Financial irregularities reported in Budigandaki hydro power: PAC Chairman Upadhyaya

Kathmandu / Sept. 22: The Public Account Committee Chairman Dor Prasad Upadhyaya has said the concerned authorities involved in the financial irregularities of Budigandaki hydro power should be booked as per the existing laws.

Speaking at an interaction programme in the Capital on Friday, PAC Chairman Upadhyaya lamented that the former Energy Minister Janardan Sharma signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the China Gezhouba Group Company Limited in hurry.

“Budigandaki hydro power project has been sold with our sovereignty, no none has the right to do so. This project cannot be processed further, China Gezhouba Group Company Limited does not have good reputation in Nepal, the project should be reviewed and new process should be initiated,” Upadhyaya added.

“It was sheer negligence from the Minister side to sign on the accord with a blacklisted company, it was against the national interest and questioned on their intention and process for awarding Budigandaki to China Gezhouba Group Company Limited ,” PAC Chairman Upadhyay shared.

“Instead of promoting national capital and offering global tender, Former Energy Minister Janardan Sharma has failed to abide by simple proceduere,” Upadhyaya added.

He also shared that the committee has directed the Ministry to submit its MoU and contract papers with China Gezhouba Group Company Limited and review letter of Council of Ministers within four days.

“Budigandaki hydro power project’s contract and reviews would be discussed with the PM Sher Bahadur Deuba upon his arrival from US,” Upadhyaya added.

CPN-Maoist Centre leader Dor Prasad Upadhyaya also said that the Public Account Committee is investigating corruption cases of Budigandaki, Nepal Oil Corporation, Bhairahawa Airport, Sajha Publication.

He also said that the organised corruption is taking its foothold under the guidance of the political parties.

Similarly, former Minister and UML leader Ananda Prasad Pokharel speaking at a same programme echoed his thoughts that financial irregularities in Budigandaki hydro power.

Pokharel stressed that the National Pride Projects should be constructed under the national capital.

“Huge corruption has been reported in Budigandaki, guilty should be booked, it would be crime not to book the guilt,” Pokharel added.

He also protested the government move of sacking Nepal Civil Aviation Authority Director Sanjeev Gautam. “Sacking of Gautam would prove a organised corruption in the country,” Pokharel questioned.

He also said that the PAC should probe in government’s holding of only 9% share in Taragaun-based Hyatt Regency Hotel. Earlier, the government had 39% of share in the hotel.

Speaking on a different note, Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Chief Whip Shivaji Yadav said he was not pleased with the outcomes of the third phase of local polls.

He claimed that his party would secure second position in the province.