Employees at Nepal’s Securities Board (SEBON) are facing an unexpected storm. Just before Dashain, they have been accused of taking illegal benefits for years. Now, a new government order is demanding they return all that money at once.
Years of benefits now called illegal
Since the 2050s, SEBON staff have been receiving allowances and facilities approved by cabinet decisions of past governments. But the Ministry of Finance’s revenue secretary has now labeled those payments “unlawful” and asked the board to scrap all related funds. Not only that, staff have been told to repay every rupee they received.
Anger and protest at the office
The sudden order has thrown employees into panic. On Tuesday, they locked their own office, seized keys from their bosses, and launched a protest. Workers say they cannot accept being called corrupt for simply following government-approved rules.
Risk of losing homes
Some employees fear the demand could ruin their lives. They claim the refund amount is so huge that even selling land and houses would not cover it. For many, this feels like being pushed onto the streets right at festival time.
Employees question the decision
Workers argue that if the facilities were illegal, why didn’t anti-corruption bodies raise the issue years ago when ministers approved them? They believe the decision was rushed under outside pressure and must be corrected.
Pressure from anti-corruption body
Sources say the directive came after long pressure from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority. Earlier finance ministers had blocked the move, but under the interim government the order finally went forward.
What happens next
Employees are now appealing to the finance minister to step in and reverse the order. Until then, they have vowed to continue their protest, demanding respect for their years of service instead of sudden accusations.
