Constitution of Nepal 2015 — Federal Democratic Republic, 7 Provinces

Full Verified Record

Promulgated on 20 September 2015, Nepal's current constitution established a federal democratic republic with 7 provinces. The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly (601 members) with 507 votes in favour after seven years of deliberation. Key features: secular state (ending 239 years as a Hindu kingdom), three-tier federal structure (federal, provincial, local), proportional and first-past-the-post electoral system, fundamental rights including right to education and health, 33% women's representation mandate, and Nepali as the official language with recognition of local mother tongues. The promulgation was immediately followed by an Indian blockade of 135 days, as India objected to inadequate representation for Madhesi and Tharu communities.

२० सेप्टेम्बर २०१५ मा जारी गरिएको यो संविधानले नेपाललाई ७ प्रदेशसहितको संघीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र घोषित गर्यो। नेपाल धर्मनिरपेक्ष राज्य बन्यो र हिन्दू राज्यको २३९ वर्षे अध्याय समाप्त भयो।

Why it mattered

The 2015 constitution ended 7 years of constitutional uncertainty. It completed Nepal's transformation from monarchy to federal republic. Its federal structure gave provinces real power for the first time. However, the promulgation triggered India's 135-day blockade and Madhesi protests — showing that the process had left communities feeling excluded. The constitution's implementation is still ongoing in 2026.