Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: As the tenure of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari nears its end, several aspirants have intensified lobbying to get the coveted position.
Governor Adhikari is completing his term on April 6. As per the central banks’ tradition, he will be on leave starting March 7.
The cabinet has formed a Governor Recommendation Committee under Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel to recommend candidates to succeed Governor Adhikari.
As per Article 15 of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2001, the committee has to recommend three persons renowned in the field of economic, monetary, banking, finance, commerce, management and commercial law, and from among the deputy governors. “The Council of Ministers shall, out of the names recommended, one person to the Office of Governor,” it adds.
A high-level source at the Ministry of Finance told Himal Press that the government plans to initiate the selection process in the last week of March. Since a deputy governor must also be recommended while recommending candidates for Governor as per the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2001, the two deputy governors are automatic contenders for the position. Apart from them, several other candidates, including CEOs of various banks, former executive directors of NRB, incumbent secretaries and former finance secretaries are also in the race for the 18th governor.
NRB staffers say Deputy Governors Nilam Dhungana and Bam Bahadur Mishra are automatically in the race. Prabhu Bank CEO Ashok Sherchan, Nabil Bank CEO Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, Office of the Investment Board Nepal’s former CEO Sushil Bhattra are also in the running for the position.
NRB Executive Directors Prakash Kumar Shrestha and Gunakar Bhatta are also said to be eyeing the position.
Likewise, incumbent secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire and former secretaries Rameshore Khanal, Madhu Kumar Maraisni, Lal Shankar Gimire and also said to be in the race to become the next governor.
