Banking News – Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said that Nepal’s prosperity, infrastructure development, and quality public service delivery depend on the performance of skilled, honest, and accountable engineers.

Addressing an orientation and training program for newly recruited young engineers organized by the Water Resources and Energy Research Center under the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, Minister Shrestha urged the participants to view their entry into government service not merely as the beginning of a career but as an opportunity to contribute to nation-building.

He said engineers are no longer just technical professionals but public servants whose every decision, technical recommendation, signature, and action can directly affect the lives of millions of citizens. He called on them to carry out their responsibilities with the highest level of integrity and accountability.

Engineers Play a Vital Role in Infrastructure Development

Minister Shrestha emphasized that a nation’s development, civilization, and prosperity are closely linked to the creativity, innovation, discipline, and dedication of its engineers.

He noted that the development of roads, bridges, hydropower projects, transmission lines, reservoirs, irrigation systems, drinking water infrastructure, and modern cities reflects the expertise and long-term vision of engineers.

Describing engineering as more than the application of mathematics and science, he said it is a creative profession that transforms challenges into solutions. According to the minister, successful engineers build not only physical structures but also opportunities, public trust, and a better future.

Integrity and Transparency Are Essential

The Energy Minister said Nepal is currently expanding energy production, promoting clean energy, increasing cross-border electricity trade, extending irrigation infrastructure, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure. He stressed that these national goals cannot be achieved through policies and budgets alone but require committed and ethical technical professionals.

He added that character is just as important as technical knowledge in public service and that, in many situations, moral courage is even more valuable than technical competence. Choosing the right course of action over the easy one, he said, is the hallmark of a true public servant.

Minister Shrestha also remarked that an engineer’s greatest asset is not a certificate but the trust of society, urging them to uphold transparency, accountability, impartiality, and public interest in every aspect of their work.

No Compromise on Innovation and Quality

Highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement worldwide, the minister encouraged engineers to continuously learn, conduct research, and adopt new technologies to address future challenges.

He expressed confidence that Nepal’s geographical challenges could be transformed into development opportunities through an effective combination of local knowledge, traditional skills, and modern technology.

Calling for the construction of high-quality, cost-effective infrastructure, promotion of green energy, energy efficiency, digital technology, and sustainable development, he instructed engineers not to compromise on quality at any stage—from project design and implementation to supervision and testing.

He warned that even minor negligence could result in major accidents and urged newly recruited engineers to strictly follow technical standards and professional ethics.

Put National Interest Above Everything Else

Concluding his address, Minister Shrestha said the country expects its new generation of engineers to bring technical excellence, innovative thinking, leadership, positive energy, and result-oriented performance.

He stressed that building a Prosperous Nepal cannot be achieved by Parliament or government ministries alone but requires the collective contribution of thousands of honest, skilled, and dedicated public servants. He encouraged the newly appointed engineers to prioritize national interest, perform their duties with integrity, and make meaningful contributions to Nepal’s development while wishing them success in their training.