In a dramatic start to his tenure, Nepal’s new Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, has unleashed sweeping reforms within just 48 hours of taking oath—triggering both excitement and outrage across the country.
At just 35, the rapper-turned-politician has rolled out a bold 100-point action plan aimed at overhauling governance, education, and politics in Nepal after his party’s landslide victory.
Student Politics Banned, Campuses to Go Neutral
In one of the most controversial decisions, Balen Shah has ordered a complete ban on student politics across campuses.
Political student unions linked to major parties will be removed and replaced with non-partisan bodies like “Student Council” within 90 days.
The government argues that campuses have become hubs of violence, delays, and political interference. Shah insists education must be freed from politics.
However, critics warn that this move could weaken democratic participation and silence young voices—ironically the same Gen Z base that helped bring him to power.
Bureaucracy Depoliticised
The Shah government has also moved to strip political influence from the administration.
Civil servants and teachers have been barred from holding political affiliations, and trade unions within government bodies will be dismantled.
Supporters say this will improve efficiency and governance, but critics fear it could suppress dissent and reduce worker protections.
Massive Education Overhaul Announced
Balen Shah’s reforms go deep into the education system:
- Citizenship requirement for undergraduate admissions removed
- Strict timelines for exam results to be enforced
- Internal exams up to Grade 5 to be scrapped
- Schools with foreign names like “Oxford” and “St Xavier’s” asked to adopt original names
The changes are being seen as an attempt to break away from elitism and bring structural discipline to education.
Former PM Oli Arrested
In a stunning political twist, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested.
The action follows a probe into last year’s Gen Z protests, where at least 77 people were killed during a massive anti-government uprising.
Former minister Ramesh Lekhak has also been arrested in connection with the crackdown.
In a separate case, MLA Rekha Sharma was detained over allegations of abusing a minor domestic worker.
Jobs for Families of Protest Victims
Delivering on a key promise, the government has announced jobs for families of 27 students killed during the protests.
The Nepal Electricity Authority has begun recruitment, offering employment to one family member of each victim.
India Relations: Reset or Tension?
In his first communication with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Balen Shah expressed willingness to work closely with India.
While Modi spoke of strengthening ties, Shah’s past stance as a nationalist leader—often critical of India—has raised questions about future relations.
New Delhi appears to be adopting a cautious “wait-and-watch” approach.
A Bold, Risky Beginning
Balen Shah’s first moves as Prime Minister have been fast, disruptive, and deeply polarising.
From banning student politics to arresting rivals, he has drawn clear battle lines. Whether these reforms transform Nepal or trigger backlash remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Nepal’s youngest PM has arrived with a bang.
