Chakra Pani Acharya

 

Program Director (Under Secretary)

Economic Management Division

National Planning Commission

Government of Nepal

Public Policy Program (MA ’09); Policy Analysis Program (Ph.D. ’12)

 

 

 

Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

I completed my Bachelor in Science degree in 1999 at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. I also obtained master’s degrees in Sociology and Public Administration from the same University. In 2003, I started my career as a civil servant for the government of Nepal through which I got an opportunity to work in the National Planning Commission (NPC) in the capacity of a Section Officer for five years. During this period, my main responsibility was strengthening the monitoring and evaluation system of NPC as well as designing various policies to introduce economic reforms that can stimulate demand for reforming government institutions.  

 

While working at NPC, I realized that further study from a world high class university was essential to enhance my knowledge and skills in the field of development economics. Thanks to the Government of Japan which provided me a scholarship to study in GRIPS, I obtained a Master of Public Policy in 2009 and a Ph.D. in Development Economics in 2012. After returning back from Japan, I got an opportunity to work for the Ministry of General Administration for two years and the Election Commission Nepal for another two years. In 2016, I was promoted to Under Secretary with the assignment of taking responsibility for the Economic Management Division, NPC, in the capacity of Program Director.

 

You are currently serving as Program Director in the Economic Management Division of the National Planning Commission of Nepal. What are your main roles and responsibilities?

As a Program Director in EMD/NPC, my main responsibilities include drafting periodic plans, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and the annual program and budget of Nepal. The position demands rigorous analysis, estimation and projection of the economy, setting national development goals and targets, and developing strategies and programs. It also requires writing and presentation skills for plan documents, reports, policy briefs, and policy notes. Since the last two years, I have been engaged in a core team for designing the structure and roadmap of Nepal Vision 2100 and Fifteenth Plan (2019-2024), providing technical and professional inputs to design the development model of the country, macro-economic modeling and forecasting the economic growth for Vision 2100 and periodic plans—the 15^th and 14^th plans, as well as preparing MTEF for two fiscal years and annual development program for the last four fiscal years. Blending of my childhood in a rural area of Nepal, advanced education in Japan and professional experience in the field of development has helped me to successfully discharge my duties as a development economist/professional.

 

In your current capacity, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges for Nepal over the course of the next five to ten years?

Nepal has set a target to graduate from a least developed country to a developing country by 2021, and a middle income country by 2030. It also aims to achieve all the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. Accordingly, Nepal has set Vision 2100 with its motto “Prosperous Nepal Happy Nepali” and aims to become a developed nation in the next 25 years. The vision has the roadmap for generating prosperity and happiness in the coming 5 years, accelerating it for the next 10 years, and sustaining and balancing it in last 10 years.

 

Nepal has a favorable environment for development for next decade. Political stability has created a conducive investment climate for both domestic and foreign investors, thus fostering production and productivity. Major enablers for the prosperity of Nepal include: rich and diverse natural, cultural and biological diversity; stage of demographic dividend; production of hydroelectricity and other renewable energy; proximity to the large and fast growing economies—India and China; and generous support from development partners, and opportunities to harness knowledge, skills and resources from the Nepali diaspora.  

 

As major challenges for economic growth in Nepal can be mentioned creating jobs for the young population and creating an environment for reverse migration, reducing poverty and inequality, enhancing productive capacity and productivity, fostering high economic growth for improving the livelihood and happiness of Nepali, as well as addressing the potential risks related to natural disasters, international connectivity, and macroeconomic stability.

 

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work? And what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

The major challenge I’m facing in my job is the availability of quality data required for evidence-based policy formulation and decision making. Similar to other developing countries, Nepal lacks experts, professionals and analysts in the field of development planning and policy. Coordination among government institutions is also challenging for planning, policy decisions, and project governance.

 

The most rewarding aspect that I wish to mention is that I have got a platform to engage deeply in development policy making process of the country along with a veteran team in this field.

 

What led you to GRIPS? What was the most important thing you learned while here and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavours?

Ambition to study public policy in an international environment was the motivating factor to apply and enroll in GRIPS. The courses offered in GRIPS provided me an opportunity to learn both theories and global practices from highly qualified and reputed professors. The exercises, term papers, mid-term and final examinations created motivation for continuous learning. The intensive research works using econometrics and other modeling tools or techniques have enhanced my analytical skills and quantitative techniques which are being instrumental in my professional career. Meanwhile, a pleasant and supportive environment, cordial staff and hospitality are lifetime memories of GRIPS.

 

Have you had any involvement, professional or otherwise, with Japan since your graduation?

After coming back to Nepal, I have published a couple of research papers in collaboration with Professor Roberto Leon-Gonzalez and researchers working in Japan. I also had the opportunity to come to GRIPS in 2017 as a visiting research scholar for two and half months and conducted researches in migration, human capital, and economic growth. I have been working as a member of the Executive Committee of GRIPS Alumni Association, Nepal (GAAN) since 2018. GAAN has been conducting promotional programs about GRIPS and study in Japan thus linking us with Japan.

 

How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life? And what is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

Working in NPC, as a Program Director, demands for heavy engagement in research and policy analysis. I need to be involved in coordination meetings, administrative works, and preparation of official documents, such as periodic plan, program, reports and fact sheets. I have to generally work in the office until late hours in the evening but I try to follow a regular schedule to balance work and my life. Generally, I try to spend quality time with my wife and daughter in the morning and weekends. Besides, I prefer to go out of Kathmandu, mostly to my home town to visit my mother and be free from work.

   

What are some of your fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS? And what do you miss about Japan?

I enjoyed cultural events and field trips organized by GRIPS and social events while living in Soshigaya International House. I am missing the culture, lovely food, and the rich history of Japan a lot.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

The blending of theories and practices in academic and professional programs would be beneficial to build the capacity of the policy makers who can develop and implement the right policies in the changing context of the world. So, GRIPS is the best institution to develop leadership in policy studies.

 

How would you like to maintain involved with the School? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus and do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?

I am interested to continue working closely with GRIPS faculty to conduct research on development issues of Asian countries, particularly Nepal. Meanwhile, it would be meaningful to engage alumni networks on promotional activities, and the selection or recommendation of appropriate candidates to enroll in GRIPS, similar to the practice of some US universities. It would also be beneficial if GRIPS alumni networks, such as GAAN in case of Nepal, can be engaged with the Japanese Embassy and other institutions working for cooperation between two countries.