Nepal’s New Population Policy: Encouraging Families to Have Three Children

Nepal's New Population Policy: Encouraging Families to Have Three Children

In a major policy shift, the Government of Nepal has moved from a long-standing population control strategy to a new, people-centered approach encouraging families to have more children. The newly introduced National Population Policy promotes the “Right to Choice,” inspiring couples to bear up to three children based on their personal preferences and reproductive health considerations.

From Control to Encouragement

For the past four decades, Nepal followed two primary population policies — control and management. The latest strategy represents the third wave, aiming to reverse declining birth rates and negative demographic trends. According to Dr. Padma Prasad Khatiwada, a population expert from Tribhuvan University, this policy marks a shift toward facilitating reproductive choices rather than restricting them.

Demographer Dr. Bhagwati Sedhai points out that Nepal’s demographic transition is unique. The current policy, she says, is influenced by global trends, but it’s crucial to align it with the local context for better outcomes.

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Why the Shift? The Numbers Tell the Story

  • Population Growth Rate: Declined to 0.92% per year (2021 census), down from 1.35% in 2011.
  • Total Fertility Rate: Dropped to 1.94 children per woman, down from 2.6 a decade ago.
  • Children under 15: Decreased from 34.9% to 27.8% of the total population.
  • Seniors above 60: Increased from 8.1% to 10.21%.
  • Negative Growth Districts: 34 districts and 319 local units now have shrinking populations.
  • Gender Ratio at Birth: 112 boys for every 100 girls — a matter of growing concern.
  • Absent Population (Overseas): 7.5% of total population, or nearly 2.2 million people.

These figures highlight Nepal’s rapidly aging population, shrinking youth demographic, and a declining fertility rate — all prompting the need for immediate policy response.

Prime Minister’s Appeal: Marry by 20, Have Three Children by 30

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the urgency of reversing the low birth rate, appealing to youths to marry by 20 and have three children by 30. He explained that with age, especially after 40, women’s fertility drops significantly. Encouraging timely marriage and childbirth is, according to him, a national necessity.

What’s in the New National Population Policy?

1. Balancing Reproduction and Population Growth

The policy aims to strike a balance between reproductive rights and population growth. Key features include:

  • Encouraging planned childbirth up to three children.
  • Promoting reproductive health rights.
  • Reviewing and improving current family planning services.
  • Launching awareness and incentive-based programs for quality family building.

2. Protecting Reproductive and Child Rights

The policy reinforces:

  • Sexual and reproductive health services.
  • Prevention of gender-based abortion.
  • Child protection and development through Early Childhood Development (ECD).
  • Campaigns against child marriage and for childbearing only after 20.

3. Harnessing the Demographic Dividend

With 62% of Nepal’s population aged 15–64, the policy focuses on:

  • Skill development and productivity.
  • Internship opportunities for students in population-related fields.
  • Promoting youth involvement in startups and digital industries.

4. Elderly Population Management

With an aging population on the rise:

  • Policies support respectful aging.
  • Promote intergenerational knowledge transfer.
  • Ensure healthcare, caregiving, and recreational support for seniors.

5. Reviving Joint Family Values

To counter increasing nuclear family trends, the policy aims to:

  • Promote intergenerational living.
  • Encourage human values, affection, and mutual responsibility through inclusive programs.

Managing Migration and Urbanization

Internal migration has led to population pressure in Madhesh, Lumbini, and Bagmati provinces, while five other provinces are losing people. The policy addresses this by:

  • Creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
  • Promoting return-to-village campaigns.
  • Ensuring planned and sustainable urban development.

Curbing Overseas Migration & Utilizing Returnees

While remittances help the economy, unchecked foreign migration has social downsides. The policy includes:

  • Legal framework for safer, more organized foreign employment.
  • Skill-based migration approval.
  • Utilizing returnees’ knowledge and capital for domestic development.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

The policy mainstreams gender and social inclusion in all levels of government, ensuring:

  • Protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Eradication of gender-based violence.
  • Inclusive budgeting and development planning.

Bridging Education and Employment Gaps

Interestingly, unemployment is higher among educated people than the uneducated. To address this:

  • The education system will be made skill-based and employment-focused.
  • Programs will target both formal and informal sectors for job creation.

Targeting Gen Z for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Recognizing the digital generation’s potential, the policy encourages:

  • Startups and digital economy participation.
  • Vocational training for undergraduate students.
  • Recognition of informal sector contributions to the economy.

Conclusion: A New Era of Population Management

Nepal’s National Population Policy 2025 marks a bold shift from restriction to facilitation. By embracing the “Right to Choice,” it recognizes evolving societal trends and demographic challenges. The success of this policy, however, will depend on its implementation, inter-agency coordination, and public engagement — especially among youth.

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