Democracy or monarchy? The growing ‘What if?’ in Nepal
Former King Gyanendra Shah returned to Kathmandu from western Nepal recently amid rousing cheers and chants from thousands of supporters. This mass gathering at the airport and the subsequent rally in which thousands of people participated wasn’t just nostalgia for the bygone monarchy; it was a reflection of public frustration. A deep, simmering frustration of the unemployed youth who see no future in their own country, of parents left alone as their children work under the scorching heat in foreign lands, of spouses living apart, yearning for the family life they once dreamed of. It was a frustration of citizens who wake up every day to yet another news of corruption, scandals, and abuse of power, frustration of hardworking individuals whose opportunities are overtaken by the privileged few politicians, their families, and their inner circles.
For some, this support for monarchy comes from an experience; they lived under it and now compare it to what democracy has offered. For others, it was fueled by the sense of uncertainty; they never experienced monarchy but now wonder what if there was a monarchy in place? What if governance was about service rather than power? What if corruption was actually punished? What if the nation prioritized merit over political connections? What if development wasn’t just an election-time slogan? What if Nepalis didn’t have to celebrate something as basic as a newly paved road in the 21st century?
The frustration isn’t new. It has been brewing for years. The transition to democracy was supposed to bring change, but for many, it has brought only disappointment. Political instability has been a defining feature of Nepal’s governance for decades, with governments collapsing and forming at an alarming rate. Leaders rise to power promising reforms, only to repeat the same cycle of inefficiency and self-interest. Citizens are left watching as political infighting takes priority over national progress.
Nepal’s economy, once hoped to flourish under democratic rule, has struggled to provide for its people. The job market is stagnant, pushing millions of young Nepalis to seek employment abroad. The remittance economy sustains the country, but at a great emotional and social cost. Families are torn apart, children grow up without parents, and entire generations are raised with the mindset that their future lies outside Nepal, not within it.
Education is another area of disillusionment. Young people work hard to earn degrees, only to find that merit does not guarantee opportunities. Instead, it is nepotism, political connections, and bribery that open doors. Many educated individuals either leave for better prospects or settle for underemployment, their talents wasted in a system that does not value them.
The corruption that plagues Nepal is perhaps the most infuriating aspect of all. Scandals involving billions of rupees make headlines regularly, yet those responsible rarely face any real consequences. Politicians and bureaucrats enrich themselves while basic services crumble. Hospitals lack equipment, schools lack resources, and infrastructure projects remain unfinished for years, draining public funds while achieving little progress.
Infrastructure development moves at a snail’s pace. Roads, bridges, and essential facilities are often promised but rarely completed on time or with quality workmanship. When projects do finish, they are celebrated as major achievements—even though they are the bare minimum a functioning government should provide. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, cities are being built from scratch in mere months, and technological advancements are reshaping economies.
The justice system, too, fails to inspire confidence. Laws exist on paper but are not enforced equally. The wealthy and powerful navigate the system with ease, while ordinary citizens struggle for even the most basic legal protection. Cases drag on for years without resolution, leaving victims with little hope for justice.
It is in this climate of frustration that the question of monarchy resurfaces—not necessarily as a solution, but as an alternative to the current mess. The sight of Former King Gyanendra being welcomed back in Kathmandu was not just about nostalgia; it was a loud and clear message that people are desperate for something different. They are not necessarily advocating for a return to absolute monarchy, but they are asking whether the current system has truly served them well.
As someone who was a child when Nepal was still a monarchy, I cannot claim firsthand knowledge of whether it was better or worse. But I see the frustration around me, and I, too, find myself asking: What if? Not because I believe monarchy is the perfect solution, but because I know that democracy, as it stands, is failing its people. It has become a tool for a handful of elites to consolidate wealth and power while millions struggle to get by.
This isn’t about choosing between democracy and monarchy, it is about demanding a system that works. A system that prioritizes governance, accountability, and opportunity. A system where politicians are held accountable, where corruption is punished, and where leadership is driven by service rather than self-interest.
So where do we go from here? The What ifs are questions that demand answers, not silence. Whether it is democracy or monarchy, the real concern should be about governance, accountability, and the future of Nepal. Because, at the end of the day, Nepalese are not demanding luxury; they are merely asking for dignity, fairness, and a chance to build a better future in their own homeland.
Five places to have Indian food
Nepali food is most similar to Indian food which is probably why it appeals to us much more than other cuisines. Though often criticized as being spicier and oilier than the regular Nepali meals, Indian food still manages to crave a place for itself in our hearts because of its delectable flavors and aromas. The Covid-19 lockdown might have taught us a thing or two about making some Indian meals like butter chicken and biryani but with work from home no longer being the norm, do we really have the luxury to make a dish from scratch? However, there are some really good Indian restaurants in Kathmandu that can come to our rescue when we want to indulge in a good, masala-laden meal. Here are our top five recommendations in no particular order.
Third Eye Restaurant, Thamel
Located in JP Road in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu, Third Eye Restaurant is a crowd favorite especially among tourists as the food isn’t spicy but is really flavorsome. It’s slightly on the pricier side compared to the rest of the places on this list but it’s worth the money. The tandoori chicken is just right, succulent and marinated with the right amount of spices. You won’t find better tandoori chicken anywhere in Kathmandu. The curries also hit the right notes and paired with rice or their fluffy naans, we guarantee you are in for a treat. They also have an array of really good beverages for you to wash down your meal.
Mirch, Jhamsikhel
This is a relatively new place in town that’s located at Jhamsikhel near the famous Ghangri Cafe. Though the menu is limited, the service is top notch and everything on the menu is crafted to perfection. The chef has managed to get the flavors and the texture of the dishes exactly right without anything feeling overpowering. The staff, the tableware, the service, and the food, everything is commendable. They really have paid attention to the details. The wait time for your order isn’t also long and the polite staff makes it a point to let you know beforehand if something is going to take a few minutes extra. A special mention to the interesting mocktails that are refreshing and unique. Our top recommendations are the Goan Fish Curry, Prawn Curry, Butter Chicken, and their signature biryani.
Haadi Bistro and Cafe, Boudha
Located in Boudha, a few meters before you reach the entrance gate of Boudhanath and on the opposite side of it, you are sure to miss this little place if you don’t look for it properly. It’s located on the first floor and though the front of the cafe is visible from the road you have to take the stairs tucked a few feet inside an alley. This is perhaps the most reasonable place, price-wise, on this list. But the food will have you going back for more. The biryani is mouthwatering and the portion is quite big, even for one person. The good thing about it is you can order different sides of salads according to your preference at nominal cost. The eatery also serves other snacks like tandoori chicken and chicken wings that you can have alongside the main meal. We recommend you go to Haadi Bistro and Cafe when you are really hungry as the food is so good that you won’t want to stop eating.
MTR, Kamaladi
If you love South Indian food and often go to places like Tip Top, Angan, or Gulab, then this is a must try. You won’t settle for elsewhere once you have been here as the food is as authentic as it gets. From great South Indian filter coffee and masala butter milk to curd rice and all kinds of dosas, MTR is a delight. The meals are wholesome, filling, and delicious. There’s also a variety of rice available like Pudina Rice, Lemon Rice etc if you are in need of something hearty. If you can’t decide what to have then the mini combos or mini thali sets are just right as they come with a little bit of everything. So, if you are around the Kamaladi area, make sure you visit MTR and try their range of drinks and food. Trust us, you will go around recommending it to everyone once you have been there.
Mughal Empire, Lazimpat
You will be spoilt for choice at Mughal Empire as there are lots of food items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, available at this popular restaurant that also has outlets in Jhamsikhel and Thamel. The food is slightly on the spicier side than other places on this list so make sure to tell the staff about just how spicy you would like your food to be when you order. The biryanis and kebabs are fantastic. Their paneer items are almost as good as their chicken items and we say almost because it’s an unpopular opinion and not because they can’t easily replace the chicken dishes on the menu. The dum aloo also deserves a special mention with the spices really seeping into the potatoes. We recommend this place if you want to treat yourself to a delightful assortment of tandoori items.
Enforcement of domestic workers’ rights: Out of the shadows to the light
Unseen, unheard and unrecognized within the walls of the house, domestic workers are the most vulnerable to exploitation and oppression. ILO Convention No 189 defines domestic work as “any work performed in or for a household or households” and domestic worker as “any person engaged in domestic work within an employment relationship”. Domestic work may incorporate the services such as cleaning, cooking, and washing, taking care of the children or other members of the family, guarding the house, gardening, and other forms of household services. ILO has recognized domestic workers as the workers in the care economy who work in or for private households on an occupational basis recognizing that such workers provide services and goods that are socially necessary for the maintenance of household and well-being of the members of the families.
Domestic works are mainly done behind closed doors that make it uncertain and unknown to the outside world. So the domestic workers, in addition to being underpaid and overworked- are more susceptible to remain socially and legally unprotected. These workers are more vulnerable to physical, sexual and mental abuse along with long working hours and deprivation. Since, the domestic work is more of the informal nature, even in the countries with sufficient legal protection, the legal protection becomes difficult. Around 81 percent are in informal employment—that’s twice the share of informal employment among other employees.
Historically, labor law emphasizes industrial work and the protection of labor working in the industrial conditions. Domestic work is often not recognized as a work. The employment in the household is often regarded as an informal and private matter. In such a context, it is difficult to abide by both the employer and employee by some rules and regulations. Despite their crucial role, domestic workers are often excluded from labor protections provided to other types of workers. Domestic workers typically work alone, hidden behind the closed doors of a private home. Such isolation, along with socio-economic vulnerability and pervasive discrimination, perpetuate deep-rooted barriers to fair working conditions.
The work of the domestic worker is based on personal subordination rather than pre-established rules in the factories or offices. This situation puts the domestic worker within the dependency of the employer in determining the limit of work, time and remuneration. Also, domestic workers work in isolated conditions that deprives them of the right of collective bargaining, and joining the trade union is impossible and far cry. Therefore, resistance to inadequate working conditions is very difficult, putting them to even more suppression and in the darkness of silence.
The domestic workers do the most precious work bringing the order and management to the household but remain undervalued, unnoticed and unrecognized. Many of the domestic workers carry out their activities without vocational qualifications, and their position remains weak, easily replaceable based on the will of the employer. Exploitation and discrimination are high and sexual exploitation is also common when most of the domestic workers are women. Moreover, this informal nature of work resembles unpaid family work.
Achieving a better level of recognition and protection to the domestic workers would require significant legal reform. Though the Nepali Labor Act has recognized the domestic worker, it is not going to be enough. The special attention to the implementation of the rights of the domestic labor must be given as domestic work remains informal within the isolated environment.
The real problems remain with the control of implementation. The inspection of the domestic working conditions and the learning of the status of the domestic worker from time to time is going to be inevitable. Since, the labor work comes under the private sphere; the intervention in the working condition can take place only in highly specific instances which are explicitly enumerated by law. Therefore, in order to improve the situation of domestic workers will require comprehensive laws for enforcement of the rights of the domestic workers compared to other workers.
Workers themselves must be in a position to enforce these laws and to bring blatant violations to the attention of the government authorities. Efforts on two fronts will be required: education of undocumented domestic workers concerning their basic rights and elimination of barriers to domestic workers’ enforcement of their rights.
Another requirement of the proper enforcement of labor law rights depends on the ability of the worker to register a complaint to certain authority which can provide them with the legal recourse. Because of their precarious place within the private household where they have to spend most of the time, are not in the position to complain despite of the physical or sexual abuse, exploitation, or the deprivation of the rights guaranteed to any workers. Therefore, the laws must be reformed that allows domestic workers to come out of the shadows from the limitation within the walls of the house to challenge their wages, working conditions and threats from any kind of violence.
The significance of women’s day
Every year, we celebrate women’s day on March 8 and take a moment to reflect on the meaningful changes in favor of women. In Nepal, women have made remarkable strides in education, employment, and leadership, yet challenges like gender inequality, societal expectations, and work-life balance persist. As we mark this day, ApEx spoke to three people regarding the role of society, families, and future generations in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world for women.
Lasata Shakya, 17
For generations, deep-rooted psychological and cultural beliefs have contributed to the discrimination of women in our society. Many still think that women are incapable of performing tasks traditionally assigned to men, unfit for leadership, or lack the ability to provide guidance in professional settings. The key to breaking these barriers lies in support, encouragement, and education.
Family members play a crucial role in shaping a woman’s confidence, both at home and in her professional life. Instead of criticism, they should offer guidance and opportunities to learn from mistakes. Education, above all, is the most powerful tool for transforming societal mindsets. When families understand that education is not just a necessity for men but equally important for women, they pave the way for a more balanced and progressive future. Psychological and social awareness initiatives can help dismantle gender biases. Creating platforms that encourage equal participation across all fields, along with maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for women, is essential for true empowerment.
Sagar Mainali, 29
Women continue to face many problems related to equality, some of which are deeply rooted in societal norms. For instance, the demand for separate seats in public transport may unintentionally reinforce the idea that women are weak and need special provisions. While safety is a concern, true equality comes from creating an environment where women feel secure everywhere, not just in designated spaces.
In our conservative society, daughters are often seen as temporary members of their birth families because they are expected to move to their husband’s home after marriage. As a result, many parents hesitate to invest in their daughters’ education, believing that only sons can provide financial returns. However, we must shift this mindset. Education should not be seen as an investment with expected returns but as a fundamental right and a tool for personal growth. Rather than expecting financial benefits from children, parents should focus on equipping them—both sons and daughters—with the knowledge and skills to shape their own futures. Women, in particular, play a crucial role in national development, and empowering them through education will bring significant positive change.
Jamuna Shakya, 64
I don’t have any idea on women’s day as we have never celebrated the day and never heard of it too. There was a time when women weren’t allowed to work and they had no career aspirations but things have changed today. Women go out to work and have flourishing careers. That makes me happy. I think there is nothing women can’t do if they are given the right opportunities. I hope no girl is denied education and that it becomes compulsory to send girls to school. Our society treats men and women differently and that will only change when both of them are equally educated and aware and I hope I live to see that day.
