KATHMANDU: It has been two months since the formation of the interim government that emerged following the Gen-Z movement. Prime Minister Sushila Karki, appointed on September 12, has so far expanded her cabinet to nine ministers.
Among them, 26-year-old Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta, a representative of the Gen-Z, has drawn significant public attention. Active in philanthropic work, Gupta took the oath of office on October 26.
While it is common for ministers to announce ambitious plans upon taking office, Gupta chose a different approach. “Let me prove myself through action, not words. I welcome your support and suggestions for reform,” he said during his inauguration. True to his promise, his recent decisions have begun to inspire public confidence.
Move to protect Nepal Scout land from political misuse
Former Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka of the Nepali Congress has failed to pay over Rs 35 million in arrears for land used by Nepal Scout. Despite allegations of misusing government property, neither his party nor then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli took action.
Such acts of political negligence were among the causes behind the Gen-Z movement. Now, Minister Gupta has demonstrated the courage to hold a former minister accountable. Acting on his direction, Nepal Scout issued a written ultimatum on November 6 to Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd., owned by Khadka, demanding payment of the outstanding dues within a week.
Whether Khadka—who has repeatedly defied court orders—will comply with Gupta’s directive remains to be seen. However, the move has rekindled public hope for accountability.
Ensuring transparency—one of the key demands of the Gen-G movement—has remained a guiding principle for Minister Bablu Gupta. In line with this, he has made it mandatory for all officials and bodies under the Ministry of Youth and Sports to publicly disclose information regarding their foreign travel.
The dispute dates back to 2065 BS, when Nepal Scout leased 3 ropani of land in Lainchaur to Khadka’s company for ten years. The lease expired in 2075 BS, but the company continued occupying the property. Although the company filed a lawsuit, the Patan High Court ruled in favor of Nepal Scout in June 2022.
Despite this, the company ignored the verdict and failed to clear the dues. Nepal Scout stated it has suffered irreparable losses and has warned the firm to pay the full amount or vacate the land within seven days.
The November 6 notice further stated that, if unpaid, the company’s assets would be seized in accordance with the Civil Code, 2074 BS.
Honoring veteran athlete Jit Bahadur KC
At the 123rd National Sports Council meeting held on November 5 under Gupta’s leadership, the government decided to honor veteran runner Jit Bahadur KC with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 million. KC made history in 1973 by winning Nepal’s first-ever international athletics medal—a bronze.
Now 79 and struggling with heart problems, KC said he finally feels recognized. Announcing the honor, Minister Gupta stated, “It was the state’s failure to overlook the athlete who won our first international medal. This recognition is our responsibility.”
Grievance hearing cell established
Continuing his reform efforts, Minister Gupta established a Grievance Hearing Cell at the Ministry on November 9 to receive and address complaints from citizens related to the youth and sports sectors.
The cell aims to directly address public problems, suggestions, and complaints swiftly. Citizens can contact the cell at 01-4200544, via WhatsApp at 9851410246, or by email at [email protected].
Date set for 10th National Sports competition
The foundation stone of the Provincial Stadium in Birendranagar was laid in December 2021 to host the 10th National Sports Competition in Karnali Province. Originally scheduled for November 18-25, 2022, the games were repeatedly postponed due to construction delays, funding gaps, and political disputes. Now, with 99% of construction completed, final inspections and cleaning are underway.
The federal government allocated Rs 600 million last fiscal year and Rs 540 million this year, while the provincial government contributed Rs 450 million. The 123rd NSC board meeting, chaired by Gupta, has finalized the event dates for February 2026.
This decision has re-energized athletes who were demoralized by repeated postponements.
Inactive sports associations warned
The same NSC meeting decided that sports associations inactive for two years will face suspension if they fail to operate within the next three months.
Following this, Nepali football players protested last week , hanging their medals at the ANFA Complex gate to demand the long-delayed ‘A’ Division League, which has not been held for three years.
Players said their livelihoods had been affected and urged coordination among ANFA, clubs, and the ministry to ensure the league begins on Poush 9.
Football goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu said, “The discussion with Minister Gupta was positive. Players are struggling to earn a living because games aren’t being played. Playing on schedule is our right, and the government must ensure it.”
Transparency through live-streamed meetings
To ensure transparency in sports administration, Minister Gupta directed all sports associations to digitize operations and live-stream board meetings. The decision, endorsed at the NSC meeting, is expected to make organizational governance more open and accountable.
Narayani Stadium to be upgraded
The meeting also prioritized the reconstruction of Narayani Stadium in Birgunj — Nepal’s second-largest stadium after Dasharath Stadium — which has been neglected for decades.
After the issue gained media attention, Minister Gupta immediately contacted All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Kiran Rai, demanding accountability for the negligence shown toward the players.
Built on 17 bighas and 10 katthas of land, the stadium was inaugurated by King Birendra in 2042 BS and hosted the third National Sports Competition. The renovated venue will meet international standards and accommodate 35,000 spectators.
An estimated Rs 2.64 billion will be required for reconstruction. Birgunj Mayor Rajeshman Singh had previously expressed frustration that the federal budget failed to allocate funds for the renovation. In the meantime, local sports enthusiasts have begun upgrading the Adarshnagar Stadium as an interim solution.
Transparency in foreign travel
Ensuring transparency—one of the key demands of the Gen-G movement—has remained a guiding principle for Minister Bablu Gupta. In line with this, he has made it mandatory for all officials and bodies under the Ministry of Youth and Sports to publicly disclose information regarding their foreign travel.
The directive aims to promote accountability and curb misuse of official trips, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to open governance.
Minister welcomes players at midnight
Demonstrating his respect for athletes, Minister Gupta personally welcomed the Nepali national cricket team at Tribhuvan International Airport around 1 a.m. on November 6, following their one-and-a-half-month-long international tour.
The team returned home after qualifying for the T20 World Cup in Oman and achieving a historic series win against the West Indies in the UAE. Players are now preparing for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL), starting November 17.
Gupta’s late-night gesture—alongside Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka—was widely praised as a refreshing example of ministerial goodwill toward athletes.
Questions over football player management
On October 22, the Nepal women’s national football team traveled to India to compete in a tri-nation international friendly tournament, where they achieved a historic 2–0 victory against India.
However, controversy soon arose regarding the team’s accommodation, travel, and basic facilities. Head coach Nabin Neupane wrote to the All India Football Federation, expressing concern that the Nepali players had been placed in a hostel rather than a proper hotel.
After the issue gained media attention, Minister Gupta immediately contacted All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Kiran Rai, demanding accountability for the negligence shown toward the players.
In a firm phone conversation, Minister Gupta reportedly said: “How can we send our national players abroad without knowing where they are staying, what they are eating, or how they are accommodated? It is our responsibility to ensure their well-being before they represent the nation. You say you have no information, but that is exactly the problem. Why are management details not being monitored? We cannot continue making such mistakes– this system must change.”
Gupta’s response has been widely viewed as a call for greater professionalism and respect for athletes, aligning with the Gen-Z movement’s broader agenda of accountability and reform.
Comment