National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says it is shocking the Education Minister, Premila Kumar in the middle of the campaign period for the general elections is seeking to hire a media communications company using taxpayers’ funds.
He says this is to promote her on social media through Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
The NFP Leader says tender documents clearly state that the scope of work and projected outcomes for both the Education Ministry and Kumar, are clearly aimed at electioneering.
Prasad says Kumar is named in the tender document and the consultants will have to develop a social media strategy and create content for her. He says the tender closes on 3rd August and the duration of the contract will be for 3 years.
The NFP Leader says this is at the height of insanity as the first decision by the Education Minister and her Ministry into the new financial year is to recruit a firm through a tender process using public funds to boost both her and the ministry’s public image.
He has questioned why does the Minister and the Ministry want to be on TikTok.
Prasad says this is a blatant abuse of public funds.
He adds a perusal of the tender documents show that it is tailor-made for a communications company formed after the 2018 elections, which is being paid public funds to do public relations for some ministries and other entities.
We have sent questions to Kumar. She is yet to respond.
