The April 10 issue of Eurasia Review published an analysis stating that the 100-point governance reform agenda introduced by Nepal's new Prime Minister Balen Shah faces challenges due to controversial measures, including restrictions on party-affiliated trade unions and student politics in campuses. The agenda aims to implement "delivery-based governance," with core measures such as requiring all ministries to clearly define tasks, deadlines, and performance indicators, and reducing the number of federal ministries to 17 within 30 days to enhance efficiency. Additionally, public officials and teachers are prohibited from having party affiliations, aiming to "depoliticize" the administrative system. The government has also announced the abolition of party-linked trade unions within government departments, and plans to eliminate campus-based student associations affiliated with political parties within 90 days, replacing them with non-partisan student committees. Critics argue these measures may infringe upon constitutional rights to freedom of association and undermine campuses' role as platforms for nurturing democratic political talent. Organizations such as the Nepal Students' Union have issued warnings regarding these reforms. Currently, Shah's government is rapidly advancing its reform agenda, including dismissing the labor minister for misconduct, and arresting several former officials—including former Prime Minister Oli—suspected of suppressing youth protests in September 2025 shortly after taking office.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862275084539083/
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