KATHMANDU: The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah has taken a major step to curb misuse of state resources by reclaiming hundreds of government vehicles used without legal entitlement.
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has initiated a process to take back vehicles that were being used by officials and employees based on influence rather than legal provisions.
So far, a total of 622 government vehicles have been retrieved from various ministries, their subordinate bodies, and constitutional commissions.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat found that only officials at the rank of gazetted first class or above are legally entitled to government vehicles. However, employees and officials below that level were also found using four-wheeled government vehicles.
During the investigation, all government agencies were asked to provide detailed records of vehicles being used by their staff and officials. Based on the collected data, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a circular on April 23 directing all ministries, agencies, and constitutional bodies to immediately return vehicles being used in violation of existing laws.
The retrieved vehicles were being used without proper authorization, according to the government.
Under the new directive, no employee or official below the legally specified level will be allowed individual use of government vehicles. However, vehicles may still be used on a shared basis for official duties or under special circumstances.
The Prime Minister’s Secretariat also stated that a detailed study is underway to assess the financial burden caused by the unauthorized use of government vehicles.
The move comes amid rising international fuel prices and the country’s economic constraints, with the government aiming to reduce spending on fuel, maintenance, and other related costs.
According to the Secretariat, the campaign is part of a broader effort to cut unnecessary public expenditure and enforce administrative discipline, marking a step toward improved governance.
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