New Parliament to See Influx of Highly Educated Experts Following Federal Elections

A significant number of experts and highly educated individuals are set to enter the new parliament formed after the House of Representatives elections held on Falgun 21. Candidates with expertise and academic backgrounds have emerged victorious in various constituencies out of the 165 seats under the first-past-the-post system.

This term, nine members of parliament (MPs) holding Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees have been elected. Among them, eight were elected from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and one from the CPN-UML.

The RSP's PhD-holding MPs include Dr. Swarnim Wagle (Tanahun-1), Dr. Krishna Hari Budhathoki (Ramechhap), Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh (Sarlahi-4), Dr. Bikram Timilsina (Nuwakot-1), Dr. Achyut Lamichhane (Nuwakot-2), Dr. Dhananjay Regmi (Syangja-1), Dr. Anand Bahadur Chand (Kailali-5), and Dr. Tara Prasad Joshi (Dadeldhura-1). Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki was elected from the CPN-UML representing Sankhuwasabha.

Representatives from Health and Science Sectors

Dr. Lekh Jang Thapa is a neurologist. He established the first neurology center in Bhairahawa and regularly operates OPD services in rural areas. His major initiatives include public awareness campaigns on stroke and epilepsy, as well as health awareness programs at the school level. Born in Anchalpur, Rupandehi in 2034 BS, he completed MD (Internal Medicine) and DM (Neurology).

Experts in Engineering, Infrastructure, and Development

Sunil Lamsal has been involved in national and international infrastructure projects as a structural engineer. He emphasizes finding long-term solutions for waste management that balance scientific, environmental, and human rights aspects. He is currently pursuing a PhD in waste management.

Arbind Sah graduated in Computer Engineering from Pulchowk Engineering Campus. He subsequently completed a Master's degree in Rural Development. He authored the first thesis in Nepal on "ICT in Agriculture," for which he received financial support from the University Grants Commission. He is currently pursuing MPhil/PhD in Rural Development.

Ashish Gajurel is an expert in the transport and infrastructure sector. Before filing his candidacy, he served as the Executive Director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board. With a background based on traffic engineering and transport management, Gajurel is active in sustainable transport, road safety, and intermodal infrastructure development.

Experts in Economics, Policy, and Administration

Dr. Swarnim Wagle is an economist. He received higher education from the London School of Economics, Harvard University, and the Australian National University. After returning to Nepal in 2071 BS, he served as a member and Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission. He also worked as the Chief Economic Advisor for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sushant Baidya is an expert in economics and public policy. He holds a Master's degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and another in Economics and Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics. While working at RBB Economics in the UK, he gained experience in competition policy and market analysis.

Shishir Khanal holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA. He has made significant contributions to community education through the Teach for Nepal program.

Environment, Tourism, and Development Sector

Dr. Dhananjay Regmi was elected from Syangja-1. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board. He earned his PhD in Environmental Earth Science from Hokkaido University, Japan. Glacial lakes, glaciers, climate change, and environmental risks are the main areas of his study.

Dharma Raj KC has worked as a technical and policy expert on projects related to energy, sustainable development, and climate change.

Bodhnarayan Shrestha is a development expert with a Master's degree in Rural Development. He has worked for approximately 17 years on water, sanitation, and hygiene projects at organizations including UNICEF Nepal and the Nepal Red Cross Society.

Education, Research, and Diplomacy

Dr. Arjun Karki is an expert in development economics and diplomacy. He is also a former Ambassador of Nepal to the United States. He earned his PhD from the University of East Anglia on the topic of 'Poverty and Subaltern Movements in Nepal.'

Dr. Anand Bahadur Chand served as an Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University's Patan Multiple Campus for 17 years. He holds a Master's degree in Biochemistry and completed his PhD in collaboration with North Carolina A&T State University in the USA.

Dr. Tara Prasad Joshi earned his PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has experience in the fields of public policy, public finance, human rights, and international relations.

Pioneers in Science and Technology

Mahabir Pun is internationally recognized for his contributions to science and technology. He was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2007 for expanding wireless internet access in the rural settlements of Myagdi.

Academics with Multidisciplinary Studies

Dr. Krishna Hari Budhathoki recently obtained his PhD from the Economics Department, Tribhuvan University. He holds Master's degrees in six subjects: English Literature, History, Political Science, Rural Development, Sociology, and Economics. His research focuses on the relationship between Nepal's political leadership and economic development.