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The low-pressure line of the monsoon is located in the south of the average location and the effects of monsoon winds are prevailing across the country, the Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said.

Also, the low-pressure system developed in the Bay of Bengal has a partial impact. It has caused cloudy weather in most parts of the country.

The weather has remained partly to generally cloudy throughout the country while light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is taking place at some places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces at present.

According to the Division, it will be generally cloudy throughout the country this afternoon. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of all the provinces.

Heavy rainfall is also likely to occur at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces. There is a chance of a wind storm in some places of Tarai and Madhes of Koshi Province.

Similarly, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country tonight.

Heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

As Nepal transitions into a federal structure, the Social Welfare Council (SWC) plays a pivotal role in coordinating social welfare initiatives among various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Established under the Social Welfare Act of 2049, the SWC’s mission is increasingly vital as it seeks to meet the diverse needs of the population while adapting to a complex political landscape.

Nepal’s move to federalism has introduced significant changes in governance and service delivery. The SWC faces several challenges in this new environment:

Fragmentation of authority: Power is now decentralized, requiring the SWC to coordinate effectively across federal, provincial, and local levels. This fragmentation can lead to inconsistencies in policy implementation, making it essential for the SWC to establish robust communication channels.

Resource allocation: Government priorities may shift based on political dynamics, impacting the funding and support available for social welfare initiatives. This uncertainty complicates the planning and execution of programs aimed at vulnerable populations.

Stakeholder engagement: The SWC must balance the interests of local governments, NGOs, and community members, fostering collaboration to avoid service delivery overlaps and ensure cohesive efforts.

Operational landscape

Clients and beneficiaries: The SWC’s primary focus is on marginalized groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Programs must be tailored to address specific social challenges, such as poverty, discrimination, and access to healthcare and education.

Staff capacity and expertise: The effectiveness of the SWC hinges on its personnel. Continuous professional development is crucial for staff to navigate the complexities of federalism and effectively support local NGOs.

Board and governance: The SWC's governance structure must include diverse representation to reflect the multifaceted nature of social issues in Nepal. The SWC board should be led by a professional politician while the line ministry should be an oversight body. Strengthening the executive committee can lead to more informed and inclusive decision-making processes.

Strategic recommendations

To enhance the SWC’s operational effectiveness in the federal context, consider the following strategies:

• Enhanced coordination mechanisms: Develop clear protocols for communication and collaboration among the SWC, local governments, and NGOs. Regular joint planning sessions can ensure alignment on priorities and enhance the effectiveness of social welfare programs.
• Decentralized decision-making: Empower local SWC branches to make decisions regarding funding and program implementation. This approach allows for greater responsiveness to local needs and quicker adaptations to changing circumstances.
• Prioritized capacity building: Invest in training programs for SWC staff and affiliated NGOs, focusing on project management, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement. A well-trained workforce is essential for effective service delivery.
• Transparency and accountability: Implement robust financial management and reporting mechanisms to build trust among stakeholders. Regular audits and public disclosures of funding and expenditures can enhance the SWC’s credibility.
• Collaboration with local organizations: Strengthen partnerships with local NGOs and community-based organizations to leverage their knowledge and networks. This collaborative approach can enhance outreach and ensure programs are culturally sensitive.
• Advocacy for sustainable funding: Engage in advocacy efforts to secure stable funding from government sources, international donors, and private sector partners. Diversifying the funding base will enable the SWC to sustain its operations and expand its reach.

The Social Welfare Council is at a critical juncture as it navigates the complexities of a federal Nepal. By enhancing coordination mechanisms, decentralizing decision-making, investing in capacity building, and fostering collaboration with local organizations, the SWC can significantly strengthen its impact. These strategic adaptations will empower marginalized communities and align the Council’s operations with the overarching goals of the Nepalese government, fostering a more equitable and just society. The SWC’s proactive approach is essential for advancing social welfare initiatives and improving the lives of vulnerable populations across Nepal.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Nepal have officially launched the USAID Agricultural Direct Financing project, a $21m government-to-government (G2G) initiative aimed at advancing food security in Nepal. The announcement was made during a virtual event on Monday, which also saw the unveiling of the US government’s new five-year Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) Nepal Country Plan 2024-2028.

The Agricultural Direct Financing project will support the federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces, helping them plan and implement agricultural development programs. The initiative aims to benefit 69,000 people across 53,000 hectares, introducing modern farming technologies to boost agricultural productivity.

The newly announced GFSS Nepal Country Plan 2024-2028 seeks to reform Nepal’s agricultural and food systems to reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. It focuses on 26 districts in the Tarai and select hill regions, with an expanded emphasis on Madhesh province to better assist vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the launch event, US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R Thompson, said, “This new GFSS Nepal Country Plan will strengthen the United States’ partnership with Nepal, the private sector, and local communities to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. Our new government-to-government agreement is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing food security in Nepal.”

Nepal’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, described the launch as a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Nepal and the US. “Nepal is committed to this collaboration as we work together to enhance food security and promote sustainable development,” he added.

Hariram Pariyar and Sangita Shahi from Rupandehi got married in February, choosing to elope after a long relationship. Unlike traditional marriages, where family members and relatives from both sides gather to celebrate, love marriages often lack such social rituals. In a caste-based society, inter-caste marriages, like theirs, can lead to serious conflicts.

Now, Hariram and Sangita are in Kathmandu, seeking protection and justice after receiving death threats from Sangita's family. Their pleas for help have so far gone unanswered. “We have filed complaints with all the relevant authorities, but no one has responded. We are being threatened with death,” says Hariram.

Another inter-caste couple, Ganesh Kumar Chadara and Jyoti Shah from Jajarkot, are also facing rejection from their community. They are currently living in Khalanga, the district headquarters, because their society has yet to accept their marriage. These couples are just two examples among many inter-caste pairs struggling for safety and acceptance amidst social and familial hostility. Both Hariram and Ganesh Kumar belong to the Dalit community.

The Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offense and Punishment) Act has been in place since 2011, but discrimination persists. The Dalit community, which is economically, socially, and politically marginalized, continues to suffer from untouchability and caste-based discrimination. Several Dalit youths have been killed for participating in inter-caste marriages or for minor infractions like touching a kitchen—evidence of the Act's ineffective implementation.

Recent incidents, including violent attacks on Dalits and their forced displacement, show that untouchability is, in fact, increasing. Sete Damai and Manbire Sunar, among others, lost their lives due to caste-based violence, even after the Act came into force.

The Act stipulates that individuals who discriminate based on caste face up to three years in prison, a fine between Rs 1,000 to Rs 25,000, or both. However, a study by Samata Foundation reveals that police often delay registering complaints and, in many cases, side with perpetrators. “Victims are frequently pushed toward reconciliation, even when cases are filed,” says Pradeep Pariyar, chairperson of the foundation.

According to Samari Utthan Sewa, 16 people have been killed due to caste discrimination since the Act's implementation. Although various political parties have pledged in their election manifestos to end untouchability, some political leaders themselves are implicated in caste discrimination cases.

Lawmaker Min Bishwokarma notes that caste-discrimination incidents are rising due to the Act’s weak penalties. Maoist Centre leader Ganesh BK advocates for equal Dalit representation in law enforcement and decision-making bodies. At a time when the bureaucracy appears indifferent to caste-based discrimination laws, CPN (Maoist Centre) politburo member Parshuram Ramtel has called for their effective enforcement.

“It is tragic that the Dalit community still endures inhumane treatment due to caste-based discrimination and untouchability in the 21st century,” says Bindi Pariyar, chairperson of the Association for Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal. 

Sixteen Dalits were elected to the House of Representatives in the recent elections, though only one was elected through the first-past-the-post system. Despite these political movements promising to end caste-based discrimination, these commitments have remained unfulfilled, according to rights experts.

Although the Dalit community has played a crucial role in Nepal's political transformations, caste-based discrimination and untouchability persist. According to political analyst and writer Bishwa Bhakta Dulal, these issues will not disappear until the economic and social status of Dalits improves.

Article 24 of Nepal’s Constitution guarantees the right against untouchability and discrimination. It prohibits any form of caste-based discrimination in both private and public spaces. It also forbids acts that promote caste superiority or inferiority or justify social discrimination based on caste. Though the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability Act was passed 12 years ago, its enforcement remains weak, say experts.