Govt begins efforts in good governance, reform

 Kathmandu, July 3

The government has completed its first 100 days in office, marking the beginning of efforts to implement its commitments to good governance, public sector reform, reducing corruption, recovering illicit assets, and strengthening the accountability of state institutions.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the government has launched the implementation of its policy agenda, accompanied by a long-term vision aimed at achieving its good governance objectives.

In the budget for the Fiscal Year 2026/27, the government has introduced programmes focused on economic transformation. It has also initiated accelerated reforms to ensure economic stability while addressing the management of informal and unplanned settlements.

During its first 100 days, the government has implemented measures aimed at eliminating delays and discourteous treatment of service users in public offices, expediting the printing of passports and driving licences, and making public service delivery more citizen-centred.

Former treasurer and senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Lima Adhikari, and political analyst Professor Meena Vaidya Malla described the government's initial performance as encouraging.

"The RSP has also successfully completed its general convention during this period. Within these 100 days, the government has taken significant action against corruption. I believe that the commitment demonstrated by both the government and the RSP, together with the practice of a new political culture, will help strengthen, enhance and consolidate Nepal's democracy," Professor Vaidya said.

Likewise, Adhikari stated that the government has developed a clear roadmap, particularly for improving public service delivery and promoting good governance. She noted that it has begun implementing measures to eliminate the difficulties and inconvenience that citizens have long faced in accessing public services.

She further claimed that the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption has been applied effectively from ward level through to the central government, and that the budget has helped restore confidence within the private sector.

"The budget is transformative. The work accomplished during these first 100 days has been outstanding. Reforms in the economic sector will revitalise the overall economy," said Adhikari.

However, Political analyst Professor Rajesh Gautam said that the government's approach should be aligned with public expectations. While there were grounds for optimism during the early stages following the formation of the government, he said the current situation suggests that it has not been able to uphold the aspirations of the people and democratic principles in an appropriate manner.

"There must be proper coordination between the government and the party leadership. At present, it appears as though the government is moving in one direction while the party leadership is moving in another. Such duality creates uncertainty in politics. It is needed to provide a long-term direction for the country's politics," said Professor Gautam.

He also emphasised that, in tackling corruption, the government should proceed systematically by gathering robust evidence before pursuing legal action.

"Those who have been arrested are subsequently being released by the courts. This indicates that the charge sheets have not been prepared with sufficient strength and supporting evidence," he said while adding that the government should not be driven by publicity.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 July 2026 (Originally written by Ashok Adhikari).