Harkism

Harkism (Nepali: हर्कवाद) is a political and social ideology developed by Harka Sampang, the mayor of Dharan, Nepal. It serves as the guiding principle of the Shram Sanskriti Party, officially announced in late 2025.^[1]

The ideology is defined by the "formula of planting labor in the soil" to achieve national sovereignty and economic prosperity.^[2]

Harkism advocates for a radical shift in the governance and social structure of Nepal:

• Shramdaan (Voluntary Labor): The belief that physical labor is the highest form of contribution to the state. It promotes using local manpower to build infrastructure instead of relying on foreign loans.^[1]
• Educational Reform: A central pillar of Harkism involves reducing the academic burden on the "Gen Z" generation. It proposes a school system where students attend formal classes only three days a week, spending the remaining time engaged in production, construction, and practical invention.^[2][1]
• Direct Democracy: The ideology calls for a directly elected Executive President and directly elected Provincial Chief Ministers to ensure leaders are accountable directly to the voters.^[1]
• Self-Reliance and Agriculture: Harkism emphasizes "Jay Mato" (Hail the Soil), focusing on agricultural independence and the end of city-centered development in favor of village-centered production.

The party's concept of Harkism includes a secular state where individuals have complete religious freedom, alongside a "scientific taxation" system designed to protect the poor by collecting higher taxes from the wealthy.^[1] It also supports full proportional representation for all ethnic groups.