The Nepal Gen Z Front has demanded the immediate dismissal of Adarsh Shrestha, chief personal secretary to Prime Minister Sushila Karki, after reports emerged that he allegedly appointed his wife and other relatives to positions in the prime minister’s secretariat, sparking widespread criticism.

Shrestha, who enjoys benefits equivalent to a joint secretary, allegedly appointed his wife, Sangita Shrestha, to the prime minister’s secretariat on September 19. He reportedly also facilitated appointments for other relatives, triggering public opposition.

In a statement, the Nepal Gen Z Front said the appointments in such a sensitive office represent abuse of position and a direct attack on good governance, ethics, accountability and transparency. The group expressed serious concern over nepotism and cronyism within the prime minister’s secretariat.

The front has demanded the immediate revocation of all appointments made by Shrestha and urged the government to publicly disclose the names and positions of all members serving in the secretariats of the prime minister and ministers.

The Nepal Gen Z Front is led by Gen Z activist Rakshya Bam.

A group of youths who were actively involved in the Gen Z protests in early September later formed the Gen Z Front under Bam’s leadership with the objective of giving continuity and further momentum to the issues of good governance and transparency.

End of corruption and nepotism were key agenda of the Gen Z protests that ousted the Congress-UML government and formed a new government under former chief justice Karki’s leadership.