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Nepal’s rapid progress in digital finance is a well-documented success story. Mobile wallets and QR codes have fundamentally reshaped daily commerce, creating one of South Asia’s most dynamic payment infrastructure. This achievement has laid a vital foundation for a modern economy. Yet, this very success has created a significant imbalance. The nation's fintech ecosystem is heavily tilted toward payments, while the equally crucial domains of credit and investment remain underdeveloped.

While we have solved the problem of how to pay, the more pressing challenge of how to grow remains largely unaddressed by technology. This is more than a theoretical concern. It has tangible economic consequences. The country’s small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the engine of job creation, face a credit gap estimated in the billions of dollars. Millions of households have savings in low-yield accounts that could be mobilized for productive investment. This imbalance represents a significant missed opportunity for fostering entrepreneurship, democratizing wealth, and accelerating economic growth.

The roots of this lopsided development are twofold: regulatory frameworks that haven’t kept pace with technology, and an institutional focus that has naturally prioritized payments. Key legislation like the Bank and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA) was designed for a traditional banking era and lacks specific provisions for emerging models like digital-only lenders or peer-to-peer platforms. The Securities Act is similarly silent on innovations like crowdfunding or robo-advisory. This legal ambiguity leaves innovators in a grey area, unable to scale their solutions within a clear, regulated framework.

In addition to this, the institutional focus has logically centered on strengthening the payment systems, which has been essential. However, this has meant that the equally important areas of digital credit and investment have received less strategic impetus. The launch of the Regulatory Sandbox recently is a landmark step forward, but its initial focus on payments, while understandable, limits its potential. What was intended as a gateway for innovation risks becoming a walled garden if its scope is not expanded. To build a more resilient and dynamic digital economy, a balanced approach is essential. This requires a clear vision and decisive action on two fronts: modernizing policy and reimagining the tools for innovation.

First, the regulatory environment needs to evolve. A clear roadmap for amending key financial acts is necessary to create legal categories for new fintech players. This would provide them with a clear path from sandbox experimentation to full-scale, regulated operation, fostering responsible innovation while safeguarding the financial system. Alongside legislative updates, a more consolidated approach to fintech governance could be considered. A dedicated unit or department focused on the full spectrum of financial technology from payments to credit and investment could provide the specialized expertise and coherent policy direction needed to guide the market’s next phase.

Second, the Regulatory Sandbox should be empowered to become a true engine for full-spectrum innovation. Building on its initial success, its scope must be broadened. The next cohort of the sandbox could be transformative if it invited innovators to tackle the economy’s most significant gaps. Imagine a stream dedicated to MSME finance, testing PAN-based digital micro-loans that leverage alternative data to extend credit to viable businesses. Another could focus on retail investment, piloting robo-advisory services and micro-investment platforms to bring first-time savers into the capital markets. A third stream could enable regulated crowdfunding platforms, allowing the Nepali diaspora to invest directly in promising local startups.

Global experience shows this path is both practical and powerful. India has created specific licenses for P2P lenders, while Kenya’s M-Shwari pioneered mobile credit, demonstrating that innovation and regulation can and must evolve together. These examples provide proven models for safely incorporating new financial tools into the mainstream economy. The challenge now is to build upon the remarkable success of our payment infrastructure. Payments are the rails, but the real economic journey involves what runs on them: credit that fuels businesses, and investments that build wealth. By modernizing legal frameworks and expanding innovation initiatives, Nepal can correct its current imbalance. The goal is to create a financial system that is not only digitally efficient but also inclusive, dynamic, and capable of funding the nation's growth for decades to come. The time for this next digital leap is now.

The author is a director of Nepal Rastra Bank

I came here to grow. To learn. To lead. To bring life back into the soil. I thought agriculture would root me in purpose in people, in innovation, in change. But semester after semester, the only thing that’s truly growing is my frustration. Let me tell you what it’s really like to be an agriculture student in Nepal. The rotting truth that nobody wants to talk about.

When I entered our college what I found was a dying curriculum, tired teachers, empty labs, and a system that feels like it's forgotten us. We’re being taught from manuals written a decade ago. New knowledge? New technology? Nowhere in the syllabus. Precision farming, climate smart agriculture, vertical farming we hear these terms but never touch them. Our lab classes are dry theory on paper. The microscope is broken. The seeds are missing. The equipment is "coming next year." Always next year.

And our teachers when they’re here are often overworked. Some semesters, we don’t even get them. One teacher arrives, rushes through a six month course in two days, and then vanishes. We copy notes. Memorize slides, highlight sentences we don’t understand. Then we walk into exams like sheep heading for slaughter. Sit for practical exams that are anything but practical. Write definitions of tools we’ve never seen.

Time runs out. The course is never completed. Yet the exam arrives like a storm, and we’re left scrambling. Nobody teaches how to think, how to apply, how to survive. Just pass or fail. More than 70 percent of students fail repeatedly—and no one asks why.

There’s no mentorship. No industry linkage. No exposure. No internships. And every time we raise questions, we hear the same thing: “budget chaina.” They say they do not budget for basic learning, for upgraded classrooms, for the internet, for practical tools. But they have plenty of budget for events, speeches and elections. And the main thing for this is politics. Yes, politics poisons everything. Student parties dominate every corner of our campus life. If you’re not a member of some political group, you’re not getting on stage, you’re not leading any events, you’re not getting your name on any notice. And if you are, you get everything even if you haven’t earned it.

They say student unions are meant to protect us. What we see is power games. Vote campaigns. Threats. Fights that erupt into real violence. Heads get smashed. Classrooms get locked. And you’re either with them or invisible. Opportunities? Leadership roles? Exposure? Reserved for those in politics. The rest of us just survive. Sometimes, fights break out. Literal ones. Blood on campus floors. People hospitalized over student elections. And we call this education. We are silenced in the name of discipline. Told not to complain. Told this is how it’s always been. But we are tired. We are breaking down.

No one talks about the mental load we carry. The anxiety. The burnout. The breakdowns in hostel rooms. The pressure to succeed in a system designed to make you fail. The constant academic pressure, the humiliation of failing, the fear of asking questions, the silence in classrooms where curiosity once lived. Many of us are depressed. Many have panic attacks before results. But there is no counselor. No system. No one notices unless we collapse.

I am an agriculture student who once believed in change. I still do but not like this. I don’t want the juniors to walk this same road, only to lose their voice halfway. Because no student should come here full of life only to leave burnt out, bitter and broken. Admissions in agriculture campuses are declining year after year not because agriculture isn’t important, but because we’ve made it unbearable.

We wanted to grow. But this system is built to bury us. And unless something changes, more of us will keep withering in silence. To the system, we are not machines. We are not vote banks. We are not pages to be marked red for wrong answers you never bothered to teach us. We are not your failed harvest. We are the seeds of change. So stop burying us alive. We are students. We are the future of agriculture and we refuse to rot in silence.

When I was growing up in Kathmandu, science often felt distant and confined to textbooks. We memorized the contents for exams and conducted experiments in the labs with limited resources. We rarely talk about how we apply science in our daily lives, and the significance of scientific research in the advancement of the nation.

Today, as a PhD student in the United States, I see that gap more clearly than ever. A few months ago, I got an opportunity to visit the US Capitol in Washington, DC, to meet with the lawmakers as part of the science advocacy effort. During the visit, I talked about the necessity of investing in scientific research and how that is connected to better health and stronger societies. It was a surreal moment for someone who began an academic journey in Nepal. But more importantly, it made me understand how much Nepal can gain if we start valuing scientific research as part of our national development plan.

As I shared my journey as an international student from Nepal to the United States and my research on gut microbiota and high blood pressure with the staff of the lawmakers at Capitol Hill, they were all ears. I basically emphasized how investment in science can create not only opportunities for students like me, but it fuels discoveries that benefit people worldwide by finding solutions to problems that affect global health. What struck me the most was how the staff members listened attentively and promised to brief the lawmakers on our conversation regarding the inevitability of sustained investment in scientific research.  

So why does this matter in the context of Nepal?

It is because the challenges Nepal is facing are directly connected to science.

Take health, for example. Hypertension or high blood pressure and diabetes are common pressing issues that affect almost every household in Nepal. Thousands of people lose their lives to these conditions every year. It is not only shortening the lives of people but also burdening the family. Research can help us understand why these conditions are rising in Nepal and give us an idea to develop affordable and effective treatment strategies and prevent future incidence.

Or consider climate change. Nepal is on the frontline of its impacts. Floods and landslides are increasing, and air pollution in the major cities always exceeds the safe limits. These conditions affect our livelihood, economy, food and health systems, so they demand scientific solutions. We cannot be fully prepared to face these challenges by relying on foreign studies, which may not fully reflect Nepal’s geography and social structure. We need to have a culture of supporting scientific ideas and promoting national research.

This is where advocacy comes into play. Advocacy is not always about meeting with the members of parliament or government officials. It is about communicating science, which is understandable to everyone, and making the science visible. It could also mean explaining and communicating scientific ideas via articles, blog posts, podcasts or through videos in a layman’s language to the public, students and leaders. All these actions should reflect the importance of scientific research. Advocacy also includes visiting schools and colleges to inspire young minds, organizing science fairs or festivals and events. It could also mean urging the policymakers to stop seeing scientific research investment as an expense but a crucial requirement in the development of health, education and the national economy. The more openly we talk about science, research, and policy, the better prepared we become in addressing challenges that hold back scientific progress. 

On the bus ride back from Capitol Hill, I realized that scientific progress is often undervalued in Nepal. We still depend upon neighboring countries to import basic kits for research activities. We need to support national entrepreneurs to invest in developing research tools in their home country, so the budding scientists do not have to wait for months to get access to the research tools.

Our universities and schools are full of talented students and researchers, but without sufficient resources, funding, advocacy and support, meaning their talent hardly reaches the public or policymakers. We must value scientific research by supporting young scientists, funding local research projects and ensuring that scientific research outcomes are regularly discussed with the public and policymakers.

Through my own journey, I have come to believe that speaking up for science is as important as doing science. Through the American Physiological Society’s Early-career Advocacy Fellowship, I have been committed to strengthening my advocacy efforts, designing advocacy tools and writing for the public to become a long-term advocate for scientific research. Beyond this fellowship, I am writing science blog articles, visiting high schools to demonstrate science experiments and serving as a science fair judge. These experiences have deepened my belief that science belongs to all, not just to those who wear lab coats.

Science is not distant. It is in the medicines that save lives, the clean water that keeps us healthy and the policies that protect us from floods and pollution. Whether in the halls of the US Capitol or the classrooms of Kathmandu, the message is the same: science matters. If we are to meet the challenges of tomorrow as a nation, we must start advocating for and investing in research today.

It has been nearly six decades since the UN General Assembly adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights popularly known as ICCPR. Article 19 of ICCPR states: “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in form of art, or through any other media of his choice.”

In Nepal’s case, the 1990 constitution, for the first time, recognized citizens’ right to demand information held by public agencies on matters of public importance. Actually, Nepal was ahead of other South Asian countries when it came to providing constitutional guarantee to Right to Information. Now, other South Asian countries are making a huge progress on RTI but Nepal is lagging behind. In Nepal, progressive constitutional provision remained largely unimplemented in the absence of a supportive law. Successive governments after 1990 did not pay any attention to formulate such legislation due to a lack of awareness about its importance for the effective functioning of the democracy.

The 2015 constitution further strengthened this right, stating that every citizen shall have the right to demand and receive information on any matter of personal and public interest, with exception of information legally designated as confidential. To support these constitutional guarantees, the Right to Information Act was enacted on 21 July 21 followed by the National Information Commission in 2009. Nepal now has both legal and institutional frameworks to protect people’s right to information. Yet, in practice, progress has been limited.

Government and non-governmental agencies, particularly the National Information Commission, have been active in raising awareness about the importance of RTI for democracy. Numerous training and seminars have been conducted, mainly targeting government officials. While these efforts have raised some awareness, they are often repetitive and ineffective. Nonetheless, journalists and activists have increasingly used RTI as a tool to expose corruption, which is a positive development.

The tendency to seek information from government bodies has grown, but it remains largely confined to activists and has yet to spread widely among ordinary citizens. Serious challenges continue to hinder effective implementation of the law. The most fundamental issue is the persistent failure to instill in political leaders and government officials that people have a right, not a privilege, to access information of public importance.  Political leaders rarely encourage transparency; instead, they often side with bureaucrats in suppressing information. In many cases, leaders have even instructed agencies to withhold information rather than disclose it.

There still is a mindset among the politicians and bureaucracy that granting or denying access to information is at their discretion. In reality, the law has clearly stated what type of information may be withheld. This includes information that jeopardizes sovereignty, integrity, national security, public peace and stability, or that interferes with criminal investigation, inquiry and prosecution, or sensitive economic, trade and monetary matters. Beyond these exceptions, government agencies are obligated to provide information without restrictions. Instead of adhering to the law, many government agencies impose unnecessary conditions with the deliberate intent of suppressing information. Politicians and officials alike fear that if full disclosure were made, their corruption and irregularities would be exposed.

As per the law, every public office should appoint an information officer. While such officers do exist in government offices, they are rarely empowered. Most lack access to the information they are meant to provide, leaving people empty-handed when they make requests. On paper, government agencies appear to comply with proactive disclosure requirements by publishing reports every three months. In reality, these documents do not reveal anything about actual activities. They are often little more than recycled introductions and lists of duties and responsibilities; reprinted again and again to create the illusion of transparency.

The National Information Commission cannot remain satisfied with this surface-level compliance. Its focus must go beyond repetitive training seasons for government officials. Instead, it should actively monitor the information that government agencies are making public and investigate misleading practices and demand that agencies change their current approach to proactive disclosure. The priority in earlier years was to ensure that agencies appointed information officers and began publishing regular reports. That phase has passed. Now, the challenge is to push for meaningful disclosure of substantive information. The government offices should stop reprinting empty profiles again and again, taking both the public and the Commission for granted.

Another vital component is that people are not aware about the importance of their rights and responsibilities of the government agencies. While publicity campaigns have informed people that an RTI law exists, very few people understand its details and how to use it effectively. Knowledge remains confined to a small circle of political leaders, activists and professionals working in the field. Even students do not have comprehensive knowledge about RTI even though RTI has been incorporated in the school and university curricula. Students know about the RTI only from a narrow examination perspective, with little understanding of its practical application.

The National Information Commission, which is tasked with ensuring implementation of this law, should change its working style. Going beyond its routine seminar and lectures, it should identify bottlenecks and directly confront agencies that are misleading the public by publishing background information while concealing what truly matters. As a journalist, I often visit the websites of government agencies to read their proactive disclosure documents to find new information about works accomplished by them. But they always disappoint me. The format provided by the National Information Commission for the proactive disclosure, which is focused on background and general information rather than the substantive information, itself is problematic. Similarly, it should explain why government agencies are not empowering the information officers to provide the information. Similarly, it should find out why two decades of awareness campaigns have failed to build genuine public understanding. It should study new ways to disseminate the information in the ever-changing information ecosystem.

In conclusion, politicians and government agencies have yet to internalize that the right to information is a cornerstone of democracy. Now, we have to move on to phase two of the implementation of RTI—one that ensures not just the existence of laws and institutions but their effective use as well. Most importantly, people must be able to seek information without fear.

At present, many hesitate to approach officials for information, worried that they might be targeted if they do so. With corruption at unprecedented levels, especially at the local level where political leaders and bureaucrats are often complicit, the culture of opacity still persists. Breaking this cycle will require stronger enforcement, fearless oversight and a genuine political commitment.

In Nepal, 27 companies produce oil using both imported and local soybeans, with most of the output exported abroad. In the last fiscal year, Nepal exported more than 500,000 tons of soybean oil. According to the Customs Department, a total of 510,063 tons of soybean oil was exported in fiscal year 2024/25.

RMC Foods Pvt Ltd was the leading exporter, shipping 43,467 tons of oil and capturing 8.43 percent of the total export market. Pashupati Edible Oil Industry ranked second with 38,727 tons (7.47 percent), while Shree Shiva Shakti Ghee Industry followed with 36,106 tons, securing around 7–8 percent of the market share.

Annapurna Vegetable Products Pvt Ltd exported 31,488 tons (6.17 percent), and Swastik Oil Industries Pvt Ltd exported 29,722 tons (5.83 percent). Sushil Vaastani Pvt Ltd (Parsa) exported 28,216 tons (5.53 percent), while Ganapati Vaastani shipped 28,292 tons (5.5 percent). OCB Foods and Feeds Pvt Ltd exported 26,312 tons (5.16 percent), and Baba Vegetable Oil Industries Pvt. Ltd. followed with 25,553 tons (5.01 percent).

Siddhi Vinayak Oil Pvt. Ltd. exported 15,636 tons, accounting for about three percent of total exports. Six other companies—Shri Krishna Oil Refinery Pvt Ltd, Maruti Oil Industry Pvt Ltd, Janakpur Refinery Pvt Ltd, Nandan Ghee & Oil Industry, Bagmati Oil Industries, and Shri Ram Refine Oil Products Pvt Ltd—each held around two percent market share, exporting between 13,500 and 15,000 tons of soybean oil.

Another six companies—Sunshine Foods Pvt Ltd, Kalika Refinery Pvt Ltd, ABC Oil Industry Pvt Ltd, Siddhartha Refinery and Solvent Industry Pvt Ltd, Probiotech Industry Ltd, and Everest Solvent Pvt Ltd—exported between 7,000 and 10,000 tons each, collectively holding around one percent market share. Meanwhile, CG Oil and Derivatives Pvt Ltd and Aarti Vegetable Products Pvt Ltd exported between 3,000 and 5,000 tons, capturing 0.99 percent and 0.73 percent of the market, respectively.

According to the Customs Department, Nepal imported 317,501 tons of soybeans and soybean meal last fiscal year at a cost of Rs 21.145bn. The state collected Rs 1.59bn in revenue from these imports.

A delegation led by Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, held a meeting with Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav on Sunday. 

The Vietnamese Vice President arrived in Kathmandu on a three-day visit to Nepal at the friendly invitation of Vice President Yadav on Saturday.

During the meeting held today, they discussed the matters of religious similarities as well as immense potentials of religious and cultural tourism in both countries.  

They also exchanged views on the issue of bilateral, regional and international concern, shared Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prakash Adhikari. 

The two Vice Presidents talked about the bilateral relationship between Nepal and Vietnam, which is based on friendship, goodwill and respect of sovereignty, and is moving ahead with a shared vision in the international forum. 

On the occasion, an understanding has been reached between the two countries to exchange ministry and different level visits. They also discussed that Nepal could learn from Vietnam as the latter is a country having high-economic growth rate as well as possibility of investment, added Adhikari. 

Bilateral trade, investment, digital technology and people-to-people relations were also discussed between them. 

This visit, the first ever highest-level visit to Nepal from Vietnam, coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam. 

In recent years, words like “sugar” and “pressure” have become part of our everyday conversation. These terms refer to two chronic conditions: diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). Once considered the problems of the elderly or the wealthy, they have now become common across all age groups and social classes, posing a serious threat to the health and well-being of millions.

According to the WHO STEPS Survey (2019/20), about one in four Nepalis aged 15 to 69 has high blood pressure, while nearly six percent live with diabetes. Experts believe these numbers are likely higher today due to changes in lifestyle, diet, and increasing urbanization. Perhaps even more worrying is the fact that many individuals remain unaware of their condition until it leads to severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure.

The changing face of health in Nepal

Nepal has experienced rapid social and economic transformation in recent decades. While infectious diseases and maternal health once dominated public health priorities, a new challenge is emerging: non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Diabetes and hypertension now account for a significant portion of the disease burden. This shift is largely driven by lifestyle changes. Traditional Nepali life involved walking long distances, manual labor, and eating simple, fresh food prepared at home. Today, many people spend most of their time sitting at desks, in vehicles, or glued to digital screens. Physical activity has decreased, and diets have shifted toward high-calorie, processed foods laden with salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Urbanization has brought many conveniences but also new risks. Fast food outlets, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become common even in smaller towns. Stress levels have increased as people juggle work, family, and economic challenges. All of these factors contribute to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension often affecting people at younger ages than before.

Why are diabetes and high blood pressure dangerous?

Both diabetes and high blood pressure are often called “silent killers” because they typically cause no obvious symptoms in their early stages. Many people feel perfectly fine while the disease silently damages their organs. Diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels, can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and the heart. Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.

High blood pressure strains the heart and arteries, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Alarmingly, these two conditions often occur together -about two-thirds of people with Type 2 diabetes also have hypertension. The combination of these diseases significantly raises the chance of severe health events and premature death. This dual burden places a heavy strain on individuals, families, and the health system.

The human and economic cost

Living with diabetes or high blood pressure requires lifelong management. Patients need regular doctor visits, medications, blood tests, and lifestyle adjustments. For many Nepali families, especially those in rural areas or with low incomes, the costs of treatment and travel to health facilities are substantial. Moreover, when these diseases lead to complications—such as strokes, heart failure, or kidney failure patients often need hospital stays and expensive procedures. Many lose their ability to work, and their families face income loss and increased care responsibilities. This creates a vicious cycle where illness leads to poverty, which in turn worsens health outcomes.

Early detection: The key to saving lives

Because these conditions develop silently, early detection is critical. Regular screening for blood pressure and blood sugar should be part of routine health care for adults, especially after the age of 35. Unfortunately, many Nepalis do not have easy access to these tests, and awareness remains low. Community health workers and local health posts can play a vital role in educating people and providing screening services. Schools and workplaces are also ideal settings for awareness campaigns and health checks.

Simple steps to prevention and control

The good news is that diabetes and hypertension are mostly preventable and manageable with simple lifestyle choices. Everyone can take steps to protect their health:

• Eat fresh, homemade meals: Limit salt, sugar, and processed foods. Increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay physically active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Walking, cycling, yoga, or household work all count.
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Both increase the risk of these diseases and worsen complications.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can improve blood pressure and blood sugar.
• Manage stress: Practices like meditation, spending time with family, or enjoying hobbies can help.
• Regular health checks: Don’t wait for symptoms-check your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly.

What must the government do?

Individual effort alone is not enough. To address the growing NCD burden, Nepal’s health system needs strengthening:

• Expand screening and treatment services in all health facilities, including rural clinics.
• Ensure affordable access to essential medicines for diabetes and hypertension.
• Train health workers to detect and counsel patients effectively.
• Run nationwide awareness campaigns in multiple languages and formats.
• Regulate unhealthy food marketing and consider taxing sugary drinks and junk food.
• Promote physical activity programs in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Nepal has demonstrated remarkable success in tackling infectious diseases and improving maternal health. Similar political will and community engagement can help turn the tide on diabetes and hypertension.

Real stories, real impact

Consider the story of Ramesh, a 52-year-old businessman in Kathmandu. He never thought much about his health until he experienced sudden chest pain and was diagnosed with a heart attack. Tests revealed he had uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension both undiagnosed until then. After months of treatment and lifestyle changes, Ramesh now actively manages his health and advocates for others to get regular checkups. Stories like his are increasingly common. They highlight the urgent need for early detection and prevention across Nepal.

Our collective responsibility

Diabetes and high blood pressure may not cause sudden outbreaks or emergency situations, but their effects are just as devastating. These diseases steal lives slowly and silently, causing suffering for individuals and hardship for families. The good news is that with awareness, commitment, and coordinated action, we can prevent many cases and manage existing ones better. Everyone—individuals, families, healthcare workers, and policymakers—must come together to build a healthier Nepal. We have the knowledge and tools; now is the time to act. Let’s take control of our health before these silent killers take control of our lives.

A few months ago, a shocking incident unfolded in Balkot. A seemingly ordinary family was devastated when Milan Acharya murdered his father and brother in their sleep. He later admitted to the killings, attributing his action to stress and depression. Acharya claimed he did it to “free them,” revealing a deeply troubled state of mind.

Some months later, Lila Raj Giri murdered his seven-year-old daughter and five-year-old nephew in Bharatpur. He attacked the two children with a sickle before turning the weapon on himself. Giri was found in a critical condition and rushed to the hospital. A former soldier, authorities suspect Giri committed the murder due to a mental health crisis.

Similar tragedies continue to emerge across the country. In one recent case, a woman named Durbi from Morang district died after her husband, Babudhan Satar, attacked her in a domestic dispute. A neighbor who tried to intervene was also injured.
Not long after, Rajendra Rai murdered his wife Manisha and her four family members at Dhodlekhani village of Bhojpur. The incident followed months of conflict between Rai and his in-laws, who didn’t approve of marriage between him and their daughter. 

The above- mentioned cases are not random or isolated. In recent months, Nepal has witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crimes committed within families. These chilling cases reveal more than just crime; they point toward a larger, more complex social and psychological crisis.

As Lawrence R Samuel notes in The Psychology of Murder: “The taking of another person’s life was often the outcome of a strong emotion linked to a particular event and a close relationship.” Mental health struggles, unresolved conflicts, societal pressure, caste discrimination, and a lack of support systems may all be contributing factors. Yet the big question remains: Why are people committing these acts—and why do they seem unafraid of the legal consequences?

Is it a failure of the legal system? Or are we neglecting the mental health crisis quietly growing inside homes? The normalization—or even the increasing frequency—of such domestic tragedies demands more than just punishment.

Looking in the traditional Nepali society, it places a strong emphasis on family honor, obedience to elders, rigid gender roles, and social hierarchy. While these norms have historically maintained social cohesion, they often suppress individual emotions and discourage open conversations about mental health. The stigma around seeking help—especially for men or those facing emotional distress—can lead to bottled-up anger, isolation, and unresolved conflict within families. In cases where individuals challenge these norms (such as through love marriages or defying parental authority), tensions can escalate, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Psychiatrist Dr Rika Rijal explains, “In psychiatry, extreme domestic violence within families often emerges from severe depression with psychotic features, psychotic illnesses, unresolved trauma, or overwhelming stress. Individuals in such states may not perceive reality accurately. They might experience overwhelming guilt, or distorted beliefs that drive them toward harming loved ones.” Emotional isolation, personality issues, or long-standing family tensions can further compound the risk.

According to Dr Rijal, depression is not always quiet sadness— it can appear as anger, agitation, and irritability. “In some cases, unresolved trauma or feelings of helplessness may become so unbearable that the person externalizes their inner turmoil in destructive ways.” 

Within homes, this can tragically manifest as violence against family members—those closest and most vulnerable.

In the case of Acharya, the statement to “free” his family reflects a possible altruistic delusion, says Dr Rijal. “In such a state, the person falsely believes they are protecting loved ones. Sometimes, individuals extend their suicidal ideation outward, thinking that death is a form of relief not just for themselves but also for their family.” 

Such a thought process does not arise from cruelty but from a profoundly disordered perception of reality. Psychiatrists suggest that families and communities may also help and examine them carefully. There are different warning signs that includes withdrawal and social isolation, expressions of hopelessness or being a burden, sudden aggression, irritability, or erratic behaviour, talking about “ending suffering” or showing preoccupation with death, noticeable decline in daily functioning, such as neglecting hygiene, school, or work, use of substance etc. Recognizing these signs early can provide families and communities with a chance to intervene before crises escalate.

Nepal does have mental health resources, though they remain limited and underutilized. While psychiatric services at any hospital and NGOs like Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO), KOSHISH, and CMC Nepal offer community-based psychosocial support, they are not widely accessible to those in need.

Dr Rijal says, stigma around mental illness, lack of mental health literacy, and geographical barriers prevent many at-risk individuals from accessing these services. She stresses strengthening community awareness and creating accessible mental health support could prevent such tragedies in the future.

According to Nepal Police, property and financial disputes, such as the division of family property or disagreements over land ownership, often spark deep-rooted tensions within households. These conflicts can escalate into family feuds, leading to strained relationships between spouses and even incidents of domestic violence. Officials say that in many cases, individuals involved may suffer from mental health issues like depression or more severe conditions such as psychosis, which further complicate the situation. 

Additionally, societal pressures—especially the emphasis on family honor—can intensify these challenges, with love affairs or inter-caste marriages often viewed as a threat to social respect. The situation is frequently worsened by the use of drugs and alcohol, which can fuel aggressive behavior and impair judgment, making peaceful resolution even more difficult. Lack of education and awareness also lead to these incidents and violence against women and dowry are some of the reasons behind these.

The federal capital looks like the protest capital of Nepal, with protests of all sorts becoming a part and parcel of daily life. Just months after teachers and non-teaching staff of government schools launched a strident protest for the fulfillment of their ‘just demands’, teachers and principals of private schools have started hitting the streets of Kathmandu with their own set of demands.

The latest protest at Maitighar Mandala comes at a time when the Education, Health and Technology Committee of the House of Representatives is about to pass a Bill on school education.

Unveiling a phasewise protest, the protesters have warned that they will intensify their protest by shutting schools from Aug 25 if the government does not address their demands by then. So, what’s getting the protesters’ goat and pushing them onto the streets of Kathmandu from the classroom? Among the five points of objection, first and foremost is the bill’s intent to make private schools registered under the Company Act ‘nonprofit-oriented’. The removal of provisions on ‘full scholarship (the schools want to distribute scholarships on their own, but are okay with a transparent committee formed with the representation of concerned municipality/rural municipality distributing freeships), the end of the practice of schools supplying things not produced by them (uniform, educational materials, food, etc) and the removal of the rule allowing only students of community schools to enrol in CTEVT courses are among their major demands.

Apparently, the protesters have the backing of ‘umbrella organizations’ of schools such as PABSON, N-PABSON and HISSAN. In the wake of the recent protest, it will be worthwhile, once again, to revisit the preamble of our Constitution, which defines Nepal as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented, federal democratic republican state.

The Bill may be one more half-hearted attempt of the government to gear toward socialism even as socialism remains an alien concept in different walks of our national life, including education. While the government should better regulate private educational institutions and try every bit to make education affordable for all by reigning in exorbitant fees and other charges (remember, right to education is a fundamental right), and make sure that only deserving candidates get freeships, robbing private schools of sources of profit may bleed them dry, causing the education system to collapse.

In the interest of students, parents and the society at large, the government and the protesters would do well to strive for a negotiated settlement. 

Nepal are taking on Pakistan in the Top End T20 Series underway in Northern Territory of Australia. 

In the final match of the group stage under the series, Nepal and Pakistan are set to compete today. 

The match will begin at 3:15 pm Nepali time. 

Nepal are in seventh place in the score board among the 11 teams participating in the series. 

Nepali team is under pressure to win today's match to qualify for the semifinals. 

As South Asia experiences a multifaceted regional rebalancing, the Indo-Nepal bilateral relationship keeps developing on the twin principles of economic interdependence, physical connectivity infrastructure, and strategic diplomacy. Trade and energy to border management and transit routes, the latest developments in 2025 represent a renewed vigour of engagement between the two neighbours—united not only geographically, but through history and people-to-people ties.

A deep trade partnership 

India continues to be Nepal's biggest trade partner by a wide margin, with more than 64% of Nepal's foreign trade volume. Based on the data of the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, bilateral trade reached Rs 1.13 trillion during FY 2022–23. Nepal exported products worth Rs 106.69 billion and imported more than Rs 1.02 trillion from India.

Nepal's major exports to India are refined palm oil, soybean oil, cardamom, carpets, iron and steel, and polyester yarn. Such commodities—some of which are manufactured under inward processing arrangements—have duty-free entry into Indian markets under currently prevailing bilateral agreements, subject to meeting prescribed value-addition norms.

On the import front, Nepal is heavily reliant on Indian petroleum products, vehicles, machinery, medicines, and food grains. The trade deficit is appalling, but Nepal is making efforts to diversify its export basket, with more focus on electricity exports, herbal products, and processed agro-forestry products.

Infrastructure and connectivity as catalysts

Trade facilitation has also been boosted immensely by cross-border infrastructure. Two Integrated Check Posts—ICP Raxaul from the Indian side and ICP Birgunj in Nepal—collectively process more than 50% of total bilateral trade volume, as reported by Nepal's Customs Department.

Additionally, strategic road and rail connectivity continues to be expanded:

Jaynagar–Kurtha railway is in operation, with additional extension to Bardibas underway.

Raxaul–Kathmandu and Jogbani–Biratnagar railway projects are in advanced planning stages.

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway, which opened in June 2025, brings travel time from Lucknow to the Nepal border down to 3.5 hours, benefiting border trade and tourism straightaway.

A historic connectivity project—the Motihari–Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline—has already changed the petroleum product supply chain. In operation since 2019, it exports more than 2 million tons of fuel every year and minimizes transport costs and losses substantially.

Energy: From impirt dependence to regional exporter

One of the most notable developments this year is the coming out of Nepal as a power exporter. Nepal, in June 2025, started exporting 40 MW of power to Bangladesh via India's transmission network—South Asia's first tri-national energy transit project.

This comes after India's endorsement of Nepal's export of more than 450 MW of power, mainly from hydropower projects, to Indian states like Bihar. A 2024 long-term energy deal obliges India to buy a maximum of 10,000 MW of power from Nepal within a decade—an ambitious but possible target considering Nepal's unreleased hydropower potential.

In February 2025, Indian Oil Corporation inked an agreement to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Nepal, a first in cross-border energy collaboration. The initial quantum will be small—240 tons a year—but the strategic value is significant.

Diplomacy and strategic engagement 

Diplomatic interaction between the two countries has picked up in recent months. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Kathmandu in August 2025 for top-level discussions with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, setting the stage for a state visit to India in September.

In parallel, home secretary-level talks during July concentrated on border safety, preventing trans-border crime, and coordinating responses to disaster—all high-priority areas for two nations with a penetrable and open 1,770 km shared border.

India has continued to prioritize its "Neighbourhood First" strategy, and Nepal has, in turn, reaffirmed greater cooperation across domains.

Historical foundations contemporary relevance 

India–Nepal relations are supported by official treaties—the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, the Treaty of Trade, and the Treaty of Transit. These have ensured institutional continuity, but both sides realized that they need to update their framework to accommodate changing economic and geopolitical compulsions.

There are occasional political tensions, but the structural foundations are stable. The economic path is one of the increased integration, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Cultural ties, religious bonds, and the open border access continue to underpin rich people-to-people relationships, especially in border communities.

Conclusion

As the globe leans towards regionalism and economic blocs, India and Nepal are heading towards a more pragmatic and fruitful era of bilateral engagement. Diversification of trade, energy dependence, and high-level diplomacy indicate that 2025 could be a watershed year—one that converts geographic proximity into strategic partnership.

Whether or not potential is actualized will rest on sustained mutual respect, open coordination, and shared vision towards sustainable development.

Jagathkrishna Yadav, journalism student, Dr B.R Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad

The Nepal Overseas Export Import Association has demanded diplomatic initiatives and infrastructure arrangements to open other border points to facilitate land trade with China. The association has demanded the opening of other border points as the two northern border points, Suwagadhi and Tatopani, are closed every year during the rainy season due to floods and landslides.

The movement of people and goods through the Rasuwagadhi border point has come to a standstill after the flood on the night of June 10 washed away the Miteri Bridge connecting Nepal and China. The Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchowk has also been blocked for two weeks due to floods and landslides. Hundreds of containers and trucks carrying goods imported for Nepal have been stranded on the road due to the sudden closure of the border point due to natural disasters. Due to which businessmen have been forced to bear heavy expenses.

Since it is necessary to open other border crossings to facilitate import and export with China, the association has urged the government to make those border crossings operational through diplomatic initiatives and to arrange infrastructure at other alternative border crossings. The Development Committee of the Legislative Assembly had suggested that Korala and Olangchun Gola border crossings be made operational after studying the condition of the northern border crossings in 2015. High-ranking officials of the Nepal and Chinese governments had agreed to open seven northern border crossings during bilateral discussions a decade ago.

These border crossings included Tatopani, Korala in Mustang, Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha, Lamabagar in Dolakha, Olangchun Gola in Taplejung, Amjapas in Mugu, Yari Hilsa in Humla, and Larke in Gorkha. However, so far, other border crossings except Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani have not been opened for commercial purposes.

Korala border crossing is in a condition to be operational for 12 months. Infrastructure is also ready at the Korala border crossing towards China. The road has also reached Korala on the Nepal side. Studies have shown that trade between the two countries can also be conducted through the Olangchun Gola border crossing in Taplejung. The association has drawn the attention of the government to open these border crossings for trade purposes as soon as possible and to create an environment for other border crossings that are suitable for trade.

China is Nepal’s second largest partner in import trade. Data shows that trade with China has been shifting towards the northern border crossings with the recent development of infrastructure.

Nepal received foreign investment commitments worth Rs 24.10bn the first month of the current fiscal year. According to the Department of Industry, foreign investment commitments were received for 127 projects in August. The commitments received during the month are 163 percent higher than in the same period of the previous fiscal year when foreign investors had committed to invest Rs 9.15bn in 90 projects.

Monthly foreign direct investment approval data released by the department shows the total commitments have been made for 125 small-scale industries and two large-scale projects. Sectorwise, the agriculture sector received the highest investment in terms of value. The sector attracted investment of Rs 20.04bn, or 83 percent of the total investment commitments for the month, for just three projects.

The tourism sector came next, with 41 projects drawing Rs 3.02bn, or 13 percent of total commitments. In terms of project numbers, the ICT sector saw the highest interest, attracting 71 projects with total commitments of Rs 365.2m. The manufacturing sector received investment commitments of Rs 155m across three projects. One energy project secured Rs 184.2m in commitments. Similarly, eight projects in the service sector attracted Rs 335m in investment pledges.

These ventures have pledged to create 8,268 new jobs. Additionally, eight projects involving share purchases and subscriptions attracted Rs 1.99bn in commitments. The department also recorded five technology transfer agreements during the month. Meanwhile, foreign investors repatriated Rs 2.90bn as dividends in the first month of 2025/26, up from Rs 64m in the same period of the previous fiscal year. 

In 2024/25, Nepal received a total foreign investment commitment of Rs 64.96bn for 840 projects. These projects pledged to create 19,536 new jobs.  However, only about a third of the total commitments are actually realized. According to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), only 37.89 percent of the total FDI pledged over the past decade was realized. Nepal received total FDI commitments worth Rs 395.92bn between 2014/15 and 2023/24. Of this, only Rs 126.29bn translated into actual investment.

On Aug 18, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Nepal’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Nepal’s WTO Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi. Just three more acceptances are needed for the agreement to enter into force. 

DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “Only through collective action can we restore the health of our oceans—and curbing harmful fisheries subsidies is an important step to this end. I am deeply grateful to Nepal for its leadership as a landlocked least-developed country. With Nepal’s ratification, we are even closer to crossing the finish line in bringing the landmark Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into force. Only three more acceptances to go!”

Ambassador Subedi said: “Nepal is very pleased to deposit its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies today, reaffirming our commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. As a landlocked country, we nonetheless share with other WTO members a responsibility to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. We believe that healthy marine ecosystems are vital for food security, environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.”

Formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required for the agreement to enter into force—representing 111 members. At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, ministers adopted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies through consensus, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas.

Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs) by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments that have formally accepted the agreement to implement the new obligations.

In early June, the Fish Fund launched a Call for Proposals inviting developing economies and LDCs that have ratified the agreement to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. Applications are due by Oct 9. 

WTO members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiating on remaining fisheries subsidies issues with the aim of finding consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.

Five years after the deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley that severely strained ties, India and China now appear to be moving toward normalization of relations.

While the US President Donald Trump’s tariff war may have nudged the two Asian powers closer, the current thaw stems largely from sustained confidence-building measures and dialogue. For Kathmandu, cordial relations between India and China create a more favorable environment to engage constructively with both New Delhi and Beijing.

On both the Doklam and the Galwan clashes, Nepal consistently maintained that disputes should be resolved peacefully. Following the Galwan incident, Nepal stated: “In the context of recent developments in the Galwan Valley area between our friendly neighbors India and China, Nepal is confident that both the neighboring countries will resolve, in the spirit of good neighborliness, their mutual differences through peaceful means in favor of bilateral, regional and world peace and stability.”

Over the past year, multiple rounds of dialogue helped rebuild trust. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India on Aug 18–19, where discussions included the sensitive border question. Earlier, in July, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar traveled to Beijing.

India has long maintained that relations cannot return to normal unless border issues are addressed. In delegation-level talks, Jaishankar remarked: “Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns.”

On the global context, he added: “We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day. In the current environment, there is clearly the imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, for his part, urged both sides to draw lessons from the past, cultivate a correct strategic outlook, and view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats. He emphasized confidence-building, expanded cooperation and consolidating positive momentum. Pointing to the US, Wang warned that “unilateral bullying practices are on the rise, while free trade and the international order face severe challenges.”

This thaw in India-China ties comes at a time when New Delhi’s relations with Washington have soured after Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. Meanwhile, China and the US have been locked in a trade and technology war since 2018.

According to Kathmandu-based geopolitical analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta, shifting global geopolitics has compelled both India and China to temporarily set aside differences. “Both countries now recognize each other as competing powers, not necessarily the binary rivals often portrayed in Western media,” he said. “The backdrop to these developments is important for countries like Nepal. For instance, the Trump administration’s tariff measures against India for its Russian oil imports came despite the fact that most major countries were doing the same, something that actually helped stabilize the global oil market, benefiting even Nepal.”

Bhatta added that India and China have long learned from each other, and countries in between stand to benefit if ties continue to improve. Closer relations could generate alternative ideas for development and global governance.

Still, he cautioned that states prioritize their own interests, especially in times of heightened geopolitics. “We too must focus on our own interests and prepare to navigate accordingly,” he said. “There’s an old saying: whether elephants fight or make love, it’s the grass that suffers. It may be old, but it remains relevant when external factors increasingly shape regional relations.”

For many people with disabilities, the everyday reality is filled with obstacles that remain invisible to most. Inaccessible roads, unreliable public transport, and poorly implemented laws create barriers that restrict opportunities, independence, and dignity. 

Take the story of Pustika Prajapati. She lost her vision after completing grade 12 due to corneal problems. “When I step outside, I walk carefully,” she explains. Her vision started deteriorating in grade 8, but she learned to adapt. “The roads have potholes and living in Bhaktapur is even hard because of the brick roads and gallis, but I have been managing till now,” she says.

Transportation and negotiating with city traffic, however, is another story. Zebra crossings are particularly dangerous because there is no voice system to assist. “Once, I asked a man to give me a reserved seat on the bus. He refused, and the conductor didn’t help either,” she recalls.

For Nar Bahadur Bista, a member of the Dwarf Association of Nepal, daily life comes with physical challenges that most people take for granted. Public transport, stairs, and even simple furniture like chairs or toilets are not designed for someone of his stature. “Getting on and off buses is difficult. Stairs, public toilets, chairs, and even kitchens are not made for people like me,” he says.

Hospital visits are also a challenge for Bista, as beds, counters, and chairs are not accessible.

These are not isolated cases. Across Nepal, inaccessible roads, vehicles, buildings, and services create an invisible prison for people with disabilities. These stories reveal the hidden cost of inaccessibility—lost education, lost jobs, and opportunities. 

Sugam Bhattarai, general secretary of the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN) and a person living with macular degeneration—a condition that causes blurred or no vision in the central visual field—points out how poor infrastructure creates daily struggles. “Nepal’s roads are very bad,” he says. “They are too narrow for wheelchairs or four-wheeler scooters, and people are scared to use them on the main roads. Public infrastructure must be equipped with the latest accessibility features so that people with disabilities can move independently and with dignity.”

According to the Nepal Census 2021, 2.2 percent of Nepal’s population live with some form of disability. Among them, 2.5 percent are men and 2.0 percent are women. The prevalence of various types of disabilities is as follows: physical disabilities (36.75 percent), low vision (16.88 percent), blindness (5.37 percent), deafness (7.85 percent), hard of hearing (7.87 percent), combined deaf and blind (1.56 percent), speech impairment (6.36 percent), psycho-social disabilities (4.2 percent), intellectual disabilities (1.73 percent), hemophilia (0.75 percent), autism (0.75 percent), multiple disabilities (8.78 percent), and cases not specified (1.07 percent).

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that excluding people with disabilities from education and employment can cost countries 3–7 percent of their GDP. In India, billions are lost annually because talented workers are sidelined. For Nepal, the cost of exclusion is staggering.

Binita Regmi, chairperson of National Association of the Physical Disabled (NAPD), says that a lot has changed within months as people have been aware, many people have been coordinating well.

For visually impaired persons like Prajapati, college presents another battlefield. “I study in a normal classroom, but the noise and disturbances make it hard to focus,” she says. “My friends say that I ask too many questions. I also need a writer for exams, but it’s hard to find one, and extra time isn’t provided.” 

She emphasizes the need for tactile pavements–designed with raised lines, domes, or other textured patterns to convey safety information to people who are blind, have low vision, or experience other visual impairments or guiding tiles, sound systems at crossings, and accessible educational materials—resources that are rarely available. 

“Laws exist, but they are not implemented. We have rights, but they are not enforced,” she says.

Nepal has legal frameworks intended to protect and empower persons with disabilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017 mandates accessible public buildings, transport, and services. Building codes require ramps, accessible toilets, and inclusive designs.

Section 15 guarantees access to education, housing, workplaces, transportation, and electronic services for people with disabilities. It also states that disabled individuals have the right to move freely with the assistance of aides or devices of their choosing.

Section 12 of the 2020 Regulations on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandates a 50 percent discount on public transport fares and reserved seats for people with disabilities. The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, 2023, further emphasizes that transportation must be accessible and disabled-friendly.

But implementation remains weak. An audit of government buildings in Kathmandu revealed steep ramps too narrow for wheelchairs, lifts without Braille buttons, and toilets lacking sufficient turning space.

Bista says dwarfism is simply grouped under disability without special consideration. “Rules and regulations are made without consulting us, so facilities fail to meet our needs,” he adds. 

Bista advocates for inclusive planning, where persons with dwarfism and other disabilities are consulted to create fair and functional solutions.

His case highlights that accessibility is not only a matter of physical infrastructure but also of thoughtful policy-making that considers the diversity of disability experiences. Without inclusive planning, even minor design decisions—like the height of a counter or step of a bus—can become insurmountable barriers.

Government and transport officials acknowledge the gaps. Bhupendra Aryal, CEO of Sajha Yatayat, says the company has 111 buses in operation and 65 of them are disability-friendly. He admits some buses still need to be replaced or reformed. “As a new CEO, I have received many complaints highlighting these issues. We have two types of buses—A and B grade—where disabled passengers can travel more freely, but they need to become more accessible and relevant. We are actively working to address these concerns,” he says.

Similarly, Saligram Poudel from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) says the ministry has been working with the concerned agencies to make public transport more disability-friendly. “A specific fleet of buses with proper facilities will be introduced soon to address these needs,” he says. Kamala Ghimire, under secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MoWCSC), acknowledges that accessibility remains a major challenge in Nepal due to poor infrastructure. She notes while about 2.2 percent of the population is living with disabilities, many of them are not visibly disabled, yet still face significant difficulties—particularly when using public buses. She stresses that traffic authorities, bus staff, and coordinators must ensure proper management of seats and respect the rights and regulations that guarantee accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Dharma Raj Bhandari, general secretary of Nepal Transport Workers’ Association, says they are actively trying to address the concerns of passengers with disabilities.  

“The Vehicle and Transport Management Act is in the process of being amended, and I believe that with proper planning and consultation with people with disabilities, we can create meaningful improvements,” he says.

Meanwhile, experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to improve accessibility. This includes strict enforcement of accessibility codes for all new buildings and public transport, as well as incentives for businesses that invest in inclusive infrastructure. They say low-cost smart solutions, such as portable ramps, voice-assisted apps, tactile paving, and audio announcements, can also make a significant difference.
Alongside these measures, community awareness campaigns are essential to reduce stigma and promote accessibility as a shared social responsibility.

Rame Dhakal from NAPD stresses the importance of awareness. “People need to be educated about the words they use. Many still use inappropriate or insensitive terms when referring to persons with disabilities,” he says. “The real change starts with an attitude change.”