Even more significant moment awaits the Shital Niwas. Provided, of course, its new occupant rose to the occasion. 

The building has been housing the office of Nepal’s first commoner head of state for over three months now.  Obviously, of course, the presidential ‘palace’ has a great opportunity of filling a crucial institutional vacuum.

An institution in which the public can put faith in, and pin hopes, in times of crisis.

For this to materialise, the occupant of the Shital Niwas will have to act fast, smart and wise, without nurturing any kingly political ambition.

But taking three months just for appointing aides to the president towards setting up a functioning presidential office was not what one expected in building a new institution of the head of state.

However, better late than never. After a prolonged delay, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav early this week made four key appointments.

He brought four seasoned professionals into his office.

A one-time aide to former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala during his several stints at Baluwatar has been assigned to look after the political and foreign affairs at the president’s office. A political science teacher, Hari Sharma, brings with him experience, knowledge and contacts.

In appointing a lawyer of national and international repute, Surya Dhungel, as his constitutional and legal aide, the president has inducted a man with thorough knowledge and practical experience of the subject at home and abroad, into his team.

In senior journalist, Rajendra Dahal, the president will find a competent advisor on media and public relations. The former editor of Deshantar and Himal Khabarpatrika has also the experience at the Press Council as its chairman.

And, former bureaucrat Vidhyadhar Mallik, fills in for advice on finance and administration. The former finance secretary who recently retired after over a quarter of century in the civil service too brings with him knowledge and experience.

That the constitution does not provide any executive role to the president effectively limits the role and scope of the presidential aides.

But as eyes and ears of the president, they will have their hands full with the job ahead in terms of building the institution of the presidency.

Helping the president discharge his constitutional obligations without an iota of partisan inkling and keeping it above any controversy will be their first and foremost job.

That will go a long way in earning the public faith and hope in the institution.

The bottom line: as one institution after another fell victim to chronic political instability in recent years, the main challenge ahead for building the much-touted new Nepal is building institutions – and consolidating them.

[Courtesy: Spotlight]