Balen govt unveils sweeping 100-point governance reform agenda to reset economy, digitize state, and rebuild trust

KATHMANDU: In what is being described as one of the most ambitious state restructuring efforts in recent history, the Government of Nepal has approved a comprehensive 100-point governance reform agenda aimed at transforming public administration, revitalizing the economy, restoring investor confidence, and institutionalizing transparency across all sectors.

Endorsed by the Cabinet on Chaitra 13, 2082 (March 2026), the reform blueprint signals a decisive shift toward a digital-first, accountability-driven, and private sector-friendly governance model, positioning Nepal for structural economic transformation in the coming decade.

At its core, the reform agenda begins with political stabilization and reconciliation, acknowledging recent electoral processes and committing to build a shared national consensus. The government has pledged to thank all stakeholders involved in elections, unify political commitments into a national framework, and seek consensus on constitutional amendments. It has also committed to formally apologizing to Dalit and marginalized communities while addressing grievances arising from the Gen-Z movement through relief, rehabilitation, and a high-level investigation committee.

Institutional reforms form a central pillar of the agenda. The government plans to reduce the number of ministries to 17, eliminate redundant institutions, and depoliticize the administrative machinery. Civil service reforms will link performance evaluation directly to outcomes, enforce discipline, and introduce service quality certification. Structural clarity will also be established across federal, provincial, and local governments, while teacher management responsibilities will be devolved to provinces.

A major transformation is envisioned in public service delivery. The state will establish citizen service centers, implement a 24-hour grievance redressal system, and strengthen platforms like “Hello Sarkar.” All government services will be digitized, time-bound, and trackable, with documents delivered directly to citizens’ homes. A single data collection system will eliminate redundancy, while user-friendly government apps and portals will allow citizens to apply for services, schedule appointments, and access documents online using digital signatures.

The government will build a unified Integrated Digital Governance Platform, ensuring that all services are accessible through a single interface. Supporting this, a digital regulatory authority will be established, IT infrastructure will be integrated, and new legislation will define Nepal’s digital architecture. Inter-agency data exchange systems will further enhance coordination and efficiency.

On governance and anti-corruption, the reform agenda introduces systemic changes. Betting apps will be banned, a high-level asset investigation mechanism will be activated, and a national anti-corruption action plan will be rolled out. Public sector integrity policies will be enforced, and a digital asset tracking system will monitor financial activities. Procurement reforms will introduce full e-procurement, life-cycle costing, and performance-based contracting, ensuring transparency and value for money.

Infrastructure and project execution reforms aim to break long-standing bottlenecks. A project facilitation law will be introduced, while project management systems will be strengthened. Road projects will be strictly time-bound, and an integrated investment model will define financing approaches including public, private, and foreign participation. A one-stop investment service will simplify processes, while startup registration and SME financing will be streamlined to accelerate entrepreneurship.

The private sector is positioned at the center of Nepal’s economic revival strategy. A Private Sector Promotion Strategy will be implemented, ensuring business security, removing logistical barriers, and fostering a transparent investment climate. Institutions responsible for investment promotion will be unified, CSR funds will be targeted toward priority sectors, and a Prime Minister Delivery Unit will monitor implementation.

Sectoral reforms span tourism, energy, water, and urban development. New tourist destinations will be identified, wellness tourism promoted, and energy sector reforms accelerated. Integrated water management systems and watershed conservation programs will be implemented, while a unified urban development law will guide city expansion.

Fiscal and economic governance will undergo major restructuring. E-billing will be made mandatory, tax systems overhauled, and government funds consolidated. Customs will be modernized, mining sector reforms introduced, and idle state resources mobilized. Deposited funds and dormant assets will be utilized more efficiently to support economic growth.

Social sector reforms are equally prominent. Health service quality will be upgraded, while education will be depoliticized. Examination systems will be improved, and provisions will allow students without citizenship certificates to enroll in undergraduate programs. Early-grade examination systems will be reformed or removed to align with modern education practices.

Agriculture modernization, landless settlement resolution, and public land protection are also key priorities. Legal reforms will address crime-linked assets, while the Central Investigation Bureau Nepal Police will be strengthened with technology and professional capacity.

Transport and urban mobility reforms include free public bus services for women and enhanced safety measures in public transportation. The government will also manage vehicles stuck in customs and remove logistical bottlenecks in freight movement.

Cooperative sector reforms will ensure the immediate return of public deposits, addressing one of the most pressing financial concerns among citizens.

The reform agenda concludes with a strong emphasis on collective implementation, calling for coordination among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and citizens to ensure execution.

Economists and policy analysts view the 100-point plan as a systemic reset of Nepal’s governance and economic architecture, with the potential to unlock investment, improve service delivery, and position the country competitively in the regional and global economy. However, they stress that the success of this ambitious roadmap will depend entirely on execution discipline, institutional capacity, and political commitment over the coming months.

Here is the 100 point in brief:

1. All those who contributed to the successful conduct of elections will be thanked.
2. The government will be made result-oriented and accountable.
3. A shared national commitment will be developed by incorporating commitments of all political parties.
4. National consensus will be sought for constitutional amendments.
5. A formal apology will be issued to Dalit and marginalized communities.
6. Relief and rehabilitation will be provided to victims of the Gen-Z movement.
7. A high-level committee will be formed to investigate the incident.
8. Reports of various commissions will be implemented.
9. The number of ministries will be reduced to 17.
10. Service delivery will be simplified and accelerated.
11. Unnecessary institutions will be abolished or restructured.
12. The administrative system will be freed from political influence.
13. The civil service will be made disciplined and accountable.
14. Structural standards for federal, provincial, and local levels will be established.
15. Teacher service management will be handled at the provincial level.
16. Employee performance evaluation will be linked to results.
17. A service quality certification system will be implemented.
18. Physical and operational standards of government offices will be improved.
19. Digital profiles (electronic records) of employees will be prepared.
20. Citizen service centers will be established.
21. Citizen services will be fully digitized.
22. Special training will be provided to front desk staff.
23. Service delivery processes will be restructured.
24. A 24-hour grievance hearing system will be implemented.
25. The “Hello Sarkar” system will be improved and strengthened.
26. Government services will be time-bound and digital.
27. Arrangements will be made to deliver government documents to citizens’ homes.
28. Digital systems will be further strengthened.
29. Personal data will be collected only once.
30. Government apps and portals will be made simple and user-friendly.
31. Application processes via citizen apps will be simplified.
32. Appointment scheduling for services will be introduced.
33. A digital signature system will be implemented.
34. A file tracking system will be introduced.
35. Certificates will be downloadable online.
36. An Integrated Digital Governance Platform will be developed.
37. All government services will be available through a single platform.
38. A digital regulatory body will be established.
39. IT infrastructure will be integrated.
40. Necessary IT-related laws will be enacted.
41. A digital architecture will be developed.
42. Betting apps will be banned.
43. An asset investigation committee will be formed.
44. The Good Governance Center will be strengthened.
45. A digital asset tracking system will be developed.
46. A national anti-corruption action plan will be introduced.
47. Integrity policies will be implemented in the public sector.
48. Public procurement systems will be reformed.
49. Project management systems will be strengthened.
50. E-procurement will be fully implemented.
51. A project facilitation law will be introduced.
52. Road projects will be completed on time.
53. Investment processes will be simplified.
54. Investment models for projects will be determined.
55. A one-stop investment system will be implemented.
56. Startup registration and operation will be accelerated.
57. Credit flow to SMEs will be facilitated.
58. Business registration will be integrated.
59. Employment and skill development centers will be established.
60. A private sector promotion strategy will be implemented.
61. Business security will be ensured.
62. Strict action will be taken against criminals.
63. Relief will be provided to businesses affected by disasters.
64. A Prime Minister Delivery Unit will be established.
65. Investment promotion institutions will be integrated.
66. Registration processes for small industries will be simplified.
67. An inter-agency data exchange system will be developed.
68. CSR funds will be targeted to priority sectors.
69. A special strategy for private sector protection will be implemented.
70. Barriers in transportation will be removed.
71. A transparent investment environment will be created.
72. New tourist destinations will be identified and developed.
73. Wellness tourism will be promoted.
74. Structural reforms will be carried out in the energy sector.
75. Drinking water management systems will be integrated.
76. Watershed areas will be conserved.
77. An integrated urban development law will be introduced.
78. Idle national resources will be utilized.
79. E-billing will be made mandatory.
80. The tax system will be comprehensively reformed.
81. Government funds will be consolidated.
82. Mining and mineral sectors will be reformed.
83. The customs system will be modernized.
84. Deposited funds will be properly utilized.
85. Quality of health services will be improved.
86. The education sector will be freed from political interference.
87. Examination results will be published on time.
88. Students will be allowed to enroll in undergraduate programs even without citizenship certificates.
89. The final examination system up to Grade 5 will be reformed or removed.
90. The agriculture sector will be modernized.
91. A permanent solution to the landless problem will be sought.
92. Public land will be protected and promoted.
93. Laws related to crime-linked assets will be reformed.
94. The Central Investigation Bureau Nepal Police will be made technology-driven and professional.
95. International crises will be studied and preparedness ensured.
96. Proper management of vehicles held at customs will be ensured.
97. Free public bus services will be provided for women.
98. Security in public transportation will be strengthened.
99. The process of refunding cooperative savings will begin immediately.
100. These reforms will be implemented through coordination among all stakeholders.