Kathmandu, 28 Vaisakh: Prime Minister Valendra Shah has handed over the responsibility of the chairperson of the National Nature Conservation Fund to Forest and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary.
Minister Chaudhary, who is also responsible for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has been appointed by Prime Minister Shah to take over the responsibility of the chairperson of the fund, exercising the authority granted by the National Nature Conservation Fund Act, 2039. According to the press and research officer of Prime Minister Shah, Dipa Dahal, there is a legal provision that the Prime Minister will be the patron of the fund and the patron will appoint the chairperson. Prime Minister Shah has appointed Minister Chaudhary as the chairperson, exercising this authority. In the past, there was a tradition of making the Forest Minister the chairperson of the fund with the aim of not imposing additional financial burden on the state. However, the interim government chief, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, had ignored this established tradition and the concept of thrift by appointing her private secretary, Adarsh Kumar Shrestha, as the chairperson. The appointment was criticized for adding unnecessary burden to the state coffers and promoting the trend of giving important responsibilities to close individuals.
Not only that, but Shrestha's act of enjoying the benefits of being the chairperson of the fund while also taking on the responsibility and benefits of being a legal advisor to the Social Welfare Council had sparked controversy. This act of one person taking advantage of two public positions at the same time was seen as a conflict of interest and a violation of public ethics. Additionally, questions were raised about whether Shrestha had the necessary qualifications, experience, and expertise to lead such an important fund, which raised doubts about the appointment process at the time.
With the aim of establishing good governance and ending the controversy over the past appointment, the dual benefits, and the attack on institutional dignity, Prime Minister Shah has this time handed over the responsibility of the chairperson of the fund to the Forest and Environment Minister, following the established tradition.
