Kathmandu, June 24 -- The government has introduced a new provision, allowing ministers to expand their advisory teams and personal secretariats, reversing an earlier decision that had reduced political appointments and capped support staff.

Under a Cabinet decision taken on April 15, each minister can now appoint between three and five advisers (equivalent to secretary level), along with a nine-member personal secretariat.

The directive is being circulated to ministries by Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal for implementation. Officials at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers said the delay in communicating the decision was linked to concerns over possible backlash.

The April 15 decision has not been made public,...