Sharma: Take only grants free from policy interference
He also criticized the government’s current aid strategy, claiming that investment is being made in the 'leaves' rather than the 'roots' of the economy.
KATHMANDU: Former Finance Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma has called on the government to accept only those foreign grants that allow for independent investment without policy interference.
Speaking at an event in Kathmandu, Sharma said Nepal should refrain from accepting aid that comes with strings attached and instead prioritize assistance that supports the country’s long-term economic development without compromising national sovereignty.
“Our investment is not in money, it’s in policy,” Sharma emphasized. “Most of the grants we receive come as a form of policy intervention, restricting us from investing based on our actual needs. That’s why Nepal has failed to develop as envisioned.”
He stressed that such conditional aid undermines the country’s autonomy, preventing Nepal from making independent economic decisions. “We are not free. We are pressured to follow external terms instead of acting according to our national interest,” he said. “We should accept only those funds that allow us to invest freely and are free from policy imposition.”
Highlighting the need to protect Nepal’s national interest, Sharma said any external support must be aligned with the principles of nationalism and sovereignty. “Aid must not compromise our core national values. We must choose assistance that genuinely supports long-term economic development,” he added.
He also criticized the government’s current aid strategy, claiming that investment is being made in the ‘leaves’ rather than the ‘roots’ of the economy.
Sharma concluded by warning that if Nepal cannot exercise ownership over its development agenda, then even aid and loans could worsen the country’s economic situation.
