Controversy Surrounds Welfare Council’s Stance on Public Library at Bhadrakali Mandap

An editorial review of recent events. In Ashadh 2060 BS (June/July 2003), a meeting was held in Kathmandu under the leadership of Dr. Narayan Khadka to establish a public library in the city. On Ashadh 25, 2062 BS (early July 2005), the library was relocated to Bhrikuti Mandap and inaugurated by the renowned cultural scholar Satya Mohan Joshi. However, on Chaitra 30, 2082 BS (mid-April 2026), the Social Welfare Council locked the library, alleging unpaid rent.

On Baisakh 2 (April 15), Kathmandu: In Ashadh 2060 BS, a gathering took place at a dining hall in Dillibazar comprising intellectuals from the community. The meeting, led by Nepali Congress leader Dr. Narayan Khadka, included attendees such as Dr. Kedar Bhakta Mathema and Himalayan Shamsher Jabara. The primary objective was to establish a public library in Kathmandu. To promote a scholarly society through the library’s operation, the Kathmandu Valley Public Library Society was formed in Asoj 2060 BS (September/October 2003).

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City allocated a room in the National Assembly Hall for the library, which operated there for about two years. On Ashadh 25, 2062 BS, the library was shifted to Bhrikuti Mandap, where it was inaugurated by cultural luminary and millennium figure Satya Mohan Joshi. The public library had continuously operated for over 20 years until its ‘dark day’ at the end of 2082 BS when the Social Welfare Council locked its doors, citing issues with unpaid rent.

According to Library Administrator Lila Bhattarai, this was the first time since 2062 BS that the library had been locked. The Kathmandu Valley Public Library Society managed two stalls at Bhrikuti Mandap, owned by the Social Welfare Council. The Council applied its policy of locking stalls across the complex—including private businesses, social organizations, and media offices—to the library as well.

The Council claims that stall number 34, operated by the library, owes NPR 11,353,095 in rent arrears, while another stall, number 38, has an outstanding amount of NPR 17,670,281. A rent agreement had been signed between the Council and the library society on Asoj 21, 2064 BS (early November 2007), granting the library a 75% rent concession compared to others. The lease stipulated monthly payments of NPR 4,844.68 for stall 34 and NPR 7,555 for stall 68, per Bhattarai. She elaborated, “We have consistently paid about NPR 150,000 annually from both stalls. Without renegotiating the old agreement, the Welfare Council treated the library like a private business.”

Social Welfare Council Member Secretary Saroj Kumar Sharma stated, “The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) raised concerns about the rent concession provided to the library. CIAA has advised that such concessions should not be granted, and we are currently not in a position to clarify the matter.” Although the rent agreements were to be renewed every two years, there has been no renewal. When renewal was proposed in 2066 BS, the Council reportedly responded, “It’s a library; why should it be renewed? Just continue operating.” Bhattarai recalls that days continued without interruption, supported by an annual government allocation of NPR 5 million from the Ministry of Education and additional support from provincial and local governments.

The library houses approximately 40,000 books, magazines, journals, and Ministry of Education reports, gifted by donors and individuals. It also uses a digital system to serve a diverse audience from children to adults, with roughly 200 daily visitors. However, dissatisfaction with the Welfare Council’s actions extends beyond frequent patrons. Citizens nationwide have criticized the closure of a venue that had enhanced educational opportunities.

Library regular Lama expressed, “The government itself should run the library. What kind of welfare is this, closing a library set up for social service? Who benefits from the closure?” She mentioned having recommended the library to dozens of people. In the last fiscal year, 21,362 readers used the library, and 3,000 individuals held annual memberships allowing them to borrow books. The management committee oversees the library on a three-year term, with Congress leader Dr. Govinda Raj Pokharel currently serving as chairperson.

Pokharel emphasized that the library operates not for profit but to promote a culture of learning. “It is inappropriate to treat a shoe store and a library under the same standards,” he said. “Developed countries have established large libraries in main locations. The library is government property and should be managed by the government.” The library employs seven staff members. Many former prime ministers and Nepal’s ambassadors have visited the facility.

The financial crisis leading to closure plans began during the tenure of Education Minister Sumana Shrestha, when the annual budget allotment was suspended. As plans to consolidate the library elsewhere remained incomplete, the Welfare Council locked the stalls in Magh (January/February 2026). Under Mayor Balendra Shah, Kathamandu Metropolitan City’s Chief Administrative Officer Pradeep Pariyar had prepared an allocation of NPR 10 million for the library. However, his transfer led to inaction from the new officer.

Dr. Pokharel stated, “The library survives through reader fees, management, and contributions from private entities and individuals. We have had to raise funds to meet expenses; otherwise, closure was inevitable. We are also encountering challenges managing books and materials.” Conversely, Council Secretary Sharma maintained that rent collection was the only option. “If the government grants a waiver, the situation would improve, but currently we have no choice but to collect rent.”

Since the lockout, some stall owners have reportedly come forward to pay rent or arrange installments. Sharma added, “The Social Welfare Council has directed for immediate full rent payment.”