Kathmandu, December 26:

Citing irrelevance of the services provided by Department of Hospitality at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Organisation and Management Survey of the ministry and its subordinate bodies have recommended merging the department with the ministry.

Department of Hospitality was set up in order to provide accommodation, transportation and other services to the foreign delegates, guests and diplomats. However, the department with 44 staffers poses little relevance today in terms of its service, due to the availability of better services from international-standard hotels in the capital. The hospitality department is headed by a diplomatic officer and comprises eight non-gazetted officers, in addition to drivers, gardeners, cooks, peons, laundry-men, helpers, guards and sweepers. Their services are limited to providing high-tea services on national and international functions along with international delegate visits. Ministry spokesperson Suresh Pradhan said that the staffers could be adjusted in the ministry or other offices such as those of the President and the Prime Minister. “Most of the department’s services, such as providing transportation and making arrangements, are carried out by administration and protocol division.”

Pradhan said the merging should take place now. However, the human resource crunch in the ministry has delayed the process. Out of the 139 positions ranging from secretary to peon, only 123 are filled. “The resolution should be endorsed by the cabinet,” he said, adding that the merger would not add a financial burden to the ministry.

The department owns Shital Niwas, besides other assets in Tripureshwore, Lainchour and is responsible for the upkeep of its property. The survey suggests that the ministry’s general administration division can be strengthened and provided additional responsibility. After 1950, the Farmaisi Adda under Munsi Khana — a central authority to deal with foreign affairs— was turned into Department of Hospitality and operated as a royal guesthouse. The department was, then, responsible for providing accommodation, organising reception and transportation facilities to VIP guests especially foreign delegates. After the restoration of democracy, its responsibility was contracted to providing transportation services, organising reception for foreign delegates, and maintaining Shital Niwas.