Concerns have intensified in Nepal’s political sphere after Prime Minister Sushila Karki appointed Adarsha Shrestha as her Chief Personal Secretary. Shrestha, who previously served in the Supreme Court under a contractual arrangement, was elevated to the post immediately after Karki assumed office, prompting questions about transparency and procedure.
He had worked for nearly a decade in the Supreme Court’s Information Technology Division as a computer operator at the non-gazetted second class level, despite lacking a technical background—a point that had drawn criticism.
He also spent several years inside the private secretariat of former Chief Justices, which had earlier raised concerns about influence and proximity. After Karki became Prime Minister, Shrestha was detached from his Supreme Court responsibilities and brought into Baluwatar as Chief Personal Secretary.
Appointment of Shrestha and Rising Questions
The appointment became more contentious after it was revealed that Shrestha’s wife, Sangita Shrestha, had also been appointed to the Prime Minister’s Personal Secretariat as a Joint-Secretary-level staff member. Allegations that additional relatives were placed in the secretariat have circulated, although independent verification is still pending.
The development revived the “nepo baby” discussion that gained momentum during the recent Gen-Z protests demanding accountability and an end to nepotism. Supreme Court sources say Shrestha had previously been linked to internal controversy during his tenure in the Chief Justice’s private secretariat, where some employees alleged that certain individuals informed parties about case rosters before they were officially published.
He was later reassigned to his original operator position during Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli’s tenure. His elevation to Baluwatar following Karki’s appointment has brought earlier concerns back into public discussion.
Defense From the Prime Minister’s Office
According to the Prime Minister’s Press Coordinator, Ram Rawal, Shrestha was chosen because he had long assisted Prime Minister Karki and her husband, Durga Subedi, with personal care. Rawal said the position is directly appointed by the Prime Minister and requires trust, security, and round-the-clock support.
He added that both Adarsha and his wife had been helping the Prime Minister and her husband for years, which he described as a practical consideration for their roles inside the secretariat.
Prime Minister Karki’s office stated that she ended the past practice of maintaining a large secretariat—previous administrations had employed more than 90 staff—and introduced a smaller structure.
At present, 26 staff members serve in the Prime Minister’s private system, including 14 in the Personal Secretariat. Despite the reduced size, critics argue that the method and basis of recent appointments have become the central issue.
Gen-Z Front’s Objection and Public Scrutiny
The Nepal Gen-Z Front, a key force in recent anti-corruption demonstrations, has demanded Shrestha’s immediate removal. The group said that appointments based on family ties within a sensitive institution undermine good governance, ethics, accountability, and transparency.
They argued that placing relatives in a high-level executive office amounts to misuse of authority and contradicts the values the Gen-Z movement has advocated. Prime Minister Karki came to office on the momentum of the Gen-Z-driven anti-corruption movement, and the controversy surrounding the appointment of her Chief Personal Secretary has therefore drawn heightened scrutiny.
While the Prime Minister’s Office maintains that the appointment is legal and based on trust and security needs, unresolved questions regarding transparency and ethical responsibility continue to shape public debate.
