KATHMANDU: Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, serves as the Joint General Secretary of the Nepali Congress.
Originally from the Sudurpaschim, he came to Kathmandu to pursue his studies, focusing on Sanskrit education at Balmiki Bidyapeeth, alongside his interest in Nepali political affairs.
An astrology enthusiast, Pandey has entered the government for the first time at the age of 50 under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Oli.
Pandey, known for his easygoing demeanor, was elected to the House of Representatives by winning a direct election in Bajura during the 2079 BS elections.
He received 31,786 votes, while CPN-UML leader Karna Bahadur Thapa secured 26,349 votes, marking Pandey’s victory despite losing the previous election to Thapa.
The political landscape has grown increasingly ruthless. Thapa, a UML leader closely aligned with Chairman Oli, is currently absent from parliament, whereas Pandey, as Nepali Congress Joint General Secretary, is actively participating in the cabinet alongside him.
Together, we discussed the situation and called in civil aviation officials and foreign employment entrepreneurs to explore solutions. Our focus was on how to prevent arbitrary fare increases by air service operators.
In recent developments, Nepali Congress MP Rajendra Bajgain has taken to the streets to protest against Minister Pandey, who is navigating his ministerial responsibilities for the first time.
In response, Minister Pandey has filed a complaint with his party, calling for action against MP Bajgain.
In an interview, we asked Minister Pandey, an office-bearer of the Nepali Congress, why the government has struggled to gain momentum despite the presence of major parties such as Nepali Congress and UML.
He emphasized the need for both parties to take calculated risks.
Minister Pandey expressed his belief that the upcoming 2084 BS elections should focus on a competition between Nepali Congress and UML regarding who achieves the best outcomes in governance.
He stated, “I have told the Prime Minister that this is the time to take calculated risks, both personally and institutionally. If the two major parties are willing to take risks, it will help steer the country in the right direction and foster public trust in both parties. Trust will grow. As we prepare for the competition in 2084, let’s cooperate now and ensure we’re ready to showcase who has delivered the best results.”
With the 2084 BS elections approaching, NC Joint General Secretary Pandey also suggested that the Nepali Congress should hold its 15th General Convention in accordance with the timeline established by its statutes.
Having taken charge of his ministry for the first time, Minister Pandey reflected on the challenges and opportunities he has encountered within the Ministry of Tourism over the past four months.
Below is a conversation between journalists Arun Baral and Keshav Sawad. Excerpts:
You became an office bearer of NC at a young age and have recently taken charge of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation for the first time. This ministry encompasses significant cultural sites like Pashupatinath and Lumbini, as well as technical areas like civil aviation. It is often viewed as a battleground for power struggles and middlemen. In the past, it has been said that tourism ministers are appointed and removed by middlemen. What has been your experience during your first four months as minister?
In the initial months, I focused on understanding the intricacies, possibilities, and complexities of various agencies through briefings.
I now feel confident that I have grasped the essential aspects of this ministry. This confidence allows me to identify specific issues, such as policy problems, legal challenges, structural deficiencies, and manpower issues.
I have concluded that we need to adjust the balance between workload and staffing.
With that in mind, is it time to move forward?
Yes, the results of our work are beginning to emerge.
Can you elaborate? How are you preparing to move forward in terms of legal and policy frameworks? What specific work has been accomplished in these four months?
For instance, we have developed a cultural policy that is now in the finalization stage.
Importantly, this policy aligns with federalism and the current constitution, aiming to protect and promote Nepal’s diverse culture.
We have received valuable suggestions from the Policy Research Institute, which we have incorporated into the policy.
It is now with the Council of Ministers for further discussion with the National Planning Commission and relevant experts before final approval.
Frequent councils and meetings have helped me identify various complexities within organizations like the Pashupati Area Development Trust and the Lumbini Area Development Trust.
I have a roadmap in mind to address these complexities and prioritize tasks that need urgent attention.
In the tourism sector, the Tourism Act has already been passed by the Bill Committee of the Council of Ministers, and we are in the process of forming a tourism policy.
This was one of my first decisions upon taking office as minister. We aim to ensure that the tourism policy is relevant and that by the time it reaches parliament and is passed, it will serve as a timely and prosperous act.
We anticipate that its implementation will yield positive results for the tourism sector.
We are also addressing disputes involving the Taragaun Development Committee and the Hyatt Regency by forming a committee to study the issues at hand.
Additionally, there are challenges with the Pashupati Area Development Trust and the Pashupati Gaushala Dharamshala, with some court orders already issued regarding these matters.
We need to ascertain whether the Pashupati Gaushala Dharamshala operates as a service or a business.
If it functions as a service, we must determine how to enhance that service. If it is a business, we will explore how to regulate it effectively.
A study task force is currently working to reach conclusions, and we aim to make decisions swiftly upon receiving their report.
There are other entities under our purview as well, such as museums. The Patan Museum is regarded as one of the best in South Asia, showcasing our history and the unique identity of being Nepali.
We need to focus on how to further organize and promote these institutions. The Narayanhiti Durbar Museum and many others also fall under our ministry’s responsibilities.
While these institutions operate autonomously, we are exploring ways to foster their creativity.
We are engaging with the Nepal Academy to enhance literature promotion, and we are looking into how the Fine Arts Academy and the Music and Drama Institute can better support their respective sectors.
We also have the Nepal Cultural Institute and the Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management Institute, which produces quality human resources for the tourism sector.
It conducts entrance exams fairly, admits qualified students, and prepares them for successful careers.
Currently, it has an internship program with France, allowing Nepali students to gain experience abroad while hosting French students in Nepal. We are actively discussing how to enhance these initiatives further.
I am now confident that as a minister, I can help this ministry and its associated bodies move forward in ways that deliver tangible results and positive momentum.
My goal is to transform the public’s aversion to politics into hope and to communicate that hope through our work in this ministry.
There are some challenges in the tourism sector and issues in civil aviation. While some claim our skies are unsafe, others maintain they are safe; the commentary surrounding this situation can be exaggerated.
To address these concerns, the Bill Committee of the Council of Ministers has passed a bill to separate the regulatory body from the service provider. This bill will be presented to Parliament as soon as it reconvenes.
We have established a high-level study committee to investigate potential issues within the civil aviation sector, led by former Supreme Court Justice Anil Sinha, along with several experts.
This committee has begun its work in a thorough and systematic manner. By the time they reach their conclusions, I am confident that their findings will guide the future of Nepal’s civil aviation sector.
They will compare our situation with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the practices of other countries that are recognized for their safety and strong civil aviation sectors.
There is also a perception that the current management of Nepal Airlines is struggling to resolve existing complexities. I share this concern.
The question then becomes: what alternatives do we have to make the airline agile and effective?
We currently face a shortage of aircraft. We operate only one twin-engine aircraft and two narrow-bodied aircraft.
Out of two wide-bodied aircraft, one is undergoing maintenance while the other is in operation. Even when the maintenance is complete, we will still only have five aircraft operational.
It is difficult to envision the development of Nepal Airlines in such a chaotic situation with such limited resources.
Therefore, we are nearing conclusions on measures to improve management, establish transparency in aircraft procurement and operations, and strengthen Nepal Airlines as a robust carrier.
This will allow us to effectively challenge foreign airlines that impose arbitrary fares, ultimately reinforcing our status as a national flag carrier.
I have studied this issue in depth and have encouraged others to do the same. We have reviewed past studies and examined why their recommendations were not implemented.
We have also identified the complications and obstacles involved. We are now close to concluding how to move forward in a more effective manner.
I have a significant vision for this ministry, as Nepal is a cultural treasure trove—a living museum.
With its diverse culture and natural beauty, from Mount Everest to the lowest Kachankawal, Nepal is a land of mountains, hills, plains, forests, herbs, water, and heritage.
This rich diversity should attract visitors from across the country. If we create the right environment, people from Mechi will travel to Mahakali, and vice versa.
Pilgrims from Pathibhara will visit Malikarjun, and those from Badimalika will journey to Pathibhara.
By establishing the right conditions, we can also draw international tourists. We need to ensure safe and efficient air travel and improve walking paths for visitors.
If we achieve this, the tourism sector can significantly contribute to Nepal’s GDP and generate self-employment opportunities.
I have made it a priority to engage with the private sector, and they are enthusiastic about this initiative.
I am actively communicating with them, and their excitement is palpable. I have emphasized that our ministry should support the private sector, placing it at the forefront of our efforts.
Only by empowering the private sector while the government supports it can we achieve success.
The private sector has the potential to establish high-quality hotels, provide nutritious and healthy food, operate affordable flights and helicopters, and offer comfortable transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The state has made concessions; now, I ask the private sector: what concessions will you offer to travelers? Will you provide discounts on hotels or transportation?
I have encouraged the private sector to take the lead in these areas, and they are very enthusiastic about it, both institutionally and personally.
We have heard concerns regarding air service operators excessively raising fares, which is impacting Nepali workers’ ability to travel to their destination countries. Has your ministry been able to address this issue?
As soon as I became aware of this problem, I convened a meeting with the Minister of Labor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Together, we discussed the situation and called in civil aviation officials and foreign employment entrepreneurs to explore solutions. Our focus was on how to prevent arbitrary fare increases by air service operators.
We also considered the option of engaging with the airline representatives of the concerned countries through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we held inter-ministerial discussions on various options.
This resulted in a five-point decision aimed at addressing the issue. Since then, we have seen some improvement, and I am continuously monitoring the situation.
Business leaders have indicated that tickets are already booked through the end of November, which is contributing to fare increases during this peak season.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAN) has stated that with the planned construction of a new taxiway at the airport during next year’s tourist season, flight capacity will increase by 25 percent. This development should help alleviate similar problems in the future.
The international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara have been completed. What initiatives are you implementing to mitigate their losses and ensure they operate at full capacity?
Since our arrival, we have worked diligently to pass an action plan through the Council of Ministers.
We have announced concessions for the upcoming Bhadra of 2083 BS, which will be in effect for two years.
These concessions include reductions on aviation fuel costs. The Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing the proposed VAT concession on tickets, and we are also providing concessions on fees charged by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAN).
Additionally, we are addressing the need for workers to fly from these locations by establishing labor offices and quarantine facilities.
We aim to conduct health checks locally, eliminating the need for people to travel to Kathmandu.
We have also initiated the establishment of a visa center, with collaborative efforts from not only our ministry but also related ministries and their respective agencies.
We are beginning to see positive signs in Bhairahawa. However, I am concerned that five airlines have exited the market. Our goal is to attract at least ten more airlines.
I encouraged the ambassador to arrange more flights, to which he responded, “There are no passengers; how can there be a flight?” I emphasized that if a flight is established first, passengers will follow.
While we currently have five, we must focus on ensuring their sustainability in the long term.
I plan to visit Bhairahawa soon to meet with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as tourism entrepreneurs, to discuss these issues.
The state has made concessions; now, I ask the private sector: what concessions will you offer to travelers? Will you provide discounts on hotels or transportation?
Will you extend a warm welcome, perhaps with a smile or a kind word? What measures do you have in place to ensure sustainability and expansion?
What programs do you plan to implement? We are preparing a program to address these questions.
While it may sound emotional, we want to hold a similar event in Pokhara to generate enthusiasm.
Our immediate goal in Pokhara is to have Himalayan Airlines operate at least one flight per week to a city in China.
Additionally, Nepal Airlines should consider reducing flights on some of its international routes to provide service from Pokhara.
If both airlines begin flights from Pokhara, it will alleviate concerns about narrow-body aircraft not operating at full capacity, creating an environment conducive to attracting other airlines to operate from there.
I have had the opportunity to discuss these matters with tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara on two occasions, as well as to hold a thematic committee meeting there. I was encouraged by the engagement and expertise of the entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, and I noticed a strong sense of coordination among them.
I believe they will actively support and cooperate with our initiatives.
Recently, a group of Chinese tourists flew directly from Kunming to Pokhara. Both the Chinese ambassador and I were present during that visit.
I encouraged the ambassador to arrange more flights, to which he responded, “There are no passengers; how can there be a flight?” I emphasized that if a flight is established first, passengers will follow.
If there is no service, passengers will not wait. I felt the ambassador understood my point, and I believe there will be efforts on their part to enhance connectivity.
During my visit to India, I also spoke with the Chief Minister of Gujarat and both Ministers of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation in Delhi about operations at Pokhara Airport.
The Prime Minister, in a way, keeps the floor open for us. We do not have to keep talking based only on the agenda that has been passed. The floor is open for us.
Particularly with the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I discussed the potential for direct flights from Gujarat to Pokhara, as many followers of the Swami Narayan sect consider Muktinath their ancestral deity.
From Pokhara, travelers could easily reach Mustang by domestic flight or a four-hour drive.
I am actively exploring these possibilities, and discussions have revealed both hope and concerns among stakeholders. I believe the message of hope that has emerged in Bhairahawa will resonate throughout other regions as well.
You mentioned in a Nepali Congress meeting that it is challenging to work in the ministry. Can you elaborate on that?
Indeed, there are challenges within our governance structure. However, I have grown more confident that we can move forward and achieve growth.
The difficulties we face are not limited to our ministry; there are issues across all levels of governance.
Whether we consider the vertical three-tier government or horizontal bodies, governance problems are present in various forms, impacting our ability to ensure good governance.
The alliance between Congress and UML was formed with the goal of promoting good governance, political stability, effective service delivery, and reducing corruption.
This alliance was established in response to extraordinary circumstances; it is significant for two major parties to come together.
Therefore, we must demonstrate exceptional capability, integrity, effort, and readiness in our roles. By doing so, I believe we will be rewarded accordingly.
You are also the Joint General Secretary of the Nepali Congress. Is there a message outside that this government has not been able to move forward well even though two big parties like the Congress and the UML are running it together?
There should be a serious discussion within the parties about this. We discuss this repeatedly in the cabinet.
The Prime Minister, in a way, keeps the floor open for us. We do not have to keep talking based only on the agenda that has been passed. The floor is open for us.
I have repeatedly told the Prime Minister, personally and formally, that this is the time to take risks.
Because, if the two big parties take risks, the country will also take a direction. And, the countrymen will also start trusting both parties. Trust will increase.
Let’s cooperate for political stability, for good governance. And let’s compete in 2084. Rather, how to do the competition in 2084, let’s prepare in advance.
Let’s prepare in such a way that there will be a competition to see who did the best.
You have also created a political mechanism to run the government. You have said that you will create it from the center to the district level. The Prime Minister had said in 2074 BS that the government will not be run by a political mechanism, but by its own mechanism. Why such a political mechanism again? Doesn’t this increase conflict between the party and the government?
I think that the mechanism does not work that way. The mechanism gives a policy guideline.
Tasks such as renewing and distributing active memberships, energizing departments, shaping party policy, activating the research and training institute, and providing ideological and theoretical training for party members are crucial.
The rest of the work is done by those sitting in parliament in parliament. Those sitting in government do it in government.
The political mechanism was created to manage the possible unhealthy competition between the two parties.
It should manage mutual misunderstandings. The mechanism should do the work of giving the main policy guideline.
There has to be coordination in this. The government should do what the government does, the mechanism should do what the mechanism does.
There should be a demarcation, a balance to it. Those sitting in government should not feel that they are victims of the party mechanism.
Having said that, does the political mechanism now give the government momentum?
I think it will be helpful. Because rather than the minister alone, if I receive policy suggestions from my party, since I have received policy suggestions from the coalition parties, if I have difficulty deciding what is good or bad, they should give me advice.
If someone makes unreasonable propaganda about the work I have done, the party and the coalition will defend it, so all the ministers and the Prime Minister will be reassured.
You say that, an MP from your own party is publicly opposing you. How much support are you getting from your party?
I have received abundant support from the party. There are no obstacles from the leaders.
Now, the way a few people show chaos for a specific reason, from time to time, it is like a black cloud over the entire silver circle. It does not make any difference. I have a party, after all.
I myself am an office bearer of the Nepali Congress Party. I have well-wishers all over the country.
There are people who have known me for such a long struggle. Their encouragement, their assurance, their motivation are my strength.
I will move forward with that strength. Now the party will decide what to do with the person who behaves in such an anarchic and undisciplined manner.
That is why I have also formally submitted a petition to the party. I have faith in the party.
As a newly appointed minister, you are recognized for your integrity as a leader. In your youth, you served as an official in a prominent political party. How concerned are you about the risk of corruption affecting you during your time in office?
Many people express their concerns, warning me that this ministry can be a challenging environment.
However, I am determined to leave this position with the same integrity with which I entered.
I have no doubts about my principles, which frees me from the fear that anyone could tarnish my reputation or cast aspersions on my character.
Therefore, if we can convene the General Convention promptly, it will significantly contribute to our success in the 2084 elections. It would be very positive if higher-level officials take the initiative to make arrangements for the General Convention.
My journey into politics and the values I was raised with motivate me to demonstrate that it is indeed possible to maintain one’s integrity, even in a ministerial role.
It seems that Congress leaders are currently rushing to the districts. Has the 15th General Convention begun for the leaders?
The General Convention is essential. Internal dynamics within the party must be energized, especially since there have been delays in several areas.
Tasks such as renewing and distributing active memberships, energizing departments, shaping party policy, activating the research and training institute, and providing ideological and theoretical training for party members are crucial.
While we are in government, it is vital for the party to remain dynamic in order to monitor and discuss the government’s performance effectively, to offer constructive criticism based on facts, and to provide sound advice to government officials.
The General Convention serves as a critical platform for revitalizing the party. When we hear that the party is preparing for the General Convention, it signals a positive movement toward rejuvenation and increased energy within the organization.
So, will the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress take place within the timeframe established by the statute?
As a government official, my role within the party has somewhat diminished. The president, vice presidents, and general secretaries are not directly involved in governance, which allows them to focus on revitalizing the party.
If the General Convention occurs on schedule, it will facilitate preparations for the upcoming 2084 elections, giving the new working committee ample time to organize.
Holding the convention just before the elections would hinder our ability to prepare effectively at all three levels.
Therefore, if we can convene the General Convention promptly, it will significantly contribute to our success in the 2084 elections. It would be very positive if higher-level officials take the initiative to make arrangements for the General Convention.
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