“As I have my full focus on the peace process and constitution drafting, which are my top priorities, I feel that people´s expectation of good governance under my leadership is eroding fast. I want your suggestions on how I can improve the performance of the government,” a participant quoted the prime minister as saying at the meeting.[break]
According to sources, the bureaucrats and academicians complained about the worsening law and order situation, rampant corruption, and lack of state´s presence in all parts of the country, among others.
Former secretary Bhojraj Pokharel, former chief of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority Suryanath Upadhyaya, former Vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University Kedar Bhakta Mathema, Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Professor Devraj Dahal, among others were present at the meeting.
The prime minister conceded that he has not been able to live up to the expectations of the people and expressed concerns that he is losing his public image.
Bhattarai, however, defended himself saying that he is leading a coalition government and that he is focused more on the completion of the peace process and constitution drafting. The prime minister assured the invitees that he would take their suggestions seriously and do his best to implement them.
Reports in media have claimed massive curruption and abuse of authority by ministers in the current jumbo coalition.
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