Energy Ministry seeks clarification from NEA Executive Director Ghising

Kathmandu, October 9 — The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has sought clarification from Kulman Ghising, the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The ministry has requested details regarding all work, agreements, employee information, and financial records from the NEA over the past four years.

Energy Minister Deepak Khadka has sent a letter to Executive Director Ghising, demanding answers to the questions raised within 15 days. On Tuesday, the ministry informed Ghising to provide a written response by that deadline

The questions and requested information from the ministry, as discovered by Ratopati, include details about the NEA's employee service and condition regulations, financial administration regulations, and various decisions made by the board over the past four years.

Additionally, the ministry has requested details regarding the NEA's delegation of powers to the Executive Director over the past four years, including decision dates.

Furthermore, the ministry is asking for information about the share structure in the NEA’s subsidiary companies, details of employees assigned to those companies, and records of agreements and understandings made with business entities in neighboring countries over various dates.

Meanwhile, Minister Khadka has convened a board meeting for the NEA and then abruptly postponed it. The meeting was called without notifying Ghising, and at the last moment, the minister himself decided to postpone it.

According to the minister’s directive, the ministry’s under-secretary, Shambhu Prasad Marasini, had informed the board members that the meeting would take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. However, another notice was sent at 9 a.m. indicating the meeting was postponed.

It is customary for the executive director of the NEA to call board meetings in consultation with the minister. However, Minister Khadka had called the meeting without informing Ghising. Recently, there has been tension between Ghising and the minister.

The minister had sought to remove Ghising as well, but backed down due to public pressure and fear of large-scale protests against the government. Board members have not been informed why the meeting was called and then postponed. When inquired about this, Minister Khadka did not wish to comment.

Generally, it is customary for the NEA to send letters to board members informing them about the meeting agenda.