Is the Federal Government of Nepal Good for Nepal, and What Do People Think About It in 2025?

 

Is the Federal Government of Nepal Good for Nepal, and What Do People Think About It in 2025?

Nepal’s shift to a federal democratic republic in 2015 marked a historic break from its unitary past, ending a monarchy and a decade-long civil war. The federal government, with its three-tier structure—federal, provincial, and 753 local units—promised decentralization, inclusivity, and better governance. But nearly a decade later, in 2025, is this system delivering for Nepal? And what do Nepalis think about it? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and public sentiment surrounding the federal government of Nepal today.

What Makes Nepal’s Federal System Promising?

The federal structure, enshrined in the 2015 Constitution, was designed to address Nepal’s unique challenges—geographic diversity, ethnic pluralism, and centralized neglect. Here’s why it’s seen as a potential boon:

• Decentralized Power: With seven provinces and hundreds of local governments, decision-making is closer to the people. Local units can tailor policies to regional needs, from infrastructure in the Terai to education in the Himalayas.
• Inclusivity: The system mandates representation for women, Dalits, and marginalized groups in legislatures, aiming to fix historical inequities. By 2025, women hold 33% of federal parliamentary seats, a constitutional win.
• Post-Conflict Peace: After the 1996–2006 Maoist insurgency, federalism helped stabilize Nepal, replacing monarchy with elected governance. Elections in 2017 and 2022 were largely peaceful, signaling democratic roots.
• Service Delivery: Local governments now manage schools, health posts, and roads, cutting red tape that once stalled progress in Kathmandu.

On paper, this setup is a game-changer for a country long plagued by centralization and exclusion. But does it work in practice?

The Reality: Challenges of Federalism in 2025

Despite its promise, Nepal’s federal government faces steep hurdles that temper its effectiveness:

• Political Instability: Frequent government turnovers—like three prime ministers since 2022—disrupt policy continuity. In 2025, coalition squabbles, such as the CPN-UML’s exit from Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government, still dominate headlines.
• Implementation Gaps: Laws exist, but enforcement lags. Poverty affects 15.1% of Nepalis (2023 data), and marginalized groups, despite legal quotas, often lack real power due to systemic barriers.
• Resource Crunch: Provinces and local units complain of inadequate funding. The World Bank’s 2024 Nepal Development Update notes capital expenditure execution remains below 80%, stunting infrastructure growth.
• Corruption: Endemic graft undermines trust. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed 205 bribery cases in 2024, yet impunity persists, especially among political elites.
• Jurisdictional Confusion: Overlaps between federal, provincial, and local roles create inefficiency. For instance, health system federalization struggles with unclear accountability, per a 2023 Health Research study.

These issues fuel debate: Is federalism lifting Nepal up, or dragging it down?

What Do Nepalis Think in 2025?

Public opinion on Nepal’s federal government is a mixed bag, reflecting both hope and frustration. While comprehensive 2025 surveys are pending, trends from recent years and anecdotal sentiment offer clues:

• Growing Trust, Lingering Doubt: The Asia Foundation’s 2020 Survey of the Nepali People showed rising trust in local and federal governments (over 50% approval) but declining faith in political parties (below 40%). In 2025, posts on X suggest this split persists—people praise local projects but slam national instability.
• Rural vs. Urban Divide: Rural Nepalis often appreciate tangible gains—like new health posts or roads—crediting local governance. Urban dwellers, especially in Kathmandu, lean skeptical, citing corruption and coalition chaos, per a 2023 ORCA survey on India-China perceptions that touched on governance views.
• Youth Discontent: Young Nepalis, a growing voting bloc, voice frustration online. A 2021 Kathmandu Post piece noted 32% satisfaction with provincial governments, and 2025 X chatter echoes this, with calls for jobs and accountability over political games.
• Economic Lens: With Nepal on the FATF gray list since February 2025, some blame federal mismanagement for economic woes, fearing less foreign investment. Others see it as a unitary hangover, not a federal flaw.

A Himalmedia poll from 2018 found 43% felt service delivery improved post-federalism—a trend likely holding in rural areas today. Yet, the same poll showed 46.8% felt Nepal’s condition worsened, a sentiment that may linger among urban and youth demographics in 2025.

Does It Work for Nepal?

The federal government’s scorecard is nuanced. It’s good for Nepal in theory—decentralization tackles exclusion, and elected leaders beat royal decrees. Data backs some wins: infant mortality dropped from 46 to 32 per 1,000 live births (2011–2016), a trend continuing into 2025 with local health upgrades. The 2024 BTI Report notes a “more democratic, less violent” path since 2015.

But it’s not great yet. Governance hiccups—instability, corruption, and poor coordination—limit gains. The World Bank’s 2024 report projects a 4.4% growth rate for FY 2023/24, far below the 7% needed for middle-income status by 2030, hinting federalism hasn’t unlocked Nepal’s potential.

Conclusion: A Work in Progress

Is the federal government good for Nepal? It’s a half-full, half-empty glass. It’s given Nepal peace, representation, and local empowerment—vital after centuries of central rule. But inefficiency and distrust keep it from shining. Public opinion mirrors this: rural optimism clashes with urban cynicism, while youth demand more.

In 2025, Nepal’s federal system isn’t a failure—it’s a work in progress. Fixing it needs stable coalitions, anti-corruption teeth, and clearer roles across tiers. What do you think—can Nepal make federalism work, or is it time for a rethink? Share your take below!

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