KATHMANDU, July 15: The government has suspended Sharad Ojha, Chairperson of the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), following the formation of a probe committee to investigate his performance and conduct in office.
A cabinet meeting held on Monday decided to form a three-member committee led by former Justice Krishna Giri to look into Ojha’s competency and adherence to his official responsibilities. The other members of the committee are Kapil Dev Oli and Jiwan Prakash Sitaula.
With the formation of the committee, Ojha has been automatically suspended from his post in accordance with Section 12(3) of the Insurance Act, 2079 BS, which mandates automatic suspension upon the initiation of a formal investigation.
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Sources said the investigation was initiated with the intent of possibly removing Ojha from office. Section 12(1)(c) of the Act empowers the government to dismiss the chairperson or any member on grounds of misconduct, incompetence or failure to fulfil official duties.
Further, Section 12(2) stipulates that such a move must be preceded by the formation of a three-member investigation committee under the leadership of a former High Court judge—conditions met in the current case, according to a government minister.
Ojha is also facing a writ petition at the Supreme Court, accusing him of presenting fraudulent documents to obtain his appointment. Additionally, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has launched a separate inquiry into the matter, according to sources at the Ministry of Finance.
These developments have prompted the government to move forward with the process of his dismissal, according to sources.
