KMC administrative crisis draws attention of local body employees union

KATHMANDU: The Local Body Employees Union has expressed deep concern over the ongoing administrative issues in Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the union highlighted several challenges the city has faced in recent months.

According to the union, Kathmandu Metropolitan has been without administrative leadership for the past three months, causing widespread disarray within the city’s administrative system.

The lack of leadership has led to nearly 4,000 workers going without salaries for the past three months, severely impacting their daily lives.

The union pointed out that employees’ morale has reached its lowest point due to the delayed payment of wages.

The union criticized the local government for exacerbating the situation. Instead of collaborating with relevant parties to find a solution, the leadership has used social media inappropriately, employing provocative and inflammatory language that has only worsened the problem.

The union’s statement read, “While development work and other crucial activities have come to a halt, the leadership of the city has resorted to using social media to create more problems, instead of addressing them in a constructive manner.”

The union further noted that the current crisis stems from attempts to run the administrative machinery based on verbal orders and directives, bypassing legal processes and procedures.

The union argued that this has created a climate of fear and uncertainty, limiting employees’ rights to work in accordance with the law and imposing arbitrary orders.

The union called on the Kathmandu Metropolitan leadership to respect the rule of law and create a work environment free from fear, where employees can perform their duties effectively.

They urged the leadership to immediately provide a conducive atmosphere for employees by attending to the office and resuming normal operations.

Moreover, the union emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of unpaid wages. Despite previous requests for resolution, the problem remains unaddressed. Narayan Prasad Sharma, Chair of the union, warned that if the situation is not resolved within a week, all employees will unite for a strong protest.

He made it clear that the responsibility for any outcomes arising from the current situation would rest solely with the leadership of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

The union reiterated that they are committed to ensuring the welfare of the city’s employees and the community.

If their demands are not met, they will escalate their actions to safeguard both employee rights and the broader public interest.