In a political landscape riddled with showmanship, shallow promises, and superficial reforms, it’s refreshing to witness the leadership of someone who genuinely embodies the right qualities in the right position. Sumana Shrestha, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Education in Nepal, has emerged as a shining example of the type of leaders our country truly needs—those who are capable, educated, and committed to real progress.

It is crucial to emphasize that this article is not an endorsement of Rastra Swatantra Party (RSP), nor is it an attempt to glorify its leadership, particularly Rabi Lamichhane, the president of RSP. In fact, while the party may have attracted the attention of many with its unconventional style and rhetoric, it has also shown significant signs of immaturity, and its representatives often appear more focused on theatrics than on the hard work required to build a prosperous nation. As a young voter and a keen observer of Nepal’s political scene, I find their approach disappointing. The party’s leaders, barring a few exceptions, often resemble children playing in a field—more concerned with appearances and media stunts than with tangible contributions.

That said, Sumana Shrestha stands out as a notable exception within the RSP. She is a reminder that good people sometimes end up in the wrong party. Her work ethic, commitment to public service, and intelligent approach to policy-making deserve recognition. It’s not about supporting the party she’s part of; it’s about appreciating and encouraging the few who rise above the political noise to actually deliver results.

Sumana Shrestha: The Right Person in the Right Place

Sumana Shrestha’s approach to governance and public service is what every politician, especially lawmakers, should aspire to. Her strategies in budgeting, project management, and impact assessment are models of efficiency and accountability. Unlike many of her contemporaries who rush into projects without thorough evaluation, Shrestha takes a methodical approach:

1. Study the Impact: Before proposing or implementing any project, she studies its potential impact on society—both in the short and long term. Her focus is not only on immediate returns but also on the lasting benefits to the public.
2. Efficient Budgeting: Shrestha evaluates projects from a cost-benefit perspective. She asks the important questions: If we invest X amount in a project, what will be the result? Is it worth the cost? Will the public see a return on this investment, and if so, when?
3. Collaboration with Experts: Her proposals to the cabinet or ministry are never haphazard. She consults with secretaries (sacbibs) and other experts to ensure that every detail is covered before moving forward. This ensures that any initiative she supports is well thought out and likely to succeed.

Her Notable Contributions: A Model of Pragmatism

Shrestha’s teacher transfer directive is one of her hallmark achievements, ensuring that the education sector remains non-partisan and that teachers are allocated to areas where they are most needed. Furthermore, her Career Counselling Portal, whose source code was made publicly available, showcases her belief in transparency and innovation in governance. As an IT professional, I find this initiative particularly commendable—it opens the door to public scrutiny, feedback, and improvement, something other leaders could learn from.

Her efforts in addressing Bangladesh’s medicine quota issue and her directive to ensure that local governments work on non-partisan education policies have already yielded impactful results. Additionally, she has made it her mission to address administrative inefficiencies, such as government email servers often being down, insufficient storage capacities, and frequent data loss. These issues may seem minor on the surface, but they are essential for ensuring a functional, modern government. Shrestha has been vocal in seeking solutions to these problems, unlike many of her peers who remain silent or oblivious.

In a time when many lawmakers fail to understand the intricacies of technology and modern governance, Sumana Shrestha goes the extra mile. She personally trains ministry workers to operate in a tech-driven environment, ensuring that the tools at their disposal are used effectively. Her practical, hands-on approach sets her apart from those who merely talk without action.

The Need for Youth Like Sumana in Politics

As a young voter, I firmly believe that we need more youth like Sumana Shrestha in our political system. She represents a new wave of leadership—one that is mature, well-educated, and focused on real change, rather than political gimmicks. Her presence in parliament is a breath of fresh air in a space that often feels like a circus.

I want to make it clear that I am not a supporter of RSP or its leadership. Their focus on media stunts and their immature behavior in parliament are concerning. However, I acknowledge that every party, even those with flawed leaders, can have individuals like Sumana Shrestha who rise above the rest. She is one of the few who represent what is right in our political system, even if she is part of a party that I do not support.

Educated Leadership: A Need for Efficiency in Government

Our government desperately needs more educated leaders who understand how to run a country efficiently. Ministries should be allocated based on merit, experience, and the ability to deliver results—not on political contributions or loyalty to party leaders. A person like Sumana, who studies the system, understands both the local and global context, and has the vision to implement real change, should be at the forefront of governance.

It is not enough to have PhD holders or so-called “intellectuals” in high positions if they lack the practical knowledge to improve the system. Sumana understands how to motivate government employees, reward good work, and hold underperformers accountable. Her balanced, pragmatic approach ensures that the system runs smoothly and that public funds are used efficiently.

Conclusion: Support Competence Over Politics

The upcoming elections will be crucial for shaping Nepal’s future. As voters, we must focus on electing individuals who are competent and committed to the well-being of the country—regardless of their political affiliation. Sumana Shrestha is an example of the type of leaders we need: educated, practical, and focused on real results. We should not let party lines or political stunts distract us from the good work being done by individuals like her.

Nepal needs more leaders like Sumana Shrestha—leaders who put the country first, who understand the importance of planning and efficiency, and who have the ability to create lasting change. As we head into the next election cycle, let’s remember that the right person in the right place can make all the difference.

These Are my Personal View’s