Kathmandu, March 16: Public criticism has followed Prime Minister Sushila Karki after she appointed her chief personal secretary, Adarsha Kumar Shrestha, as chairperson of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
The post carries a five-year term and holds strong influence over one of the country’s main conservation bodies. Many observers say the role calls for a person with strong experience in conservation and institutional leadership.
The decision has raised questions because Karki leads a caretaker government and is preparing to leave office after the recent election. Critics say major appointments made during such a period appear inappropriate and risk undermining the credibility of public institutions.
According to Ram Bahadur Rawal, press coordinator to the prime minister, Karki nominated Shrestha in her capacity as patron of the Trust. The position had remained vacant after former chair Ain Bahadur Shahi stepped down.
The National Trust for Nature Conservation Act 1982 gives the Prime Minister authority to nominate the chairperson. Even with that legal authority, the timing and the choice have drawn scrutiny. Many say the decision reflects favouritism rather than an open search for a qualified candidate.
Shrestha, from Sindhuli, holds a master’s degree in sociology and a bachelor’s degree in law. His professional background, though, lies mostly in administrative work. He previously worked in the IT Division of the Supreme Court.
Karki appointed him as her personal secretary soon after taking office. The two had known each other during Karki’s time as chief justice, when Shrestha helped manage the court’s cause list. On September 14, she promoted him to chief personal secretary, citing their long professional association.
The controversy deepened days later. Only four days after becoming the chief personal secretary, Shrestha appointed his wife, Sangita Shrestha, to a position in the prime minister’s secretariat. The move added to accusations of nepotism within the prime minister’s office.
Public criticism soon followed. Commentators and political figures argued that such appointments weaken public trust and send the wrong message at a time when government leaders are expected to exercise restraint.
After the backlash grew, Prime Minister Karki cut the size of her secretariat to six members. The reduction came after the appointment of Shrestha’s wife triggered wider debate about transparency and personal influence in the prime minister’s office.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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