Our Political Philosophy - Radical Centrism

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"We shall create an environment to live a dignified life in Nepal."

 

Our political point of departure is participatory democracy, republic state, federalism, inclusion and secularism. Nepal Bibeksheel Party accepts these topics and shall move forward by bringing improvements on them and will not do anything to bring regression on these agenda. We accept them as the political foundation and are committed to safeguard them.

We believe in implementing and thereby improving the constitution. In the current version, the principle of equality and gender based discrimination regarding citizenship are not compatible. This needs to be amended. We adopt republicanism and are very clear that monarchy is our history and not the future. While implementing the constitution in the coming years, we are ready to discuss the federal structure, number of provinces, districts and the role of different levels, and are open to bringing improvements. We accept secularism. We believe that it is wrong to do politics in the name of religion and divide the nation by doing so. Regarding the system of government, we accept the current parliamentary system as per constitution but are open for more discussion. However, since the constitution has not been implemented yet, not even partially, we do not want to make changes right now or soon. Our understanding is that many issues can be improved or resolved by bringing changes in the current electoral system and existing laws. 

In the 21st Century, political parties have to be dynamic. They cannot bring positive changes by following certain dogmatism. Besides having ideological clarity, agenda based timely flexibility and innovation are of utmost importance.  Hence, to find solutions, radical reforms in formal institutions as well as informal institutions (customs, traditions and culture) are necessary. Further, implementation has to be realistic and practical. Romanticism, idealism or any other ism may be nice for day dreaming but cannot bring sustainable political, economic and social transformation. Thus, our politics is agenda based and value based.

In the balanced state that Bibeksheel has envisioned, there shall be respect and tolerance between different communities. Nepalis shall be prosperous and dignified. Nepali society shall be self-reliant and Nepal shall always be geographically, politically and economically independent. For this, there shall be 4 pillars: citizen, society, economy and equitable policies.

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1. Judicious citizen

To make Nepal an able country, the nation's ordinary citizens must have strong fundamental ethical and moral values. When the majority of Nepalis develop the common sense, consciousness and tolerance to differentiate between right and wrong, there will be significant positive effects on the whole society, economy and system of governance. Only when the citizen fulfills the civic responsibility towards the country, the country becomes as envisioned by the citizens. A country does not develop on its own. It has to be built together. Also, citizens need to be aware.

 

2. Entrepreneurial Society

Today’s Nepali society that thrives on dependency and short term gain has been suffocating the whole nation. A society that is dominated by this kind of bad culture, has to adhere to values that embrace independence, entrepreneurship, creativity, courage, perseverance, self reliance and success. Nepal badly needs such an entrepreneurial, productive and service oriented society that adopts work and merit based, productive culture, and transforms the society consistently by using state-of-the-art knowledge and thereby makes the nation developed, progressive, future oriented and sophisticated.

 

3. Sustainable Economy

The economy is the backbone of the country’s economic prosperity. Efficiency and productivity have to be increased by utilizing science and technology. However, visionary long term decisions are necessary so as not to damage the environment further. Currently, there is a tradition of bringing goods from a foreign country and selling them for profit which increases import than export. Areas of economic benefits like financial institutions, tourism, different service sectors, information technology etc. need to be identified and investments executed. When Nepalis are financially well-off in their own country Nepal, they will be able to live a dignified and free life. Since financial freedom is the only way that helps a person to live a dignified life, such an environment needs to be built.

 

4. Equitable Policies

 

(a) Social Policy - For centuries, there has been a race based system and based on that, the caste based system has been in practice. After the civil act was enacted in BS 1990, work, rights and punishment were divided according to the caste. This unfortunately led to the system where a person got bound to a certain category by birth and could not change it during his/her own lifetime. Depending on the type of family one was born into (मासिन्या र नमासिन्या), people were treated differently. Several decades had to be spent on fighting for the rights of female and so called low caste to study. Since laws and policies have such a long term effect, we believe that they need to be equitable.

While making policies, they should not discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, religion, gender, colour of the skin, thoughts, region etc. Everyone should have equal access to opportunities. However, the state must provide special measures to those who have been oppressed for several centuries so that these communities are able to make use of their rights and live with dignity. The policies must be community based. For example, laws must be made to preserve community languages and traditional cultural heritage. Prioritizing education, health care and security of the people, policies should be based on the needs of different communities. For example, at the schools in Bagmati Province, besides Nepali language, there has to be a provision to teach/learn Tamang and Newari language.

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(b) Defence Policy - Maintaining a good relationship with our neighbouring countries and other countries, we shall not allow our land to be (mis)used for other’s interests. We shall make our security forces efficient, modern and fully equipped to defend the country’s integrity, territory and strategic interests. The policies shall increase the timely decision-making capability based on the analysis of data collected via different information (espionage) mediums. 

 

(c) Foreign Policy - Country’s foreign policy shall be based on Panchsheel, and a policy of neutrality and military non-alignment shall be maintained. If it is in the interest of Nepal, foreign aid or financial help shall be accepted in a proper manner for a certain period of time. The policies that enhance the access to foreign markets shall be opted and increase in production shall be managed accordingly.

 

(d) Justice - Our work shall focus on providing equal access to justice and efficient management of the judicial process so that the timely decision regarding justice is ensured. Our policies shall also include making the prisons more like a rehab centre where people can reflect and learn. These institutions shall include libraries and possibilities to study and develop different skills.

 

By adopting all these policies, we shall build a servant government where the citizens are served but also reminded of their individual responsibilities. We shall implement different policies and ensure social justice. We are committed to our goal and firm towards taking necessary decisions but as a whole there will be a balanced state and extremist activities shall not be allowed.

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Our Social Philosophy - Humanity, Equality, Liberty, Dignity

 

“Sovereign Nepal, dignified Nepali, equal and humane Nepali society”

 

Humanity - First of all, a person is a human, then a citizen! Regarding the relationship between two people, humanity is the most important. No matter which country we belong to, we live on the same earth. The borders are philosophically imaginary boundaries. Climate change and viruses do not differentiate between the countries. In this sense, fraternity exists not only between Nepalis but between all the living creatures on earth and humanity is the key to connect each other. While treating each other, not country, religion or race but humanity should be the primary factor.

 

Equality - Equality has two facets: First, all the fundamental rights given by the constitution - whether it is freedom of expression or voting rights - this applies equally to all Nepali citizens. They should not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, caste, creed, region, ideas, marital status etc. All Nepali should have equal access to opportunities. Second, inequality created by several decades long social distortions like patriarchal thinking and caste based untouchability needs to be eliminated. Representation of such groups is not enough, participation is a must.

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Liberty - In politics, liberty has several meanings; among them individual freedom and country’s sovereignty are important. Even though our individual freedom has been attacked many times, our sovereignty has been saved by the combination of the country's geography, our strategy and diplomacy. In democracy, freedom is always attached to responsibility. The constitution gives certain rights to the citizens but it is the responsibility of every citizen to follow the constitution and the existing laws. As far as individual freedom is concerned, this has to be a part of life and not only a slogan. And it is universal and universally accepted that one has the right to live one’s life according to one’s wishes but without affecting others. While asking for one’s own rights, one must take care of not hindering other people’s rights. 

 

Dignity - Despite the existing diversity in nature, language, religion, culture, ethnicity and so on, respect and tolerance should exist among all Nepali so that each Nepali can live a dignified life. All Nepali should be able to be proud of being a Nepali without losing one’s own ethnic identity. Let unity in diversity be our flagship!

 

Our Economic Philosophy - Coordinated Capitalism

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“The country asks for sweat on its own soil.” 

 

Capitalism basically is an economic system which is related to production and distribution. In capitalism, business and industries are in the hands of individuals and private groups/companies. The opposite of this is socialism in which production and distribution are in the hands of  state and cooperatives.  Nowadays, no country has complete capitalism or socialism as an economic system. There is a mixture of both. 

After the journey to communism failed in the whole world, even countries like China and Russia have adopted capitalism, the only difference being the type of capitalism and the level of intervention by the state. We have adopted coordinated capitalism. In this form of capitalism, the state intervenes positively on the basis of national interest which shall be to bring equality in the access to basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, education, health care, security and environment. Apart from that, the economy shall function according to the market, namely demand and supply. The main goal of capitalism is profit. But to stop uncontrolled profit making (for example through monopoly & monopsony), the state shall manage/regulate via suitable rules and regulations. However, we shall take the environment into account while implementing coordinated capitalism

 

Our economic system shall be based on science and technology. Our policies shall be to increase domestic production and export. Further, the focus shall be on improving service & quality as well as service based on knowledge and skills. Vocational training shall be prioritized and criteria like price and other standards shall be maintained such that manual/labour works like barber, plumber, mason, carpenter etc. are performed by Nepali in Nepal. Strict legal punishment shall be implemented to mitigate behaviours of rent seeking, nepotism, clientelism, extortion and crony capitalism. Ease of doing business shall be improved. Further, NGO/INGOs will only be allowed to work under specified criteria.

The main pillar of our economic system will be Nepali citizens. To mobilize this resource, different programs to enhance skills and knowledge shall be conducted. To promote innovation and entrepreneurship, the state shall provide assistance and facilitate. The state shall pay attention to research & analysis in each and every sector. Those companies who create new jobs and start-ups shall be given tax relief by the state. The process to do business and manage business shall be made easy and accessible by making the bureaucratic activities (company registration, tax payment etc.) efficient and hassle free.

We are not against foreign investment or foreign aid. However, we shall approve them only after carefully assessing the field, project time, amount etc. and checking whether it is for the long term benefit of the country. We prioritize foreign direct investment over aid and we prefer bilateral and multilateral trades agreement vis-à-vis investments.

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May all be blessed!

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