Digital Profile of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City

Nepalgunj Municipality was established in 2017 B.S. according to historical records. Following the declaration of the sub-metropolis on 2071/08/16 B.S., 28 former wards were consolidated into the current 13 wards. This administrative restructuring reflects the city's expansion and its central role in the federal governance system of Nepal.

Description of the terrain is a crucial element when reporting on a sub-metropolis's physical conditions. Nepal, while small in area, possesses a globally distinguished geographical diversity. The current land surface of Nepal was formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Tibetan Plate, eliminating the Tethys Sea. This sub-metropolis sits atop a segment of the fertile Gangetic plain, a topographical feature that plays a decisive role in regional planning and sustainable infrastructure development.

Land slope and aspect are generally complementary to each other. This means that when the slope is irregular, the aspect also tends to be irregular. Although there is no significant diversity in aspect in flat areas, the following is the aspect description for the sub-metropolis:

Every location has its unique characteristics. In some areas, forest land is excessive, while others have plenty of water resources or are dry. Therefore, in agricultural areas, upgrading can be done through commercialization, while in forest-rich areas, prosperity can be achieved through sustainable forest management. Potential can be explored based on available sources and tools. Here, cultivable land stands at 80.14%. Prosperity can be achieved through a scientific agricultural system.

Sustainable forest management involves taking care of and improving forest areas like harvestable crops. Potential and opportunities within the Sub-Metropolitan area include traditional and modern agriculture, herbs, tourism, animal husbandry, and small and medium-scale industrial development. Furthermore, there are ample opportunities to develop parks, gardens, and religious heritage sites as tourist attractions.

In the cultivable land within the Sub-Metropolitan area, there are abundant possibilities to increase production of food grains, other cash crops, vegetables, fruits, pulses, spices, and herbs, as well as animal-related production. Due to the lack of modern agricultural technology, fertilizers, and tools, as well as their maximum cost price, their use has been limited and agricultural production hasn't increased as required. There are abundant possibilities to improve the economic situation through awareness, skills, commercialization, modernization, technology transfer, and simplified availability of needed tools, fertilizers, loans, and seeds.

With abundant potential for dairy and livestock production in rural areas of the Sub-Metropolitan area, expanding these businesses and extending transport services conveniently to their reach can help develop dairy chilling centers, agricultural collection centers/cold storage, and meat-related industries. This offers a significant opportunity to create employment and increase the overall income of the Sub-Metropolitan City.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2025 report, Nepal's human development index is 0.622, ranking Nepal 145th among 193 countries in the world. Among these countries, Nepal last year was in 146th position, but this year it rose one place. In 1990, the human development index of Nepal was 0.398. During that period, the average life expectancy of Nepalis was 70.4 years. Similarly, according to the second periodic plan 80/81 of Lumbini Province, the human development index is 0.563, and the average life expectancy is 69.5 years. Poverty distribution details are included in the table below.

Since Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City is located in the Terai region, its climate is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. However, due to its fertile soil and flat land, it is considered suitable for settlement. Due to the availability of services, facilities, and opportunities such as access to airports, hospitals, industries, telephones, and schools, as well as transportation facilities, migrations to Nepalgunj are observed from nearby districts and even from hilly districts. Accordingly, the pressure of population is seen to be increasing in the settlement and market areas of the sub-metropolitan city. In addition, internal transportation routes have been created by the sub-metropolitan city in various places, managing markets in public sectors and gradually developing as a commercial center.

To develop the housing areas of this place in a systematic manner, programs such as land pooling or service facilities must be operated to develop systematic settlements including the construction of physical and infrastructure such as motor roads to reach each settlement, provisions for open areas, and square-shaped residential plots. When operating such land development programs, priority should be given to support the areas proposed for urban expansion. The details of the main settlements currently located here are included in the table below.

The details of households in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City are as follows:

Analyzing the ward-wise population of the sub-metropolitan city, the highest population is in ward no. 20 with a total population of 14,767 (7,282 males and 7,485 females). The average family size of this ward is 4.5 and the number of households is 3,298. Similarly, the lowest population is in ward no. 3 with a population of 3,313 (1,700 males and 1,613 females) while the number of households is 556 and the average family size is 6.0. The lowest population density is in ward no. 23 with a population density of 470.91 persons per sq. km. while the highest population density is in ward no. 11. Detailed details are mentioned in the table above and the table is presented in the bar chart below.

The population of any place exists as both a means and an end of development. Since the mobilization of other economic and physical resources required for development occurs through human resources, it is necessary to study and analyze various aspects of its composition when formulating development plans. In Nepal, data on various aspects of the population is obtained through the National Census held every 10 years, as well as through household surveys at the sub-metropolitan level. Here, various aspects of the population are analyzed based on the data obtained from the National Census, 2021.

The population details of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City are presented in the table above. According to the 2021 National Census data, the total population of the sub-metropolitan city is 164,444, of which 50.32% (82,755 people) are male and 49.68% (81,689 people) are female. Accordingly, the sex ratio (the number of males per 100 females) is 101.30. The population density is 1,913.5 people per square kilometer. Among the total population of this sub-metropolitan city, 2,612 people, or 1.6%, are persons with disabilities. In this sub-metropolitan city with a total of 34,565 households, the average family size is observed to be 4.8 members per family.

Of the total population of 164,444 in the sub-metropolitan city, there are 82,755 males and 81,689 females. Males are predominant in the age groups of 0 to 19 years and 40 to 64 years, while females are predominant in the remaining age groups. Looking at the age groups in this way, it is necessary to formulate plans that address the physical, mental, social, and economic issues of adolescent girls and women in the age group of 15 to 39 years and elderly women. Issues such as reproductive health, sexual health, menstruation-related problems, female-friendly toilets, counseling centers, violence against women, trafficking of girls, domestic gender-based violence, uterine prolapse, dowry system, child marriage, women's empowerment, and rights are major and sensitive issues for women. The overall statistics indicate that the sub-metropolitan city should formulate and implement effective plans for these subjects. Detailed ward-wise information is presented in the table.

Although it is good that the population of youth (15 to 39 years) is high (75,646), the state must make massive investments in their education, health, and human resource development. Having a large youth age group is called a demographic dividend. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of society and the state to guide the youth in the right direction and involve them in nation-building by creating employment opportunities. The low number of children and infants indicates a gradually decreasing fertility rate, while the low number of elderly and middle-aged people suggests that average life expectancy is lower compared to other countries and that the mortality rate of the older population is high due to diseases occurring in middle age. However, a decreasing number with increasing age is natural. When analyzing the population by age, it is challenging to address the needs of each age group and manage them properly. Providing nutrition, care, and education for children, appropriate employment for youth, and necessary social security, health services, and care for the elderly are among the responsibilities to be fulfilled by the state.

Population data by various age groups is necessary for policy making and plan formulation. The number of infants under one year of age can be useful for vaccination management, comparison of birth registration records, etc. The population of children under five years of age is required to estimate potential numbers for pre-primary and primary levels and for required vaccinations within that age. Similarly, information about the population going to school or outside school and the dependent population in the family is available from the population aged 14 and under. The total child population is known from the population under eighteen years of age. The population of males and females above 68 years of age is important for the budget management required for social security allowances.

Nepal is a nation with multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural characteristics. Linguistic diversity is also seen in this sub-metropolitan city. Out of the total population of 164,444 in the sub-metropolitan city, the highest 80,738 i.e. 49.10 percent were found to speak Awadhi language while 54,680 i.e. 33.25 percent spoke Nepali and 9,957 i.e. 6.05 percent spoke Urdu language. Article 32 of the Constitution has established the right to language and culture as a fundamental right and according to clause 5 of the right to education in Article 31, "every Nepali community residing in Nepal shall have the right to receive education in their mother tongue and to open and operate schools and educational institutions for that purpose as provided for by law." There is a provision that the sub-metropolitan city can make special arrangements for students who want to study in their mother tongue. Detailed details according to mother tongue are mentioned in the table.

The details regarding Second Language are presented in the following table.

The details regarding Ancestral Language are clarified in the following table.

Out of the total population of 164,444 in the sub-metropolitan city, the highest 76,977 i.e. 46.81 percent spoke Awadhi as their ancestral language, while 45,944 i.e. 27.94 percent spoke Nepali. Similarly, 16,680 i.e. 10.14 spoke Urdu, 8,636 i.e. 5.30 percent spoke Hindi, 3,358 i.e. 2.04 percent spoke Magar Dhut and 2,651 i.e. 1.61 percent spoke Nepal Bhasha (Newari).

(a) Indigenous: According to the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities Act, 2058, indigenous nationalities mean 61 castes or communities having their mother tongue and traditional customs, separate cultural identity, separate social structure and written or unwritten history. Out of the total population of 164,444 of this sub-metropolitan city, 28.73 percent (47,244 people) are of the Awadhi community. Similarly, 3.7 percent Magar, 3.4 percent Tharu, 3.27 percent Kurmi, 2.79 percent Yadav, 2.68 percent Bania and 2.67 percent Brahmin-Terai communities reside in the sub-metropolitan city.

(b) Oppressed and Marginalized Communities: In Article 306 (d) under Part 34 of the Constitution of Nepal, marginalized communities mean communities that have been left behind politically, economically and socially due to discrimination and oppression and geographical remoteness and have not been able to enjoy services and facilities or are deprived of them and are in a lower position than the level of human development according to federal law. This community, which is suffering from inhumane discrimination like untouchability in the form of social discrimination, has to experience neglect in political, economic and social fields as well. Most of the people of this community are found to be living as unskilled and semi-skilled manpower by working as daily wage laborers.

Religious freedom and diversity exist in Nepal. Formally, the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063, through the historical declaration of the reinstated Parliament on Jestha 4, 2063, declared Nepal a secular state. Similarly, the preamble of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072, expresses the resolve to preserve and promote unity in diversity, social and cultural solidarity, tolerance, and harmony by internalising multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural, and geographically diverse characteristics. It aims to end class, ethnic, regional, linguistic, religious, and gender discrimination, as well as all forms of untouchability, and to build an equitable society based on proportional inclusion and participatory principles to ensure economic equality, prosperity, and social justice. As a result, religious freedom and harmony prevail in Nepal.

As people from various communities reside in the sub-metropolitan city, they have their own festivals. For example: Dashain, Tihar, Ram Navami, Maha Shivaratri, Haritalika, Shree Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami, Holi, Chaite Dashain, Saune-Maghe Sankranti, Matatirtha Aunsi, Akshaya Tritiya, Harishayani-Haribodhini Ekadashi, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan (Janai Purnima), Kushe Aunsi, Balachaturdashi, Kojagrat Purnima, Shree Swasthani Purnima, New Year, Sohra Shradha, Kul-Thani Puja, Buddha Jayanti, Chhath Parva, Eid, Lhosar, etc.

Of the total population of 164,444 in the sub-metropolitan city, 113,028 or 68.73% follow Hinduism, while the second largest group is those following Islam, numbering 48,251 or 29.34%. Similarly, 0.70% are Buddhists, 0.87% are Christians, and 0.30% follow Sikhism. Although religious diversity exists, data shows a predominance of Hindu followers. The religious tolerance that has existed for centuries in Nepal continues to be maintained in this sub-metropolitan city as well. Detailed information on various religious followers is presented in the table.

Looking at the population distribution by caste and ethnicity in the sub-metropolitan city, the highest number is 47,244 or 28.73% Muslims, second is 19,846 or 12.07% Chhetri, and third is 10,237 or 6.23% Brahmin-Hill. Similarly, Magar, Thakuri, Tharu, Kurmi, Yadav, Baniya, Brahmin-Terai, and other castes and ethnicities also reside in the sub-metropolitan city.

In such an ethnically diverse society, locals are found to live with social harmony. It is necessary to formulate programs to preserve the original culture, tradition, language, and lifestyle of various castes and ethnicities, including the marginalized castes of Nepal who have their own distinct language, culture, and lifestyle, and to maintain their identity. Detailed information is presented in the table below.

Note: Others include Tamang, Newar, Vishwakarma, Rai, Gurung, Pariyar, Yakthung/Limbu, Mijar, Teli, Chamar/Harijan/Ram, Koiri, Mushar, Sanyasi, Dhanuka, Paswan, Mallah, Kewat, Kathwaniya, Kalwar, Kanu, Kumal, Gharti/Bhujel, Hajam/Thakur, Sherpa, Dhobi, Tatma, Lohar, Halwai, Majhi, Barai, Nunia, Chepang, Sonar, Komar, Sunuwar, Kahar, Santhel, Marwari, Kayastha, Rajput, Badi, Kunduk, Lodh, Badhai, Bengali, Dhimal, Mali, Dhunia, Bhote, Dom, Thakali, Kori, Punjabi/Sikh, Meche, Raji, Kuswadia, Dev, Chidimar, Ranatharu, Gond, Kattik, and other castes and ethnicities.

The classification of household heads, who serve as the main person of the household in this sub-metropolitan city, is shown in the table and chart below.

Out of the 34,805 households in the sub-metropolitan city, 23,974 households have male heads, which accounts for 68.88% of the total households, while 10,831 households have female heads, which accounts for 31.12% of the total households. Therefore, it appears that the number of male household heads is higher in this sub-metropolitan city.

The distribution of household heads by age and gender is as follows:

Out of the total 34,565 households in the sub-metropolitan city, 25,773 or 74.56% have male household heads, while 8,792 or 25.44% have female household heads.

Out of the total population in the age group of 10 to 65+ years in the sub-metropolitan city, workers in elementary occupations are the highest at 27,635 or 40.18%. Skilled agricultural workers are the second highest at 10,257 or 14.91%. The detailed breakdown by age group is presented in the table below.

The detailed distribution of the population aged 10 and above according to the duration (months) of economic work performed in the 12 months prior to the census is presented in the table below.

The distribution of children in the 10-17 age group based on their economic activity and employment status is presented in the table below.

Out of the total population in the age group of 10 to 75+ years in the sub-metropolitan city, the most common reason for working less than 6 months is being a student (26,979 or 30.78%). The second most common reason is household work (22,708 or 25.91%). The detailed breakdown by age group is presented in the table below.

Disability is defined as a state of difficulty in carrying out daily activities normally and fully participating in social life due to physical, social, and cultural barriers, as well as communication barriers created by problems in body parts and physical systems. Common causes of disability in individuals include lack of iodized salt consumption, Trachoma caused by not washing faces in rural areas, accidents, congenital conditions, natural disasters, malnutrition, lack of medical treatment, conflict or war, or the use of explosives. Both preventive and curative measures must be taken to reduce these. To protect, promote, and develop the rights, interests, and privileges of persons and children with disabilities, the Disabled Protection and Welfare Act, 2039 BS (1982) covering 19 areas, and the National Plan of Action on Disability, 2063 BS (2006) have been formulated and implemented. Similarly, Nepal ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006 on December 27, 2009 (Poush 12, 2066 BS).

a) Population Distribution by Type of Disability

For the distribution of disability identity cards, persons with disabilities are classified into seven types based on disability: physical disability, blindness and low vision, speech-related disability, hard of hearing and deaf, deaf-blindness, mental disability, intellectual disability, and multiple disabilities. Furthermore, based on severity, the identity card distribution has been initiated by dividing them into four categories: Category A (Red Identity Card), Category B (Blue Identity Card), Category C (Yellow Identity Card), and Category D (White Identity Card).

Although some basic income-generating and skill-oriented training has been conducted so far to bring changes to the socio-economic status of this community, it is evident that various programs need to be implemented to increase their self-confidence, free them from community neglect, and provide them access to local resources and bodies. According to the National Census 2021 data, out of the total population in the sub-metropolitan city, 2,658 persons have disabilities. Among them, 1,025 have physical disabilities, and 411 have low vision. Similarly, there are 184 persons with blindness, 154 with deafness, 113 who are hard of hearing, 53 with deaf-blindness, 130 with speech-related disabilities, 144 with mental disabilities, 104 with intellectual disabilities, 19 with hemophilia, 34 with autism, 241 with multiple disabilities, and 46 whose disability is not stated. The detailed breakdown is presented below:

Out of the total population of 164,444 in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, 153,577 people were born in Nepal. Among those born in Nepal, 117,480 were born within this sub-metropolitan city, 6,289 in other local levels of Banke district, 30,808 in other districts, 9,835 were born abroad and currently reside in this city, and for 32 people, the birthplace was not disclosed.

Based on the previous place of residence in the last 12 months, out of the total population of 164,444 in the sub-metropolitan city, the highest number, 116,726 (71.0%), are residing in this very municipality, while 8,499 (5.2%) have migrated from other local levels within the same district. Similarly, the number of persons migrating from other districts is 29,429 (17.9%), and those migrating from abroad stands at 9,790 (6.0%).

Citizens must follow legal procedures to exercise their personal rights. To obtain citizenship, passports, or other identity cards, and to engage in employment, enterprise, or travel abroad, certain legal processes must be completed. For this, the government provides official certificates. Events such as birth, death, migration, marriage, and divorce must be registered in a timely manner. The Constitution has guaranteed various rights to citizens. The starting point for this is the registration of personal incidents. It is universally recognized that national statistics are compiled based on the registration of these personal incidents. Where? How many were born? How many died? How many migrated? How many got divorced? The state must have information about such matters. Since the government formulates service delivery policies based on this, it seems necessary to raise public awareness to register personal incidents in a timely manner.

a) Population Distribution According to Birth Registration of Children Under 5 Years

b) Ward-wise Distribution of Children Under 5 Years Based on Birth Registration

c) Details Regarding Deaths in the Last 12 Months

Out of the total population of 164,444 in this sub-metropolitan city, 1,077 deaths occurred in the last 12 months. This includes 615 males (57.10%) and 462 females (42.90%). The highest number of deaths was recorded in the age group of 80 years and above, with 155 deaths.

d) Number of Deceased by Cause of Death

The concept of assisting marginalized and vulnerable senior citizens, single women, and persons with disabilities through state funds in the name of social security allowance is part of the concept of a welfare state. Since B.S. 2051, the social security allowance, which started with the slogan of providing 100 rupees monthly to senior citizens, is now being provided to senior citizens, single women, persons with disabilities, and Dalit senior citizens. It is believed that this encourages disabled people who are backwards in society to live with dignity.

According to the Social Security Act, 2075, the following Nepali citizens are mentioned to receive social security allowance. The ward-wise breakdown of beneficiaries is presented in the table below.

The types and criteria for social security allowances are as follows:

1. Senior Citizen Allowance: Dalit and single women senior citizens after completing 60 years of age and other senior citizens after completing 68 years of age receive senior citizen allowance as prescribed by the Government of Nepal.

2. Indigent Citizen Allowance: Economically indigent citizens receive a certain amount as prescribed by the Government of Nepal as social security allowance.

3. Disabled and Helpless Allowance: Citizens in a disabled and helpless state receive a certain amount as prescribed by the Government of Nepal as social security allowance.

4. Helpless Single Woman Allowance: Widows and other single women who have lower income than prescribed by the Government and have no family members for support, or have family members who are economically indigent or not providing support, also receive this allowance.

5. Disability Allowance: Citizens with full or severe disability receive disability allowance as prescribed by the Government of Nepal.

6. Child Nutrition Allowance: Highly indigent, endangered, and children under five years of age as prescribed by the Government receive child nutrition allowance.

7. Endangered Caste Allowance: Citizens of endangered castes receive social security allowance as prescribed by the Government of Nepal.

8. Caretaker Allowance for those unable to care for themselves: Citizens who are unable to take care of themselves receive social security allowance as prescribed by the Government of Nepal.