NTB conducted interview of four of the 12 candidates who were shortlisted for the post back in 2011. Though NTB had scheduled interview of six candidates on Sunday, two of them - former acting CEO Subash Nirola and Hum Gurung - did not show up. Hari Sharmah, Gyaneswor Lal Mahato, Gyanendra Ratna Tuladhar and Bishnu GC appeared for the interview on the day.Ghanendra Shrestha, coordinator of CEO Selection Sub-Committee of NTB, said Nirola and Gurung had not collected letter of appointment for interview.
According to a source, Gurung is settled in Singapore. Similarly, Nirola had filed a writ petition, seeking stay on CEO selection progress. But he was denied stay order by the court on Sunday.
Similarly, Shiva Saran Thapa, whose interview is scheduled for Monday, has not collected letter yet. The source said Thapa is now living in the United States.
Publishing a notice on December 1, NTB had invited all shortlisted applicants for interview on December 13 and 14. In the notice, the sub-committee had requested all 12 candidates to collect letter, which included topic of presentation, and date and time for presentation and interview, from NTB.
Deepak Raj Joshi, Narayan Pradhan, Raghu Bista, Bhumi Lama and Lok Bahadur Khatri are appearing for interview on Monday.
"Candidates, who do not appear for interview, will be automatically disqualified," Shrestha said, adding that NTB had informed all the candidates about interview schedule over the phone.
Sharmah, who appeared for interview on Sunday, said the selection process should now move ahead without any delay. "Half of us have already appeared for the interview. The deserving candidate should be selected soon," he added.
According to Shrestha, all four candidates made a presentation on 'Revitalizing Tourism in Nepal: Prospects and Challenges' in English language. They were given 30 minutes for the presentation which was followed by interview.
The post of CEO has remained vacant since Prachanda Man Shrestha retired from the post on October 31, 2011.
The selection committee led by Shrestha has Ghanasyam Upadhyaya, joint secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and Rajendra Sapkota, board member of NTB; and two experts - one each from the government and the private sector - as members.
The team will select top three candidates and recommend their names to the board of directors of NTB. "We will recommend the names by Tuesday. The board will then make the final decision," Shrestha said, adding, "The new CEO will be appointed within a maximum of 15 days if things go as planned."
Related story
NTB and int’l carriers commit to work together for destination...
