People from 17 VDCs in Baglung district who  have been relying on the integrated service centre at Burtibang VDC for various government services have been affected in the absence of the VDC secretary at Burtibang.

Concerned villagers complained that they are compelled to visit the district headquarters for services that were easily available at Burtibang earlier.

Bir Bahadur Shirsha of Bhimgithe VDC said he recently spent five days in the district headquarters so that he could obtain citizenship document for his son. It

is a time-consuming and costly affair for the villagers because of one person who has decided not to perform his duties from his assigned work station.

Burtibang villagers  said they need at least  Rs 10,000 to visit the district headquarters.

Tanka Paudel, a Burtibang resident, said while the other government employees are still working at the village, it is only VDC secretary who seems to have a problem.

Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Prasad Pokharel said his office cannot take action against the VDC secretary until a service seeker has registered a complaint in writing.

Meanwhile, Local Development Officer Bharat Gautam assured to investigate into the matter and take necessary steps.