http://www.peoplesreview.com.np/ Initiation of Royal Development Project in Nepal BY SURESH ACHARYA Preamble: His Majesty Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev as a Royal Highness has been dedicated to nature and wildlife conservation work since a decade or more. This has earned His Majesty the distinction of being one of the world's leading conservationists. Following the accession of the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal in 2001, a new avenue has opened up for Him to contribute not only in the area of nature conservation but also in wider spectrum of socio-economic development issues. The apparent scope of such contribution could be in the areas related to development of agriculture and co-operative farming, preservation of environment and conservation, eco-tourism and vocational training, rural and cottage industries, rural banking and co-operative savings, jobs and income creation, public health and education, water resources development and alternative energy, safe drinking water and micro-irrigation, information and communication technology, community based small infrastructure development and various other demand-driven community welfare programmes. Background: The Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been engaged in development work following his accession to the throne as a constitutional monarch in 1951. This has earned him a good international recognition as well as regards and esteem among his masses. King Bhumibol has initiated about 2,300 projects in his country covering wide range of fields. The Office of the Royal Development Projects Board (RDPB) is responsible for these projects. Likewise, the members of the Privy Council are commanded to assist the King in overseeing the development and progress of the numerous Royally initiated projects. This unique mechanism evolved by King Bhumibol for effective management of development works and environment has helped bring about necessary changes in Thai society. At present, there are six Royal Development Study Centres (RDSC) located in different parts of Thailand. King Bhumibol has initiated the establishment of these Centres to serve as a "successful demonstration model". Most of the Royal Projects are implemented at the Royal Development Study Centres established by the King for the nation. Every year tens of thousands of people including farmers, researchers, industrialists and students visit these "Living Natural Museums". This has increased Thai people's gratitude to their King. People have realized his generosity in giving these Centres to them and in showing how to develop Thailand's land, water, air, natural resources and sources of energy in harmony with human way of life so as to produce income for those who make use of his ideas and vision. These Centres conduct research and experimentation on development methods and technology which are disseminated to the people, and applied to particular area or region according to their actual conditions and nature of the problems. To familiarize himself with his people and the situation of all seventy-five provinces of Thailand, King Bhumibol has set aside approximately two hundred days out of each year visiting the rural areas with the determination to resolve the problems faced by the people and to improve their standard of living. The Royal Projects are initiated and launched according to King Bhumibol's wishes, vision and proposals. The government of Thailand does not interfere in these Royal Projects but are approved, recognized and funded by it. Principles of Thailand's Royally initiated Project: Thai King has become not only the most traveled monarch in Thailand's history but also the best informed about a wide range of rural difficulties. Thai King learns first-hand, from the people themselves, of the local conditions and problems. After having put them at their ease, He converses with the local inhabitants and learns from them the problems with which they are faced as they themselves perceived the situation. After consulting further with the officials concerned, Thai King makes his own conclusions about the problems, including the causes and the possible methods to redress them. Upon his return to Bangkok, or sometimes even on the spot, He will share what He has learned with the members of the Government, requesting them to assist and give support to the people wherever feasible. Thai King is not just the Head of State, he has also become a key factor in the development of the country. One of the best-known development theories suggested by King Bhumibol is "the New Theory". The New Theory has several advantages. It is uncomplicated, easily implemented, and does not involve costly technology. It has been tried and tested, and has produced satisfactory results. Farmers who have followed this theory have become self-sufficient and self-reliant.