Kulman Ghising’s Removal from NEA: Politics, Power, and Controversy
Nepal has once again found itself in the midst of an energy-sector
controversy with the removal of Kulman Ghising from his position as the
Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Ghising, a household
name credited with ending load-shedding in Nepal, was unceremoniously ousted,
raising questions about political motives, bureaucratic disputes, and financial
transparency.
Who is Kulman Ghising? A Brief Political Background
Kulman Ghising is an engineer by profession, but his tenure as NEA’s
chief made him a figure of political interest. Hailing from the Ramechhap
district, he gained prominence when he successfully eradicated Nepal’s infamous
power cuts. His leadership, data-driven management, and effective distribution
planning turned NEA into a profitable institution.
Despite his largely technocratic approach, Ghising’s actions inevitably
became entangled in Nepal’s political landscape. While he was initially
appointed under Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)’s government, his reappointment
in 2021 was backed by Sher Bahadur Deuba. His close ties with certain factions
in Nepali politics may have made him a target for those seeking control over
NEA’s lucrative energy sector.
Why Was Kulman Ghising Removed?
The decision to remove Ghising has sparked widespread debate. Here are
the primary reasons cited by the government:
1. Allegations of
Non-Cooperation
Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka accused
Ghising of failing to cooperate with government directives. Reports suggest
that he did not comply with certain administrative and procedural requirements,
leading to dissatisfaction within the ministry.
2. Disputed
Performance Evaluation
The Ministry reportedly assigned Ghising a zero score in his performance
evaluation, citing delays in report submission. Many of his supporters argue
that this was a politically motivated move to create grounds for his dismissal,
given his past successes in reforming NEA.
3. Financial
Irregularities Allegations
Minister Khadka alleged that Ghising misrepresented NEA’s financial
status by counting uncollected revenues as profits—an act deemed a financial
crime by the government. Ghising, however, denied these claims, calling them
baseless and politically motivated.
4. Controversy Over
Dedicated and Trunk Power Lines
Industrial power supply management has been a contentious issue during
Ghising’s tenure. Disputes over the allocation of dedicated and trunk power
lines may have fueled tensions between NEA and the government, ultimately
contributing to his removal.
Is KP Oli Behind Ghising’s Dismissal?
While there is no official confirmation that former Prime Minister KP Oli
orchestrated Ghising’s removal, political analysts suggest that Oli’s influence
cannot be ruled out. Oli has been vocal about restructuring Nepal’s energy
sector, and his party’s strategic interests may align with installing a more
politically favorable figure at the helm of NEA.
Additionally, Ghising’s reappointment in 2021 happened under a government
led by Deuba, Oli’s political rival. His removal now, under a new power
dynamic, raises suspicions of political retaliation or an attempt to shift
control over Nepal’s energy sector to other interest groups.
What’s Next for Nepal’s Energy Sector?
With Ghising gone, the NEA is at a crossroads. His successor will need to
maintain the progress achieved under his leadership while navigating the
complex political landscape that has long plagued Nepal’s energy policies. The
removal of such a widely respected figure has also triggered public outrage,
with many questioning whether this move is in the nation’s best interest or
simply another case of political maneuvering.
For now, Nepal’s electricity consumers can only hope that the stability
and progress seen in recent years do not become casualties of yet another
political shake-up.
Conclusion
Kulman Ghising’s removal from the NEA is more than just an administrative
change; it is a politically charged decision with long-term implications for
Nepal’s energy sector. Was it about financial mismanagement, bureaucratic
disputes, or political vendettas? Only time will tell. But one thing is
certain—his absence will be felt, and Nepal’s electricity future now hangs in
uncertainty.
Why Was Kulman Ghising Removed?
1. Allegations of Non-Cooperation Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka accused Ghising of failing to cooperate with government directives. Reports suggest that he did not comply with certain administrative and procedural requirements, leading to dissatisfaction within the ministry. 2. Disputed Performance Evaluation The Ministry reportedly assigned Ghising a zero score in his performance evaluation, citing delays in report submission. Many of his supporters argue that this was a politically motivated move to create grounds for his dismissal, given his past successes in reforming NEA. 3. Financial Irregularities Allegations Minister Khadka alleged that Ghising misrepresented NEA’s financial status by counting uncollected revenues as profits—an act deemed a financial crime by the government. Ghising, however, denied these claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. 4. Controversy Over Dedicated and Trunk Power Lines
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