Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, has directed Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to immediately remove contract employees hired on the basis of political influence and personal connections. Speaking at a meeting with the corporation’s Board of Directors and senior management at Singha Durbar, PM Karki issued a strong warning against favoritism, nepotism, and misuse of authority within the national flag carrier.
“What did the Janajati and youth-led movements fight for, if not to end nepotism, favoritism, and discrimination?” she questioned. “While there are protests across the country demanding reforms, on the other side, people are being hired secretly based on connections. Even those close to retirement are still manipulating the system. How much deeper should this disorder go?”
Calling Nepal Airlines an institution once considered a matter of national pride but now in a dismal state, PM Karki instructed the management to undertake tough reforms without hesitation. She also stressed the need to implement previous reform committee recommendations with clear plans and accountability.During the meeting, Acting Managing Director Janakraj Kalakheti revealed that the corporation is currently burdened with over Rs 17 billion in accumulated losses. PM Karki compared the corporation’s current situation to “a wealthy household decayed from the inside,” saying that even its basic operational stability has been compromised.
She further criticized the practice of sending aircraft engines abroad for maintenance and failing to retrieve them, while operating rented engines at high cost. “This loss is being borne by the people,” she said. “If the corporation is to survive, bold and even unpopular decisions must be made.”
The Prime Minister also warned management against yielding to political pressure. “If you act according to the law, no one can punish you. Do not hide behind the fear of anti-corruption bodies,” she said.In response, Acting Chair of the Board, Bikram Rai, committed to initiating visible reforms within days. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, and other senior officials.
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