KATHMANDU: In a high-voltage drama today, Education Minister Ram Chandra Kushbaha summoned Vice Chairman of the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) and Member Secretary of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) at the ministry for failing to comply with his order. But the duo have failed to summon before him.

The minister, who came to limelight for pressuring his subordinates, had earlier asked the CTEVT and the HSEB to send a bus for the Ministry staff but the duo had refused it citing that it was not in their jurisdiction to do so. The minister’s decision to summon the duo goes against earlier Cabinet’s decision.

Talking to The Himalayan Times today, J B Tandon, member secretary of CTEVT said that the Education Minister had an ulterior motive to summon them after they failed to fulfil his demands.

The minister had asked for a bus, bearing the number plate Ba 2 Pa 3502 but Tandon and Dr Upendra Koirala of HSEB alleged that the minister wanted to fulfil his vested interest, which they said was unbecoming of a minister, thus, refused to send the bus. Talking to The Himalayan Times today, J B Tandon, member secretary of CTEVT said,” “It was illegal for the minister to pressure them for something which was not in their hands to decide upon freely””

“When we refused to comply with his demand, he summoned u”,” he said, adding” “Our buses are for

He also alleged the minister was trying to make the CTEVT a recruitment ground for his party workers and relatives. “Minister is trying to make CTEVT a recruitment centre by pressurising us to do activities which are beyond our control,” he stated. Tandon, meanwhile, charged that the Education Minister had on earlier occasions, pressurised him to give pass marks to 100 students in CTEVT sitting their exams and jobs to around two dozens party activists. The Minister has also been accused of creating a hypothetical vacancy for four advisors in the CTEVT.

On September 24, the minister called Koirala to work at the ministry allegedly asking him to fulfil his personal interests.

“He instructed me to give jobs to certain people who he refers to me, and provide appointment letters to his advisor and to give pass marks to his relatives in grade XII exam,” Koirala said. Koirala was appointed under the Higher Secondary Education Act, Clause 5.2 for four years while Tandon was appointed after the Cabinet decision of March 19, 2009 for four years.

Issuing a press statement, HSEB Employee’s Association had urged the minister to withdraw his decision, failing which they threatened to take to the streets.

Meanwhile, Lekh Nath Poudel, deputy spokesperson, Ministry of Education, expressed his ignorance about the act of the minister. “Minister has the authority to summon somebody at the ministry for work but we are unaware about these allegations,” he said.

However, education minister Kushbaha could not be reached as he left for Paris to attend the UNESCO conference today.

Writ petition against Education Minister

Kathmandu: The Vice Chairman of the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) and Member Secretary of the Council for Technical Education and Vocation Training (CTEVT) today said they would file a writ petition at the Supreme Court tomorrow against Education Minister Ram Chandra Kushbaha’s alleged misuse of authority. Talking to The Himalayan Times today, JB Tandan, member secretary of CTEVT said Minister Kushbaha summoned them at the Education Ministry in person against the cabinet decision, misusing his power.

“We’ll move the Supreme Court tomorrow seeking justice.” The petition will be filed on the first hour tomorrow, he added. — HNS

CTEVT padlock lifted, but crisis far from over

Madhyapur Thimi: The security personnel today unlocked the main gate of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). The CTEVT Employees’ Association had padlocked the office last Friday demanding the Education Minister to withdraw his decision to summon J B Tandon, member secretary of the CTEVT, in person.

A pitched battle was fought between the police and the security personnel at the threshold of the CTEVT when the former attempted to break the locks open. Yadu Pudasaini, member of the CTEVT Employee’s Association sustained minor injuries in the melee.

A press statement said CTEVT Employees’ Association condemned the Ministry of Home Affairs for using excessive force against peaceful protest. — HNS