Kathmandu, Aug. 18 -- The Nepal Electricity Authority, one of the country's most profitable public entities of late, has been mired in a serious internal conflict arising from the vested interests of the top officials responsible.

An NEA insider said the public utility has been unable to pass its budget because of the interference from Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka.

This has halted the procurement process and disrupted staff transfers. Disputes have also intensified over power purchase agreements (PPAs) and employee reshuffles.

The conflict between Minister Khadka and then-executive director Kulman Ghising escalated after Khadka assumed office, peaking between July and March. The row eventually led to...