Rameshwar Prasad Khanal | Can Technocrat Fix Nepal’s Finances?

As Finance Minister in the interim government, Rameshwar Prasad Khanal carries the responsibility of steering Nepal’s fragile economy toward stability and growth. A technocrat by background, his decisions could define the country’s financial future.

:backhand_index_pointing_right: Key Issues & Questions for the Community:

1. Digital Economy & CBDC

  • Should Nepal launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to reduce cash dependency, cut remittance costs, and improve transparency?

  • How can digital payments and fintech make Nepal more competitive in the global digital economy?

2. Currency Peg Debate

  • Nepal’s Rupee is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR). Should we stay with this peg or re-align to USD, EUR, CNY (Yuan), or design a sovereign stable currency like Singapore’s model?

  • Would changing the peg help Nepal reduce dependency and attract global investors, or would it risk instability?

3. Financial Hub Vision

  • Can Nepal position itself as a financial hub for South Asia, leveraging remittances, fintech, and cross-border trade?

  • What policies would be needed — tax reforms, investment laws, or international banking systems?

4. Corruption & Scandals

  • Finance scandals, cooperative frauds, and “sakahari thagi” (cooperative scams) have broken trust in the system. How can Khanal ensure transparency, accountability, and protect ordinary citizens from financial fraud?

  • Should strict regulations and independent oversight be introduced to clean up the financial sector?

Nepal needs more than temporary fixes — it needs a long-term vision for financial independence and credibility. Rameshwar Prasad Khanal is seen as a capable reformer, but the challenges are massive.

:speech_balloon: What reforms should he prioritize? Should Nepal take the bold step of creating a digital-first economy with a stronger currency policy?

:backhand_index_pointing_right: Discussion Points:

  • Can he bring fiscal discipline to a country burdened by debt and corruption?
  • What reforms are needed in taxation and spending to strengthen the economy?
  • Should he focus on boosting investment or controlling government waste?
  • How can he ensure federal governance works fairly across all provinces?
  • Will a technocrat succeed in a system dominated by political bargaining?

:speech_balloon: Share your ideas on whether Khanal can deliver real reforms or if politics will tie his hands.