Er. Kulman Ghising: The Visionary Administrator Who Ended Load-Shedding in Nepal
Introduction
Kulman Ghising, Nepal’s most renowned administrator, is celebrated as the man who solved the country’s notorious load-shedding crisis. As the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Ghising made history by eliminating the years-long power cuts that plagued the nation. Under his leadership, the NEA not only ended power outages but also transformed into a profitable entity. His innovative approach to power distribution and his leadership have made him a household name in Nepal and an example of effective public administration. In his honor, we presenting the Biography of Kulman Ghising.
Quick Facts:
- Full Name: Kulman Ghising
- Birthdate: November 25, 1970
- Birthplace: Bethan, Ramechhap, Nepal
- Current Position: Managing Director, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)
- Known For: Ending Nepal’s load-shedding crisis
- Education: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering (NIT, Kurukshetra, India), Master in Power System from Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu, MBA from Pokhara University.
Early Life
Kulman Ghising was born on November 25, 1970, in a small village called Bethan in Ramechhap, Nepal. Coming from a humble background, he experienced the difficulties of living in rural Nepal, including unreliable access to electricity. His upbringing in the hills of Ramechhap fostered a sense of perseverance and determination, qualities that would shape his future career.
Education
When Kulman was seven years old, he started attending a primary school in his village. Then, he came to Kathmandu with his brothers and was enrolled in grade 7 at Bal Sewa Secondary School. Later, he completed the SLC examination at Amar Adarsh Secondary School. Then, he passed an Intermediate in Science from Amrit Science Campus.
Kulaman started electrical engineering in 1994 in Jamshedpur, India. Then, he did a Master’s degree in Power Systems Engineering from Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu. Later, he earned an MBA in management from Pokhara University. So, Ghising completed a high-level qualification, which equipped him with the knowledge to tackle every complex issue.
Career Beginnings
Er. Kulman Ghising joined the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in 1994 as an electrical engineer. He worked in various departments, gaining experience in the technical aspects of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. His early career focused on hydropower projects and improving power distribution networks. Before becoming Managing Director, Ghising served as the Project Chief of the Chilime Hydropower Plant and other significant energy projects, gaining a reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable professional.
Challenges and Struggles
When Er. Kulman Ghising took over as the Managing Director of NEA in 2016. Nepal was grappling with up to 18 hours of load-shedding (power cuts) daily. The country had become accustomed to living with scheduled blackouts, which severely affected the economy, industries, and citizens’ daily lives. The challenge was monumental, with systemic inefficiencies, power theft, and poor management contributing to the crisis.
Despite the enormity of the task, Ghising did not shy away from it. He faced resistance from various quarters, including political pressure and administrative hurdles. Many were skeptical about whether the load-shedding issue could be resolved quickly. Ghising, however, took a bold approach, prioritizing reforms and overhauling the power distribution system.
Leadership and Vision
Kulman Ghising’s leadership style is characterized by innovation, transparency, and decisiveness. Rather than relying solely on increasing power generation, Ghising focused on optimizing the existing power supply and improving the distribution network. His approach included:
- Energy management: Ghising implemented a power management strategy that reallocated electricity to high-demand areas during peak hours, reducing power wastage and balancing supply across the grid.
- Curtailing power theft: He launched aggressive campaigns to reduce electricity theft, which was one of the significant contributors to the power crisis. By tightening controls and improving accountability, he minimized illegal power consumption.
- Hydropower development: Ghising worked to fast-track several hydropower projects to boost electricity generation, ensuring that future demand would be met without resorting to power cuts.
Major Achievements and Contributions
- Ending Load-Shedding: The most significant achievement of Kulman Ghising’s career is the complete eradication of load-shedding in urban areas of Nepal by early 2017, a feat that had seemed impossible for many years. His ability to turn around the situation so quickly earned him widespread acclaim.
- Transforming NEA: When Ghising took over, NEA was running at a loss. By the end of his first tenure, NEA had become profitable, marking a historic turnaround for the organization.
- Expansion of Energy Access: Under his leadership, electricity access in rural and remote areas of Nepal increased significantly, contributing to overall national development and the improvement of living standards.
- Promotion of Renewable Energy: Ghising also worked on promoting the use of renewable energy sources, especially in off-grid areas, helping Nepal move toward energy independence and sustainability.
Social Life
Despite his busy schedule, Kulman Ghising remains close to his roots. He is known for his humble and approachable personality. Ghising often travels to rural areas, including his hometown, to monitor energy projects and engage with local communities. His down-to-earth nature has made him immensely popular among the public, and he is seen as a symbol of dedicated public service.
Personal and Family Life
Kulman Ghising maintains a low-profile personal life. He is married, and his family has supported him throughout his career. Although he prefers to keep his private life away from the media spotlight, his commitment to both his work and family is evident in his balanced approach to life.
Legacy
Kulman Ghising’s legacy will forever be tied to his remarkable achievement of ending Nepal’s load-shedding crisis. He is hailed as one of Nepal’s most effective administrators, showing that a combination of innovation, determination, and leadership can bring about lasting change. Ghising’s success story is an inspiration for many young engineers and public servants who aspire to serve the country with the same dedication and vision.
Summary
Er. Kulman Ghising is celebrated as the man who brought an end to the power cuts that had crippled Nepal for years. Through his leadership at the Nepal Electricity Authority, he not only eradicated load-shedding but also turned NEA into a profitable institution. His contributions to power management, hydropower development, and energy access have left a lasting impact on the country, and his leadership style continues to inspire the nation.
In his honor, we presented the biography of Kulman Ghising here. However, it might not be complete, so it will continue to be updated in the coming days.
We always strive for factual accuracy and fairness in each biography. Despite this, if you see something that doesn’t look right, please let us know here; we are ready to correct it with appreciation.
