Educationpatra, Kathmandu. In a surprising turn of events, the National Freedom Party has found itself at the center of a heated debate as it embarks on the controversial journey of assessing the qualifications of its officials and members. This move, spanning from the central echelons to the grassroots municipal level, has ignited discussions both within and outside the party, with some even resorting to satire to express their opinions about evaluating the educational credentials of politicians within the party.
The focal point of this uproar emerged from the recent central committee meeting held on a Wednesday. During this meeting, the party unveiled a set of rigorous criteria applicable to officials and members across three tiers: central, provincial, and municipal. According to these criteria, individuals aspiring for these positions must either possess a bachelor’s degree complemented by a minimum of a decade of relevant experience, or they should have achieved noteworthy success in their respective domains.
For those vying for the role of provincial department heads, the bar is set even higher. They are expected to be postgraduates or exhibit a track record of five years of substantial contribution in their field, symbolizing exceptional achievement. Meanwhile, for admission into municipal departments, prospective members need to have completed their studies up to grade 12, or alternatively, have amassed a two-year tenure of outstanding work experience.
While the party’s decision carries considerable gravity, political analyst Bhaskar Gautam adds a dash of humor to the discourse by uncovering its inherent irony. He asserts, “This situation seems quite amusing in our context. Even on the international stage, this could raise eyebrows. The leadership of Raswapa appears to have overlooked the fact that education and politics both extend beyond textbooks. Holding a degree does not necessarily equate to possessing the apt qualifications.”
Gautam goes on to underscore the significance of being a politician without an advanced degree and directing attention towards public welfare and national advancement. He elucidates, “This is particularly relevant in urban-centric politics and the realm of political sagacity. Politics should transcend mere degrees and focus on comprehending the needs of the public while empowering the nation. Education undoubtedly holds value, yet it is imperative to cultivate qualities that serve the greater good and the country.”
Critics of the party’s decision have turned to social media as an avenue for satire. Twitter user Minu Kandel raises pertinent questions, “What criteria are needed for casting a vote and running for office? What exceptional attributes and qualities are necessitated to helm Raswapa? Is the clarity on this matter still elusive?”
Amidst the heated discourse, Raswapa’s Minister and Spokesperson, Mukul Dhakal, asserts that the party’s structural framework goes beyond the realm of pure politics. He clarifies, “Our internal structure encompasses the central committee, provincial committee, municipal committee, and ward committee. While these do possess a political nature, the prerequisites for members in these committees are predicated upon their expertise. These criteria do not extend to party members as a whole. However, for the central, provincial, and municipal committees, we formulated relevant departments comprising qualified experts. This criterion was essential to infuse the party with much-needed expertise.”
Dhakal further accentuates the indispensability of ‘common sense’ within specialized departments. He states, “Departments that necessitate expertise have been established within the party. Expertise is quintessential in domain-specific departments, and this application of common sense underscores this necessity. We firmly believe that one must either study, learn, or demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment within their field of expertise. Unlike the traditional approach of older parties, which relies on portfolio-based selections for officials and leaders, we stand apart by employing ‘common sense’ in our decision-making. The development of pivotal policies for the nation’s progress demands a certain standard, and this criterion assumes paramount importance in this context.”
Within Raswapa, a tapestry of 36 departments, ranging from finance and education to health and agriculture, currently shapes the party’s agenda and direction. As the debates rage on, the party’s choice to scrutinize qualifications continues to fuel discussions across the nation.
