KATHMANDU, MARCH 24
The government has dismissed Kulman Ghising, managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), from his position and reinstated Hitendra Dev Shakya to the post.
The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting today and confirmed by a source at NEA.
Ghising had been at odds with Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka, who was reportedly dissatisfied with his independent approach. The minister had accused him of non-cooperation and proposed his removal. Despite multiple requests, Ghising had failed to comply with the government directives or provide satisfactory explanations, leading to his dismissal.
On March 6, the government had issued a three-day clarification notice to Ghising, questioning why he should not be removed. The Ministry of Energy then formally sought his response on March 7, following the Cabinet's decision.
Earlier, the ministry had asked for clarification three times - the first time on January 6, then on January 12. Dissatisfied with his responses, the ministry had issued a 24-hour ultimatum last week for a final explanation.
Ghising has also been accused of exacerbating rather than resolving the dedicated and trunk line dispute, which began during his tenure.
Meanwhile, CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman and former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has strongly condemned the government's decision to dismiss Ghising from the post.
Taking to the social media, he said, "As an energy expert, Kulman Ghising was appointed to lead the NEA at a time when the country was grappling with severe load-shedding. Through his expertise, leadership and collective efforts, he played a crucial role in lighting up Nepal."
Dahal criticised the government's repeated demands for clarification from Ghising, calling it an unjust attempt to remove him from office. "Now, reports suggest that the Cabinet has dismissed Ghising. I hope this news is false. However, if true, this decision is completely unjustified and biased," he added.
He further condemned the move, stating, "This is an irresponsible act by the government with a two-thirds majority. I strongly oppose this decision."
Ghising was reappointed as NEA's Managing Director on August 11, 2021. During his first term, he gained widespread recognition for eliminating prolonged load-shedding in Kathmandu valley.
The government first appointed him to the role on September 14, 2016 for a four-year term. The government had previously appointed Shakya as NEA's MD on February 9, 2021. However, he was replaced by Ghising within six months.
