14 aspirants compete for Chief Secretary position

KATHMANDU, Nov 20: Fourteen secretaries are vying for the post of Chief Secretary—the highest-ranking civil service position responsible for drafting and certifying decisions of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Current Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal is set to retire on November 25 after reaching the age limit of 58.

Secretaries from various ministries, each hoping to lead Nepal’s nearly 150,000 civil servants, have begun briefing Prime Minister Sushila Karki on their experience and eligibility. While some have met her directly, others have conveyed their interest through Chief Secretary Aryal, who was appointed to the top post on August 29, 2024.

Aryal, promoted to Chief Secretary by the then KP Sharma Oli–led government, had faced removal demands from Gen Z activists and civil servants. However, the Karki-led government chose not to replace him.

Among the key contenders are Suman Raj Aryal, Pramila Devi Bajracharya, Madhu Sudan Burlakoti, Khagendra Prasad Nepal, Ram Prasad Ghimire, and Kiran Raj Sharma. Former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi is also in the race, though insiders say his weak performance during his time at the Home Ministry has hurt his chances.

If Duwadi is not selected, he will retire at the same time as Suman Raj Aryal. Sources say his failure to manage the Gen Z protests during his tenure as Home Secretary likely ended his chances of becoming Chief Secretary.

Currently ranked second in seniority, Suman Raj Aryal is considered the strongest contender. Serving as Defense Secretary at present, his chances are high if the government follows the same merit-based approach recently applied in Nepal Police, where senior-most AIG Dan Bahadur Karki was promoted to IGP.

“It looks like Suman Raj Aryal will take over as Chief Secretary. The government wants to avoid any controversy over transfers and promotions,” said an official close to the PM. “Merit will decide who gets promoted.”

Promoted to Secretary on February 1, 2021, Suman Raj Aryal would serve until July 9, 2026, giving him about eight months in office if appointed. Born on July 9, 1968, in Jorpati, he has served as Chief Secretary of Koshi Province, Auditor General, and secretary in several ministries, including Women, Youth & Sports, the Office of the PM, National Planning Commission, and Defense.

His rise accelerated after Bharat Mani Subedi—the most senior among secretaries—resigned, making Aryal the top contender.

Another aspirant is Pramila Devi Bajracharya, Secretary at the Ministry of Water Supply. Promoted as a technical secretary on July 1, 2021, she hopes to become Chief Secretary during the tenure of a female prime minister.

Madhu Sudan Burlakoti, Secretary at the National Bureau of Statistics, is also a strong contender. Promoted on July 5, 2021, he would get about one year in office if selected. Born on September 11, 1968, in Dhading, Burlakoti is known for his straightforward communication style and earlier faced transfer after attempting reforms in the transport sector.

He has held roles in the Health Ministry, Industry Ministry, Office of the Vice President, Public Procurement Monitoring Office, National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, the PM’s Office, and as Chief Secretary of Sudurpaschim Province.

Another contender, Ghimire, Secretary at Industry, Commerce and Supplies, is unlikely to make it since he retires on February 25 due to age.

Kiran Raj Sharma, who retires in July, may get a chance later if Aryal becomes Chief Secretary now. However, he has faced allegations of holding foreign permanent residency.

Others in the race include secretaries Gobinda Prasad Sharma, Dilliram Sharma, Rajkumar Shrestha, Gopal Sigdel, Rabilal Panth, Krishna Bahadur Raut, Rameshwar Dangal, and Mukunda Prasad Niraula.

The role of Chief Secretary is crucial—acting as the bridge between the government, Parliament, judiciary, and the civil service. Because of this, the government must prioritize transparency, capability, and merit while making the appointment.

Working directly under the PM, the Chief Secretary convenes cabinet meetings, distributes agendas, prepares decisions, and certifies them. The individual in this role also reviews ministry proposals, revises them when needed, and briefs the PM before cabinet discussions. With vast administrative experience, the Chief Secretary serves as one of the PM’s closest advisors.