KATHMANDU: Chairman of CPN-UML and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli often remarks in public, “An angry cat scratches a pole.”

Addressing a program organized by his party, CPN-UML, in Bajhang in April 2022, Oli defended Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari and criticized the then government using this proverb.

“This government is a bully and embezzler. Collaborating with capitalists to destroy the country’s economy, they attack people who endeavor to work for the country,” Oli said, referring to the then government’s actions.

“An angry cat can’t harm a person, but instead will scratch the pole,” he added, conveying his frustration.

Maoist Center Chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who became Prime Minister with Oli’s support, seems to have taken this saying to heart.

Dahal, now in alliance with CPN-UML after breaking ties with the Nepali Congress, has begun targeting government employees due to the ineffectiveness of his own government, echoing Oli’s warning that “an angry cat will scratch the pole.”

As Prime Minister, Dahal cannot enforce his directives strictly but expresses his displeasure through stern words and a visible temper.

On Wednesday, he criticized his subordinates at the Third Quarter Progress Review and Ministerial Level Development Problem Solving Committee meeting held at Singha Durbar.

“Considering the intensive role of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, I call on everyone to work honestly and efficiently,” Dahal stated. “Transformation is also necessary,” he added.

A press release issued by Prem Prasad Acharya, spokesperson of the Council of Ministers, highlighted the Prime Minister’s call for establishing the performance level, results, and quality of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers as a national standard.

The Prime Minister also gave special instructions to ensure the implementation of the remaining programs and activities for the current fiscal year to achieve 100 percent results and to prepare effectively for the policies, programs, and budget of the next financial year.

Earlier, on March 25, 2024, in a regular meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Dahal instructed the secretaries of all ministries to work without fear while maintaining good intentions.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and serving the nation’s interests.

According to a secretary who participated in the meeting, the Prime Minister stated, “I will not do anything against the law. Do not do it either. Do not fall into fear and panic while working with good intentions.”

Prime Minister Dahal also remarked that members of the Council of Ministers are under moral pressure to fulfill their roles effectively and made it clear that he would not tolerate poor performance.

Dahal’s promise not implemented

Addressing the nation on the occasion of completing one year in power, Prime Minister Dahal stressed that his speech was not just directed at others but was also a commitment to himself.

He asserted that if he could not bring about positive change and hope in the country, he should not remain in office.

“Employee morale has fallen. There is a situation where employees are demoralized because Prime Ministers are embroiled in scandals, and people who work under them are jailed,” Koirala stated.

Reflecting on his tenure, the Prime Minister said, “Today, I want to testify to the people and tell the ministers that we are not allowed to fail. I am not in the condition or mindset to forgive anyone for poor performance.”

In his televised address, Prime Minister Dahal conveyed, “We are all under moral pressure to do justice to our respective roles. If we cannot prove our functionality, no one should continue occupying their position; they should quit.”

He added, “This is not just a sermon I give to others, but also a promise I make to myself. If I can’t bring about positive change and hope in the country, there is no need for me to hold this post.”

Earlier, on December 20, 2023, during a joint annual review meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, Prime Minister Dahal emphasized the need for a new approach, starting with himself.

He pledged to visit Singha Durbar regularly and take the initiative to solve problems.

“We have to work in a new way. For that, I will start with myself. I will come regularly to Singha Durbar and take the initiative to solve problems through close discussions,” the Prime Minister stated.

“I have seen that if the personnel system is well mobilized, it can yield good results in a short time. Move forward with confidence; next year’s results will be better.”

No satisfaction with government employees’ performance

Prime Minister Dahal frequently expresses dissatisfaction with the performance of government employees.

According to his press adviser, Govinda Acharya, the Prime Minister is not pleased with the bureaucracy’s pace and efficiency, leading him to vocally urge his chief secretaries and secretaries to expedite their work.

“The Prime Minister has done some work, but there is still no room for complacency. This is not enough; the results have not come as I wanted,” Acharya told Khabarhub.

“Rather than tightening control, the Prime Minister instructed the employees to deliver the promised results.”

Due to his dissatisfaction with the current progress, Prime Minister Dahal has specifically directed the Chief Secretary and secretaries to increase their work speed and efficiency.

Trust in political leadership breaking down

Former Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Bimal Koirala, argues that merely blaming employees will not solve the underlying problems.

Scandals involving political leaders and the subsequent demoralization of employees contribute to this lack of trust, which in turn affects performance and morale.

He believes that expecting employees to perform result-oriented work based solely on the Prime Minister’s instructions is unrealistic.

Koirala told Khabarhub that trust in political leaders is eroding within the bureaucracy, and this trust must be restored for any real change to occur.

He emphasized that the current demoralization among employees, partly due to scandals involving Prime Ministers and the imprisonment of lower-level workers, is a significant barrier to effective performance.

“Employee morale has fallen. There is a situation where employees are demoralized because Prime Ministers are embroiled in scandals, and people who work under them are jailed,” Koirala stated.

“Their trust in the political executive is breaking. Until this situation is reversed and ease is created, speeches alone will not bring results.”

Is Nepal’s bureaucracy disobedient?

The notion that Nepal’s bureaucracy does not obey the Prime Minister’s instructions is debatable.

Former Chief Secretary Koirala suggests that while the bureaucracy may be slow, it is not disobedient.

“Nepal’s bureaucracy is an obedient bureaucracy. There is little possibility that it will happen,” Koirala asserts.

“However, the government has not done what it should to raise the morale of the bureaucracy, provide motivation, and instill confidence in order to mobilize employees. It’s not just empty speeches.”

Failure to implement the budget

Prime Minister Dahal also pointed fingers at the employees to cover up his failure in implementing the state’s fiscal policy.

While Nepal’s bureaucracy may be obedient, it is hindered by low morale, lack of motivation, and eroding trust in political leadership.

As the current financial year 2023/24 draws to a close, the Dahal-led government’s performance in budget implementation appears dismal.

According to the data from the Comptroller General’s Office, the government has achieved only 63.76 percent of its initial income target as of now.

Key issues highlighted

Bureaucratic Performance: Prime Minister Dahal’s dissatisfaction with the bureaucracy highlights ongoing issues with efficiency and performance.

Despite his vocal instructions and efforts to push for better results, there is still a gap between expectations and outcomes.

Erosion of trust: Former Chief Secretary Koirala points out that trust in political leadership is breaking down within the bureaucracy.

Scandals involving political leaders and the subsequent demoralization of employees contribute to this lack of trust, which in turn affects performance and morale.

Budget implementation: The government’s inability to meet its financial targets underscores significant issues in budget implementation.

This shortfall in income collection points to broader systemic problems that need to be addressed to improve fiscal management and overall governance.

While Nepal’s bureaucracy may be obedient, it is hindered by low morale, lack of motivation, and eroding trust in political leadership.

These factors, combined with the government’s failure to meet budgetary targets, suggest a need for comprehensive reforms and more effective leadership to achieve desired results.