KATHMANDU, Jan 13: In response to the government’s threat about terminating his contract, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising has clarified that he cannot be ousted on personal prejudice as his appointment has legitimate back up while his performance is also outstanding.
By sending his answers against the clarifications sought by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) on Sunday, the NEA Chief Ghising has said the government on August 9, 2021 appointed him in the position with the tenure of four years. “In addition, there is a notable growth of the institution after I assumed the position while I am delivering my best on the interests of the organisation,” stated Ghising in his clarification.
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Last week, the MoEWRI wrote to Ghising seeking a nine-point clarification including a question on why the ministry should not terminate Ghising’s appointment. According to an official, the ministry was planning to follow through with the contract's provisions for removal if Ghising failed to provide the satisfactory clarification within the stipulated time.
Ghising has been accused of being uncooperative with the ministry. The letter sent by the ministry states that he has repeatedly played an uncooperative role in the meetings of the board of directors of the authority, forgetting his status as the executive head of a government body, arguing even on ordinary matters, and committing acts contrary to the dignity of his position, and even disobeying the instructions of the ministry.
In reply, Ghising could not respond to the ministry’s letter on time as he had been busy on expediting the reconstruction work of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, which was devastated by the September floods and landslides. According to Ghising, he had already notified the ministry concerned about this matter.
The letter sent by the MoEWRI also stated that if the evaluation score for the third year falls below 50 percent, Ghising could be recommended for termination. Despite initial delays and repeated requests, Ghising has now submitted his performance report, claiming a 98.99 percent completion rate for the previous fiscal year.
