Minister Joshi, in his capacity as a caretaker minister had decided to export 170,000 kilograms of lichen flouting the provisions of a gazette that had banned lichen export.
“We seized important documents and found that ex-minister Joshi had taken the decision for personal benefit,” said CIAA Secretary Bhagwati Kafle. [break]
The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) had banned export of lichen a year ago by publishing a gazette following a study that highlighted the adverse effects on biodiversity of such reckless exports.
Minister Joshi had decided to lift the ban for six months despite objections from MoFSC officials. “As per our investigation, Minister Joshi had decided to lift the ban simply to serve his personal interests,” said another CIAA source, adding, “We didn´t find any genuine logic behind the decision.”
Lichen is a grey, green or yellow plant-like organism that grows on trees, rocks and walls and is used for manufacturing herbal medicines and colors. According to experts, the herb is sold for at least Rs 250 per kg in India and China.
“Minister Joshi had claimed that the poor can benefit if the lichen in question is exported,” said CIAA source, adding, “However, his arguments are not convincing. We found him instead of trying to take an advantage in the name of the poor.”
Smelling rat over the deal, the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ) had rejected Minister Joshi´s proposal. Minister Joshi had forwarded his decision paper at MoLJ seeking the latter´s approval to publish his decision in a gazette.
As per the existing legal system, a minister needs to get the consent of the law ministry to publish his decision in a gazette and publish it before it gets implemented.
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