Our bureaucrats have exposure. They are trained in foreign countries. But when it comes to service delivery, they seem to be lost somewhere. Decision to close footsal arenas at 7 in the evening and restaurants at 10 pm doesn't make any sense.Entrepreneurs are, from their character, more risk-taking but the policy and practice have been conventional and traditional. It is pulling economic development downward. Why open only Kingsway and Thamel for 24 hours? Why not open the entire Kathmandu round the clock? There will be more entrepreneurs. If they do any illegal activity, bring them to book and take appropriate action.
The government has to have the willingness to change for betterment. The government is no short of resources to allow businesses to run round the clock. A human being may have limitation. But we can have three shifts. It would create more jobs. Our political leaders and bureaucrats should take risk for the betterment of the country with good intention.
Another major problem is politicization of every section of our society. It is high time we stopped politicking and start thing of development. The government has also failed to build institutions, especially regulatory institutions.
The government should do the needful to spend development budget. If the government can spend development budget, it will help increase revenue by many folds. It should also have a mission and vision for the next 20 years. The government should be clear where we want to reach in the next two decades. Let's start discussion in the way entrepreneurs do while expanding their business. The politicians should also have expansion mood.
Every country has its own development model. We need to have our own development vision. There is no excuse and escape. Political parties may not be committed to develop the country. But I don't think there is any party that does not want to develop Nepal. It's like everyone wants clean Kathmandu but no one bothers to clean their surroundings.
So, the government has to bring policy to control wrongdoings. If it cannot bring good policies, it should hire consultants. There is no dearth of cream brains around the world and of course in Nepal too. Nepal can hire consultants and kick-start the development process. Everyone says there is energy crisis. If there really is crisis, I don't understand why not start works in war footing. Let's be action oriented and focus on development. It's not difficult as the government has huge resources to prepare plans and implement them.
There is also another problem of false nationalism among Nepalis. Nepalis have the right to earn money and be rich. Let's seek foreign as well as domestic investments and give them chance to create employment and grow in Nepal. The companies will grow, earn and so the employees, and at the same time the government, will also get revenue that can be spent on social activities like schools, hospitals, drinking water projects and road construction.
(As told to Kuvera Chalise. Bhandari is the chairman of Bajeko Sekuwa)
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