KATHMANDU, Sept 18: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has rejected Sharad Ojha’s attempt to resume his role as chairperson of the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), despite a Supreme Court order temporarily halting his dismissal.
Ojha, who was suspended earlier over allegations of submitting fake experience documents, reached the NIA head office on Tuesday to mark his attendance following the court’s short-term order. The order directed the suspension of both his dismissal and the process of new appointments, while calling for discussions between the parties. However, the apex court did not explicitly instruct Ojha to return to office.
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In Ojha’s absence, MoF Joint Secretary Sevantak Pokharel had been serving as acting chairperson. After Ojha attempted to reclaim the position, the NIA reinstated his profile as chairperson on its official website, replacing Pokharel.
The MoF swiftly intervened. Ministry spokesperson Tanka Prasad Pandey clarified that Ojha can only be reinstated through a ministerial-level decision. The MoF has also written to the NIA instructing it not to allow Ojha to assume office. According to ministry sources, Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal expressed dissatisfaction over Ojha’s move, stressing that while the court order halted his dismissal, it did not lift the suspension imposed over charges against him.
Ojha’s appointment had been controversial from the outset. Questions were raised about his qualifications and experience, prompting the government to form a probe committee. Based on its recommendations, Ojha was dismissed. The government had already initiated the process of appointing a new chairperson, with 14 candidates applying for the post.
Ojha faces allegations of having submitted falsified documents regarding his professional experience to secure the position of NIA chairperson.
