AGP Executive Report

Nepali Congress Convention: Nepali Congress opened its 15th General Convention at Khula Manch (Tundikhel), with President Gagan Thapa pushing for “open spaces” for debate from Parliament to party life, and calling for reforms that link democracy to jobs, rural revival, and public trust. Party Support for Victims: The NC also announced a Rs 100 million endowment fund for families of martyrs, conflict victims, and injured people, with education and health support plus a campaign on national concerns. Flood Aftermath in Rasuwa: After the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi floods, 45 students remain unaccounted for in Rasuwa as four school buildings were destroyed; classes resumed via alternative arrangements. Climate Justice Focus: Kathmandu Climate Week 2026 wrapped up with talks on climate justice and resilience, drawing over 1,000 participants and linking local action to global diplomacy. Education & Culture: A Mother Tongue Poetry Symposium 2083 in Kathmandu brought poets together across multiple languages, while Shrawan Mukarung released a new poetry collection. Cross-border Mobility: Nepal and India agreed to digitise cross-border vehicle permits to reduce hassle and improve transparency.

Nepali Congress Convention: Gagan Thapa opened NC’s 15th General Convention at Khula Manch, urging a shift in political culture and priorities—link democracy to delivery, rebuild public trust, and create jobs to curb youth migration. Open Forums & Democracy: Thapa also pushed for more openness inside Parliament and parties, saying people’s voices “cannot be silenced,” while Gen Z activist Rakshya Bam called for real introspection and reform. Flood Memory Meets Dashain: A feature on “When There Is No Home for Dashain” shows how August floods are turning the festival of return into a painful question of rebuilding, displacement, and lost livelihoods. Internet & Digital Costs: ISPAN warned it may end low-priced internet packages from Monday due to rising infrastructure and operating costs, even as the government pushes broadband expansion. Private Sector Push: NC unveiled an economic policy placing private investment, production, and employment at the center, with remittances to be steered toward productive sectors. Climate Justice Push: Activists protested in Kathmandu’s Darbar Square after the floods, demanding faster carbon cuts and climate action. Culture & Sports: Preparations for Nepal’s 10th National Games in Karnali (Mangsir 16–27) continue, with emphasis on coordination and village-level talent.

Nepali Congress Convention: Thousands of delegates are heading to Kathmandu’s Khula Manch for the Nepali Congress 15th General Convention, with Gagan Thapa urging a serious reset beyond leadership change, as party unity and democratic practices take center stage. Party Politics & Identity: Resham Chaudhary questioned why religion was “exchanged” for a republic during the 19-day movement, while Gagan Thapa framed the convention as a chance to renew energy after the Rasuwa floods. Education Pressure: A teacher shortage in Nepal’s grades 11–12 is worsening quality, with community schools facing extreme student-teacher ratios. Teacher Shortage Abroad (Context): France is seeing student-led school blockades over teacher shortages and harsh schedules, with clashes and thousands of arrests reported. Culture & Literature: Nepal Academy marked Motiram Bhatta’s legacy through “Moti-Laya,” and President Paudel highlighted Jitiya’s role in harmony and respect for women. Sports & Regional Pride: Preparations are intensifying for the Tenth National Games in Karnali (Mangsir 16–27, 2083), with 11 teams and 32 sports planned. Disaster Recovery Watch: Flood-affected businesses say recovery support is still out of reach, as procedures and customs waivers lag. Aviation & Tourism: Nepal’s EU air-safety delisting plan is at risk after aviation reform bills stalled in parliament.

Nepali Congress Politics: Most Nepali Congress leaders who skipped the January special convention are now returning for the 15th general convention, with the party saying participation has effectively become “mainstream” again. Education & Culture: President Ramchandra Paudel urged technology-driven, relevant curriculum and teaching that builds responsible citizens rooted in Nepal’s languages, cultures, and values, speaking at St Xavier’s school anniversary. Folk Arts in Madhes: The National Folk and Dohori Song Academy’s silver jubilee convention runs Oct 8–10 in Bardibas, Mahottari, aiming to preserve folk culture and promote new talent. Local Election Setup (RSP): Rastriya Swatantra Party formed a central candidate selection committee for local elections and appointed department heads, including diaspora, legal, social justice and governance roles. Film & Festivals: Wild & Free Film Festival announced a near-40-film lineup from 11 countries for Nov 6–8. Heritage & Identity: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal pledged legislative action to protect Newar linguistic, artistic, cultural, and heritage assets. Dashain Travel Ideas: A guide highlights seven Sudurpaschim destinations for the long holiday, from Khaptad to Shuklaphanta. Education Disruption by Floods: Baglung reports students unable to attend school after floods and landslides damaged homes and classrooms. Arts & Body Culture: Himalayan Tattoo Summit 0.3 in Lalitpur showcases a fusion of traditional Nepalese religious motifs with modern tattoo styles.

Heritage & Identity: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal pledged legislative action to safeguard Newar linguistic, artistic, cultural and heritage assets, with a focus on Lalitpur. Culture & Tourism: Seven Bhutanese hotels will represent Bhutan at the 10th South Asian Travel Awards in the Maldives, aiming to boost hospitality visibility and cross-border learning. Religion & Society: Pitri Paksha rituals are facing a priest shortage as multiple families observe Sorha Shraddha on the same days, forcing priests to rush between households. Sports Infrastructure: An international-level hockey stadium and training center is set to be built at Chisapani Danda in Dhulikhel, after budget and a tripartite agreement. Climate Justice: Activists held protests and candlelight vigils in Kathmandu after deadly Rasuwa floods, demanding global action on carbon emissions. Disaster Aftermath: Nepal’s government announced long-term care support for five children orphaned by the Bhotekoshi flood until age 18. Road Safety: A bus accident in Nawalparasi (Daunne) killed six and injured 12, with victims identified and treated in local hospitals. Education Leadership: The Third National Summit on Education 2083 will be held in Janakpurdham to improve school education quality and strengthen coordination across government tiers.

Rural Exodus in Baitadi: Traditional villages in Dasharathchand are emptying fast as people move to the Tarai or abroad, with student numbers at Jagannath Multiple Campus dropping from 600 to 240 in five years. Flood Relief for Children: The government will provide long-term care for five children orphaned by the Bhotekoshi flood, covering education and support until age 18. Climate Justice Protests: Activists in Kathmandu held candlelight vigils and demonstrations after deadly Rasuwa floods, demanding global action on carbon emissions. Sports Infrastructure: Dhulikhel (Kavrepalanchok) will build an international-level hockey stadium and training center at Chisapani Danda. Digital Safety Worries: A report warns Nepal is going digital faster than cybersecurity capacity, citing hacks of the capital market and e-bidding system. Parliament Moves Bills: The House of Representatives forwarded multiple bills to committees, including women’s and health-related measures. Culture & Stage: “Shree Bijoo Bhoot” brings Sudurpaschim’s migration stories to Kathmandu’s Mandala Theatre. Tourism Update: Indians remained the top source of foreign tourists to Nepal in September, with arrivals up 12%.

Nepali Congress Convention: Nepali Congress says its 15th General Convention won’t have panels, so delegates can vote independently at Khulamanch, with over 7,000 expected participants. Sudurpaschim on Stage: Mandala Theatre is staging “Shree Bijjo Bhoot,” a play rooted in Sudurpaschim life—migration to India, family separation, and the risks women face—featuring Gauri’s long wait for her father. Tourism & Culture Links: Nepal Tourism Board data shows Indians remain the top source of foreign tourists in September, with 17,425 arrivals, while stakeholders push a wider Buddhist and cultural circuit connecting Lumbini with India. Infrastructure Law Reform: Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal says the government is reforming laws to create a more investment-friendly environment, aiming for citizen-friendly outcomes. Disaster Aftermath & Climate Talk: Journalist Birat Anupam argues Nepal’s floods were worsened by human communication failures and calls for clearer disaster warnings and better future planning. Women’s Mobility at Borders: A story highlights how a woman travelling alone faced repeated immigration suspicion, raising questions about gender bias in travel checks. Hilsa Snow Disruption: Heavy snowfall in Humla has stranded 41 Nepalis at Hilsa as the Kailash Mansarovar route is temporarily closed, with reopening expected around Oct 4. Education & Politics: The Education Ministry orders action against community school teachers participating in political party programs, citing violations of education regulations. Buddhist Circuit Study: Lumbini Buddhist University, Chhaya Nepal and ISDC are preparing a report on a “Buddhist Circuit” concept for sustainable tourism and cross-border connectivity, due by July 2027.

Kathmandu Climate Week: Nepal’s first Kathmandu Climate Week kicks off Friday (Oct 2–4) with climate justice at the center, linking local experiences to global diplomacy, plus a public film screening on Oct 5 and sessions ranging from loss-and-damage to youth and frontline voices. Flood recovery & accountability: A month after the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster, the government is shifting from rescue to recovery, with reported deaths crossing 1,400 and recovery needs estimated at about $4.77bn; meanwhile, opposition leaders criticize the government for delayed disaster response and for not briefing Parliament about the PM’s UNGA trip. Senior citizens’ knowledge bank: The Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security is moving ahead with a “Senior Citizen Experience Bank,” using digital tools to archive and pass on elders’ life lessons to younger generations. Sports & courts: Nepal’s Supreme Court refused to order the release of ANFA treasurer Rabindra Joshi and accountant Sanjiv Pandey as investigations into alleged match-fixing and irregularities continue. Culture & art: A Sacred Union: Eternal Harmony highlights Sabita Dangol’s Krishna-inspired paintings, with peacocks as a recurring symbol of beauty and renewal. Community support: Nepali students abroad held “Nepali Fest” to raise awareness and funds for Nepal flood victims, pairing cultural activities with calls for prevention.

Flood Recovery & Climate Justice: A month after the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster, Nepal is shifting from rescue to recovery, resettlement and reconstruction, with reported deaths crossing 1,400 and recovery needs estimated at about $4.77bn, while communities still grapple with displacement and uncertainty. Parliament & Governance: Nepali Congress leader Vishmaraj Angdembey says the government’s first six months haven’t met public expectations, criticizing PM Balendra Shah’s UNGA accountability and urging action on disaster management, prices and civil administration. Senior Citizens & Culture of Memory: The Ministry for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security has forwarded a plan for a “Senior Citizen Experience Bank” to digitally preserve elders’ knowledge and pass it to younger generations. Education Access Partnerships: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and David Webb are partnering to fund education for children excluded from school through a buildOn programme, backed by proceeds from a DJWE 2026 capsule collection. Buddhism Beyond Temples: Jogye Order chief Ven. Jinwoo pledged to bring Korean Buddhism “into the suffering of the world,” including donations for Nepal flood recovery and expanding seon meditation access. Tourism & Lifestyle: Nepal saw a 12.1% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in September 2026, reaching 88,248, with growth led by Asian markets. Culture Abroad: Nepali culture drew crowds at AsianFest in Iowa, featuring a Nepal village, momo stalls and performances. Sports: Nepal will miss the SAFF Championship for the first time due to the ongoing suspension of ANFA.

Medical Education & Labor Rights: Nepal’s resident doctors say a legal loophole in the Medical Education Act lets colleges label them “students” while treating them like permanent staff, pushing workloads up to 135 hours a week. Health System Reform: Health Minister Nisha Mehta says proposed CDC, FDA and NHAA structures should end duplication in drug/food regulation and strengthen disease surveillance and health accreditation. Floods & Education Recovery: After Nepal’s devastating floods, teachers in Rasuwa keep writing missing students’ names in red each morning; Sewa International plans support for 10,000 flood-affected children plus skill centers and mental-health help. Climate Justice at the UN: PM Balendra Shah’s UNGA warning links Himalayan warming to cascading hazards, as fresh monsoon floods and landslides hit Nepal and parts of India. Culture & Music: Nepathya announces a Dubai concert on Oct 4; meanwhile, Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau is handling a controversy over Khem Century’s song, with disputed lyrics and scenes set to be removed and the title changed. Women’s Mobility & Rights: A Bangladeshi court questions why adult unmarried women were blocked from traveling to Nepal despite valid documents. Parliament & Lawmaking: The House of Representatives sends multiple bills to committees for clause-by-clause discussion, including mediation, law commission, free legal aid, and infectious animal disease control. Education Administration: Tribhuvan University graduates report severe hardship getting transcripts, even after online steps and payments. Relief & Community Support: A US-based Nepal nonprofit delivered $92,964 for Rasuwa–Bhotekoshi flood relief.

Flood grief in Rasuwa schools: Teachers at Neelakantha Secondary School mark missing learners’ names in red after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi flood, with 70 students and four staff lost and hundreds still unaccounted for across the district. Education & rebuilding pressures: Reports say schooling for thousands has been disrupted, while families keep searching and schools struggle to resume normal life. Cultural festival in Pokhara: The Dashain Tourism and Cultural Festival returns on Oct 25 with tika-jamara welcomes, kite flying, and performances from different ethnic communities, led by the Women Tourism Entrepreneurs Forum. Newa youth keep Lakhe alive: In Byas, young dancers are learning and performing the Lakhe mask dance, turning it into a living “school” that passes tradition from elders to Gen Z. AI vs Nepali folk music: A new trend of AI-generated lok dohori-style tracks is spreading on buses, raising worries about how technology may crowd out living folk singers. Higher ed priorities at Purbanchal University: PU’s Senate approves Rs 1.99 billion for 2083/84, pushing tech-friendly infrastructure, medical expansion, and AI/data/cyber-focused curriculum planning. Tourism connectivity concern: Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa still lacks regular international flights, sparking fresh frustration from local businesses and residents. Civil aviation policy debate: Nepal’s plan to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority into separate regulator and service-provider institutions is framed as a real test of safety, governance, and capacity—not just renaming.

Flood recovery & missing people: Families in Nepal’s flood-hit districts say safe housing, privacy and stability are still out of reach, with pregnant survivors describing leaking shelters and scarce toilets as searches continue for the missing. Humanitarian support: Iglesia Ni Cristo and its Felix Y. Manalo Foundation handed US$200,000 to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for ongoing response and recovery. Disaster politics in parliament: Lawmakers urged faster reconstruction, safer resettlement, and stronger disaster risk systems, while also pushing action against price gouging and reviving key local assets. Government moves: Cabinet decided to table the Federal Civil Service Bill, accept a US$20.7m health grant, and approve disability and meat-inspection law amendments. Road & transport disruption: Stranded buses and trucks began leaving Kathmandu after landslides reopened highways, though more rain-triggered blockages remain a risk. Governance & accountability: The government clarified former CJ Cholendra Shumsher Rana was “rescued” to safety after a security threat, and said ANFA investigations are ongoing. Culture & identity: Exile Tibetan education leaders met over declining enrolment and the urgency to preserve identity. Lifestyle & media: Nepal’s premium rental market is increasingly priced in US dollars, and a Nepal flood survivor story continues to circulate internationally.

Flood Recovery & Women’s Safety: One month after Nepal’s deadly flash floods, pregnant Karishma Tamang in Rasuwa still sleeps in a leaking tent with no proper toilets, highlighting how rebuilding is failing to deliver privacy, stability, and safe services for women and children. Disaster Response & Missing People: Nepal’s flood toll and displacement remain severe, with families still searching for the missing and holding-centre life continuing as the emergency shifts from rescue to long-term recovery. Parliament & Disaster Governance: Lawmakers urged faster reconstruction, safer relocation of vulnerable settlements, and stronger disaster risk management, while also pushing action against price gouging and key infrastructure issues. Local Government Restructuring: The government set criteria to merge local units, redraw boundaries, and review municipality classification after upcoming local elections—potentially reducing the number of local governments. Federal Civil Service Bill Delay: MPs questioned why the Federal Civil Service Bill hasn’t been tabled as promised, raising concerns about bypassing Parliament via ordinances. Disability Inclusion Systems: Nepal integrated the Disability Management Information System into the Social Information Management System, aiming to streamline disability identity and social security access across local levels. Nepal–Sri Lanka Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal met Sri Lanka’s Vijitha Herath in New York, discussing stronger bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, education, culture, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. LPG Supply Policy: Government is reviving a plan to separate household and commercial LPG supplies using different cylinder sizes after shortages exposed weaknesses in the cooking gas distribution system.

Flood Response & Community Resilience: Western Nepal’s Bardiya is seeing a more organized disaster response as Tharu Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and the Barghar self-governance system shape early warning and preparedness, shared via Radio Gurubaba. Disaster Aftermath: Heavy rains and floods in western Nepal have displaced nearly 750 families and killed 20+ people, while Nepal’s flood victim DNA identification remains slow—only 112 of 1,453 recovered bodies identified so far. Mountain Tragedy: An avalanche on Himlung killed four Nepali guides/support staff and left a dozen missing; rescue teams managed to save 10. Women’s Rights & Health Policy: The HoR tabled multiple bills, including amendments tied to women, children, gender and sexual minorities, plus reproductive health changes that would expand abortion access for minors—sparking ethical and medical concerns. Public Accountability: NHRC asked police to present SSP Santosh Khadka after a probe team was denied entry during the detention case of former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana. Culture & Identity: Nepal’s Living Goddess Kumari begins her first city tour as Indra Jatra returns to Kathmandu’s festival calendar. Tourism & Lifestyle: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel was named Nepal’s Leading Hotel 2026 at the World Travel Awards, even as recovery continues after floods.

Parliament & Rights: Six bills were tabled in Nepal’s House of Representatives, including amendments tied to women, children, gender and sexual minorities, plus health and reproductive health measures—while MPs also debated the need for clear rationale before introducing such laws. Women’s Health & Abortion Debate: Nepal’s abortion rights debate is back in focus as activists highlight how legal barriers can push women toward unsafe options, with fresh accounts of pregnancy complications and the long legal toll on families. Disaster & Recovery: After recent floods and landslides, new calls urge Nepal to move from “build back better” to “build back safer, smarter, greener and locally empowered,” linking recovery to future risk reduction. Climate Diplomacy: Nepal’s UN push continues after PM Balendra Shah’s climate justice message, with events aimed at securing global climate finance and attention to Himalayan disaster warnings. Public Debt Watch: Nepal’s public debt hit 45.05% of GDP (mid-September), with debt servicing costs already rising in the new fiscal year. Culture & Community: The Amber Gurung Memorial Music Award went to veteran Shambhujeet Baskota, celebrating Nepali music heritage. Public Safety: A HoR committee directed safer, better-managed festival travel—more vehicles, help desks, accessible services, and tighter checks on road risks and overcrowding.

Flood recovery & women’s safety: One month after the Aug 26 Tibet–Nepal flash floods, Nepal is still counting the dead and missing, with new warnings that girls face rising trafficking, violence, and child-marriage risks amid displacement, privacy concerns, and unsafe camp conditions. Human rights & policing: Nepal’s NHRC says police blocked its team from entering a crime investigation office to inquire into former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana’s detention, calling it a constitutional violation. Parliament bills: Federal Parliament convenes both houses, with health and women-focused amendments on the agenda, including breast-milk substitute controls and reproductive health rights. Tourism & culture: Nepal marks World Tourism Day with calls for better inter-ministerial coordination and stronger links between community festivals, indigenous heritage, and sustainable tourism—plus fresh debate on preparing for the AI-driven travel economy. Disasters on the move: A landslide fully blocks the Dhulikhel–Khawa road, while an avalanche at Himlung Himal leaves 10 expedition personnel missing. Arts & identity: Indra Jatra festivities bring Kathmandu traditions abroad, as Nepali communities in Melbourne stage Kumari, Lakhe, and chariot performances. Policy debate on borders: Shram Sanskriti Party proposes tightening open borders and introducing a visa system as part of anti-trafficking law amendments. Missing Malaysians: Families of 55 Malaysians still missing after the floods press for clearer search updates and financial relief measures.