By Gopal Pokhrel
Nepal NewsNovember 27, 2002
The emergence of civil societies as a sub-culture within vibrant democratic societies are but one of the vivid manifestations of changing social values and adjustments spurred up by the impact of modern information systems. In other words, the dynamism of a civil social structure is unthinkable in the absence of free, information saturated and pluralistic information system. Implicitly, in transitional democracies, societies are evolving constantly until the ideal conditions of a civil society are achieved. Among the fold of transitional democracies, too, there are dichotomies in levels and inculcation of values, which are determined by the level of economic development. For example, the problems faced by transitional democracies of former Soviet bloc countries are definitely different from the situation of less developed countries with poorly developed infrastructure. Indiscipline, corruption and bribery and political leaders with debased morality are some serious challenges facing the institutional development of democracy. As the reputation of formal political institutions are tarnished with corruption, institutions within the framework of civil society are either too weak to create a viable alternative or not fully equipped with such situations. Furthermore, many of the non-governmental organizations themselves might not have succeeded in establishing or emulating examples of good conduct as a model of excellence to be followed by others in the society.
The situation could be inversely improved a great deal with the presence of a very vigilant and active media system. But this requires, first, an information saturated society with assured access of the people to multiple channels of communication, thus, the universalization of access to channels of information, above all, should assume paramount importance in the consolidation of institutions under a civil society whose ultimate goal should be the overall improvement in the quality of human life.
Civil society in Nepalese context
Nepal has undergone a four-decade long period of bickering and experimentation with various forms of governments. The popular revolution of 1950 ushered in an era of a multi-party system of democracy, which lasted for a decade. It was followed by a 30-year long mono-party rule of Panchayat system, which outlawed the functioning of political parties. During this period non-governmental organizations and voluntary social movements did take root but had to be the object of strict surveillance of the authorities in power. Registration of organizations was based on arbitrary consideration rather than on uniform rules. While officially sanctioned organizations—the Panchayats and their affiliates flourished, other voluntary suffered a stunted growth.
The situation was not conducive for the growth of a free presses either. The Panchayat constitution required the media to be non-partisan and on this ground, registrations were concealed very often in the case of those raising the voice of dissent. In the face of these severe restrictions, the number of newspapers during the period of the first two decades (1960-1980) fluctuated between 27 to 84, while state-sector media organizations flourished. During the period of 1980 to 1990, control on the registration of newspapers was relaxed resulting in a five-fold increase of newspapers, but the restrictions still persisted. The private sector media had to struggle for survival by comprising their stakes with the authorities in power.
Against the background of trials and tribulations, the restoration of multi-party democracy in April 1990 was a major landmark in opening up a new era of liberalism, freedom and development in the country. The constitutional provisions on human rights, more specifically on press freedom, are more liberal; and elaborate when compared to Third World countries. In addition to Article 12.2, which provides for freedom of expression and opinion, Article 13 is more exclusive and elaborate on the Press and Publication Right of citizens. The Article provides guarantees against censorship of news items, articles or other reading material; against seizure or closure of a press for printing any news item, article or material; against cancellation or registration of a newspaper or periodical. Similarly, Article 16 has guaranteed the right to information of the people on matters of public importance.
In the aftermath of freedom, while voluntary non-governmental organizations of various hues and dimensions have grown in stature, political parties have not fared well in leading the country to the path of economic progress. The number of social organizations is stated to be around 6000 and spread all over the country. These are in addition to the already existing hierarchical order of various political parties, their frontal vocational or class organizations, trade unions, student organizations and the network of quasi-governmental local and municipal organizations. The increased influence and reach of NGOs, some sarcastically opine, is akin to running a parallel governmental outside the control and surveillance of official agencies. Some of the NGOs are emerging into powerful pressure groups and advocating for sweeping changes in the socio-economic and cultural milieu of the society. The human rights groups, environment protection and conservation groups and women and child welfare movements are already making their voices heard across the country. While the number of non-governmental organizations continues to swell further, these have helped to solve the problem of unemployment by providing part-time or full time use of the skills and surplus manpower.
One of the remarkable phenomenon spurring the growth of civil society is symbolized by the NGO movement has been the exposure of Nepalese people to the multi-media environment. If the waiver of the restrictive clause of cancellation of registration and seizure of newspapers has promoted increased investment of private entrepreneurs in the print media industry including newspapers, the lowering cost of dish antennae and ready access to numerous regional and international channels has created an open information environment unpredicted before. From the yardstick of press the most liberal and free country in South Asia. It is a country, which provides unrestricted entry and dissemination of information materials including newspapers, a case without any parallel in other SAARC nations. With all the attributes of a free and liberal democratic environment, the information systems of Nepal are increasingly emerging as an important factor in shaping the course of civil society movements.
But potentialities apart, mass media sector in Nepal is baffled by numerous difficulties and contradictions which act as inhibiting factors in the evolution of information saturated dynamic social structure, strong enough to sustain and nurture the newly established freedom and democratic society.
More Information on NGOs
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