The Gandaki provincial government has abolished nine offices—including seven directorates and two centers—and merged 32 agencies into 17, following a cabinet meeting held Monday morning.
Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey informed a press conference that the abolition of these nine offices has led to a reduction of 185 staff positions. Besides other office expenses, the government expects to save approximately NPR 500 million annually in salaries and allowances alone.
The directorates abolished include:
- Tourism Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection Directorate
- Agriculture Development Directorate
- Livestock and Fisheries Development Directorate
- Infrastructure Development Directorate
- Forest Directorate
- Education Development Directorate
- Provincial Health Directorate
Additionally, the Provincial Health Training Center and the Provincial Health Supply Management Center were also abolished as per the cabinet decision.
Chief Minister Pandey stated that the implementation of the committee’s report will be phased. “In the first phase, the nine offices are abolished and some agencies merged,” he said, “We have taken care to ensure that the professional development of permanent employees and service delivery will not be affected.” The responsibilities of the abolished offices will be transferred to the respective ministry branches and divisions.
The Gandaki government had formed a Provincial Administrative Structure Review Study and Recommendation Committee, chaired by former Government Secretary Sharad Chandra Paudel. The committee submitted its report to the government on May 7. Members included Maheshwar Narasingh KC and Achyut Lamichhane.
To implement the committee’s recommendations, a five-member committee led by Chief Secretary Khagendra Prasad Subedi has been formed. Chief Minister Pandey said all ministries will study their offices and employee organizations within three days. The cabinet meeting on Monday also approved criteria related to employee transfers.
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