KATHMANDU, Dec 3: Politburo member of CPN-UML, Mahesh Basnet, has accused the government of serious irregularities in decisions related to the energy and finance sectors.
Basnet alleges that Energy Minister Kulman Ghising and Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal are collaborating to execute a Rs 5 billion scam. He stated on Facebook, “Previously, the ‘take-or-pay’ provision in power purchase agreements was avoided by the former government through the budget statement, due to no increase in domestic electricity consumption, uncertain Indian market, higher run-of-the-river project ratios risking energy security, electricity shortage in dry seasons, wastage in rainy seasons, and weak financial status of the Nepal Electricity Authority. This was a long-term policy decision.”
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He claims that the current Energy and Finance Ministers have reversed this decision. “Under the design of Kulman and Rameshwar Khanal, a proposal to implement a ‘take-or-pay’ PPA for 5,000 MW, charging promoters Rs 1 million per megawatt, is being prepared for cabinet approval with the Finance Ministry’s consent,” Basnet wrote.
According to Basnet, Minister Ghising plans to resign only after the cabinet passes the decision. “Through this, around Rs 5 billion will be collected and used for election expenses, and only after completing this plan does Kulman intend to resign. This decision will destabilize the Nepal Electricity Authority,” he added.
