Chitralekha Yadav arrived in Australia a few weeks ago to take over the post of Nepali Ambassador to Australia. She came to Canberra after being appointed by the Government of Nepal and has submitted her certificate of status to the Governor General here.

There are about 2 lakh Nepalis in Australia, and there are still complaints about the service of the embassy, ​​the hassle of making a passport, the embassy's phone not being picked up, etc. Narayan Khadka, a former education minister and Deputy Speaker of Kantipur, had a conversation with her: What are your main priorities as an ambassador?

Mainly, my main priority will be to further improve the relationship between the two countries. The expansion of diplomatic relations, the possibility of a high-level diplomatic visit between the two countries and preparations are also on my priority, and I have started preparing for it. I have already given a formal invitation to the Governor General to visit Nepal while submitting the certificate of residence. Likewise, I will also work towards the exchange of experience through mutual interaction and discussion between the parliamentary groups between the two countries. The idea is to use it in the interest of Nepal by discussing it with a professional organization that can lobby in favor of Nepal. 

There is a shortage of manpower in the embassy. Is there any plan to address that ?

As the population increases, there is a need for manpower to meet the demand. Foreign Ministry has decided to add two more employees. We will be greatly relieved if they come as soon as possible. On the other hand, the consular services in the state will also be streamlined and improved.

Nepal is still third in the number of international students. What are the plans to take initiatives for the benefit of students as a Nepalese ambassador?

We are taking information about this and trying to find some new dimensions . We have thought to discuss how we can work for the services and concessions of Nepali students. Again, since Nepalese students will make a financial contribution of two billion dollars, there is a plan to work to increase some educational facilities such as increasing scholarships. Now, Australia is an important country for Nepali students to study higher education and I have started discussions with the relevant bodies here for the rights and interests of the students.

How do you address and improve the growing discontent towards the embassy recently?

Since I arrived, I have found that everyone who has come to the embassy to receive service has been satisfied . To date I have not received any personal complaints about the embassy. The embassy has also developed a system. If you study all the information on the website of the embassy before coming here, it will be easy to work and do it. We have provided immediate service even when we are in trouble . Complaints about the embassy may not be picked up, but to solve it, we are thinking of assigning responsibility to an employee. 

Nepalese participation in Australian politics is increasing and even the political parties here are showing interest to Nepalese, how do you use it to expand diplomatic relations?

The main thing is that anyone of Nepali origin who has got an opportunity to represent in politics here should be supported by everyone. It is easy for Nepalese to reach the place where the laws of this country are made and lobby there. We should all be positive about this and cooperate with an open heart . On the other hand, I found that the image of Nepal and Nepali is very good here and it will be discussed how it can be worked for the benefit of Nepal and Nepali by diplomatic initiative and effort. 

Since you are the ambassador of Australia as well as New Zealand, Fiji, New Guinea and other countries, how do you give your presence and service to the Nepalis of those countries?

We have discussed this recently and we agree that no one here should suffer without receiving the services of the embassy . I have decided to call the consul here and discuss how and in what manner effective service can be provided and write to the Foreign Ministry for instructions. We will call the embassies and consuls in all regions and inform the foreigner about what powers can be delegated. 

As soon as the government changes, the ambassador changes . How can it be addressed for its stability?

What should be clear in this is that the embassy is appointed by the government of Nepal. Where to send the ambassador is done by the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal. So none of us came here independently and individually. Since we came according to the instructions of the foreign ministry, we have to accept what the foreign ministry decides tomorrow. The government of Nepal will decide how many years to stay. A stable government is necessary for this.