Aashik Karki enters race for ECAN secretary

KATHMANDU: Aashik Karki, the incumbent Treasurer of the Education Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN), has officially registered his candidacy for the post of Secretary in the upcoming executive committee election.

Widely regarded as a strong and capable contender, Karki’s candidacy has drawn significant attention within the ECAN fraternity.

Known for his results-driven leadership rather than rhetoric, Karki has steadily risen through the organization, serving first as an executive committee member and later as Treasurer.

During his tenure, he is credited with managing ECAN’s financial resources in a transparent, efficient, and professional manner—earning widespread appreciation from member consultancies.

Reflecting on his previous election commitments, Karki stated that most of the agendas and action plans he presented while contesting for Treasurer were successfully implemented after his election. “I have left no room for doubt when it comes to fulfilling my commitments and responsibilities,” he said. “Increasing institutional income, reducing unnecessary expenditures, and initiating capacity-building programs for member businesses were my core priorities.”

Beyond his role as Treasurer, Karki has also effectively served as Coordinator of ECAN’s Media Department. His focus on institutional branding and outreach strengthened ECAN’s visibility, while his approachable and practical demeanor helped him build a positive rapport with media professionals.

Under his leadership, several initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting the interests of education consultancies were successfully completed.

One of his notable contributions includes initiating nationwide tax-related training and workshops, providing entrepreneurs with accurate and practical tax knowledge.

He also played a key role in decentralizing ODM biometric services for Japan, the UK, and Australia, making them accessible from outside Kathmandu—saving both time and money for consultancies across the country.

In coordination with banks, Karki facilitated access to unsecured loans of up to Rs 1.5 million for ECAN members. He also supported the introduction of QR and PhonePay-based credit services in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank and Citizens Bank.

Furthermore, his efforts were instrumental in resolving the backlog of 4,100 Japan visa applications halted after the COVID-19 pandemic and in improving the availability of PTE examination dates.

Karki has consistently contributed to fundraising for ECAN programs and, on several occasions, personally sponsored events through his own company to ensure their success.

Having long been involved in the collective mission to make Nepal’s education consultancy sector more organized, empowered, and respected, Karki now says he is ready to take on the responsibility of Secretary. “We have established a solid foundation at ECAN—now it’s time to accelerate progress,” he remarked. “I seek the opportunity to work with dedication toward institutional strengthening and the protection of members’ rights.”

Emphasizing that clear vision and strong determination can turn even the impossible into reality, Karki recalled his role in elevating ECAN to a more corporate and professional standard during his tenure as Treasurer.

As he now seeks a more administrative and strategic role, he has appealed to all ECAN members for their support, cooperation, and invaluable votes in the upcoming election.