Policy Research Institute, Narayanhiti

Policy Research Institute organized a half-day orientation programme for newly recruited researchers and interns to facilitate introduction, provide information about the institute’s structure and working modality, and explain the research process and administrative procedures.

The programme was moderated by Rija Manandhar, an Analyst in the Research Department. All participants, both new and existing researchers and interns, introduced themselves by stating their names, positions, enrolled centers and departments, educational backgrounds, and previous involvements.

In his welcome speech, Executive Chairperson Prof. Lekhnath Sharma, PhD emphasized the importance of learning culture, ethics, and professionalism in maintaining a collegial environment within the institute. Prof. Sharma highlighted that the mandates of policy researchers include analyzing policies, conducting research, and providing strong, applicable recommendations.

Senior Research Fellow and spokesperson Dr. Dipak Kumar Khadka presented on the knowledge production assembly line, the research ecosystem, and the role of the Policy Research Institute in both ‘Research for Policy’ and ‘Research on Policy’. His presentation was titled ‘Policy Research Institute as the Think Tank of the Government of Nepal’.

Dr. Hari Sharma Neupane, Head of the Research Department, outlined the research process followed by the institute, elaborating on topic selection, research design and methodology, and the submission, review, and feedback process. He also provided a brief description on the involvement of research interns in various research projects under the respective centers.

Mr. Laxman Bhattarai, Office Manager, provided a thorough overview of the organizational history, committees related to research and management, human resources, financial status, and institutional inventory. He also explained administrative obligations and staff facilities, referencing the existing rules and regulatory documents.

Library Management Coordinator Mr. Bimal Chandra Sharma introduced the Public Policy Resource Center (PPRC) at the Policy Research Institute and provided information on the key resources available, categorized by type, access methods, and other services and facilities. Additionally, Mr. Nirajan Parajuli delivered a short presentation on ‘EDUROAM Implementation and Its Impact on Academic Collaboration in Nepal,’ representing the Nepal Research and Education Network.

The programme was officially concluded by the Executive Chairperson. Following were the participants of the orientation programme:

Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Sharma, (Executive Chairperson)
Hari Sharma Neupane, PhD (Senior Research Fellow)
Deepak Kumar Khadka, PhD (Senior Research Fellow)
Mohan Kumar Sharma, PhD (Senior Research Fellow)
Laxman Prasad Bhattarai (Office Manager)
Niranjan Devkota, PhD (Research Fellow)
Maheshwor Giri, PhD (Associated Research Fellow)
Khaga Nath Adhikari, PhD (Senior Research Fellow)
Hari Prakash Chand, PhD (Research Fellow)
Jham Kumar Bishwakarma, PhD (Associated Research Fellow)
Mukti Ram Rijal, PhD (Senior Research Fellow)
Ashok Pandey (Research Fellow)
Giri Raj Sharma, PhD (Research Fellow)
Gopal Acharya (Associated Research Fellow)
Prabhat Raj Dahal, PhD (Associated Research Fellow)
Rija Manandhar (Analyst)
Soniya Bashyal (Analyst)
Bimal Chandra Sharma (Library Management Coordinator)
Krishna Prasad B. K. (Joint-Manager / Section Officer)
Sanju Kumari Sarbariya (Senior Assistant)
Ayuska K.C. (Intern)
Bijay Koirala (Intern)
Dhiraj Bhatta (Intern)
Satish Sapkota (Intern)
Balihang Limbu (Intern)
Kumari Alika (Intern)
Juna Shrestha (Intern)
Snehi Rijal (Intern)
Nirajan Parajuli (Network Engineer, NREN)