Expectations of the Nepali Diaspora from Balendra’s Government
In summary, the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24) significantly altered Nepal’s traditional political trends, helping the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) establish a sole government. Senior Raswapa leader Balendra Shah became Nepal’s Prime Minister at the age of 36, earning a spot among the world’s 100 most influential people, as named by Time Magazine. Balendra’s government has unveiled a 100-point reform plan focused on administrative restructuring, digital governance, transparency, corruption control, and swift public service delivery. The year 2082 in the Vikram Samvat calendar (2025–26 AD) marks a period when Nepali politics drew considerable international attention.
The Gen Z movement not only shifted Nepal’s conventional political alignments but also weakened long-established political parties. The election results six months following the movement were unexpected and unprecedented for these parties. After three decades marked by limited power rotations among the top leaders of three parties, the electoral outcome has effectively imposed a pause on this practice for at least five years. Balendra Shah, a senior Raswapa leader, now leads a powerful government. The single-party Raswapa government has received historic public mandate and has been operational for three weeks, undertaking initiatives to make service delivery more efficient, accessible, and simple. The effectiveness of early steps to meet citizens’ expectations will clarify in time, but initial government efforts deserve positive recognition.
Balendra Shah’s Global Recognition
At 36, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s inclusion in Time Magazine’s 2026 list of the world’s 100 most influential individuals underscores his global prominence. As the youngest elected Prime Minister in Nepal since the establishment of democracy, Balendra has become a beacon of hope for a significant portion of the population. Elected as an independent candidate for Kathmandu’s mayoral post four years ago, Balendra rapidly gained political momentum. Winning strong public support as mayor, he has garnered similar endorsement as Prime Minister, reaffirming his popularity.
Despite robust public trust, Balendra faces significant challenges. He has publicly acknowledged the inability to resolve Kathmandu’s solid waste management issues due to foreign interests. Now as Prime Minister, such interests may become even broader, and his capacity to uphold public confidence is under serious scrutiny.
Government Priorities and the 100-Point Reform Plan
This government prioritizes administrative restructuring, digital governance, transparency, anti-corruption measures, good governance, and expedited service delivery. Following its formation, the Balendra administration unveiled a 100-point reform agenda endorsed in its first cabinet meeting. Most items feature specific implementation timelines. Given the long-standing perception of limited tangible change, this roadmap is considered significant. Previous governments have complained that bureaucratic inertia hindered effective service delivery. The government led by Sushila Karki after the Gen Z movement also faced accusations of insufficient cooperation from civil servants. Even ministers and the Prime Minister have recognized the need for reforms in the bureaucracy. How much support the Balendra government receives from the civil service will be crucial.
The 100-point plan aims to harness the aspirations of ordinary citizens by strengthening the Prime Minister’s Office. Various mechanisms have been established to enhance government efficiency, which is essential. Traditional bureaucratic habits require reform, emphasizing outcome-oriented service over merely procedural processes. The government has shown focus on digitization to improve service delivery. Publicizing the 100-point plan has increased pressure on the bureaucracy to reform.
Before his oath-taking, Balendra requested a list of urgent reform tasks from every ministry, including deadlines. This groundwork served as the basis for the 100-point plan adopted in the first cabinet meeting. Historically, frequent protests have arisen from dissatisfaction with systemic flaws, but such movements have failed to produce substantive change. The Prime Minister has already instructed ministers to diligently ensure the timely and effective implementation of their portfolios.
Expectations and Role of the Nepali Diaspora
The sentiments of Nepali expatriates span numerous countries globally, with their numbers increasing steadily. Political instability at home, unemployment, conflict, an uncertain future, and other factors have compelled people to seek opportunities abroad. Even those prospering domestically increasingly look overseas for additional safety and prospects. Unofficial statistics estimate over six million Nepalis living abroad, excluding India. Despite their locations, their love and responsibility towards Nepal remain strong. Many wish development, service delivery, and digital infrastructure improvements to occur within Nepal itself.
The Nepali diaspora played a significant role in the recent political transformation and election outcomes. The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has drafted an 18-point ‘National Commitment’ document after studying manifestos and pledges of six nationally recognized political parties. This draft includes provisions specifically addressing Nepalis overseas, which has been welcomed.
The plan proposes issuing a ‘Diaspora Bond’ worth one hundred billion Nepali rupees annually, aiming to channel diaspora capital, experience, and labor into the country’s development. The government also plans to guarantee voting rights for Nepalis abroad and accord them the status of ‘Supreme Organic Investors.’ The commitment enshrines the principle that ‘once Nepali, always Nepali.’ It pledges to resolve double taxation issues and to fast-track policies facilitating diaspora investments. While encouraging, it remains to be seen whether these initiatives advance beyond plans into tangible implementation.
At the same time, the extent of bureaucratic cooperation will be a decisive factor since the civil service’s work ethic and proactivity will shape the government’s efficacy. The government formed on the mandate of the Gen Z movement must not weaken the trust of Nepalis, both domestic and abroad. Unlike previous coalition governments that struggled with poor governance, Raswapa currently enjoys an overwhelming two-thirds majority.
Balendra Shah, accepted by a large segment of the country as its leader, is the most powerful Prime Minister in recent times. With his authority, he is positioned to address legal, administrative, structural, and procedural challenges. The public’s faith in Raswapa and the government is substantial. The recurring pattern of systemic dissatisfaction sparking protests without altering the fundamental condition of the country and its people must end. Let us hope that strengthened public trust and inclusive participation will guide Nepal toward a prosperous future.