EDITORIAL
There is no unanimous opinion about the state of national economy among the government authorities. Some say that the economy is passing through a critical stage, meanwhile, some explain that the economy is on the verge of collapse. On the other hand, some explain that the economy is at the recovery stage and soon it will take a proper track.
Obviously, due to the incline in the remittance revenue and also the incline in tourist arrival, the country’s foreign currency reserve has increased, yet, a decline in the government revenue, an alarming level of the incline in imports and a decline in exports indicates that the country’s economy is not in a good health. Moreover, domestic investors/industrialists are discouraged by government authorities. They opine that the attitude of the political parties, government authorities and also the rules and regulations are disappointing for investors and industrialists. The government is even unable to provide electricity facilities without disrupting the industries. When the electricity supply was disrupted without pre-notice, industrialists in the Biratnagar industrial corridor have been agitated. On the one hand, the Nepal Electricity Authority is making a loud sound by proclaiming export of the electricity, on the other, it is unable to maintain a smooth supply of electricity to the local industries. If the government was keen on transforming the nation into an industrial hub, it could supply electricity to local industries at a subsidized tariff instead of selling electricity to India at a cheap price. One two-wheeler company assembled “Yatri” electric bikes. Oddly, the company that manufactured bikes didn’t get registration from the government authorities. It is shameful that the Prime Minister had to give special instructions to the authorities for registering domestically manufactured vehicles. It is not an issue to be given special instruction by the prime minister but the concern of all the Nepalis for substituting imports by establishing industries within the country. The government should have encouraged those who are involved in producing such import-substituting items. The National Invention Center run by Mahabir Pun is trying to do a lot in its field. The government handed over the sick Agricultural Materials Corporation to the Center for its revival. The government had also committed to providing some financial support to the Center, but still, it has not fulfilled its commitment. To conclude, discouraging local farmers, local investors and entrepreneurs is a planned intention of the political leadership and government authorities.
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