Jagdish Kharel

Jagdish Kharel (born 6 August 1982) is a Nepali media professional and government official who has served as a journalist for 16 years in the Nepali media landscape. As of September 2025, he serves as the Minister of Information and Communication Technology in the interim government of Sushila Karki, the Prime Minister of Nepal.

Honourable Jagdish Kharel
जगदिश खरेल
Minister of Communication and Information Technology of Nepal
Incumbent
Assumed office 22 September 2025
President	Ram Chandra Poudel
Prime Minister	Sushila Karki
Vice President	Ram Sahaya Yadav
Preceded by	Prithvi Subba Gurung
Personal details
Born	(1983-08-06) 6 August 1983 (age 42) Dolakha, Nepal
Party	Independent
Spouse	Suprava KC
Education	Tribhuvan University Masters in Mass Communication
Website	https://jagdishkharel.com.np/

On 21 September 2025, Prime Minister Karki recommended Kharel to the ministerial role amid widespread Gen Z–led protests calling for greater transparency, digital inclusion, and systemic reform. He was sworn in on 22 September 2025.

Over the years, Kharel has earned recognition for his fearless journalism, compelling interviews, and deep commitment to public service. With his transition from media to governance, he has expressed an aim to uphold media freedom while strengthening institutional frameworks. His initial priorities include accelerating the nationwide 5G rollout and enhancing capacity-building programs for local media outlets.

Career and education

Jagdish Kharel was born in Sunkhani, Dolakha District, Nepal. Growing up, he was inspired by his father’s dedication to social work. From a young age, Kharel demonstrated a talent for public speaking, winning competitions at both school and district levels. He was often encouraged to build a career in either politics or media.

After completing his SLC examination, Kharel moved to Kathmandu for further education. Encouraged by his elder brother, he pursued a career in journalism and obtained a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Tribhuvan University. In 2021, he joined the first cohort of the university’s MPhil-PhD program in International Relations and Diplomacy. His research focuses on topics such as foreign aid and Nepal’s role in global affairs, with notable analyses of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) deal from realist and liberal perspectives.

Kharel was found to be active member as well as regional representative of Nepali Congress when he was sworn as minister.^[1]