Nepal’s civil war, a 10-year long arm conflict (1996-2006), had strong traces of ethnocultural aspects that emerged from deep grievances stemming from systematic exclusion and marginalization of large sections of the population based on class, caste, gender, ethnicity, religion, language, and geographical isolation. The gross inequalities and continuous social, economic, political, and cultural exclusion combined with  high level of poverty has had serious repercussions in multi-ethnic Nepali societies.

However, with promulgation of the new Constitution (2015), many were optimistic for affirmative change. The constitution ensured elimination of all forms of discriminations and provision of equal rights to all citizens. In relevance to which, the policies and governance systems promoted inclusion in governance processes, particularly advocating for the rights of women and historically marginalized groups. Alongside, Nepal adopted three tiered federal structure and state formation. This territorial dispersal of powers and authority from the previously centralized model was important for protecting ethnic identities, maintaining integrity in multicultural societies and providing support to minority and marginalized groups.

Nonetheless, the country is still adapting to the new constitution and federalism as a governance model and as a downside, the cultural, ethnic, and religious groups haven’t been able to comprehend  or utilize the constitutional provisions to its full potentials.