Ram Kumar Shrestha, the head of Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) Chanauli Distribution Center, has been transferred following widespread criticism over a recent power outage schedule that reminded citizens of past load-shedding days.

On Shrawan 10, Shrestha had issued a notice citing electricity supply issues in western Chitwan, effectively announcing a day-long power cut.

The decision sparked nationwide backlash on social media and in the press, with many drawing parallels to the era of prolonged load-shedding.

In response to the public outcry, NEA Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya visited Chitwan on July 27 to assess the situation firsthand.

However, despite being in the district, Shrestha was absent from the office during Shakya’s visit to the Chanauli center. Shakya gathered information from other engineers before returning to Kathmandu.

Following the incident, NEA resolved the electricity supply issues in affected areas such as Madi, Jagatpur, Shukranagar, Bijayanagar, and Rampur of western Chitwan, as well as parts of eastern Chitwan, by Shrawan 12.

Citing Clause (Ga) of Sub-Clause 1 under Regulation 49 of the NEA Staff Service Regulation 2075, the authority has decided to transfer Shrestha to the Kawasoti Distribution Center under the Directorate of Distribution and Consumer Services.