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The construction of three 132kV substations in Amlekhgunj and Prasauni (Bara) and Birgunj (Parsa) is in its final stage to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity supply for industrial corridors and general consumers.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising, after conducting an on-site inspection, directed project managers and contractors to expedite the substation and transmission line construction. Highlighting their importance in managing electricity demand in the Birgunj region and facilitating trade with India, he urged all stakeholders to be responsible and ensure timely completion.

The Amlekhgunj 132/66 kV substation is being developed to address power supply issues in the Pathlaiya-Simara-Birgunj industrial corridor and meet rising demand. Most of the main equipment has been installed, with operations expected to begin by the end of May.

Both circuits of the 66 kV line supplying electricity from Hetauda to the Simara-Birgunj industrial corridor have been looped in and out of the substation. Previously, the long, low-capacity 66 kV line caused voltage issues, which will now be resolved as the 132 kV transmission line becomes the primary power source. The substation is equipped with 132/66 kV, 200 MVA, and 66/11 kV, 20 MVA power transformers.

A 2.8 km 132 kV underground transmission line is under construction to connect Prasauni and Birgunj substations. The underground transmission line is expected to be completed within a month, while installation of equipment and civil works at the substations are ongoing.

Upon completion, the Birgunj area will have 132 kV and 66 kV power sources, ensuring a stable and high-quality electricity supply. Currently, power is supplied to Kalaiya (Bara) from the Birgunj substation, but once the Prasauni substation is operational, supply will be redirected there, reducing the load on Birgunj.

The NEA is expanding high-capacity transmission and distribution infrastructure to support existing and future industries in Simara, Nijgadh, Birgunj, Parwanipur, Pokhariya, and Prasauni within the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor. A new 132 kV transmission line from Parwanipur to Pokhariya and the Pokhariya substation is also under construction to meet growing industrial electricity demands.

Additionally, a 400 kV substation is being built in Nijgadh (Bara) under the Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inruwa 400 kV transmission line project, with an extension to Pokhariya via Ramouli. The proposed 65 km transmission line will include three 400 kV substations in Nijgadh, Ramouli, and Pokhariya. The Nijgadh-Ramouli-Pokhariya transmission line survey has been completed, and land compensation for the Ramouli substation has been finalized.

The Nijgadh substation will be funded through a concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank), while the 38 km Nijgadh-Ramouli transmission line and Ramouli substation will be financed by the Asian Development Bank. Furthermore, the Aurahi-Simra 132 kV transmission line is being developed to serve the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Simra, Dumarwana, and surrounding areas.

Inclusive education is the approach where equitable access to quality education for all, including individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, is ensured by integrating them into mainstream settings with necessary support, fostering equal opportunities, skill development, and overall well-being. Nepal’s Constitution of 2015, the Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075 has devised several provisions pertaining to inclusive education. In the backdrop, this article at first discusses the key policy provisions, then it presents progress in line with the policy and program and points out key challenges and finally offers a way forward. 

Policies to promote inclusive education

Nepal’s Constitution of 2015, under Article 31, upholds the right of every citizen to accessible and equitable education, ensuring compulsory and free education up to the basic level and free education up to the secondary level. It reinforces inclusivity by mandating free higher education for individuals with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Recognizing diverse learning needs, the Constitution guarantees visually impaired students’ access to free education through Braille script and ensures that students with hearing or speech impairments receive education in sign language. Furthermore, it safeguards linguistic inclusivity by affirming the right of every Nepali community to receive education in their mother tongue and establish educational institutions to promote their language and culture. 

Similarly, Article 40 guarantees free education with scholarships for Dalit students from primary to higher education, along with special provisions for their access to technical and professional fields. The Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075, aligns with the Constitution to ensure that all public school students receive textbooks through local-level distribution, while also guaranteeing free higher education for economically disadvantaged, disabled, and Dalit citizens. Section 27 of the Act requires private schools to operate early childhood and basic education with a focus on public welfare, mandating at least 10 to 15 percent student reservation based on school size. 

Other policy provisions that talks of the inclusive education are national policy and plan of action on disability (2006), special education policy (1996), equity strategy (2014), international commitment on MDGs (2016-2030), Incheon conference in Spain ( 2015),  all the national plans after 10th  plan has prioritized the inclusive education.

Implementation status of the inclusive education in Nepal

Nepal has made significant efforts to promote inclusive education through a variety of initiatives. A case study jointly conducted by the Education Journalists Group (EJG) and British Council covering select schools in three districts namely Nawalparasi, Syanja and Palpa reveals that some schools in the districts have started giving due attention to inclusive education. The study mentions that Chandeshwari Mavi Gudar in Kawasoti, Nawalparasi, has comparatively improved access to education for the Majhi, Musahar, and Bote communities in Kawasoti-15. This improvement was achieved through a door-to-door campaign, awareness-raising activities, scholarship support, and the creation of a child-friendly school environment, among other initiatives.

To address educational disparities, the Curriculum Development Center (CDC) has developed a sample curriculum for 26 mother tongues, published reference books in four, and created children's learning materials in 15. In grades 1–3, the local curriculum is taught five times a week with 100 full marks and 160 teaching hours per year, while in grades 4–8, it is taught four times a week with 100 full marks and 128 teaching hours per year. This apart, various scholarships have been provided to marginalized groups, including students with disabilities, Dalits, girl students, children from endangered castes, children of martyrs, and those from Karnali. 

Furthermore, Girls’ Scholarship Programs (GSP) support girls and children from marginalized communities to promote education and reduce dropout rates. GSP also provides special scholarships for students in Karnali Province. Similarly, since 2019, Karnali Province has implemented the ‘Bank Khata Chhoriko Suraksha Jiwan Bhariko’ program to promote gender equality and financial security for girls. Under this initiative, a bank account is opened for girls born after July 2019, with an initial government deposit of Rs 1,000, followed by a monthly deposit of Rs 500 until they turn 20. However, thes program has been affected lately. 

Madhes Province launched the ‘Beti Padhau Beti Bachau’ (Educate Daughter, Save Daughter) campaign in 2019 to improve girls’ education across eight districts. The program provides school-going girls with bicycles for easier travel and social connections. Additionally, baby girls born on or after 15 Jan 2019, are insured under the program, receiving Rs 125,000 upon obtaining their citizenship certificate to support their education.

Likewise, informal, open, and home education programs have been implemented alongside formal education, and disability-friendly school infrastructure has also been prioritized. Religious educational centers, such as Madrasas and monasteries, have also been recognized as formal education institutions,  with budget allocations. Teacher recruitment processes have been made more inclusive, and training programs have been offered to equip educators with the skills to support diverse learners. “Some schools have started identifying different types of disabilities, grouping students accordingly, and using appropriate teaching methods”, the case study report mentions. Teachers have become more sensitive to disability issues and have adapted their teaching approaches to support these students effectively.  

Initiatives like the Midday Meal program have also been implemented to support student nutrition and improve attendance. Furthermore, some schools now provide free sanitary pads to support girls’ education and reduce dropouts during menstruation. The Sanitary Pad Distribution and Management Procedure, 2019 ensures free sanitary pads in public schools as part of a broader campaign for “dignified menstruation,”. “There are many positive changes in terms of addressing issues from inclusivity perspective with the support from the British  Council Nepal”, the case study mentions.

Challenges

Despite legal and institutional support, mother tongue education has struggled due to a lack of textbooks, trained teachers, and a mindset that sees it as difficult. Most local governments are unwilling to invest in the necessary infrastructure, and even declared multilingual schools fail to teach in languages other than Nepali.  

Bullying is another hindrance to the progress of inclusive education. The case study revealed that an 8th-grade girl student at Chandeshwori Secondary School in Gudar, Nawalpur, suddenly stopped coming to school. After a thorough inquiry by the teacher, it was discovered that she had quit school due to bullying from her classmates, who would tease her for her dark complexion and being born to a Majhi family. 

Furthermore, Nepal’s remote regions, plagued by poverty, superstition, and religious and cultural bigotry, have created environments where marginalized groups struggle to access education. The lack of comprehensive policies addressing the educational needs of children from nomadic communities, such as the Raute, further compounds the issue. Despite the push for girl-friendly and disability-friendly schools, efforts have failed to yield meaningful results. Corruption has also affected the true spirit of some initiatives. For example, despite the positive intentions behind Madhes’s ‘Beti Padhau Beti Bachau’ campaign, the initiative has faced criticism over alleged fund mismanagement, particularly concerning the allocation for bicycle purchases.

Way forward 

To advance inclusive education in Nepal, focus should be on improving teacher training to equip educators with skills for diverse student needs, particularly those with disabilities. Anti-bullying measures and stigma reduction must be prioritized to create supportive learning environments. Expanding resources and infrastructure for marginalized and remote communities, including disability-friendly facilities, is essential. Strengthening policy implementation and addressing corruption will ensure transparency in educational programs. Additionally, promoting multilingual education through resources and teacher training is crucial for equitable access to education for all. These steps will help ensure every child in Nepal has equal opportunities for quality education.

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