Kathmandu, November 3

Though the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is set to host a special annual general meeting (AGM) of the organisation on November 15 to amend its statute to elect its next president through direct election, the private sector representing body is unlikely to hold the special AGM.

The FNCCI has called for its steering committee meeting on Wednesday, which is likely to decide to revoke the previous call for special AGM, informed a source at FNCCI seeking anonymity.

“Majority of office bearers, especially vice presidents of FNCCI, are against the idea of amending the statute and incorporating the direct presidential election system,” said the FNCCI official. “Hence, the planned special AGM on November 15 is highly unlikely.”

As per some FNCCI officials, those at leadership positions at FNCCI and those seeking amendment in the statute, especially FNCCI’s Senior Member Chandi Raj Dhakal, have reached an understanding not to amend the federation’s statute immediately.

However, FNCCI President Bhawani Rana said that nothing has been decided on the special AGM case. “It is true that there is division on whether or not the statute should be amended through the special AGM on the planned date.

This issue will be discussed in detail during the steering committee meeting on Wednesday,” she said.

Among others, FNCCI Senior Member Dhakal had been lobbying against the system of directly appointing the senior vice-president to federation’s top post and seeking amendment to the FNCCI statute. Interestingly, Dhakal himself was the major player behind FNCCI’s statute amendment process in 2016 and introducing the controversial provision.

Under the current provision, Shekhar Golchha, senior vice-president of FNCCI, would lead the federation after the tenure of incumbent President Bhawani Rana ends. A group in FNCCI, including Golchha and former FNCCI president Pashupati Murarka, have stood against the AGM call and planned amendment in the FNCCI statute.

Earlier, Murarka had even submitted a note of dissent against FNCCI executive committee’s decision to call for special AGM.