Apr 23, Kathmandu - The Prime Minister’s Office recently wrapped up the ‘Zero Pending Files’ week, aimed at clearing the backlog in government offices. However, a crucial file within the Home Ministry, managed by Minister Sudan Gurung, remains mysteriously missing two months after it was supposedly hidden. Following Gurung’s resignation, the ministry is now directly run by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, but he is yet to be informed about the missing file, which is believed to be deliberately concealed by the Home Secretary.

Since the formation of the new government, efforts to improve governance, such as eliminating middlemen in public offices and streamlining citizen services, have shown some progress. Departments like Land Revenue, Survey, and Transport have witnessed visible reforms. However, complaints about bureaucratic delays and intentional file blockages persist within the Home Ministry.

An Armed Police officer revealed, “The ‘Zero Pending Files’ campaign was launched from Chaitra 30 to Baisakh 7. While the political leadership aimed for administrative reforms, the real delay is being caused by the ministry’s secretaries, who are deliberately stalling files. This has adversely affected armed police personnel.”

One of the major issues is the halt in the promotion of seven Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), impacting over 500 armed police personnel. Sources within the Home Ministry say that the stagnation is due to unnecessary political interference, with Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha reportedly holding back decisions for over a month.

If the seven DIG promotions proceed, an equal number of SSPs (Superintendents of Police) will face vacant positions. Currently, more than 15 SSP posts are unfilled, and over 22 Inspector/DSP positions await promotion. Additionally, 22 Inspector posts are vacant, with over 55 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) awaiting promotion.

The promotion freeze also affects over 200 lower-ranked officers, including Assistant Inspectors, Sergeants, and Assistant Sergeants, who have been waiting for months for their career advancements.

As the administrative deadlock continues, questions remain about transparency and accountability within Nepal’s Home Ministry, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure timely promotions and file management.