Insurance Authority Chairperson Vacancy Nears One Year as Government Delays Selection Process

Kathmandu – Nearly a year after the position fell vacant, the government has yet to appoint a chairperson for the Nepal Insurance Authority, with the selection process appearing to have ground to a halt.

Although around 50 individuals submitted applications for the post, their names have still not been forwarded to the recommendation committee. More than a month after the application window closed, the committee has yet to begin the evaluation process or call candidates for interviews.

To facilitate the appointment, the Cabinet on April 21, 2026, formed a recommendation committee headed by Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission.

On the same day, the government also constituted another committee under Dr. Bhatta to recommend candidates for the chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). That process has since been completed, with the Cabinet appointing Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta as SEBON chairperson on June 19, 2026. He officially assumed office on Monday.

The Insurance Authority’s appointment, however, has made no meaningful progress. Applications were invited from May 27 to June 2, 2026, drawing close to 50 aspirants. Despite the considerable interest, the recommendation committee has neither shortlisted candidates nor scheduled interviews.

Until a permanent chairperson is appointed, Chandrakala Poudel, Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, has been serving as the Authority’s acting chairperson.