Make inclusion a reality, not rhetoric

Nepal's government has made a significant stride in gender representation, with approximately 35 percent women in the House of Representatives following the March elections. Prime Minister Balendra Shah further bolstered this by appointing six women to his 17-member Cabinet, which also includes representation from Madheshi, Janajati, and Dalit communities, alongside Khas-Arya leaders. This move was hailed as historic and instilled hope for greater inclusivity in vital appointments.

However, this promising start is overshadowed by a stark lack of inclusion in subsequent appointments to constitutional bodies, commissions, universities, and cultural institutions. Between late March and mid-August, the Cabinet made over 50 appointments, yet only four were women. Representation from Madheshis, Janajatis, and Dalits remained minimal, and Muslims were entirely excluded. The Election Commission, for instance, has no women or Madheshi representatives among its three appointees.

This pattern mirrors the disregard for inclusion shown by previous governments. Even senior university appointments have seen a similar trend, with none of the seven recent vice-chancellor appointments going to women. State-run cultural academies also failed to reflect the country's regional and ethnic diversity.

The government defends these appointments by citing merit and open competition. While Nepal's public institutions undeniably need competent individuals free from political patronage, the exclusion of marginalized communities raises concerns. Critics argue that this approach risks overlooking diverse perspectives and perpetuates the notion that these groups are 'incompetent.' Institutions require a broader range of worldviews than can be offered by a homogenous cluster of historically privileged individuals.

The Constitution recognizes inclusion as a fundamental state principle. The article questions the definition of 'merit' in a country where historical social hierarchies, such as the caste system, regional disparities, and gender discrimination, have created structural inequalities. For marginalized groups like women, Janajatis, Madheshis, and Dalits, who have often been sidelined in accessing education and opportunities, the current appointment process may further entrench their marginalization, hindering their upliftment and representation.