Bikalpa an Alternative in collaboration with The Network For Free Society, hosted an online discussion program on 16 October 2020. Bikalpa was privileged to host Mr. Deependra chaulagain, Director of Operations and Outreach at the Samriddhi Foundation, who delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Understanding Public Policy’. He oversees the development of outreach programs of the Foundation and coordinates outreach with parliamentarians, politicians, and bureaucrats.
The discussion was moderated by Mr. Basanta Adhikari, Director of Bikalpa an Alternative.
Mr Chaulagain began the discussion by overviewing Samridhhi Foundation’s journey in advocating economic freedom and the way forward for the Nepali economy, highlighting the importance of think tanks like Samriddhi and their interventions in policy issues. He opined that while the people’s movement of 2062/2063 did help in achieving greater political freedom but the issues of economic freedom and public policy were not so much debated or captured the imagination of very few people. He said that there was a need for merit-based society so that it promotes competition in our society. “To build a vibrant society, it is necessary to have an open environment for debate and discussion. We believe that if there is a working environment for entrepreneurs, that is the road to prosperity. This is what we strive for.” he said.
Continuing into the interaction, Mr. Chaulagain said that every public policy affects the citizen’s life. Also, Public policy is supposed to facilitate the lives of the general public. Unfortunately, the policies in Nepal are framed are to control the citizen’s lives. “The government’s job is to make our lives easier through public service delivery for which each citizen has paid tax to the government,” he said.
He also stressed that having control over a society hinders its development potential. He further stressed that the alternative of democracy is more democracy. Every country has a constitution their own Principle. The constitution has fundamental rights and the citizens have their own aspirations. “Political parties have made commitments in their manifestos. These commitments are made in accordance with the constitution and the state has formulated policies and programs to meet the expectations of the people. So, the step taken by the state to achieve these policies and programs are public policy. Public policy is supposed to control the day-to-day activities of a citizen. The alternative of democracy is more democracy. Therefore, in order to promote democracy, there is a need for open debate and discussion.” he added.
“Public policy should be based on evidence not on emotion. Any public policy which has been widely discussed with stakeholders before it is passed or enacted makes that public policy mature. The policy that are made based on facts and evidence rather than emotion are good public policy.” he further added.
In concluding remarks he shared that as members of the civil society, we need to collaborate and share our knowledge with the local government. And only then, through such participatory approach holistic development is possible where we all play the crucial role of a responsible and empowerrd citizen.
