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CSD Marks its 35th Anniversary with Call for Responsible and Sustainable Microfinance
The Centre for Self-help Development (CSD) marked its 35th anniversary on 13 August 2026 with a commemorative program in Kathmandu, bringing together around 100 dignitaries, representatives of Nepal Rastra Bank, CSD Board members, institutional and non-institutional members, microfinance and cooperative sector representatives, stakeholders and well-wishers.
The program was chaired by Mr. Shankar Man Shrestha, Chairman of CSD, while Mr. Dipendra Bahadur Kshetry, former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, attended as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional Panas. Mr. Rajan Bikram Thapa, Executive Director of the Microfinance Institutions Supervision Department at Nepal Rastra Bank, and Mr. Ram Bahadur Yadav, Chairman of the Nepal Microfinance Bankers’ Association, attended as Special Guests.
Reflecting on CSD’s 35-year journey, Mr. Shankar Man Shrestha recalled the Centre’s early work in rural and underserved communities, particularly in Jumla and Kalikot, where interventions were developed in response to locally identified needs rather than externally designed programs. He highlighted CSD’s community-based initiatives in health, sanitation and basic infrastructure, as well as its efforts to strengthen the capacity of local communities to manage their own resources. He also recalled CSD’s early efforts to establish self-sustaining microfinance initiatives and the creation of the Swabalamban Fund, supported through staff contributions and used to address community-identified needs. According to him, CSD’s early approach remained strongly focused on the socioeconomic advancement of disadvantaged communities and maintained a clear development orientation. Addressing the current challenges of the microfinance sector, Mr. Shrestha expressed concern over multiple financing, over-indebtedness and the erosion of confidence in microfinance institutions. He called for a renewed commitment to the original social purpose of microfinance and urged institutions to embrace the principles of Social Business and Professor Muhammad Yunus’ Three Zero Concept—Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment and Zero Net Carbon Emissions. He also emphasized the need to establish and strengthen quality Three Zero Clubs as a means of engaging young people in sustainable development.
Former Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Mr. Dipendra Bahadur Kshetry highlighted the continuing challenge of poverty in Nepal and noted the role of initiatives such as self-help groups, priority-sector lending and deprived-sector lending in expanding access to financial services and supporting poverty reduction.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Mr. Rajan Bikram Thapa, Executive Director of the Microfinance Institutions Supervision Department at Nepal Rastra Bank, described CSD as a pioneer organization in poverty alleviation. He noted that Nepal’s economic situation remains comparatively stable, pointing to relatively low inflation and strong foreign exchange reserves. On concerns related to credit-plus programs and multiple financing, Mr. Thapa emphasized that Nepal Rastra Bank remains responsive to developments in the sector. He stated that the central bank has consistently opposed multiple financing and has incorporated provisions against the practice in its policies and directives. He urged microfinance institutions to strengthen compliance, governance and institutional discipline. He also encouraged microfinance pioneers, including Mr. Shankar Man Shrestha and Mr. Pitambar Prasad Acharya, to document their experiences and contributions to the development of Nepal’s microfinance movement.
Mr. Ram Bahadur Yadav, Chairman of the Nepal Microfinance Bankers’ Association, stressed that microfinance institutions should place greater emphasis on entrepreneurship development as a pathway to strengthening livelihoods and the overall sector. Acknowledging the challenges and mistakes of the past, he called for institutions to learn from those experiences, correct shortcomings and move forward with greater responsibility.
Mr. Mahendra Kumar Giri, Vice-Chairman of CSD, welcoming the guests, highlighted the Centre’s institutional transformation over the past three and a half decades. He noted that CSD began with community development interventions and practical experience in microfinance and has gradually evolved into an institution focused on microfinance and cooperative development through training, research, workshops, summits and sectoral knowledge-sharing.
Sharing the experience of Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd., CEO Mr. Sanjay Mandal emphasized the relevance of the Three Zero framework in addressing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship. He highlighted the institution’s use of its Client Protection Fund to support members’ children and its efforts to establish a Training and Research Centre providing residential training to youth in skill-based areas such as electrical work, house wiring and mobile repair, along with behavioral and personal development programs.
The Proceeding Report of the 5th National Microfinance Members’ Summit was formally launched during the anniversary celebration. The occasion also continued CSD’s longstanding tradition of recognizing individuals and institutions that have made notable contributions to entrepreneurship development and socioeconomic transformation through microfinance.
The anniversary program also featured a presentation by Mr. Bharat Sah, CEO of Chameli SACCOS, on the proceedings of the 5th National Microfinance Members’ Summit 2082, Nepal Country Forum, held on 22–23 March 2026 in Kathmandu. He highlighted the summit’s discussions on the contributions of microfinance and cooperatives to members’ socioeconomic development, challenges emerging within the sector and measures undertaken to address them. He also presented the nine-point declaration unanimously adopted by the summit.
The Outstanding Entrepreneur Members Award 2081/82 was presented to three outstanding women microfinance members in recognition of their achievements in enterprise development and improved livelihoods. The recipients were Ms. Lila Kumari Tharu of Nawaprativa SACCOS, Nawalparasi; Ms. Sharmila Thebe of Sahara SACCOS, Jhapa; and Ms. Sunita Tharu of Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd., Bardiya. Each recipient received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and an appreciation letter. The awardees have demonstrated significant progress through enterprises ranging from pig farming and livestock rearing to grocery retailing, vegetable cultivation and corn farming. Their achievements reflected the role of access to finance, enterprise development and institutional support in strengthening household income and promoting socioeconomic transformation.
The Laghuudhamsilita Bikas Puraskar 2081/82 was awarded to Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. in recognition of its contribution to the development, support and promotion of entrepreneurship among its members. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and an appreciation letter.
The event concluded with remarks from Mr. Dambar Bahadur Shah, General Manager of Kisan Bahuudesiya Sahakari Sanstha Ltd., who expressed gratitude to CSD’s guests, stakeholders and well-wishers for their continued support and contribution to the Centre’s development.
The 35th anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on CSD’s longstanding contribution to grassroots development, financial inclusion and microfinance practice, while also highlighting the need for a stronger development orientation within the sector. The event underscored the importance of responsible finance, entrepreneurship promotion, good governance, client protection, Social Business and the Three Zero vision in building a more sustainable and inclusive microfinance sector in Nepal.
