Karnali Province Assembly Secretary Jibaraj Budhathoki Resigns Amid Controversy

Surkhet. Karnali Province Assembly Secretary Jibaraj Budhathoki has finally submitted his resignation. Budhathoki, who had been struggling to remain in his position despite reaching the age of 65, faced widespread public and media scrutiny. Following intense pressure, he has finally agreed to step down.

According to sources, he had a resignation letter prepared by a staff member in private on Tuesday evening. The resignation has reached the Office of the Province Chief. An official from the Province Chief's office confirmed to Ratopati that the resignation has been received.

‘The application was received yesterday evening,’ the official said, ‘However, the Province Chief is currently away. He will return in a few days, and a discussion or decision will be made after his arrival.’

Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi traveled to his home in Kanchanpur a few days ago. As it will take some time for him to return, the approval of the resignation is expected to be delayed.

Budhathoki's greed to remain in office despite reaching the age limit and the Speaker's unusual activism.

Province Secretary Budhathoki has recently become a highly controversial figure. He has faced criticism for allegedly drawing dual benefits and for listing his wife as his personal secretary to claim lakhs in payments.

Having previously worked at the Federal Parliament Secretariat, he was issued two letters by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) regarding the alleged receipt of dual benefits.

However, staff members note that many of his records are missing from the secretariat. When it was discovered that he had crossed the age of 65, staff had to write a letter requesting his biodata.

While Budhathoki has withheld the salaries of the personal assistants of other lawmakers, he has been drawing a regular salary for his wife as his personal assistant, causing frustration among both lawmakers and staff.

Despite this, Speaker Nanda Gurung had been actively working for the past week to keep him in the secretary position.

Budhathoki, who was appointed as the Province Assembly Secretary for a second term on 081 Jestha 13, reached the age of 65 on Chaitra 4. In a discussion with secretariat staff on the 16th, he had stated that he would resign as he had reached the age limit.

However, after Speaker Gurung expressed a desire for him to continue, he changed his decision. Speaker Gurung became very active in ensuring Budhathoki's continuation. The Secretariat Act states that a secretary must be at least 40 years old and not exceed 65 years of age.

The Speaker was active in trying to keep him in the secretariat, arguing that the law does not specify what to do if a five-year term is not completed but the age of 65 has been reached.

Speaker Gurung herself wrote a letter to the Office of the Chief Attorney seeking an opinion, contrary to established procedures. She wrote the letter seeking an opinion under Article 160, Clause (5) of the Constitution of Nepal, but her role was questioned as the move was deemed procedurally incorrect and the Speaker was not authorized to bypass the secretariat in such a manner.

When secretariat staff asked her to provide a written order if she wanted the work done, she reportedly told them, ‘I will not give it in writing; if you think this person is ineligible, go to court.’

Lawmakers themselves raised questions, stating that the Speaker's actions could undermine the dignity of the legislature.

Even leaders and activists from her own party, the UML, raised concerns. Amidst the controversy, Secretary Budhathoki prepared his resignation letter on Tuesday evening.