New coalition government has outlined its policy priorities and programs in 21 point content based issues comprising headings of preamble, citizenship and Nepali identity, policy related and structural reforms, democracy, good governance and quality civic service, sustainable economic development and economic well-being, make in Nepal – work, employment, entrepreneurship and local production, quality based education and educational sector infrastructure reforms, healthy Nepali healthy Nepal, food, housing and water supply, transformation of agriculture sector, energy development, honorable labor and social protection, public transport and road infrastructure, scientific land management and homeless problem resolution, information technology, youth and sports, tourism, culture, social harmony and national integrity, forests-environment, climate change control and disaster management, women’s participation, empowerment and inclusion, peace process and transitional justice, implementation of federalism and mobilization of the state mechanism for people’s interests, defending national interests and pursuing independent and non-aligned foreign policy.
Public administration has so far not run for such political purposes fully when they are indulged in resolving everyday public affairs based on needs-based services and goods. It is a second big bang in overall policy thematic guidelines. A consensus on how to function well has been forged and this is the second time in the history of Nepal’s politics to outline programs in these terms and conditions. The first of this type of political document has been released by the Sher Bahadur Deuba Government when he assumed the Chief Executive after the fall of KP Sharma Oli’s Government. It was made public on 9th January when the first session of the Joint Houses of Parliament was summoned after the federal and provincial elections were completed.
In this new parliamentary session, newly elected lawmakers had spoken about the state of affairs, political issues and burning problems facing the country. Chief lawmakers based their arguments on policies they have been uttering since the political transition commencing after the republican system. The first elected government took the helm after the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution and it was mired in controversies, scandals and rhetoric. There are similarities and differences in political opinion and the political game has begun with one coalition tumbling and another coalition seeking legitimacy tomorrow.
On the foreign policy front, the Prachanda-led Government of Nepal has been pronounced to be different from Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Government. He stands for balanced, friendly and reliable relations with China and India and professes no enmity but amity towards the Western powers without any foreign policy tilt. Former American Ambassador Randy Berry once quipped that Nepal should not be pro-China or anti-India but pro-Nepal. This political document reflects foreign policy similar to provisions outlined in the Constitution.
In regionalism, the government would provide impetus to SAARC as a chair country, BIMSTEC, and sub-regional groupings like Bangladesh Bhutan India and Nepal making effective and undertaking a proactive role in those conclaves. The Prachanda-led government would pursue a refreshing and dynamic approach to regional groupings where lackluster behavior will not be excused. On border issues with India, the Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani areas of Nepal inserted in the country’s new map would be prioritized by following effective diplomacy to ensure territorial integrity. While it is silent on the Chinese side, encroachment in the Northern regions of Nepal.
However, it has mentioned managing frontiers with two giant powerful neighbors. Based on contextual changes and needs, the government seeks to review treaties of peace and friendship with countries. A political consensus would be sought on foreign and security policy based on the national interest to deter any threats to the sovereignty of the people. As has been said within one month, a plan of action on the policy contents in this document should be formulated and executed thereof and effective monitoring would be undertaken if it has been understood.
A high-level political mechanism has issued this minimum common program to run the coalition government. All these seem to be lofty programs that are to be translated into practice. A political and administrative will is imperative to achieve these policy guidelines and a determined plan of action can ensure from day one of this release. A new tomorrow must start with this political resolution and secure political transition in a healthy, stable and certain trajectory of liberal democracy when times are accentuating open society and open markets.
