The way Nepal’s private sector umbrella organization Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) performed in the recently held election was criticized from different quarters of the society. Experts and even businessmen criticize the malpractices, which are prevalent in Nepal’s political realm, seen also in FNCCI election. Siromani Dhungana of New Business Age spoke to some experts and businessmen. The excerpts: 

 

“Baseless criticism”

Pradeep Jung Pandey, President, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)

The criticism that the last election of FNCCI was extravagant and over politicized is baseless. It depends on perception. We should see the things from positive angle. Some positive practices have been started in the FNCCI election from this time. There was no party hosted in five-star hotels and no bribe and unwarranted influences were reported. Businessmen from across the country came to Kathmandu for the election and Annual General Meeting (AGM) spending their own money. FNCCI provided them only food and accommodation only. Most of the businessmen use their own vehicles and pay for whatever the services they use. 

 

We should not blame the institution as a whole for personal expenditure. On the other hand, entrepreneurs and businessmen are capable to spend for themselves. We should not portray their personal expenditure as extravagance. Let me make it clear that the fund is collected in ‘crowd funding’ model during the election time to avoid pressure on a single businessman. This model does not put pressure on a single person.   

 

Businessmen may have political affiliation but it should not be reflected in the professional front. I can say that there was no political interference during FNCCI election this time. 

 

“Transparency is a must”

Sujeev Shakya, Economist

Due to various unethical trends such as practice of syndicate and cartel, the public trust on private sector has declined of late. The flow of news about unhealthy competition during election further gave a negative impression and perception about private sector to the people. This is not good for the overall growth of the private sector.

 

In order to ensure public trust, FNCCI should dare to make election cost ot the canditates transparent. On the other hand, all members including FNCCI president  should contribute voluntarily to the organization. Whenever, media publishes news about spending by candidates during election, people perceive it in negative light. People may ask: why million extra expenditure for getting an opportunity to provide a volunteer service?  Transparency is a must to avoid such comments from the public. 

 

There are some pertaining issues such as quality of goods and services offered by the private sector. People still trust public institutions instead of private firm to get many services. For example, people trust on petrol pumps run by police/army or Sajha and they want to buy DDC milk if available. The issue here is that it’s not that our public entities are efficient, but public perception about our private sector is yet to be positive. Many people perceive private sector as profiteers. It is okay to profit but it is wrong to be profiteer. Public perception will not change unless FNCCI and other similar organizations stop making news about influence of money during election.

 

“Election should not divide business community”

Pashupati Murarka, 

Senior Vice President, FNCCI 

We must confess that fair election has been a far cry in FNCCI election for the last couple of times. But, we are very conscious about the wrong trends and we are also committed to end all wrong practices. 

 

In my personal opinion, FNCCI as an institution stands polarized today between two factions. This is the main reason for all malpractices. But election should not divide us. It should be taken as an opportunity to unite all businessmen and to stimulate business agenda. 

 

Nobody can answer the question: why there are always two panels in FNCCI election? But this is what is going on since years. We should stop forming panel and businessmen should dare to file candidacy individually. Panel system has brought many wrong trends including that of ego clash among panel heads. 

 

Yet, the election was not extravagant as it was percieved from outside. Still I won’t deny that there were some wrong practices.  I also do not deny that there was political interference.