Major partie manifestos and their primary promises

thehimalayantimes.com · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 22The political parties' manifestos for the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) elections seem to be primarily framed by the Gen Z movement of September of the previous year. In light of the 76 innocent lives lost, this election is unique in that it has given Gen Zs and the general public a glimmer of hope. Thus, in their manifestos, which were unveiled on Thursday, the three major parties - the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML - reflect how they view the Gen Z movement.The Nepal Communist Party (NCP), which released its manifesto on February 10, has integrated the Gen Z movement into its commitment. Following their manifestos, The Himalayan Times has reviewed key points from the manifestos of the RSP, NC, CPN-UML, NCP and other parties. As per the RSP's 'Vow Letter-2026', the events of September 8 and 9 represent the nation's new political course.To address the dissatisfaction of Gen Z youth, the RSP has implemented the idea of 'faceless' and 'paperless' administration, acknowledging them as 'stakeholders of today' rather than future leaders.By pledging to deliver all services via a 'single digital portal' without requiring visits to government offices, the RSP has attempted to allay the ire of the young people towards the corrupt system. It aims to mainstream the youth's digital lifestyle by ensuring a distinct labour law and social security for the generation engaged in freelancing and the 'gig economy'.However, as per the NC, one political faction is denying the circumstances and the changes, while the other is displaying a propensity to exploit the situation. The NC has opposed both of these trends.It has pledged to transform the party and the nation in accordance with the demands of the Gen Z youth. It also added that it will accept and implement the report of the commission looking into the movement.The Gen Z movement has been viewed by the NCP as the primary impetus for altering the administrative structure and governance model.It has set a goal to introduce 30 per cent of 'new and capable' personnel into government service within the next five years to address the September uprising's dissatisfaction with bureaucracy.It has claimed to give people access to the state's permanent machinery and to direct their energies towards good governance. It has expressed a commitment to investigating the assets of all people's representatives after 1990.With the exception of the CPN-UML, all four of the nation's major parties have acknowledged the movement and pledged to take up the demands made by the young people. The UML, which at the time was in charge of the government, disregarded the movement's directive on September 8 and 9.The Himalayan Times has also examined the priorities of the manifestos in key areas such as employment and economics, education and health.EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMICSRSP: The RSP refers to a 'social market economy' as the name of its economic framework. It will implement a practical economic model for Nepal within the parameters of a 'social market economy', which will eliminate the unjust relationship between politics and regulation, and encourage social responsibility, innovation and fair competition.The RSP discusses both the growth of the market and the private sector as well as a welfare state. Within the next five to seven years, the RSP envisions the economy growing to $100 billion and per capita income reaching over $3,000. It has pledged to set up suitable visas, residence and collaboration centres to draw in digital nomads. It has stated that remote work, digital employment and cross-border service exports will be legalised.It has also announced that to recognise the contributions of individuals who seek employment abroad, special identity cards will be issued. Concessions in government health services, education and other social services will be made.NC: It says over the next five years, the NC will adopt liberal policies. It has stated it will implement economic reforms of the second generation. Nepal's economy is expected to grow to Rs 11.5 trillion, with a per capita income of $2500.It has committed to generating a minimum of 1.5 million jobs over the next five years. The manifesto also stated that various employment promotion programmes will be integrated. Gig workers (delivery riders and Pathao/InDrive drivers) are expected to be included in the social security fund.Within the next five years, it also pledges to cut the number of people travelling overseas for work by half. Mental health services will be offered to people who have left the country for work and health assistants will be assigned to areas with a high concentration of Nepali employees.CPN-UML: UML has set a goal to increase the economy's size to Rs 100 trillion in five years and Rs 200 trillion in 10 years, as well as its growth rate to seven to nine per cent in the next five years. It aims to raise per capita income to $3,000 within the next five years.It has stated strong economic growth will generate 500,000 jobs annually, including 100,000 jobs in the information technology sector. The country will provide opportunities to double workers' incomes within the next five years and raise the annual productivity growth rate of workers to seven per cent. It also promises to end the compulsion to take out high-interest loans and relocate abroad for work.NCP: It states 1.5 million job opportunities will be created in the next five years in the collective cooperative model in agriculture, tourism and information technology-based industries. Middleman exploitation for those going for foreign employment will be completely eliminated.EDUCATIONRSP: As per its manifesto, universities and schools will be free of political activities. There are claims teachers will not be allowed to have any political affiliations. Every province will have at least one accessible, inclusive, modern school. It has pledged to implement the necessary laws to establish Nepal as a centre for higher education.NC: The NC promises to allocate 20 per cent of the overall budget to education. To make sure students get books on time, it has proposed the slogan of 'New Year, New Books in Hand'.It also states that party-based divisions in universities will be eliminated and a new education law will be passed within a year. A law to end the current system of the prime minister serving as the chancellor of universities is also expected to be introduced within a year. It has also committed to covering interest on concessional student loans for post secondary education.CPN-UML: It has stated it will create a curriculum that is patriotic, ethical, practical, modern and tech-savvy. It will advance the idea of 'earning while studying' and lessen inclination to travel overseas. It has raised issue of job-specific technical education and academic autonomy.NCP: The NCP seeks to achieve technology-friendly education and digital literacy by implementing the 'One Municipality, One Smart School' concept. A maximum tuition fee will be set for private educational institutions and coding and digital literacy classes will be taught in community schools using digital development. Institutes of technology will be established in all provinces.HEALTHRSP: It has stated a virtual network will be established to link health professionals nationwide. It has committed to using a single-door system to run the insurance programme. Each province will have at least one cutting-edge specialised resource centre for disability rehabilitation. By 2030, it aims to minimise the burden of preventable disabilities on individuals, families and the country. It promises to increase accessibility to mental health services.NC: At least 10 per cent of the total budget will be spent on healthcare, as per NC. Health insurance will be mandatory for all. Taxing chocolate and sugary foods is expected to contribute to the insurance fund. Cancer, kidney and liver transplants, and heart disease insurance are expected to provide 'unlimited and complete' relief. Under the 3/73 policy, citizens under the age of three and over the age of 73 will be eligible for free hospital services. It also states subsidies to foreign treatment facilities for leaders will be discontinued.CPN-UML: It has mentioned social security programmes and health insurance system will be combined. To control the costs and calibre of private hospitals, standards and a capping system will be put in place. The modern medical system will be integrated with conventional and alternative medical systems.NCP: Citizens currently pay 54 per cent of their own health-care costs, but it has promised to reduce this to 35 per cent by 2031. It will also increase health insurance coverage to 100 per cent by 2031. Mental health would be integrated with basic health.