KATHMANDU: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising has submitted his response to the clarification sought by Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Dipak Khadka.
The eight-point clarification, requested on January 6 (Paush 22), was answered by Ghising on Sunday afternoon at the ministry located in Singha Durbar.
Ghising has submitted a nine-point clarification to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation. In his six-page clarification, Ghising refutes the government’s allegations against him.
Minister Khadka had sought an clarification accusing Ghising of favoring certain industries and businesses that used uninterrupted electricity through dedicated feeders and trunk lines but failed to pay over Rs 23 billion in premium charges.
Ghising, however, has repeatedly pressured defaulters and even disconnected power lines to these industries. Despite his efforts, successive governments have reportedly issued directives to restore power and delay payment recoveries.
In his response, Ghising has stated that Minister Khadka does not have the authority to seek clarification from him and has challenged the minister to remove him if he can.
Ghising wrote, “As per the Cabinet decision of August 9, 2021, I was appointed the Managing Director of NEA for a four-year term. Considering institutional interests and significant progress, no one other than the authority mentioned in the decision has the right to terminate my appointment.”
He further justified delays in performance reporting, citing his involvement in addressing damages caused by landslides and floods, including repairs to the Upper Tamakoshi project.
The government’s clarification letter raised issues about performance evaluation and demanded clarification for delays. In response, Ghising provided documentation showing a score of 98.99% in performance evaluation.
He stated, “Due to landslides and floods that damaged production, transmission, and distribution lines, I was heavily involved in reconstruction efforts, which caused delays in submitting reports. The evaluation committee also did not request immediate submission under the circumstances.”
One specific allegation was non-cooperation with a technical investigation committee formed by the ministry to resolve the dedicated feeder and trunk line tariff disputes. Addressing this, Ghising argued that the committee’s formation violated due process, was unlawful, and interfered with regulatory procedures.
Minister Khadka’s clarification request seen as diversion
Observers believe Minister Khadka sought clarification from Ghising to divert attention from controversies involving himself.
Allegations have surfaced that the minister was involved in shady dealings concerning hydropower projects worth nearly Rs 500 billion.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is reportedly displeased with Khadka after revelations that he had attempted to sell 51% shares of two major hydropower projects — Kimathanka Arun (445 MW) and Mugu Karnali (1902 MW).
Khadka’s attempts to influence contract awards, including distributing checks to rival companies from his office, have also sparked public outrage.
Furthermore, Khadka has faced criticism for conflicts of interest as an investor in hydropower projects while serving as Energy Minister.
Allegations include attempts to amend regulations to allow premature share sales in hydropower projects and controversies surrounding land acquisition deals.
Despite these accusations, Khadka continues to operate under the protection of his political party and ministerial position, raising concerns over accountability and governance.
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