On the occasion, the two Foreign Affairs Ministers discussed on various aspects of Nepal-Canada ties, mutual interest and concern as well as on promotion of investment and partnership, among the topics.

The Embassy of Nepal based in Ottawa stated in a press release that during the meeting, Foreign Minister Rana praised the cooperation extended to Nepal by Canada in Nepal’s democratic process and in drafting the present constitution.

She informed that Nepal’s parliament has recently endorsed the laws related to the transitional justice, which will facilitate in concluding the remaining works of the peace process. Expressing gratitude to Canada for the support the Government of Canada has provided to Nepal during the difficult period of the earthquake and Covid-19 pandemic as well as for the country’s socio-economic progress, Minister Rana urged Canada to establish its embassy in Nepal.

Rana argued that it would be fruitful to Canada also to set up its embassy in a democratic country like Nepal situated between two large countries of Asia.

Foreign Minister Rana also requested Canada to help Nepal through increased trade and investment, stating that Canada has been providing duty-free access to products from Nepal, a least developed nation which is poised to graduate to a developing country status in 2026, the Embassy of Nepal, Ottawa.

Likewise, she urged Canada to invest in Nepal’s water resources sector and take maximum benefit based on its experience and expertise in the water resources sector.

Stating that Nepal and Canada share common views on several international issues, she said both countries have been collaborating in the peace keeping works at the call of the United Nations and in achieving the climate change and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The Foreign Affairs Minister shared on the occasion that 2,554 Nepali women peacekeepers have so far served in the peacekeeping missions in various conflict-hit countries of the world at the call of the UN and at present 608 women are  working in the UN peacekeeping missions.

She also invited the Canadian Foreign Minister to visit Nepal.

Bilateral talks will be held in Kathmandu in coming December and an agreement has been reached to prepare the basis for a bilateral understanding on tourism and education.

Agreement has been reached for collaboration in the ‘feminist foreign policy’ introduced by Canada while giving continuity to Canada’s assistance to Nepal in the women empowerment sector. 

Canadian Foreign Minister Joly informed Minister Rana that the Government of Canada is prepared to assist Nepal through the Canadian Pension Fund. She expressed positive response to the proposal of opening an embassy of Canada in Nepal. (RSS)

In his address to the Nepal Youth Conference, 2024 here today, the President said this. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Youth Council, and the United Nations on the occasion of International Youth Day.

How to encourage youth force to the nation-building efforts has emerged as a crucial challenge against the backdrop of a large exodus of youths from the country, the President said, adding, “Nepal need not cry for prosperity provided that available natural potentials are explored and properly utilised.

He also spoke of the need for a fresh policy to address youths’ needs and sentiments changed with the IT innovations and the changing societal contexts.  Policy capable of offering suitable opportunities for securing youths’ significant contribution to the holistic development of the State is warranted, according to the Head of the State.

“It is necessary to build an atmosphere conducive for the full exercise of political, economic, social and cultural rights of citizens with an increased participation of youths in the nation’s development and to offer special opportunities in education, health, employment, participation, sports and entertainment sectors targeting youths for their empowerment and development,” he said. 

He also reminded of the commencement of institutional efforts from an official level to address the concerns of youths with the establishment of the then Ministry of Youths, Sports, and Culture in 2052 BS.

He also stated that the ninth five-year plan attempted to incorporate the issues of youths in the planned development endeavors. 

It is noted that the government in 2066 BS defined people aged 16-40 as youths and the Youth Policy, 2066 was issued the first time in the country, subsequently, it was followed by the promulgation of the National Youth Policy, 2072 BS (2015). 

It is urgent to address the problems and challenges related to youths in the context of changing global scenarios and IT innovations, according to the President.

To address these challenges, it is necessary to encourage youths to dedicate themselves to the cause of nations and uphold personal freedom, principles of universal human rights, democratic norms, and values, promote world peace, the feeling of co-existence, conserve, preserve environmental resources, maintain religious, linguistic, cultural tolerance, address youths’ need for health, education, and employment and these all will be achievable through the implementation of principles of equality and equitable distribution, he added.

The President described the youths as the pioneers of the political, economic, social and cultural transformation and the agents of change as well as the precious wealth of the nation.

On the occasion, Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary spoke of the need of moving ahead by linking the youths to the concepts of IT development and sustainable development in the present world context.

According to him, this year’s the International Youth Day also highlighted on these two themes. “Our society and daily life is changing rapidly along with the advancement of digital technology in the present world context.  We have to move ahead towards producing technical manpower internalizing the climate change situation while accepting the significance of the digital transformation in the efforts for achieving the sustainable development goals,” he said.

He reiterated that the government is serious towards the country’s development and prosperity by providing to the youths basic needs like education, health and employment.

UN Resident Coordinator Haana Singer-Hamdy said the issues to be raised and the Declaration to be issued in this conference would be important for the Summit of the Future to be organized in New York, USA in coming September, with the objective of connecting the youths across the world.

She stressed that the youths should remain at the forefront and advocate on climate change and sustainable development issues, urging for seriousness on the topics of gender equality and climate change along with investing in skill and technology enhancement.

Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol said that although the government has policies and programmes on promoting the youths, there were problems in terms of their effective implementation, majorly in creating employment within the country.

“Youths have possibilities, zeal and creativity within them, but Nepal’s main challenge lies in job creation. Prosperity is achieved through employment. It is time for youths to also think about the future and not only of the present,” she said.

Stating that the youths should be considered as an asset of the nation, Deputy Mayor Dangol said the youth’s participation and activeness in politics in the recent time has shown the light of hope. (RSS)

To achieve the same, the government, in 2021, released its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to achieve targets by 2030 including ensuring that 15 percent of the total energy demand comes from clean sources, increasing the sale of electric vehicles to cover 90 percent of all private vehicle sales, and maintaining 45 percent of the total land area under forest covers. The total cost of implementing the NDC Implementation Plan from 2021 to 2030 is USD 33.04 billion, according to the government.

The second NDC has set a target to increase electric vehicle sales to 90 percent of private passenger vehicles, including two-wheelers, by 2030. It also states 60 percent of all sales of public passenger vehicles on four wheels will be electric by the end of the decade.

According to environmentalist Bhusan Tuladhar, Nepal can achieve the targets by 2045, or even earlier, but it requires a lot of commitment. “Nepal has already released short-term and long-term targets for the same, but the government needs to work according to the targets,” he said, adding that the adoption of electric vehicles is good and in line with the target.

“The carbon emissions from vehicles with diesel engines are significant in Nepal. The electrification of private vehicles is satisfactory, but Nepal needs to consider electrifying public transportation vehicles.”

In the realm of cooking, Tuladhar pointed out the importance of making induction stoves accessible in every nook and corner of the country. Regarding the agricultural sector, Nepal can utilize the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique. This method is a practical and attractive option for rice-producing countries to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with rice cultivation and to adapt to climate impacts, he said.

According to Nawaraj Dhakal, the executive director at the Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Nepal has been concentrating on three key areas to achieve its target by 2045. Firstly, in renewable energy, the focus is on the construction of micro and mini hydro projects. Secondly, in cooking, traditional biomass and firewood are currently being used, with the aim to achieve 25 percent electric cooking by 2030. Thirdly, in the transport sector, the government aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, while in the industry sector, coal and diesel are being replaced by clean energy sources.

“The recent census report indicates that 54 percent of the population relies on traditional biomass, while 44 percent use LPG for cooking. It’s important to promote electric cooking and biogas for clean cooking solutions. Also, improved cooking stoves serve as an interim solution for households unable to transition to electricity and biogas immediately,” he said.

The share of traditional biomass in the total energy consumption in Nepal stood at 66 percent in 2021. Petroleum products accounted for 18 percent, followed by coal at 9 percent, electricity at 4 percent, and other renewables at 2 percent.

“Nepal aims to ensure that 15 percent of the total energy demand is supplied from renewable energy sources, including hydropower and other alternative sources. Additionally, Nepal aims to generate a total of 15,000 MW of electricity by 2030, of which 5-10 percent will be generated from mini and micro-hydropower, solar, wind, and bio-energy projects,” according to Dhakal.

According to Ganesh Karki, president of the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), Nepal is well on track to achieve its targets, as the country has been prioritizing clean energy initiatives. 

“We can achieve the target before the timeframe too, as by 2030 Nepal is well on track to produce 15,000 MW of electricity,” he said, emphasizing the need for Nepal to focus more on electricity production, as hydroelectricity is considered the future of the nation. “Also, Nepal possesses ample forest resources to help achieve these targets,” he concludes.

He is Bishnu Sapkota. And he is from Nepal.  

Dr Sapkota, originally from Gaindakot, a small municipality located 150 kilometers east of Kathmandu, dedicated six years of his professional life to serving the rural community in Oswego County of New York. During this period, his unwavering commitment and exceptional medical care made a profound impression on the local residents. To this day, when individuals in the region face gastroenterological issues, Dr Sapkota’s name continues to resonate as a trusted and cherished healthcare provider.

Despite having left his position at Oswego Health more than six years ago, Dr Sapkota continues to receive calls from local physicians seeking his medical guidance and advice. These ongoing requests for his expertise are a testament to the enduring impact he has had on the community. 

“As a doctor, it gives me immense satisfaction,” Dr Sapkota says.

Even today, every month during one weekend, Dr Sapkota covers the hospital, and he is always asked, “When will you come back to Oswego Hospital?”

In 2011, after completing his gastroenterology fellowship from New York Methodist Hospital (now called New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital) and Interfaith Medical Center, he started practicing at Oswego Hospital, Oswego, New York. His reputation as a skilled and caring physician grew steadily in this county, which is located on the border with Canada. 

At this hospital, patients were so impressed by his care that they even recommended him to their children and grandparents, extending his reach throughout the county.

“You had such a formidable reputation here. Why did you decide to leave your job?” Dr Sapkota turned thoughtful the moment I asked him this question. “You see,” he began, “I didn’t want to leave this position. The patients and the community meant a lot to me, but as my kids were growing up, I realized that I needed to dedicate more time to my family.”

“While the clinical exposure in Nepal is commendable, the teaching of effective communication skills and fostering a patient-centric approach remain a significant gap in the system.”

“Secondly, I’ve always had a burning desire to be more involved in the academic field. I wanted to teach, to nurture the next generation of medical professionals, and to help produce excellent doctors. It was a difficult decision, but I had to follow this passion and the opportunity it presented.”

Leaving Oswego Health as a full-time physician in 2017, he joined as a full-time teaching faculty and started working at Syracuse VA Medical Center and Upstate Medical University, where he teaches and trains gastroenterology fellows, residents, and medical students.

“If so, do you plan to return to private medical practice?” I asked. “For now, no,” he replied.

Dr Sapkota is currently an assistant professor at Suny Upstate University and   a part of core faculty for gastroenterology fellowship program.

***

Hailing from a middle-class family, Dr Sapkota’s family was involved in farming. The family’s hard-earned money sent him to an English school. An ace student, Dr Sapkota’s brilliance shone through when he topped the School Leaving Certificate Test exam in the entire Chitwan district in 1994. He continued his further education at St Xavier’s Campus in Kathmandu for his Intermediate in Science. His academic journey took a significant turn when he secured a full scholarship allowing him to pursue medical education from Manipal College of Medical Sciences in Pokhara of Kathmandu University. Dr Sapkota graduated from Manipal in 2003 as the most outgoing student of his batch and was also awarded TMA PAI gold medal.

At Manipal, he encountered a diverse mix of students, including NRI (Non-Resident Indians) from Australia, United States, students from Sri Lanka, and India, with at least 20 percent of the students comprising foreigners. Interacting with these international peers ignited a strong desire to come to the United States, serving as a major motivator for his future endeavors. Another reason for him to pursue medical education in the US was because of limited available residency positions in Nepal. 

“I come from a family engaged in farming. Growing up, I had to pursue something more. I knew I had no other choices. Either I had to immerse myself in farming or strive for excellence in academics,” he said.

Another factor, according to him, to pursue foreign education was driven by motivation by his friends and seniors. During his undergraduate course at Manipal, many of his friends were preparing for the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) and USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). Dr Sapkota, too, embarked on his USMLE journey, starting his preparations in his fourth year of medical school. He relied on borrowed books from friends and seniors to equip himself for the challenge. 

Initially, he had aspirations to return to Nepal and contribute to his community through his medical practice,but he could not for reasons he explains in a while.

After successfully clearing USMLE Step I and Step II, in August of 2004, Dr Sapkota made his journey to the United States. He obtained his ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certification after clinical examination, which was a significant milestone. He then attended interviews in pursuit of his medical career. Dr Sapkota’s determination led to pre-match offers, and he couldn’t let go of the opportunity, opting for a pre-match agreement to secure a position. Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn became the institution where he successfully secured a pre-match, marking the beginning of his medical career in the USA.

A pre-match happens when a residency program offers a placement to a medical residency applicant prior to the main National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match date.

The decision to accept a pre-match rather than waiting for NRMP match date, according to him, was driven by practical considerations. Dr Sapkota had limited financial resources, and his savings were depleting rapidly and finding and arranging accommodations for more interviews in new places also became challenging.

“Hence, I couldn’t risk letting this opportunity slip away,” he shares.

Dr Sapkota commenced his internal medicine residency in July in 2005, and his exceptional performance continued to shine. He consistently excelled, earning the title of “Best Outgoing Resident” during the first and third years of his residency. His dedication and prowess in the medical field were further recognized when he received the “Deepa Chandar Memorial Award for Best Outgoing Resident” in his final year of residency. These accolades prove his remarkable achievements and commitment to excellence in the field of internal medicine.

Dr Sapkota initially aspired to become a surgeon after completing his MBBS. He even dedicated six months to a surgical rotation after his internship. Although he liked surgery, he, during this rotation, realized that he would want a career little different than pure surgery that would allow him to utilize his dexterity and knowledge of medicine to manage medical problems. 

During his residency, he faced the pivotal decision of choosing a medical specialty. After careful consideration, he opted for gastroenterology.

Dr Sapkota was accepted as a gastroenterology fellow in July of 2008 at New York Methodist Hospital (now called New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital). After completing his fellowship in June 2011, he joined Oswego Health as a gastroenterologist.

***

After delving into his remarkable medical journey, our conversation took a turn towards the disparities between Nepal’s healthcare system and that of the United States. With a reflective gaze, he expressed, “The contrasts are stark, but one should not make a judgmental comparison. Nepal has significantly improved in healthcare delivery in the last few decades, and there is a lot more to improve like in any health care system. There is no such thing like a perfect healthcare system in the world.”

“Nepal may need to prioritize a few fundamental aspects first.”

“Enhancements in communication skills, patient-centric care, and the recognition of patients as customers with fundamental rights are important,” he said, adding that the basics for MBBS students is not only to be proficient in clinical knowledge but also adept at actively listening to their patients.

“While the clinical exposure in Nepal is commendable, the teaching of effective communication skills and fostering a patient-centric approach remain a significant gap in the system.”

Dr Sapkota then gave an example of the medical procedures in the United States. “In the United States, the approach to medical procedures involves a comprehensive engagement with both patients and their families. Prior to any intervention, doctors conscientiously spend time with the patient and if needed with family, outlining all pertinent medical procedures. There is seamless and effective communication between medical professionals and those under their care. Moreover, doctors are dedicated to allocating ample time to cater to the concerns and queries of both patients and their families.”

A significant aspect of the healthcare system in the United States involves the practice of patients providing feedback and rating their doctors based on their level of satisfaction. This transparent approach enables healthcare providers to precisely identify areas that require improvement, according to him.

This collaborative and introspective methodology shows the understanding that perfection is an ongoing journey rather than an endpoint, according to Dr Sapkota.

According to him, there can be such feedback mechanisms in the Nepali healthcare system too. “But there are real challenges and it’s always work in progress.”

Dr Sapkota pointed out an important area to improve–active participation of all health care institutions in Nepal to deepen knowledge by conducting high quality local research and quality projects.  “While there has been some activity in this area, more needs to be done. For outcome research, a good source of data is needed, comprehensive data needs more clinical time with patients from providers and timely and complete documentation of the healthcare records. These records can help conduct excellent clinical research and its outcome can help healthcare institutions offer better, safer, and more personalized care and coordination.”

“Patients should also be given access to review their health data, as it can provide valuable insight into their evolving health. This practice will make them more informed, involved and empowered to adapt to their medical decision-making and lifestyle adjustments. This likely will lead to improved care outcomes and patient satisfaction,” he said.

***

So what next in life? I asked. “For now, I am enjoying practicing gastroenterology and teaching fellows/residents/students in the States. But for the future, I have plans,” he said. Looking ahead, Dr Sapkota sees himself returning to Nepal in the future and dedicating significant time to contribute to Nepali medical community.

“I have a strong desire to spend time in both Nepal and the United States in the future. My intention is to share my knowledge with medical students in Nepal, sharing the expertise I have gained during my time in the USA. Being a Nepali at heart, I am eager to contribute back to my home country. Nepal is where I was born and raised, and it laid the foundation for my medical education.”

As a vice president of the America Nepal Medical Foundation, an association of people from all sectors wanting to contribute to advancing health care in Nepal, Dr Sapkota also envisions himself teaching Nepali medical students in the future.

“There is an education committee and collaboration committee within ANMF, which has been actively involved in transferring knowledge through virtual grand rounds, webinars, and forum discussions. The critical care forums have been successful in connecting critical care specialists here in the United States with ICU providers in various institutions in Nepal.”

According to him, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences and ANMF have agreed to work together in advancing healthcare in Nepal with particular focus on the Karnali region. “We are hoping to have the memorandum of understanding finalized soon regarding this.”

Following the agreement, the ANMF collaboration committee will identify interested experts in desired specialties, will work on delivery of grand rounds, lecture virtually or in person as feasible. The collaboration will provide a broader learning opportunity to both students and clinicians, he believes.

Similarly, the foundation is also actively engaged in capacity building and manpower training in areas of need such as facilitating fellowship programs for medical professionals in high need specialty areas in Nepal.

***

Before concluding, Dr Sapkota shared his plans to establish a “Gut Club” that would bring together gastroenterologists and hepatologists from both Nepal and the United States. The primary objective of this club would revolve around the exchange of ideas, knowledge-sharing, and comprehensive discussions on the most effective treatment methodologies for patients, he concluded.

Following a concise review of his journey into the medical field, he took me back to his formative years when becoming a medical doctor seemed to be the only path for him. He spoke fervently about his adolescence, with a continuous flow of anecdotes. 

Talking to him, one could feel how passionate he is for his profession. He spoke unwaveringly, and I listened to him attentively without any interruption. 

Dr Khadka currently works at Apogee Physicians as a Hospitalist Internal Medicine Physician and holds the position of System Program Director at ProHealth Care System, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of ProHealth Care, located in Wisconsin, United States of America. He is also the president of America Nepal Medical Foundation(ANMF), which is an association of people from all sectors wanting to contribute in advancing health care in Nepal. The foundation has been supporting millions of rupees to strengthen the Nepali healthcare system along with sharing of technical knowledge in Health Care since 1997.

For Dr Khadka, achieving what he has achieved today did not come easy. Born and raised in Itahari, an eastern part of Nepal, his father was in Agriculture Development Bank Ltd. As a part of his job, Dr Khadka spent his childhood in different parts of eastern Nepal until his father completely settled in Itahari.

An ace student since school days, Dr Khadka completed his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) from Secondary Boarding School Itahari, topping the erstwhile Eastern Development Region. He then moved to Kathmandu for higher education, and joined St Xavier’s College for ISC. He stayed in Kathmandu with his brother Manoj. After completing ISC in 1997, he joined MBBS at BP Koirala Institute of Medical Sciences, and completed the five and a half-year medical course and internship in 2004.

According to him, life was relatively easy being amidst friends, colleagues and teachers until the completion of MBBS studies. However, things took a U-turn afterward, and as he describes it, a series of challenges began to impact his life. During our conference call, he shared various anecdotes from his life that highlighted these difficulties.

“The lawmakers in Nepal should adopt a patient-centric perspective when formulating laws, envisioning themselves as recipients of medical treatment.”

In contrast to most young medical graduates, Dr Khadka opted to teach at NAME Institute for Medical Education, which focuses on preparing students for medical school. Dr Khadka also joined a

Polyclinic during that time.

I found it intriguing why he chose this route over working at a hospital. “Why NAME? Why not a hospital?” I interrupted him, curious to know more. “I loved teaching and inspiring curious minds wanting to pursue medical education.”

“The primary goal was to attain the finest medical education and expertise inspired by witnessing my seniors succeed in the USMLE examination. I was steadfast in my belief that I should receive top-tier medical training. I devoted two years to intensive preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLEs),” he explained. While at NAME Institute, Dr Khadka assisted medical hopefuls in preparing for the pre-MBBS examination.

Simultaneously, he utilized his leisure time to study for the USMLEs. Given his status as a recent graduate, he had to secure an income while also managing the costs associated with preparing for the USMLEs, which was substantial.

Driven by inspiration of his mother, Dil Maya Khadka, for him to be a doctor, and bolstered by the backing of his father JB Khadka, brother Manoj, and sister Bhawana, his path gained clarity. The unwavering support, according to him, also motivated then young Khadka to push the limits.

During that period, Nepal also had a scarcity of available residency seats. Specifically, there were only 10-12 seats allocated for internal medicine. This limited opportunity in Nepal also inspired young Khadka to prepare for foreign education. 

Dr Khadka prepared for USMLE for two years, and in July of 2005, he moved to Chicago. He thought of preparing and applying while being in Chicago. But then, solely dedicating time for preparations was not possible as he also had to gain experience before getting a residency match. Dr Khadka worked as a research volunteer for HIV/AIDS studies in Cook County Hospital. The experience he had gained and three-year-long preparations paid off as he matched for residency for internal medicine studies in the same hospital.

Dr Khadka remembers the time when he was a newbie in the United States.  Arriving in the USA in 2005, he found himself in an entirely unfamiliar environment. Armed with just two suitcases, he set foot in Chicago, embarking on a new chapter of his life. With only a few acquaintances in the States, he had the intention of sharing accommodations with a friend from his school days, even though the area was uncharted territory for him. The cost of living was notably high, and even a simple McDonald’s burger priced at USD 5 felt substantial. He would always convert the cost into Nepali rupees, always wondering about the disparity in monetary value. The biting cold was another challenge, with temperatures plummeting as low as minus 27 degrees. This harsh climate reminded him of the extreme conditions at the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, creating a sense of difficulty and struggle during his early days in the US.

“Had I not succeeded in cracking the USMLE, I would have lost everything, notably the invaluable three years of my life. In hindsight, moving to the States before securing a residency match feels like a gamble,” he reflects.

Dr Khadka’s daily routine became more demanding during his time as a research volunteer. He was required to be at the hospital by 7 o’clock in the morning, a commitment he upheld despite the unforgiving cold weather. His daily journey commenced from his residence, involving a series of commutes that included reaching the bus station and transferring to another station. The challenges of his routine were further amplified by the biting cold, which posed an additional layer of difficulty for Khadka due to his upbringing in one of the hottest regions in Nepal.

Following the completion of his residency, he ventured into a new chapter by relocating to Milwaukee in the same year. Here, he assumed a role at Advocate Aurora Health Care as a hospitalist internal medicine physician. This transition aligned with his aspirations, as he had always nurtured a desire to explore the globe. His role as a hospitalist involved demanding 12-hour shifts, with a weekly workload totaling 80 hours. 

However, the nature of the schedule led to the accumulation of over 80 hours in a single week, given the alternating one-week-on, one-week-off pattern. Capitalizing on his week offs, Dr Khadka made the most of his free time. He embraced his passion for travel, extensively exploring new destinations. Simultaneously, he devoted substantial hours to enriching his knowledge through diligent study. The perseverance has paid off. 

In Harvard Business School, he has already completed seven courses and three specializations in Leadership and Management, Strategy; Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the last seven years.

In addition to these pursuits, he also invested his time in various social initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the medical realm. 

Given his profound interest in hospital management and the abundance of free time at his disposal, he decided to pursue an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program in 2015. It was fueled by a passionate drive to delve into academic pursuits and broaden administrative knowledge base to practice evidence-based management to excel whatever he pursues.

At Aurora, Dr Khadka held several significant roles, including the Chair of Blood Management and the Chair of Infection Control. Also, he became an integral part of the Leadership Council, contributing to strategic decision-making within the organization.

After working for a decade at Aurora, Dr Khadka, in 2019, got a leadership opportunity at ProHealth Care. He was hired by Apogee Physicians as System program Director in a community hospital that needed help as it was struggling in multiple areas–recruiting, creating positive work culture and excellence. The leadership training and hard work paid off as the hospital he led was awarded the best program in the United States with excellence in quality and multiple initiatives among 80 Apogee Programs within two years in the National Summit at Arizona. This healthcare organization comprises 80 hospitals and an array of clinics. Within this framework, he assumed the role of System Program Director while continuing to fulfill the responsibilities as an attending physician and hospitalist.

Currently, Dr Khadka leads a team comprising over 50 doctors and Advanced Practice Provider (APP), all of whom operate under his guidance. His aptitude for leadership has been clearly demonstrated, as the hospital under his direction attained the notable distinction of being the finest within the Apogee network last year and this year too. This accomplishment underscores the collective commitment and concerted endeavors of the entire team, consistently delivering healthcare services of the highest caliber, he says.

“You have closely seen the medicine sector of both Nepal and the United States. Where does Nepal stand in terms of quality?” I asked.

“A lot needs to be changed. For example, in the United States, everything related to medicine is well organized. This includes doctors, administration, and pharmacists all working together. Unlike in Nepal, where medical records are often written by hand and doctors’ handwriting can be hard to read, the US hospitals use softwares to send doctors’ instructions directly to pharmacies,” he said.

“Nepal is just starting to use these systems, and it’s still in the early stages. It’s headed in the right direction and I look forward to seeing progress on electronic records with collaborative efforts from the government and all sectors.”

According to Dr Khadka, the foundation of healthcare practices, whether in the United States or elsewhere, is based on four essential pillars–quality care, safety, patient experience, and financing. In terms of quality care, Dr Khadka highlighted the importance of treating patients as valued customers, ensuring their utmost satisfaction throughout their healthcare journey. “The lawmakers should adopt a patient-centric perspective when formulating laws, envisioning themselves as recipients of medical treatment. The critical aspect of safety, wellbeing of patients, healthcare facilities, and all stakeholders should be safeguarded even before potential risks arise.”

Dr Khadka contrasts this with the reactive approach observed in Nepal’s healthcare system, advocating for a proactive stance to prevent incidents such as the unfortunate oxygen cylinder blast that recently happened in Nepal. On the matter of financing, Dr Khadka stresses the prudent allocation and utilization of the healthcare sector’s budget.

“Ensuring transparency and efficiency in budget utilization can significantly contribute to enhancing healthcare services. Currently, the budget to the health sector in Nepal is being freezed in many cases. It should be utilized to make a difference in health care for the rural communities in Nepal.”

Before talking to Dr Khadka, I had studied about the work of ANMF and their projects in Nepal. Since its inception, the foundation has provided millions of rupees to strengthen the Nepali health care system, and in the presidential term of Dr Khadka, the support has increased further as he was elected in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“How do you see your presidential term?” I asked. Dr Khadka smiled and said, “It is all about teamwork. I, as a president, am nothing without my team members. It is teamwork that makes a dream work.”

The ANMF is facilitating skill transfer to Nepal via doctors employed in the United States. A significant number of doctors of Nepali origin have expressed a willingness to volunteer their services in Nepal. For the same, Dr Khadka, and his team, is holding constant meetings with the Nepal Medical Association to explore strategies for sending doctors of Nepali origin in the US to work in Nepal. 

This initiative has garnered strong support through collaborative lobbying efforts by both ANMF and NMA. The once-lengthy process of completing necessary paperwork, which used to take 4-5 months, has been notably streamlined through the efforts of ANMF, Nepal Medical Association, Nepal Medical Council and the Ministry of Health and Population, says Dr Khadka.

According to Dr Khadka, the ANMF organizes regular teleconferences on a monthly basis, specifically designed to facilitate case discussions and enable the exchange of technological insights among Nepali doctors with a collaboration committee.

“The Education and Research Committee of ANMF is committed to actively addressing proactive approaches to practicing safe medicine and wellness. These discussions are strategically geared towards enhancing medical practices and raising the overall quality of healthcare delivery.” 

Reflecting on the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Khadka acknowledged the pivotal role played by webinars and telecommunication. “When the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit Nepal, the United States had already faced a serious health crisis. Through webinars and conference calls, Nepali-origin doctors in the United States played a valuable role to transfer knowledge and techniques to tackle the threats of the pandemic.”

When Nepal witnessed the second case of Covid-19 and imposed nationwide lockdown from March 24, 2020, the United States had already recorded 52,976 cases and 704 deaths related to the pandemic.

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ANMF demonstrated remarkable initiative by assisting in the establishment of oxygen plants, oxygen concentrators, and sending ventilators to Nepal. While the United States grappled with the pandemic earlier, ANMF facilitated valuable knowledge-sharing through meetings and webinars, disseminating Covid-19 treatment insights to Nepali medical professionals. 

During this period, Dr Khadka served as vice president and the ANMF team extended a significant financial contribution of USD 500,000 to aid the response to Covid-19. The organization’s efficacy stems from its collaborative ethos, translating shared aspirations into tangible impact.

Now that the pandemic is ‘over’, the ANMF, according to Dr Khadka, is undertaking a few initiatives in rural areas of Nepal. The foundation is helping oxygen plants at Bayalpata Hospital, Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH), AMDA Damak Hospital and Rapti Medical College to establish ICU units. And in Bhojpur, ANMF is helping with digital X-rays, and in Khotang, they are contributing baby warmers. According to him, the ANMF has undertaken more than 300 projects in Nepal since 1997. 

Dr Khadka first became acquainted with ANMF during his residency in 2006, and he acknowledged the organization’s commendable initiatives. Intrigued by its endeavors, he became a member but wasn’t initially active within it. ANMF, he emphasized, is not exclusively composed of medical doctors; rather, it welcomes individuals with an interest in healthcare. Lawyers, IT experts, management professionals, and various other specialists contribute to the foundation, he says. It is the organization for all wanting to contribute to healthcare in Nepal.

Dr Khadka’s leadership role in ANMF began in 2017 when he assumed the role of Chair of the Membership Committee. This marked the inception of his active involvement at ANMF, leading him to participate in conferences and engage more extensively. His commitment continued to deepen as he progressed from secretary in 2019 to Vice President and, the current position of President. The ANMF has a presidential term of two years, and Dr Khadka’s tenure is set to conclude next May.

The ANMF, according to him, bridges the past, present, and future. The past leaders convene meetings, fostering idea exchange and knowledge transfer. The present members in the leadership committee undertake collaborative projects with Nepali doctors to advance healthcare. The future involves the mentors helping USMLE aspirants, solidifying ANMF’s role in nurturing a continuum of medical excellence; and attracting talents from all fields to help in advancing healthcare in Nepal.

He then talked about his family. A steady pillar of support, his partner Aditi fills his days with joy. His two children, Abinav and Aayansh, consistently renew his spirits, reminding him of the shared moments that illuminate their familial journey.

Before wrapping up, I asked, “When will you come back to Nepal for good?” “Not now! I have two kids aged 9 and 4. It is not like I will not come back to Nepal. I will, definitely.” “But when?” I asked again.

“The primary reason for me to come to the United States was to pursue a better education, and I hold the same aspiration for my children too. As they progress towards their college years, I envision myself entering a new phase of my life. That is coming back to Nepal.”

We have a mayor who will make a difference in many ways, I thought. This was last year. 

I regret it now. You will know why after you finish reading this article.

Great start, damp squib 

During the election campaign, he released the hit song “Garibako Chameli Boldine Koi Chaina” [There is nobody to speak up for the poor], which became immensely popular in Kathmandu. The song gave people hope and he cleverly used it to canvas voters. In interviews, he promised to work for the poor and improve the city’s living conditions. His song and dedication to helping the underprivileged resonated with the public, leading to his victory in the election.

I was filled with hope, anticipating that his engineering skills would bring about significant changes to Kathmandu. Balen Shah’s triumph marked the beginning of a new chapter for the city, and like me, many were eagerly awaiting his performance as the leader of Kathmandu.

Over the course of more than a year since Shah’s election victory, I confess my expectations have been met with a sense of profound disappointment. First, let me write about his positives.

Shah has undeniably made commendable efforts in transforming the streets of Kathmandu into open spaces and enhancing the management of parking facilities (this, I am aware, might invite adverse reactions or even hateful comments). 

Mayor Balen, your initial actions in effectively managing parking in Kathmandu were praiseworthy. Your steps to address the problem of unauthorized construction and encroachment on public land, even by demolishing houses and buildings that violated regulations were decisive. You targeted commercial buildings that were supposed to have underground parking spaces but were being utilized for other commercial purposes.

The unregulated parking situation, with motorcycles and cars scattered haphazardly throughout the city, also contributed to the overall disorder. Your  efforts to tackle these issues were met with appreciation, especially from the younger generation who pinned high hopes on you for positive changes. Undoubtedly, this was a commendable start and a much-needed initiative for the betterment of Kathmandu.

One of the notable achievements of your tenure as the mayor of Kathmandu is your unwavering commitment to addressing the issues surrounding healthcare and education, which had become influenced by profit-oriented mafias. Through decisive actions, you have tried to ensure that healthcare and education services are accessible to all and not solely driven by business interests. 

Your firm stance against the padlocking of educational institutions by student unions is something to cherish. This proactive approach in reclaiming and revitalizing these vital sectors for the benefit of the city’s residents positions you as one of the most commendable mayors Kathmandu has ever had. 

Undoubtedly, your remarkable accomplishments in improving Kathmandu have gained considerable name and fame. People have begun to voice their opinions, suggesting that you should be considered as a potential leader for the government and even lead Nepal. In fact, influential polls on social media have shown that you currently hold the highest level of popularity and enjoy a significant following, particularly among the youth. This growing influence and massive support base further solidify your position as a prominent figure in Nepal.

Your immense fanbase and the hopes placed upon you necessitate that you fulfill the people’s expectations in a responsible and positive manner, rather than merely seeking to expand your popularity. As a figure capable of mobilizing thousands with a single social media post, and whose words possess the potential to ignite a revolution, you must exercise wisdom. Nepal currently stands on fragile ground, with many youths disheartened by the country’s situation.

In this delicate context, even a small spark could lead to disaster. So, you should prioritize utilizing this mass following for the betterment of Nepal, focusing on meaningful actions rather than seeking popularity through populist maneuvers. It is vital that you act with prudence and channel the support you have garnered to bring about genuine improvements, taking into account the well-being and progress of the nation as a whole.

Killing hope

Balen Shah, your one-upmanship is killing the youth movement in Nepal. The hopes of the people, especially youths, are diminishing, and there is a growing sense of disillusionment. Nepal cannot afford to regress to the old conventional politicians. You could have prevented that regression, you appear to be contributing to it. 

People voted for you because they trusted you, they thought you would be their voice, as well the voice of the youth movement. It seems you are obstructing the progress of the youth movement. 

It increasingly looks like you live in an ivory tower. Mr mayor, you seem to think your Facebook account is the court, and your followers are the judges. You believe that having a large fan base automatically guarantees glory. Only infamous dictators have thought that way in history. Acting as if you alone love this country and labeling others as traitors is a narrow-minded approach. Understand that there are many individuals who love this country just as much, if not more, than you do. Reflect on your actions and consider the impact they are having on the aspirations of the youth and the future of Nepal.

Questions have been raised against you. And you have been avoiding and disregarding these questions, effectively evading the media and their attempts to engage with you. Interestingly, during the election, you actively sought media coverage and willingly participated in interviews.  After being elected, there is a perceived change in your behavior, which is arrogance.

In democracy, leaders have to remain open and receptive to questions and concerns raised by the public and the media. Engaging with the media provides an opportunity to address important issues, clarify misunderstandings, and maintain transparency. By evading questions and avoiding the media, you risk creating an atmosphere of distrust and alienating those who once supported you. 

You have a Facebook page, with millions of youth followers, which constantly runs positive news about you. Being accountable means more than relying on a Facebook page admin. You must be proud of who you are just looking at the comments and praises you get in those posts. In reality, you appear to be stuck in a ‘popularity bubble’ which can burst anytime.

Dangerous stunts

Now I will write why your stunts are harmful to the society, and how youths are fooled that you are the best mayor Kathmandu has ever got.  

First, in a shocking display of moral bankruptcy, you have resorted to a perplexing strategy that directly targets the city’s impoverished population.  The city police recently entered into a private property and took away a cart of a vendor. What message and what kind of trend are you setting? What kind of Kathmandu do you want? It is particularly disheartening to witness such actions from a person who, not too long ago, campaigned for votes with a song titled “Garibako Chameli Boldine Koi Chaina” (no one cares for the poor).

Yet, ironically, you are abandoning the very cause you once championed through your song. Kathmandu’s vibrancy and liveliness owe much to the contributions of individuals from diverse districts who have settled in the city. These individuals, regardless of their community or socio-economic background, have played an instrumental role in shaping the cultural fabric and overall development of Kathmandu. Their efforts and hard work should be acknowledged and celebrated, not ignored and forgotten. 

You are fixated solely on catering to the interests of the privileged elites. 

Second, you denied victims of loan sharks the right to spend the night in Khulla Manch. This is a blatant disregard to their basic human rights. The question arises: Is Khulla Manch a private property or a public space? If it is indeed a public space, then every individual should have the right to seek refuge there, especially those in vulnerable situations. 

Igniting a spark among the youth to defy the court and the law can have far-reaching and detrimental effects on Nepali society. Just seeking cheap popularity would lead to a disaster.

The incident not only highlights the callousness of the authorities but also raises questions about your commitment to protecting the welfare of the people. Instead of providing assistance and addressing the underlying issues, you chose to turn a blind eye to the suffering of those in need. 

Third, your display of arrogance is deeply concerning and raises questions about your true intentions in holding public office. If your primary motive is seeking publicity and enjoying social media interactions, then you are better suited to pursue a career in music rather than occupying a mayoral position.

Fourth, your refusal to abide by the court’s decision to allow Indian movies to be screened in Kathmandu is not only bizarre but also sets a dangerous precedent. By disregarding a court ruling, you are sending a troubling message to the youth and undermining the importance of upholding the rule of law. After you posted a status regarding an Indian movie, a group of youths even vandalized a movie theater in Kathmandu. Do you want a violent society?

Is it not your responsibility to set an example by respecting and following constitutional decisions? Is it not your responsibility to safeguard the constitution? The mayor, as a holder of such a significant position, should understand the weight of their responsibilities and the impact of their actions. Choosing to ignore a court decision demonstrates a lack of respect for the judiciary. What if youths, who follow you as an idol, choose not to follow the law citing your precedent? 

As an individual with a significant following, it deeply concerns me to witness your decision to not follow a court ruling. It is even more disheartening to see that even this irresponsible decision has been praised by thousands of your supporters. 

Truth be told, you are where you stand today because of the incompetence exhibited by the mainstream political parties in governance over the years.  It is their ineptness and ‘my way or the highway’ attitude that turned the tide in your favor during the local polls last year. But that does not give you the liberty to become an unruly, irresponsible and unaccountable leader. You have got to be different from them in manner, in actions, in conduct and delivery. 

I firmly believe that leaders should set an example and prioritize upholding the law, respecting the constitution, and adhering to court decisions. By disregarding a court ruling, you are encouraging young people to question the authority of the judiciary and to disregard the principles of justice and fairness. 

You seem to think your Facebook account is the court, and your followers are the judges. You believe that having a large fan base automatically guarantees glory. 

The potential consequences of such actions will be grave. Igniting a spark among the youth to defy the court and the law can have far-reaching and detrimental effects on our society. It undermines the very foundations of a functioning legal system and erodes the trust and confidence that citizens place in the judiciary. Leaders, especially those in positions of power and influence, have a responsibility to foster a culture of respect for the rule of law. By prioritizing personal preferences over legal rulings, the mayor is setting a harmful precedent that could lead to a breakdown of our justice system and a culture of lawlessness.

People are giving you the benefit of doubt.  They do not question your intention–the advantage and privilege that probably no other politicians in Nepal enjoy.  

Apparently you do not care about the discontent developing in the same people who reposed so much hope in you. Apparently, you do not care about the media criticisms about how the ground is slowly shifting against you. 

The situation might  change from now on. It is up to you whether to maintain the popularity you earned through some of your good works of the last one year or to become the subject of public wrath.

 Mr mayor, the choice is yours.

In practice, however, presidents in Nepal have tended to exercise powers other than those permitted by the constitution.  At times, the head of state has been partly encouraged, even provoked, to exercise such powers by none other than the political parties themselves. 

The first president Dr Ram Baran Yadav, to some extent, tried to maintain neutrality. But his tenure was not free from controversy. 

In May 2009, he defied the decision of the then government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal of sacking the then Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Rookmangud Katawal.

Whether the president’s move at the time was right or wrong is still a matter of debate. Supporters of the president’s move say that the decision should be viewed as a ‘doctrine of necessity’ while those opposing the move argue that it was the beginning point of power exercise by the president. 

Yadav’s successor, Bidya Devi Bhandari has not been able to remain free from controversies for, what other political parties blame, on acting at the behest of CPN-UML leaders, particularly UML chair KP Sharma Oli.

President Bhandari’s move of immediately approving the decision of the KP Oli government to dissolve the parliament, authenticating ordinances, and disapproving the citizenship bill are among the most controversial issues in which president Bhandari was dragged. 

As Nepal is set to elect the new president on March 9, top leaders of major political parties look bent on appointing someone loyal to them at the topmost post of the state. 

The grand old ‘democratic party’ Nepali Congress has long been reiterating that the UML’s candidate as the next president will increase the chance of misuse of powers by the party and its chair KP Sharma Oli. Congress insists on this claim by citing the instances of dissolution of the parliament by the president three times on the recommendation of Oli when he was the PM. 

Despite being a key actor in the current coalition government, CPN (Maoist-Center) and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ also seem reluctant to accept the UML’s candidate as the new president. Maoist chair Dahal has not publicly said anything against the UML candidate but he has stressed on the need for  ‘national consensus’. 

“Our recent history shows that national consensus is required to keep the democratic process on track. The first constitution assembly could not promulgate the constitution due to a lack of consensus. This is why, our party is highlighting the need of national consensus to the top post of the state,” Haribol Gajurel, chief political advisor to the Prime Minister told Nepal Live Today.

On the other hand, CPN-UML has been saying that the Maoist and ruling parties had agreed to provide the presidential portfolio along with the House Speaker to UML during the power-sharing deal before the government formation.  Evidently, UML is not happy with the way the Maoist chair is floating the card of ‘national consensus’.

The interest of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janamat Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party and other independent candidates will also be reflected in the process of electing the new president.

So why are the political parties looking to have their own preferred candidates for the post of president? Why are the top politicians flexing their muscles to elect the next president from the coterie of their confidantes?

This is not because, say the observers, the politicians want to improve the governance system or set a new precedent by appointing someone who has contributed to the society or electing a person who can play the role of custodian of the constitution as the next president.

Instead, at the core of the ongoing contention is to have someone in power so that they can exercise more powers through the president’s office, according to analysts and observers.

While UML wants to hold all powerful positions including the president, the House Speaker, and PM after two years as supposedly agreed with the alliance parties, Maoists appear to make the position as a tool to bargain for the position of the Prime Minister for the full term. 

Nepali Congress is also trying to break the current alliance by promising a full five-year term to Dahal as Prime Minister if the latter supports Congress in the presidential election. 

Apart from the interests of national political forces, the visits of officials from foreign power centers on the eve of the presidential election indicate their interest in the presidential elections, according to analysts. 

The structure and composition of provincial assemblies and federal parliament indicate instability from the province to the center, Chandra Dev Bhatta, a geopolitical expert, had told Nepal Live Today. It is therefore natural that there is an increased internal and external concern about the election of the president who will remain in power for a full five-year term. According to him, such an interest by the power centers has increased also because the president was dragged into controversies in political decisions in recent times.

Political parties are yet to declare the candidates for the post of president. Thus who will become the president, as of this writing, is anyone’s guess. But it is certain that the ongoing collusion among the parties for the presidency will result in the erosion of the reputation of the Office of President. 

The ongoing struggle of the political parties to elect their loyalists indicates that they are trying to elect someone who works at their behest as the president. This is something less likely to help the cause of  democratic process.

Like any government in its initial term, the new government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has also promised to work as per the people’s expectations through efficient service delivery and by becoming accountable to the people. 

Translating the promises of accountability into action, however, is not easy. But there is an opportunity for the new government this time. 

To that end, the government must start the initiatives from within. If ingrained anomalies and rooted corruption exist in the system, the government must put efforts to root out those anomalies.

Observers are of the view that the Prime Minister and other government ministers should start with some basic measures. Disclosing property details is one such measure. 

[Related: Why the new government should revitalize Hello Sarkar]

Cabinet members of the erstwhile government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba had not disclosed their property details. “This reeks of their attitude that ‘we are the masters and people are the servants’ instead of the other way round,” said Prateek Pradhan, the Editor-in-Chief of 12khari.com, who also served as the advisor to the Sushil Koirala-led government. “They forgot the fact that they should be accountable to people.” 

The reason why property details were not disclosed, according to Pradhan, is that our multiparty democracy has been undermined by a handful of leaders. “A handful of established leaders have taken people for granted. They have developed the feeling that people will ultimately choose them even if they do not disclose their property details,” said Pradhan. 

Apart from compliance to making property details public, the current government can also take a leaf out of the book from some good practices the governments in the past had tried to institutionalize.

Take the move of proactive disclosure in terms of public expenditure initiated by the government led by the late Sushil Koirala back in 2014. His government had decided to make public expenditure above Rs 5000 public. The government had mandated all state agencies to keep a record of any transaction above Rs 5000 and upload the information on the website.

However, like many good initiatives, this too could not get institutionalized.

According to Pradhan, the government must be accountable and transparent and it is people’s right to know the details of public expenditure because all the money spent in public expenditure is people’s money. Public money should not be spent haphazardly. The government should maintain discipline while spending. “Considering all these aspects, the Sushil Koirala-led government had taken the initiative of making details of public expenditure public,” Pradhan further explained.

So why did Koirala’s successors not follow into his footsteps in this regard? And what does it indicate?

“It shows they wanted to spend haphazardly. They were not accountable to the people. Their act of hiding the public expenditure details also indicates the high chances of nepotism, favoritism, and corruption. Politicians awarded tenders to their near and dear ones. They wanted to hide the details of unnecessary expenditure from the public,” he said. “That is why they backtracked from the practice set by the Koirala government.” 

[Related: Nepal’s PM warns of action in case of unnecessary delay in service delivery. Then Passport Department announces system failure. Is this only a coincidence?]

Pradhan argues that if any government can maintain the public finance details transparently, they will be close to the standards of morality and commitment to accountability that Sushil Koirala had set. 

The support from the president of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party Rajendra Lingden to the government and the entry of Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of Rashtriya Swatantra Party, a new political force, in the cabinet has created a new hope among people given their repeated commitment toward ending corruption.

Soon after swearing-in, newly appointed Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who was a host of a popular television program until a few months ago, said that he would play the role of opposition within the government. 

Many people criticized his statement saying that it goes against the spirit of the parliamentary system in which ministers cannot go against the decision of the Prime Minister. But many others opined that he should be given a chance to deliver on his promises. For Prateek Pradhan, Rabi Lamichhane’s statement should be understood in two ways.

Positively, we can understand it as his commitment to providing critical feedback in cabinet meetings and oppose if the cabinet makes wrong decisions. “We have heard that ministers cannot express their views in front of the Prime Minister in the cabinet meetings,” said Pradhan. “There should be a vibrant and thoughtful discussion on the issues of public importance in the cabinet. Also, cabinet members should provide the right advice to the Prime Minister. If the ministers fear to provide the right advice, it does not help the cause of good governance,” he said. “Therefore, if the spirit of Rabi Lamichhane is to challenge the status quo, if he wants to clearly express his view and perspective during the meeting, it should not be taken in a wrong way,” said Pradhan.

That said, Pradhan also admits whether a sitting Home Minister can say that he would play a role of opposition within the government is a matter of debate. “He can be a critic within the cabinet. But he does not get that privilege outside the cabinet because he himself is now a main part of the government,” said Pradhan. “He should clarify what he meant to say.”

Rajendra Lingden, the president of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party, has also repeatedly advocated for good governance. A few days ago, he used a metaphor that resorting to corruption is as sinful as drinking his mother’s blood to express his abhorrence for corruption.  

“Lingden is not in the government. So his metaphor may be taken as a political stunt until he is tested. Other leaders also make similar types of promises. But they fail at the time of delivery,” Pradhan said.

[Related: The dark underbelly of politician-businessman nexus: Can it be ever broken?]

As government ministers, including the Prime Minister himself, are issuing one after other directives to authorities to ensure effective service delivery and good governance,  experts are of the opinion that mere directives do not help.

“Start with small initiatives that actually make people feel the difference,” said Taranath Dahala, Right to Information (RTI) activist and commentator. “The government must start from small initiatives instead of making big promises,” he added. According to him, there should be a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism, a kind of platform like fully functioning Hello Sarkar that also addresses public grievances. Service delivery in public institutions such as land measurement offices, land revenue offices, courts, and transportation offices, where cases of corruption tend to be high, should be made more effective without any delay.

“To start off, the government should work by implementing the recommendations of the agencies working for good governance and accountability. “The government can start work on the basis of the reports and recommendations of the anti-graft body [CIAA], Office of Auditor General, National Vigilance Center, and others,” he said. “Besides, proactive disclosure of cabinet decisions and any other information of public interest should be developed as a culture.” According to him, such disclosure can be made by making public cabinet decisions through regular press briefs. “Eventually, we need to adopt an open government partnership model,” said Dahal.

When he was again appointed the Finance Minister for a second term in 2020, the economy was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In both terms, Paudel did not deliver an extraordinary performance. He took policy to appease private sectors but he largely failed to give a long term direction to the country’s worsening economic situation. For instance, his decision to provide soft loans to business firms during the pandemic has put the economy under pressure even now. 

The situation is not comfortable now when he is taking the reins of the Finance Ministry–his third term. 

The external sector of the economy is under serious pressure. The pressure on Paudel to deliver in this extremely tough time is equally high.

Paudel’s immediate challenge is to save the economy–hit hard by rising inflation and dipping revenue collection. 

But will he be able to deliver? Experts are doubtful this time as well.

In both his tenures, the economy didn’t do well. It is just the stock market that does well in his tenures without any efforts from him.

Unlike other finance ministers, he doesn’t speak against the stock market, but he has done little to end the insider trading. 

In October 2015, when he handled the ministry, the share market index was just over 1,100 points, which crossed 1,800 points in 2016. And in his second stint in 2020, the market crossed the 3000 points-mark.

And this time too, just when the rumors grew that he would be appointed the finance minister, the market grew by 56.88 points on Monday.

The rising points in the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index have already welcomed him. But several problems lie elsewhere.

For one, the revenue collection is declining. Then the remittance inflow is also declining. Besides, the government is not getting foreign aid and investments as expected.  On top of that, there is a high chance of a budget deficit.

The recurrent expenditure of the government, in the first five months of the current fiscal year, has exceeded the total revenue collection. In this period, the collection was Rs 327 billion, while the expenditure exceeded Rs 354 billion.

The revenue collection this year has declined by a whopping 20 percent.

Another challenge Paudel must address is to improve the relationship with the central bank. The tussle between the outgoing Finance Minister and governor of the central bank Maha Prasad Adhikari put a serious dent in the economy.

Another major problem is to solve the crisis in the banking sector. When he handled the finance ministry during the Covid-19 pandemic, the banking channel flowed a massive amount to the private sector. And it is a known fact that the money was invested in the unproductive sector–particularly in real estate and share market. 

The consequences are now visible.

The banking system is facing a massive shortage of liquidity. The interest rate has doubled in a year as a liquidity crisis is still haunting the financial sector. Despite the raise, depositors are not rushing to banks.

The other problem is that the private sector is unwilling to borrow for investments due to the high interest rates. Paudel, in this stint, has to boost the morale of the private sector and work towards maintaining economic stability.

After assuming office on Monday, Paudel said that the economy is on the brink of crisis, and the government has to work to bring it back on track. “I will consult with experts to find the solutions,” he said.

In his previous stints, he was accused of violating fiscal discipline. In 2016, he increased the size of the budget by 28 percent, and in 2021 by 12 percent. However, both budgets had to be revised as the government failed to spend.

Despite calls from stakeholders not to bring out a full budget, Paudel, finance minister in the caretaker government, presented a full-fledged budget with election-centric programs—increasing senior citizens’ allowance, educational loans, and huge infrastructure projects, among others.

In 2016, the budget targeted revenue collection of Rs 565 billion, while the recurrent expenditure was proposed at Rs 617 billion. Paudel was criticized that the revenue collection would’t bear the recurrent expenditure, and it would trigger inflation. 

Bishnu Paudel has become the Finance Minister again at a time when the experts have warned of a serious economic crisis in the days to come. His performance will be judged based on how well can address the pressing economic problems facing the country at the moment.

Although Nepal’s overall economic indicators are worrisome, the politicians in power do not seem to be concerned about the situation.

Even after the controversy of Finance Minister Janardan Sharma involving an outsider to alter tax rates in the budget draft came to light, the government is reluctant to investigate the financial crime by the sitting minister.

As the government has shown no seriousness in maintaining accountability and transparency, and is silently protecting the Finance Minister, observers say that the ruling alliance of five parties–Nepali Congress, CPN Maoist, CPN (Unified Socialist), Janata Samajwadi Party, and Rastriya Janamorcha–are hell-bent on promoting cronyism, protectionism and corruption instead of nipping them.

“Blatant disregard for the rule of law and failure to respect parliamentary process will result in a situation of anarchism,” according to Dr Bipin Adhikari, constitutional expert and political analyst. “The strategic silence and deliberate attempt of the Prime Minister to cover up serious allegations of a financial crime by a cabinet minister is a wrong precedent the Nepali Congress-led government is trying to set.”

[Related: Despite calls for his resignation, Finance Minister Sharma demurs]

As indicators have painted a bleak picture of the economy, economists and experts have already warned that the bad policy and institutionalized cronyism might push Nepal to the brink of economic crisis. But instead of taking measures to correct the course, the government seems to be perpetuating the nexus among politicians, bureaucrats and businesses for the gain of a few elite coteries. 

The latest case in the point is an alleged financial crime committed by Finance Minister Janardan Sharma. 

Destroying the evidence

In June, a Nepali vernacular daily The Annapurna Post published a news report stating that the Finance Minister involved an outsider to change tax provisions in the budget draft just a few hours before the budget was presented in Parliament on May 29.

Ever since the leaders from the opposition parties including Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala have been demanding a fair probe into the incident. As the Finance Minister denied involving an outsider in the budget preparation, there have been demands that the Ministry of Finance should make public the CCTV footage of May 28. 

[Related: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s reluctance to investigate the alleged involvement of an outsider to change tax rates in the fiscal policy by the Finance Minister shows accountability is at stake in Nepal]

Speaking at the meeting of the lower house on June 14, UML Chief Whip Bishal Bhattarai demanded to make public the CCTV footage and form a parliamentary inquiry committee to look into the matter. “The CPN-UML urges the speaker to present the CCTV footage of the Finance Ministry of May 28 before the Parliament,” Bhattarai said.

With supposed protection from the government head and with little pressure from the opposition, the Finance Minister went on defending himself. The Finance Minister maintained on television interviews that he is not supposed to show the CCTV footage to the opposition. 

Then on June 28, Consumer Welfare Protection Forum (CWPF) registered an application at the Ministry of Finance demanding the CCTV footage.

In response, on July 3, the Ministry of Finance, by issuing a statement, expressed its inability to provide the recording. In the statement, it claimed that the hard drive has the capacity to store CCTV footage of only 13 days, and the footage of May 28 is already deleted from the storage. 

The existing law requires public entities to preserve the CCTV footage for at least for three months. According to CCTV/Camera Installation and Operation Procedural (2015), the visuals and images captured by the CCTV should be kept safe for at least three months. 

Dubious intention

For over a month, Finance Minister Sharma has lamely defended the case. The Minister, already involved in financial misconduct in the case of suspending the governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, has dismissed the demands of a fair probe of the incident. 

[Related: How Finance Minister Janardan Sharma is failing Nepal’s economy]

The former Maoist guerrilla has been adamant about providing CCTV footage–probably the most reliable proof to investigate whether he involved outsiders to alter the budget provisions. 

“Who are they to see the CC camera [CCTV footage]? The government can see it if required. Why should we allow UML [the main opposition] to see CC camera [meant to say CCTV footage] just because it demands?” He questioned responding to the question in a television interview.

Economy may collapse: Oli

On Monday, addressing the House Session, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli strongly demanded that the alleged financial crime by Sharma should be investigated by the government. “Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba should investigate the issue at the earliest,” he said. “It is not like the ruling alliance can do anything and everything being in the government. There should be a proper investigation.” 

Oli demanded that CCTV footage should be made public while the Finance Ministry has claimed that the footage has been overwritten. “Let’s form a parliamentary probe committee to investigate the issue. Altering taxes provisions in the budget by involving an unauthorized person is unimaginable,” said Oli. “What more could you expect than this drama to collapse the country’s economy?”

Presenting the budget at a joint session of the House of Representatives and National Assembly, Sharma said the government has set a revenue collection target of Rs 1,240.11 billion. To finance its expenditure, the government also plans to secure Rs 55.46 billion as foreign grants. Similarly, to finance the deficit in the budget, the government aims to raise Rs 242 billion from foreign loans, and Rs 256 billion from domestic debts.

The current situation in Nepal, according to the former ministers, would get worse than Sri Lanka’s if proper measures are not adopted at the earliest.

Following the statement from Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Surendra Pandey and Bishnu Prasad Paudel, the Finance Ministry organized a press meet on Monday to inform the people about the current economic situation of Nepal. 

The main opposition CPN-UML has heavily slammed the government for pushing the economy to the brink. 

As the external sector of the economy is depleting, concerns are being raised from various quarters that Nepal may be on the path to becoming the next Sri Lanka.

The debate has started at a time when Nepal’s external sectors are depleting. The trade deficit is increasing, the remittance inflow is falling, resulting in extreme pressure in the foreign exchange reserve.

According to the central bank, Nepal’s foreign exchange reserve is just enough to finance imports of goods and services for just six months.

Although the indicators are falling, Finance Minister Janardan Sharma said the economy is not under pressure. “There is enough foreign exchange reserve, and indicators are positive,” claimed Sharma. 

However, the central bank reports show the indicators are falling. The gross foreign exchange reserves decreased by 18.5 percent to 9.58 billion in mid-March 2022 from 11.75 billion in mid-July 2021. Likewise, remittance inflows decreased three percent to 5.28 billion in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, against an increase of five percent in the same period of the previous year.

Despite the depleting external sector, Sharma said there is no pressure on the economy. “Some people want Nepal’s economy to become like that of Sri Lanka. But the government will not let that happen,” said Sharma.

According to economists, the worrying factor at the moment is the depleting foreign exchange reserve. The fall in reserve is the result of surging imports and a fall in remittance inflows, they say. The central bank data shows the total trade deficit increased by 34.5 percent to Rs 1160.99 billion during the eight months of 2021/22.

As the external sector of the economy is depleting, concerns are being raised from various quarters that Nepal may be on the path to becoming the next Sri Lanka.

According to economist Chandra Mani Adhikari, the government and the main opposition have started politicizing the current situation instead of properly analyzing the state of the economy.

“The economy is already in a yellow zone, and if the government doesn’t work on correcting the course, the economy might end up in a red zone soon,” said Adhikari. Countering the claim of Finance Minister Janardan Sharma that the economy is in a healthy state Adhikari questioned “if it was true, why did the government ban the import of luxury items?”

The government, amid dwindling foreign exchange reserves, has decided to ban the imports of luxury goods. Likewise, it has also decided to reduce the consumption of fuels by 20 percent in the government offices.

“The economy is already in crisis, and the government itself has decided to ban imports and reduce consumption of fuels. Even in such a situation, the finance minister says that the economy is not in crisis. The government is taking the issue lightly,” he said.

When asked if the economy of Nepal and Sri Lanka can be compared, Adhikari said, “No, absolutely not. Nepal is in a comfortable situation when it comes to foreign loans unlike Sri Lanka. But, if the government ignores the current crisis, it will not take more than four-five months for the economy to enter the red zone.”

In the current fiscal year, the flow of foreign grants and loans has also declined in comparison to previous years. This year, the government is getting just Rs 126 billion as foreign grants and loans.

During a press conference on Sunday, Former Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel said, “The economic indicators such as inflation, foreign currency reserves, trade deficit and balance of payments are in worrisome condition. But, the government is ignoring the situation.” 

According to Nara Bahadur Thapa, former executive director of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal will not face the fate of Sri Lanka, but the economy is in crisis. “Nepal and Sri Lanka are in different phases. Unlike Sri Lanka, Nepal has been accepting concessional loans. However, Sri Lanka was accepting commercial loans. This is a cushion for Nepal’s economy,” said Thapa. 

The current foreign reserve, according to Thapa, is a major concern for the economy. “The authorities concerned should further ban the imports of luxury goods in a bid to relieve pressure from the foreign exchange reserve. Apart from that, the government should also make policy-level reforms to address the current situation.”

According to him, Nepal in the past had foreign exchange reserves enough to finance imports for 10-11 months. “As the reserve is declining, it’s a real reason to worry. So, there must be policy reforms. But comparing Nepal with Sri Lanka is wrong in many ways,” he added. 

But in just a decade, the river is dying. The fish population has declined severely. And the clean blue water has turned brown. The river shore is full of litter. Ale fears the river tourism activities in Trishuli might get displaced in a few years. “The river is dirty. The river shore is full of waste dumped by the local government. And in addition, a power company is constructing a dam in Phisling for a 100 MW project. There will be no river tourism activities,” said Hari Ale.

“How come the government is not serious? Can we imagine Trishuli without river tourism?” questions Ale. 

Hydro construction

At least 50 percent of tourists arriving in Nepal enjoy rafting activities. Of them, 80 percent raft in Trishuli River, according to rafting companies.

According to the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), a private company is constructing hydropower in Trishuli. “The company is constructing a dam in Phisling in Trishuli. The hydro project, if constructed, will destroy river tourism in Trishuli,” said Megh Ale, vice president at NARA. 

“The Devighat to Devghat section of the Trishuli River is the best for rafting activities. The hydro project will displace all the river activities in Trishuli,” said Sishir Khanal, general secretary at NARA.

Even when the company conducted an environmental impact assessment (EIA), the company mentioned that there are six rafting companies and 12 river guides conducting rafting activities in Trishuli. But, according to NARA, there are 3,500 river guides, and 82 rafting companies conducting river activities in Trishuli.

“We are not even called for public hearings. Can we afford losing river tourism in the name of development?” questioned Megh Ale. “The hydropower should be constructed elsewhere in Trishuli, not in the Devighat-Devghat section.”

The fish population has declined severely. And the clean blue water has turned brown. The river shore is full of litter.

According to NARA, billions have been invested in the region, and almost 10,000 jobs have been created by the private sector. “The investment, the jobs, and the tourism activities will go in vain,” said Khanal, adding the association has requested the authorities concerned to stop the construction, but there has been no response yet. 

The River is dying

According to Hari Ale, it is not about the hydro construction, the local government has been dumping waste on the river shore. “Even the authorities concerned are not serious about preserving the river,” he said. 

A volunteer group has been defending the Trishuli river from exploitation by sand miners, but with just a little success, said Ale. “Although sand excavation is banned in Nepal, hundreds of tractors and trucks are carrying sand from the river,” he said. 

According to locals, there are more than 1,000 trucks in the Dhading district just to carry sand from the river.

Even though sand mining is banned in Nepal, sand minings and crushers are being operated along the river with abandon. “Thousands of tonnes of sand and mud from the sites are mixed in the river. It has made the river polluted. The river is dying. It is not the same as it was a few decades ago,” said Sishir Khanal.

The Youth Union had organized a program in Bhaktapur, near Oli’s residence. Oli joined the blood donation program with his wife, Radhika Shakya. Oli suggested to the participants that they should maintain social distance. A participant replied, “Nothing will happen if there is Baa with us.” “Baa”, literally meaning father, is a term that cadres of UML use to endearingly refer to Oli.

Laughter burst out following the remarks. No social distancing was maintained at the program, despite a surge in Covid cases in the valley. The video leaked has now put the ex-prime minister into controversies.

What is the legal provision?

The Infectious Diseases Act, 2020 (BS) has stated that the government can issue an order to control or prevent the infectious disease prevailing in the country. It has also mentioned that in case of the violation of the act, the violators will be subjected to a month of imprisonment or Rs. 100 penalty or both. Those who obstruct the works of authorized persons under the Act will be subjected to six months imprisonment or Rs. 600 penalty or both. 

Similarly, Muluki Criminal Code has a provision that infectious diseases should not be spread. A person helping to spread the disease, with intention or deliberately, can be subjected to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,00,000, according to the Criminal Code.

No exemption for people

Covid-19 third wave is raging across Nepal like wildfire. People are struggling to get paracetamol tablets. With the government imposing odd-even numbers on private and public vehicles, Kathmandu’s public transportation has become even more crowded. Hundreds of the personnel from the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division are deployed in various areas in Kathmandu to punish those who flout odd-even orders. Vehicle owners, if they are found to be breaking the rules, have to pay fines. This is but only for the ordinary citizens.

Outrage in social media 

People in social media have expressed rage, objection and disappointment with K P Oli, who should be leading by example for others to follow, for breaking the Covid-19 protocol, by risking  not only his own health but also by becoming a potential member to spread the contagion to others. 

Paras K Pokharel questioned Dr Dibya, Dilip and all the health experts of CPN-UML who were in contact with Oli and who provided him services: “Have you failed to communicate the matter or he does not want to understand it  at all?”

Manish Pyakurel (@hellosimara) writes: “It is wrong of KP Ba to attend a public program being Covid positive. But the National Youth Union’s members made a mistake. They deceived Oli asking him to just wave hands but taking him up to the gate and saying it’s only ‘a little further’. Baa could not resist the urge. That was wrong.”

Another user, @NRsamarpan, put the blame on Mahesh Basnet, the Youth Union leader: “It’s true that Mahesh Basnet has taken his stunts a little too far, not just this time but repeatedly in the past. It is wrong to put Baa into controversies.”

Yet another user, @db1magar, questioned whether the Covid health protocols were applicable only for common citizens. “What suggestions has the UML given to the government for covid control?” he wrote. “Chairman KP Oli, infected with the virus, is himself attending a public program. Should he not be in isolation? Why is the rule applicable only to the public?”

Milan Pandey, the embattled coordinator of Bibeksheel Sajha Party, demanded that Oli be punished for flouting the health protocols. “A former prime minister appears in a public function four days after contracting coronavirus—what could be more of a joke than this?” Pandey tweeted. “What message will it send to the public? Let KP Oli ji be punished as soon as possible under the Infectious Disease Act. Let there be a rule of law.”