Interviews

What policies, programs, and budget initiatives has the Lumbini Province government introduced to resonate with its citizens? How has it advanced prosperity and fostered a culture that is friendly to human rights? What programs are in place to address the unique needs of each of the province’s 12 districts? In this context, we present an edited part of a conversation between Rima BC, the INSEC Rupandehi District Representative, and Tulsi Prasad Chaudhary, the Chief Whip of CPN-UML and a member of the Finance, Industry, and Tourism Committee of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly.

What kind of policies and programs are there to address the rights of the citizens of Lumbini Province?

The Lumbini Province government has introduced policies and programs aimed at addressing the needs of all its citizens, including women, children, Dalits, Indigenous communities, Madhesi, Muslims, Queer, marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. We have prepared a bill to unify entrepreneurs and businesses. By developing an industrial policy and a tourism policy, we have worked to advance all entrepreneurs and companies collectively within the province. We have designed and implemented programs that resonate with citizens of all ethnicities, religions, and gender groups. Our efforts aim to advance in a way that protects the human rights of all citizens.

What practices have been done to bring classes, genders, and communities that could not come to the mainstream of the state?

Communities that have not yet integrated into the mainstream of the state cannot transition all at once. Currently, they are participating as part of clusters. The provincial law has been designed to ensure that all citizens of the province can participate at every level. The Provincial Public Service Commission and the Provincial Civil Service Act have made efforts to include all communities in the advancement process. Certain plans have been proposed that focus on economic empowerment, aiming to promote self-reliance among individuals. In the province, laws related to industrial management, the Provincial Civil Service Act, and local regulations have been established to connect skilled individuals with employment opportunities. Various skill development programs are being conducted at local levels for those interested in acquiring new skills. For citizens who work as laborers during the day, arrangements can be made to facilitate skill training during the evening hours. However, the willingness of individuals to learn new skills is essential for this initiative to succeed.

The government has been misinterpreted to understand development solely as physical infrastructure development (roads and buildings) while failing to invest significantly in human development. Is it possible to fulfill the dream of a prosperous province and happy citizens through only physical development?

This is merely an accusation. We do not believe that development can be achieved solely through the development of roads and infrastructure. The provincial government and our party, CPN-UML, are aware that without integrating physical infrastructure development with human development, true progress cannot be made. I cannot comment on other parties. We cannot achieve prosperity by neglecting the aspect of human development. Development that is one-sided and excludes certain classes or communities cannot be considered complete. Therefore, we have prioritized advancing physical infrastructure and human development simultaneously.

The provincial government has not been sufficiently sensitive to human rights issues, leading to the inability to implement the fifth action plan for human rights or even establish a provincial committee. Does this indicate that the provincial government has been indifferent to human rights?

We are sensitive to human rights issues. Given the political instability and changes in government, it is natural that this matter has not received the necessary priority. I would like to express our commitment to forming a provincial coordination committee for the implementation of the fifth action plan for human rights, and I will discuss this matter with Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya. We are sensitive to human rights issues. When formulating policies, plans, and programs, we ensure they are built upon the fundamental needs of the province’s citizens. We have focused on implementing programs related to education, health, entrepreneurship, and employment. Some issues also relate to human psychology. It is essential to inform the public about how previous representatives operated and how we have been working. A certain type of budget was presented yesterday. There have been some discussions regarding whether our conduct has validated the main budget. Previously, there were many allegations of corruption; now, projects exceeding Rs 500,000 are being advanced through a tender process. In the past, while it was stated that work would be done through consumer committees, it was common for consumers to award contracts and add 20 percent to the costs for the contractors. Similarly, former officials of the province are continuing to receive benefits. The current government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, is engaged in discussions regarding what actions to take concerning these privileges.

There are allegations that the provincial government has become unjustifiable, excessively costly, and a platform for recruiting activists. How do you respond to these claims regarding the validity of the provincial government?

There is a group questioning the validity of the provincial government, which opposes this system. The federal government and local governments had their distinct structures. The provincial government is an entirely new structure. In the provincial government, all the officials, including the Chief Minister, ministers, and staff, are new. Therefore, the criticisms are not aimed at the provincial government itself but at the state system as a whole. This could be an attack from elements that oppose this system. The situation before 2017 was powerful in every aspect. If the current state system has become significantly weaker, then it can be said that this state system is flawed. Since the province is a new structure and has not yet been granted full authority or adequate resources, there are some issues. However, if we can enhance the available resources and move forward, I believe that the public will begin to recognize the importance and necessity of the provincial government.

Why do all levels of government appear indifferent to preventing youth from going abroad for employment and creating an environment for them to work domestically?

It is not the youth’s fault that they are going abroad; it is the fault of our parents. When our children obtain visas to go abroad, there is often a rush to offer them best wishes on social media for a month. Parents are encouraging their children to seek opportunities abroad. This also indicates that there are limited prospects within Nepal. There is a misconception that there’s everything abroad. The government has initiated various youth self-employment programs and entrepreneurship initiatives to demonstrate that there are opportunities within the country. Local governments have also implemented various youth skill development programs and training sessions to equip young people with the necessary skills.

What plans are in place to retain youth who return to the country after acquiring skills abroad and to help them utilize their skills within the country?

The government does not hesitate to implement measures for youth who return with skills acquired abroad. We have enacted laws to facilitate this process. Some youth who returned after acquiring skills have unfortunately faced setbacks due to the allure of government grants, while others who are determined to make progress with their skills have succeeded within the country. They have succeeded. However, there are also examples of those who have failed, primarily because they only sought grants without putting in the effort to work. The government is committed to facilitating skill development for youth who wish to learn and connecting skilled youth to entrepreneurship, trade, business opportunities, cooperatives, or banks to help them move forward. I urge all youth to have confidence in this support.

At last what will be the accountability of the provincial government to ensure that the residents of the province feel its presence and effectiveness?

The provincial government is a government for the citizens. It consistently works in the interest of the people and is always present when citizens seek assistance. Whether it is during the drought of April/May or the rainy season with floods, landslides, inundation, and erosion, we are here to respond to their needs. Whether it is about providing relief to the victims in times of suffering or offering other services, we have personally visited the affected individuals to share in their hardships. The provincial government is always alongside the citizens, ready to support them whenever they are in need. We are sensitive to the protection of all castes, religions, genders, and communities of the province. We can shoulder the responsibility of the state to protect the basic human rights of the citizens. Perhaps this is our accountability.