Kathmandu, February 1
A committee formed to investigate allegations against Nepal Tourism Board CEO Dhananjay Regmi has submitted its report to the board’s chairperson Tourism Secretary Maheshwar Neupane.
In the report, the committee, led by NTB vice-chair Chandra Rijal, has said that Regmi has been involved in financial irregularities. His morals and values have also been questioned by the committee.
Regmi, who was appointed for a four-year term, was dragged into controversy after accusations surfaced about him assaulting a customs official at the Tribhuvan International Airport when he was asked to pay a fine for bringing more liquor bottles than what was allowed.
Along with this, the report also states that Regmi hid the fact he had faced actions in 2017 when he brought gold illegally into the country. The report has questioned his morals and values.
He has also been accused of spending excess money during the transfer of NTB officials along with not taking enough tourism operators to the World Travel Mart in London even though he spent Rs 10 million to go there. According to NTB rules, the board has to take 10 people, but he only took six. Tourism entrepreneurs go to such fairs at their own expense.
The committee has also questioned the alleged financial irregularities he committed during the maintenance of the CEO’s office. His agreement with the Tribhuvan University regarding the installation of the Rs 47 million geographical information system has also been questioned by the committee.
The board says it will take necessary action after going through the investigation report.
