If NSCEA allegations turn out to be true, the number of staff at NSC will exceed the government approved 1,000 posts by 22.[break]
“We found letters of nomination in the administration department before they were to be dispatched but we barred the letters from being dispatched,” NSCEA General Secretary Fadindra Poudel told Republica. Following the incident, NSC premises remained tense throughout the day.
Meanwhile, NSC Administration Department Chief Madhu Basnet said that he was unaware about the nominations. “I don´t know about the nominations but NSCEA had padlocked the administration department,” Basnet said.
Poudel scoffed at Basnet´s comment, terming it irresponsible. “How is it possible that the chief of the administration department does not know about new nominations,” Poudel questioned.
Paudel also accused Lama of nominating party activists overnight. “NSC is already over-staffed and there is no need of new nominations and there is also no vacancy at all,” Poudel said adding, “Where will NSC get the money from to pay the new staff.”
Member Secretary Lama who was away to Pokhara Tuesday was not available for comment despite frequent attempts to contact him.
NSC often faces problems in paying salaries to its permanent staff due to its being over-staffed.
Lama had time and again announced publicly that not a single party activist will be appointed at NSC in his tenure.
However, Lama´s alleged move came at a time when his own post is somewhat in danger after the fall of Khanal-led government and election of Baburam Bhattarai as the new Prime Minister on Sunday. It is yet to be decided which party will lead the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS). And, the party which heads MoYS nominates the member secretary of NSC, who is considered favourite to the minister.
Member secretary of NSC is a political appointment and the post holds overriding powers at the apex sports body of the nation.
Almost all former member secretaries who were appointed due to their political contacts have been found to have appointed party activists at NSC. Lama was nominated in NSC from UCPN-Maoist quota during Jhala Nath Khanal-led government.
NSCEA has sought clarification for hiring unnecessary people.
“What is the process and the purpose of nominating new employees at NSC,” NSECA´s Poudel asked.
“Like other member secretaries, Lama also has the intention of making NSC a recruitment center for political activists and we won´t let that happen this time,” Paudel said adding, “We have called a meeting of employees n Thursday and we will take more bold steps to oppose the move.”
Related story
NSC to organize national tournament from Nov 1
