. The Sushila Karki-led government formed after the Jenji movement promised good governance, transparency and a new political culture to the people.
} However, the appointments from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat to the heads of constitutional bodies in the first months of the government are raising questions about the government’s claim of morality and good governance. In particular, the controversy over the prime minister’s close aides and the conflict of interest over the Attorney General’s decision-making process have weakened the government’s basic agenda.
The name of Adarsha Shrestha, the chief personal secretary of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, has been the most controversial in recent days.TAG_OPEN_p_79 Shrestha, who had worked as a contractual employee in the Information Technology Division of the Supreme Court, has been made the Chief Personal Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with secretary-level influence and access. Many argue that it is more than natural to get such a promotion and sensitive responsibility.
Shrestha was known as a ‘close associate’ in the court system from the tenure of Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha to Sushila Karki.TAG_OPEN_p_78 It is now recalled that during his time working in the court, he was embroiled in some controversies over allegations of “exercising influence” and “trying to get a verdict”.
Questions have been raised on his qualifications and procedural transparency after Prime Minister Karki made him the Chief Personal Secretary by projecting him as a person of great trustworthiness in recent times.TAG_OPEN_p_77 Critics argue, “ {{TAG_OPEN_em_61} , } {{TAG_OPEN_ em_56}}In the office Secretary– Role—Governance {{TAG_CLOSE_ em_48}} missyach } acceptable}?”
Shrestha has appointed his wife and close relatives in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat in the name of Jenji Kota.TAG_OPEN_p_76 There are growing comments that such allegations have weakened the credibility of the government at the very beginning of its formation.
Both these decisions were generally taken positively, saying that the government has appointed the IGP and the Chief Secretary on the basis of seniority.TAG_OPEN_p_75 However, political and administrative appointments at other levels of government have been criticized for lacking process, competence and transparency.
Some analysts say, “The government’s core agenda has been overshadowed by the government’s professed good governance by putting forward influential political relatives and close associates.”TAG_OPEN_p_74 ”
Serious allegations against Attorney General Sabita Bhandari
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Attorney General Sabita Bhandari, who was appointed after the Genji agitation, has recently been in the news for not prosecuting the controversial case of a private fertility clinic in the capital.TAG_OPEN_p_72
Police arrested the doctors and operators for allegedly collecting eggs from two minors. However, the question of conflict of interest arose after the Attorney General’s Office decided not to file the case.
Reason: Sabita Bhandari herself is claimed to be associated with the clinic. Some lawyers have taken this fact, “} {{TAG_CLOSE_em_ 36}} Fairness{ Contrary to the criteria “}
He said the decision could be challenged legally.
While giving a statement in the court, Bhandari had argued that the ovaries of minors were not fit for use and that the doctors could be innocent.TAG_OPEN_p_69 These statements and his institutional connections have intensified accusations and counter-accusations about his decision not to prosecute.
This case has also eroded the trust of the government’s legal organs.
Analysts say that the controversy over the Prime Minister’s Chief Personal Secretary, the claim of a relative appointment in the Secretariat and the question of conflict of interest over the decision of the Attorney General have all shown the crisis of credibility and morality in the Karki government.TAG_OPEN_p_67
The ‘new beginning’ and ‘new political culture’ that the people expected after the Genji movement seem to have been stymied due to these controversies. Critics of the government say, “} good governance government {{TAG_ OPEN_em_23}} trust }}?”
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