The Gen Z Movement Nepal has demanded the immediate dismissal of Energy Minister Kulman Ghising and the registration of a corruption case at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) over his alleged involvement in a controversial power purchase deal with India. myRepublica
The ‘Gen‑Z Movement’ has demanded the dismissal of Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, alleging irregularities worth Rs 430 million in a power purchase agreement with India’s PTC India Ltd. OnlineKhabar
“Energy Minister Kulman Ghising must be immediately dismissed and a case filed against him at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Manoj Silwal should be suspended and investigated under the Anti‑Money Laundering Act. The Electricity Regulatory Commission must form an independent probe committee and make all power purchase agreements public,” the movement said. OnlineKhabar
The PPA between NEA and PTC India was signed on October 13 and has since drawn widespread criticism from political and civil society groups, who allege irregularities and a compromise of national interest. myRepublica
NEA chief Kulman Ghising defended the agreement in a formal clarification and noted negotiation details with Indian counterparts: “the per unit price in peak hours costs IRs 10 on the Indian Energy Exchange, but the price [IRs 8.1] agreed in the latest deal is cheaper.” He also said the increment agreed this year was “just 1.5 percent” compared with earlier averages. Kathmandu Post
The ministry has questioned Ghising’s authority to sign such agreements without prior approval, saying the matter could have financial implications and accusing him of breaching protocol by not obtaining government permissions. Kathmandu Post
Kulman Ghising submitted a detailed response to the ministry’s clarification notice, calling the demand “prejudiced and unfair” and arguing that NEA executives have historically signed comparable agreements since 1992. He provided a multi‑page clarification to defend his actions. Khabarhub
Related coverage and reporting, including calls for independent probes and possible legal action by civil groups, underline the political sensitivity of the PPA and the demands for transparency and accountability. myRepublica OnlineKhabar
Share Your Thoughts
What impact could this alleged Rs 430 million irregularity have on public trust in energy-sector agreements?
Do you agree with calls for an independent probe and for making all power purchase agreements public?
How should policymakers balance urgent energy procurement needs with transparency and legal oversight?
What lessons should Nepal’s regulatory bodies learn from this dispute about cross‑border power deals?
Which institutional reforms would reduce the risk of similar controversies in future?