Top3 min readThe Appointment of the Central Bank Governor: Challenges and ExpectationsThe Appointment of the Central Bank Governor: Challenges and Expectations Following the expiration of Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari’s term on Chaitra 6, Nepal Rastra Bank remained without a formal Governor for an extended period—a delay that not only signaled institutional paralysis but also breached the provisions outlined in the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058. During this interim period, a Deputy Governor was temporarily tasked with leading the institution. Legally, the Governor is to be appointed by the Council of Ministers for a five-year term, based on recommendations from a selection committee established under the Act. The central bank is a cornerstone of economic governance, and its leadership demands deep expertise in macroeconomics and monetary policy. It is generally expected that the Governor should be a seasoned economist, capable of crafting and steering policy to maintain price stability and manage inflation. Globally, many central banks have moved toward inflation targeting, setting clear benchmarks to maintain economic balance. Nepal too must embrace this forward-looking approach. A prominent case is India’s RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, who was ranked among the top central bankers worldwide by Global Finance magazine. His recognition was based on his success in managing inflation, ensuring currency stability, and guiding interest rate policies—areas in which any central bank leader must excel.Dipesh Ghimire·19 May, 2025
Top3 min readNon-Banking Assets of Banks and Financial Institutions in Nepal Soar to NPR 45 BillionNon-Banking Assets of Banks and Financial Institutions in Nepal Soar to NPR 45 Billion In recent years, Nepal's banking and financial institutions have seen a significant rise in non-banking assets, which have now reached a staggering NPR 45 billion. This increase has been driven by an escalating number of assets being auctioned off as a result of defaulted loans, indicating a growing problem of non-performing loans (NPLs) within the sector. According to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), as of the end of the fiscal year 081/82 (mid-April 2024), non-banking assets held by banks and financial institutions amounted to NPR 44.8 billion. The primary reason behind this increase is the surge in bad loans, where borrowers are unable to repay their debts, leading to the auction of collateral assets such as land, buildings, and vehicles, which are often held as security for loans.Dipesh Ghimire·12 May, 2025
Top2 min readNepal Enacts New Law on Cheque Bounce Cases: Police Investigation Made Mandatory, Punishment ReclassifiedNepal Enacts New Law on Cheque Bounce Cases: Police Investigation Made Mandatory, Punishment Reclassified The Government of Nepal has amended the Banking Offenses and Punishment Act, 2064 (2008 AD), bringing sweeping changes to how cheque bounce cases are handled—ranging from the legal process, investigation mechanism, limitation periods, and penal provisions. 1. Police-Only Complaint System Introduced As per the revised law published in the Nepal Gazette on Wednesday and now in effect, cheque bounce complaints must first go through police investigation. Previously, aggrieved parties could directly file cases in court, bypassing law enforcement. The amendment removes that option. Additionally, the Negotiable Instruments Act, 2034, particularly Section 107(A), which previously governed cheque dishonor penalties, has now been repealed to avoid overlapping jurisdiction. Now, the Banking Offense Act will serve as the sole applicable law for such offenses.Dipesh Ghimire·9 May, 2025
Top4 min readNepal’s Economic Journey: From Struggles to Transformative GrowthNepal’s Economic Journey: From Struggles to Transformative Growth For over three and a half decades, Nepal’s economy has faced numerous challenges, deeply influenced by political turmoil, natural disasters, and external blockades. After the restoration of democracy in the early 1990s, the country underwent a series of political upheavals that included the introduction of multi-party democracy, a decade-long Maoist insurgency, the monarchy, and finally, the establishment of a republic. These political changes disrupted the economy, preventing it from finding a steady rhythm and making significant progress.Dipesh Ghimire·7 May, 2025
Top3 min readNepal's Energy Paradox: Between Hydropower Progress and Structural DependencyNepal's Energy Paradox: Between Hydropower Progress and Structural Dependency Over the past few years, Nepal has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its energy infrastructure. Once plagued by chronic load-shedding, the country now produces surplus electricity during the monsoon season—an achievement primarily credited to the growth of hydropower production. Landmark projects like the Upper Tamakoshi have become national symbols of pride. However, beneath the surface of this apparent progress lies a deeper, unresolved conflict. While nearly all electricity generated in Nepal is renewable, over 90% of the country’s total energy consumption still comes from imported fossil fuels and traditional biomass. This contradiction between production and consumption exposes a fundamental flaw in Nepal’s energy transformation strategy.Dipesh Ghimire·4 May, 2025
Top3 min readNepal’s Economy Faces Deep Trouble: Low Growth, Weak Savings, and Investment Gap Threaten Development GoalsNepal’s Economy Faces Deep Trouble: Low Growth, Weak Savings, and Investment Gap Threaten Development Goals Despite bold slogans like "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali" and ambitious long-term goals, Nepal's economic indicators paint a worrying picture. According to the latest Economic Survey 2080/81 and periodic plan evaluations, the country is falling significantly short in income generation, domestic savings, and capital investment. These weaknesses could derail Nepal's aspirations of reaching middle-income status by 2030.Dipesh Ghimire·4 May, 2025
Top2 min readRecord-Breaking Tourist Arrivals in Nepal: April 2025 Marks Highest Ever Influx of Foreign VisitorsRecord-Breaking Tourist Arrivals in Nepal: April 2025 Marks Highest Ever Influx of Foreign Visitors Nepal has witnessed a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector, with April 2025 recording the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in a single month to date. According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 116,490 foreign tourists entered Nepal during April alone—setting a new all-time record for monthly arrivals. This figure surpasses the previous highest April record of 109,399 tourists set in April 2019, which was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. When compared to that year, Nepal has achieved a 106.5% recovery in April arrivals, clearly indicating a strong rebound in global travel interest toward Nepal.Dipesh Ghimire·3 May, 2025
Top4 min readNepal’s Labor Market Dilemma: Bridging the Gap Between Workers and EmployersNepal’s Labor Market Dilemma: Bridging the Gap Between Workers and Employers Nepal’s labor market stands at a crossroads. Caught between the grievances of underpaid, insecure workers and employers struggling with productivity and labor shortages, the government now faces a critical responsibility: to rebuild trust, implement policies effectively, and balance the dynamics between economic growth and labor rights.Dipesh Ghimire·1 May, 2025
Top3 min readNepal's Road to Economic Prosperity: Challenges, Progress, and the Critical Need for Investment ReformsNepal's Road to Economic Prosperity: Challenges, Progress, and the Critical Need for Investment Reforms Despite lofty national ambitions like achieving "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali," Nepal’s journey towards economic prosperity remains sluggish and fraught with deep-rooted structural issues. A comprehensive review of the nation's economic indicators paints a concerning picture: modest economic growth, underwhelming savings and investment rates, and an urgent need for aggressive reforms to mobilize domestic and foreign investments.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Apr, 2025
Top2 min readFull List of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Full List of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Dipesh Ghimire·29 Apr, 2025