेको आरोप पनि लगाउँछन्, प्रचण्डलाई ।

प्रधानमन्त्री प्रचण्डले नयाँ गठबन्धनलाई बृहत् वाम एकताको पहलको रूपमा ब्याख्या गर्दै गर्दा उनकै सहयात्री भट्टराईले आरोप लगाए झैं के नयाँ गठबन्धनले अस्थिरता सिर्जना गरेको हो त ?

अनि के के छन् त गठबन्धनका चुनौती ?

नेपाली कांग्रेस र माओवादीबीचको १५ महिना पुरानो गठबन्धन तोड्दै प्रचण्डले फागुन २१ गते सोमबार नयाँ गठबन्धनको घोषणा गरे । गठबन्धन तोड्नु पर्ने एउटा प्रमुख कारण कांग्रेससँग काम गर्न अप्ठयारो भएको उनको तर्क थियो ।

तर, के नयाँ सत्ता साझेदार नेकपा एमालेसँग काम गर्न सहज हुन्छ त, प्रचण्डलाई ?

नयाँ गठबन्धनमा साझेदार नेकपा एमालेका अध्यक्ष तथा पूर्वप्रधानमन्त्री केपी शर्मा ओलीसँगको प्रचण्डको सत्ता साझेदारी यो पहिलो पटक होइन । तर, यस पटक भूमिका फरक छ । अघिल्लो पटक ओली प्रधानमन्त्री थिए, यस पटक प्रचण्ड प्रधानमन्त्री छन् ।

जसरी पूर्वप्रधानमन्त्री भट्टराईलाई प्रचण्डको आनीबानी सबै थाहा छ । त्यसैगरि, पूर्वप्रधानमन्त्री ओलीलाई पनि प्रचण्डको आनीबानी थाहा छ ।

किनकि २०७५ जेठ ३ गते वामपन्थी दल एकीकरणका नाममा एक भएका यी दुई पात्रले एक अर्काका कमजोरी तथा क्षमता राम्ररी बुझेका छन् । भलै, यी दुई पात्रको तीन वर्ष लामो सहकार्य दु:खद् मोडमा अन्त्य भएको थियो ।

त्यसैले पनि वामपन्थी दल एकीकरणको तीन वर्षपछि सर्वोच्चको दैलोमा छुट्टिभिन्न भएको यो जोडी फेरि लामो समय सत्ता साझेदार रहनेमा धेरैले आशंका गरिरहेका छन् ।

नयाँ गठबन्धनले राजनीतिक स्थायित्व दिने र सेवा प्रवाह प्रभावकारी बनाउने माओवादीका केहि नेताले दाबी गर्दै गर्दा मन्त्रिमन्डल परिवर्तनले कसरी सेवा प्रवाहमा सुधार ल्याउन सक्छ भन्ने यक्ष प्रश्नको जवाफ कसैसँग पनि छैन ।

त्यसैले, २०७९ पुस १० गते पछि पानी बाराबारको अवस्थामा पुगेका ओली र प्रचण्ड फेरि २०८० फागुन २१ मा आएर मिल्दैमा गठबन्धन दीर्घायु हुन्छ भन्ने धेरैको आशा छैन ।

किन त ?

ओली तथा प्रचण्ड दुबै ‘डाइनामिक’ नेता हुन् । दुबैको ब्यक्तित्व एक अर्काभन्दा कम छैनन् । त्यसैले ओली लो-प्रोफाइलमा बसेर प्रचण्डलाई एक्लै सरकार चलाउन छोडिदिन्छन् भन्ने पत्याउन मुश्किल छ ।

किनकि वामपन्थी दलको एकीकरणको नाममा २०७५ सालमा ओलीले सरकार चलाउँदा पनि प्रचण्डले उनलाई एक्लै सहजरुपमा सरकार संचालन गर्न दिएका थिएनन् ।

एक अर्काको ब्यक्तित्वको घर्षणका कारण अघिल्लो पटक जे भएको थियो, यसपटक त्योभन्दा भिन्न हुन्छ भन्ने कुनै आधार पनि छैन ।

त्यतिमात्र होइन, जसरी आफ्नो अस्थिर चरित्रलाई गतिशीलताको नाममा प्रचण्ड भ्रम बोकेर बाँचेका छन्, त्यति नै भ्रम उनका वर्तमान सत्तासहयात्री ओलीमा पनि छ । उस्तै परे ‘म जन्मेका कारण मात्रै नेपाल बनेको हो भन्न बेर लाउन्नन्’ ओली ।

यसअघि आ-आफ्ना ब्यक्तित्वको घर्षणले लागेको आगोले पोलेको पीडा ओकेलेका दुबैजनाका शब्दहरु अझै पनि संसद्को रेकर्डमा मात्र होइन सामाजिक संजालमा छरपस्ट भेटिन्छन् ।

प्रचण्ड र ओलीले ब्यक्तिगतरुपमा ओर्लेर एकअर्काप्रति ओकलेका आगोले ढिलोचाँडो फेरि पोल्न थाल्छ नै । त्यसैले नयाँ गठबन्धन कति लामो जान्छ, त्यसको निर्क्योल गर्नु हतार हुन्छ ।

गठबन्धनको आयु निर्धारण गर्ने अर्को महत्वपूर्ण कडी बजेट हो ।

संविधानअनुसार हरेक आर्थिक वर्षको जेठ १५ गते संघीय संसद्‍मा अर्थमन्त्रीले बजेट पेस गर्नैपर्छ । अझ यसपटक त सांसद्का विचार पनि समेट्न तीन महिना अघि नै प्रिबजेट छलफल गर्ने तयारीका साथ संसद्‍मा पेस भइसकेपछि गठबन्धन नै परिवर्तन भएको छ ।

निवर्तमान अर्थमन्त्री डा प्रशकाशशरण महतले आगामी आर्थिक वर्ष २०८१/८२ का लागि विनियोजन विधेयकका सिद्धान्त र प्राथमिकताका सम्बन्धमा छलफल गरियोस् भनी प्रस्ताव पेस गरिसकेका छन् ।

कानुनीरुपमा त्यसलाई सरकारले फिर्ता गर्न सक्दैन । त्यसैले नवनियुक्त अर्थमन्त्री वर्षमान पुनले अब त्यसैमा थपथाप गरेर प्रिबजेट छलफललाई निरन्तरता दिन्छन् ।

स्रोत समितिले दिएको सिलिङअनुसार डा महतले १८ खर्ब हाराहारीमात्र बजेट ल्याउने बताएका थिए । तर, प्रचण्डको योजना २२ खर्बको बजेट ल्याउने थियो ।

त्यसैले प्रचण्डको महत्वाकांक्षाको तुष्टिको लागि अर्थमन्त्री पुनले ठूलो आकारको बजेट ल्याउने छन् । अर्थतन्त्र संकुचित हुँदै गएका कारण राजस्वका स्रोतहरु सुक्दै गएका छन् । आम्दानी घट्ने तर अनियन्त्रित सामाजिक सुरक्षा बजेट अनि ऋणका कारण साँवा ब्याज तिर्नु पर्ने दायित्वका बढ्ने भएपछि सरकारले जतिसुकै ठूलो बजेट ल्याए पनि विकास निर्माणको लागि बजेट हुँदैन ।

सामाजिक सुरक्षा र तलबभत्तामा ४ खर्ब ४० अर्ब हाराहारी अनि ऋणको साँवा ब्याजमा ५ खर्ब ५० अर्ब हाराहारी गर्दा कूल १० खर्ब हाराहारी खर्च एक रुपैयाँ नकमाए पनि सरकारले बेहोर्नु पर्छ । सरकारको आम्दानी ११ खर्ब हाराहारी राजस्व नै हो । जुन चालु बजेट र वित्तीय ब्यवस्थापनका लागी पनि अपुग हुँदै गएको छ । पछिल्ला वर्षहरुमा सरकारको आम्दानी घट्नेक्रम जारी छ।

कर्मचारीतन्त्र बाहेक देशभर ३६ हजार ९०१ जना निर्वाचित जनप्रतिनिधि छन् । जसका लागि पनि सरकारको दायित्व रहन्छ । त्यसैले कर तिर्ने जनसंख्याभन्दा कर खपत गर्ने जनसंख्या बढी हुन लागेको नेपालमा बजेट अब नीतिगत भ्रष्टाचार गरेर राजनीतिक दललाई चुनाव खर्च उठाउने एउटा सहज कानुन मात्र हो भन्दा फरक पर्दैन ।

त्यसैले बजेटमार्फत आआफ्ना निकट ब्यवसायीका लागि नीतिगत भ्रष्टाचार गर्नै पर्ने बाध्यताका बीच एमाले अनि माओवादीमा फेरि सत्ता घर्षणको स्थिति उत्पन्न हुने कुरामा कुनै शंका छैन ।

प्रचण्डले गत बिहीबार संसद्‍मा सम्बोधन गर्दै कांग्रेसले व्यक्तिका रूपमा माया गरे पनि परिवर्तन सुशासन र समृद्धिको यात्रामा न्याय नगरेको गुनासो गरे । तर तिनै प्रचण्डले फेरि सुशासन र समृद्धिको नयाँ यात्रामा सुन तस्कर, किर्ते कागज बनाएर सरकारलाई कर छली गर्ने अनि सहकारी ठगीजस्ता गम्भीर अपराधका आरोपितलाई मन्त्री बनाए । त्यसैले पनि प्रचण्डको नयाँ परिवर्तन सुशासन र समृद्धिको यात्राको मार्गचित्रको झलक देखाइसकेको छ ।

नयाँ गठबन्धन पनि अघिल्लो झैं प्रचण्ड स्वार्थको गठबन्धन भएका कारण फेरि कुनै दिन अचानक प्रचण्डले परिवर्तन सुशासन र समृद्धिको यात्राको सपना देख्नेछन् र ‘गतिशिल’ हुनेछन् ।

जसलाइ आफ्नो परिवार बाहेक देशको त चिन्ता छैन, उसको परिवर्तन र गतिशीलताको अर्थ अनि गठबन्धनको अर्थ पनि सर्वसाधारणले बुझिसकेका छन् ।

जसरी प्रचण्डले सरकारलाई कर छल्न किर्ते कागज बनाउने, सहकारी ठगीका आरोपित अनि सुन तस्करीको आरोपितलाई मन्त्री नियुक्त गरेर मन्त्रिपरिषद्लाई स्वार्थको द्वन्द्वमा धकेलेका छन् । उनको गतिशीलताले पनि नयाँ गठबन्धन र नयाँ सरकारप्रतिको विश्वास सुरुमै धर्मराइसकेको छ ।

यसरी राजनीति अस्थिर भइरहँदा केहि घरजग्गा कारोबारी अनि सेयर बजारका केहि खेलाडीलाई, त्यो पनि अल्पकालका लागि फाइदा होला, तर समग्रमा अर्थतन्त्र झन् सुस्ततातर्फ जान्छ र हालकोभन्दा खराब परिस्थिति जन्माउँछ ।

त्यसमाथि प्रचण्ड आफैं पनि नयाँ गठबन्धनप्रति विश्वस्त छैनन्, बरु सशंकित छन् । नयाँ समीकरण पनि जोखिमपूर्ण नरहेको उनले बिहीबार संसदमा सम्बोधनको क्रममा बताएका छन् । ‘नयाँ समीकरण कति जोखिमपूर्ण थियो र छ, पछिल्ला दुई दिनका घटनाक्रमले देखाइरहेका छन्,’ उनले संसद्‍मा भने ।

उनी अगाडि भन्छन्, ‘अब यो कति परिणाममुखी हुन्छ, त्यो पनि विश्वासको मत लिने बेलासम्म प्रारम्भिक रूपमा प्रमाणित भइसक्ने विश्वास छ ।’ कामना गरौं विश्वासको मत लिने बेलासम्म अर्थात्, बुधबार (फागुन ३० गते) सम्म केहि पनि नहोस् र प्रचण्ड सरकारले विश्वासको मत पाओस् ।

किनकि पटक पटक परीक्षण भएका पुरानै आरोपित अनुहारहरुले परिणाम दिने भए नेपाल अविकासको दुश्चक्रमा फस्ने नै थिएन । मन्त्रीका अनुहार फेर्दैमा परिणाम देखिन्न भन्ने प्रचण्डले बुझन् पनि विश्वाशको मत पाउनै पर्छ ।

अन्यथा यस्तो नहोस् कि प्रचण्डका लगातारका अस्थिर कदमले परिणाम नदिएपछि नागरिकले प्रचण्ड कै विकल्प खोजुन् ।

हुनत प्रचण्ड आफनो अस्थिर चरित्रलाई लुकाउन हरेक पटक जोखिम मोलेको वा गतिशील भएको दाबी गर्छन् । उनले गतिशीलता वा जेखिम मोलेको जे शब्द प्रयोग गरे पनि उनको अस्थिर कदमले नेपाल र नेपालीलाई के दियो,

सर्वसाधारणले के पाए,

अनि नागरिकको जीवनमा के परिवर्तन आयो, त्यो महत्वपूर्ण हो ।

उनको अस्थीरताका कारण नागरिकले आफनो मुलुकप्रति विश्वास गुमाइरहेका छन् । प्रचण्डका हरेक पटकका अस्थिर कदमले उनका र उनका आसेपासे बाहेक कसैको पनि भविष्य नेपालमा सुरक्षित छैन भन्ने भाष्य बनाउन मद्दत गरेको छ ।

र, यो भाष्य प्रचण्ड आफैंले बनाउन मद्दत गरेका हुन् ।

साेमबार नारायण दाहालले राष्ट्रिय सभा अध्यक्षका लागि मनोनयन गरेपछि प्रचण्ड र उनका आसेपासे बाहेक कसैको पनि भविष्य नेपालमा सुरक्षित छैन भन्ने भाष्य बनाउन प्रचण्डकै हात छ भन्न स्पष्ट भएन र ?

सत्ताका निकट र आसेपासे मात्र नभएर आज हरेक दिन औसतमा २ हजारदेखि २२ सय नेपाली युवा देश छोडिरहेका छन् । कोहि रोजगारीको खोजीमा त कोही आफ्नो र आफ्ना सन्तानको सुरक्षित भविष्यको खोजीमा युद्धग्रस्त रुसमा भाडाको सिपाही बन्न जानसमेत बाध्य छन् ।

किन, कोहि नेपाली युवाले नेपालमा आफ्नो भविष्य सुरक्षित देख्न सकेको छैन ?

किन प्रचण्डका हरेक कदमपछि नेपाली युवा झन् असुरक्षित महसुस गर्दछन् ?

किन नेपालमा रोजगारी सिर्जना हुन सकेको छैन ?

भएका रोजगारी पनि किन दिनानुदिन घट्दै गएका छन् ?

जबसम्म भुइमान्छेका यस्ता प्रश्नको उत्तर प्रचण्डले दिन सक्दैनन्, तबसम्म प्रचण्डको गतिशीलता वा जोखिम मोलाइ उनी र उनका नातेदार अनि आसोपासेका लागि मात्र हो भन्ने स्पष्ट छ ।

तर, विडम्बना उनका नातेदार अनि आसोपासेको भौतिक उन्नतिका लागी हिजो कांग्रेस प्रयोग भयो, अब एमाले भएको छ ।

सिद्धान्त र विचारबिनाका गठबन्धनको आवश्यकता पुष्टि गर्न नसकेपछि गठबन्धन दीर्घकालीन हुँदैन । जो जोसँग जतिपटक प्रचण्डले गठबन्धन बनाए पनि भुइमान्छेका लागि त्यसको कुनै अर्थ रहन्न ।

हो, त्यसैले एउटा ब्यक्तिको महत्वाकांक्षाको लागि बन्ने यस्ता कुनै पनि गठबन्धनको भविष्य थिएन, छैन र हुँदैन पनि ।

गरिखाने नागरिकले तिरेको कर जबसम्म कर खपतकर्ताको फाइदाको लागि मात्र उपयोग हुन्छ, गठबन्धनभित्र पनि सधैं एकअर्काप्रति शंका रहन्छ । अनि शंकाले सहयात्रा सहज हुँदैन ।

सात दशक लामो राजनीतिक अस्थिरतापछि नेपाल संघीय गणतन्त्रमा गयो । नागरिकलाई सहज तथा सुलभ सेवा प्रवाह गर्न गाउँ गाउँमा सिंहदरबार आयो । तर, प्रचण्ड र ओली दुबैको नशामा जनवादी केन्द्रीयताको रगत बगिरहेको छ ।

प्रजातन्त्रको उच्चतम अभ्यास मानिएको संघीयता काठमाडौं केन्द्रीत भएकै कारण हाल प्रदेश खारेजीको माग जोडतोडले उठिरहेको छ ।

नयाँ गठबन्धन बनेपछि सातै प्रदेशमा सरकार परिवर्तनको संघारमा छन् ।

प्रदेशलाई आवश्यक कानुन तथा मानव संशाधन न ओलीले आफ्नो पालामा दिन सके, न प्रचण्डले । अब झन् दुबै चरम केन्द्रीयतावादीको गठबन्धनका कारण प्रदेशको हैसियत र आवश्यकतामा बिरोध चर्कने छ ।

यसले पनि गठबन्धनको यात्रालाई असहज बनाउँछ । गरिखाने नागरिकले तिरेको करले पालिने प्रदेशलाई केन्द्रका सत्ताधारीले आफ्ना खल्तीका कार्यकर्ता ब्यवस्थापन गर्ने संरचना बनाएका कारण बिरोध बढ्दै जाँदा नयाँ गठबन्धनको आयु पनि छोटिने स्पष्ट छ ।

त्यसमाथि नयाँ गठबन्धनका रहेको राष्ट्रिय स्वतन्त्र पार्टीले प्रदेश निर्वाचनमा प्रतिस्पर्धा नै गरेको थिएन । प्रदेश तथा संघीयता बारे रास्वपाको ढुलमुले विचारका कारण पनि गठबन्धनको सैद्धान्तिक आधार छैन ।

नयाँ गठबन्धनसँगै कोशी, मधेस, बागमति, गण्डकी, लुम्बिनी, सुदूरपश्चिम तथा कर्णाली प्रदेशमा पराकम्प आइसकेका छन् । यो राजनीतिक पराकम्पले प्रदेशको आवश्यकता र औचित्यमा थप प्रश्न उठाउने छ । र यो प्रश्नबाट गठबन्धन भाग्न सक्दैन ।

यदि केन्द्रकै नक्कल प्रदेशमा हुने हो, केन्द्र नै हाबी भइरहने हो अनि केन्द्रीय समीकरण अनुसार नै सधै प्रदेशको समीकरण परिवर्तन भइरहने हो भने यसले संघीयतामाथि नै पनि ठूलो प्रश्न उठ्छ । डा भट्टराइले भनेझैं ‘व्यवस्था जोगाउने जिम्मेवारी लिएकाहरुबाटै अहिलेको व्यवस्थामाथि संकट रहेको’ स्पष्ट छ ।

त्यसमाथि सेवा प्रवाहमा भन्दा पनि भ्रष्टाचार विकेन्द्रीकरण गर्न प्रदेशहरुको भूमिका देखिएको महालेखा परीक्षकका पछिल्ला प्रतिवेदनहरुमा छरपस्ट छ । त्यसले गर्दा पनि सर्वसाधारणमा संघीयताप्रति वितृष्णा जागेको छ । प्रचण्डको गतिशिल अस्थिरताले झन् त्यसमा मलजल गरेको छ ।

अनि, पटक-पटक हरेक राजनीतिक दललाई धोका दिँदै जाँदा प्रचण्डले अर्को जोखिम मोलेर ब्यवस्था नै परिवर्तन गर्छु, संघीयताविरुद्ध जान्छु, राजासँग मिल्छु भने, भने साँच्ची ओली के गर्लान् ?

त्यसैले ब्यक्तिगत महत्वाकांक्षा अनि स्वार्थका कारण भएका गठबन्धन टिक्दैनन् । अघिल्लो गठबन्धन पनि त्यहि कारणले नटिकेको हो, यो गठबन्धन पनि त्यहि कारणले टिक्दैन ।

अनि फेरि अर्को गठबन्धन बन्छ ।

त्यसैले यस्तो लाग्छ, मानौं सिंहदरबार नेपालको कार्यकारी प्रमुखको अड्डा होइन, एउटा पार्टी प्यालेस हो, जहाँ निरन्तर बिदाइ र स्वागतका पार्टी चलिरहन्छन् ।

नेपाली नागरिकको संविधानप्रदत्त सम्मानपूर्वक आफ्नै देशमा प्रतिस्पर्धाका आधारमा आफूले चाहेको, छानेको पेशा ब्यवसाय गरेर बाँच्न पाउने हक मारेर सिंहदरबार हासिरहन्छ ।

हरेक वर्ष पुरानो सरकारको बिदाइ अनि नयाँ सरकारको स्वागत गर्नमा मात्र सिंहदरबार रमाइरहन्छ । अनि नेपाल निर्माणमा सिंहदरबार असफल हुँदा गठबन्धन पनि असफल हुन्छ नि हैन र ?

(https://clickmandu.com/2024/03/298096.html)

Friday, March 1, 2024

World Bank supports fiscal and growth reforms and better provincial and local roads in Nepal

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $200 million in new financing for two projects in Nepal to support the country’s transition toward Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) and help improve the development and maintenance of Nepal’s provincial and local road network.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development. Through the new projects financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), we continue to focus our assistance on improving people’s lives including through infrastructure and services,” said World Bank country director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos.

The $100 million Second Fiscal Policy for Growth, Recovery and Resilience Development Policy Credit aims to strengthen revenue collection, reduce fragmentation of debt management, and increase debt transparency. It also supports reforms to enhance climate-resilient infrastructure spending, lower Nepal’s minimum foreign direct investment (FDI) threshold to promote FDI inflows and facilitate automation to streamline the process of FDI.

“This operation will help strengthen the regulatory and institutional framework to support sustainable business growth, and enhance systems to protect the most vulnerable in Nepal” stated World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the programme Sibel Kulaksiz.

The $100 million credit for the Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Programme will support the implementation of a comprehensive program for the development and maintenance of Nepal’s provincial and local road network. It will help improve the efficiency of service delivery, strengthen the resilience of selected provincial roads and bridges, and ensure communities have safe access to markets and services.

This first of a three-phased series of programmes will be implemented in Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces and local levels with the potential to scale up in the future.

“The project will strengthen the institutional, management, and implementation capacity of the subnational governments over the long term to improve inclusive connectivity and promote efficiency through reduced travel time and costs,” said Senior Transport Specialist and Task Team Leader Reenu Aneja.