Hollow promises

KP Oli-led government's policies and programmes recited by President Bidya Devi Bhandari in the parliament spells out government's work plans for the upcoming fiscal year. That is why discussion in the parliament on policies and programmes should not be seen as comments against the president. Detailed commentary on issues including Nepal government's work style, tax system, revenue criteria, priorities in expenditure areas and foreign aid policy will appear in media before Finance Minister presents annual budget from the same forum after some weeks. Taking these feedbacks as constructive criticism, government agencies and bodies concerned should be active in improving upon plans because it is the norm of democratic countries that the government is accountable to the parliament.

Going through main points in this year's programmes and policies make us conclude that this is a populist document. Some economists have put it under the category of 'ritual' text because this appears to be an improved version of the preceding governments over the decade. But Oli-led has exercised to provide novelty to the government's annual programmes. It is natural for the leading party in the coalition government to incorporate its own priorities in the annual programmes. "Build your own village" programme is a leading example in this context. Manmohan Adhikari-led government in its programme list had featured this programme that had won wide appreciation. Allowance to senior citizens had been instituted at that time. Attractive programmes like 'one house, one employment' have been proposed this year.

But attractive slogans do not guarantee effective implementation of programmes. Working styles of successive governments after political changes in the 1990s have made people suspicious of each regime. Compared to the past, governments and mechanisms formed after 2007 have been engaged in one after other scams to people's dismay. This disappointment has been gradually turning into dissatisfaction and rage. Such a situation has made many observers arrive at the conclusion that alleged achievements of the last decade appear to be liabilities rather than assets for the people.

Sunday announcement can be termed as a document of tall promises that are difficult to keep. After all, a short-term government cannot implement projects of long-term importance. It does not surprise us that people affected by earthquake and blockade harbour doubts about programmes presented for cheap popularity.