Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar moved to reserve pool after controversial message to PM Balen

KATHMANDU: The government has transferred Vice President Office Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar to the reserve pool (additional group), days after controversy erupted over a message he reportedly sent to Prime Minister Balen Shah regarding his future career plans and possible appointment as an ambassador.

According to sources at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the transfer decision was made on Thursday. Pushkar, who was serving as secretary at the Vice President’s Office, has been removed from his position and assigned to the additional group pending further arrangements.

The move marks the first time in his civil service career that Pushkar has been placed in the reserve pool.

Senior Bureaucrat Shifted After Message to Prime Minister

Pushkar, a member of the 18th batch of section officers recruited in 2002 (2059 BS), is considered one of the most influential bureaucrats of his generation. Throughout his career, he has held several key positions within the federal government and is regarded as one of the few officials who rose to the rank of secretary without serving in a provincial government assignment.

His transfer comes shortly after reports surfaced that he had sent a WhatsApp message directly to Prime Minister Balen Shah seeking guidance regarding applications for ambassadorial appointments.

According to information circulating within government circles, Pushkar informed the prime minister that he was due to retire on Asar 24 and was considering applying for ambassadorial positions that had recently been opened for applications.

The message reportedly stated that he was not competing for the chief secretary position and sought guidance regarding whether he should apply for an ambassadorial role.

The government has not officially disclosed whether the message was a factor behind the transfer decision.

Police Questioning Adds to Controversy

Sources familiar with the incident claim that shortly after sending the message and completing his workday, Pushkar was approached by plainclothes police officers and taken to the Metropolitan Police premises in Teku for questioning.

He was reportedly held for several hours before being released.

No formal charges have been announced, and authorities have not publicly commented on the circumstances surrounding the questioning.

Government officials have also not confirmed whether the police action was directly linked to the message sent to the prime minister.

Ambassadorial Aspirations

Sources indicate that Pushkar had been considering diplomatic assignments after retirement and was encouraged by family members to apply following the government’s recent open call for ambassadorial appointments.

Prior to contacting the prime minister, he had reportedly informed Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal and Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma of his intention to submit an application for an ambassadorial position.

Pushkar has long been viewed as a senior bureaucrat with extensive experience in federal administration and public policy.

Previous Connections With Prime Minister

Sources within government circles say Pushkar and Prime Minister Shah were already acquainted through previous professional interactions.

When Shah served as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Pushkar was secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. The two reportedly communicated on several administrative matters, including issues related to the appointment of the metropolitan chief administrative officer.

Both also share roots in Mahottari district, and sources describe them as having longstanding familiarity through regional and personal networks.

These connections reportedly influenced Pushkar’s decision to communicate directly with the prime minister.

Government Signals Tougher Administrative Culture

Officials close to the prime minister argue that civil servants should operate strictly within institutional procedures and chain-of-command structures.

According to sources, the government views attempts by bureaucrats to seek personal favours or influence outside formal channels as inconsistent with administrative norms.

The incident is being interpreted by some officials as a signal that the current administration intends to enforce stricter standards regarding interactions between senior civil servants and political leadership.

Prime Minister Shah has repeatedly emphasized discipline, performance, and accountability within the state bureaucracy since taking office.

Concerns Within Civil Service

The episode has generated significant discussion within Nepal’s civil service community.

Several officials privately expressed concern over the implications of the incident, particularly following reports that a serving secretary was questioned by police after sending a message to the prime minister.

The government has recently pursued administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays in service delivery, and restructuring aspects of the civil service system.

Some officials view these efforts as necessary reforms, while others say the changes have created uncertainty among government employees accustomed to more traditional administrative practices.

Formal Notification Process Underway

Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office said the transfer decision has already been approved and that formal notifications are being sent to the concerned agencies.

As of Friday, neither the government nor Pushkar had issued a public statement regarding the transfer.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has also not provided an official explanation for the decision, leaving questions about the exact reasons behind the move unanswered.