KATHMANDU: Energy Minister Deepak Khadka has sought clarification from Kulman Ghising, the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), regarding various organizational issues.
This move comes amid increasing scrutiny of NEA’s operations, particularly following concerns about inconsistencies in its performance and procurement methods. Minister Khadka has specified fifteen key points that need addressing.
Minister Khadka has aksed Ghising to clarify on the amendments made to the Employee Service and Conditions Regulation and Financial Administration Regulation over the last four years, as well as decisions made by the NEA Board.
Likewis, Ghising has also asked about the information on the authority granted to the Executive Director by the NEA Board in the past four years, including the dates of these decisions.
Other points include:
Documentation of agreements and memoranda of understanding with businesses in neighboring countries.
The shareholding structure of NEA’s subsidiaries, including representatives on their boards and current NEA employees involved.
Financial statements from NEA’s subsidiaries over the past four years.
Information on projects where Power Evacuation is not fully operational and the alternative measures implemented by NEA.
Reports concerning the ownership transfer negotiations of the 60 MW Khimti-1 hydropower project by Himal Power Limited.
Details of approved bids from various divisions, including contract names, amounts, payment details, and the status of unresolved disputes.
Records of foreign trips taken by Board members in the past four years, along with expenses and their sources.
Reports on outstanding revenue from Dedicated Feeder Trunk Lines presented to the Board, along with the dates of decisions made.
Updated information on transformers purchased through tenders that have not yet been installed.
Details on items such as smart meters being prepared for tender, including their replacement plans, quantities, and estimated costs.
Updated costs for poles produced by NEA’s cement pole plants and procurement costs from bids in the last four fiscal years.
Information on unresolved audit discrepancies noted in the Auditor General’s annual report.
List of individuals who have served as heads of NEA’s Central Store in the past four years, along with their qualifications.
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