Despite multiple public denunciations regarding the misuse of government vehicles, the warnings appear to be largely ignored.
During a recent session of Parliament, reporters observed numerous government vehicles stationed outside the building with their engines running. Many drivers were seen either mingling outside or remaining seated inside their vehicles.
This behavior diverges significantly from a directive issued by Parmesh Chand, the permanent secretary for Civil Service, in May of last year, which mandated that all government vehicles should be turned off when not in operation. Chand emphasized that this initiative was aimed at reducing carbon emissions and minimizing operational costs within the civil service.
In the circular, it was outlined that all drivers of government vehicles, with the exception of those transporting the President, were required to switch off the ignition and air conditioning when the vehicles were not in use. Earlier this year, Chand reiterated that the directive remained in effect.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad expressed similar concerns about the misuse of government vehicles. “We have clearly communicated to all ministries that we will not accept any form of abuse related to government vehicles,” he stated. Prasad added that monitoring would be implemented, and a hotline would be established for reporting such misconduct, affirming that serious actions would be taken against anyone found violating these regulations.