The common perception is that visiting the Chief District Officer (CDO) for administrative work is a challenging task. Government offices often delay processes, citing missing documents or technicalities, and many such issues end up at the CDO’s desk.
For marginalised, helpless, and underprivileged citizens, navigating the CDO office can be even more frustrating. Minor discrepancies in birth registration or academic certificates can halt their work entirely. Such bureaucratic hurdles have long been newsworthy.
However, some CDOs stand out with a different approach. These officials ensure that no one seeking services, provided they meet minimum document requirements, is turned away. One such example is Meena Aryal, who served as the Chief District Officer of Tehrathum for 11 months.
Under her leadership, Tehrathum’s District Administration Office, which ranked 37th among all districts in the fiscal year 2079/80 BS, improved to 8th place in 2080/81 BS and became the top-ranked district in Koshi Province. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, Tehrathum further progressed to second place nationwide while maintaining the top position in Koshi Province.
“I acknowledge the legal and administrative complexities, but if a CDO genuinely seeks ways to assist people, service seekers won’t face unnecessary difficulties,” Aryal said. “In these 11 months, I never had to tell anyone that their work couldn’t be done.”
Her service-driven approach demonstrates that significant improvements can be made within the existing laws and structures.
Overcoming challenges from an early age
Despite advocating for positive change in governance, Meena Aryal’s personal journey was far from smooth.
Nepal’s law mandates 20 as the minimum age for marriage, but Aryal, originally from Arkhale (now Resunga Municipality-3) in Gulmi, was married at 16. She had a son soon after but continued her education, eventually entering government service at 21.
She was in the ninth grade when she got married in 2044 BS. Determined to complete her education, she passed the SLC exam and later secured a position in Nepal’s civil service in 2049 BS.
Despite challenges, Aryal excelled in her studies and successfully passed the public service exam on her first attempt, becoming an assistant accountant. She later moved to Kathmandu with her husband, Gopal Aryal, who was also pursuing a career in civil service.
In 2055 BS, the couple made history by simultaneously securing officer-level positions in government service. Aryal was the first woman from Gulmi to achieve this milestone. Today, her husband, Gopal Aryal, serves as the Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur.
“Many believe early marriage ruins one’s future, but I see it differently,” Aryal said. “While early marriage isn’t ideal, it doesn’t mean life is over. One must keep striving. Life is about balance and self-satisfaction.”
By managing her family, education, and career simultaneously, Aryal proved that perseverance leads to success. “We are managers—whether at home or in the office. Success comes from handling multiple responsibilities efficiently,” she said. “When there is mutual understanding and cooperation between husband and wife, challenges can be overcome.”
Her leadership at various government offices has been exemplary. “Wherever I go, I dedicate myself fully to my role,” Aryal stated. “I have never compromised my responsibility as a public servant.”
Defying social norms and excelling in civil service
Aryal’s journey was shaped by her father, Kushmakhar Marasini, a farmer in Gulmi who insisted on sending her to school despite prevailing societal norms. In her village, girls were often expected to marry before reaching puberty. However, her father defied this tradition and ensured she received an education.
While many families prioritised their sons’ education and kept daughters confined to household chores, Aryal was given the opportunity to study. She completed her early schooling in her village before moving to the district headquarters, Tamghas, for further studies.
At 16, she married Gopal Aryal, who was also a student at the time. After completing his Intermediate in Arts, Gopal moved to Kathmandu, and Meena followed soon after. “With my husband already working in Kathmandu, I found the support I needed to continue my education,” she recalled.
In 2049 BS, Aryal joined the civil service as an assistant accountant. Within a year, she passed three separate public service exams. Her husband also left teaching to join the civil service, and they both pursued further studies while working.
Their biggest achievement came in 2055 BS when they both secured officer-level positions in the same year. “People often say that marriage hinders education, but that’s not necessarily true,” Aryal remarked.
First female commercial representative in Geneva
Aryal has held various roles throughout her career, including serving as Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva as a commercial representative for three years (2073–2076 BS). She was the first Nepali woman to hold this position, representing Nepal in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international trade institutions.
During her tenure, she played a crucial role in representing Nepal among the WTO’s 164 member countries and worked within the LDC (Least Developed Countries) group.
Her long-held aspiration to serve as a CDO came true when she was appointed as the Chief District Officer of Arghakhanchi before being transferred to Tehrathum. “Wherever I am assigned, I fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my ability,” Aryal stated.
Before her role as CDO, she was a director at the Department of National ID and Civil Registration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. In Arghakhanchi, she initiated a “Employee of the Month” program to motivate government staff.
“It encouraged lower-level employees and boosted morale,” she said. “When work is recognised, it brings self-satisfaction.”
She also implemented immediate relief programs for fire victims, personally delivering Rs 50,000 to affected families on-site. In addition, she introduced fire safety measures, including a regulation mandating that fires in fields be set only before 8 am and under supervision. Those violating the rule faced penalties, while informants were rewarded.
Aryal also emphasised punctuality in public events and discouraged the use of external resources for official functions, a practice she continued in Tehrathum.
Her efforts in infrastructure development include resuming work on a stalled bridge connecting Panchthar and restarting a long-abandoned 10-km section of the Mid-Hill Highway.
During her tenure in Tehrathum, she led the district to the top performance ranking in Koshi Province and seventh nationwide. She introduced QR-code complaint boxes, facilitated housing for government employees, and utilized contingency funds from federal and provincial offices to build staff quarters.
She has also spearheaded a campaign to provide citizenship documents to elderly and disabled individuals at their homes, personally ensuring 15 people received their citizenship within 11 months. Additionally, she has made market monitoring and library management more efficient.
Now transferred to Kathmandu, Aryal reflects on her service: “Society has evolved significantly. Citizens are more aware than ever. The old ways no longer work—we must adapt and improve.”
