Cronyism in Nepali Politics!
Giving your friends, family, or other acquaintances the benefit of the doubt when it comes to political and corporate appointments is known as cronyism. Giving benefits and preference to persons who an individual, typically a political or business leader, is connected to is referred to as cronyism. It is founded on the reverse of meritocracy. Cronies typically lack qualifications and are only given favours because of their connections to the powerful person. (https://study.com; 4th oct,2023; 4:26).
The term "cronyism" is most frequently used in political discourse. The hiring, promoting, or appointment of a public figure's friends or associates is not always regarded as cronyism. If someone is less competent than other applicants but still receives the position, it is obviously cronyism. Cronyism's original definition was just "friendship," coming from the Greek word khronios, which means "long-lasting." (vocabulary.com; 4th oct,2023; 4:38)
The appointment of an individual who is an inexperienced judge to the Supreme Court of Nepal rather than a qualified, experienced judge is an illustration of cronyism. This decision favours the president's friend above the qualified candidate, serving as a reward for nothing more than friendship with a prominent politician. Favouritism, which is defined as favouring someone based on their membership in a group rather than their qualifications, includes both nepotism and cronyism. Nepotism refers to favouring family, whereas cronyism can also refer to favouring family, but is typically used for friends and acquaintances. This is the fundamental distinction between the two concepts. (https://study.com; 4th oct 2023, 4:29)
(picture reference : https://english.onlinekhabar.com; 5th oct, 2023, 7:22)
Cronyism is a widespread problem that has a negative impact on the fairness and efficiency of decision- making processes in many organizations. People are given preferential treatment based on personal connections rather than competence when cronyism is present. Cronyism frequently elevates candidates who are less competent or deserving, possibly lowering performance and depleting morale.
Because it frequently includes giving someone preferential treatment based on personal connections rather than competence, cronyism is regarded as unethical. This practice has the potential to damage public faith in institutions and the fairness of the hiring process. (onboardmeetings.com; 4th oct, 2023 ;4:35).
Giving jobs and promotions to family members or close acquaintances is one example of the many ways that cronyism manifests itself. Cronyism is the practice of favouritism in favour of friends and other trusted colleagues when granting jobs and other advantages over merit and qualifications. The interests of the nation are not being prioritised; rather, decisions are being made based on personal relationships. (scu.edu ; 4th oct, 2023; 4:47)
A spoils system is a tactic used in politics and governance in which a political party rewards its supporters, friends, and family with government employment after winning an election. We have witnessed huge changes in the lives of those who grew close to politicians. They might face a lower likelihood of punishment for their deeds. (britannica.com ; 4th oct, 2023; 4:51)
The industrialist Moti Dugad was named minister by Prime Minister KP Oli, who also elevated his favorite cronies. The drama in the Gandaki Province last month was likewise rife with cronyism: Dobate Biswakarma was supposed to be the only Dalit minister in the provincial cabinet, but he was abruptly replaced by Bindu Thapa, a Deuba supporter rewarded for his substantial contributions to the party.
It is hardly surprising that politics are outsourced in Nepal when infrastructure contractors, quarry tycoons, and sand mining magnates are driving the country's development. Because of this, politicians define "prosperity" in terms of highways, bridges, and view tower contracts rather than by the availability of good schools, affordable healthcare, and meaningful employment for young Nepalis.
According to an inquiry conducted by this newspaper after the 2017 local elections, up to 40% of elected local government politicians are now self-employed contractors who hire out their own excavators and tipper trucks. This is the reason for the recent uptick in environmentally damaging road construction and unchecked natural resource exploitation.
Stopping Nepal's wealthiest businesspeople from utilizing the quota for indigenous and ethnic minorities to become unelected ministers is the only way to fix this rot. The next election must end the practice of purchasing votes with cash since the ballot box is not a cash box and Nepal's equal development depends on it.(nepalitimes.com; Transliteration of Shekhar Kharel’s original in Himal Khabar by Aryan Sitaula; 5th oct,2023, 7:12)
When people in power give special treatment or advantages to their friends, relatives, or associates, instead of considering their qualifications or abilities. This can happen in politics, businesses, academia, and other areas. It often leads to unfairness and corruption, as deserving individuals are overlooked in favor of those with personal connections Cronyism undermines fairness and trust in institutions.
Ineffectiveness and poor management may result in governmental institutions and services. It undoubtedly has an effect on good governance, national growth, and the cornerstone of democracy. As is obvious, Nepal has frequent changes of government. The musical chairs game is typically played by the same group of politicians. (risingnepaldaily.com ; 4th oct, 2023; 4:58)
In conclusion, the effects of cronyism in Nepali politics pose a serious threat to the values of fairness, accountability, and openness in government as well as a functioning democracy. In this situation, those in power must start implementing fair rule practices. (thekathmandupost.com; 4th oct,2023 ;5:03)
