Kathmandu, 21 April (H.S.):

Prime Minister Balendra Shah's office (PMO) has issued a binding directive to all ministries: no policy decisions or official statements may be publicly disclosed without prior PMO approval. The measure centralizes information flow through specialized advisors embedded across government branches.

PMO media advisor Deepa Dahal stated: From now on, all ministries must seek PMO endorsement before issuing press releases or information. Since his March 27 appointment, Shah has assembled a team of political advisors, communications experts, and public relations specialists to oversee messaging. Ministries must now route all announcements through these vetted channels.

The PMO has appointed experts to individual ministries, making their clearance compulsory for any public disclosure. On March 31, Shah further mandated ministers and senior officials submit daily work reports, with under-secretaries designated as focal points for compliance.

Some officials express confusion over the unprecedented protocol. One anonymous bureaucrat questioned: In a democratic system, if only PMO-approved information circulates, what message does that send? The directive extends to all ministries, departments, and commissions, requiring daily activity summaries.

This centralization reflects Shah's strategy to streamline government communications amid Nepal's volatile political landscape, though it raises concerns about transparency in policy execution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar