PHIDIM: Border Administration Office at Chyanthapu Bazaar in Panchthar district has turned defunct for years after employees failed to attend office citing remoteness.

The office is being operated by office assistant since 2006.

Earlier, the Border Administration Office used to distribute citizenship certificates, issue entry pass to Nepali wishing to visit neighbouring Indian state of Sikkim and West Bengal. Likewise, the office was responsible for monitoring untoward activities in the area.

"During my 12 years of service at the office, I had heard the names of new officers but only three reported to the work station," shared Laxmi Prasad Khawas, Office Assistant at the BAO. "Two spent one night while the other stayed for six months and distributed few citizenship certificates before leaving the office never to return," Khawas added.

Chyanthapu folks have accused the local representatives, who garnered votes by pledging to decentralise Singha Durbar centric power to local levels, of failing to put in substantial efforts in that regard.

Locals lamented that federalism has not been realised in the area as the Border Administration Office has remained defunct despite federal set up in the country.