The Challenges of Secularism and Governance in Nepal

Nepal, a nation with deep-rooted cultural traditions, was declared a secular state in 2008 after centuries as a Hindu kingdom. This transformation, driven by ideals of equality and inclusivity, was expected to unify the country’s various religious and cultural groups. Instead, secularism has led to growing discontent, particularly among the majority who feel that their cultural practices and beliefs have been increasingly sidelined. The secular state promised equal respect for all religions, but many believe it has emboldened minority groups to challenge long-standing cultural norms and practices.

For example, certain minority groups have held events that publicly disregard cultural sensitivities, such as consuming beef near sacred sites and disrupting religious processions. Such actions have provoked strong reactions and protests from the majority, who feel their beliefs and practices are not receiving due respect under the current system. The frustration over these incidents has led to a surge of protests, with calls from many Nepalese to return to a governance structure that better safeguards their cultural values.

When the state institutions become weak, as often happens during political transitions, foreign interest groups try to exploit the resulting instability, using a country’s internal discord to advance their agendas. Pointing to past crises, such as the 2001 Royal Palace massacre and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu, senior Indian diplomat K.V. Rajan and the noted writer Atul K. Thakur in their recently published book Kathmandu Chronicle: Reclaiming India-Nepal Relations have also contended that external forces have historically taken advantage of Nepal’s instability during politically vulnerable times.

Nepal’s secular framework has left many citizens feeling that the state does little to protect their cultural practices from disregard or disruption. They argue that, in the name of secularism, the government has failed to defend practices long regarded as essential to Nepal’s cultural fabric. Public acts of cultural insensitivity—such as the public consumption of beef near traditional sites, construction of new places of worship around sacred areas, and interference in religious festivals—have created a widespread feeling of disenfranchisement. Many believe that secularism has created a system where the government appears indifferent to these concerns, resulting in rising discontent and a growing sense of exclusion.

Adding to the tensions over secularism are significant economic grievances. A major issue is the prevalence of exploitative lending practices, particularly in rural areas where access to formal banking is limited. Known as “meter byaj,” or compound interest, informal lenders often charge excessively high rates that trap borrowers in cycles of debt. Many from rural areas have found themselves financially constrained, with little recourse due to limited state oversight. The growing protests around ‘meter byaj’ have now reached Kathmandu, with calls for the government to protect borrowers from these predatory practices.

Further complicating the economic landscape is the widespread mismanagement and fraud in Nepal’s cooperative sector. Cooperatives, initially intended to provide economic support and community development, have been embroiled in corruption cases where depositors’ savings were misappropriated. These cooperatives span all religious communities, but the economic vulnerability resulting from this sector’s instability disproportionately affects rural populations. Thousands of depositors, many of whom trusted these cooperatives as safe places to keep their savings, are now facing financial hardship, adding to their frustration with the state’s ineffective governance.

The cooperative crisis even implicates prominent figures, including a former Home Minister, which has intensified public distrust. Protests have become a common sight in Kathmandu, with demands for government action to return lost funds to depositors and reform the cooperative sector. Together, these issues underscore a deeper sense of betrayal among the public, who feel that the state has not only failed to protect cultural practices but also neglected to ensure economic security.

The political environment in Nepal is fragile, with frequent changes in government contributing to ineffective governance and weak institutions. Political instability has created conditions that leave Nepal susceptible to foreign interference and internal divisions. Weakened state institutions open doors for foreign interests in the country’s internal affairs, which often proved detriment of national unity. A strong, cohesive government, therefore, is essential for preserving the country’s cultural identity and preventing external forces from taking advantage of internal unrest.

The weak governance structure, aggravated by secularism, has led to mounting discontent, particularly among those who feel that the state’s neutrality on cultural matters has made it ineffective in safeguarding national traditions. This growing dissatisfaction has resulted in calls for a return to Nepal’s former governance structure, where cultural values held a more central place. A significant portion of the public believes that restoring the monarchy could provide the stability needed to protect Nepal’s identity and address the economic and social grievances that the current system has struggled to resolve.

Nepal’s transition to secularism was intended to foster equality and inclusivity across its diverse population, yet the shift has instead sparked widespread unrest and a sense of marginalization among those who feel their cultural practices are being neglected. From economic exploitation and fraud in the cooperative sector to political instability and rising foreign influence, secularism has, for many, failed to deliver a stable and secure society.

Nepal’s current political structure appears ill-equipped to counter these growing challenges, leaving the country vulnerable to external interests that exploit internal divisions. Secularism may not be a sustainable model for Nepal, where traditional values are central to the nation’s identity. Many believe that restoring Nepal’s traditional governance structure could provide the unity and stability needed to safeguard cultural practices and address widespread economic issues. Time has come when Nepal should reassess its approach to secularism, ensuring that the system respects all communities while also preserving the values that have long defined the nation. Only with a strong, unified government that balances inclusivity with cultural respect can Nepal hope to overcome its current challenges and build a future marked by social cohesion and stability.

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