Landless citizens will be identified and provided with sustainable solution: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that the government is working on a systematic, transparent and sustainable solution after identifying the real situation of landless citizens in the country.
Taking to his private social media account this morning, Prime Minister Shah has said that arrangements shall be made for safe and organized relocation of citizens living in vulnerable locations.
In the case of other landless citizens, the Government will take the necessary decision based on the recommendations of the concerned authorities and the collected details.
The government's attention has been drawn towards the various comments and interpretations being made in the public regarding the landless management process initiated by the Government in accordance with the law in areas where there has been clear evidence of encroachment on riverbanks and public-owned land in the Kathmandu Valley.
"The government has taken serious note of the attempts being made to create suspicions among landless citizens and citizens forced to live in unorganized settlements and to spread fear in a planned manner regarding the said process."
Prime Minister Shah has said that some sections of the Land Act 2021 BS, which were an obstacle to the implementation of a long-term solution, have been repealed through an ordinance in view of the current situation, and with the removal of this legal obstacle, the work of collecting digital data of genuine landless citizens, verifying details, and preparing records on a clear basis has been initiated.
He said that the government would like to clarify that all the steps taken are not with the intention of evicting citizens, but with the aim of ensuring the right to housing and finding a permanent solution to the problem. Therefore, all citizens are requested not to fall into any kind of doubts, not to panic unnecessarily, and not to spread unverified information.
Prime Minister Shah has, in the message, also assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring safe, decent, and permanent housing for every landless citizen, and that no citizen will be left homeless.
PM Balen Shah named “Redbull Shilapatra Person of the Year 2082”
Shilapatra.com has announced the winners of its annual awards in eight categories, including the “Red Bull Shilapatra Person of the Year 2082.”
The winners were announced amidst a special ceremony held at a hotel in Kathmandu attended by more than 500 guests.
This year, Prime Minister Balendra Shah 'Balen' was named as the 'Red Bull Shilapatra Person of the Year 2082'
The Shilapatra said that he was honored for leading the debate on the energy of the new generation and political change.
In the literary category, Dr Navaraj KC’s book ‘Swasparsa’ was awarded “Shilapatra Book of the Year 2082”.
Suraj Subedi became “Worldlink Shilapatra Content Creator of the year 2082” while Rabindra Dhant, who achieved notable success in international MMA, was named “Shilapatra Player of the Year 2082”.
Similarly, Jhuma Limbu was honored as “Shilapatra Artist of the Year 2082” for her contribution to the preservation and promotion of Nepali folk music.
Paran received the title of “Shilapatra Cinema of the Year 2082”.
Entrepreneur Ashish Sharma was selected as “Shilapatra Entrepreneur of the Year 2082” for establishing a Nepali brand in the international market.
Likewise, Krishna Prasad Neupane was named “The Governor Shilapatra CEO of the Year 2082” for his special contribution in the hospitality sector.
Acting Chief Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla presented trophies and certificates to the winners.
One month of Balen-led government shows it is strong, but questions remain about its efficiency
Nepal’s political landscape has entered an unusual and potentially transformative phase with the rise of Balendra Shah. Popularly known as Balen, the 36-year-old leader assumed office on March 27, 2026, following a sweeping electoral victory that delivered his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a near two-thirds majority in the 275-member House of Representatives (HoR), the lower house of federal parliament.
This outcome alone would have been remarkable in any context, but in Nepal—where coalition instability has been the norm since the restoration of democracy in 1990—it represents a profound political rupture. The March 5 parliamentary election was shaped by extraordinary circumstances. The protests of September 8–9, which led to the fall of the government led by KP Sharma Oli and the dissolution of Parliament, created a volatile yetdecisive moment. The deaths of 19 students during those protests became a rallying point for public anger and a symbol of state failure.
The election that followed was not merely a contest for power; it was a referendum on an entire political order. Established parties such as Nepali Congress (NC), Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), and Maoistswere voted out, marking the first time since 1990 that they were collectively excluded from power. Their strength declined significantly, putting pressure on long-time leaders to step down.
This shift was also generational. Out of the 275-member HoR, more than 100 members are below 40. The average age of lawmakers has dropped to 44 from the earlier 54. The cabinet is also dominated by younger faces: out of 15 ministers, 9 are below 40. The rise of Shah reflects the aspirations of a younger electorate—often described as the Gen Z movement—which demands accountability, efficiency, digital freedom, and a break from entrenched political practices.
More importantly, the election results have created a rare sense of optimism about political stability. For decades, Nepal has struggled with short-lived governments and policy inconsistency. The expectation now is that a strong majority government could complete its full five-year tenure—something no administration has achieved in over three decades.
Against this backdrop, the first month of Balen Shah’s government has been closely scrutinized. Early signs suggest a leadership that is energetic and assertive, but still grappling with the complexities of governance. In some areas, the new prime minister has broken from past traditions.
One key signal is that he is not operating under the influence of anyone, including his own party. Although he is a senior leader of the RSP, he appears intent on running an apolitical government, perhaps influenced by his experience as an independent mayor of Kathmandu. Similarly, he has been avoiding public programs and focusing on administrative work in Singha Durbar. Consultations between PM Shah and Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane on government issues remain a matter of guesswork. PM Balen has not shown interest to attend party meetings.
PM Shah is communicating more through actions than rhetoric. However, he is under scrutiny for not speaking in Parliament or engaging with the media. Except on a few issues, opposition parties have not taken a hard position on government decisions, and as Prime Minister he has not reached out to opposition parties, except the interaction with lawmakers form all political parties.
One of the government’s immediate priorities was to ensure accountability for the killings during the September protests. Acting on a report by former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, the administration initiated action against key figures from the previous government, including Ramesh Lekhak. The arrests of Oli and Lekhak sent a powerful message that even the most influential leaders could be held accountable. For many citizens—especially the families of the victims—this was a long-overdue step toward justice.
However, the manner in which these arrests were carried out has sparked debate. Critics, including legal experts and opposition parties, have questioned whether due process was followed. A month later, the government attorney has yet to file formal charges, reportedly due to insufficient evidence. This delay underscores a critical challenge: while political will is essential for accountability, it cannot substitute for institutional capacity and legal rigor. If the government is to build a credible rule-of-law framework, it must ensure that its actions are not only decisive but also procedurally sound.
On the governance front, the administration has moved quickly to outline its agenda. The first cabinet meeting introduced a 100-point plan to be implemented within 100 days, with a strong emphasis on anti-corruption and administrative reform. This ambitious roadmap is designed to demonstrate urgency and commitment, and there have already been some tangible steps in this direction.
The formation of a high-level commission to investigate the assets of public officials addresses a long-standing public perception that corruption is deeply embedded within the state apparatus. Similarly, law enforcement agencies have launched investigations into businessmen and intermediaries accused of financial misconduct. Prime Minister Shah has also taken action within his own cabinet, dismissing two ministers over allegations of financial misconduct and conflicts of interest.
The resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung amid allegations of undisclosed business ties, and the controversy surrounding Labor Minister Deepak Kumar Sah, further highlight the government’s willingness to confront ethical lapses within its ranks. These moves have strengthened the perception that the administration is serious about integrity.
There have also been modest improvements in public service delivery. Reports suggest that government offices are functioning more efficiently, with shorter waiting times and fewer bureaucratic obstacles. While these changes may seem incremental, they are significant in a context where inefficiency has long been normalized. The challenge will be to sustain and institutionalize these improvements rather than relying on short-term administrative pressure.
The new government has also taken measures to depoliticize state institutions such as universities and civil service, which has drawn mixed reactions. Some have said that it is a positive move, as state institutions over the past four decades were highly politicized, while others argue that the government’s decision to dismantle student unions and trade unions goes against the constitution.
The economic dimension presents a more complex picture. The private sector initially welcomed the emergence of a stable government, viewing it as an opportunity for policy consistency and economic reform. The administration’s emphasis on governance as the foundation for prosperity has resonated with business leaders, and some measures to improve the business environment have been well received.
At the same time, concerns have begun to emerge. The arrest of prominent businessmen as part of anti-corruption investigations has raised fears about the investment climate which is already worse. Business leaders have warned that such actions, if perceived as arbitrary or excessive, could discourage investment and even lead to capital flight. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has sought to reassure the private sector, emphasizing that enforcement actions will be limited and necessary, particularly in the context of efforts to remove Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
This tension reflects a broader dilemma: how to enforce accountability without undermining economic confidence. A credible reform agenda must strike a balance between strict enforcement and predictability. Investors need assurance that rules will be applied fairly and consistently—not selectively or unpredictably. Nepal’s economy is forecast to grow by 2.7 percent in the fiscal year 2026, down from 4.6 percent in the previous year, according to the Asian Development Bank.
In foreign policy, the government has adopted a cautious and pragmatic approach. It has signaled continuity rather than major changes, with a focus on economic diplomacy and balanced relations with neighboring countries. The idea of transforming Nepal into a “vibrant bridge” between regional powers has generated debate, particularly among analysts who question this conceptual framing.
Engagements with international actors have been relatively low-key. The visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur and reported interactions with Chinese officials indicate ongoing diplomatic activity, but the government has not yet fully articulated a distinct foreign policy identity. Prime Minister Shah’s decision not to hold individual meetings with foreign ambassadors—at least so far—marks a departure from past practices and may reflect either a deliberate shift or a lack of diplomatic prioritization.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met his Indian Counterpart S. Jaishankar at the Indian Ocean Conference, and both sides have indicated that preparations are underway for Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India.
The international community has responded overwhelmingly, with major countries and development partners showing strong interests in supporting the priority areas outlined by the new government. While response vary among partners, India and several Western countries have shown strong interests in working with the new government, particularly given its youth-led leadership and internationally educated team. China’s response has been more measured in comparison, reflecting broader strategic consideration.
Domestically, the government has also initiated discussions on constitutional reform. A panel led by political advisor Ashim Shah has been tasked with exploring possible amendments. While there is broad agreement among political parties on the need for constitutional change, progress has been slow due to limited engagement from opposition groups.
The reluctance of parties like the NC and CPN-UML to participate actively suggests that political polarization remains a significant obstacle. Despite its strong parliamentary majority, the government cannot unilaterally drive constitutional reform without broader consensus. This highlights an important reality: a strong mandate simplifies governance but does not eliminate the need for negotiation and inclusion.
One of the defining characteristics of the current administration is its generational shift. With most cabinet members under 40, this is the youngest government in Nepal’s recent history. The decision to reduce the number of ministries from 24 to fewer than 17 further reflects an effort to streamline governance and enhance efficiency. While these changes are promising, they also come with risks. Younger leaders may bring fresh perspectives, but they may also lack the experience needed to navigate complex institutional and political dynamics.
After one month, it is clear that Balen Shah’s government is active, ambitious, and reform-oriented. It has taken bold steps to signal a break from the past and to address long-standing issues of corruption and inefficiency. However, it is still too early to conclude that it has become truly efficient. Efficiency in governance is not measured solely by speed or decisiveness; it requires consistency, institutional strength, and adherence to due process. The government’s early actions have generated both optimism and concern—hope for change, but also questions about execution.
The coming months will be crucial. If the administration can translate its initial momentum into sustainable reforms, it could mark the beginning of a new era in Nepali politics. If not, it risks becoming another chapter in the country’s long history of unfulfilled promises. For now, the verdict remains open: Nepal’s strong government is moving toward efficiency, but it has not yet fully arrived.
State institutions should be further strengthened for effective service delivery: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that service delivery of the government should be made more effective by strengthening institutions like National Planning Commission and Policy Research Institute rather than scrapping them.
During a discussion with office-bearers and employees of the NPC held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shah mentioned that it would be easier to the government in service delivery only if formulation of plans and policy research are carried out in an organized manner. "Hence, improvement of such bodies will greatly support in the government's functioning," he argued.
In the context of the Policy Research Institute, the Prime Minister underlined that we need experts who can do extensive study and present long-term vision. The government will fully own the academic works of the experts.
He directed the both agencies to work for results without any hesitation, adding, "A concrete plan and implementation is necessary while performing any task. The role of subject-matter experts in development is incomparable."
Prime Minister Shah also warned that budget and legal complexities should not be used as an excuse for non-performance. "Results are possible only from effective study and research. The country cannot be prosperous until some revision are made in old policies and acts," he opined.
Similarly, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle underscored that the present time should be taken as golden opportunity for reforms. He also instructed to transform the expertise of experts into government policies, programs and budget.
Minister Wagle laid emphasis on proposals with clear goals, adequate budget, defined responsibilities and measurable output through concerned ministries.
The government has a strategy of launching innovative program as pilot project and expand them at the national level if successful.
Likewise, office bearers of the Commission briefed the Prime Minister about the status of work progress, challenges and budget.
Sharing that study and research conducted so far by the Institute are very important for government functioning system, they demanded additional resources including human resource.
PM Shah directs VCs to dismantle political student and employee bodies
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed University Vice-chancellors to immediately implement the government's decision to remove the structures of political party-aligned student and employees' associations in universities and academic institutions in the health sector.
During an interaction with the VCs at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today, Prime Minister Shah, who also serves as the Chancellors of various public universities, said that no law would be an obstacle to removing the structures of student and employee organizations affiliated with political parties.
The Prime Minister was of the view that politics should not be allowed in institutions like hospitals, campuses and schools. If anyone really wants to indulge in politics they should separate themselves from their professional responsibilities and fully engage in politics.
During the discussion, the Vice-Chancellors said that students' political activities have slowed down after the GenZ movement and the March 5 elections, and initiatives are being taken to root out such organizations.
Nepal Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Dhaneshwor Nepal, however, complained of having to endure threats when efforts were made to remove party-aligned students' organizations as per the instructions of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
In response, Prime Minister Shah instructed that if any security or other problems arise while dissolving any political student and employee organization, they should immediately inform the concerned ministry or his secretariat.
During the discussion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel made it clear that what we are trying to abolish immediately is student organizations affiliated with political parties, not organizations like the independent student union that voice for the students.
During the discussion, Tribhuvan University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Deepak Aryal said that student and employee organizations have become inactive after the GenZ movement and the elections.
Madhyampaschim University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Dhruv Kumar Gautam also said that the political activities of students and employees have been on the decline in his university recently.
Purbanchal University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Biju Kumar Thapaliya said that student groups are engaging in politics in its constituent campuses.
Vice Chancellors of other universities and institutes, however, stated that students and employees in their institutions are away from political activities. They expressed the view that if universities and institutes present themselves strictly there will be no politics under any pretext.
The government's 100 point agenda on governance reform mentions the removal of party-affiliated student organization structures from schools and universities to address the problem of party interference in the education sector, failure to hear the real voice of students, and decline in educational quality.
PM Shah holding meeting with vice chancellors of universities, academies
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is holding a discussion with the vice-chancellors of different universities and academies.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 12 noon at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
The Prime Minister's Secretariat stated that vice chancellors of 11 universities and seven academies are invited for the meeting.
The issues of the universities and academies, and the measures to address those challenges would be discussed at the meeting.
According to the PM's Secretariat, vice chancellors of Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal Sanskrit University, Far Western University and Mid-West University would attend the meeting.
Likewise, vice chancellors of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rajarshi Janak University, Martyr Dasharath Chand University of Health Science, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Patan Academy of Health Sciences and BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences will also join the meeting.
Furthermore, the other invitees include vice chancellors of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences and Rapti Academy of Health Sciences.
PM Shah expresses gratitude to mothers on Matatirtha Aunsi
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed his respect, gratitude and appreciation to all mothers on the occasion of today's Matatirtha Aunsi.
On this occasion, PM Shah has stated that the mother and motherland are above heaven, and has stated the mother as a symbol of the nation, while wishing for Nepal's bright future.
Taking to his social sites, the PM has described the mother's lap as warm and her feet as pious like a pilgrimage site and stated that mothers as an unmatched example of love and sacrifice.
In his message, PM Shah has wished all mothers for their long life and has praised mothers as the first teacher in life.
PM Shah has emphasized that children of all mothers should create an environment to make their mothers feel proud through their deeds and should bring smiles to mothers' faces.
PM Shah to hold discussions with Chief Ministers of all provinces
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to hold discussions with Chief Ministers of all seven provinces today.
According to Prime Minister Shah's Secretariat, PM Shah is holding consultations with the Chief Ministers for the first time after assuming office where significant and extensive discussions would be held on the issues related to federal and provincial governments.
The meeting is scheduled at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, at 2 pm.
The meeting is considered as an important initiative making the federal-province coordination more effective.
Various issues including accelerating development construction activities, ensuring proper allocation of means and resources and resolving various administrative and financial problems faced by provinces would be discussed in the meeting, added the Secretariat.
Similarly, the issue of further strengthening the collaboration between the federation and province in order to effectively implement the projects of national priority would be the main agenda of the discussion.
It is expected that efforts would be made to build shared partnership on the issue of the country's present economic condition, infrastructure development, improvement in service delivery and maintain good governance in today's meeting.
This meeting has been taken as the important step for making federalism implementation further effective and directly benefiting the people.
PM Shah to interact with all HoR members under PR system
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to interact with all House of Representatives (HoR) members elected under the proportional representation (PR) system.
According to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, the interaction program is beginning at 12 noon today at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar.
During the interaction program, the HoR Members would share their concerned clusters' issues, challenges and solution measures.
The PM's Secretariat stated that the interaction program is aimed at holding direct consultations between the people's representatives and the executive to ensure effective policymaking and implementation.
Let us fulfill our onus in nation-building with full dedication: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed his best wishes on the occasion of the New Year 2083 BS, urging everyone to fulfill their responsibilities in nation building with full dedication.
PM Shah extended his best wishes on the occasion of the beginning of the New Year, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepalis living at home and abroad.
"The New Year has brought positive energy into all our lives and a renewed commitment towards the nation. Let us all come together to maintain mutual harmony and fulfill our respective responsibilities in nation building with complete dedication," Prime Minister Shah stated on the social media platform Facebook.
PM Shah takes charge of Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security
President Ram Chandra Paudel has assigned the portfolio of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security to Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
According to the Office of the President, some changes were made to the cabinet formed on March 27 at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shah relieved Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dipak Kumar Sah of his post at the recommendation of President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane.
With this, the cabinet now has 14 members.
Govt eager to further strengthen relations with friendly countries: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has mentioned that the government was willing to further strengthen relations with friendly countries.
During a meeting today with heads of different diplomatic missions in Nepal and ambassadors at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Shah said that the government has given high importance to the relations with all countries and is committed to boost partnership based on mutual benefits and trust.
"Nepal has been adopting a balanced and practical foreign policy. Our foreign relations are aligned with the objectives of prosperity," he said. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude towards all partners and friends for their continuous support and goodwill for Nepal's development endeavours and prosperity.
He emphasized that peace is a shared priority as ongoing conflicts in the world affect general people the most, expecting collective efforts on the shared priority.
Prime Minister Shah underlined that the government was committed to building an environment conducive for investment, to encouraging entrepreneurship and to supporting sustainable development. "A new government does not mean a break from continuity. We are firmly committed to maintaining political stability, keeping policy directives stable and predictable," the PM underscored.
He stressed that the government was willing to collaborate in different areas including development, trade, investment and climate adaptation activities as well as people-to-people relations, adding security and welfare of the Nepalis abroad are also a priority of the government.
Ambassadors/Heads of Diplomatic Mission pay joint courtesy call on PM Shah
Ambassadors/Heads of Diplomatic Mission resident in Kathmandu paid a joint courtesy call on Prime Minister Balendra Shah at his Office in Singha Durbar today.
Ambassadors/Heads of Mission of India, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, Qatar, Switzerland, France, Israel, Japan, Bangladesh, Germany, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, China, United States of America and United Nations were present for the joint call on.
The Ambassadors/Heads of Missions congratulated the Prime Minister and conveyed greetings and messages from their respective heads of state/government.
They also expressed support and cooperation to the new Government in delivering results for the benefit of Nepali people.
Reiterating Nepal’s balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of deepening relations with immediate neighbours, friendly countries and development partners based on trust, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
He expressed appreciation for the continued goodwill and support extended to Nepal’s development efforts.
Saying that peace must remain our shared priority, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance the Government attaches to the safety, security and wellbeing of Nepali workers and the larger Nepali diaspora abroad.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s determination to ensure good governance, achieve economic development and improve the livelihood of Nepali people.
Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal, Political Advisor to the Prime Minister Asim Shah, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other Government officials were present on the occasion.
Ambassadors to meet PM Shah collectively today
Ambassadors from various countries in Nepal are meeting Prime Minister Balendra Shah collectively today.
The meeting is scheduled at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
In the meeting to be attended by Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal as well, PM Shah is scheduled to address briefly, according to Foreign Ministry.
Meanwhile, political advisor to PM Shah, Ashim Shah, wrote in a social networking site, X, "PM Shah is holding a collective meeting with foreign ambassadors to Nepal today. The collective dialogue to be attended by Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal as well will set a new standard in diplomatic protocol."
He further wished for dignified diplomacy, strengthened Nepal.
Ministerial ranks reshuffled in Balen Shah Cabinet
The ranking of ministers in the Balendra Shah-led Cabinet has been reshuffled
President Ram Chandra Paudel revised the order of the Council of Ministers formed on March 27 on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shah, said Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson at the President's Office.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, who was previously ranked third, has now dropped to fifth place.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has climbed from sixth to fourth place.

Previous standings

Why constitutional amendment remains an uphill task
The decision by the Balendra Shah-led government to form a task force to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendment signals renewed political intent. Yet, despite years of rhetoric and electoral promises, translating that intent into action remains deeply challenging.
At the heart of the difficulty lies the arithmetic of power. Although the ruling bloc—particularly Rastriya Swantra Party—appears to command close to a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, this strength does not extend to the National Assembly. Since constitutional amendments in Nepal require approval from both houses, the absence of sufficient numbers in the upper chamber poses a structural hurdle. Even with potential support from smaller parties, securing the required majority in both houses remains uncertain.
Beyond numbers, the lack of political consensus presents an even more formidable barrier. While almost all major parties—including Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, Nepali Communist Party, and RSP—have expressed commitment to amending the constitution, they diverge sharply on what those amendments should entail.
The most contentious issue is the form of governance. The debate over executive power has resurfaced strongly. RSP and Maoist forces are advocating for a directly elected president, arguing that it could ensure stronger and more stable leadership. However, the Nepali Congress has consistently opposed this model, favoring the existing parliamentary system. This disagreement is not new—it dates back to the original constitution-drafting process of 2008 to 2015, when parties ultimately rejected a directly elected presidential system, citing risks for a politically fragile country like Nepal.
Such foundational disagreements make consensus-building extremely difficult. Constitutional amendments are not merely technical adjustments; they involve redefining the structure of the state. Without alignment on core principles like governance models, progress is likely to stall.
Adding to the complexity is the absence of a clear roadmap. The government has formed a task force to draft a discussion paper, but has not yet established a formal constitutional review mechanism. This raises questions about whether the process has sufficient institutional grounding to move forward effectively.
Political ambiguity further complicates the process. Many parties, including NC and UML, have acknowledged the need for amendments but have refrained from specifying concrete proposals. Even parties with clearer positions, such as RSP—which has advocated for a directly elected executive and a fully proportional electoral system—may face pressure to moderate their stance in the post-election political environment.
Electoral reform is another sensitive issue. While concerns have been raised about the current system’s inability to produce stable single-party governments, recent electoral outcomes have somewhat weakened that argument. This reduces urgency and consensus around reforming the electoral framework.
Finally, broader ideological issues—such as secularism—could emerge as flashpoints during the amendment process, further complicating negotiations.
In sum, constitutional amendment in Nepal is not just a legislative exercise but a deeply political process requiring broad consensus, institutional clarity, and numerical strength across both houses of Parliament. The current scenario reveals gaps on all three fronts. As a result, despite renewed momentum, the path toward amendment remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.










