During the period when the code of conduct was effective, government bodies were barred from making new appointments or transferring officials as the activities were seen as obstacles to holding free, fair and credible elections.[break]
“Since the code has now been nullified we will soon resume the task of filling vacant posts of chiefs at public enterprises,” said Bimal Wagle, chief of PE Management Board. “Our first priority will be to complete the process of appointing chief executive at Employees Provident Fund.”
In May the board initiated the process by issuing a public notice requesting qualified candidates to apply for the post. Since then around six candidates have submitted applications. But the process came to a halt after the EC issued the election code of conduct.
“As per the mandate given to us, we will immediately shortlist names of three candidates and forward it to the government for final approval,” Wagle said.
PE Management Board was established in December to monitor, supervise and regulate all 37 state-owned companies in the country. Although it also functions as an advisory body to the government on enhancing performance and efficiency of public enterprises, it is currently focusing on appointing chief executives and board members at the state-owned enterprises through open competition.
The Board commenced the open competition selection process by issuing notice on vacant position of managing director at Nepal Electricity Authority. But before it could complete the process, the Supreme Court instructed the Board to halt the process based on a complaint filed by Rameshwor Yadav.
Its second attempt to fill vacant top management post at Nepal Oil Corporation also turned futile due to similar order from the Supreme Court.
The board then initiated the formal process of selecting heads of Employees Provident Fund and Nepal Airlines Corporation for which it has received applications from candidates.
But since Nepal Airlines´ statues includes a controversial clause that allows the executive chairman to supersede managing director, the board does not want to continue with the selection process until the MD is entrusted with the responsibility of steering the company.
Against this backdrop, successful appointment of chief at Employees Provident Fund will be the first task for the Board.
“But very soon we will also start the process of appointing chief executives at Hydropower Investment and Development Company, Guthi Sansthan, Beema Sansthan and Janak Education Materials Center,” Wagle said.
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