The government has transferred Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Marasini has not joined office ever since the government reappointed Janardan Sharma as finance minister on July 31.

After Sharma was embroiled in controversy after tax tweak charges, Marasini had gone on an extended leave on July 6, but had returned to office after Sharma resigned.

“Today’s Cabinet meeting decided to transfer [Madhu] Marasini to the Prime Minister’s Office,” said Govinda Bandi, law minister.

As Sharma faced allegations, Marasini, according to sources, had informed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba that he wouldn't return to the ministry until Sharma continued as finance minister.

Sharma, however, stepped down on July 6 following the formation of a parliamentary probe committee.

Sharma was facing charges that he had invited unauthorised persons to alter tax rates on the night of May 28, a day before he presented the budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 in Parliament.

The committee, after 17 days of investigation, acquitted Sharma of wrongdoings. Subsequently, Sharma was appointed following which Marasini went on a leave.

Thursday’s Cabinet meeting also decided to assign revenue secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar to look after the responsibilities of Marasini.

Bandi said the Cabinet, however, has not taken any decision to appoint Pushkar as finance secretary.