Balen’s monetized social media raises questions over public office and private income

Summary

Balendra Shah’s monetized social media accounts have raised questions about whether a sitting Prime Minister can earn private income while using personal pages for official government communication. The article also examines Meta and TikTok rules, parliamentary criticism, and possible conflicts of interest.

Key Points
  • Balendra “Balen” Shah disclosed Rs 14.6 million in income from social media platforms after becoming Prime Minister.
  • His Facebook page and other accounts remain monetized and still present him mainly as a musician or rapper on some platforms.
  • Critics say he has used personal social media pages to share official government announcements and even the prime minister’s address to the nation.
  • The article questions whether such use violates platform policies and public office ethics rules in Nepal.
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