Author: space4knews

March 22, Kathmandu – A new ride-sharing application, ‘L Basam’, developed through the initiative, skills, and domestic investment of Nepali youth, has officially commenced operations. Launched with the slogan “Let’s all ride together,” this platform utilizes technology developed domestically, marking a new identity of self-reliance for Nepal.

The company publicly unveiled the ride-sharing app during a press conference held on Sunday.

Operating from its office in Tarkeshwor-8, Sheshmati, Kathmandu, ‘L Basam’ currently provides services exclusively within the Kathmandu Valley. The company aims to expand its services soon to major cities such as Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and Chitwan. Additionally, it plans to introduce food delivery services in the near future.

In the initial phase, the company has waived all service fees for drivers using the app.

The Rise of a Domestic Alternative

While acknowledging the initial demand for foreign ride-sharing apps, the company’s management emphasized that the launch of a homegrown platform is a significant achievement. Vishnu Raj Giri, one of the directors, noted that since the Nepali app includes localized features, there is no need to remain dependent on foreign apps. He highlighted the economic impact of large sums of money flowing out of the country through foreign app transactions and expressed confidence that ‘L Basam’ will help reduce this outflow.

According to the management, ‘L Basam’ is not only a service, but an initiative combining Nepali technology, skills, and hard work to create economic value within the country.

The company stated that the platform’s primary goal is to make Nepal’s transportation system safe, respectful, and technologically friendly. It has adopted a strategy focused on transparency and accountability to build trust among users.

Currently operating only in Kathmandu Valley, ‘L Basam’ plans to expand to other major cities nationwide. Director Sitaram Adhikari shared, “We have started service in Kathmandu Valley and plan to extend to key cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and Chitwan soon.” He also confirmed preparations underway to launch food delivery services in the near term.

More than 250 drivers are currently connected with the app, which is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

‘Pink Mode’ for Women Passengers

‘L Basam’ promotes a concept where drivers are regarded not just as drivers but as partners. The company ensures respect and fair opportunities for drivers while valuing passengers as members of the community, not just customers. Drivers and passengers are defined on the platform as ‘guardians’ or ‘family.’

To ensure female passengers’ safety, a ‘Pink Mode’ feature has been introduced allowing women riders to select only female drivers. The company believes this feature will contribute to women’s empowerment and employment opportunities.

Accident insurance is provided for both passengers and drivers. Passengers can view estimated fares before booking a ride and propose fares according to their budget, which drivers can accept or decline.

After each trip, both passengers and drivers receive digital coupons that give them a chance to win cash prizes, smartphones, and various gadgets through a lucky draw.

For security, drivers must upload verified documents including a driver’s license, vehicle blue book, and a photo of the vehicle. Real-time live tracking and an emergency SOS button are also integrated into the app.

March 21, Palpa – Two Indian male tourists have gone missing after drowning in the Tinau River in Palpa. According to police, the incident occurred near the headbox of the hydropower project located at Dovan Damside, Tinau Rural Municipality-3.

Police further report that the missing men were part of a group of five individuals. Following the discovery of the drowning, local residents, Armed Police Force personnel, and staff from the Dovan Police Post have launched search operations. The identities and addresses of the missing men remain undisclosed at this time.

March 22, Dhangadhi – Disputes over political appointments in the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) in the Sudurpaschim Province have escalated to the point where the parliamentary party leader may be replaced.

Rajendra Singh Rawal, leader of the parliamentary party, has been criticized by the UML Sudurpaschim Province Committee for making appointments, including to the hospital management committee, unilaterally and without consultation. The committee has communicated these concerns to the party’s central leadership.

“He has made political appointments within various government bodies without consulting the party committee. He has been recommending candidates on his own accord,” said UML provincial chair Krishna Prasad Jaishi. “We have sent a report on this matter to the party headquarters.”

Former Chief Minister Rawal has been accused of losing contact with the party. In response, the Krishna Pur Municipality Committee of the National Youth Union of Nepal in Kanchanpur organized a lockout at the parliamentary party office on Sunday, protesting his absence.

Participants in the lockout accused Rawal of acting unilaterally in political appointments, favoring individuals who obstructed candidates during the House of Representatives election, and ignoring repeated attempts to contact him.

Rawal’s Response

Rawal denied all allegations against him, stating there was no truth to the accusations. He clarified that so far, all appointments, such as those to the Mahakali Provincial Hospital’s management committee, were made based on party advice.

He emphasized that all recommendations were made after consultations with the provincial party chair and other leaders. “All appointments were recommended only after discussions, including with the provincial chairperson,” Rawal said. “It is unclear to me why they are spreading misleading claims now.”

He also noted that due to some health issues, he had not been able to maintain regular contact with party leaders.

Rawal added that attempts were being made to stir controversy when he recommended Jamuna Chand from Bajhang as chair of the Khaptad Tourism Development Committee. “Is it a mistake to recommend a woman for an executive role? These were suggestions made by them. The decision of the parliamentary party leader should also be respected,” he said, “It’s not my duty to merely follow whatever the provincial chair says.”

According to one party leader, questions over Rawal’s leadership style have prompted provincial leaders and lawmakers to actively consider replacing the parliamentary party leader. However, those aspiring to the position await guidance from the central party leadership.

“The party is facing problems due to his leadership style. Everyone agrees that it is necessary to seek alternatives and move forward,” said a lawmaker. “The province has already sent a formal note to the party headquarters. We are waiting to see what kind of directives come from the center.”

Three Leaders Aspiring for Leadership

The UML has 11 members in the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly. Among them, Rawal is the parliamentary party leader and Santosh Sharma Thapa serves as deputy leader.

Koilidevi Chaudhary holds the post of deputy speaker. Chakrabhadur Malla, elected from Doti, is the chief secretary, while Janaki Kunwar from Baitadi is the assistant secretary.

There are three ministers from UML: Surendra Bahadur Pal, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development; Birbahadur Thapa, Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Hira Parki, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law. Nirmala Saud serves as State Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development. Dharma Raj Pathak is chair of the Social Development Committee.

According to sources, three key leaders aspiring for the parliamentary party leader position are deputy leader Santosh Sharma Thapa, chief secretary Chakrabhadur Malla, and Social Development Committee chair Dharma Raj Pathak.

“All three are contesting the leadership position and discussing it in their own ways. However, personal ambition alone is not enough,” said one lawmaker. “The opinions, advice, and directives from the central party and provincial committee are also essential.”

Thapa considers it natural to vie for the leadership role since he is currently the deputy leader. Central member Malla is actively working to build support for his candidacy.

Dharma Raj Pathak claims that as a younger leader, he has the capacity to lead the parliamentary party effectively.

March 21, Pokhara – Following the extraordinary public mandate in the February 21 elections, the ninth session of Gandaki Province’s Provincial Assembly commenced on Sunday as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) prepares to form the federal government.

While discussions continue around the federal government formation under Balendra Shah, established parties in Gandaki are conducting their own internal reviews and analyzing the election outcomes.

The Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), both formed after the Jana Andolan movement, are set to be in the incoming government, as are the Maoist party (formerly CPN-Maoist) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), both with legislative representation in the provincial assembly.

In the elections, Congress secured two seats from Mustang and Manang districts, while UML, Maoist, RPP and other parties won no seats there. An independent candidate, Mahavir Pun, won in Myagdi with support from Raswapa, which won 15 seats by a wide margin.

There has been keen interest in how these parties will assess the current situation in the Provincial Assembly, their views on the new federal government, and their interpretation of the election results.

On the first day of the ninth session held Sunday, leaders from the three major parties shared their perspectives. Leaders of Congress, UML, and Maoist parties accepted the clear message from the electorate and pledged serious self-reflection, though some still find it difficult to fully accept the election outcomes.

They described the results as unexpected and raised various concerns, also warning of strong resistance against any attempts to undermine provincial rights.

Former Chief Minister and UML General Secretary Khagaraj Adhikari expressed objections to the federal government’s criticism of lawmakers’ support for lawmaking in the assembly.

Adhikari stated that the election demonstrated that mere development projects are insufficient, and a more profound review is necessary to understand how such results occurred.

He accused the Supreme Court under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki of initiating disrespect toward the province, a practice purportedly continued by the current government.

“We do not accept a situation where the province is compelled to follow orders and directives blindly. Should such pressure recur, we will strongly protest,” Adhikari remarked.

He also highlighted pride in the achievements of provincial and local governments, emphasizing their significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic challenges.

Adhikari stressed the need to respect the people’s verdict but underscored that attacks on the province will not be tolerated, while also voicing concerns about the nation’s survival.

Congress leader Mahendra Dhwaj Jisi stated that the party is ready to correct its mistakes and that programs from the Jana Andolan movement through the elections were implemented as planned.

“When a nation itself is fragile, where is the scope for reform? We are neither despondent nor overly enthusiastic. It seems we must look back and resolve to amend our errors,” Jisi asserted.

He compared the events to the September 24 incident, calling it a prelude to the February 21 election, which in turn is a repeat of that prelude, adding, “Now it is time to watch the full movie unfold.”

CPN (UML) leader Haribahadur Chuman conducted a serious review of the weaknesses within the old parties and his own. He acknowledged that all parties faced tests from the people’s demands, with the older parties being rejected.

Chuman said, “We cannot blame others; the problem lies within us. We have failed to practice democracy properly.”

He noted that populism is a product of democracy itself and called for acknowledging each party’s role in its rise. He admitted that work at the federal, provincial, and local levels has been weak and has failed to meet public expectations.

He pointed out the increase in corruption and inefficiency in administrative restructuring. He warned that problems in administration may intensify due to issues with the personnel system.

March 21, Kathmandu – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case against 23 individuals, including former Secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, on charges of corruption in the construction of the Pokhara Airport.

The charges have been brought against former directors of the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Sanjiv Gautam, Rajan Pokhrel, Pradeep Adhikari, Deputy Director Mahendra Singh Rawal, Director Baburam Paudel, former Deputy Director Dhruv Das Bochhibhoya (and his wife Yamuna Devi Shrestha), and Deputy Director Praveen Neupane.

Additionally, the case includes former managers of the authority and key figures in the national pride project: Chandmaya Shrestha, Binesh Munkarmi, Himjyoti Thapa, Deputy Manager Pramod Nepal, Senior Accounts Officer Narendra Raj Sainju, Deputy Manager Sabin Phuyal, and Officer Rajaram Chaudhary.

The CIAA has also filed charges against consultant team leader Yambahadur Adhikari, ERMC chief Uddhavraj Chaulagain, architect Shobendraraj Joshi, Slate Consultants’ Pramod Dawadi, consulting company ARMC, and the contractor China’s CAMC company, including Project Manager Yang Zhigang, key representative Wang Bo, and the company itself.

In total, the CIAA has filed the case against 23 individuals, accusing them of causing a financial loss of NPR 461.5 million.

According to the CIAA, the contract agreement allocated USD 280,000 for the design review and construction supervision consultant services.

However, the commission claims that without utilizing this allocated amount, an additional NPR 503.4 million was improperly spent from a separate budget of the Civil Aviation Authority.

The CIAA further argues that issuing a letter of intent on September 7, 2016 (Bhadra 22, 2073), under these circumstances was itself improper. The commission stated, ‘The decision to appoint the consultants and the initiation of the procurement process were found to be conducted in bad faith.’

Instead of using the contract-allocated budget, the commission asserts that the costs were artificially inflated, resulting in duplicate expenditures from the authority’s assets.

Subsequently, the project signed an agreement worth NPR 428.9 million with ERMC Slate JV Company, with payments totaling NPR 406.8 million made.

Although the contractor was supposed to appoint the consultant as per the agreement, appointing the consultant using the authority’s budget was deemed inappropriate by the CIAA.

The commission has demanded full accountability from Secretary Adhikari while assigning varying degrees of responsibility to others involved.

Their investigation revealed that the cost estimates were inflated and that consultant fees should have been covered from the contract amount rather than direct payments from the authority.

It is also claimed that cost estimates prepared for using internal budget funds included an excess of NPR 195.2 million, with active involvement from then-director Pradeep Adhikari.

Despite funds for consultancy services, machines and equipment were reportedly purchased in bad faith, and disbursements began before loan agreements were finalized, according to the CIAA.

March 21, Kathmandu – Police have arrested five individuals on charges of defrauding victims by promising high-paying foreign employment but failing to deliver.

The accused include 36-year-old Arjun Bahadur Paudel from Bardiya residing in Kirtipur Municipality–7, Kathmandu; 46-year-old Dilli Ram Bhujel from Sarlahi currently living in Mahalaxmi Municipality–7, Lalitpur; 43-year-old Uma Gurung from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–16; 33-year-old Ashish Mahat from Kaski residing in Lalitpur Metropolitan City–7; and 35-year-old Sangita Shrestha from Ramechhap living in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality–4, Bhaktapur.

Specifically, Arjun was accused of taking NPR 330,000 from one victim under the pretense of sending them to Croatia; Dilli defrauded one victim of NPR 299,000 with a promise to send them to the Maldives; Uma took NPR 200,000 from one victim for a job in the United Kingdom; Ashish accepted NPR 2.3 million from a victim for employment in the UK; and Sangita collected NPR 368,000 from a victim promising to send them to Portugal. All subsequently went out of contact, according to the complaints lodged.

Based on these complaints, police teams from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku arrested Uma and Sangita from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–12, Ashish from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–10 on Sunday. Arjun was arrested from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–4 and Dilli from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–9 on Friday. The central police news office provided this information.

The suspects have been handed over to the Department of Foreign Employment in Tahachal, Kathmandu for further investigation and legal proceedings.

‘Issue Raised by Parliamentary Committee’

Documents and comments submitted from District Government Attorney Offices in Kathmandu, Rupandehi, Kaski, and others concerning cases for disposal indicate involvement of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General in the review process. Below are the key details presented:

1. Ravi Lamichhane filed petitions related to ongoing court cases against cooperative directors in various courts concerning embezzlement and misappropriation of cooperative funds.

Requests were made to this office on the dates of Mangsir 23, Poush 20, and Poush 23, 2082 BS, to register cases against him on charges of cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering motivated by political retaliation.

Reviewing the comments and associated documents related to the petitions, the following facts emerge—

a) There have been complaints lodged at various times regarding the misappropriation of savings held in cooperative institutions.

Subsequently, a Special Parliamentary Investigation Committee was formed in 2081 BS, under the Federal Parliament, to identify cooperative problems, suggest remedies, and recommend action against individuals involved in embezzlement.

The committee conducted a detailed study concerning the transfer of funds from various cooperatives to companies and submitted an investigation report in 2081 BS.

The report states, ‘Although no documents confirm Ravi Lamichhane’s involvement in the process of funds moving from cooperatives to Gorkha Media Pvt. Ltd., his participation in the operational expenditure process of this media company is evident’ (Parliamentary Special Investigation Committee Report, page 449).

The Federal Parliament Secretariat forwarded the report to the Government of Nepal, which in turn submitted recommendations concerning the Home Ministry’s authority to implement the parliamentary committee’s suggestions based on Cabinet decisions.

b) Consistent with these decisions, the Home Ministry directed the Nepal Police Headquarters to take necessary action.

This letter includes instructions to implement the recommendations of the parliamentary committee’s report.

The Police Headquarters corresponded with relevant districts to enforce the suggestions, and investigations have proceeded accordingly.

c) Based on the parliamentary and local investigation reports, the Kaski District Court filed a case on Ashoj 18, 2081 BS, accusing misuse of savers’ funds.

Additional Name Added Through Fraudulent Complaint

Following the initial charges, as early investigations failed to yield evidence, a subsequent complaint was filed adding complainant Ravi Lamichhane’s name. Based on both the parliamentary report and the new complaint, additional illegal charges were added without further investigation.

On Poush 7, 2081 BS, supplementary charges of cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering were included, leading to a supplementary indictment.

d) On Poush 21, 2081 BS, a charge was filed in Kathmandu District Court related to the misuse of funds of depositors from Swarnalaxmi Multipurpose Cooperative Institution.

e) On Baishakh 3, 2081 BS, Rupandehi District Court filed charges related to the embezzlement of savers’ funds from Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative Institution.

In the above-mentioned cooperative fraud cases, additional charges of organized crime and money laundering were also filed through supplementary indictments.

f) On Magh 22, 2081 BS, a case was registered in Chitwan District Court for fraud involving misuse of depositor funds of Sahara Chitwan Multipurpose Cooperative Ltd., with the complainant also named as a defendant.

g) On Ashoj 23, 2080 BS, a case was filed in Parsa District Court accusing misuse of funds from Sano Paila Savings and Credit Cooperative Ltd.

Subsequently, on Falgun 2, 2080 BS, an organized crime charge was added.

On Jestha 29, 2082 BS, individuals who were neither committee members nor cooperative affiliates were also named as defendants, with added charges of cooperative fraud and organized crime, resulting in a supplementary indictment.

Complaint from Narayan Bahadur Pahrai

Overall, cases center on misappropriation of savers’ funds in these cooperatives.

2) On Poush 3, 2082 BS, Narayan Bahadur Pahrai, a depositor from Supreme Cooperative in Rupandehi, submitted a notarized self-declaration with a petition stating that his original complaint was filed differently and challenged the manner in which his case was registered, but the court refused to register it, sending the documents via mail.

His letter states –

‘I have not filed any complaint outside the cooperative. Ravi Lamichhane did not mislead me to save money in the cooperative. It is inappropriate to file a complaint against those not responsible for the misuse of my savings. The complaint registered against me is entirely fabricated. My original complaint dates to Ashoj 4, 2081 BS.’

This self-declaration was notarized and submitted to the investigating officer and suggests conditions that differ from the prosecution’s narrative. The complainant’s self-declaration merits serious consideration.

Priority on Recovery of Savings

3) The initial cases all originated from the Special Parliamentary Investigation Committee, which clarified that Ravi Lamichhane had no involvement.

The committee recommended holding all concerned parties legally accountable for illegally taking or spending cooperative funds.

Upon the proper transfer of cooperative funds to companies, it was advised that these companies be regulated under the Company Act.

Cooperative victims and depositors have met with the Attorney General’s office delegations, appealing, ‘Regardless of who is implicated, our savings must be recovered.’

The key issue is that savers have been unable to recover their funds, which have been misused. It is the state’s paramount duty to protect the interests and funds of these depositors.

Depositors hoping to recover their money now file cases and complaints as their last resort.

Justice Barriers Evident

a) Except in Chitwan District Court, other courts have initially filed charges only for cooperative fraud but later added charges of organized crime and money laundering.

Section 131(a) of the Cooperative Act, 2074 (amended 2081), allows settlement for cooperative fraud but not for organized crime or money laundering offenses.

Savers, deprived of their funds, are compelled to resort to complaints as a final measure.

It is the state’s critical responsibility to ensure the swift return of savings earned through the labor of low-income earners.

‘Based on available information, when prosecution adds charges beyond cooperative fraud, such as organized crime and money laundering, it increasingly closes the door to justice for victims.’

If convicted for organized crime and money laundering, penalties including fines and asset confiscations are possible, which conflicts with the victims’ interests.

If deposited funds become indirectly associated with money laundering, they risk confiscation and loss.

b) Cooperative directors or involved parties can recover savers’ funds by claiming fake loans or opening fraudulent accounts.

Similarly, funds transferred from cooperatives to companies can be recovered by liquidating company assets.

However, if charges of organized crime and money laundering remain, even this legal recourse is blocked, contrary to victims’ expectations.

There is a legal justification to keep open pathways for settlements to resolve these issues.

c) The conclusions and recommendations of the Special Parliamentary Investigation Committee serve as the basis of these cases.

They highlight the need for medical and legal measures to restore savers’ funds.

‘Settlement Path Must Remain Open’

Maintaining charges of organized crime and money laundering likely closes off settlement avenues for cooperative savers.

The parliamentary committee stresses that savings must be refunded as swiftly as possible.

Therefore, although legal proceedings continue, arrangements should be made under the amended law to enable deposit refunds.

d) To achieve this objective, it is necessary to amend charges following Section 36 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 2074, ensuring justice for victims.

It is recommended that in initial, additional, and supplementary indictments, charges of organized crime and money laundering be removed, preserving the possibility of deposit refunds by amending accusations accordingly.

Decision to Withdraw Organized Crime and Money Laundering Charges

4) Based on the aforementioned factual and legal grounds, the following decision has been made:

a) Petitioner Ravi Lamichhane claims political retaliation via charges of cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering and has requested case dismissal.

Under Section 36 of the Criminal Procedure Code, amendment of charges is warranted to prioritize the interests of victim savers.

In courts of Kaski, Kathmandu, Rupandehi, Parsa, and Chitwan districts, cooperative fraud charges will remain, but organized crime and money laundering charges will be removed through amendments.

Accordingly, notices will be sent to the respective District Government Attorney Offices to proceed further.

Poush 30, 2082 BS

Sabita Bhandari

Attorney General

……………………

Similarly, on Magh 2, 2082 BS, the phrase ‘claimed under the right of the individual’ was removed from the charge of money laundering in case number 4(K) item 11.

Magh 2, 2082 BS

Sabita Bhandari

Attorney General

(Edited excerpt of the Attorney General’s Office submission to the Supreme Court)

March 21, Rautahat – An electric shock claimed the life of an 84-year-old woman in Basantpur, Chandrapur Municipality-8, Rautahat.

Kanchi Devi Chaudhary, originally from Manharwa, Gujara Municipality-1, suffered a fatal electric shock on Sunday afternoon, according to the Central News Desk of Nepal Police.

She was seriously injured after coming into contact with an electric motor connected to a water pump and died while receiving treatment at Chapur Hospital in Chapur.

The police have confirmed that a necessary investigation into the incident is underway.

RSP leaders who are advancing the formation of the new government have begun urging those appointed through political placements to “clearly define the way forward.” One RSP leader revealed that a list is being compiled of appointments made by previous governments across various bodies.

According to this leader, skilled and competent professionals are being brought into the state machinery, and politically appointed personnel are being encouraged to resign.

The recent electoral manifesto of RSP pledges to amend relevant laws to facilitate appointments of qualified and independent individuals.

The manifesto states, “We will amend the Institutional Strengthening Act, Powers Act, Appointment Procedure and Staff Selection Commission Misuse Investigation Act 1991, Constitutional Council Act 2010, and Judicial Council Act 2017 to strengthen independent, capable, and accountable constitutional bodies and ensure good governance.”

As RSP prepares to amend laws and reshuffle thousands of posts in various agencies, past incidents may offer instructive lessons. One such example is the appointment of Adarshkumar Shrestha as chairman of the National Nature Conservation Trust (details here).

Amid Cabinet recommendations on Chaitra 1, appointments of National Assembly members, the report of the Review Commission, and approvals of climate change-related grants, the government publicly declined to confirm Chairman Shrestha’s appointment—likely due to hesitation from the government itself in making the decision public.

In fact, supporters of Prime Minister Sushila Karki—who herself was praised for conducting elections under challenging circumstances—have expressed their inability to defend this appointment, seeing it as improper.

First, the decision contradicts the new mandate. Former Secretary Sharad Prasad Trital stated, “It is ethically wrong tradition to make appointments for the next government following an election,” a concern also shared by Prime Minister Karki.

Second, from a subject-matter expertise perspective, Shrestha is not a suitable candidate for the role of chairman of the Nature Evaluation, Respect, and Conservation Trust.

He has previously served as an employee of the Supreme Court and as a personal assistant to the Chief Justice, with a background more oriented towards technology than environmental conservation. Former Secretary Dr. Dwarikanath Dhungel remarked, “Adarsh Shrestha lacked the necessary subject knowledge.”

Third, this appointment perpetuates the use of power and influence for personal gain. Dr. Dhungel described such appointments as conflicts of interest.

The situation with constitutional positions is similar. Dr. Dhungel stated that appointments are often made by the prime minister, opposition leaders, and parliamentary speakers based on personal or political priorities. “Appointments sometimes occur just to avoid scandals or corruption cases,” he noted.

Appointments Before the Desirable Retirement Age!

After Chief Secretary Shankardas Bairagi resigned in Jestha 2080 before completing his term, Bikuntha Aryal was appointed chief secretary within three days and was about to go on leave. Bairagi was transferred as National Security Advisor.

Similarly, in 2081, Auditor General Toym Raya, formerly Secretary of the Federal Statistics Office, was appointed. His name was recommended by the Constitutional Council and approved by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee.

Padmini Pradhanang, former Chairperson of Transparency International Nepal, highlighted a conflict of interest concerning Raya’s appointment while at the Statistics Office. “There should at least be a three-year cooling-off period,” she said.

In Chaitra 2075, when the Constitutional Council recommended Dinesh Thapaliya as Chief of the Election Commission, he was Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration and was about to be appointed to another position.

Previously, in Baisakh 2074, the Constitutional Council had recommended Tankamani Sharma, Secretary at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, for Auditor General at a time when he was serving as secretary in that office.

In 2074, Chief Secretary Dr. Somlal Suvedi resigned to take up a position at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Although he formally held his post until Shrawan 2075, he had already been serving as Deputy Executive Director of the ADB in the Philippines since Shrawan 2074.

An incident during Asar-Shrawan last year demonstrated how senior officials can secure appointments before retirement. The Federal Service Bill sought to remove the “cooling-off period,” which these employees strongly opposed. The House of Representatives was also discovered to have quietly added the word “except” to grant special privileges for distinguished and first-class employees.

A parliamentary investigation committee held Ramhari Khatibda (Chair), Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal, and Secretary Suraj Kumar Dumai responsible for these irregularities.

While the committee made them ethically and politically accountable, leading Khatibda to resign as chairperson, Congress and the UML later reappointed him as chair of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee.

A deputy secretary of the federal parliament remarked, “RSP should learn not to repeat the mistakes of the old parties. Such actions insult the public and gave birth to the JNG Movement.”

Expecting Progress Amid Continuity

In countries with high unemployment, political appointments are often seen as employment opportunities. However, the primary responsibility of politicians is to create an environment where employment is generated for everyone.

Public administration expert Kashiraj Dahal stated that powerful leaders tend to prioritize relatives and supporters, negatively impacting the administration by denying opportunities to competent and honest individuals.

Undue influence and pressure in decision-making are major problems. Dahal noted, “Those making appointments often prioritize individuals unlikely to face corruption investigations.”

As chairman of the High-Level Administrative Reform Advisory Commission, Dahal directed that “to implement good governance, decision-making must be free from pressure and influence.”

Appointments to constitutional bodies are often legally challenged in courts for being unconstitutional.

In 2077, the Supreme Court ended disputes over appointments of 52 officials to constitutional bodies that had lingered for half a decade.

Dahal suggested that such appointments should be prevented from reaching the courts. “If the government feels the service is unnecessary, officials should be allowed to depart easily; repeatedly filing cases is inappropriate,” he said.

Appointments to constitutional bodies should be of trustworthy individuals; however, the recommendation of controversial figures has become a cause for concern.

Former Secretary Trital advised the new government to move forward by improving the legal framework. “We had some theoretical and ethical negligence, so the solution lies within the law,” he said.

Although changes have occurred at the regular level, Dahal said corrupt practices have deepened the problem. “Legal measures to prevent conflicts of interest are necessary; parliamentary hearings are merely theatrical,” he added.

The New Government’s ‘Litmus Test’

On Chaitra 18, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut will retire upon reaching the age limit. Following his retirement, on Falgun 26, the Judicial Council will recommend names of six Supreme Court judges to the Constitutional Council to fill the Chief Justice vacancy.

The recommended judges are Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Phuyal, Manojkumar Sharma, Nahakul Suvedi, and Til Prasad Shrestha. After parliamentary hearing approval, the president will constitutionally appoint the Chief Justice.

Analysts view the hearing for the Chief Justice appointment as the RSP’s first major test. Former Secretary Dr. Dhungel said, “Claiming to avoid politicization is one thing; implementing it in practice is another. The new government’s litmus test is whom they appoint.”

Dr. Dhungel emphasized that factional pacts in judicial appointments must end completely. “The judiciary cannot be strengthened without a proper appointment system like the Public Service Commission,” he stressed.

Previous governments lacked transparency and failed to establish good governance, which paved the way for the RSP’s two-thirds majority election victory. A mandate-winning party cannot repeat the mistakes of the past.

Mandate for Good Governance Series –

Chaitra 8, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress central working committee has rejected the resignation of its president, Gagan Kumar Thapa, who had taken moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in the recent House of Representatives election.

The party’s central office meeting held in Sanepa on Friday and Sunday passed a proposal to reject Thapa’s resignation. Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma presented the proposal to reject the resignation during the meeting.

Spokesperson Devaraj Chalise confirmed that the proposal to reject the resignation was approved.

“President Mr. Gagan Kumar Thapa, following Article 26 (1) of the party’s statute, had submitted his resignation to the Vice President on the moral responsibility for the results of the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21. This central working committee meeting has unanimously decided to reject the resignation,” Chalise said in the official statement.