KATHMANDU: The government has created a special position for Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, who is facing corruption charges related to the printing of excise duty stickers at the Security Printing Center.
Following his automatic suspension due to the charges, Monday’s Cabinet meeting decided to transfer Aryal to a special position at the National Planning Commission, equivalent to the rank of Chief Secretary.
“Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, the Chief Secretary of the Nepal Government, has been automatically suspended following the filing of a corruption case by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority at the Special Court,” said government spokesperson and Minister of Communications Rekha Sharma, adding, “For now, a special position equivalent to Chief Secretary has been created at the National Planning Commission, and he has been transferred to that position.”
Addressing the press after the Cabinet meeting, Sharma emphasized that charges alone do not establish guilt.
“Being charged does not prove anyone guilty. During the trial period, his position remains automatically suspended. The position is not considered vacant,” she explained. “Since he is suspended but the position is not vacant, a special position was created to avoid any administrative hurdles. This special position will exist for the duration of his suspension and will be abolished once his term ends and he retires.”
This marks the first time in Nepal’s history that a sitting Chief Secretary has been charged with corruption.
Minister Sharma also mentioned that if Aryal is acquitted, he can be reinstated to his position.
Last year, the government created a similar special advisory position for then-Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi at the National Security Council, offering him ministerial-level benefits to facilitate Aryal’s appointment as Chief Secretary.
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