‘Impartial judicial justice will be true tribute to Gen Z martyrs’

Kathmandu: Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday said “impartial judicial justice would be the true tribute to the Gen Z martyrs”.

At least 76 people, including around two dozen youth, were killed in the Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9 last year, that erupted following a ban on social media and alleged corruption, and led to the ouster of the coalition government led by K P Sharma Oli.

Addressing a joint session of both houses of the parliament at Singha Durbar secretariat for the first time since the Gen Z movement, the president stressed the need for speedy delivery of public services so as to make the people feel the presence of government at their doorstep.

Paudel outlined a 17-point agenda covering governance, economic reform, employment and foreign policy priorities of the government. Addressing the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, Paudel said the newly-elected government has a serious responsibility to strengthen good governance, improve service delivery and accelerate economic development.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during Nepal’s democratic movements, the president thanked political parties, election officials, security personnel and voters for ensuring “peaceful and credible” parliamentary elections.

He said that the new parliament reflects unprecedented participation of young representatives, signalling growing youth engagement in Nepal’s federal democratic system.

Paudel said public aspirations include transparent governance, an end to corruption, job opportunities within the country, social justice and faster economic and social development.

He stressed the need to create employment at home, reform the education system to match labour market demand and address the growing outflow of young workers abroad.

He also underscored the importance of efficient public services, stronger coordination among federal, provincial and local governments, and the rule of law.