The recent Gen-Z–driven protests have sharpened public awareness of Nepal’s growing “state of capture,” exposing how entrenched elites continue to exploit state institutions for personal gains, experts said on Sunday.
Speaking at the 40th edition of the MediaTalk Series-XL at St. Xavier’s College, senior journalist and parliamentary reporting expert Hari Bahadur Thapa said corruption has become chronic, with surveys showing that more than four in five Nepalis view it as a major obstacle to development.
“Nepal’s battle against corruption demands a clear understanding of its deep historical roots—a reality today’s youth must face as they push for systemic change,” he noted.
Environmental activist and prominent anti-corruption campaigner Tanuja Pandey highlighted how political culture is deeply intertwined with civic attitudes. She argued that citizens often revere leaders simply because they possess power. “The deification of leaders must end. People need to take responsibility for holding their elected representatives accountable,” she said.
St. Xavier’s College Principal Fr. Dr. Augustine Thomas, S.J., stressed the role of academia in cutting through ideological noise and vested interests. “When distractions grow louder, it becomes our duty to provide a balanced, informed perspective. By examining how corruption affects society, we help students see the issue with clarity and responsibility,” he said.
According to recent studies, 84 percent of Nepalis identify corruption as a major national problem, with Gen-Z feeling its impact most acutely.
Chun Bahadur Gurung, Faculty Lead of Journalism and coordinator of the MediaTalk Series, said the nexus of “power and money” continues to dictate influence in communities. “Regardless of how wealth is amassed, those who have it command respect and control. This undermines good governance and accountability,” he said. Gurung added that academia must guide students toward building a more responsible and accountable society, noting that since 2019, the MediaTalk platform has been fostering critical national conversations.
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