Skip to main content

Democracy and the Forgotten Children of Nepal

A simple reflection on how democracy in Nepal often fails children’s right to education, how children respond differently, and why shared backgrounds among stakeholders can limit real change.

Nepal’s democracy is often praised as the voice of the people. But many children still do not get the basic right to education. Schools close without warning. Strikes stop classes. Poverty forces families to take children out of school.

Children are different by nature. Some quickly understand that school is important. They use education as a tool to overcome barriers. These children borrow books, share supplies, and find small ways to help others and their families. They manage their needs, find food, and keep working toward their goals.

Other children face different problems. Some get sick with cold or cough during winter and miss school. Some go to school because it is a family tradition. Some move with their parents for other reasons while parents say the move is for better schools. Schools treat absence differently: some count absences in academic records, so attendance becomes mandatory. Every school has its own character and rules.

Sudden unification among stakeholders is possible, but it often fails to bring real change. Many stakeholders come from the same environment and the same education system. They may call different schools “big” for different reasons — one says a tall tree is big, another says a wide tree is big — but they still think in the same way. This happens because people do not always set their minds to think differently. When leaders and decision makers share the same background and habits, they repeat the same solutions and miss new ideas.

Many children still choose to stay in Nepal and learn here instead of leaving to earn money abroad. Their choice is about dignity, belonging, and hope for change at home.

Democracy should be more than elections. It should protect these children and make sure their effort leads to real chances. Their struggle is not a small story. It is the test of what democracy really means.

If democracy is real, it must start by valuing the children who keep studying even when the system gives up on them.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Remittances, Rights, and Retirement: The Reality of Nepali Expatriate Benefits

Remittances, Rights, and Retirement: The Reality of Nepali Expatriate Benefits “Clarity in the present, context for the world." For a country like Nepal, where nearly every household has a connection to foreign employment, the question of "who takes care of the worker after the job is done?" is a multi-billion dollar concern. While many assume the administration of foreign pensions is a major revenue stream for the Government of Nepal (GoN), the reality is more nuanced. Pension administration isn't a "moneymaker" for the state—it's a diplomatic and social welfare challenge. Here is a breakdown of how the money flows and where the responsibility lies in 2026. 1. Remittances vs. Revenue: The Economic Engine It is a common misconception that the GoN "takes a cut" of foreign pensions as direct revenue. In fact, pensions and remittances are distinct from the government’s primary income sources, like  VAT, customs duties, and income tax . The Remitt...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nepal’s Grey List Exit Plan: Actions, Stakeholders, and Global Support

  Nepal’s Grey List Exit Plan: Actions, Stakeholders, and Global Support This blog is written as a concern of a citizen for its nation — to highlight urgent steps Nepal must take to restore credibility and financial stability. Nepal was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2025 due to weaknesses in its anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter‑terrorist financing (CFT) systems. Out of 40 FATF recommendations, Nepal initially complied with only 21. Why Nepal Is on the Grey List Weak enforcement of AML/CFT laws Limited institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute financial crimes Gaps in monitoring remittances and informal financial flows Roadmap to Exit the Grey List 🟢 Phase 1: Immediate (May–July 2026) Goal: Build credibility fast by showing visible progress. Actions: Audit Pending Cases : Review all ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing cases. Prioritize those with strong evidence. Capacity Building : Train prosecutors, judges, and investigators wit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond Remittances: Migrant Realities and Policy Pathways for Nepal

 Beyond Remittances: Migrant Realities and Policy Pathways for Nepal “Clarity in the present, context for the world." Foreign employment and student migration are lifelines for Nepal, yet the question remains: what happens to workers and students once their contracts or visas end? The answer lies less in government revenue and more in the lived realities of migrants and the social protection systems that should support them. 1. Remittances and Indirect Revenue No direct taxation: The Government of Nepal (GoN) does not tax pensions or remittances directly. Economic backbone: Remittances finance over 130% of Nepal’s trade deficit (FY 2025/26). Indirect fiscal impact: Spending remittance income on land, property, and imports generates state revenue through registration fees and customs duties. Policy Advisory: Stakeholders should treat remittances as a stabilizing force, not a fiscal shortcut. The priority is to channel remittance inflows into sustainable development. ...
Post a Comment
Read more