Questions Arise Over Undisclosed Wealth in Dahal’s Cabinet

In a notable shift from previous norms, the current government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has not disclosed the asset details of its cabinet members, including the Prime Minister himself. This deviation from transparency practices is raising concerns among citizens and watchdogs alike.

Despite promises of good governance, PM Dahal and 22 other ministers have kept their property details confidential. Notably, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, along with other prominent ministers like Education Minister Sumana Shrestha of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), have also not disclosed their assets. This secrecy persists despite legal mandates requiring public officials to declare their assets within 60 days of assuming office.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, 12 cabinet members have submitted their asset statements internally, but these records have not been made accessible to the public. The list of those who have failed to meet the disclosure requirements includes Law Minister Padam Giri, Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth among others.

This withholding of information is casting a shadow over the Dahal administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, challenging the integrity of the government’s pledge towards good governance.

Ministers Who Have Not Disclosed Their Property Details Include:

Raghubir Mahaseth – Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (UML)
Narayankaji Shrestha – Minister of Foreign Affairs (Maoist Center)
Upendra Yadav – Minister of Health and Population (JSP)
Barshman Pun – Finance Minister (Maoist Center)
Sumana Shrestha – Minister of Education, Science and Technology (RSP)
Padam Giri – Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (UML)
Bhagwati Chaudhary – Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (UML)
Hit Bahadur Tamang – Minister of Cultural Tourism and Civil Aviation (Maoist)
Hari Prasad Upreti – Minister of Defense (UML)
Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi – Minister of Forest and Environment (JSP)
Deepak Karki – Minister of State for Forest and Environment (JSP)

The situation has sparked debates about potential conflicts of interest and corruption, questioning the reliability of the government’s previous promises and its future actions.