Interim Government Finance Minister Returns Diplomatic Passport Upon Departure

Kathmandu. Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, the Finance Minister of the interim government, has returned the diplomatic passport he was using to the government. He stated that as he prepares to leave the government, he has returned the passport, the only government property in his possession as an office holder.

Finance Minister Khanal wrote a letter to the Administration Division of the Ministry of Finance on Falgun 26, 2082, requesting that the diplomatic passport in his name be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter states, 'As the purpose for which diplomatic passport no. 0002710 was provided to me in my capacity as Finance Minister has ended, I request that it be returned to the Passport Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the passport enclosed herewith.'

Khanal, a former Finance Secretary, became the Finance Minister in the interim government formed under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki following the political change brought by the JNG movement in 2082 BS. Khanal, known for his honest and transparent image, had announced upon taking office that he would not accept any additional government facilities such as vehicles or personal security guards (PSO).

As his tenure comes to an end, he has set a high moral example for those holding public office by promptly returning the passport to the concerned authority without any delay. There has been a tendency in Nepal's political sphere for outgoing ministers and members of parliament to retain red passports and government vehicles long after leaving office.