Kathmandu, January 2
In a bid to control unnecessary foreign visits by newly elected people’s representatives at local level governments, the federal government is drafting a new rule.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development says it is drafting the regulation after members of the public complained that the officials were indulged in unnecessary foreign visits.
The regulation applies to both people-elected officials and employees, according to the Ministry.
Though the constitution recognises local governments as autonomous entities, government officials argue that unnecessary trips will cause the loss in people’s faith in the government and promote anarchy.
“Haphazard foreign trips are affecting smooth service delivery also,” a high official at the Ministry says, “If it continues, the expenses will go up and the government’s money will be misused.”
Therefore, the new rule has restricted the right of approving foreign trips of local officials to the Local Development Minister.
Meanwhile, the new rule proposes that local officials be given special passports. The proposal, however, is subject to the consent of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
