Kathmandu: The CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has introduced a distinctive concept of socialism characterized by Nepali features, aimed at integrating the plurality and diversity intrinsic to the country’s social fabric. This proposal was presented during the party’s Second Statute Convention, which commenced today.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the political proposal was articulated in a report read out by Party Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali at the convention. The document emphasized that the pluralism and diversity inherent in Nepali society would be harmoniously integrated within a socialist state framework. The proposal advocates for unity in diversity rather than uniformity.
A key element of socialism with Nepali characteristics, as articulated by Chair Oli, involves the protection of national interests, dignity, identity, and the promotion of independence. The proposal also underscores the importance of ‘complete democracy’ as a fundamental principle. It highlights that universal democratic values, including constitutional supremacy, rule of law, human rights, separation of powers, and regular elections, will form the core of state governance. Additionally, it assures that governance will be driven by the people’s mandate, with mechanisms to prevent unelected power from influencing the state.
The proposal’s ‘class structure’ section categorizes Nepali society into lower, middle, and upper classes, based on economic income. The lower class is defined by an income of less than Rs 150 thousand annually, the middle class earns between Rs 150 thousand to 500 thousand, and the upper class earns more than Rs 500 thousand.
The report also sheds light on the socio-economic challenges faced by different communities. It notes that Dalit and Muslim communities have a higher proportion of landless individuals, marginal farmers, and low-income groups. The average poverty rate among Dalits is 20.3 percent, with figures exceeding 30 percent in some areas. Disparities are also evident in the Human Development Index, with Brahmins and Chhetris at 0.552, Newars at 0.424, and Muslims at 0.401, highlighting inequality in poverty reduction rates.
These findings reflect a broader issue of caste disparity, with poverty reduction rates at 46 percent for Brahmins and Chhetris, 21 percent for Dalits, and only 6 percent for Muslims, according to the 2022 data cited in the report.