South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, Sept 8: Nepal is marking the first anniversary of the Gen Z movement that has left indelible impact in Nepal’s political and social history. Last year, Bhadra 23 (Sept 8) was the day Gen Z youths took to Kathmandu streets, demanding good governance. Initially triggered by the restriction on social media, the Gen Z youths emerged vocal against the government style, leadership, corruption, nepotism, unemployment and inequality. Thousands of youths carrying placards and yearning for change demonstrated in the streets, seeking good governance and accountability. In memory and honour of those losing lives in the historic movement, the government has given a public holiday today. The country has witnessed a huge political change in a year. Then government was toppled by the September 8-9 movement launched last year. A new government was formed with six month’s mandate to hold a fresh election. The new government led by Sushila Karki successfully held the March 5 election where the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured sweeping victory. The present government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has kept in centre the corruption control, political accountability, reform in public institutions, employment creation, guarantee of equal opportunity, transparency and participation of new generation in State affairs. With special focus on good governance, the present government has given priority to improved public service with optimum use and expansion of digital technology. It has made relentless efforts for transparency and corruption control. The number of federal ministries has been reduced to 18, which has saved nearly Rs 20 billion annually. Online service is adopted widely, with several government services available on Apps, which has eliminated people’s hassles to stand in line for hours to access multiple services. Burdensome administrative mechanisms have been scrapped and some others merged to reduce administrative cost and boost government capacity. The termination of political party-affiliated trade unions and student unions from the public offices and universities has aimed at improving service delivery by keeping aloof the institutions from undue influence of political parties. The government has forwarded several policies and programmes that are focused on bringing meaningful changes in people’s lives. —-