The government's ongoing preparation to institutionalize lifelong state benefits to former VVIPs—ranging from presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, to chief justices and parliament speakers—has triggered a public outrage across the country. The decision has drawn widespread criticisms, with critics arguing that such a decision not only places an undue financial burden on the taxpayers but also constitutes a slap in the face of ordinary citizens who struggle to make ends meet. At a time when many are struggling to afford basic necessities, it is egregious for the government to prioritize lavish benefits for former officials their whole life. Government records show that a total of 32 former high-ranking officials are currently receiving these privileges. These officials enjoy state-funded housing, vehicles, secretarial staff and monthly allowances, in addition to security. All of these privileges, even though provided through successive cabinet decisions, are not enshrined in law. Now, the government is attempting to formalize this practice by drafting a legislation that will provide lifelong benefits to former VVIPs. This misguided move to put additional financial burden on taxpayers must stop. The maximum the state can provide to the former VVIP is security, depending on the analysis of the security threat each of them face.
The country is grappling with rising inflation, stagnant wages and a public health system that struggles to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Given these economic challenges the country faces, the attempt to formalize lifelong state privileges to former VVIPs is not only unnecessary but irresponsible. The government’s move to lavish perks for life to former VVIPs, many of whom have already served for multiple years in positions of significant power, is set to put additional burden on the taxpayers. Instead of ending the practice of availing these privileges through cabinet decisions, it is egregious to see the government’s move to institutionalize these illegitimate benefits permanently. The government's decision is especially outrageous given the growing public anger over its poor governance and failure to address the needs of the general populace. Politicians across parties have rightly voiced their opposition to the plan, including leaders from the ruling party, Nepali Congress, who have called for the reduction or elimination of these state benefits. The idea of providing lifelong benefits to former officials is not only an insult to ordinary taxpayers but also a violation of the principles of fairness and accountability.
While the government claims that this proposal is in line with a Supreme Court order, the reality is that the vast majority of people view it as an unnecessary luxury that undermines the principles of equity and justice. The only reasonable argument for providing former officials with state benefits is for security purposes, which can be justified based on threat perceptions. But extending these privileges to include monthly allowances, vehicles, and various forms of allowances from the state coffer is completely unjustifiable. In light of this, we urge the government to revise its stance and listen to the voices of the people. The government should instead prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens and ensure that the state’s resources are allocated in a manner that benefits the nation as a whole. A democratically elected government must prioritize the well-being of people, not the one who received so much already from the state. The public outcry against the government plan to institutionalize these benefits is a clear signal that the government must change course. It must take a long, hard look at the growing frustration of the public and recognize that the public trust is at stake. If the government continues down this path, it risks further alienating the very citizens it is supposed to serve.