PSHC rejects hearing on proposed envoys
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KATHMANDU, JAN 27 - The Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee (PHSC) on Friday refused to start a hearing process on 10 ambassadorial nominees.
The Cabinet on January 17 had recommended their names for 10 ambassadorial posts. Arguing that the decision was not inclusive, the Committee has asked the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to review it.
“We have instructed the government to make the selection of candidates more inclusive,” said PHSC Chairman Kul Bahadur Gurung.
The Cabinet had decided to appoint six joint secretaries at the MoFA, along with four others, as envoys to 10 countries.
Out of the 10 candidates, Maya Kumari Sharma, proposed for Qatar, is the only woman candidate, while only Kaman Singh Lama, proposed for South Korea, represents the Janajati community.
Eight other candidates represent 'upper castes'. Shanker Das Bairagi (Geneva), Rudra Nepal (Australia), Mukti Nath Bhatta (Denmark), Bharat Raj Poudel (Pakistan), Paras Mani Ghimire (Myanmar) and Pralhad Prasai (Israel) are career diplomats who belong to 'upper castes'. Similarly, two of the four candidates recommended on the basis of political affiliations, are Brahmins--Ravi Mohan Sapkota (Russia) and Ram Mani Pokhrel (Belgium).
“The recommendations do not adequately represent women, Madehsi and Janajati communities. So we have asked the government to review the decision,” said Gurung.
The decision to allocate a large pie of the ambassadorial posts to the career diplomats had pleased the MoFA officials. But the PHSC rejection to begin the hearing process has disappointed them.
“We are really displeased," said a nominee. However, they are hopeful that Foreign Minister Narayn Kaji Shreshta, who is currently in Japan, will intervene in the matter. “Once the minister returns home, we hope he will intervene in the matter,” said the official.
Posted on: 2012-01-27 11:59
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