Protest Against Plan to Increase Personal Secretaries for Lawmakers

A protest was held in Kathmandu’s Maitighar Mandala against the plan to increase the number of personal secretaries for members of the House of Representatives.

Organized by the National Jan-Ji Citizen Campaign, the protest drew attention to what the group called the misuse of state funds and the prioritization of luxury over the needs of the people.

Supriya Nepal, a member of the campaign, pointed out that many rural areas lack even basic medical facilities, making it unjustifiable to increase the number of personal secretaries for lawmakers.

She cited the example of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, where people struggle to access basic medicines, and argued that it is unfair to use tax revenue to provide additional facilities for lawmakers.

Nepal also criticized lawmakers for advertising for personal secretaries on social media, which she said is an insult to young people preparing for civil service exams.

The campaign urged lawmakers to focus on the needs of rural areas rather than prioritizing luxury in the capital.

Call for Reversal of Decision

The campaign called for the immediate reversal of the decision to increase the number of personal secretaries, arguing that it goes against the principles of good governance and the spirit of the Jan-Ji movement.

Instead, the campaign suggested that the allocated funds be invested in education and healthcare.

The protest comes amid reports that some lawmakers have already begun the process of hiring additional staff, despite the lack of an official decision.