KATHMANDU, Oct 10: The International Relations and Labor Committee of parliament has directed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) to create working environment for Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Director General Sanjeeb Gautam.
Gautam was recently reinstated to the post after the Election Commission (EC)'s strong objection to the decision by culture, tourism and civil aviation minister Jeetendra Dev's decision to transfer him to the ministry allegedly under the influence of the aviation lobby and some power brokers. But the election body stayed the decision arguing that it violated the election code of conduct.
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The parliamentary committee on Monday expressed serious concern over the minister's decision to remove Gautam from the post. “In the context of Gautam being reinstated to his post at CAAN following the EC's decision, the committee directs the ministry to create working environment for him,” reads the decision of the House pannel.
Stating that the work performance of Chinese contractor was satisfactory, the parliamentary committee has also directed the ministry to continue the contract with the Chinese contractor for the construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. The committee has further asked the ministry to take appropriate decision after evaluating the contractor's work performance after the expiry of the contract.
Minister Dev was allegedly set to scrap the contract with the Chinese contractor expressing dissatisfaction over its work performance.
Similarly, the House panel asked the ministry to finalize the construction modality and also expedite the construction of access road, perimeter road and ground clearance of Nijgadh International Airport without any delay.
The ministry has also been directed to identify and settle problems related to the construction of Pokhara International Airport for concluding the construction of the airport within the given deadline. The parliamentary panel also endorsed a field study report prepared by its sub-committee on the status of Nepali migrant workers in Gulf countries.
