KATHMANDU: The government has stepped up efforts to control the growing trend of former high-ranking officials drawing multiple and unlimited benefits from the state treasury.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to submit detailed records of vehicles currently being used by former dignitaries by the end of office hours today.

The directive follows a recent internal review by the Prime Minister’s Office, which found that some former officials were using more vehicles than permitted by law or receiving duplicate facilities from different state agencies.

In response, the Home Ministry has been asked to provide comprehensive details via email, covering benefits received by former presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, chief justices, speakers, and National Assembly chairs.

Speaking on the move, Prime Minister Balen Shah’s press and research advisor Deepa Dahal said the step aims to prevent misuse of public funds and strengthen good governance.

She added that identifying benefits taken beyond legal provisions and ensuring transparency in the system are the key objectives of the directive.

The move comes amid longstanding criticism that former top officials have been using state resources in violation of established norms.

Based on the details provided by the Home Ministry, the government is preparing to reclaim vehicles and streamline procedures for those found to be receiving excess benefits.