Minister Musalman, who is also the chairman of NTNC, had on December 27 asked member secretary Gurung furnish clarification over irregularities ranging from distribution of financial assistance to several sister organizations of political parties to appointments of more than 100 employees without holding open competitions. [break]
Terming Gurung´s clarification “unsatisfactory”, minister Musalman on January 8 again sought clarifications.
“I sought clarifications especially on the issues of unsettled transactions, which have been pointed out by Financial Comptroller General Office as well, but he (Gurung) did not submit satisfactory clarification,” Minister Musalman said. "I have again asked for clarification. If he again fails to give satisfactory clarification, I will then form a joint secretary-led panel to investigate irregularities.”
Minister Musalman has asked Gurung to clarify why he doled out financial assistance to Youth Association Nepal (YAN) and All Nepal National Free Students´ Union (ANNFSU), both affiliated with the CPN (UML), and appointed over 100 staffers without holding open competition.
Similarly, Minister Musalman has also asked Gurung to clarify issues of deficit budget for three consecutive fiscal years, more expenses on administrative works than environment programs and lack of strategic and five-year work plans.
Minister Musalman has also criticized member secretary Gurung for failing to take concrete initiatives to prevent “unnatural deaths” of wild animals like hippopotamus, rhinos and bears at the Jawalkhel zoo and poaching of snow leopards in Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Both the ACAP and the zoo are administered by the NTNC.
Member secretary Gurung has dubbed minister Musalman move "an outcome of his ill-intention". "I gave proper and detailed clarification. Yet, minister does not seem satisfied. This is nothing but his ill-intention against me," said Gurung. He also accused minister Musalman of acting on behalf of those “who greased his hands”.
"He had asked me for bribe. I refused to give him money. This is why he is trying to give me unnecessary troubles," Gurung said. Previously, minister Musalman had sacked Gurung from the post of chairman. However, Gurung was restored to his post after a court order.
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