Former president Bhandari to give up government perks and benefits

Setopati

Kathmandu, June 30

Former president Bidya Devi Bhandari has decided to give up perks and benefits she was getting as a former head of state.

Bhandari, who served two terms as president, recently returned to active politics in the CPN-UML.

She has renewed her membership in the UML.

According to sources close to her, Bhandari is preparing to send a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs stating that she will no longer avail of the facilities and services being provided to her by the government.

After completing her presidential term, Bhandari has been residing in her private residence in Bhangal, Kathmandu.

The government provides former presidents with a monthly allowance, house rent, fuel, newspaper expenses, telephone expenses, hospitality expenses, electricity, water, and internet expenses, as well as a secretariat (including an under-secretary, driver, and office assistant) among other facilities and services.

Former president Bhandari had not availed of the residential and vehicle facilities.