PAKISTAN READER

Mahesh Bhatta Mr Mahesh Raj Bhatta is a Research Fellow at the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), Kathmandu, Nepal.

The World This Week #351-352, Vol 8, Nos 13-14, 26 April 2026

On 14 April 2026, the new government of Nepal introduced a comprehensive “National Commitment” document. This serves as a strategic roadmap to transform Nepal into a middle-income country over the next five years. It also integrates the election manifestos and promises of six major political parties into a single plan for governance reform, economic development and social welfare over the next five years.

The draft has been shared with political parties for feedback, with a ten-day deadline. The document aims to incorporate their suggestions into national policies, with a view to preparing programmes, budgets, and priorities for the fiscal year 2026/27 and beyond. According to the draft, these commitments will be implemented through relevant ministries and agencies. Overall coordination and monitoring will be led by the Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

The 22-page document covers 18 different sectors. Key takeaways from the draft National Commitment document include:

1. Towards achieving macroeconomic goals aimed at the economic transformation of Nepal
On the economic front, the primary objective of the National Document is aimed at a national transformation.  The document aims for an average economic growth rate of 7 per cent, increasing per capita income to USD 3,000 and expanding the total economy to nearly USD 100 billion within five years. 

On job creation, the document aims to create 1.5 million jobs within the next five years, focusing on local employment and reducing youth emigration. The document also looks at poverty reduction. It sets a target to reduce multi-dimensional poverty to 10 per cent within five years.

2. Emphasis on Private Sector and Energy Self-Sufficiency
The document expects the Private Sector to play a significant role in this transformation. The government will act as a regulator and facilitator, encouraging the private sector as the primary engine of investment and job creation. 

An important aspect of the document is its emphasis on energy self-sufficiency. The document has a 30,000 MW production target, modernizing agriculture and promoting tourism. 

3. Focus on good governance, improve efficiency and administrative reforms
Administrative efficiency is a primary target of the new document. The introduction of a "timecard system" in public offices is expected to reduce delays and improve service delivery, as well as eliminate party-affiliated trade unions within the civil service and state institutions. On corruption, a major initiative is the audit and investigation of the wealth and assets of public officials since 1991 to restore public trust.

The document also has a focus on digitalization. It covers the implementation of paperless, electronic governance (digital signatures, 24-hour complaint systems) to ensure transparency and accountability.

The document plans to cap the number of federal ministries at 17 to enhance efficiency. 

4. Focus on Social Justice
The document has a special focus on health and education. It pledges to allocate 8 per cent of the budget to health by 2031, alongside providing free treatment for burn victims and the deprived. Inclusion is another major focus of the new document. In a significant move towards equity, it promises of formal apologies to Dalit and historically marginalized communities. 

5. Emphasis on Technology, Agriculture and Diaspora Engagement
An important aspect of the new document is IT as a strategic industry. It aims to elevate the IT sector to a national priority, turning Nepal into an exporter of AI and computational services, with mandatory digital literacy up to Grade 12.

In agriculture, it focuses on self-reliance through initiatives such as farmer credit cards, insurance, a pension system, and high-value crop promotion.

Diaspora investment is another important aspect. Utilizing the skills and capital of Non-Resident Nepalese (NRNs) through sovereign diaspora bonds to encourage investment. The commitment strengthens NRNs' rights and advocates for the "Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali" principle. 

6. Towards a Neutral Foreign Policy and Balanced Diplomacy
On external relations, Nepal calls for neutrality. The draft proposes maintaining a balanced, independent foreign policy with both neighbours and beyond, while avoiding any kind of military alliances.

The document aims to work towards regional stability by focusing on economic diplomacy and protecting national sovereignty while navigating geopolitical tensions. 

7. Improving Nepal’s infrastructure
In the infrastructure sector, the government plans to manage projects through a centralized, mission-based approach, with clear deadlines for major national projects. Highways, waterways, and airports will be connected into one integrated transport system. The Pokhara International Airport and Bhairahawa International Airport will be fully operational, allowing flights from major global cities. The Mahendra (East-West) Highway will be upgraded to international standards within three years. The plan also includes setting up a public library in every district and improving trade and transport links with India and China, including better access to sea routes through maritime ports.

To Conclude: New government, New Consensus and New Nepal
Overall, the National Commitment document represents an important attempt to align political priorities into a single, comprehensible national roadmap. The draft serves as a guide for the next five years, which focuses on good governance, social justice and economic prosperity. By combining the agendas of major political parties, it signals a move toward greater policy continuity and shared ownership of key reforms. Its focus on economic growth, governance reform and social inclusion reflects both public expectations and long-standing structural challenges in Nepal.

ALSO READ
Mahesh Bhatta, "Nepal Elections 2026: The Rise of the New and the Fall of the Old"
Global Politics Commentary, CWA # 2010, 09 March 2026.
https://globalpolitics.in/view_cir_articles.php?ArticleNo=2010&url=The%20World%20This%20Week&recordNo=2021

Sreemaya Nair, "Nepal Elections 2026: Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape," 08 March 2026
Global Politics Commentary, CWA # 2010, 08 March 2026
https://globalpolitics.in/view_cir_articles.php?ArticleNo=2009&url=The%20World%20This%20Week&recordNo=2020

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