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Nepal has achieved remarkable success in poverty reduction, nearly eradicating extreme poverty, largely driven by remittances. To strengthen future growth, Nepal should prioritize policy actions that unlock domestic opportunities, according to the World Bank’s Nepal Country Economic Memorandum: Unlocking Nepal’s Growth Potential, released on 24 March 2024. 

Despite progress, Nepal’s economic growth lags behind regional peers. Nepal’s economy grew at an average annual real rate of just 4.2 percent between 1996 and 2023, ranking sixth out of eight South Asian nations, the report states. Structural challenges such as low productivity, declining exports, and a stagnant industrial sector have held back the economy and led to slow job creation in non-agriculture sectors. Young workers are migrating abroad in search of better job opportunities as domestic prospects remain limited.

“Nepal’s success in poverty reduction is impressive, but its economic potential remains largely untapped,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “Nepal has significant potential to drive stronger growth and create jobs by implementing key reforms to increase the returns from migration, boost exports, use hydropower efficiently, and boost digitalization.”

“The 16th Plan for Nepal outlines a vision of good governance, social justice and prosperity and prioritizes productivity and competitiveness, decent and productive jobs, social security, and ensuring a smooth transition from LDC status. The government is committed to ensuring an enabling policy environment for Nepal’s sustainable growth,” said Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission, Prof Shiva Raj Adhikari.

Produced every five years, the Nepal Country Economic Memorandum offers a roadmap for faster growth in key sectors. It recommends policy actions in four critical areas to unlock Nepal’s economic potential.

A systematic and institutionalized migration system can enhance the returns from migration, the report states: Integrating migration into national development, job creation, and poverty reduction strategies will provide a platform to work toward such a system. Policies should focus on reducing the cost and increasing the benefits and safety for current low-skilled migrants, while also eyeing longer-term skill and destination diversification.

Expanding and better implementing bilateral labor agreements will be critical. Initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and retraining and reskilling programs would allow returning migrants to reintegrate into the domestic labor market, according to the report. 

Improving market competition in key sectors and addressing infrastructure deficits can boost exports. Better managing inflationary pressures would address the erosion of exporters’ price competitiveness, it states: Encouraging people to use remittances for investments and business growth could help ease inflation. Simplifying the process for businesses to get tax refunds on imported materials and lowering import taxes would make it easier for them to export more products. With Nepal’s transition from Least Developed Countries status and the loss of trade preferences, authorities should seek additional preferential trade agreements. 

Developing a clear financing strategy to develop the hydropower sector will help mobilize much-needed investments, goes the report. This strategy could include developing the domestic bond market and an effective framework for large-scale public-private partnerships. Strengthening the regulatory and legal frameworks, by reducing bureaucratic red tape and streamlining the current licensing process, would improve the structure of the electricity market and attract additional investment, the report adds.

As the Nepal Bar Association gears up for its central working committee election on April 5, the legal fraternity finds itself at a crossroads. The practice of forming ideological panels, such as the BPLA and DLA groups, has been ongoing since the 1990 movement. However, this election cycle has brought an alarming shift—party politics has permeated the selection process like never before.

The DLA group, which typically forms a committee to select candidates, has instead seen nominations dictated by political parties and their top leaders. This direct intervention has left many advocates disillusioned, as it compromises the independence of the Bar. A politically-entangled Bar cannot function freely; it will remain under constant pressure, unable to uphold professional ethics or safeguard the rights of advocates. More worryingly, such a Bar threatens the integrity of the judiciary, given its integral role within the judiciary.

Beyond political interference, another troubling trend looms over Nepal’s legal profession. Increasingly, individuals who have spent their careers in government, academia or other fields secure advocate licenses and quickly ascend to the title of ‘senior lawyer.’ Many of these individuals, having already ensured their financial security elsewhere, lack the commitment to legal ethics and instead drag politics into professional spaces. This dilutes the purity of the profession and weakens the moral fiber of the Bar. Those who have worked their entire lives in different careers, without having any substantial contribution to the legal field, now enter the profession late and demand to be treated as senior advocates without earning the respect and credibility that should come with experience and dedication. 

The legal field is also under persistent assault from political parties, leaders and even members of the judiciary, eroding professionalism. Today, only a few lawyers remain independent; many are aligned with political factions or other interest groups. The profession is plagued by party-affiliated lawyers, judicial middlemen, brokers of smugglers, foreign-backed lawyers and those with entrenched corporate ties. These forces have made it increasingly difficult for fresh, independent advocates to sustain themselves, further compromising the profession’s ethical foundations. The number of truly independent lawyers has diminished, and those who try to work ethically often struggle to establish themselves financially. The legal profession, once a noble pursuit of justice, has now become a field where many enter for power, influence and financial gain rather than for the service of the people and in pursuit of justice. 

Regardless of who wins the upcoming election, all candidates have contested under the influence of political parties. This means the eventual victor will likely follow party directives rather than prioritizing professional integrity. This is a stark contrast to the Nepal Bar Association of 1990, which once wielded the power to influence political transformation, shape legislation and uphold constitutional principles. In various democratic movements, the Bar played a crucial role in safeguarding the rule of law.
However, since the early 2000s, the Bar’s stature has significantly eroded. Though it still holds responsibilities, it has struggled to fulfill them effectively. The Bar Association once had the capacity to influence governance, advocate for necessary legal reforms, and hold the government accountable. But now, it has become just another platform for political maneuvering, with little regard for the professional values that should define the legal community.

To reclaim the lost credibility of the legal profession, advocates must distinguish between true professionals and political middlemen. Holding a law degree or an advocate’s license does not automatically make one a professional. A true advocate builds a career through courtroom debates, rigorous legal research, and dedication to justice. Seniority should not be granted based on the date of acquiring a license but should be earned through experience, respect from the full court, and significant contributions to legal jurisprudence. The legal profession should be led by those who dedicate their lives to it, not by those who see it as an easy way to gain influence after retiring from other careers.

One of the major problems with the current Bar Association is the lack of strict criteria for recognizing seniority. Today, those who have spent most of their lives in other professions—government service, academia, business—can enter the legal field, take an advocate’s license and immediately demand the privileges of seniority. This practice devalues the profession and undermines those who have spent their entire careers advocating in courtrooms, engaging in legal research and upholding the rule of law. 

The judiciary is a pillar of democracy, and if those at its core—lawyers and advocates—are politically influenced, then the entire judicial system is at risk. 

The next leadership of the Nepal Bar Association has an immense responsibility—to restore professionalism, protect constitutional principles and rectify past mistakes. It must ensure that ethical standards are upheld, even holding judges accountable when necessary. The upcoming election is not just about electing new office bearers; it is about setting a precedent for the future of Nepal’s legal profession. It is imperative that the Bar reclaims its independence, ensuring that it remains a pillar of justice rather than a puppet of political influence.
If Nepal’s legal profession is to survive with dignity, its professionals must demand accountability, transparency and independence. The next generation of legal practitioners must work toward rebuilding the credibility of the Bar Association. A law profession tainted by politics, greed and favoritism cannot serve justice. Nepal’s judiciary and legal fraternity must urgently address these issues before it is too late. The Bar Association should not just be an institution for lawyers—it should be a beacon of justice, ethics and integrity in Nepal’s legal landscape.

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Kulman Ghising has been removed from his post on Monday.

A Cabinet meeting held this evening decided to remove Ghising from the top post of NEA, a minister said.

Ghising was appointed as the Managing Director of the electricity authority on August 11, 2021. He was appointed as the Managing Director to the power utility for the second term.

His four-year tenure is expiring on August 9.

There has been a tug-of-war between the government and Ghising over the issue of cutting off power supply of industries.

High-heeled shoes have long been associated with femininity, elegance, and sophistication. But despite their popularity, many women are unaware of the potential long-term health consequences of wearing high heels for a prolonged period. While the visual appeal of high heels remains a major attraction, their impact on posture, balance, and musculoskeletal health is frequently overlooked. High heels alter the body's natural alignment by shifting weight forward, leading to increased strain on various muscle groups. Over time, this unnatural posture can cause discomfort, fatigue, and significant biomechanical changes that may contribute to chronic pain conditions, including low back pain (LBP).

Link between high heels and low back pain

LBP is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting individuals worldwide. It is a leading cause of clinical consultations and workplace disability, particularly in professions that require prolonged standing or walking. Research has established a strong correlation between wearing high heels and the increased risk of LBP due to postural alterations and musculoskeletal strain.

Women who regularly wear high heels experience higher levels of pain and functional limitations compared to those who wear flat shoes. This is primarily because high heels force the lower back into an exaggerated curve (lumbar lordosis), increasing pressure on the lumbar spine. The unnatural redistribution of body weight causes excessive muscle activation, particularly in the lower back, leading to fatigue, discomfort, and, in severe cases, chronic pain.

Additionally, factors such as poor posture, malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency, lack of physical activity, and incorrect lifting techniques can further contribute to the development or worsening of LBP. Unfortunately, many individuals remain unaware of these risk factors and continue wearing high heels without recognizing the long-term consequences.

Biomechanical effects of high heels

High heels significantly alter body mechanics and walking patterns. The primary biomechanical effects include:

• Excessive foot pronation: High heels cause excessive inward rolling of the foot (pronation), which disrupts natural gait patterns and places strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
• Increased lumbar lordosis: The forward tilt caused by high heels exaggerates the curvature of the lower spine, increasing pressure on the vertebral discs and surrounding muscles.
• Compensatory muscle activation: To maintain balance, the muscles in the lower back, legs, and core must work harder, leading to increased fatigue, spasms, and discomfort.
• Thoracolumbar fascia strain: The connection between the lower limbs and the back is mediated by the thoracolumbar fascia, a network of connective tissue that transmits forces between the upper and lower body. Uneven pressure from high heels disrupts this transmission, leading to muscle imbalances and pain.
• Joint strain and degeneration: Prolonged use of high heels can lead to wear and tear on the knee and hip joints, increasing the risk of degenerative osteoarthritis.

Although high heels may give the illusion of improved posture and confidence, they ultimately contribute to biomechanical dysfunction and chronic pain.

Contradictory findings on high heels and posture

While most studies emphasize the negative impact of high heels on posture and spinal health, some research suggests that habitual wearers do not always exhibit significant postural changes. However, these individuals may still experience discomfort and pain, particularly when transitioning to lower-heeled shoes. This suggests that prolonged high-heel use leads to adaptive changes in the musculoskeletal system, making it difficult for individuals to switch to more ergonomic footwear without experiencing pain or discomfort.

Preventing low back pain

As physiotherapists, there are several proactive steps that can be taken to help individuals prevent LBP associated with high heels:

• Public awareness campaigns: Publish educational brochures, articles, and online content to inform women about the risks associated with high-heel use. Organize lectures and workshops to highlight the long-term consequences of wearing high heels.
• Posture and movement education: Conduct awareness programs led by qualified physiotherapists to teach correct posture during walking, standing, lifting, and carrying objects. Demonstrate proper gait techniques and recommend alternative footwear that supports natural foot alignment.
• Guidance on footwear selection: Encourage individuals to choose ergonomically designed shoes that provide adequate arch support and shock absorption. Suggest alternatives such as low-heeled shoes or orthopedic insoles to reduce strain on the lower back.
• Exercise and strength training: Recommend exercises to strengthen core muscles, which play a vital role in stabilizing the spine and maintaining proper posture. Emphasize flexibility training to reduce muscle tightness and prevent compensatory movements that lead to LBP.
• Encouraging lifestyle modifications: Promote regular physical activity to improve overall musculoskeletal health. Educate individuals on the importance of proper nutrition, including vitamin D and calcium intake, to support bone health.

Conclusion

The relationship between high heels and LBP remains a significant concern in the medical community. Numerous studies have demonstrated that prolonged high-heel use contributes to postural imbalances, muscle strain, and joint stress, leading to increased pain and disability. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in spreading awareness, educating individuals about ergonomic practices, and recommending evidence-based interventions to prevent and manage LBP.

By prioritizing preventive measures, such as proper footwear choices, posture correction, and targeted exercise programs, individuals can make informed decisions about their footwear and reduce the risk of LBP associated with high heels. Addressing this issue through education and lifestyle modifications will not only enhance musculoskeletal health but also improve overall well-being and quality of life.