KATHMANDU: Ujyalo Nepal Party Chairman Kulman Ghising has criticized the government for allowing ministers to appoint a large number of personal secretariat staff and advisers.
Speaking at a press conference held in Kathmandu on Tuesday to announce the decisions of the party’s central committee meeting, Ghising alleged that some ministers have appointed between five and seven salaried personal staff members, while also keeping 20 to 30 additional aides working without salary.

He said the excessive number of personal staff has created a shortage of workspace for regular ministry employees.
“Joint secretaries and other ministry staff do not have adequate office space. But I have heard that personal aides and advisers, whether paid or unpaid, have occupied entire floors of ministries. This is not a good practice. The government should seriously review this issue,” Ghising said.

He also questioned the current arrangement that provides lawmakers with personal secretaries, arguing that there is a significant gap between the intended purpose of the system and its implementation.

At the same press conference, Ghising clarified that the provision of appointing personal secretaries is not wrong in principle. He said the arrangement could be viewed positively if qualified, capable, and competent individuals are appointed to help make lawmakers’ work more effective.