KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has issued a formal clarification notice to Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), citing allegations of misconduct and non-compliance with his performance agreement.
The ministry has raised eight specific concerns and demanded that Ghising provide a satisfactory explanation within seven days.
Failure to respond adequately, according to the notice, could result in the termination of his appointment.
Among the allegations, the government has accused Ghising of irregularities in the procurement of transformers, stating that his office failed to address complaints and submit detailed reports on the matter.
It also claims that he has repeatedly neglected the performance evaluation process mandated in his appointment agreement, delaying critical documentation and making it impossible for the ministry to assess his work objectively.
Additionally, the ministry has alleged that Ghising has defied government directives, particularly regarding tariff-related disputes, by failing to cooperate with a technical committee formed to address the issue.
The letter also highlights accusations of unprofessional behavior during NEA board meetings, suggesting that he has disrupted proceedings and failed to uphold the decorum expected of his position.
The notice warns that these alleged actions have created significant obstacles in the government’s ability to monitor and evaluate the NEA’s operations.
It further states that Ghising’s non-compliance violates the terms of his performance agreement and could lead to legal and administrative action under the provisions of the Nepal Electricity Authority Act.
Ghising, who was reappointed as NEA’s chief in 2021, is widely recognized for ending the country’s crippling power outages and achieving record-high revenues for the authority.
However, the allegations have cast a shadow over his leadership and raised questions about the government’s intentions. Critics have speculated whether the move is politically motivated, given Ghising’s prominence and public support.
The ministry’s letter highlights that the situation is serious and requires immediate attention.
If Ghising fails to respond with a satisfactory explanation, the government may proceed with actions to terminate his tenure.
As the controversy unfolds, the case has garnered significant public and political interest, with many awaiting Ghising’s response to the allegations and the government’s subsequent actions. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for the leadership of Nepal’s electricity sector.
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