KATHMANDU, July 11: Trade unions active within the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have launched protests against Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, accusing him of undermining institutional autonomy and overstepping boundaries in governance.
The unions have warned of disrupting upcoming board meetings of the authority, citing attempts to curtail the executive director's powers. They allege the minister has been influencing board proceedings by bypassing standard procedures and unilaterally setting meeting agendas through the ministry instead of following internal consultations.
NEA regional offices transfer over 2,500 junior staff
According to the protesting unions, decisions—including those related to staff transfers—have been pushed through the board under undue pressure, with specific dates assigned in advance. They claim such actions, especially during the months of Jestha and Asar, have created an atmosphere of fear regarding staff transfers, contradicting the principles of good institutional governance.
The unions have also criticized the practice of inserting personal-interest agendas under miscellaneous topics during board meetings, allegedly facilitated through ministerial and bureaucratic influence.
