Gandaki Sports Council member-secretary removed over medal distribution bias allegations

The Gandaki provincial government has removed Shridhar Sharma, member-secretary of the Provincial Sports Council, from his post.

According to government spokesperson and Minister for Economic Affairs Jit Bahadur Sherchan, Wednesday's meeting of the Provincial Council of Ministers decided to remove him over allegations of irregularities and procedural errors in medal distribution.

On Friday, the dismissal letter was registered with the council through the ministry and Sharma was informed of the decision.

The controversy began after it emerged that medals the council had distributed on Asar 30 had gone to individuals who were themselves members of the selection committee.

Following this, Minister Rekha Gurung had formed a three-member investigation committee led by Secretary Dr. Seshnarayan Paudel.

Based on that committee's report, the government proceeded with action and removed Sharma.

According to Secretary Paudel, to ensure the council's work is not disrupted, Deputy Secretary Dipendra Pariyar, chief of the sports division, has been designated acting member-secretary until a new arrangement is made under the provincial sports act.