Former CEO and Policy Expert Dr. Janak Shah Contests Federal Election from Kailali-1

Dhangadhi. Dr. Janak Shah is the candidate from the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party (Prolop) for the upcoming House of Representatives election on Falgun 21 in Kailali Constituency-1.

Having worked for a long time in government service, as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a bank, and as a member of the National Planning Commission, Shah has been involved in policy making and is now entering the election fray.

Born near the Baijanath Temple in the former Kalikastan, now Sanfebagar Municipality-1, Achham, Shah spent his childhood in the Terai region. His family moved to Durguli of present-day Janaki Rural Municipality-3, Kailali, when he was 6 or 7 years old. He is currently a permanent resident there.

After completing his school education in Sudurpashchim, he chose Kathmandu for higher education. He holds a Master's degree in three subjects: Management, Public Administration, and Law. He obtained a Diploma in Human Rights Law from Sweden and completed his doctoral research from Delhi University in India. Furthermore, he conducted research from Atlantic International University in the USA.

Shah's career began as the founding campus chief of Achham Campus, where he served for three years. Subsequently, he entered the Agriculture Development Bank as an eighth-level officer through open competition. During his 14 years there, he successfully held the responsibilities of Chief Manager and later Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank.

After the Maoist peace process, when Dr. Baburam Bhattarai was the Prime Minister, Shah served as a member of the National Planning Commission, playing a direct role in the country's policy formulation and budget finalization. He has also led the Nepal Management Association as its chairman for two terms.

He was associated with the student movement of 2036 BS. In 2037 BS, he became a central member of the 'Akhil Chhataun,' a student organization close to Masal. Later, he remained ideologically close to the Janamorcha and the Maoist movement. In 2051 BS, he had to leave Achham for political reasons.

Shah fully committed to politics after Dr. Baburam Bhattarai formed the 'Naya Shakti' party. Currently, he is contesting the election from 'Prolopa' (Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party), which was formed by merging Naya Shakti with other allied groups.

Shah is currently a member of the Political Council and the Central Coordinator of the Policy and Research Department of Prolopa.

According to Shah, who is contesting the parliamentary election for the first time, Prolopa has fielded candidates in various places across the 16 constituencies of Sudurpashchim this time.

While Shah himself is a candidate in Kailali Constituency No. 1, veteran leader from the Maoist People's War era, Laxiram Chaudhary, is in the electoral field in Kailali Constituency No. 3. Similarly, Dambar Rawal is contesting from Doti and Dipesh DC from Bajura under the Prolopa banner. Prolopa has also fielded candidates in Kanchanpur Constituencies No. 1 and 2.

He positions himself differently from other candidates. "Sacrifice and martyrdom changed the political system in the country, but the condition of the people did not change. What is needed now is not 'political change' but 'economic change'," Shah stated.

He asserted that he would make politics a medium of service rather than a means of earning, and claimed that if elected, he would fiercely raise his voice in parliament against corruption.

Likewise, Shah understands that true development is not just about operating bulldozers, but the guarantee of education, health, housing, and employment for the people.

He intends to use the experience gained while leading the Planning Commission and the bank to modernize agriculture and tourism in Kailali-1. He stated that he would voice the concerns of the people while making laws in parliament and hold the government accountable.