Thus, bringing such paper is rare worldwide and when done, it becomes an authoritative document shedding lights on all dimensions of the country’s economy, development and social status prevalent so far. However, the government has unveiled the paper even though the country has not undergone any such major changes that compel the government to release a white paper explaining the real status of the economy.
What was really disturbing was that the paper was full of plans and policies the government was eager to adopt, but it was less focused on presenting realistic summation of existing situation of the country’s economy and development,which are the essential components of a white paper. Judged by its contents, we believe it is merely a ‘concept paper’ and not a white paper as said.
And, in the parliamentary system and procedures we have adopted, the State’s plans, policies and programs are tabled at the parliament and widely debated before getting parliamentary endorsement. So, the ‘newly invented’ practice of announcing government policies and programs through a white paper is an unacceptable attempt of undermining the supreme right of the legislator that in the long run will weaken the parliamentary system.
In this context, what should be made out of the white paper that the government unveiled this week? Sadly, we think it carries no meaning at all. It only misleads the people, who are tired of the messy politics and weak law and order situation.
We believe that the government’s sole motive behind unveiling such a deceptive white paper is to hide its series of failures. Despite much commitment to take the ongoing peace process to a logical end and completing the peace process, the Maoist-UML government has not managed to induct even a Home Minister and given the cabinet a full shape. Even after two months in office, it has done nothing tangible to take the peace process and the constitution drafting process ahead, nor has it managed to deal with major economic problems, like taming high inflation and accelerating development works.
It has not devised any programs to revive the hope of the people. In such a situation, through the paper the government seems to be trying to be perceived as doing better by at least engaging the people with shallow promises. But, we think such a ploy will only add to people’s disenchantment. Hence, we urge the government to concentrate on making tangible progress on the ground, rather than making false promises.
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