Secretary Milan Acharya has been left without responsibility for weeks after being transferred to Koshi Province, reportedly due to the “self-interest” of Bhupendra Rai, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development.

Acharya was transferred from the Federal Ministry of Urban Development to Koshi Province on July 26, but he has not yet been assigned to any ministry. The Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers had prepared to appoint him to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development. However, sources say Minister Rai has blocked the move, preventing Acharya from taking up the role.

Although the ministry has been without a secretary since the transfer of Ashok Sah on July 26, Rai has allegedly resisted Acharya’s appointment, citing personal interests. As a result, Deputy Secretary Ramesh Shrestha has been serving as acting secretary. Rai, a Nepali Congress minister in the coalition government, also holds the Health Ministry portfolio.

Previously, the federal government directly assigned secretaries to provincial ministries. But under the KP Sharma Oli-led government, the system was changed so that provincial cabinets now decide ministry assignments. Sources say Rai has been unhappy since the Chief Minister’s Office rejected his proposal to reshuffle the heads of all 14 district infrastructure offices, accusing him of manipulation.

Acharya, a technical joint secretary, has expressed frustration over being left without duties. “It has been a long time since my transfer, but no decision has been made. I came here with enthusiasm to serve, but I have been left without responsibility,” he said.

Minister Rai, however, denied obstructing Acharya’s appointment. “No proposal has been tabled in the Council of Ministers to send a secretary to my ministry. There will be no obstacle if the council decides,” he said, rejecting allegations of manipulation in recommending district office heads.