New Energy Minister Stresses Universal Access to Power, Pledges Focus on Clean Energy Development

Kathmandu. The newly appointed Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has stated that no one should be deprived of energy. While assuming office at the ministry today, Minister Shrestha directed employees, emphasizing that no one should be left without access to energy. "The demand for clean energy has increased further in the 21st century; policies will be formulated in a timely manner to focus on the development of clean energy," he said.

Minister Shrestha mentioned that coordination would be sought with the Ministry of Finance to create an investment-friendly environment in the energy sector. He stated that development in the energy and irrigation sectors would be pursued through inter-ministerial coordination. He also stressed the need to end the situation where arable land lies barren due to water scarcity.

Minister Shrestha announced that a 'team' would be formed to move forward with constructing 'recharge systems' for water in urban and rural areas. He highlighted the need to further strengthen the Alternative Energy Promotion Center for the development of alternative energy.

Minister Shrestha noted that the 21st century is an era of research, thus requiring further research in the energy and irrigation sectors. He stated that a good governance committee would be formed in the ministry based on the Good Governance Act. His view was that financial governance would be advanced effectively.

Minister Shrestha instructed the employees to study the complaints received by the ministry and the challenges present there, and then focus on resolving them. He also directed employees to communicate the ministry's work to the general public through the media every week.

Shrestha, who became a Provincial Assembly member of Bagmati Province through proportional representation in 2074 BS from the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Kathmandu Constituency No. 8 in the 2079 BS general election and served as the Minister for Youth and Sports.

While serving in the Provincial Assembly, Minister Shrestha played a significant role in passing the law to make Nepali Bhasa and Tamang Bhasa the official languages of work in Bagmati Province. Shrestha, who holds a Bachelor's degree in 'Business Administration,' has worked as an employee in hotel-restaurant management and various projects.

Minister Shrestha was welcomed at the ministry by Energy Secretary Chiranjibi Chataut, Secretary for Water Resources and Irrigation Sarita Dawadi, and Secretary of the Water and Energy Commission Dinanath Mishra. All three secretaries briefed Minister Shrestha about the work carried out in the ministry under their leadership.