E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, OCT 10 -

With only three days left for the Fifth NRN Global Conference to begin, election fever has gripped Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN). As of now, two persons—President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Dev Man Hirachan and Vice-President Jiba Lamichhane—have announced their candidacy for the NRNA top post.

Lamichhane was the first to announce his candidacy for the NRNA president, while Hirachan announced his candidacy on Sunday. The NRNA, formed eight years ago, has been selecting its president unanimously. However, sources say the chances of a consensus candidate this time around appear slim.

“Efforts for consensus is still there,” said Lamichhane. Hirachan also said a unanimous vote cannot be ruled out as discussions with Lamichhane is on.

NRNA, an umbrella organisation of NRNs across the globe, has come a long way since its inception.

The biggest contribution of the organisation is perhaps the NRN identity itself. In the last eight years, the NRNA has made global networks, brought investment to Nepal and started social work. Till now, the association has expanded its network in 56 countries. “No other diaspora has expanded their network like ours,” Lamichhane said.

According to Lamichhane, the next major task for the NRNA would be to bring more investment to Nepal.

Among Lamichhane’s election agendas are making foreign employment secure and honourable, amendment in the NRN Act, registration of the NRNA, group investment in the hydropower sector, stability in the NRNA and giving continuity to social work.

Hirachan, who was elected unanimously as president in 2009, has declared his candidacy with a 25-point declaration. According to him, his two-year tenure was too short to complete the task initiated under his presidency, hence he was vying for the post again.

“Despite our serious efforts, much talked-about issues like dual citizenship for NRNs, institutionalising and registering the NRNA, security for NRN investment in Nepal and abroad and voting rights for Nepalis residing abroad did not materialise during my presidency,” Hirachan said. “I will make continuous efforts to complete these tasks if I am re-elected and will take initiatives to fight for dual citizenship even in the new constitution to be written.”

Hirachan has said he would take initiatives to set up in Nepal embassies of countries where more than 2,500 Nepali citizens reside. Hirachan has also promised to make the organisation inclusive by uniting NRNs residing in various part of the world and prioritise transparency within the organisation. “The needs of NRNs are different, depending on the region they live in,” he said. “I will make efforts to identify such needs and prepare a draft to address them.”

Hirachan further said he will make a public action plan to achieve his goals within two weeks of his election. He has also said that he will start a website where the monthly updates of his action plan will be posted.

Posted on: 2011-10-10 08:30

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