KATHMANDU: On his final day as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Maha Prasad Adhikari held a press conference to mark the completion of his five-year term.
Facing accusations of plunging the economy into further crisis and weakening the country’s economic standing internationally, Adhikari defended his tenure at the conference.
He also took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, without naming him, for appointing him to the position.
Adhikari stated that during his tenure, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted economic activities, causing contraction in Nepal’s economy and globally.
Despite these challenges, he claimed that under his leadership, the central bank adopted both traditional and non-traditional measures, based on data and caution, to stabilize the economy and help it perform better compared to other nations.
As he departed, Adhikari also took a subtle dig at former Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, recalling a time when he was pressured by close associates of the minister to approve an undisclosed foreign payment.
When he refused, Sharma attempted to have him removed from his position.
However, after widespread pressure and an order from the Supreme Court, Adhikari managed to retain his post.
In point number 18 of his address, Adhikari wrote:
“By the second year of my tenure, there was an attack on the leadership of Nepal Rastra Bank, and there was direct interference with the autonomy of the central bank. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the respected Supreme Court, honorable judges, senior scholars, advocates, and the entire judiciary for ensuring the independence of this institution in line with global standards.”
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