The recent developments surrounding the proposed lease of 15 ropanis of land belonging to Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (NAMUD) to a private party have raised serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and good governance in our government. It is disheartening to learn the mounting pressure exerted allegedly by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati on NAMUD Chancellor Nisha Sharma Pokharel to proceed with this questionable plan. It is imperative that the government stops this process immediately and focuses on upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance. According to reports, Minister Kirati allegedly wants to lease the land at a much lower price than its market value, paving the way for commercial development. However, this move raises several red flags and undermines the trust placed in the government to protect public assets. Chancellor Pokharel's reluctance to comply with the minister's proposal highlights the potential risks and uncertainties associated with handing over public land to the private sector. As a newspaper, we urged the government officials concerned to learn from past mistakes, such as the Lalita Niwas case, where public land was misused, leading to legal disputes and public outrage.
Chancellor Pokharel and her staff have expressed their preference for utilizing the land to build an assembly building with the assistance of an international agency. This alternative approach would not only generate regular income for NAMUD but also ensure that the land remains under the control of the academy, safeguarding it from potential misuse. It appears that their vision also aligns with the principle of accountability and good governance, as it prioritizes the long-term interests of the academy and the public. The involvement of various officials in this land-grabbing attempt is deeply concerning. Reports suggest that attractive commissions have been offered to Chancellor Pokharel to change her decision. Such unethical practices undermine the credibility of our government and erode public trust. Minister Kirati, who has earned a relatively clean image, should prioritize the interests of the nation over personal gain and abandon this pursuit immediately. Moreover, the history of the land's ownership has already been marred by confusion and legal disputes. It is crucial that we learn from these past incidents and ensure that proper procedures are followed, avoiding any further controversies. Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront of all decisions related to public land.
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In response to these concerns, the government's claim that no such lease has been finalized is somewhat reassuring. However, mere words are not enough in this regard. As a newspaper, we demand concrete actions from the government to put an end to this process and restore public confidence. The formation of a committee to search for alternative land, as mentioned by Minister Kirant’s aide, is a step in the right direction. The government must uphold its commitment to good governance and transparent decision-making by involving relevant stakeholders, including the public, in these discussions. The citizens of our nation expect their government to work tirelessly in the pursuit of accountability, transparency, and good governance. It is our collective responsibility to hold our leaders accountable and demand that they prioritize the public's interests over personal gains. We call upon the government to halt the proposed lease of NAMUD land to the private sector and to undertake a thorough review of the decision-making process surrounding this issue. It is high time we built a future where transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of governance, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.
