Nepal

Hospitals are accused of admitting patients without medical necessity and inflating bills, while helicopter companies allegedly falsified flight records.

ILO’s Nepal country director Numan Özcan says that with evidence-based planning, increased investment, and inclusive social dialogue, the country can turn a potential setback into a catalyst for sustainable, job-rich development.

The report stresses the need for drastic improvements in the public procurement system. Recommendations include establishing clearer bid evaluation criteria, strictly screening abnormally low bids that often lead to abandoned contracts, and enhancing the government’s e-procurement system.

Structural weaknesses persist: low GDP per capita, exposure to external shocks and natural disasters, and governance metrics that lag behind ‘BB’-category peers.

Congress and UML control over 300 of 753 units; performance there could rebuild trust. For Madhesh, the losses sting deepest, reigniting debates on inclusivity.

As elections near, experts urge comprehensive land reform to recognise informal tenures and ensure equitable distribution. The 2008 Constituent Assembly subcommittee identified livelihood alternatives as key, yet many ex-Kamaiyas remain in marginal work.

Despite the optimism, experts warn of hurdles in ensuring equitable distribution and community access to funds. Past REDD+ pilots in Nepal have faced criticism for bureaucratic delays and inadequate consultation with marginalized groups, including indigenous Tharu and Chepang communities in the targeted provinces.

Challenges remain, including funding constraints and implementation hurdles in remote areas. However, the commitment from top leadership signals optimism.