Dixya Poudel

Recently, Fatema Z. Sumar who is the Vice President of Compact Operations of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) visited Nepal. MCC works with countries worldwide to help alleviate poverty amongst other agendas. During her visit Fatema stated that Nepal must understand the urgency of endorsing MCC. While the debate around the endorsement of MCC's grant continues, Nepali political parties are quite divided in their views.

As a developing nation, Nepal needs foreign aid to eradicate poverty while encouraging international investments and innovative economic strategies. The current debate around MCC has highlighted the divided fractions of the political parties whose ultimate objective ought to be prosperity of the nation. Fatema, who is referred to as a 'development diplomat' has made it clear that it is up to the Nepal government to make a decision. Meanwhile, as the political parties are squabbling on the decision, there have been outrage and protests over MCC's provisions in the agreement.

If Nepal were to accept MCC's $500 million grant, the money would be invested in infrastructure especially the construction of transmission lines for hydropower. Nepal is known for its abundance in water resources especially rivers which can be harnessed for electricity. Likewise, the grant will generate vast employment opportunities that will aid the growth of Nepal.

Thus, the fact that the grant will add to and enhance the nation's infrastructure and economy shouldn't be undermined. Till date Nepal hasn't approved of MCC's grant although it was signed in 2017. For years the government has been wavering in its decision and now MCC has stated clearly that the offer won't last forever. It is understandable that as a sovereign nation, Nepal doesn't want to be indebted to any nation but there are a lot of things at stake here.

The future of the nation will depend on how it utilises economic opportunities which is why this is a rather difficult situation. On one hand, Nepal will receive quite a substantial amount of grant while on the other hand, its citizens don't want to be beholden to a superpower such as the United States of America.

Nepalis have taken to social media to pour their outrage. Many have taken to protest in the streets as well. As a collective society, Nepalis are proud and dignified in nature. Since the unification of Nepal by Prithivi Narayan Shah, the nation has remained sovereign. It has witnessed civil war and now is at a state of peace.

The political parties however are consistently fighting for power which has led to building and toppling of several governments. Now, the nation is divided over MCC and the decision has been constantly delayed which has either led to dismay or relief. Another SAARC country, Sri Lanka too went through similar situation and it refused MCC's grant. Coming from an immigrant family, Fatema Sumar knows the political rhetoric but she has stated clearly that the offer won't be on the table forever.

The political parties for once should stop their petty grievances while vying for the political seat. And before making an informed decision, they must consider all sides of the situation. In the end, the priority should be a decision best suited to Nepal's prosperity.