KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kulman Ghising explores options following dismissal from NEA
After being dismissed by the government, Kulman Ghising, the outgoing Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has begun informal discussions with experts on his next steps.
Sources close to Ghising reveal that he is considering two primary options. One option involves seeking legal recourse by consulting with legal experts about potentially challenging the government’s decision in court. Ghising is exploring the possibility of taking legal action to contest his dismissal and seek justice.
Opp’n defaming govt and spreading falsehoods: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli has accused the opposition of actively attempting to defame the government and spread lies. Speaking at the national convention of the Progressive Engineering Association in Kupandol, Lalitpur, on Tuesday, Prime Minister Oli stated that the government remains focused on addressing its key issues and fulfilling its work.
“Some individuals are trying to derail the national aspiration of a ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepalis’, but that is to be expected,” said Prime Minister Oli.
Protests erupt over Kulman Ghising’s dismissal
The government’s decision to remove Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising has sparked widespread outrage, both on the streets and on social media.
Following Monday’s cabinet decision to dismiss Ghising, his supporters have taken to the streets in protest. On Tuesday, youths affiliated with the Unified Socialist Party of Nepal staged demonstrations in Kathmandu, burning effigies in opposition to the government’s move.
Meanwhile, a group of independent youths also organized a protest in Kathmandu, demanding Ghising’s reinstatement. The demonstration in New Baneshwor led to a scuffle between the police and protesters, further intensifying tensions.
ANNFSU protests govt’s dismissal of Kulman Ghising
The All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU), affiliated with the Unified Socialist Party, has launched protests against the government’s decision to dismiss Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
On Tuesday morning, ANNFSU activists took to the streets of Kathmandu, burning an effigy of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka in protest. The demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the dismissal, accusing the government of undermining Ghising’s significant contributions to the country’s power sector.
Kulman Ghising’s dismissal raises serious questions about govt’s motives
The Cabinet meeting dismissed Kulman Ghising from his position as the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The decision, made under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has raised significant concerns about the government’s intent and its implications for the country’s energy sector.
How will this abrupt and seemingly humiliating dismissal affect the morale of other government employees? Ghising’s tenure was set to end in a couple of months, yet he was removed prematurely without any clear justification. Was his dismissal mandated by the court or the authority? If not, what crime warranted his immediate removal?
Supporters march from Maitighar to Baneshwor against Kulman’s removal
Anti-government protests erupted following the cabinet’s decision on Monday evening to remove Kulman Ghising, the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Supporters of Kulman Ghising staged demonstrations across various parts of Kathmandu since Tuesday morning. The protest has gathered at Maitighar, with the crowd continuing to grow.
The march, which began at Maitighar, moved towards New Baneshwor with protesters carrying banners with slogans such as “No Load Shedding, Kulman Cannot Be Removed.”
Maoist Centre opposes govt’s decision to remove Kulman Ghising
The CPN (Maoist Centre) has strongly opposed the government’s decision to remove Kulman Ghising from his position as the Manging Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
In a statement issued today, party Vice-Chair and spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota called for an immediate reversal of the decision, labeling it a blatant example of bad governance.
“This decision aims to create psychological fear among competent administrators who work with honesty and dedication. Our party strongly demands its immediate withdrawal,” the statement reads.
Kulman Ghising holds legal consultation, skips office after dismissal
Kulman Ghising, the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), who has yet to receive his dismissal letter, did not report to the office today. A meeting of the cabinet held on Monday decided to remove Kulman from his position and appoint Hitendra Dev Shakya as his successor.
However, Kulman stated that he has not received the official dismissal letter. According to an official close to Kulman, he is currently consulting with legal professionals regarding the matter.
Balen Shah challenges govt over corruption allegations
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has publicly challenged the government to imprison him if the issues he has raised regarding corruption are wrong.
Shah accused the government of protecting corrupt individuals, alleging that it selectively targets honest officials while allowing lawbreakers to go unpunished.
He shared his grievances on social media, stating, “The government protects so many corrupt people who break the law, yet we only hear about good governance in speeches. If what I have said is wrong, imprison me.”
Government confirms Kulman Ghising’s dismissal, appoints Hitendra Dev Shakya
The government has officially confirmed the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority’s Managing Director Kulman Ghising.
Announcing the decisions of Monday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that Ghising had been removed from his position.
“The Cabinet has decided to remove Kulman Ghising as the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority and appoint Hitendra Dev Shakya of Lalitpur in his place,” Minister Gurung said.
Hitendra Dev Shakya takes charge as NEA Managing Director
Hitendra Dev Shakya has officially assumed office as the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), following the government’s decision to appoint him on Monday.
Shakya had previously led NEA but was replaced by Kulman Ghising. His legal battle challenging this removal remained unresolved, with his petition pending before the Supreme Court for years.
Despite attending 31 hearings, a verdict was never reached, and his four-year term expired while awaiting a decision.
RSP: Government removed Kulman to protect middlemen
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has expressed serious concern over the government’s dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) Executive Director, Kulman Ghising.
In a statement signed by Acting General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, the party accused the government of removing Ghising with ill intent to protect middlemen.
“The government has unfairly dismissed Kulman Ghising, who played a crucial role in freeing Nepali citizens from 18-hour daily power cuts. This move appears to be aimed at shielding vested interests,” the statement reads.
PM Oli: Load-shedding ended due to long-term government efforts, not Kulman’s ‘miracle’
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that Nepal’s load-shedding crisis was resolved due to years of government-led hydropower projects, not because of any ‘miracle’ by Kulman Ghising.
Speaking at the launch of Sujata Koirala’s autobiography ‘Ma Ra Mero Sanobuwa’ in Baluwatar on Tuesday, PM Oli dismissed the notion that Ghising alone was responsible for ending load-shedding.
“Did Kulman Ghising bring electricity, or transmission lines on his own?” Oli questioned, adding that Maoist Chair Prachanda had spread misinformation about Ghising’s role.
NEPSE drops by 56 points falling 2.11%
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a sharp 56-point decline on Tuesday, erasing the gains recorded a day earlier. The index fell by 2.11%, closing at 2584.88 points.
Despite the market downturn, trading volume increased compared to Monday. A total of 11.55 million shares were traded, amounting to Rs 5.18 billion.
The share prices of 240 companies declined, while only four companies saw an increase. No company’s share price remained stable.
Gold price down bu Rs 200 per tola today
The price of gold dropped in the local market on Tuesday. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, the price of gold has decreased by Rs 200 per tola today. The Federation reports that gold is being traded at Rs 173,300 per tola today, compared to Rs 173,500 per tola yesterday.
Meanwhile, the price of silver has remained unchanged. Silver continues to trade at Rs 1,980 per tola, the same rate as the previous day, according to the Federation.
Trichandra Campus FSU elections to be held on March 26
The Free Students’ Union (FSU) elections at Trichandra Campus in Kathmandu is taking place tomorrow (March 26).
The elections, originally planned for March 18, were postponed due to disputes between student organizations. Election Officer Angadmani Gautam confirmed that the elections will now take place on March 26.
Previously, due to conflicts between student groups, both the campus’s main gate and the office of the campus chief were locked, leading to the postponement. According to the notice, voting will begin at 8 am.
Monitoring of rare snow leopard begins in Upper Mustang
Monitoring of the rare snow leopard, a protected wildlife species, has begun in upper Mustang. The monitoring, assisted by camera trapping at three key locations, aims to assess the current status and population of the snow leopard in the region.
The rising cases of human-snow leopard conflict in the area have prompted this initiative. Umesh Paudel, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), stated that 12 cameras have been installed around Baragung Muktikshetra-3, above Thurlungphant of Lomanthang, and near the Lomanthang market.
PM Oli to visit Thailand for BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli is set to visit Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok from 1-5 April.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, confirmed that Prime Minister Oli will attend the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, along with other ministers, will also take part in the summit.
Revenue collection increases by 27% in Chitwan
The Inland Revenue Office in Chitwan has reported a 27% increase in revenue collection over the first eight months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year.
Despite this growth, the office has achieved only 21.40% of its annual revenue collection target, with just four months remaining in the fiscal year.
According to Information Officer Bimal Paudel, the office collected Rs 14.46 billion in revenue during this period, up from Rs 11.91 billion in the corresponding period last year.
Goods worth Rs 53.26 billion exported via Birgunj in eight months
Goods worth Rs 53.26 billion have been exported through Birgunj Customs in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, marking a 172.01% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to Deepak Lamichhane, Chief of Birgunj Customs Office, the surge in exports is largely attributed to a significant rise in soybean oil exports.
In the past eight months, 134.71 million liters of soybean oil, valued at Rs 28.19 billion, were exported. Additionally, juice exports totaled Rs 4.88 billion, while iron and iron products worth Rs 3.68 billion were also exported.
Preparations underway for investment conference in Sudurpaschim
The Sudurpaschim Province government has ramped up preparations for the Investment and Development Conference scheduled for September 17-18 in Dhangadhi.
A preparatory event is also set for April 9 to facilitate discussions ahead of the main conference.
A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, who also serves as the coordinator of the conference direction committee, was held on Monday.
The discussion included ministers, former chief ministers, ministry secretaries, and members of the province’s policy and planning commission.
Driver killed as truck plunges into Trishuli River
A truck driver lost his life when the truck he was driving fell into the Trishuli River in Chaudha Kilo, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29.
The deceased has been identified as Ram Narayan Yadav, around 35 years old, from Sakhuwa, Rautahat, according to the District Police Office of Chitwan.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rabindra Khanal reported that the truck (registration number Ba Pra 03-001 Kha 4874) was carrying coal when it veered off the road and plunged into the river early this morning. The truck was en route from Narayangadh to Muglin at the time of the accident.
Senior citizens want national ID card to access security allowance
Senior citizens from Gamtha village, located in Khatyad Rural Municipality-7, are facing difficulties in receiving their social security allowance because they do not have national identity cards.
Khimta Ghodashaini (69), Tuli Sanjyal (70), Purna Chandra Upadhyay (77), and Saura Devi Ghodashaini (64) are among those who have been deprived of their state entitlements. The elderly residents are being turned away by local authorities, who insist on the presentation of a national ID card to claim the allowance.
Two APF members remanded in custody in connection with Santoshi Mahat’s death
Two members of the Armed Police Force have been remanded in custody in connection with the death of Armed Police Inspector Santoshi Mahat, who was found dead at the Crowd and Riot Management Training School in Lamapatan, Pokhara.
Armed Police Inspector Bibek Joshi and Constable Resham Bahadur Shahi have been charged with abetting suicide. The Kaski District Court issued the remand order on Monday, following an investigation into Mahat’s death on February 22.
Mahat was discovered dead in the training school premises, sparking suspicions raised by her family, who filed a complaint with the District Police Office on February 23.
Hetauda Cement Industry to resume production in April first week
Hetauda Cement Industry, which has been closed for an extended period, is set to resume production from the first week of April.
Acting General Manager of Hetauda Cement Industry, Engineer Nabin Kumar Karna, confirmed that preparations are underway to restart production after completing necessary machinery maintenance, securing required raw materials, and reaching an agreement with employees to resume work.
Agriculture Minister promises transparency in agricultural grant distribution
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has assured transparency in the distribution of agricultural grants, emphasizing that past irregularities will not be repeated.
Speaking at the Agro Investment Conference organized by the Agro Enterprise Centre of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Minister stated that the government has now made all grant-related details publicly accessible. “All relevant details are now available for disclosure,” he said.
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