A powerful government with a nearly two-thirds majority has completed its 100 days in office. Nepali aspirations that were raised after Balendra Shah took office as Prime Minister on Chaitra 13 remain. Citizens are still in a 'wait and see' situation as it takes time for the government's decisions to be implemented and for improvements in living standards to be achieved. However, the government's speed in the decision-making process from the beginning has pleased its supporters. Groups dissatisfied with the working style and busyness of the previous Prime Ministers have felt a difference from Balendra.

On the other hand, there is also an analysis that the government has forgotten tradition, that the Prime Minister is seen as above the law, and that this could lead democracy itself into crisis. If the Prime Minister can safely lead the government forward amidst hope and criticism, he can turn the trust expressed by the citizens through the 21 Falgun elections into success. For that, he must be able to combine the current speed with the law and the tradition of running the state.

The government has prioritized austerity. One of the references to this is the reduction in the number of ministries and ministers. In the past, several study reports had suggested reducing the number of ministries in the federal government, but they were not implemented. Instead, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers of State, and Assistant Ministers were also appointed. Currently, there are 18 ministries and 17 ministers. Similarly, prime ministers tended to give less priority to Singha Durbar, focus on Baluwatar, hold party meetings in Baluwatar, and go anywhere to inaugurate programs.

Prime Minister Shah has made many improvements in this regard. He is not seen in programs. In the past, it was alleged that middlemen dominated important government decisions, especially in matters of appointments. Now, the citizens have come to understand that the manipulation of middlemen is not seen. A ‘100 agenda for government reforms’ was put forward to be carried out from 24 hours to 1,000 days on the day the government was formed. It presented the government’s clear goals to the citizens. One-third of it has been implemented.

The most important issue is related to employment opportunities. Among the many reasons for dissatisfaction among citizens, the lack of employment opportunities in the country is also an issue related to the internal and external investment environment.  Nepali society used to desire a strong and stable government. In the past, coalition governments were formed, which reduced the government’s effectiveness and added uncertainty to its life, according to citizens. The last election has fulfilled the citizens' wishes. But wanting a strong government means creating a strong system. It is so that the system works no matter who comes to power in the future. To create such a situation, institutions must be strengthened. The decision-making process must be made transparent. The channels of communication between the government and the citizens must be kept open. Since the government has executive authority, it should be accountable to the institutions of the citizens. The government should mainly take decisions according to the letter and spirit of the constitution. However, there are weaknesses in such aspects.

You can feel it from the vice-chancellors of universities to understand that inclusiveness is not taken into account in government appointments. To understand whether he has started considering himself above the system, the statement made by Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal that he would break the contractor's leg is also clear. The government is also being criticized for hastily raising the squatter settlements but delaying proper management.

The most important issue is related to employment opportunities. Among the many reasons for dissatisfaction among citizens, there is also the lack of employment opportunities in the country. That is an issue related to the internal and external investment environment. The economy has not been able to move forward in an encouraging manner. The government has not paid attention to boosting the morale of the private sector. Instead, it is being accused of creating panic.

The basic quality of a democratic government is accountability. The government is also seen as weak in this aspect. The Prime Minister's relationship with the Parliament does not seem to be cordial. He avoids the Parliament and its rules and procedures as much as possible. Apart from participating in a question-and-answer program in Jestha (there are allegations that the provisions of the rules were not followed), he does not seem to have given priority to the Parliament. At that time, his statement that Nepal had also encroached on India's land was controversial.

Similarly, the opposition had demanded that he be present to answer questions raised on policies and programs. In the past, the Prime Minister used to answer questions on policies and programs. But Shah avoided it. He left even when the President was reciting the government's policies and programs. The government has not been able to provide enough business to run the House effectively. There is no situation where bills can be presented in Parliament and there is no extensive brainstorming. Moreover, in Baisakh, the government had brought an ordinance by ending the session of Parliament that had been called by the President. On the other hand, the Prime Minister is not seen giving priority to the issue of two-way dialogue with the citizens and addressing the concerns of the citizens. Instead, it seems that he has fulfilled his obligation by writing information on social media.

Amidst some controversies and criticism, the government has been able to maintain the trust placed in it by the citizens. The government's haste to take any decision immediately and implement it is visible. This is a positive aspect. However, leading the operation of the state is also a skill that brings a balance between legacy and innovation. No matter how positive the government's objectives are and how much it wants to work result-oriented, following the rules and procedures becomes inevitable.

Nepal's Constitution and the universal norms of democracy must be followed. This is where the government is failing. For example, the commissioners of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority were summoned to the Prime Minister's Office and forced to take a decision, and the Prime Minister himself has said that if necessary, he will question the authority for 5 years. However, the Constitution does not give him such a right. The government has plenty of time available. If it moves forward by strengthening the law, the law will be above the individual in the coming days.