Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah Meets Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Amidst Banking Sector Concerns

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Dr. Bishwa Paudel held a meeting. Governor Paudel met with Prime Minister Shah at the ministry on Monday, informed the Governor's private secretary, Sharan Kumar Adhikari.

‘The Governor went to the Prime Minister's Office yesterday morning to meet the Right Honourable,’ he said, ‘This was a courtesy call; I am not aware of the specifics of what was discussed.’

However, sources from the central bank indicated that during the meeting, Prime Minister Balen expressed concern over the current problems in the banking sector, remittance inflows, and the external sector situation. Furthermore, difficulties faced by the central bank in carrying out its mandated functions and the facilitation required from the government were also discussed.

During the meeting, Governor Paudel raised the issue of the vacant Deputy Governor positions. The Governor stated that it would be easier to work if the appointments were made promptly, as the Deputy Governor positions have been vacant for nearly a month. However, it is reported that Balen showed little interest in this matter.

Two Deputy Governor positions at Nepal Rastra Bank have been vacant since Chaitra 24. Two individuals will be appointed to these posts from among the 18 Executive Directors currently working at the central bank. The system requires the Governor to recommend four names, from which two are appointed.