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KATHMANDU, Nov 24: The Secretariat of Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed serious concern over media reports and publications regarding staff appointments at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
PM Karki's Press Coordinator Ram Bahadur Rawal, in a statement, said the PM’s office has taken note of such content. He emphasized that Prime Minister Karki has always been sensitive to frugality, transparency and accountability, while operating the Secretariat with a very limited workforce.
Ensure Merit-based Appointments
The statement reminded that, according to the Secretariat management procedures, the Chief Personal Secretary is appointed directly by the Prime Minister. Using this authority, the PM has appointed trusted personnel to support her work.
The Secretariat clarified that only the PM and her husband are in the family, both of whom are elderly, making it necessary to appoint trusted individuals for close support and security. As they work alongside the PM round the clock, the Secretariat urged the public and media not to misinterpret these appointments unnecessarily.
Regarding other appointments, allegations of “nepotism” have been addressed. Rawal requested that factless claims should not be circulated, noting that simply sharing surnames or ethnic backgrounds does not make someone a relative.
According to procedures, the Prime Minister can appoint up to seven advisors, but currently only two are in place. Out of 19 authorized positions, only four experienced personnel have been appointed. Of 41 Secretariat positions, only 14 are active, and out of a total of 67 positions, only 20 personnel are currently in the Secretariat. The statement highlighted that previous governments typically filled all positions, whereas the current government maintains only minimal staff for essential work.
