Should Marijuana be legalize in the Nepal?
Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, is a plant species that is mainly known for its psychoactive effects when consumed – either through smoking, ingesting, or vaporizing. Being outlawed in most country (Marijuana: The Facts), it has since been falsely accused with many negative side-effects... almost none being scientifically proven. It causes a knowledgeable person to wonder why marijuana is kept prohibited, while harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco are kept legal and supported by the government subsidiaries. Basing its legalization on another fallacy is illogical. However, basing its justification on sheer evidence and practical morals is quite the contrast.
There are many common misconceptions on marijuana; its’ supposed physically addictive properties being one of them. The hype around marijuana’s addictiveness is misleading to the core. In fact, marijuana has shown to be the least addictive out of 6 commonly used drugs – caffeine, alcohol, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, and marijuana (Markoff). Studies show that it can actually help patients who are dependent on ‘hard’ drugs, such as cocaine, in the battle on their dependence (Hess). Not only are its physically addictive properties a misconception, but also its psychologically addictive properties.
Studies have estimated that between 5 and 10% of those who try smoking cannabis will become daily users sometime during their life, but most of these smokers will have given up the habit by age 30 and few remain daily smokers after age 40 (Erowid). In fact, marijuana’s addictiveness is so highly disregarded by doctors that it is more than 3 times less addictive when compared to caffeine. Moreover, nicotine is more addictive than the 5 other drugs in the study – alcohol, heroin, cocaine, caffeine, and marijuana. In addition, alcohol is more addictive as well (Markoff). Making the addictive properties of marijuana a foundation in an argument supporting its prohibition is a true lapse in logic. When in comparison to the other 5 commonly used drugs, marijuana’s addiction is obviously insignificant. It leaves one standing shocked when pondering over the fact that nicotine and alcohol are still legal, even with proven negative side effects. It causes one to ponder to why alcohol and nicotine are legal with their high magnitude of addiction, whereas marijuana is prohibited.
Another false belief of marijuana is its connection to various types of cancer, such as lung and oral cancer. This belief is supported by the fact that marijuana contains 50 percent more carcinogens (cancer causing substances) than tobacco (BBCNews). However, research has proven that marijuana use is not connected to a much higher risk of cancer. Many studies actually show no sign of increased risk at all (Boyles, Bates, and Gardner). Surprisingly enough, marijuana use causes a positive affect on cancerous tumors. The main ingredient in marijuana, THC, has been attributed to this positive effect, says the American Association for Cancer Research. (AACR).
Another myth about marijuana is its retarding of the human brain after long term use. It is believed that it causes brain cells to die, which is a side effect of consistent binge alcohol drinking. However, research says otherwise. Contrary to wide belief, marijuana use actually promotes neurogenesis - the growth of brain cells (University of Saskatchewan), and causes no negative cerebral structural changes (DeLisi), which is differing from the true hard drugs like meth and cocaine.
One of the major problems of common medical drugs is their addictive, and sometimes more harmful, side-effects. A solid testament to this notion is a painkiller known as OxyContin, whose main ingredient is oxycodone. If used consistently for a mild period of time, oxycodone causes dependence in the user (The Center for Substance Abuse Research). A prime example is a prescribed painkiller known as OxyContin, whose main ingredient is oxycodone. If used over a long period of time, oxycodone causes dependence in the user (The Center for Substance Abuse Research). On the other hand, marijuana not only helps with chronic pain in many patients, but it also sidesteps the negative side effects that come along with most prescription painkillers (Weiss). It is morally wrong to allow patients to continually suffer from the negative side affects of their prescribed drugs, when there is a safe and logical alternative – marijuana. Yes, as we perfect the medicines, sometimes the harmful side-effects cease, but for now we have a great alternative which only causes mild intoxication concerning motor skills.
Furthermore, not only does marijuana act as an analgesic, it also aids a variety, and can even prevent, of other illnesses. These include, but are not limited to: Asthma, Chemotherapy, Diabetes, Depression, Epilepsy, Heart and Cardiovascular Disease, Hepatits, Herpes, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathic Pain, Osteoporosis, and Post traumatic stress syndrome (Above the IGNORANCE). It is upsetting to most people not living in the medical marijuana states as they cannot take the safe alternative. Also, with all prescriptions, one runs the risk of an accidental overdose. However, with marijuana there have been no reported overdoses. According to government authorities, one would have to either smoke 1/3 of their body weight within a time span of 15 minutes ("Lethal Dose of Maijuana").
With marijuana’s multiple medicinal advantages, the question as why it is continued to be prohibited arises. But with all great things, come flaws, however miniscule in size. Compared to non smoking people, marijuana users had a slight difference in lung capacity. Compared to tobacco users, however, marijuana measured much better. While the lungs exposure to marijuana smoke over causes a slight decrease in lung capacity there are safe alternatives. One way is through the means of ingestion. There are a variety of ways to prepare marijuana in food, and it is a perfectly safe alternative to smoking. Another perfectly safe alternative is the act of vaporizing.
Vaporization is a technique for avoiding irritating respiratory toxins in marijuana smoke by heating cannabis to a temperature where the psychoactive ingredients evaporate without causing combustion. You inhale a mist instead of actual smoke (Marijuana Vaporizers). This allows for the same medical and psychoactive benefits of marijuana, without any harmful toxins being inhaled into your lungs. It leads one to ask “Why not?”
Another argument that the majority people support is that if marijuana were to be legalized, it would cause many “high-driving” incidents. The notion that people believe is that marijuana use hinders one’s driving ability. However, this has been unsupported by research. In fact, marijuana use has actually shown to increase caution in drivers, as they are aware of their state of mind. This causes them to drive slower and less riskily. Also, research has not been able to link a higher risk of a traffic collision in people who drive while under marijuana’s influence.
For example, a recent study sponsored by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involving analysis of nearly 2000 fatal accident cases, found 6.7 % of drivers positive for marijuana. In more than two-thirds of those, alcohol was present and may have been the primary contributor to the fatal outcome (Zimmer). If one does not condone research as the foundation of the legalization of any potentially harmful substance, then what? Marijuana use should be legal within the private confines of an individual’s house. If not legal for all, marijuana should be legal as a medical drug for peoples. Marijuana has been proven safe and its prohibition is wrong on many levels.
"Prohibition...goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." Abraham Lincoln December, 1840
References
Cannabis Research." Above the IGNORANCE. Above The IGNORANCE. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.abovetheignorance.org.
American Association for Cancer Research. "Marijuana Cuts Lung Cancer Tumor Growth In Half, Study Shows." ScienceDaily 17 April 2007. 9 December 2008 http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm.
Bates, Karl. "Study fails to find link between marijuana use and cancer." The University RECORD Online 16 Oct 2006 9 Dec 2008 http://www.ur.umich.edu/0607/Oct16_06/01.shtml .
Battle, Allen. Web Chat interview. 15 May 2005. http://www.utmedicalgroup.com/pages/webchat_addiction.html
Boyles. Salynn. "Marijuana Does Not Raise Lung Cancer Risk," FOX News 23 May 2006. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196678,00.html
"Cannabis smoke 'worse' than tobacco," BBCNews 11 Nov 2002. 9 Dec 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2419713.stm
DeLisi, Lynn. "A preliminary DTI study showing no brain structural change associated with adolescent cannabis use." Harm Reduction Journal 3:179 May 2006 9 Dec 2008 http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/3/1/17.
Erowid, "Cannabis Basics." EROWID. 8 July 2007. Erowid 9 Dec 2008 http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_basics.shtml
Gardner, Fred. "Smoking Cannabis Does Not Cause Cancer Of Lung or Upper Airways, Tashkin Finds; Data Suggests Possible Protective Effect." California Cannabis Research Medical Group 2005 9 Dec 2008 http://ccrmg.org/journal/05aut/nocancer.html
Hess. Michael "Moderate Marijuana Use Helpful in ADHD Cocaine Addicts," BBSNews 10 Dec 2006. 9 Dec 2008 http://bbsnews.net/article.php/20061210235129584
"Marijuana: The Facts." Drug Policy Alliance Network. Drug Policy Alliance Network. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana
Markoff, Stephen. "Is Marijuana Addictive?" Is Marijuana Addictive? 15 May 1997 9 Dec 2008 http://www.drugsense.org/mcwilliams/...om/toc/addicti v.htm
"Profile: Oxycodone." cesar.umd.org. The Center for Substance Abuse Research. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/pubs/oxy.pdf (University Of Saskatchewan)
"University Of Saskatchewan Research Suggests Marijuana Analogue Stimulates Brain Cell Growth." ScienceDaily 9 December 2008 http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2005/10/051016083817.htm
Weiss. Rick. "Research Supports Medicinal Marijuana AIDS Patients in Controlled Study Had Significant Pain Relief," Washington Post 13 Feb 2007. 9 Dec 2008 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/12/AR2007021201332.html
"What is the lethal dose of marijuana?" Schaffer Library of Drug Policy. 9 Dec 2008 http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/mj_overdose.htm
Friday, December 23, 2011
Speaking Against Sexual Harassment
Speaking Against Sexual Harassment
In the process of video making, during the literature review, we came across the fact that there is no separate law for sexual harassment. There are scattered laws where sexual harassment is explained as a punishable act. However, there is no exact definition of sexual harassment. The definition of sexual harassment differs from person to person. For some, it can be just an inappropriate staring whereas some might feel sexually harassed through the physical contact.
Women facing sexual harassment go through various problems on personal level. Sexual harassment may psychologically disturb a woman and thus make her unconfident as well as reduce her social skills of interaction. A woman sexually harassed in her work place may even quit working if she goes through continuous sexual harassment from her boss or her fellow colleagues. We frequently hear cases of students being sexually harassed to the point where they commit suicide. Therefore, the concerned authority should not only define laws and policies to control sexual harassment but also implement them with proper orientation regarding the issue.
While we realize it is misconduct, we lack courage to raise our voices against it. Hence, a person who is a victim does not get justice due to lack of evidence. The culprit will repeat his action again unless he/she is punished. Laws and policies are not sufficient until the need of civic responsibility is realized.
A one day long interaction program on climate change
A one day long interaction program on climate change
On fifth of Poush, a group of four people, Man Bahadur B.K, Aavash Shrestha, Dinesh Dangol and Basudev Paudel had gone to Kafre Chhap, Bisankhu-7, Lalitpur on a one day interaction program on climate change and human health.
They talked with a group of people in Kafre Chhap, asked them if they have seen any significant change due to climate change and what could be its cause. The people seemed pretty much aware of the topic. They expressed that climate change could be due to deforestation, water boring and industrialization. They told us they could clearly see the impacts of climate change in their day to day life. Fluctuating rainfall, fog, almost eradication of “pakha bali”; cultivation in hills, infestation of crops by small black insects “lai”, drying up of water resources, decrement of snow in Himalayas, sheer cold in morning and night and extreme hot at day time, and wasting of crops if not spread pesticides. They seemed pretty sure that all these were happening due to other environment inconsiderate people and they are compelled to be victim of some others' misdeed. According to them, they seem to face health problems too due to climate change. If a person gets a headache, it would spread all over the village, new diseases would attack them, common cold, pneumonia, fever, cholera, chicken-pox has started to seem pretty common. Even small-pox, which is believed to have been eradicated, has come up there.
They seemed quite aware of the problem and seemed to have their own understanding related to climate change. They believe to the fact that government won’t hear few people’s talk. “If you want to get attention or want to get heard, then you need to collect people, make a big group and go to the government and for the time being and should go for adaptation.”
In a discussion program with elderly and women, they proved quite enthusiastic with the subject of discussion. They told that women and men have to learn of all the things that climate change could affect them directly or indirectly in pregnancy. They were aware that decreasing population would help in environment conservation. Gokul Bisunkhe, Chirinjivi Silwaal, Gita Silwaal, Rita Khawas who are in the committee member actively participated and were helpful. All the villagers expressed the students of Kathmandu University gratitude for interacting with them and letting them share their views on climate change.
DEVELOPMENT
Synonymous terms of development-
Uplift or Advancement
It’s not just GNP and GDP increment
But, also counts education and other social aspects’ attainment
Every person has a latent potentiality
As Amartya Sen said, for that we must respect their agency
Not wearing the mask of hypocrisy
Removing the gender disparity
One day, we can surely see the developed nation
Where the homes have 24 hrs light and people doing innovation
No conflict and no terrorism
People, not being guided by instinct but by wisdom.
The nation with fraternity and ideal democracy
Voting rights and even third gender with their own identity
There will be no caste, class, chauvinism and supremacy
All people getting education and no aristocracy.
Marginalizing anyone on the ground of any reason
Is nothing more than discrimination
As a good citizen of the nation
Lets embrace all the nationality and show others
Nepalese are ornamented with bravery and heart full of consideration
Uplift or Advancement
It’s not just GNP and GDP increment
But, also counts education and other social aspects’ attainment
Every person has a latent potentiality
As Amartya Sen said, for that we must respect their agency
Not wearing the mask of hypocrisy
Removing the gender disparity
One day, we can surely see the developed nation
Where the homes have 24 hrs light and people doing innovation
No conflict and no terrorism
People, not being guided by instinct but by wisdom.
The nation with fraternity and ideal democracy
Voting rights and even third gender with their own identity
There will be no caste, class, chauvinism and supremacy
All people getting education and no aristocracy.
Marginalizing anyone on the ground of any reason
Is nothing more than discrimination
As a good citizen of the nation
Lets embrace all the nationality and show others
Nepalese are ornamented with bravery and heart full of consideration
A Right Political Move
The year 2006 brought an unprecedented change in the history of
But as always things do not go the right way when it comes to politics in
All we want is to live our life and enjoy the feeling of being a Nepali. We are not asking anything unusual, are we? Peace is what we want, just peace. We would not have to worry about our self and our country, had the political leaders been able to maintain a stable political condition which could have very easily paved a way towards peace. Political instability has given the externals with vested interest to move their player which certainly is very detrimental to
There is no short cut, neither in life nor in politics. Therefore, fetching the way of consensus is the only way out; only through which we will be able to achieve what we have intended. If we fail to go through the way of consensus then the comeuppance will be extreme for all of us. Let’s not down our prestige and dignity which our ancestors have gained with their absolute best. It not only feels ok; in fact it feels great to be a Nepali and to be living in
Informal squatter settlement problem in the valley
The haphazard growth of settlements in the Kathmandu Valley is the result of rapid urbanization, growing poverty, and the high cost of land and construction. This has enforced the urban poor and economically disadvantaged groups to live in slum and squatter (Shrestha, 2010). Rapid escalation of the informal squatter problem in Kathmandu valley has mounted the plenty of risks along with it. Effective role of the government has not been witnessed and hundreds of local bodies and NGO’s have been proved futile to counter this issue.
Urban environment in most Nepalese cities is declining day by day over last couple of decades due to rapid uncontrolled urban growth and undoubtedly Kathmandu ranks the highest when placed accordingly. Numerous government organizations and local bodies are responsible to manage the areas in the valley but these sectors have been proved futile to make any remarkable changes in the situation. Mounting trend of migration in the valley is one of the key issues related to uncontrolled urban growth. Effective role of the government has not been witnessed and hundreds of local bodies and NGO’s have proved ineffective to counter the problems that are raised from the informal squatter settlements.
There are altogether 45 squatter settlements in the valley where 5 settlements are basically considered as indigenous settlements rather than squatter settlements. In these 40 settlements about 12,726 people are residing in 2,735 households and the average household size is 4.7. Out of 40 squatter settlements 24 are along the river banks of Bagmati, Bishnumati, Hanumante, Dhobikhola and Tukucha whereas 16 settlements are on the other locations rather than riverside (Lumanti, 2008). The settlements that are along the river side are highly vulnerable to the tainted environment and floods. River banks appear to be that area which highly attracts the squatter communities and the settlements are allowed to live and grow without government getting involved in tenure issues and improving the condition. Rapid urbanization, low socio-economic growth, inadequate capacity to cope with housing needs and poor governance has caused increase of urban poverty and slums and squatter settlements in the Kathmandu valley (Lumanti, 2008).
Rapid urbanization and deficient capability to the housing needs of people in urban areas have contributed to the expansion of informal squatter settlements. Almost 6.6% of the total population of the country enters the Kathmandu valley each year with the hope of getting better opportunities. The growth rate of squatter settlements in the Kathmandu valley is 12% to 13% which stimulates the flaming issue by adding fuel to the firewood (Shrestha, 2010). People residing in a squatter area tend to be highly vulnerable to the tainted environment and natural disaster risks. Squatter residents are prone to infectious and vector borne diseases. So it is a high time to think in this issue.
References
1. Shrestha, Bijaya K., Urban Landmark Conference, 2010. Retrieved online from: http://www.urbanlandmark.org.za/conference/2010_presentations/16.pdf
2. Status of Squatter Communities along Bagmati River and its tributaries in Kathmandu Valley, February 2008, Lumanti, Tahalchal.
Urban environment in most Nepalese cities is declining day by day over last couple of decades due to rapid uncontrolled urban growth and undoubtedly Kathmandu ranks the highest when placed accordingly. Numerous government organizations and local bodies are responsible to manage the areas in the valley but these sectors have been proved futile to make any remarkable changes in the situation. Mounting trend of migration in the valley is one of the key issues related to uncontrolled urban growth. Effective role of the government has not been witnessed and hundreds of local bodies and NGO’s have proved ineffective to counter the problems that are raised from the informal squatter settlements.
There are altogether 45 squatter settlements in the valley where 5 settlements are basically considered as indigenous settlements rather than squatter settlements. In these 40 settlements about 12,726 people are residing in 2,735 households and the average household size is 4.7. Out of 40 squatter settlements 24 are along the river banks of Bagmati, Bishnumati, Hanumante, Dhobikhola and Tukucha whereas 16 settlements are on the other locations rather than riverside (Lumanti, 2008). The settlements that are along the river side are highly vulnerable to the tainted environment and floods. River banks appear to be that area which highly attracts the squatter communities and the settlements are allowed to live and grow without government getting involved in tenure issues and improving the condition. Rapid urbanization, low socio-economic growth, inadequate capacity to cope with housing needs and poor governance has caused increase of urban poverty and slums and squatter settlements in the Kathmandu valley (Lumanti, 2008).
Rapid urbanization and deficient capability to the housing needs of people in urban areas have contributed to the expansion of informal squatter settlements. Almost 6.6% of the total population of the country enters the Kathmandu valley each year with the hope of getting better opportunities. The growth rate of squatter settlements in the Kathmandu valley is 12% to 13% which stimulates the flaming issue by adding fuel to the firewood (Shrestha, 2010). People residing in a squatter area tend to be highly vulnerable to the tainted environment and natural disaster risks. Squatter residents are prone to infectious and vector borne diseases. So it is a high time to think in this issue.
References
1. Shrestha, Bijaya K., Urban Landmark Conference, 2010. Retrieved online from: http://www.urbanlandmark.org.za/conference/2010_presentations/16.pdf
2. Status of Squatter Communities along Bagmati River and its tributaries in Kathmandu Valley, February 2008, Lumanti, Tahalchal.
Lessons Nepal can learn from the economic growth of China
Lessons Nepal can learn from the economic growth of China
Currently, China is one of the world's fastest growing economies with GDP growing at the rate of 9.7% in 2011 (Jha, 2011) and one of the world's third largest traders (Lardy, 2007). Prior to 1978, China was not as it is today. It was a closed and centrally planned economy with low levels of economic growth. A large portion of its economic output was directed and controlled by the state itself including setting of production goals, control of prices and allocation of resources. Individual farms were collectivized into large communes, huge investments were made by state targeted towards rapid industrialization, foreign trade was limited, private enterprises and foreign invested firms were non-existent and the central goal of Chinese government was to make China's economy relatively self-sufficient. Such a government policy kept Chinese economy relatively stagnant and inefficient, mainly because there were few profit incentives for firms and farmers, competition was virtually non-existent and price and production caused widespread distortions in the economy (Morrison, 2006).
Followed by low economic growth, China endorsed Public sector reform in 1978 to restructure its economy which played a crucial role in boosting its economy to present level. The reform encouraged the formation of rural enterprises and private business, liberalized Foreign Trade and investment, relaxed state control over some prices and invested in industrial production. Reforms included the following activities:
1. Centrally Planned economy changed into market economy
Economic control of various enterprises was given to provincial and local government, which generally allowed them to operate and compete on free market principles rather than under the direction and guidance of state planning. Similarly, coastal regions were designed as open cities and development zones which allowed them to experiment with free market reforms to offer tax and trade incentives to attract Foreign Investment. State gradually eliminated its price control on a wide range of products as well as freed many enterprises from the constant intervention by state authorities. This encouraged economic efficiency by introducing profit incentives to rural collective enterprises, family farms, and small and private business enterprises. The profit incentives appeared to have had a further positive effect in the private capital market as factory owners and small producers eager to increase profits devoted more and more of their firms' on revenues to improving business performance (Hu, 1997). Thus, market oriented reform created efficiency in productivity of inputs.
2. Open-door Policy and liberalization of economy as a long term economic policy of the country
Open door Policy helped to liberalize and modernize the Chinese economy. Foreign trade was decentralized. This created a competitive environment for business. It lowered the trade barriers and created a congenial environment for foreign investment. China's trade boom is largely the result of large inflows of FDI into various sectors. Over half of China's trade is accounted for by foreign invested firms in China (Morrison, 2006). Government developed various infrastructural facilities including course roads, electricity to attract FDI (Jha, 2011). Likewise, four Special Economic Zones were established to attract Foreign Investment, boosting export and importing high technological products into china. Availability of cheap unskilled labors also played a crucial role to attract Foreign Investment as well as compete in international product market. In addition, it undervalued its currency to boost its export sector. Thus, China's reforms on trade and investment played a major role in china's capital growth.
3. Increased Investment led by high rates of Saving
Apart from the foreign investment, it was also the domestic investment that triggered the economic growth. It was supported by the huge amount of domestic saving. China has historically maintained a high rate of savings. When reforms were introduced in 1978, domestic savings as a percentage of GDP stood 32% generated by profits of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) which were used by central government for domestic investment (Morrison, 2006). Decentralization of economic production played a crucial role in substantial growth in Chinese household savings. In 2004, it reached 49%, the highest saving rate in the world (Morrison, 2007). Likewise, to increase the investment from private sectors it kept the interest rate low.
4. Land Reform and Property Rights
Laws and regulations on land were framed to attract Foreign Investment. As per new provisions made the land could be leased to investors for 15 years and if needed up to 75 years (Jha, 2011). Reform expanded property rights in the countryside and touched off a race to form small non-agricultural business in rural areas (Hu, 1997). This made efficient use of land and labor. Individual enterprises were set free to set their own economic goals. Selling state owned assets to the private sector has enabled big efficiency savings (Economics help, 2007).
In addition to these reforms were several other factors like giving high emphasis to consumption in recent china, introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and not to forget the political Stability of China which helped much to create environment favorable for attracting foreign investors.
The lessons that the Nepal can learn form the Northern nearest neighbor China is that self sufficiency policy can hinder the economic growth of the country. So, it is good to liberalize the economy to free market and trade. Foreign Direct investment (FDI) was highly emphasized by the governmental policy of China through the creation of Special economic zones. Therefore, FDI can be taken as one of the factors that can help to increase the efficiency of the economy by introducing the improved technology and infrastructural development of the country which are very essential for the economic development of the country. Establishment of Special Economic Zones or Charter Cities can be fruitful to attract Foreign investment and improvement of trade. Saving has to be encouraged so that future investments will be possible.
However, there are several constraints to country like Nepal to completely follow the path paved by the large economy such as China because of varying reasons. Land collectivization that was practiced in China is not possible for Nepal as Nepalese agrarian society practices the small fragmented land cultivation that do not allow for the massive production as much of the farmers are subsistence farmers cultivating in small pieces of land. Most of the industries in Nepal are privatized or partially privatized but because of their operation still in infancy stage does not make it possible to compete into world market. Nepal has been earning large sum of capital from remittances but these capitals are used in consumption rather than investing or saving. Political instability has hindered the creation of favorable environment for Foreign Investment.
References
Economics Help. Novemver 19, 2007. Reasons for Chinese Economic Growth 2000-2007. Retrieved online from: www.economicshelp.org/blog/china/chinese-economic-growth/
Hu, Zuliu and Khan, Mohsin S. 1997. Why is China Growing So Fast? International Monetary Fund. Retrieved online from: www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/issues8/index.htm.
Jha, Hari Bansh. 2011. Public Sector Reform in India and China. Republica (daily), May 14, 2011, Nepal Public Media, Vol. III, Saturday, Pg. 6.
Lardy, Nicholas R. 2007. China: Rebalancing Economic Growth. Chapter1 from the China Balance Sheet in 2007 and Beyond. Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Pearson Institute for International Economics. Retrieved online from: http://www.piie.com/publications/papers/lardy0507.pdf
Morrison, Wayne. January 12, 2006. CRS Issue Brief for Congress: China's Economic Conditions. Congressional Research Service and the Library of Congress. Retrieved online from: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/IB98014.pdf
4. Land Reform and Property Rights
Laws and regulations on land were framed to attract Foreign Investment. As per new provisions made the land could be leased to investors for 15 years and if needed up to 75 years (Jha, 2011). Reform expanded property rights in the countryside and touched off a race to form small non-agricultural business in rural areas (Hu, 1997). This made efficient use of land and labor. Individual enterprises were set free to set their own economic goals. Selling state owned assets to the private sector has enabled big efficiency savings (Economics help, 2007).
In addition to these reforms were several other factors like giving high emphasis to consumption in recent china, introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and not to forget the political Stability of China which helped much to create environment favorable for attracting foreign investors.
The lessons that the Nepal can learn form the Northern nearest neighbor China is that self sufficiency policy can hinder the economic growth of the country. So, it is good to liberalize the economy to free market and trade. Foreign Direct investment (FDI) was highly emphasized by the governmental policy of China through the creation of Special economic zones. Therefore, FDI can be taken as one of the factors that can help to increase the efficiency of the economy by introducing the improved technology and infrastructural development of the country which are very essential for the economic development of the country. Establishment of Special Economic Zones or Charter Cities can be fruitful to attract Foreign investment and improvement of trade. Saving has to be encouraged so that future investments will be possible.
However, there are several constraints to country like Nepal to completely follow the path paved by the large economy such as China because of varying reasons. Land collectivization that was practiced in China is not possible for Nepal as Nepalese agrarian society practices the small fragmented land cultivation that do not allow for the massive production as much of the farmers are subsistence farmers cultivating in small pieces of land. Most of the industries in Nepal are privatized or partially privatized but because of their operation still in infancy stage does not make it possible to compete into world market. Nepal has been earning large sum of capital from remittances but these capitals are used in consumption rather than investing or saving. Political instability has hindered the creation of favorable environment for Foreign Investment.
References
Economics Help. Novemver 19, 2007. Reasons for Chinese Economic Growth 2000-2007. Retrieved online from: www.economicshelp.org/blog/china/chinese-economic-growth/
Hu, Zuliu and Khan, Mohsin S. 1997. Why is China Growing So Fast? International Monetary Fund. Retrieved online from: www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/issues8/index.htm.
Jha, Hari Bansh. 2011. Public Sector Reform in India and China. Republica (daily), May 14, 2011, Nepal Public Media, Vol. III, Saturday, Pg. 6.
Lardy, Nicholas R. 2007. China: Rebalancing Economic Growth. Chapter1 from the China Balance Sheet in 2007 and Beyond. Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Pearson Institute for International Economics. Retrieved online from: http://www.piie.com/publications/papers/lardy0507.pdf
Morrison, Wayne. January 12, 2006. CRS Issue Brief for Congress: China's Economic Conditions. Congressional Research Service and the Library of Congress. Retrieved online from: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/IB98014.pdf
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