The Politics of Poverty and Movements from Below in Nepal

Nepal, a small landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and deep-rooted history.

However, despite its natural beauty, Nepal faces significant challenges when it comes to poverty, social inequality, and political instability.

For decades, these issues have sparked movements from below—grassroots efforts that have not only reshaped the country’s political landscape but also provided a platform for marginalized communities to voice their struggles. Understanding Poverty in Nepal Poverty in Nepal is deeply entrenched and remains a major barrier to human development. As of the latest estimates, a substantial portion of the population still lives below the national poverty line, particularly in rural areas.

The majority of the poor are concentrated in the Terai (southern plains) and the hilly regions, where access to basic services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure remains limited. Several factors contribute to Nepal’s persistent poverty: 1. Geography and Natural Disasters: Nepal’s mountainous terrain makes infrastructure development challenging. Landslides, floods, and earthquakes further exacerbate these difficulties, disrupting livelihoods and causing long-term economic setbacks. 2. Political Instability: Decades of political turmoil, including the Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) and a long period of monarchical rule, have hindered progress. The transition to a federal democratic republic in 2008, while significant, did not immediately resolve the underlying economic disparities. 3. Limited Industrialization: Nepal’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which employs more than 60% of the workforce but remains largely subsistence-based. There is a lack of large-scale industries or significant foreign investment to provide better-paying jobs or sustainable economic growth. 4. Social Exclusion: Certain groups, including Dalits, indigenous peoples, and women, face systematic discrimination. Social hierarchies and caste-based inequalities limit opportunities for these groups to improve their economic status. The Role of Movements from Below

In response to the pervasive poverty and social exclusion, various movements from below have emerged in Nepal, seeking to address the country’s deep-seated structural inequalities.

These movements are driven by marginalized communities, political activists, and ordinary citizens who have felt left out of the country’s political and economic systems. 1. The Maoist Insurgency (1996–2006) One of the most significant movements in Nepal’s recent history was the Maoist insurgency, also known as the "People’s War."

Initiated by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), the insurgency was rooted in the belief that the state was perpetuating inequality and neglecting the needs of the poor. The Maoists sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic based on socialist principles.

Their armed struggle, which began in the mid-1990s, was fueled by the widespread dissatisfaction with poverty, landlessness, and social exclusion. The insurgency ultimately led to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, ending a decade-long civil war and leading to the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

The Maoists’ rise to political power marked a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, though the lasting effects on poverty alleviation remain debated. 2. The Madhesi Movement In the southern Terai region, the Madhesi people—a largely marginalized ethnic group of Indian descent—have long felt excluded from the central government.

The Madhesi movement has been one of the most prominent grassroots efforts to challenge the political establishment and demand greater representation and rights for the people of the Terai. The movement gained momentum in the mid-2000s and culminated in the 2007 Madhesi uprising, which saw large-scale protests and strikes.

While the uprising succeeded in getting the government to acknowledge the demands of the Madhesi people, tensions have continued, particularly regarding the representation of the Madhesi community in the new federal constitution, which has been a source of political unrest. 3. The Dalit Rights Movement Dalits, traditionally considered the "untouchables" in Nepal’s rigid caste system, have faced systematic discrimination and exclusion from social, political, and economic opportunities.

Over the years, the Dalit rights movement has been at the forefront of efforts to challenge caste-based discrimination and demand equal rights for Dalit communities. Activists like Chandra Kanta Rathi and Bhanu A. Yadav have played crucial roles in pushing for legal reforms and social awareness about Dalit issues.

The movement has successfully advocated for the abolition of untouchability and other discriminatory practices in Nepal’s legal framework. However, the fight for social and economic justice for Dalits is ongoing, as deeply ingrained social prejudices continue to shape daily life. 4. Women’s Empowerment Movements Nepal has seen an increasing number of women’s movements advocating for gender equality and the rights of women in a patriarchal society. These movements are driven by the need for legal protection, economic empowerment, and an end to practices such as child marriage, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. The National Women's Commission and various grassroots organizations like The Women’s Foundation Nepal have been pivotal in raising awareness about women’s issues and pushing for laws that safeguard women’s rights.

The women’s movement was instrumental in the push for the inclusion of gender equality provisions in Nepal’s new constitution in 2015, which guarantees women equal rights in inheritance, citizenship, and property ownership. The Future of Poverty and Political Movements in Nepal While Nepal has made strides in addressing some of its poverty-related challenges—such as improvements in literacy rates, life expectancy, and access to basic services—the battle against poverty is far from over.

Despite the rise of progressive political movements, structural inequalities persist, and poverty continues to affect large portions of the population. The future of poverty alleviation in Nepal will likely depend on several key factors: 1. Sustainable Economic Development: Nepal must focus on diversifying its economy, especially by investing in sectors like tourism, hydropower, and manufacturing. A more diversified economy could help create better-paying jobs and reduce dependence on subsistence agriculture.

2. Inclusive Governance: The inclusion of marginalized communities in political decision-making is critical to addressing the needs of the poor. Ensuring that ethnic, caste, and gender minorities have a meaningful role in the government is essential for achieving lasting social and economic change.

3. Decentralization and Local Empowerment: Federalism, as established by Nepal’s new constitution, offers an opportunity for more localized governance. Empowering local governments to address the specific needs of their communities could be key in fighting poverty from the grassroots level. 4. Education and Skill Development: Access to quality education and vocational training is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty. Equipping Nepal’s youth with the skills needed for the modern job market could lead to higher employment rates and greater economic mobility. Conclusion The politics of poverty and movements from below in Nepal are deeply intertwined. As the country continues to grapple with poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, the role of grassroots movements will remain crucial in shaping Nepal’s political and economic future.

The voices of the marginalized—whether through the Maoist insurgency, the Madhesi protests, Dalit rights activism, or women’s empowerment movements—have demonstrated the power of collective action in demanding change. However, for these movements to translate into lasting progress, Nepal will need to focus on creating an inclusive, equitable society where every citizen has access to the opportunities and resources needed to overcome poverty and achieve a better quality of life.

The road ahead is long, but the history of movements from below suggests that Nepal’s marginalized communities will continue to rise, challenging the status quo and striving for a more just and prosperous future.