Minister Kirati Labels Chinese Planes ‘White Elephants,’ Demands Probe

Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, stated that if an investigation committee is formed, the auction tender for the Chinese planes will be withdrawn.

Addressing the International Relations and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, he declared his intention to retract the tender for the plane auction if a parliamentary committee is established to probe the Chinese planes.

Today, Nepal Airlines issued a tender to sell five Chinese planes. In response to parliamentary inquiries, Minister Kirati committed to cancel the auction should an investigation committee be established to take action against those responsible.

He explained that the operation of Chinese planes resulted in an annual loss exceeding 200 crore rupees, prompting the decision to auction them due to unsustainable losses.

Referring to the Chinese planes as a white elephant, he emphasized the need for a committee to resolve the issue, stating, “This is a tender to initiate a meaningful debate. Establish an investigation committee, and we will withdraw it – not for mere rituals but to hold the guilty accountable.”

Minister Kirati expressed concern about the lack of information regarding the purchase of the planes, including the reasons behind the acquisition and whose interests were served.

He lamented his challenges in working for the country, citing the need to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and legal complexities. Minister Kirati shared his frustration, stating that despite his desire to deliver results, the working environment impeded his efforts.