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Nepal has a new Minister for Youth and Sports.

Perhaps this is the opportunity for the nation to come up with robust solutions to develop two areas of policy-making that have been traditionally neglected and relegated to a second-class status within the domains of decision-making. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha is the new minister and he has some daunting tasks ahead of him.

To be fair to his predecessor, Dig Bahadur Limbu, it would be interesting to assess what has been done during the previous government. Yet is it not yet a practice to review and give scores to what has been achieved. Perhaps it is also difficult to do so because rarely do governments of the day have a clear vision of goals and tasks to be achieved portfolio-wise.

Coming to the new minister, from what newspapers are saying, there is an air of optimism about Shrestha and what he could do.

Let’s not forget that he belongs to a party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, that has considerable leverage over Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The first big mission for him is to make his ministry relevant, a heavy weight within the echelons of power in Singha Durbar.

For now, it is almost a mission impossible considering the disregard that, so far, youth-related policies have been objects of.

How about starting a series of consultations with youth organizations and sports stakeholders?

This is certainly a no-brainer and I do hope that Shrestha and his team are already coming up with a bold exercise of listening to and engaging with them.

Imagine a series of meetings, quite informal in nature, in Kathmandu but outside the walls of Singha Durbar and around the nation where “open mike” sessions can unfold in an environment where participants can feel the freedom to speak their minds.

They would also feel empowered because perhaps, this time around, there is now a higher chance that their voices and concerns would also count.

Indeed, there are a lot of things that need discussing.

To start with, are the current national policies effective?

Well, we already know the answer to this question.

The key point would be finding practical, doable ways to turn them around.

Probably, commonsense would indicate that there is no time to radically change the existing plans.

Instead, there might be space to twist them and modify them a bit, in order to make such plans more effective.

Giving ownership to the stakeholders is one step to strengthen the Ministry of Youth and Sports but then, it is going to be paramount to get the buy-in of the prime minister.

This means not only more resources for it but also a special attention to the policy proposals that are going to be mapped out and then implemented.

Coming up with an ambitious but at the same time realistic action plan with achievable milestones is going to be the second most important thing for Shrestha.

Reviewing and assessing the institutional effectiveness of the bodies under the ministry should be on top of this list.

For example, how fit for the purpose are institutions like the National Youth Council or National Sport Council? What about the National Olympic Committee?

What about the motivation, strengths and constraints of the employees of these bodies? How can the staff working there provide more value for their work?

Having their concerns fully on board would give Shrestha an edge to turn around these institutions.

Within both portfolios under the purview of the ministry, youths-related and sports-related, there are certainly linkages and commonalities that have not been meaningfully exploited.

Ideally, the National Youth Council or National Sport Council should not work in silos as it is common practice now.

Instead, there should be in place an institutional cooperative framework to carry out, though through different means, the overarching goals of the ministry.

Talking about implementation, it is also essential to come up with a partnership framework with NGOs and not for profit organizations, especially in the youth sector.

There are so many promising organizations active in areas like youth leadership and climate action but funding is always a thorny issue.

The more the ministry works with them, the easier for the nation to realize ambitious goals of development.

It’s also of paramount importance to work out a strategy to empower the provinces’ work in the empowerment of youths, including through sports.

This is a tough area also because, within the Rastriya Swatantra Party, there is a certain dose of skepticism toward provinces.

At the same time, each of these two dimensions has specific subsets of areas. For example, promoting volunteerism should be a major agenda of the ministry.

Perhaps this is the right time to dust off the draft National Volunteering Policy that has been waiting for a formal endorsement by the Federal Cabinet for more than three years.

We know very well that volunteerism has been underappreciated and its value has been underestimated.

It should not be the case because civic engagement, the engine behind any volunteering activity, is an essential part of the national fabric.

The problem is that it has never been fully leveraged nor understood.

In the sports field, there is so much to be done, especially at tapping the potential of youngsters, starting from childhood.

Nepal should not only focus on boosting and developing its elite athletes even though, for obvious reasons, it is essential to recognize and acknowledge them.

Positively enough, at least for the major sports, something has been happening in this regard.

Yet it is essential, while making difficult choices and prioritizing for funding, to recognize that promoting sports at young ages is very important.

Doing so would require a cross-sectoral effort because, for example, schools and colleges do play an important role in this regard.

Think about the role of private colleges in promoting basketball.

Yet future champions should also emerge from public schools and here some collaborations with the Ministry of Education, also under Minister Shrestha’s party, could make a difference.

Then there is the vastly-neglected area of adaptive sports.

Athletes with disabilities deserve the same respect and treatment received by their able-bodied peers.

Many of them are frustrated and their potential is severely impacted by lack of action to support them.

Wheelchair table-tennis, wheelchair basketball, blind cricket and deaf football, for example, just to mention a few disciplines, have a huge scope for growth if investments are made.

Then, setting some targets will matter. How many youths of the nations would be undertaking volunteering activities?

How many of such acts would be one-off versus more long-term ones? How many interschools sports competitions should be organized?

How many medals should Nepal aim for at the next South Asia or Asian Games? What about the targets for Los Angeles 2028?

The new Minister for Youth and Sports has tons of work ahead but only a different style of work and grounded ambition can help him.

I wish Minister Shrestha best of luck.

The author is the co-founder of ENGAGE and The Good Leadership. Views are personal

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha is paying an official visit to China from March 24 to April 1 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

This visit marks the first significant diplomatic engagement by a senior minister since the formation of a new coalition government on March 4. Shrestha’s transition from the home ministry to the foreign affairs portfolio underscores the shifting dynamics within the government. In addition to bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Shrestha, a prominent Maoist leader, is scheduled to hold meetings with top officials and leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.

Given lingering suspicions and allegations surrounding China’s role in orchestrating the recent political realignment in Nepal, Shrestha’s visit carries considerable significance domestically and internationally. Despite assertions from ruling alliance leaders that the coalition shift was driven solely by internal factors, doubts persist regarding China's influence.

Notably, Shrestha’s departure for China lacked comprehensive briefings from all ministry departments, raising questions about preparedness amidst heightened Chinese pressure to advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agenda. 

During Prime Minister Dahal’s China visit last year, preparations were made to sign the BRI implementation agreement. But it was put off after Nepal sought some more time, citing the need for further homework. China has been pushing Nepal for BRI implementation, especially after Nepal ratified the US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreement.

While Shrestha has publicly advocated for prompt BRI implementation, the Dahal-led government has yet to reach a consensus on the matter, indicating a reluctance to hastily commit to China's initiatives. Even though Shrestha has said that implementation of past agreements remains the top agenda of his China visit,  highly placed government sources say the possibility of Nepal signing the BRI implementation agreement is very low. 

Nepal reportedly had proposed nine infrastructure projects under the BRI, but there has been no progress. 

Although Nepal signed the BRI framework agreement with China in 2017, no infrastructure project has moved forward so far. Of late, China has been trying to bring all areas of cooperation with Nepal under the BRI framework. Controversy has also arisen over China’s unilateral designation of Pokhara International Airport as a BRI project, exacerbating anxieties regarding debt sustainability. With the multi-million-dollar airport still unable to see international flights, there are concerns over how Nepal will repay the Chinese loan. 

Prime Minister Dahal has been urging the Chinese side to convert a significant portion, if not all, of the loan into a grant. He told a gathering in Pokhara a few days ago that efforts were underway to convince China on this matter. Dahal’s appeal for converting Chinese loans into grants reflects Nepal's growing apprehension towards accumulating debt, particularly in light of unfulfilled BRI promises and economic viability concerns.

The prime minister believes that if China converts the loan into a grant and makes it a gift project under the BRI, it would facilitate the BRI implementation agreement. China does not provide grants under the BRI, but the Chinese government could make such a decision if it desires. However, the Chinese side has not given a concrete response. 

Earlier last week, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu clarified that the Pokhara airport loan is not a noose around Nepal’s neck. It stated that Nepal’s external debt is higher from international institutions and other countries. China has expressed its willingness to bring international flights to Pokhara but has urged Nepal to provide new air routes for this purpose.

Previously, when the Nepali Congress was part of the ruling alliance, Prime Minister Dahal and other communist parties felt that relations with China were given low priority. China’s proactive engagement following the coalition reshuffle suggests a concerted effort to solidify ties with Nepal’s communist-led government. The absence of contentious issues such as the Nepal-China border dispute in the new alliance’s policy agenda signals an apparent alignment with Chinese interests, prompting optimism in Beijing regarding future cooperation.

Chinese activities seem to have increased in Nepal significantly following the formation of the new alliance. In the past, China has been slow to react to changes in government in Nepal. But this time, it issued a response soon after the new alliance was formed.

During her regular press briefing on March 4, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: “We would like to work with the new government to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen traditional friendship, strengthen practical cooperation, advance the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring everlasting friendship for development and prosperity, and deliver more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.”

Two days later, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song met with Foreign Minister Shrestha to extend congratulations and engage in in-depth and friendly discussions on bilateral relations and cooperation.

Vice-minister of the Chinese Communist Party Sun Haiyan also held talks with Nepali Ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha right after the new alliance was formed.

During the meeting, she sought information about the recent political developments in Nepal. Vice-minister Haiyan had visited Nepal last month leading a delegation of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China. During her interactions with Nepali political parties, she had remarked that efforts were being made to undermine Nepal-China relations.

Similarly, Lin Jian, a Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson, on March 22, reacted to Shrestha’s visit. In a regular press briefing in Beijing, he said: “The upcoming visit will be [Shrestha’s] first overseas visit after taking office as Nepal’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs.”

“China stands ready to work with Nepal to take this visit as an opportunity to further deliver on the important common understandings between leaders of the two countries, deepen political mutual trust, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand exchanges and cooperation in various areas and strive for new progress in building China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity,” Lin said.

He added that China and Nepal were “traditional friends and neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. In recent years, our two countries maintained close high-level exchanges with deepening practical cooperation in various fields”. “Our two sides maintained close coordination and collaboration in regional and international affairs.”

Last September, Prime Minister Dahal paid an official visit to China and leaders of the two countries reached important common understandings on growing the China-Nepal relations.”  China expects its security concerns to be somewhat addressed under the communist government in Nepal, which is why Beijing appears more enthusiastic about the new alliance. Additionally, the Dahal-led government has fully banned activities concerning the free Tibet movement in Nepal. 

However, challenges persist in reconciling Nepal’s commitment to an independent foreign policy with the demands of regional stakeholders, particularly amid growing pressure to navigate competing geopolitical interests. Prime Minister Dahal’s emphasis on adopting a balanced diplomatic approach underscores the delicate balancing act facing Nepal’s leadership as it seeks to assert its autonomy while fostering fruitful relationships with key allies.

India has refrained from commenting on the recent political developments in Nepal, describing them as ‘internal matters’ of Nepal, and reaching out to senior members of a nascent Cabinet on a hectic day.

At  a meeting with Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said India’s position on Nepal remains unchanged. The change in the coalition is an internal matter of Nepal, so it does not affect India’s views and position on Nepal, he said.  

Ambassador Srivastava also paid a courtesy call on newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, congratulating the latter and extending best wishes to him.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DPM Shrestha and Ambassador Srivastava discussed various topics of bilateral and mutual interest, said spokesperson for the ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai. The topics included ways to strengthen bilateral ties and timely completion of development projects underway in Nepal with Indian assistance. 

Experts claimed that neighboring China's economic development can also benefit Nepal.

At an interaction 'China's Economic Development and New Opportunities for Neighboring Countries' organized by China Media Group and co-organized by Nepal-China Youth Friendship Association here on Wednesday, the speakers said that China's economic development will benefit other neighboring countries.

On the occasion, former Nepali Ambassador to China Leelamani Poudyal said China's economic policy would have an impact in the world.

He said Nepal could benefit from stability and economic development in China. "China's economic policy during the global recession in 2008 had helped the world economy," he said.

Diplomat Hiranya Lal Shrestha said China has made great strides in economic development in a short span of time. He said the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal has given some hope for Nepal's development.

Wang Xin, representative of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, said China's economy has been able to take a leap due to rapid industrialization development and research. He also claimed that China contributed 42 per cent to the global economy in 2023.

President of the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Shankar Pandey, Chairman of Nepal-China Cultural and Educational Council Dr Harish Chandra Shah, Chairman of World Cultural Net Deepak Sarkar, General Secretary of Nepal Himalayan Cross-Border Commerce Association Ram Chandra Parajuli, Secretary of China Study Center Prakash Babu Poudel, among others, said Nepal-China relations have not developed as they should have been.

Chief of China Media Group, South Asia Bureau Zhang Yue and President of Nepal-China Youth Friendship Association Bishnu Sapkota stressed the need to work for Nepal's development by removing the confusion among the people about Nepal-China relations.

Modern governments have a primary duty and obligation of providing social protection to their citizens.  Governments around the globe make budgetary allocations for this purpose every year. 

There is a huge gap across regions and countries with respect to budgetary allocations and coverage of population. Europe has the highest level of social security expenditure (nearly 25  percent of its GDP), followed by 21 percent in OECD, 16.6 percent in North America, seven percent in the Asia-Pacific and 4.3 percent in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, social security coverage ranges from five percent to 10 percent of the population. Middle-income countries have social security coverage ranging from 20 percent to 60 percent of their respective populations, whereas in developed countries the coverage is nearly 100 percent. In the Asia-Pacific, social security schemes cover 44.1 percent of the total population of the region. 

Neighboring countries are ahead of Nepal with respect to coverage of people under social security. China has medical insurance coverage for 95 percent of its population whereas India and Bangladesh have 24.4 percent and 28.4 percent of their populations under their social security nets. But Nepal has a paltry 17 percent of its population under different kinds of social security programs. 

It is important to note here that the expenditure on social security exceeds capital expenditure in Nepal because of a low coverage of its population under social security. A trend over the years shows that the government expenditure on social security exceeds capital expenditure. This was evident in the fiscal 2021-22 and 2022-23, for example. Expenditure on social security in 2021-22 was Rs 252bn whereas capital expenditure was Rs 216bn. Fiscal 2022-23 saw a similar trend whereas in the fiscal 2023-24, Rs 253bn and Rs 234bn have already been spent under the topics of social security and capital expenditure, respectively. 

Both expenditure on social security and capital expenditure are important for Nepal’s entry into the club of middle-income countries, which is easier said than done. If Nepal desires to join the grouping of middle-income countries, its capital expenditure should exceed expenditure on social security. 

This is because capital expenditure helps increase production and productivity of the whole population, which are crucial for achieving targeted economic growth and creating employment opportunities for the masses, thereby driving the country toward prosperity and sustainability. 

Capital expenditure in Nepal leaves much to be desired as most of our rural and urban roads, which are muddy and dusty, show. Air pollution is high in the Kathmandu valley not because of the presence of industries but because of unmanaged traffic movement along highly-congested and dusty roads. Blacktopping these roads means spending capital. 

But funds for such works are hard to come by  with an increased focus on social security for targeted sections. 

Capital expenditure helps create employment opportunities for the masses, including the poor, the downtrodden, unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled youths, among others. 

Whereas expenditure on social security helps increase the consumption of targeted people such as the poor and the downtrodden, elderly citizens, malnourished children and single women. Of course, both capital expenditure and expenditure on social protection are primary duties of a modern government. 

While social protection is a must, it cannot be a substitute for capital expenditure. Thus, it is necessary to maintain discipline while spending money. Transfer of funds from one purpose to another is a common practice of the government of Nepal. 

Summing up, a government committed to social welfare and conducting development activities for sustainable economic growth must make rational decisions when it comes to spending its hard-earned capital.

The Netherlands clinched the title of the Tri-nation T20 International Series, defeating Nepal by four wickets in the final held today at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.

Despite Nepal posting a challenging total of 185 runs, the Netherlands successfully chased down the target in 19.3 overs at the loss of six wickets.

Michael Levitt played significantly in the Netherlands' victory, scoring a half-century with 54 runs off 29 balls, including three sixes and six fours. Max O'Dowd scored 22 runs off 23 balls, hitting one six and two fours.

The Netherlands' opening pair of Levitt and O'Dowd played with a solid partnership of 83 runs for the first wicket.

Though Nepal's Kushal Malla joined his team for bowling in ninth overs and took two wickets in his first over, it was not enough to derail the Netherlands' momentum.

Vikramajit Singh bolstered the Netherlands' innings with 29 runs off 23 balls, smashing three sixes while captain Scott Andrew Edwards added just two runs to the team. 

At the fall of the fifth wicket from Nepal, Sybrand Engelbrecht was dismissed before he scored 48 with three sixes and four fours in 29 balls. In its sixth wicket, Nepal dismissed Teja Nidamanuru with just two runs.

Bowler Timm van der Gugten contributed 21 runs with the help of two sixes and two fours in five balls while Roelof van der Merwe made two runs for the Netherland's victory.  Both of them were not out.

Levitt, who contributed 54 runs and took two wickets, was declared the Player of the Match.

Nepal, which opted to bat first after winning the toss, made 184 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing eight wickets.

Opener Aashif Shekh contributed 47 runs including three sixes and one four off 37 balls while another opener Kushal Bhurtel made 20 runs. Captain Rohit Poudel made 25 runs while Gulshan Jha made 34 runs.

Dipendra Singh Airee was out with single run while Kushal Malla made 26 runs in 11 balls with the help of three sixes. Aarif Sekh could not make any run while Karan KC hit nine.

The final order batters Sompal Kami and Pratis GC each made six runs.

Fred Klaassen, Timm van der Gugten, Michael Levitt and Sybrand Englebrecht each took two wickets for the Netherlands.

Remaining in second position with four points in league phase, Nepal entered into the final while the Netherlands is in top position with five points.

The Netherlands which was in the top place in the score table with five points and Nepal with four points had entered into the final of the Series.

Namibia, which had secured three points, was at the bottom of the score tally. It played four matches, winning in one, losing in two and drawing in one.

Namibia defeated Nepal by 20 runs in the first match of the Series while the Netherlands beat Nepal by two runs in the second match.

Likewise, the Netherlands trounced Namibia by 59 runs in the third match while Nepal secured a three-run exciting win against Namibia in the fourth match of the Series.

In the fifth match, Nepal had secured an easy six-wicket win against the Netherlands whereas the match between Namibia and the Netherlands was canceled due to rain, with both teams sharing one point each.

China has said that it is ready to work with the new government in Kathmandu to advance the China-Nepal Strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, and to deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries.

On March 8, four parties– CPN(Maoist), CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janata Samajbadi Party- formed a new left government. Speaking in a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mao Ning said: China noted that Nepal has formed a new government coalition and reshuffled the cabinet recently. We sincerely hope that relevant parties of Nepal will work together in solidarity, advance the work related to the formation of the new government in a smooth manner, and realize political stability, economic growth and improvement of people’s livelihood.”

She further said that  as a friendly neighbor and cooperation partner, China highly values its relations with Nepal. We would like to work with the new government to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen our traditional friendship, and strengthen practical cooperation. China has become the first country to make an official comment about the formation of a new alliance in Kathmandu. For the long time, China is motivating Nepal’s communist parties to form an alliance and government. China prefers a communist government in Kathmandu in order to fulfill its interests.  

The league stage final match between Namibia and the Netherlands under the Triangular T-20I Series has been canceled due to rain.

With this, both teams share one point each. This means that Nepal and the Netherlands are pitted against each other in the final of the Series.

The Netherlands have reached the final, remaining at the top of the scoreboard with 5 points. Similarly, Nepal which is in second place in the score tally has four points while Namibia has three points.

In the match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur today, the Netherlands won the toss and invited Namibia to bat first. Namibia amassed 98 runs in 15 overs, losing four wickets. The match had to be stopped at this point after it started raining.

Before the game was stopped, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton made 34 runs and Zane Green 11 runs for Namibia.

Nepal faced a 20-run defeat at the hands of Namibia in its first game and a two-run defeat to the Netherlands in the second match under the league stage.

Similarly, Nepal secured their place in the final, defeating Namibia by three runs and the Netherlands by six wickets in its third game.

The final match will take place on March 5.

Nepal has evolved into a platform for international non-governmental organizations’ (INGOs) ‘revolutionary efforts’. These groups have been essential to the recovery of communities dealing with a range of issues because of their dedication to social justice and development. In Nepal, INGOs have been instrumental in resolving societal issues and promoting constructive change via their redemptive efforts. This article examines how these groups’ efforts not only result in social redemption but also act as a gentle prod to improve government accountability and also examines how INGOs work in Nepal to bring about good change and to act as a gentle prod, encouraging the government to take more responsibility.

INGOs in Nepal have been quick to respond to natural catastrophes and humanitarian emergencies by providing both short-term aid and long-term rehabilitation. Their redemptive endeavors go beyond catastrophe relief, exploring the fields of education, healthcare, reducing poverty, and empowering women. INGOs serve as agents of good change by tackling systemic problems and offering practical solutions. The education sector is one prominent area where INGOs have pushed the government toward accountability. These groups have built schools, supplied educational materials, and instituted teacher training programs; these actions have prepared the groundwork for a more comprehensive education system. 

The underlying message is very clear: Government accountability for providing high-quality education for all citizens is essential to the growth of society. INGOs have played a crucial role in bridging gaps and resolving imbalances in the healthcare sector. The construction of healthcare facilities, launch of public health initiatives, and distribution of necessary supplies all serve to highlight the dedication to enhancing public health. These activities subtly call on the government to give healthcare policy and infrastructure top priority because they understand the critical role that healthcare plays in ensuring population health. 

INGOs have moved into microfinance and poverty reduction efforts in an attempt to achieve economic redemption. These groups help to break the cycle of poverty by providing small enterprises with support, financial resources, and vocational training to local communities. The government is poignantly reminded of its responsibility to promote economic inclusiveness and sustainable development through the success of such programs. In Nepal, INGOs have taken the lead in questioning gender expectations and promoting women’s rights. Programs for women’s empowerment, from economic possibilities to education, strongly emphasize the value of inclusion. INGOs force the government to review and enhance laws that support women's rights and gender equality by doing this.

Obstacles and accountability

INGOs have made significant contributions, but there are still obstacles that need to be carefully considered, such as increasing reliance on them, coordination problems, and cultural sensitivity. Furthermore, the necessity of government accountability becomes increasingly evident when INGOs actively participate in community development. For lasting success, INGOs and the government must work together in a balanced manner. 

Even with INGO initiatives’ beneficial effects, problems still exist. Some opponents contend that local government mechanisms may unintentionally be weakened by INGOs’ influence. This necessitates striking a careful balance between bolstering domestic institutions and providing international assistance. #To guarantee sustainable development, there has to be open communication and accountability between INGOs and the government. Beyond its immediate effects on communities, INGOs’ redemption in Nepal also acts as a spur for government responsiveness and responsibility. Certain INGOs’ actions may be viewed as interfering with national sovereignty. This is especially true if it is believed that INGOs are imposing their objectives or dictating policies without taking into account the political, social and cultural environment of the nation.

An excessive dependence on INGOs for technical and financial support might lead to dependency. When INGO sponsorship wanes or changes in emphasis, the government may find it difficult to maintain programs and activities. INGOs may find it difficult to properly comprehend and honor the customs, social mores and cultural heritage of the area. Local communities may oppose projects that are in conflict with their cultural values. Certain non-governmental organizations may encounter censure due to their opaque operations, financial administration and decision-making procedures. This may give rise to questions regarding responsibility. 

INGOs encourage policy reforms, empower communities and address important social and economic concerns in order to push the government to be more inclusive, transparent and efficient. Collaboration between INGOs and the government will be crucial to ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth as Nepal continues on its development path. These groups act as a reminder to the government to fulfill its obligations as they support improvements in gender equality, healthcare, education and economic empowerment. 

Sustainable development necessitates a cooperative relationship between INGOs and the government so that the restoration of Nepal’s social fabric is a joint venture based on openness and responsibility. It is essential for INGOs and the government to work together harmoniously in order to build on past accomplishments and overcome future obstacles. They can steer Nepal in the direction of greater resilience, empowerment and accountability by working together. Redeeming efforts from INGOs in Nepal act as a little but powerful prod that encourages more transparency and responsive governance. Cooperation between INGOs and the government is essential as the country moves forward. This collaboration, which is based on open communication and common objectives, is essential to bringing about long-lasting improvement for the people of Nepal

Nepal lost to Jordan in the penalties in the final match of West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women's Championship held at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The match had kicked off at 9:45 pm NST on Thursday.

Jordan, the sixth time winner of the title, defeated Nepal by 5-3 in the tiebreaker. Nepal stood the first runner up in their first attempt in the WAFF Women's Championship.

For Nepal, Gita Rana, Dipa Shahi and Hira Bhujel scored in the penalties but Amrita Jaisi could not make it happen. However, Jordon scored all five goals in the penalties.

Earlier, Nepal had led 1-0 until the first half of the match.

Sabita Ranamagar scored in the 29th minute of the first half, with a beautiful volley from outside the D-box.

But Nepal's leading position could not win the game as Jordon's Lana Feras equalized the game with a goal in the 74th minute. Jordon scored yet another goal in the 89th minute. For Jordon, Sarah Abu Sabbah contributed the second goal. But the game ended with equal 2-2 as Nepal's Gita Rana scored a goal in the penalty during the additional time of the second half of the match.

Earlier, Nepal defeated Lebanon 2-1 in the semi-finals while Jordan defeated Palestine by 5-0 to reach the final. Nepal is in 115th position in FIFA ranking while Jordan is in 74th position. The Nepali team is led by Captain Angela Tumbapo Subba.

In Nepal, the phase for people to recognize and appreciate avocado as a healthy, nutrient-dense fruit goes back over a decade, and its popularity gradually took on among fruit enthusiasts. Today, the consumption of avocado has almost become a household essential, especially in big cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and others, during its peak harvesting season. 

It has even appealed to Nepali farmers for its potential value as a cash crop and a substantial income resource. Dhankuta, in eastern Nepal, is known for extensive farming of avocados and has even bagged the title of avocado capital, Koshi Province.

Native to Mexico, the pear-shaped avocado with coarse rind was named amusingly the ‘alligator pear.’ It’s also called butter fruit in Europe and America for its creamy pulp. This pit-bearing fruit got its name, avocado, worldwide in 1915 when Californian farmers initiated its farming. Today, although the fruit is grown globally, Mexico stands as the largest avocado producer in the world. 

Among many varieties, the Hass and Fuerte are widely preferred by avocado lovers, the former blackish and the other with a green shade and thinner skin. Of the two, the coarse-skinned Hass is favored more than its cousin, the Fuerto, for its soft creamy pulp and smaller pit.

Incredible as it may sound, avocados pack nearly 20 vitamins plus minerals, and they are the only fruit that contains a substantial amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. 

As little as half an average-sized avocado packs almost 140 calories and 15 grams of fat—75 percent of the total fat is healthy monounsaturated. It is cholesterol and sodium-free, rich in fiber, and packed with folates and vitamin E. Likewise, dense in potassium, one-half of the avocado contains more potassium than a medium banana—487 mg against 422 mg, respectively. Health food buffs have touted it as a ‘Superfood.’ 

Now, the health benefits of avocado appear staggering if introduced into our meal plan. Let’s consider looking into the health rewards of the nutrient-dense fruit.

Supports the cholesterol level

Our body comprises two kinds of cholesterol: the ‘good,’ called HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and the ‘bad,’ called LDL (low-density lipoprotein). A severe hike in LDL can lead to life-threatening outcomes, running the risk of heart disease and stroke. The HDL absorbs cholesterol in the blood and transfers it to the liver to flush it out from the body.

Science backs it that avocados are loaded with oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid) and the richest source of cholesterol-lowering nutrients called Phytosterols, boosting the healthy HDL and cutting down on the culprits, the LDL and the triglycerides. 

Research published by the American Heart Association maintained that daily intake of a single avocado can lower the LDL level. Clinical studies on individuals with high cholesterol levels furnished compelling evidence for this finding with remarkable results. Following a week-long diet of avocado, the analysis led to a 22 percent drop in the LDL and triglycerides while the HDL elevated by 11 percent.

The significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease are bad cholesterol and saturated fat. Again, rich in monounsaturated fat, folate, fiber, potassium, and a plant compound, beta-sitosterol, avocados help keep the cholesterol level in check. 

People with diabetes are supposed to tread a fine line between healthy meals and sugar spikes. Given that, the high-fat content in avocados might sound contradictory, inviting a bad rap. 

A medium-sized avocado contains about 22 grams of fat (15 grams monounsaturated, 4 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams saturated). Thus, avocados with loads of ‘good fats,’ with an insignificant amount of saturated fat, still offer health benefits for diabetes patients.

Clinical observation has testified that a diet high in monounsaturated fat supports insulin sensitivity and advances the GLUT4 glucose in the cells.

Low in sugar content and dense in dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble, the consumption of avocado enhances glycemic management and stalls blood sugar spikes. It also helps spur better digestion and may reverse insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Keeps the kidneys safe

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial, as is the delicate care and safeguarding of our kidneys lest they run high risks of harm with critical results. A rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, a single avocado packs over 480mg of potassium, which nourishes the kidneys. Specialists maintain the intake of a moderate amount of avocado in their diet, even helping chronic kidney patients in a critical stage.

Even tea made from avocado leaves works as a kidney cleanser, flushing wastes and toxins from the kidneys.

Keeps our eyes healthy

Avocados are rich in vitamin E and compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenes. Research studies maintain that it supports eye health. With antioxidant properties, they also assist in fighting off eye diseases that come of age, such as macular degeneration and even cataracts.

Incorporating avocado into your meal plan helps keep your eyes healthy. It is rich in compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin (belonging to the carotenoid family). They maintain your eye health with antioxidant properties and fight off eye diseases that come of age, such as macular degeneration and even cataracts. 

Nourishes the skin

Besides, ladies also try a thin slice of avocado peel or a fruit paste mixed with almond oil under the eyes, thought to remedy dark blotches. For the oil content in the peel, too, rubbing the peel on dry skin of the face works wonders, they claim. Women also use the creamy paste of the fruit as a DIY face mask to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It is supposed to make the face skin soft and silky.

Some tips

When buying avocados, widely available in Kathmandu fruit stalls, go for the firm ones, discarding those with soft, dark, sunken spots or bruises. You can store them in the refrigerator for ripening, which takes four to seven days. If you wish to ripen them earlier, stow them in a paperback in your pantry; that takes less time to ripen. 

Like all other fruits, avocados are eaten raw. The pulp mashed into a fine paste makes a superb spread, substituting butter for bread, sandwiches, and rotis. It works wonders as a salad accompaniment. Or slice it and eat it by scooping its creamy fruit.  

Or, if your taste buds crave a seasoned sauce or spread, mash the fruit, add lime juice, and season it with a pinch of salt and cilantro. Voila, you have blended it into an incredibly popular Mexican condiment. 

Small wonder, the fantastic avocado has won over the hearts of people across the globe today. The bottom line? The splendid nutritious fruit worth its weight in gold is, by all counts, a ‘Superfood!’ Indeed!

References: hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition source; cdc.gov; medicalnewstoday; healthline.com; bbcgoodfood.com; nutritiofacts.org; breathewellbeing.in; avo.com.np.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based, not medical advice; the author solicits readers’ discretion and cross-references. 

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From the prehistoric epoch, our land has been home to some of the great minds, including sages and hermits with tremendous philosophical depth and ideology, sources of wisdom and knowledge throughout the world. Nepal has had personalities, who had attained dimensions beyond physical, in the genres of ‘tantra’, ‘mantra’ and ‘yantra’. 

While the half hemisphere of this living planet was living in the stone age, knowledge based on profound experience of the cosmos was flowing in Nepal. 

This is the land of the Vedas, of the Buddhas including Shakyamuni Buddha, this is where Kapilmuni propounded the Sankhya philosophy and Falgunanda instituted Kirant religion. While this rich and vibrant culture and tradition is still going on, the rulers of this country have failed to recognize and tap Nepal’s tremendous human potential.

During the Rana regime, Gehendra Shamsher Rana, considered the first scientist of modern Nepal, developed Nepal's first mini-hydropower plant, water-powered rice pounding mill, wind-powered water pump and leather refinery, among others. 

Gehendra Shamsher also made guns, cannons and a car. Despite these contributions toward the country, the then ruler Chandra Sumsher Rana demotivated this scientist and had him exiled. Finally he died in mysterious circumstances at a young age of 35.

There was another innovator in Nepal, Achyutananda,  also known as Viman Pandit. He built a steam-powered car that could carry up to two people after 20 years of efforts, playwright Balkrishna Sama mentions in his book titled ‘Mero Kabitako Aaradhana’.

Achyutananda is also said to have built a model aircraft with features including a kerosene-powered engine and a bamboo frame covered with waterproof wax cloth. He took off at Pachali Ghat and landed at Kalmochan Ghat. But the aeroplane project ‘crashed’ as soon as the news of the successful test flight fell on Chandra Sumsher’s ears.

These projects were no mean feat in an era when Nepal was largely isolated from the rest of the world. 

Almost 25 years after Achyutananda’s passing, another researcher-cum-innovator-cum-social entrepreneur, Mahavir Pun, was born in Nepal. Pun built a local communication network using wireless technology to connect people in the Himalayan communities. 

But this innovator, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, has also been suffering the Nepali state’s neglect toward his noble cause. Despite promises to fund his brainchild, National Innovation Center, no help is forthcoming from the state, forcing Pun to auction his international awards to keep the center afloat.

The Takila mountain in Bhutan features a 155-feet-tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the first of its kind in the world. The place is expected to become a hugely popular tourist destination, bringing prosperity to local communities. 

Who is behind this magnificent project? A Nepali team under Rajkumar Shakya, a prominent sculptor, who has taken the traditional Newari repousse metalwork to the next level. His works can also be found in Japan, South Korea, France, Italy and the United States. 

After six years of hard work, a team of six sculptors under Manjul Miteri, a sculptor from east Nepal, have carved out a 65-feet-tall sculpture of Gautam Buddha on a cliff in Kyushu (Japan), considered the biggest sculpture of the century on a single solid rock mountain. 

Laxman Shrestha, a self-taught expressive artist from Nepalgunj, participated in the 17th and 18th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh, with his abstract paintings entitled ‘Quake’ and ‘Starving Moon’. The Mumbai-based Gallery 7 has bought his works. 

Shrestha is the creator of ‘Khoj’, a series of graffiti that used to be on display in Kathmandu with social messages. Instead of getting support from the state, he got arrested twice. 

For a month, 41 artworks of 13 artists are on display at Drexel’s Pearlstein Gallery in Philadelphia, the first exhibition of contemporary Nepali artists in the United States. 

The exhibition features the works of Shiva Kumar Sharma, an impressionist artist from Dolakha based in Kathmandu, among others. 

His first exhibition was held in Darjeeling in 1982 when he was 14, followed by a solo exhibition in 1991 at Nepali Girls Dioses Center in Darjeeling. Sharma has been spearheading a ‘Save trees movement’ since 2000 and participating in popular group exhibitions. 

These are but some of the representative cases showing the Nepali state not even bothering to give some of its exceptional minds even a pat on the back for doing Nepal and the Nepalis proud.  

At the ongoing 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministe- rial Conference, representa tives from the Least Developed Countries(LDC) are demanding an increased role of the global trade body for their smooth and sustainable transition.

Since the 12th conference that took place in Geneva in 2022, there has been some notable progress when it comes to addressing the demands of least developed countries. LDC rep- resentatives expect that the current meeting will deliver something more substantial.

The draft of the Abu Dhabi ministerial declaration that is currently under discussion states: “Recalling that, at our Twelfth session, we recognized the role that certain measures in the WTO can play to facilitate the smooth and sustainable transition for members after their graduation from LDC category.”

In this regard, the General Coun- cil meeting in 2023 took a vital deci- sion which has been welcomed by the draft text of 13 conferences. The decision of General Council states: “To encourage those Members that graduate or remove countries from unilateral tariff or duty-free and quota free (DFQF) preference programmes reserved for least developed countries (LDCs) based on their being graduated from the UN list of LDCs, to provide a smooth and sustainable transition period for withdrawal of such preferences after the entry into force of a decision of the UN General Assembly to graduate a country from the LDC category.”

The draft text of the 13th conference further states that the General Council recognizes the particular vulnerability and special needs of the LDC, and that their interests should be given due priority for them to secure meaningful integration into the multilateral trading system.

Nepal which meets the two out of three criteria is all set to graduate in 2026. Nepal meets the criteria for human assets index and economic vulnerability index, but it is yet to meet the gross national per capita. Officials say Nepal’s graduation preparations are not satisfactory and that its economy could face the risks after the graduation. 

Although Nepal has been continuously asking the international community to continue duty-free and quota-free preferences even after the graduation, there has not been any notable progress to strengthen the trade capacity of the country.

“Many countries which are graduating are coming up with specific proposals to improve in certain areas, and we are providing support to them. But Nepal has not come up with any proposal for us to support,” said an official requesting anonymity.  

In this scenario, Nepal can also request the United Nations to provide additional years to make the necessary preparations. For instance, the deadline could be postponed for 2029 instead of 2026, but Nepal is apparently sticking to the 2026 deadline.

Nepal’s economy suffered from the 2015 earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the figure provided by the WTO secretariat, Nepal’s merchandise export averaged $835m during 2011-2019. With the onset of the Covid-19, they decreased from $968m in 2019 to $856 in 2020, below 2011.  Commercial services exports of Nepal almost doubled from $775m in 2011 to $1.5bn in 2019, but decreased to $830m in 2020, mainly due to a collapse of travel services induced by the pandemic.

The LDCs are accorded special treatment by the international community, mainly in areas such as trade and development cooperation, which is broadly known as “international support measures”. Trade is one of the key areas where LDCs enjoy exclusive preferences, both in the context of market access as well as in the implementation of WTO rules and disciplines. 

Graduation from the LDC category will eventually result in the loss of this special treatment, although the degree to which this will impact individual countries graduating from the LDC category differs. Nepal is asking developed countries to continue the preferential facilities even after the graduation, but this is not sufficient. Nepal has to make a comprehensive strategy for LDC graduation. 

Nepal’s trade deficit is widening. Nepal’s top markets are India, China, the EU, the US, the UK, Japan, and Canada. Nepal has bilateral agreements with India and the US regarding duty-free and quota free market access. 

A report prepared by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment in 2022 states that about two thirds of Nepal’s exports are absorbed by India, and preferential market access there is built into a bilateral trade treaty and is not tied to LDC status. 

However, the report says, Nepal’s exports will face tariff increases in other major and potential destinations that offer LDC-specific tariff preferences.  

“While the EU, the UK, and Turkey provide a transition period of three years after graduation, Nepal will face new tariff regimes in other preference-granting countries post-graduation, according to the report,” according to the report. 

It further states: “For some products, the next-best tariff regime offers the same tariffs as the LDC-specific tariff regime, while for others the new tariffs will be distinctly higher. We find that exporters, in general, are not aware of the likely tariff changes.” 

The Nepali private sector is worried about the possible increase in tariffs and fear a severe impact given that Nepal's cost of production is already much higher than that of neighboring and other competing countries. For instance, the cost of production in the apparel sector is about 26 percent higher than that of neighboring countries, as per the Garment Association of Nepal. 

Experts suggest that either Nepal should seek the extension of the deadline or make a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the negative effects of the graduation. Under the Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), Nepal will face a significant increase in tariffs for its top two current exports—refined soyabean oil and palm oil. It exports these products to India through the SAFTA route, says the SAWTEE report. 

The report suggests that Nepal must use international/multilateral forums to pursue its post-graduation interests, including continuation of the use of LDC-specific provisions for a specific period, particularly regarding the provisions related to preferential market access, use of export subsidies and the flexible implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.

According to the Kirat legend, the black soybean was the first crop cultivated by the people in Nepal. To avoid monotony, they created diverse ways to enjoy it, including raw, boiled, fried, crushed, and even fermented, giving birth to the iconic ‘kinema’.

Agricultural scientist and former principal director of agriculture, Sikkim, Jash Raj Subba mentions in his book ‘History, Culture, and Customs of Sikkim’ that according to the Kirat legend (Mundhum – an oral tradition of the Limbu), the black soybean was the first crop domesticated and cultivated by the Kiratas in this part of the country. The lone cultivated crop was thus consumed in various ways to avoid monotonous eating. They ate it raw, boiled with pods, dry frying, crushing, and fermenting, including the famous kinema.

This means the oldest Nepali fermented food is kinema. Crafting kinema is an age-old tradition passed down through generations. Dried soybeans are first husked, soaked overnight, and then boiled. The boiled soybeans are then smashed and pounded in a mortar and pestle (okhali) and then placed on the Newara leaves (Ficus roxburgh II) and put in a basket to activate microbial activity. After fermentation for a day or two with a mix of microbes and yeasts, particularly Bacillus subtilis, the result is a stringy-sticky mass infused with rich umami and meaty flavors.

Kinema is a food that you either love or love to hate. Many consider kinema smelly and don’t eat it, but some people even pay a higher price to get it. As a traveling research and development chef, I once encountered Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented whole soybeans. But Natto and Kinema are not the same, although they are both fermented soybean products. 

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteria. It has a characteristic strong smell, distinctive flavor, and a sticky texture due to the fermentation process. Kinema, conversely, is a fermented soybean product from Nepal, particularly popular among the Gurung ethnic group. It’s made by fermenting cooked soybeans with the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus. Kinema has a softer texture compared to natto and has a slightly sweet, sour taste.

While both natto and kinema are fermented soybean products, they originate from different cultures and use different fermentation agents, resulting in distinct flavors, textures, and culinary uses.

Fermented soybeans are indeed present in various cuisines around the world, each with its unique methods of preparation and flavors. Here are a few examples:

Tempeh (Indonesian cuisine): Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian fermented soybean product. It is made by fermenting cooked soybeans with a fungus called Rhizopus oligosporus. Tempeh has a firm texture and a nutty flavor. It’s commonly used in Indonesian cuisine as a protein source and can be fried, grilled, or used in various dishes.

Doenjang (Korean cuisine): Doenjang is a fermented soybean paste used in Korean cuisine. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a fermentation culture called meju. Doenjang has a savory, umami-rich flavor and is often used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces in Korean cooking.

Miso (Japanese cuisine): Miso is another fermented soybean paste used in Japanese cuisine. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a koji culture (Aspergillus oryzae). Miso comes in various colors and flavors, ranging from sweet to salty to savory, depending on the ingredients and fermentation time. It’s commonly used to make miso soup, dressings, marinades, and sauces in Japanese cooking.

Chao (Vietnamese cuisine): Chao is a fermented soybean paste used in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s made by fermenting cooked soybeans with salt and a fermentation culture. Chao has a salty, savory flavor and is often used as a condiment or seasoning in Vietnamese dishes.

These are just a few examples of fermented soybean products in different cuisines worldwide. Fermented soybeans are valued not only for their unique flavors but also for their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking.

Similar to Japan’s natto, kinema is versatile. It can be sun-dried or incorporated into flavorful curries, with variations in preparation reflecting regional nuances. Despite its cultural significance, the tradition of making kinema faces challenges due to fewer individuals inheriting the knowledge.

To preserve this tradition, efforts are needed to document traditional methods, foster knowledge exchange, and raise awareness. Without such efforts, there’s a risk of losing this culinary heritage, impacting Nepali and Kirat cultural diversity.

The story of kinema is not just about a fermented soybean dish. It’s a tale of cultural heritage at risk of fading away. With concerted efforts, we can ensure that the flavors, traditions, and stories of Nepali cuisine remain intact for future generations to appreciate and cherish. 

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Nepal has emphasized the need for continuation of all international support measures after it graduates from LDC status to a developing country in 2026. Addressing the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal said that LDC graduation is the outcome of common efforts, but the challenges that the graduated country might face should be facilitated through a creative resolution over the proposal submitted by LDC group.

“Nepal re-emphasizes the need for continuation of all international support measures, particularly Duty-Free Quota-Free Market Access, Special and Differential Treatments, preferential rules of origin, service waiver, Aid for Trade and Technical Assistance and Capacity Building supports and other important flexibilities in the implementation of multilateral trade agreements and commitments after graduation for a specified period of time,” Rijal said. 

Nepal welcomes the decision taken by WTO General Council on 23 Oct 2023 and urges all Members to support the LDC graduation-related proposal submitted by the LDC Group to facilitate the smooth and sustainable graduation, he said.

In recent years, the multilateral trading system has been undermined by growing protectionism and unilateral trade measures of the trade partners. “The system has been further weakened by ineffective implementation of WTO decisions, including Doha Development Agenda. Therefore, Nepal calls for collective commitment to the multilateral trading system,” Rijal added.

Meanwhile, WTO enshrined new rules facilitating trade in services between more than 70 member states despite initial objections from India and South Africa.

According to AP, the set of rules will streamline authorization requirements and ease procedural hurdles faced by businesses. It will help reduce the costs of global services trade by more than $119bn every year, it added. Its integration into the WTO implies all 164 members have been approved as per the body’s rules, which require full consensus.

“Reaching this outcome...and integrating it into the WTO has not been an easy pass,” EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said. “We faced opposition from two WTO members, but a ‘spirit of compromise’ eventually cleared hurdles.” 

WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, meanwhile, thanked “India and South Africa for finding a way forward,” calling services the “future of trade.” Global services exports are valued at more than $6.5trn, representing 23 percent of total world trade, according to the EU.

In March 2019, Nepal and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation on sending Nepali workers to Japan under the government-to-government modality. Under the deal, specified skilled workers (SSW) from Nepal would get hired in various job sectors of Japan, ranging from nursing care to manufacturing to hospitality.

But the agreement, signed by then officiating labor secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire and former Japanese ambassador Masamichi Saigo, did not make any progress of note. It took more than a year for Japan to announce 60 job openings for caregivers. Thousands of Nepali youths who had taken up Japanese language classes, one of the prerequisites for employment in Japan, were left disappointed. They had paid thousands of rupees to private institutes to learn to read and write Japanese. 

Meanwhile, educational consultancies, the so-called training centers, and foreign job employment agencies (or manpowers as they are called in Nepal) started making claims that they offer the relevant skill and language training to send workers to Japan. It was the start of the government-to-government (G2G) labor agreement getting hijacked by unscrupulous manpowers.

Now it appears that their plan has come to fruition. The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security recently came up with a new work procedure allowing manpowers to send workers to Japan. The document states that the work procedure has been introduced to make the process of sending workers to Japan more transparent, fast, and systematic. The government has essentially thrown out the G2G agreement signed with Japan and brought in privately-run manpowers. 

The government’s move also goes against the notion that G2G labor agreements could be far more transparent, safe and cost-effective for laborers. After all, Nepal has adopted South Korea’s Employment Permit System as part of the G2G deal to send Nepali workers to South Korea. 

Remittance sent by foreign job holders is a key driver of Nepal’s economy. So naturally, there are hundreds manpowers in the country. The largest share of their business comes from supplying unskilled labor forces primarily to Malaysia and the six states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Exploitation of Nepali workers at the hands of manpowers at home and employers in these labor destinations is no secret. It is also not unheard of that many foreign employment agencies enjoy political protection, allowing them to operate in such a manner that they make the maximum profit without a care for the safety, welfare, and rights of the workers.    

Under the new work procedure, Nepali organizations or companies which meet the standards of the SSW system and have taken permission from the ministry will be eligible to send Nepali workers to Japan. Such organizations can facilitate all the process, from conducting language and skill tests examination to sending workers to Japan.  

The document also states that the companies willing to send Nepali workers to Japan should have their training center and there should be at least two language instructors who have official certificates related to Japanese language. They  should also forge an agreement with the Registered Support Organization (RSP) of Japan which is responsible for handling specified skilled workers from foreign countries. 

RSP cannot take any fees from Nepali workers and companies. The companies  providing employment in Japan can come to Nepal to conduct the language and other tests, but there should be a prior agreement with concerned agencies.

The companies that want to take Nepali workers must issue a vacancy issuing all the details such as position, numbers and the working areas. Similarly, it should be clearly stated about the details of work, security and possible health risks it entails. The issues such as provision of social security, allowances, salary, recruitment process among others should be made transparent. 

However, there are several concerns and gaps regarding the government’s decision to hand over the responsibility of sending workers to Japan. The major one is that of transparency.  According to the ministry, those organizations who take the responsibility of sending workers should maintain a transparent way of selecting workers on merit-basis and that the ministry will oversee all the process.

This leaves a lot of wiggle room for manpowers to dictate their conduct. 

Nepali workers are going to Japan under various provisions. Even those who go under the student visas work part-time jobs there. According to the Kyodo news agency, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people from Nepal working in Japan over the past decade, owing in part to labor shortages in the service industry caused by Japan’s aging society. 

Many in the Nepali labor force, which had surged 13-fold to 120,000 nationwide in 2022, work as rafting guides, hotel employees, airport staff and other behind-the scenes workers in bustling holiday destinations. 

According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Nepalis were set to become the fifth largest group of foreign workers in 2022.