Kathmandu, September 2

The Ministry of General Administration has halted the transfer of more than 400 government employees following the Election Commission’s directive.

The ministry had, in violation of the election code of conduct that came into force on August 30, transferred 129 joint secretaries, 95  under-secretaries, 35 section officers, 88 non-gazetted first class  officers, 24 clerks, nine computer operators and five peons on August 31 by back-dating the transfer papers to August 28.

The ministry had also deputed 19 non-gazetted first class officers, 24 clerks, three computer operators and one peon to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development from the MoGA.

“After learning about the transfers, we directed the ministry yesterday evening to halt the process,” said Election Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah, adding, “And, the ministry has halted the transfers.”

Minister of State for General Administration Ongdi Sherpa confirmed that the ministry had halted the employee transfer process after the EC’s directive.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioners Ila Sharma, Narendra Dahal and Ishwari Prasad Paudel today reached Province 2 to monitor election preparations in the eight districts there. The commissioners will hold interactions with political parties and other stakeholders there with a view to build the environment for elections.