Suspicion of financial misdealings in Nepal Scouts’ building lease (with evidence)
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Scouts’ National Headquarters has come under scrutiny following the lease of its commercial building, with concerns of substantial financial transactions. On Asar 4, 2073, the National Executive Committee decided to lease the building for a period of 10 years.
Under the leadership of then-Chief Commissioner, Rabin Dahal, the meeting moved forward with the process of leasing the building, setting a minimum rental rate of Rs 120 per square foot. A three-member committee was formed to implement this decision, which included the current Director of Nepal Scouts, Ram Prasad Bhattrai, then-National Program Commissioner, Devaraj Ghimire (current Chief Commissioner of Nepal Scouts), and Legal Advisor Bhim Banjara.
The committee began the process of leasing the building, and four companies submitted bids. The companies were as follows:
- Suresh Pokhrel: Bid at Rs 55 per square foot
- Manoj Baral: Bid at Rs 50 per square foot
- Surya Swastik Investment Pvt. Ltd.: Bid at Rs 149 per square foot
- Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd.: Bid at Rs 125 per square foot
Among these, Surya Swastik Investment Pvt. Ltd. was ready to offer the highest rental rate. However, in a meeting on Chaitra 9, 2073, the National Executive Committee decided to award the lease to Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd., which offered a lower rate despite Surya Swastik Investment’s higher bid.
The justification provided for rejecting Surya Swastik Investment was the absence of the company’s tax clearance certificate for the previous fiscal year. This was because Surya Swastik Investment had been registered during the same fiscal year, and its audit report was not available, making it impossible to provide a tax certificate.
Ignoring the legal procedure, the three-member committee recommended awarding the lease to Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd., despite their lower bid. This decision has raised suspicions of significant financial transactions, especially as the committee’s recommendation appeared to overlook the company offering the highest bid, Surya Swastik Investment. Allegations have emerged that Director Bhattrai, a member of the committee, might be involved in such financial dealings.
This decision has caused substantial financial loss to Nepal Scouts. The lease agreement with Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd., which accepted a lower rental rate, results in a monthly loss of Rs 179,040 for the organization, given the 7,460 square-foot building. Over the 10-year lease, the total financial loss amounts to Rs 21,484,800.
When contacted for a comment, Director Ram Prasad Bhattrai did not respond to calls.
Director Bhattrai’s Alleged Mismanagement and Legal Violations
Director Ram Prasad Bhattrai of Nepal Scouts has been accused of numerous legal violations. He reportedly manipulated the system to secure a permanent position after being appointed on a contractual basis. Bhattrai allegedly used his influence with various government bodies to increase his salary to Rs 133,964, which is in violation of Nepal Scouts and government regulations.
These actions have led to widespread discontent within the Nepal Scouts organization. Bhattrai has also been accused of misconduct towards female employees and financial irregularities, but investigations into these allegations have yet to be conducted. His actions have drawn protests from staff members.
Moreover, Director Bhattrai is accused of making unilateral decisions within Nepal Scouts, including amending laws and regulations to suit his interests. Despite petitions for an inquiry into his actions, there has been no investigation to date. His actions appear to be shielded by Tejulal Chaudhary, the Minister for Youth and Sports and Chief Scout of Nepal, further compounding concerns over accountability within the organization.
The lack of scrutiny and accountability surrounding Bhattrai’s activities has led to protests and demands for investigation from Nepal Scouts’ own employees, signaling an ongoing crisis within the organization.
