Congress to Launch Leadership Academy; Completion Required for Public Representatives
April 20, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress has decided to establish the ‘Congress Leadership Academy’ aimed at strengthening leadership development within the party and in the public sphere. Formed under the party’s Central Policy Research and Training Institute, this academy is defined as a ‘training institute’ by the Congress party. It will provide training to active party members on the history, ideals, ideology, economic policy, development policy, and social policy of the Congress.
The party plans to provide regular refresher training to members renewing their active membership, covering the party’s policies, programs, priorities, and the latest policy issues. The academy will also run training programs for elected local, provincial, and federal representatives from the party. For party workers aspiring to become representatives in upcoming elections, specialized classes on fundamental and subject-specific knowledge, skills, and leadership development will be organized. “Our goal is to equip aspiring leaders with knowledge, skills, managerial capability, and overall competence,” stated Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise.
General Secretary Pradeep Paudel described the academy as a significant step to empower party workers regarding the state’s system. He noted, “This training institution is being launched to provide information about the state system, constitutional arrangements, the responsibilities of governments at various levels, and administrative capacity.” According to Paudel, anyone intending to take on public responsibility must complete a mandatory “Public Policy” course at least three months prior to elections. Completion of the prescribed course at the academy will directly influence candidate selection and assignment of other responsibilities within the party.
Spokesperson Chalise referred to the academy as a ‘school.’ He explained, “The academy has its own curriculum and the course lasts three months.” He emphasized that party workers who do not fully complete the course will not be considered valid candidates. “Candidates who have not completed the course will not be recognized,” he said, “Our aim is to establish political transparency and meritocracy.” The Congress regards the academy as a crucial foundation for the party’s long-term capacity development.
