The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has unveiled a list of 100 programmes to be completed within its first 100 days—often described as a “honeymoon period.” The plan has largely been welcomed. Public dissatisfaction in Nepal has long stemmed from weak governance; when governance improves, public perception naturally follows. This time, the government appears intent on delivering on its reform agenda. Unlike in the past, when administrations were often preoccupied with ceremonial engagements, this one seems to prioritise performance. There is also palpable pressure on the government to restore public confidence in the wake of the September 9 Gen-Z protests and the violence, arson and vandalism that followed a day later. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) contested the March 5 general elections with a commitment to elevate Shah to the premiership. Honouring that pledge, a 15-member cabinet was formed on the very first day—marking a clear departure from past practices, where cabinet formation often dragged on. Previously, even without a clear majority, parties jostled for power, resulting in oversized cabinets and multiple deputy prime ministers. This time, such excesses have been avoided. A compact and lean cabinet signals an intent to govern with focus and efficiency.
Performance Indicators for public officials to be prepared with...
Rather than appearing disengaged, it is encouraging to see the Prime Minister and ministers fully occupied with substantive work. In the past, inefficiencies in public service delivery fuelled the rise of middlemen. If state mechanisms function smoothly, such intermediaries may lose relevance. When citizens no longer need personal connections to access services, it strengthens trust and fosters a genuine sense of change. Past governments frequently split ministries to accommodate political interests, prompting the constitutional cap on the number of ministers. While the Constitution allows up to 25 ministers, there is no obligation to reach that limit. Earlier administrations seldom exercised such restraint. If sustained, the current approach is likely to draw widespread approval. The government has also begun implementing the recommendations of a commission led by former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, tasked with investigating the crackdown and subsequent violence during the Gen-Z protests. As part of this process, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday morning. The Kathmandu District Court has authorised their detention for five days for investigation. The judicial process will take its course.
However, it is equally important that those responsible for inciting the protests, as well as those involved in the violence, are investigated impartially. Any perception of selective justice could undermine public trust. The government also faces the challenge of firmly investigating past corruption scandals—an issue that featured prominently during the elections. Indications that cases both before and after the restoration of democracy may be pursued are encouraging. Strengthening investigations, particularly through asset-laundering frameworks, could have a transformative impact. Countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore have demonstrated how curbing corruption can drive rapid development. Nepal must follow a similar path if it seeks meaningful progress. While governments have come and gone, frequent changes in recent years reduced them to a near routine, eroding the prestige of public office. Today, renewed public interest in political leadership signals a shift. The true value of leadership lies in upholding its integrity. The government must now deliver on its commitments promptly to earn and sustain public trust.
