The president, as a head of the state enjoys basic privileges of two vehicles and 310 litres of fuel per month along with additional Rs 100,000 miscellaneous expense to host dignitaries in his office and residence. Incumbent ministers and the ex-ministers enjoy huge perks depending on their power and influence. In this regard, Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal tops the list. Among the ex- prime ministers, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal takes home the most benefits. The privileges given to ex-home ministers KP Oli and Bhim Rawal exceeds even those given to ex-prime ministers. Rawal got an expensive Japanese SUV for home ministry few days before he left the office and has refused to return the car. Ex-MP and influential power broker, Amresh Kumar Singh, enjoys a government privileges in the form of a luxury car, 120 litres of fuel/month and a security personnel.
"The trend of taking perks seems to be less for necessity and more to exert power," says committee chairman Ram Nath Dhakal.
Following are the officially-sanctioned perks:
Prime Minister Jhal Nath Khanal: 3 jeeps, 3 pick-ups and 2 cars, 1000 litres fuel/month, 88 security personnel
Pushpa Kamal Dahal: 1 jeep, 2 cars, 300 litres fuel/month, Rs 80,000/month house rent and electricity bill and 33 security personnel in addition to his party's security
Sher Bahadur Deuba: Two cars, 300 litres of fuel/month and 26 security personnel
KP Oli: 2 cars, 1 pick-up, 450 litres fuel/month and 27 security personnel
Bhim Rawal: 2 vehicles (including a new Japanese luxury car), 200 litres of petroland 22 security personnels