KATHMANDU: The government has appointed Manoj Silwal as the new Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal informed that Silwal was appointed by the Cabinet meeting held on September 21.

The decision was made based on the proposal of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising.

Shakya, who had been serving as Executive Director, has been transferred to the Water and Energy Commission, Aryal added.

Earlier, on March 25, the then Cabinet had removed Ghising from the NEA post and appointed Shakya in his place after repeatedly seeking clarifications from him. However, five months later, Ghising returned as Energy Minister.

Now, as minister, Ghising has arranged for Shakya’s transfer and installed Silwal—who was his close aide during his NEA tenure—as the new Executive Director.

A brief meeting was held between Shakya and Minister Ghising at the ministry earlier this afternoon.