The former Director General (DG) of the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) Rupnarayan Bhattarai, the top official who spearheaded the crackdown against transport cartels in the city, is likely to get a key position in the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.

According to a source in the ministry, Bhattarai is frontrunner for the post of Director General in the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), a major body for overseeing matters related to foreign employment. 

The sudden removal of Bhattarai, who played a crucial role in reforming public transport in Kathmandu, attracted much attention. Many people speculated Transport Minister Raghubir Mahaseth’s role in Bhattarai’s abrupt transfer that came amidst the crackdown on the cartels.

Bhattarai was also among the list of 28 joint-secretaries the government transferred on Thursday. Labour Minister Gokarna Bista has initiated Bhattarai’s imminent relocation to the Labour Ministry, the source said.

During a recent meeting, Minister Bista suggested to Bhattarai to work with in his ministry after evaluating his impressive work as DG with the DoTM. The Labour Minister is said to have discussed with the Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Lalbabu Pandit for getting Bhattarai on board with him in revamping the foreign employment sector, already festered with irregularities, corruption and fraud.

“The minister of course wants the best officials in his team. He has been considering about placing Bhattarai in a key position. He has done a remarkable job in his previous office. He is likely to lead the department,” said the labour ministry source.

Bhattarai has been on leave since his removal from the transport ministry. He said he would be join office from Sunday. “I have received the transfer letter to the Labour Ministry, but I have no idea about what the post I will be offered. I will be joining the office from Sunday,” said Bhattarai, adding, “I am ready to work in any position in the labour ministry which would be a new area for me.” He also confirmed his meeting with the labour minister.

The labour ministry, however, has not yet officially spoken about the position Bhattarai would assume. According to the ministry spokesperson, Krishna Gyawali, no such decision regarding his designation has been taken yet.