Kathmandu - The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has sought clarification from Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising for allegedly disregarding government decisions.

On Monday, the Ministry sent a 9-point clarification letter, giving Ghising seven days to respond. Failure to provide a satisfactory reply may lead to his removal. As per his performance agreement, Ghising was required to submit performance evaluation details for the month of mid-August, which he has not provided.

The Ministry has cited issues such as defying Cabinet decisions, non-cooperation with a technical committee on the Dedicated Feeder dispute, and dissent in board meeting minutes.If Ghising fails to respond, additional clarifications will be issued, including a 24-hour ultimatum, before the Ministry recommends his dismissal to the Cabinet.

Ghising has also been accused of refusing to implement the government’s decision to use TOD (Time of Day) meters for Dedicated and Trunkline customers, delaying responses to Ministry requests, and sending letters to industries against instructions. Industrialists demand evidence-based billing, but Ghising’s refusal to comply with TOD meter requirements has escalated tensions.

The Cabinet had mandated billing based on TOD meters and dues collection within 15 days, but Ghising allegedly ignored these directives.

With his second term ending in mid-July, Ghising’s performance over two terms, despite praise for ending load shedding during his first term, has been criticized for failing to initiate new hydropower projects.