RSP has chosen to call its manifesto “Bacha Patra” translating literally to “Promise Paper.” They also released a “Nagarik Karar” or a “Citizen’s Contract”, where they outline main policy priorities and claim that citizens can hold them accountable through that document to pierce the culture of empty promises in manifestos. The four main priorities of the Citizen’s contract also reflect the main priorities of the manifesto. “Good governance and Good character” with emphasis on a “mega campaign against corruption.” They have outlined the need to investigate properties of public officials in position since 2046 B.S. as well. Promising overall digital delivery “Line hoina Online” ~ “Not in line (queue), but online”. Their second priority includes expansion of the middle class and making Nepal a country where there is “respectable middle-class income.” “Universal social services are guaranteed for a lifetime. Ending Meter byaj system (a fraudulent lending practice) with modern banking system, ensuring access to banking and financial services for all. Their third priority includes a major emphasis on employment with aims to end the compulsion for labor migration. The fourth is on connectivity and energy. Their fifth priority is the diaspora, aiming to ensure an environment for them to invest and return, and for Nepali citizens abroad to exercise their enfranchisement rights.
Political parties’ perspectives on the Gen-Z movement:
Calling the movement necessary in the current political climate, the manifesto emphasizes the movement necessary to bring change in the current political status quo. Many of the policies are reflective of the agreement between Gen-Z and the government. RSP calls their electoral objective “to peacefully transform politics in this country by uniting various forces that have already declared a call for change, including the youth of the Gen-Z uprising and other transformative groups with renewed effort.”
Perceptions about and Response to Gen-Z/Youth’s Policy Priorities:
RSP has placed heavy importance on good governance and transparency. Committing to implementing the findings of the Inquiry Commission, they also claim that they will “fully disclose assets before assuming public office.” Further, they guarantee “to not participate in any decision, policy or law-making process that benefits ourselves or our businesses, and to end nepotism, we will not appoint relatives to positions such as personal secretaries.”
In the manifesto, RSP presents itself as the only party representing youth and their agenda.
Heavy emphasis on digital good governance; paperless administration [with claims to be fully paperless by 2087 B.S.]. Similar to other parties, however, with more gusto, they have many tech-heavy employment agendas.
Creating a “digital-first Nepal” by transforming it into a digital economy where technology will lay the foundation for production, trade, and employment, according to the manifesto. Another bold claim includes “Creation of more than 1.2 Million jobs and establishing Nepal as a global destination for IT experts.” Further, RSP assures “automatic cash incentives for IT services and software exports, along with a full income tax exemption for several years.” They place a special emphasis on employment as with their “Citizen’s Contract” with policies like ensuring “Every student graduating from Grade 12 will be ensured a market relevant vocational skill certification, and large-scale skill centers in all seven provinces will create an environment that discourages youth migration.” They have focused on curbing exploitation during labor migration through policies “to end the exploitation faced by migrant workers, embassies will be made resourceful and social protection will be ensured through reintegration packages.” Recognizing the contribution of workers who remit earnings from abroad, they have stated that they will issue a special identity card to the workers who will be given concessions in government health services, education, and other social services. Such policies directly impact younger people who are employed in terrible conditions abroad.
Gen-Z specific Policy Priorities:
Although they do not specify policies directly for “Gen Z”, they have based all their policies on service-sector reform, especially IT and Tech, focused on the younger generation. They also focus on major education reform. Policies like “First Housing Incentive Policy” also seem like they are targeted to increase financial access of the younger generation.
Youth Political Participation:
Calling their own party as the one who has “tested its youthful capacity” in the policy-level. RSP has posed themselves as an already “youth dominated” party. They claim to have “laid the foundation for technology-friendly and result-oriented politics through Gen Z representatives.”
Disclaimer: Please read the full manifesto from forming an informed opinion.
