Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the demonstrations and movement led by Gen-Z youth on September 8 and 9 reflected both the aspirations of our young generation, growing public awareness and, the dissatisfaction with prevailing corruption in the country. Addressing the Constitution Day and National Day, 2082, main celebration ceremony held today at the Army Pavilion at Tundikhel, PM Karki stated that we must recognize that this movement emerged partly due to shortcomings in good governance, prosperity and development in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, as well as from unfulfilled expectations, deprivation and the frustrations arising from them. “I have also viewed this movement as a measure of the health of our democratic system, for democracy is a system of listening to the people’s voices, engaging in dialogue and seeking solutions,” she stressed.
According to the Prime Minister, the movement of Gen-Z is also the consequence of not being able to stand firmly on the commitment expressed towards democratic values and norms, including the federal republican system of governance, civil liberties, fundamental rights, human rights, full freedom to press, an independent, impartial and competent judiciary, the rule of law and good governance. “The remarkable advancements in information technology, the emergence of citizen-friendly governance systems at the international level as well as the concepts of open government and virtual governance have shaped the awareness of the young generation,” she said. Noting that the issues raised by the young generation- employment opportunities, quality of life, transparency in governmental actions, legal equality, corruption control, good governance and development- are, indeed, the shared aspirations of all generations and constitute a national agenda, the PM expressed the commitment of the incumbent government to embracing these agenda and working in line with the public expectations. “The recent movement has provided us with the guidance that we are yet to make improvements in many areas. The young generation wants to participate itself in the governance system. They want to see the successful governance practices of developed countries applied in Nepal. They want to see their ideas reflected at the policy level,” the Prime Minister said and gave assurances that this government will continue to work with firm determination to address the aspiration and expectations of youth, women, children, differently-abled people, Dalits, indigenous peoples, Madhesis, Tharus, backward classes, communities and all generations.
Prime Minister Karki said: “We have challenges of reconstructing the public infrastructures damaged during the Gen-Z movement and overcoming the losses suffered by business enterprises to uplift the country. The morale of the private sector, being as the driving force of development, has to be boosted. Elections have to be conducted in the stipulated date.” In this context, the PM called upon the entire young generation, political parties, civil servants, private sector, development partners, and all citizens to participate in the great campaign of reconstruction and development. Stating that there are countless grievances, outrages and dissatisfactions of the people towards the ways of governance, she stressed that while it is difficult to address these grievances at once, the present government will make sincere efforts to resolve them to the best of its resources, means and capacity. “On this occasion of Constitution Day, while committing that this Government will remain fully accountable to the citizens, I would like to express my confidence that the citizens too will remain conscious of their duties,” PM emphasized.
Stating that today we are enthusiastically celebrating the Constitution Day and National Day recalling the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, drafted by the Constituent Assembly of the representatives elected by the Nepali people, Prime Minister Karki expressed her heartfelt greetings of Constitution Day 2082 to all Nepali people on the proud occasion of completing one decade of the Federal Democratic Republican Constitution. “Shaped by the repeated movements, struggles, sacrifices and contributions of the Nepali people, the Constitution of Nepal stands as the guiding document reflecting the destiny, future and aspirations of Nepal and Nepali people. The day of its promulgation is also a day of pride for all Nepalis, as it upholds fundamental features such as federalism, democracy, republicanism, inclusiveness and social justice,” she reiterated.
Prime Minister Karki furthermore stated: “Constitution Day is not only a celebration; it is also a day to evaluate the federal democratic republic system. In the decade-long journey of the Constitution since it came into force, it is imperative that we seriously review what we have achieved; what we have not; what shortcomings remain; and what course of action is required in the days ahead.” Remarking that the Constitution has laid the foundation for the separation of powers among the federal, provincial and local levels; for ensuring citizens’ access to quality and prompt public services; and for empowering local leadership, she stated that however, equal access to services, transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, optimal use of resources and technology, cost- effectiveness of public services and development management that ensures tangible outcomes remain common challenges for all tiers of Government. “To address these challenges, the role of, not only the Government but also the private sector, civil society, community and non-governmental organizations, the international community supporting Nepal’s prosperity and development and every citizen is essential,” PM Karki said. Stating that she has not assumed the office of Prime Minister driven by any ambition for power nor by any desire for position, she said she could not remain silent at a time when the country was in crisis, and in response to the appeals of the change-seeking young generation. “I assumed the office of Prime Minister of this interim government with the principal responsibility of managing the transition and conducting general elections to the House of Representatives within six months in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal, and transferring power to the new-government elected by the people,” she emphasized.
The Prime Minister viewed that the present Constitution of Nepal, made on the foundation of the historic People’s Movement of the year 2062-63 BS, has given the message to the world that ‘the Nepali people are capable of shaping their own destiny’. “This time, rather than expecting changes in the Constitution, we have aspired much more to actions that embody its spirit and sentiment. For that, there is a need to hold the upcoming election of the House of Representatives on 5th March 2026 (2082 Fagun 21 BS) in fair, impartial, cost-effective and fear-free environment, creating ownership among all classes, sectors and communities, including the youth,” she added. The PM said an election is not merely a mechanical process, it is also an important link that transfers the wishes, aspirations and trust of the people for the next five years, expressing her trust that all political parties, voters, government machinery and the general public will wholeheartedly cooperate to accomplish that responsibility.
On the occasion of the Constitution Day, PM Karki paid heartfelt tributes to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the people’s movements of the past and the recent Gen-Z movement and also expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Similarly, she wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in this incident and expressed profound grief over the ‘unimaginable and irreparable’ damage caused to public and private property as well as industrial and commercial establishments during this movement. The ceremony was also attended by President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Chairman of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal, former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, heads and representatives of constitutional bodies, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, heads and officers of security bodies, and heads of foreign missions in Nepal.
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