KATHMANDU: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the implementation of the agreement reached between the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the government regarding the ‘Dedicated Line’ dispute.
The Prime Minister’s Office has sent a letter to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, instructing it to implement the agreement.
A recent meeting attended by Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Chief Secretary, and in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, reached a verbal agreement with the Federation.
The office stated that the discussions resulted in a consensus to simplify fee payments and make arrangements for hearing administrative reviews.
During the meeting, it was agreed that industrialists would pay an amount equivalent to one of the 28 installments previously provided by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)—not as an installment, but as the disputed amount—after which disconnected power lines would be reconnected immediately.
FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal said it was agreed that, after paying the deposit, industrialists would have the right to pursue administrative review and other legal remedies. Industrialists can submit any disagreements or additional complaints along with the deposit to the authority.
Earlier, the Authority had disconnected power lines of around two dozen industries for failing to pay the premium charges for using ‘dedicated’ and ‘trunk lines.’ Following the agreement, lines of the industries that paid the agreed amount have been reconnected.
Comment