KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has taken steps to streamline operations in his secretariat by removing 18 staffers, encompassing both government and private positions, effective Tuesday.

Sources reveal that this move was initiated to enhance the efficiency of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.

“The Prime Minister has taken this step to streamline the Secretariat by removing 18 people from various positions,” a source at the Prime Minister’s Office, said.

Notably, 10 employees from the government side and 8 from the private sector have been affected.

Among those ousted are notable figures such as Public Relations Adviser Devendra Parajuli, Administration Adviser RamDeep Acharya, and Press Coordinator Narayan Prasad Dhungana.

Initially forming a 7-member secretariat upon assuming office last year, Prime Minister Dahal has now opted for significant staff reductions.

Notably, figures such as Press Advisor Govinda Acharya, Foreign Affairs Advisor Rupak Sapkota, Chief Personal Secretary Santa Kumar Darai, Personal Secretary Ramesh Malla, and Ganga Dahal will retain their positions.

However, Ramesh Prasad Guragain, along with Om Kumari Paudel and Sabitri Kumari Adhikari, has been removed from the PM’s secretariat.

Likewise, Kal Bahadur Nath is also among those let go from PM’s secretariat.

Sources indicate that a total of 10 individuals, including personal branch officers and administrative assistants, have been returned to the government.

“Preparations are being made to reduce the size of the secretariat,” the source added.

Prime Minister Dahal had previously cut 68 employees from the Prime Minister’s and Council of Ministers’ Office within a year of assuming power.

Additionally, he implemented cost-saving measures by reducing the annual lunch budget for cabinet meetings by Rs. 60 lakh.

Sources suggest that the removals from the private secretariat were prompted by unsatisfactory performance.