'Voting with feet' presents a serious social challenge that Nepal has been contending with for the past couple of decades. Among the most notable repercussions of this phenomenon is the brain drain
Nepal is grappling with a growing sense of people's dissatisfaction regarding the performance, efficacy and integrity of the government and the political leadership. Rampant state-sponsored corruption, bureaucratic red tape, incessant political squabbles and a glaring absence of tangible advancements in critical sectors like infrastructure and economic prosperity have collectively fueled a profound disillusionment among the people. This cynicism has spurred a notable social phenomenon dubbed 'voting with feet'.
'Voting with feet' refers to a social dynamic where individuals express their dissatisfaction or disapproval with a particular situation, government, or leadership by physically leaving or relocating from that area or country. It is a metaphorical way of saying that people are 'voting' with their actions, opting to move away or migrate as a form of protest or response to perceived shortcomings or failures of governance.
There are several incidences where prominent personalities have used the term 'voting with feet' to illustrate this phenomenon. One particularly noteworthy example is attributed to the communist leader Vladimir Lenin, who famously remarked, 'they voted with their feet', in reference to Russian soldiers deserting the Tsar's army. Additionally, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan also used this expression, advocating interstate migration within the United States as a means to address unsatisfactory local conditions.
'Voting with feet' presents a serious social challenge that Nepal has been contending with for the past couple of decades. Among the most notable repercussions of this phenomenon is the brain drain – the departure of skilled and educated individuals to foreign countries in pursuit of better prospects. Numerous talented Nepali professionals, spanning from doctors and engineers to IT specialists, have opted to relocate abroad due to limited job opportunities, insufficient infrastructure and disillusionment with the government's failure to foster an environment conducive to professional advancement.
The exodus of Nepali workers to the Middle East also profoundly represents this socio-economic phenomenon. Faced with limited employment prospects and economic challenges in Nepal, a significant number of individuals, predominantly unskilled or semi-skilled young men and women, are compelled to seek better opportunities abroad. The Middle East, with its booming construction, hospitality, domestic labor and service sectors, is serving as an attractive destination due to its demand for cheap labour. Nepali workers are drawn by the promise of higher wages, despite the often harsh working conditions and challenges of living far from home.
Additionally, the presence of established networks and recruitment agencies facilitating the migration process has further encouraged the trend of 'voting with feet'. However, the migration experience is not without its hardships, as workers often grapple with issues such as exploitation, non-payment of wages and lack of legal protections. Nonetheless, the consequence of 'voting with feet', the exodus of Nepali workers to the Middle East, remains a crucial aspect of Nepal's labour landscape, shaping both individual livelihoods and the country's economy as a whole.
The migration of professionals including skilled and unskilled workers abroad has imparted a detrimental effect on Nepal's economy. It has deprived the country of valuable human capital, hindered innovation and productivity, and exacerbated unemployment and underemployment. 'Voting with feet' has also affected the social fabric of Nepali society. Families are often separated as youngsters migrate in search of better opportunities, leading to emotional distress and a breakdown of traditional support structures. Moreover, the departure of skilled professionals beyond the borders has aggravated existing inequalities and widened the gap between the haves and have-nots.
To effectively address the challenge of 'voting with feet' and tackle the underlying grievances with governmental performance, Nepal must embark on a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at enhancing governance, fostering economic progress, and retaining its skilled workforce within the country. This multifaceted approach involves several key initiatives. Firstly, combating corruption is paramount. Nepal must institute transparent and accountable governance mechanisms to eradicate corrupt practices, ensuring that public resources are utilised efficiently and fairly.
Secondly, significant investments in infrastructure are essential. Prioritizing development in areas such as transportation, energy, agriculture, tourism and telecommunications will not only spur economic growth but also enhance the overall standard of living for citizens across the nation. The lucrative job market created due to these initiatives will retain the youngsters within the country.
Furthermore, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship is crucial. This entails supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, investing in education and vocational training, and offering incentives for the establishment and expansion of businesses. Nepal should also focus on bolstering democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and promoting political stability and social cohesion. By doing so, the government can instill trust and confidence among the populace.
The phenomenon of 'voting with feet' in Nepal underscores the urgent need for meaningful reform and governance improvements. By addressing the root causes of people's dissatisfaction and creating an environment conducive to economic growth and social stability, Nepal can stem the tide of emigration and harness the talents and energies of its citizens to build a brighter future for all.
Dr Joshi is senior scientist and independent opinion maker based in Germany
pushpa.joshi@gmail.com
