Right to Reject: Nepal's Democratic Dilemma!

"Right to Reject," or "None of the Above" (NOTA) option in election papers, allows voters to choose an option that signifies they do not support any of the candidates standing in the election. This option is intended to give voters a formal way to express dissatisfaction with all candidates and to potentially influence political parties to offer more suitable candidates. Though NOTA does not typically result in the annulment of the election or a re-election, it can highlight voter dissatisfaction and encourage political reform. 

On January,2014, the Supreme Court has directed the government to provision the voters’ “right to reject” all candidates in elections.

Its been 11 years past and still the Government and Election Commission have not shown any interest in implementing this decision and the court ruling,  was not implemented in the 2017 and  2022 elections. This rule will allow a voter with an option to reject all the candidates mentioned on ballot papers by ticking in a particular box set for the purpose.

So, to pressurize the Government and Election Commission lets trend #RightToRejectin2084 #WeWantRightToRejectin2084 in social media platforms.

National Pride Projects : Hope or myth for prosperity?

The Government of Nepal has listed various strategically important projects that can contribute to the country's economic and social transformation as National Pride Projects. Although the criteria for declaring such Pride Projects has not been made, the government has declared 21 projects under construction as National Pride Projects till now. But none of the projects  have been completed on time.

National Pride Projects are high-priority government projects aimed at benefiting the maximum population. These projects are typically long-term in nature and are implemented through multi-year contracts. In contrast, regular projects have shorter durations and are usually completed within two to three years. The government declares a project as a "National Pride Project" when it is expected to have a significant impact on the nation's economic growth and development. Such projects are generally distinguished based on their scale, complexity, and potential impact.

List of National Pride Projects as listed by National Planning Commission

1. Sikta Irrigation Project
2. Babai Irrigation Project
3. Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project
4. Bheri Babai Diversion Project
5. Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project
6. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project
7. West Seti Hydropower Project
8. Bhairahawa Regional/International Airport
9. Pokhara Regional/International Airport
10. Second International Airport, Bara
11. Pashupati Area Development Trust
12. Lumbini Area Development Trust
13. Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway
14. East-West Railway
15. Postal Highway
16. North-South (Koshi) Highway
17. North-South (Kaligandaki Corridor) Highway
18. North-South (Karnali) Highway
19. Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track
20. Melamchi Water Supply Project
21. President Chure Conservation Program

Nepal Trust

The Nepal Trust Act, which was originally formulated to allow usage only for education and health, was amended to include tourism and business.

After that, a game began where the trust's property was leased to close associates for an extremely low amount, for a duration of 80 to 100 years, at a throwaway price.

Everyone is involved in this collusion. What we see on the surface are the Congress and Communists, but when it comes to benefiting from it, everything is set behind the scenes.