The Energy Minister Deepak Khadka has responded to Kulman’s query: ‘I do not have the authority to dismiss myself, but I have the right to make decisions based on discretion.’
In a public statement, Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority, mentioned that the employee currently in a public position has the right to make decisions based on discretion, despite not having the authority to dismiss himself.
Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka, in response to Ghising’s inquiry on December 22, clarified in eight points that there is no mention of any action or authority to dismiss regarding his appointment termination. The clarification received from his ministry states, ‘The employee in a public position has the right to provide an appropriate opinion based on discretion and request for the authority to make decisions, duties, and responsibilities of public service.’
The document further states, ‘In accordance with the decision of the Nepal government dated Saun 25, 2078, the appointment of the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority for a term of four years has been made based on the institutional interest and progress in significant tasks as well as the facts, basis, and analysis mentioned in the document.’
Kulman mentioned in a six-page clarification received from the authority that he has achieved 98.99% progress in his work, citing, “For the purpose of evaluating the performance value of the previous fiscal year as per the agreement between the Ministry of Energy and me, the details to be made available are registered in the Ministry’s D. No. 3779 dated 2081.09.24. A separate request for an external audit committee has been registered in the honorable Supreme Court on the issue of the situation currently under consideration. The decision to take a leave of tax has been made and issued based on the bill released by the authority and the Electricity Regulatory Commission in accordance with the norms.’
Ghising has also mentioned his disagreement with the role of the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Executive Committee in various meetings, stating that he has presented proposals and various topics based on his expertise, experience, existing laws, and regulations for consideration in the Executive Committee meetings. He also denied playing an uncooperative role and mentioned that there is no dispute, requesting not to be involved in an adversarial role.
Minister Khadka, addressing the issue of resolving the Dedicated Feeder and Trunk Line dispute with Ghising, accused him of disobeying the government’s directive by not providing necessary support to the technical investigation committee established by him.
The Ministry has accused Ghising of various allegations and had sent a letter within seven days demanding clarification on why the appointment was not terminated. Mentioning that no satisfactory response was received, the process of further action against Ghising has been mentioned. Ghising was appointed for four years during the meeting of the Ministry dated 2078/04/25.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 13, 2025 8:00 am