PM seeks people’s active participation in Democracy Day

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 10: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed to make preparations to celebrate the Democracy Day as"People's Day."

Addressing a meeting organised for the formation of the National Democracy Day Main Organising Committee and programme planning for Democracy Day at Singha Durbar, PM Oli emphasised the need for changing the existing practice in which the government programmes are conducted through orders and directives, but the people do not participate in them actively.

He said that significant achievements such as Constitution Day, Democracy Day and Republic Day were possible due to people’s participation in the political movements, and thus, they should have the opportunity to celebrate these occasions at the grassroots level. 

He said that people should participate in these achievements and share their joy collectively. PM Oli asserted that the political movement of 1950/51 was the most transformative revolution in Nepal’s history. 

Prime Minister Oli said, "This day should not be celebrated merely based on the orders from the high-level instructions. It should be prepared and marked as a public event." 

He added, "This is the day that brought about the biggest change in the country. There are some who love to call violence ‘People's War Day’, and do not want to recognise such a massive change. Anyone who does not recognise Democracy Day cannot be democratic. This day should be celebrated with grandeur."

"The government holds events, directives are issued, but the people do not have their programmes. This practice needs to change," PM Oli stated. 

"Whether it is Constitution Day, Democracy Day or Republic Day, these occasions should be made people's events. We must find ways to engage the people and enable them to celebrate these meaningfully."

On the occasion, to facilitate the people's participation in Democracy Day celebrations, a National Democracy Day 2025 Main Organising Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of PM Oli.

The committee includes Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, State Ministers, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, the Chief of the Nepali Army, the Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, government secretaries, high-ranking officials, and heads of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department. Additionally, mayors of various municipalities in the Kathmandu Valley are also part of the committee.

Similarly, province-level organising committees will be formed under the chairmanship of the respective Chief Ministers to organise various programmes at the provincial level.

Democracy Day is celebrated annually on February 19 ( Fagun 7) in commemoration of the epoch-making democratic movement of 2007 BS (1951) which ushered in democracy in Nepal by overthrowing the family rule of the Ranas. 

This year, celebrations will take place for three days—on February 18, 19 and 20 —including illumination ceremonies at Nepali embassies, diplomatic missions, and consulates abroad. The main event will be held at the Nepali Army Pavilion in Tundikhel on February 19.