Address by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Mrs. Sushila Karki on the Occasion of Constitution Day and National Day B.S. 2082 (19 September 2025)

September 19, 2025
Gray-haired person in white with a red beaded necklace, seated at table with microphone.
Photo: Republica

Right Honourable President,
Right Honourable Vice President,
Right Honourable Chief Justice,
Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Right Honourable Chairperson of the National Assembly,
Distinguished Officials present here,
Heads and Representatives of the Diplomatic Missions,
People's Representatives,
Public Officials,
Media Persons,
Respected Sisters and Brothers,

1. Today, we are enthusiastically celebrating the Constitution Day and National Day recalling the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, drafted by the Constituent Assembly of representatives elected by the Nepali people. On this proud occasion of completing one decade of the Federal Democratic Republican Constitution, I express my heartfelt greetings of Constitution Day 2082 to all Nepali people.

2. Shaped by the repeated movements, struggles, sacrifices and contributions of the Nepali people, the Constitution of Nepal stands as the guiding document reflecting the destiny, future and aspirations of Nepal and Nepali people. The day of its promulgation is also a day of pride for all Nepalis, as it upholds fundamental features such as federalism, democracy, republicanism, inclusiveness and social justice.

3. Constitution Day is not only a celebration; it is also a day to evaluate the federal democratic republic system. In the decade-long journey of the Constitution since it came into force, it is imperative that we seriously review what we have achieved; what we have not; what shortcomings remain; and what course of action is required in the days ahead.

4. The Constitution has laid the foundation for the separation of powers among the federal, provincial and local levels; for ensuring citizens' access to quality and prom[p]t public services; and for empowering local leadership. However, equal access to services, transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, optimal use of resources and technology, cost-effectiveness of public services and development management that ensures tangible outcomes remain common challenges for all tiers of Government. To address these challenges, the role of, not only the Government but also the private sector, civil society, community and non-governmental organizations, the international community supporting Nepal's prosperity and development and every citizen is essential.

5. The demonstrations and movement led by Gen-Z youth on 8 and 9 September 2025 (2082 Bhadra 23 and 24 BS) reflect both the aspirations of our young generation, growing public awareness and, the dissatisfaction with prevailing corruption in the country. We must recognize that this movement emerged partly due to shortcomings in good governance, prosperity and development in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, as well as from unfulfilled expectations, deprivation and the frustrations arising from them. I have also viewed this movement as a measure of the health of our democratic system, for democracy is a system of listening to the people's voices, engaging in dialogue and seeking solutions.

6. The movement of Gen-Z is also the consequence of not being able to stand firmly on the commitment expressed towards democratic values and norms, including the federal republican system of governance, civil liberties, fundamental rights, human rights, full freedom to press, an independent, impartial and competent judiciary, rule of law and good governance. The remarkable advancements in information technology, the emergence of citizen-friendly governance systems at the international level as well as the concepts of open government and virtual governance have shaped the awareness of the young generation. The issues they have raised - employment opportunities, quality of life, transparency in governmental actions, legal equality, corruption control, good governance and development - are, indeed, the shared aspirations of all generations and constitute a national agenda. This Government is committed to embracing these agenda and working in line with the public expectations.

7. I have assumed the office of Prime Minister neither driven by any ambition for power nor by any desire for position. At a time when the country was in crisis, and in response to the appeals of the change-seeking young generation, I could not remain silent; I assumed the office of Prime Minister of this interim government with the principal responsibility of managing the transition and conducting general elections to the House of Representatives within six months in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal, and transferring power to the new-government elected by the people.

8. On this occasion of the Constitution Day, I pay my heartfelt tributes to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the people's movements of the past and the recent Gen-Z movement and express condolences to the bereaved families. Similarly, I wish for the speedy recovery of those injured in this incident and express profound grief over the unimaginable and irreparable damage caused to public and private property as well as industrial and commercial establishments during this movement.

9. The letters of the Constitution may be static, but its spirit and soul always remain alive. Over the time, the needs and aspirations of citizens get changed. The state machinery should be functional in accordance with the aspirations and expectations of the people. We need to move forward continuously on the path of reforms through self-criticism in our shortcomings. The aspirations and expectations of the people are even more multifaceted and dynamic than the letters of the Constitution. The voice of the people cannot be ignored or rejected; it must be heard. Hearing the voice of the people is the soul of democracy. To this end, it is necessary to make the public service delivery and development works agile, effective, and people-centric through having necessary institutional restructuring and amendments to the law. 

10. The recent movement has provided us with the guidance that we are yet to make improvements in many areas. The young generation wants to participate itself in the governance system. They want to see the successful governance practices of developed countries applied in Nepal. They want to see their ideas reflected at the policy level. Therefore, on this occasion of Constitution Day, I would like to assure you that this Government will continue to work with a firm determination to address the aspiration and expectations of youth, women, children, differently-abled people, Dalits, indigenous peoples, Madhesis, Tharus, backward classes, communities and all generations.

11. We have challenges of reconstructing the public infrastructures damaged during the Gen-Z movement and overcoming the losses suffered by business enterprises to uplift the country. The morale of the private sector, being as the driving force of development, has to be boosted. Elections have to be conducted in the stipulated date. In this context, I call upon the entire young generation, political parties, civil servants, private sector, development partners, and all citizens to participate in the great campaign of reconstruction and development.

12. On this occasion, I would especially like to call upon the youth that you are the true agents of change. Your courage, innovative thinking and unwavering commitment will enable Nepal to reach a new height. Within the short period available to us, I express my commitment to work as per the expectations of the people by best utilizing the available resources and undertaking necessary legal, institutional and policy reforms for fulfilling the agenda raised by the movement and the dreams of the martyrs. This Government is determined to listening your voices, and internalizing and translating into action.

13. There are countless grievances, outrages and dissatisfactions of the people towards the ways of governance. While it is difficult to address these grievances at once, the present Government will make sincere efforts to resolve them to the best of its resources, means and capacity. On this occasion of Constitution Day, while committing that this Government will remain fully accountable to the citizens, I would like to express my confidence that the citizens too will remain conscious of their duties.

14. The present Constitution of Nepal, made on the foundation of the historic People's Movement of the year 2062-63 BS, has given the message to the world that 'the Nepali people are capable of shaping their own destiny'. This time, rather than expecting changes in the Constitution, we have aspired much more to actions that embody its spirit and sentiment. For that, there is a need to hold the upcoming election of the House of Representatives on 5th March 2026 (2082 Fagun 21 BS) in fair, impartial, cost-effective and fear-free environment, creating ownership among all classes, sectors and communities, including the youth. An election is not merely a mechanical process, it is also an important link that transfers the wishes, aspirations and trust of the people for the next five years. I trust that all political parties, voters, government machinery and the general public will wholeheartedly cooperate to accomplish that responsibility.

15. May this Constitution Day inspire us to make a new resolution, further strengthen democracy, ensure our social justice, share our economic prosperity, and make our nation a common home for all citizens. In addition, while reiterating the Government's commitment to realizing the aspirations of sustainable peace, good governance, development, and prosperity through reforms in governance, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for change, the Gen-Z, and the citizens at large.

16. Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to all the people of Nepal on the occasion of Constitution Day 2082.
Thank you.

Read the speech in Nepali here.