. Minister for Energy and Water Resources Kulman Ghising, who was formed in the new government formed by the Jenji movement, has made a statement that has shaken the morale of industrialists and businessmen.

Minister Ghising, who is also the former managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has directed to immediately clear the arrears of dedicated and trunk line as soon as he assumes responsibility.TAG_OPEN_p_25

“The country is in an economic and political crisis. In such a situation, all industrialists, businessmen and citizens should cooperate with the government,” Minister Ghising said, adding, “We have been directed to immediately clear the arrears of dedicated and trunk line. ”

TAG_OPEN_p_23 But this statement has shocked the industrialists. They say that if the government sends arbitrary bills without any evidence, there is no alternative to shutting down the industries and handing over the locks and running away.

More than 6 billion arrears

According to the details prepared during the tenure of NEA, Rs 6.4 TAG_OPEN_p_21 0 billion is yet to be collected from 34 industries.

Industrialists complain differently. They said, “We are ready to pay the bill with a fine if it is a bill with facts in the system of the electricity authority.” But there is no point in investing in this country if it is forcibly raised without proof. ”

The dispute between dedicated and trunkline is not new. During the load-shedding, the industrialists used electricity for 24 hours or at least 20 hours to pay the premium charge (up to 65 percent).

The Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission had decided on Poush 29, 2072 and Asar 16, 2073 to make it official.TAG_OPEN_p_19 After this, the NEA has started the process to collect bills from January 2072 to April 2075.

Industrialists have been objecting to the bill from the beginning. “Show the evidence, we will pay accordingly,” they demand. However, industrialists allege that the NEA has often sent the bills without providing evidence.

Some industries have started paying money in installments after the NEA’s strictness.TAG_OPEN_p_17 The Laxmi Steel Industry in Sunwal of Nawalparasi has paid Rs 8.4 million 98,000 as the first installment by agreeing to pay the dues in 28 installments. The total arrears of steel are only Rs 23.79 crore.

But many other industrialists are still adamant. They warned, “There will be no cooperation with the government without evidence, we will pay the bill if we come with evidence, otherwise we will flee.” ”

At a time when the country’TAG_OPEN_p_15 s economic health is weakening, the government is under pressure to raise tariffs. But the industrialists are facing an existential crisis.

They say that if arbitrary bills are raised, the investment environment in Nepal will be destroyed, industries will migrate and employment will be further threatened.