Editorial: PM Oli’s 100 days in office

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s claim that his government achieved 70 percent of its goals in the first 100 days highlights underlying challenges in governance. The period saw some important developments, particularly in governance reforms and handling of the economy. Oli said the government could have performed even better if it were not for the devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains toward the end of September.

 

Although the floods and landslides wreaked havoc, claiming 391 lives, and affecting over 2,555 families, the government swiftly responded by offering financial assistance. Essential services like water, electricity and communication were restored within 15 days in affected areas. Economic reforms formed a cornerstone of Oli’s early tenure. Long-pending payments to dairy and sugarcane farmers were cleared. The government also facilitated release of outstanding payments worth around Rs 6.75bn to different construction entrepreneurs, which is expected to stimulate development projects. The government also launched an innovative youth startup loan program, offering collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 2.5m to 165 young entrepreneurs, aiming to boost youth-led businesses and employment.

Authentication of the Transitional Justice Bill and the formation of a recommendation committee to establish two transitional justice commissions show the government is serious about taking the peace process, which began 17 years ago, to its logical end.

On the broader economic front, signs of recovery were visible, with the formation of an Economic Advisory Commission fostering confidence in the private sector. A significant achievement during this period was securing investment commitments worth Rs 34bn in over 200 new industries. Federal government spending saw a modest increase, reaching Rs. 329bn, while revenue mobilization grew by 13.3 percent, totaling Rs. 248bn. These figures reflect a cautious but steady recovery from earlier economic instability.

Oli’s government also made strides in healthcare and social welfare. Free treatment for burn victims and the expansion of cancer treatment services to all seven provinces were notable achievements. The government increased compensation for the families of deceased migrant workers to Rs 1m, up from Rs. 700,000, and extended the benefit to families of those who died after returning to Nepal.

In energy and infrastructure, the trilateral agreement reached with India and Bangladesh for the export of 40 MW of hydropower to Bangladesh is an important milestone in regional energy cooperation. Tunneling breakthroughs in three major road projects have also been listed as achievements of the government. Additionally, over 4,000 km of roads were repaired, and 32.5 km were blacktopped.

Oli’s government also prioritized digital and banking inclusion, extending fiber-optic internet (FTTH) to all 77 districts and ensuring banking access in all 753 units. On the international front, streamlined procedures allowed foreign investors to gain approvals quickly, which has helped position Nepal as a more business-friendly destination.

Despite facing criticism and rumors of instability, the government has focused on systemic reforms rather than populist measures. However, the true measure of success will be in transforming these initiatives into visible improvements in people’s lives.