Kathmandu-Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal appointed his daughter, Dr Asmita Aryal, as a corporation doctor at Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) shortly after assuming office.
NAC employees claim Aryal used his authority to secure his daughter’s entry. He was appointed Chief Secretary on August 29, 2024, and his daughter joined NAC the same month.
Initially appointed on a one-year contract, her tenure was extended to two more years, until June 2027. Previously, NAC filled the corporation doctor position through tenders but now makes direct appointments.
Aryal faces criticism for allegedly misusing his position and power, especially after his role in the passage of the Federal Civil Service Bill. Appointed by the KP Sharma Oli-led government, he’s accused of prioritizing personal interests over administrative integrity.
NAC’s official publication, Aakash Bhairav, mentions Dr. Aryal’s appointment. NAC sources say her selection was made without a formal recruitment process.
The appointment is believed to have been facilitated by a close understanding between Chief Secretary Aryal and NAC Executive Chairperson Ubaraj Adhikari.
Then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey sought clarification from Adhikari over alleged irregularities.
However, on the day the explanation letter was issued, Adhikari reportedly appointed the Chief Secretary’s daughter to the post, defusing political pressure. The 11-point explanation letter went unaddressed.
Facing criticism, Adhikari sought to strengthen ties with Chief Secretary Aryal to safeguard his position, which appears to have succeeded. Adhikari is scheduled to retire on 26 October.
NAC officials believe Adhikari’s decision to appoint the Chief Secretary’s daughter was an attempt to soften government scrutiny and silence criticism. As a result, both the ministry and higher authorities remained silent about his controversies.
NAC has not released an official statement regarding Dr Aryal’s appointment, but the Aakash Bhairav publication confirms her appointment date and position, despite the mandatory disclosure not being made public.
Such politically influenced appointments raise questions about transparency, ethics and fairness within NAC, reflecting the dominance of political connections in public sector hiring.
When contacted by Biznessnews, Dr Aryal said other appointments at NAC occur without open competition but declined to comment on her father’s involvement.
Dr. Aryal, a corporation doctor at the R.A. Clinic on a two-year contract, reportedly works three days a week.
NAC sources say she earns around Rs 100,000 monthly, plus allowances and five round-trip tickets per year.
