Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s secretariat has defended its recent staff appointments following media reports alleging nepotism, stressing all selections comply with legal procedures and operational needs.

In a statement on Monday, Ram Bahadur Rawal, press coordinator to the prime minister, said the secretariat operates with a small team to reduce state expenditure and ensure efficiency.

Under the regulations on managing the prime minister’s advisers and secretariat, the prime minister appoints the chief personal secretary, who can then select other staff under the prime minister’s direction, the statement said.

Rawal said the chief personal secretary was appointed from among trusted individuals capable of providing 24/7 support, including familial assistance, citing security and reliability concerns. He urged the media not to misrepresent other appointments as nepotistic just based on surnames or ethnic background.

Currently, only 20 of 67 authorised positions are filled, including two of seven advisers, four of 19 expert staff, and 14 of 41 secretariat personnel, said Rawal. He claimed that the minimal staffing was made, supporting necessary government operations while upholding transparency and accountability.

He called on all parties to disregard reports intended to distract from the government’s efforts to conduct impartial elections.

Earlier today, the Nepal Gen Z Front 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 government secretary, allegedly appointed his wife, Sangita Shrestha, to the prime minister’s secretariat on September 19. Sangita is reportedly given a status on par with a joint secretary. 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.