Adarshkumar Shrestha Removed from Chairmanship of National Nature Conservation Fund over Dual Benefit Allegations
Adarshkumar Shrestha, appointed by outgoing Prime Minister Sushila Karki as the chairman of the National Nature Conservation Fund, is set to be removed from his position. Shrestha, who was entitled to ministerial-level benefits as chairman, will be dismissed within one and a half months of his appointment. Additionally, he will be relieved from his role as legal advisor to the Social Welfare Council. An ordinance issued on Saturday ordered the removal of both Shrestha and the Council’s member secretary, Sarojkumar Sharma.
Following the House of Representatives election on February 21, as part of the transition process, Prime Minister Karki had appointed her chief personal secretary, Adarshkumar Shrestha, as chairman of the National Nature Conservation Fund. However, he is now slated for removal just one and a half months after his appointment. The list of institutional officeholders to be dismissed includes the National Nature Conservation Fund as well.
The schedule states, “Chairman and members of the board of directors of the National Nature Conservation Fund as per Section 5 of the National Nature Conservation Fund Act, 2039 (Nepali calendar).” According to legal provisions, the Prime Minister serves as the patron of the Fund and appoints its chairman. The legal term for the chairman’s tenure is five years; however, the new ordinance has annulled this provision through amendments.
The chairman of the Fund enjoys ministerial-level benefits. Former Prime Minister Karki had advanced the practice of appointing individuals who have contributed to wildlife and nature conservation. After dual appointments came to light publicly from both sides, Genji activist Rejan Ranamagar raised questions on social media about this issue last week. The ordinance issued on Saturday also ordered the removal of Sarojkumar Sharma, legal advisor and member secretary of the Social Welfare Council, alongside chairman Shrestha.
