Nepal in 1983: Another Year of Confusion and Lack of Direction

Abstract

Confusion and a lack of direction in different spheres of national activity were the dominant characteristics of developments in Nepal during 1983. The political scene was dominated by a growing rift among the Panchas amidst emerging signs of unworkability of the partyless Panchayat System in its present form. While the disenchantment of the people with the Panchayat System continued to grow rapidly, there were few outward signs of much political activity outside the Panchayat polity. The banned Nepali Congress's continued adherence to the policy of reconciliation initiated by the late B. P. Koirala led its leaders to concentrate on the consolidation of their organization. The banned Communist party remained fragmented in spite of calls of unity from different groups, with as many as nine separate entities operating independently of each other. In the meantime the economy deteriorated further. Implementation of development plans continued to falter with demoralization within the bureaucracy at its highest peak. The economic program of the new government failed to inspire people, since it seemed like yet another promise to improve performance without saying how. Nepal's international relations continued to be stable during the year.