KATHMANDU: Following widespread public complaints over poor food quality and hygiene standards in some hotels and restaurants operating across the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a special directive to District Administration Offices nationwide.
In a letter sent to all Chief District Officers (CDOs) on Monday (June 29), the ministry instructed local administrations to prioritize market monitoring, public health protection, and administrative accountability.
The ministry stated that ensuring citizens’ health safety and protecting consumer rights are among the government’s primary responsibilities. Acting on the instruction of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, authorities will now carry out regular, intensive, and surprise inspections of food quality and hygiene standards maintained by hotels and restaurants.
The ministry emphasized that monitoring efforts should not remain limited to procedural requirements but must deliver tangible results. It directed local administrations to take the strictest legal action against any individual or business found violating prevailing laws or causing direct harm to public health.
The directive also calls for the immediate establishment of a strong grievance-handling mechanism in every District Administration Office, including a hotline or rapid-response desk to allow citizens to lodge complaints easily.
According to the ministry, all public complaints should be treated as high priority and addressed without delay.
The ministry further stated that local-level complaints and issues should be resolved under the leadership of District Administration Offices and CDOs. It said the government aims to end situations where citizens are compelled to approach central authorities or the ministry over minor local administrative concerns.
The ministry warned that district-level performance will be directly supervised and monitored and urged CDOs to avoid any form of inefficiency or negligence in carrying out their responsibilities.
The directive, signed by Section Officer Sangam Sapkota, states that local administrations are expected to demonstrate full professionalism to uphold citizen-centered governance and maintain the rule of law in the market, with strict implementation of the instructions expected nationwide.
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