Minister Kharel pledges justice for Smart Telecom victims

Kathmandu: Victims affected by the closure of Smart Telecom have urged the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, to take immediate initiative to resolve issues related to tower management, unpaid house rent, and other outstanding liabilities.

During a meeting with the Minister on Friday, the victims said they have been suffering for a long time and expressed hope for meaningful government intervention to address the problems caused by the defunct telecom company.

After listening to their concerns, Minister Kharel assured them that no one would be allowed to face injustice. “We will not allow anyone to be treated unfairly. We will take the initiative to resolve the issues in coordination with the regulatory body,” he said.

Smart Telecom Tower Victims’ Coordinator Krishna Bahadur Thapa said that even three years after the company’s closure, the towers have not been properly managed. He added that tower rent has not been paid and electricity bills remain unsettled.

The victims also said that a large number of Nepalis lost their jobs following Smart’s shutdown. Investments made by businessmen in Smart cards and SIM cards have gone to waste. They further complained that they are still paying bank interest three years after the company’s closure, but there has been no resolution regarding the refund of their card investments.

The Smart Problem Solving Group includes the Smart Card Group, the Tower House Owners’ Group, and former employees of the company.

Smart Telecom’s license was automatically revoked in 2080 B.S. in accordance with the Telecommunications Act after the company failed to submit an application for license renewal by paying the required fees within the stipulated time.