- Jagdish Kharel, ImageKhabar's editor, became Nepal's Communication Minister on September 21st.
- He will serve a six-month term, overseeing 5G launch and addressing post-protest communication issues.
- Kharel's appointment follows a cabinet expansion and widespread Gen Z-led protests.
Popular journalist Jagdish Kharel has been sworn in as the new communication minister (for MoCIT) of Nepal. Kharel, who has worked at some prestigious media houses in the country, will now be part of the cabinet led by the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sushila Karki.
Kharel, the Journalist & Editor-in-Chief at Image TV HD, was recommended by PM Mrs. Karki to lead the Ministry of Communication, Information, and Technology (MoCIT) on September 21. Besides Kharel, Mahabir Pun (Science/Education), Madan Prasad Pariyar (Agriculture), Anil Sinha (Law), etc., also found ministerial roles in the current government.
The development confirms earlier suggestions that Kharel would take a job in the current government. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and now joins the likes of Kulman Ghising, Om Prakash Aryal, Rameshwar Khanal, etc. in the current cabinet.
Talking of the latest developments, the PM’s office has launched a hotline for citizens. You can dial the hotline to convey your complaints about any inconsistencies at government bodies and agencies for public service.
Challenges and the road ahead for Jagadish Kharel as the communication minister
Jagdish Kharel’s appointment as the communication minister comes amidst tumultuous times. The Gen Z protests inspired the overthrow of the previous government, and the demands are very high. The previous communication minister, Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung, was at the center of the infamous social media ban, which further fueled youth protests against the previous government led by KP Sharma Oli. Now, Kharel will take charge of matters that are far beyond social media.
He will now oversee the extent of progress that should see the launch of 5G in Nepal. Delivering quality service is another task for him. At the same time, he will be dealing with all matters relating to telecom operators and internet service providers. Kharel will serve as the communication minister for the next six months until the scheduled election in Falgun, 2082. Till that period, he will have both challenges and opportunities to promote digital inclusion.
It’s not wrong to rule out social media monitoring talks at this time. But Gen Z protests have shown how important digital communication infrastructure is to the country. So, he will oversee the restoration of the vital communication services that have been affected during the Gen Z protests. Kharel, along with Mahabir Pun and others, could be sworn in tomorrow (September 22, 2025).
Kharel’s ascent to the MoCIT marks another truly unprecedented time in Nepal’s recent history. Coming from a journalistic background, he may not find the communication ministry entirely alien. So, we wish that the country’s communication sector gradually recovers and rises on his watch. Nepalitelecom.com heartily extends best wishes to him in his new role.
