Karnali Province Faces Leadership Vacancies Amid Political Deadlock

Surkhet. After nearly 15 months of vacancy, the Karnali Province Sports Development Council finally appointed a new member secretary. Following widespread public and media criticism regarding the council being held hostage by power-sharing disputes between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, Rabin Chand was appointed as member secretary on Chaitra 12. Appointments for the member secretary, vice-chair, and members have all been made based on the power-sharing agreement between the two ruling parties.

Meanwhile, the Karnali Province Public Service Commission, which has been without a chairperson since 081 Poush 3, remains incomplete. The position became vacant after former chairperson Ram Prasad Upadhyaya retired due to the 65-year age limit.

Commission staff note that the prolonged vacancy has caused policy-related challenges. Following the enactment of the Public Service Act, officials were appointed on 077 Falgun 6, including Upadhyaya as chairperson and Basanti Kumari Singh (Shahi) and Bhakta Bahadur Khadka as members.

Currently, member Basanti Kumari Singh (Shahi) is serving as acting chairperson. 'Work has not stopped, and we are proceeding according to our annual work plan,' a staff member said. 'However, the purpose of having a three-member body is to ensure decisions can be made by majority in case of conflicting opinions. With only two members, difficulties sometimes arise.'

Although the chairperson's term is six years, Upadhyaya retired after four years due to the age limit. Member Khadka also retired earlier, though Bhakta Bahadur Dhakal was appointed in his place in 081 Jestha.

The chairperson position remains vacant. A CPN-UML lawmaker stated that such a long vacancy in a body like the Public Service Commission affects the institution's leadership and dignity. 'It is unclear why it remains vacant, and questions are being raised everywhere,' the lawmaker said. 'The authority to appoint the chairperson lies with the provincial government. We have drawn their attention to this matter.'

Commission staff mentioned they have repeatedly urged the government to fill the position. 'We have raised the issue of a swift appointment, but it is up to the government. We are not informed about why the process is stalled,' a staffer added.

Opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre) and RPP, have questioned the government, stating that prolonged vacancies in constitutional bodies negatively impact governance and service delivery. Former Chief Minister Rajkumar Sharma and RPP lawmaker Santoshi Shahi have both raised concerns in parliament regarding the government's failure to fill these critical roles.

There appears to be little initiative from Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel to complete the appointments. Sources suggest that the delay is due to unresolved power-sharing disputes between the ruling CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress. Acting Chairperson Basanti Kumari Singh (Shahi) is the wife of Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Jeevan Bahadur Shahi.

Provincial government spokesperson Binod Kumar Shah stated that there have been no discussions regarding the Public Service Commission chairperson. 'No proposal has been brought forward yet; it is the responsibility of the government or the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers to initiate it,' he said.