Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The long-running dispute over outstanding dues for dedicated and trunk power lines is moving toward resolution after both the government and industrialists agreed to the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)’s middle-path proposal.
Under the proposal, the total outstanding dues will be paid in 28 installments, and the first installment will be deposited upfront as a security amount. Industrialists said they are ready to submit the payment immediately and have already prepared the cheque, urging the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to reconnect power lines that were recently cut.
FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, said both sides have now aligned on the solution framework. “With the industry and government agreeing to FNCCI’s middle-ground proposal, the issue is heading toward settlement,” Dhakal said.
President of the Cement Manufacturers Association Raghunandan Maru said the industrial sector accepts the proposal positively. “We are ready to pay the first installment as the deposit. We are committed to moving forward,” he stated.
Former Association President Dhruba Thapa added that the agreement provides a long-term resolution path.
“We thank FNCCI, the Prime Minister and the ministers for bringing the issue to a turning point. Industrialists are waiting with cheques in hand. Once we deposit the first installment as security, NEA should proceed with line reconnection and review,” he said.
The dispute intensified after NEA cut power supply to six industries on Kartik 4 and another nineteen on Kartik 8 for non-payment of dedicated line dues.
To restore supply and prevent operational shutdowns, FNCCI President Dhakal met Prime Minister Sushila Karki in Singha Durbar on Monday and formally proposed treating the first installment as a security deposit while allowing industries to continue operation. Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, Energy Minister Kul Man Ghising, Industry Minister Anil Sinha, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, and relevant secretaries participated in the meeting.
Before finalizing the proposal, Dhakal also held consultations with Energy Minister Ghising, NEA Executive Director Manoj Silwal, and representatives of the cement and industrial sector, including Shankar Group Vice Chair Sulav Agrawal.
NEA had already approved the provision to repay dues in 28 installments. Under the latest understanding, once industries deposit the first installment as security, NEA will proceed to reconnect power lines and resume supply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
