Khusbu Oli: Nepal is facing severe problems of knowledge crisis

Khusbu Oli, a young politician from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which holds 14 seats in Parliament, is making significant strides in national politics. As a young woman, she is actively engaged in party and national affairs, particularly through social media, where she debates and discusses with top politicians. Currently, she serves as a Central Committee member and deputy head of the party’s training department. ApEx spoke with her about her experiences and vision for Nepal. Excerpts.

It has been two years since you joined active politics. What has your experience been so far?

Before entering politics, I was involved in agricultural projects, leading national-level initiatives and witnessing firsthand the struggles of farmers, especially women. These experiences inspired me to represent them. My political journey has been a mix of challenges and achievements. As the first female candidate from my constituency.  There has been a significant shift, with women's representation in decision-making rising from five percent to over 30 percent. Despite challenges, my acceptance in both party and national politics is growing, and I am hopeful for continued progress. I advocate for servant leadership concepts and believe in the importance of youth involvement in politics.

You travel extensively and interact with people in the grassroots. What are their expectations from a young politician like you?

People have a high level of mistrust and disappointment with the state and political leadership. Society is deeply divided along political lines, and national priorities often take a backseat to partisan interests. However, there is a desire for politicians who prioritize national interests and unity.

Your party advocates for the restoration of monarchy and a Hindu state. Do you believe this is achievable?

There are misconceptions about our stance. We do not support an active monarchy but believe in a constitutional monarchy within the current democratic framework. We think that a monarchy can enhance national unity and reduce foreign intervention. Our party believes that the Nepali people should decide their country’s future without external influence.

As a youth politician, what is your blueprint for economic growth and development?

The main problem of this country is excessive political influence in bureaucracy, media and intellectual groups. The views, perspectives and policy they offer therefore are dominated by partisan interests. This is hindering Nepal’s overall development. If I could address this issue, it could correct the course of this country. We can do a lot for the country but our politicians are serving their own interests. In order to sprout hope and optimism among the public, our politicians should develop a noble thinking and mend their ways.

There is an alarming trend of brain-drain, labor migration, and capital flight. Everyone in both the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled population is either going or planning to go abroad for employment. Over the past one year, around 700,000 people have left the country. Businesses in bordering towns are shutting down and moving to India. To turn around Nepal’s economy, there should be significant policy reform, but we do not have the educated human resource to formulate a sound policy.

As far as the specific areas are concerned, the key areas of focus should be industry, agriculture, tourism, and Information Technology (IT). The IT sector has immense potential, but it lacks government support. In agriculture, we need fertilizer industries, subsidies, better irrigation, and digitization. Tourism, particularly religious tourism, also has untapped potential. Additionally, there is a need to overhaul the education system to ensure quality education, health, and justice for all citizens. But there is a knowledge crisis to make any substantial headway in those areas. 

What are your future plans?

I believe politics is in my blood. I am preparing to run in the national elections in 2027, aiming to inspire and represent grassroots people. My goal is not personal gain but national development. Before that, I plan to contest for an office bearer position in my party’s upcoming general convention, focusing on the areas I have highlighted.