Kathmandu, Jan 7: Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising has clarified that he has not joined any political party.

Responding to a question during an interaction program organized by the Nepal Engineers Association in Kathmandu, Minister Ghising said he is not a member of any party. “I was brought here by a friend, and I am not affiliated with any political party,” he said.

On the same occasion, Minister Ghising stressed the need to fix a minimum wage for engineers. He said the proposal has already been forwarded to the Ministry of Labour and that the Labour Ministry must issue the necessary directives.

“The government should determine a minimum wage for engineers. We have sent the matter to the Labour Ministry, and now it is their responsibility to take it forward,” he said.

Minister Ghising added that addressing a few key policy issues could create employment opportunities for many engineers. He warned that engineers may continue to face job losses if the Finance Ministry does not agree to create new posts.

“There is a huge demand for engineers in various institutions, including the Nepal Electricity Authority. Even electrical engineers are not available in sufficient numbers, but the Finance Ministry has not agreed to create posts. The government needs to take this issue seriously, as jobs can be created if these barriers are removed,” he said.