Finance Minister Wagle Takes Swipe at PM, Energy Minister Over Adviser Appointments

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has publicly criticized the large number of advisers appointed in key government offices, taking an indirect swipe at Prime Minister Balen Shah and the Energy Ministry while emphasizing fiscal discipline. Speaking at a program on revenue leakage control and capital market development, Wagle said the Prime Minister's Office has 27 advisers and the Ministry of Energy has 20, whereas the Ministry of Finance has appointed only one unpaid revenue adviser. He argued that limiting adviser appointments reflects the ministry's commitment to efficient public spending and stronger revenue administration rather than expanding politically motivated positions. The finance minister said his focus remains on achieving the government's "Mission NPR 16 Trillion" revenue target through improved tax collection and reduced revenue leakage, rather than increasing administrative expenses. He stressed that Nepal's economic challenges cannot be solved by appointing more advisers but by adopting clear policies, controlling unnecessary expenditure, and improving governance. Wagle also remarked that Nepal's economy is larger than official figures suggest, but warned that rising public spending alongside weakening revenue collection presents a major fiscal challenge that must be addressed.