Kathmandu, August 2
After his appointment as a minister of state for health and population was dragged into controversy as many believed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba offered him the position for some monetary benefits, industrialist and lawmaker Umesh Shrestha on Monday made some announcements in his apparent efforts to improve his public image.
In a press meet at the ministry this afternoon, Shrestha said he would not claim any state benefits except the security guards during his ministership.
Shrestha said he would receive neither any allowance for residency and vehicle nor a salary during the ministership.
Likewise, he said he would also separate himself from his private businesses in the period.
As Shrestha has also invested in some hospitals, many fear his position as the health minister would involve a conflict of interest.
