Last rites of Sainju observed at Pashupati Aryaghat

Kathmandu, Nov 1: Former Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Mohan Man Sainju, was cremated at the Pashupati Aryaghat on Friday.

His final rites were conducted in the electric crematorium.     

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh; Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel; and NPC Vice-Chair Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari were present at the Aryaghat to pay their last tributes to Sainju, according to the family sources.     

The renowned economist who had struggled with Parkinson's disease passed away on Tuesday evening at his Sanepa-based residence in Lalitpur. He was 83.     

His last rites were conducted on Friday as the family was waiting for the arrival of Sainju's son from abroad, said his daughter Mita Sainju.     

Throughout his career in public service, Dr Sainju held various prominent positions including the Nepal's ambassador to the United States of America, Vice Chair of the Poverty Alleviation Fund, a member of the NPC, Rector at Tribhuvan University (TU) and the Chief Expert for the Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA).     

He was the recipient of various honors including Suprabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Mahendra Bidhya Bhushan, and Prabal Trishakti Patta.     

He has written more than 150 articles on economic, social, and development policies in both English and Nepali languages.     

Sainju is survived by his spouse, a son, and a daughter.(RSS)