Republic Day special: An epochal day marking commencement of new era

-Rekha Sharma, Minister for Communications and Information Technology

Today marks the completion of 15 years of the proclamation of the Republic system in Nepal. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly (CA) on 28 May 2008 had declared Nepal the federal democratic republic by ending the 240-year-old monarchy

The republic was established as a state system of the people where the people elected representatives choose the Head of the State rather than based on the legacy of the kingdom.

From a social evolution perspective, It was inevitable to establish a republic by abolishing monarchy with the Nepali society transitioning to capitalism from feudalism. But it was not possible without political struggle.

The decade-long civil unrest that occurred calling for uprooting feudalism and liberation of the oppressed groups and class had socially weakened feudalism. Finally Nepal saw the establishment of a republic.

Establishment of republic in Nepal truly marks the beginning of a modern era of the country both politically and socially. Generally republic is considered the best form of governance.

As capitalism is a progressive system than feudalism from a societal perspective, its political articulation is to end the monarchy and establish a republic.

The country has made a leap forward in political, economic, social and livelihood issues in a qualitative way as well. The country is making headways towards the path of building a prosperous country with sustainable economic development through a federal democratic republic governance system.

Meanwhile, the people's constitution which was formulated through the Constituent Assembly has come into effect. Likewise, the peace process has also witnessed significant progress.

People have gained opportunity of social service and development along with the advancement of diverse leadership after the completion of second time elections of all three tiers of the governments as per the constitutional arrangement of Nepal.

Beside this, the service providing agencies have reached nearby the doorsteps of the people. The power and authorities have been decentralized for the framing process, implementing plans and mobilizing human resources rather than being limited to the arrangement of resources for education, health and infrastructure development. The social indicators have seen enthusiastic reforms.

Several reform initiatives have been made in the economic development and fiscal management areas.

In addition, recent reliable reports have revealed Nepal's progress on human development, corruption control and transparency.

Thus, the republic has created a situation wherein people can easily take benefits of equality, social justice and social-economical dividends.

As the republic is the sovereign citizenry governance system, we all should make it a shared agenda for the successful implementation of the constitution and a campaign for building a prosperous Nepal with strong national unity and sustainable economic development. Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes and congratulations to all Nepali fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers on the occasion of the Republic Day, 2080. (The excerpts are based on the conversation of RSS feature chief Krishna Adhikari with Minister Sharma)