Opinion Forum

Rishi Azad

Identity of Lumbini Province

Lumbini Province is one of the seven provinces established by the constitution of Nepal on 19 September 2015. It is the fourth most populous province, with a population of around 4.54 million people. The province covers an area of 22,288 square kilometers, making it the third largest by size. Lumbini Province is named after Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. The temporary capital is Butwal, while the permanent capital is Dang Deukhuri. Lumbini Province is geographically diverse, featuring mountains, the Himalayas, and plains. It includes the districts of Bardiya, Banke, Dang, Rolpa, East Rukum, Pyuthan, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, and Kapilbastu. The province is home to various communities, including Bhojpuri, Magar, Gurung, Tharu, Muslim, and Khas Arya people. It has well-developed infrastructure, including roads, electricity, education, health services, and drinking water.

Meaning and Definition of Federalism

Federalism is known as “Sanghiyata” in Nepali which is derived from the word Sangh + Ye+ Taa. “Sangh” refers to the categories, groups, and communities under various aspects such as ethnicity, language, culture, and religion. Federalism is a structure in which all castes, religions, languages, and cultural groups are managed in a state system in such a way that all groups are recognized and respected based on co-existence, equality, freedom and tolerance. Since there is a mixed society in Nepal, except for Madhesh province, all the ethnic clusters were managed in seven provinces based on proportional inclusion and Lumbini province is one of them.

Democracy is a system where people are represented through elections. In Nepal, there are two types of election systems: first past-the-post voting and proportional representation. The democratic system of governance involves the participation of all groups in the state through proportional representation. These groups include communities of different races, religions, cultures, and languages. The federal republic system in Nepal is strengthened by ensuring access and representation for all groups. Each group has gained greater independence, and their access and representation continue to improve.

When it comes to understanding communities, the process of passing down values, norms, customs, and traditions from older generations to newer ones is known as the communal process. Every caste, language, culture and religion come from Cheningbesh. During the process of civilization, new values are added to the community and values that are not suitable for the era are left behind, and the old generation transfers it to the new generation. Socio-cultural values continuously shape individuals’ behaviors. Sanskar, which means imbibing human values, aims to make a person better. Political parties should embody the principles of coexistence, equality, freedom, and tolerance. Each caste, language, religion, and culture instill its values in the new generation. Federalism plays a crucial role in integrating these diverse groups into the mainstream by recognizing and respecting the cultural contributions of all communities.

Need for Federalism

Regions like Madhesh and Karnali, which have historically been marginalized, require federalism to ensure their development. Different tribal communities need proportional representation in the government. Federalism is essential for castes and regions that have been left behind, as it strengthens their access to resources and representation. It also provides protection and reservation for minority tribes.

Today, as the proportion of other classes and communities increases, the percentage of Khas Arya is shrinking and becoming limited. This shift has led to dissatisfaction among some leaders of the Khas Arya caste in the central hill region with the federal and proportional model. Former monarchists are exploiting this discontent to promote a return to the old subjugations structure by spreading confusion. They argue for strengthening local governance based on a unitary model, which would maintain their dominance. A unitary structure, like a beaker, operates under one system. In contrast, a federal structure resembles a flask, which holds more than a beaker. Locally, these are known as the Gabu and Ghada patterns. The flask’s larger capacity highlights the inclusiveness of a federal system compared to a unitary one.

In addressing people as “Nepalese,” we include all castes, religions, regions, genders, and classes, rather than referring exclusively to the Khas Arya community, their language, costumes, and culture. By calling it the Nepali race, Nepali language, Nepali culture, and Nepali art, we embrace the entire diversity of the nation. The need for federalism in Nepal arises from the specific nature of this diversity. Our Lumbini region is ethnically, linguistically, and culturally mixed, with fewer dense settlements. It includes mixed communities of Bahun, Chhetri, Magar, Tharu, and Madhesi. By identifying some dense settlements and creating autonomous, protected, and reserved areas at the municipal and ward levels, we can protect the language, art, culture, lifestyle, and traditions of all communities. Our constitution is not an obstacle to this; in fact, if implemented, it is very progressive and democratic. Laws should be enacted based on local and state-specific needs

What is Subjugation?

Subjugation is a system of domination where minority tribes are placed under the control of a single dominant class. It involves subordinating other languages, religious communities, cultural groups, geographies, and political parties to one dominant entity. This creates an internal colonial system where diversity is suppressed and homogenized under the control of a single group. We aim to eliminate internal colonization and ensure that all classes and communities achieve true independence through proportional inclusion. While all castes, classes, linguistic communities, and cultural groups are theoretically independent, this has not been fully realized in practice. Subordination must be transformed into genuine independence. To achieve this, we advocate for a mixed-model quantitative system of federalism.

Our state system is inspired by the “Quati” model, named after a traditional Newari snack, made with a variety of beans, each adding its unique flavor. Similarly, each caste and linguistic community in Lumbini Province contributes to the national framework. We therefore support proportional representation of all castes and linguistic communities in the provincial assembly, rural municipalities and municipalities, to ensure equitable and comprehensive inclusion. All ethnic languages and cultures should be managed in a way that ensures they feel truly independent, rather than subordinated. To achieve this, we advocate for a model of self-governance and autonomy rather than mere administration. We are already implementing self-governance and autonomy in certain areas and have succeeded in making everyone visible and connected through proportional inclusion. Given our country’s diverse society, like a “Quati,” we have avoided naming provinces after any specific caste, with the exception of Madhesh Province. The possibility of forming new provinces based on justified needs remains open. In Lumbini Province, for instance, we have not named the province after any particular caste, as it is a shared territory among the Khas Arya, Madhes, Tharu, Magar, Gurung, and Muslim communities. Instead, we have structured the province to ensure that access for all caste groups is both easy and equitable. Our next step is to put this structure into true practice.

Given the ethnic concentration at the local level, the constitution does allow for the practice of autonomous governance. For instance, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has implemented a citizens’ charter in four languages. Within this sub-metropolitan municipality, new laws can be enacted to recognize and support the language, literature, art, culture, costumes, customs, and traditions of various linguistic communities, facilitating their active participation in mainstream governance through self-governance mechanisms.

What is pluralism? How to manage it?

Pluralism refers to the coexistence of multiple distinct groups within a society, each with its own unique characteristics. Singular means one, while plural means many. In a pluralistic society, different castes, tribes, political parties, linguistic communities, cultural communities, religious groups, and business classes all exist and are recognized. There are many ideas (parties), managed through a competitive system. There are many religions, managed based on secular principles. Federalism is suited to Nepal’s geography and climate, making it an appropriate governance model. We have managed socio-cultural conflicts through this system, leading to increased peace among many classes and communities and a reduction in conflict. However, we are not perfect, and there are areas that require improvement. For complete reform, new laws should be enacted, and the representation and access for all groups should be effectively managed. This work needs to be done promptly. Federalism in Nepal is needed because of its diverse society. It helps manage different groups by focusing on values like independence, freedom, and equality. This system has made it easier to handle social conflicts.

Confusion about Self-determination

In Nepalese politics, there is a strong misconception about the right to self-determination. The Soviet Union was a powerful front against the nationalism of different nations. The Soviet Constitution granted the right to self-determination through referendums for different nations that wished to be sovereign and independent. This same issue was misinterpreted by the separatists in Nepal, who labeled federalism as a poison of disintegration. Subjugation is indeed dangerous. When one party dominates another, when larger castes suppress smaller ones, when the hilly region dominate the terai region , when men overshadow women, when Brahmins suppress the Dalit community, when employers exploit workers, when one religion seeks to overpower others, or when one language seeks to silence others, it reflects a mentality that refuses to allow others to be independent. The belief that granting rights will lead others to dominate, and the desire to remain sovereign by trampling on the identity and respect of others, is the very essence of subjugation. Nepal’s Constitution aims to break this subjugation, empowering everyone to be independent and bringing them into the mainstream.

Self-determination is essentially a democratic process. The freedom for every citizen to express their own views is what self-determination is all about. The constitution, laws, and journalism all support self-determination. Holding a referendum on various issues is also a form of self-determination. When different castes, languages, and communities create their own statutes to protect their rights and identity, that is self-determination. The right to vote itself is an act of self-determination. Nepal’s constitution grants everyone the freedom to organize and engage in peaceful activities. It allows various ethnic groups to strengthen their identity by establishing legal provisions for reserved, protected, and autonomous areas. While everyone has the right to demand recognition of their identity, the government, under the constitution and law, counters any form of fragmentalism. For example, the Madhesh province has its distinct identity, with increased self-respect and the right to self-determination. Therefore, discontented street protests in Madhesh have decreased nowadays. Madhesh has become part of the mainstream, and nationalism has grown stronger. A Kirat province could also be established through a referendum, or concentrated areas of indigenous communities could be designated as reserved, protected, and autonomous regions to allow them to practice self-governance. This is because democracy is about freeing people from subjugation and making them independent. Federalism is a powerful tool for ensuring independence. In Lumbini Province, people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of self-determination. There is a strong sense of national identity, sovereignty, and independence among the people. The spirit of recognizing and accepting the identities of others is also growing.

Misconceptions About Identity

Identity is what distinguishes and introduces someone. It can be thought of as a form of recognition. Every individual, caste, religion, culture, language, and class have its own identity. Identity isn’t limited to caste alone. A person’s name, appearance, interests, desires, and address are all different, and these unique traits define them as individuals—this is personal identity. The identity of a caste is shaped by geography, clothing, and culture. A class is identified by its profession, and languages create distinct identities for groups, known as linguistic identity. Cultural communities are recognized by their cultural values, traditions, and attire. This is known as cultural identity. In Parliament, identity is represented through ethnic attire and languages. Every ethnic community can be identified by their specific dress and language in Parliament. However, some individuals seek votes by highlighting identity issues but then wear traditional attire like daura suruwal or dhoti cholo when in Parliament. These individuals may be unable to truly represent their ethnic, linguistic, or cultural identity or may be considered deceitful.

Linguistic communities are also distinguished by their different scripts, cultural values, and geographical regions. For instance, the Tamang, Magar, Newar, Kirat, Gurung, Madhesi, and Tharu communities each have their own distinct geographical areas. This is also part of their identity. Within these communities, different surnames or clans further define identity. Nepal’s identity now goes beyond just geography. As people move to cities, these cities become mixed and shared spaces. In this situation, municipalities manage ethnic identities by including everyone fairly. Areas with large populations of specific ethnic groups can be designated as reserved, protected, or autonomous to recognize their identity. The constitution allows for this through laws. In Lumbini Province, people are gradually developing and practicing their sense of identity, and society is making positive progress.

Misconceptions About Autonomous Governance

Autonomy means making efforts to determine one’s own fate. Having autonomy involves local units like wards, villages, municipalities, and provinces creating their own laws and governing themselves according to the spirit of the constitution. While autonomy allows each unit to be distinct in its local context, good governance means managing affairs transparently and according to the people’s needs and involvement. Autonomy makes each unit unique, whereas good governance makes services easy and straightforward. Autonomous governance is also a form of good governance. During the constitution-making process, those with a subjugation mindset argued against granting autonomous governance. However, with democratic practices evolving, it’s now understood that autonomy means making efforts for one’s own development. Federalism is based on autonomous governance. All villages, municipalities, and provinces in Nepal are autonomous units. Elected representatives have the authority to designate reserved or protected areas. In Lumbini Province, this sense of autonomy is growing among the people, and all forms of subjugation in society are gradually being removed. The challenges and opportunities of federalism are now being discussed more openly. An initial evaluation has begun, and it’s important to review the constitution for ten years. While some groups may have a basic understanding, many people have not yet fully grasped its importance because it remains abstract. This abstraction naturally leads to confusion. It’s normal to question the purpose of federalism. We need to answer these questions: What progress have we made? How have we managed people’s access, representation, and identity? How well have we addressed needs at the local level? How effectively have we communicated the results? This is an important issue that needs serious attention.

We have approached the restructuring of the federal system with a broad and inclusive mindset. Gorkha is a strong symbol in Nepal and is known globally as Gurkha. However, it’s no longer sufficient to focus only on Gorkha; we must also address the needs of Rolpa, Gaur, and Tikapur within the federal framework. In the past, rebellions occurred because differing viewpoints were not addressed. These rebellions led to the creation of a federal system that aims to ensure freedom and inclusion for all castes and communities. There is confusion surrounding federalism. If we implement federalism effectively and deliver quick results, stability will follow, and confusion will diminish. However, there is no turning back now. Moving forward requires an open mind and the removal of subjugation-minded attitudes. No one’s identity should be suppressed. Instead, these identities should be managed in a way that strengthens national unity, integrity, and sovereignty.

Everything happens based on cause and effect. Our natural body has evolved over millions of years through this process. Similarly, the development and expansion of state institutions have occurred due to cause and effect. This gradual and subtle development has led to the need for pluralistic principles. A pluralistic society requires a pluralistic structure for effective management, as a unitary structure cannot adequately manage such diversity. In neighboring India, federalism, which began with 14 states, has expanded to 32 states, including autonomous and centrally administered regions. In Nepal, the voices of Rolpa, Gaur, and Tikapur have not yet been fully allowed to emerge and flourish. We have not properly managed them. There are also some issues in the east. These should be managed in a peaceful manner, ensuring that no one remains under anyone else’s domination. Those who oppose federalism want to get rid of it, while even those who support it have their own complaints. Issues of proportional representation have not been resolved, and there is a practice of appointing the wives of leaders to proportional positions. The problem of granting citizenship to rightful citizens has also not been solved.

Hundreds of questions have been raised about federalism, and a wave of dissatisfaction is emerging. The leadership cannot ignore the criticisms, and a thorough review is necessary. We need to discuss where we went wrong and what we failed to manage. The goal is not to reject federalism, but to justify its relevance and make it efficient and economical. Why does the public criticize federalism so much? Why has it not yet been fully institutionalized? In Lumbini Province too, questions are being raised about the province’s relevance, and the leadership has not provided a convincing answer. Until there is assurance of good governance and self-governance, the province’s presence cannot be felt. Culture also plays a role in the institutional development of federalism. In large countries like India, all state governments operate stably under a similar system. The central government is also becoming more stable. This is due to a change in culture and good practices. In Nepal leaders here lack a sense of coexistence and tolerance; instead, there is a mindset of revenge. They are constantly playing a game of chess for power. The political system requires a vote of confidence four times in two years. Leaders lack decency and are more focused on showiness than their duties. Even after three months in office, ministers seek honor through ceremonies in various villages rather than addressing legislative work. Last year, a minister even auctioned off scarves from his office for 13,000. Such behavior not only alienates colleagues but may drive them to join other parties or become inactive. Despite efforts for reform in Lumbini Province, the situation remains the same. The current council of ministers has indicated a move towards improvement. We’ll see if the results are promising. Stability will come with good practices.

In the debate about federal achievements, the statistics are disappointing. In recent years, the coalition government added arbitrary ministries and unnecessarily increased the number of ministers, which has been openly criticized by all citizens. There has been notable negligence in law enforcement and legislative work. The provincial government has become extravagant, with ministers prioritizing political prestige over public service. This arrogance must be addressed urgently to prevent it from undermining federalism and causing further conflict.

The following conclusions have been drawn regarding the challenges of federalism in Lumbini Province, which are presented here:

No more than eight ministries should be established in the provincial assembly.
There is no need for more than eight ministers.
The number of provincial assembly members should be reduced by 50%.
Ministries should be included within the scope of population-based proportional representation.
Local governments should be under provincial authority, not federal.
Education coordination units and district coordination units should be brought under provincial authority.
Provinces should become financially self-sufficient.
Each province should have its own police and administrative structures.
Set budget limits for the plans allocated by the federal, provincial, and local governments.
Training programs must be conducted to develop the necessary skilled workforce for administration.
The provincial governments should be empowered to move away from their dependency on the federal government.

Federalism is a blessing of decentralization. A federal structure is essential for nation-building. Its potential benefits include:

• Economic and political decentralization led to the creation of an independent economy.
• Easier access to and representation for people and communities.
• Enhanced cooperation, coexistence, equality, and a sense of unity.
• Reduced costs as work is managed at the federal level rather than centralized.
• Faster improvements in transparency and good governance through democratic practices at the local level.
• Increased feedback on the character, behavior, and weaknesses of representatives, leading to quicker societal improvements.
• Accelerated economic development.
• Immediate addressing of poverty and shortages, leading to prosperity.

Conclusion

Federalism is a model suited to our unique context and deeply rooted in Nepalese values, and it is continuously evolving. This model aims to bring governance closer to the people, making it more accessible and relevant. To fully align it with Nepalese characteristics, we need to review achievements, celebrate successes, and pursue ongoing improvements. Federalism should be expanded thoughtfully and constructively, avoiding negative approaches. Instead, it should be refined to be more efficient, effective, economical, and transparent. Ministers and legislators must adopt improved practices to enhance stability. By doing so, federalism can truly prove to be an asset for our nation.