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Four employee organizations of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have demanded the immediate abolition of the tax imposed on electricity consumers. On the eve of the Authority’s 41st anniversary, the employee organizations submitted a joint memorandum to the Executive Director, putting forward 11 demands concerning the electricity sector.

The joint memorandum submitted by the Energy Integrated Employees Association, Employees Welfare Council, National Employees Union and Employees Association calls for the immediate abolition, through the government’s budget statement, of the tax imposed on electricity consumers.

The employee organizations said that although the Authority has established itself as an institution trusted by the general public after overcoming various ups and downs, they are seriously concerned about recent activities that could undermine the institution and attempts, allegedly driven by vested interests, to hand the institution over to certain business groups.

They have demanded the immediate resolution of issues related to the institutional interests of the Authority and the professional rights and interests of its employees.

Demand to Recover Outstanding Dues from Dedicated and Trunk Lines

The employee organizations have demanded the immediate recovery of outstanding dues from dedicated and trunk lines, as well as street lighting. They called for more effective collection of long-disputed electricity tariff arrears to strengthen the Authority’s financial position.

They have also demanded that additional power purchase agreements (PPAs) be signed on a competitive basis only after ensuring sufficient electricity consumption.

Materials Needed for Quality Electricity Supply

The employee organizations have demanded the immediate availability of electrical materials in short supply, including wires, poles, transformers and meters, to ensure a quality electricity supply.

They said there should be no shortage of the infrastructure and materials required to provide reliable electricity services to consumers.

Employment for Families of Fallen Electricity Workers

The employee organizations have also demanded that one member of the family of an electricity worker who lost their life in the line of duty be provided employment at the Authority.

They have also demanded that the monthly wages of wage-based employees be brought under the Social Security Fund from the appointment stage itself.

Demand to Extend Insurance Period and Remove Overtime Standards

The employee organizations have demanded that the term of the endowment life insurance scheme be extended beyond 52 months.

They have also called for the immediate removal of overtime standards, which they say have been subject to extreme misuse and labor exploitation.

Demand to Review O&M and Open Vacancies

The employee organizations have demanded a timely review of the Authority’s organization and management (O&M) structure and the immediate announcement of vacancies up to assistant level, Level 4.

They have also demanded an end to the practice of operating some consumer-service distribution centers through contractors despite the availability of skilled manpower.

Anniversary Allowance Should Equal One Month’s Salary

The employee organizations have demanded that the anniversary allowance provided to employees should be at least equivalent to one month’s salary.

They emphasized that issues concerning employee benefits, social security and professional rights should be addressed institutionally.

Warning to Boycott Anniversary if Demands Are Not Met

The employee organizations have warned that they will boycott the Authority’s 41st anniversary ceremony if their demands are not fulfilled by the day before the ceremony, which is scheduled for Bhadra 1.

According to the memorandum, if the demands are not addressed, employees will boycott the anniversary and gather at 10 a.m. on Bhadra 1 at the Authority’s central office premises.

Thus, on the eve of the Authority’s anniversary, the employee organizations have put forward an 11-point set of demands covering issues ranging from the abolition of the tax imposed on electricity, recovery of outstanding dues and PPAs to employee benefits and institutional operations.

Jalasarokar