KATHMANDU: The government has appointed former Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, as the Vice-Chair of the National Planning Commission.

Renowned for his expertise in economics and monetary policy, Dr. Bhatta will now lead the country’s apex body responsible for formulating development plans.

Born in Doti District, Dr. Bhatta spent over fifteen years at Nepal Rastra Bank. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Wayne State University, USA, where he also completed his master’s in Economics.

Additionally, he earned a Master’s in Development Economics from Williams College, USA, and an MBA from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where he was a gold medalist.

Dr. Bhatta has also received prestigious honors, including the Nepal Vidya Bhushan “A” (Gold Medal), Mahendra Vidya Bhushan, and Sardar Gunjman Singh Medal.

During his tenure at Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Bhatta led several key departments, including the Governor’s Office, Economic Research Department, Bank Supervision, and Payment Systems Department.

He is widely recognized by the public for serving as the spokesperson of the bank twice: from January 2020 to March 2021 and from December 2021 to January 2025.

Before joining the National Planning Commission, he worked as an economic advisor at the Ministry of Finance from April 2023 to February 2024 and previously served as an economist at the IMF Nepal Office (2003–2005).

He also has experience as chair of the Credit Information Center and as a member of the Board of Directors at the Nepal Securities Board (SEBON).

Dr. Bhatta is known for simplifying complex economic issues in writing and has published hundreds of analytical articles in newspapers and online platforms. He has also served as a visiting professor at Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University.

He was once in line to become the 18th governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank. Despite receiving assurances from Nepali Congress’ former President Sher Bahadur Deuba, the then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli blocked his appointment in 2025, leading to multiple resignations from the Governor Recommendation Committee and even legal challenges.

Bhatta had resigned from his executive director position in anticipation of becoming governor, but the acting governor at the time did not approve his resignation, preventing him from taking office.

Now, the current government has appointed him as Vice-Chair of the National Planning Commission, recognizing his capabilities to contribute to national development planning and economic reform.

He officially retired from Nepal Rastra Bank in April 2025. Economists and policymakers have welcomed his appointment, noting his deep understanding of the economy’s internal structure and policy framework.

His role in the National Planning Commission is expected to be pivotal in defining national development priorities and advancing economic reform agendas.