In a recent decision, Prakashmani Sharma Bhusal from Kapilvastu has been appointed as the Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT). The appointment was made by Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Anil Kumar Sinha, according to Jaynarayan Acharya, spokesperson of the Ministry.
Appointment under the PADT Act, 1987
As per the Pashupati Area Development Trust Act, 1987 (2044 BS), the Minister of Culture, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Trust’s Board of Directors, has the authority to appoint the Secretary as the executive head of the trust. The tenure for the Secretary is set for four years.
Controversy Over Age Criteria
While the ministry’s regulations stipulate that a candidate for the Secretary position should not exceed 65 years of age, the 67-year-old former judge and classmate of Minister Sinha, Prakashmani Sharma Bhusal, has been appointed. This move has raised discussions regarding adherence to the ministry’s own appointment criteria.
Role and Responsibilities
The Secretary of PADT is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the trust, managing resources, coordinating development projects in the Pashupati area, and ensuring the implementation of rules and regulations under the trust. The appointment is expected to play a key role in shaping the future development initiatives of the sacred Pashupati site, which is one of Nepal’s most significant cultural and religious landmarks.
