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Introduction to Padma Shumsher
Padma Shumsher, the son of Prime Minister Bhim Shumsher, was Nepal’s 2nd Last Prime Minister. He is considered a Reformist Prime Minister who was continuously opposed by Fellow Ranas, which ended with his resignation in 1948 A.D.
During his Short Tenure as the Prime Minister of Nepal, he aimed to initiate Constitutional Reforms in Nepal through the Government of Nepal Act 2004.
It included fundamental rights, Cabinet, Panchayati Sabha, Parliamentary Legislature, Chief Court, Chief Examiner, Petition Council, and more.
Reign of Padma Shumsher
Padma Shumsher was born as the only son of Bhim Shumsher‘s marriage. On November 29, 1945, Juddha Shumsher removed his Shree Teen title from himself and put it on his nephew Padma Shumsher. He was coronated by King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah.
This was the first time in Rana’s history that a monarch freely gave power to his successor. Juddha Shumsher had blessed Padma Shumsher to perform ‘Rama Rajya’.
Even before gaining office, he labelled himself a “servant of the world,” raising Nepalis’ aspirations for improvements under his leadership. He couldn’t hold up the legacy of his Ancestors, such as J.B.R., Bir Shumsher, and Chandra Shumsher.
Padma Shumsher’s liberal and forthright style to governing irritated some of his fellow Ranas who opposed constitutional legislation.
Chandra Shumsher’s sons controlled the administration, and even Padma Shumsher’s allies and wife Kamaladevi quit and persuaded him to return to India and enjoy a nice life. Because to the contempt and indifference of Mohan Shumsher, Babar Shumsher, and others, his life had become dangerous.
They were continually encouraging him to leave Nepal for India. Finally, in February 1948, he left Kathmandu for India with several companions, including Vijay Shumsher and Narendramani Acharya Dixit.
Padma Shumsher was forced to quit owing to pressure from other Ranas.
Damba Shumsher and Khadga Bahadur Singh were despatched to Ranchi by Mohan Shumsher to persuade Padma Shumsher to quit.
Finally, he conveyed his resignation to Kathmandu via Khadga Bahadur Singh, and he resigned on April 26, 1948. He continued to live in Ranchi until his death.
Reforms of Padma Shumsher
The Reforms and Initiatives led by Padma Shumsher are as follows:
Constitutional Reform
In 1947, he declared his wish to build a democratic government and founded the Reform (Political) Committee, which was led by Bahadur Shumsher.
On June 3rd of that year, he said that Nepal will undergo major political transformation in a short period of time.
Three Indian specialists, in addition to Mr. Prakash Gupta, were invited in to design the Government of Nepal Act 2004 B.S. However, the Rana administration refused to apply contemporary laws in Nepal, and the experts returned to India with recommendations to create a Gandhian panchayat system.
Despite this defeat, Padma Shumsher declared the lawful two laws on January 26, 1948, in Vishalnagar Darbar.
Fundamental rights, Cabinet, Panchayati Sabha, Parliamentary Legislature, Chief Court, Chief Examiner, Petition Council, and other provisions were inserted in the Constitution.
The Rolwala senior Ranas were dissatisfied after the statutory legislation was passed because they thought that if political changes were enacted, Shree Three Maharaj would only earn an annual pay of 3 lakh rupees.
They were worried that their economic monopoly would be called into question. As a result, they sought to chase Padma Shumsher away in order to prevent the statutory legislation from being implemented.
Padma Shumsher reached India on February 29, 1948, under the guise of seeking medical treatment. Despite these obstacles, Mohan Shumsher carried out the statutory legislation in his own unique method.
Education Reforms
He also directed Hrishikesh Shah, the Chief Inspector of Schools, to create additional secondary and lower secondary schools. During his tenure, Padmodaya High School was established, and Trichandra College began offering scientific classes. Aadhaar School was also formed to improve literacy among people of all ages.
Padma Shumsher brought several implementation for women’s education in Nepal. He announced the establishment of girls’ schools in Nepal. It resulted in the establishment of Kanya Mandir School and Padma Kanya School in Kshetrapati and Delhi Bazar, respectively.
Media Reforms
Gorkhapatra, a Nepali language newspaper, was published three days a week during his reign.
Industrialization Reforms
Several Industries were built during his reign, including textile mills, a sugar mill, a cigarette factory, and a jute mill.
Other Reforms
In Kathmandu, he instituted municipal elections, and Tripurabarsingh was elected as a liberal candidate. He also made plans to supply ordinary people with power and radios.
He also enhanced the pay of army soldiers and other government officials and arranged for inexpensive rice to be distributed to the population.
Conclusion
Padma Shumsher was amongst the Reformist Prime Ministers of Nepal. He managed to enact some level of changes during his three-year rule.
Among other things, he built Padmodaya High School and Girls’ Schools, let individuals to build private schools, opened several companies, and issued statutory legislation to provide power.
Miscellaneous
References
Cite
Pokhrel, A. (2023). Padma Shumsher – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/ranas/padma-shumsher/
FAQ’s
What were the reforms of Padma Shumsher?
During his tenure, Padma Shumsher implemented several reforms that significantly impacted Nepal’s education, media, women’s rights, and industrialization. He made a significant contribution to Nepal’s constitutional reform by proclaiming the statutory law, which included fundamental rights, Cabinet, Panchayati Sabha, Parliamentary Legislature, Chief Court, Chief Examiner, Petition Council, and more.
Who was Padma Shumsher?
Padma Shumsher was the Rana Prime Minister known for his reform-oriented and liberal approach toward governance. He implemented several reforms that significantly impacted Nepal’s education, media, women’s rights, and industrialization.
How did Padma Shumsher become the prime minister of Nepal?
Padma Shumsher became the prime minister of Nepal in 1945 after his uncle, Juddha Shumsher, voluntarily handed over the post to him, making it the first time in the history of the Rana period that a ruler voluntarily handed over power to his successor.
Why did Padma Shumsher have to resign from his position?
Padma Shumsher had to resign from his position due to the pressure of other Ranas who did not support constitutional law. They put undue pressure on him, frustrating his efforts to bring about reforms. Mohan Shumsher sent Damba Shumsher and Khadga Bahadur Singh to urge Padma Shumsher to resign, and on April 26, 1948, he stepped down from his position.
Did Padma Shumsher try to bring Reforms in Nepal?
The Reform (Political) Committee was formed under the leadership of Bahadur Shumsher during Padma Shumsher’s tenure to draft the statutory law, which included fundamental rights, Cabinet, Panchayati Sabha, Parliamentary Legislature, Chief Court, Chief Examiner, Petition Council, and more.
