Nepali Times ePaper
Dear Nepali Times Reader,
Khim Lal Devkota, Nepal's leading expert on local governance, recently advised seven Chief Ministers gathered in Hetauda. He suggested a sit-in protest in Kathmandu to push for decentralising powers away from Kathmandu. That's how bad it has got.
Chief Ministers across party lines are demanding more autonomy, including control over police, property transfer, and a larger share of national revenue (from 30% to 50%). However, despite constitutional provisions local governments lack functionality due to Kathmandu's central control.
Public disillusionment with federalism has led to exploitation by parties like Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), to fan anti-federalism, anti-secular and pro-monarchy sentiments. Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) supports devolution but didn't contest the 2022 provincial elections.
Provincial politics mirror national conflicts, and are visible in disputes over naming Kosi Province and tensions in Madhes Province due to federalist aspirations and anti-secular movements influenced by India. Sonia Awale reports on Page 1 and 10-11.
Other highlights from this week's issue:
Federalism is set to be a divisive issue in the 2027 elections, with parties using regressive rhetoric. Provinces, capable of autonomy, are hindered by controlling politicians. Dismissing federalism disregards the Constitution's creation and sacrifices made during the conflict. For a true democracy, Nepal needs to give federalism a fair chance rather than scrapping it altogether. Shriti Karki's editorial this week.
Nepal's trail bridges program, a sustainable development model, has transformed the lives of 19 million people, benefiting students, farmers, health workers, and trekkers. Initially started during the Rana period, the program gained momentum after technological adaptations in the 1980s, aiming to bridge river crossings and reduce walking detours. The Swiss government and Helvetas aided in building more than 10,000 trail bridges in Nepal, with 740 constructed in the past year alone. Read more about the collaboration and highlights of the project and view the photos.
Sujan Rawat, 23, arrived in Kathmandu from Karnali province with hopes of alleviating his family's debt by seeking work in Korea. His aspirations ended when he became one of two hopefuls killed during a police charge at a protest in Balkumari, Lalitpur.
At Kathmandu's National Kidney Centre, a significant portion of the 800 regular kidney dialysis patients are returning migrant workers from the Gulf and Malaysia. Nepal is facing a growing epidemic of renal failure attributed to migrant workers' exposure to heat, dehydration, and poor post-work practices. However, this isn't exclusive to workers; a rising number of young Nepalis suffer from lifestyle-related ailments. Preventing kidney failure involves managing diabetes and hypertension in the early stages, writes senior nephrologist Rishi Kumar Kafle.
This and more at nepalitimes.com.
Have a great weekend.
Nepali Times