Govt. seeks four-point clarification from NEA chief

KATHMANDU, MARCH 7: The government has sought a four-point clarification from Kulman Ghising, the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday evening (Mar. 5)gave Ghising three days to provide a response. He received the government's clarification notice yesterday evening. The clarification accuses him of violating the terms of his agreement by failing to submit the performance report for the last fiscal year 2023/24 within the stipulated time.

The notice states: "Why should your appointment not be revoked by terminating your contract?"

Similarly, the NEA chief is accused of signing agreements at the 15th and 16th meetings of the Indo-Nepal Power Exchange Committee, held on March 11, 2024, and February 12, 2025, respectively, without proper authorization.

Additionally, he is being blamed for defying its directives regarding the Dedicated Feeder and Trunk Line issue and failing to fulfill his duties and responsibilities.

Four points in the clarification notice:

1. Failure to submit the Performance Report:

   • As per Clause 9.5 of the performance agreement signed between you and the concerned ministry on January 19, 2022 (2078/10/5 B.S.), you failed to submit the performance report for the fiscal year 2080/081 within the deadline, thereby violating the agreement.
   • As a result, Clause 10.3 of the agreement has come into effect, and in accordance with this clause, why should your contract not be terminated, and your appointment revoked?

2. Unauthorized Signing of Agreements:

   • Under Section 2(b) of Clause (2) of the Nepal Treaty Act, 1990 and Section (g) of Clause (2) of the Treaty Execution Directive, 2020, you were required to have full authorization to sign international agreements.
   • However, on March 11, 2024, and February 12, 2025, you signed separate agreements with the Central Electricity Authority of India on bilateral electricity exchange for Indian fiscal years 2024/25 and 2025/26 without such authorization.
   • As this action exceeds your official capacity, it constitutes a violation under Section (a) of Sub-Rule (1) of the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Service and Facilities Regulations 2004.
   • Why should you not be removed from your position?

3. Defying Government Directives on Dedicated Feeder and Trunk Line Payments:

   • The Cabinet, in its decision on November 10, 2024, directed the ministry to collect outstanding electricity dues from customers using dedicated feeders and trunk lines, based on the Time-of-Day Metering System.
   • You failed to implement this directive, thereby defying government orders.
   • Why should you not be removed from your position?

4. Failure to Perform Duties as Executive Director:

   • As per the Nepal Electricity Authority Act, 2041 (1984), the Executive Director has specific duties and responsibilities.
   • Your failure to fulfill these obligations warrants removal.
   • Why should you not be removed from your position?

The government is now awaiting Ghising’s formal response to these allegations.