Key Takeaways:

• Locals padlocked office after Shanti Magarati's removal as ward secretary
• Routine services disrupted, leaving service seekers stranded
• Municipality says decision followed executive meeting on contract limits
• Residents vow lockout will continue until Magarati is reinstated

DHADING, AUGUST 10 Administrative services at the Siddhalek Rural Municipality-7 ward office have been brought to a complete halt after local residents locked the office indefinitely in protest against the removal of an employee. The locals padlocked the main entrance of the ward office on Monday after Shanti Magarati, who had been working there and had recently been handling the responsibilities of ward secretary, was removed from service. The lockout has disrupted routine services, including recommendations and other administrative work, leaving service seekers stranded. According to local residents, Magarati was among three employees appointed in 2067 BS through the then District Development Committee to work for the former Nalang, Salang and Kumpur Village Development Committees. They said the other two employees appointed at the same time have been retained while Magarati alone was removed, calling the decision discriminatory. Chief Administrative Officer Anisha Acharya had informed Magarati on Shrawan 6 that her contract would not be extended. The rural municipality has defended the decision, saying it was taken in line with a decision of its 42nd executive meeting not to extend contracts of employees working outside approved positions. Locals said they were compelled to lock the office after repeated assurances failed to resolve the dispute. They have warned that the lockout will continue until Magarati is reinstated and said they would strongly resist any attempt to forcibly remove the lock. Rural municipality chair Parshuram Khatiwada, who is currently in Kathmandu on official work along with the chief administrative officer, said the matter would be discussed and a decision taken after their return. Ward chair Sanu Giri, who is also in Kathmandu for personal reasons, said he had been informed about the incident and that the rural municipality should address the demands raised by the local residents promptly.