Dol Prasad Aryal, the vice president of Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has officially assumed the role of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to him on Sunday at a ceremony held at Kathmandu’s Shital Niwas.
Following his oath, Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal immediately took up his duties after his uncontested election earlier in the day, supported by his party’s strong majority. The upcoming House session is set for Monday afternoon, during which Dol Prasad Aryal will lead the proceedings.
Dol Prasad Aryal’s life journey has been marked by challenges. Born in 1974 in Maidi village of Dhading district, he ventured to Kathmandu in 1992 in pursuit of a better future. His early days in the city were difficult, involving menial jobs like dishwashing and table cleaning at a restaurant to make ends meet.
Over time, he progressed from odd jobs to becoming a tourist guide before spending almost eight years in Japan, gaining valuable experience and a global perspective. Upon his return to Nepal, he ventured into business, investing in tourism, education, and remittance services, thereby creating employment opportunities. Subsequently, he ascended to the position of chief executive of a remittance company.
In addition to his business endeavors, Dol Prasad Aryal actively engaged in social initiatives, contributing to the establishment of a community hospital in Kalikot and participating in relief activities during the COVID-19 crisis, including the distribution of oxygen cylinders.
His foray into politics began in 2022 with the establishment of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, where he emerged as a pivotal figure within the party hierarchy and a trusted confidante of party leader Rabi Lamichhane. Notably, he assumed the role of acting president during a period of internal turmoil.
Having been elected to Parliament from Kathmandu constituency-9, he later served as the Minister for Labour and Employment, with a brief initial term followed by a return to the same post when the party re-entered the government.
Recognized within the party as a composed and equitable leader, Dol Prasad Aryal’s appointment as Speaker positions him in a significant constitutional role, often considered the fourth highest position in the nation.