Board Restructuring at Grameen Bikas Laghubitta Financial Institution
31st December 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move to strengthen its institutional governance and strategic oversight, Gramin Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited has officially announced a restructuring of its Board of Directors. This change follows a new nomination from the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Finance, which plays a pivotal role in the leadership of this national level microfinance institution.
Grameen Laghubitta Board Restructuring
The transition in the board composition is part of a regular administrative process aimed at bringing fresh expertise into the decision making body. As the institution continues to serve thousands of rural households across Nepal, a robust and well represented board is essential for navigating the complex financial landscape and ensuring that the organization remains committed to its mission of poverty alleviation and financial inclusion.
APPOINTMENT OF PREMRAJ POKHREL AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
The primary change in the board involves the appointment of Premraj Pokhrel, who currently serves as the Chief Tax Officer at the Inland Revenue Office in Bhairahawa. Mr. Pokhrel has been nominated by the Ministry of Finance to serve as a Director, replacing Sub Secretary Subha Prasad Rijal. This appointment became effective from Mangsir 19, bringing in a professional with significant experience in revenue management and financial administration. The presence of a high ranking official from the Ministry of Finance on the board ensures that the institution policies remain aligned with the national fiscal framework and the regulatory requirements set by the government.
OATH OF OFFICE AND FORMAL ASSUMPTION OF DUTIES
The formalization of Mr. Pokhrel appointment took place during a board meeting held on Poush 10. During this session, he took the mandatory oath of office and confidentiality, which is a standard procedure for all board members in licensed financial institutions in Nepal. The oath taking ceremony signifies the director commitment to the ethical standards and fiduciary responsibilities required to manage a public interest organization. Following the ceremony, the board was officially reconstituted, allowing the new director to participate in the strategic discussions and approval processes that determine the future course of the microfinance institution operations.
RECONSTITUTED BOARD COMPOSITION AND REPRESENTATION
The current Board of Directors of Gramin Bikas Laghubitta represents a diverse mix of stakeholders, including the government, commercial banks, and the general public. This diversity is crucial for balanced decision making. The board is currently led by Chairman Bharatraj Koirala, with Premraj Pokhrel representing the Ministry of Finance. Other key members include Arjun Bahadur Kandel from Nepal Bank Limited and Nabaraj Dhakal representing Future Star Design and Developers Pvt. Ltd. The public and founder shareholder groups are represented by Manoj Kumar Khadka and Saroj Kumar Mahato, respectively, while Rishiram Pandey serves as the Independent Director, providing impartial oversight.
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STRATEGIC IMPACT ON GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT
The restructuring of the board is expected to have a positive impact on the overall governance and oversight of Gramin Bikas Laghubitta. In the microfinance sector, where risk management and transparency are paramount, a strong board ensures that the management follows the best practices in lending and recovery. The inclusion of a tax and revenue expert like Mr. Pokhrel is likely to enhance the board’s ability to oversee financial reporting and internal controls. This institutional strengthening is particularly important as the microfinance sector in Nepal faces scrutiny regarding its operational efficiency and its impact on rural credit systems.
ROLE OF THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE IN MICROFINANCE LEADERSHIP
As a government backed institution, Gramin Bikas Laghubitta relies heavily on the guidance and policy support of the Ministry of Finance. The ministry’s role in nominating directors is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic necessity to ensure that the institution serves the social objectives of the state. By appointing experienced officers to the board, the ministry facilitates a direct link between the government’s developmental goals and the bank’s field operations. This synergy is vital for implementing national programs related to youth employment, women empowerment, and the development of small scale cottage industries in remote areas.
ENSURING CONTINUITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL STABILITY
While the change in board members represents a transition, the institution has emphasized that its core operations will remain stable. The transition from Sub Secretary Rizal to Chief Tax Officer Pokhrel has been handled smoothly to ensure that there are no delays in the approval of ongoing projects or financial reports. Organizational stability is a key indicator of a healthy financial institution, and the quick reconstitution of the board demonstrates Gramin Bikas Laghubitta’s ability to maintain continuity in leadership. This stability is essential for maintaining the trust of its depositors, borrowers, and international development partners.
CONCLUSION AND THE FUTURE OF GRAMIN BIKAS LAGHUBITTA
In conclusion, the recent restructuring of the Board of Directors at Gramin Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited is a proactive step toward better institutional management. With the appointment of Premraj Pokhrel and the presence of a diverse team of directors, the institution is well positioned to face future challenges in the microfinance market. The balanced representation of the government, banking sector, and public shareholders ensures that the bank remains accountable and focused on its goal of rural upliftment. As the new board takes charge, stakeholders can expect continued focus on governance, innovation, and sustainable financial services for the underserved populations of Nepal.
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