Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The government has appointed a new team of members to the National Planning Commission, bringing in a mix of university professors, policy experts, and a former adviser to Prime Minister Balen Shah.
The cabinet had earlier appointed former Nepal Rastra Bank executive director Gunakar Bhatta as Vice-Chairperson. Alongside him, six new members have now been inducted into the commission.
The newly appointed members include:
Among them, three are affiliated with universities, reflecting an effort to incorporate academic expertise into national planning.
Arjun Jung Thapa is recognized as an infrastructure and roads expert and previously served as Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure.
Dr. Sudan Jha is a professor at Kathmandu University and is known for his expertise in artificial intelligence.
Reshu Aryal, a social campaigner and founding board member of Teach For Nepal, previously served as an education adviser to Balen Shah during his tenure as mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, before resigning after about a year.
Dr. Devendra Gauchan is an agriculture expert with experience as a senior scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council. He is also associated with the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science under Tribhuvan University.
He is also linked with the Institute for Integrated Development Studies, where Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has professional involvement.
Pukar Malla is a governance and policy expert and co-founder of Governance Lab, with experience working on projects supported by international organizations such as Oxfam and UK Aid.
Dr. Sanjay Acharya is a professor of economics at Tribhuvan University, with expertise in development economics, public policy, and economic analysis.
The new appointments reflect the government’s attempt to bring technical, academic, and policy-oriented expertise into the National Planning Commission, which plays a central role in shaping Nepal’s development strategy and economic planning.
The inclusion of professionals from diverse backgrounds—including academia, governance, infrastructure, and agriculture—signals a broader approach toward evidence-based policymaking and institutional strengthening.
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