Minister Hangam clarifies seizure of Secretary’s vehicle key, cites governance
The minister emphasized that his action to retrieve the vehicle key was not motivated by personal bias but by principles of good governance and accountability.
KATHMANDU: Koshi Province’s Minister for Industry, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, Khagen Singh Hangam, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his retrieval of a vehicle key from Secretary Sharan Kumar Pandey.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Taplejung on Wednesday, Minister Hangam explained that Secretary Pandey had already been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development as Joint Secretary.
“Even after his transfer, he continued using our ministry’s vehicle, driver, and quarter while still stationed at the Chief Minister’s office. I haven’t met him for 20–25 days, and he has not officially joined the ministry as secretary,” Hangam said.
The minister emphasized that his action to retrieve the vehicle key was not motivated by personal bias but by principles of good governance and accountability.
“The vehicle was handed over to the Ministry’s inventory section and kept within the premises so that we can provide proper explanations if journalists or the public inquire,” he said.
Hangam further added that directives for efficient and proper service management at the ministry are ongoing, and his actions carry no personal prejudice toward any staff member.
