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The Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government is apparently teetering on the edge of a precipice. Its failure to deliver has sparked waves of anger and discontent within the primary ruling coalition partner, Nepali Congress. 

Within the ranks of NC, many leaders are convinced that Sher Bahadur Deuba, the party president, has allowed the government to run amok, with no accountability to the public. They are of the view that this coalition is firmly in the grip of Dahal's decision-making monopoly.

Deuba’s rival in the party, Shekhar Koirala, is the foremost critic of the Dahal administration. He has been openly advocating for seeking an alternative to the faltering government. Congress, the largest party in the House of Representatives, finds itself in a coalition with Maoists and various fringe parties, all united in their mission to prevent CPN-UML from seizing power. Yet, party leaders lament that Deuba remains conspicuously passive, failing to provide valuable input to the government or curb its penchant for unilateral decision-making.

Nine months into its tenure, the Dahal-led government struggles to maintain good governance, generate employment opportunities, resuscitate the flagging economy, and tame the surging inflation rate—a source of mounting discontent among the populace. But NC President Deuba, Prime Minister Dahal’s main coalition partner, has seemingly turned a blind eye. 

Dahal has been attempting to tout an anti-corruption drive as a major accomplishment of his government, a claim hotly disputed by many NC leaders. While Deuba and his supporters, who hold crucial ministerial positions, favor continuing the current coalition, others within the party harbor deep reservations.

Recent times have seen the Dahal-Deuba relationship grow frostier, though it has not reached the point of coalition dissolution. Deuba is dissatisfied with the Dahal administration’s selective approach to investigating corruption scandals. In a recent meeting, Deuba pressed Dahal to remove Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, primarily concerned about the arrest of his close aide, Bal Krishna Khand, in the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal. 

Despite this tension, leaders assert that Deuba has not committed to leaving the coalition just yet, fearing it would open the door for Dahal to form alliances with the UML and Rastirya Swatantra Party. 

Deuba, with no plans to vie for the party presidency again, intends to retire from active politics by becoming prime minister for a record sixth time. This ambition has led him to overlook the government's inefficiencies.

However, senior party leader Koirala is actively working to dismantle the existing coalition. It remains uncertain whether this is a mere bargaining tactic with Deuba or a genuine effort to change the government. Koirala has been reaching out to influential youth leaders in the party, such as Gagan Kumar Thapa, Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Pradeep Poudel, to build a united front and exert pressure on Deuba to remove Dahal from the government. 

To compel Deuba to consider leaving the current coalition, Koirala called a meeting with his supporters, including Thapa, Sharma and Poudel, on Tuesday. During the meeting, leaders argued that the government’s failure to address the country’s critical issues necessitates an alternative. 

Central Working Committee member Jeeven Pariyar says that despite being in the government, the people have not felt its impact. The government's inability to fulfill its objective duties and meet even the minimum expectations of the people have left many disillusioned, he adds.

But Thapa, who is himself aspiring to vie for the post of party president against Koirala, seems to have softened his stance on the government in recent months. As Deuba remains passive and Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka focuses on party matters, Thapa is working to strengthen his position within the party.

Koirala, on the other hand, has become more vocal and aggressive against the current coalition. In a recent public address, he did not mince words when it came to criticizing the government. He accused Prime Minister Dahal of fostering conflict and confrontation in the country through his rhetoric, particularly his endorsement of identity-based federalism. 

Koirala emphasized that with 90 seats in the Parliament, the NC was discussing the way forward internally. He added that the continuation of the current government would be disastrous for the country. He even urged Deuba to assume the mantle of the next prime minister.

Some see Koirala’s suggestion for Deuba to take over the premiership as an act of extending overture to win the latter’s endorsement for the Congress presidency. 

The Koirala faction’s displeasure with Deuba’s monopoly over intra-party affairs is no secret. They believe Deuba has failed to take a consultative approach in decisions related to the crisis in Koshi province, the selection of parliamentary committee heads, and appointments in the party’s sister organizations. In an attempt to draw attention to these issues, Koirala met with Deuba at his residence on Wednesday.

However, Koirala and Thapa combined lack the authority to make decisions regarding coalition changes and intra-party matters, as Deuba wields significant influence in both the party’s Central Committee and the Parliamentary Party. Nevertheless, the pressure is mounting on Deuba in light of the government’s performance.

Despite having nine ministers in the coalition government, Congress has been unable to steer the Dahal-led government toward effectively addressing the pressing issues facing the country. As the Dahal government shows no signs of improvement and public frustration mounts, Deuba is under increasing pressure from various quarters to reconsider the NC’s role in the coalition. 

Some observers suggest that the fate of the current government will ultimately be sealed upon Prime Minister Dahal’s return from his China visit.

The express bus service has come into operation from Ratnapark of Kathmandu to Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur from today.

The service is operated in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala inaugurated the bus service from Shantibatika, Ratnapark. A dedicated lane has been managed for operating the bus service on the 13.4 kilometers long route.

The buses will operate from 9 am to 11 am and from 4pm to 6 pm from Thursday. The government said the express bus service has been brought into operation to improve the public transport sector in Kathmandu Valley.

Twenty-five buses with 40 seats have been allocated for the set time, said Uddhav Rijal, Director General, the Department of Transport Management.

It takes around two hours to travel from Suryabinayak to Ratnapark by public transport during office hours at present. The express bus service will reduce this travel time to 45 minutes.

There will be bus stops at 19 different locations including Ratnapark, Maitighar, Babarmahal, New Baneshwor, Shantinagar, Koteshwor, Jadibuti, Kaushaltar, Gaththaghar, Chardobato and Suryabinayak.

The government on March 14, 2023 decided to operate the bus service in Kathmandu Valley in a bid to manage the public transport. The buses will run in a gap of one kilometer during the office time.

"The government has started this service to convince people that one can reach their destination in the given time using public transport. This is only the beginning," Director General Rijal said, adding that a separate lane has been managed for the buses to be operated for this service and the lane has been painted red. No other vehicles can use this lane during the office time.

Inaugurating the bus service, Minister Jwala said the express bus service has been operated on this route during office time in the first phase to make the public transport in the urban area systematic and to convince the people about the public transport.

"The government's campaign will not be limited to this only. We will improve upon and expand it. Express bus service will be expanded to areas including the airport, Ring Road, Balaju, Maharajgunj, Thankot and Lalitpur, among other places," he added.

Bagmati Province Government Minister for Labour, Employment and Transport, Laxman Lamsal stressed on the need of increasing people's trust towards public transport.

Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma maintained that the express bus service has been operated as an effort for making the Valley's public transport system well-managed.

Acting Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa underscored on making the general public aware of improving the public transport. He added that the police are committed to the safety of the vehicles operated on the dedicated lane.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has urged teachers not to disrupt classes while advocating for their rights.

The local government of the federal capital has urged teachers of the schools not to close schools so as to ensure students' right to education.

It may be noted that at the call of Nepal Teachers' Federation, teachers from various schools in the country have gathered in the federal capital, protesting against the Education Bill that was presented in the Parliament recently.

Metropolis spokesperson Nabin Manandhar said teachers are urged to resume classes by tomorrow. "Students’ right to education shall not be violated by closing schools," he said.

The local government is learnt to have instructed the Education Department within it to monitor the situation and take action if the teachers are found closing the schools in the name of protest.

Hundreds of teachers associated with Nepal Teachers’ Association staged a protest in the Capital on Wednesday against the School Education Bill.

The Bill proposes the local units to have authority to transfer and evaluate teachers and the Federation wants this authority to remain within the federal government. 

The Federation has been advocating for permanency of teachers appointed on the temporary basis, creation of sufficient quota for school employees, addressing the issues of montessori class teachers remaining outside the school structure, regular opportunities for promotion, right evaluation of performance, transfer opportunities of teachers and so on.

Federation General Secretary Laxmi Koshore Subedi has said the Federation has urged teachers and employees across the country to come to Kathmandu to take part in the protest.

He complained that the Bill failed to address agreements reached between the government and the Federation on February 21, 2019 and February 21, 2022. 

The Bill aimed to revise the education acts was registered in the House of Representatives on September 13.

The government’s ongoing struggle with revenue collection, which persisted throughout the previous fiscal year, appears to persist into the current fiscal year as well. The initial two months of FY 2023/24 have not shown any significant enhancement in the government’s revenue collection. According to recent data from the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), the government has managed to achieve just 9.92 percent of its total revenue goal during this period.

In fact, the current fiscal year has witnessed a weaker performance in revenue collection compared to the previous fiscal year. In the first two months of FY 2023/24, government revenue collection amounted to Rs 141.07bn, slightly lower than the Rs 143.81bn achieved during the same period in FY 2022/23.

The Department of Customs (DoC) and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) are the two major revenue collectors of the federal government. The statistics show, both agencies continuously collect revenue below the targets in this fiscal also.

The IRD has collected only 78.75 percent of the target in the first two months of this fiscal. The department has been able to collect only Rs 66.19bn against the target of Rs 84.05bn. In fact, the IRD’s revenue collection in the first two months of FY 2023/24 is 2.54 percent less than that of FY 2022/23’s first two months. 

While the Custom Department has seen some improvement, its revenue collection is also below the target. The department has managed to collect 75.5 percent of the target in the first two months of this fiscal. The DoC has collected Rs 67.95bn in revenue in the first two months against the target of Rs 90.28bn. 

Finance Ministry officials attribute the subdued economic activities to the slowdown in revenue collection. Despite the Dashain festival nearing, traders say there is not much movement in the market. The ministry had called a meeting of the heads of departments and discussed the decline in revenue.

The ministry has also formed a task force to study the problem of revenue leakage. The meeting of the Central Revenue Leakage Control Committee last Friday formed a working group under the coordination of the Revenue Secretary to analyze the trend of revenue leakage and submit an action plan with concrete measures to control it within a week.

Marginal growth in capital expenditure

There has been some improvement in the capital expenditure in the current fiscal year. The government has spent Rs 8.163bn under the capital expenditure heading in the first two months compared to Rs 5.86bn during the same period in the last fiscal. 

According to the officials of the Finance Ministry, the surge in the capital expenditure in this fiscal was due to the government releasing dues of the last fiscal year that were accrued to the contractors. The government has allocated Rs 302.07bn under the capital expenditure for FY 2023/24. 

The government spent Rs 87.66bn under recurrent expenditure in the first two months of the current fiscal year, which was less than Rs 21.06bn compared to the review period of the last fiscal year.

The United States of America has congratulated the entire Nepali community on the occasion of the Constitution Day- 2080 BS (2023).

Issuing a press statement today, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended best wishes to the Nepali community on the occasion of Nepal's Constitution Day. 

"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nepal on the occasion of Nepal’s Constitution Day on September 20. This is a moment to recognize Nepal’s achievements and the enduring friendship between our nations," he said in the statement.

He stated that robust people-to-people ties between Nepal and the US are the cornerstone of bilateral relationship, fostering understanding, trust, and goodwill.

 "As we commemorate this special day, we look to renew our commitment to these invaluable connections that promote peace, cooperation, and mutual prosperity between our two nations," he added.

Four persons, who were serving terms for the Tikapur incident, have been released on Constitution Day today.

Three persons, who were doing time in Kailali Prison and one in a juvenile center in Pokhara, were released this afternoon.

Bir Bahadur Chaudhary (41), Pradeep Chaudhary (25), Hari Narayan Chaudhary (25) were released from Kailali Prison.

Bir Bahadur was arrested on August 31, 2015, Pradeep on September 14 and Hari Narayan on August 25, a day after the Tikapur incident.

Resham Lal Chaudhary, who is said to be the main accused in the incident, has already been released.

Minor Shrawan Chaudhary was also released on Wednesday.

The Kailai District Court on February 24, 2019 handed down a life sentence to 11 people including Chaudhary in connection with the 2015 Tikapur incident in which nine people including seven security personnel and a toddler were killed in a violent clash.

President Ram Chandra Paudel pardoned their remaining jail term on the occasion of Constitution Day.

Nagarik Unmukti Party leader Resham Lal Chaudhary, Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha, lawmaker Arun Chaudhary, party’s province minister and lawmakers among others had reached Kailali Prison to welcome them.

It has been learnt that 30 persons involved in the Tikapur incident are at large.

Resham Lal Chaudhary claimed that the false cases filed against them will be scrapped soon.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had concluded that the Tikapur incident took place under the leadership of Resham Lal  Chaudhary.

It has been mentioned in the full text of the Tikapur incident released by the Supreme Court that Chaudhary was the mastermind of the incident based on various facts.

The apex court had issued the verdict in the Tikapur incident on May 16, 2021.

The Court had said that a group led by Chaudhary killed at least eight people, mostly security personnel including a Senior Superintendent of Police, by attacking them with stones, axes, spears and home-made weapons in an inhumane manner during the Tharuhat movement. Later, they burnt the bodies by pouring kerosene and petrol.

Sharadha Bohara, wife of inspector Keshav Bohara, who was killed in the Tikapur incident, had also filed a case at the Supreme Court demanding rearrest of Chaudhary.

The hearing on the case has not been conducted yet.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 200 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 112, 800 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 113, 000 per tola on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 112, 250 per tola. It was traded at Rs 112, 450 per tola.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1, 405 per tola.

Eight years ago today, Nepal officially charted a new course by promulgating a constitution that embraced federalism, republicanism and secularism. The centuries-old monarchy was condemned to history. 

The Nepali people were the new sovereign. The Constitution of 2015 also ensured rights and inclusion of marginalized and disadvantaged communities. But this historic document was by no means perfect. It had many rough edges, so to speak, that needed smoothening. And naturally, it wasn’t universally accepted; out of 598 Constituent Assembly members, 538 voted in favor of the constitution while 60 people voted against it. 

Political parties and people from the historically backward Tarai region in the southern plains outright denounced the constitution, demanding for greater rights and autonomy. There were protests in many Tarai districts and on the streets of Kathmandu. Nevertheless, the Constitution was passed by the assembly, by the hands of the country's first President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, who happened to be of Tarai origin.    

As this year marks the ninth anniversary of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, ApEx spoke with various experts, professionals and commoners to know about their take on the Constitution, about its positives and negatives.   

Neer Bikram Shah, Filmmaker

We often hear critiques of the new constitution, highlighting its perceived shortcomings. However, when we delve into its impact on the film industry, the changes might not be immediately tangible, but there's a profound positive shift on a psychological level. Picture this: the new constitution has breathed life into filmmakers, assuring them of their creative independence and liberating their artistic spirit. It's as if the constraints have been lifted, opening up a world of possibilities in film production. Mentally, everyone involved in the film industry feels the encouragement in the air. But that's not all. The new constitution has also laid out a red carpet of fresh content opportunities, especially catering to the intellectual minds among us. Now, the real magic will happen when we translate these psychological boosts into concrete actions, making the constitution a living, breathing reality in our creative endeavors.

Indra Adhikari, Political Analyst 

Since the enactment of the 2015 Constitution, the subsequent governments have gained legal legitimacy, signifying a government of, by and for the people. This constitution has played a crucial role in implementing a federal structure. Although the provincial governments are yet to operate optimally, the local administrations are functioning efficiently, a feat made possible by this new constitution. This constitution embodies inclusivity and employs proportional representation, granting significant opportunities and respect to women, Dalits and other minority groups. Public involvement stands as a pivotal aspect, fostering empowerment and enhanced political awareness. The appreciation of all religions is held in equal regard. These key aspects brought about by this Constitution serve as vital elements in bolstering democracy.

SC Suman, Artist 

Nepal has been shaped by several political movements over the last decades. Despite the shifts, political instability still looms. There are glimmers of hope: Identity gains prominence, education flourishes. But factories are idle, farms are withering and brain drain continues. Fertilizer shortages and irrigation woes plague us, spawning unemployment. There is a notable absence of robust economic policies. None can forget the governments that couldn't last their tenure. Political instability, meddling, and corruption scar our land. I hope the better days will surely come if our political leaders show integrity, live up to people’s expectations and govern competently.    

Bharat Acharya, Sociologist

The 2015 Constitution has given Nepalis everything, at least on paper. For most, little has changed. This charter has given us a castle of dreams, that’s all. I see no difference between the constitutions of 1990 and that of 2015. Farmers struggle for seeds and fertilizers. Nepalis flee daily to foreign lands in search of better jobs. Freedom of expression exists, yet who listens? We need an accountable government and a society that balances rights with duties. It's time to breathe life into the constitution by focusing on its implementation.

Anjila Shrestha Pradhananga, Tour Executive, Temple Tiger Group of Companies

The 2015 Constitution was a transformative moment in Nepal's history, turning it into a federal democratic republic. It granted essential rights—equality, free speech, and social justice—laying the foundation for a more inclusive society. This constitution's gift of religious tolerance fosters harmony among diverse communities. Inclusivity reigns supreme, with minorities well-represented. It champions natural resource conservation and ecological preservation. No exclusion based on gender or ethnicity. As a guide for the nation’s political and social growth, the constitution has ultimately been crucial in establishing peace and stability in Nepal after years of strife. But we have to remember that this Constitution is a work in progress. Our work of making Nepal just, equitable, and prosperous for all isn’t done yet.

Sajani Rijal, Founder/Principal, Pahilo Pathshala  

A republic is power for the people, but in Nepal, it feels like a dream. Our dependence on others grows. Violence simmers. Youth flee due to instability and lack of opportunities. We're forced to think twice about food and shelter. The constitution has given us nothing but a terrible life. Subsequent governments after 2015 have failed to give proper platforms to youths, innovators and business owners.

Diwash Ghimire, Student, St Xavier’s College

Only the private sector has been involved in development while the government is sitting idle. Promised rights like healthcare and employment remain elusive. Education quality is also questionable. The government struggles to create a liveable society. Policies must change. The government should create jobs and improve the environment. The constitution must benefit all, not just the connected few.

Bishwas Poudel, Entrepreneur

The 2015 Constitution brought a few positive changes and a lot of negative situations.

Businesses are suffering, instability is rising, and people are migrating to foreign countries. Corruption also continues to thrive. Promised dreams remain unfulfilled. The only positive thing the constitution has given is better life for the politicians and those close to them. The common people meanwhile are facing difficulties because of the poor economic conditions. Nepal needs a brighter path. The constitution must deliver on its promises, ensuring basic rights and needs.