Achham, Feb. 21 -- When Rajya Bhul, 52, from ward 4 of Mangalasen Municipality, leaves home at eight each morning dressed in police uniform, it marks a quiet but profound shift in her life. For the next six weeks, she and her daughter are serving as election police personnel while her husband Padam Bhul takes care of cooking, cleaning and other household chores.

"I had never worn anything other than a traditional gunyu cholo, not even a kurta-suruwal," said Rajya, smiling shyly. "Wearing a police-style uniform now feels awkward, even embarrassing. But at the same time, it gives me courage."

Rajya, who is barely literate, had applied to join the temporary police force during the 2022 elections but failed the written test. This year, she ...