KATHMANDU, Dec 18: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday denied his role in the appointment of Timila Yami as the chairperson of Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL).
At a press meet organized at the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), PM Bhattarai said that he is ready to rectify the appointment process if he or his family members are found to have influenced the decision. "I am completely unaware of this process," said PM Bhattarai.
Last week, Republica and its sister publication Nagarik Daily had published a report on Hisila Yami´s role in the appointment of Timila as KUKL chairperson. The prime minister had organized a press meet at ministry to clarify that he was not involved in decision making.
The prime minister also accused the media of trying to blow the issue out of proportion without verifying the facts. He said is always against corruption, nepotism and favoritism.
Timila Yami, sister-in law of Bhattarai was appointed as chairman of KUKL replacing Prayag Lal Joshi. Joshi, a drinking water management expert, was appointed through free competition about 20 months ago. But he was sacked without completion of his four year term.
KUKL sources said the new appointment was made under pressure from Hisila Yami. Timila has been selling software to the KUKL for a long time.
On December 7, a meeting of KUKL shareholders had concluded Joshi´s appointment was made without following due process. The government, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Lalitpur Sub-metropolis, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and employees of KUKL are shareholders of the company.
Meanwhile, Joshi has filed a case at the Patan Appellate Court against Timila´s appointment. As per the existing laws, chairman of KUKL cannot be removed without completion of his/her term.
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