Implement Gen-Z Report

The judicial commission constituted to investigate the loss of lives and property during the Gen- Z movement of September 2025 has submitted its report to the government. Although the commission formed under former Judge Gauri Bahadur Karki on September 21, 2025 was given a three-month term to investigate the killings and arsons, it submitted the report only after five-and-a-half months the other day.  The key findings of the much-awaited report include the factors that triggered the youth-led revolt that not only toppled the government but also resulted in the most devastating 48 hours in the nation's history, and recommendations for its  implementation to prevent the repetition of such a horrifying incident.

As per the report, youth took to the streets peacefully to voice their deepening frustration with poor governance at every level of the government and call for reforms, although the social media ban was the trigger. Enraged by the fact that their peaceful protest was met with excessive force by the security forces that tragically and unfairly left many innocent protesters dead or injured, in sharp contrast to the expectations that the government could pursue a political solution through dialogue, the youth poured their frustrations to boiling points, culminating in massive destruction across the country.

Now that the report is out, its recommendations must be implemented as suggested. Doing this earnestly is important because they lie at the core of Gen Z's concerns and aspirations. Many young people feel isolated from decision-making and frustrated by pervasive unemployment, corruption, and the dearth of economic opportunities. Implementing the report would prove that the government pays heed to the youth's demands and is ready to go to any length to address their concerns.

For a healthy democracy, youth participation is essential. Acknowledging and addressing their demands means strengthening democratic institutions and rebuilding their trust in government. The young protesters' call for transparency, accountability, and the end of misuse of public resources are legitimate issue that must be dealt with effectively to improve governance and reduce corruption.  Youth are the energetic force of a nation. Ignoring their demands risks stalling the country's social and economic progress. What's more, to ensure justice for the family of the Gen Z martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the protest for the noble cause, the suggestions made in the report must be executed in the way they should.

A new government is on the horizon, to be perched at the helm of power by the overwhelming votes of the youth. As it is going to be constituted with young and fresh faces, hopes are high that the government will embody the spirit of the Gen-Z movement and leave no stone unturned to fulfil the dreams of the young people.  Implementing the report would not only respond to youth demands but also strengthen governance, democracy, and development. We are a young country where youths account for an overwhelming majority, so only youths can be our true representatives.

We need to be cautious not to allow the report to meet the same fate as earlier investigative commission reports, such as the Mallik Commission, formed to investigate abuses during the Panchayat system (1961–1990) following the 1990 People's Movement, and the Rayamajhi Commission, a high-level inquiry commission formed in 2006 to investigate atrocities, suppression, and misuse of state funds during the April Uprising 2006. Both were left unimplemented.