Fierce Competition Between Sitoula and KC for Leadership in Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs Federation

April 11, Pokhara – The election race for new leadership in the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation is underway in Pokhara. Delegates representing 387 organizations, totaling 1,663, have gathered to select the federation’s new leadership.

The seventh general assembly, which began on April 9, aims to elect new leaders for the umbrella organization representing various transport entrepreneurs across the country, including private companies, committees, and other related groups.

A fierce contest is unfolding between senior vice presidents Punyaprasad Sitoula (Saroj) and Hariprasad Sharan for the federation’s presidency. On Tuesday, efforts were made to reach a consensus among the Congress, UML, and Maoist parties to endorse Sitoula, but the attempt failed due to dissent from one faction.

Former presidents Vijay Swarn and Yogendra Karmacharya had intended to run separately for the presidency. However, after Congress proposed Sitoula’s name, discontent arose within a faction, and attempts to unite the three major parties on a single platform were unsuccessful.

Alongside Sitoula and Harisharan, Kedar Kshetri, former chairperson of Balefi Rural Municipality and current chairman of Araniko Transport Pvt. Ltd., as well as Sanokazi Prajapati, have also expressed interest in the presidency. Nevertheless, the main competition appears to be between Sitoula and Sharan.

Sitoula, with a history of holding various executive positions in the previous government, expressed confidence that his past work and leadership capabilities will secure his selection.

He emphasized plans to lead the transport sector in a technology-friendly direction by effectively implementing existing laws and regulations.

“I have prioritized three agendas: online ticketing, GPS system installation, and cashless payment systems,” Sitoula stated. “Social security for both workers and entrepreneurs is also a key priority for me.”

Although social security arrangements exist, Sitoula pointed out that implementation has been ineffective and committed to improving this under his leadership.

He highlighted significant issues in the insurance policy, describing the accident insurance sector as fragmented. He stated that without organized state intervention in insurance to reduce accidents, progress cannot be achieved.

Sitoula also pledged to be active in formulating and enforcing insurance policies with the government to avoid difficulties faced by claimants after accidents.

“I will curb exploitation by insurance companies. The family of a deceased receives only NPR 500,000 and the injured NPR 300,000, while treatments often cost millions,” he explained. “Accident insurance provides NPR 500,000, but claims often escalate to NPR 2 million on the road. I aim to resolve these discrepancies through my candidacy.”

He further added that his candidacy is also geared towards organizing proper road management and infrastructure development.

On the other hand, KC stated that despite long-term experience, disappointments with the work done by those in executive roles compelled him to run, with the goal of breaking that inertia through new leadership.

Although KC has been involved with the federation for a long time, he has not previously held an executive role. He underscored his close observation of the work styles of those currently serving on the committee.

KC conveyed that there is a major problem with insurance in the public transport sector and revealed plans to address this. He noted ongoing efforts to collaborate with the current government to resolve issues affecting the transport sector.

He pointed out that due to the federation’s failure to coordinate with the government, the sector has operated under outdated laws, leaving many problems unresolved. KC expressed commitment to improving accident reduction, import regulations, and route permit policies.

With backing from RASWAPANIKAT, KC reiterated his campaign slogan from the previous election, urging support with the chant, “Quietly, support Harisharan KC (Hus).”

The federation’s central executive committee will comprise 86 members; however, voting will take place for only 84 positions, according to election officer Yogendra KC.

Alongside the presidential race between Sitoula and KC, voting for other positions is also ongoing. Although three senior vice presidents are required, six candidates are contesting.

Two senior vice president candidates hail from Pokhara: Ainkumar Sai and Kedar Paudyal. They are competing against Gokarna Prasad Parajuli, Sanukaji Prajapati, Sunil Kunwar, and Rajendra Rizal.

For the general secretary position, Deknath Gautam, Shambhu Prasad Rizal, and Gyanendra Shrestha are vying. Candidates for treasurer include Kiran Kumar Khadka, Rajendra Acharya, and Rajesh Kumar Shrestha.

There are 13 contenders for the seven vice president positions, six candidates for secretary, and five for the deputy general secretary role.

Voting is being conducted using Ramlaxman electronic machines at the Pokhara Event Center to form the new leadership committee.