By GP Acharya (KATHMANDU, 11 December 2019) – The day Prime Minister Oli assumed the oath of office; his critics started speculating on his health. It is known fact that Oli is physically less healthy, but his emotional well-being is terrific. Because of emotional will, Oli worked day and night for the national well-being. Presumably, none of the so called healthy Prime Ministers in Nepal’s history worked 18 hours daily as like Oli did. Some of the emotionally unwell critics are criticizing the government and conspiring on Oli’s health instead of offering words of good wishes for his personal well-being. No one is immortal in this universe. Oli is neither. Yet, Oli won’t let jeopardize the nation even if his health do not cooperate him. There is no reason or personal gain Oli has to earn by strengthening his premiership as blamed by some of the critics.
Of course, “the public has the right” to know about the health of their Prime Minister as claimed by some media. Yet, they do have responsibility to disseminate the information about nation’s health that Oli has made improve. Yes, Oli is ill again. Meanwhile, Oli’s will power is stronger. The will power to make the nation stronger. The will power to make the people and society stronger even himself being physically weaker. Oli has ever never worked to make the nation ill. The truth is despite of himself being affected by health issues, he has not left any stone unturned for the well-being of nation and its nationals. Of course, health issue of Prime Minister attracts the attention of general public. This is because of the reason that they have huge expectation on Oli. And, they are worried that whether nation may go back in mess if something serious happen to Oli’s health.
Meanwhile, some critics have been raising questions about Oli’s fitness to govern since he became the Prime Minister. On the contrary, the Oli government is functioning with accelerating pace and momentum. Nepal’s image in international political spectrums has been heightened. Its geo-strategic and diplomatic credence have made significant triumph under Oli. Bi-lateral relations with immediate neighbors have been balanced, consistent and in equal-footing, today. Nepal was experiencing asymmetric relations with its immediate neighboring giants since long. Oli’s perceptive policy and paragon of diplomacy have made President Xi’s visit possible which has consequently increased Nepal’s credence in international sphere.
It is due responsibility of every nationals to disseminate the precise information regarding the ongoing development works, law enforcement, nation’s rising international stature, foreign policy triumph and increasing diplomatic credence. Every creative individuals and intellectuals have to analyze both the aspects- good and not good. The good aspects can bring positive vibes to the society and help minimize the negatives.
The Policy
Prime Minister Oli has injected visionary dynamism into Nepal since the assumption of his office a year back in Feb 15, 2018. As a nationalist leader, Oli has envisioned several steps ahead than any contemporary leaders can do. Conceivably, his long term vision for Nepal may be failing to meet Nepalis immediate and more urgent needs, today. Despondently, from the day Oli took oath of office, some of the critics started scrolling blindly him down of his vision rather than supporting morally. They tried defaming Oli’s vision and achievements without making any sincere judgments and rational analysis.
In the domestic front, institutional process has been gaining momentum, under Oli’s Premiership, in all the three tier architecture where several mechanisms have been set up- planning, staffing and restructuring of human and physical infrastructures. The integration of employees and several tasks related to federalism has been under progress. For instance, Social Security Scheme of the government- a three tier architecture in savings, investment and security which is equally beneficial to employees, employer and the government. That would leave a profound impact in social protection of the employees in hundred years to come.
The post-earthquake reconstruction is taking its pace in full swing. The preparation of railway connectivity project survey on China-Kathmandu, India-Kathmandu and East-West railway has been taking its pace and progress. The construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bheri-Babai Diversion Project and Upper-Tamakpshi Hydro Project are gaining momentum and in final phase. Oli government has taken progressive initiative to reform the education system and has passed the medical education bill by both house of the parliament.
According to the government sources, IMF has predicted the economy growth to 6.5 % in this fiscal year which is highest ever in the history of Nepal; revenue collection has increased to 32% as compared to the first half of the year. Capital expenditure has increased to 25.33% where as government expenditure has decreased from 43% to 14% than in the last year. According to the WB report, Nepal has stepped-up on the ease of doing business. Oli government has been laying the ground work for all round development of the country. All these deeds will leave profound impact in the future course of development in Nepal.
On the bilateral front, Nepal signing of ten agreements in various sectors during PM Oli’s visit to China in 2016 and consequently being granted access to four Chinese seaports, for trading with third country, has been a new achievement in Nepal-China strategic relations. The soft partnership in BRI project and rail and road connectivity with India and China may leave a profound impact on Nepal’s bi-lateral relations and socio-economic enhancement in domestic sphere in centuries to come.
PM Oli has been meticulously successful to influence immediate neighbors. He has extended cordial hands towards both the countries to think, invest and collaborate that have reflected equi-proximity of the relations. As a result, Nepal’s neighborhood policy has been balanced and consistent, now. The withdrawal of Indian consular office in Biratnagar without any mêlée with India, and formation of joint committee to minimize the loss from floods reflect a successful handling of bilateral diplomacy.
Nepal-Japan relation has been invigorated; direct flights between Nepal and Japan are resuming near soon. Earlier, Nepal has made bilateral agreements with Cambodia and Myanmar for air connectivity. All these show, Nepal is making paradigm shift in bilateral diplomacy- through proactive to perceptive diplomacy.
On the multilateral front, the gallant presence of PM Oli in the 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly has drawn immense praises at home and afar, where he projected nation’s image with a broad vision on Foreign Policy. Instead of pleading for sympathy and grants, he nobly reiterated to address the emerging transnational issues through Global Governance. This shows, Nepal is in a position to strong defend its sovereignty and is equally standing in international arena through the paragon of Multilateral Diplomacy.
PM Oli, who even dares to call the heads of diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu and briefed about the government’s Foreign Policy priority back in March 27, 2018. The goal was to promote the image of Nepal at the international level. He facilitated the second briefing of heads of diplomatic missions in Feb 1, 2019 where Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali briefed about the progress on peace process.
Regarding the escalating diplomatic quandary created by Venezuelan crisis, PM Oli emphasized that US-Nepal relation is momentous and carries significant values, and it should not be derailed by any diminutive issues,
On the Global front, PM Oli has been invited to address the annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, from January 22-24, 2019. Oli has been the first sitting head of government from Nepal to address the movers and shakers of world politics and economy in such global forum. PM Oli’s participation in WEF could be a new beginning for Nepal to enhance its co-existence in global economy, trade and diplomacy.
Well- Being
However, Oli, a nationalistic and visionary leader, must use his conviction, knowledge and intelligence while making decision in sensitive issues such as border disputes and other bilateral issues with the immediate neighbors. He has to think beyond the box and espouse perceptive policy. A patriotic statesman like Oli has to listen equally his fellow citizens, foreign policy experts around, his comrades in the bash, and the opposition in dash for the broader national well-being.
My best wishes for PM’s personal good health and greater success in the fulfillment of his noble vision of Nation Building. May he continue integrating the people, society and nation each day with his gallant performances.
Good wishes to PM Oli for his personal well-being.
GP Acharya is a researcher and analyst.