Nepal faces a pressing dilemma: While many people, particularly those struggling with unemployment, go abroad for better opportunities, even educated and skilled individuals are opting to leave. Despite the country’s need for skilled manpower to drive economic growth, the question arises: Why don’t educated professionals choose to build their careers in Nepal? The answer lies in both structural and social challenges, which go beyond mere economic factors.
Nepal’s Constitution promises peace, good governance, and prosperity. However, the country operates under a rule by law rather than a state of law, meaning laws are often arbitrarily made and enforced, benefiting the powerful. This results in legal discrimination, where the wealthy and influential receive special privileges, such as separate medical expenses, while ordinary citizens face unequal treatment.
This environment fosters a culture of corruption. People often feel powerless to challenge state officials and prefer to acquiesce to arbitrary decisions rather than defend their rights. The inefficiency of law enforcement and the judicial system further exacerbates this situation. Police and judges are often influenced by political power and patronage, undermining the rule of law.
In addition to structural issues, social attitudes play a significant role. Nepali society still retains the hierarchical “Chakdi system” from the Rana era, which promotes favoritism and undermines meritocracy. This leads to a workplace culture where gossip and favoritism thrive, overshadowing professionalism and productivity.
Furthermore, there is a societal aversion to questioning authority, especially when it comes to juniors pointing out the mistakes of seniors. This lack of constructive feedback stifles innovation and progress in both professional and governmental sectors.
In Nepal, success is often determined by proximity to power rather than competence. Promotions and career advancements are more likely to result from connections, political patronage, and breaking rules than from merit, hard work, or adherence to laws. This creates an environment where those with integrity and skills feel alienated, while those who flatter and manipulate the system rise to positions of power.
As a result, many skilled Nepalis seek opportunities abroad where success is based on merit, hard work, and adherence to laws, rather than connections and favours. While life abroad can be challenging, it offers rewards that come from one’s ability and effort, creating a more fulfilling environment for professionals.
The current system in Nepal is unsustainable. If the leadership continues to prioritize political patronage and ignore structural reforms, skilled professionals will continue to seek opportunities abroad. To retain and attract talented individuals, Nepal must prioritize the rule of law, meritocracy, and social reforms. The government must create an environment where citizens can build careers based on fairness, equal opportunities, and adherence to the law, rather than relying on connections or flattery.
The leadership must answer critical questions: Should they continue to perpetuate a system of favoritism, or should they work towards creating a fair and equal society? Only by addressing these issues can Nepal hope to reverse the trend of skilled professionals leaving the country and foster long-term development.
The detailed article was originally published in Setopati