Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Poudel (GUNES) had earlier launched a system on the ministry's website to fill out a Google form a day in advance for non-essential meetings. Minister Poudel clarified the matter further on Friday morning, saying that various kinds of confusion have spread regarding the Google form issued for the general public to meet him. Poudel, elected from Kaski Constituency No. 1, explained his statement made public on social media and presented three main messages regarding meetings with citizens, suggestions and access. 'Let's not crowd just for congratulations and best wishes' Minister Poudel has urged the general public not to visit the Ministry of Tourism in Singha Dabar for congratulations, best wishes or general meetings. He mentioned that although the intention to express good wishes is positive, such meetings can affect the priority of work performance. According to him, it is necessary to focus on real work, problems and solutions by making effective use of time and resources. Therefore, he has repeated the message of ‘don’t just come near’ through social media. Stating that ‘the door is always open for advice and complaints’, he has said that citizens’ suggestions are very important to make policy formulation, reform and service delivery effective. In this context, he has said that he can be contacted at any time for special advice or urgent complaints. He has also made it clear that direct communication with citizens is a priority by making his mobile number 9856031647 public. According to him, such open and easy communication channels are indispensable to reduce the distance between the government and the citizens. ‘The ministry is always open, Google Form is the only option’ Minister Poudel has also responded to the confusion spread about the new system implemented for meetings in the ministry. According to Poudel, elected from the National Independent Party, the notice issued last Tuesday only provided the facility to schedule the date and time of the meeting online, and not a mandatory arrangement. He clarified that citizens will be able to arrange a meeting time through the secretariat as per their needs, on the same day, a few days in advance or a few hours in advance. The aim of this arrangement is to provide convenience to the service recipients, but not to limit access.

'Aware of uproar and controversy'

Minister Poudel has termed the rumours circulating in the market that 'the Minister of Tourism cannot be met' as baseless and commented that attempts to drag such issues into political controversy are an old trend.

He reiterated his commitment that the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation under his leadership will always be open to the general public and provide services in a transparent manner. He stated that dialogue focused on work, problems and solutions is necessary rather than formal congratulations, and said that the door of the ministry will always be open for suggestions and complaints.

Earlier, on Chaitra 20, Minister Poudel had made public the

issue of misuse of photos taken during meetings at the ministry or other places through his Facebook. According to him, he had received information that some people were trying to take unauthorized benefits from the general public and government bodies by claiming to have a special relationship with the minister, which he said made him serious. In this context, he had requested everyone not to get involved in such activities, not to do them and not to be influenced by such illusions. He also informed that in order to make the work of the ministry organized, dignified and transparent, mobile phones and other electronic devices are prohibited inside the minister's office. Currently, the ministry has placed a drawer for storing phones outside the minister's office.