The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has rejected Sharad Ojha’s attempt to resume his role as chairperson of the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), even after the Supreme Court issued a short-term order suspending his dismissal.
Ojha, suspended earlier on allegations of submitting fake experience documents, went to the NIA head office on Tuesday to mark his attendance following the court’s interim directive. The order halted both his dismissal and the process of appointing a successor while instructing discussions between the parties. However, the court did not explicitly authorize Ojha’s return to office.
During his absence, MoF Joint Secretary Sevantak Pokharel had been serving as acting chairperson. After Ojha’s attempt to reclaim the post, the NIA briefly reinstated his profile as chairperson on its official website, replacing Pokharel.
The MoF quickly intervened. Ministry spokesperson Tanka Prasad Pandey clarified that Ojha’s reinstatement requires a ministerial-level decision. The ministry has also directed the NIA not to allow him to assume office. Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Ojha’s move, stating that while the court suspended his dismissal, it did not overturn the suspension tied to the allegations.
Ojha’s appointment had been controversial from the beginning. Questions over his qualifications and professional experience prompted the government to form a probe committee, which recommended his removal. The government had already begun the process of selecting a new chairperson, with 14 applicants vying for the role.
Ojha continues to face accusations of submitting falsified experience documents to secure the post.
