Dol Prasad Aryal takes oath as Nepal House Speaker
Kathmandu, April 5
Dol Prasad Aryal has been sworn in as Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nepal's parliament during a ceremony held on Sunday afternoon.
Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Aryal at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential palace in Kathmandu. Following the ceremony, Aryal proceeded to the Speaker's office to assume his duties.
Aryal was the sole candidate in Friday's nomination process for the post. During Sunday's House meeting, senior member Arjun Narsingh KC formally announced that Aryal had been elected unopposed.
As Speaker, Aryal will preside over meetings of the House of Representatives. The next session is scheduled for 1 pm on Monday.
Aryal, who was elected from Kathmandu-9 in the 2026 general election, becomes the 10th Speaker of the lower house and the first non-communist to hold the position in 18 years.
Born in Maidi, Dhading, in 1974, Aryal moved to Kathmandu in 1992 in search of work, beginning his career as a labourer in a restaurant. He later worked as a tourist guide.
Aryal also lived in Japan for work and studies, gaining experience both in Nepal and abroad. His interests have included education, tourism, and business. After the formation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in 2079 BS, he became active in politics.
Within three and a half years of becoming a founding central member of the RSP, Aryal was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position considered the fourth highest in the state.
He has also served as the Acting Chair of the party while holding the post of vice president, taking on responsibilities during a period of party crisis as assigned by party chair Rabi Lamichhane.
Previously, Aryal served twice as the country's Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see a non-communist speaker after nearly two decades. Hope this brings some fresh perspective to Nepal's parliament. Stability in our neighbouring countries is always good for regional peace and trade.
His background in labour and as a tourist guide could be a huge asset. He might understand ground realities better than career politicians. But the real test is delivering now. Hope he uses his position to strengthen Nepal-India ties further.
Interesting to read about his international experience in Japan. Exposure to different systems often brings valuable insights to governance. Wishing Speaker Aryal success.
While his personal journey is commendable, being elected unopposed always makes me a bit wary. A healthy democracy needs strong opposition and debate. I hope he ensures the Speaker's chair remains truly impartial and allows all voices in the house.
As a former Labour Minister, he should focus on the welfare of workers, something that connects with his own past. Nepal and India share so many cultural and people-to-people bonds. A stable and prosperous Nepal is in everyone's interest. All the best!
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