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With the emergence of a federal democratic republic, there has also been a major change in the internal migration scenario of Nepal. As the country moved from a centralized unitary system to a federal system, people should have been attracted to villages, but on the contrary, many people have left their homes. After 10 years of conflict, peace process, and restructuring of the political system, a large population has migrated to the Kathmandu Valley and other cities permanently. 

Before the state restructuring, there were about 4,000 village development committees in Nepal. With the state restructuring, the village development committees were converted into 753 rural municipalities/municipalities. With the state restructuring, people have been leaving their hometowns and coming to urban areas in search of security and opportunities, says Dhundiraj Lamichhane, spokesperson of the National Statistics Office.

According to him, people have migrated to big cities in search of a comfortable environment, including education, health, transportation, roads, and information technology. The number of people leaving their native places in Kathmandu Valley alone is 60.3 percent. But Bhagwati Sedhai, an associate professor of population studies, says that instead of the wave of development and prosperity that should have come with political changes, people have left their native places. The federal system was developed to bring the centralized governance system and centralized development system to the villages. 

“Development did not happen according to the thinking with which this system was brought,” she says. “Even though the government reached the villages, that government could neither provide development nor employment to the people. As a result, people were attracted to the center and cities. Moreover, international migration also increased.”

Many citizens were also forced to leave their native places due to the devastating earthquake of 2015. The earthquake that occurred on 25 April 2015 caused a huge loss of Nepali property. About 9,000 people died. 300,000 houses were completely damaged, about 300,000 were partially damaged, and 3.5m citizens were left homeless. The fear of continuous aftershocks after the earthquake and the uncertainty of the settlement situation in the hilly areas have led to an increase in the trend of migration to the valley and nearby urban areas. The population growth rate is negative in 34 districts of the Himalayas and hills. Increasing international migration has increased the trend of migration.

The trend of coming to Kathmandu for opportunities and then going abroad for work and study has increased significantly in recent times. The increasing trend of internal migration has brought about changes in the demographic, social, cultural and economic landscape of the country. High labor force participation is seen in cities. The population of rural areas is drying up. Due to this, the average family base has become smaller. It has brought about changes in the role of women. The number of elderly people is increasing. This has brought about a change in the social responsibility of the government and the community.

Recently, the population in the mountainous and rural areas has been thinning. In the mountainous areas, except for the main cities such as Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, and Pokhara, there has been a sharp decline in the population. As the population is thinning in the mountains and hills, the trend of migration to the Terai has also decreased recently. Even though transportation access has been reached in the mountainous areas, the trend of migration to the nearby semi-urban areas is increasing. 

According to the 2021 census data, 20 percent of the total population in Nepal has permanently left their original place. While this was only 4.7 percent in 2018. It seems that 18 districts have lost 20 percent of the population born in their districts. Lamichhane, spokesperson of the Statistics Office, also says that there is no situation where there is no migration from any district.

Less than 10 percent of the population has migrated to other districts from Parsa, Rautahat, Nawalparasi (East), Bhaktapur, Nawalparasi West, Lalitpur, Kanchanpur, Kathmandu, Kailali, Rupandehi, Banke and Kapilvastu. According to the 2021 census, 57.2 percent have migrated to Kathmandu. 50.2 percent in Bhaktapur and 46.2 percent in Lalitpur. This is the highest rate of permanent internal migration. Apart from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, 16 districts including Sunsari, Morang, Rupandehi, Banke, Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur have positive net migration rates. 

A total of 2,142,363 people have migrated from one province to another in 2021. The number of women is 1,154,909. The number of men is 987,454. The number of people migrating to Bagmati Province is the highest. 1,150,626 people have come to Bagmati Province to settle permanently.

The district with the highest migration is Bhaktapur. 19 percent have come to Bhaktapur. 14.5 percent have migrated to Lalitpur and 14 percent have migrated to Kathmandu. Many people have migrated to Taplejung and Khotang, 17.4 percent have left Taplejung and 17.1 percent have left Khotang. However, Manang and Mustang are among the districts with the lowest migration. Due to their small population, Manang and Mustang are the districts with the lowest migration rate in terms of the rate of migration out of and into the district, according to the statistics office.

The data shows that migration for work opportunities has been observed in Bagmati and Gandaki. In Koshi, Madhes, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim, a lot of migration has been observed due to marriage. The report of the National Statistics Office states that marriage and dependency (55.9 percent and 17.3 percent respectively) are the main reasons for low-income or poor groups. As the income group increases, study and training and work opportunities (20.2 and 22.9 percent respectively) are the main reasons.

When comparing internal migration over a 50-year period, there has been a difference in the trend. According to the 1971 census, the rate of migration to Tarai was 71 percent and the rate of migration to the hills was 26.5 percent. In 2078, the rate of migration to the Terai has decreased, while the rate of migration to the hills, especially Kathmandu and Pokhara, has increased. By 2021, the rate of migration to the Tarai had reached 41.5 percent and the rate of migration to the hills had reached 56.2 percent. This difference in migration trends appears to be related to the state's development plans, according to the report of the Statistics Office.

It has been over a week since the World Exposition opened in Osaka, where an estimated 28m visitors are expected over the six-month event. Among the 158 participating countries—including Nepal—nearly all have set up their pavilions. However, Nepal failed to open its pavilion on the inauguration day (April 13) due to construction delays, exposing governance shortcomings.

The delay stems from a dispute between the Nepali government and the contractor. Two years ago, the government selected a private company to construct the pavilion, yet poor coordination and unresolved issues prevented its timely completion.

Jitendra Basnet, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, cited cost overruns, budget shortages and logistical lapses as key reasons for the delay but declined to provide further details. Other officials also refused to comment.

A senior official involved in the project, speaking anonymously, revealed that the conflict arose over payment procedures. Nepal Rastra Bank required contractors to pay a 30 percent tax before transferring funds from Japan, which the contractor refused. Visa complications further stalled progress. “Despite two years of preparation, we couldn’t complete the pavilion—it’s embarrassing,” the official admitted.

Government authorities are now scrambling to resolve the dispute and open the pavilion soon. Durga B Subedi, Nepal’s Ambassador to Japan, said he would assess the situation in Osaka next week before commenting. Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Nepal will have high-level representation at the expo.

The Nepal Pavilion was intended to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty and other attractions. With 119,000 visitors on opening day—and other nations’ pavilions drawing large crowds—the delay could hurt Nepal’s tourism and economic prospects at the event.

Held at Yumeshima (“Dream Island”), a reclaimed industrial site in Osaka Bay, the expo—with the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—features futuristic exhibits from over 160 countries and organizations across 80 uniquely designed pavilions. This is Osaka’s second expo after the hugely successful 1970 , which set a record with 64m visitors until Shanghai’s 2010 event.

Horse gram, locally known as ‘gahat’ in Nepal, is a powerful, protein-rich lentil that has been part of Nepali kitchens for generations. Especially popular in winter, it’s believed to generate warmth in the body. In rural areas of Nepal, this dark brown pulse is a seasonal staple, often turned into a hearty soup or side dish. Mothers and grandmothers traditionally mixed it with tuber vegetables like yam and taro, making the dish both filling and flavorful.

But horse gram is not only loved in Nepal. Many cultures across South Asia and Africa also value it for both its health benefits and culinary uses. While it’s often eaten as soup in Nepal, we will explore other creative ways to include horse gram in your diet—bringing traditional wisdom and modern taste together.

In Nepal, we mostly use horse gram as lentil soup (dal), or inside dishes like tarkari (vegetable curry). But there’s so much more we can do with it. Try boiling it until just soft and mixing it with chopped bell peppers, red onions, cumin, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil for a refreshing salad. You can also sprinkle boiled horse gram on your daily meals for added crunch and nutrition.

Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy it in wraps, pancakes, or even as falafel. Once, I made a salad with baby spinach, beetroot, and boiled horse gram, topped with goat cheese. It was a big hit. This ancient legume is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. While still underused compared to other pulses, its reputation as a ‘superfood’ is spreading fast.

Horse gram is full of nutrients. It is high in protein with around 22–25 percent of the nutrient, one of the best among plant-based foods. It is rich in Fiber and supports digestion. It’s low in fat and thus great for weight control. It’s iron rich as well and helps prevent anemia. The calcium and phosphorus in it strengthens bones. It also has antioxidants that help detoxify the body. It has complex carbohydrates that give steady energy without spiking blood sugar.

Horse gram has been valued for its healing properties in both Ayurveda and Nepali traditional medicine. It keeps you warm. Considered a ‘hot’ food, it’s perfect for winter. It helps maintain body temperature and protect against cold. The fiber in horse gram promotes healthy digestion and reduces hunger, helping with weight management. Its low glycemic index makes it useful for diabetics. The energy is released slowly, avoiding sudden sugar spikes.

Rich in antioxidants, it helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Traditional use includes treating kidney stones and promoting urinary health. Its iron and antioxidant content strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

In Nepal, gahat is commonly used in a spicy soup made with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and spices, a traditional pancake using ground horse gram and rice flour, a thick curry with yam or taro, a strong, earthy version of regular lentil soup. In India, it appears in regional dishes such as a tangy soup made from horse gram and spices, a thick broth eaten with rice, and a gram flour curry served with rice or bread.

Though mostly eaten in South Asia, horse gram is now making its way into kitchens around the globe. In Africa, it’s used in stews and porridges, sometimes mixed with other beans for protein. In the Western world, as plant-based diets grow, horse gram is gaining popularity. It’s added to baking mixes and used in vegan protein powders, for health and fitness. It’s also incorporated in sprouted salads for maximum nutrition. In South America, some countries have started using horse gram in traditional bean dishes.

Horse gram needs soaking overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestion. Horse gram is not just a food, it’s a tradition, a medicine, and a source of nourishment. In an age where fast food is taking over, this humble lentil offers something real: warmth, strength, and lasting energy.

With growing global interest in superfoods and plant-based living, horse gram is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Whether eaten as dal in a Nepali village or added to a salad in a Western kitchen, this powerful pulse is a smart and sustainable choice.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

Nepal imported 7,967 units of electric cars, jeeps and vans worth Rs 18.62bn over the first nine months of fiscal year 2024/25. This surge, generating Rs 11.47bn in government revenue, underscores EVs’ rising popularity in the country, driven by favorable policies, environmental goals and economic incentives.

Foreign trade data for the first nine months of 2024/25, unveiled recently by the Department of Customs (DoC) shows, over 50 percent of imports, or 4,414 units, fell in the 51-100 kW motor capacity range which is ideal for Nepal’s urban and semi-rural roads. Smaller EVs (up to 50 kW) accounted for 2,783 units, while 742 units were in the 101-200 kW capacity range. Likewise, 17 units were in 201-300 kW motor capacity range and tow had capacity in excess of 300 kW.

China dominated Nepal’s EV market, supplying 74.08 percent of total imports of the country in the review period. EVs worth of Rs 14.49bn were imported form the northern neighbor in the review period, with brands like BYD and Dongfeng leading due to competitive pricing and advanced features. India follows with 2,023 units, or a market share of 25.39 percent, bolstered by Tata’s strong presence, as seen with models like the Punch EV. Imports from Germany (31 units), the US (5 units), South Korea (3 units) and Indonesia (3 units) were minimal, underscoring the China-India duopoly in the Nepali EV market.

In 2023/24, Nepal imported a total of 11,701 electric vehicles (EVs) - a growth of a whopping 188.91 percent compared to 2022/23 when 4,050 units of electric cars, jeeps, and vans entered the country. More than a third of total EV imports in 2023/24 came from China. A total of 8,938 EVs units came from China and remaining 2,763 from other countries. The total import value of these EVs was Rs 29.48bn.

The EV boom in Nepal aligns with Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) which targets to increase the share of EVs in private passenger vehicles to 25 percent by 2025 and 90 percent by 2030. Lower import duties, which are 15-80 percent for EVs and over 240 percent for those powered by fossil fuel, and the availability of affordable cars loaded with advanced technologies have fueled demand for EV in Nepal. 

The growing EV adoption is gradually reducing reliance on costly oil imports. Data shows Nepal saved Rs 11.07bn in 2023/24 due to a decline in the import of petroleum products.