Institutional, electoral reforms will be hindered if economy does not stabilise: Debapriya Bhattacharya
“If an individual's political rights are infringed, then their right to participate in the economy is also impaired. Therefore, when we talk about political control over individuals, groups, or parties, it has economic significance," he said
The speed of both institutional and electoral reforms will be impacted one way or another if the economy does not achieve stability or comfort, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the White Paper Committee today (26 October).
"If anyone thinks that we can proceed only with institutional and electoral reforms while the economic issues remain as they are [in their current fragile state], then we are mistaken," he said at a dialogue titled "Dialogue for Democratic Reconstruction" organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the BIISS in Eskaton.
"Our economic situation will ultimately determine the pace and extent to which we can implement the reforms," said the distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Debapriya said, "Those in power [the government] must now understand where they need to focus their attention. We must protect real wages, ensure fair prices for agricultural products, and safeguard social security measures.
"Students need to be brought back to educational institutions, healthcare services must be properly managed, and everyone must be protected through law enforcement," he added.
Stressing that a sense of certainty and comfort must be created within the country, Debapriya said those responsible for the economy need to clarify their policies and their plans in this regard.
"This can be done through the revision of the budget or the formulation of the upcoming budget. It is not enough to just clarify; it must be implemented efficiently, quickly, and with accountability," he added.
"We often hear now about the need to impose bans, remove products from the market, and place various controls. If control is exerted over an individual for political reasons, it has economic implications," he said.
Debapriya explained, "If an individual's political rights are infringed, then their right to participate in the economy is also impaired. Therefore, when we talk about political control over individuals, groups, or parties, it has economic significance.
"We are imposing control on their future savings, investments, and job creation," he added.
The head of the White Paper Committee said, "This is a new situation, a new opportunity. Many reforms are needed here. If we think this interim government will do everything alone, then we are deluded. Then it was wrong to have a revolution. Everyone must fulfil their responsibilities."