Mar 30, Kathmandu- The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has sought clarification from the Executive Director of the Social Security Fund, Kabiraj Adhikari, and the Executive Director of the Vocational and Skill Development Training Institute, Ramesh Bakhti.

The ministry has sought clarification from them after the government vehicles of both offices were burnt by protesters during the Rajawadi movement on Chaitra 15. The vehicles numbered BAA 6724 of the Social Security Fund and DAB 3867 of the Vocational and Skill Development Training Institute were burnt by protesters. After the vehicles were burnt, the ministry has sought clarification from the office heads and suspended the employees, including the driver and designated person (carrier). According to a high-ranking source in the ministry, the suspension and clarification were issued today, effective from Saturday, Chaitra 16. ‘On Chaitra 13, the ministry had asked all the heads of all the offices under it to protect government vehicles, as there could be an attack on government vehicles at any time, in a meeting of the senior management team before the movement. The employees were alerted in that meeting to protect their lives and government property, including government vehicles.’

Although the heads of offices under the ministry across the country have been informed to remain on alert, the ministry is said to have taken action after it was found that a vehicle was taken to a sensitive area during the protest. In addition, an investigation committee has been formed under the leadership of the ministry's joint secretary Pradeep Koirala to investigate the incident. A letter has also been sent to the Home Ministry to take action against those who set government vehicles on fire.