Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal successfully conducted a review program at Hotel Horizon, Dhulikhel, to assess the progress of the initiative “Modern Energy Cooking Services – Accelerating the Uptake of EPCs in Nepal through Creating a Sustainable Supply Chain and Demand Stimulation.”
The event was honored by special guests, including Ram Sharan Bhandari (Mayor of Panauti Municipality), Kunsang Lama (Mayor of Namobuddha Municipality), Bhagwan Adhikari (President of Bethanchowk Municipality), and Niranjan Jangam (Deputy Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality). Other notable attendees included Arjun Sapkota (Treasurer of the District Co-operative Union), Ishwor Chandra Ghimire (Principal of Banepa Polytechnic Institute), chairpersons of various wards, section officers of various Municipalities , reporters, and representatives from WACN promoted SACCOs.
Presided over by Srijana Poudel, President of Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal, the program reviewed key activities, budget and survey findings, with a special focus on the distribution of nearly 1,800 subsidized Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) in collaboration with the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) initiative. The efforts have played a significant role in promoting modern, energy-efficient cooking solutions.
During the event, Ram Sharan Bhandari commended the program’s achievements and emphasized the importance of raising community awareness to further increase the adoption of electric cooking appliances. Kunsang Lama highlighted the rising demand for EPCs and urged for expanded government subsidies to encourage the use of domestically produced electricity. Bhagwan Adhikari expressed gratitude to Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal for implementing the program and called for a 100% subsidy for flood and landslide-affected areas like Bethanchowk. Similarly, Niranjan Jangam reaffirmed the municipality’s strong commitment to the program’s objectives.
A highlight of the program was the distribution of essential toolkits to trained technicians by the guests, ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the initiative by supporting the repair and maintenance of electric appliances.
The event successfully underscored the progress and impact of the program while charting the way forward for its continued succeess.