The prime minister's secretariat has issued a clarification after questions were raised regarding Adarsha Shrestha, the chief personal secretary to Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
The secretariat issued the clarification through a press statement on Monday after reports surfaced alleging that the chief personal secretary had recruited relatives into the prime minister's secretariat.
The statement explains that the prime minister has the authority to appoint the chief personal secretary, and that other staff in the secretariat can be appointed by the chief personal secretary under the prime minister's directives. It states that all appointments have been made in accordance with these provisions.
The clarification also mentions that, in order to minimize the burden on the state treasury, the secretariat is being operated with fewer personnel than the approved staffing quota.
The statement notes that Prime Minister Karki's family consists only of her husband, and that due to his age, the prime minister has selected and appointed a trustworthy individual capable of offering reliable personal assistance.
"The person appointed must stay at the prime minister's residence, provide close support, and be available 24 hours a day. We request that legal appointments of trustworthy, dependable, and dedicated individuals capable of working day and night, and also for security reasons, not be questioned or misinterpreted," the statement said.
The secretariat has said that the chief personal secretary was unnecessarily accused and linked to other appointments. It requested that people not be forcibly labeled as relatives merely on the basis of sharing the same surname or ethnic background.
Although up to seven advisors can be appointed according to the procedure, only two have been appointed so far, the prime minister's secretariat said.
"Although there is a quota for 19 expert staff, only 4 have been appointed, one of whom serves on an honorary (unpaid) basis. Although the personal secretariat has 41 approved positions, only 14 are currently working," the statement said.
It also mentioned that a total of 20 personnel are currently working in the prime minister's secretariat.
