‘My Immediate Priorities as Minister: Rebuilding with Responsibility’

KATHMANDU: Today, I stand before you not with pride, but with a heavy heart. In recent days, our nation has lost some of its brightest young people—youth who embodied Nepal’s future, whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for change. I bow my head in respect to them. I also honor the security personnel who lost their lives or were injured while performing their duty. Their pain weighs deeply on me.

I have taken the oath of office as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development at a time of both hope and hardship. This is not only an honor but also a grave responsibility. My immediate objective is clear: to repair what has been broken, to rebuild what has been burned, and to restore what has been disrupted.

The voice of the people has been heard on the streets. But let me emphasize—justice cannot be achieved by burning schools, hospitals, and public property. These assets belong to all Nepalis, especially the poor and the young. Let us raise our voices, but let us protect our assets. Violence is not our path—solutions are. Destruction is not our campaign—construction is. For this, we need the cooperation of every citizen, institution, and security agency. Without your support, it will not be possible.

The Gen Z generation has shown historic resistance against corruption and envisioned a prosperous Nepal. Their courage deserves our congratulations. But now begins the journey of rebuilding, cooperation, and shaping a shared future.

The movement has caused massive damage to public and private infrastructure. Public services have been badly disrupted, and the morale of the private sector—an essential partner in our economy—has been shaken. At this critical juncture, the government’s responsibility is twofold: to restore services quickly and to ensure elections are held on time.

Time is short. We cannot waste even a second. The current crisis must be turned into an opportunity. We will prioritize the immediate restoration of public services, prepare essential infrastructure for the upcoming elections, and accelerate recovery. Drawing on my past experience at the Nepal Electricity Authority—where we ended 18-hour daily load-shedding—I will dedicate my efforts to restoring confidence that Nepal can rebuild itself. Our “Ujyalo Nepal” (Bright Nepal) Campaign will not only bring light to households but also advance good governance, social justice, and economic transformation.

This campaign is not just about electricity. It is about delivering efficient public services, ensuring accountability, achieving prosperity, and inspiring hope. I have dedicated my life to this mission—to brighten the future of our youth, the lives of our people, and the destiny of Nepal.

The historic change led by Gen Z must be made meaningful. For that, politics and governance must be driven by public aspirations, dedicated to public interest, and accountable to the people. With this conviction, I have joined the team of Prime Minister Sushila Karki to honor the determination, struggle, and sacrifice of this generation by building a prosperous and just Nepal. This trust is my source of inspiration, and I will turn it into results—with your support.

My Immediate Five Priorities

Assessment and Reconstruction:
We will immediately assess the full extent of damage to public infrastructure and launch large-scale reconstruction.

“Our Public Infrastructure, Our Responsibility” Campaign:
A nationwide initiative will mobilize Nepalis at home and abroad to rebuild damaged infrastructure, ensuring transparency and ownership.

Zero Tolerance Against Corruption and Delays:
Corruption, irregularities, and negligence within ministries and agencies will not be tolerated. Anyone found guilty will face immediate action. The Gen Z demand for governance reform and accountability will be implemented with utmost strictness.

Accountability in Appointments and Responsibilities:
Transfers and appointments will be based on merit and integrity. Those failing to fulfill their responsibilities honestly will be removed without hesitation. Good intentions and honest work will be fully supported.

Acceleration of Ongoing Mega Projects:
Delays in major infrastructure projects have caused huge financial losses and denied citizens their benefits. Ongoing projects will be expedited, and strategically important transformative projects will be advanced with clear priorities and measurable results. Every second counts for us now.

This is not the time for rituals or celebrations. It is the time for action. Just as your trust, support, and encouragement once helped me free Nepal from the darkness of load-shedding, I now count on your collective strength to rebuild our nation in this difficult moment.

Together, we will fulfill the dream of the Gen Z generation—a brighter, stronger, and more prosperous Nepal.