HETAUDA: The government has dismissed Kulman Ghising, the managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), in a controversial decision that has sparked widespread criticism. The cabinet meeting held on Monday removed Ghising from his post and appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as his replacement.
Ironically, while the government was finalizing his dismissal, Ghising was in a Chepang village in Hetauda, bringing electricity to one of Nepal’s most underserved communities. He was busy switching on power in the remote Khairang settlement of Raksirang Rural Municipality, where locals had relied on oil lamps for generations.
The government, led by KP Sharma Oli, had been attempting to remove Ghising since the beginning of his tenure. Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, who had previously downplayed Ghising’s role in ending Nepal’s infamous 18-hour load shedding, pushed the proposal for his dismissal. Khadka had claimed that the eradication of power cuts was primarily due to electricity imports from India, a statement that had drawn heavy criticism.
Despite this, Ghising continued his work until the very last moment. On the same day of his dismissal, he was in Khairang, ensuring that electricity reached all nine wards of Raksirang Rural Municipality under the NEA’s Chepang Electrification Program.
During the inauguration event, Ghising personally switched on the first electricity meter for 70-year-old Tulkumari Chepang, who had spent her life in darkness. Along with her, Tek Bahadur Thing, Nem Bahadur Lama, and Birman Thing experienced electricity in their homes for the first time, marking a historic moment for the community.
In recognition of his contributions, the rural municipality honored Ghising for his efforts. He had arranged for the distribution of 303 free electricity meters to underprivileged families, ensuring that even the poorest Chepangs could afford electricity.
While addressing the gathering, Ghising expressed his happiness in bringing electricity to the region and committed to resolving issues related to power supply, replacing old wooden poles, and upgrading bare wires. His vision for electrification and development stood in stark contrast to the government’s decision to remove him from office.
As Ghising illuminated the homes of Raksirang, the government’s decision to remove him raised serious questions. His removal, widely seen as politically motivated, has fueled concerns about the future of Nepal’s power sector.
With Energy Minister Khadka previously warning of potential load shedding, many now wonder whether the stability achieved under Ghising’s leadership will continue. Meanwhile, the government faces mounting criticism for dismissing a leader whose contributions transformed Nepal’s energy landscape.
For the residents of Khairang, however, Ghising’s work has left an indelible mark. “The light of a lamp may be fleeting, but the light of education and development should shine forever,” he told the gathered villagers—a message that resonates far beyond the hills of Raksirang.
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