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Former Speaker Damannath Dhungana was cremated with state honors at Pashupati Aryaghat on Monday afternoon. His sons lit the funeral pyre.

Ministers, high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal, heads of security agencies, leaders, activists, well-wishers and common people gathered at Pashupati Aryaghat to pay final tributes.

Before being brought to Pashupati Aryaghat, his body was kept at Sano Gaucharan in Gyaneshwor to pay the final tributes.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had offered respects to former Speaker Dhungana, laying the national flag over his mortal remains there.

Deputy Prime Minister duo Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba among others had reached Sano Gaucharan to pay last tributes.

A Cabinet meeting held this morning had decided to give a public holiday today to mourn the death of Dhungana and cremate with state honors.

Former Speaker Dhungana passed away at Frontline Hospital, Baneshwor on Sunday. He was 83. He had been suffering from liver-related ailment for some time.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said that the contribution made by former Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Damannath Dhungana for the protection of civil rights will be written in golden letters in history.

In a press release issued today by the spokesperson of the Commission, Tikaram Pokhrel, expressing grief over the death of the former Speaker Dhungana, it is mentioned that the Commission believes that the contribution made by him will be highly valued.

"The demise of Dhungana caused irreparable loss to Nepal's democratic movement, law and human rights, and the country has lost an invaluable asset," the statement said. The press release further mentioned Dhungana's contribution in promulgation of Constitution of Nepal, 2047, defense of the dignity of the Parliament, law enforcement, peace process and protection of human rights.

Recalling the works done by Dhungana in connection with the Commission regarding the protection and promotion of human rights, the Commission has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has offered respects to former Speaker Damannath Dhungana, laying the national flag over his mortal remains.

The PM reached Sano Gaucharan in Gyaneshwar today and offered his last respect.

On the occasion, PM Oli described former Speaker Dhungana as a multi-dimensional personality with a unique identity and principles in Nepal's parliamentary practice.

"It is necessary to walk on the path the former Speaker has shown, as he was successful in leaving behind a unique influence in the nation's parliamentary practice," he said.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers convened this morning decided to cremate the former Speaker's body with state honors.

Deputy Prime Ministers and other members of the Council of Ministers have also reached Sano Gaucharan to pay their last respect to the former Speaker, who passed away at Frontline Hospital, Baneshwar. He was 83 and had been suffering from liver-related ailment for some time.

The government has once again failed to accelerate capital spending.

According to the Financial Comptroller General Office, only 9.8 percent of the capital budget allocated for the current fiscal year has been utilized. Out of the Rs 352.35bn allocated for capital expenditure in 2024/25, just Rs 34.53bn was spent in the first four months.

Low capital budget utilization has been a persistent issue in Nepal. In the previous fiscal year (2023/24), the government managed to spend only 63.47 percent of the allocated budget for development projects. Only Rs 191.73bn out of the Rs 302bn set aside was utilized in the review period.

Capital expenditure has consistently slowed since the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021/22, only 57.23 percent of the development budget was spent. Capital spending improved to 61.44 percent in 2022/23 and 63.47 percent in 2023/24. Over the past four years, the average capital expenditure has hovered around 60 percent. Current spending trends suggest that 2024/25 will follow a similar trajectory.

Before the pandemic, Nepal achieved higher capital spending rates, averaging around 70 percent. Capital expenditure stood at 76.93 percent in 2018/19 and 80.77 percent in 2017/18.

Meanwhile, progress in recurrent expenditure has been satisfactory. The government spent Rs 292.52bn, or 25.65 percent of the Rs 1,140bn allocated for recurrent expenditure, in the first four months of 2024/25.

Overall, of the Rs 1,860.3bn allocated for the current fiscal year, Rs 415.02bn, or 22.21 percent of the allocation, has been spent so far. Similarly, out of Rs 367.28bn allocated for financial management, Rs 87.96bn has been utilized.

Revenue mobilization has remained another pressing issue for Nepal over the past few years. The government raised Rs 329.01bn in the first four months of 2024/25. The collection is 22.36 percent of the Rs 1,471.62bn that the government has targeted to raise in the current fiscal year. This indicates that Nepal is likely to miss its revenue targets once again.

In 2023/24, revenue collections, including amounts to be transferred to provincial and local governments, reached only Rs 1,058.89bn, falling short of the Rs 1,422.54bn target by 25.56 percent, or Rs 363.64bn. The shortfall in 2022/23 was even higher at 31.77 percent.

Foreign aid mobilization has shown no progress this fiscal year. The government has set a target to raise Rs 52.32bn through foreign aid and grants in the current fiscal year but has not secured any funds so far, according to the FCGO.

It went sliding roughly, across that pitched highway 

The floor perfectly painted,

The painting of devotion and connection in red

When my eyes closed, all I felt was the shared sense of adventure, and grips of the throttle.

When they opened, I see the white bedsheets and the cannolis in my hand

When I move, a sharp pain rises in my arm, 

Covered in bandages and gauges.

Too much pain to move, too little energy to speak, yet my eyes did not shed a single tear.

But when I saw, my dearest, my bike

My heart shattered, in a way it never did before

My eyes couldn’t stop it’s tears 

The broken pieces of its handlebars hurt more than my broken bones.

The scratch in its body burns so much more than the scratch in my legs.

With every wound I encounter, my heart gets a deeper pain

With its headlights broken, I feel myself blind.

With the puncture in the tire, I feel the fracture.

With its number plate getting scratched, I feel my name disgraced.

With every parts breaking, my eyes sheds

Sheds harder and louder, screaming in pain 

As if I am the one feeling every broken parts

Screaming the loss of beloved

Of course, of course I will cry.

Of course you won’t know.

You won’t feel the attachment I have with my bike.

You won’t know how many times, my bike collected me, when I was in pieces 

The times, when my helmet wiped my tears 

The times, when my throttle understood my anger

You won’t know who heard me singing happy songs, after my first date.

Who held me when I got into a fight with my family.

When I see him lying on floor, totally injured

Bleeding the petrol all over the concrete,

With all the scratch over his body

I heart weeped in misery.

When I see him like that, all I wished 

May all his wounds transfer to me.

It doesn’t matter how many injuries I get, 

but I just want him safe

Because, I CAN HEAL, IT CAN'T.

Shristika Prajapati

BA Ist Year

Lalitkala Campus, Bhotahity

Women’s engagement in political conversations and ideologies remains a rare occurrence, whether in casual tea shop discussions or professional settings. Their voices are often absent in the corridors of power, and their contributions to decision-making processes remain marginal. At present, only 27 countries are led by women, a modest increase from 18 a decade ago, while 107 nations have never had a woman leader. Globally, women hold only 27 percent of parliamentary seats, with gender parity projected to take another 39 years to achieve.

This disparity persists despite decades of international efforts to guarantee women’s political rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) assures equal access to public service, while CEDAW (1979) guarantees women the right to participate in public life, vote, and stand for election on equal terms. It also ensures their right to represent governments internationally without discrimination. Similarly, the ICCPR (1966) upholds civil and political equality, while Article 25 emphasizes every citizen’s right to participate in public affairs. The Beijing Declaration (1995), though non-binding, aims to achieve gender equality in politics. The UNSC Resolution 1325 highlights women’s roles in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and governance, while the ICESCR (1966) extends equality to economic, social, and cultural rights. Regional frameworks such as the Inter-American and European conventions also affirm women’s political rights.

However, these legal frameworks, though comprehensive, remain largely symbolic. The persistent lack of progress highlights the entrenched nature of societal and structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s political involvement. Patriarchal norms, gender biases, and cultural traditions undermine these commitments, creating a stark gap between theoretical policies and practical realities. Structural issues, including inequitable electoral systems and resource constraints, further marginalize women, limiting their participation in governance and leadership roles.

One major obstacle is the double burden many women face, juggling careers alongside household responsibilities. Societal norms confine women to traditional roles, reducing their capacity to pursue public careers. The psychological toll of harassment—both online and offline—further deters women from entering or remaining in political spaces. Stereotypes portraying women as less capable leaders perpetuate discriminatory practices and undermine their confidence and credibility. These challenges are exacerbated by media narratives that focus disproportionately on women’s appearance or personal lives, diminishing their political image and reducing their appeal to voters.

Access to resources remains a critical barrier. Women often lack the financial means to compete with male counterparts in political campaigns, a disadvantage compounded by electoral systems that favor incumbents. Male-dominated political environments and party structures further discourage women’s entry and progression in politics, sidelining them from key decision-making roles. This systematic exclusion results in women being relegated to token positions or roles with limited influence, which only reinforces their underrepresentation in meaningful leadership.

The absence of women in politics is not due to a lack of capability or ambition but rather a result of these deeply rooted cultural, economic, and institutional barriers. Their exclusion perpetuates a system that prioritizes male dominance, hindering the progress of gender equality and stalling the development of inclusive governance.

Addressing these challenges requires a multipronged approach. Education and awareness campaigns can inspire women to view politics as a viable and rewarding career path. Implementing mandatory gender quotas in political representation can provide a starting point for more equitable participation. Equal access to financial resources is critical to leveling the playing field, enabling women to mount competitive campaigns and pursue leadership roles with confidence.

Creating gender-friendly policies in workplaces and political environments is another vital step. By addressing harassment and fostering inclusive spaces, women can feel safer and more supported in their political pursuits. Media reform is essential to shift focus from superficial narratives to the policies and achievements of women leaders, helping to build their credibility and public image. Additionally, networking platforms for women can foster mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support, empowering aspiring leaders to overcome systemic barriers.

It is also necessary to reform electoral systems to ensure they are inclusive and equitable. Many systems currently favor incumbents, which disproportionately benefits men who dominate political spaces. By redesigning these systems to encourage broader participation, women can gain more opportunities to enter and succeed in politics. Political parties, too, must adopt more inclusive practices, actively encouraging women’s participation and ensuring they have equal access to leadership opportunities.

The underrepresentation of women in politics is not simply an issue of individual choice but a reflection of societal and institutional failures. Breaking these barriers requires a collective effort involving progressive policies, structural reforms, and societal re-education. Only by dismantling these obstacles can we unlock the untapped potential of women as political leaders and decision-makers.

The time to act is now. By transforming symbolic commitments into substantive actions, we can move toward a democracy that is genuinely inclusive and representative. Women’s voices and leadership are essential to building societies that are equitable, just, and reflective of the diversity within them. Only by addressing the root causes of their exclusion can we ensure that democracy is not merely a promise but a lived reality for all.

Aslesha Luitel 

BA LLB IInd Year

Kathmandu School of Law

The government has decided to cremate former Speaker Damannath Dhungana with state honors.

A Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence, Baluwatar, this morning decided to cremate Dhungana with state honors and grant a public holiday today to mourn his demise, informed Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung. 

"It has been decided to declare a public holiday today in honor of former Speaker Dhungana and hoist the national flag at half-mast at all government offices at home and abroad throughout the day", Gurung said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been assigned the responsibility for the management of the state honor.

The meeting appreciated the role played by former Speaker Dhungana in streamlining Nepal's parliamentary system, Spokesperson Gurung said that showing self-respect to the late Dhungana's integrity and ideals would be a true tribute to him.

The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Dhungana and paid tribute and extended condolences to the aggrieved family members.

Dhungana breathed his last on November 17 (Sunday) at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at Frontline Hospital in Baneshwor.

Human rights activist and civil society leader Dhungana had been undergoing treatment for liver-related problems for some time. He will be cremated today itself.

The influence of westerly wind and local wind is continuing in the hilly region across the country, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said.

According to the Department, the weather is partly cloudy in the hilly region and mainly fair in the rest of the country.

The weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and mainly fair in the rest of the country this afternoon. Likewise, light rain is likely to occur at one or two places of the hilly regions of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces.

The weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly regions of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces and mainly fair in the rest of the country tonight.