Federalism Is In



Federalism is of prime importance given the current political circumstances. Unfortunately, we don;t hear about it being debated or discussed at the policy making level by the people who matter the esteemed law makers of the country. Therefore, it was good to have it covered as the cover story in the April issue of New Business Age which shed light on the fiscal face of federalism in Nepal.

The politicians till now used federalism to their advantage by manipulating the ethnic sentiments of the countrymen. The federalism that would really give people the fruit of prosperity, rights and recognition is not even pronounced by the law makers. They are busy playing the political musical chair. The fiscal aspect of federalism needs a thorough discussion at the policy making level. The new constitution that is going to be promulgated sooner or later needs to incorporate federalism as the country has already been pronounced a federal republic.

Until now, federalism has not become more than an emotional bait to win the sentiments of different communities that have fallen back in the race of mainstreaming. The devolution of states based on ethnicity is the example of that principle. The ethnicity-based federalism is a slogan raised by political parties for cheap popularity. In the end, it is not going to meet the expectations of the ethnic communities. Experts opine that ethnic federalism is a suicidal approach.

Overall development must be an agenda and the major goal of federalism. Economic base is something that cannot be taken lightly while devolving the states. The map should be sketched in a manner that would equally and justly divide resources among states to guarantee the autonomy of the state nations. Lawmakers should not delay discussing such important aspects.

The world has witnessed the failure of many nation states. We cannot be assured that, as a country, we are going to be an exception. We must look to divide states in a way that they can sustain on their own and meet their economic needs. Otherwise, we may be left to blame ourselves for the failure of federalism that we hold high expectations from. Lawmakers should now concentrate on the country's development rather than spending their time and energy to save their jobs as Constituent Assembly Member by indefinitely extending it without an end result.

- Bibash Aryal
Paknajole, Kathmandu
 

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