Permanent crisis (current year) [partially commented link collection]

Since the Delhi Agreement between seven parliamentary parties and the insurgent CPN (Maoist) of 22 November 2005, the people of Nepal have been waiting in vain for the promised realisation of an inclusive democratic system. Although the then putsching monarchy was abolished and a constitution was passed in 2015 after long power struggles between the political parties, even this was the sole work of the exclusively male leaders of the three major parties, predominantly male Bahuns. The appropriate participation of all social groups, as provided for in the interim constitution of January 2007, did not take place. In this respect, the constitution of 2015 even represented in part a step backwards compared to the interim constitution.
Thus, apart from the abolition of the monarchy, not much has changed since the 1990 system. Numerous fundamental human rights continue to be disregarded. There is no inclusion of all social groups. All power and the majority of all state functions are still in the hands of male Khas Arya, especially male Bahuns.  The latter make up hardly 6 percent of the population, but the identification of the state and its society and culture, in short the nationalist image of the state of Nepal, is still based on the culture and partly narrow-minded, anarchic, patriarchal and socially discriminating view and thinking of this small minority. As long as this state of affairs continues and the failed generation of political leaders of all parties is not replaced by a younger generation that is inclusive, open-minded, receptive and not exclusively oriented towards personal power interests, there will be no end to the crisis situation.

Since today's political parties and their leaders are proven to be disinterested in solving the crisis and, to make matters worse, supporters of the long-failed systems of monarchy and Hindu state are trying to use the failure of politics to revitalise their own interests, the title of this sub-page has been changed from Crisis solution to Permanent crisis.

03/02/2025: 10 challenges that need urgent attention : Without urgent action, the country risks further decline, with long-term consequences for its economy, society, and democracy, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Reminiscing last week: Political and economic developments (kh), Cable car protest shuts transport in nine eastern districts : Protesters claim the project threatens the environment, Limbu culture, and residents’ livelihoods, by Ananda Gautam (kp), Two long-delayed civil aviation bills return to federal parliament : Bills vital for safety of Nepali skies and opening up Nepal’s airports to private investment, by Sangam Prasain (kp), Bill registered to split CAAN (ae), Trump’s aid cut jeopardises neonatal health: Experts. Over 2,000 neonates die in Nepal each year. Child health experts warn the halt in crucial programmes threatens years of progress in child health, by Arjun Poudel (kp), Chasing a hero who isn’t : Democracy thrives through the collective act of institution building rather than the heroics of populist activists, by Dinesh Kafle (kp), Disparity in law and order enforcement: The Ashika Tamang case, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht), Rising Women's Movement, by Babita Basnet (rep), Stricter rules, hefty fines and potential jail time, by Aishwarya Koirala (ae)

02/02/2025: SC tells govt: Protect citizens’ information (rep), Is Nepali politics in trouble? Before declaring the end of this system, we must consider the positive aspects of its origin and continuity, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Impasse over administrative federalism : Confusion regarding provincial autonomy over public services is constitutionally unwarranted, by Binay Mishra (kp), Oli pointed to tardy lawmaking. Why is the process so slow? If Parliament and committees don’t clear bills on time, the prime minister says, it’s natural to resort to ordinances, by Binod Ghimire (kp), [If Oli, Dahal and Deuba finally stopped their selfish power struggles and stopped misusing parliament for their miserable politics, the legislature could finally fulfil its task!], Supreme Court clears way for National ID card implementation, but people continue to face hassles : NID has been incorporated into the Nagarik App to provide additional services to the public, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Nepal receives Rs 763 billion in remittances in six months; foreign exchange reserves reach Rs 2.3 trillion (kh)

01/02/2025: Resolution motion on dignified menstruation registered in NA (kh), Khanikhola families reeling in the cold under tents for four months (kh), Monetisation Of Politics Injurious To Democracy, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Winter session of Parliament opens to heated exchanges : Opposition parties decry rampant corruption, accuse ruling Congress and UML of protecting the corrupt, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PM reminded to revise some provisions of Cooperative Ordinance (rn)

31/01/2025: 18 years on, Nepal insurgency victims are in continued hardships, new study says : Education, healthcare, and social support remain out of reach for those affected by the Maoist conflict, ICJ survey finds (kp), Silencing the critics : The social media bill must be revised through the broadest possible consultations (kp), Corruption amid ideological drift : A sharp decline in political ideology calls for strong anti-corruption agencies, by Durga Gautam (kp), Winter session of Federal Parliament begins today (kh), Health Insurance program faces challenges amid leadership vacancies and unpaid claims, by Pawan Mudbhari (kh), PM Oli justifies issuance of Ordinances, highlights reforms (kh) [A fictitious claim! Parliament could have been convened weeks ago, but Oli refused in order to pass the ordinances without the annoying representatives of the people!], Opposition firm against ordinances with House set to sit : Maoist Centre clarifies its objection is to the process rather than the content of the six ordinances (kp), Ordinance, ex-prez’s political ambition, and social media bill, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Madhesh-based parties form eight-member task force to develop working guidelines for ‘loose alliance’ : The leaders, however, fail to pick a coordinator of the task force (kp)

30/01/2025: Make it work : Weakening of Parliament is, by extension, weakening of the political system (kp), Resistance against social media bill continues to build : Free speech advocates say social media content may need regulation but bill seeks to criminalise minor offences too (kp), Regulate, Not Crush Social Media (rep), Oppn parties to reject recently introduced ordinances (rep), Flood victims trapped in tarp shelters since September : Several families in Chanaute village of Kavrepalanchok are left without help as local government passes the buck on resettlement to federal government, by Jyoti Shrestha (kp) [A case of failure to provide assistance! But this is also a consequence of the Oli government's and the national party leaders' refusal to implement the federal state with clearly delineated responsibilities and means!], Political instability has adversely affected country’s economy: PM (kh) [And together with Dahal and Deuba, you personally are the main cause of political instability!]

29/01/2025: Opposition slams coalition’s plan to fast-track ordinances : Ruling parties face hurdles in National Assembly despite having a near 2/3 majority in House of Representatives, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kh), Unauthorised pharmacies, quacks thriving in Bajhang district : Patients dying after failing to reach health institutions on time is a near-daily occurrence in Sudurpaschim district, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp), Social media bill proposes up to five years in prison and Rs1.5 million as fine for spreading fake news : The bill mandates additional penalties for those who engage in these activities using children or minors (kp), What kind of development? Generations of indigenous knowledge and culture are being dismantled to build a cable car line in Taplejung (kp), A regime of the amoral narcissist : Trump has little time and even less interest in what he once labelled as ‘shithole countries’, by CK Lal (kp), Avoid FATF grey-listing (rep), Children raised by single mothers to get citizenship (rep) [Children of Nepali women, whether married or not, must have the unrestricted right to Nepali citizenship! According to Article 18 of the Constitution, women and men enjoy equal rights, which in turn contradicts Article 11, which therefore needs to be amended urgently!], Pollution on the rise in the country: Need of suitable interventions urgently, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), Normalise Menstruation, Empower Women, by Sharmila Chandi Shrestha (rn)

28/01/2025: Trump’s aid freeze hits four USAID projects in Nepal : MCA Nepal unaffected, but healthcare programmes including micronutrient survey, demographic health survey and disease surveillance could be derailed, by Anil Giri and Arjun Poudel (kp), Government forms National Cooperative Regulatory Authority : The newly formed body will mainly focus on monitoring and regulating the cooperative sector, an official says (kp), The great game in the Himalaya : Kathmandu must tread strategically in devising its foreign policy to maximise its interests, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp), Severe unemployment crisis: Pressing need for reform, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ht),  NC’s priority: Power, not principles : Critics argue the NC is becoming a party that cannot represent any generation, whether old or young, by Balkrishna Adhikari (rep)

27/01/2025: Caste-based Prejudices Threaten Social Fabric (rep), Winter session four days away but bills stuck in committees : Just four of 16 bills have cleared parliamentary committees after months of deliberations. Parliamentary committees led by ruling parties hold up half of pending bills, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [There is an obvious lack of interest in parliamentary democracy in Nepal, while oligarchic party leaders combine executive and legislative powers in one hand and at the same time interfere in the judiciary!], The country’s pulse : The latest Sharecast nationwide survey gives a nuanced picture of Nepal (kp), Are political parties relevant today? They are losing their political space to non-political individuals and business tycoons, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Proportional representation: And the issue of threshold, by Birendra P Mishra (ht), Cost Of Instability, by Khem Raj Niraula (rn), Reminiscing last week: Politics and diplomacy (kh), Tiger attack injures woman in chhaugoth in Kailali (kh) [Caused because of the performance of the Chhaupadi crime!], Bajura flood victims worried as housing tranche stalls, by Sher Bahadur Sarki (rn), Trump effect is already visible in Nepal  :USAID and its implementing partners have temporarily halted numerous ongoing projects, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

26/01/2025: Politics of discontent : Many believe big parties have failed and Nepal is on the wrong path, but will their discontent have any impact?, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp) [See corresponding opinion poll by Sharecast], Deuba asks Congress lawmakers to stand united behind ordinances in Parliament session : The instruction comes at a time when a faction within the party led by Shekhar Koirala has accused the government of introducing laws bypassing Parliament (kp) [In other words, the members of parliament elected by the people are not supposed to discuss and pass laws to the best of their knowledge and belief, but are to uncritically approve what the government has already presented to them in the form of ordinances. A strange kind of democracy! It was similar when the constitution was adopted in 2015.], Congress consults legal experts on ordinance (kh) [???], Operators of problem cooperatives find new way to dupe depositors : Cooperative managers make desperate depositors buy pricey lands, take hefty cuts but don’t pay back depositors, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Disruption dividends : Trump’s second term offers renewed opportunities for smaller nations to strengthen relations with the US, by John Narayan Parajuli (kp), Philandering with Philanthropy, by Narayan Manandhar (rep), SC decision to halt 20,000 MW of hydropower projects: IPPAN (rep)

25/01/2025: Child Marriage Free Nepal campaign picks up in provinces : The country aims to end child marriage by 2030 (kp), Helicopters slash the trek to Earth’s highest peak, but leave Sherpas grounded, by Shashwat Pant (kh), Learning From History, by Bishalya Gautam (rn), Embrace Indigenous Model Of Development, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Rise in crime, banking fraud accounts for a quarter of cases (kh), Koshi Province CM defends ordinance, criticizes media opposition (kh) [This is not correct, Mr Karki. Legislation is the responsibility of parliament, not of the government. Parliament exists, but the convening of the session was intentionally delayed by the government.

24/01/2025: Madhesh govt to withdraw controversial Language Bill (kh), Transforming Nepal from Land-locked to Land-linked, by Keshav Bhattarai (rep), The week that was: Coalition drama, Trump’s presidency and more, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Wildfire season starts early in Nepal: A prolonged winter drought has sparked an early start of the annual spring fires (nt), राष्ट्रिय मत सर्वेक्षणको नतिजा : ‘देश ठिकठाक छ, जीवन सुध्रिएको छ, तर राजनीति बर्बाद भयो’ [National opinion poll results : ‘The country is fine, life has improved, but politics is ruined’], by Rameshwar Bohara (Ukalo), के सोच्दै छन् नेपाली? [What are the Nepalese thinking?] (Himalkhabar)

23/01/2025: A case for proportional representation : The reason UML appears to be antagonistic to PR is because of its inclusive provisions, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Rise of neo-fascism in Nepal : Nepal, with its fragile democracy and history of political instability provides fertile ground for the rise of neo-fascist tendencies, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (ae), Nepal’s upcoming budget to face significant reduction amid financial constraints : The upcoming budget will likely reflect the severe financial challenges facing the country (kh), Supreme Court questions government for listing murder as amnestiable : Government and constitutional bodies asked to clarify 75 percent sentence reduction in revised law (kp), UML stands firmly behind ordinances, Congress is divided : Opposition to chide government in House for ordinances, by Anil Giri (kp), Opposition up in arms against government, by Narayan Upadhyay (ae), New land ordinance sparks debate over real estate exemptions and policy implications, by Narayan Aryal (kh), Madhesh Provincial government proposes bill to recognize five official languages (kh), Families of Saurya Airlines crash victims demand justice (kh), Trump signals aggressive Indo-Pacific Strategy: Any significant change in US strategy toward China and India will have a ripple effect on Kathmandu's diplomatoic calculus, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae)

22/01/2025: Dalit youth stage protest in front of EC office (In Photos), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Rabi Lamichhane’s legal troubles deepen with Supreme Cooperative scandal (kh), Gendered justice : Law in much of South Asia, including in Nepal, favours men, even in horrifying rape cases (kp), Where does the agriculture budget go? Sub-federal levels should better manage agriculture as they are closer to the farmers, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), Youth’s severe beating in Chitwan brings to fore police use of excessive force : Nepal Police says individual cases of heavy-handed behaviour of personnel are punished, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Bhim Rawal’s expulsion sparks debate: Is UML embracing autocratic leadership?, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), What ails Nepal's opposition parties?, by Narayan Upadhyay (rep), Opposition warns of parliamentary standoff over government policies (kh), Opposition plans to corner govt on governance and ordinances in Parliament, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Navigating Nepal’s topographical challenges, by Rajan Sharma (ae), Indiscriminate writ petitions: A call for responsible legal practice, by Saroj Bhattarai (ae)

21/01/2025: Can untouchability be eradicated in Nepal? The declaration of an untouchability-free nation was a blatant lie on the part of the new ruling elites, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Ending caste discrimination: A conversation is necessary, by Simone Galimberti (ht), Child marriage, teenage pregnancy persist in Dang : Despite laws and awareness campaigns, deep-rooted traditions and lack of education are perpetuating the practice, by Durgalal KC (kp), Accessible Healthcare (rn), Setback for UML in Achham as 1,081 cadres join Bhim Rawal’s campaign (kh), Dirty and dangerous : Nepal perhaps needs a policy-level overhaul to cut air pollution from vehicles (kp), High court seeks reasons for releasing Lamichhane on bail (rep)

20/01/2025: Gurung and Magar languages to become official in Gandaki Province (kh), Threshold for stability: A new political excuse, by Binay Mishra (rep), Coalition gears up for winter House session as pressure mounts : CPN-UML chief whip Mahesh Bartaula claims Parliament will convene no later than February 2, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [Parliament really is an annoying institution for an autocratic PM!], Losing their grip : The erosion of people’s trust in Madheshi parties is dangerous for all (kp), Repolarisation of alternative forces is the right way forward : Balendra Shah should be more open and transparent, interact with people and get involved in debates, interview with Baburam Bhattarai (kp), Mandamus order to immediately shut illegal excavation of river-based materials (kh), Government appeals to keep Rabi Lamichhane and associates in custody (kh)

19/01/2025: ‘Improve electoral system assuring proportional and inclusive representation’ (kh), ‘Justice is dying in Nepal. Let’s save it!’, by Akhilesh Tripati (rep), Weak opposition gives Oli government free rein, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Govt’s outstanding debt exceeds Rs 2.53 trillion (kh), Balidan Diwas events lay bare divisions amid Madheshi parties’ unity talks : Forces accused of forgetting federalism’s spirit in quest for power, failing the marginalised, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Problematic anti-human smuggling law : Introducing such a law could fail to address the root cause of migration and create new problems, by Ayushman Bhagat and Sunita Mainali (kp), Public debt reaches over Rs 2536 billion (rn), FDI commitments rise 5.88 percent in first half : Nepal received investment pledges worth Rs23.39 billion for 200 projects in the period (kp), It’s not just inflation anymore, Cheapflation has entered the chat!, by Swastik Mohan Bhattarai (rep), 1.1 million families to get land ownership, thanks to new ordinance, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep) [Nevertheless, this should have been done on the basis of a law passed by parliament and not by an anti-democratic government ordinance!], Lawyers protest against assault on Senior Advocate Tripathi  by wearing black bands (with photos), by Dipesh Darsandhari (rep), Consensus Must For Statute Revision, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Government fails to meet expected foreign aid targets (kh), Supreme Court clears path for implementation of National ID cards (kh)

18/01/2025: Lawmakers voice concern about deferrals in hearing petition against 2020-21 appointments in constitutional bodies : National Human Rights Commission officials urge lawmakers to pressure the government into introducing the bill to amend NHRC Act in Parliament (kp) [This was an important part of KP Oli's coup d'état at the time and should finally be judged as such! Oli is currently proving that he has not changed.], Madhesh-centric parties unite to counter proposed electoral threshold, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh), Opposition parties intensify call for PM’s resignation : Allege moral failures, rising impunity for corruption, rule through ordinance, and growing public frustration (kp), Charting Nepal’s energy and tech renaissance : Nepal stands at a pivotal moment in history. By harnessing its hydropower resources, it can play a dual role: a key supplier of sustainable energy and a regional hub for computational capacities, by Sixit Bhatta (kp), A Ticking Time Bomb (rep), Can Politics Be Shaped As Virtuous Sphere?, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Earthquake victims moves into a cracked house to escape cold, by Sher Bahadur Sarki (rn), Over 200 children of Musahar community missing classes for two months (rn)

17/01/2025: Transitional justice: Donor help sought to foot Rs40 billion bill : A planned peace fund will be used to pay for reparation and other expenses needed to conclude peace process, by Binod Ghimire (kp), ‘Airports left underutilized, Rs 1.8 trillion investment at risk’ (kh), Opposition parties, including the Maoists, accuse Congress-UML alliance of five major issues (kh), Prachanda demands PM Oli’s resignation in presence of seven opposition parties (kh) [But PM Oli should not be replaced by PK Dahal or SB Deuba. All three have failed often enough and caused damage to the country. Nepal needs a socially inclusive government of a much younger generation that is capable of freeing Nepal from the old shackles of Shah monarchy, Hindu state and autocratic party patriarchy!], Ordinance will be presented in parliament in two weeks, says PM Oli (kh) [Ordinances must be confirmed or rejected by Parliament. In a democracy, a bill is debated and then passed as law. This is a crucial difference. The Oli government obviously wanted to bypass the crucial involvement of the elected representatives of the people.], Let the parliament convene : As the things stand, there's no reason why the government should resort to ordinances to run the affairs of the state (ae), Bhim Rawal advocates for nationalist unity amidst political turmoil (kh), First meet of Madhesh forces for unity to counter ruling parties’ plans falters : Absence of some parties in inaugural sitting suggests an alliance won’t be easy to build, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [The Tarai leaders are just as autocratic, selfish and patriarchal as the leaders of the national parties!], Increasing vulnerability of survivors: The struggle of recounting trauma, by Nisha Shrestha (ht), Justice To Cooperative Victims, by Bini Dahal (rn)

16/01/2025: The Merchants of Poverty in Nepal, by Vidhu Prakash Kayastha (rep), Not just the home, women hold the key to running the country, by Bhasa Sharma (rep), 12 Acts amended at once (kh) [Legislation by means of ordinances is an inconceivable presumption on the part of the Oli government and puts the separation of powers ad absurdum!], Oli backs ordinances as opposition alleges executive power abuse : Six opposition parties led by the Maoist Centre blast ‘arbitrary’ rule, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), PM Oli claims unanimous support for ordinances : Oli concluded the press conference without facing questions from the press, by Pratik Ghimire (ae) [However, the unanimous support of the ordinances within the government does not make them lawful. There is an elected and immediately convenable parliament that is responsible for laws, not the executive!], Stumbling on ordinances : Why did PM Oli take the route instead of convening Parliament and getting the bills endorsed there? (kp), Deuba calls joint meeting of Congress ministers with party’s parliamentary panel : Meeting today to discuss government’s performance, status of pending bills in the House and current affairs. Deuba reportedly has some strong instructions for the ministers (kp), Court finds five grounds for Rabi Lamichhane’s guilt amid bail decision (kh), Home Minister Lekhak condemns assault on Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi (rep), Police arrest suspect in assault on advocate Dinesh Tripathi (kh), Development spending stalls at 16 percent (ae)

15/01/2025: President cites ‘sensitive issues’ to halt ordinance related to land, forests and national parks : The ordinance envisions free ownership for landless Dalits and squatters who have built houses and lived on public land for a long time (kp), Opposition parties condemn govt’s decision to rule through ordinances (kh), Private sector happy with ordinances aimed at economic revival: FNCCI (kh) [The primary problem is not so much the content as the anti-democratic approach of an executive that arrogates legislative power. There is an elected parliament and it has to pass laws, not the government!], SC likely to hear writ petition challenging Oli’s ordinance appointments in 2020 (kh) [It is incomprehensible that the SC has not dealt with such an important issue for four years, the effects of which have also caused international damage to Nepal! Now the former PM is back in office and shows that he regards the SC's behaviour as a carte blanche!], The UML leadership: Virtually losing moral relevance, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht), President issues ordinance to amend land-related acts (kh), Trouble brews in coalition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Mayor Balen slams land ordinance, criticizes leaders for favoritism (kh), Deuba unmoved despite growing pressure to ditch Oli : Many leaders in both the Congress and the UML believe the Oli-Deuba bond right now is too strong to break, by Anil Giri (kp) [Deuba, Oli and Dahal should finally retire from active politics for the good of Nepal!], Deuba summons Nepali Congress leaders to review govt’s performance (kh), Upholding Good Governance And Combating Corruption 'Key' To Breaking Nepal’s Poverty Cycle. Beyond the Bottom Billion: Applying Paul Collier's lessons to Nepal’s development crisis, by Sara Pahari (rep), Advocate Tripathi assaulted by Rabi Lamichhane’s supporters at court premises (kh), Rabi Lamichhane released on Rs 6 million bail in Swarnalaxmi Cooperative case (kh), Rabi Lamichhane secures release after providing bail guarantee (kh)

14/01/2025: Women's economic empowerment: Policy innovations needed, by Bikas Adhikari (ht), Right reforms : Reform-oriented policy changes must make Nepal’s agriculture the gravity of potential investment, by Achyut Wagle (kp), Nepal Rastra Bank proposes new standards to regulate cooperatives (kh), 66,000 Nepalis seek permanent residence abroad in 2024; 850,000 seek employment (rep), Govt fails to meet capital expenditure target, spending only 16.16% in first half of FY 2024/25 (rep)

13/01/2025: No silver lining : The first six months of the Oli government has been woeful any way you evaluate it (kp) [This was to be expected right from the start!], Ordinance fails to reassure cooperatives victims : Those who lost savings question compensation plans, and possible use of their funds to finance regulatory body, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Majority government amends 29 laws via ordinance, favours Giribandhu and Min Bahadur (kh), Dev Gurung: Running the government through ordinances behind closed doors is undemocratic (kh), Four ordinances issued, land-related amendment held at Sheetal Niwas (kh) [He should have held them all back and called on the government to pass the laws democratically through parliament!], Three days after Kaski bail, Rastriya Swatantra Party chief Lamichhane lands in Kathmandu police custody : He will be in police custody until the Kathmandu District Court decides whether to free him on bail or send him to judicial custody (kp), Reminiscing last week: Blend of political events (kh), Technological intervention at the bottom : A digitally empowered Nepal will lead to a more equitable, prosperous and inclusive society, by Roshee Lamichhane and Biplab Bhattacharjee (kp), A Paradigm Shift in Learning and Teaching : Education in the Age of Generation Z and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities for Millennial Educators, by Ritu Raj Lamsal (rep), Govt indifferent to hardships of quake victims in western Nepal: Shakti Basnet (rep), Tarai-Madhes-centric parties step up preparations for forming a front (kh)

12/01/2025: Opposition cries foul as Cabinet passes 5 ordinances : Many lawmakers have termed the government’s decision to bypass Parliament to amend laws ‘regressive’ (kp) [Such undemocratic behaviour is unfortunately a tradition among Nepal's party politicians who arrogate power! It should be the President's job to show the erring politicians the right way!], Government sends three ordinances to the President for authentication (kh) [What kind of strange understanding of democracy is this? In a parliamentary democracy, the executive does not pass laws by ordinances! The president should refuse to sign them! It is his task to safegzard democracy!], Fake release in Deuba’s name goes viral, Congress objects strongly (kh), Freezing temperatures add to the woes of Tarai’s poorest communities : Without proper shelter and clothing, families struggle to survive as a cold spell grips, by Shankar Acharya, Shiva Puri and Abadhesh Kumar Jha (kp), Sharma challenged Dahal’s role as Maoist leader. Then he was tranquilised by an old potion, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [All parties in Nepal are dominated by power-hungry autocrats. Freedom of expression and equal opportunities within the parties should be the basis of democracy!], Geopolitics of economic growth : It is vital to consider the current coalition’s foreign policy and its impact on Nepal’s economic development, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp), Fading fourth estate : While Nepal’s press freedom ranking indicates progress, the dwindling credibility of the FNJ suggests otherwise, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp), Shera Durbar, Dibya Upadesh And Independence, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Mayor Balen questions role of provincial govt in local issues (kh) [This is a consequence of the centrist attitude of national politicians. They don't want federalism at all, but want to keep everything under their direct control!], Rabi Lamichhane sent to custody after court statement (kh)

11/01/2025: Govt brings ordinance to streamline public services (kh) [Nepal is a parliamentary democracy and does not require ordinances. Laws must be passed by parliament!], What’s inside the govt’s legal reforms ordinance? (kh), PM Oli: Ordinance aims to remove barriers for Nepali IT firms’ global operations (kh), As electoral law revision looms, Madhesh parties mull an alliance for resistance : Yet there’s no unanimity. Prabhu Sah has no idea of bid to bring together Madheshi forces, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Central Labour Advisory Council recommends for ratification of ILO instruments (kh), Gender Equality: Shaping Nepal’s Diplomatic Future, by Aastha Pokhrel (rep), Bumpy road ahead for constitutional amendment, by Narayan Upadhyay (rep), Shun The Politics Of Muddling Through, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn), Rajendra Lingden: Current government leaning toward authoritarianism (kh)

10/01/2025: Looming Instability : Despite the claim of leaders in the ruling alliance that this government will last for the full term, the factors of instability are looming large (sp), NP Saud criticizes NC-UML coalition for neglecting development issues (kh), 14 landless families in limbo over railway compensation : Bardibas municipal officials say they have done all they can to secure compensation for these families and are now awaiting railway officials’ decision, by Sunita Baral (kp), Government prepares to delegate authority to handle SEE to provinces : Ignoring repeated requests from provincial governments, the federal government had so far been refusing to delegate the authority (kp), The Tibet warning : Given the millions of lives on the line, earthquake risk should be taken as a perpetual emergency (kp), Unwanted Pregnancies: The unimaginable pain of Nepali Gulf returnees, by Guna Raj Luitel, Upendra Lamichhane and Sabita Khadka (rep) [see part II], Kulman Ghising claims 98.99% work performance (kh), PM Oli briefs President on formation of constitution amendment task force (kh) [Yesterday he expressed exactly the opposite!], Complaint filed against Judge Rai for granting Rabi Lamichhane bail (rep), Moving beyond the 16 Days of Activism: Continuing the Battle Against Gender-Based Violence : The challenge now is how to ensure that the momentum generated during these 16 days is sustained throughout the rest of the year and beyond, Shuva BC (sp)

09/01/2025: Constitution and the status of Dalits : Dalits continue to suffer violent and inhumane treatment, including murder and social ostracisation, by Sushil Darnal (kp), UML welcomes India-China border dialogue as positive step for regional stability and Nepal’s interests : Despite the optimism, the agreement has not been without controversy in Nepal (kh), Dahal blames UML, interest groups for stalled peace process : Urges conflict victims to hit the streets to mount pressure, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Alongside the state leadership of the time, the monarchy and the army leadership, you yourself were one of the main perpetrators of the crimes. Without involving the victims' side, your previous stance centred on reconciliation in the interests of the perpetrators at the time!], Show, don’t tell : If Dahal is committed to accountability and transparency, he must first embody those traits (kp), Congress voices reservations over Oli’s remarks against constitution revision plan : Leaders of the coalition partner say the prime minister cannot speak against the two-party agreement without consulting the largest party. Oli had said the plan to amend the constitution had been deferred until 2087 BS (2030-31) (kp), Constitutional changes still a far-fetched wish, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Arjun Narsingh KC criticizes PM Oli for disrespecting agreement with Nepali Congress (kh), Kaski District Court grants bail to Rabi Lamichhane and others in cooperative fraud case : Rabi Lamichhane released on Rs 6.5 million bail (kh), Court demands Rs 6.5 million bail from Rabi Lamichhane in cooperative fraud case (kh), Former DIG Chhabi Lal Joshi ordered to post Rs 8.8 million bail in cooperative fraud case (kh), Ravi and all seven detainees to be released on bail; what are the bail amounts? (kh) [What politician or civil servant can post such bail sums without income from corruption? On the other hand, the amounts are ridiculous compared to the level of the corruption allegations!]

08/01/2025: Subnational autonomy at risk : The Federal Civil Service Bill under consideration in Parliament threatens subnational autonomy, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp), How earthquakes resurface fears and trigger mental trauma : Tuesday’s earthquake served as a stark reminder of Nepal’s seismic vulnerability and the importance of disaster preparedness (kh), “Current tremors suggest imminent earthquake risk”, interview with seismologist Khadga Sen Oli (kh), Dahal returns to radical agendas, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae) [If he ever comes back to power, all this will be water under the bridge for him again!], UML must learn to respect dissenting voices, by Narayan Upadhyay (ae) [Autocrats like Oli should not be able to think and act in such a democratic way!], Oli warns against airing party grievances publicly: Speak at meetings, not on the streets (kh) [!!!], UML to train members in social media usage to counter criticism (kh), Energy Minister Khadka hounds power utility chief with new clarification letter : Explanation sought over ‘poor performance’, transformer purchases, ‘lack of cooperation’, by Purushottam Poudel (kp) [All in all, Kulman Ghising's performance is outstanding, which cannot be said of the government by any stretch of the imagination, Mr Minister!], Fight for Climate Justice Continues after Betrayal at UN Climate Conference : The Global South has been historically suffering the impacts of the climate crisis and Nepal in the last few years has seen the worst climate disasters through extreme weather events, by Abhishek Shrestha and Prayash Adhikari (rep)

07/01/2025: Intellectual deprivation of Dalits : The question of whether Dalit issues pertain to class or caste has confounded many Dalits, by Mitra Pariyar (kp), Where’s the inclusion? Equitable treatment of Dalit and marginalised children cannot be expected under the proposed Education Bill, by Sunil Pokhrel and Rup Sunar (kp), Gen Z’s Materialistic Obsessions, by Jigyasha Sonam (kh), Sexual assault survivor stages hunger strike in Kathmandu over lack of legal action (kh), Frustrated by delays, Rukum West quake survivors ignore building codes : Facing harsh winter and with no aid, many survivors are rebuilding on their own with minimal resources (kp), Factionalism has beset UML, party leaders warn : They say internal divisions are eroding the party’s strength and undermining public support (kp), Oli’s political document and future of NC-UML coalition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Why is Nepal not developing? All the revolutions in Nepal have brought some changes in political and democratic systems, with more changes in lifestyles of political leaders and their affiliates, but people's lives have been deteriorating after each revolution, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep), The proposal for constitution amendment: Is this for the people?, by Lok Bhattarai (ht) [No, it is primarily about the interests of the oligarchs at the top of the political parties!], Price of freedom: How bail decisions impact human rights, by Ajay Tamang and Raju Bamjan (ae)

06/01/2025: Reminiscing last week: Political shifts and celebrations (kh), Internal rift looming in RPP as Lingden’s leadership faces scrutiny (kh) [The monarchy has been abolished, but there is a party that wants it back, even though this request is clearly unconstitutional. At the same time, ex-king Gyanendra is also showing that he is endeavouring to overthrow the political regime. Democracy is dying and the political parties are eagerly assisting, or how should we call it?], Kathmandu ranks fifth among world’s most polluted cities today (kp), Greater Nepal activist Phanindra Nepal arrested from Singha Durbar (kh), 46 UML members in Godawari Municipality quit expressing discontent with party leadership (kh), By hitting out at factionalism, Oli lays bare his fear of being challenged : No obvious threat seen to Oli’s leadership, but some hint at Bidya Bhandari’s comeback, by Purushottam Poudel (kp), Take the lead, PM Oli : Rather than blame bureaucrats for government’s sub-par performance, he can show the way (kp) [But this would require government competence, wouldn't it?], Supreme Court says the executive cannot decide order of precedence arbitrarily : In a 7-year-old petition, the Constitutional Bench has asked the government to place chief justice right below the prime minister (kp), Child marriage is impending child rape and has no place in Nepal : A national framework may define the policy but the policy must reach every single child. So the provinces, the municipalities, the village councils—they all need to come together, interview with Bhuwan Ribhu (kp), Prospect of unified Madhesi political force, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Only 11.58 percent of capital budget utilized in five months (ae), Intercaste teenage couple found dead after a week of disappearance : Two seventeen-year-old lovebirds, a boy from the Dalit community and a girl from the Chhetri community, who had gone missing for a week, were found dead in a forest nearby their home on Sunday, by Biken K Dawadi (rep)

05/01/2025: Bhandari and Pun: What fuels the ambition of Nepal’s former President and Vice President? (kh), Youth Exodus A Threat To Economy, by Samriddha Upreti (rn) [And the government is encouraging the exodus instead of creating jobs and decent working conditions in the country!], Locals voice for drawing attention of int'l community on damage by climate change (rn), Bishwa Prakash Sharma calls for constitutional amendment to ensure five-year prime ministerial term (kh) [This would not change anything. The Prime Minister always needs a parliamentary majority and there is currently no such majority in sight for any of the parties; a coalition government is therefore required. As the three party leaders, who have failed so often and therefore have proved to be incompetent, are only interested in their personal power, they conclude agreements from the outset that rule out a five-year term of office. In other words, they are destroying Nepal's democratic system!]

04/01/2025: Govt’s deficit budget continues to push citizens into debt trap : Nearly 30 percent of the budget—Rs 547.67 billion—remains unfunded (kh), Petroleum discovered in Dailekh as govt prepares extraction plan (kh) [The whole world is increasingly turning away from petroleum, but Nepal now wants to exploit it!], Royalist slogans welcome Bhim Rawal in Biratnagar amid campaign launch (kh) [?? If Bhim Rawal really wants to join the slogans of the monarchists and supporters of a Hindu state, his movement is already stillborn! sn't Oli too a secret supporter of Hindu state ideals and symbols?], Is the government amending Act to ease party splits through ordinance? Ruling Nepali Congress, CPN-UML leaders deny it. Opposition Maoists suspect foul play (kp), Public Service Commission bats for stronger CDOs : Commission Chairperson Madhav Prasad Regmi’s proposal goes against provincial governments’ demands (kp) [Further strengthening the centrist state?], Bending The Rise Of Strong Men Politics, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn)

03/01/2025: Decade-long struggle : There needs to be a clear-eyed scrutiny of the functioning of the seven inclusion commissions (kp) [This land is the property of male Khas Arya, especially male Bahun, isn't it?], Parties race to finalise pending bills ahead of new House session : A key bill is on giving CIAA access to phone and electronic communication, another on splitting civil aviation body, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Top court asks government to fast-track legislation to govern ride-hailing services : According to the full text released by the Supreme Court, ride-hailing services are rapidly becoming a popular potential alternative to public transit as consumers value availability, hassle-free, time efficiency and accessibility (kp)

02/01/2025: Trouble brewing in ruling coalition at provincial level, by Keshab Sawad (kh) [This is a consequence of the completely misunderstood principle of federalism. Provinces must form their governments completely independently of the national level of their parties. The perverse power games at national level are destroying Nepal's democracy!], Government-NEA dispute deepens over new committee : Power utility chief Ghising, officials question the legal basis of a tariff study panel formed by energy ministry, by purushottam Poudel (kp), Question of intent : Pick of officials in the new authority will show if the ruling parties want to solve the cooperative crisis (kp), Promoting climate-responsive buildings : Many building designs in Nepal fail to meet the thermal safety needs of women, children and elderly, by Usha Maskey Manandhar (kp), Bhim Rawal attacks Oli, UML leadership : The ousted UML leader did not announce a new party on Wednesday but said he would institute one after taking suggestions and feedback from the public. There is the need for an alternative politics with nationalist plank, he said (kp), UML responds to Bhim Rawal’s allegations, likens them to past criticisms from Prachanda, Baburam, and Rabi (kh) [But that really sounds too simple: Oli doesn't make mistakes, only everyone else does!], Expectations, inflation and livelihood crisis: Visionary leadership and commitment needed, by Laxman Neupane (ht), Invest In Youth To Achieve Prosperity, by Devendra Gautam (rn), Maoist Center concludes Nepal is becoming a geopolitical battleground (kh)

01/01/2025: Calls for critical review of inclusion commissions : Assessment must be consultative, transparent, based on their impact on marginalised communities, say experts, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [The patriarchal high-caste establishment doesn't want social inclusion at all! The above-mentioned commissions may therefore jeopardise the supremacy of this small minority that controls everything in Nepal!], Hearing set for writ challenging Oli’s ordinance appointments in 2020 (kh) [Why was there no immediate court ruling on this important incident in 2020?], Hearing on petition against constitutional appointments deferred again (kh) [This is typical!], Pledge to end child marriage in Nepal : As part of a national campaign and in order to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to ending underage marriages by 2030, by Aarati Ray (kp), Nepal in 2024: A Year of Change, Challenges, and Milestones (kh), Looking back at 2024: Pessimism reigned, hope scattered, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae), Geoeconomics: The new geopolitics in Nepal, by Anil Giri (kp), KP Oli treated me like enemy, he didn't even want to talk to me: Bhim Rawal (rep) [Oli only accepts subordinate servants. He takes down critics and intra-party rivals. That's what he calls democracy!], Bhim Rawal to launch ‘motherland awakening campaign’ (rep), Understanding transitional justice: Challenges, solutions and Lessons for Nepal, by Krishna Raman Adhikari (ht), Seek Consensus To Amend Constitution, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), 598 people at risk of trafficking rescued from Nepalgunj transit point in 2024 (kh)

Chronology of the failed creation of a socially inclusive multi-ethnic and multicultural Nepal: