The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has moved forward with the restructuring of three agencies under its jurisdiction as part of the government’s broader effort to reform public institutions, eliminate duplication of responsibilities, and improve administrative efficiency. According to the ministry’s fourth-quarter progress report for the fiscal year 2082/83, a dedicated task force has been formed to oversee the restructuring of the Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, the Buddhist Philosophy Promotion and Gumba Development Committee, and the Gumba Development Committee.
Restructuring Aimed at Improving Institutional Efficiency
The ministry stated that the restructuring initiative follows a government review of public institutions, committees, councils, and boards that were found to have overlapping mandates, limited productivity, or redundant functions. Based on the findings of the review, the government has decided to proceed with restructuring, consolidation, or dissolution of selected institutions to make public administration more effective and accountable. The progress report notes that the three agencies have been identified as part of this reform process, with the newly formed task force responsible for recommending an appropriate restructuring framework.
Tourism and Hospitality Institutes Merged
As part of wider institutional reforms, the ministry has also merged the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) and the Nepal Mountain Academy into a single institution. The merged entity is now operating under the name Nepal Tourism, Hotel and Mountain Academy, intending to strengthen tourism, hospitality, and mountain training through an integrated institutional framework. The ministry believes the merger will improve resource utilization, enhance academic coordination, and strengthen Nepal’s tourism human resource development.
More Than 100 Office Bearers Removed Following Legal Amendments
The ministry’s report further states that amendments to various laws and regulations governing ministry-affiliated institutions resulted in the removal of 116 office bearers from their respective positions. Additionally, amendments to seven formation orders and two sets of regulations led to the removal of another 32 office bearers, as part of efforts to streamline governance structures and align institutions with revised legal provisions.
Vacant Leadership Positions Filled
The ministry has also completed appointments to several key leadership positions that had remained vacant. These include the appointment of a Board Director and Executive Chairperson at Nepal Airlines Corporation, as well as the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). In addition, vacant positions have been filled in several major cultural and heritage institutions, including:
- Pashupati Area Development Trust
- Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Development Committee
- Boudhanath Area Development Committee
- Patan Durbar Museum Development Committee
- Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Development Committee
Institutional Reform Drive Continues
The ministry’s latest progress report indicates that institutional restructuring remains one of its key governance priorities. By merging institutions, restructuring underperforming agencies, and filling long-vacant leadership positions, the ministry aims to improve service delivery, strengthen institutional accountability, and enhance the effectiveness of Nepal’s tourism, cultural heritage, and aviation sectors.
