Discontent Among Gen Z Leaders Regarding Government’s Approach

May 19, Kathmandu – “Democracy is a journey, not a destination. It encompasses not only written rules and laws but also informal processes, behaviors, and procedures.”

In a statement released on Friday, Gen Z leaders emphasized that to build a strong and prosperous democracy, the government alongside various state organs, institutions, and stakeholders must follow transparent, accountable, equitable, and just procedures. The release was prompted mainly by an invitation from the task force formed by Prime Minister Balendra Shah to prepare a constitutional amendment discussion paper.

On April 13, Gen Z leaders received invitations via message from the task force, which called for discussions on constitutional amendments. The list included 29 Gen Z leaders representing the movement.

Among those invited were Defence Bam, Uparjun Chamling, Tanuja Pandey, Majid Ansari, Arnab Chaudhary, Rijan Ranamagar, Amrita Van, Yujan Rajbhandari, Prabhash Basnet, Pema Wangbu, Tank Jaisi, Yadav Aryal, Yatish Ojha, Janak Pokhrel, Ayush Basyal, Sudip Seth, Arun Singh Nepali, Biplavi Nyaupane, Sanken Rai, and Monica Niraula.

Recently, a Gen Z leader formed a WhatsApp group of those summoned by the Prime Minister’s Office, which also included Liladhar Subedi, the Deputy Secretary of PMO. Subedi sent an official invitation in the group directing the representatives and law students to attend the discussions at specified dates, times, and locations.

The informal discussion began on this WhatsApp group. However, another Gen Z leader raised questions about the discussion planned by the task force, asking, “What is the scope of the constitutional amendment? What are the expectations from this discussion?”

After receiving the topics to be discussed from the task force in a Word document, the Gen Z leaders’ discussions focused on the agenda points.

The primary concern was whether to participate or not. As dissatisfaction grew, the leaders formed another group excluding the Deputy Secretary from PMO, to deliberate privately. Some complained that certain comrades were not included in the invitation list.

Subsequently, names such as Laxmi Ghimire, Manisha Chaudhary, Prajwal Bikram Rana, Amit Khanal Urja, Prabhat Labh, Sharishma Thapa, Pravesh Dahal, Kamal Magar, and Ruksana Kapali were added, along with several Gen Z injured members.

Despite the additions, many decided against participation. Twenty-five Gen Z leaders officially declined the task force’s summons on May 14, expressing discontent over non-implementation of prior agreements and the government’s unilateral and non-transparent approach.

One Gen Z leader shared, “We had an existing WhatsApp group, but due to this issue, we created a separate one. Even after the Deputy Secretary joined, discussions continued in the new group and ultimately, we reached the decision not to attend the near-term talks.”

They also questioned the legitimacy of the task force formation. According to them, the original agreement promised the formation of a high-level independent commission for constitutional amendment suggestions, including independent experts, Gen Z representatives, and youth.

However, the current task force membership and selection process have not been made public, raising doubts among Gen Z leaders about the members’ qualifications.

Since many members are accused in cases linked to the movement, dissatisfaction runs deeper. They highlighted that the families of martyrs and injured are still awaiting justice.

“Friends residing outside the capital are excluded from every procedural step. We are still waiting for implementation of the 10-point agreement signed on Mangsir 24, 2082,” the leaders remarked, drawing government attention.

They also raised concerns about the selection process and omission of some leaders in the invitations, urging that six demands be met before renewed invitations for discussions are issued.

According to Gen Z leader Arnab Chaudhary, the government-formed task force lacks legal and procedural soundness and appears more like a political party team. He criticized the government’s silence on the law and procedures, questioning its priorities.

“While being called for discussion, national issues remain unresolved. We were invited to discuss squatter eviction and other contentious issues. The fact that some outspoken comrades were summoned first raises doubts. It appears the government seeks to distract public attention,” Chaudhary said.

Gen Z leaders also expressed serious dissatisfaction with the government’s recent operational style. Their joint statement demanded an immediate halt to the state’s inhumane behavior towards landless squatters, Dalits, and unorganized settlements.

Gen Z leader Defence Bam stated, “We had expectations from the government, but they have deprioritized important issues and focused first on evicting squatters. The haste taken on sensitive topics has been disappointing.”

The government’s approach during squatter removal was hoped to be well managed, but lack of preparation in transferring people to holding centers prompted dissatisfaction. They also cited accountability gaps in the Parliament, judiciary, and Prime Minister’s Office.

“Prime Minister Balen has acted with an ‘I am the state’ attitude and seems to be repeating KP Oli’s style. If this government fails, we will be the most disappointed. We had many hopes from the new government, but it feels like we’ve already encountered a setback,” Bam said.

Gen Z leader Uparjun Chamling also conveyed concern about the government’s approach moving forward. He criticized the government’s ordinance introduction in Parliament, squatter eviction, the Rs. 100 customs issue related to the border dispute, and the Prime Minister’s lack of accountability in Parliament.

“The process to assign the task force for constitutional amendment discussion should be transparent, with clear methods and objectives,” Chamling said. “A formal invitation alone does not reflect genuine Gen Z participation.”

In conclusion, he added, “The government seems to be working out of arrogance; such an attitude will not advance the country.”