Equitable Society

THERE has been much activity in the political front in the country but many other sectors, such as the socio-economic sector, have not been able to keep up in pace with it. The social sector is still lagging behind unable to reap in benefits that should have accrued from the political changes that have taken place. Progress in the political sphere should go side by side with socio-economic advancement. This was observed by Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan at a programme the other day where she aptly noted that the political changes that have taken place have not been supported with socio-economic development programmes. This is indeed disconcerting for the country is mired in poverty with archaic values that have impeded the development endeavours that basically has the objective of ameliorating the lot of the people. Disparities can still be glaringly seen in society, and there is dire need to do away with the anomalies and aberrations that are prevailing in society at large so that it is possible to build an equitable society.

Economic programmes should be accorded the high priority it deserves if the country is to succeed to catch up with the rest of the world, which is developing at a rapid pace. Political changes alone would not suffice to change the lifestyle of the people. The government programmes in the socio-economic front would amount to nothing without the wholehearted support of the people. For this, the social organizations and the intellectuals have a crucial role cut out for them so that an equitable society is possible. So far, the working of the social organizations appear to be inadequate and unable to meet the challenge. They should serve as catalysts to change the mindset of the people that would ultimately succeed in creating an equitable society. Exploitation in any form is detestable, and it is very tragic that such practices are still prevalent. Despite the knowledge that this is not right there are some who are still practicing it. These abuses should be opposed from all quarters and those found guilty of them should receive the harshest punishment. There are various form of socio-economic exploitation that have continued for long that are obstacles to the creation of an equitable society. One way to deal with the problem is educating the people so that are made aware of their rights and their responsibilities as well. The political changes that have taken place in the country should be utilized to the utmost for the socio-economic uplift so that headway is made in creating an equitable society in the building of a New Nepal.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 4, 2007