UML's Pokharel and Basnet criticize government

CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has alleged that the government is trying to reduce the civil administration to a puppet that merely follows ministers' orders.

Speaking at a program organized by the UML Bagmati Province Committee in Kathmandu on Saturday, he said the administration, considered the permanent government, must function according to law. He alleged that the prime minister and ministers are pressuring civil servants to follow unnecessary directives.

He claimed that a draft law to set the retirement age for civil servants at 55 has spread confusion and fear among employees. He said it was wrong to lower the retirement age when average life expectancy is rising.

He also alleged that despite forming a two-thirds majority government through elections, it has backed away from its commitments on good governance and service delivery within just six months. He said some services that had gone online have been reverted to paper, and preparations are underway to push even the electronic bidding system back to paper-based procedures.

Pokharel also warned that if relations with neighboring countries deteriorate, it would affect national sovereignty.

At the same program, UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet claimed food prices have risen more than 200 percent. He said with Dashain, Tihar and Chhath approaching, many citizens are finding it difficult to celebrate the festivals due to the high cost of living. Basnet also said consumers are still having to stand in queues due to gas shortages.