Right issues; wrong perspective
Book Review
Yuba Nath Lamsal
The book under review is the outcome of a research work conducted on various facets of Terai region of Nepal. The author of the book is Hari Bansa Jha, a scholar who has already produced several books on various themes and topics. As a professor of economics, his focus is mainly on economic side of the problems and issues. Jha's write ups mostly analyze the problem and situation from economic perspectives. This book, too, highlight various issues of Terai from economic point of view.
'The Economy of Terai Region of Nepal: Prospects For Its Sustainable Development' is Jha's new book that has provided insight of the economic opportunities and challenges of Nepal's Terai region. This is a research based book in which many aspects of Terai's economic potentials and problems have been dealt with minutely.
Divided into seven different chapters, each part touches upon different dynamics of Terai's economic prospects and constrains in harnessing these potentials. In chapter one, the author discusses the general scenario of the Terai region, which mainly deals with the historical background of Terai region, rational behind conducting the research on the said theme, its objectives and methodology. The second chapter is mainly related to demographic and land pattern and also various dynamics of human life associated with these issues in the region. Terai which stretches from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the southern plain of Nepal along the border with India has much diversity in terms of ethnicity, religion, culture and natural resources. Previously known as the land of Tharus and other indigenous people, Terai has come under pressure from heavy migration both from within the country and also from outside. As Terai has fertile land, abundant forests and water, it attracted many hilly people of Nepal who settled and contributed to the development of Terai perfecting making it an ethnic and cultural mosaic. Similarly, Terai faced a brunt of migration from across Nepal's southern border has been the root of all problems and a cause of friction and conflict in Terai. The author here has raised the issue of migration from Nepal's hilly areas but not sufficiently touched upon and analyzed the issue and the problems in a way they deserve. The real problem in Terai started when the migration from across the border intensified and the population of the immigrants grew geometrically. But the author has not raised this issue with due weight, which is the fundamental drawback of the book. The third chapter deals with the cross-border relations, in which the author has taken up the issues concerning the intricate family, cultural, social and economic relations between the people of Terai and those living across the border. But that does not necessarily justify anything and everything which may be against the fundamental interest of Nepal. The author has discussed many things specially on cross border issues, activities and relations but has not minced a single word about the pain and plight of people in several areas in Nepal's Terai caused mainly by India's bullying behavior. There are reports and complaints regarding encroachment of Nepal's territory in the border. Experts have claimed that Nepal's territory has been encroached by India in almost three dozen points. Similarly, the illegal construction of dams in Indian side close to the border which caused inundation in Nepal especially during the monsoon session. But the author has either deliberately avoided these issues or he is simply ignorant of the real problems of Terai. This shows one-sidedness in the analysis of the issues of Terai, which does not at all do justice to the people of Terai.
The fourth chapter is dedicated to the issues of federalism. The chapter has discussed in details the issues related with federalism. The author is of the view that federalism is a must for greater development of Terai. It looks as though federalism is needed only for Terai.
In overall sense, the book gives a broader outline of various aspects of Terai. The author has done hard work in his research work to produce it in the book form. There are some weaknesses and drawbacks in the book, which could have been avoided it the author had been a bit sensitive. One may not necessarily agree with some points and issues the author has raised but the book is worth reading to understand the perspective of Terai.
Yuba Nath Lamsal
The book under review is the outcome of a research work conducted on various facets of Terai region of Nepal. The author of the book is Hari Bansa Jha, a scholar who has already produced several books on various themes and topics. As a professor of economics, his focus is mainly on economic side of the problems and issues. Jha's write ups mostly analyze the problem and situation from economic perspectives. This book, too, highlight various issues of Terai from economic point of view.
'The Economy of Terai Region of Nepal: Prospects For Its Sustainable Development' is Jha's new book that has provided insight of the economic opportunities and challenges of Nepal's Terai region. This is a research based book in which many aspects of Terai's economic potentials and problems have been dealt with minutely.
Divided into seven different chapters, each part touches upon different dynamics of Terai's economic prospects and constrains in harnessing these potentials. In chapter one, the author discusses the general scenario of the Terai region, which mainly deals with the historical background of Terai region, rational behind conducting the research on the said theme, its objectives and methodology. The second chapter is mainly related to demographic and land pattern and also various dynamics of human life associated with these issues in the region. Terai which stretches from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the southern plain of Nepal along the border with India has much diversity in terms of ethnicity, religion, culture and natural resources. Previously known as the land of Tharus and other indigenous people, Terai has come under pressure from heavy migration both from within the country and also from outside. As Terai has fertile land, abundant forests and water, it attracted many hilly people of Nepal who settled and contributed to the development of Terai perfecting making it an ethnic and cultural mosaic. Similarly, Terai faced a brunt of migration from across Nepal's southern border has been the root of all problems and a cause of friction and conflict in Terai. The author here has raised the issue of migration from Nepal's hilly areas but not sufficiently touched upon and analyzed the issue and the problems in a way they deserve. The real problem in Terai started when the migration from across the border intensified and the population of the immigrants grew geometrically. But the author has not raised this issue with due weight, which is the fundamental drawback of the book. The third chapter deals with the cross-border relations, in which the author has taken up the issues concerning the intricate family, cultural, social and economic relations between the people of Terai and those living across the border. But that does not necessarily justify anything and everything which may be against the fundamental interest of Nepal. The author has discussed many things specially on cross border issues, activities and relations but has not minced a single word about the pain and plight of people in several areas in Nepal's Terai caused mainly by India's bullying behavior. There are reports and complaints regarding encroachment of Nepal's territory in the border. Experts have claimed that Nepal's territory has been encroached by India in almost three dozen points. Similarly, the illegal construction of dams in Indian side close to the border which caused inundation in Nepal especially during the monsoon session. But the author has either deliberately avoided these issues or he is simply ignorant of the real problems of Terai. This shows one-sidedness in the analysis of the issues of Terai, which does not at all do justice to the people of Terai.
The fourth chapter is dedicated to the issues of federalism. The chapter has discussed in details the issues related with federalism. The author is of the view that federalism is a must for greater development of Terai. It looks as though federalism is needed only for Terai.
In overall sense, the book gives a broader outline of various aspects of Terai. The author has done hard work in his research work to produce it in the book form. There are some weaknesses and drawbacks in the book, which could have been avoided it the author had been a bit sensitive. One may not necessarily agree with some points and issues the author has raised but the book is worth reading to understand the perspective of Terai.
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