Energy minister Khadka dismisses two NEA board directors

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has dismissed two board directors of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Joint Secretary Indira Dahal informed board directors Kapil Acharya and Bhakta Bahadur Pun about the minister-level decision to remove them on Friday.

“Since your response to the clarification sought as per the minister-level decision taken on July 30 was deemed unsatisfactory, you have been dismissed as board directors of NEA as per Section 9 (4) of the Nepal Electricity Act,” the letter written by Dahal to the duo states.

According to NEA sources, the two had written notes of dissent on the NEA board’s decision to resume power supplies to six industries.

The ministry had sought clarification from the two for the lack of cooperation in implementing the government’s direction.

Although board directors are appointed for a four-year term, they can be removed as and when needed, as per Section 9 of the NEA Act.

NEA had cut power supplies to six industries – Reliance Spinning Mills, Ghorahi Cement, Arghakhanchi Cement, Jagadamba Synthetic, Hulas Steel, and Jagadamba Steel – between July 9 and 11 for not clearing their pending dedicated and trunk line dues.