FNCCI Resolves Long-Standing Membership Dispute Ahead of General Assembly

Kathmandu. The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has found a middle ground to resolve the long-standing dispute regarding the membership of 18 sectoral associations. Following an eight-hour central executive committee meeting that concluded late Wednesday, the FNCCI decided to revoke the memberships in accordance with the Patan High Court's order dated Mangsir 16 and initiate a new membership process.

These associations will now be granted membership after fulfilling the required procedures under the statute, but they will not have voting rights this time. The 18 associations will only be allowed to participate as observers in the upcoming General Assembly scheduled for Baishakh 21 and 22, without the right to vote.

New members must meet all criteria stipulated by the FNCCI statute during future renewals. Central member Rabin Puri stated that the consensus was reached following a proposal by sectoral vice-presidential candidate Shiva Prasad Ghimire, which helped bridge the intense divide between opposing factions during the meeting.

Wednesday's meeting chose a middle path to accommodate both sides. It was agreed that seven of the 18 new members would withdraw their petitions filed at the Patan High Court and the writ petition filed at the Supreme Court. The new members have also agreed not to pursue legal action in the future, ensuring the General Assembly will proceed as scheduled.

Central members noted that this decision serves as a win-win solution, maintaining the previous membership decision while addressing concerns raised by those who argued that the criteria were not met.

To obtain full membership, these 18 associations must re-complete all processes according to the statute. It has been clarified that while they lack voting rights now, they will receive full membership rights only after meeting the necessary standards in the future.

This decision resolves the membership dispute that had reached the courts. The General Assembly, originally scheduled for Chaitra 29 and 30, was postponed after the Patan High Court directed the FNCCI to resolve the membership issue before proceeding.

Additionally, one case remains sub-judice at the Supreme Court. Previously, the membership recommendation committee had submitted a report stating that these 18 associations could not be granted membership as they did not meet the required criteria.