As the leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin approaches the one crore Nepalese Rupees mark, its significance becomes undeniable, despite being banned in Nepal, which indicates that we are still in the digital Stone Age. However, it's glaringly absent from parliamentary discussions in Nepal. This omission underscores the transformation of the Nepalese parliament into what can only be described as "Parliamentwood" - a realm dominated by theatrical displays rather than substantive governance.
The word "Parliamentwood" is meant to indicate that the institution of parliament in Nepal has turned into something resembling a theatrical performance or spectacle prescribed by Hollywood and Bollywood. Instead of focusing on its core functions of governance, legislation, and result oriented action, parliament has become more about dramatic displays, political theatrics, and grandstanding for public attention and disseminated over the digital and traditional media. In essence, parliament has veered away from its traditional roles and responsibilities towards a more superficial and performative approach to politics.
Parliamentary institutions, rooted in Enlightenment ideals of rational discourse and popular sovereignty, originally emerged as vital mechanisms for harmonizing diverse interests and nurturing collective decision-making for the greater good. Throughout history, the institution of parliament has been revered as an emblem of democratic governance, embodying core principles of representation, deliberation, and accountability. However, the modern political landscape in Nepal paints a disheartening picture—a discernible departure from these foundational values, marked by a troubling shift toward what can aptly be termed as "Parliamentwood." In this state, the essence of substantive deliberation and policymaking is overshadowed by theatricality and performative displays, undermining the fundamental purpose of parliamentary discourse.
This unfortunate trend is set to worsen with the deepening symbiosis between parliament and social media, which further heightens the theatricalization of political discourse. Sensationalist coverage and the amplification of viral moments incentivize performative behavior among politicians, who recognize the strategic value of dominating news cycles. This superficial debate culture, devoid of substantive delivery, fails to enhance the populace's well-being, rendering parliamentary proceedings mere theater with little tangible impact on people's lives.
As revolutionaries and champions of democratic principles, Nepali people must closely examine the evolving dynamics of parliamentary politics and advocate for a return to engagement and deliberative discourse. This entails a concerted effort to depoliticize proceedings, foster a culture of civility and mutual respect, and prioritize consensus-building over partisan theatrics.
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Another important reason for labeling parliament as "Parliamentwood" is because the Nepali parliament increasingly mirrors the intricate plots of Hollywood movies to entertain the general public. Complete with protagonists, antagonists, and compelling conflicts, this comparison sheds light on the dramatic nature of parliamentary proceedings. Within the halls of power, elected representatives serve as the protagonists, entrusted with championing the interests of their constituents and navigating the complex landscape of legislative decision-making. Similar to the central characters in a Hollywood film, these politicians often confront formidable challenges and moral dilemmas as they strive to uphold democratic principles and enact policies for the socio-economic betterment of society.
Amid the political drama, a cast of antagonists emerges, embodying opposition parties, special interest groups, political scandals or even external forces aiming to undermine the ruling coalition. These antagonists introduce conflict into the narrative, challenging the protagonists' goals and motivations and fueling tension and intrigue within the parliamentary setting, sometimes even obstructing parliamentary hearings. Whether through fierce debates over contentious legislation or power struggles between rival factions, the presence of antagonists adds depth and complexity to the parliamentary plotline, making it more entertaining for the masses.
As the narrative unfolds, the protagonists and antagonists engage in a high-stakes battle of ideologies and ambitions, where the fate of critical policy decisions hangs in the balance. Similar to the climactic showdowns in Hollywood movies, parliamentary debates often reach decisive moments where the protagonists must confront their adversaries and make critical choices that will shape legislative outcomes. These moments of confrontation and resolution serve as the dramatic climax to the parliamentary plotline, often coinciding with significant changes in government. Recently, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal orchestrated a cabinet reshuffle, appointing new ministers from various political parties, and also those who resonate with the youth demographic. This is an unexpected twist in the plot orchestrated by Parliamentwood.
At the same time, within this spectacle lies an opportunity for introspection and reform. By recommitting to principles of rational discourse, accountability, and public service, Nepal's parliament must rise above the theatrics of "Parliamentwood" and embrace its fundamental role as a guardian of democracy and good governance. It is incumbent upon both lawmakers and citizens to collaborate in revitalizing parliamentary democracy, ensuring it remains a beacon of progress for generations to come. The derailment of democracy will spell unfortunate consequences for the nation.
Considering this perspective, it's worth pondering whether Nepali actors from Kollywood, with their superior acting skills, could infuse authenticity into parliamentary proceedings. If the entertainment industry were to handle the theatrics of "Parliamentwood," lawmakers could redirect their efforts toward policymaking that effectively addresses the challenges faced by Nepali citizens. This shift would not only bolster the integrity of parliamentary proceedings but also prioritize the welfare and prosperity of the nation's people. Even though parliamentarians have faltered in this regard, it's noteworthy that Kollywood has produced films addressing profound political, social, and economic issues confronting the Nepali populace—issues that should have been addressed by lawmakers in parliament.
Instead of engaging in theatrics, lawmakers should focus on policy making to enhance Nepal's creative economy. Given Kollywood's status as a cornerstone of Nepali culture and identity, and its significant contribution to the entertainment industry, granting it a tax holiday warrants serious consideration. Redirecting tax incentives from corporate tax evaders, criminals, and large telecommunications companies towards supporting Kollywood and the creative economy would be a more productive use of resources.
Granting a tax holiday to Kollywood would hold immense significance for the country's economic and cultural progress. Firstly, it acts as a catalyst for growth by attracting investments and encouraging film production, thereby generating employment opportunities and boosting economic activity. Moreover, these tax incentives nurture creativity among filmmakers, empowering them to explore and experiment with diverse themes that showcase Nepal's rich cultural heritage, fostering a sense of national pride and identity. Additionally, such measures enhance Nepal's global competitiveness by attracting international filmmakers and increasing the country's visibility in the global market. Lastly, a thriving movie industry supported by tax incentives can significantly contribute to tourism by attracting visitors interested in exploring iconic film locations. Implementing a tax holiday for Nepal's movie industry represents a strategic investment with far-reaching benefits for the economy, culture, and global presence of the nation.
India and Nigeria stand out as prime examples of leveraging tax incentives to bolster their film industries in developing economies. India's Bollywood enjoys tax holidays, subsidies, and tax credits, all aimed at fueling film production, job creation, and cultural preservation. Similarly, Nigeria's Nollywood thrives with government support through tax holidays, grants, and funding schemes, nurturing local talent, fostering cultural expression, and driving economic growth.
In more developed economies like Hong Kong and South Korea, governments actively nurture their film industries through tax incentives, subsidies, and support mechanisms. For example, in Hong Kong, filmmakers enjoy tax deductions for production expenses and receive financial aid through grants and funding schemes. Despite challenges stemming from pandemic-related cinema closures, Hong Kong's box office revenue surged to $183 million, equivalent to US$160 million, in 2023.
Likewise, South Korea incentivizes domestic film production and foreign investment through tax credits, rebates, and exemptions. These incentives have been instrumental in propelling the film industry's growth, elevating both countries' cultural influence globally. In 2023, South Korea's movie industry achieved a remarkable milestone with sales revenue reaching approximately 1.3 trillion South Korean won, equivalent to US$1 billion. The significance of tax incentives in nurturing the growth and progress of movie industries, both domestically and globally, cannot be overstated.
Let Kollywood entertain the masses or even raise socio-political issues, while Parliament focuses on its crucial task: fostering Nepal's development and, more importantly, halting the exodus of both intellectual and labor capital. With representative democracy already considered obsolete and becoming increasingly dysfunctional by the day, especially in the face of the looming prospect of artificial intelligence-powered direct democracy, it is highly likely that the democratic system will change in the near future.
