According to the Ministry of Culture, the SRC members recently floated a list of demands to Culture Minister Gopal Kirati. [break]
"I found the SRC members largely influenced by NGO (non-governmental organization) mentality rather than being serious towards contributing to the nation at this very critical juncture. They are only involved in demanding facilities and not concentrating on their assigned task," said Minister Kirati.
According to him, they have been demanding appointment letters at par with cabinet ministers, nine four-wheel vehicles, nine drivers, 25 desktop computers, 10 laptops, personal security officers, economic advisors, legal advisors and geographers, among other things.
The cabinet had decided to provide each SRC member Rs 37,000 as salary, Rs 13,000 for transport purposes and Rs 2,000 for communications, on a monthly basis.
"Despite the government decision to provide Rs 13,000 for transport purposes, they have sought nine vehicles," divulged Minister Kirati, adding, "I have already told them that I cannot fulfill their demands."
Going beyond the government decision, SRC members also sought appointment letters on par with cabinet members. The cabinet had decided to treat the SRC members at par with members of constitutional bodies.
"The government initially agreed to treat SRC members as members appointed to various constitutional bodies," admitted Minister Kirati, "However, they demanded that they be treated as ministers."
The monthly salary allocated for SRC members is higher than that of state ministers and lower than for full ministers.
According to Kirati, the list of demands floated by the SRC members is so long that he has flatly refused to address them.
"I have already asked Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire to fulfill their basic needs such as documents, office equipment, various tools and materials essential for their work," Minister Kirati said, adding, "The nine vehicles, nine drivers and portfolios at par with ministers were beyond my capacity."
Kirati also informed Republica that he has forwarded the SRC members´ demands to Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai. "I have already briefed the PM about their demands. The PM has assured me that he will take appropriate steps after he feels physically well." The PM is said to have been indisposed.
The coordinator of the SRC, Madan Priyar, said he has no further idea about members´ demands. "We have to accept standard norms set by the cabinet and we shouldn´t demand extra facilities," he said.
Another member of the SRC, Ramesh Dhungel, admitted that they furnished a list of demands to Minister Kirati. "How did you get a copy of the demands," he asked. Dhungel further said that they have demanded vehicles as some members have to come from Budhaneelkantha and some others from various other corners of the Valley. "Our intention was not to indulge in any misuse," Dhungel added.
Related story
Appointment of CEO and members to NTB to be delayed for another...
-1779250876.webp)
