DAMAK, Feb 18: There was no electricity in Biratnagar, the capital of Province 1, when the newly-elected ministers were assuming office on Thursday. Some lit candles while others managed with their cell phone lights.
Three days after the ministers were administered with the oath of the office, they are yet to be assured about their accommodation. Chief Minister Sherdhan Rai along with minister for Internal Affairs and Law Hikmat Karki are currently staying at Foodland Resort of Biratnagar.
Out of 215 staff, only 40 attend office in Province 6
Even the residence of chief minister is not yet fixed. “We are trying to manage everything with available resources,” said Karki, adding, “But it has been difficult for us to do so as most of the staffers are yet to reach the office.” He further informed that, it won’t be right to spend too much for the infrastructures as government has only announced the temporary capitals so far.
As the staffers deployed by the Ministry for General Administration are yet to reach the office, there isn’t enough staff at the ministry to handle the day-to-day work. Social Affairs Minister Jiwan Ghimire could not assume his office on time due to the absence of secretary. Later, he did so in the presence of an under-secretary.
As the provincial governments have been formed for the first time in the history of Nepal, the formation and implementation of law and policies will take some time, as stated by the provincial assembly members.
According to lawmakers, they need at least 22 laws to govern this province which constitutes a population of 4,600,000 people. Provincial assembly members are preparing to form some policies in soon. Preparations are underway to keep a maximum of 11 ministers in six ministries of the provincial government.
“Four ministries of the central government have been merged into one,” said Chief Minister Rai, adding, “So, there is a great work pressure for us.”
