Kashi Chandra Baral is the former Mayor of Raskot Municipality in Kalikot, Nepal. He has played a pivotal role in the development of the municipality, known for his commitment to social transformation and infrastructure development.
Early Life and Education
Kashi Chandra Baral (काशीचन्द्र बराल) was born on Kartik 22, 2028 B.S. in Bakharkot village, Raskot Municipality-8, Kalikot district, Nepal. His parents, Pulthisara Baral and Prajapati Baral, were farmers. Kashi’s childhood was a blend of joy and hardship, marked by curiosity and a keen interest in exploration. Despite the struggles of poverty, he found happiness in simple pleasures, such as tending to cattle and assisting with household chores.
Kashi’s education began at Janjagriti Primary School in Dugridada, Fukot-8, and continued at Badimalika Secondary School in Syuna-5, Kalikot. He was the top student in his class. He faced significant challenges, including a long daily commute to school—one hour for primary education and three hours for secondary education. The lack of proper classrooms meant he often studied outdoors.
Personal Life
Growing up in a modest farming family, Kashi experienced the difficulties of poverty firsthand. An incident during his school days, where he was unjustly punished by a teacher, ignited his passion for fighting injustice and social discrimination. Inspired by his father’s involvement in politics as a ward member, Kashi decided to pursue a career in politics.
Political Career
Kashi Chandra Baral’s political journey began in 2045 B.S. when he served as the unit secretary of ANNFSU at Patan Multiple Campus. In the same year, he joined the CPN Mashal party. He played an active role in the 2046 B.S. Jana Andolan (People’s Movement) and held several key positions, including central representative of ANNFSU Karnali Zone and district secretary of United People’s Front Nepal in Kalikot.
In 2054 B.S., Kashi was elected unopposed as the chairman of Fukot VDC from the CPN-UML. During the armed conflict in Nepal, he became a full-time cadre in 2056 B.S. and held various important positions within the Maoist party, including special committee secretary, member of the Bheri-Karnali Sub-Bureau, and central committee member.
In 2074 B.S., Kashi was elected Mayor of Raskot Municipality. His tenure was marked by significant achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, and social welfare.
Contributions and Achievements
Kashi Chandra Baral’s leadership in Raskot Municipality led to numerous developmental projects:
- Five-Year Periodic and Ten-Year Strategic Plans: Formulated and implemented for the municipality.
- Digital Profile and Master Plan: Developed for the municipality, including permanent physical structures.
- RCP Minimarket: Constructed with 100 shops to generate sustainable municipal income.
- Water Supply Campaign: Successfully provided water to 1,800 out of 2,800 households.
- Healthcare Improvements: Established a 15-bed hospital and operationalized Raskot Hospital.
- Raskot Labor Employment Bank: Created, providing jobs to 260 youth.
- Road Expansion: Built over 100 kilometers of roads in various wards.
- Affordable Cooperative Store: Operated to provide essential goods at reasonable prices.
- Government Pharmacy: Established to offer quality pharmaceutical services.
- Apple Zone and Walnut Block: Set up to promote agricultural development.
- Construction of Health Posts: Completed six primary health post buildings.
- Education Infrastructure: Built permanent buildings for four secondary schools and 20 primary schools.
- Disaster Management Plan: Developed and effectively managed disaster relief programs.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Completed a 75-kilowatt solar energy project and multiple micro-hydropower projects.
- Traditional Skills-Based Community Business Conservation Programs: Implemented programs for communities such as the pottery business for the Kumale community in Ward 3 and the community garment industry for the tailor community in Ward 8.
Current Roles and Legacy
Kashi Chandra Baral continues to be actively involved in politics and social service. He is a member of the Central Election Commission of the CPN (UML). He has also held leadership roles in cooperatives, including the Himchuli Agricultural Cooperative and the District Cooperative Association. Currently, he is working as a director at the National Cooperative Federation of Nepal.
Personal Philosophy and Advice
Kashi believes in the importance of understanding the realities of one’s homeland and planning accordingly. He advises the youth to remain creative, diligent, patient, and result-oriented. He emphasizes the potential of Nepal as a land of opportunities and encourages young people to contribute to its development.