LONDON, April 18: Nepal Development Watch (NEDEW)—an independent group of academics and development practitioners based in Nepal, the UK and other countries—has expressed appreciation for the government’s acknowledgment of historical discrimination against Dalits and other marginalised communities, noting that such recognition is an important step toward social justice. However, it suggested that a formal apology from the Prime Minister, on behalf of the state, would further reinforce this commitment.
Nepal Development Watch also highlighted the need to revisit Nepal’s reservations to the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) to ensure the full realisation of rights.
In a press statement issued on the occasion of Nepali New Year 2083 BS, NEDEW congratulated the Government of Nepal for initiating the implementation of its recently announced 100-point programme following the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah on 27 March 2026.
While welcoming the government’s pledge to develop a second national anti-corruption plan, NEDEW stressed the importance of setting measurable targets, including improvements in international corruption and human development indices. It also described the allocation of 10 percent of hospital beds for economically disadvantaged groups as a positive step toward equitable healthcare access.
Those found guilty in caste-discrimination cases have never bee...
At the same time, Nepal Development Watch raised concerns over certain proposals in the programme, including a potential ban on student organisations, warning that such measures could affect freedom of association and expression. It recommended a balanced approach that addresses unlawful activities while preserving democratic participation on campuses.
‘Probe Commission to strengthen transparency and accountability’
Nepal Development Watch welcomed the Nepal government’s decision to establish a high-level probe commission to investigate the assets of officials who have held high public office since 2006, describing the move as an important step toward strengthening transparency and accountability.
Nepal Development Watch noted that the government’s programme outlines a broad range of governance reforms across 14 thematic areas, including administrative reform, public service delivery, digital governance, anti-corruption measures, investment promotion, energy, taxation, and human development. According to the organisation, the scope of the programme reflects an intention to address long-standing public concerns and improve governance outcomes.
Welcoming the proposed probe into the assets of former high-ranking officials, NEDEW emphasised the importance of ensuring due process and transparency in its implementation to avoid potential backlash. It described the initiative as a significant component of the government’s wider anti-corruption agenda and urged authorities to carry it out in a fair, credible, and legally sound manner.
On poverty alleviation, NEDEW acknowledged the government’s focus on landless peasants but noted that land distribution alone may not be sufficient. It suggested that housing support, livelihood training, and income-generating initiatives could offer more sustainable solutions.
Regarding the proposal for women-only public transport services, Nepal Development Watch recognised the intent to enhance safety but emphasised that long-term solutions should focus on systemic improvements in public transport governance and behavioural change rather than segregation.
Nepal Development Watch also welcomed the government’s efforts to incorporate commitments from various political parties into its action plan, describing it as a constructive step toward consensus-building. However, it called for a pragmatic and time-bound operational framework to ensure effective implementation.
NEDEW reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring Nepal’s development trajectory and providing evidence-based analysis of the government’s policies and programmes in the coming months.
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