Pains of living in Nepal   
  BISHISTA SHRESTHA
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=27005
 

This is in reference to the brilliant article “Is ‘development’ itself the cause of Nepal’s problems?” by Dr Jeremy Rappleye. Honestly, as the writer so succinctly puts it, we the ordinary citizens of Nepal have reached a point where the only two options before us are exit or violence.

The situation in the country is so bad that earning a reasonable amount decently has become a huge challenge as opportunities are far and between, thanks to the almost negligible economic growth in the past 15 years—the sole reason that has forced millions of our compatriots to look for greener avenues in India, Malaysia, West Asia, Japan, South Korea, Africa, etc.

And, yes, even Latin American countries like Ecuador! Surprised? Don’t be. Due to “an unusual migratory influx” of Nepalis, the government there had to recently change its “universal citizenship” policy and make it mandatory for Nepali citizens to obtain visa. Nepalis are leaving the country in droves and it is not just because of the lack of economic opportunities. Life here is tough, very tough, even if you have a job and that is what has been acting as the biggest push factor.

The cost of living in Nepal is probably one of the highest in the world if you take into account the fact that what the teeming millions make is one of the lowest. For example, just compare the cost of LPG in Nepal and India. You shell out over NRs 1,325 for a cylinder here while you just have to pay about half the amount there. And paying half the price does not hurt half as much because what you earn there is more than twice as much.

I do not shop, so I do not know much but my folks tell me that one now has to pay almost twice, or even more, for daily essentials like fruits, vegetables, cereals, etc compared to just a couple of years earlier. Add to that the cost of installing and maintaining appliances such as gas heater, gas geaser, inverter, among others, to make up for the treacherous power-cuts. And if I am complaining that life is tough for me, imagine how it must be for the majority who cannot even think of affording such luxuries!

When one struggles to make ends meet, it is almost insane to think of purchasing a plot of land or a house, which almost everyone aspires for at a certain age. Why do we have to endure this fate? When a young Indian or Chinese graduate can afford to purchase and drive around in a car, why should a Nepali be deprived of such a luxury even after slogging for years?

Something surely is terribly wrong in this country. There were huge hopes that things would change after the Maoists joined mainstream politics. But four years down the line, politics is at the lowest ebb ever. The hope that the peace process would conclude and the constitution would be written has withered away after Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal sided with Vice-Chairman Mohan Baidya and opted to adopt the revolutionary line of revolt and state capture. What will happen after May 28, 2011 is something no one can say with certainty but what has become certain is that difficult days are here to stay.
Under such a grim scenario, there are only two options that young people like me see in front of them: To live here and make the country or, if possible, move abroad and make one’s own life. What would I opt for? Well, I do not think I am capable enough to shoulder the responsibilities of building the country but I know, given an opportunity, I can do well for myself and my family. At the same time, I also know that those who cannot even manage their own life can in no way play a part in making their country. Charity, after all, begins at home.

When I share with die-hard optimists that I am fed up of living in Nepal and if I get a chance, I will take the next flight abroad, they reason that things will change in Nepal in the next 10 to 15 years and that we should stay put here and contribute to nation-building. I know that things will change. With India and China growing at a rapid pace, a country squeezed in between the two giants, cannot avoid growing even if it wants to. But the question is: How long before that starts happening? For a nation, 10-15 years might not be too long but for a mere mortal like me, it means everything. In another 10-15 years, I would have lost the most productive years of my life, and that is something that I simply cannot afford.

Bishista Shrestha
Kathmandu