The new government has moved swiftly, rolling out a 100-point action plan, setting tight deadlines, and promising to fix the functioning of the state. For a country where decisions often sit in files for months, this urgency is notable.
At one level, the plan demonstrates clarity by targeting familiar problems: slow services, political interference, weak accountability, and project delays. The government has also sought to back these goals with legal measures, planning to draft or amend eleven laws within the so-called “honeymoon” period of 100 days.
Ambitious initiatives include the Federal Civil Service Act, Digital Governance and Data Protection law, amendments to the Public Procurement Act, and a Project Facilitation law. Legal backing is crucial, as reforms without it often fade once media attention subsides.
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The proposed Federal Civil Service Act is central to the reform push. Public administration has long lacked neutrality, with transfers, promotions, and decisions often reflecting party interests. Breaking this link could improve governance significantly. Yet political parties rely on influence within the bureaucracy, and resistance—both overt and hidden—is inevitable. Passing the law is one thing; enforcing it is another.
The push for digital governance appears more practical. A unified platform for public services could reduce duplication, cut delays, and limit middlemen. Anyone who has dealt with passports, licenses, or certificates knows the current system’s frustrations. Moving services online, coupled with time-bound procedures, could provide quick, visible results. Still, digital systems require stable infrastructure, trained staff, and strong data protection measures. The inclusion of a data protection law is therefore encouraging.
The anti-corruption agenda gives the plan its political edge. Investigating assets of those in power since 1991 addresses long-standing public concerns. Expanding the timeline beyond recent actors suggests a more comprehensive clean-up. However, Nepal has seen similar efforts before, where political influence undermined results. Fairness and transparency are essential to build credibility.
The plan also aims to streamline development projects. Infrastructure delays are chronic, often caused by approval processes, legal hurdles, and institutional overlap. The proposed Project Facilitation law, alongside changes to the Public Procurement Act, could improve project efficiency and ensure better value for money. Yet regulations alone cannot guarantee results; enforcement and responsible usage remain key.
Economic goals, including reducing red tape, faster company registration, and startup support, aim to stimulate investment. Social initiatives, such as apologies to historically marginalized groups and inclusion programs, address deeper injustices—but these will matter only if converted into effective policy.
The bigger challenge lies in capacity. Ministries require coordination, skilled staff, and discipline. Nepal’s bureaucracy is not known for speed, and legal challenges could slow progress. Public expectation adds pressure; the 100-day framework has created hope, but if results do not materialize quickly, that hope could turn into frustration.
The Balen Shah government has started strong, but turning these ambitious reforms into reality will be the true test, as many past reform agendas have faltered due to slow or ineffective implementation.
