A “No” to Privatisation

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Recently, we have all heard declarations on the virtues of privatisation in Nepal. They come from the large Nepali business houses, the global capitalist states, and financial organisations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Somewhat uncharacteristically, the Nepali Government also has joined the chorus. Two successive finance ministers, P.C. Lohani and B.B. Pradhan, have made high pitched exhortations in favour of privatisation.

Privatisation is touted as a prime remedy for various ills that face the country. It is expected to help locate viable investment sectors, mobilise private savings, create a class of national entrepreneurs, correct market distortions, help import substitution and promote exports. On the whole, it is expected to "lighten the state's burden." Some have even gone as far as to draw a premature and tenuous link between privatisation and the "basic needs programme" of the Government.

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Himal Southasian
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