Laxman Bhattarai, spokesperson of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, confirmed Bhumi Nanda Devkota, Sharmila Tripathi and Murari Bhakta Mathema resigned their posts citing “changed political context.”
Despite the changed political scenario, B K Man Singh, the chairman of NAC board of directors, has not filed his resignation. He was appointed by the previous Maoist-led government.
It is a general practice for NAC board members to resign with the change in the government. The resignation of the three also comes several days after appointment of Sharat Singh Bhandari as the new tourism and civil aviation minister.
Bhandari, a Madhesi People´s Rights Forum leader, can now induct people of his choice to the vacant posts. Soon after new members are appointed, NAC management plans to get the decision to buy two airplanes endorsed.
The process to buy new aircraft was initiated in April after floating a tender notice. Till date, a committee has evaluated the bid documents submitted by two aircraft manufacturers -- Boeing and Airbus.
“However, after appointment of the new aviation minister, the ´old board members´ had asked the management not to call any board meetings, disrupting the process of buying new planes,” a high-ranking NAC official told myrepublica.com.
NAC board consists seven members, including four politically appointed individuals, two joint secretaries from finance and civil aviation ministries, and NAC managing director. These people are responsible for finalizing majority of decisions taken by NAC management.
rupak@myrepublica.com
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