KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has unveiled its election manifesto titled ‘Pratigya’ for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, prioritizing political transformation and governance reform.
Acknowledging the Gen-Z uprising of September 8-9, the party declared itself fully transformed, stating, “We have changed, now we will change the country’s environment.”
The manifesto places good governance at its core, pledging to eliminate corruption, uphold the rule of law and promote accountable politics.
Political commitments
Under the slogan “Changed Congress: Steering the Situation, Transforming the Country,” the party has stressed political stability and a coordinating leadership role.
Key commitments include building a transparent and effective governance system, restoring public trust in institutions and ensuring meaningful youth participation in politics.
The party has also pledged to strengthen federalism by clarifying powers among federal, provincial and local governments, and amending the constitution as required by time and context.
On democracy, the NC said it would safeguard past achievements while learning from weaknesses and playing a leading role in constitutional implementation.
It has further committed to investigating incidents related to the youth uprising, ensuring justice for victims and implementing agreements with the Gen-Z generation.
Economic agenda
The manifesto highlights economic transformation as a central pillar, aiming to build a liberal, production-oriented and equitable economy.
The party has set an ambitious target of creating 1.2 million jobs within five years and achieving an economic growth rate above 7 percent.
It has pledged to encourage the private sector, attract foreign investment and promote a green economy. Plans include modernizing agriculture, doubling farmers’ income, expanding irrigation and establishing agro-processing industries.
The NC has also promised to reduce poverty below 10 percent, expand contribution-based social security and double energy production to 10,000 megawatts while promoting tourism as an economic engine.
Diplomacy and diaspora focus
The party has emphasized diaspora-centered diplomacy under the slogan “Once a Nepali, always a Nepali.”
It has pledged to ensure citizenship continuity, voting rights and property protection for Non-Resident Nepalis, along with establishing a ‘Knowledge and Innovation Center’ to connect with second-generation Nepalis.
The manifesto also commits to protecting migrant workers’ rights through embassies, enhancing economic diplomacy, attracting diaspora investment and strengthening dialogue with the UK on British Gurkha issues.
Social sector reforms
In the social sector, the NC has promised inclusive and equitable development, prioritizing health, education and social security.
It has pledged to provide quality healthcare for all, expand health insurance and improve hospital infrastructure.
In education, the party aims to promote inclusive and technical education, digital literacy and skill-based programs in schools.
Special emphasis has been placed on empowering women, Dalits, indigenous and marginalized communities, as well as expanding contribution-based social security and disaster relief mechanisms.
Environment and sustainable development
The manifesto identifies climate change as a key challenge and commits to green development and environmental protection.
It has pledged to maintain 46 percent forest cover, promote clean energy, reduce plastic pollution and pursue a net-zero emission target.
Plans include strengthening early warning systems, developing safe settlements and promoting Himalayan regional diplomacy on climate issues.
Culture, sports and digital transformation
The NC has committed to preserving cultural heritage, promoting diversity and developing cultural tourism.
It has pledged to expand sports infrastructure and athlete incentives, and advance digital transformation through e-governance and cyber security, aiming to create 100,000 jobs in the information technology sector.
Through its comprehensive ‘Pratigya’ manifesto, the Nepali Congress has pledged to reduce inequality and build a prosperous and inclusive Nepal by linking political reform with economic transformation.
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