Equal pension for Gurkhas: Long-overdue justice finally in sight

 The fight for equal rights, dignity, and justice by the Gurkhas—Nepali soldiers who have served in the British Army for over two centuries—has spanned more than 30 years. Despite facing severe discrimination for decades, a formal movement only began in the early 1990s. Gurkhas were paid significantly less than their British counterparts—sometimes 10 to 15 times less—and were denied equal benefits such as pensions, family support, food, housing, and even paid leave. While British soldiers enjoyed full family support and regular paid vacations, Gurkhas were only allowed to visit family once every three years—and without pay.

Historically, Gurkhas were seen as tough, low-cost soldiers. Brian Houghton Hodgson, a British Resident in Nepal in the 1800s, was instrumental in encouraging the British government to recruit Gurkhas, calling them a "martial race." For generations, Gurkhas served loyally but were systematically denied the same rights as British troops.

Rise of the Movement

After Nepal restored democracy in 1990, retired Gurkhas used the new political freedom to demand equal treatment. Under the leadership of Padam Bahadur Gurung, the Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s Organisation (GAESO) was formed. While some progress was made—such as minor pension increases and the historic right for Gurkhas to settle in the UK—full equality was never achieved.

This right to settle led many Gurkhas to leave Nepal, especially from cities like Dharan, Pokhara, and Bhairahawa. These cities, once vibrant with Gurkha communities, saw a decline in population and economic activity.

In 2008, GAESO's president declared the movement over, but unresolved issues remained. This led to the rise of a new group—Gurkha Satyagraha (GS)—which took a more direct approach, including hunger strikes, to reignite the fight for equal rights.

Hunger Strikes and Broken Promises

One of the most dramatic moments came when former Gurkha soldier Gyanraj Rai went on a hunger strike. On the 12th day, during a meeting with British MP Rob Wilson, the MP claimed the UK couldn't afford to treat Gurkhas equally. This was met with outrage, given the UK's wealth and long history of relying on Gurkhas in key military campaigns—including both World Wars and the 1857 Indian Rebellion.

Despite public attention and the formation of the Jackie Doyle-Price Commission to investigate the matter, the final report failed to address the central issue: equal pensions. Talks continued over the years, but British officials often responded with ignorance or excuses. The UK appeared to follow a strategy of delay and avoidance.

In 2021, another hunger strike was launched—this time involving two former Gurkhas and a widow. Keir Starmer, then Leader of the Opposition, visited the strikers to show support. He is now the Prime Minister following Labour’s win in the last UK election.

A Breakthrough at Last?

After years of stalled negotiations—delayed further by global events like COVID-19 and political instability in both the UK and Nepal—talks finally resumed on June 12, 2025. For the first time, the British government has agreed to address the core issue of equal pensions. Technical-level talks between the UK Ministry of Defence, the Nepalese Embassy, and Gurkha representatives ended on a hopeful note, with promises of high-level discussions in the near future.

More Than Just a Pension

This struggle isn’t just about money. It's about justice, national pride, and Nepal’s sovereignty. The continued discrimination against Gurkhas by a country like the UK—seen as a champion of democracy—is a contradiction of its own values.

Now, the responsibility lies with both the British and Nepali governments to resolve this issue once and for all. Equal treatment for Gurkhas is not just a policy matter—it’s a test of moral integrity. If left unresolved, it will be remembered as a shameful chapter in the histories of both nations.

Justice delayed must not be justice denied.