Following a federal directive, the Lumbini provincial government has launched a cost-cutting initiative expected to save around Rs 3 million per month.
Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya announced that the province has begun implementing a “political pay-cut campaign,” reducing unnecessary expenditures and promoting responsible governance.
According to Acharya, the government will save approximately Rs 2,992,350 per month through reductions in secretariat expenses.
By removing the political advisor, public relations advisor, and four expert advisors, the Chief Minister alone has reduced monthly costs by Rs 387,600. This includes Rs 241,960 from the four experts (Rs 60,490 each), Rs 80,840 from the political advisor, and Rs 64,800 from the public relations advisor.
Additionally, in compliance with federal directives, the salaries of personal secretaries of provincial assembly members (except ministers) have been halted, saving Rs 2,647,750 monthly. Lumbini Province has 87 assembly members, of whom 12 are in government positions. The remaining members’ secretaries were receiving Rs 34,730 per month.
Chief Minister Acharya stated that the decision aims to promote efficient use of state resources and accountable governance, saying, “This step was essential to end the trend of misusing public funds in the name of political and public relations advice.”
Moreover, salaries at the Provincial Chief Secretariat, where 12 employees work, have been suspended since Ashoj. Under new federal guidelines, each provincial head can now keep only three staff members in their secretariat.
The Lumbini government expects this austerity measure to reduce financial burden and instill fiscal discipline in public administration.
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