Kathmandu: A high-level task force will be formed immediately in consultation and coordination with the families of martyrs and the injured to ensure interim relief, compensation, free health treatment, and psychosocial counseling as well as meaningful memorialization. This initiative is part of a 10-point agreement reached today between the Gen-Z movement and the government.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the agreement calls for the establishment of a separate permanent commission to promote good governance, prevent corruption, and end impunity in the country. This aligns with the collective demands of the families of martyrs and the injured from the Gen-G movement. Additionally, the Commission of Inquiry on the incidents of September 8 and 9, formed by the Government of Nepal, will be tasked with suggesting necessary institutional reforms to investigate, prosecute, and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The agreement further stipulates a distinction between incidents occurring during the people’s movement and those involving violent acts committed with criminal intent by other individuals or groups. Persons not found involved in the latter will be released from custody, and the cases filed against them will be withdrawn, as outlined in the report of the Commission of Inquiry. Furthermore, no criminal case will be investigated or prosecuted against anyone participating in political protest activities related to the people’s movement.
A separate mechanism will be established to study and recommend necessary institutional reforms in relevant laws and security agencies. In addition, another high-level commission will be formed to impartially investigate and make recommendations on ending political, policy, and institutional corruption, the politicization of public institutions, and appointments based on party-based sharing.
The agreement also includes measures to ensure free, fair, peaceful, and fearless elections through necessary legal, technical, and institutional infrastructure development, prioritizing accessibility for all. Arrangements will be made to allow voters temporarily residing outside their districts to vote in upcoming elections from their current locations. Policies and infrastructure will also be developed to ensure the voting rights of Nepali citizens abroad, including students.
The option ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) will be included on the ballot paper, and legal provisions will ensure that only those selected through primary elections within a political party can be candidates. Provisions will also limit the terms of political party leaders to two terms. Additionally, a high-level ‘Constitution Amendment Suggestion Commission’ will be formed to study and propose necessary constitutional, legal, and institutional reforms to ensure good governance, while reviewing the past decade of constitutional implementation and providing concrete suggestions for its effectiveness.
Reforms will aim to ensure representation of diverse groups, including Dalits, indigenous peoples, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, underprivileged classes, minorities, marginalized groups, people with disabilities, gender and sexual minorities, farmers, workers, and economically disadvantaged Khas Aryas. The government will also undertake reforms to ensure transparency in its activities, decisions, and expenditures, and all reports from investigation and inquiry commissions will be made public in accordance with prevailing law.
Appointments to public positions will be made to ensure equality of opportunity and to eliminate nepotism, favoritism, and discrimination. The government will stop illegal regulation, prohibition, or biased censorship in freedom of expression, information flow, and communication on the Internet and digital media, as well as prevent illegal surveillance and misuse of digital data of ordinary citizens by the state or third parties.
Additionally, a Gen-Z Council will be formed to assist the government in governance operations, providing advice, suggestions, and support for good governance, sustainable development, and prosperity. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Bhoj Bikram Thapa, representing those martyred and injured during the Gen-Z movement.