Kathmandu: As the Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA) gears up for its 34th Central Executive Committee election, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Group, Engineer Subash Chandra Baral, has intensified his campaign across the country.

Baral, the joint candidate from the Democratic Group, is currently on a nationwide tour with his team to garner support from engineers.

Positive Responses on the Campaign Trail
Baral has interacted with engineers in Chitwan, Hetauda, Birgunj, Janakpur, and Biratnagar, extending his campaign to Jhapa. He is now in the Far-Western and Karnali regions, continuing his outreach efforts. Baral appears optimistic about the responses he has received so far. A morning program in Dhangadhi saw a significant turnout of engineers.

Engineers as Chief Administrative Officers at the Local Level
As an accomplished engineer himself, Baral is not only focused on his campaign but also on the overall career development of engineers across the country. Under the slogan “Advancement of the Engineering Community: A Vision for the Decade,” Baral has taken the lead of the Democratic Group and raised the issue of providing engineers with more responsibilities and opportunities in the state.

He has pledged to advocate for policies that would enable engineers to serve as Chief Administrative Officers at the local government level, recognizing the critical role they play in development and infrastructure projects. Baral has also committed to pushing for policy changes to make this a reality.

Additionally, Baral plans to empower provincial committees and advance engineering training at the local level, aiming to foster leadership development and create more opportunities at both the provincial and local levels.

Opportunities for Engineers in State Development Projects
With the increasing number of engineers being produced nationwide, many find themselves deprived of employment opportunities. Baral’s platform includes a plan to involve new engineers in government development projects, thereby enhancing their skills and providing them with employment.

“Recently graduated engineers can be engaged in government development projects,” says Baral. “This will not only increase opportunities for engineers in terms of capacity and employment, but it will also provide the state with accessible and efficient human resources.” Baral asserts that he will strongly pursue this agenda if elected.

Baral also intends to address the workload on engineers by advocating for an increase in engineering personnel at both the provincial and local levels. “There is currently pressure on development projects at the provincial and local levels,” he says. “But while there is a shortage of engineers on one hand, there are skilled engineers who are unemployed on the other. This needs to change.” He believes that resolving this issue will lead to more effective development work.

With over two decades of experience in civil engineering, Baral has achieved a 99% success rate in his past endeavors. Confident in his clear and effective plans, as well as his capable and energetic team, Baral is determined to succeed in his campaign for leadership of the 34th Central Executive Committee of the Nepal Engineers’ Association.