Nepal's New Government Completes One Month, Reviews Progress on 100-Point Agenda

Kathmandu. A month has passed since the formation of the government led by senior leader Balendra (Balen) Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). In the House of Representatives elections held in February, the RSP won a near two-thirds majority, securing 182 seats.

Balen assumed the responsibility of Prime Minister on March 13. The cabinet meeting held on the same day decided to approve one hundred agendas related to the government's administrative reforms. Among the 100 points published by the government on March 14, 50 points were to be implemented within one month.

The government, which published a 100-day agenda, has mentioned that most of the points will be completed within one week to three months. Hemraj Aryal, spokesperson for the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' office, informed that some have been implemented with delays, while others are in the implementation phase. He claimed that most of the tasks intended to be completed within a month have been finished.

"It is not possible to say exactly how many have been completed point-wise at the moment. All have been initiated. Most of them have been completed. However, all the work that was supposed to be done within a month has been started," Aryal said, "Compiling is underway as some details need to come from the concerned ministries."

Out of the 100 points published by the government, 51 points were committed to be implemented within 24 hours to one month. Although the government has not published a one-month performance report, this report presents the implementation status of the points that were to be implemented within one month, point by point. Points with a longer implementation period than one month have not been included.

1. Gratitude to all for conducting a clean, fair, and peaceful election

In the first point, the government expressed its sincere gratitude to the then government led by Sushila Karki, the Election Commission, security agencies, employees, media personnel, and all voters for their contributions to the successful completion of the general election held on February 21 in a clean, fair, and independent environment.

2. Results-Based Governance Management

It was stated that results-based governance management would be implemented to make the government's overall performance result-oriented, effective, measurable, and accountable, and to transform it in a way that brings direct improvements to citizens' lives.

For this, each ministry was to prepare and implement an action plan within 7 days, including the top 10 tasks, their timelines, responsible officials, and key performance indicators. Chief Secretary Sumanraj Aryal had previously informed that the process related to this had moved forward.

3. Preparation of 'National Commitment'

To institutionalize the core spirit of Nepal's constitution, strengthen the democratic system, and implement the mandate expressed through elections, it was stated that a 'National Commitment' would be prepared by synthesizing implementable issues included in the manifestos, promises, and commitment papers of all political parties participating in the election. The government has already published a draft of an 18-point commitment on April 1 after discussions with elected representatives from all parties.

4. Formation of a Task Force to prepare a 'Constitutional Amendment Debate Paper'

To build national consensus on constitutional amendment issues, including long-term political and institutional reforms and the electoral system, the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' office was to prepare a 'Constitutional Amendment Debate Paper' within 7 days. A task force has been formed under the leadership of the Prime Minister's political advisor, Asim Shah. Preparations are underway to publish the constitutional amendment debate paper after discussions with representatives from various parties.

5. Government to apologize to Dalit and historically marginalized communities

The government had stated it would apologize within 15 days, formally acknowledging the injustices, discrimination, and deprivation of opportunities faced by Dalit and historically marginalized communities from the state, society, and policy structures. However, the government has not apologized yet. On March 12, during the first meeting of the parliament, RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane apologized on behalf of the party. Nevertheless, the government has not formally apologized.

7. Formation of a High-Level Investigation Commission to probe the August 24 incident

A high-level investigation committee was to be formed within a week to investigate the facts of the incident that occurred on August 24. The cabinet meeting on April 2 decided to form a three-member committee to investigate the incident, chaired by former High Court Justice Premraj Karki. The committee members include former Additional Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Subodh Adhikari and former Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Tek Prasad Rai.

8. Initiating necessary legal processes to implement reports from various commissions

It was stated that within 30 days, necessary legal, administrative, and prosecution processes would be initiated to implement the recommendations of various commission reports, addressing the problem of reports remaining in archives and weak implementation.

9. Reducing the number of ministries to 17

To solve the problem of increased operational expenses due to the excessive number of ministries, it was stated that a decision would be made within 30 days to reduce the number of ministries, amending the existing Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Rules to set the number of federal ministries at 17. Although the rules are yet to be amended, the government has practically implemented this.

10. Streamlining service delivery through Business Process Re-engineering (BPR)

It was stated that procedures, standards, and monitoring systems necessary to make all service delivery simple, fast, and result-oriented would be prepared/amended and implemented within 30 days. In cases requiring legal provisions, a draft for legal amendment would be prepared within that period.

11. Formation of a High-Level Task Force for integration and dissolution of unproductive government sectors

A high-level task force comprising representatives from the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration was to be formed to evaluate unproductive boards, committees, projects, and institutional structures creating unnecessary financial burdens, and to recommend their dissolution, integration, or restructuring. The task force was to submit a report with clear recommendations within one month. This point is also in the implementation phase, according to spokesperson Aryal.

14. Approval of National Standards for Organization and Management Survey of Federal, Provincial, and Local Levels

It was stated that national standards for the organization and management survey of federal, provincial, and local levels would be formulated and approved within 15 days. This point has been implemented.

21. All services from District Administration Offices to be operated through digital and integrated systems

To provide services free from intermediaries, all services provided by District Administration Offices, including citizenship, passports, and national identity cards, were to be operated through digital and integrated systems. The provision to obtain copies of citizenship and passport services from any District Administration Office was to be implemented immediately. This point is reportedly in the implementation phase.

22. Preparation of a list of front desk employees to be trained in all services

It was stated that all offices would provide a list of such employees and their training needs to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration within 15 days to provide training in all services. This point has not been implemented yet.

23. Preparation of Office Restructuring Plan

It was stated that each office would prepare an office restructuring plan within one month by studying time and motion to make all public service processes digital, trackable, and transparent. This point is reportedly in the implementation phase.

33. Arrangement for E-signature

Currently, digital signatures are provided through certificates. It was stated that arrangements would be made for citizens to submit their details using e-signatures via NID cards, biometrics, or OTP. For this, the National Identity Card and Registration Department would be physically and organizationally strengthened. A report was to be submitted to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office within one month after studying the system of authenticating all citizen services through digital signatures based on the National Identity Card number, under the coordination of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

34. Arrangement for File Tracking and Alert System

It was stated that a system for tracking how long a file stays on a particular table and alerting higher officials if the designated time is exceeded would be implemented within the existing integrated office management system within 30 days. This point has not been implemented yet.

35. Certificates to be downloadable via Citizen App or Email

It was stated that arrangements would be made within 15 days for certificates to be downloadable by citizens via the official mobile app/Citizen App or email. This point has also not been implemented.

42. Ban on betting apps and related websites

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was to ban betting apps and related websites within 24 hours. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has informed that over 13,000 sites and more than 60 apps have been banned so far.

43. Formation of a High-Level Commission to investigate assets

The government had stated it would form a high-level commission to investigate the assets of political office bearers and high-level employees who have held public office from 2048 to 2082 BS. Accordingly, the government plans to investigate the assets of political office bearers and high-level employees who have held public office from 2062/063 BS to the present in the first phase.

In this regard, a high-level investigation commission has been formed under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari on April 2. The commission members include former justices Purushottam Parajuli and Chandiraj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and Chartered Accountant Prakash Lamsal.

44. Preparation of Restructuring Plan for the National Vigilance Centre

It was stated that a restructuring plan for the National Vigilance Centre would be prepared and implemented within 30 days to promote good governance, control corruption, and enhance transparency and accountability in public service delivery. The Prime Minister's Office has stated that this point is in the implementation process.

46. Issuance of the Second National Action Plan Against Corruption

It was stated that the Second National Action Plan Against Corruption, in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, would be issued within 15 days. This point has been implemented.

47. Issuance of National Integrity Policy for Conflict of Interest Management

It was stated that a National Integrity Policy would be issued within 30 days to promote integrity, protect whistleblowers, and manage conflicts of interest, and that the process of drafting and amending related laws would be initiated. The Prime Minister's Office has stated that this point is in the implementation process.

48. Amendment of the Public Procurement Act

It was stated that the Public Procurement Act would be amended within 30 days to control delays, cost overruns, substandard work, and corruption in public procurement processes, and to implement concepts such as Value for Money, Life Cycle Costing, E-Government Marketplace, and Performance-Based Contracting. The Prime Minister's Office has stated that this point is in the implementation phase.

49. Project Management

(b) To solve the problem of sick projects, terminated contracts, and unproductive investments, a study team was to be formed within 30 days to evaluate the project's justification and feasibility and recommend whether it should continue or not. Furthermore, if inter-agency coordination is required for the construction and operation of any projects, the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office was to immediately coordinate and facilitate. Work has commenced under this point.

(d) It was stated that within thirty days, laws would be drafted to implement the provision of directly executing projects that have not received bids more than twice or have failed in the bidding process through government infrastructure construction companies, and to manage the necessary resources, means, manpower, and equipment for such companies. This point has not been implemented yet.

52. Creation and Implementation of Project Monitoring Schedule

It was stated that a project monitoring schedule would be immediately created and implemented to solve the problem of major road and transport infrastructure projects, which have been causing daily hardship to citizens for a long time, not being completed on time. This point is yet to be implemented.

55. Establishment and Operation of a One-Stop Approval System

To provide investors, both domestic and foreign, with integrated and convenient services within the stipulated time, a one-stop approval system was to be established within the Investment Board Nepal within the next month and brought into operation within one month. When inquiries were made about the implementation status of this point, no contact could be made.

57. Reduction of risk weight for loans to Small and Medium Enterprises

It was stated that the Nepal Rastra Bank would arrange to reduce the current risk weight for loan disbursement to small and medium enterprises, agriculture, and the information technology sector to an appropriate level within 30 days. The Ministry of Industry has stated that this point is in the implementation phase.

60. Approval of 'Private Sector Protection and Promotion Strategy'

It was stated that the 'Private Sector Protection and Promotion Strategy' would be approved and immediately implemented with the objective of strengthening economic stability, improving the investment environment, and restoring private sector confidence. Through this strategy, measures related to physical security and property protection, economic recovery and regulatory simplification, and investment promotion and youth entrepreneurship were to be implemented immediately. This point is reportedly in the implementation phase.

61. Development of necessary infrastructure and rapid response mechanism for strengthening industrial and commercial security

The Ministry of Home Affairs was to develop the necessary infrastructure and rapid response mechanism for strengthening industrial and commercial security within 30 days. Work has not been completed within one month as per this point.

62. Initiating legal action against individuals involved in damage, looting, and attacks on private property

It was stated that security agencies would strictly initiate legal action against individuals involved in damage, looting, and attacks on private property. Work under this point has also not progressed.

64. Establishment of 'Prime Minister's Performance Unit'

It has been stated that the 'Prime Minister's Performance Unit' has been established under the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office with the objective of making the country's investment, production, export, productivity, and development finance system integrated, effective, and result-oriented. The Prime Minister's Office has stated that this point has been implemented.

65. Formation of a Task Force for Detailed Organization and Management Survey of Integrated Structure

It was stated that a task force would be immediately formed within 30 days for a detailed organization and management survey of the integrated structure to end the duplication of responsibilities among bodies such as the Investment Board Nepal, Trade and Export Promotion Center, and Department of Industry. The Ministry of Industry has stated that this point is in the implementation phase.

69. Mitigating the impact of the Gen Z movement on the private sector investment environment and employment, and ensuring a safe, stable, and reliable business environment.

(a) A 'Private Sector Protection Strategy' was to be formulated and immediately implemented for the security and protection of the private sector, industries-businesses, banks and financial institutions, small and medium enterprises, and service sectors. The Ministry of Industry has stated that the process of drafting the strategic document and seeking suggestions is underway.

70. Removing Obstacles in the Supply Chain

The Ministry of Home Affairs was to immediately arrange for the unimpeded operation of transportation vehicles on import-export routes to prevent disruptions in the supply chain. This point has also not been implemented yet.

72. Presenting a framework for systematic tourism based on necessary studies

It was stated that a framework for systematic tourism would be presented within one month after conducting necessary studies for areas such as Udaypur (around Kosi River), Achham (Ramaroshan), Bajura Badimalika, Api Himal trekking route, and Dodi Himal trekking route. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has stated that the Department of Tourism is working on a comprehensive study and systematization of tourism routes.

73. Formation of an Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanism to celebrate 'Nepal Wellness Year, 2027'

It was stated that an 'Arogya Tourism Strategy' would be issued within 15 days to make Nepal a hub for wellness tourism (Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga, natural therapy, etc.). This point has been implemented.

74. Energy Sector Development

(a) An energy export strategy was to be prepared within one month.

(c) A strategy to focus electricity exports on markets that fetch high prices (especially during evening peak hours) was to be implemented immediately. The Ministry of Energy has stated that the process for this has moved forward.

(d) A roadmap for the structural reform of the Nepal Electricity Authority was to be prepared and its implementation process initiated immediately. Work has commenced as per this point.

75. Formation of 'Integrated Drinking Water Coordination Taskforce'

It was stated that a high-level 'Integrated Drinking Water Coordination Taskforce' would be formed under the leadership of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office, including the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Corporation, Nepal Water Supply Corporation, and the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, to end the lack of coordination among various bodies in the drinking water and sanitation sector. It was stated that this taskforce would submit an integrated structure and reform proposal within 30 days. This point is also reportedly in the implementation phase.

79. Implementation of E-billing System

It was stated that the e-billing system would be mandatorily implemented by large businesses within one month to make the revenue system transparent, digital, and effective. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office has stated that this point is in the implementation process.

85. Health Sector Reform

(a) A free health portal was to be developed and implemented nationwide within 30 days for real-time monitoring of free service availability, beneficiary details, and service utilization in all health institutions.

(c) To ensure basic standards of health worker attendance, behavior, cleanliness, and service in government hospitals, attendance monitoring, conduct review, and cleanliness audits were to be made mandatory within one week, and all service delivery was to be made citizen-friendly and accountable.

(e) To address the problem of increasing mortality, disability, and long-term rehabilitation due to the lack of well-equipped hospitals at the provincial level for burn treatment, the process of establishing burn wards in most hospitals was to be initiated within 30 days. Arrangements were to be made for subsidized treatment for burn patients.

(f) Arrangements for air ambulances to be on standby for emergency health services in the hilly regions of Sudur Paschim, Madhyadesh, and Eastern Nepal were to be implemented immediately.

Health Ministry officials have stated that the free health portal is in the implementation phase. Similarly, the Hospital Reform Procedure, 2082, has been passed. It has been informed that burn wards have been started in most hospitals. Furthermore, a roster for air ambulance operation has been prepared after discussions with eleven air service operators.

88. Students to not require citizenship for study up to Bachelor's level

It was stated that universities would make the necessary procedural arrangements immediately so that students do not require citizenship to study up to the Bachelor's level. This point has not been implemented yet.

89. Discontinuation of internal examinations for students up to Grade 5

The practice of conducting internal examinations for students up to Grade 5 was to be discontinued from the next academic session. Alternatives for assessment systems that do not cause psychological impact and pressure on them were to be prepared. This point is in the implementation process.

90. Agricultural Sector Development

(a) To solve the problem of farmers incurring losses due to uncontrolled market fluctuations because of the lack of minimum price security for major agricultural produce, the process of determining the minimum support price for major food crops was to be initiated within 30 days.

(b) To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, a system of mandatory payment within a maximum of 25 days for credit purchases of agricultural produce was to be implemented. A feasibility study for establishing cold storage centers in each district through public-private partnership was to be conducted within 10 days. This point is reportedly in the implementation phase.

92. Preparation of Digital Records for Protection and Control of Encroachment on Public Land

It was stated that digital records would be prepared, monitoring systems strengthened, and actions to remove illegal encroachments would be initiated immediately to protect and control encroachment on public land.

An investigation into land encroachment and misappropriation at the Nepal Children's Organization, as per the report of the high-level inquiry commission (Haribabu Commission) regarding the organization, was to be initiated within 15 days. This point has not been implemented. The government has stated that the process related to this has been initiated.

94. Modernizing the CIB

It was stated that at least 10 million rupees would be immediately provided to modernize the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) of the Nepal Police. The Chief of CIB, Dr. Manoj KC, informed that the budget has been received and the procurement process for equipment is underway.

95. Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force to study the impact of international and regional crises

It was stated that an inter-ministerial task force would be formed to study the impact of international and regional crises, and based on its findings, necessary policies and strategies would be prepared within 30 days under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, a high-level inter-ministerial study task force, representing relevant ministries (Foreign Affairs, Labor, Finance, Industry, Supply, Energy, etc.), has been formed to assess and manage the potential multi-dimensional impacts on Nepal's economy, foreign employment, supply chain, energy, and social sectors in a timely manner. Lok Bahadur Chhetri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informed that the task force has completed its detailed study and prepared a report within 7 days, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term policy and programmatic measures.

96. Collection of details of vehicles stuck at customs and arrangement for their use, management, or auction

It was stated that details of vehicles stuck at customs would be collected, and arrangements for their use, management, or auction would be made immediately. This point is reportedly in the implementation process.

98. Installation of CCTV/Dashcams in all vehicles and mandatory SOS button in ride-sharing apps

It was stated that to prevent gender-based violence in public transport, CCTV/dashcams would be installed in all vehicles, and an SOS button would be made mandatory in ride-sharing apps to ensure immediate notification to the police in case of emergencies and threats, a task to be completed within 30 days.

100. Heartfelt appeal to all stakeholders to play an active, coordinated, and responsible role in fulfilling shared national responsibilities.

The government has not formally made an appeal under this point yet.