Govt cuts bureaucracy as ministers begin appointing secretary-rank advisers
Summary
The Nepalese government is reducing permanent secretaries in civil service while ministers appoint secretary-rank advisers under new Cabinet guidelines, potentially adding 57 political appointees across ministries.
Key Points
- The government plans to reduce permanent secretary positions from 71 to around 61 across ministries.
- New Cabinet guidelines allow ministers to appoint up to five secretary-rank advisers per ministry, with one receiving full government secretary benefits.
- Minister for Infrastructure Development and Minister for Education and Sports have already appointed secretary-rank advisers.
- Concerns are raised that the growing number of political advisers may create conflicts with permanent secretaries within ministries.
