This has affected the decision making processes at the telecom sector regulatory body, delaying normal works like licence renewal of internet service providers, and screening of applications to reduce tariffs and introduce consumer schemes.
The telecom regulator and the MoIC have long been at loggerheads over allowances demanded by NTA employees.
The tussle heightened after the MoIC refused to increase allowances to employees as approved by the NTA Board and slashed its size. The NTA employee union which is in protest said that they are against weak decisions of their board and MoIC’s ‘intentional’ slash in proposed facilities. NTA is an autonomous regulatory body.
However, the fifth amendment to Telecommunication Regulation 1997 made two year ago requires the NTA to seek go ahead on decisions regarding annual plan and facilities to be provided to NTA chairman, member and staffs. “Although the regulation requires receiving ‘agreement’ from MoIC, it doesn’t mean that the ministry can change the decision of the board,” said Achyuta Nanda Mishra, president of the union.
Mishra said that the MoIC had cut down the NTA board approved allowances for communications, transport and tiffin. “For example, the board had approved tiffin allowance of Rs 4,500 a month but MoIC cut it to Rs 3,000,” he added. The union has stated that it will not allow the board to meet until MoIC corrects its mistake.
Because of this decision taken by the union, Nepal Telecom (NT) failed to introduce Nepali new year’s discount schemes to customers. Also, Ncell’s proposal to cut tariff for making calls to India and Europe is pending. Similarly, World Link Communication’s permit to operate business as internet service provider has already expired, according to NTA.
When asked about the NTA employees’ issue, Spokesperson of the MoIC Umakant Parajuli said, “It is yet to be discussed.”
Around seven months ago, NTA board had approved allowances based on provision of other regulatory bodies like Nepal Rastra Bank and sent to ministry for assent, according to NTA. And, MoIC last month cut facilities and directed NTA to implement it.
A source at the NTA said that NTA board members were also saddened with MoIC and has indirectly supported the protest. Citing that the change in rules had affected in autonomy of NTA, a case against the provision that seeks MoIC’s go ahead for NTA’s annual plan and facilities of employees is currently also under consideration at the Supreme Court. - See more at: http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=NTA+employees+protest+MoIC%27s+%27unnecessary+intervention%27&NewsID=413438#sthash.QAdxeugg.dpuf
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