Government ministers deny rumours of separate SIM cards and phones

Kathmandu, April 18: Government ministers have dismissed reports claiming that a separate mobile phone system and SIM cards have been provided for cabinet members.

Political advisor to the Prime Minister Asim Shah said there is no such arrangement, adding that official government communication channels are sufficient for coordination. He clarified that ministers do not require additional phones or SIM cards for privacy, calling the rumours false.

He further stated that the Prime Minister is available at the office from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and communicates directly with ministers when necessary. According to him, official communication is managed through the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Cabinet, and related secretariats.

Government Spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, also denied any decision regarding a private communication system for ministers.

Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal termed the reports as fabricated and urged the public not to spread misinformation.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Bikram Timilsina said ministers are using their personal phones and confirmed that no state-funded phones or SIM cards have been distributed.

Similarly, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal called the report fake and warned against spreading unverified information in the name of journalism.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam also urged restraint in sharing false claims, while Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Federal Affairs Minister Pratibha Rawal said they were not aware of any such arrangement and confirmed they use their personal numbers for official communication.