KATHMANDU: The recent appointment of Dr. Bikash Devkota as the Secretary of the Ministry of Health has triggered a political storm, with senior ministry official Dr. Sangita Kaushal Mishra demanding the resignation of Health Minister Pradeep Poudel.
Dr. Mishra, an Additional Secretary at the ministry, strongly opposed the appointment, arguing that she was unfairly overlooked despite being ranked first in the recommendation list. She accused Minister Poudel of favoritism and political bias.
“A person younger than me has been made secretary. How can I work under a junior?” Mishra said, calling for Poudel to step down. She further alleged that the minister had previously discriminated against her, citing personal and political grievances.
The cabinet meeting on Wednesday had recommended Devkota for the top post despite Mishra and Dr. Tanka Barakoti being ranked ahead of him.
Devkota is widely seen as being close to Minister Paudel, further fueling accusations of favoritism.
Comment