Kathmandu, Jan. 7: Foreign Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has said that a democratic government should be able to run the governance in accordance with the law of the land and by bearing in mind the national circumstances.

Foreign Minister Dr Mahat, who was speaking as chief guest at a symposium on “development governance: challenge and opportunities” organised by the centre for development and governance here today, said although, we are backward compared to big and advanced nations, our governance can be termed good in view of the national circumstances.

On the occasion, Dr Mahat released a book entitled “development governance agenda for action” written by Bishwa Keshar Maskey. The book will be useful for all those who take interest in good governance, said the Foreign Minister.

Ex-vice chairman of National Planning Commission (npc) Dr Harka Gurung described misuse of power, inefficiency in policy making, maximum centralisation, over politicisation of every sector and corruption as impediments to establishment of good governance.

Npc member Dr Shankar Sharma was of the view that reforms in economic, political and social sector alone do not suffice for good governance, what is more important is bringing about attitudinal change among political leaders and MPs.

Resident representatives of Asian Development Bank Dr Richard Vokes was of the view that a responsible government should make the needs and aspirations of the people the focus of its policy.

Undp Resident Representative Dr Henning Karcher expressed the view that if a government is to provide good governance, it should build an environment in which the people remain satisfied.

Dr Manmohan Sainju said since the constitution has clearly spelt out the goals of a democratic government and has outlined the means of attaining the goals our efforts should be directed towards achieving the goal as directed by the constitution.

President of the centre Dr Maskey presided.