A democratic country is never without a government. Even if a government steps down, its continued existence is to ensure there's no governance vacuum. In this manner, while individuals leading or residing within the government may change, the essence of governance remains constant. The continuity of government implies that each preceding administration's responsibilities also fall upon the succeeding one. Therefore, every prior governmental action must be acknowledged and addressed by the subsequent government. Even if errors were committed by the preceding government, rectifying them and driving progress becomes the duty of the succeeding government. However, a peculiar phenomenon is observed in the context of Nepal. There's a mistaken belief that everything must change with each change in government. For instance, the Land Commission, established by the KP Sharma Oli government to redistribute land to landless or unorganized settlers, was disbanded upon Sher Bahadur Deuba's ascension to power. Now, with Pushpa Kamal Dahal assuming leadership once again, supported by the CPN-UML, the commission instituted during the preceding administration has been dismantled again. Ironically, the process of establishing a new commission of the same nature is currently underway.
Applications of 1.2 million landless people collected
Not only is the Land Commission affected, but committees are being established under different guises, ranging from addressing the issues of usury victims to resolving cooperative dilemmas. Despite the potential reliance on the recommendations and research of earlier committees to tackle such issues, new ones are formed without considering the work of their predecessors or examining their suggestions. This practice not only squanders national resources but also misuses time and intellectual capital. Disregarding previous initiatives solely based on the identity of the individuals leading them, their appearance, or their political affiliation is erroneous. Instead, the efficacy of their efforts should be evaluated. If effective, the initiatives should be furthered; if lacking, additional commissions and committees should be established based on empirical evidence and rationale. Publicizing such endeavors and holding wrongdoers accountable would enhance the credibility of the current government. However, diverting national funds for redundant purposes constitutes a betrayal of the nation's interests.
These commissions and committees often prioritize providing employment to certain individuals rather than addressing genuine needs. They serve as mechanisms to accommodate individuals who failed to secure electoral mandates or are absent due to various reasons, while also catering to their relatives' interests. Consequently, with each change in government, these bodies are resurrected to serve the same purposes. Many commissions/committees formed in Nepal merely serve as political tools, with their contents kept undisclosed and their members unaccountable. While such actions may be perceived as routine political maneuvers by governments, the cynical politicization of the land commission exacerbates the plight of the landless, whom the government professes to protect. Despite claims by the Maoist-led government that it prioritizes the welfare of the landless, the reality suggests otherwise. Governments have exploited the landless as a mere "vote bank," promising land ownership during their tenure but failing to deliver substantively. Such actions betray the trust of the landless and perpetuate their impoverishment. Hence, governments must cease politicizing the plight of the landless immediately. Conscious citizens, not just the landless, should vocally oppose such political machinations. Political parties must recognize that further exploitation of this vulnerable group jeopardizes long-term peace and stability in the country.
