NIA New Chairman Interim Order Scrapped: Path Clears For Appointment
2nd February 2026, Kathmandu
The recruitment process for the new Chairperson of the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) is back on track following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court.
NIA New Chairman Interim Order
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, a joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Tek Prasad Dhungana vacated a previous short-term interim order, effectively removing the stay on the government’s appointment process.
Background: The Controversy Behind the Vacancy
The search for a new leader began after the dismissal of the former Chairman, Sharad Ojha. The government removed Ojha following an investigation that revealed he had submitted fraudulent documents, including fake work experienc,e to secure his position.
Following his removal, Ojha filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court. On September 8, 2024 (Bhadra 23, 2081), a single bench had issued a stay order, allowing him to return to work temporarily. This legal battle had stalled the government’s efforts to modernize the leadership of the insurance regulator for several months.
High-Level Recommendation Committee
To ensure a transparent selection process, the Council of Ministers formed a three-member recommendation committee on August 25 (Bhadra 9). The committee consists of:
Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari: Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission.
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Ghanshyam Upadhyaya: Finance Secretary.
Dr. Khomraj Kharel: Expert Member.
14 Candidates Competing for the Top Spot
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that 14 high-profile professionals from diverse sectors have submitted their applications. The list includes seasoned insurance experts and former bureaucrats:
| S.N. | Candidate Name | District |
| 1 | Ghanshyam Budhathoki | Lalitpur |
| 2 | Vikrant/Chiranjibi Pandey | Kathmandu |
| 3 | Paras Kafle | Bhaktapur |
| 4 | Bishnu Babu Mishra | Kathmandu |
| 5 | Buddharaj/Buddhakaji Shrestha | Kathmandu |
| 6 | Dr. Damodar Bashyal | Kaski |
| 7 | Chintamani/Chittanath Shivakoti | Kathmandu |
| 8 | Gyanendra Adhikari | Jhapa |
| 9 | Devkumar Dhakal/Kankal | Morang |
| 10 | Prof. Dr. Dipak Bahadur Bhandari | Lamjung |
| 11 | Khagendra Paudel/Dr. Rajendra Pandit | Kathmandu |
| 12 | Yagya Prasad Neupane | Dang |
| 13 | Ramesh Kumar Bhattarai | Kathmandu |
| 14 | Mahendra/Maheshwor Neupane | Bhaktapur |
Recent Developments and Current Leadership
While the permanent appointment process was tied up in court, the government had made temporary arrangements to ensure the stability of the Nepalese insurance sector. In late January 2026, the government appointed Chandrakala Poudel (Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs) to lead the Authority until further arrangements are finalized.
With the Supreme Court’s latest decision to scrap the interim order, the selection committee is now expected to shortlist three names from the 14 applicants and recommend them to the Cabinet for a final decision.
For more: NIA New Chairman Interim Order
